Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
Kevin Kolb is going to get the start here for Buffalo. While we aren't exactly too sure why Doug Marrone made that decision, it could be to indicate that a quarterback competition is still in full force in Buffalo. Take that for what it is worth, but Marrone is at least indicating that EJ Manuel hasn't quite won the starting job yet. Kolb represents very little upside in fantasy football, while Manuel's ceiling as a rookie if a mid-tier QB2.
We also want to see how a multitude of young receivers do here. Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin in Buffalo as well as Cordarrelle Patterson in Minnesota. Woods and Patterson, as high-round picks, are expected to contribute immediately. Though it is important to note that Patterson is a bit more raw than his counterpart in Buffalo. In terms of long-term projections Patters fits the bill as a possible WR1, while Woods isn't much more than a decent WR2. For these two, it's all about what you need and what type of league you are participating in. Patterson recorded four receptions for 54 yards on eight targets against the Houston Texans in his NFL preseason debute. Woods hauled in four receptions on just five targets in Buffalo's blowout of the Indianapolis Colts last week.
San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs
You can expect both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick to see more time than they saw last week. Though, it must be noted that the two former teammates did combine to complete 11-of-12 passes for over 100 combined yards. They are, however, on opposite ends of the spectrum as it relates to fantasy football. The veteran, Smith, is likely going to project out as a top-tier QB2 option in standard leagues, while Kaepernick should finish near the top-five of all fantasy quarterbacks. That's pretty much etched in stone for both.
There are more important things to look at in this one. Well, at least more question marks. Will newly activated Kendall Hunter get some reps here? If so, will that disable LaMichael James' ability to actually see the rock as much as last week? In Kansas City, the only real question mark has to be at wide receiver where Travis Kelce represents the highest upside over the likes of Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots
Shane Vereen is a real wildcard for the Patriots. He lined up at wide receiver, in the slot and in the backfield last week against Philadelphia. The third-year running back also recorded a touchdown pass from Tom Brady, who dodged a bullet in practice earlier this week. Vereen could represent a solid PPR option, if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels continues with this plan. Meanwhile, there isn't a whole lot to look at when it comes to Tampa Bay. Will Josh Freeman continue to struggle or can he pick his game up a great deal? Will we see more than five rush attempts from Doug Martin? Outside of that, nothing really to look at here. Vincent Jackson will be a top-10 fantasy receiver, while Mike Williams possesses 1,000-yard capability.
Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints
How does the Raiders' quarterback competition figure into fantasy football? You could probably answer that question before even completing the sentence. Neither Terrelle Pryor or Matt Flynn will be viable fantasy options in 2013. That being said, we do want to see exactly how Pryor does in real-game situation. Does he continue to improve? If so, just how willing are you to take a late-round chance on him in dynasty leagues?
As it relates to the Saints, who will step up as the No. 3 wide receivr behind Marques Colston and Lance Moore? As a pass-happy offense, that role might figure into fantasy football down the road. Youngsters Kenny Stills and Nick Toon have the opportunity to cement their status among the Saints' receiver rotation.