Packers @ Jets - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Cagey old veteran Donald Driver has not gone away quietly, but with him a little banged up last game it was apparent that this offense may be more effective when Driver’s targets go to the younger and more dynamic James Jones – especially with the athletic big play TE Jermichael Finley no longer in the mix. The TE position is now being split by veteran Donald Lee and rookie Andrew Quarless, but neither are very interesting options for the Packers or your fantasy team. Once again this season, the o-line has not held up very well, which forces Aaron Rodgers to often throw underneath which left a lot of disappointed fantasy owners of deep threat Greg Jennings early this season. Jennings has become a bigger part of the offense in recent weeks because of the injuries to Finley and Driver, but he could be limited this week if matched up with a healthy Revis and with Rodgers being hassled by the Jets’ blitzing pass rush.

The Jets had the bye week to devise ways to disrupt the Packers passing game which could spell trouble. Revis was noticeably slowed by his bum hamstring the last few weeks but has declared himself 100% healthy which should spell trouble for Greg Jennings. The Jets haven’t exactly been shutting down opposing passing offenses so there is some hope for Rodgers’ owners – but with Pace and Revis finally healthy it could be a down week for Air Pack.

Running Game Thoughts: Brandon Jackson had his best game of the season last week, but he just isn’t that talented of a back. For reasons unknown the Packers failed to bring in some help for the running game, which has seriously struggled since Ryan Grant went down in Week 1. Rookie James Starks is eligible to come off the PUP list and may give the Packers’ ground attack a boost but it’s unlikely he’ll contribute much for the next couple of weeks at least.

The Jets 4th ranked run defense should easily keep the Packers in check, as they have done to most opposing running games thus far. New York is allowing only 90 ypg and a mere two rushing TDs on the season.

Projections:
Aaron Rodgers: 245 yds passing, 2 TDs, 2 Ints. / 15 yds rushing
Greg Jennings: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Donald Driver: 20 yds receiving
James Jones: 80 yds receiving
Donald Lee: 35 yds receiving, 1 TD
John Kuhn: 15 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Brandon Jackson: 35 yds rushing / 30 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Mark Sanchez threw his first two interceptions of the season in Week 6 before heading into his bye. That is quite a turnaround from last season where he finished with 20 interceptions. Sanchez has made great strides since his rookie season and has earned the trust of the coaching staff, allowing them to open up the offseason a great deal. Sanchez has worked extremely well with third year TE Dustin Keller, who is part of the new breed TEs that create mismatches wherever they line up. Former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes has got off to a slow start after serving a four game suspension but should be more involved this week following the bye. Holmes is a playmaker that can run the short routes or stretch the field with equal aplomb and should form a dangerous trio with Keller and the resurgent Braylon Edwards. Holmes’ arrival will eventually push Jerricho Cotchery to the WR3 role, further diminishing his already minor fantasy value.

Green Bay has been losing defensive players like school kids lose umbrellas. On the plus side they did activate Atari Bigby and Al Harris from the PUP list so perhaps they can start to improve on their 21st ranked pass defense. Clay Matthews is a little banged up but when healthy he is one of the premier pass rushers in the league and a guy the Jets will need to keep away from their young QB. RT jokingly (I think) claimed that if need be he would grab Matthews by his long blonde hair to keep him off of Sanchez since the hair is considered part of the uniform per league rules.

Running Game Thoughts: LaDainian Tomlinson has looked remarkable during the 2010 season and is clearly out to prove that he’s not finished yet. He’s a large part of why the Jets are the second ranked rushing offense (on a per game basis) behind only KC. Tomlinson has 490 yards and 5 TDs on the ground and has added another 107 yards through the air. Of course the larger part of the Jets rushing attack is their superb young o-line that has helped make two 30+ year old runners look youthful over the last two seasons.

The Packers are the 23rd ranked run defense (124.3 ypg and 4 TDs) and have now lost one of their better run defenders, Nick Barnett, for the season. The Jets should be able to control the line of scrimmage in this one and Tomlinson and Greene should run wild after a week where they were able to get some much needed rest.

