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Damon Autry, Sal Marcoccio, Chris Eakin, Nick Caron


Inside The Matchup: Wk 10
11/12/10

BAL @ ATL | CIN @ IND | HOU @ JAX | CAR @ TB

DAL @ NYG | TEN @ MIA | DET @ BUF | PHI @ WAS

MIN @ CHI | NYJ @ CLE | NE @ PIT | KC @ DEN

STL @ SF | SEA @ ARI
 Predictions - YTD
Rk Staffer W L %
1 Autry 21 11 65.6
2 Marcoccio 18 13 58.1
3 Caron 11 9 55.0
4 Eakin 16 16 50.0
- Kilroy 10 4 71.4

Ravens @ Falcons - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: After throwing just five touchdowns in his first five games, Flacco has turned into a fantasy star over his past three by throwing seven touchdowns in that time-span. Better yet, his turnovers have gone down significantly, having not thrown an interception since his Week 4 matchup in Pittsburgh. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin had a disappointing game against an average Miami pass defense, but Derrick Mason stepped in to complete his second double-digit fantasy day over his past three games.

Atlanta’s secondary has been very beatable lately, having allowed eight touchdown passes over their past three games—and none of them to great quarterbacks. In fact, the Falcons have played against what might be the worst set of opposing quarterbacks in fantasy football this season. A case could very easily be made that Joe Flacco is the second best quarterback the Falcons have played this year—and the one better than him, Drew Brees, torched their secondary for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Look for Flacco and the Ravens’ passing game to have a big day.

Running Game Thoughts: Running back Ray Rice is fresh off of a 180 total-yard performance that resulted in his third double-digit fantasy day in his past four games. Though he hasn’t been the fantasy stud that many owners drafted him to be, his yardage totals have been good enough to keep him fantasy relevant and make him a must-start in almost every league. Rice continues to lose red zone touches to veteran backup Willis McGahee but keep in mind, he also took his share with seven red zone carries last week. Rice still only has two touchdowns on the year—both of which came against the Broncos in Week 5, but he still has to stay in most lineups.

Rice and McGahee will be going up against the Falcons’ run defense that has only allowed two rushing touchdowns all year. They’re fresh off of stopping the Buccaneers’ LaGarrette Blount, who was one of Week 9’s most popular waiver wire acquisitions. McGahee and Rice are complete opposites when it comes to how they earn their fantasy points, and given Atlanta’s tendencies to keep opposing backs out of the end zone, it may only be Rice who has much value this week.

Projections:
Joe Flacco – 265 yards passing / 3 TD / 1 INT / 5 yards rushing
Ray Rice– 65 yards rushing / 0 TD / 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Willis McGahee – 30 yards rushing / 0 TD / 10 yards receiving
Anquan Boldin – 80 yards receiving / 1 TD
Derrick Mason – 55 yards receiving / 0 TD
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – 35 yards receiving / 0 TD
Todd Heap – 30 yards receiving / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The big question for this game is the health of star wide receiver Roddy White who is listed as questionable for the first Thursday game of 2010. White did practice on Wednesday, but was limited with a knee injury. While practicing on Wednesday does bode well for his chances to play, he will not be 100 percent for the game and it could affect what is otherwise a mediocre Atlanta Falcons passing game.

Even if White is healthy, he will have a tough time against the Ravens’ secondary. Though they lack the big names outside of Ed Reed, the Baltimore secondary has been stout against the pass in most games this season. They have held opposing quarterbacks to zero touchdowns in four of their first eight games, including last week when they did it to Chad Henne while also intercepting him three times. While Matt Ryan is one of the better quarterbacks that the Ravens have played this season, without Roddy White he could be in for a long day.

Running Game Thoughts: After rushing for just one touchdown in his first six games, Michael Turner has turned it on in his last two, scoring four times while compiling over 250 yards of total offense. His backfield counterpart Jason Snelling has seen less and less carries to the point he is merely a handcuff to Turner and does not have much fantasy value on his own. On the bright side, Turner’s value increases as he is getting the vast majority of the carries, particularly at the goal line where he has been so successful in the past.

Unfortunately for Turner, he is facing a Baltimore Ravens run defense that has yielded just five touchdowns to opposing running backs on the year, including holding the Jets’ RBss to 80 total yards and a touchdown. They have looked more beatable as of late, however, having surrendered over 100 total yards to both the Dolphins and Bills’ running backs in back-to-back weeks.

Projections:
Matt Ryan – 230 yards passing / 1 TD / 1 INT
Michael Turner – 90 yards rushing / 2 TD
Jason Snelling – 15 yards rushing / 0 TD / 20 yards receiving
Roddy White – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Michael Jenkins – 45 yards receiving / 0 TD
Tony Gonzalez – 55 yards receiving / 0 TD

Prediction: Ravens 24, Falcons 21 ^ Top

Bengals @ Colts - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: What a turnaround it has been for Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. After throwing 21 touchdowns in 2009, Palmer has already thrown 14 in his first eight games this year. He has been throwing them at an absolutely tremendous pace as of late as is now on a streak of five straight games with two-or-more touchdown passes. Owens has scored four times in the past two weeks and is currently on a five game touchdown streak himself. Palmer and Owens are currently the hottest duo in the NFL and while Chad Ochocinco seems to be the forgotten player in this offense, his ability to draw double-teams from the defense has been a tremendous asset.

Palmer and the Bengals will face the Colts who have been notoriously excellent against opposing quarterbacks, though they rank near the middle of the pack in stopping them this season. They have held opposing quarterbacks to under 10 fantasy points in five of their first eight games. The other three games (at Denver, at Jacksonville, and at Philadelphia) have either involved the opposing team being blown out and giving up on the run, or the quarterback rushing for a touchdown. The Bengals’ offense is good enough to keep up with the Colts so don’t expect them to pass 50 times like the Broncos did, but also don’t expect to see Carson Palmer rushing for a touchdown. This could be a surprisingly difficult matchup for the red hot Bengals pass offense.

Running Game Thoughts: After rushing for 100-plus yards in six games in 2009, Bengals running back Cedric Benson has only topped the 100-yd mark once in 2010. He has still been a fairly solid starter most weeks, he is ranked only 18th among running backs, which must be disappointing for many owners who drafted him as high as the early third or even late second round in some leagues. His touchdown against the Steelers last week is a sign the Bengals want to get him more involved in the offense, but his inability to run the ball for big chunks of yardage has been a concern.

While the Colts have been good against the pass in recent years, their run defense has been almost comically bad at times. While no one has gouged them like the Texans did in Week 1, the Colts have allowed over 100 yards rushing in every game except one this season. Their undersized defensive line and pass-focused defense bodes well for opposing running backs as long as their team can keep from getting blown out.

