Texans @ Eagles - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Texans have rode on the back of Arian Foster all season, while trying to change their image from a high flying passing attack to a ball control ground offense. Matt Schaub’s numbers have dropped dramatically accordingly, much to the dismay of his fantasy owners – although they did get a nice gift last week when the Texans twice threw from inside the five-yard line rather than feed Foster. Andre Johnson’s numbers are also down from last season but he has not been as affected as the other members of the passing attack by the change in offensive philosophy. Those in PPPL (“points per punches landed”) leagues received a nice bonus from Johnson last week when he connected on a few haymakers to the head of Cortland Finnegan. His owners have to be real pleased that Johnson isn’t going to be forced to miss any time because of that incident.

The Eagles are allowing 214.0 ypg game and 22 TDs through the air in 2010. Their once feared pass rush has lost some of its bite, but DE Trent Cole is still a man that needs to be accounted for. The Texans have struggled in pass protection - 24 sacks allowed on the season. However, the Eagles were unable to put much pressure on Jay Cutler last week, who has been sacked almost twice as much as Schaub on the season… so perhaps Schaub can stay clean. It should be noted that Asante Samuel is questionable to play this week, which will put a real burden on the Philly defense.

Running Game Thoughts: Arian Foster has been a huge surprise on the fantasy landscape and has been one of the top-ranked fantasy RBs all season. Foster’s one cut and go style fits in perfectly with the Houston zone-blocking scheme and he has shown good open field moves once he gets through the hole. He runs hard and with good balance making him equally effective in space and in short-yardage situations. He’s also been a safety valve option for Shaub in recent weeks furthering his value in PPR leagues. Simply put, Foster has been a beast in 2010 and should never be removed from your lineup.

The Eagles have been an impressive run defense (102.5 ypg and 8 TDs) in 2010 with MLB Stewart Bradley leading an aggressive unit the swarms to the ball. Foster should be the focus of the defense this week, which could allow a few big downfield strikes in the passing game.

Projections:
Matt Schaub: 285 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 15 yds rushing
Andre Johnson: 150 yds receiving, 1 TD
Kevin Walter: 40 yds receiving, 1 TD
Jacoby Jones: 20 yds receiving
Joel Dreessen: 65 yds receiving
Arian Foster: 105 yds rushing, 1 TD / 30 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Michael Vick continues to impress as both a pocket passer and a deadly scrambler. He’s come back down to earth after breaking out with one of the greatest performances in NFL history against Washington on Monday Night, Week 10. He stiill remains a QB1. He’s blessed with two tremendous young talents at WR in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin that are both lightening quick and deadly after-the-catch runners. TE Brent Celek has been invisible most weeks that Vick has been under center but did catch a TD pass last week in the loss to Chicago. Celek is hurt by the fact that the outside WRs are able to break away for big plays while Vick moves in the pocket to buy time.

It took undrafted rookie third string QB Rusty Smith to finally make the Texans’ pass defense appear solid. Otherwise, they’ve been truly awful. Prior to last week, they were on pace to be the second worst pass defense of all time. They are allowing an astonishing 286.2 ypg and 22 TDs on the season - and that’s with Smith throwing for only 138 yards last week. Before last week, no QB had failed to throw multiple TDs in a game against them other than Donovan McNabb, who threw for over 400 yards in that game - so it wasn’t like he was held in check. This could be another breakout day for Vick.

Running Game Thoughts: LeSean McCoy has continued to impress in 2010. He is a dynamic runner with adequate speed, good hands in the passing game, and is running with authority this season as opposed to dancing around the backfield as a rookie. The Eagles’ line has been deteriorating in recent weeks, but that hasn’t stopped McCoy who has become a force in both the NFL and in fantasy leagues around the country.

I’ve noted their deficiencies against the pass and Houston isn’t that great against the run either (despite holding Chris Johnson to 5 yards rushing last week). With that performance they have managed to move up into the top-ten defenses against the run, now allowing 100.2 ypg and have given up 8 rushing TDs on the season. Sometimes the numbers… they lie… a little.

Projections:
Michael Vick: 265 yds passing 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 55 yds rushing, 1 TD
Jeremy Maclin: 85 yds receiving, 1 TD
DeSean Jackson: 95 yds receiving, 1 TD
Brent Celek: 25 yds receiving
LeSean McCoy: 100 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving

Prediction: Eagles 27 Texans 24 ^ Top

Redskins @ Giants - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Donovan McNabb has put up pretty good yardage totals on the season, but hasn’t found the endzone much. McNabb has a couple of solid veteran options in Santana Moss and Chris Cooley (although neither are big time playmakers any longer), and an over-achieving deep threat in Anthony Armstrong, but the team will need to surround him with better talent if hey want him to be the long term option and live up to his contract extension. His skills have eroded some, but McNabb is still a better than average QB and a good field general, he’s just overmatched due to his lack of weapons most weeks. In a perfect world Santana Moss would be a secondary option in the passing game as age slows him down and Armstrong would be limited to being a deep threat specialist, but Washington is far from a perfect world.

McNabb will be facing off against the Giants’ top ranked pass defense (186.4 ypg and 14), so don’t expect to see him suddenly light up the scoreboard. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are playing lights out once again causing opposing QBs to be aware of the pressure (31 sacks on the season) they’ll be under when they face New York. McNabb still has some mobility but isn’t the same as he was under younger legs, so expect Cooley to be kept in as a blocker more than usual further limiting the weapons at McNabb’s disposal.

Running Game Thoughts: The Shanahan RB carousel took yet another turn when the recently signed former Cleveland Brown James Davis got the significant workload over current incumbent starter Keiland Williams last week against Minnesota. Neither back was effective at all though against a stout Viking defense. Davis is now the fourth different RB to lead the team in carries this season making it real tough for a fantasy owner to start a Washington back, despite a handful of games where the running game was very effective. The situation may be clouded further if Ryan Torain is able to make it back from his hamstring injury soon.

The Giants run defense has been slipping in recent weeks, but on the season they are still a top 10 run defense, allowing 100.2 ypg and a 8 TDs on the season. Expect the Giants to contain the Washington running game putting the pressure on McNabb to get the Redskins offense going.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb: 245 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int. / 15 yards rushing
Santana Moss: 75 yds receiving, 1 TD
Anthony Armstrong: 40 yds receiving
Chris Cooley: 25 yds receiving
Keiland Williams: 40 yds rushing / 65 yds receiving
James Davis: 50 yds rushing

Passing Game Thoughts: Last week I stated that “Eli will need to show Peyton-like ability to turn no name WRs into studs if the Giants hope to right their ship” due to their recent rash of injuries at the position. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith will once again be on the sidelines this week. While Eli didn’t exactly light up the Meadowlands with an impressive aerial show, he did manage to toss a pair of TDs to Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss, respectively, his two most familiar targets last week. The Giants are hopeful that retreads like Derek Hagan and Michael Clayton can get the job done this week, but you shouldn’t.

Luckily for Eli the dearth of weapons comes at a good time, as he’ll be facing an incredibly soft pass defense for the second consecutive week. The Skins are allowing 269.4 passing ypg and have given up 18 passing TDs on the season.

Running Game Thoughts: As promised by HC Tom Coughlin, Ahmad Bradshaw became the backup to Brandon Jacobs last week, but Bradshaw still saw a decent amount of action. Unfortunately for Bradshaw owners Jacobs performed well as the starter gaining 87 yards on his 14 carries, while Bradshaw only saw 9 carries. However, Bradshaw was on the field as the Giants tried to protect a lead late in the game so perhaps Coughlin still trusts him to hold onto the football in critical situations. Expect the carries to be split a little more evenly this week and for Bradshaw to eventually regain the lion’s share.

