by Mike Harmon

Comment

That's right. On Thursday, September 4, the nation will go silent as the tears of joy scream down the faces of football fans. The Giants and Redskins will usher in another glorious campaign, and the text alerts will start flying following the opening kickoff.

I should sit and write a poem. Instead, I'm offering the first look at what we at FOXSports.com call Lineup Calls. It's a laundry list of the good, bad and ugly for the week ahead as I see it, taking some of the obvious names out of the discussion while offering some picks for the potential sleepers and flops of that week's matchups.

Let's start at quarterback and that No. 4 jersey that reads "UNRETIRED."

Top 10 Quarterbacks (not named Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Drew Brees or Ben Roethlisberger)

Brett Favre at Miami

Favre's looked good in his limited preseason work, creating a fabulous rapport with Jerricho Cotchery. The offensive line was fortified by the addition of Alan Faneca, and the youngsters on the interior are getting better. Thomas Jones is a good receiver out of the backfield, and he has two nice receiving options at TE in Dustin Keller and Bubba Franks. Additionally, Laveranues Coles is healthy and eager to put an injury-slowed season behind him, even if he's salty Chad Pennington is gone.

Kurt Warner at San Francisco

Sure, Ken Whisenhunt hasn't named him the regular season starter, but I'll slide him into this slot. Warner was prolific in his 2007 efforts, racking up 27 touchdowns despite logging extensive playing time in only three games. He'll be throwing to two of the game's top receivers with a solid runner behind him and an improved defense working to create short fields.

Donovan McNabb vs. St. Louis

McNabb's creeping up draft boards as we approach opening day despite the loss of his two top options to injury. His own health, the presence of Brian Westbrook and the emergence of rookie DeSean Jackson has people eager for 2008 to begin. I'm optimistic that he posts a superior effort against a Rams team that enters the year with more questions than answers. Provided the Philadelphia offensive line can get him time to operate, he'll make the most of his chances. I also suspect the Eagles defense sets him up with superior field position.

Derek Anderson vs. Dallas

I'm concerned about the concussion, and I'm concerned about the schedule potentially claiming his starting job down the line. However, there's no question Anderson will find himself in a classic NFL shootout this week against Romo's Cowboys, and that's a good thing for fantasy owners. You'll lose points for a few sacks and a couple turnovers, but he'll pile on yardage and a couple scores trying to keep pace with Dallas.

Eli Manning vs. Washington

Manning operated more calmly in the huddle following Jeremy Shockey's injury. The game seemed to slow down for him, and he made better decisions with the ball. The Redskins are banged up entering the year, still reeling from the debacle against Carolina. I suspect a better effort, as you always do in a divisional matchup between these squads, but Manning has ample weapons to find holes in the Washington defense provided that the O-Line (where they spent their money this off-season) provides protection. I love the confidence he's been displaying, and I believe it carries into the new year.

Matt Hasselbeck at Buffalo

Sure, you can wonder aloud about Hasselbeck's receivers, and I'm mildly fearful about his back. However, you can't dismiss how well Mike Holmgren's offense has operated under similar circumstances in the past. Hasselbeck will rely on his two-headed backfield to set the pace behind a talented line, thereby freeing him to work to Nate Burleson and rookie John Carlson. Buffalo's defense will make its share of plays in front of the home crowd, but Hasselbeck will still get his numbers.

Jake Delhomme at San Diego

I've been on the Delhomme rebound bandwagon since the beginning of OTA's. His efforts in the preseason have solidified that opinion and, though he faces a difficult opponent without Steve Smith, I'm expecting his two-headed backfield and possession receiver extraordinaire Muhsin Muhammad to make plays. Naturally, I'm concerned about Luis Castillo or Shawne Merriman working around end and wreaking havoc on him, but I'm optimistic the pass protection holds strong.

