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Critical matchups, playoff possibilities, booms and busts all over the field — it looks to be a great Week 8 in the NFL which means even greater things in fantasy football. Are you ready? Chicago, Denver, Green Bay and Minnesota are all on their bye week, so make sure you’ve got your lineups all set. Here’s what I’m expecting from this week’s games…
Oakland Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens
Let’s just get this week’s snooze-fest out of the way here. The Raiders, coming off of a huge upset last week, will try to carry that momentum against the league’s top defense? Not gonna happen. And the Ravens, coming off of a great offensive output last week, hope to carry that momentum against a weak Oakland team? Not gonna happen either. Let’s start with the Raiders, shall we? With a healthy Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden, the Raiders running game was supposed to be explosive. Not the case against the Jets and certainly won’t be the case against the Ravens. They won’t even be able to fool them with any kind of wildcat formation either as we already saw the Ravens dismantle that against the Fins last week. That puts the onus on Jamarcus Russell and we all know how he’s been progressing. I’d be surprised if he completes a pass to a WR and doesn’t spend all day dumping to McFadden or TE Zach Miller. For the Ravens, it could spell trouble as well. While they did a good job against a usually sound Miami D, they won’t repeat that success if defensive coordinator Rob Ryan sticks to the same game plan as last week. A heavy dose of blitzes and great cover corners should rattle Joey Flacco and stifle the Ravens passing game. Now if they can just stop Willis McGahee. The Good: Willis McGahee, Matt Stover, Sebastian Janikowski The OK: Justin Fargas, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Zach Miller The Ugly: Jamarcus Russell, Joey Flacco, Derrick Mason, Javon Walker, Darren McFadden
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
The Cardinals are coming off a bye to face a streaking Panthers team in what could be a great matchup to watch. The Cards will throw everything at the Carolina D starting with a heavy dose of Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower. If they find some success there, it could open things up for Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and the rest to take it to the #2 ranked passing D. Arizona WR Anquan Boldin (broken sinus cavity) has received medical clearance to play, but will still be a gametime decision. The Panthers should try a slightly more opposite approach as the tandem of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams could have some difficulty against a suprisingly solid Arizona run defense. Expect to see Jake Delhomme start airing the ball out to Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammed and watch the fireworks fly sfterwards. If Warner can find some holes in the secondary, both teams should put up a lot of points. The Good: Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Mushin Muhammed, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald The OK: Jonathan Stewart, Tim Hightower, Edgerring James, Anquan Boldin (if he plays), Steve Breaston(if Boldin is out) The Ugly: DeAngelo Williams, Dante Rosario, Leonard Pope
Tampa Bay Bucaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Crashed and burned, huh Maverick? That’s the buzz in Dallas this past week as we’re told that Tony Romo will be out again, leaving wily senior citizen Brad Johnson back under center. Not a good time to be facing the stingy Bucs defense, is it? [click here] Expect another heavy dose of Marion Barber and hedge all your expectations for anyone catching a ball in a Cowboys uniform. If Johnson can get anything going, I’m sure it will be short passes to Jason Witten and dump offs to Barber. Don’t expect big numbers. I’m just sayin. For the Bucs, the offense could have its difficulties as well. Earnest Graham comes back to tailback while Warrick Dunn remains questionable with a pinched nerve and Jeff Garcia has even less help at wideout as Ike Hilliard recovers from his injuries. Not to mention, he’s still without Joey Galloway, so Antonio Bryant remains the go to guy. Look for Alex Smith and maybe even Jerramy Stevens to step up a little more. The Good: Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Jeff Garcia, Alex Smith The OK: Earnest Graham, Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant The Ugly: Brad Johnson, Roy Williams, Michael Clayton, Patrick Crayton
Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions
