Matt Ryan tabbed as Falcons starter
USA Today
First-year Atlanta coach Mike Smith said Matt Ryan outperformed Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley on the field and in the classroom. In Smith's view, there was nothing ceremonial about this announcement even though Ryan signed a six-year, $72 million contract in May.

Bottom Line:  Ryan is a rooke...on a team that hasn't exactly had the best Offensive Lines in the past few years....since they didn't need to...Michael Vick wasn't a pocket passer.  I think Ryan is going to be a good QB eventually...and maybe even in time to help you during your starter's bye week.

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If you've drafted Jason Taylor...get ready to use a replacement
It's touch and go whether Jason Taylor will play in the Washington Redskins' season opener against the New York Giants.  Taylor sprained his right knee in the second quarter of Saturday night's 47-3 loss. An MRI performed Sunday morning allayed Redskins' fears of a more serious injury.  "It looks like there's no ligament damage," coach Jim Zorn said. "He could be out for 10 days or as much as two weeks. We are just waiting to see what type of a heeler he's going to be."

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Kurt Warner expected to be Cardinals starter
ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to name Kurt Warner as the team's starting quarterback, a team source said Sunday.  Matt Leinart's poor performance Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders probably sealed the decision.  Leinart had three interceptions in the first half and completed just 4 of 12 passes for 24 yards. His passer rating was 2.8. The Cardinals won the game 24-0.  The source said Leinart's training-camp performance has been uneven, and the Cardinals are concerned about his arm strength and consistency.

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Don't kid yourself, Matt Jones should not be on your team...yet
Jones "appears to be safe" from a roster cut, according to the Florida Timess-Union.  Jones hasn't wowed anyone in training camp, but he's played solid enough to earn a reserve wide receiver spot. He should not, however, be on anyone's fantasy radar at this point.

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JaMarcus Russell loses big target, might hurt your team
Russell went 14-for-28 passing with 140 yards and an interception in Saturday's preseason game.  Not good news on Saturday night for Russell's fantasy prospects this season was that projected No. 2 receiver Drew Carter went down with an ACL injury. The Raiders got creamed while relying on the pass Saturday night, so don't look for them to do it often during the regular season.  Therefore, you might be better off choosing someone else if you can.

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Chad Johnson out for Thursday, questionable for Sept. 7th opener
Chad Johnson will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Colts and is questionable for the start of the regular season, reports Bengals.com. The Bengals have been encouraged by his progress but no one knows if falling to the ground again, or getting hit there, or reaching for a ball awkwardly could cause a re-injury that could mean season-ending injury.

With each day that Johnson remains out, his Fantasy value dwindles. Right now, Johnson should be viewed as a No. 2 Fantasy WR worth a pick around Round 4 in all leagues but hopefully he'll be available when the season begins.

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Monday's Fantasy Sleeper
Tim Hightower, RB - Arizona
Edgerrin James' backup, Tim Hightower, could average eight or more carries per game this season, the Arizona Republic reports.  Last year, James handled all but 41 of Arizona's carries (2.6 per game) and accumulated the second-most rushes in the NFL. This year, Hightower has a good chance to take short-yardage and a few other carries away from James. It's the expected loss of goal-line duties that should be the biggest blow to James' value.  If you're league gives lots of points for TD's rather than yards....or you have a yard-getting RB....Hightower could be a good pick later in the draft.

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