The first week of NFL action is always the hardest to predict. We went into our season-opening fantasy matchups basing our expectations on four meaningless preseason games, head coaches' cryptic comments, rumors, hearsay and innuendo.
For instance, who knew Randy Moss' hamstring was so healthy? The dude didn't play all preseason, Bill Belichick was his usual tight-lipped self - and Moss goes nuts for 183 yards and a TD on Sunday. I'm still not sold he'll be a consistent producer in the New England Patriots' spread-the-ball offense, but it looks like you can safely insert Moss into your lineup this week against the San Diego Chargers and at least get something out of him.
Moss' tale is just one piece of good news fantasy owners received after seeing some games that count. We've also gotten some red flags, too, concerning players we had big hopes for. Here's what we've learned so far.
GOOD NEWS
• Minnesota Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson showed a flash of his potential Sunday (163 total yards, TD) while running mate Chester Taylor went down. Taylor (oblique) will be back, but Peterson's already proven he can carry the load. He's a decent option against the Detroit Lions this week.
• Shaun Alexander showed no signs of last year's broken foot, romping for 106 yards and a TD. There are a few caveats - he had a whopping 27 carries, and they came against the soft Tampa Bay Buccaneers - but consider the foot problem a non-issue.
• Another non-issue: Travis Henry's preseason knee problems. The Denver Broncos' offseason acquisition looked as nimble as ever (139 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards) against the Buffalo Bills and should be a productive No. 1 RB.
• LaMont Jordan's 15 carries for 70 yards and a TD don't automatically erase last season's "bust" label from his forehead . . . but his nine receptions for 89 yards certainly help his cause. If new Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin is willing to utilize Jordan's pass-catching skills, we're all for it.
BAD NEWS
• Brandon Jacobs' knee injury was in fact the worst news from Week 1. A sprained MCL may keep the New York Giants RB sidelined three to five weeks. Backup Derrick Ward (and not Reuben Droughns, as I've previously warned) is probably the guy you want to add if you're desperate.
• The injury bug also bit Giants QB Eli Manning, who had an encouraging 2007 debut (312 yards, four TDs) Sunday night before exiting with a banged-up shoulder. Young Eli is week-to-week, so go with Plan B - and hopefully that's not hefty Giants second-stringer Jared Lorenzen.
• Still reeling from a sub-60-yard performance by Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Larry Johnson, Rudi Johnson, Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson or LaDainian Tomlinson? Relax. I'm confident all of these gentlemen have multiple 100-yard games in their futures.
• Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints didn't have the outing we've come to expect in their season opener at Indianapolis. But better days are ahead for every member of that offense, beginning Sunday in Tampa.
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