A Few Good Notes

New Orleans Saints:
Quarterback: Drew Brees's 1 TD pass against Atlanta is the 4th time in his Saint's career he has failed to throw multi touchdowns. First time since 2012 where he threw 0 TDs and 5 INTs.

Running Backs: Mark Ingram looks like the clear guy to be the one taking the handoffs his 13 carries were the same as Robinson and Thomas combined. His 14 touches were 1 more than the favorited fantasy RB Pierre Thomas. Thomas is clearly the favorite in the passing attack though as he saw 7 targets. Robinson seems to be the low guy on the totem pole for now.

Wide Receivers: Brandin Cooks, welcome to the NFL the first year wide receiver saw 8 targets which tied fellow receiver Marques Colston. Cooks 7 receptions were second to Jimmy Graham and he had the lone TD reception. No other receiver saw more than 3 targets and no other receiver had more than 2 catches. Jimmy Graham is still clearly his favorite target.

Atlanta Falcons:
Quarterback: Matt Ryan showed last years season was a fluke because his best two weapons Jones and White were injured pretty much the entire year. His 448 yards passing were a career high.

Running Back: Steven Jackson led the team with 12 carries, I think the Falcons will run more in upcoming games and I thought they would try and run more this game. They still ran the ball 25 times total but not sure any running backs are fantasy starter worthy for next week.

Wide Receivers: Hester was the surprise as he finished with 5 for 99 yards. His targets suggest he is still behind Jones, White and Douglas though but he is someone to begin monitoring. Toilolo finished with 6 targets as well, still outside top 15 TEs but someone to also monitor in deeper leagues and dynasty leagues.

Minnesota Vikings:
Quarterbacks: Matt Cassel finished with respectable numbers if this his how they plan to use him he could be a nice backup in 2 QB leagues, he'll hover around that 17-22 range each week I think. Won't make many mistakes if he isn't put into heavy throwing situations.

Running Backs: No news here its Peterson all day everyday here, and the Patterson runs will only help open the inside lanes when they motion him across the formation as a decoy.

Wide Receivers: Jennings is Cassels safety valve and led the team in targets. Patterson is their best overall receiver and I think he will continue to get better and better throughout the season. Quiet game for Rudolph but if you read my pre game notes I was low on him this game anyway.

St. Louis Rams:
Quarterback: Hill got hurt early and Austin with no NFL experience came in to fill the void. I would avoid both QBs for now but keep your eye out on Keenum might be rising up that depth chart the more comfortable he gets with the offense.

Running backs: Zac Stacy was the clear lead back but didn't do much to run away from the rumors. Cunningham finished with 9 touches to Stacy's 12 and was used more in the passing game. Something to keep an eye on if this team is always trying to play catch up.

Wide Receivers: As the preseason came to a close I had been hearing and reading a lot about the growth of Brian Quick. Well he showed it today, leading the team in targets, receptions and yards. He is their clear #1 and should be looked at as a low end WR3 high end WR4 no matter who their QB is. All other players can be ignored, Cook was 2nd in targets.

Cleveland Browns:
Quarterback: Things looked bleak for Hoyer in the 1st half but then the guy we saw briefly last season appeared. Keep Monitoring him it doesn't help he doesn't have Gordon this season but don't expect Manziel anytime soon.

Running Back: Stop me if you've heard this before, Ben Tate is hurt. Ben Tate looked good when he was in there but if I am fantasy owners and Terrance West is still available I am picking him up as fast as I can. 100 yards rushing, 0 targets for any of the running backs but if West takes over as a starter that'll change.

Wide Receiver: This is like the Rams in the sense that I knew one of two players were going to take over as the #1 guy. Early in the preseason I thought it would be Hawkins but then I changed and went with Austin. Should've stuck with my gut as Hawkins saw 10 targets and converted 8 of them. He is going to be a very good WR3 for PPR leagues and someone standard leagues should monitor. I knew Cameron would be quiet because it is who every team will key in on.

Pittsburgh Steelers:
Quarterback: Nothing to surprising here big ben did what he always does, throw for a ton of yards.

Running Backs: Le'Veon Bell looked every bit the top 10 talent everyone thought he would be this season before the arrest. After many bumped him down, this is a dual backfield with him and Blount as Bell carried it 21 times to Blounts 4 and his 6 receptions gave him almost 30 touches.

Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown got his like he always does, it doesn't matter the corner on him because when big ben creates it is to difficult for corners to cover for that long. I was low on Wheaton after a poor showing in the pre season but he is the real deal and will put up Emmanuel Sanders type numbers this season. Still waiting on who will emerge as the #3 in Pittsburgh though.

Jacksonville Jaguars:
Quarterback: Henne was productive and didn't make many mistakes, much like the Henne we are used to seeing in most opening game starts he has had before being replaced later in the season.

Running Backs: Toby Gerhart's biggest concern I said prior to this game was that even as a back up in Minnesota he was prone to getting hurt. Same thing happened today he got his touches didn't do much with it and got hurt. Keep an eye on Denard Robinson who could provide some explosion out of the backfield and be the speed to Gerhart's power.

Wide Receiver: Allen Hurns continued his excellent preseason into the season but really quieted down in the 2nd half. He had a team high 110 yards and 4 catches on 9 targets. Lee led the team with 10 targets 6 receptions for 62 yards. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Shorts returns but the wide receivers in Jacksonville will be something to look at.

Philadelphia Eagles:
Quarterback: I think it is clear that this isn't going to be the same type of season this year as it was last for Nick Foles, but with that said he is still a very good fantasy quarterback just temper your expectations.

Running Backs: Chip Kelly told everyone before the season started that he was very excited about adding Sproles and how it adds another weapon to their run game. McCoy is still clearly the guy but Sproles in this offense is a legitimate RB2, he also saw 6 targets in the passing game.

Wide Receivers: Foles was a bit in accurate today so it is tough to get a read on what might be throughout the season but Maclin seems to be his favorite guy seeing 10 targets even though only 4 were caught. Cooper saw 7 and had just as many receptions, and Matthews could enter more into the picture as the season moves on. Ertz is clearly an excellent red zone weapon for this team.

Oakland Raiders:
Quarterback: Derek Carr the only rookie to start on the day had a decent day against a good defense. He was a but in accurate but didn't throw any interceptions which is all you can ask for.

Running Backs: None of them are worth playing at this point. Maurice Jones-Drew lead in carries McFadden led in yards which isn't saying much. In the pass game it was MJD with 3 targets to RUNDMCs' 1. The Jets strength is their defense but the Raiders didn't paint a clear picture as to who their guy is.

Wide Receivers: Rod Streater is their guy, after a good season last year he continued where he left us leading his team in receptions, yards, 2nd in targets and had a touchdown. He is the only receiver worth having on your team at this moment in time. Rivera was 3rd in targets behind Moore and Streater.

New York Jets:
Quarterback: Geno Smith is still clearly a guy who is going to make mistakes, he threw an interception, had two fumbles but only lost 1. He was still very accurate though 23/28 didn't hit the 300 mark like some projected. He is a back end player in 2 QB leagues until the Jets can find another receiver.

Running Backs: The Jets have to be happy with their production out of the backfield. Johnson led Ivory in carries and receiving targets/receptions. Ivory looked good as well I think both guys will benefit from sharing the load in the backfield but in PPR leagues I am taking Johnson over Ivory.

Wide Receivers: Eric Decker is their clear #1 as he saw the most targets, tied for the most receptions and had the most yards. But until they find a legitimate 2nd threat we won't see Deckers true value.

Cincinnati Bengals:
Quarterbacks: Outside of the big pass play to AJ Green Dalton had a relatively quiet day. He usually struggles against Baltimore so it is not a surprise what is, is that he was turnover free that is a good sign.

Running backs: It is definitely not going to be a shared back as Bernard saw triple the amount of carries as Hill. Hill remains a good handcuff but not someone I would think is going to have any fantasy value. Bernard also led the team in targets.

Wide Receiver: AJ Green is going to flirt with being the best receiver in the league this year, what holds him back at times is that their is no other weapon on this Bengals team. Eifert was off to a very good start until he suffered the gruesome elbow injury.

Baltimore Ravens:
Quarterback: Flacco threw the ball 62 times today, that'll change when they get Rice back because this team literally could not run the ball. He struggled in the first half and only if Rice doesn't provide a spark on the ground do I see him finishing inside the top 15 quarterbacks this season, if Rice plays like he did last year than Flacco may be asked to throw the ball an awful lot every week.