Projections:
Mark Sanchez: 210 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 10 yards rushing
Braylon Edwards: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Santonio Holmes: 70 yds receiving
Dustin Keller: 50 yds receiving
Shonn Greene: 65 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
LaDainian Tomlinson: 105 yds rushing, 1 TD / 35 yds receiving

Prediction: Jets 24 Green Bay 17 ^ Top

Jaguars @ Cowboys - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Earlier this season in this piece, I pointed out that David Garrard has been Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde depending on where he happens to be taking his snaps. At home (for the most part) he’s put up solid numbers and played well, but on the road he’s been the type of QB that gets benched for journeyman Luke McCown. His career splits are 191.1 ypg with 45 TDs and 18 interceptions at home versus 172.2 ypg with 27 TDs and 26 interceptions while on the road. He’s on the road this week and coming off a week where he was forced to sit due to a concussion – you can surely do better that Garrard. Mike Sims-Walker has absolutely disappeared at times this season, but his talent and potential are enough to tease owners each week. Mike Thomas has been the main target in Jacksonville in 2010, but last week surprisingly saw no targets go his way when Todd Bouman was at QB. Despite what seems like a juicy matchup against a deflated Cowboys team, it’s likely a wise move to find better options than MSW and Mike Thomas until the Jaguars head back to Jacksonville.

Heading into last week, the Cowboys were statistically ranked as the top pass defense in the league (180.6 ypg and 7 TDs allowed on the season to that point). However, Eli Manning did throw for over 300 yards and 4 TDs last Monday Night, which shows that perhaps those statistics were a little misleading. The Cowboy secondary is inexperienced and lacks strong safety play, but they did at least manage to pick Eli off three times last week. The Boys will rely on DeMarcus Ware (8 sacks) and Jay Ratliffe getting pressure on Garrard in order to help protect their secondary. Against a below average Jaguar o-line that shouldn’t be a tremendous problem.

Running Game Thoughts: Maurice Jones-Drew for the most part has failed to live up to his high fantasy draft status in 2010. Whether the rumored knee injury or whether he’s been unable to overcome the otherwise below average Jacksonville offensive talent, he’s failed to put up many big games through seven weeks. It’s always hard to bench a player that required a top five pick to obtain, but it’s getting to the point that “it is what it is” with MJD and perhaps he should be benched during tough matchups.

As with their pass defense the Cowboys highly ranked run defense (at the time third) was exposed by the New York Giants – who rushed for over 200 yards against them. After that game the Cowboys dropped from 3rd to 14th in the rush defense rankings. Maybe it was just the Giants night. Jay Ratliff is a beast in the interior of the line and is the man that the Jaguars will have to account for in order to get MJD going.

Projections:
David Garrard: 175 yards passing, 2 Ints. / 20 yards rushing
Mike Sims-Walker: 35 yds receiving
Mike Thomas: 55 yds receiving
Marcedes Lewis: 60 yds receiving
Maurice Jones-Drew: 80 yds rushing, 1 TD / 25 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Jon Kitna is a savvy veteran that has played well in all of his stops across the NFL (Seattle, Cincinnati and Detroit). He’ll now be asked to steer the Cowboys sinking ship while Tony Romo recovers from a broken collar bone. Kitna played reasonably well last Monday for a man that hasn’t been under center in a regular season contest for close to two full seasons. Dez Bryant (2 TDs) thrived under Kitna, but fantasy owners must realize that he is a rookie subject to growing pains, and he’ll likely be inconsistent this season. The talent is obviously there and he could therefore break out on any given week like he did in Week 7, but he could also disappear like he did in Week 5 and Week 2. Overall though there may not be as big a drop off as one would think for the Cowboy skill players under Kitna. While Kitna is not on the same level as Romo at this point in his career, he has enough left in the tank to perform well given the talent surrounding him.

Kitna will also have it easy this week against a Jacksonville team that used to have a formidable defense but is now very poor. Their pass defense is yielding 253 ypg and opponents have scored 16 TDs through the air in seven games. The front seven gets little pressure on opposing QBs and David Jones and Rashean Mathis are often overmatched when facing talented wide receivers.

Running Game Thoughts: Maybe OC Jason Garrett will finally establish a rushing attack now that Tony Romo is sidelined, but don’t count on it. For a team that features three very talented backs they hardly run much at all. Felix Jones has been the main ball carrier the last couple of week, but still doesn’t see enough carries to put up huge numbers – and with him looking a little less explosive with his added weight, the chances of him making many big plays with his limited touches decreases.

