BEARS: Forte finally had a decent day on the ground and it showed what an effective Cutler can do when he limits turn overs. The Dolphins are 6th vs the pass behind Vontae Davis and will evvectively shut Knox out. Hester finally broke out of his slump last week but don't expect a reproduction here. Look for the Bears to use Forte in a similar fashion as they did vs Minnesota but bet on more pass catching. Gregg Olsen is another one who should see similar production to last week and will be the key to moving the chains. I've preached all year how when he is used the Bears play well and Martz may have finally figured that out.
Miami seems to love losing at home and the Bears should be confident. It's always easier to come into the game with no expectations than it is facing a team planning on you. Thigpen gets overwhelmed here and Bears win. CHI 23-MIA 17
FANTASY STARTS: CHI: Forte (15 for 70 yds. 1 TD/ 5 for 55 yds.) Olsen (5 for 65 yds. 1 TD)
MIA: Brown (14 for 55 yds. 1 TD) Fasano ( 6 for 70 yds. 1 TD)
SLEEPER: Hartline MIA....he always seems to get the sneaky TD against tough defenses.
BALTIMORE RAVENS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS: BAL: The slow start hurt them and it affected their game plan. Atlanta has been one of the toughest teams to beat at home and were able to keep Baltimore from the big plays. Derik Mason stepped up despite being less than full speed and the Ravens gave you about what was expected overall. This week they get the team everyone hopes to face in Carolina whom has the worst pass offense in the NFL and is 24th in the run. Baltimore should have possession often and the Defense should be projected to be top scorers in fantasy this week in their category. Carolina does have the 5th ranked pass defense and is good at taking away your top WR, so expect Heap and Mason to have better days than normal. Boldin will get his, but the other two should see more targets. Ray Rice should have a field day vs this 27th ranked rush defense and will have one of his better days of the season.
CAR: The Panthers should wind up with Pike this week because they have limited options. Steve Smith is no better than a WR #3 and should be considered bench worthy if you have a better match up on your bench. Goodson did produce last week but it was vs the Bucs horrible rush defense and not Baltimore's 8th ranked D. The match up and possible return of Williams and Stewart make Goodson a bad play overall. Nobody on this team is worthy of a start unless you have to.
Baltimore might as well make golf course reservations if they lose this week. BAL 31- CAR 13.
FANTASY STARTS: BAL: Rice ( 17 for 90 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 45 yds.) Boldin ( 4 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Mason ( 5 for 85 yds. 1 TD) Heap ( 3 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Flacco ( 290 yds. 3 TD)
CAR: Smith ( 4 for 50 yds.)
HOUSTON TEXANS @ NY JETS: HOU: The Texans are almost out of contention and it won't get any easier here. The offense has the play making ability but their league worst pass defense makes even the Jags look great. The Jets are 5th vs the run but can be beat through the air when staying away from Revis island. Revis' ability will allow the Jets to bring extra heat and force Schaub into checkdown and short routes since Johnson will have one of his tougher tests of the year. Foster will have a big day through the air along with either Jones or Walter who seems to have the hot hand. Though he will be lining up across from Cromartie, Walter has the ability to shake him. With Daniels status, expect to see a lot of three man sets to spread the field and allow Foster some room to sneak out in the flats. Keep an eye on Schaub's status after being in the hospital with bursa sac inflamation. (knee joint)
NYJ: Two overtime wins in two weeks behind Sanchez is boosting his confidence and he is using the weapons he has efficiently. He faces the easiest defense he's seen yet so it's a matter of how well the running game does which could limit monster game potential. Greene has slowly looked to be regaining that midseason form we saw last year and is running behind another older back this year. Don't be surprised to see Ryan limit Tomlinson's carries the next few weeks if Greene has a hot hand so that LT is fresh come playoff time. He's a good stash for your playoffs if this does happen. Houston is 15th vs the run so Greene may see extended use regardless if the Jets get up big.
Houston will keep this game closer than expected but come 4th quarter, as in most games, the defense will allow enough to get them beat. NYJ 28-HOU 21.
FANTASY STARTS: HOU: Johnson (4 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Foster (12 for 45 yds. 1 TD/ 6 for 65 yds) Walter (4 for 55 yds. 1 TD)
NYJ: Tomlinson (13 for 55 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 25 yds) Edwards ( 5 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Holmes (6 for 95 yds. 1 TD) Keller (5 for 55 yds.) Greene (11 for 60 yds.)
