Players Challenge

Starters & Slackers

by Dan Labert, editor of Fantasy Tailgate

Dan LaBert of Fantasy Tailgate gives us his views on the upcoming week's key fantasy football players and who should and shouldn't be considered for your starting lineup. For a complete picture of Dan's fantasy football world go to FantasyTailgate.com.

Year 2006

SPOTLIGHT STARTERS - WEEK 3

QUARTERBACKS

LOCKS: Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning

1. Steve McNair, RAVENS – McNair has not exactly looked stellar but this is a good match-up against a banged up secondary.

2.Marc Bulger, RAMS – Put up or shut up time for Mr. Bulger. ARZ secondary is very beatable. 250+ 1-2TDs should be expected.

RUNNING BACKS

LOCKS: Warrick Dunn, Brian Westbrook and Shaun Alexander

1. Jamal Lewis, RAVENS – Lewis has a tendency to single-handedly destroy the Browns. 100+ yards and a TD for the former convict.

2.Reggie Bush, SAINTS – Primetime match-up for Bush. Should break a few pitches given the Falcons DE injuries and dazzle fantasy GMs fantasy-wide.

3.Thomas Jones, BEARS - Jones has yet to breakout but this week's match-up vs. Minnesota, Jones will top the century mark and score. Vikings will be concerned with the Bears hyped-up passing game.

WIDE RECEIVERS

LOCKS: Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Chambers and Torry Holt

1.Reggie Bown, EAGLES – Good week to go with Brown as 49ers secondary coverage will roll to cover Stallworth.

2.Roy Williams, LIONS – Packer Al Harris is hindered by injury, Kitna to Williams for a score could finally be here!

TIGHT ENDS

LOCKS: Alge Crumpler and Todd Heap

1.L.J. Smith, EAGLES – Shoulder injury has him listed as questionable. Will be a solid if he plays.

2.Desmond Clark, BEARS – Ride them while they're hot! Clark has looked good and will continue to get red zone looks.

DEFENSE

LOCKS: Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears

1.Miami DOLPHINS – Defense has looked good. Should expect big numbers with winless Titans in town.

2.Tampa Bay BUCS – If Steve Smith is out for yet another week, Bucs will be a solid starting option against Carolina.

Spotlight Starters - Week 1

Quarterbacks

Kurt Warner, CARDINALS – Warner will be a great play vs. San Fran. The game is at home, new stadium, sold out and Edge is in the backfield.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEAHAWKS – Most times this season, Hasslebeck is a must start. He is listed here because some question his WR corps (i.e. Jackson injury). Do not question it. You'll see why after he lights up Detroit.

Jake Plummer, BRONCOS – Despite the Broncos keeping quiet their choice for RB starter, rest assured Plummer will top 300+ yards against he Rams.

RUNNING BACKS

Reuben Droughns, BROWNS – Droughns has a great match-up against a questionable Saints defense. 100 yards and a TD.

Brian Westbrook, EAGLES – The first of many times we expect you to see Westbrook's name here. Good match-up vs. Houston. Despite the WRs, Westbrook is McNabb #1 weapon.

Deuce McAllister, SAINTS - Start McAllister now before Reggie Bush steals too many touches. Good match-up on the road against the Browns. He's worth a look.

WIDE RECEIVERS

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, BENGALS – While the Chiefs roll coverage to Chad Johnson, Houshmandzadeh will be the beneficiary. A true "Spotlight Starter."

Antonio Bryant, 49ERS – Week one vs. ARZ may be the only time I suggest starting a 49ers WR, however, Bryant looked great in camp. This knucklehead is worth a shot.

Drew Bennett, TITANS – Whether it's Volek or Collins at QB, it will not matter. The Jets defense will struggle all season. Bennett's speed should stretch the field for TD chances.

TIGHT ENDS

Todd Heap, RAVENS – We are very high on Heap with McNair at QB. Though the Bucs are a tough opponent, Heap will find the end zone and/ or tally some yardage.

Dallas Clark, COLTS – As the Jets will look to slow Manning-Harrison-Wayne, Clark may find openings down the middle.

DEFENSE

Seattle SEAHAWKS – Led the NFL in a few defensive categories last season, should do the same this year with the addition of LB Peterson. Good match-up vs. Detroit.

