Week 1 Where to Put 'em

Where to Put 'em is the Fantasy Football Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for the week. Decisions are based upon the FFN rankings and matchup analysis. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.

Put 'em In The Game: Ray Rice
Ray Rice is expected to make the start over Willis McGahee and he'll face the KC Chiefs who ranked 30th against the run last year. Even though McGahee will most likely get the goal-line carriers, expect 100 yards from Rice.

Put 'em In The Game: Reggie Bush
Pierre Thomas has been ruled out for Week 1 so Reggie Bush will get the bulk of the carries. He gets to face the worst run defense in the NFL in the Detroit Lions. Need any more reasons?

Put 'em In The Game: Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers plays well against the Bears and he'll be looking to start the season off with a bang. The Bears finished 30th last year against the pass and Rodgers is quickly becoming an elite QB.

Put 'em In The Game: Marques Colston
This is the week to start all of your Saints and Colston is no exception. He may have disappointed many last year, but that'll change this week.

Put 'em In The Game: Chad Ochocinco
Carson Palmer is back and Ochocinco has looked great all preseason. He plays the Broncos so expect some type of Ochocinco celebration.

Put 'em In The Game: Dustin Keller
Mark Sanchez looked great during the preseason and Keller was his favorite target. Until Sanchez gets comfortable going deep, Keller will remain his #1 target.

Put 'em On The Bench: Matt Cassel
All indications are that Cassel will play, however this isn't the week to put him in your lineup. Banged up and facing a tough defense? No thanks.

Put 'em On The Bench: Trent Edwards
It doesn't matter if the Bills run the no-huddle all day long, Trent Edwards has a difficult matchup against the Patriots. Even T.O. won't be able to help, especially if he gets winded.

Put 'em On The Bench: Knowshon Moreno
If Moreno was healthy, he'd probably get the bulk of the carries. Unfortunately he's not and that means more sharing with Correll Buckhalter and Peyton Hillis.

Put 'em On The Bench: Clinton Portis
I'm on the fence with this one, but Portis hasn't performed well against the Giants the past two games. If you've got a better option, use it. If not, cross your fingers.

Put 'em On The Bench: Devin Hester
Cutler will be throwing this game but the Packers' secondary will be ready. Cutler has noticeably targeted Hester in the preseason so expect Harris and Woodson to do the same.

Put 'em On The Bench: Braylon Edwards
Brady Quinn has been named the starter but he and Edwards haven't had enough time together to get on the same page. I'd first watch to see if Edwards can hang onto the ball and start him against someone other than Minnesota.

Put 'em On The Bench: Chris Cooley
Chris Cooley has never had good luck against the Giants. In fact, he's averaging just over 3 fantasy points (6 in PPR) against New York. He'll be better in 2009...just not this week.

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