Projections:
Carson Palmer – 225 yards passing / 1 TD / 1 INT
Cedric Benson – 110 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving
Bernard Scott – 25 yards rushing / 0 TD / 5 yards receiving
Terrell Owens – 85 yards receiving / 0 TD
Chad Ochocinco – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jordan Shipley – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jermaine Gresham – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Peyton Manning started the season with three straight three-touchdown games, but has failed to get to that number since. The Colts have a tremendous amount of injuries among their receivers including losing Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez for the year while they’ll still be without Austin Collie for the foreseeable future. That said, Peyton Manning seems to make everyone around him look amazing, and he still has his trusty top target, Reggie Wayne. While Wayne has only caught one touchdown in his past six games, he remains a very consistent starter especially in PPR leagues. Meanwhile, new tight end Jacob Tamme has filled in admirably for Dallas Clark in his first two starts. Tamme has caught 17 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in that span.

The Bengals pass defense has been excellent this season, holding opposing quarterbacks to under 10 points in five of eight games. That said, only one of the quarterbacks they have faced has been on Peyton Manning’s level, and that was Tom Brady in Week 1 who tore them apart for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals have intercepted at least one pass in every game since that debacle and currently rank 7th at shutting down opposing quarterbacks on the year. Then again, this is Peyton Manning, so all that information may be irrelevant—the guy is a machine.

Running Game Thoughts: Rushing the ball effectively has long been a problem for the Indianapolis Colts and it is especially difficult when their top back, Joseph Addai, has now missed two straight games with a shoulder injury. The combination of Donald Brown, Mike Hart, and Javarris James have filled in for Addai, but only Hart appeared to look capable of being a true replacement for Addai before he also went down with an injury. Javarris James did rush for two touchdowns last week, but don’t be fooled—the Colts generally like to pass everywhere on the field, goal line included, and James isn’t necessarily going to get the goal line carries over Brown.

Like the Colts, the Bengals have also allowed over 100 yards rushing in every game except one this season and they have also allowed at least one rushing touchdown in seven straight games. Fortunately for them, they are playing a Colts rush offense that ranks 25th in rushing yards per game. The Colts will likely look to get between 60-80 yards from their running game again this week while leaning heavily on Peyton Manning and the passing attack to be the biggest part of their offense.

Projections:
Peyton Manning – 305 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT
Donald Brown – 40 yards rushing / 1 TD / 15 yards receiving
Javarris James – 25 yards rushing / 0 TD
Reggie Wayne – 115 yards receiving / 0 TD
Pierre Garcon – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Blair White – 40 yards receiving
Jacob Tamme – 80 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Bengals 17, Colts 27 ^ Top

Texans @ Jaguars - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s hard to believe that the Matt Schaub we’ve seen lately is the same guy who led the entire NFL in passing in 2009. Though he has only thrown more than one interception in one game this season, he is currently on a fantasy skid over his past four games, throwing for just three touchdown passes in those games combined. It hasn’t helped that his top receiver, Andre Johnson, has been hobbled by injury, but Johnson has mostly been very effective when he’s been in the game.

Through all this, the perfect cure for the Houston passing game may be the Jacksonville Jaguars pass defense which has already allowed 17 passing touchdowns in just eight games. The Jaguars have been absolutely miserable at stopping opposing quarterbacks, having conceded at least 12 fantasy points in every game this season. Even in Week 8, against the Jon Kitna-led Cowboys, while they intercepted four passes, they also allowed him to throw for 379 yards. If Matt Schaub can’t tear up this defense, it may be time to bench him for good.

Running Game Thoughts: We’re now past the halfway point in the season and the word “fluke” is starting to finally go away in reference to Houston Texans second-year running back Arian Foster. Foster, who leads the NFL in rushing, has now compiled double-digit fantasy points in every game except one this season and has topped the 20-point mark an amazing five times in eight games. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is a valuable asset that the Texans have made great use of as he is also fourth among running backs in receiving yardage, with 315 yards on the year.

Foster faces the Jaguars who have allowed five rushing touchdowns in their past three games, and have also allowed 400 yards rushing during that span—and that includes a game where they held the Cowboys to just 38 yards rushing. While the Jaguars’ run defense is better than their pass defense, it’s only because one has to be better than the other—they are also bad against the run and currently rank 23rd in points surrendered to opposing running backs. Look for a big day from Arian Foster.

Projections:
Matt Schaub – 255 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT
Arian Foster – 125 yards rushing / 2 TD / 25 yards receiving
Derrick Ward – 20 yards rushing / 0 TD
Andre Johnson – 110 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jacoby Jones – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Kevin Walter – 20 yards receiving / 0 TD
Joel Dreessen – 30 yards receiving / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Fresh off of a bye week and the biggest fantasy week of his life against the Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has to be considered one of the hottest fantasy quarterbacks for Week 10. In his last three full games, Garrard has thrown for an impressive nine touchdown passes while throwing only one interception and also added a rushing touchdown. The problem is that it has been extremely difficult to predict which of his receivers will do much of anything. Mike Sims-Walker seems to be the top target, but with only one game of 50-plus yards in his past six, he remains extremely inconsistent.

That inconsistency could be on an up-swing this week, however, as the Jaguars face the Texans defense that ranks dead last with 20 passing touchdowns allowed this year. They have allowed multiple touchdown passes in every game but one this season, have allowed 200-plus yards passing in every game, and are currently on a streak of allowing 12 touchdowns over their past four games. Philip Rivers tore them apart last week with no-name receivers, so look for David Garrard and the Jaguars to attack early and often with their passing game.

Running Game Thoughts: To say that 2010 has been a disappointment for Maurice Jones-Drew would be a saying it nicely, but Jones-Drew was able to crack 100-yards for the second time this year in his last game against the Cowboys. He does have double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back games and is coming off of a bye—not to mention, you probably drafted him early in the first round so it’s not likely that you’ll have better options than him this week. He has struggled, but likely remains a must-play for most fantasy owners.

The Texans run defense has been hit-or-miss this season but have been interestingly susceptible to passes to opposing running backs. They have averaged over 50 yards receiving to opposing running backs over the past five games and that could very well be the best way for the Jaguars to attack with Jones-Drew, who is a very good receiver out of the backfield. Expect to see the Jaguars use a heavy dose of screen passes to get their star running back in the open field.

Projections:
David Garrard – 235 yards passing / 3 TD / 0 INT / 10 yards rushing
Maurice Jones-Drew – 50 yards rushing / 0 TD / 65 yards receiving
Mike Sims-Walker – 60 yards receiving / 1 TD
Mike Thomas – 50 yards receiving / 1 TD
Marcedes Lewis – 30 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Texans 31, Jaguars 24 ^ Top

Panthers @ Buccaneers - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: Just when it seemed that Matt Moore may be ready to give the Panthers a chance to compete in some games, he goes down with a torn labrum and is now out for the season. Once again, the Panthers will turn to rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen who has looked horrendously bad in his short stint in the NFL. Clausen has thrown just one touchdown pass to four interceptions while fumbling seven times. Steve Smith is really the only player in this passing game who is worth owning this year and even he has been wildly inconsistent.

To make matters worse, Clausen and the Panthers will be going up against the Buccaneers’ secondary that has intercepted a league-best 14 passes this year. While they have allowed at least one passing touchdown in every game this season, including one to Matt Moore in Week 2, the Buccaneers absolutely make up for it by forcing turnovers and keeping quarterbacks from compiling big yardage. Only two teams have passed for over 250 yards against Tampa Bay this season and Clausen doesn’t have a chance to be the third. The Panthers’ other rookie quarterback, Tony Pike, has had his name mentioned as a potential replacement for Clausen if he doesn’t play well on Sunday and in upcoming games. Try to avoid this passing game if at all possible.