A thrashing by the Redskins or an upset in Detroit? The Lions came close against the Vikings a few weeks ago, put up 21 (albeit garbage time) points against Houston, and happily watched game film of the Rams upset of Washington and last week’s debacle against the Browns. Can the Skins get struck by lightning twice? I’m still thinking this one over, but leaning towards the Skins anyway. Clinton Portis has been fierce this season and is probably licking his chops over the idea of facing the 31st ranked run defense in the league. Jason Campbell is probably doing the same since the Lions passing D is equally abyssmal. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley are probably salivating just at the mere mention of the Detroit secondary. Now if they can just translate that to the field…a challenge they’ve struggled with for 2 weeks now. The Lions also have obviously struggled on offense. Before last week’s 21 point outburst, the Lions were averaging a little more than 10 points per game and with Dan Orlovsky still under center, it doesn’t figure to improve. Don’t be fooled by Calvin Johnson’s 154 yard performance last week. It was on 2 catches - one a hail mary at the end of the first half and the other was a garbage time 96 yard TD that probably shouldn’t have been. The only good thing in Detroit right now is Kevin Smith over Rudi Johnson. While Smith still isn’t a reliable option, he’s still the better pick in this backfield. The Good: Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell, Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, Shaun Suisham The OK: Jason Hanson, Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith The Ugly: Dan Orlovsky, Rudi Johnson
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
While the Dolphins current 2-4 record don’t show it, this could be a big divisional game in the AFC East. The 5-1 Bills look strong, but everyone keeps bringing up their performance against Arizona in week 5. Can the usually formidable defense contain Ronnie Brown and the wildcat formation? The run defense gives up almost 108 yards per game, so this could be interesting. For the Bills on offense, expect them to start with Marshawn Lynch, but temper your expectations. Lynch hasn’t cracked the 100 yard barrier yet this season and the Fins run D gives up about 97 yards per game. If Buffalo is going to win it, they’re going to have to take it to the air which puts more pressure on Trent Edwards. Fortunately he’s got a full slate of receivers as Roscoe Parrish (great 3rd down guy) returns to join a solid group that includes Lee Evans, Josh Reed and rookie James Hardy. The Fins secondary shoul dhave its hands full. For Miami on offense, well, they’re going to have to stay creative. Expect the wildcat formation a dozen times and watch how that opens it up for Chad Pennington. If he can get some decent pass protection, then he just might be able to pull off the upset with the likes of Anthony Fasano and Greg Camarillo. The Good: Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, Ronnie Brown The OK: Trent Edwards, Chad Pennington, Roscoe Parrish, Anthony Fasano The Ugly: Ricky Williams, Ted Ginn, Jr., James Hardy
St. Louis Rams @ New England Patriots
I thought the Rams were goingto be able to take some of this momentum and really do some damage to New England right up until I watched the Patriots thrash the Broncos on Monday night. If there was any doubting the resiliance of a Bellichek-led team, it was put to rest in that game. They will probably follow the same formula with a minor adjustment in the running game. Sammy Morris, who lit up Denver in the first half, is still bothered by the sore knee and is highly questionable for Sunday. The running game will be led by the tandem of Kevin Faulk and rookie BenJarvis Green-Ellis (that’s a mouthful). But with the Rams 30th ranked run D giving up 160+ yards per game, I don’t see too much of an issue for the Pats. With that, the passing game should open and we should see plenty more of Matt Cassell to Randy Moss. Not that I’m totally counting out the Rams here, but I just don’t see Steven Jackson giving another 3 TD performance with a sore quad. He’s still listed as questionable for Sunday. With a potentially suspect running game, it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the St. Louis offense. Mark Bulger will really have to work to find Torry Holt and Donnie Avery downfield for some good yardage and scores. The Good: Matt Cassell, Randy Moss, BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk The OK: Marc Bulger, Donnie Avery, Torry Holt, Steven Jackson, Wes Welker The Ugly: Jabar Gaffney, Joe Klopfenstein
San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints
If the World League and NFL Europe failed miserably, then what the hell are we playing this one in London for? Stupidest idea since opening the baseball season in Japan. The fatigue that these players are going to suffer from, week 9 bye or not, is going to be brutal. This game was also set for across the pond probably becasue we had 2 of the most explosive running backs squaring off. Well, not the case now, is it? Reggie Bush won’t play, and the Saints running game will be centered around Deuce McAllister and probably Aaron Stecker. I don’t see too much coming from Pierre Thomas. But with a power runnning game between the tackles, Drew Brees is going to have to come up a lot bigger than the crapfest he put on last week. Marques Colston should be 100% back this week and with him, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and possibly Jeremy Shockey, the Saints should be flying high all over the field. The Chargers passing D still ranks last in the NFL. For San Diego, the