Fantasy football Week 1 stat projections

Four months from now, we will know the identities of the fantasy MVPs and the busts, the sleepers who came alive and those who stayed asleep, the bums from a

Four months from now, we will know the identities of the fantasy MVPs and the busts, the sleepers who came alive and those who stayed asleep, the bums from a year ago who bounced back and the breakout players who carried their owners to fantasy championships. The next 17 weeks will be a great ride, but it all starts with one Sunday (and Thursday and Monday). These are the SI.com projections for Week 1 of the 2014 NFL season.

Challenge friends in weekly fantasy game | Waiver-wire treasures to pick up

Last year, Peyton Manning kicked off his historic season with a 462-yard, seven-touchdown effort. LeSean McCoy piled up 184 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. A.J. Green hauled in nine passes for 162 yards and two scores. At the same time, Victor Cruz had 118 yards and three scores, while Michael Vick threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns and added 54 yards and a score on the ground. Some of this week's big performances will portend monster seasons ahead, while others will be nothing more than a red herring. Only time will tell which is which, but the SI.com projections will tell you who to start this week.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
NO	QB	Drew Brees	348 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
NO	RB	Pierre Thomas	57 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 43 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
NO	RB	Khiry Robinson	39 rushing yards
NO	RB	Mark Ingram	34 rushing yards
NO	WR	Marques Colston	6 receptions, 68 receiving yards
NO	WR	Brandin Cooks	4 receptions, 69 receiving yards
NO	WR	Kenny Stills	4 receptions, 40 receiving yards
NO	TE	Jimmy Graham	8 receptions, 112 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
NO	K	Shayne Graham	3 PATs, 3 field goals
NO	D/ST	New Orleans Saints	20 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble
ATL	QB	Matt Ryan	303 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
ATL	RB	Steven Jackson	37 rushing yards, 1 reception, 10 receiving yards
ATL	RB	Jacquizz Rodgers	14 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 yards
ATL	RB	Devonta Freeman	22 rushing yards
ATL	WR	Julio Jones	7 receptions, 109 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
ATL	WR	Roddy White	6 receptions, 96 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
ATL	WR	Harry Douglas	3 receptions, 41 receiving yards
ATL	WR	Devin Hester	2 receptions, 18 receiving yards
ATL	TE	Levine Toilolo	1 reception, 12 receiving yards
ATL	K	Matt Bryant	2 PATs, 2 field goals
ATL	D/ST	Atlanta Falcons	30 points allowed, 2 sacks

The Falcons should be improved from a season ago, but much of that improvement will come on offense. That won't help them against the Drew Brees-led Saints. Brees matches up well with this defense and won't need much help with the running game en route to 30 points. Atlanta, however, looms as a dangerous team, and can give what should be a stout New Orleans defense a test thanks to Julio Jones and Roddy White. Don't expect much from the Atlanta ground game, however. The Falcons will have to throw a ton to hang with the Saints.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
MIN	QB	Matt Cassel	237 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
MIN	RB	Adrian Peterson	89 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 receptions, 21 yards
MIN	RB	Matt Asiata	14 rushing yards
MIN	WR	Cordarrelle Patterson	11 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 56 receiving yards
MIN	WR	Greg Jennings	5 receptions, 72 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
MIN	WR	Jarius Wright	3 receptions, 27 receiving yards
MIN	TE	Kyle Rudolph	4 receptions, 45 receiving yards
MIN	K	Blair Walsh	3 PATs, 1 field goal
MIN	D/ST	Minnesota Vikings	16 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumbles
STL	QB	Shaun Hill	259 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
STL	RB	Zac Stacy	62 rushing yards
STL	RB	Benny Cunningham	28 rushing yards
STL	RB	Tre Mason	12 rushing yards
STL	WR	Kenny Britt	4 receptions, 72 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
STL	WR	Brian Quick	5 receptions, 56 receiving yards
STL	WR	Tavon Austin	3 receptions, 43 receiving yards
STL	TE	Jared Cook	5 receptions, 59 receiving yards
STL	K	Greg Zuerlein	1 PAT, 3 field goals
STL	D/ST	St. Louis Rams	24 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble forced