The Jaguar defense is an equal opportunity offender. Whether opponents chose the air or the ground to attack them they are met with little resistance. They are allowing 129 ypg and 10 TDs on the ground so far this season. The Jaguars have made some questionable early first round picks in recent seasons on their front seven, including DEs Tyson Alualu and Derrick Harvey that have just not panned out, which in turn brings the unit down.

Projections:
Jon Kitna: 245 yds passing 3 TDs, 1 Int. / 5 yds rushing
Roy Williams: 55 yds receiving, 1 TD
Miles Austin: 80 yds receiving, 1 TD
Dez Bryant: 45 yds receiving
Jason Witten: 50 yds receiving, 1 TD
Felix Jones: 60 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving
Marion Barber: 35 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Prediction: Cowboys 24 Jaguars 10 ^ Top

Vikings @ Patriots - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Will he or will he not? Could Brett Favre’s iron man streak end this week? As we likely will not have any idea before this story goes to press I’ll assume he plays, because that’s what Brett does (unless he’s in one of his numerous retirement phases). Randy Moss hasn’t made much of a individual impact since he’s arrived in Minnesota but he has made a large impact on the Minnesota passing attack. Like he did for Wes Welker, his deep threat potential has opened up the underneath and middle of the field routes for slot WR Percy Harvin, who has excelled since Moss arrived. Moss himself has been used more as a decoy but has at least racked up a few TDs for his owners since his arrival in Minnesota. Should Tavaris Jackson be forced to start, I may be inclined to downgrade the Viking WRs a bit. Although Favre has struggled at times so far as well, Bellichick’s schemes could cause the inexperienced Jackson to have a few hiccups along the way.

The Pats young secondary has struggled for most of the season, but as cornerbacks Darius Butler and Devin McCourty and safety Patrick Chung have started gaining some experience they have played much better. The Pats are allowing 282 ypg and 12 TDs on the season, so you should expect the Vikings to take some shots downfield. We do know that Randy Moss will surely be motivated to come out and play this week.

Running Game Thoughts: There’s really not much that I need to say about Adrian Peterson. He’s the definition of a “matchup proof stud” that must be in your line-up as long as he’s healthy and the Vikes have a game scheduled that week. The Minnesota o-line has slipped a bit from the once dominating unit that they were, but Peterson is so quick and strong through the hole that it doesn’t really effect his production. The Vikes have started working in Toby Gerhart more and more as he learns the offense in order to spell Peterson, especially in third down situations where he soft hands and hard running style are a plus.

The Pats have played the run very well so far and are allowing 97.7 ypg and only 2 TDs on the ground through their first six games. Young talents, like linebackers Jerod Mayo and Rob Ninkovich and safety Patrick Chung have infused some much needed speed and athleticism into what was an aging Pats defense. If the Pats can make the Vikings one dimensional by taking away the run (which is certainly not an easy task), they should reap the benefits of several interceptions from the Vikings turnover prone QBs. This will likely be the most important matchup of the contest.

Projections:
Brett Favre: 245 yds passing 1 TD, 2 Ints.
Randy Moss: 85 yds receiving, 1 TD
Percy Harvin: 80 yds receiving
Visanthe Shiancoe: 55 yds receiving
Adrian Peterson: 105 yds rushing, 1 TD / 15 yds receiving, 0 TD
Toby Gerhart: 10 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: We got our first glimpse at the new look Pats offense last week in San Diego. The Pats will now run more of a dink and dunk, two TE set, style offense for the most part. Luckily they have two very talented rookie TEs in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez is leading the Patriots in receiving yards and is a smooth open field runner. Meanwhile, the more lumbering Gronkowski has been used more as a red zone option with good results. I stated two weeks ago that it will be very interesting to see what becomes of Wes Welker, the premiere possession WR in the league with Moss not being on the field. In the small sample size so far, the loss of Moss has been a negative – but I’m personally not sure that Moss was the only reason that the lightning quick and bulldog tough Welker succeeded. I think he’ll be fine as the kinks get worked out of the new attack pattern. Deion Branch has had one big week and one quiet week since his acquisition, but has been throw right into the mix. Expect that inconsistency to continue as the Pats have moved back to being a spread the wealth offense and will exploit matchups.