The Redskins haven’t been very effective against the run in recent weeks and even allowed the Vikings to run effectively on them after Adrian Peterson left the game. The team is slowly moving down the run defense rankings towards the bottom of the pack (allowing 131.5 ypg on the season).

Projections:
Eli Manning: 280 yds passing, 3 TDs, 1 Int. / 5 yds rushing
Derek Hagan: 50 yds receiving
Mario Manningham: 90 yds receiving, 1 TD
Kevin Boss: 75 yds receiving, 1 TD
Brandon Jacobs: 50 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Ahmad Bradshaw: 65 yds rushing / 40 yds receiving, 1 TD

Prediction: Giants 24, Redskins 13 ^ Top

Browns @ Dolphins - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Interestingly enough, Jake Delhomme is being paid $12.75 million for the 2010 season by the Carolina Panthers who were playing against the Cleveland Browns last week - a team also paying him $7+ million for 2010 (he must have the greatest agent in the history of sports). Since Carolina was paying him more, it’s only fair that Jake did more to try and help Carolina win than he did to help Cleveland win. The turnover machine tossed two picks and no touchdowns in the game eventually won by Cleveland due to Carolina’s late missed FG attempt. There’s no need to discuss anything else about the Cleveland passing game, because let’s face it anyone relying on a member of the Cleveland passing attack is no longer reading this as they’ve long ago been eliminated from playoff contention.

Running Game Thoughts: Peyton Hillis is a beast. A 240 running back that has nimble feet, soft hands, outstanding burst and adequate straight-line speed, who can also put a hurting on would be tacklers like no one since the great Earl Campbell was laying out unfortunate defenders. Hillis has had a few weeks like last week (194 total yards and 3 TDs) where he can practically single handedly lead your fantasy team to victory, yet still seems to be less than a household name. He’s scored at least one TD in every game but one – so I don’t need to tell anyone that he simply should never be benched.

Miami’s run defense has done a nice job holding down opposing running backs in 2010. They are allowing 103.9 ypg and only 6 TDs this season. Hillis should cause the unit fits however, as no other running back in the league runs with quite the bulldozing style that Hillis does.

Projections:
Jake Delhomme: 245 yards, 1 TD, 3 Ints. / 10 yds rushing
Mohamed Massaquoi: 55 yds receiving, 1 TD
Chansi Stuckey: 40 yds receiving
Ben Watson: 45 yds receiving
Peyton Hillis: 105 yds rushing, 2 TDs / 35 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Chad Henne was back under center after missing one game due to his knee injury and played very well. Brandon Marshall missed last week, but should be back this week and once again will likely be consistently double teamed. Davone Bess, who earned himself a nice contract extension this season, stepped up once again in Marshall’s absence and went for over 100 yards receiving last week. Bess is a smart route runner who seems to have gained a little explosiveness this season. Expect him to shine once again as Cleveland tries to take Marshall out of the game leaving Bess able to exploit the space in the middle of the field.

Cleveland has struggled in pass defense this season, allowing 237.2 ypg and 19 TDs on the season. HC Eric Mangini favors the Cover 2 defensive scheme, which makes them susceptible to attacks down the middle of the field – another reason to really like Bess this week.

Running Game Thoughts: Neither Ronnie Brown nor Ricky Williams have looked all that impressive this season. Whether it’s age or injuries that have caught up to the duo it’s apparent that Miami will likely need to infuse some new blood next season in order to return to the ball control offense favored by Coach Tony Soprano.

Cleveland has allowed 119.5 ypg and only 4 TDs on the season so the sledding will not come any easier this week for Brown and Williams. DC Rob Ryan favors an attacking style defense and has gotten good run support from safeties Abraham Elam and TJ Ward to complement the relentless pursuit of linebackers Eric Barton and Scott Fujita.

Projections:
Chad Henne: 265 yds passing, 2 TDs, 2 Ints.
Brandon Marshall: 55 yds receiving
Brian Hartline: 40 yds receiving
Davone Bess: 85 yds receiving, 1 TD
Anthony Fasano: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Ronnie Brown: 55 yds rushing / 10 yds rec.
Ricky Williams: 50 yds rushing

Prediction: Browns 24 Dolphins 20 ^ Top

Patriots @ Jets - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Since Randy Moss’ departure, the Pats have revised their offensive game plans and returned to their dink and dunk style of attack. They often feature two-TE-sets and have a very talented pair of rookie TEs in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. While the Pats have moved back to being a spread the wealth offense which looks to exploit matchups each week, they have not lost any offensive fire power and they’ve still managed to put points on the board each week. Tom Brady continues to show why he’s in the conversation for the best of his generation as he can win in any style offense and with various casts of characters in support.

Darrelle Revis is back to full health, which has spelled trouble for Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson and Terrell Owens during the last four weeks. However, the Pats newfound offense negates one of the Jets biggest strength on defense, the ability to cover stud WRs. The Jets have struggled tremendously to stop TEs and slot/3rd WRs in 2010. Revis and Cromartie may be wasted covering the likes of Deion Branch and Brandon Tate – while Wes Welker and the TEs eat up the Jets in the middle of the field. However, don’t be surprised if Rex Ryan comes up with some new wrinkle to combat this scenario. Cromartie is big and fast enough to be matched up with one of the TEs while Revis may find himself shadowing Welker from time to time. One thing that will be a necessity if the Jets want to keep their road record unblemished... they must get pressure on Brady without the need to constantly blitz the Pats.

Running Game Thoughts: BenJarvis Green-Ellis has stepped up his game in 2010. He’s a no nonsense North-South runner, but has developed a little more shiftiness than he’s shown in the past. However, the Jets have limited big hard running backs like Cedric Benson, Marshawn Lynch, and Ronnie Brown this season. They also held Peyton Hillis in check more than most teams have been able to. Look for Danny Woodhead, a former Jet practice squad member, to be utilized heavily by Belichick as he can cause the Jets fits with his quickness and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

As implied above, the Jets have stymied opposing running games holding opponents to 86.3 ypg and 6 TDs on the season. Inside linebackers David Harris and Bart Scott are big, fast and strong enough to hold most backs in check and the Jets shouldn’t have much problems shutting down the Pats running attack, forcing them to throw.

Projections:
Tom Brady: 285 yds passing, 2 TDs
Deion Branch: 40 yds receiving
Wes Welker: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Rob Gronkowski: 45 yds receiving, 1 TD
Aaron Hernandez: 70 yds receiving
Danny Woodhead: 55 yds rushing, 1 TD / 30 yds receiving
BenJarvis Green-Ellis: 30 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Mark Sanchez played poorly on Thanksgiving Night and will need to bounce back big time if the Jets are going to beat the Patriots on the road. Santonio Holmes’ role has increased each week and he’s scored three TDs in the last two games. He should be a tough matchup for the young Patriot cornerbacks. Jerricho Cotchery is expected back this week adding a sure handed security blanket to Sanchez’ arsenal, but he can’t be counted on for fantasy purposes. Look for the Jets to take a few deep shots with Braylon Edwards and to try and reestablish Dustin Keller as a playmaker in the middle of the field. Keller’s role has decreased tremendously since Holmes has returned from suspension, but he’s still a tough matchup for most defenses and the Jets need to get him going again for the passing game to click on all cylinders.

