Photo: Rich Barnes, USA Today Sports

PreEmptive Advice

Time to drink from the firehose. This is how lots of fantasy owners feel after Week 1's injuries, rookie debuts, and box score surprises. The questions flying into inboxes and Twitter feeds of fantasy writers include: What did you see from [player name]? Is [player name] for real? and Should I drop/add [Player A] for [Player B]? 

Then there are my favorite, my-team-would-be-a lot-better-if-it-weren't-an-opening-week-M*A*S*H*-unit-related questions. The first four weeks are the time of the year where fantasy owners are most likely to feel overwhelmed. My first piece of advice is a reminder that we all need one year or another: It frequently takes only 1-2 productive transactions to build a winning team that can compete for a championship.

Considering that last year I had a team earn a championship berth where I made 38 transactions and only 2 of them before December yielded worthwhile players, it should ease your mind. If you're willing to adopt a persistent approach to building your team rather than expecting your draft to win it for you, then you will have a leg up on many owners who give up by Week 6.  

Although you should not be reticent to act -- and act bold when necessary -- I'm not going to tell you that there's a player you must get this week or some radical change you need to make if you want a chance to survive. This might be true in some cases, but more than anything you need to learn not to get frustrated when your initial moves in September fail to bear fruit because as I said above, it's October through December that separates fair-weathered fantasy owners from the better players.

This week's column will be of the Random Shots variety, but lacking Joe Bryant's humor and clever use of visuals. I'm talking unfiltered fantasy takes -- straight, no chaser. 

He ain't Mike Quick, but he's getting Better

Rams receiver Brian Quick was a project when St. Louis drafted him from Appalachian State. He was little more than a big body with NFL-caliber athleticism and decent hands when he entered the league. However, it seemed that expectations were higher from some analysts and fans.

I'm happy to report that Quick finally looks like an NFL player. He's doing a better job of using his hands to work free of press coverage and he's getting savvier and using is hands and body to gain position in tight coverage at the top of his stems and after his breaks. Quick is also more consistent at attacking the football after his breaks.

Quick is worth consideration for at least the next four weeks to see if he continues to develop confidence as he faces a steadier diet of the top two corners in opposing defensive schemes. I wouldn't project anything higher than bye-week or flex production this month, but with teams likely more familiar and concerned about the likes of Jared Cook, Tavon Austin, and Kenny Britt, Quick is finally worth your time. 

IDP Alert - Aaron Donald: Mike Zimmer Ought to Know

You don't usually see a rookie defensive tackle earn consistent double teams in the season opener, but when the opposing coach used to have Geno Atkins, he knows a thing or two about the potential for Aaron Donald to be a game wrecker. The Rams' lineman didn't have any sacks, but he had four solo tackles with two for a loss, including an impressive job of blowing past Phil Loadholt in the fourth quarter to obliterate Adrian Peterson in the backfield. 

I can hear it now: Aren't you going to welcome me to the NFL, All Day? 

Teams that like to pull guards and slant tackles to pick up the man in the middle better have an athletic outside man or Donald's burst might set the lineman's jersey on fire. Certainly there's a likelihood that other teams will be wise enough to double Donald, but I wouldn't be surprised if some scouting departments haven't labeled the rookie "Geno, Jr." just yet. 

Even if they do, the Rams have enough talent with its front four to limit some of those potential double teams. Plus, Donald will only get better at handling them at the pro level. Most of you in IDP leagues who read my stuff already had a clue (and the hots for) about Donald's fantasy potential. If not, read here. 

He's still raw, but If Tuna TareTare is good . . . 

The second-year receiver I'm talking about here still has to learn how to aggressively sell the vertical routes off the line of scrimmage so he does a better job of setting up fade routes. But unlike Louisville prospect DeVante Parker or any receiver in college football or the NFL, Cordarrelle Patterson has once-in-a-generation talent as an open field runner. 

I've said this before, but Patterson is the most talented open field runner that isn't an RB that I have ever seen. The likelihood of him earning 100-yard games as a rusher on a consistent basis is low, but I wouldn't be shocked if 600-700 yards rushing doesn't complement Patterson's 600-700 yards receiving. We're talking 40-45 yards per game from each dimension. 

I have some concerns that Patterson's route running techniques could limit his consistency as a WR2, but if you can shore up the consistency of the other 2-3 receivers in your lineup the upside on those good days could be well worth it. 

If you Don't like Raw Fish May I suggest a Grassfed, Dry-Aged RibEye Cooked Rare

Kelvin Benjamin looks sharper than he did at Florida State. He's more precise against tight coverage and so far his concentration is on point. I'll have no hesitation about starting him for the next three weeks and I imagine by October, he'll be a must-start every week as a solid WR2 with WR1 upside. If there's a lesson to consider with every rookie it's to consider how he can succeed with his current skills. Benjamin looks like he's learning fast and playing physical. Those two things will go a long way for fantasy owners if he remains consistent. 

