Chick Fantasies

Week 1 Fantasies

After fantasizing about our gridiron heroes all offseason, we certainly are ready for some meaningful football! Now that the fantasy teams have been drafted, it is time to decide which fellas to go with each week.
While some men like to ease into the scoring action, others come on fast and strong in a heated rush. So who is ready to jumpstart our fantasies by exploding out of the gate? Check out the men who have us hot and giddy in Week 1.

Fantasy Studs:

Vinny Testaverde (QB, Jets): The old geezer still has it! We were prepared to snub the aging gunslinger, but he has been slinging around his balls like a lad in his prime this preseason. The emergence of Laveraneus Coles and healthy return of sophomore sizzler Santana Moss have given Vinny some dangerous receivers to drool over. The old man may not have the stamina to keep it up all season, but we are expecting an explosive start to the year.

Shane Matthews (QB, Redskins): Spurrier and his pass-happy attack will hit some tough patches as he tries to use his college system to convert NFL backups into super-stars. Spurrier will likely do more flip-flops than a gymnast trying to find the perfect man to guide his unit. But the ‘Skins will turn some heads on opening weekend when they tee off against the Cardinals. The Arizona boys are missing a pass rush, which is great news for Shane who should manage to keep the starting job for at least a second week.

Jamal Lewis (RB, Ravens): Most owners were hesitant to draft this ravenous back in the early rounds. After tearing up his knee a year ago, many are nervous he will once again go limp. But Jamal has been showing off his old form in the preseason and appears ready to grind it out with the big boys once again. Will his virile condition last all season? Who knows – but he should be good for some thrills early on. A run-in with last year’s worst rush defense ensures him of a productive return in Week 1.

Terry Glenn (WR, Packers): Here is another dude that scared fantasy owners this season. Glenn has spent most of his career bouncing back and forth between the doghouse and the infirmary. But he is on a mission to prove his exes were wrong in dumping him and to win the heart of new scoring partner Brett Favre. The fun fling may not last forever, but for now Favre is smitten and the two should set off some fireworks against a shaky Falcon defense.

Fantasy Duds:

Olandis Gary and Clinton Portis (RBs, Broncos): Gary may be the starter, but this is going to be a running back-by-committee effort until somebody steps up. Portis has too much big-play potential to loaf around on the bench and fullback Mike Anderson will get his touches as well. Until there is a “main man” in place, the Denver backs are a fantasy risk. Playing St.Louis will not help their effort this week. Lovie Smith put the Rams defense on the map last season and they will continue to torment opposing offenses in 2002.

Michael Vick (QB, Falcons): With his speedy legs and mesmerizing gun, Vick could be one of the greatest fantasy surprises of the season. But he will not rock the socks off his fans in his 2002 debut as he takes his show on the road to Lambeau. The Packers have beefed up an already formidable defense with the additions of DE Joe Johnson and MLB Hardy Nickerson. Poor Michael will need his superhuman speed if he wants to escape from this contest alive!