Running back: I think it is safe to say Bernard Pierce has lost his job as Ray Rice's primary backup. Justin Forsett took over the back up duties and ran way with it. If Rice struggles in his return this guy might see more and more playing time. A good add for next week if your starters are hurt or have tough matchups.

Wide Receiver: Steve Smith continues to produce with 15 targets, 7 receptions and 118 yards plus a TD, he looked like the teams best receiver in the preseason and carried it over. I'd give it one more game but I think he may close and surpass that gap between himself and the other Smith in the rankings. Dennis Pitta showed he is a top 10 possible top 5 value tight end this season with 15 targets himself. 

Buffalo Bills:
Quarterback: EJ Manuel didn't do anything to special but limited his mistakes enough to help his team get the win. I still think even with the win there is a chance he loses his job before season ends.

Running Back:  
Spiller led the team in carries and was tied with Jackson in targets for the RBs. It is clear that they want to use Dixon, and Jackson on carries as well. Unless you're in need of a potential big game because your team is down a lot then I would play Spiller until then I would wait to see who rises to the top.

Wide Receiver: The man who spent the majority of the preseason with the second teamers led the team in receptions, yards and targets. Robert Woods until Watkins is healthy is the only player I might take a flier on.

Chicago Bears:
Quarterback: We saw a bit of the old gun slinging mistake prone Cutler we have seen in years past today. Cutler lost Alshon Jeffrey for the majority of the 2nd half which clearly hurt their team as he still finished tied in yards with Marshall who also got banged up briefly.

Running Back: Matt Forte is going to finish in the top 3 and possibly be the best RB in the league this fantasy season.

Wide Receiver: Brandon Marshall did his, Alshon was doing his until the hamstring injury which owners will need to keep a close eye on. Holmes is the clear #3 and Cutler already seems to be pretty comfortable with him. Bennett is clearly a top 10 tight end when Cutler is the teams QB.

Washington Redskins:
Quarterback: RGIII finished with respectable numbers outside of the fumble lost. He clearly doesn't have much time in the pocket, what was most disappointing is that he didn't take off running at all and that is where is fantasy value lies.

Running back: Typical Alfred Morris game 90+ yards rushing 6 yards per carry, no TDs no receptions. Guy would be a top 8 RB if the could be involved in the passing game.

Wide Receivers: Pierre Garcon still looks as though he'll be a top 12 PPR WR with 10 receptions. Desean Jackson finished well as well but neither could find the endzone. There are no other options on this team.

Houston Texans:
Quarterback: Disappointing game for Fitzpatrick because of how bad many thought this Washington secondary was supposed to be. But still a very respectable game.

Running back: Arian Foster is the guy and when healthy is one of the best backs in the league and that was clear today. Grimes and Blue were no existent today in both the running game and the passing game.

Wide Receiver: I'll admit I was to low on Andre Johnson, I thought with him wanting to be gone he wouldn't be the teams top receiving target, he led the team in targets, yards and receptions, Hopkins was second in all categories and scored a long TD. If Hopkins doesn't score the TD than he had a relatively quiet game.

Tennessee Titans:
Quarterback: Jake Locker is one of my favorite young QBs in this league when he is healthy. He doesn't turn the ball over very often and has a lot of weapons in his passing game. Definitely going to be a top 20 guy this year top 15 if those young receivers keep improving.

Running Back: Shonn Greene had a decent day and because of that he is clearly going to remain the guy in Tennessee, I don't see him losing his job unless he is forced out due to injury and Sankey impresses.

Wide Receiver: Hunter leades in yardage, Wright leads in receptions, get used to that it'll be every game. Interesting to not for me is that Hunter actually lead the team in targets as well. He as top 20 size speed combo if they can put it together he could be special.

Kansas City Chiefs:
Quarterback: Alex Smith clearly struggled, but there weren't to many times last year the Chiefs fell behind and he was asked to drive down and play catch up. He is a methodical QB who prefers the short ball to the long ball, team clearly missed Bowe, I think he'll be fine.

Running back: Jamaal Charles oh no everyone drop him trade him do whatever you can. He is going to be fine, the Titans had a lead stacked the box and made Smith beat them over the top which he struggles doing. Charles will be fine going forward but might be a decent buy low candidate if this happens one more time.