Although, the Pats’ young secondary has gained some experience and has played a little better over the course of the season, the team finds itself in the embarrassing position of having the worst pass defense in the NFL after Houston moved up a spot by shutting down Tennessee last week. They have the 32nd ranked pass defense (288.5 ypg and 21 TDs) and the Jets have the weapons to exploit that weakness, but it will fall on Sanchez’ shoulders to play smart and effectively.

Running Game Thoughts: The Jets may pay lip service to being a “ground and pound” offense, but it’s clear that they now trust Sanchez to carry the team and have turned over a large share of the offense to the second year signal caller. LaDainian Tomlinson is still contributing as a receiver but has slowed down some in the rushing game since his torrid start to the season. While the veteran has slowed, the youngster Shonn Greene has seen his role increase as the season has progressed. The Jets are a little banged up along the o-line (Damien Woody is expected to play despite an MCL sprain) and Brandon Moore has been hampered the last two weeks, but don’t be shocked to see the Jets change things up a little by going back to a more ground central attack against the Pats decent but not dominating run defense, in order to limit Brady’s time on the field.

Projections:
Mark Sanchez: 295 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 20 yards rushing
Braylon Edwards: 70 yds receiving, 1 TD
Santonio Holmes: 110 yds receiving, 1 TD
Dustin Keller: 65 yds receiving
Shonn Greene: 85 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
LaDainian Tomlinson: 65 yds rushing, 1 TD / 20 yds receiving

Prediction: Patriots 28 Jets 27 ^ Top

Jaguars @ Titans - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been very hit-or-miss in 2010, and he is coming off back-to-back “miss” weeks against the Browns and the Giants. A hobbled Garrard has fumbled four times while also throwing four interceptions in those two games. Some may blame his inaccuracy on an injured wrist that has been bothering him, but the poor decision-making Garrard has displayed on those occasions has nothing to do with that. Of course, it doesn’t help that Mike Sims-Walker continues to drop passes. On the positive side, Garrard rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown last week against a ferocious Giants defense and looked as mobile as he has at any point in his career.

The Titans do have the kind of defense that has been trouble for Garrard in recent history. They knocked him out of a game earlier this season and held him to only 139 yards passing in Week 8 of 2009. Their pass defense has been average this season, having allowed three 300-yard passers in their past four games. Tennessee’s recent success against the Jacksonville passing game has to be a concern, though. Sims-Walker has just 115 yards receiving in his four career games against the Titans. On the other hand, Mike Thomas caught eight passes for 88 yards in their matchup earlier this season, despite a poor quarterback situation.

Running Game Thoughts: This is the Maurice Jones-Drew that fantasy owners were hoping to get when they selected him with a top-5 pick. After having just one 100-yard game in the first seven weeks of the season, Jones-Drew has ripped off four straight 100-yarders as the Jaguars have gotten back to giving him the ball early and often. Jacksonville wasn’t using him enough in the passing game early in the year and his numbers showed it—but he is now touching the ball about 20-25 times per week, and with nearly five yards per touch, that usually translates into some solid fantasy numbers.

The Titans have been average at stopping the run this season but seem to be particularly susceptible to passes to running backs. They have conceded 328 receiving yards to running backs over their past five games while also allowing three 100-plus rushing yard games over that time. They were able to shut down Jones-Drew earlier this year, but much of that can be attributed to the Titans’ ability to focus more heavily on the run once Garrard was knocked out of the game. Jones-Drew ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars–Titans contest prior to that.

Projections:
David Garrard – 195 yards passing / 1 touchdowns / 0 INT / 20 yards rushing
Maurice Jones-Drew – 110 yards rushing / 1 TD / 45 yards receiving / 0 TD
Mike Thomas –70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Mike Sims-Walker– 45 yards receiving / 0 TD
Marcedes Lewis – 45 yards receiving / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The success of this passing game depends entirely on the health of quarterback Kerry Collins. Collins missed last week’s game against Houston with an injured calf muscle, leading to rookie quarterback Rusty Smith getting the start for the Titans. Smith looked absolutely horrible in his NFL debut, passing for just 138 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions against one of the league’s worst pass defenses. Collins is expected to play this week and may even have Kenny Britt back—albeit in limited capacity.

The Jaguars rank 30th in the league at allowing points to opposing quarterbacks and have allowed at least one passing touchdown in every game this season, making Kerry Collins a deep sleeper if he is able to go. That said, none of the Titans’ receivers—Randy Moss included—make for a particularly excellent fantasy play because none of them have shown that they can be consistent (aside from Britt, who isn’t likely to get a lot of snaps even if he does play). It will likely be a receiver-by-committee approach again for the Titans, but that’s also the best way to attack the Jacksonville secondary.

Running Game Thoughts: Five yards last week? Wow, what a tremendous disappointment for the consensus number one overall fantasy pick! Johnson’s worst rushing performance to date can be blamed largely on the fact that there was absolutely no threat of a passing game from Rusty Smith, so the Texans were able to focus their attention on shutting down Johnson—and they did just that. The nice thing is that this is the absolute worst-case-scenario, and with Collins expected back this week, there’s very little chance of a repeat performance from the league’s fastest back.

Jacksonville was on a good streak as they had held three teams in a row to under 70 yards rushing, but they were gashed for 136 last week against the Giants. Though Collins brings a much bigger threat to the passing game than Rusty Smith did, the Jaguars’ primary focus needs to be on stopping Chris Johnson. Johnson does have a good history against the Jaguars that has continued into 2010, as he rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting between these teams back in Week 6. He has also rushed for over 300 yards total in their two matchups in 2009.

Projections:
Kerry Collins – 190 yards passing / 1 TD / 1 INT
Chris Johnson – 115 yards rushing / 2 TD / 5 yards receiving
Nate Washington – 70 yards rushing / 1 TD
Randy Moss – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Justin Gage – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Kenny Britt – 25 yards receiving / 0 TD

Prediction: Jaguars 20, Titans 24 ^ Top

Cowboys @ Colts - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Dallas passing game hasn’t taken as big a hit as many experts predicted it would when Tony Romo went down. Veteran backup Jon Kitna has kept the passing game moving at a good pace, and while he doesn’t bring the mobility or skill-set to the table that Romo does, he has thrown for three 300-plus yard games since taking over the starting job. It looked like Kitna had a particularly great connection with rookie receiver Dez Bryant, but that seems to have fallen apart over the past two weeks as a healthy Bryant has only 8 total yards receiving during that time. Meanwhile, Jason Witten has re-established himself as one of the league’s best receiving threats at tight end, and Roy Williams actually leads the team’s wide receivers in receptions over the past three weeks.

With Marion Barber out with an injury, the Cowboys may need to rely even more on Kitna and the passing game than they have recently. This should lead to more yardage and potentially more scores, but it could also mean more interceptions, especially against a team like the Colts that can rush the quarterback with the best of them. The Colts held both Tom Brady and Philip Rivers to under 200 yards passing over the past two weeks and have allowed only one 300-plus yard passer all season. Dallas may fall behind early in this one, which could lead to a lot of passing, but Kitna remains a borderline fantasy play against this tough pass defense.

Running Game Thoughts: One of the biggest questions for the Cowboys this week will be if they can stay in the game long enough for Felix Jones (and perhaps even Tashard Choice) to make a fantasy impact. Jones has cracked 60 yards rushing just once this season and has taken a maximum of only 15 carries in any single game, leading many to believe that he may not even reach the 10-carry mark this week against the Colts. The nice thing for Jones owners is that he has begun to establish himself as one of the team’s best receiving options in catching an impressive 13 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown over the past three weeks.