SLEEPER: J. Jones HOU....Walter loves to disappear after having good games and Jones may face the weakest of the Jets corners. He could wind up stealing Walter's numbers and more.
BUFFALO BILLS @ CINCINNATTI BENGALS: BUFF: The Bills got the monkey off their backs but now travel to Cinci where there is equal frustration but better talent. The Bills pass game has tapered off a bit and the absence of Parrish will allow teams to focus more on Johnson and Evans. The Bengals are 12th vs the pass and don't allow the big plays the Bills have had some success with down field. Fred Jackson comes off his biggest day of the year and will be the only guy in town until CJ Spiller recovers from what seems to be a serious injury. Jackson will post good numbers here vs the Bengal 22nd rush defense and should be good for a score or two. The Bills will ride him often this week if they want to keep this one close.
BENGALS: Cedric Benson should be able to shake his down year this week facing Buffalo's worst in the NFL rush D. Not only is this good news for him, but expect the passing game to be more effective as well as a result. The Bengals have lacked any serious run threat all year and it has allowed teams to sit back on Ocho and TO. The Bills do rank 7th vs the pass, but have been burned by the split end position all year which should be good news for Ocho provided his shoulder doesn't swell up on him this week. Carson Palmer has started to show it may be time to look for a QB and needs a solid game to get back on track.
The Bengals are almost at the point of playing for pride but have better talent and match up well here. CIN 24-BUFF 20.
FANTASY STARTS: BUFF: Jackson (16 for 85 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 25 yds.) S. Johnson (6 for 70 yds. 1 TD)
CIN: Benson (16 for 95 yds. 1 TD) T.O. ( 6 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Ocho (4 for 90 yds. 1 TD)
SLEEPER: B. Scott CIN...Buffalo has a knack for allowing second backs have productive fantasy days. Scott averages more YPC than Benson in limited duties and could be good for a score.
OAKLAND RAIDERS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS: OAK: The Raiders face their first real test of the year on the road against the league's top rush defense. The Steelers have only allowed 4 rushing TD's all year and now they face Oakland's 2nd rush offense. The Raiders have had the extra bye week to prepare and get healthy for this one so this could be a better battle than expected. This should be a true test of where Oakland is since they have yet to face a defense as tough as this one. The Raiders needed the time off too, with Miller and Murphy both recouping from injury. So far, Murphy looks like the safest bet to play but the Raiders have found a gem possibly in Jacoby Ford. Oakland will need to get their 25th ranked pass game going and this should be the focus of their attack since Pittsburgh is 26th vs the pass. Look for Oakland to use the pass to set up the run and find creative ways to get Mcfadden into space. If Miller and Murphy return, the Steelers could have more than their secondary can handle. Look for Ford to be the go to guy until Miller and Murphy knock off the rust.
PITT: The pass game has slowly improved under Ben but it's been more a result of effectiveness than anything else. Not since New Orleans has Roethlisberger faced a pass defense like Oakland's #2 rated. Unlike the Raiders, the run game will help set up the pass since Oakland struggles with better backs. Another possible problem may be if Hines Ward is forced to take a game off after minor concussion. While he says he will be fine, the NFL has put pressure on teams to force testing before a player is cleared. Given how bad Ward will be needed, he will probably be given a green light. The guy to watch here will be Randle-El as well as Heath Miller. Oakland is good enough to limit Wallace and shut down Ward and will try to pressure Ben into errant throws. Thus leaving Miller and Randle-El beneficiaries of extra targets. Mendenhall will probably see more touches than normal and be the go to guy.
If all the Raiders are healthy this one should come down to the end in a low scoring affair but I will err on the side of the home team though an upset here would not suprise. PITT 20-OAK 17.
FANTASY STARTS: OAK: McFadden (12 for 50 yds./ 5 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Ford ( 4 for 70 yds. 1 TD)
PITT: Mendenhall ( 17 for 95 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 25 yds.) Miller ( 5 for 55 yds. 1 TD) Wallace ( 3 for 60 yds.)
SLEEPERS: Randle-El PITT....as stated, he has been a surprise scorer as of late and is often the forgotten man from defenses. Look for a possible score catching Oakland off guard.
