Week 1 Injury/Depth Chart Report

QB:

Mark Sanchez - Sanchez has won the starting job.  Given the run-first offensive system and the lack of explosive weapons, you're probably looking at Joe Flacco part 2.

Brady Quinn - Quinn has won the starting job.  He does have an explosive WR1, but almost nothing else.  He's a decent QB2.

Kyle Orton - Orton has been able to practice effectively despite his finger injury via reports from Denver's practices.  He should start in week 1 barring a setback.  He's a slightly risky QB2, but I still very much like his outlook for the 2009 season as a sleeper that everyone will laugh at you for owning.

Matt Cassel - Cassel's week 1 status is very much up in the air.  Considering he's facing Baltimore, I would hope you're not relying on him to start for your team.  Brodie Croyle would start in his place if he cannot go, and he's obviously not an option whatsoever either.

Matthew Stafford - Stafford has won the starting job.  Much like Quinn, he has an explosive WR1, but almost nothing else.  He's a very low-end QB2 as it stands right now, although he's probably worth watching a bit closer than Sanchez.

Byron Leftwich - Leftwich has won the starting job.  He's going to be leading a run-heavy offense, but he has a mauling offensive line in front of him, and he has some good targets in Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow.  He's a low-end QB2 right now.

Marc Bulger - Bulger has reportedly looked good in practice as he comes back from a fractured pinkie, and all reports have him ready to go in week 1.  He's obviously not to be in your lineup, however.

RB:

Marshawn Lynch - Lynch is suspended for the first 3 weeks of the season.  Fred Jackson will start and probably provide decent RB2 value, but his offensive line and offensive coordinator turnover threaten the stability of his surrounding offense.

Fred Taylor - Taylor will get the "starting" nod for the Patriots, but if they open in a spread offense on the first snap, Kevin Faulk will be in there.  Faulk will continue to dominate passing downs while Taylor, Maroney, and Sammy Morris split carries in some fashion.  Also keep an eye on Benjarvis Green-Ellis.  All are worth owning as RB5s, but none should sniff your starting lineup.

Ray Rice - Rice was officially awarded the starting job, although all of us knew much earlier than this.  He's a RB2 against the disaster that is KC's defense.

Willie Parker - Parker has won the goal line role, making him a solid RB2 while that lasts.

Maurice Jones-Drew - MJD has practiced all week with his shin bruise, and he's all systems go for week 1.

Knowshon Moreno - Moreno has practiced and will likely play in week 1, but he's not 100% quite yet.  Look for him to split carries in some fashion, so he's a risky flex play at best.  Look for players with a more defined role.  He'll be the man in Denver before long.

Oakland Raiders - They have still not announced a starting RB.  Why they're still messing around with Fargas I have no idea.  Well I do actually, I'm lying.  It's the fucking Raiders.  McFadden is the only safe play here...he's going to be on the field plenty no matter who "starts".

Marion Barber / Felix Jones - The Cowboys announced a 50/50 split in carries for this season between these two guys, but I find this a bit harder to believe.  While Felix Jones is undoubtedly more explosive, Barber is simply the better runner between the tackles.  It'll probably come down to the game situation, but if it's close or the Cowboys need to run the clock, you can bet Barber will lead the team in carries.

Brian Westbrook - Westbrook is all systems go for week 1, and worth using as a RB2.  Keep a close eye on his explosiveness after 2 offseason surgeries (knee, ankle).

Jonathan Stewart - In a big surprise, Stewart returned to a full practice and is not on the injury report.  While Stewart shouldn't be anywhere close to your lineup, this could be a downer on DeAngelo Williams before long.  It shouldn't be an issue in week 1, though.

Pierre Thomas - Thomas is still battling his sprained MCL and is questionable for week 1.  He claims he's ready, but it remains to be seen if the team will risk him in what should be an easy win over the Lions.  Mike Bell would start in his place and be a solid RB2.

Cadillac Williams / Derrick Ward - Williams is supposedly starting in week 1.  I know Ward was likely drafted as a RB2, but you cannot risk using anyone in this backfield until we see how it plays out, especially with the 2-2-1 rotational series claim.

Tim Hightower / Beanie Wells - Another RB mess to avoid.  I think Hightower will start, but Wells is the better RB here.  Neither is worth using until one emerges, most likely Wells.  If you have to, I'd use Wells.

WR:

Miami Dolphins - They have an absolute mess opposite Ted Ginn Jr., with Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess, and Brian Hartline all competing still.  Avoid using a roster spot on any of them for now.

Wes Welker - Welker's had a mysterious injury for a while, and with the Patriots being so secretive and also playing on Monday night, odds are you don't have another similar alternative in that time slot.  Unless definitive news is made public prior to Sunday's games, I would opt for an alternative.

Mark Clayton - Clayton is expected to start this week despite missing most of the offseason with his usual assortment of leg injuries, but if you have him in your lineup, you're in bad shape anyways.

Chris Henry - Henry missed Thursday's practice with a thigh injury, so keep an eye on this for the weekend.  I'd probably veer away from him anyways until it's clear what role he'll have in the offense, but if he's healthy, you can take a chance on him as a WR3.

Nate Washington - Washington is questionable for tonight's game, and with him not being 100%, he should not be started.

Kevin Walter - Walter will likely be limited in week 1 with his hamstring injury, so he's quite risky as a starter on your team.

Brandon Marshall - Everything points to Marshall starting on Sunday, so he's startable was a WR2/WR3.

Chaz Schilens - Schilens will miss week 1 as he rehabs with a broken foot.

New York Giants - Steve Smith is locked in at one spot, and Hixon will start across from him.  However, expect to see plenty of Hakeem Nicks.  Smith can be used in PPR leagues, but I would avoid the situation if I could until we see it play out.  Smith, Hixon and Nicks are well worth owning on your bench though.

Bernard Berrian - Berrian has been limited in practice so far, and he has no game work with Favre, but he's expected to start.  He's a high risk/reward WR3 play in week 1.

Antonio Bryant - Bryant is all systems go for week 1 after offseason knee surgery.  He can be used safely as a WR3.

Anquan Boldin - Boldin's leg injuries are back already with him being limited by a hamstring injury.  He's expected to play, but could be limited in the game on a snap count.  He's too explosive to bench, but temper your expectations.

Donnie Avery - Avery is all systems go and has a good match up in week 1 against Seattle's banged up secondary.  You can use him as a WR3.