Well, in case you fell off the face of the earth last weekend, were too ignorant to realize that NFL season actually started, or would just like a little recap of week one's highlights and downfalls, I encourage you to read on.

The beginning of the NFL season is like New Year's Day to many of us athletes and sports fanatics. It marks the start of a new year, where teams like the Steelers will attempt to defend their Super Bowl crown, teams like the Panthers and Colts who fell short last year will try to push a little harder this time and teams like the Texans and Saints will try not to embarrass themselves again this time around.

For fantasy players around the world, this marks the beginning of a new season for us as well. Although very few of us will try to defend last year's trophy, many of us hope to find players that will last all 16 weeks (this excludes players like Shaun Alexander and Peyton Manning) of the fantasy season.

Here it goes, my personal recap of week one full of analysis, praising and ridiculing.

The Short and Sweet Version of Week One and 16 Different Ways to Say 'Beat:'

The reigning champion Steelers defended their home turf and hold off the Dolphins 28-17. Again, the Fins' attempt at finding a replacement for good old Marino falls short.

Michael Vick and company vanquished the Panthers 20-6. The Falcons looked great, but the Panthers looked pitiful without Steve Smith.

The Patriots found a way to win against one of the worst teams in the league, creeping past the Bills 19-17 due to a late 4th quarter safety.

Air McNair and the Ravens annihilated the Bucs, 27-0. Perhaps this might be the year the Ravens take back the AFC North.

The Bengals looked sharp, thrashing the Chiefs 23-10. Palmer stayed healthy, although his numbers weren't outstanding. 'Who Dey' showed an opponent what it's like to have your starting QB knocked out of the game, as Trent Green left the game with a concussion.

The Rams baffled the country by routing the Broncos 18-10. Good thing kicker Jeff Wilkins was able to make all six field goals.

Some think Reggie Bush had a great professional debut. Guess what folks'it was against the Browns. The Saints ended up having a good day, overcoming the Browns 19-14.

The Jets started their season off with a victory, edging out the Titans 23-16. Kudos to Vince Young for throwing an interception in the first drive of his career.

Donovan McNab looked like his old self, having a terrific game. The Eagles were able to overwhelm the Texans (OK, so McNab's performance wasn't that impressive), with a final score of 24-10.

The Seahawks found a way to slip past the Lions by only scoring 9 points, with a final score of 9-6. I honestly don't know what to say here.

For the first time in his long career, QB Brett Favre of the Packers was shut out. Da Bears dominated the Packers 26-0.

The Jaguars overpowered the Cowboys 24-17. T.O.'s 2006 entrance was successful, scoring a TD and staying out of trouble.

The Cardinals' offense looked amazing, however and the 49ers' wasn't too shabby either. In the end, the Cards bettered the 'Niners 34-27.

The Manning Bowl gets my vote for best game of the week. Big brother Peyton and the Colts conquered Eli and the Giants 26-21.

If you can name the Vikings No. 2 receiver within 10 seconds, you deserve a prize. America saw the Vikings out-duel the Redskins 19-16 on Monday night.

The Raiders were whitewashed in the late game Monday night by the Chargers 27-0. Tomlinson proved to be a workhorse in San Diego, but so far it's working.

Random Thoughts about Week One

As if watching Peyton Manning play football isn't enough, America got to see him in at least four different commercials. If for whatever reason he stops being the best QB of the millennium, he'll have a career in acting waiting for him. We got our fair share of Reggie Bush, too.

My roommate and I heard Tony Kornheiser, football announcer for Monday night football, say that this was John Hall's (kicker of the Redskins) longest field goal attempt of the season. If you don't appreciate the humor of that please re-read the title of this column.

Both the Seahawks and the Panthers had horrible first games. I know the Seahawks did win, but the defending NFC champs should never have that close of a game against the Lions. As for the Panthers, many experts had them winning this year's Super Bowl. Losing at home in week one is a bad start for them.

If you had Tomlinson, Gore, Warner, Stallworth, Owens, Miller, Wilkins, Raven's defense or Bear's defense, congratulations on having a great first week of fantasy football. Those of you with Delhomme, Palmer, or Alexander'better luck next week.

Three Teams that Looked Good:

Atlanta, Baltimore and Jacksonville.

Three Teams that Looked Awful:

Green Bay, Oakland and Cleveland.

Three Teams that Surprised Me in a good way:

Detroit, NY Jets and Minnesota.

Three Teams that Surprised Me in a bad way:

Tampa Bay, New England and Denver.