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGS: BROWNS: Peyton Hillis has torn through every team he's faced regardless of how tough the defense. Things get easier here vs the Jags 21st rush Defense. While McCoy has had limited options, Ben Watson has been the only consistent pass threat and faces the Jags even worse pass defense ranked 29th. Look for Jacksonville to try it's best to limit Hillis this week and while it will be futile, it will continue to allow Watson room to run. Cleveland has only scored 7 passing TD's this year which ties them at the bottom but this is the week if ever they make it 8.
JAGS: Riding high after a last second Hail Mary answered, the Jags take on a Browns defense 24th vs the pass and 19th against the rush. MJD as always will be fed till he collapses but the Jags 27th pass game could find life after last week's heroics. Gerrard has actually been a consistent fantasy producer the last few weeks and it should continue here. Since Simms-Walker is an every other game producer and best at home, he should be the guy Gerrard tries to get going. Mercedes Lewis though continues to be the only trust worthy receiving option.
The Browns tend to lack a little on the road and match up well with the Jags. However, the Jags have MJD going full throttle of late and are a force when Gerrard is hot. No Josh Cribbs puts the Browns forcing longer drives with bad field position. JAGS 28-CLE 20.
FANTASY STARTS: CLE: Hillis (16 for 95 yds. 1 TD) Watson ( 6 for 70 yds. 1 TD)
JAGS: MJD (14 for 80 yds 1 TD./ 4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Lewis (4 for 65yds. 1 TD) Simms Walker (5 for 80 yds. 1 TD)
SLEEPER: Chansi Stuckey CLE...he's done it with the Jets and has proven he can be a legit threat when given the call. This is his opportunity and he should make the most of it. He's also a savvy vet who is a purer WR than Cribbs. Look for a score here.
DETROIT LIONS @ DALLAS COWBOYS: DET: Shaun Hill continues to put up numbers but fall short of getting the wins. The Lions as a whole can manufacture yards but like Houston always find a way to allow teams the last shot. They are 7th in passing but Best and his 3.1 yards per carry have been bad enough that Kevin Smith has taken a good share of the carries away making it a time share. They face a Dallas secondary that has collapsed as of late, falling to 21st and is also 23rd vs the run. Garrett had this defense playing as fast as they have and beat an opponent far better last week. Dallas will continue to do what they do best which is throw the ball often. You can expect the normal numbers from your Lions, but I see Best as having a better game than normal through the air and scoring. Pettigrew will also be another threat once the Lions get to the red zone and seems to be Hill's favorite target where Stafford looked more for the long ball.
DAL: Felix Jones did it through his pass catching abilities last week and will do it on the ground this week against the Lions 26th rush defense. What was telling was how Garrett used his roster by putting them in a position to succeed based on their talents. Jones is clearly the back you want and has a decent playoff schedule so scoop him up if able. Look for Roy Williams to rebound against the Lions 17th ranked secondary as well. Kitna doesn't have the arm to toss the long ball any more so Dez and Austin have been doing it with their run after the catch abilities. Roy is more of a intermediate route possession guy but should find room while the Lions are caught trying to cover the other weapons. Garrett's first home game as head coach should turn into a feast for your Cowboys. P.S. Back when Jerry was saying Phillips was safe and "his guy" I was saying it would turn out otherwise. Three weeks later....
Dallas gives the home crowd something to cheer about and there's nothing worse than a confident Cowboy team. DAL 34-DET 21.
FANTASY STARTS: DET: Johnson (5 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Pettigrew (4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Best (11 for 45 yds./ 4 for 55 yds. 1 TD)
DAL: Jones (14 for 80 yards 1 TD/ 3 for 35 yds.) Austin (6 for 80 yds. 1 TD) Williams (4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Bryant (6 for 85 yds. 1 TD)
SLEEPER: Barber DAL....Marion has scored in 3 straight games against the Lions and may see a goal line run since the Cowboys will be there often.
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS: GB: The Pack had a bye week to rest Donald Driver's quad and prepare for a Vikings team that has all but packed it up after losing to the Bears. While the Vikings are 9th is pass defense, Rodgers and crew carry the 10th pass offense. The Vikings can be beat through the air and Rodgers proved it their last meeting throwing for 295 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Brandon Jackson was getting comfortable before the break and faces a Viking defense ranked 9th in this category as well. They are stronger vs the run regardless of ranking and though the bye may have helped Jackson rest his legs, the time off may have actually cooled him off a bit. Jackson did score last time out as well but seems to be averaging less than 60 YPG the last 4 games. Look for about the same here with maybe a little through the air. James Jones could also continue to get the reps here since he has been very productive and the Pack will want to ease Driver back into game play. This could be a changing of the guard game if Jones produces well again.
