I’m sure my many thousands of fans are thrilled to see that The Bad Guy himself has returned to NQTC just in time for the 2009 fantasy football season. First game is on Thursday so without further ado, here is the first Bench/Start of the year…

BENCH

Larry Johnson RB Chiefs -It’s amazing how someone’s value can plummet in such a short time, as LJ was a no-doubt-about-it first round pick only a couple years back, and now has an ADP (Average Draft Position) of 51 according to MockDraftCentral.com. He is not someone I want in my starting lineup for Week 1, as Kansas City heads into Baltimore to face the Ravens and their timultuous run defense. Also, no one is quite sure how rookie head coach Todd Haley plans to use Johnson in the running game, and considering the match up, I would leave him on the bench until his role becomes more defined.

Jamal Lewis RB Browns - There were some rumors flying around last week that Lewis might not make the Brown’s 2009 roster, something you never want to hear about a player on your fantasy roster. Lewis ended up surviving the cut, but similar to LJ above, no one is really sure how many carries Lewis will get at this point and how head coach Eric Mangina will implement rookie sensation James Davis into the offense. When you factor in that Minnesota and their #1 ranked (2008) rush defense visit Cleveland Browns Stadium in Week 1, you gotta leave Jlew on your bench unless you’re absolutely desperate.

START

Reggie Bush RB Saints – I love Bush, Reggie Bush that is. With Pierre Thomas very questionable for Week 1, it looks like he and Mike Bell will carry the load against Detroit. The Lions were dead last in rushing yards allowed per game last season (over 170!) and haven’t done anything to significantly turn things around. It’s a given that the Saints are going to light up the scoreboard, and Bush is sure to be heavily involved in the offense. I would be shocked if he finished with anything less than 100 total yards and a TD.

Cedric Benson RB Bengals -Ya ya ya, I know, I know – Its Cedric Benson – hear me out though – The former Bears’ bust has the RB job all to himself this year, and with QB Carson Palmer returning from injury could be in line for a pretty productive season. Benson has a great match up in Week 1, as Cincinnati hosts the Broncos who gave up 146 yards on the ground last season. I wouldn’t call Benson an every week guy by any means, but he can definitely help you out if you pick your spots wisely, and you can start him with confidence in Week 1.

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Tags: Fantasy Football