Kurt Warner or Derek Anderson Week 1?

Question

Who should I start?

Answer 1

To top QB's in order for week 1:

Tom Brady - NE vs KC

Tony Romo - DAL at CLE

Drew Brees - NO vs TB

Peyton Manning - IND vs CHI

Ben Roethlisberger - PIT vs HOU

Carson Palmer - CIN at BAL

Donovan McNabb - PHI vs STL

Kurt Warner - ARI at SF

Jon Kitna - DET at ATL

Aaron Rodgers - GB vs MIN

Matt Schaub - HOU at PIT

Derek Anderson - CLE vs DAL

Jason Campbell - WAS at NYG

Jay Cutler - DEN at OAK

Vince Young - TEN vs JAX

Jeff Garcia - TB at NO

Eli Manning - NYG vs WAS

J.T. OSullivan - SF vs ARI

Philip Rivers - SD vs CAR

Matt Hasselbeck - SEA at BUF

Arizona Cardinals Passing Offense at San Francisco 49ers Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

Kurt Warner was a fantasy madman last year when he got his chance, posting enough fantasy points to land at #9 in fantasy points per game during 2007. With the starting gig his now, expect Warner to be very focused and efficient with the football. During his career he's completed 65.1% of his passes, which illustrates his skills (last year, he completed 62.3% of his throws, with 282/452 for 3409 yards, 27 TDs and 17 interceptions). Providing Warner with targets is no problem on this team - Larry Fitzgerald (101/1412/10) was the 5th best fantasy WR in points per game last year, and Anquan Boldin (71/853/9 over 12 games) was 10th. Boldin has been agitating for a new contract throughout training camp, though, and is very disaffected - we'll see how that impacts his focus on game day this week. The #3 WR position goes to Steve Breaston, who has looked vastly improved over 2007 during preseason. Leonard Pope is the presumptive starter at TE entering week 1.

The 49er's pass defense was towards the bottom of the NFL last year, averaging 227.7 yards allowed per game (22nd in the NFL) with 24 passing scores surrendered (20th). San Fran was in the middle of the NFL pack with 31 sacks generated, but the Cardinals' OL is pretty decent at pass blocking (only 24 sacks given up last year) - there isn't a lot here to scare Warner and company, frankly. Kyle Orton and Caleb Hanie carved the 49ers up for 3 TDs and 13/24 for 198 yards during the week 3 preseason tilt at Soldier field - and nobody confuses the Bears' attack for a high-octane aerial assault.