First Response: The joy of six in New Orleans

Senior Fantasy Writer

Sep. 13, 2009

We've come to know Saints quarterback Drew Brees as being a great Fantasy quarterback easily capable of throwing for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns regardless of the opponents. Seeing him get 358 yards isn't even a shock to the system. Three or four touchdowns? We've seen it before.

Six touchdowns? That's a little unbelieveable -- even for him.

How's this for perspective: Brees threw for one more touchdown than the entire AFC South had in Week 1. Yes, that's the division with Fantasy stalwarts Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.


Mike Bell proved to be a useful last-minute option, rushing for 143 yards. (US Presswire)

And in case you're interested in going from shocked to flabbergasted, Brees said after the game that he could have had more.

"I had a lot of opportunities out there. A lot of guys made some big plays in this game," Brees said. "Unfortunately you always think about the ones that got away. There was probably one or two more that we left out there. That's what keeps you coming back."

It's hard to imagine who else could have caught a touchdown for New Orleans. Marques Colston got the first one from 9 yards out, one of three catches he had in the game. Robert Meachem kept his preseason play rolling when he was open in the end zone for a 29-yard haul. Jeremy Shockey then got back-to-back touchdowns within a three-minute span -- two more than he got all of last year. Then for good measure, Brees hit leading Saints receiver Devery Henderson for a 58-yard touchdown before hitting fullback Heath Evans for his last score of the night from 13 yards out.

So who'd he miss? How about Reggie Bush, who was pretty much the only disappointing Saint from Week 1. Bush had 12 touches -- seven rushes and five catches -- but only mustered up 14 rush yards and 55 receiving yards. Even backup running back Mike Bell, playing in his first meaningful game since his rookie year in Denver, overshadowed Bush.

But it was Brees' shadow over the lowly Lions that pushed New Orleans to its first win of the year. Was Brees that good, was the Lions' defense that bad, or was it both?

We might get those questions answered next week: Brees gets tested at Philadelphia while the Lions take on another gunslinger: Brett Favre.

Let's take a look around at the rest of the Week 1 action.

Start of the Week review: Matt Hasselbeck didn't pull off a Drew Brees, but he did scorch the Rams for three touchdowns and 279 yards. It took him a little while to get going, throwing two interceptions in the first quarter, but he eventually solved the St. Louis defense and had a nice outing. Best of all, he has room to improve -- new receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had six catches for just 48 yards and no reception longer than 9 yards.

Sit of the Week review: Larry Johnson came through for those owners who benched him as he totaled 20 yards on 11 carries with a 6-yard catch against the Ravens. He'll do significantly better next week vs. the Raiders.

Insane stat line of the day: Six touchdowns isn't enough?! Fine, then we'll go with the No. 1 overall Fantasy running back instead of the No. 1 overall Fantasy quarterback: Adrian Peterson turned the Browns red with a 180-rush-yard, three-touchdown performance. He gets to run against the Lions next week -- six touchdowns for him?

Out-of-nowhere stat line of the day: Twelve receptions for 121 yards for Cardinals running back Tim Hightower. Obviously, part of the Cardinals' game plan was to use Hightower's versatility to confuse the 49ers. It worked in the sense that Hightower saw a lot of catches, but it didn't help the Cardinals put some points on the board. Anquan Boldin's Fantasy owners can point to that as one reason why their star receiver had just two catches and 19 yards.

Guy we were way right about: Hope we helped sway some of you to put Julius Jones in your Fantasy lineup. For the second time in as many years, the Seahawks running back topped 100 rush yards and scored at home against the Rams. Enjoy it while you can because he's not expected to keep this up.

Guy we were way wrong about: We thought Eddie Royal would play a much larger role in the Broncos' offense, but instead he was targeted just four times in the game. He made two catches and took a wicked hit from Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers. After seeing Brandon Marshall get targeted nine times in spite of not playing in the preseason, we're a little worried already about Royal's role in Josh McDaniels' offense.

Overachieving defense of the week: While we expected Seattle to humble the Rams, we didn't think the Broncos would be a match for Carson Palmer and the Bengals. Champ Bailey still has it ... sort of. As much as Cedric Benson looked like he charged through the Broncos with nearly every carry, his average stunk. And Palmer didn't get a ton of help from Laveranues Coles and didn't look often enough for Chris Henry. But give the Broncos credit -- they weren't as bad as advertised. They get the Browns at home next week, too, so they might do this two weeks in a row.

Underachieving defense of the week: Not that we expected the Texans' defense to be very good to begin with, but they eventually need to get better. Getting throttled by Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and 31-year-old running back Thomas Jones isn't a spectacular way to start your season.

Names to add to your scout team ...
Davone Bess, wide receiver, Miami (seven catches, 57 yards)
Kenny Britt, wide receiver, Tennessee (four catches, 85 yards)
Pierre Garcon, wide receiver, Indianapolis (three catches, 24 yards, could replace anthony Anthony Gonzalez for a couple of weeks)
Percy Harvin, wide receiver, Minnesota (two rushes, 22 yards, three catches, 36 yards, one touchdown)
Todd Heap, tight end, Baltimore (five catches, 74 yards, one touchdown)
Mario Manningham, wide receiver, N.Y. Giants (three catches, 58 yards, one touchdown)
Robert Meachem, wide receiver, New Orleans (two catches, 51 yards, one touchdown)
Laurent Robinson, wide receiver, St. Louis (five catches, 87 yards).

Injury alerts ...
Anthony Gonzalez, strained right PCL, considered doubtful for Week 2 at Miami
Donovan McNabb, broken ribs, considered doubtful for Week 2 vs. New Orleans
Hakeem Nicks, sprained left foot, considered doubtful for Week 2 at Dallas
Troy Polamalu, sprained knee, out at least three weeks

The last word: There's still no doubt that the NFL is a passing league. In Week 1, we had just five 100-yard rushers vs. five 300-yard passers and another five quarterbacks throwing for over 250 yards. Not only is it a great time to play Fantasy Football, but it's an exciting time to be a football fan, because passing games are typically more exciting than running games.

What stood out to you this week? How did your Fantasy teams do? Drop us a line and tell us about it at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Week 1 in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state and we'll respond to as many as emails we can.

Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.

Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."

Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
5/23/2013

News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.

Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
5/23/2013

News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."

Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

Richardson misses practice
Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
5/23/2013

News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."

Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.

Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
5/23/2013

News: The Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."

Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.

Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
5/23/2013

News: The Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."

Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.

Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
5/23/2013

News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.

Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.

Williams played 'scared' in '12
Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
5/23/2013

News: Cardinals running back Ryan Williams told the Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."

Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.

Harbaugh: Crabtree will play in '13
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
5/23/2013

News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."

Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
All Rankings