VIKINGS: Latest word is that Sidney Rice may be playing contract games and could possibly not play the rest of the season since his contract is up this year. The last thing he wants to do is re-injure himself and play in meaningless games so he may be wanting to take his chances in getting a contract next year based on last year. The Vikings do need him and could offer him some type of incentives if he does hit the field by dangling a contract offer sheet in front of him. The worries on Percy Harvin should be put to rest at this point as he has scored double digit points since Moss' departure. They are finding ways to get him the ball and despite a nagging ankle, has been able to produce come game time. What hurts this team most is their -11 giveaway/takeaway ratio caused mostly by Favre returning to being Favre this year. Berrian looks like he will be able to go after sitting out last week but hasn't really been a factor regardless. Schiancoe continues to get a big boost because of the lack of any options other than Harvin in the pass game. Green Bay is 20th vs the run so the Vikings will look to pound Peterson but the Packers are fast up front and will focus on stopping him since he was most their offense last meeting. Shiancoe and Harvin will see plenty of targets as will Peterson through the air.
Green Bay is clearly in better position to win this game, but the Vikings do play better at home and their backs are against the wall in a possible season ending game should they lose. While normally I am big on the bye week, the Vikings could just throw caution to the air and let it loose catching the Packers by surprise much like Washington did in week 5. Favre's added incentive to beat the Pack pays off. MIN 24-GB 21.
FANTASY STARTS: GB: Jennings (6 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Jackson (15 for 55 yds. 1 TD) Rodgers (250 yds. 2 TD)
MIN: Peterson (18 for 80 yds. 1 TD/ 5 for 45 yds) Shiancoe (5 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Harvin (4 for 60 yds. 1 TD)
SLEEPER: J. Jones GB....The Vikings will limit Jennings and Jackson forcing Rodgers to look for Jones and Jordy Nelson. Their last meeting was Jones coming out party for the year where he caught 4 balls for 107 yards.
TAMPA BAY BUCS @ SF 49ERS: BUCS: The Bucs have jumped to the 19th ranked rush attack behind Legarrette Blount after ranking at the bottom to start the year. Another rookie, Aurellious Benn has emerged as a true number 2 threat at WR catching two TD passes in two games and almost catching one at Arizona but coming up inches short. He makes a good pick up if you need depth and his big size will make him a red zone target Freeman looks to. The Bucs now will face San Francisco whom have been hot of late but rank 20th in total pass yards allowed and 10th in rush yards allowed. The Bucs are still a team that leans more on the pass game and should have success here. Mike Williams makes a great play this week and though it will not be an easy one, Blount should be good for a score with average yards. Where the Bucs should thrive on pass defense. They have a 6th ranked pass defense and it will be QB Troy Smith's toughest match up yet. SF: Troy Smith's accuracy and confidence has sparked this offense and has them on a two game win streak. As stated though, this will be his first good pass defense faced and I expect him to struggle more than we've seen. Where the 49ers will excell is the ground game. The Bucs rank 31st vs the run and Frank Gore should have a field day. Expect to see a ton of Frank but lower expectations on all your other guys. This game should be as close as they come. The Bucs actually tend to play better on the road and are just as hot as SF. It's a coin flip pick but I see the Bucs ability to throw and move the ball being the difference. The Bucs are +5 in takeaways and lead in interceptions. BUCS 24-SF 23. FANTASY STARTS: TB: M. Williams (5 for 85 yds. 1 TD) Blount ( 14 for 60 yds. 1 TD) Freeman (250 yds. 2 TD's) Aurellious Benn (3 for 55 yds. 1 TD) Winslow (5 for 60 yds.) SF: Gore (15 for 90 yds. 1 TD/6 for 55 yds) Davis (6 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Crabtree (4 for 50 yds.) SLEEPER: Spurlock TB....He has contributed in the pass game recently and is also a threat at KR. Freeman does look for him in the red zone and has the speed to burn the Niner secondary.
