T-minus 5+ hours and counting down to the kickoff the first NFL regular season game of 2008 tonight, when the Giants and Redskins do battle in the Meadowlands.

The Giants are coming off an improbable run through the playoffs and an unpredictable win against the then-unbeaten New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl last year.

But the questions still remain for the G-men this season, augmented by the losses of defensive ends Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to injury. On the offensive side of the ball, can Eli Manning continue the success he showed late last season, will Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs stay healthy enough for this team to contend, and will Kevin Boss be able to fill the vacancy left by Jeremy Shockey for the entire season?

These things, and more, will be answered as the season progresses, starting tonight.

For the Redskins, 2008 is a season of renewal and hope. New head coach Jim Zorn takes over after being relatively unknown in and out of league circles last year. Jason Campbell continues to grow as the team’s quarterback, learning yet another new offensive system this year. Clinton Portis showed some renewed energy this offseason in practice and otherwise. And Chris Cooley is one of the coolest guys in football, someone certainly worth rooting for this season.

As these two teams square off tonight, fantasy owners of Giants’ and/or Redskins’ players need to know who to start and/or bench tonight.

Start ‘em

  • Jason Campbell: You know that Jim Zorn wants to test this makeshift defense early and often through the air. If Campbell can have some success early, he should be in for a good night against an average secondary.
  • Clinton Portis: Once Campbell establishes the passing game, Portis should find some gaps through which to run, particularly up the gut. Expect a score and 100 yards.
  • Brandon Jacobs: The bruiser stays healthy tonight and paces the Giants offense. Running behind one of the better (best?) run-blocking lines in the league certainly helps.
  • Chris Cooley: Campbell’s favorite target tonight, especially in the redzone. He should get a few looks at a score, hopefully he can pull one down.

Sit ‘em

  • Eli Manning: Not liking Eli’s chances tonight. He has had little practice with Burress this preseason, and I know that did not matter last year. But it still bothers me, and I want to see some consistency from Manning before I use him as a starter in a fantasy league.
  • Kevin Boss: Goes hand-in-hand with Manning. He might get a few looks tonight, but the Redskins’ defense is going to pay attention to him this year. He got by on being relatively unknown last season, but the gameplan will account for him tonight.

On the fence

  • Plaxico Burress: Probably a must-start for most of you, as Burress went pretty high in fantasy drafts this year. But I worry about his production tonight. If he can establish some ryhthym with Manning early, he could be in for a good night.
  • Santana Moss: Moss likely would be used as your WR2 if you decided to start him. I might keep him on the bench this week if you have a better option. It will give you a chance to see just how the Redskins’ plan to utilize his skills in this new offense.
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