Running Game Thoughts: Another place of disaster for the Panthers has been their running game. While DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were considered perhaps the best one-two punch in the league coming into 2010, neither has played up to that level this year and both have been a monumental flop in fantasy football. Thankfully for fantasy owners, both of them are injured this week and will likely miss the game, so we can all keep both of them out of our lineup and avoid the inevitable disappointment. The Panthers will turn to Mike Goodson to carry the ball this week. Goodson has rushed for just over 3 yards per carry this season and doesn’t bring much upside from a fantasy standpoint. He is, however, a better receiver than many would consider him and he has already caught 17 passes in limited playing time this year.

The Buccaneers would be a good team to start a quality running back against as they currently rank 28th in the league in points allowed to opposing running backs. The problem is that Carolina simply doesn’t have a quality running back healthy this week and even if they did, both Stewart and Williams have already disappointed fantasy owners against bad defenses this season. Carolina likely won’t stay in this game for very long and that could mean a tough day for anyone gutsy enough to start Mike Goodson.

Projections:
Jimmy Clausen – 165 yards passing / 0 TD / 2 INT
Mike Goodson – 30 yards rushing / 0 TD / 45 yards receiving
Steve Smith – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
David Gettis – 35 yards receiving / 0 TD
Brandon LaFell – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Another week, another solid fantasy performance from Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman who has now produced between 12-19 fantasy points in eight of his first nine games this season. Though he threw two interceptions for the first time this year, Freeman added two touchdowns for the first time since week two, and continued adding to his quiet rushing total by adding 26 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Mike Williams scored his fifth touchdown of his rookie year last week and continues to make a case as one of the top candidates for the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Williams has caught four or more passes in every game but one this season—that game was against the Panthers in Week 2. However, Williams did catch a touchdown in that game so his fantasy points didn’t suffer. The Panthers have actually been surprisingly good against opposing quarterbacks this season, but many would say that has a lot to do with the fact that they’ve been down in so many games and teams decide to just run the clock instead of choosing to extend their lead with the passing game. In any event, they haven’t allowed a huge passing game against them and have only allowed one three touchdown game on the year to opposing quarterbacks. While Josh Freeman remains a consistent fantasy quarterback, he isn’t going to win many games by himself, and this isn’t as much of a cupcake matchup as it might look on paper.

Running Game Thoughts: After a monster performance against the Cardinals in Week 8, fantasy owners who rolled the dice on Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LaGarrette Blount were disappointed in Week 9 when he rushed for just 46 yards and failed to get into the end zone. With full back Earnest Graham out with a hamstring injury, Blount didn’t receive the lead blocking in Week 9 that he did in Week 8, and that could be the case again this week if Graham is out again. Cadillac Williams still received eight carries during the game, but contributed a measly 13 yards and seems to be being used less and less as a runner as the weeks go on. He also caught just one pass after catching 18 in the previous three games.

The Panthers’ run defense has been mediocre and is coming off of a horrible performance where they allowed the New Orleans Saints’ set of no-name running backs rush for 149 yards and a touchdown. The biggest problem for the Panthers’ run defense is their own offense doesn’t put up enough points so opposing teams just continue to run the ball at them all day in an effort to milk the clock. They’ve been run on over 20 times in every game and over 30 times in five games this year. No matter how good a run defense is, 30 rushes is tough to stop. Expect the Buccaneers to creep near that number and some decent fantasy numbers to come with it.

Projections:
Josh Freeman – 170 yards passing / 2 TD / 0 INT / 20 yds rushing
LeGarrette Blount – 115 yards rushing / 1 TD
Cadillac Williams – 20 yards rushing / 0 TD / 25 yards receiving
Mike Williams – 75 yards receiving / 1 TD
Micheal Spurlock – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Kellen Winslow – 25 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Panthers 9, Buccaneers 24 ^ Top

Cowboys @ Giants - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s hard say exactly how the Cowboys offense will run under new management, but since new Head Coach Jason Garrett was running the offense as the OC under Wade Phillips things likely will not change all that much. Even after Tony Romo was lost to a collarbone injury, the Cowboys still ran a heavily unbalanced offense, which favored the pass. In another somewhat surprising development it has been rookie WR Dez Bryant that has produced the best numbers of all the Cowboy WRs under Kitna, at the expense of veterans Roy Williams and Miles Austin who have both struggled in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if the Boys eventually turn the offensive reigns over to youngster Stephen McGee should the team continue to falter – however expect the veteran Kitna to be the man for the foreseeable future as Jason Garrett will surely want to get a few wins under his belt in order to help his future job opportunities.

Kitna will be facing off against the Giants’ top ranked pass defense, and a team that has knocked it’s fair share of QBs (including Tony Romo) out of action already this season. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are playing lights out once again causing opposing QBs to be aware of the pressure they’ll be under when they face New York.

Running Game Thoughts: Before the start of last week’s game, the Cowboys staff reportedly told RB Tashard Choice to “be ready”. Boy did he look “ready” on those three carries he got to close out the blowout loss to the Packers. The Cowboys o-line has been abysmal and Jason Garrett falls in love with the passing game once the whistle blows, and therefore the Cowboys running backs have been a fantasy afterthought this season, despite their talent and promise. Perhaps they come out this week looking to shake things up and slow down the Giant pass rush by trying to establish the run – but I wouldn’t count on it.

The Giants have stymied opposing RBs in recent weeks and are the No. 2 ranked run defense. They have held Arian Foster to 25 yards rushing and rookie sensation Jahvid Best to 16 yards rushing this season already and overall they have allowed 80.9 ypg and only 4 TDs on the ground. It would be real difficult to recommend any Cowboy RB.

Projections:
Jon Kitna: 275 yds passing 2 TDs, 2 Ints. / 15 yds rushing
Roy Williams: 45 yds receiving
Miles Austin: 90 yds receiving, 1 TD
Dez Bryant: 65 yds receiving, 1 TD
Jason Witten: 70 yds receiving
Felix Jones: 40 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving
Marion Barber: 25 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: A few weeks back I stated, “Eli Manning continues to be under-rated in the fantasy football community despite his consistent, and at times outstanding, production”. Those days may be coming to an end, after another outstanding performance last week in Seattle where he threw for 290 yards and 3 TDs. He is surrounded by three young and talented WRs that each compliment the others - Hakeem Nicks is the go to stud, Steve Smith is the precise route running security blanket and Mario Manningham is the deep threat. Right now the offense is operating like a well-oiled machine and don’t expect that to stop against a defense that has already laid down and died.

The Cowboys must rely on their above average pass rush in order to rattle Manning and hope that he’ll in turn the ball over a few times, which has been his one negative trait thus far. If they cannot manage to get to the QB, expect some big plays against the ‘Boys inferior secondary that Manning already lit up a few weeks back.