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ KC CHIEFS: ARI: The return of Steve Breaston has helped Fitzgerald open things up more and look a bit more like his old self. The Cards are still tied for the league worst 7 passing TD's and have been especially weak on the road. Anderson should continue to see the work at QB and has a good match up against KC's 22nd ranked pass defense which was gobbled up by Orton last week. Beanie Wells is a major issue for fantasy owners and should not be trusted as a start this week regardless of how good he says he is feeling. After we see him in a game then we can make decisions but any time there are knee issues it is time for concern. Hightower is the play here, but don't expect much from him either as KC is 13th vs the run. Yes, Moreno was effective last week, but when a defense is on it's heels the whole game it becomes easy for a running back. Arizona doesn't have the spread attack of Denver so temper your decisions if you're going based off last week's performance. The Chiefs are also one of the toughest teams to beat at home so consider that as well.
KC: The Chiefs have propelled themselves to 1st in rush offense behind the explosive Jamaal Charles and Hailey is finding ways to use him in the pass game as well. Charles is the guy you want but Thomas Jones continues to carry value against weaker teams as well as Arizona ranks 28th in rush defense. Both guys are great starts this week and should each see the end zone. Matt Cassel and Bowe will also produce vs Arizona's 27th ranked pass defense. Bowe has become Cassel's favorite target surpassing that roll Moeaki was holding in the beginning of the year. Moeaki still has value and scores here but the days of being top dog in targets seem long gone, especially with the Chief's schedule. Start all your Chiefs.
KC is tough at home and should be able to handle the Cardinals who find ways to lose on the road. KC 31- ARI 20.
FANTASY STARTS: ARI: Fitzgerald (7 for 90 yds. 1 TD) Breaston (5 for 60 yds. 1 TD) Hightower (15 for 60 yds.)
KC: Charles (13 for 80 yds. 1 TD/ 4 for 35 yds.) Jones (11 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Bowe (5 for 80 yds. 1 TD) Moeaki (4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Cassel (225 yds. 2 TD)
SLEEPER: Chambers KC....He has been very quiet all season and faces a team that likes to give up points. While all the attention should go on Bowe, Chambers plays well at home and may be the recipient of a red zone look.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ TENNESSEE TITANS: WASH: No team in the NFL must feel as humbled as the Redskins after being blown up on national TV. The Mcnabb contract release didn't help matters as the criticism was flying even before kick off. Washington worked behind Keiland Williams who stepped in for Torain and had a great fantasy day. In reality, the Washington offense didn't play that poorly. It was the defense that simply allowed the Eagles and Vick to do whatever they wanted, making it hard for Mcnabb to be effective when a team knows you can do nothing but throw. Anthony Armstrong continues to be the most unknown prospect in football and has been actually more consistent than Santana Moss since getting the nod as the starter. The Titans have slid down the charts in defending the pass ranked 25th, so look for Mcnabb to silence his critics and throw the ball every chance he gets. They will have to since the Titans are 11th vs the run and could be relying on Williams once again and possibly Portis who thinks he will be good to go this week. Start your Redskin WR's since they should once again be playing catch up.
TITANS: The debut of Randy Moss was a recreation of what we saw in Minnesota and we saw Nate Washington play the role of Percy Harvin. Even Bo Scaife returned to fantasy life though it was minimal. As I said when the trade went down, CJ just somehow got better. That he did and he will find it increasingly easy now that teams can't stack the box without getting burned my Moss or Washington. Vince Young is the real winner in all of this and makes a great back up on your team because of his schedule and new Moss toy. This week he faces the 31st ranked pass defense and will find plenty of open targets. CJ will have another 100 plus yard day vs the Skins 25th rush defense. Fantasy utopia if you own any Titans.
The Titans play solid ball at home and Moss will finally have a week to work with Young and develop their timing. TEN 28-WASH 17.
FANTASY STARTS: WASH: Moss (5 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Armstrong (4 for 80 yds. 1 TD) Cooley (4 for 45 yds.) Williams (13 for 50 yds)
TENN: CJ (14 for 110 yds. 2 TD) Moss (3 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Washington (5 for 80 yds. 1 TD) Young (225 yds. 2 TD)
SLEEPER: J. Ringer TEN....While he hasn't done much with the carries he has received, this week presents a chance for him to be effective and may see extra work since CJ will be gassed after gashing this defense over and over again.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: SEA: Seattle beat up on Arizona last week, but it doesn't change the fact they can be too one dimensional at times and lack a serious rushing attack they can depend on. Mike Williams is a good bet for come back player of the year and has been the only real threat the Seahawks have. Lynch and Forsett have gone back to the committee approach since neither one has successfully sealed the starting gig. This week they face a Saints team ranked 25th vs the rush and will be called on to carry the offense since the Saints are tops in Pass defense. Hasselbeck should have a long day trying to throw against them and you can bet Carrol will have a run first mentality this week. Both Lynch and Forsett are good plays since Forsett will see plenty of pass catching targets and Lynch should find room to run down hill. Forsett gets the edge as a better fantasy play though since the Seahawks should be down and need to throw often in the second half.