Jon Kitna at Atlanta

Kitna is always on my radar, either in a good or bad way. I'm not optimistic that he ends the year in the upper-echelon of quarterbacks, but this is a good spot out of the gate. A renewed dedication to running the ball will help him to pick his spots and forgo the frenetic pace of Mike Martz's system. It was good for yardage, but not much else. Now, given the opportunity to work a more traditional set of downs, Kitna can work the ball to Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson and the other receivers more fluidly. He'll always throw picks (15 or more in each year as a starter), but the threat of a running game will suck another linebacker into the box and open the middle of the field more than in the past.

Jay Cutler is without his No. 1 target, but they still have a lot of weapons in Denver. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Jay Cutler at Oakland

Cutler has control of his health and another offseason of work in one of the league's most productive offenses. Even though he enters this game without Brandon Marshall, the Broncos have ample receiving options at the ready. I'm most intrigued to watch Eddie Royal and Darrell Jackson work as the starters, but I expect Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler to be productive as well. Combine those receivers with the vaunted running game, and you've got open spots in coverage. The Oakland defense has undergone an overhaul and will be formidable, but I believe Cutler's up to the task. I'm calling for a 225-yard, two-touchdown performance (that 60-yard screen pass to Selvin Young or Andre Hall still counts).

Philip Rivers vs. Carolina

There's still come concern about Antonio Gates' foot, but the Chargers have other options at the ready. Vincent Jackson's matured as a receiver. LaDainian Tomlinson still hauls in his fair share of passes, and Chris Chambers offers Rivers a true No. 1 that was lacking prior to his arrival. Rivers is moving well following his off-season surgery, and I believe he's set to make a jump in performance this year. The attention afforded LT will allow Rivers to take shots downfield.

Quarterback sleeper candidates

Chad Pennington vs. New York Jets

I like the revenge factor. OK, so Pennington could conceivably get rung up for a couple of interceptions and find himself in Sparano's doghouse. However, I'm optimistic the running game of Ricky and Ronnie (where's Michael for you BBD fans?) opens opportunities for Pennington to hit Anthony Fasano and speedster Ted Ginn, Jr. downfield.

Jeff Garcia at New Orleans

Garcia won't post many monster fantasy performances, but this is a fairly solid spot against a pass defense that couldn't stop anyone last season. Joey Galloway remains a tremendous downfield threat when healthy, and Alex Smith has been solid in spots. Lest we forget, both Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn are strong receivers out of the backfield. You're not getting 300 and three scores, but 200 yards and two touchdowns is a nice start to the year. Garcia's also playing with a chip on his shoulder, and that'll push him in a divisional matchup.

Joe Flacco vs. Cincinnati

Flacco's seemingly set to win the Baltimore quarterback job by default. He's looked good in spells and certainly has good possession options in Derrick Mason and Todd Heap. Demetrius Williams avoided the PUP list, and Mark Clayton is eager to reclaim his place among the top young wideouts. I'm also hopeful Flacco receives adequate support from his tailbacks, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. The Cincinnati defense was just flat-out terrible (queue your Charles Barkley/Frank Caliendo impression) in 2007, and Keith Rivers can't fix all of the problems himself. I believe Flacco will find some success downfield.

Matt Ryan vs. Detroit

I'm certainly not advocating you start Ryan, although he could be interesting in a two-QB league. The Lions struggled horribly against the pass last season, and I've seen some positive things in watching him through three preseason games. The presence of Roddy White, a resurgent Michael Jenkins, a downfield threat in Laurent Robinson and two capable receivers out of the backfield put Ryan on the map.

Quarterback flop candidates

Vince Young vs. Jacksonville

Young's seemingly regressed as a passer and won't receive any favors in the opener against an always-tough Jacksonville defense. The addition of Alge Crumpler certainly helps his cause, but I'm not expecting much of a downfield passing game in this contest. I believe the defense, the running game of Chris Johnson and LenDale White and the leg of Rob Bironas (assuming he can kick) are the stories in this one.

David Garrard at Tennessee

This game just feels like a contest in which both teams will grind it out. The running game of MJD and Fred Taylor will be on full display, and the defense will rule the day. Besides, to whom will Garrard be throwing the ball? In all seriousness, this feels like a pedestrian 200-yard, one-touchdown kind of day where Josh Scobee reigns supreme. Garrard's always a solid play, but I don't know he's a starter in this one.