Running Game Thoughts: Ahmad Bradshaw has worked his way into the mix of top 10 fantasy RBs with his performance so far this season, despite inconsistent TD production. At times the Giants have used backup RB Brandon Jacobs to vulture TDs, but Bradshaw has proven to be capable of delivering at the stripe when called upon as he did last week in Seattle, where he scored two short TDs.

The Cowboys can be run on, as they have allowed 123.9 rushing yards per game and 6 rushing TDs on the season. They have fallen down the ranks quickly after getting off to a good start to the season statistically. Perhaps the firing of Wade Philips gives this team a shot in the arm, but they have seemed to have given up in recent weeks. If the Giants get off to a quick start, expect that to continue.

Projections:
Eli Manning: 225 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int.
Steve Smith: 50 yds receiving, 1 TD
Mario Manningham: 20 yds receiving
Hakeem Nicks: 105 yds receiving, 1 TD
Kevin Boss: 15 yds receiving
Brandon Jacobs: 45 yds rushing, 1 TD / 5 yds receiving
Ahmad Bradshaw: 95 yds rushing, 1 TD / 20 yds receiving

Prediction: Giants 28 Cowboys 17 ^ Top

Titans @ Dolphins - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Randy Moss may have landed in one of the better spots he could have hoped for if he wants to earn a big payday for next season. Vince Young doesn’t fill up the box score with gaudy stats, but he sure does throw a nice deep ball and the Titans offense is predicated on the run game, and play action with deep strikes downfield. If Moss can help make the Titans a consistent and feared passing attack, he should be in demand for next season. Kenny Britt who was emerging as one of the better young WRs in the game popped his hamstring and will miss several weeks which is all the better for Moss, as he should be the focal point of the deep passing game now.

Miami has played the pass fairly well in 2010 and held Randy Moss without a catch when they faced him as a member of the Patriots. They are allowing 213.9 ypg and 12 TDs on the season and have sacked opposing QBs 21 times, including 8.5 form emerging star Cameron Wake. Their aggressive attacking style has not led to may turnovers however. Expect the Titans to try and make Moss happy and keep his head in the game right away by taking a few shots downfield early.

Running Game Thoughts: Perhaps the incredible workload that went into the Titans trying (successfully) to get Chris Johnson his 2,000 yard rushing season last year has taken its toll a little. While I am not one the prescribes to the 370 touch theory (or whatever number you want to use), Johnson does seem a little less explosive than he did last season and the big plays haven’t been as plentiful. That’s not to say that he still isn’t one of the best running backs in the league or that he wasn’t worth the No. 1 overall pick, as he is and he was. There are theories out there that the addition of Moss will open things up for Johnson giving him more running room – but I’ll take a cautious approach with that. Opposing defenses will still game plan to stop Chris Johnson and let Vince Young try and beat them, Moss or no Moss, in my opinion. However, adding another deep threat surely isn’t going to hurt Johnson any.

Miami’s run defense has done a nice job holding down opposing running backs in 2010. They are allowing 107.1 ypg and only 4 TDs in the eight games they have played so far. However they did allow big plays to a similar back in Ray Rice last week and allowed his backup Willis McGahee to score on a long catch and run. The unit will surely have its hands full with Johnson this week.

Projections:
Vince Young: 215 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int. / 35 yds rushing
Randy Moss: 65 yds receiving, 1 TD
Nate Washington: 60 yds receiving
Bo Scaife: 35 yds receiving
Chris Johnson: 115 yds rushing, 1 TD / 35 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Chad Henne has regressed over the past few weeks and will therefore be replaced by veteran Chad Pennington. To be fair to Henne, he has faced a real tough schedule (including Pittsburgh and Baltimore) during the last few weeks and this may just be a desperation move by a struggling team. Brandon Marshall has been consistently double teamed limiting his production, leaving slot WR Davone Bess a lot of opportunities, which he has done well with. Bess has always been a fine route runner with outstanding hands and concentration, but has also shown some surprising big play ability as well this year. Expect Bess to shine with the smart and accurate Pennington under center.

Pennington will face a tough test this week. While the Titans are only ranked 23rd overall (239.1 ypc) in pass defense they have only allowed 9 TDs through the air and feature a fierce pass rush (28 sacks). The Titans have also picked off opposing QBs 13 times, which was an issue for Henne in 2010, but should not be an issue for Pennington. Expect Cortland Finnegan to blanket Marshall and receive help from his safety on most passing downs, as that strategy has been an effective one most weeks when used against the Dolphins. It will be up to Pennington to try and make the Titans pay for doing so by spreading the love to other targets.

Running Game Thoughts: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams don’t seem to be running as effectively as they had been the last two seasons. Perhaps last season’s lis franc injury is still slowing Brown down a little and maybe age has finally caught up to Ricky, but there’s something that is obviously not right with the pair. Brown did break out a little last week gaining 99 yards of total offense with a TD, but generally he hasn’t shown much big play ability. The lack of a consistent running game has only further hindered the passing game – since their opposition doesn’t have to worry about moving a safety up into the box and can use him on Marshall instead.

Projections:
Chad Pennington: 225 yds passing, 2 TDs
Brandon Marshall: 75 yds receiving
Brian Hartline: 40 yds receiving
Davone Bess: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Anthony Fasano: 20 yds receiving, 1 TD
Ronnie Brown: 55 yds rushing / 10 yds rec.
Ricky Williams: 30 yds rushing / 10 yds receiving

Prediction: Dolphins 20 Titans 17 ^ Top

Lions @ Bills - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Poor Matthew Stafford. Hopefully his recent spate of shoulder injuries doesn’t derail what looks like it could be a very successful NFL career otherwise. Veteran Shaun Hill is being rushed back into action after suffering a broken arm a few weeks back so that Lions fans don’t have to suffer anymore than they have already over the past 15 years, by watching Drew Stanton lead the offense. Hill is a smart accurate QB that played well in San Francisco over the past two years and earlier this season with Detroit. He should do enough to keep Calvin Johnson owners relatively happy – although he lacks the strong arm that Stafford possesses.

The Bills pass defense is ranked 6th in the NFL on a per game basis, but that stat is somewhat deceiving. While they are only allowing 193.4 passing yards per game, they have allowed 17 TD passes in 8 games so they’ve hardly limited fantasy QBs or pass catchers. Also due to a very poor run defense, teams have not attempted as many passes against the Bills as they would normally have to against real defenses. Incredibly the unit also has only 1 interception on the season, after forcing 28 last year. Calvin Johnson should feel like he’s visited Fantasy Island this week after being stuck on Revis Island last week.

Running Game Thoughts: Jahvid Best has had an up and down rookie season and is probably a little more bothered by his early season toe injury than he has let on. He’s a dynamic talent with great burst and cutting ability and as natural a receiver as players that actually play the position. However, he has struggled at times against the tougher defenses in the league. Fortunately for Best and his owners he’s facing a team as far from the best defenses in the league as I am from Albert “Norman” Einstein as a genius.

The Bills are ranked dead last in run defense this season, and have allowed many teams to run for over 200 yards against them over the past season and a half. They have allowed 178.3 ypg and 9 TDs on the ground in 2010. Fantasy owners should crack a smile any time their RB is facing the Bills.