Who is THAT guy? 

I helped build the Le'Veon Bell bandwagon in 2013 and I considered him a potential top-15 back after monitoring his progress as a rookie. His quickness at the NFL Combine was rare for a back of his size and his power, burst, and agility allowed him to be a patient runner. 

What I didn't anticipate is that Bell would drop so much weight that he literally looks like a different player physically. In terms of style and conceptual approach, Bell looks the same. However, now he's even quicker and this is augmenting his skills. 

The move Bell made to break open against the Browns linebacker in coverage on a pass reception with 11:50 in the second quarter was impressive. So was the 38-yard touchdown where he displayed great patience, burst, moves, and power. Yes, the power to bounce off hits and run through wraps is still there. 

If you still think Bell isn't in the upper echelon of backs then you're relying on unreliable second-hand information. Don't worry about LeGarrette Blount's presence. The Steelers' second-string back will earn his share of red zone looks, but he won't monopolize them. Bell had a touchdown called back on a holding penalty on a red zone attempt in the first quarter. He'll also be a yardage machine, because Ben Roethlisberger clearly trusts Bell as an outlet and is quickly developing a similar rapport with the runner as he has with Heath Miller. 

After watching Bell during the preseason and Week 1, I have to consider Bell a potential top-five talent. Considering I had him ranked No.7 among my runners entering the season, it's more confirmation than shock. 

Is There a Dangerous Mob Mentality With Isaiah CRowell This week? 

If I helped with the Bell Bandwagon construction job, I was part of the architectural team with Crowell. Even so, I've been preaching caution with the most talented runner of this draft class. A Ben Tate injury and two Crowell touchdowns later in Pittsburgh and the box score mob is flooding the streets and changing Crowell's name as a fantasy impact player this year.

I think it's premature, but it may still ultimately work out in the mob's favor. The reason is Terrance West on both counts. 

The Browns' earlier rookie pick did little to lose his opportunity to start if Tate's injury forces the veteran to miss an extended period of time. He displayed skill to make one strong cut and get down hill and he's reading his blocks well enough to earn positive yards -- especially with the way the Browns opened holes on Pittsburgh's defense. 

Where there is potential cause for concern when the Browns' offensive line faces stiffer opposition is West revealing some of rookie tendencies last week that didn't him, but could do so against a better defensive front. West hesitated on a few runs in Sunday's game where he considered a dramatic cutback when the first free defender flashed across his face, but the angle to continue on the original course was still there.  The rookie's weakest point as a runner has been some hesitancy as a short-yardage back.

Crowell is a savvier runner in these respects and the Browns' decision to use Crowell in the red zone validates the film work that reveals Crowell's edge here. Even so, West did nothing to lose the opportunity and his backup will have to prove that he's a potential star to take the job outright from West.

I think it can happen over the course of a season, but it's more likely that Crowell earns a split and projecting which of the duo has a starter-caliber fantasy week could prove difficult. If you're going to go big and take the risk that one of West or Crowell can significantly help your team, this is the week to do so. It might fizzle, but the offensive line and talent of these two runners can help your lineup sizzle.

I prefer talent (Crowell) over situation (West) if you have the luxury of depth and you're seeking a guy who might put you over the top with his upside, but still has a chance to earn bye-week or low-end flex-points as his floor.

No Paean's to Chase STuart Yet

In case you missed it, our Footballguys Omega Staff League featured soe fun trash talk between Chase and me. It all started when Football Perspective, Inc. asked us to analyze his draft on the air of a Google Hangout.

I said Chase's selections were good, safe banker and lawyer picks. Apparently, Chase doesn't like his day job because he didn't appreciate my use of his industry ties to characterize his picks.

In his attempt to get hip, Chase chose Sammie Watkins and asked the crew -- and specifically me -- that selecting Watkins in the middle rounds was no banker-lawyer pick. I explained to the young football data wunderkind that claiming Watkins as a non-banker/lawyer pick would be like running a law firm and beating your chest about your unconventionality when you hired a Harvard Law grad. 

Next thing you know, our favorite numbers-guy still needs a QB in the 10th round and before I pick, Jeff Hasley baits Chase to make the Jets homer pick of Geno Smith. I already had Peyton Manning as my QB1, but I like to get a second QB1 prospect around this spot of the draft so I took Cam Newton. It was also fun to further bait Chase into the possibility of taking Smith over the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Robert Griffin, Andy Dalton, and Carson Palmer.

Chase bit and I crowed about setting up residence in his head for the rest of the night.

But here's the deal: Smith looked pretty good last week. It was the Raiders so let's not get carried away, but the second-year quarterback played with a good rhythm in his decisions and execution of technique.

