STARTERS & BENCHWARMERS

You don't need me advising you to start LaDainian Tomlinson and Tony Romo, or to bench Tarvaris Jackson and Ashley Lelie. So I'll spare you the obvious recommendations, focusing instead on the players typically on the bubble of most fantasy rosters. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 1.

Watch 'em roll

Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals at 49ers: Not only has he extended Matt Leinart's reign as the Cardinals' "quarterback of the future" into record territory, but he gets to rub it in with starts against the 49ers and Dolphins over the first two weeks. Warner pasted 484 yards and 2 TDs on the 49ers last season, so you know he's licking his chops.

Willie Parker, RB, Steelers vs. Texans: Worried about poaching by Rashard Mendenhall? Don't be. After the rookie fumbled three times in preseason, you can safely cross him off the list of Pittsburgh ball-handlers trusted inside the red zone. Parker won't surrender goal-line duties any time soon. In fact, he may match last year's entire two-touchdown output on Sunday against Houston.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons vs. Lions: Look for Atlanta to feature its prized free-agent acquisition while keeping things simple for its prized draft pick (QB Matt Ryan). Detroit featured a poor run defense last season, and it won't turn around overnight. The Burner should have a fine debut in his new uniform.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions at Falcons: Atlanta is a team in transition, with inexperienced players manning key positions on both sides of the ball. Not only will the Lions offense be able to move at will, but they're likely to benefit from several Falcons turnovers. Look for the talented second-year wideout to find the end zone at least once.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles vs. Rams: I can't believe I'm recommending a rookie receiver in Week 1. But Jackson is the healthiest wideout in Philly, he and Donovan McNabb have looked terrific all preseason, the Eagles are a pass-oriented team, and the Rams' porous secondary is coming to town.

Roll 'em back

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks at Bills: He threw just eight passes in the preseason due to a nagging back strain, and his receivers are dropping like flies. Nate Burleson (a chronic underachiever) and Courtney Taylor, who caught all of five passes in his rookie season, are this week's starters. That makes me nervous, especially on a long road trip, where Seattle has struggled of late.

Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens vs. Bengals: He'll be a game-time decision; but even if he suits up, he won't see much action on his surgically repaired knee. Impressive rookie Ray Rice should have a nice debut against a weak Cincinnati rush defense.

Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs at Patriots: It's hard to reserve at back of his caliber (and high draft price), but LJ is unlikely to find much running room against a stout New England defense with eight men crowding the box. Kansas City's offensive line is a shadow of its former self, and its passing attack won't threaten the Patriots.

Lee Evans, WR, Bills vs. Seahawks: He is a notoriously slow starter, and that trend should continue against the bend-but-don't-break Seattle secondary. Trent Edwards missed much of the preseason with a deep thigh bruise, so he's bound to be a little rusty. This could be a very low-scoring affair.

Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers vs. Panthers: You knew when you drafted him that he may not be 100 percent come the opener, and that is indeed the case. He will start on Sunday, but the lingering affects of his foot injury will limit his effectiveness. Gates was a boom-or-bust performer last season (held under 30 receiving yards without a score in half of his games). Reserve him if you possibly can.

TAKING A FLIER

Betting on Ricky Williams is risky business indeed. But the stars are aligned for a great season opener for the mercurial tailback. Bill Parcells has taken a shine to him, Ronnie Brown is dinged up, the Jets' shaky (albeit improved-on-paper) run defense is coming to town, and the conservatively coached home team will surely lean on the running game to milk the clock and keep the contest close. Ricky seems a lock for 100 yards and at least one score.

DON'T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO ... forgets to bench Brandon Marshall and Steve Smith. According to one leading fantasy site, 38 percent of Marshall's teams still had him in their starting lineups as of Thursday night, while Smith is active for 42 percent of his owners. Both are serving suspensions this week, and Smith will do so again in Week 2. Please folks, pay attention!