The weak spot on the Indianapolis defense has long been their run defense, as they currently rank 22nd in the league at stopping the run. They have allowed over 100 yards rushing in every game but two this season and have given up 11 total touchdowns through 12 games. If Jones and Choice can successfully attack Indianapolis on the ground, Dallas may stand a chance of controlling the clock and keeping the high-powered Indianapolis offense off the field. If the Cowboys fall behind early, though, expect Dallas to become the third team this year to be held to under 100 yards rushing by the Colts.

Projections:
Jon Kitna – 260 yards passing / 2 TD / 2 INT
Felix Jones – 55 yards rushing / 0 TD / 40 yards receiving
Tashard Choice – 30 yards rushing / 0 TD / 10 yards receiving
Dez Bryant – 50 yards receiving / 1 TD
Miles Austin – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Roy Williams – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jason Witten – 70 yards receiving / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: This could very well end up being Peyton Manning’s biggest fantasy game of 2010. It seems as though every time another quarterback is thrown into the “best in the league” discussion, Manning comes up with a huge game that reminds us why he is a four-time league MVP. Manning is coming off two tough games against the Chargers and the Patriots in which he threw seven combined interceptions. He did throw six touchdowns in those two games, but the interceptions are not something we’re accustomed to seeing from Manning.

Fortunately for Manning and his turnover woes, he faces a Cowboys defense this week that ranks 26th in the league in interceptions forced. Not only that, but they also rank 27th in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. This just looks like the perfect matchup for Manning to reassert himself as the league’s best quarterback. With their running game sputtering, the Colts should give Manning plenty of opportunities to embarrass the Cowboys secondary. Look for Reggie Wayne to get into the end zone at least once this week, as Dallas has had a very tough time stopping opponents’ top receivers this season.

Running Game Thoughts: The Indianapolis running game is really beginning to look like a joke. With Joseph Addai still trying to get back on the field, the Colts have turned to 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown along with Javarris James—neither of whom has been very impressive. Brown rushed for just 24 yards on 11 carries last week, and it’s looking more likely that both Addai and Mike Hart will return from injury soon. If all three backs are healthy, expect James to be deactivated and Addai, Brown, and Hart to each touch the ball in some capacity. While this could mean good things for the Colts running game in general, it also means tough decisions for fantasy owners.

While the Cowboys have struggled mightily to stop the pass this season, their strong point remains their run defense. They’re still allowing too many touchdowns on the ground, but the team hasn’t allowed 100 yards rushing in four straight games, including holding the Giants to just 90 yards back in Week 10. Even though Dallas has allowed four touchdowns to opposing running backs during this four- game span, the Indianapolis running game hasn’t shown enough evidence to justify starting any of them for any reason other than complete desperation.

Projections:
Peyton Manning – 325 yards passing / 4 TD / 1 INT
Donald Brown – 30 yards rushing / 0 TD / 20 yards receiving
Joseph Addai – 25 yards rushing / 0 TD / 15 yards receiving
Reggie Wayne – 105 yards receiving / 2 TD
Blair White – 40 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jacob Tamme – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Cowboys 17, Colts 34 ^ Top

Falcons @ Buccaneers - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: The nickname “Matty Ice” is becoming more and more appropriate for the Atlanta’s third-year star quarterback. With an impressive game-winning drive against the Packers last week, Matt Ryan improved his team to a league-best 9-2 record. Ryan has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 10 straight games this season and hasn’t turned the ball over since Week 7. Roddy White is finally getting healthy again and it’s coming at a big point in the season, as the Falcons will need to finish up strong if they hope to hold off the Buccaneers and the Saints in the tightly contested NFC South.

This week Tampa Bay will be hoping to disrupt Ryan’s recent hot streak. They held the quarterback to just 235 yards and one touchdown in Week 9, and Ryan hasn’t played quite as well on the road as he has at home this season. The Buccaneers also held Roddy White to just four catches for 49 yards in that game, but they allowed Tony Gonzalez to gash them for 8 catches and 72 yards. If the Buccaneers can shut down White and Gonzalez, the Falcons don’t have much else in the passing game.

Running Game Thoughts: Other than the slip-up against a very good Baltimore defense, Michael Turner has started to look like the consistent stud running back that fantasy owners were hoping for when they drafted him in the first round. Turner has rushed for 100 or more yards in four of his past five games, adding an impressive six touchdowns during that span. He remains a non-factor in the passing game, but that doesn’t particularly matter when he’s still touching the ball nearly 25 times per game.

The Buccaneers have struggled to stop the run this season, and they currently rank 24th in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. They did an impressive job shutting down Frank Gore two weeks ago but had allowed seven 100-plus rushing games in their eight games before that. This included a 122-yard, two-touchdown performance from Turner in Week 9. The Falcons will very likely give the ball to Turner 20-25 times this week, so the Buccaneers will need another performance like the one against the 49ers in Week 11 if they hope to hold this running game in check.

Projections:
Matt Ryan – 225 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT
Michael Turner – 100 yards rushing / 1 TD
Jason Snelling – 20 yards rushing / 20 yards receiving
Roddy White – 90 yards receiving / 1 TD
Michael Jenkins – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Tony Gonzalez – 60 yards receiving / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s like clockwork every week: Josh Freeman steps in as the Buccaneers’ quarterback and has a solid—though not spectacular—fantasy performance. He has now had between 12 and 19 fantasy points in 11 of 12 games this season while throwing at least one touchdown in every one of those 11 games. He has thrown only five interceptions on the season and continues to play particularly well at home. Wide receiver Mike Williams continues to make a case for himself as the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year, despite having his worst fantasy game of the season last week in Baltimore. Freeman and Williams are really establishing themselves as one of the brightest young duos in the league.

The Buccaneers fell to the Falcons in a close game when these teams played earlier this season, and Freeman’s two interceptions were a large reason for that. However, that was the only time Freeman has thrown multiple picks this season, and he seems to have learned from those two mistakes—he hasn’t thrown an interception since. If Freeman can continue that streak, look for a another big game from Mike Williams this week, as he beat up the Falcons secondary for 89 yards and a touchdown back in Week 9. Though Josh Freeman’s ceiling is relatively limited, he has been one of the league’s most consistently solid quarterbacks this season. Look for another solid but unspectacular game from the second-year quarterback.

Running Game Thoughts: The starting running back remains LaGarrette Blount, but he has not reached the 100-yard mark in four straight games. The Buccaneers have continued to hand the ball off to Cadillac Williams 5-8 times per game and have given him the vast majority of the receptions out of the backfield. Using this strategy helps to keep both Blount and Williams healthy, but it makes things very frustrating for fantasy owners, especially because Williams has rushed for two touchdowns in the past three games.

Blount’s 100-yard rushing drought began the first time he faced the Falcons this year. He rushed for just 46 yards in that loss, as Atlanta was able to challenge his bruising style by stacking the box. Blount isn’t a good fantasy play again this week, as Atlanta ranks third in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. They have allowed a league-best two rushing touchdowns on the year and haven’t given up 100 yards rushing to opposing running backs since Week 6. Blount’s biggest value may be as a goal line back, but the presence of Cadillac Williams provides no guarantee that Blount will be the one who gets the easy six.