Philadelphia EAGLES – Look for the Birds to return to their old selves with their stingy Jim Johnson defense. I expect rookie RB Wali Lundi to get a few "welcome to the NFL" type hits.

Spotlight Slackers - Week 1

QUARTERBACKS

Byron Leftwich, JAGUARS - Facing the Dallas defense could be an uphill battle this week. After watching the Cowboys preseason, the Jags may not be able to get on track in week one.

Brad Johnson, VIKINGS - Without a true number one WR and facing the Redskins defense on MNF, you may have better luck with another QB in your fantasy line-up.

Chris Simms, BUCS - --The Ravens will pressure Simms all game. Despite the upside projected for Simms in 2006, week one may not be the outcome he is hoping for.

RUNNING BACKS

Kevan Barlow, JETS - Word out of NY is that the Jets will use Running Back By Committee (RBBC) for week one. Fantasy nightmare until it all gets straightened out.

Dominic Rhodes, COLTS - Another RBBC situation. Avoid until Indy names an every play RB.

Tatum Bell, BRONCOS - AS usual, Shanahan is playing head games with his players. Regardless, this yet another RBBC. Avoid until the mad scientist makes up his mind at RB.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Muhsin Muhammad, BEARS - With Rex Grossman at QB and Packer Al Harris defending, this is a recipe for little or no fantasy production.

Doug Gabriel, PATRIOTS - Although Brady is a solid QB, his favorite WR is the "open" one. Give Gabriel some time to prove himself until he cracks your starting fantasy line-up.

Laveraneus Coles, JETS - Coles has a good match-up vs. TEN but give it until week two. With Pennington's injury history and a questionable running game, it may be some time until the Jets air game takes off.

TIGHT ENDS

Alex Smith, BUCS - We are not sold on Alex Smith being a starting fantasy tight end this season. Give the Ravens quality secondary, Smith's fantasy production will be limited.

Leonard Pope, CARDINALS - Despite having a good match-up, let the rookie produce before listing him your fantasy starting line-up.

DEFENSE

Detroit LIONS - Don't be surprised if Seattle racks up 30+ points against the Detroit Lions. Hell, the Lions Defense is not even worth a fantasy roster spot!

Kansas City CHIEFS - After Palmer's preseason display, we expect the Bengals to shred the Chiefs defense in their own home stadium!

Year 2005

Spotlight Starters - Week 12

QUARTERBACKS

Michael Vick, FALCONS – Vick will right the Atlanta ship on Thanksgiving day. Look for Atlanta to make a statement against DET. 2 TDs, 200+ passing yards, 100 rushing yards. Big day.

Jamie Martin, RAMS – Attention McNabb & Bulger fantasy owners, Martin should be a nice play against a struggling Texans team.

Byron Leftwich, JAGS – Lord Byron played extremely well last week and has an easy schedule down the stretch. Keep him active.

RUNNING BACKS

Brain Westbrook, EAGLES – Westy is the only weapon left on the Philly Offense. Green Bay is on a short week and just MIN rush for 100+ yards against them. Westbrook should do the same.

Mewelde Moore, VIKINGS – Moore will shoulder the load again as the Vikes look to continue their win streak. Get him in your line-up against the Browns.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Issac Bruce, RAMS – Bruce had a solid game last week. He looks to be almost recovered from his toe injury. Even without Bulger, Bruce is a good play against HOU.

Ernest Wilford, JAGS – Even with a sprained shoulder, Wilford caught five passes for 47 yards with one touchdown last week. Keep Wilford in your starting line-up. The Jags schedule is a joke the next couple of weeks.

Eddie Kennison, CHIEFS – The Pats have one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL right now. Watch Kennison haul in a few grabs as the Pats will look to key in on RB Larry Johnson.

Andre Johnson, TEXANS – Johnson has been a major fantasy bust this season. However, he has been producing since returning from his injury. With the Rams depleted secondary, John should find the end zone for the first time this season. Nice gamble for week twelve.

TIGHT ENDS

Chris Cooley, REDSKINS – As teams double Santana Moss, Cooley will continue to tally underneath catches. Great red zone target.

Todd Heap, RAVENS –The Colts demonstrated how the TE position can kill the Bengals. Look for the Ravens to do much of the same. Heap is a solid play.

DEFENSE

Pittsburgh STEELERS –Although Pittsburgh has the best chance of knocking off the undefeated Colts, the Steelers are NOT a recommended fantasy option for week 12.