Fantasy Football: Jets vs. Redskins Fantasy Preview

by Jeff Hoodzow Columnist, notjustagame.com

The first game of the season, and it's a fantasy bombshell waiting to happen. Both teams, the Washington Redskins and the New York Jets, have questions at quarterback. Here's a look at who to start and who to bench in Thursday's season opener.

Quarterbacks

Vinny Testaverde, Jets: The ageless wonder will have to step in for injured starter Chad Pennington. While Pennington proved himself to be one of the most valuable sleepers in the game last year, Testeverde does have some experience to fall back on. Just two years ago, he started every game for the Jets and has five 3,000-yard seasons under his belt. VERDICT -- Start.

Patrick Ramsey, Redskins: In his rookie season, Ramsey had glimpses of potential, like the 23-for-35 performance with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a late season loss to Philadelphia last year, but that was about it. Owner Daniel Snyder has him on a short leash, and don't be surprised if he applies pressure. VERDICT -- Bench.

Running backs

Curtis Martin, Jets: With Testeverde at quarterback, expect the Redskins to move eight or nine men into the box to stop the prolific Martin. VERDICT -- Bench.

Trung Canidate, Redskins: I've never been fully sold on the former Ram. He hasn't proven himself in the NFL as a legitimate starting tailback. He's had two 100-yard games, including an explosive 195-yard performance against the Giants, but that was in 2001. I'm letting him ride the pine until he does something for me. VERDICT -- Bench.

Wide Receivers

Santana Moss, Jets: The Miami graduate has no more excuses. It's time to put up or shut up for the former first round draft pick. Just like Canidate, I'm not buying this car until I take it for a test drive. VERDICT -- Start.

Rod Gardner, Redskins: With 71 receptions for just over 1,000 yards, you can almost say Gardner under achieved last year. Fantasy owners will like the eight touchdowns though. VERDICT -- Start.

Laveranues Coles, Redskins: He's the big gun the 'Skins brought in and he's just what Steve Spurrier wanted, outside of going to Florida State. He's a legitimate deep threat and has number problem wrestling the big play tag away from Gardner. VERDICT -- Start.

Reach the reporter at ASUHoodzow@yahoo.com.

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