Projections:
Josh Freeman – 210 yards passing / 2 TD / 0 INT / 20 yards rushing
LeGarrette Blount – 45 yards rushing / 1 TD
Cadillac Williams – 20 yards rushing / 0 TD / 30 yards receiving
Mike Williams – 75 yards receiving / 1 TD
Kellen Winslow – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24 ^ Top

Bears @ Lions - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Jay Cutler surprised most everyone last week when he sliced the typically aggressive Philly defense for a season high four TDs. It can be tough to put your fantasy eggs in Cutler’s basket for another week. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance this year, he’s been painfully inconsistent and has the propensity to turn the ball over in bunches. Detroit’s defense was shredded on Thanksgiving by Tom Brady. Can Cutler do the same thing? We’ll see. Keep in mind, though, that the Lions several weeks ago held both Buffalo and Dallas to under 140 yards passing. That says a lot, especially considering those games were on the road.

It’s going to be important for the much-maligned receiving corp. to continue its great play from last week. Johnny Knox and Greg Olsen got in the mix against Philly, but who was that wearing #80 and what did he do with Earl Bennett? Bennett had his first multiple TD game last week and led the team in receptions. Detroit’s defense looks average on paper, but in actuality they’re worse than that. Expect Cutler and Co. to pick up where they left off last week.

Running Game Thoughts: Thanks to his sub par 2009 season, Matt Forte was one of those low-risk/high reward fantasy draftees going into 2010. He’s certainly one of the more solid RB2s in fantasy this year. Forte rushed for more than 100 yards for only the second time this season and he has only five receptions total in his last three games, but he’s become too valuable to think about doing anything with him but starting him. Detroit’s defensive line will put up a formidable test, but only two teams have given up more TDs on the ground than the Lions. Forte is a must-start and should put up outstanding numbers.

Projections:
Jay Cutler – 255 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Matt Forte – 75 yards rushing / 25 yards rec / 1 rushing TD
Johnny Knox – 80 yards / 1 TD
Devin Hester – 55 yards
Earl Bennett – 25 yards
Greg Olsen – 35 yards / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The musical chairs at QB for the Lions continues. First Matthew Stafford, then Shaun Hill, then back to Stafford, back to Hill, now Drew Stanton. Sadly for Lions fans, Stanton is by far the worst of the three. This former second round selection can’t seem to get out of his own way, and now his possible average performance will take the fantasy relevance of Calvin Johnson and others along for the ride. Chicago gives up a ton of yards through the air but have been stingy surrendering TDs, as only one team has given up fewer than Chicago’s eight. DE Julius Peppers blindsided Stafford the first time these two teams met and knocked him out of commission for about a month, so it’s not a stretch to indicate Peppers can have a big day. Stanton is a mobile QB and can maneuver around defenders, but that’s about all he can do.

Calvin Johnson has continued to impress. He’s scored in seven of his last eight games, including a nine catch, 191 yards, three TD gem against Washington in week seven. And surprise, surprise—Nate Burleson has actually been a solid #3 fantasy WR. He already has more TD receptions than he’s had in the past three years, but man, I can’t get past the fact that Stanton is going to affect the productivity of both Johnson and Burleson to the extent that Burleson should probably be relegated to your bench.

Running Game Thoughts: For those Jahvid Best owners, I sure hope you were a sell-high person and got rid of him after his sensational start in the first two games. Ineffective play and nagging toe injuries have rendered him useless. Maurice Morris, however, took over for him during the Thanksgiving game and actually had the best game of his career. It marked the first time that Morris ran for multiple TDs in a game. I sincerely hope that nobody bought into that Morris as a “sleeper” this week. Chicago has the 2nd-ranked run defense anyway, so it’s safe to say that no Lion should be anywhere near your line-up whose name isn’t Calvin Johnson.

Projections:
Drew Stanton – 185 yards / 1 TD / 3 INTs
Maurice Morris – 35 yards
Calvin Johnson – 70 yards / 1 TD
Nate Burleson – 40 yards
Brandon Pettigrew – 55 yards

Prediction: Chicago 24, Detroit 10 ^ Top

49ers @ Packers - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: One glance at Troy Smith’s stats from his career quickly reveals he’s yet to throw for multiple TDs in a game. Granted, he’s only played in a handful of games, but the fact that this team will be without RB Frank Gore means more of the offensive burden will be squarely placed on Smith’s shoulders. There’s a solid chance that Smith’s streak will continue against Green Bay, since the Packers have only given up 10 passing TDs in 11 games this season. Gore was actually the team’s leading receiver, so whether Anthony Dixon and Brian Westbrook can duplicate even a fraction of what Gore gave them in the passing game is yet to be seen.

Perhaps the first reaction of some folks to Gore’s injury was Vernon Davis could/should see an uptick in his targets. Davis has followed up a four-week stretch (weeks 4 thru 7) in which he scored a TD in each game with a four-week stretch where he’s yet to find the end zone. Last season he never went more than two games without scoring. Both Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan have had games this season in which they've posted good numbers, but they both may find it difficult producing this week. I’d keep both of them benched while only playing Davis in TE-required leagues. Otherwise, beware of all ‘9ners in this one.

Running Game Thoughts: As mentioned above, the combination of Dixon and Westbrook will attempt their best Frank Gore impersonation for the balance of the season. Head coach Mike Singletary has already said Westbrook will not be overused since he has a history of injuries. So, once was the best non-RBBC in the league has transformed into RBBC right before our eyes. The only bad part is nobody knows how the roles will be broken down, and for that reason, suggesting with any level of certainty who to start and be productive for San Francisco would be sheer conjecture. So in the meantime, keep both Dixon and Westbrook on the bench.

Projections:
Troy Smith – 210 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Anthony Dixon – 40 yards
Brian Westbrook – 30 yards rushing / 30 yards rec
Michael Crabtree – 65 yards
Josh Morgan – 35 yards
Vernon Davis – 60 yards / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: After throwing at least one INT in six of the season’s first seven games, Aaron Rodgers has now gone four straight without a pick. He’s never gone five straight, so something’s gotta give. It’s no secret what makes Green Bay’s offense go, and that’s Rodgers. This is a pass-first/pass-often attack, and the way Rodgers has been taking care of the football, that’s a great thing to his fantasy owners. San Francisco has the league’s 11th-ranked overall defense, but some of that was thanks to playing offensively-challenged teams such as Arizona, Carolina and an Oakland team that the 49ers held well below 300 yards of total offense in week 6.

It seems WR James Jones has taken over the #2 spot for Donald Driver. While Jones isn’t listed as a starter, his production sure says he is. His stats across the board are better than Driver’s, and while Driver did miss a few games this year, all you need to do is apply the eyeball test and you’ll see that Jones is clearly outplaying Driver. Jones is definitely the better option now at #2 for Green Bay. As usual, get all your Packers in your line-up.

Running Game Thoughts: Running game? What stinkin’ running game? The Packers have eight rushing TDs, and half of those have come from Rodgers. Half. It is refreshing, though, to see Brandon Jackson get the bulk of the carries in the run game. John Kuhn is a poor man’s version of Peyton Hillis, and the fact that Green Bay insisted on giving Kuhn touches when it was clear Jackson was the better option was laughable. Either way it goes, any RB toting the rock for Green Bay is not a recommended start—this week or any other week in 2010.

