Fantasy Football: Week 1 Studs and Duds

This season, millions of people will play fantasy football. Beginning this week, I will track every NFL player and find out which ones are fantasy studs or fantasy duds. Here is my first installment.

FANTASY STUDS

Robert Griffin III QB Washington Redskins -

if anybody was worried that the #2 overall pick would struggle in the NFL, they should not worry. Griffin's performance against New Orleans was tremendous; he completed 19 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception for a passer rating of 139.9. Griffin also gained 42 rushing yards on 10 carries. That's a studly performance for any quarterback, but considering RGIII did it on the road against the Saints, it's even more impressive.

C.J. Spiller RB Buffalo Bills - despite losing to the Jets 48-28, Spiller's effort against the Jets was tremendous. Especially when you consider the fact that he was not even the starting running back. A second quarter injury to Fred Jackson opened the door for Spiller and he did not disappoint. The former Clemson star rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown. With Jackson out for at least another three weeks, Spiller has an excellent chance to continue his fantasy success.

Julio Jones WR Atlanta Falcons -

After a solid rookie campaign, Jones had his fantasy stock skyrocket during the 2012 preseason. he didn't disappoint his fantasy owners in week one, hauling in 6 passes for 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With ideal size and speed, Jones is primed for a monster season in Atlanta, which bodes well for fantasy football owners. If you also own Matt Ryan, then "double your pleasure, double your fun!"

FANTASY DUDS

Brandon Weeden QB Cleveland Browns - I was more than surprised when Weeden was named the Browns starting quarterback over Colt McCoy. Despite being three years older than McCoy, the 28-year rookie from Oklahoma State still has plenty to learn in the NFL. All of that was evident last Sunday, when Weeden completed 35% of his passes for 118 yards, 4 interceptions, and was sacked twice. Not every week will be as bad as Weeden's first regular season start in the NFL, but anyone who owns the Browns signal caller should stash him on their bench for a while.

Chris Johnson RB Tennessee Titans  -

After bouncing back for a 1,000 yard season in 2011, hopes were high for Chris Johnson and the Titans running game. The New England Patriots defense had something to say about that, limiting CJ to just 4 yards on 111 carries. Ouch! He was able to catch 6 passes for 47 yards, but his fantasy owners are more concerned with the lack of rushing production. Don't be too worried about Johnson because his track record leads me to believe he will bounce back against the Chargers in Week 2.

Greg Jennings WR Green Bay Packers - like CJ, Jennings has usually been nothing shy of a fantasy stud in his 6 seasons in the NFL. However, Jennings resembled a different kind of player against San Francisco last week. He caught just five passes for 34 yards and no touchdowns. The good news is that he was targeted nine times by Aaron Rodgers and should be in line for another 1,000 yard season with the Packers if he can stay healthy. That's a big if, since Jennings is doubtful for this week's game against the Bears because of a groin injury. Those kind of injuries are never good news for a productive wide receiver, and fantasy football owners might want to target James Jones while Jennings gets healthy.