Marc Bulger at Philadelphia

Bulger resides on this portion of the list for one simple reason. I'm absolutely terrified about the state of the offensive line. Is Orlando Pace's shoulder done, as some have reported? They're already without two key reserves, and the receiving corps is still up in the air behind Torry Holt and tight end Randy McMichael. Drew Bennett's been hurt and struggling, and there are two rookies looking to overtake him on the depth chart. I breathed a small sigh of relief when the Rams scored twice in the third preseason game, but not enough to jump back aboard the Bulger bandwagon to start the year against a tough Philly defense on the road.

Top 10 Running Backs (not named LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Joseph Addai, Adrian Peterson and Brian Westbrook)

Marion Barber at Cleveland

The bulldozer sets aim on the Browns in the opener. The Cowboys are set to rank among the league's highest-scoring units once again, and this year Barber adds the "starter" tag to his résumé. Did it matter? He's a punishing back who won't be denied, and facing this Cleveland defense, I suspect he's walking through the end zone twice.

Earnest Graham at New Orleans

Graham's history in Tampa has been well-documented, and his 2007 season ranked as one of the biggest surprises in the game. You call Welker? I call Graham, the fourth-string running back who was battling for a spot as a fullback and went on to score 10 touchdowns. He's set to shoulder the load against New Orleans, and I love the matchup. First, the Buccaneers have been slowed by injuries in the preseason, so I suspect Jon Gruden hits up the running game early and often. Second, the Saints lost run-stuffer Hollis Thomas to a triceps injury. His absence opens the middle of the field for the bruising Graham. Dunn will see some touches, but Graham gets the goal-line love.

Thomas Jones at Miami

I believe I've written enough about Jones to explain why he's here atop the weekly plays. The offensive line's been fortified, a point I was blathering about long before Brett leapt off the tractor. There's now great balance in this offense and more fear of the downfield passing game. As such, Jones won't face eight men in the box and will actually get to the line of scrimmage before getting hit. Lest we forget, he was one of a handful of running backs to average 20 carries per game in 2007. So, I like his durability. I've officially taken him off of the "can't draft" list.

Michael Turner will be the go-to man right away for the Falcons. (Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images)

Michael Turner vs. Detroit

Turner made a big splash in Atlanta and will receive every opportunity to become a star out of the gate. With Ryan under center, the Falcons will rely heavily on this speedster to build a consistent running game (alongside Jerious Norwood), and he'll unquestionably receive a sizable workload as a receiver out of the backfield. We've seen him in spurts as LT's backup in San Diego. Turner hits the big stage in the 24-hour news cycle following his Atlanta debut.

Brandon Jacobs vs. Washington

He's a bruiser and will undoubtedly spend some time on the sidelines before the season ends. However, Jacobs is ready to play in Week 1 and will face a softened Washington front. He averaged five yards per carry last year, and you know that he'll see each and every carry near the goal-line. The Giants look much looser coming into the regular season, and I believe that bodes well for this offense. New York spent its money this offseason trying to keep the O-Line intact, and that'll do wonders for Eli to preserve a balanced attack.

Frank Gore vs. Arizona

Gore's been the talk of the 49ers all offseason. After all, the receivers are uninspiring and the quarterback won the job seemingly by default. He'll assume a larger role in Martz's offense, and I suspect he serves as a frequent receiving target. That's what puts him on the radar in this space.

Clinton Portis at New York Giants

He doesn't get the publicity of the other top-tier backs unless he's appearing at a press conference as one of his alter egos, but Portis is routinely one of the most productive players at the position. He's never rushed for fewer than 1,262 yards (last year) in any season he's completed. I expect the Redskins to lean on him heavily behind a strong offensive line as Jason Campbell continues his growth under Jim Zorn.