Projections:
Shaun Hill: 195 yards, 1 TD
Calvin Johnson: 85 yds receiving, 1 TD
Nate Burleson: 40 yds receiving
Brandon Pettigrew: 25 yds receiving
Jahvid Best: 135 yds rushing, 1 TD / 30 yds receiving
Kevin Smith: 35 yds rushing, 1 TD / 5 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is probably the biggest surprise of the fantasy season. On a points per game basis he sits behind only Philip Rivers in the QB rankings, averaging 25.8 fantasy points per game. As an NFL QB, he’s a fiery leader that is willing to do whatever it takes to win – often refusing to slide when he scrambles. Unfortunately those traits and stats have not translated into wins for the Bills. Of course, that is more a result of the Bills shaky defense and o-line than due to Fitzpatrick’s performance. Under Fitzpatrick, third year WR Steve Johnson has developed into a fantasy stud receiver - seemingly catching a TD pass each week, and recently adding outstanding yardage totals each week as well. Perhaps the Bills will not need Andrew Luck next season after all.

The Lions have defended the pass poorly allowing 233 ypg and 12 TDs, despite a resurgent defensive line that has put them among the league leaders in sacks with 24. Rookie Ndamukung Suh and veteran Kyle Vandenbosch play with motors that don’t stop and have allowed the Lions to get to the QB without the need to blitz. Fitzpatrick has better than average mobility at the QB position and will likely spend some time running for his life behind the porous Bills O-line.

Running Game Thoughts: The Bills have not been able to establish a running game all season, despite having savvy veteran Fred Jackson and rookie speedster C.J. Spiller as better than average options. Surprisingly Chan Gailey has made little use out of the rookie that they chose with the 9th overall pick in the NFL draft, but maybe he’s just trying to keep him healthy behind the Bills inferior o-line in what looks to be a lost season.

The Lions are down amongst the worst run defenses in the NFL allowing 127.9 ypg and 9 TDs on the season. The team lacks impact talent at the linebacker position and must address the position in the offseason if they hope to ever become a upper echelon defense under defensive minded head coach Jim Schwartz. They are an aggressive unit, but not a formidable one.

Projections:
Ryan Fitzpatrick: 265 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 40 yds rushing
Lee Evans: 70 yds receiving
Steve Johnson: 100 yds receiving, 1 TD
Shawn Nelson: 25 yds receiving
C.J. Spiller: 25 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving
Fred Jackson: 90 yds rushing, 1 TD / 20 yds receiving, 1 TD

Prediction: Lions 27 Bills 24 ^ Top

Eagles @ Redskins - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Michael Vick has been one of the biggest surprises this season and could be the NFL MVP (and possibly fantasy MVP as well) if the season ended today. Vick is still a dynamic runner but has surprisingly developed into a more than adequate passer as well. He is finding DeSean Jackson downfield and letting him make big plays as only Jackson can. Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek have not fared as well but haven’t been hurt most weeks by Vick’s presence either, although both would likely benefit from having more of a pure passer under center, as they rely more on running precise shorter routes and Vick is more of an improviser.

Washington is statistically the second worst pass defense in the NFL allowing 280.9 ypg and 14 passing TDs on the season. The Skins have a very talented secondary and a decent pass rush, but for some reason have had trouble limiting opposing passing games over the last two seasons.

Running Game Thoughts: Rookie LeSean McCoy has slowed down a bit after his torrid start to the season, but is still a must start back most weeks. He is running a lot more decisively than he did last season, where at times he seemed to make moves just for the sake of making moves instead of just advancing the ball. McCoy now runs with authority and has even excelled at the goal-line stripe when called upon.

The Redskins have shown reasonable effectiveness against the run (112.4 ypg), and have kept opposing runners from scoring (only 3 rushing TDs against them). The Washington linebackers are led by Rocky McIntosh and crafty veteran London Fletcher, but its hard-hitting safety LaRon Landry that really keeps the box small and lays the wood on opposing running backs. Vick’s uncanny moves and speed should be effective against a defense with below average speed, but McCoy may struggle to make things happen.

Projections:
Michael Vick: 225 yds passing 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 65 yds rushing
Jeremy Maclin: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
DeSean Jackson: 75 yds receiving, 1 TD
Brent Celek: 25 yds receiving
LeSean McCoy: 55 yds rushing / 50 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: This week McNabb will either come out with something to prove (to Philadelphia for trading him and to the Shanahans for benching him) and light up his former team or he will shrink under the pressure and embarrassment caused by being replaced with Rex Grossman with the game on the line two weeks ago. As much as I’d like to see McNabb succeed, I’m going to guess that the latter is the way this plays out.

The Eagles are allowing 214.9 ypg game and 14 TDs through the air so far this season, so McNabb will have a chance to succeed. However, CB Asante Samuel is a dangerous playmaker and could become a thorn in McNabb’s side this weekend. Do look for the Eagles to come after McNabb early in the game, because they know better than anyone that a pressured McNabb is an ineffective McNabb.

Running Game Thoughts: The Shanahan RB carousel may take yet another turn this week with Ryan Torain battling a hamstring injury and Portis likely not quiet ready to return from his ripped groin (ouch it hurts just writing that). If Torain can’t go it will be undrafted rookie Keiland Williams, who up until now has been relegated to a pass catching role, that will see the significant carries. It’s hard to recommend any back right now until we see how things shake out – but for now I’ll assume that Torain plays this week and acts as the main ball carrier.

The Eagles have allowed 103.9 ypg and 6 TDs on the ground. They have been much more effective in games that Stewart Bradley has been in the middle of the run defense than when he was lost. The matchup for the Skin’s RBs would be tough enough to give one pause anyway, but due to the mystery that is Mike Shanahan and the injuries to Torain and Portis, one would be better off this week finding an alternative runner for your squad if possible.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb: 205 yds passing, 2 TDs, 3 Ints. / 15 yards rushing
Santana Moss: 35 yds receiving
Anthony Armstrong: 35 yds receiving, 1 TD
Chris Cooley: 95 yds receiving, 1 TD
Keiland Williams: 10 yds rushing / 35 yds receiving
Ryan Torain: 55 yds rushing

Prediction: Eagles 20 Redskins 14 ^ Top

Vikings @ Bears - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: As good of a game Brett Favre had last week, it still doesn’t mask the fact that this has been a hit-or-miss season for ol’ grandpa. He’s thrown an interception in every game this year but one, including multiple picks in half of them. Favre’s receivers are tattered, with Percy Harvin having mirgraine issues again, Sidney Rice yet to play in 2010, and Bernard Berrian playing like……well…….Bernard Berrian. If Harvin is unable to play this week—and at this point of the week (Thursday evening) it’s still up in the air—look for TE Visanthe Shiancoe to have a good game, if for no other reason than he’d be the only viable receiving option on the roster.

Chicago fields the 19th-ranked pass defense, but they’ve surrendered a league-low five TD passes. Favre will have his hands full trying to maneuver the Vikings’ offense down the field via the passing game. Chicago also has the sixth-most interceptions, so look for a turnover or two from Favre. Even though Favre threw for more than 700 yards, five TDs and no interceptions in the two games against the Bears last season, that was a different Minnesota team on most every level. He won’t come close to that kind of production this week.

