This is a fantasy preview minus one game — Thursday’s Giants-Redskins game. Like I wrote in a previous post, the beginning of this season just seemed to happen suddenly, six weeks of training camp and preseason notwithstanding. By next week, I should be back on a normal routine, as should this blog. In the meantime, here’s a better-late-than-never look at the fantasy weekend ahead.

SMART STARTS
Ryan Grant, RB, Packers: There has been some speculation that last season — half-season, really — was a fluke, and that Grant won’t repeat his success. If he does falter this year, it won’t be in Week 1, at Lambeau Field, against the Vikings, in the regular-season debut of an lightly tested quarterback. Grant will come through for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: Get your good fantasy games out of McNabb before he inevitably gets injured. He should have a field day with the Rams coming to Philadelphia on Sunday.

Any Saint: OK, not any Saint, but I’m betting their major fantasy players will come through Sunday, just a week after Hurricane Gustav forced them to move some workouts to Indiana. Some teams might not respond to the upheaval, but the Saints, with all that New Orleans has gone through, will produce, with good games from Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey.

SOME SLEEPERS
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets: There’s been plenty of talk of how new QB Brett Favre has been establishing a rapport with Cotchery, much like he did with Greg Jennings last season. Believe it, at least for Week 1 against the hapless Dolphins.

J.T. O’Sullivan, QB, 49ers: If O’Sullivan is going to have a crazy I’m-somehow-starting-in-the-NFL performance before reality sets in, it might be Sunday at home against Arizona. He might be too risky to start in one-QB leagues, but if your team allows two, he’s worth a chance.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons: Turner is another playing looking to prove himself. In his first game as Atlanta’s featured back, at home, he should top 100 yards.

AVOID, AVOID, AVOID
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals: I can’t explain why Palmer might bust this weekend. Maybe it’s the uncertainty in his offense. Maybe it’s his facing a Ravens defense in Baltimore. Maybe it’s just a hunch. Whatever the reason, if you can muddle through without Palmer for one week, don’t be afraid to bench him.

Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers. Delhomme won’t be throwing to Steve Smith, who is serving a two-game suspension for punching a teammate during training camp. Delhomme also is playing at San Diego in his first regular-season game back since surgery. It’s just not a good week for the veteran.

LenDale White, RB, Titans: White wasn’t effective against Jacksonville last year, and with Tennessee’s added depth at the position, if he isn’t effective Sunday, he won’t get as many carries. Sit him if you can.