Selvin Young at Oakland

Young's the lead back in Denver, for the first week of the season, anyway. As always, we're concerned about the shifting of Mike Shanahan's thinking. However, we know he can produce (729 yards in a timeshare last year) and that the Denver offense knows how to make stars of its backs. I'm most intrigued by his elusiveness in the open field, and I suspect we see him frequently in Week 1 while the Broncos await the return of Marshall.

Laurence Maroney vs. Kansas City

I'm always afraid of the Tom Brady passing juggernaut, but you have to feel they want to get Maroney started right in 2008. Don't you? OK, perhaps I'm overly optimistic, but he ran well down the stretch and is further removed from his injuries. Maroney owners hope for an early point barrage from Brady and company so the running game gets some reps. I know there are other players in the mix, particularly at the goal-line.

Edgerrin James at San Francisco

James isn't a "sexy" back by any stretch of the imagination, but he just keeps plugging away. I'm somewhat concerned about the presence of Tim Hightower, but more so as the season progresses. I believe the Cardinals will be able to move the ball on the 49ers, set up by James' three yards and a cloud of dust. He'll will his way to 80-90 yards.

Running back sleeper candidates

Ray Rice vs. Cincinnati

Willis McGahee's coming off the knee injury, the offensive line is a little bit suspect and Flacco is the likely starter under center. As such, I'm expecting a lot of two-step shuffling this season, meaning a nice workload for Rice as the No. 2 back. He's looked great in the preseason and possesses the toughness and speed to make things happen once he reaches the second level. The Cincinnati defense has been atrocious in the past, and the addition of Rivers can't solve all ills.

Kevin Smith at Atlanta

He's the "presumptive" starter in Detroit ahead of Tatum Bell. I have to get that word in at least once per column. Smith is a big, bruising back who'll be the beneficiary of the downfield threat of the four wideouts available to Kitna. However, unlike in the Martz system, he'll see the ball on first down. Any semblance of balance in this attack (and the fact that the Falcons won't likely put up 40 points and force Kitna into pass-happy mode) makes Smith an instant household name. The fact he'll be handling all of the goal-line carries certainly doesn't hurt, either.

Justin Fargas vs. Denver

Normally, teams that run the ball well are able to make stops. That wasn't the case for the Broncos last season, and I suspect they struggle against the Raiders in the Monday night opener. Darren McFadden is getting the headlines — deservedly so — but I still expect Fargas to see 10-12 touches in this game. We may have questions about the passing game (oh, and do we!), but this team can run the ball (tied for sixth last year). His running style doesn't bode well for making it through a 16-game slate unscathed, but he'll give you good production from your Flex slot.

Ronnie Brown vs. New York Jets

Fans, writers and fantasy owners were quick to jump on the Ricky Williams bandwagon. I'll quote a commentator from another network, if I may, "Not so fast, my friend!" Brown still has a chance to play a significant role in the offense provided he gives a good effort in the preseason finale. The Dolphins figure to feature their two-headed running back approach in this contest as Pennington finds his legs in the Miami offense and seeks to find his go-to receiver.

Running back flop candidates

Ryan Grant vs. Minnesota

I'm fearful of a back holding out of OTA's and part of the preseason who then gets injured and will run behind a first-year starter. Oh, and he'll also get that start against a stout Minnesota run defense. Grant figures to see eight men in a box all night long and will likely cede some carries initially to Brandon Jackson.

Larry Johnson at New England

The case has been made repeated this summer. Johnson has a makeshift line ahead of him and a serious question at quarterback. He'd quietly started run well under similar circumstances before getting hurt last year. So, I'm still onboard for the full season, but I'm not optimistic he presents a strong game in Week 1. He may amass a sizable yardage total as the Pats drop deep in coverage after building a big lead. However, predicting a score here is difficult.

Marshawn Lynch vs. Seattle

The Seahawks have a ton of questions on offense, but the defense is shaping up nicely, particularly now that Lofa Tatupu has been cleared for Week 1. Lynch quietly posted a brilliant rookie year, as his efforts were overshadowed by Peterson's heroics. He'll pile up touches in this one, and I'm intrigued by the pass-receiving portion of things, as Trent Edwards will need to get the ball out quickly while being mindful of a strong Seattle secondary. He's a starter, but temper those expectations.