NO: A Bye week and a team that ranks 28th vs the pass means plenty of scores for Brees and company. This week looks like the one Bush makes his return and it's a good one since he should be able to ease back into the flow of things after missing so much time. Ivory still carries good value so keep him stashed away. The team seems to be fed up with Pierre Thomas' slow rehab and it looks like Ivory will be their guy even when he returns. Seattle does rank 14th vs the run but it shouldn't matter much as the defense will be forced back on it's heels to keep this one from getting ugly.
NO is one of the best prepared teams in football on normal weeks. A bye only makes them that much more effective. NO 34- SEA 21
FANTASY STARTS: SEA: Lynch (14 for 70 yds. 1 TD) Forsett (9 for 40 yds./5 for 55 yds. 1 TD)
NO: All your Saints WR's and even Ivory whom could sneak in for a score and have some extra reps if NO gets up big. Wait on Bush since we don't know what his conditioning is and how much Peyton wants to use him in his first game back.
SLEEPER: Carlson SEA....Carlson should be the only guy to find much room against this tough pass D and Hasselbeck should be under constant pressure and need a safety valve.
ATLANTA FALCONS @ ST. LOUIS RAMS: ATL: Atlanta continues to silence it's doubters and now sits atop the NFC South. Matt Ryan is having the best year of his young career and can thank Roddy White for being the hardest WR to cover in the NFL. Teams know White is getting the ball yet he still continues to show an uncanny ability to find the holes in coverage and break away from defenders. The return of Jenkins has also helped keep teams honest and deny them the ability to bring an extra man in the box to defend against Mike Turner who has turned it on the last three weeks after a slow start. He faces a solid rush vs St. Louis who ranks 6th in the NFL and has allowed only 3 rushing TD's which ties them for 1st. St. Louis also is good against the pass, ranking 17th but they know how to apply pressure logging 28 sacks this year which ties them for tops in the NFL. Ryan and company are not the same team on the road and will face a tougher test than what people think.
RAMS: As stated they are one of the most under valued defenses in the NFL and have quietly been one of the better units. It's the offense that needs a shot in the arm and will face a tough defense which matches up well against them. S. Jax faces the Atlanta 7th ranked defense which has also only given up 3 rushing TD's and shares the lead in that category with the Rams. Where the Rams will attack is through the air where Atlanta is 23rd. Amendola will need to be very involved as will S.Jax in the pass game, but the Rams will need Brandon Gibson to step up big time and force the Falcons to give S.Jax running room. Even against the tough rush defense, S. Jax will be effective as he has proven it really doesn't matter who he plays, he will get his.
The Rams have won four straight at home and Atlanta is weaker on the road although in their favor is the fact that it is a dome game. The Rams are more of a potent defense than people think and will surprise here, shocking Falcon fans on Sunday. STL 23-ATL 20.
FANTASY STARTS: ATL: White (6 for 80 yds. 1 TD) Gonzales (4 for 40 yds 1 TD.) Jenkins ( 5 for 65 yds.) Turner (13 for 70 yds)
STL: Amendola (6 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Jackson (14 for 55 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 40 yds.)
SLEEPER: Daniel Fells STL...He is targeted often by Bradford who is excellent at not turning the ball over. Fells may see some extra work as the Falcons try to take Jackson out of the picture.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: IND: They escaped a late rally by the Bengals who exposed the holes in their 10th ranked pass defense and showed what can happen when you spread the ball around. However, the Colts face a far lesser pass defense in New England which ranks 30th vs the pass and is prime for the taking when Peyton Manning is throwing the ball. No word on if Addai will return as of yet, but Brown and James should see decent days against the Pats 18th rush defense. Look for Peyton to take advantage of this young secondary and for Garcon to return to fantasy worth this week. There was way too much Jacob Tamme last week and the Colts should recognize this and try to spread it out more since it almost cost them the game. Tamme is banged up this week but should be good to go come game time.