This game would look a whole lot different with Sam Bradford under center. As it stands, the Rams look poised to be a playoff-caliber defense that just can't get it done on offense. The Vikings, meanwhile, have some friskiness to them entering the season and could sneak up on some teams in the early going. It all starts with Adrian Peterson, who should be able to have a solid day against the strong front seven of the Rams.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
CLE	QB	Brian Hoyer	247 passing yards, 2 interceptions
CLE	RB	Ben Tate	73 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 24 yards
CLE	RB	Terrance West	29 rushing yards
CLE	WR	Andrew Hawkins	4 receptions, 40 receiving yards
CLE	WR	Travis Benjamin	4 receptions, 35 receiving yards
CLE	WR	Miles Austin	3 receptions, 52 receiving yards
CLE	TE	Jordan Cameron	6 receptions, 74 receiving yards
CLE	K	Billy Cundiff	1 PATs, 2 field goals
CLE	D/ST	Cleveland Browns	31 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 interception
PIT	QB	Ben Roethlisberger	313 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
PIT	RB	Le'Veon Bell	71 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 5 receptions, 42 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
PIT	RB	LeGarrette Blount	48 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
PIT	WR	Antonio Brown	8 receptions, 93 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
PIT	WR	Markus Wheaton	6 receptions, 84 receiving yards
PIT	WR	Lance Moore	4 receptions, 37 receiving yards
PIT	WR	Justin Brown	1 reception, 11 receiving yards
PIT	TE	Heath Miller	3 receptions, 39 receiving yards
PIT	K	Shaun Suisham	4 PATs, 1 field goal
PIT	D/ST	Pittsburgh Steelers	13 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble forced

These are neither your father's nor your older brother's Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a team that wants to throw and throw often, and Ben Roethlisberger will end up as a fantasy bargain because of that. Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton and even LeGarrette Blount give the Steelers a diverse set of weapons that will make this a surprisingly good offensive team. The Browns may have a better-than-average defense, but this is a game the Steelers should be able to dominate at home. Ben Tate should be able to find some room to be effective, but the calls for Johnny Manziel will start sometime in the second half.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
JAC	QB	Chad Henne	265 passing yards, 1 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 18 rushing yards
JAC	RB	Toby Gerhart	95 rushing yards, 1 touchdowns, 4 receptions, 28 receiving yards
JAC	RB	Jordan Todman	38 rushing yards, 1 reception, 8 receiving yards
JAC	WR	Cecil Shorts	5 receptions, 75 receiving yards
JAC	WR	Marqise Lee	6 receptions, 80 receiving yards
JAC	WR	Allen Hurns	5 receptions, 63 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
JAC	TE	Marcedes Lewis	1 reception, 11 receiving yards
JAC	K	Josh Scobee	2 PATs, 1 field goal
JAC	D/ST	Jacksonville Jaguars	38 points allowed, 1 sack
PHI	QB	Nick Foles	289 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
PHI	RB	LeSean McCoy	131 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 receptions, 29 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
PHI	RB	Darren Sproles	26 rushing yards
PHI	WR	Jeremy Maclin	6 receptions, 94 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
PHI	WR	Riley Cooper	3 receptions, 34 receiving yards
PHI	WR	Jordan Matthews	5 receptions, 72 receiving yards
PHI	TE	Zach Ertz	4 receptions, 31 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
PHI	TE	Brent Celek	1 reception, 10 receiving yards
PHI	K	Cody Parker	5 PATs, 1 field goal
PHI	D/ST	Philadelphia Eagles	17 points allowed, 4 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble

The Chip Kelly Experience welcomes in Jacksonville to kick off the 2014 season. While there is a lot of volatility in the NFL, these two teams both appear to be set on the same course they followed last year. The Jaguars do not have a defense built to keep up with the speed of the Eagles offense, and that will show from the opening kickoff. Toby Gerhart owners should be worried about the game getting out of hand, but he's still a worthy start. There could also be some garbage points here for the Jags.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
OAK	QB	Derek Carr	191 passing yards, 3 interceptions, 23 rushing yards
OAK	RB	Maurice Jones-Drew	48 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards
OAK	RB	Darren McFadden	34 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 17 receiving yards
OAK	WR	James Jones	3 receptions, 38 receiving yards
OAK	WR	Rod Streater	4 receptions, 57 receiving yards
OAK	WR	Andre Holmes	2 receptions, 21 receiving yards
OAK	WR	Denarius Moore	1 reception, 15 receiving yards
OAK	TE	Marcel Reece	2 receptions, 24 receiving yards
OAK	K	Sebastian Janikowski	1 PAT, 1 field goal
OAK	D/ST	Oakland Raiders	23 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble
NYJ	QB	Geno Smith	275 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 21 rushing yards
NYJ	RB	Chris Johnson	101 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 40 receiving yards
NYJ	RB	Chris Ivory	48 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards
NYJ	WR	Eric Decker	5 receptions, 84 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NYJ	WR	Jeremy Kerley	4 receptions, 57 receiving yards
NYJ	TE	Jeff Cumberland	2 receptions, 15 receiving yards
NYJ	TE	Jace Amaro	4 receptions, 49 receiving yards
NYJ	K	Nick Folk	2 PATs, 3 field goals
NYJ	D/ST	New York Jets	10 points allowed, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 fumbles, 1 touchdown

