OFF THE CUFF - Fantasy Sports -

One thing we've all learned from Week One of the 2008 season is to know your rookies. Those that did had "The Missile" Chris Johnson and Eddie Royal on their teams know where I'm coming from. Let's see what's on tap for next Sunday.

START

Ben Roethlisberger: Going against a cream puff secondary that surrendered 320 yards to Tony Romo and company last week will have Big Ben licking his chops. Look for Santonio Holmes to get back into the swing of things at wide out.

Kurt Warner: As I suspected, the Fish aren't quite ready for prime time yet. There are too many new jacks on that squad to contend with the likes of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Former Giant Will Allen was mighty impressive, but he won't be enough to put the brakes on Arizona's Big Red Machine.

Reggie Bush: Fantasy football is all about opportunity. Mr. 619 will see more balls thrown to him than he can shake a stick at with top receiver Marques Colston on the shelf. If the Saints avoid overburdening him with carries in the running game, Bush has the tools to be the explosive weapon we remember him being at USC.

Pierre Thomas: Saints alive! Here's another New Orleans running back on the list. Those paying attention this summer were well aware that Deuce McAllister is quitely being phased out of the offense, which means that the younger, healthier Thomas will be running circles around a soft Washington defense that was taken to the woodshed by the Super Bowl Giants.

Justin Fargas: When it comes to endurance, we all know Huggy Bear is just as durable as vanilla ice cream in a hot sauna. But when Fargas is whole, he's a bottlerocket. The young Chiefs defense is no match for this china doll.

Plaxico Burress: Did you see the highlights of St. Louis' corners trying to cover the likes of Greg Lewis and Hank Baskett? Now just picture Tye Hill and Ron Bartell trying to keep pace with Big Blue's jolly green giant. Until further notice, the Rams are the Washington Generals of the NFL.

BENCH

Joseph Addai: The third-year back had his bell rung during the second half of last week's game versus the Bears, and had to be pulled from the game. Is this a concussion he suffered? If so, how severe was it? No one's telling. Don't play doctor and get burned. Addai could see his carries limited if he does play and he'll also be matching up with Minnesota's big, bad Purple People Eaters.

Chad Johnson: Watch Chad "Ocho Stinko" lay an egg versus a ravaging Tennessee defense out for blood. Carson Palmer will be running for his life, looking for his safety valve, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, while 85 will be crying for his mamma all afternoon.

Steve Slaton: Know your rookies. Slaton isn't built to take on 18- to-20 carries a game. Houston is currently trying out a cadre of backs, as they try to come to grips with Ahman Green's latest mishap. Some teams never learn. Good luck all.