Top 10 Wide Receivers (exclude Braylon Edwards, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Wes Welker, Marques Colston, Larry Fitzgerald)

Marvin Harrison vs. Chicago

That's right. I'm going bold with the veteran Indy receiver at the top of the board. Harrison's appeared in three preseason games, something that leads me to believe Tony Dungy's confident he's set to go. Dungy recently told reporters he expects Harrison to play in line with his 2006 efforts (95 catches, 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns). Reggie Wayne is the No. 1 in this attack now, but I expect Harrison and Peyton to add to their list of accomplishments as they christen a new building.

Plaxico Burress vs. Washington

"Practice? We're talking about practice?" We all love the Allen Iverson drop, but in all seriousness, Burress has demonstrated that missing practice doesn't inhibit one from attaining big numbers. He and the Giants face a Washington team that was carved up by the Panthers, as Delhomme and the first unit went to work. I expect the Giants to be able to run on the banged-up Washington front, creating opportunities for Burress downfield. With Shockey off to New Orleans, there's only one top target calling for the ball.

Santonio Holmes vs. Houston

Holmes appears primed for a true breakout campaign, and he'll start against a Houston defense that has been hurt by injuries on the edges in camp. Dunta Robinson opens the year on the PUP list. Holmes has been Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target in the preseason, as they've connected on two touchdown throws. I expect him to pay immediate dividends for fantasy owners opposite Hines Ward.

Jerricho Cotchery has already developed a great rapport with Brett Favre. (Al Bello / Getty Images)

Jerricho Cotchery at Miami

Cotchery's proving to be the prime beneficiary of Favre's entrance to the New York scene. He's been the big play target (he had a 49-yard touchdown wiped out by a penalty in Week 3) and will warrant considerable attention downfield. The ability of the Jets to run the ball will create pockets for Cotchery downfield. And, let's face it. Favre's going to throw it to him, regardless of the coverage. He just might match his season touchdown total from 2007 in this game. The Miami defense is lacking an identity right now, and the Jets could put up some big points.

Andre Johnson at Pittsburgh

I don't have to worry about 16 games in this piece. I'm going week-to-week. That means Andre "I can catch with three guys hanging on me" Johnson posts a strong week for fantasy owners. While I still fear the ability of the Texans to adequately protect Schaub, not to mention that shell game in the backfield, there's no stopping Johnson. Schaub will need to establish a downfield game to allow the backs any running room. Enter Johnson.

Anquan Boldin at San Francisco

The contract issue looms in the background, but that certainly won't keep him from putting up numbers when on the field. Boldin caught three or more passes in each of the games in which he appeared last season and will remain the primary possession receiver. He's averaged six receptions and 80 receiving yards per game during his five-year NFL career.

Roy Williams at Atlanta

I know the game plan is to create a balanced attack in Detroit, but you can't tell me Kitna won't be taking advantage of the depth at receiver. Williams still leads the charge and will be facing inexperienced corners (the Falcons are set at safety). Assuming the offensive line can pass protect, Kitna will be able to work mismatches on the outside with Williams and Calvin Johnson. The height advantage enjoyed by Williams (three or four inches) provides great possibilities in Week 1.

Roddy White vs. Detroit

The Lions are working to find some semblance of competency in the secondary following an abysmal 2007 campaign. I'm not sure it's been done in one offseason. As such, I'm looking for a bit of magic between Ryan and his top receiver. Remember, White amassed his strong 2007 totals while catching the ball from Joey Harrington and Chris Redman.

Nate Burleson at Buffalo

Burleson's the de facto No. 1 receiver in Seattle with Deion Branch and Bobby Engram working to return from injuries. He scored nine touchdowns as somewhat of a specialist in 2007, his second NFL season with nine scores. Of course, he was the second mate to Randy Moss during Daunte Culpepper's (remember him?) huge year. The placement of Burleson here is more of an endorsement of Matt Hasselbeck and Mike Holmgren's offense than anything, although I do expect Buffalo's defense to play well.