Running Game Thoughts: Last week was the first time in a month that Adrian Peterson got less than 24 carries. Much of that had to do with Minnesota coming back from a two TD deficit in the fourth quarter. The best part about that scenario is that Peterson supplemented his lack of rushing attempts with a role in the passing game. He caught his first TD pass since the first game of his career in 2007. Chicago doesn’t give up many yards on the ground, but only five teams have given up more rushing TDs. Peterson has scored in four straight and six of the last seven games. Expect that number to stretch to five consecutive games with a score—although he may have a difficult time hitting the century mark in rush yards. With the struggles expected by the passing game, running lanes could be tough to find for Peterson.

Projections:
Brett Favre – 210 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Adrian Peterson – 90 yards / 1 TD
Percy Harvin – 70 yards
Bernard Berrian – 40 yards
Sidney Rice – 20 yards
Visanthe Shiancoe – 70 yards / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: As a Jay Cutler owner myself, I tried to be a sell-high owner and rid myself of him soon after his two-game explosion to start the season. He tossed five TDs with one interception against Detroit and Dallas; he’s only totaled four passing TDs in the five games he’s played in since. And with this week being bye-week heavy for top-shelf QBs Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, Cutler will certainly get a lot of playing time from owners he stored him away as their #2 QB. The good thing, though, is that the areas in which Cutler struggles, so too do the Vikings. He usually throws INTs in bunches and takes tons of hits, but Minnesota has inexplicably been ranked among the league’s worst in both categories all year.

Don’t expect Cutler to shred Minnesota’s defense. His main concern should be taking care of the ball and orchestrating a game plan that last week seemed to utilize more rollouts—a not-to-veiled indictment of the O-line’s inability to stop opposing pass rushers. I hope they use that approach more this week. If they do, Cutler could be serviceable. At least I’m hoping he will be.

Running Game Thoughts: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz indicated this week that RB Chester Taylor could see more playing time against his former team. Taylor’s not a bad option, especially when you consider Matt Forte has only seen more than 17 carries once this season. Forte will continue to have a roll in the passing game, but by the sounds of it, Taylor will too. I wouldn’t be so sure that his role would warrant a start in fantasy, but it could certainly ruin the chances of a productive day from Forte.

Minnesota has recovered from a slow start defending the run; they’re now the 7th-best in the league. They gave up only 53 rushing yards last week, but that number is skewed because of the defensive and special teams scores from Arizona. Suffice it to say, however, that Minnesota will be tough to run on. But who are we kidding anyway? Martz would rather throw the ball anyway.

Projections:
Jay Cutler – 180 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Matt Forte – 55 yards rushing / 20 yards rec
Chester Taylor – 25 yards rushing / 15 yards rec
Johnny Knox – 50 yards / 1 TD
Earl Bennett – 30 yards
Devin Hester – 25 yards
Greg Olsen – 40 yards / 1 TD

Prediction: Chicago 20, Minnesota 17 ^ Top

Jets @ Browns - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: After not turning the ball over through the season’s first five games, Mark Sanchez has now tossed interceptions in three straight. He did throw for a career-best 336 yards against Detroit last week, however, and made crucial plays in crucial situations. And don’t look now, but Braylon Edwards is starting to hold onto the football and make plays down the field. He still talks too much, but hey, at least this year he’s backing it up. And think he’s not exciting about going back to Cleveland? He should have a big game. Santonio Holmes is starting to heat up, and Dustin Keller is having one of the most productive seasons at TE this year. Sanchez has weapons; he simply needs to get back to securing the football and getting his playmaking fantasy weapons the rock.

Cleveland has the 25th-ranked pass defense, and they’ve given up a ton of passing TDs. Sanchez should be able to find one of his receiving targets in the end zone, but the second-year player is a risky play this week. The Jets could take the air out the ball at any given moment during the game and utilize the ground attack. That spells doom for those counting on the receiving targets for New York during the crucial part of the fantasy season. Perhaps the only confident start in this area for the Jets is Keller; the others, simply proceed at your own risk.

Running Game Thoughts: New York has rushed for more than 100 yards as a team in each game this season, although the Lions limited them to a season-low 110 yards—the Detroit Lions!!! With Sanchez turning the ball over with regularity the last three games, expect the Jets to get back to what has made them successful: running the football. LaDainian Tomlinson’s rushing totals have dropped since his week 4 game against Buffalo, although his receptions have picked up a bit. He’s still the main cog in a run-first offense, so he’s a must start this week. But know this: Cleveland has only surrendered one rushing TD this season. If anybody can break that string, though, it’s the Jets and their superior offensive line, stubborn-as-a-mule head coach, and determined running game looking to get back to dominance.

Projections:
Mark Sanchez – 205 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
LaDainian Tomlinson – 80 yards / 1 TD
Shonn Greene – 40 yards
Braylon Edwards – 70 yards / 1 TD
Santonio Holmes – 40 yards
Jerricho Cotchery – 30 yards
Dustin Keller – 45 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: Colt McCoy has thrown the ball a total of 35 times the last two games. And guess what? The Browns won both. And guess what that means? Expect that formula to continue. McCoy is the game manager who allows others on the offense to do their thing. He has no turnovers in the last two contests and looks fairly comfortable. Cleveland, for all intense and purposes, is devoid of quality receiving threats on the outside—both in reality and fantasy. The three-headed “monster” of Mohamed Massaquoi, Chanci Stuckey and Josh Cribbs won’t scare many, but opponents best keep an eye on TE Ben Watson. His production has dropped off the table the last two games (only two receptions total), but he still leads the team in receptions. So when they look to pass, expect Watson to be in the crosshairs of McCoy.

As big and bad as the Jets make themselves out to be on defense, they’re only 18th against the pass. And for all the blitzing they do, their 17 sacks are 11 fewer than the league-leading Green Bay Packers. Is the Jets’ bark bigger than their bite? Perhaps. But they’re still a formidable foe—especially against a receiver-challenged opponent like Cleveland.

Running Game Thoughts: Each year, a player emerges from nowhere to claim fantasy relevance, and this year Peyton Hillis is perhaps the best of all. A dual threat at 250 lbs., Hillis is the fuel that ignites Cleveland’s otherwise drab offense. He leads the team in rushing and is second in receptions. The Browns’ offense goes as he goes, so expect plenty of opportunities for him. And even though New York has the 4th-best rush defense, playing against top-notch, run-stuffing defenses hasn’t prevented Hillis from quality games at times in 2010. He bulldozed his way to the best game of his career on the road against Baltimore in week 3, so don’t count him out. Hillis has simply become too valuable a fantasy commodity to bench at any point this season—regardless of the opponent.

