10 Questions for Week 1

The countdown to draft day and opening week is always full of mayhem and drama. I prepare for my own drafts (and my blog). And then of course, I’m the good pal who plans my friends’ drafts too. I get silly little texts like: “I’m in a snake draft, whatever that means.” And no, that wasn’t from my mom. But only because she can’t text.

As you gear up for week 1, here are a few key questions:

Can inferior drafters find redemption? So you have David Garrard at the helm and you drafted the wrong Mike Williams, no problem. Just because you stunk up the draft doesn’t mean you’re out of it. With thoughtful, diligent waiver watching, you can revive your team.

Which rookie wide receiver should I own? Antonio Brown is my favorite. The rookie wideout is no longer a secret after an outstanding camp. Currently slotted as the Steelers’ No. 3 WR, Brown has the potential to become the No. 2 with Ward going gray. If he isn’t already taken, go get him.

Which rookie running back will shine? Front runner Mark Ingram, who has the early nod, will get his share of carries in New Orleans. He looks good, but really good compared to Miami’s Daniel Thomas who is struggling. Does this mean Reggie Bush is an every-down back? Don’t get carried away.

Why am I loving St. Louis? Sam Bradford. Breakout year for Sam.

And Buffalo? Really? Yes, really. I’m loving Buffalo. I can’t believe I just wrote that. The normally ho-hum team has fantasy potential. At RB, Fred Jackson may be uninteresting, but he’ll get 15-20 carries a game. While he’ll split carries with Spiller, Freddie should have the advantage… at least for the first six weeks. And you can expect another 1,000 yards from Steve Johnson. High marks for the guy throwing the ball too.

Why are you vomiting? That’s because you drafted both Arian Foster AND Peyton Manning. I pity you. By now, you have a QB replacement other than Kerry Collins, I hope. If not, take a look at Orton and Sanchez, who are available in 30 percent of Yahoo leagues. At RB, you can find relief with McGahee, Tate and Spiller. Again, my apologies.

Will Peyton Hillis repeat? He looked good at camp, I keep telling myself. But I also have his injury history filed away. He’s older and more brittle. He’s a good No. 2 back, but he won’t earn a Madden cover this year. I’m watching Montario Hardesty, given Peyton’s Humpty-Dumpty-ness and Brandon Jackson’s turf toe.

Will Wade Phillips make a difference? If you followed the Texans camp, you know the answer appears to be yes. But does that make Houston fantasy-worthy? There are still 12 teams I like better, so no. At least, not now. But keep your eye on them during the bye weeks. They play Tennessee and Oakland, so if you’re defense is on a vacation, they could be a nice plug-n-play.

Are you doomed? – If Peterson goes scoreless or Brady throws three picks, remind yourself it’s only week one. Settle down. Resist the urge to dump your team or throw your iPhone.

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Erin Skelley joins SportsRadio 610 every football season. Listen to her on Fridays and Sundays.