Patrick Crayton at Cleveland

Crayton certainly carries a bit of risk, as he topped only 70 receiving yards twice last year. However, this offense is loaded, and Crayton's looked awful good in camp. He's motivated to atone for some late-season disappointments and should get his shot against a suspect Cleveland secondary.

Wide receiver sleeper candidates

Ted Ginn, Jr. vs. New York Jets

He's a home run hitter in the truest sense of the word. The second-year receiver/returner has emerged as the top option in Miami. Ginn stands 5-foot-11, so he offers no distinct height advantage, but you can't touch him in the open field. I look for Pennington to take a few shots downfield early, and fantasy owners might just catch lightning in a bottle. If you're receiving any points for return yards, he's certainly worthy of roster consideration.

Steve Breaston at San Francisco

Breaston opens the year as the No. 3 receiver in Arizona. He's a tremendous downfield threat and should see a handful of deep balls given the attention afforded Fitzgerald and Boldin. Breaston caught only eight balls last season, so he'll most definitely slide under the radar in most leagues. That is, he'll go unnoticed unless you've got some Big Ten alums in the draft room or receive points for his return team brilliance.

Hank Baskett vs. St. Louis

I thought about firing Jackson into this slot, and you could certainly make the case for him following his brilliant preseason. However, I'm running with the dark horse candidate in Baskett. He's slotted to start the opener, and the St. Louis secondary is banged up entering the season. He stands 6-foot-4 and knows how to create space. We've seen him shine in spots before, and I believe he'll take full advantage of his opportunities in the absence of Kevin Curtis. Baskett plays an even larger role if Reggie Brown remains sidelined.

Isaiah Stanback at Cleveland

Stanback owns the No. 3 receiver role in Dallas until Miles Austin (knee) and Sam Hurd are ready to return to action. He's performed well this preseason and has the speed and hands to make plays downfield. Stanback will be the forgotten man as Cleveland tries to shut down the myriad weapons deployed by Tony Romo. The Cleveland secondary is replete with young options, and several of the players have been hit by injuries in camp. It only takes one, or so I'm told.

Wide receiver flop candidates

Greg Jennings vs. Minnesota

I won't belabor the point. I'm just not sure what to expect from Aaron Rodgers out of the gate. As such, he appears neither in the sleeper nor the flop candidate lists. Jennings is one of the more intriguing players in the game to open the season. Can Rodgers find him on the deep ball as Favre did last season? Will the vaunted Minnesota defense shut down Grant? I don't see Grant finding much running space on this Monday night, thereby forcing Rodgers into difficult throwing situations. He's a starter, but don't be surprised if he posts a smallish effort.

Bernard Berrian at Green Bay

Berrian stands in the same boat as Jennings, although we've seen Berrian perform well with sub-par offensive production from the quarterback position in the past, his trouble with drops notwithstanding. The Vikings will rely heavily on the potent two-headed backfield, to be sure, and I suspect Tarvaris Jackson will take a few shots downfield. However, I'm more optimistic second-year receiver Sidney Rice registers the big play. Berrian will draw Charles Woodson with plenty of attention from Atari Bigby (I just can't type that name often enough).

Brandon Stokley at Oakland

Not to put too much stock in the words of Shanahan (he's thrown a few head-fakes toward fantasy owners before), but the Denver coach stated recently he's seeking to keep Stokley in his second and third-down role in order to prevent an injury. Perhaps that becomes the case once Marshall returns, but I suspect Stokley assumes a larger role in the opener. However, I don't anticipate a huge game going against the revitalized Oakland secondary. Owners in PPR leagues might benefit from a fair amount of short yardage work, but I'm not optimistic of a breakout game.

Keep your browser locked onto FOXSports.com for all of the latest player and team news as the countdown to kickoff winds down. You can hit me up

Good luck!