Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!!
Last week was my first week officially picking games. I went a mediocre 8-6 with some big misses in the Ravens v. Steelers game and Bears v. Giants. Another big one I missed was one of my highlight games, Redskins v. Eagles, as Michael Vick went down with torn cartilage (or as my mother-in-law says, cartridge) between his ribs. I did, however, call the Browns beating the Bengals in an upset and I predicted the Falcons would eke out another close win.
But now it’s time to turn up the heat. I’m ready to lock it up and get it on. With big trades and suspensions ending, it’s a fun week to be pickin’ winners.
Jaguars @ Bills: The Jags are coming off a big divisional win against the Colts in which Josh Scobee kicked a 59 yard field goal as time expired to lift the underdogs over the hump. I did NOT see this one coming. I have now lost all faith in anyone in a Colts jersey who’s last name is not Manning.
But I digress; the Jags are fired up and David Garrard managed a great game last week. It’s amazing what a little job insecurity will do to a man. Maurice Jones-Drew looked back to normal and I expect more of that from him. However, the Bills look to Ryan Fitzpatrick to get them back on track. While the Bills defense is pretty solid I don’t think they have enough offensive weapons to keep up with the Jaguars, and that’s not saying much. Basically, stop Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller and you win. Jaguars take it 21-10
Broncos @ Ravens: If I didn’t know any better I would think Ray Lewis was a 22 year-old kid in his second year drooling at the mouth each time he gets a chance to take someone’s head off. But 15 years into his career you can’t tell the difference. The Broncos and Kyle Orton have been able to put up big numbers this year but the Ravens will be prepared to stop the aerial attack. I am truly concerned about Ray Rice and I would consider leaving him on your bench if you have other viable fantasy options. Joe Flacco has a big game with 250 yards and 3 touchdown, Anquan Boldin catches on of them and the Ravens take another big win on the road to their best chance at a Super Bowl. Ravens defense is to much for the Broncos, birds win it 28-17
Falcons @ Brown: Last week I said Ryan to White will be the new Manning to Harrison, and I believe that to be true. Roddy White has had 6 games straight with either 100+ yards or a touchdown, making him an elite fantasy option every week. Michael Turner will continue to play well, but expect something special this week out of him. Peyton Hillis needs to get 25 or more touches a game for the Browns to be effective on offense. If Jake Delhomme comes back this may be a good week for the Falcons defense. Having played against Delhomme every year he was a Panther the Falcons know how to exploit his weaknesses, and he has plenty. Hillis has another 100 yard game but it isn’t enough. Falcons win again, and look like a top 5 team, 27-14
Chiefs @ Colts: This one really intrigues me. On one hand you have a underdog turned division leader and on the other you have a dynasty team turned head scratching monstrosity. Peyton Manning is the smartest player in football (I know Ryan Fitzpatrick went to Harvard, big deal). The problem is their defense can’t stay healthy and definitely can’t help the offense by stopping someone. Matt Cassel and company had an extra week to prepare for this game and they will be ready. Look for Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles to get plenty of touches and Dwayne Bowe to have 5 catches on the day. The keys to this game will be the Chiefs special teams star Dexter McCluster and their rookie tight end Tony Moeaki making big plays to keep the Chiefs undefeated. Chiefs win and move to 4-0, 31-27.
Bucs @ Bengals: The Tampa Bay Bucs are one of the nice surprises of 2010. While sitting at a mediocre 3rd in the NFC South they have managed to win some good games playing well along the way. Besides, the two teams ahead of them are the Saints and the Falcons, two of the best in the business. Josh Freeman has been growing up in front of our eyes and has a young talented wideout to grow up with in Mike Williams. Williams already has 12 receptions for 139 yards, not to mention two touchdowns. Cadillac Williams needs to start running the ball better, but we’ve been saying that for two years now. The problem in Tampa Bay is the changes in their defense without Monty Kiffin. The Bengals will need to be aggressive on the line and establish a solid run game to open up their twin deep threats. Carson Palmer has struggled a bit with poor decisions this year but look for him to have a solid game and manage the clock while moving the chains. Don’t expect much out of T.O. as recent history shows us it has been hard for him to put to great games next to each other. OchoCinco is a great play this week. Defense wins this one as Josh Freeman throws a pair of picks. Bengals get back to top form and win 23-17.
