Unknown Quantities

I spent some time answering questions on the ESPN fantasy football boards last night and one thing I kept coming back to is that many players are, as of right now, unknown quantities. They are unproven rookies, vets in a new system, coming off injuries or working a starting role for the first time. Are they legitimate trade-bait, or destined for the bench? Here's a list of 10 unknown quantities to keep an eye on this weekend:

• Kevin Smith-RB-Detroit: Smith quickly stripped the starting job from Tatum Bell in camp and was looking like a definite RB3, possible RB2. But then Matt Millen signed the recently released Rudi Johnson. While it was certain that Smith would get almost every carry with Bell as a backup, Rudi is a much bigger threat. If Smith looks good this weekend against Atlanta, he should maintain the bulk of the workload. If he struggles, expect a timeshare to develop in short order.
• Eddie Royal-WR-Denver: Royal exceeded expectations for a rookie wideout in camp and climbed into the number two receiver position. With Brandon Marshall out for game one, Royal is in the #1 spot and he won't get a better opportunity to earn his starter status.
• Frank Gore-RB-San Franciso: Predictions about Gore's production this season have fluctuated wildly. One camp believes Gore's soft hands will make him a valuable receiving target in a pass-happy Martz offense. The non-believers see Gore as the only threat in a weak 49ers offense, which makes it easy to load the box and shut him down. Gore has looked good in his pre-season outings, but this week's matchup against Arizona will be the first real opportunity to see how effective Gore will be in the Martz offense.
• Peyton Manning-QB-Indianapolis: Manning? Unknown quantity? Oh yes. Peyton's time on the field during the pre-season is best described as "limited." And with Jeff Saturday out for the at least 4 more weeks, the offensive line is a question mark. I'm not suggesting that Manning was or is a poor draft choice. But this week is going to be critical in projecting his success for the first half of the season.
• Calvin Johnson-WR-Detroit: After a promising rookie campaign and a pre-season where CJ is being hailed as the second coming of Randy Moss (the 2007 version), Johnson has enormous promise. Tune in to see if his production matches his potential.
• Chris Perry-RB-Cincinnati: With the release of Rudi Johnson, Perry is set to take the majority of carries for the Bengals. Perry has had a solid pre-season and it's doubtful Marvin Lewis would release Johnson is he had questions about Perry's effectiveness. However, this will be his first shot at a starting role and he needs to put his talent to use, or a committee situation with Kenny Watson will develop.
• Greg Jennings-WR-Green Bay: In 2007 Jennings was Brett Favre's favorite home run option. And a long pre-season TD connection with Aaron Rodgers shows Jennings hasn't lost a step. The question is whether Rodgers will be as daring as his gun-slinging predecessor. If Rodgers proves to be a more conservative QB, Jennings could pay the price, while Donald Driver's stock rises.
• Michael Turner-RB-Atlanta: After crawling out from underneath LT's monstrous shadow, Turner is poised to have a breakout year as the designated starter in Atlanta. However, the Falcons are a team in transition with a rookie QB. Much like Frank Gore in San Francisco, if Turner proves to be the only dangerous offensive weapon, opposing defenses will key on him and shut him down quickly. Turner owners must also be cognizant of a lurking Jerious Norwood. Norwood is a talented back in his own right and has never been properly utilized in Atlanta.
  
• Ted Ginn, Jr.-WR-Miami: With a virtual talent vacuum at QB last year, Ginn didn't have much of an opportunity to show off his receiving talent. With veteran QB Chad Pennington under center, Ginn may emerge as a legit starting option.
• Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Pittsburgh: Mendenhall's 3 pre-season fumbles have reduced his threat to Willie Parker's carries, but the Steelers are still eager to develop their talented young back. Watch to see how many, and what kind, of carries (3rd down and/or goal line) Mendenall nabs this weekend to get a feel for how involved he's going to be in the Steeler's offense early in the season.