The Vikings surprisingly have been a top 10 pass defense (209.2 ypg and 8 TDs on the season), despite not being able to generate much of a pass rush like they did last season. Jared Allen has been quiet thus far, but with his motor and strength that can change in a hurry. Antoine Winfield is having a fine season and has become a near shutdown corner, however that does not hurt the Patriots as much as it would some teams, since they now lack a “go to” WR and will take what the defense gives them.

Running Game Thoughts: Raise your hand if you predicted that Pats running game would be lead by the BenJarvis Green-Ellis / Danny Woodhead tandem? Green-Ellis has scored every week since he emerged as the primary ball carrier in the Pat RB rotation and the former NCAA leading rusher out of Chadron State, Woodhead, has provided a spark to the running attack and he has thrived in the Kevin Faulk (plus) role with the Pats.

The Williams Wall is still holding up strong despite its age and considerable weight. On the season they are allowing only 99.2 ypg and have only allowed 2 TDs on the ground.

Projections:
Tom Brady: 245 yds passing, 2 TDs
Deion Branch: 40 yds receiving, 1 TD
Wes Welker: 60 yds receiving
Rob Gronkowski: 15 yds receiving, 1 TD
Aaron Hernandez: 80 yds receiving
Danny Woodhead: 45 yds rushing / 30 yds receiving
BenJarvis Green-Ellis: 70 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving

Prediction: Patriots 17 Vikings 14 ^ Top

Dolphins @ Bengals - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Chad Henne entered last week’s game against Pittsburgh having thrown at least one interception in three straight games, but he went turnover-free against the ball-hawking Steelers. Henne must continue to take care of the ball against a Cincinnati defense that has eight INTs on the year—7th best in the league. Henne was one of those sleepers heading into the season. While he hasn’t exactly taken the fantasy world by storm, his play has been solid and worthy of spot-starts from time to time. This could be one of those games, as the Bengals field the 19th-ranked pass defense.

Much more was expected of Brandon Marshall when he signed with the Dolphins during the off-season. That’s tough to say for a player with 30 receptions in his last four games, but his lack of TDs puts somewhat of a damper on his #1 WR label. He never went more than three games without scoring last year, and he’s currently scoreless in his last three games. We’ll see if he continues that trend. Davone Bess has quietly been a solid fantasy performer so far. He’s scored in three straight and is clearly Henne’s underneath option. If you’re hurting at WR due to bye weeks like I am, Bess is as solid an option as you can get—all things considered.

Running Game Thoughts: Miami is a mess when it comes to fantasy RBs. Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are good enough that they warrant playing time, effectively ruining any fantasy relevance either has. Miami is currently 16th in the league in rushing, so they’re at least able to move the ball on the ground. But Williams and Brown have a grand total of two TDs between them. This is the first of two weeks with six teams on bye, so many of you may be in dire need of backfield help. If that’s the case, I suppose you could do worse than either of these two. If starting one of them is your only option, be sure to temper your expectations a bit and simply be happy with whatever they provide.

Projections:
Chad Henne – 210 yards / 2 TD / 1 INT
Ronnie Brown – 45 yards rushing
Ricky Williams – 35 yards rushing
Brandon Marshall – 95 yards / 1 TD
Davone Bess – 65 yards / 1 TD
Brian Hartline – 25 yards
Anthony Fasano - 20 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: I’ve lambasted Carson Palmer recently about how he’s fallen swiftly from the ranks of the elite fantasy QBs. But a cursory glance at his number this year and they’re actually not that bad. His team tends to lose whenever Palmer has a big game, but that’s their problem. He tossed the rock 50 times last week with three TDs. Those are money numbers, and numbers you can almost single-handedly win with. Miami is middle-of-the-road when it comes to defending the pass, so Palmer could again surprise many with a good game. Palmer has been limited this week in practice with a hip issue, but it’s believed he will play.

Terrell Owens, along with Chad Ochocinco, gives Cincy the kind of one-two punch they’ve never had at WR. Seems they take turns having big games, which is a good thing for their fantasy owners and Palmer. Each is given his turn to shine, meaning there should be little grappling from the two prima donna WRs. The recent top-notch games from Palmer and Co. have propelled the Bengals to the league’s 6th-ranked passing attack. It’ll be interesting to see if they modify their approach. Cincy won last year because they used the passing attack to complement the running game. If they decide to rely more on Cedric Benson and the ground game, Cincy’s passing game could start to slide a bit. Keep an eye out for that. But meanwhile, enjoy this spike in production while it lasts.