Projections:
Aaron Rodgers – 320 yards / 3 TDs
Brandon Jackson – 45 yards
Greg Jennings – 120 yards / 2 TDs
James Jones – 80 yards / 1 TD
Donald Driver – 55 yards
Andrew Quarless – 40 yards

Prediction: Green Bay 27, San Francisco 10 ^ Top

Bills @ Vikings - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s kinda cool to see how Ryan Fitzpatrick has turned into a pretty solid #2 fantasy QB. Many people laughed when the Bills got rid of QB Trent Edwards so that Fitzpatrick can get more playing time. Well, it looks like Buffalo’s brass may have been correct. Fitzpatrick has played nothing like the journeyman he entered the season as. And what’s more is Fitzpatrick’s ascension has coincided with Steve Johnson’s rise as one of fantasy’s top sleepers in 2010. He’s been on a tear despite the much-publicized drop last week. But Johnson’s situation is tailor made for fantasy productivity: a porous defense, meaning Buffalo will be in catch-up mode in most games, and a QB who looks for him with regularity. Johnson is the only must-start on the Bills’ roster, so get him in your line-up.

Running Game Thoughts: One of the great things about fantasy football is watching how players go from obscurity to notoriety in a matter of weeks. Fred Jackson has gone from being one-third of a crowded backfield (with Marshawn Lynch and CJ Spiller) to being the bell cow for an offense that MUST move the ball because of its shaky defense. Jackson tends to do well against equally shaky defenses and has a difficult time against tough defenses, his productive game against Pittsburgh—courtesy of one long pass play—notwithstanding. Minnesota’s run defense has rebounded after getting off to a slow start in 2010. The Vikings actually held Washington to a miniscule 29 yards rushing last week. While Jackson could rush for more than that by himself, it won’t be much more than that. If you’re forced to start Jackson, I could think of worse players to start. Put him in the line-up if you must, but your expectations should be tempered a bit.

Projections:
Ryan Fitzpatrick – 225 yards / 2 TDs / 2 INTs
Fred Jackson – 55 yards rushing / 20 yards rec
Steve Johnson – 95 yards / 1 TD
Lee Evans – 65 yards / 1 TD
Donald Jones – 25 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: It was immediately apparent to those watching that Minnesota had a different game plan heading into last week’s game against Washington. They incorporated many more short passes in lieu of the deep balls down field, perhaps in an effort to minimize Brett Favre’s propensity to throw INTs. It worked. He didn’t turn the ball over for the first time in five games, but he also didn’t toss a TD for the second straight game. What’s more, he only has three TD passes in his last five games. That’s not the kind of production you want during this most critical of times in the fantasy season. I doubt that those in contention are relying heavily on Favre, but some of us could be relying on the Percy Harvins, Sidney Rices and Visanthe Shiancoes of the world, and Favre’s horrid play affects ‘em all. Buffalo is actually not that bad against the pass, so Favre could be in for another average (at best) game.

Running Game Thoughts: As it stands now (Thursday evening), it’s still a 50-50 proposition that Adrian Peterson will play because of an ankle injury. If he can’t go, rookie Toby Gerhart will get his first start, and going up against the league’s worst run defense is not a bad way to begin. No team has been run on as many times and for as many yards as Buffalo. And with Favre stinkin’ up the joint recently, we could see a heavy dose of the run game regardless of who carries the ball. Buffalo has only held one team (the lowly Lions) to less than 100 yards rushing in the last eight games. The good news is this is a 1:00 game, so you will have plenty of time to make adjustments depending on who suits up in the backfield for Minnesota.

Projections:
Brett Favre – 195 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Toby Gerhart– 120 yards / 1 TD
Adrian Peterson – 25 yards
Percy Harvin – 75 yards
Sidney Rice – 55 yards / 1 TD
Visanthe Shiancoe – 50 yards

Prediction: Minnesota 20, Buffalo 17 ^ Top

Saints @ Bengals - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Drew Brees has thrown at least one TD in 22 straight games—that’s the good news. The bad news is he’s thrown it to the other team in seven straight, including three INTs against Arizona, four against Cleveland and two against Seattle—not really a defensive juggernaut in the bunch. But Brees is a big game waiting to happen, having thrown for 300-plus yards in four of the last five. And it helps that Marcus Colston is finally getting consistent looks from the QB. Colston went scoreless through the first six weeks of the season but has scored four times since.

Cincinnati is as unpredictable as a team can get. One week after holding Indianapolis to 256 total yards on the road they surrender 449 yards to Buffalo at home the next week. And the team’s eight game losing streak won’t help matters much either. Brees will continue to spread the ball around and keep the Bengals off balance defensively. Start all the usual suspects with the Saints’ passing game.

Running Game Thoughts: Pierre Thomas is one week closer to coming back after missing a chunk of the season with an ankle injury. The three-headed monster of Julius Jones, Chris Ivory and Reggie Bush should be more than enough to handle the toothless Cincy run defense. This is an all-out RBBC and owners should be aware of that fact. You have a pass-first offense that at times ignores the running game, and even when they run it’s anybody’s guess who’s going to carry the ball in any given situation. As a group, I say they’ll be productive; individually I say it’ll be a “fustercluck.”

Projections:
Drew Brees – 305 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Chris Ivory – 35 yards / 1 TD
Julius Jones – 25 yards
Reggie Bush – 20 yards rushing / 25 yards rec / 1 TD rec
Marques Colston – 125 yards / 1 TD
Lance Moore – 85 yards
Devery Henderson – 55 yards
Jeremy Shockey – 40 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: Ok, so let me get this straight. Carson Palmer was given the best one-two punch as WR he’s ever had, plus the organization added the best TE the team has seen in a generation and he still can’t win? His 2005 and 2006 breakout seasons seem like a lifetime ago. His turnovers have been horrible decisions that eight-year veterans shouldn’t make week after week. The optimist could say Palmer’s thrown a TD in every game this year but one, but the pessimist sees his terrible, drive-killing decisions at crucial times of the game and conclude his best days are behind him. Certainly his no-brainer-fantasy-starter days are gone. Whether or not they return is anyone’s guess.

Terrell Owens has been more and done more than perhaps anyone was expecting. He’s clearly outplayed #85 on the other side and looks like he hasn’t lost much in the way of physicality. T.O. has 11 more receptions, almost 300 more receiving yards and twice as many receiving TDs than Chad Ochocinco. The Saints have the league’s 3rd-ranked pass defense and they’ve given up the fewest TDs through the air (seven). This will be a tough outing for the Bengals—Palmer especially.

Running Game Thoughts: I remain baffled why Cedric Benson struggles week after week. He’s never really been a TD scorer, but now his yardage production is suffering. Benson has only two 100-yard rushing games this season while rushing for only two TDs in the last eight games. And considering there’s no one there to battle him for carries brings his struggles even more to the forefront. Plus his absence in the passing game doesn’t allow him to supplement his overall production, so each week he’s a hit or miss prospect. New Orleans has the 7th-best overall defense, so if you have another option at RB, you may want to entertain thoughts of replacing Benson in your line-up.

Projections:
Carson Palmer – 210 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Cedric Benson – 55 yards / 1 TD
Terrell Owens – 85 yards / 1 TD
Chad Ochocinco – 55 yards
Jermaine Gresham – 45 yards

Prediction: New Orleans 24, Cincinnati 14 ^ Top

Steelers @ Ravens - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Ben Roethlisberger injured his foot last week against Buffalo, but it looks like he will still be able to go in this one. But honestly, who thought Roethlisberger would go scoreless against the Buffalo Bills? He entered last week’s game having thrown six TDs with only one INT in his last two games. The Bills aren’t really that bad against the pass, but come on. The roles of Pittsburgh’s receivers can’t be better defined. Hines Ward is the underneath possession-type receiver while Mike Wallace takes the top off of defenses with his downfield threat. For the second year in a row, he leads the league in yards-per-reception with 22 ypc.

