I know the regular season officially began on Thursday with the Giants-Redskins game, but for most fantasy footballers the season begins today.

Today’s slate of NFL games is the official kickoff for most fantasy teams which did not have players in Thursday night’s game, and there are plenty of storylines fantasy footballers need to watch today.

Fantasy footballers are mostly concerned with injury news, and there is plenty to go around this morning. So grab your coffee and watch for the development of some of these storylines this morning leading up to kickoff:

Jamal Lewis has been listed as questionable for today’s game against the Cowboys and could be a game-time decision. His absence would put a huge damper on the Browns’ shot at an early-season upset today. If he does go, however, I am not sure how effective he will be against a formidable Dallas defense. It would be nice to see the Cleveland offense at full strength after a lackluster preseason.

Despite a report to the contrary earlier this week, Antonio Gates is probable to play in today’s game against Carolina. Whether or not he starts the game is in question, but he likely will see plenty of playing time. I expect him to play more in passing situations than running ones.

Willis McGahee is listed as probable for today’s tilt against the Bengals and also could be a game-time decision. It looks more and more like rookie Ray Rice will shoulder most, if not all, of the load today. McGahee himself said he only has a “50-50″ shot of playing in today’s game, so it might be in his owners’ best interest to keep him stashed on the bench this week.

Joey Galloway is notorious for lighting up the Saints’ secondary, but is listed as questionable for today’s game in New Orleans. Teammate and fellow starter Antonio Bryant also is listed as questionable. If Galloway goes against the Saints, he is a must-start for fantasy owners.

Maurice Morris is going to get the start today for Seattle over Julius Jones. Not sure I am liking the Seattle offense today against the Bills in Buffalo, but if you have Morris and lack a better option he is worth a shot.

Shaun Alexander might be back in the league this week. Not that it has any impact on fantasy owners today, but the rumor is that the Bengals are interested in signing the veteran. This could do a little bit of damage to Chris Perry’s stock, but his performance today could negate the impact of an Alexander signing.