Rams @ Lions: The last time this game was of any interest to anybody was…well…never. This game has more appeal now than it ever has. Sam Bradford is playing like anything but a rookie and Mark Clayton seems to be making a nice comeback into the fantasy foreground. Steven Jackson is dinged up but has a chance to have his best game of the season. On the other side of the coin Shaun Hill has stepped up phenomenally in Matthew Stafford’s absence. If Hill can sustain some long drives and eat up the clock the Lions have a really chance to win. Calvin Johnson had two touchdowns last week but look for him to add 100+ yardage to that this week for his best game yet. The health of Jahvid Best is still uncertain, but if he can get healthy and continue to thrive in the passing game than this will be a great matchup. Bradford plays well but the Lions defense comes up big in the fourth quarter. Lions win 30-28. I guess that’s an upset.
Bears @ Panthers: It’s official; the Panthers have a chance. Jay Cutler is out for the game, but nobody is looking forward to the return of Julius Peppers to Charlotte less than me. I really hate that guy. He only really played on third down and then he has the nerve to say he wants to be traded. But he is thriving in Chicago. I do believe this game will be better than it looks on paper however. The defenses in this game are both good and the Panthers will be fired up about Peppers’ return. Jimmy Clausen is playing better but his only viable option, Steve Smith, is out with a high ankle sprain. The only hope for Carolina is getting to the quarterback, which they will. A lot. Devin Hester breaks another big play on special teams and Johnny Knox will play big this week as well. No real offensive threats make Carolina a weak pick against anyone. However I do believe they will be more consistent on offense this week. Carolina wins in my upset of the week 14-10.
Giants @ Texans: Originally I wanted to pick the Giants seeing how the put a hurtin’ on the Bears last week. But my gut says Houston is a real Super Bowl contender this year. All the pieces are in place and their defense is improving. New York is getting back on track and I believe Hakeem Nicks will have a great game. A dinged up backfield for the Giants and the most dangerous offense for the Texans determine this game. Like my friend Jon said, “Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, I could go on... and a good defense.” Houston takes another good win 21-14
Saints @ Cardinals: The Saints had a little scare put in them by the Panthers last Sunday, but they shouldn’t experience anything like that this week. Arizona is starting rookie Max Hall at quarterback this week as they’ve decided to sit Derek Anderson just 4 weeks into the season. With a new quarterback look for a lot of inconsistency with the receivers and some poor decisions by Hall. This will also lead to more woes for Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower in the run game. Drew Brees and the Saints will get back on track with this one. Look for Lance Moore to have another good game and watch out for Marques Colston as his time to step up is running out. Saints win on the road, 27-10
Titans @ Cowboys: Chris Johnson will not be held back two weeks in a row, not matter how good the Cowboys run defense is. Vince Young will make some key mistakes and Tony Romo will be happy to take advantage. Look for a good game out of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin will continue to be Miles Austin. I’ve always been a big Felix Jones fan so I’m hoping he gets enough 3rd down opportunities to have an impact, but I doubt it. Titans play well but can’t keep up. Boys take it, 27-21
Chargers over Raiders: Phillip Rivers and the Bolts D. Not to mention a dinged up backfield in Oakland.
49ers over Eagles: I agree Jon, Kevin Kolb back in, a hurt Lesean McCoy and the 49ers won’t loose another game in a row.
Game of the Week:
Vikings over Jets: A happy Randy Moss is a good Randy Moss. And a good Randy Moss makes for a more youthful Brett Favre, not to mention how the defense will play in this test of manhood. Mark Sanchez looks good and Ladanian Tomlinson is playing outside his mind but the key will be how Santonio Holmes gets involved this week. Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, and now Randy Moss: the Vikings may have just become the all around best offense the NFL has ever seen. Vikings ride the way of adrenaline to the win, 27-23
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