NFL The Power Players- Week 1

So Week 1 has been and gone along with some amazing plays, surprising results and unforgettable moments by some of the greatest athletes on the planet. But if you could make a dream team of the week filling each position with any player from any team, who would you pick? I have listed my dream team of the week for the opening week in the NFL below, feel free to share yours in the comments.
The team is based on-
4 offensive players
4 defensive players

Followed by my top 5 teams of the week.


Quarterback- Peyton Manning 
Team- Broncos
Yards-462
Touchdown passes-7
Pass completion- 27-42
Passer rating 141.1 

There was simply no better man to run an offence this weekend. Even more astounding, these statistics were recorded against the 2012 superbowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens. Manning lead his team to a more than impressive victory and has made a big statement that he wants to go all the way this season. 


Running Back- LeSean McCoy
Team- Eagles
Yards-184
Carries-34
Touchdowns-1
Average- 5.9

Shady McCoy returned to the field with a bang last night in Washington aiding the Eagles to beat the divisional champions 33-27. The new Chip Kelly offence suits both LeSean and Mike Vick so well as it is based around high tempo, short passes and runs. McCoy showed us exactly how dangerous this new College style offence is as he carried for 184 yards, constantly breaking through the Redskins defense who simply could not contain him. If you need a running back for your fantasy team this season, this is your guy!

Wide Receiver- Anquan Boldin

Team- 49ers
Receptions-13
Yards-208
Touchdowns-1

What a way to debut for a new team, Anquan Boldin helped Colin Kaepernick defeat the Green Bay Packers in what was simply an amazing matchup. Boldin and Kaepernick have a lot of chemistry and can easily be compared to the likes of Brady and Gronkowski. Boldin could be set for a big first season at San Francisco.


Tight End- Jared Cook
Team- Rams
Receptions-7
Yards-141
Touchdowns-2

For the first time in years, the Rams go 1-0 in their season opener. A lot of this was down to the performance of tight end Jared Cook who did exactly what a Tight End should be doing and picking up big yards when all receivers are locked down. Jared was exceptional bringing in two touchdowns. He looked very athletic right from the get go with a massive 47 yard catch and looked like superman when he scored his first of the day flying over the pylon. 



Outside Linebacker- Justin Houston
Team- Chiefs
Tackles-5
Sacks-3
Forced Fumbles-0

The Chiefs started their 2013 campaign the right way with a win over the Jaguars and a lot of that came down to some brilliant defensive work. Linebacker Justin Houston sacked the Quarterback 3 times along with making 5 tackles. Not only does this put him at the top of the scoreboard for most sacks in the league but it sends a clear message that the 24 year old means business.


Safety- LaRon Landry
Team-Colts
Tackles-15
Sacks-0
Forced Fumbles-0

LaRon was simply outstanding last night, the colts were good on offence scoring in 3 of the 4 quarters but it was Landry who did all the damage on Defense, preventing any attack that came his way with a massive 15 tackles against the Oakland Raiders. He was quick, decisive and more importantly didn't give away any silly penalties. A very mature and steady mindset is needed to play the Safety position, and LaRon is at the top of his game.



Defensive Back- Dimitri Patterson
Team- Dolphins
Sacks-0
Interceptions-2
Interception yards-2
Tackles-2

Ex Eagle Dimitri Patterson's 7th season in the NFL got underway this weekend and to mark such an occasion, the Defensive back made two interceptions and became the heart of the Dolphins defense. The line came alive after the first but as soon as Dimitri made the second Interception it was clear that the defense was more than fired up and ready to get the ball back in their control. The end result, a 23-10 victory.



Corner Back- Charles Tillman 
Team- Bears
Sacks-0
Interceptions-2
Interception yards-41
Tackles-7

Possibly the most up and down game of the weekend came from 11 season veteran Charles Tillman. From 2 interceptions and a 41 yard return one minute to an entire defensive series spent on the sidelines to get hydrated. The team had nothing but praise for Charles but it is difficult to ignore the troubles he had holding off Green who had 9 receptions for 162 yards with 2 touchdowns. But overall, the 7 tackles he made along with two big interceptions meant that he played a vital role in the Bears opening game.


POWER 5 TEAMS OF THE WEEK

1. Denver Broncos

2. New Orleans Saints

3. Kansas City Chiefs

4. Philadelphia Eagles

5. San Francisco 49ers