BY ADAM CONN

GUYS WE LIKE MORE
Fred Jackson, Buffalo – The release of Dominic Rhodes (six carries, 11 yards last week) paves the way for Jackson to be the primary ball carrier for the Bills while Marshawn Lynch rides out his three-week suspension. The Bills offense may not be flashy, but two of their first three games are at home against Tampa Bay and New Orleans. Jackson may have some value if you’re thin at RB.

Hakeem Nicks, New York – Nicks makes this list again because he continues to leave DB’s in the dust. Last week he only caught one pass, but it was a 64-yard touchdown pass, giving him a preseason leading 272 yards on nine receptions, seven of which were good for 20+ yards, four for 40+ yards. Without a standout No. 1 receiver in New York, Nicks may find himself starting much sooner than later.

Greg Olsen, Chicago – The Jay Cutler to Devin Hester experience hasn’t gotten off to a great start, but not for a lack of trying. Earl Bennett may do well as a role player, but it’s Olsen who should reap the highest reward in the Bears’ passing game. Cutler and Olsen are quickly becoming the best of buds, according to the Chicago Tribune, and OC Ron Turner thinks they can connect equally well on the field.

Derrick Johnson, Kansas City – The Chiefs’ offense was already in trouble before the firing of OC Chan Gailey. But without much time for HC and now OC Todd Haley to prepare for the regular season, it is even less likely the team will come out of the gates firing on any cylinders, let alone all. Great news for Johnson, who is poised to anchor the team’s 3-4 defense. He’ll likely get a lot of face time with opposing running backs, ie. tackles. The Chiefs are thin up front, which should keep Johnson busy as he attempts to compensate for the many gaps in the run defense.

GUYS WE LIKE LESS

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina – Stewart hasn’t practiced since Aug. 11. It is believed he’ll be ready for Week 1, but considering the opponent (Philadelphia) and his limited participation, we can’t get behind Stewart just yet.

Tampa Bay Running Backs – We’re thrilled for Cadillac Williams and his recent promotion No. 1 on the depth chart, but what it really does is further muddy up the fantasy picture for the Bucs. While we wouldn’t mind having either Williams, Derrick Ward or Earnest Graham on our roster for safe keeping, we wouldn’t dare start them Week 1.

Colts Defense – No Bob Sanders and an otherwise brittle secondary, equals trouble for the Colts defense. Indy beefed up during the draft, selecting a couple of over-sized defensive tackles, but as rookies it should take them some time to develop. Sanders is the glue to to run-defense as he can moonlight as a fourth linebacker. The Colts can certainly win a shootout, but its defense won’t win many fantasy games in September.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans – Thomas’ knee injury is taking longer than expected and he is now likely to miss Week 1. What was once the darling of the Saints running game has turned into just another Reggie Bush or Decue McAllister (for now). The Saints can’t rush Thomas back into the fold too soon if he is to realize his full fantasy potential.

KEY INJURIES

Greg Jennings, Green Bay – Jennings has been cleared to practice after being knocked out Friday against Arizona. A slight concussion was the extent of the damage and he should be good to go against the Bears, who may or may not have CB Charles Tillman to cover Jennings.

Nate Washington, Tennessee – Washington practiced after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. He is still doubtful for Thursday’s tilt at Pittsburgh. Given the matchup, we would advise all to stay away from the Titans passing attack this week.

Matt Cassel, Kansas City – Cassel practiced yesterday, his first since spraining his knee two weeks ago. Whether or not he plays remains unknown, but this isn’t a week where you’d want him with the Chiefs at Baltimore. Still, good news for those who overpaid for him in their drafts.

Maurice Jones Drew, Jacksonville – Nothing to see here… Jones-Drew’s brief scare was just that. He is slated to practice Wednesday after he suffered a bruised shit against the Redskins. While he wouldn’t confirm his playing status Sunday, the Jaguars have just two backs on the active roster; Jones Drew and Greg Jones. Start MJD with confidence unless he has a major setback.

POSITION BATTLES

Tampa Bay Running Back – See above. Stay away from this trio until either Williams, Ward or Graham establishes themselves as the main guy, or at the very least the 60-percent guy. Right now Cadillac will start as part of the 2-2-1 rotation, Ward will play second fiddle and Graham third, although Graham could see goal-line carries. This all could change on a weekly basis, unfortunately.

Washington Redskins No. 2 receiver – It’s between Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Antwaan Randle El. Neither one is a make or break fantasy guy, but Thomas or Kelly could see their way onto a roster via the waiver wire.

Browns Starting QB – HC Eric Mangini is trying to keep it secret as to who will start Week 1. We believe it will be Brady Quinn, but does it really matter? All any defense has to do is blitz, blitz, blitz.

RANDOMINGS

Stay tuned for our weekly rankings!!!

Agree? Disagree? Spare a square? Email the411@411fantasy.com