RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news, with in-depth fantasy analysis, as kickoff times approach.
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady, New England
Brady (shoulder) is listed as probable in this week's home opener against the Bills. Has there been a week in recent memory when Brady wasn't on the injury report? At least now there is a legitimate reason for it. Brady looked sharp during the preseason and should be a huge boon for fantasy owners this season, as long as his surgically-repaired knee remains healthy.
Matt Schaub, Houston
Schaub (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Jets. Schaub, voted one of the Texans' offensive co-captains after Friday's practice, participated fully and looks ready for the team's home opener. He's a primary breakout target for fantasy players, leading what should be an explosive offensive attack.
Matt Cassel, Kansas CityCassel (knee) will be a game time decision this Sunday the Ravens according to Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Owners should be wary of Cassel this season, injury or not. The coaching, offensive line and weapons he had in New England are far superior to anything his new team can offer.
Kyle Orton, Denver
The Broncos list Orton (finger) as questionable, and the team hinted at a game-time decision. He has taken all the first team snaps this week and has thrown with authority in practice; barring an unforeseen event he'll get the start. He is, however, a risky start this week. With top wide receiver Brandon Marshall only recently back with the team and his finger not fully healed, the passing game could be sloppy against the opportunistic Bengals secondary.
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati
Palmer (ankle) said he is a "full go" this weekend as the team prepared for the Broncos. He missed most of the preseason with an ankle injury after playing in only five games last year. With his favorite target, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, gone expect Palmer to get off to a slow start.
Marc Bulger, St. Louis
Bulger (finger) declared himself ready to coach Steve Spagnuolo for this week's contest against the Seahawks. Seattle will be without starting cornerback Marcus Trufant, but expect the Seahawks front seven to keep him off his game. Bulger is also without long-time receiver Torry Holt, now in Jacksonville, and is breaking in a new wideout in third-year pro Laurent Robinson.
Running backs
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia
Westbrook (knee, ankle) will start when the Eagles play the Panthers, even though he didn't play a down in the preseason. But the Eagles' coaching staff remains optimistic regarding his health. Westbrook had knee surgery in February and ankle surgery in June to clean out bone fragments. Known for playing with pain, owners should nonetheless back him up with rookie LeSean McCoy. Give him his due, however. Westbrook is a must-start until proven otherwise.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
Thomas (knee) is officially out for Sunday. We can't say this is a surprise and frankly, it is a smart move for the Saints. Mike Bell will be sufficient between the tackles and near the goal line while Reggie Bush should have a field day against an over-manned and out gunned Detroit defense.
Knowshon Moreno, Denver
Moreno (knee) is listed as questionable, even though he expects to play against the Bengals. Correll Buckhalter is expected to get the start with Moreno possibly getting a few touches, but we wouldn't hold our breath, nor would we start him this week. Denver will be very cautious with the man expected to breathe life into a previously moribund running game.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
DeAngelo Williams declared his running mate, Stewart (Achilles), ready for the Panthers home opener. Stewart had been limited during the preseason due to an Achilles tendon injury, but he is expected to play against the Eagles. While this is good news for fantasy owners, it would be wise to keep him on the bench, unless you have limited options.
Wide Receivers
Anquan Boldin, Arizona
Boldin (hamstring) might not play for the Cardinals according to published reports. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has been quoted as saying Boldin will likely get some snaps but will likely be available on a limited basis only. With Steve Breaston also banged up, Jerheme Urban could be worth a spot start as a third wide receiver against the 49ers.
Kevin Walter, Houston
Walter (hamstring) was deemed a game-time decision by coach Gary Kubiak. The wideout remains sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered during a preseason loss to Minnesota. He has been significantly underrated in fantasy drafts but should easily exceed his draft position when healthy. Considering the nature of his injury, owners would be wise to bench Walter this week.
Chris Henry, Cincinnati
Henry (thigh) is listed as probable against the Broncos. He has tons of talent and was on fire during the preseason. With Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey likely focused on Chad Ochocinco, Henry could make a big impact this weekend. He has home run ability every time he touches the football.
Bernard Berrian, Minnesota
Reports indicate Berrian (hamstring) will be a game-time decision. He finally showed his potential last season and was drafted as a second wide receiver on many fantasy rosters. The arrival of Brett Favre seemed to indicate an increased value for his services, but you will have to wait for results. Be prepared to sit Berrian for someone else this weekend.
Wes Welker, New England
Welker (undisclosed) was again limited at practice this past week but is expected to play Monday night. Deciphering Bill Belichick's injury reports are like trying to read tea leaves blind folded, but Welker will likely play in the opener against the Bills. It could get ugly fast, but Belichick hasn't shown much mercy against opponents in the past, so Welker should be in your starting lineup.
Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay
Bryant (knee) practiced with the team on Friday and is expected to start against the Buccaneers. After a surprising 2008 campaign that saw Bryant finish as a top 10 wide receiver the Bucs dismantled their offense, opting for a power running game. Bryant can be relied upon as a third wide receiver, but will have a difficult time equaling last year's numbers.
Tight Ends
Jeremy Shockey, NO
Shockey (ankle) was held out of Friday's practice but is expected to play Sunday against the Lions. After a forgettable season filled with numerous injuries, he looks healthy and, more importantly, in tune with Drew Brees. A healthy Shockey portends good things for fantasy owners, especially considering he was drafted much later than most tight ends. He should easily be in your lineup this week.
Dustin Keller, NYJ
Keller (toe) is listed as probable to face the Texans and is expected to play a more significant role in the offense in 2009. Rookie Mark Sanchez will likely check down to his young tight end often while learning the offense, and should provide fantasy owners with solid value this week against an aggressive Houston defense.
Ben Ice is the Managing Partner of RotoExperts.com. Watch a complete video preview of Week One on FANTASY PLAYBOOK, brought to you by RotoExperts and Free the Fan on UBA TV.