Projections:
Colt McCoy – 150 yards / 0 TDs / 1 INT
Peyton Hillis – 95 yards rushing / 35 yards rec / 1 rushing TD
Mohamed Massaquoi – 40 yards
Chansi Stuckey – 20 yards
Josh Cribbs – 20 yards rec / 25 yards rushing
Ben Watson – 30 yards

Prediction: New York 17, Cleveland 10 ^ Top

Patriots @ Steelers - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Tom Brady threw for multiple TDs in a game last week for the first time since week 3. His interceptions are way down—only two in the last six games—but he’s not been the stellar QB many drafted him in the top two rounds to be. Sure he’s steady and reliable, but his numbers have been pedestrian for Brady’s standards. And what about Welker? What happened to him? This guy has fallen almost completely off the fantasy map. He hasn’t scored since week 2 and hasn’t had more than 70 receiving yards since week 4. Maybe there was more to Randy Moss being there opening things up for him after all.

Surprisingly, teams have moved the ball quite well through the air against Pittsburgh this season. Problem is opponents have struggled throwing TDs against them. They’re among the league leaders in that category. Don’t expect too much from Brady this week. Pittsburgh’s playing too well overall right now, and it seems New England is still trying to figure things out offensively since Moss’ departure. Tread with caution this week with your Patriots.

Running Game Thoughts: In typical New England fashion, no one knows from week to week who will be the bellcow RB. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead could each be sneaky starts any given week, but playing the guessing game with Bill Belichick is a frustrating game. A week after going for more than 100 yards and two scores, Green-Ellis evenly split carries with Woodhead. But honestly, does it really matter? Pittsburgh has the league’s stingiest run defense and has only allowed three rushing TDs. So whether you have Green-Ellis or Woodhead, the best place for them to be come Sunday is on your bench.

Projections:
Tom Brady – 220 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 35 yards
Danny Woodhead – 25 yards
Wes Welker – 65 yards
Deion Branch – 45 yards
Brandon Tate – 35 yards
Aaron Hernandez – 60 yards / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Ben Roethlisberger’s play has leveled off after coming out on fire in his first two games. One TD and two INTs in the last couple games don’t make for much optimism, but the New England Patriots have stunk up the joint this season against the pass. They’re 29th in the league against the pass, so expect Roethlisberger to take a few chances down the field, especially to the streaking Mike Wallace. Wallace leads the league in yards-per-reception; expect several deep targets his way against a struggling secondary. Hines Ward should be money in this game too, most definitely in PPR leagues. The Patriots struggle getting to the QB as well; 13 sacks so far this season. Big Ben should be given plenty of time to scan the field and ward off any rushers who get close. Roethlisberger should have a nice bounceback game.

Running Game Thoughts: I remember rumors began flying late in training camp that Rashard Mendenhall could possibly lose goal line carries. Not that it created tension for his owners, but it certainly wasn’t a good thing to hear nonetheless. Suffice it to say those rumors proved worthless, as Mendenhall is quietly having one of the most consistently productive seasons among fantasy RBs. He’s scored in six of the eight games and has had not even a sniff of a threat to his non-RBBC throne. Mendenhall is as solid and predictable a fantasy RB as we have in the league. New England’s 29th ranked defense overall has plenty of holes that Mendenhall is sure to exploit. Start him with confidence this week.

Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger – 230 yards / 2 TDs
Rashard Mendenhall – 110 yards / 1 TD
Mike Wallace – 105 yards / 1 TD
Hines Ward – 65 yards / 1 TD
Heath Miller – 45 yards

Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, New England 13 ^ Top

Chiefs @ Broncos - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Great game this week between a Denver team that loves to pass and faces a less than average pass defense versus a Chiefs team that leads the league in rushing facing a very weak run defense. The Broncos have the advantage of coming off a bye and playing at home. The Chiefs will be fired up after letting one get away against the Raiders. Dwayne Bowe scored again last week running his total to six in his last five games. He will show he has really arrived this week if he can keep it going against CB Champ Bailey, whom insiders and scouts believe is having a pro bowl year and his best in several seasons. The Chiefs passing game is limited and will be more reliant on short dumps to TE Moeaki and Jamaal Charles. The wild card this week is Dexter McCluster. The team has struggled to score in the two games he has missed with an ankle sprain. He will be a game time decision. In a game where Champ Bailey can take out Bowe, the Chiefs will need his playmaking ability.

Running Game Thoughts: The Chiefs need to get back to their roots of running to victory. They threw the ball more than the probably would have liked. The Broncos were run over by the Raiders at home against the Raiders in their last game so surely the Chiefs will test the waters. Because of injuries the Broncos have had to change from a 3-4 defense scheme to a 4-3. They think that getting back to the 3-4 scheme over the bye week will solidify their run defense. In order for that to happen they need one of their Des, namely Kevin Vickerson to get back from injury. There were comments by HC Todd Hailey that RB Jamaal Charles has an unspecified ailment. Speculation is that he may have a tender shoulder, but it is not expected to keep him out. He should play and have a huge day if the Broncos haven’t made the proper adjustment s to their outside run containment. The Raiders success was due in large part to allowing Darren McFadden to get outside of the Des. Jamaal Charles makes his living getting to the outside and is in for a big day.

Projections:
Matt Cassel: 160 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Dwayne Bowe: 60 yds
Chris Chambers: 40 yds
Tony Moeaki: 40 yds/1 TD
Jamaal Charles: 85 yds/35 rec/1 TD
Thomas Jones: 60 yds/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Orton should be able to move the ball through the air. Both WRs Gaffney and Royal will have favorable matchups and see lots of targets. Gaffney had his career high of 214 yards in their last game versus the Chiefs. Watch the battle between top five CB Brandon Flowers versus top five WR Brandon Lloyd. Both are having great years. Lloyd is the primary deep threat for the Broncos and has only has one game where he failed to reach 100 yards, and that was against Revis and the Jets. I think this will be the second. He may break loose for a couple big plays but the Broncos just won’t need to force it to him with the other options having better matchups. Knowshon Moreno has been a big help as well in the passing game when healthy. Look for him to return to being a prominent threat in fantasy this week, especially in PPR scoring leagues. Along with Moreno, Demeryius Thomas may start seeing more action. He is healthy, and he is the future, so they will want to get him some increased experience. The Broncos have been one of the best offenses in total yards but poor in the red zone. Thomas is a big strong target that is ideal for converting some jump ball fades into scores.

Running Game Thoughts: There is no doubt that the Broncos want to give Knowshon Moreno every opportunity to balance the pass heavy offense averaging only 60 yards rushing per game. The question is whether he can be productive enough to do so. The Broncos reshuffled their o-line during the bye. Ryan Harris will be re-inserted back to RT and Zane Beadles will move to guard. Beadles is a young guy that has done well in run blocking, and could provide some extra punch at the guard spot. The Chiefs are having been solid against the run and rewarded their lead MLB Derrick Johnson with a healthy contract extension this week. He is a strong tackler and the 3-4 scheme should continue to keep the Broncos run game from getting back on track this week.

