Tate shines while Blount stumbles

Studs

QB: Cam Newton, Panthers
Newton’s unproductive preseason had detractors already labeling the No. 1 pick a bust, citing his lack of accuracy (42.1 completion percentage) and trepidation in the pocket as forecasts for failure. So it was apropos that last season’s Heisman winner bombarded the Arizona defense for 422 yards through the air and accounted for three touchdowns (throwing two strikes to Steve Smith and finding the end zone on the ground) in his NFL debut. Newton certainly had his share of mistakes, and his indecision is still evident at times behind center. Yet fantasy owners had to be awestruck with the rookie’s statistical blitzkrieg, making Newton the hottest commodity on the waiver wire this week.

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QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills
Buffalo was the butt of much offseason ridicule, as the Bills bypassed on the overabundance of available arms in the Draft in their conviction that Fitzpatrick was a pragmatic passer. The Harvard product validated Buffalo’s belief by tossing four touchdowns in leading the Bills to 41-7 shellacking of Kansas City in Arrowhead. Almost as noteworthy as the passing scores was Fitzpatrick’s precision, posting a 68.0 completion percentage against a parsimonious Chiefs defense. The moral of the story: never doubt a quarterback rocking a grizzled beard.

RB: LeSean McCoy, Eagles
The porous play of the Philadelphia line during the preseason raised serious doubt on McCoy’s fantasy prognosis, yet the Eagles running back alleviated any apprehension with 122 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Although he wasn’t as active in the passing game as predicted, McCoy still managed to find the end zone in Philly’s aerial attack. We’d like to see McCoy’s opportunities amplified (15 carries against the Rams), but fantasy owners have to be pleased with Sunday’s performance.

RB: Ben Tate, Texans
Thanks to injuries to Arian Foster and Derrick Ward, Tate was thrust into the starting spotlight on Sunday and did not disappointment. Tate totaled 116 yards in the rushing game and accounted for a score in Houston’s 34-7 romp over a Peyton Manning-less Colts squad (you knew Manning wasn’t playing, right?). Tate wasn’t a factor in the passing game and will undoubtedly be relegated to second-string once Foster returns (although Tate’s output may siphon Foster’s touches). But until Foster’s fate is decided, Tate is a safe bet for the upcoming week. In a related note, Houston has slowly morphed into the early-2000s Denver Broncos squads in regard to the utilization of running backs. In the past five seasons, Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy, Ahman Green, Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and Arian Foster have emanated from the woodwork to become relevant fantasy backs, and now it appears Tate will join this illustrious fraternity. Which means this: never waste a high selection on a Texan running back. Chances are he will be replaced by another youngin', has-been or never-was by Week 3.

RB: Mike Tolbert, Chargers
At first glance, Tolbert’s 2.9 yards-per-carry mark on 12 touches is prosaic. Luckily for Tolbert owners, the stocky San Diego back hauled in nine receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Add in his seven-yard tumble into the end zone and Tolbert finished as a fantasy stud in Week 1.

WR: Kenny Britt, Titans
Despite facing Jacksonville’s susceptible secondary, skepticism surrounded Britt thanks to the receiver missing most of training camp with a hamstring issue. Britt put this suspicion to sleep with a 136-yard, two-touchdown performance in Tennessee’s losing effort to the Jags. While Matt Hasselbeck is far from what one would consider a stalwart behind center, it’s an upgrade over the Vince Young/Kerry Collins combo that Britt has dealt with the past two seasons. Expect more of the same from Britt.

WR: Steve Smith, Panthers
After a so-so showing in 2009 (65 receptions, 982 yards, seven touchdowns) and a disastrous 2010 season (46 receptions, 554 yards, two touchdowns), Smith displayed a sense of vigor that’s been dormant for almost three years on Sunday, snagging eight balls for 178 yards and two scores in Carolina’s hard-fought battle with Arizona. Aside from Greg Olsen, Newton lacks a viable target in the Panther passing game, which should correlate into multiple opportunities for Smith this season.

WR: Reggie Wayne, Colts
The lone bright spot in the Colts’ catastrophe yesterday was Wayne, who managed to secure seven passes for 106 yards and a score. His season value took a hit when word leaked on Manning’s condition, but Wayne could still be useful in most fantasy forums. Speaking of Manning, the Colts’ dismal display in the four-time MVP’s absence actually sways the power back to the Indy QB in the endless “Manning vs. Brady” debates. When the Patriot passer went down in 2008, New England was able to right the ship under the direction of Matt Cassel, who has been serviceable but far from spectacular in Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Colts looked as lost as any NFL team I’ve ever seen without Manning under center. Granted, Collins was picked off the street three weeks ago, but he does have enough experience to prohibit that type of performance. Brady has the titles, but Manning means far more to his team.

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• Ryan Fowler
• Joel Beall
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TE: Fred Davis, Redskins
Davis regressed immensely in 2010, as his receptions, yards and touchdowns were nearly cut in half from the previous season. The former second-round pick wasted little time in making amends, submitting a career-high 105 yards on five receptions in Washington’s win over New York.

TE: Scott Chandler, Bills
While Steve Johnson remains the No. 1 option in the passing game, Chandler’s production put the rest of the league on notice. Chandler, who had just one career reception heading into Sunday’s contest, finished with five catches for 63 yards and two scores. As the Bills are not blessed with a plethora of options in the receiving game, Chandler could be become a dependable, complementary target for Fitzpatrick as the season progresses.

