This weekend not only kickoffs the start of the NFL season, but also the start of fantasy football. Three players to watch out for on your teams this weekend are Victor Cruz, LeSean McCoy, and Ameer Abdullah.
Victor Cruz: He is coming back from a torn patellae tendon from last season, and wasn't seen in a Giants preseason game this year. Cruz has been dealing with a Calf injury that has kept him out of practice, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Cruz is unlikely to play this weekend, so keep an eye on him, and don't wait until Sunday night to make a decision.
The Giants are going into Dallas, and if you're looking at some players to start try Odell Beckham Jr. and Larry Donnell. Also Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen are tempting, but that will depend on how deep your league is, or if it is a point per reception (PPR) league. Cruz is unlikely to play, but if he does don't expect much as he hasn't played in a game since last October.
LeSean McCoy: "I think he's gonna be ready to roll," said Rex Ryan, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN. "We'll see how he progresses during the week. But he's practicing in full. So he'll be ready."
If McCoy is on the field there is no question to start him. The Bills play the Colts this weekend, and Indianapolis had the 18th worst defense in terms of rushing yards per game. Tyrod Taylor may even open up holes for McCoy if he can move the ball on the ground, but Taylor can't become one dimensional as he needs to keep defenses on their heels. McCoy is a top ten back, and if Rex Ryan can make his defense and rushing attack in Buffalo like he did with the Jets, then McCoy owners will be very happy.
Ameer Abdullah: He may be a good pick towards the middle of the season, but right now you will have to wait. Abdullah has been a hot-topic this preseason, and rightfully so as he was a superior talent at Nebraska. Abdullah is third on the Lions recently released depth chart, behind Joique Bell and Theo Riddick. Both Bell and Riddick are talented backs, making it hard for Abdullah to get carries. The second round pick will certainly get his share of carries, he just may need to get acclimated in the system before he turns in big numbers.
The Lions are going to San Diego Sunday, and the Chargers had the 26th worst run defense last season. Unfortunately for Abdullah owners, he won't be seeing much of that defense. If you have Bell it's a clear start for Sunday, but you might want to wait a week or two before inserting Abdullah into the lineup.