Scheduling can play a big part in the production of fantasy players -- especially borderline starters. A favorable matchup can turn an ordinary player into a star, while an unfavorable matchup can severely damage a player's ability to produce. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson, Randy Moss, etc., of course, are obvious "must start players" every week. Instead, our focus will be on those second- and third-tier players.
Good Matchups:
Laurence Maroney vs. Chiefs
Maroney disappointed many fantasy owners last season. While the passing game seemed to break a record every week, Maroney gained just 835 yards and scored 6 rushing touchdowns. Maroney gets perhaps the most favorable early season schedule of any running back. Maroney is matched up against the Chiefs, Jets and Dolphins in the first three weeks before the Patriots' Week 4 bye. All three teams were in the bottom third in rushing defense in 2007. Look for Maroney to get off to a good start.
Darren McFadden vs. Broncos
McFadden comes to the NFL with a great deal of fanfare. While not expected to produce the numbers of last season's superstar rookie, Adrian Peterson, McFadden does have quality matchups that could get his career off to a good start. The Broncos, Chiefs and Bills struggled against the run in 2007, finishing in the bottom tier. McFadden likely will share carries with Justin Fargas, but should have enough opportunities against the Broncos.
Willis McGahee/Ray Rice vs. Bengals
McGahee should be ready for the season opener, but be sure to check the injury report. The Baltimore running game should start the year strongly with McGahee or Rice. None of the Ravens' first three opponents (Bengals, Texans, Browns) were in the bottom third against the run last year. With Cam Cameron as the offensive coordinator and a rookie quarterback, expect a lot of work and early success for the running game.
J.T. O'Sullivan vs. Cardinals
O'Sullivan is probably off the fantasy radar for most and doesn't rate higher than a backup at best. However, the schedule is kind to O'Sullivan and the 49ers. Three of the 49ers' first four opponents were near the bottom in pass defense last year. The lone exception being the 49ers' Week 2 opponent, the Seahawks, who were sixth against the pass in 2007. Don’t bench a solid starter in favor of O'Sullivan, but don't be surprised if he and offensive coordinator Mike Martz start the season better than expected.
Jeff Garcia vs. Saints
Garcia's fantasy value isn't as high as his value to the Buccaneers. Garcia made the Pro Bowl last season but was far from making the fantasy Pro Bowl as he averaged less than 200 yards per game and just 1 touchdown pass per game. However, Garcia has favorable matchups against the Saints (32nd), Falcons (27th) and Bears (21st) in his first three weeks, which might make him look like a fantasy Pro Bowler.
Vince Young
Young's fantasy owners from 2007 are still receiving treatments at burn centers after last season's woeful performance. Young ensured that the Madden Jinx lived for at least another season. Young threw just 9 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 15 games last season, while regressing as a runner. However, Young draws one of the best early season schedules in 2008. Young, after tough opening week against Jacksonville, faces three teams that struggled against the pass in 2007. While the opening week may not be the time to activate Young, he has early matchups that may help owners forget 2007.
Nate Burleson vs. Bills
While Burleson had just 50 catches last season, he had 9 touchdowns. Burleson has picked the nickname "Only Game," as in the only game in town with injuries to Deion Branch and Bobby Engram, along with D.J. Hackett playing in Carolina. Matt Hasselbeck is still a quality quarterback and with good matchups in the first three weeks, Burleson should produce quality numbers for fantasy owners.
Bad Matchups
Matt Forte vs. Colts
Forte is viewed as one of the top rookie running backs in the 2008 class. He has won the starting job in Chicago and is seen as a No. 2 or No. 3 back in fantasy circles. However, Forte's first few games could be difficult, as he faces some very stout run defenses. Forte faces three top-11 rushing defenses in the first four weeks -- the Colts, Buccaneers and Eagles. Don't be surprised if Forte gets off to a slow start.
Jamal Lewis vs. Cowboys
Lewis had perhaps his best season since 2003 last year. Lewis rushed for 1,304 yards with 9 rushing touchdowns in 2007 and is seen as a solid No. 2 fantasy back this year. However, a balky hamstring and a tough early schedule may derail the Lewis train. Lewis is expected to try to play Week 1 against a Dallas defense that ranked 13th against the run. The schedule gets tougher for Lewis in the following two weeks as he faces two top-five defenses, the Steelers (4th) and Ravens (2nd). Don't expect big numbers early from a dinged-up Lewis.
Chris Perry vs. Ravens
Perry assumes the top spot on the Bengals depth chart with the release of Rudi Johnson, moving up draft boards. However, Perry faces a gauntlet of run defense heavyweights in his first three weeks with the Ravens (2nd), Titans (10th) and Giants (8th). Fantasy owners may want to look at other options early before inserting Perry into their lineup.
Greg Olsen vs. Colts
Olsen, like Forte, will also suffer against the Bears rugged early schedule. The Bears open against the 2007 top-rated Colts pass defense and the get the second-ranked Buccaneers in Week 3. Olsen appears to be an up-and-coming receiver and could eventually be a very valuable fantasy tight end, but with a tough schedule and an inexperienced quarterback, it may take time for Olsen's numbers to catch up to his talent.
Bernard Berrian vs. Packers
Berrian signed a big contract in the offseason to be the Vikings No. 1 receiver. Berrian's 70 catches last year were 16 more than Vikings receiver had last year. But Berrian has been slowed in the preseason with a toe injury, but will be healthy for Week 1. The Vikings face two tough passes defenses early -- the Packers and the Colts -- so it may make it tough for Berrian early on.
Matt Schaub vs. Steelers
Schaub is seen by many as a good candidate to have a "breakout" season and become a consistent starting fantasy quarterback. Injuries plagued Schaub last season, but he has a stud receiver in Andre Johnson, the underrated Kevin Walter and a solid tight end Owen Daniels. Schaub also does not have an established running back to turn to, at least early in the season. The schedule also could be a problem. The Texans face two teams that finished in the top four against the pass last season, the Steelers (3rd) and Titans (4th). Schaub does have some relief in a Week 2 matchup against the 29th-ranked Ravens, but overall it could be a slow start for Schaub.
Kyle Fisher is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com