DEF: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens dismissed any questions about their secondary by picking off Ben Roethlisberger three times in their dismantling of Pittsburgh yesterday afternoon. Baltimore also forced the Steelers into four fumbles and were constantly harassing Roethlisberger, leading to four sacks on the day.

K: David Akers, 49ers
Philadelphia held concerns about the kicker’s rising age, letting him sign with San Francisco. Akers responded by going 4-for-4 on FG attempts in the 49ers’ 33-17 victory over Seattle.

Duds

QB: Donovan McNabb, Vikings
Not exactly what Minnesota had in mind when they brought McNabb in: 7-for-15 for 39 yards, one touchdown and one pick in the Vikings’ loss to San Diego. In McNabb’s defense, San Diego employs a ferocious secondary, as the unit held opponents to a league-low 177.8 yards per game last season. However, McNabb’s accuracy and decision-making will need to dramatically improve if Minnesota aims to entertain playoff aspirations in the competitive NFC North.

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
After having his way with his divisional foes in mid-January (226 yards, two touchdowns, 101.8 QB rating), Roethlisberger was throttled against a Ravens roster fueled on revenge. Two fumbles, three interceptions and four sacks equated to a field day for the Baltimore defense as the Ravens pummeled Pittsburgh. While the lack of protection from his offense line was disconcerting, Roethlisberger’s wayward passes were a troubling sight to Big Ben owners. This week’s matchup with Seattle should provide a platform for Roethlisberger to recover, but keep an eye on the Steelers’ signal caller.

RB: Chris Johnson, Titans
The Titans weren’t bluffing when they stated their intentions to monitor Johnson’s touches after the running back missed training camp, as the All-Pro received just nine carries. Johnson did manage to haul in six catches for 25 yards, but expect Johnson’s August exodus to provoke a slow start.

RB: LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers
The fervor among fantasy owners is palpable after Blount, who rushed for 977 on 191 carries in his last 11 games of 2010, received a miniscule five carries during Tampa’s loss to Detroit. Coach Raheem Morris explained afterwards that Blount is still adjusting to third-down packages and is unfamiliar with a hurry-up offense as justification for Blount’s benching. That’s fine and dandy, Mr. Morris. Now let me tell you something. When I predicted that Blount would finish as an elite fantasy entity, I did so in the assurance that you were aware of the carnage that the bruising Buccaneer back can impose on opposing defenses. So you can imagine my horror to discover that Earnest Graham was receiving the abundance of opportunities yesterday while Blount sat mystified on the sidelines. Please don’t kill your season, as well the fantasy campaigns of all those who placed faith in Blount, just because the Oregon product isn’t fully adept at pass blocking.

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RB: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
Pittsburgh’s early deficit annihilated Mendenhall’s fantasy impact yesterday, as the Steelers were forced to attack from the air. Even in his abbreviated appearances, the Steeler running back failed to impress, gaining 45 yards on 12 carries and adding a fumble to Pittsburgh’s woes. Like Roethlisberger, expect Mendenhall to bounce back against Seattle.

WR: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
Bowe’s two receptions for 17 yards could be called a disappointment, but fantasy owners knew what they were getting into when they signed up for the Dwayne Bowe Fantasy Experience. Although his overall numbers from 2010 were superb (72 receptions, 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns), Bowe had six games last season where he recorded two catches or less. Bowe and the Chiefs take on an improved Lions defense in Week 2. Don’t be shocked if Bowe’s performance mirrors his output from Week 1.

WR: Percy Harvin, Vikings
Harvin housed a 103-yard kickoff against San Diego, but in leagues where return efforts go for naught, the versatile Minnesota receiver was ineffective with two catches for seven yards. Monitor McNabb’s situation in Minnesota carefully. If the QB fails to assimilate to the offense, Harvin’s stock will plummet.

WR: Austin Collie, Colts
Barely on the field, Collie finished Sunday’s game without a catch. Indianapolis featured more two-WR formations than usual with Collins at the helm, leaving Collie out in the cold. Judging by Collins’ performance, Curtis Painter may get his chance as field general, possibly opening up the playbook for the Indianapolis offense. Until that substitution takes place, Collie holds little, if any, fantasy value.

TE: Jared Cook, Titans
Cook was highlighted as a breakout star in 2011, and could still achieve this endeavor. However, Cook’s season was launched on an ominous note, as the tight end caught just one pass for seven yards. Aside from Britt, the Titans lack an explosive playmaker in the passing game (save for Johnson, who is still in the process of getting into football shape). Give Cook a few weeks to come to fruition before banishing him to the waiver wire.

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TE: Owen Daniels, Texans
The lack of fantasy impact from Daniels was an unfortunate byproduct of Houston’s early lead on Indianapolis, as the Texans focused on the run game for most of the second half. After two injury-plagued seasons, Daniels is back in good health. Don’t let this opening downer subdue your enthusiasm for the Texan tight end.

DEF: Pittsburgh Steelers
After smothering Ray Rice in their three previous meetings, the Ravens running back got the best of the battle, rushing for 100 yards, adding another 42 in the passing game and scoring twice in Baltimore’s beatdown of the Steel Curtain.

K: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
Not only does his forecast look murky with Manning on the sidelines, but Vinatieri missed his only FG attempt yesterday. Even for the NFL’s greatest clutch kicker, all good things must come to an end.