I want to be Michael Fabiano when I grow up

Good Afternoon Leaguers. It’s Thursday, time to pay attention to the injury reports and start locking down your lineup for Sunday. Your waiver pick-ups came through this morning so now you’re trying to decide if you should start Louis Murphy in your flex spot. And the answer is yes.

I’ve enjoyed Fantasy Football and the NFL more in the first three weeks than any other year. And it’s because fantasy is truly a reality this year. Rookies having huge impacts, comeback players by the truckload, and who expected the Pittsburgh to start out so good and San Francisco to be so ridiculously bad.

Every Thursday I will feature a piece covering game picks, upsets, key matchups and of course my favorite fantasy starters. Not just because I want to be Michael Fabiano when I grow up, that’s a big part of it. I love this game and I want to share that with you. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…You’re welcome.

Winner Winner…Chicken Dinner

Jets v. Bills: I’m not claiming to be a guru on this one. The Bills are in turmoil and it shows. Their only offenses weapon is a rookie who is honestly better at returning punts than running from scrimmage and the Jets have one of the best all around defenses in the league. Look for a real breakout game for Mark Sanchez. Jets win 24-3

Broncos v. Titans: I had a tough time with this one. I believe the Titans are all around better but Kyle Orton can break one off at any time. When Chris Johnson rushes for more than 100 yards the Titans are 14-4. He goes for 135 and two touchdowns this week. Orton keeps it close with well over 300 yds passing but the Titans defense comes up with a big play to close it out. Titans win 17-14

Lions v. Packers: Okay, so it’s not the sexiest week to be picking games. Give me a break. But there are some interesting story lines for Sunday. Lions star rookie Jahvid Best left the game against Minnesota last week with 39 yards and a case of turf toe. While not severe he has yet to practice this week. Without Best to open up the offense the Packers D will have their day. If you have Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings or Jermichael Finley you need to stop reading right away and make sure they are in your lineup. Finley has had two straight games with over 100 yards. He does it again. Packer win 38-14

49ers v. Falcons: Who thought San Fran would be winless and desperate by week 4. Not me! I think Mike Singletary was not only one of the best players of his time he will also be a great coach. On paper his team looks pretty good. But Alex Smith can’t put two good games next to each other and the defense seems to not be able to get the big stop when they really need it. Matt Ryan is slowly becoming a top fantasy signal-caller in his third year and Roddy White has had either 100 yards or a touchdown in each game so far this year. Between White, Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez…too many weapons. Falcons eke out another OT win 24-21

Texans v. Raiders: Pre-season I wouldn’t have had any interest in this game. But now it has become quite intriguing. You have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and new QB playing the best football of his career, and two of the top rushers in the league through the first three weeks. One thing is for sure, there will be no defense in this game. Don’t be surprised to see over 900 yards of total offense for the game. I believe Houston is a playoff team and they’ve shown they can find a way to win. Texans win a high scoring thriller 44-35

Saints v. Panthers: I live in the Panthers back yard and I still can’t think of anything to say. Panthers get blasted at home 35-7

Seahawks v. Rams: Seahawks win a good one 24-17

Colts v. Jaguars: To much Manning. Colts win 34-10

Chargers over Cardinals

Bears over Giants

Patriots over Dolphins

Matchups of the Week:

Steeler v. Ravens: Oh Bloody Sunday…Nobody hits harder than these guys. History, passion, Ray Lewis and Troy Palomalo (sorry about the spelling Troy, I’m a phonetic kinda guy). Flacco is on his way but not this week. Mendenhall breaks off a big run to win the game. Steelers win 17-10

Redskins v. Eagles: If it weren’t for Michael Vick making us love him yet again and McNabb coming back to Philly we wouldn’t even be talking about this. Desean Jackson, Lesean McCoy, and that quarterback that I mentioned who I can’t remember his name…to much power. Eagles win 24-17

UPSET OF THE WEEK:

Browns over Bengals: The Browns have been a terrible team for years, lets just admit that. But things are looking up for them. They have made some great changes and have the potential to pull off some big wins. Seneca Wallace will start and take it from a Panthers fan since their inaugural year, anything is better than an unhealthy Jake Delhomme. By years end Peyton Hillis will be in the top ten in yardage and yards per carry. With good young receivers they have the potential to be solid. Carson Palmer will continue to struggle so its up the Cedric Benson to pull them through, but it won’t be enough. Browns get a big special teams touchdown in the second half and win 17-14