2007 NFL -- Week 1

It's time to get this thing started. Remember, if they're good enough to be in your line-up every day, I'm not going to mention them. Barring injury or suspension, guys like LaDainian Tomlinson, Peyton Manning, and the Ravens Defense should always be active on your team. You don't need me to remind you.

This blog is about giving you the hardcore edge to maximize your performance every week. This edge entails finding the players--either on your bench or on waivers--who will exceed all expectations in their next game.

A couple of themes for Week 1:

1. Home Field Advantage -- It's opening day for 16 home crowds. Home field advantage for these 16 teams, collectively, won't be this big for the rest of the season.
2. Motivation -- Most players have something to prove; a few players have a lot to prove.

Here are your Week 1 hardcore picks:

QB -- Tono Romo is projected to be the 11th best quarterback on CBS Sportsline, making him just barely unreliable enough to merit a mention on this blog. Playing against a weak Giants pass defense and looking to avenge a devastating playoff loss, Romo is primed for a big home game. Yes, the Cowboys have a good running game, but Eli Manning is equally motivated to prove that he can be a leader. It'll be a battle of the quarterbacks, with Romo getting the extra boost in front of his fans.

RB -- LaMont Jordan is playing against a terrible run defense. He's also been handed the starting job temporarily by the Raiders, thanks to Dominic Rhodes' brief suspension. Two years ago I read an article where an under-performing Jordan said he wasn't getting the ball enough. So I picked him up, and that Sunday he score 3 touchdowns. Today, Jordan is motivated to keep the starting job. Add to that the Raiders' motivation to prove to their home crowd that last year was an ugly fluke, and you've got the makings of a big game for Jordan.

WR -- Joe Horn is a tough call. He's playing on the road on a pretty bad team that's further beaten down by the Michael Vick situation. But the Vikings are one of the worst teams against the pass. And let's not forget that Horn was cast aside by the high-flying Saints in the off-season. A 2nd-year pro might get frustrated and underperform. But at 35 years old, Horn knows he still has a few years left. And in his first game, he'll do whatever he can to prove to the Saints--and to the rest of the league--that he's not far removed from his All-Pro form.

TE -- Daniel Graham is an under-rated Week 1 start. Sure, there are better TE's out there, but consider Graham the "best of the rest" for the season opener. Broncos QB Jay Cutler is still getting acclimated to the NFL. With #2 receiver Rod Smith out, Cutler will want to give Graham more looks. Assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger recently said that his team needs to get the ball to Graham. All of this adds up to a hardcore choice for tight end.

K -- No freakin' way am I advising you on kickers. And be wary of anyone who gives you advice. Follow the most basic principle: Good kickers are good, and bad kickers are bad. Unless you're in a 20-team league, you'll find a good kicker. Spend the rest of your hard-earned time on positions with greater scoring impact.

Defense -- The Redskins are consistently ranked as one of the worst defenses, but expect a huge surprise in Week 1. They're motivated by their precarious situation: They're getting worse, not better; and if they don't turn it around, coaching icon Joe Gibbs might not be back in '08. Facing a Dolphins team whose offense has been below par for nearly a decade, this is the Redskins' chance to send their fans home happy. They won't disappoint, because they simply can't afford to disappoint.