Start/Sit: Week 1

A new feature for Pigskins and Pucks fans.

Let's face it....my cat Bianca (in between the 18 hours a day she sleeps) could tell you to start LaDainian Tomlinson and Peyton Manning every week. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

The purpose of this feature is to let you know what potential diamonds you may have hidden in the rough of your Fantasy roster for each upcoming game and which pitfalls to avoid.

Quarterback:

Start: Eli Manning- Manning Version 2.0 has been anything but a sure start in his brief career. His accuracy has been erratic, his confidence has been shaky and his leadership skills have been called into question. Still, he makes an excellent option for this week's tilt against a banged up Cowboys D, who may need a couple of games under their belt before they fully grasp the new defensive scheme. Forecast: 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception.

Sit: Jon Kitna- Even with his superb Receiving Corps, Kitna seems to always find a way to snatch Defeat from the jaws of Victory with his brain-numbing mistakes. He'll face a potent crew in the Raiders, who have an excellent secondary and a surprisingly strong front seven. Kitna will air it out a lot, but you don't want to be the recipient of the outcome. Forecast: 225 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 3 sacks.


Running Back:

Start: Willie Parker- Fast Willie has a matchup here that he has been dreaming about since he first laid hands on a football. The Cleveland team he faces is overmatched on both sides of the ball, though they do boast a decent secondary. Therefore, the game plan will be to give Parker 25+ carries and watch him carve up the Brownies. With other top running backs seeing much stiffer competition, he could be the top RB of the week. Forecast: 195 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Sit: Rudi Johnson- Poor Rudi draws the formidable Ravens D his first week. Though you can normally pencil him in for 75 yards and a score every week, he will find the going rough here. Palmer and Co. will be forced to throw plenty to keep up with an improved Baltimore Offense, which will limit him further. Forecast: 60 yards.


Wide Receiver:

Start: Deion Branch- Branch goes up against an aging Bucs secondary and will play the Roadrunner to their Wile E. Coyotes. His speed and long ball prowess will be too much for them to handle. He'll be especially valuable in leagues that reward big plays. Forecast: 7 catches, 115 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Sit: Lee Evans- He may be the Bill's best offensive threat, but he faces Champ Bailey this week who devours opposing WR's likes whales do plankton. The improved Denver pass rush will also force JP Losman into mistakes, further limiting Evans' potential. Look for a very quiet week for Lee with the Bills exploring other options. Forecast: 3 catches, 50 yards.


Tight End:

Start: Vernon Davis- This is a bit obvious, but Davis, due to his injury from last year, has some owners taking a Wait and See approach. Don't be one of those owners or you will watch the parade pass you by. Davis is too much for the Arizona D to handle and will share the glory of this game with Frank Gore. Forecast: 6 catches, 70 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Sit: Alge Crumpler- Not only does it remain to be seen if A.C can capture the same chemistry with Joey Harrington that he had with Michael Vick, he is gimpy this week as well. While the Minnesota defense he faces in this game is better known for their run stopping, their pass rush is underrated and will harass poor Joey all day long. Look elsewhere. Forecast: 4 catches, 40 yards.


Defense:

Start: Jacksonville- Another fairly obvious pick, but many owners are only familiar with the Ravens and the Bears as top notch Fantasy D's. Jax is a definite up and comer and has an ideal matchup against Galloping Vince Young and his no-name Titan receivers. Look for them to wear Tennessee down early, then capitalize on their mistakes. Forecast: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries.

Sit: Kansas City- On paper, this would seem a good matchup against the formerly hapless Texans. However, the Chiefs don't have a cornerback capable of keeping up with Andre Johnson and their pass rush is suspect at best. Additionally, their offense will be anemic, meaning the old D will be on the field a lot, sapping whatever strength they did possess. Forecast: 1 sack.