It’s extremely early to sling out some 2009 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em Advice, but that’s just how we roll here at Fantasy Football Xtreme. Keep in mind that we will update this periodically throughout July-August, so this is just an early glance at Week 1 of the 2009 fantasy football season. Enjoy!

Week 1: Start & Bench Advice

Should I Start Larry Johnson (@BAL) or Jonathan Stewart (vs. PHI) ? Smitty

It’s only July, so clearly things are going to change between now and Week 1. That said, as of this moment, I do not trust Larry Johnson. Of course this could change with some strong preseason play by the Chief, but for now I have J-Stew ranked ahead of L.J. until further notice. Both Johnson and Jonathan Stewart face top four rushing defenses based off last year’s stats, but Stewart is more likely of the two runners to punch in a score. J-Stew had 10 rushing touchdowns last season, while L.J. scored just three total touchdowns on 12 games. Also, Baltimore surrendered just three rushing touchdowns last year and the Eagles gave up seven. If L.J. was going up against a weak rushing defense and Stewart was the only one of the two going up against a tough defensive rushing unit, one might be able to make a case for starting Johnson. Because that isn’t the case, Stewart is the runner to start if in this situation.

Zach

You ave Larry Johnson, a very questionable fantasy RB2 in 2009, facing an elite rushing defense that ranked third against the run last year. Then you have a back-up running back in Carolina (Johnathan Stewart) going up against the fourth-best rushing defense from last season… This is a tough call. I think because Stewart is a touchdown specialist, and given he gained that reputation in a part-time role last year, he is the player to start of these two. Stewart may or may not get more touches this season, but if he can get 10 scores in a worst case scenario like last season, I think he is a must-start flex this year in most leagues and he even makes a decent fantasy RB2 in larger leagues.

Should I Start Reggie Bush (vs. DET) or Ryan Grant (vs. CHI) ? Smitty

This is a tough one, but only because it’s ….

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pnwsports said:

Smitty…. it is never too early to talk about fantasy football. People thought I was dumb for drafting last week in both leagues, well before training camps started. Hell, I love this game and em looking forward to you guys giving me sound advice throughout the season. I agree, this site doesn't follow nobody. This site and my fantasy football league site is the only ones I have bookmarked. Your advice is always on the mark.

Just wanted to say thanks to those on here who are always giving sound advice on who to start week in and week out. Keep it up! I probably speak for almost everyone on here when I say it is greatly appreciated!!

You know it, pnwsports.

As for your questions: Slaton and MJD. I'm not a huge fan of Slaton for the long-term, but he won't be breaking down in Week 1 :) I would consider trading him in for a safer runner if he starts the season off on fire. If you believe in him, DO NOT let me talk you out of keeping him, GO WITH YOUR GUT ALWAYS, but I thought I'd toss that out there.

As for your WRs: Welker and Wayne for sure… I start off with Avery for sure as that third. I really expect big things out of him this year. Your WRs are fine. Nice job.