Wide Receivers: Avery was Smith's only option today, in PPR leagues if Avery continues this type of production he is worth an add but his numbers should dip next week when Bowe is back. Kelce had a decent game, still just a back up tight end for me but he is worth adding in deep keeper and dynasty leagues.

New England Patriots:
Quarterback: The thought was, Brady's young receiving core has another year under its belt and Gronk is back he will return to a top 10 player. In fairness he didn't have much time to make throws today but I am still weary of his ability to threaten teams with the deep ball. Outside the top 10 until we see improvement from the offensive line.

Running back: Shane Vereen is there guy 2nd on the team in carries and first in targets and receptions for the running backs. Ridley led with just 8 carries but only 21 yards. Strange that no running back had more than 10 carries that'll be corrected next week. Its the best way to slow down opposing teams pass rush.

Wide Receiver: Thompkins was 2nd on the team in targets which is surprising because of the damage Edelman (3rd in targets) can usually do out of the slot. Gronkowski was the most targeted player, Edelman is the only fantasy worthy wide receiver, and Gronk is clearly still Brady's favorite target.

Miami Dolphins:
Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill a decent game with 2 tds and 1 int but only threw for a 179 yards. He isn't worthy as a QB2 until he can raise his completion percentage.

Running back: Maybe Moreno's year in Denver wasn't a fluke after all. Moreno doubled Millers carries with 24 and ran for 134 yards and a TD. Miller wasn't to bad himself with his 11 carries averaging over 5 ypc but he is clearly their receiving RB seeing 5 targets with 4 receptions. Moreno is worthy of a flex low end RB2 if he can stay the lead back.

Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace might return to top 20 form, with 7 receptions 81 yards and a TD. He is the Dolphins only option in the passing game.

Carolina Panthers:
Quarterback: Nothing to note here Anderson had a good game but with no bye weeks and Cam coming back in two weeks at the latest no reason to add him.

Running backs: Its Williams then Stewart and Tolbert almost even. Williams had a very respectable game but still is no more than a RB3. Stewart and Tolbert aren't worth owning.

Wide Receiver: The Panthers only have two guys they can make plays in the passing game and its Kelvin Benjamin who had a great first NFL game seeing 8 targets converting 6 of them for 92 yards and a TD. Olsen saw 11 targets converting 8 for 83. He will be a top 5 tight end this season. Cotchery was 3rd in targets but not worth owning.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Quarterback: Josh McCown certainly did not look like the same QB we saw in Chicago, granted he is trying to learn a new offense but he has to cut out the mistakes. This is a good front 7 but good QBs can exploit that secondary.

Running backs: Martin lead the team in carries with 9 but only 9 yards. Not sure what is going on here he was bad last year, granted a great run defense but that was just bad.

Wide Receiver: Austin Seferian Jenkins went down with an injury and Brandon Myers took over, lead the team in receptions, he isn't an add for me because he has been behind ASJ all preseason and the beginning of this game. Evans and Jackson's stat lines are similar both saw 9 targets I like both but I am down on Jackson until McCown shows a grasp for the offense.

San Francisco 49ers: 
Quarterback: Kaep didn't run much where his value usually is but he was able to throw 2 TD passes and not make any mistakes. He'll be good this year but it would be nice if the team can find a slot receiver.

Running back: This is still Gore's backfield but the rookie Hyde is right on his tails. Gore lead in carries and yards and Hyde led in yards per carry neither were targeted int he passing game. Hyde will move up in my rankings after this weeks showing.

Wide Receiver: Just like last year in the season opener Anquan Boldin was his go to target. Difference is this year he had Crabtree, who only had 2 catches. I think we'll see a couple games like this from Crabtree but he'll still finish in the top15 for receivers I am not worried.

Dallas Cowboys:
Quarterback: Chalk it up to just a bad game for Tony Romo, he'll be better thats for sure.

Running back: Its DeMarco Murray all day for this team, some were concerned Dunbar might take some carries, but he was more involved in the passing game. Even then Dunbar isn't worth owning. Days like today are reasons I think Murray has top 5 potential he just needs to stay healthy.

Wide Receiver: Terrence Williams led the team in targets but I wouldn't take anything from that Dez is still by far their best player. He battled a bit with Dehydration which kept him out a couple of series. The slow removal of Jason Witten as a top 10 tight end is happening, I think we will continue to see small games like this from him this season.