Hiccups and Pickups: Week 1

FALLING DOWN

Calvin Johnson. Megatron lost a TD, the game, and his quarterback for up to six weeks. The upside is that the ill-fated booth review may put a chip on CJ's shoulder, and the loss of some stability under center means the Lions should be down even more, and throw it deep even more.

Andre Johnson. Andre turned in a 3-catch, 30-yard performance in Week 1 vs. the Colts in a game that looked to be a shootout between Manning and Schaub. Instead, we got the official coming-out party of Arian Foster, and a "wait 'til Week 2" memo from AJ.

Frank Gore. The Seahawks stunned everyone and shut down Gore and the entire 49ers offense in Pete Carroll's debut. Gore managed just 38 yards on 17 carries, but did get looks out of the backfield, resulting in a 6/45 receiving line. The Saints are up next, and after doing a really nice job containing Adrian Peterson, Gore's breakout week may be put on hold again.

Michael Turner. Another consensus top-six running back with a dud performance in Week 1. Pittsburgh's home opener was a tough assignment for any running back, but 2.2 yards per carry must improve for owners to feel confident that Turner can be their flagbearer at tailback this season. The good news is he caught a ball.

DeSean Jackson. A tough matchup vs. the Green Bay D and losing Kevin Kolb cost Jackson a solid season debut. Michael Vick's play in Kolb's absence is reason to believe in Jackson, however, and the combination of Vick's arm strength and DeSean's speed is reason for excitement.

Matt Schaub. In NFL terms, Matt Schaub is 1-0. Don't tell that to his fantasy owners. Arian Foster's monster performance, specifically his continued ability to gain big yards throughout the game while keeping the ball away from Peyton Manning, forced the Texans to continue to pound the pavement all four quarters. In the long term, Foster's presence and demand for attention from opposing defenses will actually help Johnson get open.

Shonn Greene. The Jets missed an opportunity to motivate Greene by handing him the starting job before Hard Knocks even began filming. Instead, they should have either had an open competition, or named LaDainian the Opening Day starter at tailback. LaDainian has all the motivation he needs to play well in 2010, and showed it vs. the Ravens. Shonn Greene is a second-year player who has been given the job over one of the best all-time at the position, with nowhere near the track record. Had he started camp behind LT on the depth chart, he would have worked that much harder, and looked that much better Monday night.

MERCURY RISING

Brandon Jackson. Ryan Grant's ankle sprain opened the door for Jackson, and the erstwhile understudy was able to gain 63 yards on 18 carries vs. the stingy Philly defense. He makes a great play at Buffalo in Week 2 and an option as long as Grant is sidelined.

Legedu Naanee. The 4th-year speedster out of Boise State was Phil Rivers' most consistent target, totaling 110 yards and a TD at a rain-soaked Arrowhead on Monday night. The Chargers appear willing to never dress Vincent Jackson again, and Naanee's 2010 debut will only solidify that stance. I am Legedu. Have you picked me up yet?

Michael Vick. Michael Vick is finally at the helm of something other than a dogfighting ring or prison gang. It's the Philly offense, it's lightning fast, and you'll have to be faster than that to get him in non-waiver leagues.

Eddie Royal. In the same year that LeBron lost his crown, Eddie Royal may just regain his regal status. Brandon Marshall's departure hinted that Royal would be Kyle Orton's comfort zone this season, and Eddie's 8-catch 98-yard performance is a harbinger of the Return of the King.

Mark Clayton. Somebody has to catch the ball for St. Louis. The Rams will be down in games, and if Sam Bradford can keep himself upright, there will be yards to be had through the air. Why not Clayton?

Tony Moeake. Jamaal Charles draws a lot of attention. Thomas Jones must have an eye kept on him. Dwayne Bowe can beat teams deep and Chris Chambers is still a reliable target. Kansas City has weapons on offense, and Moeake should benefit from the most open space. The Iowa grad isn't Dallas Clark, but head Chief Scott Pioli didn't spend his third-round pick on Moeake for him to be uninvolved in the attack.