Need help with your team?

Here is advice for week one to start your season right

As week one of the NFL season approaches, fantasy owners everywhere are undoubtedly slaving over what players to start, fretting over the most insignificant reports of injuries to players on their team and analyzing every game log of every player in the league. But, as we enter the threshold of the 2011 season, remember one thing — fantasy football is just that, fantasy.

Take time to enjoy the chaotic drafts, the trash talking among your fellow competitors and the nights of prayer you spend hoping your starting lineup is in the correct shape. Fantasy football is a great pastime, but don’t lose your appreciation for the game of football itself. Having your fantasy team’s starting running back rush for three touchdowns is great, but nothing beats having your favorite team pull off a win.

Start ‘Em

Quarterback – Matt Schaub – The Colts defense has been mediocre in the preseason, and Schaub is working with a healthy Owen Daniels and the game’s best receiver, Andre Johnson.

Wide Receiver – Larry Fitzgerald – He went for nine catches and 125 yards last year against the Panthers, and that was with journeyman John Skelton at the helm of the offense. Expect Kolb to be looking Fitzgerald’s way all day.

Running Back – Knowshon Moreno – The Denver back goes up against a porous Raider line that was 29th in run defense last year. Without the departed Nnamdi Asomugha, they’ll have to drop even more men into coverage, allowing for bigger running holes. Moreno could be a solid backup running back.

Tight End – Benjamin Watson – Start the Browns tight end for two reasons. One, he’s the team’s most reliable receiving threat right now, and two, he’s going against the Bengals. Enough said.

Defense – Baltimore – It’s doubtful that either team in this game will reach over 20 points. The reason the Ravens get the edge is simply because the game is in Baltimore.

Kicker – Alex Henery – The Dream Team’s kicker should get a good amount of scoring opportunites against the Rams, and St. Louis’ artificial turf is always helpful for kickers.

Sit ‘Em

Quarterback – Ben Roethlisberger – While Big Ben has looked sharp in the preseason, the NFL’s premier matchup between the Steelers and Ravens is consistently a defensive battle with not much scoring in between.

Wide Receiver – Jeremy Maclin – While coach Andy Reid says Maclin will most likely start in the opener against St. Louis, it wouldn’t be a shock if Maclin is still a tad rusty.

Running Back – Chris Johnson – Even though Johnson has finally signed his contract with the Titans, it’s safe to say the running back, who has missed all the teams practices so far, hasn’t spent his summer of freedom running practice drills in his backyard.

Tight End – Dallas Clark – Quarterback Peyton Manning looks doubtful to start in the opener because of his neck surgery, and you can bet the Texans will be looking to show their credentials to win the AFC South this year.

Defense – New Orleans – The Saints open the season Sept. 8th versus the defending Super Bowl champs Green Bay. While the Saints boast a solid defense, the season opener will probably be a high-scoring affair.

Kicker – Lawrence Tynes – Tynes missed most of the preseason with a leg injury, so chances are he’ll be rusty in week one.