- 21
- Nov
Tampa Bay Bucaneers @ Detroit Lions
Yes, it is very possible that the Lions go winless for another week here. The Tampa offense is averaging 351.6 YPG which is good enough for 9th in the NFL while the Lions and their 31st ranked D gives up just over 402 per game. That means get your Bucs active and fast. Expect the Bucs to pound the ball with Warrick Dunn early and often which will allow Jeff Garcia to take his time and gradually carve up the feeble Lions secondary. Expect to see a lot of Antonio Bryant and Alex Smith and…hell, we might even see some extra Joey Galloway in there. We already know that a game against the Lions equals a stud performance by the opposing QB, so this week won’t be any different. As for the Lions, it’s the same story every week. Start Calvin Johnson, but anyone else is a severe risk. Yes, even Kevin Smith who has been on a little tear lately. He’s got a groin issue, the Bucs run D gives up less than 100 YPG, and who knows how quickly they’ll have to abandon the ground game. The Good: Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn, Antonio Bryant, Calvin Johnson The OK: Alex Smith, Joey Galloway, Kevin Smith The Ugly: Any other Lions
Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens
After seeing last week’s game against the Bengals, I’d be hard pressed to say anything good about Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense right now. Brian Westbrook is still hurting which should mean a decrease in touches and a little more action for back-up Correll Buckhalter. Not that that means too much against a stingy Ravens run defense that allows just under 80 YPG. McNabb’s going to have to do this one himself if he want the team to win. He needs to find Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson and Reggie Brown downfield a lot more and pressure that banged up Baltimore secondary. For the Ravens, it’s time to strike while the iron is hot. With every 3 and out Donovan produces, the defense stays on longer and longer (see last 2 games) and wears down. The 3 headed tailback monster of Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and LeRon McClain will have their work cut out for them, but the Eagles run D has slipped down to 11th in the league, giving up almost 20 more YPG. That’s not to say the RBs are going to do it alone. Joey Flacco is going to need to stay mistake-free and utilize guys like Derrick Mason and Todd Heap a little better. I see another low scoring affair here. The Good: No one really standing out in this one The OK: Donovan McNabb, Kevin Curtis, Brian Westbrook/Correll Buckhalter, Joey Flacco, Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason, Todd Heap The Ugly: Ray Rice, LeRon McClain, Mark Clayton, Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson
Houston Texans @ Cleveland Browns
Despite the broken finger on Brady Quinn (who’s still starting), I still see points galore here…if the weather holds. It’s supposed to snow Friday and Saturday, be clear on Sunday and then rain on Monday. If it stays clear, then yes…points galore. Both defenses are soft. I think Sage Rosenfels is due for a big game and should have no problem finding Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter against a weak Browns secondary. Maybe even a little Owen Daniels action in there. As evidence by last week, Ahman Green is back to poaching carries, so temper your enthusiasm with Steve Slaton here in the latter half of the season. Everyone’s talking about the “rookie wall”, so be careful. I think he’s still worth using in atleast the flex position. The Browns will be an interesting watch, I think. Jamal Lewis should have a nice game against a run defense that gives up an average of 132.5 YPG and Braylon Edwards should to no matter who’s throwing the ball. Like I said, Quinn is starting, but in the wake of his injury, I don’t see Romeo Crennell pulling him for Derek Anderson as an improbability. If it’s getting in the way of his game, then Quinn should sit. One more note…Browns WR Josh Cribbs is starting to make a name for himself, so look to see his targets increase this week. Against Houston, he could be a nice WR3 option. Again, all of this could be negated if the precipitation comes. If so, then lean heavier on the RBs. The Good: Sage Rosenfels, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jamal Lewis, Braylon Edwards The OK: Brady Quinn/Derek Anderson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels, Josh Cribbs The Ugly: Kellen Winslow (if he plays), Ahman Green
San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys
While last week’s win over the Redskins was huge for Dallas, this week is the true test for Tony Romo and the offense. Because if you can’t put up points against the Niners, then there’s a definite problem. Nothing gets a team going more than a visit from the Bay Area. With Terrell Owens back at practice, Jason Witten getting healthier and a supporting receiver corps led by Roy Williams, Romo shouldn’t have any problems putting up big numbers this week. They’ll obviously utilize Marion Barber plenty, so don’t worry, but facing the 25th ranked passing D is just too delicious to pass up. The Niners will probably try a more methodical approach. They’ll start with a heavy dose of Frank Gore — Dallas’ run D isn’t that great — and hope to open it up for more play-action by Shaun Hill. But while these Bay Area announcers are praising Hill for his play and his poise, keep in mind that this is still only his…what…5th start? Plenty of mistakes will happen, so keep it in check, boys. The emergence of Vernon Davis to the passing attack has been a bonus for his owners (finally, right?), so look for that to continue this week. The Good: Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, Terrell Owens, Frank Gore The OK: Roy Williams, Vernon Davis The Ugly: Shaun Hill, Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson
New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans
I have to be honest here. I don’t think I can look at this game objectively. The line between what I hope the Jets do and what I think they will actually do is a little fuzzy. Not to mention, I’ve been calling for a Tennessee loss the past 2 weeks. Maybe Keith will chime in and help me here, but just so you, the readers, know…I’m starting Brett Favre, Jerricho Cotchery and the Jets defense/special teams. I warned you all early on in the season that I’m a bit of a homer in the fantasy football season.
Minnesota Vikings @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Personally, I’d rather see the pre-game fight on the 50 between Jags WR (and ex-Viking) Troy Williamson and Vikings H.C. Brad Childress than the game itself. Not that I think it’ll be a bad game, but two idiots in a fist fight can be real entertaining. But I digress. Let’s start with the Vikings who should be giving the Jags a super heavy dose of Adrian Peterson. The Jags run D ranks 20th in the league and gives up an average of 113.2 YPG. A.P. all day. But don’t worry. Gus Frerotte owners who are coming back down to earth, will still get some decent totals out of him. Once Peterson establishes himself on the field, Frerotte will have plenty of opportunity to reunite with former favorite Bernard Berrian. Look for Visanthe Shiancoe to get some red zone looks as well. The Jags are going to find it tough to take the same offensive approach. While Maurice Jones-Drew seems to be warming up, the Vikings run D is solid and ranks 2nd in the league giving up just under 74 YPG. So that puts the pressure on David Garrard. He’s going to need a clean and crisp passing game to stay in this one. Kind of a tough assignment when Jerry Porter and Mike Walker are your biggest downfield threats. There’s a possibility that Matt Jones may return, but you’ll have to keep checking his status. The Good: Adrian Peterson, Gus Frerotte, Bernard Berrian The OK: David Garrard, Mike Walker, Marcedes Lewis, Visanthe Shiancoe The Ugly: Jerry Porter, Bobby Wade
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
Can anyone in Buffalo stop the bleeding? They’ve lost 4 in a row and are certainly in danger of making it 5. Not if Marshawn Lynch has anything to say about it. Last week he finally broke the century mark and could be poised to do it again against a run defense that ranks second to last in the league. What’s more is that the Bills are also getting him more involved in the passing game. He should rack up plenty of points this week so long as Trent Edwards doesn’t screw it up. K.C. ranks 27th against the pass, so the opportunity is there. Hopefully that’ll re-vitalize Lee Evans who seems to have vanished over the last 3 weeks. For the Chiefs, they really need to take advantage of the Bills secondary problems. Injuries abound have caused them to shift players around and start some guys who really should be no higher than preactice squad level. The Chiefs spread offense needs to be in top form, so look for Tyler Thigpen to stay mistake free and find Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez downfield for plenty of points. All that plus a not so rusty anymore Larry Johnson could be just what they need to keep from dropping another winnable home game. The Good: Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, Tyler Thigpen, Dwayne Bowe The OK: Tony Gonzalez, Larry Johnson, Trent Edwards The Ugly: Steve Johnson, Roscoe Parrish