problems continue for LaDanian Tomlinson. He didn’t practice at all on Wednesday, and while he’ll still play, he’s not ready to carry the team. Expect a little more Darren Sproles this week to lighten LT2’s workload as he gets closer to the bye week. But to keep up with those high flying Saints, the Chargers will need to do a lot of leaning on Phillip Rivers. He’s going to need big games from Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson if he wants to keep up. Chris Chambers is still questionable with an ankle sprain, so we could see more Malcolm Floyd again which isn’t too bad. The Good: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Phillip Rivers, Vincent Jackson The OK: Antonio Gates, Deuce McAllister, LaDanian Tomlinson, Devery Henderson The Ugly: Aaron Stecker, Pierre Thomas
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Battle of the Birds? More likely the Battle of the Backs. Brian Westbrook vs Michael Turner. Should be a great matchup, but tipping slightly in the Eagles favor. While Turner has been solid for the Falcons (he’s got an every other week thing going and this is supposed to be an “up” week), he’s got his work cut out for him against the league’s #9 rush defense. The Iggles give up an average of less than 100 yards per game on the ground, so while Turner fighhts through, it’s going to be up to Matt Ryan to really lead his team. Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas are really going to need to step it up downfield if the Falcons want to win this one. For the Eagles, the pressure is less daunting. With a healthy Westbrook back, Donovan McNabb should have an easier time to spread the ball around. He gets back Kevin Curtis finally, has a healthy Reggie Brown, and still has the talented DeSean Jackson and underrated Hank “Biscuit in the” Baskett to work with. That should prove to be too much for the 26th ranked pass defense. The good thing for us fantasy owners is that this should be, despite Philly’s defensive prowess, a nice high scoring game. The Good: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Jason Elam The OK: Michael Turner, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson, Michael Jenkins The Ugly: L.J. Smith, Hank Baskett, Harry Douglas
Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Jets
I almost don;t even want to talk about this game still. That’s how bitter I am after last week’s loss to the Raiders. But for fantasy sake, let’s just get it over with. With the league’s worst run defense, the Chiefs should get heavy doses of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. No question. With the struggles of Brett Favre lately, expect a strong ground game with splashes of play action in there. Hedge your bets on Laverneus Coles (mild concussion) and Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder, game time decision) but keep an eye on Chansi Stuckey. For the Chiefs, it’s another week without Larry Johnson whose latest problems have him spitting drinks in chicks’ faces. What an idiot. I’m really starting to enjoy this new league conduct policy enforcement. It’s about time. Anyway, more Brodie Croyle, more Kolby Smith, more disdain from Tony Gonzalez, and more losses for the Chiefs. Buh-bye. The Good: Thomas Jones The OK: the rest of the Jets The Ugly: all Chiefs
Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars
So what do you think? Is this the week we get to see Brady Quinn take over? After last week’s follow up stinker, I’m sure Romeo Crennel has a very tight and short leash on Derek Anderson. While they’re not ranked too well (17th against the run, 23rd agaisnt the pass), the Jags D is usually pretty formidable and should probably give the Browns fits for most of the day. Jamal Lewis needs to get things going early if there’s any hope for things to open up for Anderson to find Braylon Edwards or Donte Stallworth. With no Kellen Winslow again (big mouth and staph infected testes), TE Steve Heiden becomes an ok option. For the Jags, expect a heavy dose of Maurice Jones-Drew and, if not too concussed, Fred Taylor. Cleveland ranks 26th against the run and should give way to both backs all day. That should lighten the load of David Garrard who continues to play mistake-free ball and still doesn’t have a WR capable of doing much damage. Reggie Williams is average, Dennis Northcutt and Jerry Porter are below average and Pablo Escobar’s #1 customer Matt Jones should be distracted enough about his looming suspension. TE Marcedes Lewis has been a nice surprise lately, so keep him in mind. The Good: Maurice Jones-Drew, Braylon Edwards The OK: David Garrard, Fred Taylor, Marcedes Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Steve Heiden The Ugly: Browns QBs, Jags WRs
Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans
Can the Bengals really avoid an 0-8 start? I don’t think so. Yes, they are that bad. It doesn’t even matter where the Texans are ranked defensively, the Bengals are a mess and still struggling for an identity. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not good at all which takes Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Who’syermama out of most fantasy equations. Sure, one of them may catch a TD pass, but it still won’t be enough points for you what with their 60 yard and under performances lately. Cedric Benson should continue to “lead” the charge in the backfield, but c’mon…it’s Cedric Benson for Pete’s sake. The Texans, on the other hand, should be fantasy deliciousness this week. Steve Slaton should have a great day and Matt Schaub is loving life with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels. Expect a rout. I know I am. The Good: Matt Schaub, Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels The OK: Kevin Walter, Chad Ocho Cinco The Ugly: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cedic Benson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh
New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers
I’m sure the schedule makers knew they had a potential Super Bowl preview when this game came out and it shouldn’t disappoint. It starts a tough stretch of the schedule for the Giants who need to come out and make a statement. Pittsburgh has the #2 run D and the #1 pass D, so expect the Giants to mix it up a lot to keep the Steelers off balance. Lots of no-huddle offense, I think. Brandon Jacobs should do well, but hedge your bets since Tom Coughlin loves using Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw to keep the workload light. Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress should continue to connect, and look for Steve Smith to step it up in the slot even more. For the Steelers, it’s going to depend on their running game. Willie Parker is supposed to be back this week, but he’s still not at 100%. The Giants have the 5th ranked run D, so it could mean trouble for Parker and possibly Mewelde Moore. The passing game will be the key here. The Giants have the 11th ranked pass defense, but a well rested Ben Roethlisberger and an array of receivers like Hines Ward, Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes could prove to be too much. And don’t forget Big Ben’s favorite red zone target, Heath Miller. He’s been unusually quiet this season and could break out at any time. The Good: Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Nate Washington, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress The OK: Brandon Jacobs, Willie Parker, Steve Smith, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller The Ugly: Derrick Ward, Amani Toomer, Mewelde Moore
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
The last time these two squared off was week 2 when the Niners edged Seattle out 33-30. Should be more of the same here, despite the coaching change in San Fran. Mike Matz is still running the offense and, since being passed over for the head coaching position, should try to make a big statement. Seattle’s defense stinks, so expect a heavy dose of Frank Gore and watch how it opens up J.T. O’Sullivan to find Isaac Bruce and new favorite Josh Morgan downfield. Sure he’ll throw a pick or two, but overall he should have a decent day. For Seattle, the woes continue. Seneca Wallace makes another start, there’s dissension in the backfield as Julius Jones is bitching about splitting time with Maurice Morris, and the wide receiver situation is shakey at best. I don’t see the Seahawks even matching the 30 points they put up last time. The Good: Frank Gore The OK: J.T. O’Sullivan, Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan, Julius Jones, Bobby Engram The Ugly: Seneca Wallace, Maurice Morris, Arnaz Battle, Vernon Davis
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! And it doesn’t appear to be getting too much better either, does it? The Colts got thumped last week by the Packers and now Peyton Manning and Co. must take on one of the top defenses in the NFL this week. But don;t count them out just yet, especially on the Monday Night Football stage where Peyton has shined for years. Dominic Rhodes gets the ball again as Joseph Addai remains out, and should have his hands full with the likes of Albert Haynesworth, Ryan Fowler, and Keith Bulluck clogging up the middle. Manning will need big days from Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison to spread the defense and could use some good route running from Dallas Clark over the middle. Should be interesting to see if Peyton can separate himself again or if he joins the likes of Tom Brady and LT2, first round fantasy busts. For the Titans, it’s all about the ground game. Kerry Collins has no receivers to note and should have a light work load this week too. Indianapolis has the 28th ranked run defense which is all Chris Johnson and LenDale White will need. I see a changing of the guard in the NFL and the finishing touches happen right here. The Good: Chris Johnson, LenDale White, Reggie Wayne, Rob Bironas The OK: Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrison The Ugly: Dominic Rhodes, Kerry Collins, Anthony Gonzalez, any Titans WR
Good luck this weekend and, as always, feel free to email me your lineup questions at howard.rotobuzz@yahoo.com
This post is dedicated to the memory of Sylvia Newman. While not a big football fan, she was a phenomenal woman who touched the lives of countless people. She will be dearly missed.