Week 1: PPR Watch
TE Jacob Tamme, DEN
Avoid - Everyone remembers when Tamme filled in for the injured Dallas Clark in 2010 and immediately shot into the top 5 in targets. He served owners admirably over the last half of the season. That memory has turned into high expectations, as the former 4th rounder shot up the TE rankings when it was announced he would reunite with Peyton Manning in Denver. Unfortunately, as the summer has worn on, Joel Dreessen emerged at the top of the depth chart, and is being used in at least equal portions. Owners of Owen Daniels have been in this position before. Dreessen is a touchdown vulture if ever one existed at the TE position, and two TE sets are likely to happen with regularity. Until I see him produce, I just can't roll with Tamme (especially in a week 1 matchup with a stingy Steelers defense).
RB Mike Tolbert, CAR
Sleeper - If Jonathan Stewart is unable to go in week 1, teams desperate for a running back could do worse than Mike Tolbert. Tolbert has proven he has great hands, is a quality blocker, and can punch it in the endzone from short yardage. Williams owners are hoping for a bigger share of the load, but Carolina doesn't target a player like Tolbert unless they plan to use him. DeAngelo is virtually a non factor as a receiver, and it seems likely Tolbert will be on the field in most of the same situations where they would have used Stewart. Tampa was beaten up on the ground last year, and other than first round selection Mark Barron, little has changed about the defense. Tolbert should be safe for 10-12 touches and could produce nicely with those opportunities.
WR Austin Collie, ---
Sleeper - We know Austin Collie can play at the NFL level. He has the toughness, he has the hands, he can run the routes. Unfortunately, he's also taken a few hits over the middle that have put his career in serious jeopardy. Collie went undrafted in many leagues, largely due to another serious concussion in the pre-season. Nevertheless, he's ready to rock, and will start in the season opener. The Colts will pass a lot this season with rookie Andrew Luck. With little hope of running the ball against the Bears, I expect to see Collie with a bunch of targets right out of the gate. If you need a flex or even a low end WR3 with upside, Collie is a nice start this week. Should Collie have trouble staying on the field, keep Donnie Avery on your radar. He looked great in dress rehearsal week 3, and could also become a factor later in the season.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