Even on a roll to the right where he was setting up a screen during the first drive the game, Smith was decisive and accurate throwing to Chris Johnson while retreating from pressure. The interception Charles Woodson made in the first quarter was a savvy play and better recognition of Smith's progression than necessarily a poor decision.

Smith also had enough dropped passes that would have kept drives alive and added to his fantasy totals. The one big miss was a seam route to Jeff Cumberland, who, by the way, might be a nice desperation addition if your cupboard is bare at the position on the waiver wire.   

I contended last year that Smith didn't look as many described and he's taking another step forward. That said, Chase, don't expect an apology unless Smith is a top-12 fantasy option and you beat me in the playoffs with him in your starting lineup. At that point, I'll hand you back the keys to the penthouse I set up in that big brain of yours...

Makes Plays in Tight, Physical coverage

If someone were to make a talking doll in my likeness where you pull the string and it would utter one of a half-dozen phrases I'm known for saying, then the statement above would be one of them. This is one of the most important qualities of an NFL-caliber wide receiver capable of starting in the league.

The best rookie receiver in Jacksonville flashed this ability to make these plays as a college player along the sunny shores of Miami. Yes, I know Marqise Lee went to Southern Cal, but I'm talking about Allen Hurns.  Lee is a better athlete and more dynamic runner after the catch with a desire to make the big play, but his consistency in tight, physical coverage has been lacking throughout his career and not just that "bad 2013 season" everyone excuses Lee for.

Don't be shocked if Hurns, who was characterized as the No.3 option before Sunday's game so the staff could buffer some of that pressure of being in the starting rotation in his first regular season contest, doesn't remain that "No.3" who sees targets more like the team's "No.2." even when Cecil Shorts returns. 

It's worth noting that Hurns was only targeted twice in the second half and didn't earn a reception. However, it's worth noting that the Jaguars didn't have another healthy, experienced option to keep the Eagles from paying for taking away Hurns. When Shorts returns this could change for the better.

Hurns is a better dynasty play than a reliable re-draft option, but worth consideration for the next moth as a mid-priority waiver option this week while Lee finds his way and Shorts finds his health.

Practice Makes Perfect

Ben Roethlisberger spent the preseason forcing the ball to Markus Wheaton on perimeter routes when it seemed that the greatest success for the duo was coming on in-breaking routes. Good think Roethlisberger was relentless about trying those perimeter routes, because they were in sync and connecting frequently against Cleveland. Wheaton displayed the technique and comfort level in tight coverage that I saw from him at Oregon State.

Wheaton was near-dominant against the corners during 2013's Senior Bowl practices and this Sunday he looked like that player. Wheaton and Bell are great news for the Steelers, who might be the AFC's version of the Chicago Bears (all offense, struggling defense we're not used to seeing from these historic organizations) this year.

Rookie Tight Ends = Fantasy Rollercoaster

There are exceptions, but this is the one position where first-year options should be given the old side-eye. Eric Ebron had on target and no receptions in his debut. Jace Amaro had 4 targets, 2 catches, and 7 yards to veteran Jeff Cumberland's 50 yards on 4 catches. And Austin Seferian-Jenkins had a nice catch and run for 26 yards but then left the game not much later with a leg injury.

Although minor, he missed the rest of the game. Richard Rodgers also got banged up and missed most of the Seattle contest. 

Colt Lyerla earned a DUI charge this weekend. It's rarely good to be a rookie tight end. 

If you made a major investment in a rookie option as your re-draft starter there's still time to change your mind. If you stick with a rookie, I hope you're tall enough to ride the Screaming Mimi. In addition to Cumberland, John Carlson has long been a cheap option I've mentioned worth your consideration if you're in a deep league and need a week-to-week option to tide you over. Mychal Rivera, too. 

I smile When . . . 

...Folks characterize Carson Palmer as immobile. He's escaped a lot of near-impossible situations as a Raider and Cardinal. This continued last night. However, folks only see the impossible situations and apply their inaccurate take. 

...I see Antonio Brown get a target in space. He's no Cordarrelle Patterson, but Patterson can only hope, pray, and work that he can route roues and catch the ball as well as Brown one day.

...Bobby Rainey still has a job, although that fumble this weekend was costly.

...Fred Jackson continues to give C.J. Spiller a booster seat when they go to the restaurant to eat.  Reminds me of me and Cian Fahey (I hope you're reading his work). 

...When "too old" Steve Smith runs 70 yards and decides to turn back grab Adam Jones by the chest plate and yank him across his body to the ground as if mighty myte were Michael Floyd. Come to thin of it, maybe Floyd could one day be Steve Smith (with a little luck a lot more work). 

...Robert Woods spends most of the season playing understudy to the rest of the depth chart, but is the best receiver on the squad when the lights come on. I'm giving him the nickname, "No Hype." He'll be the receiver on Marshawn Lynch's All-About That Action, Boss Team.

...Beast Mode is in effect.