Running Back – Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ big offseason signing paid dividends right away in Week 1. In 22 carries, Turner had 220 yards and two touchdowns. While he obviously will come back down to earth, Turner could very easily finish the season as a top ten fantasy football running back.

Wide Receiver – Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward is getting up there in years and it’s easy to forget that he’s an elite fantasy football receiver. Ward reminded fantasy owners of his capabilities in Week 1 as he finished with two touchdown catches and 76 yards receiving.

Tight End – Dante Rosario – Carolina Panthers
With Steve Smith suspended, someone on the Pathers receiving corps needed to step up. Dante Rosario, the team’s starting tight end, was that man. Rosario had seven catches for 96 yards and the game-winning touchdown as the time expired.

Donovan McNabb was able to prove doubters wrong in Week 1.

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Are you ready for Week 1 of the NFL season and fantasy football? If you need any last minute fantasy football advice, be sure to check out these 2008 fantasy football resources:

• Week 1 Injury Report
• Week 1 Players to Avoid
• Week 1 Top Players
• Week 1 Waiver Wire
• Week 1 Predictions

Photo: Newscom

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Quarterbacks – Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
With so many injuries at wide receiver, it may be best to give Hasselbeck the week off until he adjusts to his new options.

Running Backs – Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
While Darren McFadden will likely have a very good season, he’s playing behind Justin Fargas for the moment.

Wide Receivers – Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts
Last season Anthony Gonzalez was very good at the end of the year. However, now with Marvin Harrison back in the fold, things may change.

Tight Ends – Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Francisco. He doesn’t have a long history of utilizing tight ends, so proceed with caution.

Kickers – Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
The Packers are going against a strong defense in the Vikings and will they may struggle to move the ball with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

Defenses – Chicago Bears
The Bears should finish the season as a top ten fantasy football defense, but don’t play them this week against the Colts.

Wait a few weeks before unleashing Darren McFadden.

Photo: Newscom

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Quarterback – Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Even though he’ll be out on the road, expect Tony Romo to have a lot of success in Week 1. He’s going against the Cleveland Browns and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if this game turned into a shootout. Romo was very good in the beginning of last year and should start off well again.

Running Back – LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
The Carolina Panthers aren’t the defensive juggernaut they used to be. For that reason, and the fact that he’s very good, LaDainian Tomlinson should come out of the gates on fire in 2008. If you have him on your fantasy team, start him with the highest level of confidence.

Wide Receiver – Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
With Romo poised to have a big game in Week 1, expect many of those passes to be headed to Terrell Owens. TO will have a very good chance of getting at least one touchdown against the Browns. He’s the best receiver to have to begin the fantasy football season.

Tight End – Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns
On the other side of the coin, the Cowboys haven’t always been very good against tight ends. The Browns now this and will look to Winslow early and often. Winslow had a big year this year and should have an even better season in 2008.

Kicker – Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
The Patriots will probably be rusty going into the regular season. While that is bad news for most fantasy players, that is actually good news for Gostkowski. If Tom Brady and company can’t guide the ball into the end zone, they will have to ride Gostkowski to victory.

Team Defense – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have a great matchup in Week 1 when they play the Chicago Bears in front of their home crowd. With home cooking in their favor, expect the Colts to come out amped up and ready to try to get back on the Super Back track.

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Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
2008 promises to be a long season for the Falcons. The Lions should be able to go to Atlanta and get a win in Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills
The Seahawks are the better team but Buffalo will play inspired football at home. Expect the Bills to come up with big defensive plays to pull out the W.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
This should be a very physical game. The game will be decided on whether or not the Titans will be able to run the ball.

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Brett Favre will be on the road but he gets an easy matchup against the rebuilding Dolphins. Expect Favre to start off 1-0 with the Jets.

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
The Chiefs will put up a fight early on but the Patriots should eventually blow them out. Expect New England to score at least 31 points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans will be fired up at home and will be looking to start 2008 off on the right foot. The Bucs won’t be able to handle the feisty Saints and will lose by double-digits.

St. Louis Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
This will be a battle of two potentially underrated teams. The Rams will want to show that their high-powered offense is back but the Eagles will prevail.

Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers get a good start to their season by drubbing the Texans. Houston won’t be a serious threat until a legit running back emerges.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Chad Johnson (or is it Chad Ocho Cinco?) will won’t to start off on a good foot but the Ravens could very well surprise. At home, the Raves have a 50-50 chance of pulling this one out.

Carolina Panthersat San Diego Chargers
If the Panthers had Steve Smith, they’d likely win this game. Without Smith, the Chargers will be able to outscore the Panthers.

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers should be an exciting team this year but don’t be surprised if the Cardinals go into San Francisco and escape with a victory.

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
Most people have the Cowboys winning this game but the Browns will be a tough test. In fact, I think the Browns win this game by converting on long passing plays.

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are banged up and Peyton Manning hasn’t even played yet this season. But don’t worry, they’ll get it in gear fast enough to take down the Bears.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
The Packers will try to survive their post-Brett Favre existence but it won’t be easy. I expect Aaron Rodgers to struggle mightily against the stout Vikings defense.

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have a lot of good, young talent but the Broncos will be able to establish the running back. Expect the Broncos to pull away for good in the third quarter.

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