Del Pilar's Digest: A walk around Fantasyland

Here's a look around the league at the latest fantasy developments on the eve of Sunday's Week One games.

Colston breaks down

It was bad news for Marques Colston owners as he broke his collarbone during the season opener. Devery Henderson busted loose after I'd been talking him down. Henderson has never had the fantasy respect he's earned the last two years. Look for Henderson and Robert Meachem to start until Lance Moore (groin) is ready to play. Once back, Henderson would probably go into a reserve role. As we know, all Saints receivers see their time on the field, so make sure you grab Henderson off the waiver wire this coming week.

Foster still ailing

Fantasy owners are concerned as RB Arian Foster did not practice Friday and will be a game-day decision. Look for Derrick Ward to start if Foster can't go and for Tate to spell him. Once the game gets under way, the hot hand wins playing time. If you're RB corps is not deep, you may consider Tate, but it's a risk.

Starks in line for more carries?

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy stated RB James Starks probably didn't have as many attempts in the opener as he should have. Does that mean you should look for Starks to see an increase? Ryan Grant rushed nine times for 40 yards, with one reception for five yards. Starks had 12 attempts for 57 yards and one touchdown. It looks good for Starks, but don't write Grant off yet. It's a long season; let's see how Starks holds up if he does begin to carry the load. Don't trade him and don't waive him.

The Jones dilemma

Going into the season, the Packers knew there weren't enough footballs to go around. WR James Jones only had one target, and it's clear that while being slowed in camp with a bruised knee, he fell behind. The Pack is deep with receivers, including the other skill positions. It's a long season, but Jones may become a bye-week, injury fill-in player if he doesn't begin to see consistent looks, and it's not a given he will. There is speculation he could be on the trading block.

The Manning dilemma

There's a chance Peyton Manning could return this year after 12 weeks or possibly miss the entire season. Don't look for the team to put him on injured reserve until it knows he's out. How the rehabilitation process goes early on will determine how long he's out.

Around the league

• The David Garrard watch continues as the quarterback's agent states five teams have shown interest.
• Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has yet to decide on his backup quarterback between Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson. This team is going to be so bad that you don't want either player if he's forced to start.
• Carson Palmer is working out with former NFL QB Ken O'Brien. However, nothing's changed on the trade or retirement battle with the Bengals' front office.
• The Rams are going to get RB Steven Jackson more involved in the passing game. If so, he'll turn into a great value pick for owners in PPR (point-per-reception) leagues.
• Raiders head coach Hue Jackson says if WR Jacoby Ford can score touchdowns, he'll give him the ball. Jackson raves about the speedster and states 75-80 receptions would not be surprising.
• Johnny Knox will still have a role in the Bears' offense per WR coach Darryl Drake. I expect Knox eventually will start.
• Oakland WR Derek Hagan states there's confusion on the depth chart, and in typical Raiders fashion, the receivers don't know where they stand. By the end of Week One we should know.
• Steelers WR Mike Wallace threw the gauntlet down, stating they were going to attack Ravens rookie CB Jimmy Smith. They'll attack both sides as RCB Cary Williams also lacks much NFL experience. Big Ben Roethlisberger makes a savvy play this week.

Injuries around the league

• Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (rib) practiced again Friday and will play this weekend. He's not a recommended start as we've seen players exit quickly after taking another shot to the injured area.
• Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring) continues to disappoint. He was limited in practice Friday, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Larry Johnson take some of his touches, with Reggie Bush taking the rest.
• Bears RB Marion Barber (calf) is out, making way for Matt Forté to see nearly every touch.
• RB Javon Ringer (hip) did not practice Friday, and the Titans may need to rely on Jamie Harper as Chris Johnson's backup. This is still short-term, and C.J. will carry the load. I don't see much value with Harper.
• Cowboys WR Miles Austin (hamstring) is probable and will play. He's facing the Jets and CB Darrelle Revis, so temper your expectations.
• Seahawks WR Sidney Rice (shoulder) is doubtful heading into the weekend, and even if he does play, bench him as the offense won't do much through the air.
• 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) could play in Week One. However, he's still a recommended bench until we see him on the field. It's a nice matchup against the Seahawks, but do we know if he'll play and if Alex Smith will look his way?
• Eagles WR Steve Smith (knee) is probable but will see time only in certain packages, if he plays. Keep him on your bench for this week.
• Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (knee) has practiced this week and believes himself 100 percent.
• Chiefs WR Steve Breaston (hamstring) is probable, but he didn't have a great camp and is not starting, so bench him.
• The Bucs are giving TE Kellen Winslow (knee) his typical time off during the week to rest his knee from further wear and tear.
• Browns TE Ben Watson (hip) is probable, which means fewer opportunities for Evan Moore.
• TE Chris Cooley (knee) is questionable this week, but the Redskins have Fred Davis, a solid pass receiver. Cooley shouldn't be on your roster.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/09/10/del-pilars-digest-a-walk-around-fantasyland

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