The Raiders almost had to go with Derek Carr, but Rex Ryan is a terror against rookie quarterbacks. His complex schemes and ability to disguise blitzes and coverages will be unlike anything Carr has seen. On the other side, this is a nice matchup for Geno Smith to kick off a season in which he has a lot to prove. The retooled Raiders front seven won't be a serious match for the Jets' ground game.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
CIN	QB	Andy Dalton	296 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
CIN	RB	Giovani Bernard	55 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 touchdown
CIN	RB	Jeremy Hill	36 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
CIN	WR	A.J. Green	7 receptions, 118 yards, 1 touchdown
CIN	WR	Brandon Tate	3 receptions, 37 receiving yards
CIN	WR	Mohamed Sanu	5 receptions, 47 receiving yards
CIN	TE	Tyler Eifert	2 receptions, 18 yards
CIN	K	Mike Nugent	3 PATs, 1 field goal
CIN	D/ST	Cincinnati Bengals	20 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble
BAL	QB	Joe Flacco	272 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
BAL	RB	Bernard Pierce	58 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards
BAL	RB	Lorenzo Taliaferro	23 rushing yards
BAL	WR	Torrey Smith	6 receptions, 99 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
BAL	WR	Steve Smith	5 receptions, 73 receiving yards
BAL	WR	Marlon Brown	2 receptions, 19 receiving yards
BAL	TE	Dennis Pitta	5 receptions, 56 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
BAL	K	Justin Tucker	2 PATs, 2 field goals
BAL	D/ST	Baltimore Ravens	24 points against, 2 sacks, 1 fumble

It seems we get one of these AFC North clashes in Week 1 every year. This season, it's the Bengals and Ravens in what should be a good test for both teams. Expect the Ravens to put the ball in Joe Flacco's hands early and often. With Geno Atkins and Vontaze Burfict both healthy, this Bengals defense should be a nightmare for opposing running games. The versatility of the Cincinnati offense will be the difference in this one. The two best playmakers in the stadium -- A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard -- are on that unit.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
BUF	QB	EJ Manuel	261 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
BUF	RB	C.J. Spiller	78 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 15 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
BUF	RB	Fred Jackson	43 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards
BUF	WR	Sammy Watkins	5 receptions, 73 receiving yards
BUF	WR	Mike Williams	4 receptions, 59 receiving yards
BUF	WR	Marquise Goodwin	3 receptions, 42 receiving yards
BUF	TE	Scott Chandler	4 receptions, 38 receiving yards
BUF	K	Dan Carpenter	2 PATs, 1 field goal
BUF	D/ST	Buffalo Bills	34 points allowed, 1 sack
CHI	QB	Jay Cutler	332 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
CHI	RB	Matt Forte	92 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 4 receptions, 32 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
CHI	RB	Ka'Deem Carey	17 rushing yards
CHI	WR	Brandon Marshall	7 receptions, 104 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
CHI	WR	Alshon Jeffery	6 receptions, 112 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
CHI	WR	Santonio Holmes	3 receptions, 34 receiving yards
CHI	TE	Martellus Bennett	4 receptions, 50 receiving yards
CHI	K	Robbie Gould	4 PATs, 2 field goals
CHI	D/ST	Chicago Bears	17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions

