1. Drew Brees (NO) – The NFL’s most highly touted QB heading into 2009 should kick off the season with a bang facing a week 1 match up at home against Detroit. The Lions finished up the 2008 season as the NFL’s worst defense and do not appear to be drastically improved, if at all. In a week 16 meeting with Detroit last season, Brees completed 75% of his passes for 351 yards, 2 TD’s and no interceptions. He should have a field day once again and makes for an obvious week 1 must start.
2. Tom Brady (NE) – In spite of potential concerns regarding the reliability of Brady’s shoulder and knee, all indications are that he will be good to go for his Monday night match up against division rival Buffalo. Brady has a rich tradition of dominate performances against the Bills, so anything less than a strong performance would be mildly surprising this time around. We are fairly confident in Brady’s ability to return to elite form sooner than later and a week 1 match up against what should be a middle of the road Buffalo pass defense should not provide much of a stumbling block. Check injury report: shoulder
3. Peyton Manning (IND) – Unlike last season, Manning heads into his 2009 campaign with a clean bill of health and a solid showing in preseason. He should provide strong fantasy production from start to finish beginning with division rival Jacksonville at home in week 1. Manning ripped the Jaguars defense in week 16 of last season, completing 29 of 34 passes for 364 yards, 3 TD’s and no interceptions. The Jacksonville defense does not appear to be much improved over 2008, so Manning should handle them with ease once again. He is a no brainer for your week 1 fantasy roster.