PATS: Brady and the Pats put on a clinic last week on how to beat the Steelers, chipping away at them with the short pass game and all but abandoning the run which would have been futile anyway. You have to love "the hoodie" because as a coach he is one of the best. He realized why waste a play on a run against the best run stopping defense when your pass percentages are better? This week look for him to flip the script as the Colts are 10th vs the pass and 29th vs the run. It works not only because it's the Colt weakness but also because more time and longer drives means less time for Manning. Woodhead and Green-Ellis should have great days, with Woodhead getting a slight advantage since he will be involved in the pass game. I also like Welker but would avoid Ben Tate who is the deep threat route runner. The Colts cover 2 scheme is best beat over the middle and with Freeney charging at you the short throw is your best option.
This will be one of the better games this weekend and football is always better when the Patriots are doing well because you either love them or hate them. Although it's a home game, the Colts pass game is more effective than the Pats run attack. Colts win a close one. IND 24- NE 21.
FANTASY STARTS: IND: Manning (310 yds. 3 TD) Garcon (6 for 85 yds. 1 TD) Wayne ( 5 for 110 yds. 1 TD) Tamme ( 5 for 60 yds. 1 TD) Brown (12 for 55 yds.) NE: Brady (280 yds. 2 TD) Woodhead (9 for 45 yds/ 4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) Green-Ellis (12 for 65 yds. 1 TD) Welker (6 for 70 yds. 1 TD) SLEEPER: A. Hernandez NE....while he gave you zero last week, this week he should be in high demand as the Pats receivers struggle to find the long ball. Hernandez has great speed for a TE and will find the holes in the center of the Colts zone coverage.
NY GIANTS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: NYG: The Giants no doubt are the second most humbled team after the Redskins considering they were blown out by a team everyone counted done for the season. The Cowboys destroyed the Giants 4th ranked secondary last week and now Vick comes to town with an even better arsenal. The Giants face an Eagles team ranked 12th vs the run and 16th vs the pass. While middle of the road, the Eagles are a bend but don't break defense but excell at takeaways where they are at +12 on the year with 16 interceptions after Monday night which is best in the NFL, Manning typically struggles a bit vs better secondaries and the Giants will most likely opt for a heavy run scheme with passing a supplement. Nothing new to the Giants, but it will lower the value of the deep threats like Nicks. Steve Smith and Ramsey Barden now are both out this week which makes it easier for Assante to know where Eli will be going with the ball. This is why we've seen Boss more involved, and he is now dealing with the injury bug himself. The Giants quickly become one dimensional now with the loss of Smith and the Eagles will send pressure up front. It will boil down to how effective Bradshaw and Jacobs can be on the road. Both guys will carry good value this week because of their work load.
PHI: Mike Vick is possibly football's version of Muhammed Ali in respect to another guy who missed years of his sport only to return and dominate. Of course that's where the comparisson ends but Vick is already being talked about in the possible MVP race. I watched him in pre season and it was apparent then that he has matured as a pocket passer and realized his feet are a better weapon when it's a second option and not the first. The MVP talk will either stop with this game or catapult him to the upper list if he beats a Giants team ranked 4th vs the pass and 3rd vs the rush. It will be squarely on him if the Eagles faulter so we will see exactly how good he is against playoff caliber teams. This will by far be his hardest test presuming the pre Cowboyed Giants show up. Look for the high percentage passes and McCoy to be used heavily in the passing game. This is also a game where Brent Celek will be used more than the past. Vick will have plenty of opportunities to scramble, but the Giants are good at collapsing a pocket, thus leaving Vick in a position where he will need to dump off the ball. Nobody should have especially gaudy numbers in this game, but if anyone does emerge as the top fantasy scorer here it will be Vick.
The injuries and lack of dimensions to the Giants boosts the Eagles ability to defend in what should be a great defensive show down. In the end, Vicks scramble for a score on a broken play is the difference. PHI 20- NYG 17.
FANTASY STARTS: NYG: Bradshaw (13 for 60 yds. 1 TD/ 3 for 25) Jacobs ( 12 for 45 yds. 1 TD) Nicks (4 for 60 yds.) PHI: Vick (230 yds 1 TD/ 4 for 50 yds. 1 TD) McCoy ( 12 for 45 yds./ 5 for 40 yds. 1 TD) Jackson (3 for 60 yds) Maclin (4 for 50 yds.)
SLEEPER: Celek and Boss.....both teams should value their Tight Ends more than normal this week and both will be needed to move the chains. Don't be shocked if both score.
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