Baltimore had a couple rough games midway through the season while attempting to defend the pass. Atlanta torched them pretty good, but the last two weeks have gotten them back on track. Granted, it came against Carolina and Tampa Bay, but so be it. Pittsburgh/Baltimore games are usually defensive, low scoring battles. Roethlisberger could have a hard time justifying your decision to start him, and his ailing foot only makes matters worse. If by chance you have a better option at QB, you’d be well advised to look deeply into that option.

Running Game Thoughts: Rashard Mendenhall had one of his best games of his career last week against the putrid Buffalo run defense. Things may get a little tougher this week against Baltimore. He’s never run for more than 100 yards against the Ravens, but he does have three TDs in his last two games against the Steelers’ divisional foe. As usual, this could be a low scoring game with both teams’ running games playing major roles. Expect 20-25 touches by Mendenhall and perhaps a short run for a TD.

Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger – 195 yards / 1 TD / 2 INT
Rashard Mendenhall – 60 yards / 1 TD
Hines Ward – 85 yards
Mike Wallace – 55 yards / 1 TD
Heath Miller – 35 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: In a word, Joe Flacco has been solid. He consistently throws for yardage and TDs while taking care of the football (only one multiple INT game in the last 15). If Baltimore is to move the ball against Pittsburgh, it’s going to be through the air. The Steelers have the league’s toughest run defense but they’ve been susceptible against the pass. Teams such as Buffalo and Cleveland and Miami have found success against Pittsburgh, so don’t be too surprised if Flacco is productive.

But please, can someone explain to Flacco that #81 Anquan Boldin plays for the Ravens? Boldin in his last four games has averaged 33 yards receiving with one total TD. Now’s not the time for him to disappear. Whether it’s his fault, Flacco’s fault, or offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s fault, the fact remains Boldin goes complete halves of games without even being thrown the ball. Nothing’s more frustrating in fantasy football than that. Surprisingly, though, Boldin could strive in this game. The Ravens won’t be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh, so they will have to throw. Put Boldin in your line-up and cross every conceivable body part you have.

Running Game Thoughts: Ray Rice, as a runner, has been slightly above average. He has only one 100-plus yard game this year and now he faces the league’s toughest run defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers. All is not lost with Rice, though. His true value is found in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Rice has averaged more than five receptions per game over the last four and he’s second on the team in receptions. Expect to see quite a few dump-off passes and screens to Rice since the running lanes will be few and far between all game long.

Projections:
Joe Flacco – 240 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Ray Rice – 50 yards rushing / 65 yards rec
Anquan Boldin – 60 yards / 1 TD
Derrick Mason – 50 yards / 1 TD
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – 30 yards
Todd Heap – 25 yards

Prediction: Baltimore 17, Pittsburgh 14 ^ Top

Panthers @ Seahawks - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Jimmy Clausen is no Sam Bradford as far as rookie QBs go, but while he’s still perhaps the league’s worst starting QB, he’s slowly improving. He is 0-5 but is beginning to avoid the big mistakes and turnovers. HE threw just one INT against Cleveland’s improved defense and it was a route miscommunication. I mention Bradford because the Panthers appear to be taking a page from the Rams by really limiting the types of throws Clausen makes. Very short, very safe. Their passing game is Vanilla. Steve Smith hasn’t caught a TD since weak two. David Gettis shows flashes but is very inconsistent. He’s big and fast but had the same inconsistencies in college, which explains his low draft status. Brandon LaFell is also talented but inconsistent. He made a great catch for a score last week. They may have some pieces at WR to build around if they can get some better play at QB. They face a weak Seattle secondary this week, but can’t be counted on to exploit them.

Running Game Thoughts: It only took two months for the Panthers to find their running game. Who would have thought that Mike Goodson would outperform the vaunted duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart? Goodson has topped 100 total yard in three straight games, something Stewart an Williams failed to accomplish in the seven weeks prior. Some of the improvement goes to the offensive line. Stewart ran well behind them too with 98 yards while splitting carries, proving it wasn’t just the poor pass attack and/or poor running. Both Stewart and Goodson stand to continue their success against a Seattle defensive front missing several starters and struggling to stop the run in recent weeks. They rank 3oth in the league allowing 120 yards per game.

Projections:
Jimmy Clausen: 200 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Steve Smith: 45 yds
David Gettis: 50 yds/1 TD
Brandon LaFell: 45 yds
Mike Goodson: 50 yds/40 rec/1 TD
Jonathan Stewart: 65 yds/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The Seahawks Mike Williams is just beginning to work out again but is a long shot to play. They would love to get him back as the focal point of the pass attack but his replacement Ben Obomanu has filled in well. Obomanu had 5 for 159 and a score last week. He may have played his way into a starting role on the opposite side even after Williams returns. He’s averaging nearly twenty yards per reception and has easily outshone Deon Butler as a big play WR. The Seattle passing game, despite playing a poor team will have their hands full. Carolina has talent at the CB position that ranks 7th in passing yards allowed. Apparently they have depth as well. Starting CB Chris Gamble missed a practice and was benched last week, and his replacement Captain Munnerlyn stepped in for a pick six.

Running Game Thoughts: The Seahawk ground game is a mess. They seemed to throw in the towel last week with only twelve carries for 20 yards. Marshawn Lynch had 17 of them while Forsett had three. Both should fare better this week. The Panthers are easier to run on than pass and don’t seem to have the offensive fire power to put the Seahawks in a big deficit.

Projections:
Matt Hasselbeck: 245 yds/2TDs/1 INT
Ben Obomanu: 85 yds/1 TD
Deon Butler: 55 yds
Brandon Stokley: 60 yds
Justin Forsett: 30 yds/35 rec /1 TD
Marshawn Lynch: 55 yds/1 TD

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Panthers 20 ^ Top

Raiders @ Chargers - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Raiders continue to play musical chairs at the QB with Jason Campbell starting once again due to a season ending shoulder injury to last week’s starter Bruce Gradkowski. The Chargers are a bad matchup for Oakland. Al Davis drafts speed and loves to take vertical shots down field. They have had success of late hitting big plays to this year’s fastest rookie Jacoby Ford. However the Chargers have ranked in the top three for pass defense all year long. They have excelled at preventing the big passing plays the Raiders covet. I like Ford and his ability to make plays on the ball despite his size, but not this week. What the Raiders may do is utilize Zach Miller and Darren McFadden more. The Chargers LBs are good at rushing the passer and stopping the run. The Raiders need to trap them into man coverage situations and beat take advantage when they do. Miller is beat up but should play. McFadden caught a career best seven catches for 63 yards last week. Look for them to continue featuring those two with an occasional shot downfield to Ford.

Running Game Thoughts: What was once a dominant force for a stretch of the season, the Oakland rushing offense has struggled mightily the last several weeks. McFadden isn’t getting loose when the games are close and they are falling behind too far to stick with the run. HE ran for 14 yards on ten carries versus the Steelers and topped that effort last week when the Dolphins held him to two yards on eight carries. They need to run the ball to win. Campbell isn’t good enough to carry them. On the road, facing the league’s third stingiest run defense allowing just 80 yards per game isn’t a preferable place to start. Especially with a Chargers offense that is likely to put them behind early.