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
A payback game or a playback game? That’s the question here. The last time these two squared off, Ronnie Brown went bananacakes and thrashed the Pats with 113 yards on the ground, 4 rushing TDs and one passing TD just for sh*ts and giggles. Can they do it again? I’m on the fence. While I know the defense for the Pats is old and slow, I can’t see Bellichek getting embarrassed by the wildcat formation a second time. He’ll change up personnel, disguise coverage, you name it. I think he’ll be gunning for Brown. And we all know he’s already got Chad Pennington’s number. Always has. Which is why I’m going to lean heavy on Ricky Williams this week. Don’t forget he also put up great yardage (98 yards) in the last meeting. I think he and Anthony Fasano will be the ones to watch. As for the Pats, they’ve had plenty of time to prepare. Matt Cassel is coming off of a career game against the Jets and the Fins pass D isn’t ranked much higher. You’ll get your usual workload out of Kevin Faulk and BenJarvis Green-Ellis, but look for Cassel to be seeking out Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Ben Watson some more. The Good: Ricky Williams, Matt Cassel, Wes Welker The OK: Kevn Faulk, Randy Moss, Chad Pennington, Ronnie Brown, Anthony Fasano, Ben Watson The Ugly: Greg Camarillo, Ted Ginn, Jr., BenJarvis Green Ellis
Chicago Bears @ St. Louis Rams
No Steven Jackson, no chance for the Rams. That’s what it comes down to. I don’t care what anyone says, Antonio Pittman is no replacement and for as long as Jackson is out, the Rams will suffer. And mind you, I’m a big Marc Bulger and Donnie Avery fan. But if you can’t establish a ground game, it doesn’t matter how crappy a team’s pass defense is (ahem, Bears) you’re not going anywhere. Having said that, let’s move on to Chicago’s offense. Just like the Niners, if you can’t put up points on St. Louis, who can you? The Rams have been outscored 75-3 in the last two games in just the first half alone. I’m expecting a HUGE game from Matt Forte and then rock solid performances by Kyle Orton, Brandon Lloyd, Greg Olsen and maybe even Devin Hester. The Good: All things Bear The OK: Donnie Avery, Marc Bulger The Ugly: Everyone else in a rams uniform.
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
I don’t even know if I have to write anything here. Total mismatch and despite the Broncos having a crappy defense, the Raiders offense is even crappier. Jay Cutler is licking his chops, as is Eddie Royal. Brandon Marshall might have a tough game with Nndami Asomugha covering him all day, so watch that. Peyton Hillis gets the nod at tailback, but he could lose a lot of carries to Tatum Bell and even Selvin Young if he plays. The only Raider worth mentioning is Sebastian Janikowski because the Raiders can’t seem to find the endzone unless it’s special teams. Maybe Darren McFadden can breathe some life into this offense, but I’m not holding mny breath. Sometimes I fantasize about the Zach Miller 63 yard TD back in week 4, but those days are probably never coming back either. The Good: Jay Cutler, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Tatum Bell (sleeper alert!!!) The OK: Peyton Hillis, Barndon Marshall The Ugly: All Raiders until they can prove otherwise.
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
I actually may go find a bar here in San Francisco to go and watch this game. I like the matchup and I think both teams are pretty evenly matched. The winner is going to be whoever dominates the line of scrimmage. Both teams have great rushing attacks, great passing attacks, and pretty mediocre defenses. But who do you give the edge to? DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart vs Michael Turner and Jerrious Norwood? Both solid. Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammed may have the history, but Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins have the better numbers. I’ll probably have to go with the home team when I pick the winner tomorrow, but fantasy wise, I’d consider everyone I mentioned a solid start. The Good: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Jake Delhomme, DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith The OK: Michael Jenkins, Jerrious Norwood, Mushin Muhammed, Jonathan Stewart The Ugly: The chick from Atlanta who tried to drunkenly pass me her phone number at the bar last night. Big Falcons fan though.
Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks
I would have been a little happier with this matchup if I didn’t see just how rusty Matt Hasselbeck is right now. With the Skins run D (5th in the league), neither Julius Jones nor Maurice Morris are going to get anything going, so if the Semen-hawks want to win this one, Hasselbeck is going to have to be on his game. I’ll say doubtful, at best. He’s got decent (ok maybe that’s a stretch) receivers in Koren Robinson, Bobby Engram and possibly Deion Branch, and he’s got a solid option at tight end with rookie John Carlson. But unless Hasselbeck returns to pre-injury form, none of these guys are going to make a fantasy impact this week. As for the Skins, how could you not be enjoying this matchup? The Seattle D gives up an average of 115.5 YPG on the ground and ranks second to last against the pass. Clinton Portis is a gametime decision, so look for the Skins to enjoy the pass a bit more. If Portis plays, then you should obviously activate him, but just temper your expectations. The Good: Jason Campbell, Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, Clinton portis (if he plays) The OK: Ladell Betts, Bobby Engram, John Carlson The Ugly: Matt Hasselbeck, Deion Branch, Koren Robinson
New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals
Quite the matchup here. The Giants defense is in top form and gets to take on one of the top offensive units. Not to mention the Arizona defense ranks 7th in the league going up against the number one rushing attack, even if Brandon Jacobs is a little banged up (keep monitoring this one). I’m still wondering if we’re looking at points galore or a surprising defensive ball game. While the Cards aerial attack is ridiculous, the disappearance of Tim Hightower and the running game makes me worry. And with J.J. Arrington poaching touches and TDs, it makes you want to go nowhere near the Arizona backfield. You have to stick with Kurt Warner, Anqaun Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald though, ground game or not. They’re just way too talented. Add in Steve Breaston and…well…come on…..it’s just sick. For the Giants, we’re waiting on Jacobs. After what he did against the Ravens, if he plays, you have to play him. I learned that the hard way. Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw will definitely take more touches away, but if he’ available, Jacobs is the man. That being said, the Giants aerial attack will have to pick it up too. Eli Manning needs a big game to assert himself, fantasy wise, and it would be nice for Plaxico Burress owners to get some more points as well. It could all come together this week. The Good: Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, Brandon Jacobs (if he plays) The OK: Steve Breaston, Steve Smith, Amani Toomer The Ugly: Tim Hightower, J.J. Arrington, Domenick Hixon
Indianapolis Colts @ San Diego Chargers
It’s really weird for me to say this, but even with the talent they have, the Chargers are just not very good. They’ve really had a hard time putting it together over the past few weeks and even their overall fantasy production has decreased. But that could certainly change this week if LaDanian Tomlinson can take advantage of a run defense that allows an average of 138.5 YPG on the ground. The Colts are much better against the pass, but those stats are really because every opponent spends most of the game running all over them. If LT2 can get it going, then Phillip Rivers should have himself a nice play-action day. Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson should benefit the most. For the Colts on offense, it’s a no-brainer. Peyton Manning and Co. against the league’s worst pass defense? Sure, Joe Addai will see some action, but this one has highlight reel written all over it. The Good: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, LaDanian Tomlinson, Phillip Rivers, Antonio Gates The OK: Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, Marvin Harrison, Joe Addai The Ugly: Both kickers. I see a lot of endzone dancing, Marvell!!
Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints
Another Take the Over game here which will atleast keep Monday Night Football entertaining. Despite Green Bay ranking 3rd against the pass, you can’t deny Drew Brees at home on Monday night. His rushing attack is still up in the air. Keep monitoring Reggie Bush who was limited in practice on Thursday. If he plays, then it’s all systems go. If not, then Pierre Thomas should get the bulk of the work what with Deuce McAllister’s swollen knee and all. Either way, I still expect Brees to air it out. Look for Marques Colston and Lance Moore to have big nights. For the Packers, I see a more balanced approach. They’ll start off with Ryan Grant to establish the ground game, but with the Saints 26th ranked pass defense, I don’t see Aaron Rodgers handing the ball off to often. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver should enjoy the spotlight. The Good: Drew Brees, Lance Moore, Marques Colston, Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver The OK: Ryan Grant, Reggie Bush (if he plays), Pierre Thomas (if Bush doesn’t), Donald Lee The Ugly: Jeremy Shockey, Deuce McAllister