Chicago is expected to have one of the best offenses in the league this year, and it will be on full display against the Bills in Week 1. Jay Cutler should be able to pick apart Buffalo, a team with a secondary that is no match for Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. While C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson match up well against the Bears, EJ Manuel could have some issues if he gets into predictable passing situations.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
WAS	QB	Robert Griffin III	283 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
WAS	RB	Alfred Morris	84 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
WAS	RB	Roy Helu	25 rushing yards
WAS	WR	Pierre Garcon	7 receptions, 101 receiving yards
WAS	WR	DeSean Jackson	4 receptions, 88 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
WAS	WR	Andre Roberts	4 receptions, 35 receiving yards
WAS	WR	Santana Moss	1 reception, 12 receiving yards
WAS	TE	Jordan Reed	4 receptions, 47 receiving yards
WAS	K	Kai Forbath	2 PATs
WAS	D/ST	Washington Redskins	13 points allowed, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble
HOU	QB	Ryan Fitzpatrick	219 passing yards, 2 interceptions
HOU	RB	Arian Foster	105 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards
HOU	RB	Alfred Blue	7 rushing yards
HOU	RB	Jonathan Grimes	18 rushing yards
HOU	WR	Andre Johnson	8 receptions, 94 receiving yards
HOU	WR	DeAndre Hopkins	6 receptions, 78 receiving yards
HOU	TE	Garrett Graham	2 receptions, 21 receiving yards
HOU	K	Randy Bullock	1 PAT, 2 field goals
HOU	D/ST	Houston Texans	14 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 2 fumbles

These were two of the more disappointing teams in the NFL last year, as both fell off dramatically after making the playoffs the previous season. Houston's defense will prove a challenging matchup for opponents this year, but there are more concerning unknowns on offense. The reverse is likely true in Washington, but the questions on offense are of the high-profile variety. Week 1 will feature some good and bad from Robert Griffin III but will on the whole be a step in the right direction. There's too much talent at his disposal for Griffin to fall flat on his face this year.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
TEN	QB	Jake Locker	301 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
TEN	RB	Shonn Greene	47 rushing yards
TEN	RB	Bishop Sankey	33 rushing yards
TEN	RB	Dexter McCluster	17 rushing yards
TEN	WR	Justin Hunter	5 receptions, 114 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
TEN	WR	Kendall Wright	8 receptions, 90 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
TEN	WR	Nate Washington	3 receptions, 47 receiving yards
TEN	TE	Delanie Walker	3 receptions, 39 receiving yards
TEN	K	Travis Coons	2 PATs, 2 field goals
TEN	D/ST	Tennessee Titans	17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble
KC	QB	Alex Smith	259 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
KC	RB	Jamaal Charles	127 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 4 receptions, 34 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
KC	RB	Knile Davis	24 rushing yards
KC	WR	Donnie Avery	4 receptions, 38 receiving yards
KC	WR	A.J. Jenkins	6 receptions, 81 receiving yards
KC	WR	Junior Hemingway	1 reception, 8 receiving yards
KC	TE	Travis Kelce	5 receptions, 74 receiving yards
KC	TE	Anthony Fasano	2 receptions, 18 receiving yards
KC	K	Cairo Santos	2 PATs, 1 field goal
KC	D/ST	Kansas City Chiefs	20 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 interception

This sets up well for the Titans to spring one of the first big upsets of the season. Count this projector as one of the few still in Jake Locker's corner. Ken Whisenhunt helped revive Philip Rivers' career last year, and he will bring out in Locker what previous coaches could not. The Titans' receivers can expose the Kansas City secondary, which will only aid Locker. Jamaal Charles is a terrible draw for most defenses, and this Titans unit is no different. However, it will be hard for him to singlehandedly carry the Chiefs to victory. With Tennessee's line protecting Locker, the Chiefs defense will look vulnerable.

team	pos.	player	projected stats
NE	QB	Tom Brady	342 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
NE	RB	Shane Vereen	42 rushing yards, 6 receptions, 82 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NE	RB	Stevan Ridley	56 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
NE	RB	James White	12 rushing yards
NE	WR	Julian Edelman	8 receptions, 78 receiving yards
NE	WR	Danny Amendola	4 receptions, 59 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NE	WR	Aaron Dobson	2 receptions, 19 receiving yards
NE	TE	Rob Gronkowski	5 receptions, 90 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NE	K	Stephen Gostkowski	4 PATs, 2 field goals
NE	D/ST	New England Patriots	20 points allowed, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble
MIA	QB	Ryan Tannehill	291 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 12 rushing yards
MIA	RB	Lamar Miller	42 rushing yards, 1 reception, 8 receiving yards
MIA	RB	Knowshon Moreno	39 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards
MIA	WR	Mike Wallace	6 receptions, 74 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
MIA	WR	Brian Hartline	5 receptions, 58 receiving yards
MIA	WR	Brandon Gibson	3 receptions, 42 receiving yards
MIA	TE	Charles Clay	6 receptions, 80 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
MIA	K	Caleb Sturgis	2 PATs, 2 field goals
MIA	D/ST	Miami Dolphins	34 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 fumble