Predictions:
Kyle Orton: 275 yds/2 TDs/1 INT
Brandon Lloyd: 85 yds/1 TD
Jabar Gaffney: 70 yds
Eddie Royal: 60 yds
Knowshon Moreno: 60 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Broncos 27 Chiefs 24 ^ Top

Rams @ 49ers - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: No reason t think that ROY favorite Sam Bradford can’t pile on the struggling 49er pass defense. Danario Alexander is limited in practice still so signs are pointing to Brandon Gibson remaining the Rams main deep threat this week. Gibson took a lead role with six receptions for 67 yards in the Rams last game without Alexander. If he gets in the end zone he begins to get discussed as a waiver wire option. This is the week to play him because once Alexander returns his role may be dramatically reduced. What is curious is that the speculation was that Danny Amendola would see an increase in receptions after the big 12 catch game when Clayton was hurt. However, the opposite has occurred with games of 3, 3, and 6 catches since. It may have gone somewhat unnoticed due to his two scores during that stretch. Amendola is close to becoming droppable unless he can get back on track in this favorable match-up. I guess those comparisons to Wes Welker continue to hold up, but in a bad way.

Running Game Thoughts: After a pretty strong start to the year Steven Jackson has quietly slipped to just 16th in RB FPTs scored. The problem is he just doesn’t score with just two touchdowns on the year. The Rams have a conservative offense and don’t provide many chances that were expected. What doesn’t make sense is his lack of receiving yards, which should be more given his skill set and a rookie QB that rarely throws downfield. Until the coaching staff schemes more ways to get him in space, he will remain a bit a disappointment, albeit a consistently productive one. He is listed as limited in practice due to his finger fracture, but there is little concern of him missing time since he has already played just days after the surgery. He could struggle to find much room to run facing the Niners MLBs Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes. They are allowing opposing RBs 100 yards per game which is 10th best in the league.

Projections:
Sam Bradford: 215 yds/1 TDs/1 INT
Brandon Gibson: 60 yds/1 TD
Danny Amendola: 45 yds
Daniel Fells: 40 yds
Steven Jackson: 85 yds/25 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Troy Smith is set to get his second start in a row replacing an injured Alex Smith at QB. Smith started against the Broncos in London and finished with a respectable 196 yards passing, with two TDs, one passing and one rushing. The key in this game is whether the Rams can keep Smith in the pocket. They like to blitz a lot and they get good pressure. The Rams DEs Chris Long and James Hall have eleven sacks combined. They will be able get pressure, which will be high risk high reward when Smith uses his quickness to escape and catch the Rams in one on one coverage break downs. MLB James Laurinaitis will have the double duty of stopping Frank Gore and shadowing Smith when he breaks out of the pocket. He’s a good young LB and will need to have a great game for the Rams to have a chance. Smith will rely TE Vernon Davis and Frank Gore to get rid of the ball quick when pressured. Davis has four scores in his last five games, continuing to prove he is among the elite options at the TE position. The pass rush and solid pass defense will boost his value and limit the effectiveness of WR Michael Crabtree. Crabtree will need to adjust his routes back to Smith when plays break down to have a big day, which is a bit of a gamble.

Running Game Thoughts: Surprising that the Rams defense ranks better (8th) against the run than the Niners. The days of the Rams being a soft matchup and potential fantasy boom for offensive players are gone. That said, it’s not like benching Frank Gore is an option, or recommended. Gore has produced as a top five RB option all year. Rumors of Brian Westbrook taking third down duties have not come to fruition. Most of their games are close, and the coaches aren’t pulling their best player off the field in must win games. Gore will continue to get around 35 touches and have a score or two.

Projections:
Troy Smith: 175 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Michael Crabtree: 65 yds
Josh Morgan: 40 yds
Vernon Davis: 75 yds/1 TD
Frank Gore: 90 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: 49ers 23 Rams 17 ^ Top

Seahawks @ Cardinals - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Charlie Whitehurst era was never going to go well facing the Giants defense that has been sending opposing QBs to the training room more often than not. The Seahawks will get some good medicine in the Arizona facing a defense that has easily been one of the most disappointing and underachieving units this year. They are 27th in pass defense and Greg “toll booth” Toler should start charging WRs for passing through him. This week lose change will be handed out by Deon Butler, a talented young WR with enough juice to beat him for a big plays. One time elite safety Adrian Wilson seams to finally be losing a step or two. He is no longer the impact player he once was and struggles in coverage. Hasselbeck timed everything perfect in missing the Giants game and returning for the Cards. He can has good chance to deliver a big day and rare Seahawk road win. Top target Mike Williams has struggled of late with just three receptions in their last two games. He will be key in the Seahawks hopes moving forward.

Running Game Thoughts: Marshawn Lynch has been somewhat disappointing of late as the Seahawks shiny new toy, but starting this week his schedule really improves and I think he will have a big second half. The Cardinals are equally poor against the run, also ranking 27th in run defense. As I stated a stated a few weeks ago, Lynch is not the kind of RB that is going to explode when facing poor defenses with big plays. He’s Marion Barber, he finishes needs volume but should get it this week. He finishes runs well and moves the pile. He had one of the more impressive seven yard carries I’ve ever seen last week when he carried the entire Giant defense on his back for five yards. With his style, the Seahawks need to do a better job of mixing in Forsett. They could develop a poor man’s Kansas City rushing attack by utilizing their mixture of power and speed properly.

Predictions:
Matt Hasselbeck: 255 yds/1 TDs/1 INT
Mike Williams: 65 yds
Deon Butler: 70 yds/1 TD
John Carlson: 50 yds
Marshawn Lynch: 80 yds/1 TD
Justin Forsett: 35 yds/45 rec

Passing Game Thoughts: Derek Anderson isn’t close to being an elite talent in this league but he’s head and shoulders better at this point in their careers than Max Hall. It was great to see Larry Fitzgerald and him finally get on the same page last week. Fitz posted his first 100 yard game of the year and may begin to pay dividends down the stretch. He didn’t have a big day the first time around facing the Seahawks but Seattle was much healthier in that game. They enter this game with a beat up defensive front that isn’t getting pressure on opposing QBs like they were earlier in the year. Anderson doesn’t make good decisions when pressured, but is more than capable of delivering big plays when comfortable in the pocket. With all the attention on Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston should also see some single coverage where he will have a decided advantage now that he has a week under his belt after returning from injury. Breaston will see a lot of CB Kelley Jennings who has yet to pick a ball off and can be picked on when the weakened pass rush fails to reach Anderson.

Running Game Thoughts: The status of Beanie Wells is a bit of a mystery this week. We know he has had swelling in his knee from an allergic reaction to a shot but. He only carried the ball once last week but it would seem the swelling should be dissipating by now, yet as of Thursday he is still not practicing. He may play but the Cards aren’t a team that likes to play players who don’t practice during the week so it looks like this will be a split between Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Neither makes for a confident play but both are capable of posting big games. Hightower has failed to take advantage of Wells missed time this year. He still can be an effective short yardage weapon and receiver out of the backfield, but his potential carries considerable risk. His struggles have continued to open the door for the explosive open field runner/return man Stephens-Howling. He is a game-breaker and could surprise in a favorable matchup like this if he gets the touches.

Projections:
Derek Anderson: 230 yds/2 TDs/2 INT
Larry Fitzgerald: 90 yds/1 TD
Steve Breaston: 65 yds/1 TD
Early Doucet: 45 yds
LaRod Stephens-Howling: 35 yds/35 rec
Tim Hightower: 65 yds/1 TD

Prediction: Cardinals 27 Seahawks 24 ^ Top