Tom Brady Heads Up Fantasy Football QB Rankings for Week One

FanHouse positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

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The main thing to remember in week one is that it is, in fact, week one. We're heading into an uncharted and quite unpredictable season. Play your studs. Sure, there are variables like Kurt Warner facing a defense he will torch or Carson Palmer's situation being a really poor one.

On the other hand, Tom Brady was the consensus number one QB in fantasy in the preseason. His team is playing the Chiefs at home. As long as he's gonna play -- and it looks like he will -- why wouldn't he be the top dog?

Who to Play in Week 1

No. 1 - Tom Brady, Patriots
Health was the only question mark holding down Brady's Week 1 value. He appears ready to go, though, and that means huge numbers at home against a terrible Kansas City defense.

Donald Miralle, Getty Images

No. 2 - Tony Romo, Cowboys
The good news? Romo and the 'Boys open in Cleveland, where the Browns sport one of the NFL's worst defenses. The better news? Jessica Simpson won't be making the trip.

Denis Poroy, AP

No. 3 - Peyton Manning, Colts
Another star QB that fantasy players might shy away from in Week 1 due to healthy concerns. Don't. Manning will start versus Chicago, and that means he has to be in your lineup.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

No. 4 - Drew Brees, Saints
Until the Saints know how much they can trust the knees of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, they'll rely on Brees to win games. And that means stout passing numbers, even with Tampa Bay in town.

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

No. 5 - Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
There may be plenty of weeks where Pittsburgh's offense has to grind it out. This is not one of them. Houston continues to improve, but Big Ben will still find plenty of passing room.

Rick Stewart, Getty Images

Best value: Warner, though Jon Kitna playing against an absolutely abysmal Falcons' defense is right there as well.
Worst value: Palmer

The Rankings
1. Tom Brady, Pats, vs. KC
2. Tony Romo, Cowboys, @ CLE
3. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. CHI
4. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. TB
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, vs. HOU
6. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, vs. STL
7. Derek Anderson, Browns, vs. DAL
8. Kurt Warner, Cards, at SF
9. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. CAR
10. Jon Kitna, Lions, at ATL
11. Brett Favre, Jets, at MIA
12. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at BUF
13. Eli Manning, Giants, at WAS
14. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at BAL
15. Matt Schaub, Texans, at PIT
16. Jay Cutler, Broncos, at OAK
17. Jake Delhomme, Panthers, at SD
18. David Garrard, Jags, at TEN
19. Marc Bulger, Rams, at PHI
20. Jason Campbell, Redskins, at NYG
21. Trent Edwards, Bills, vs. SEA
22. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. MIN
23. J.T. O'Sullivan, Niners, vs. ARI
24. Jeff Garcia, Bucs, at NO
25. Chad Pennington, Dolphins, vs. NYJ
26. Matt Ryan, Falcons, vs. DET
27. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders, vs. DEN
28. Vince Young, Titans, vs. JAX
29. Kyle Orton, Bears, at IND
30. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. CIN
31. Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings, at GB
32. Brodie Croyle, Chiefs, at NE

Latest NFL Photos

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees stretches as the team practiced in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Saints are practicing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Colts' new stadium, after fleeing from hurricane Gustav, and will return to New Orleans on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo smiles as he walks off the field after the Cowboys won 16-10 over the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL pre-season football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown is shown during practice Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 in Philadelphia. Brown is upset that his name is being used in a video that is on the internet, made by agent Drew Rosenhaus who represents Lito Sheppard. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard during practice Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 in Philadelphia. Teammate Sheldon Brown is upset with his name is being used in a video on the internet, made by agent Drew Rosenhaus who represents Sheppard. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy jogs before the team's football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Colts face the Chicago Bears in their season opening game on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, left, talks with associate head coach Jim Caldwell before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Coach Tony Dungy said that Manning would probably start Sunday night's season-opener against Chicago, perfect timing for a starting offense that failed to score a single touchdown in five preseason games. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts linebackers Gary Brackett, left, and Freddie Keiaho joke around as they stretched before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Colts face the Chicago Bears in their season opening game on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning warms up before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Coach Tony Dungy said that Manning would probably start Sunday night's season-opener against Chicago, perfect timing for a starting offense that failed to score a single touchdown in five preseason games. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Keith Urban, left, Natasha Bedingfield and Usher pose for photos at a New York news conference, Wednesday Sept. 3. 2008. The three singers are scheduled to perform during a free concert in New York's Columbus Circle Thursday in conjunction with the Nationall Football League season opener. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)