There will be good days for Miami this season, but this is just a bad matchup for the Dolphins. Now that he has a full complement of weapons for the first time in seemingly forever, Tom Brady will look like the fantasy stud he has been in so many seasons passed. Shane Vereen is a nightmare for a team without a strong cover linebacker. There are some things to like about the Miami offense, but this team isn't built to chase down a deficit.

team	pos.	player	projected stats
CAR	QB	Cam Newton	245 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 32 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
CAR	RB	DeAngelo Williams	28 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 11 receiving yards
CAR	RB	Jonathan Stewart	41 rushing yards
CAR	WR	Kelvin Benjamin	3 receptions, 64 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
CAR	WR	Jerricho Cotchery	4 receptions, 52 receiving yards
CAR	WR	Jason Avant	3 receptions, 22 receiving yards
CAR	TE	Greg Olsen	5 receptions, 79 yards
CAR	K	Graham Gano	2 PATs
CAR	D/ST	Carolina Panthers	19 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble
TB	QB	Josh McCown	285 passing yards, 2 interceptions
TB	RB	Doug Martin	107 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 4 receptions, 37 receiving yards
TB	RB	Bobby Rainey	23 rushing yards
TB	WR	Vincent Jackson	8 receptions, 104 receiving yards
TB	WR	Mike Evans	6 receptions, 74 receiving yards
TB	TE	Brandon Myers	3 receptions, 27 receiving yards
TB	TE	Austin Seferian-Jenkins	1 reception, 3 yards
TB	K	Patrick Murray	1 PAT, 4 field goals
TB	D/ST	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	14 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 2 fumbles

Cam Newton is still hurting with a ribcage injury, which could drastically limit his effectiveness against the Buccaneers. Cornerback Alterraun Verner represents a major upgrade for the Tampa Bay defense, and Newton will have to keep tabs on him, as well. With his dreadful 2013 in the past, Doug Martin is primed to remind fantasy owners why he should be one of the most respected running backs in the game. Carolina looks set for a regression this season, and it starts against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

team	pos.	player	projected stats
SF	QB	Colin Kaepernick	236 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 31 rushing yards
SF	RB	Frank Gore	97 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 13 receiving yards
SF	RB	Carlos Hyde	52 rushing yards
SF	WR	Michael Crabtree	5 receptions, 83 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
SF	WR	Anquan Boldin	4 receptions, 64 receiving yards
SF	WR	Steve Johnson	4 receptions, 33 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
SF	TE	Vernon Davis	3 receptions, 37 receiving yards
SF	K	Phil Dawson	3 PATs, 2 field goals
SF	D/ST	San Francisco 49ers	30 points allowed, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions
DAL	QB	Tony Romo	315 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
DAL	RB	DeMarco Murray	74 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, 18 receiving yards
DAL	RB	Lance Dunbar	22 rushing yards
DAL	WR	Dez Bryant	9 receptions, 119 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
DAL	WR	Terrance Williams	6 receptions, 87 receiving yards
DAL	WR	Cole Beasley	2 receptions, 25 receiving yards
DAL	TE	Jason Witten	3 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
DAL	K	Dan Bailey	3 PATs, 3 field goals
DAL	D/ST	Dallas Cowboys	27 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 interception

The Cowboys maybe not be able to expose the flaws in the San Francisco offense, but they can show how vulnerable the 49ers are on defense. Without NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, this simply isn't the dominant unit it has been under Jim Harbaugh. Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray should have plenty of success against the depleted San Francisco defense, doing enough to outpace Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore on the other side. Steve Johnson is a good under-the-radar play if you need to reach this week.

TEAM	POS.	PLAYER	PROJECTED STATS
IND	QB	Andrew Luck	272 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 29 rushing yards
IND	RB	Ahmad Bradshaw	56 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards
IND	RB	Trent Richardson	24 rushing yards
IND	WR	Reggie Wayne	7 receptions, 92 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
IND	WR	T.Y. Hilton	5 receptions, 71 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
IND	WR	Hakeem Nicks	5 receptions, 63 receiving yards
IND	TE	Dwayne Allen	2 receptions, 18 receiving yards
IND	TE	Coby Fleener	2 receptions, 13 receiving yards
IND	K	Adam Vinatieri	2 PATs, 2 field goals
IND	D/ST	Indianapolis Colts	37 points allowed, 1 fumble
DEN	QB	Peyton Manning	358 passing yards, 4 touchdowns
DEN	RB	Montee Ball	80 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 17 receiving yards
DEN	RB	Ronnie Hillman	31 rushing yards
DEN	WR	Demaryius Thomas	8 receptions, 124 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
DEN	WR	Emmanuel Sanders	6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 touchdown
DEN	WR	Julius Thomas	5 receptions, 70 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
DEN	TE	Cody Latimer	5 receptions, 64 receiving yards
DEN	K	Brandon McManus	4 PATs, 3 field goals
DEN	D/ST	Denver Broncos	20 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble

Peyton Manning and the Broncos pick up right where they left off a season ago. Few matchups are bad for them, and this isn't one of them. The Indianapolis secondary is no match for Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders should step right into the spot left vacant by Wes Welker (suspended four games). Rookie Cody Latimer is worth a start, as well. The Colts, meanwhile, will need a whole lot out of Andrew Luck if Trent Richardson is a non-factor against this Broncos front seven. Luck can't really hope to go score-for-score with the man he replaced under center in Indianapolis.

TEAM	POS.	Player	projected stats
NYG	QB	Eli Manning	309 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
NYG	RB	Rashad Jennings	85 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, 32 receiving yards
NYG	RB	Andre Williams	34 rushing yards
NYG	WR	Victor Cruz	8 receptions, 110 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NYG	WR	Rueben Randle	5 receptions, 90 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
NYG	WR	Jerrel Jernigan	4 receptions, 39 receiving yards
NYG	TE	Larry Donnell	1 reception, 7 receiving yards
NYG	K	Josh Brown	3 PATs, 1 field goal
NYG	D/ST	New York Giants	31 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble
DET	QB	Matthew Stafford	320 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
DET	RB	Reggie Bush	63 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 35 receiving yards
DET	RB	Joique Bell	46 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 2 receptions, 17 receiving yards
DET	WR	Calvin Johnson	9 receptions, 128 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
DET	WR	Golden Tate	4 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
DET	WR	Kevin Ogletree	2 receptions, 23 receiving yards
DET	WR	Jeremy Ross	1 reception, 10 receiving yards
DET	TE	Eric Ebron	2 receptions, 28 receiving yards
DET	TE	Brandon Pettigrew	1 reception, 13 receiving yards
DET	K	Nate Freese	4 PATs, 1 field goal
DET	D/ST	Detroit Lions	24 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions

The Giants secondary will be tested right from the start of the season with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. While that may receive most of the focus, this is a better matchup for the New York offense than a lot of people realize. Detroit was bad against the pass last year, and the new-look secondary with Rashean Mathis and James Ihedigbo will get a good litmus test on Monday night. Both offenses should find success, but it'll be the Lions that come away rewarded here. You want all your players in this game active.

Team	Pos.	player	projected stats
SD	QB	Philip Rivers	278 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
SD	RB	Ryan Mathews	72 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 2 receptions, 17 receiving yards
SD	RB	Danny Woodhead	15 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 48 receiving yards
SD	RB	Donald Brown	35 rushing yards
SD	WR	Keenan Allen	5 receptions, 68 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
SD	WR	Malcom Floyd	4 receptions, 55 receiving yards
SD	WR	Eddie Royal	2 receptions, 11 receiving yards
SD	TE	Antonio Gates	3 receptions, 25 receiving yards
SD	TE	Ladarius Green	4 receptions, 46 receiving yards
SD	K	Nick Novak	2 PATs, 2 field goals
SD	D/ST	San Diego Chargers	27 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble
ARI	QB	Carson Palmer	326 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
ARI	RB	Andre Ellington	88 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 42 receiving yards
ARI	RB	Stepfan Taylor	25 rushing yards
ARI	RB	Jonathan Dwyer	12 rushing yards
ARI	WR	Larry Fitzgerald	5 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
ARI	WR	Michael Floyd	7 receptions, 120 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
ARI	WR	Ted Ginn Jr.	3 receptions, 40 receiving yards
ARI	TE	John Carlson	4 receptions, 31 receiving yards
ARI	K	Chandler Catanzaro	3 PATs, 2 field goals
ARI	D/ST	Arizona Cardinals	20 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble

This should be a great matchup for Carson Palmer and his big receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. Brandon Flowers and Shareece Wright ranked 95th and 104th among 110 cornerbacks in pass coverage last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Even with Darnell Dockett shelved for the season with a torn ACL, this is an above-average defense that can give the Chargers trouble. You'll want Ryan Mathews and Keenan Allen in your starting lineups, but Philip Rivers is a risky play.