Projections:
Jason Campbell: 185 yds
Jacoby Ford: 50 yds
Louis Murphy: 40 yds
Zach Miller: 60 yds
Darren McFadden: 55 yds/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The Chargers annual late season push is well under way as they enter this week riding a five game win streak and face a struggling Raiders squad. Philip Rivers leads the charge through the air. The only question is whom he will pass the ball to this week. Gates will play, but in pain and only a shadow of himself. He is mostly a redzone target for now. The highly anticipated return of Vincent Jackson lasted about as long as a high school kid on a first date with a super model. Jackson strained his calf on the opening drive and never even made it to first base. Malcom Floyd still harbors a bad hamstring. He’s not expected to play. Same for Patrick Crayton with a broken wrist. The starters look to be Legedu Naanee and Seyi Ajirotutu. Not sure that either of them will have huge days but there’s no doubt they take home the all-name trophy. Ajirotutu will play the deep threat role. He has the upside potential. Naanee is a big strong guy that can work over the middle as a possession guy. What the Chargers will with their four best targets or limited is make greater use of RBs Jacob Hester and Darren Sproles. Both are solid options for Rivers to check down to.

Running Game Thoughts: This is a game where the Chargers may run a lot more than average. Their WR core is severally limited and the Raiders defense is best attacked on the ground. Mike Tolbert has been the featured back for two straight week and played well, but he has two question marks this week. He has missed practice this week a bruised wrist. He will play but there may be issues gripping the ball. Also, he will have to contend with the probable return of Ryan Mathews. Mathews returned to practice this week and is expected to see some carries. If both are a go, expect an even split with Tolbert getting the redzone carries.

Projections:
Philip Rivers: 240 yds/2 TD/1 INT
Seyi Ajirotutu: 65 yds/1 TD
Legedu Naanee: 50 yds
Antonio Gates: 45 yds/1 TD
Mike Tolbert: 55 yds/25 rec/1 TD
Ryan Mathews: 40 yds

Prediction: Chargers 24, Raiders 13 ^ Top

Broncos @ Chiefs - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Recent weeks have shown Kyle Orton to be a great fantasy QB even when the Broncos are losing. Much of his production has been a bit of garbage time/furious comebacks. They have made a lot of big plays, getting yardage in chunks, but struggle to sustain drives on a consistent basis. Alack of first half scoring and defense have derailed their season. This game should follow that model. They will make plays. Orton and Lloyd will both have good numbers. And they will lose. They will get a big boost if CB Brandon Flowers misses another week. Flowers is the Chiefs best chance to slow Lloyd, but he may not be at full speed even if he does play. Some of the recent struggles to sustain drives by the offense have been penalties and sacks. The Broncos are putting themselves in a lot of long yardage downs. The Chiefs have maybe the loudest stadium along with the Seahawks. The Kansas City crowd could force more of the same drive killing penalties and sacks of the Broncos can’t get off to a good start.

Running Game Thoughts: The Bronco’s need a run game to set up the big play action passes to Lloyd. Moreno has been effective in yards per carry since his return but the Broncos haven’t been able to keep balance while falling behind. His production is reliant on the game staying close. With the way the Chiefs offense is clicking and the Broncos defense struggling, Moreno may again be limited to the 12-15 carry range. He still makes a decent RB2 for fantasy with his contributions as a receiving target and chances to score.

Projections:
Kyle Orton: 325 yds/2 TDs/1 Int
Brandon Lloyd: 105 yds/1 TD
Eddie Royal: 65 yds
Jabar Gaffney: 60 yds/1 TD
Knowshon Moreno: 55 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe have gone from goats to heroes this year. After a miserable start they are on a historic ride that began in a 458 yard four TD loss to these very Broncos. Since that game Cassel has thrown for 860 yards, 10 TDs and zero INTs. Most of those TDs have gone to Bowe. Champ Bailey will get the assignment of cooling of the connection. HE has been solid this year but didn’t do much to slow them down at home and even less likely to in K.C. The difference has been Denver’s pass rush and safety play. Brian Dawkins isn’t running well and the Broncos OLBs haven’t been getting pressure. A big reason is having to focus on the run from allowing teams to run them over. They don’t put opposing offenses in must pass situations where pass rush schemes can be called.

Running Game Thoughts: The Chiefs tandem of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles are in for a great matchup. The form the league’s best rushing offense and should take full advantage of the Broncos 27th ranked rush defense allowing 140 yards per game. The Chiefs already average 175 yards rushing per game. Both backs are capable of putting up a hundred and should be started as low end RB1’s.

Projections:
Matt Cassel: 290 yds/2 TD/1 Int
Chris Chambers: 40 yds
Dwayne Bowe: 105 yds/2 TDs
Tony Moeaki: 40 yds
Jamaal Charles: 115 yds/35 rec/1 TD
Thomas Jones: 70 yards/1 TD

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Broncos 27 ^ Top

Rams @ Cardinals - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Rams made a big leap last week by winning in Denver for their second road win in a row. QB Sam Bradford and his WR core are rounding in to shape. They were really boosted by the return of ultra talented Denario Alexander who immediately returned to leading the team with four receptions for 95 yards. Just as important is that he made it through unscathed. Amendola’s role doesn’t change much as the slot possession guy, but he may not see the red zone looks and broke his three game scoring streak. With Alexander, Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson saw plenty of action but now divide their piece of the pie into thirds instead of halves. Gibson saw the least amount of work. The Rams passing attack can really take advantage of a poor Arizona secondary that delivers fantasy goodness for all their opponents. With all the talk over the suddenly deep WR core, it’s worth noting that the TEs Billy Bajema (2) and Brandon Hoomanawanui (1) scored the three Bradford TDs. Their increased involvement shows the growth of Bradford in taking advantage of a wider variety of weapons as the season progresses.

Running Game Thoughts: Steven Jackson should be penciled in for a big day facing a weak run defense but he faced a equally poor defense in the Broncos last week and failed to eclipse 75 yards with a big load of 29 carries. He is not improving with the team and even worse, he isn’t playing his typically big role in the passing game. At this point we must expect the same mediocrity moving forward until proven wrong.

Projections:
Sam Bradford : 260 yds/2 TDs/0 Int
Danny Amendola: 80 yds/1 TD
Brandon Gibson: 40 yds
Laurent Robinson: 40 yds
Danario Alexander: 70 yds/1 TD
Steven Jackson: 80 yds/20 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: One of the major headlines has been the so post game interview in which QB Derek Anderson lost his cool in a swearing tirade after a reporter pushed several times to question why he was laughing on the sideline during his team’s 18 point blowout loss. Will he press or take a different approach to this week from the scrutiny? Doubtful considering the already large amount of scrutiny he already plays under in the shadow of Kurt Warner. A bigger obstacle will be the Ram defense that has solidified this year under a better pass rush and overall defense. The Broncos have a superior pass offense and were held in check by the Rams until a furious late comeback. The Rams have the look of a team with something at stake while the Cards look like they’ve given in. They may channel that energy to get pressure on Anderson and force enough mistakes to win.

Running Game Thoughts: The running game hasn’t helped matters including a fumble by Wells on the opening play. They continued to be completely ineffective the rest of the way. Wells managed 13 yards on five carries which was trumped by Tim Hightower’s zero yards on five carries. The Rams aren’t as string as the Niners versus the run but they are a solid unit of capable duplicating the feat.

Projections:
Derek Anderson: 190 yds/1 TD/1 Int
Larry Fitzgerald: 75 yds/1 TD
Steve Breaston: 65 yds
Tim Hightower: 35 yds/ 25 rec/
Beanie Wells: 50 yds/1 TD

Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 17 ^ Top