Running Game Thoughts: Contrary to what some may think, Cedric Benson’s production so far is about where it was this time last year when he had his best season. There seems to be an aura surrounding Benson that he’s having a down year. Even though Cincy has gotten down big in a few games so far this season, Benson is only four carries off the pace at this point last year. His TDs are down and he continues to be a non-factor in the passing game, but Benson is a solid fantasy RB. He has at least 20 carries in four of the six games so far, so Benson is getting his opportunities. Keep in mind, however, that Miami has surrendered an average of 67 yards on the ground the last two weeks against Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Benson could be in for a rough one.

Projections:
Carson Palmer – 225 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Cedric Benson – 65 yards / 1 TD
Terrell Owens – 90 yards receiving
Chad Ochocinco – 55 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jermaine Gresham – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD

Prediction: Miami 20, Cincinnati 17 ^ Top

Redskins @ Lions - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Donovan McNabb was looked at as a pretty good #2 fantasy QB heading into this season. And guess what? That’s exactly the kind of production he’s put up so far. His numbers are average but consistent; what you see is what you’re going to get from #5. He’s thrown one TD in each of the last six games, but also has thrown at least one interception in five straight. Some may see Detroit on the schedule and think it’s a given that McNabb snaps out of his “average” funk. Well, it’s been since week two that a QB has really done a number on Detroit—that was Michael Vick. McNabb could find himself having another dull game this week despite the overall inferior opponent.

Santana Moss has been one of those late-round fantasy draft picks that continues to surprises. Chances are, Moss was your #3 or #4 WR coming into the season; he’s more than likely lifted himself to every-week-starter status, and this week is no exception. He’s McNabb’s #1 read on most pass plays, with TE Chris Cooley at close second. Anthony Armstrong is on few people’s fantasy radar, but if you’re really—and I mean really—struggling trying to field a group of WRs due to byes, injuries or all of the above, give Armstrong a try.

Running Game Thoughts: It happens every year, doesn’t it? A player it seems at every position surfaces out of thin air and becomes a force in fantasy. One of this year’s editions is Ryan Torain. In a world of RBBCs, Rorain—thanks to Clinton Portis’ injury—claims sole possession of Washington’s backfield duties. He’s averaged well over 100 yards on the ground over the last two games, now he gets to feast on the league’s 27th-ranked run defense. Torain could see 25 carries this week, as this game should be close throughout. Get Torain in your line-up and expect a solid performance.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb – 240 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Ryan Torain – 110 yards / 2 TDs
Santana Moss – 125 yards / 1 TD
Anthony Armstrong – 40 yards
Chris Cooley – 65 yards / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: If Matthew Stafford isn’t careful, he’s going to get the “FRAGILE” label plastered to his forehead soon. Injuries in his first two seasons have stunted his growth and rapport-building with Calvin Johnson and others on this offense. He returns this week after out since week one. Back-up Shaun Hill kept the seat warm for him and actually produced nicely in his absence. It should be an interesting debate on Detroit sports radio should Stafford struggle and play less-inspired football than Hill. He will have the same weapons as Hill did, obviously, so much attention will be given to Stafford both from the Redskins’ defense, as well as eager Lions fans.

Calvin Johnson has scored four TDs in the last three games. Those are nice numbers, but somehow here in Detroit people are still waiting on the cork to pop on this guy’s full potential. He’s going to need Stafford to remain healthy in order for that to happen. Perhaps the biggest surprise fantasy-wise for Detroit is TE Brandon Pettigrew leads the team in receptions. Whether that says more about him or his teammates is debatable, but for those in TE-required leagues, he should definitely be someone you look at. The Redskins picked off four Jay Cutler passes last week, so expect Stafford to be judicious with the football in his first game action in almost two months.

Running Game Thoughts: I guy in my league tried to give me Jahvid Best after his torrid start, but I held off and I’m glad I did. Between an injured toe that’s supposedly hampered him and plain ol’ average play, Best’s trade value has plummeted since those first two games. He’s been money in PPR leagues, though. Best is currently third in the league among RBs with 31 receptions. It remains to be seen if Stafford will utilize him in the passing game as much as Hill did, but know that Best has the skill set to give you points in a variety of ways. There are quite a few RBs on bye this week (Michael Turner, Ray Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw), so Best could be a suitable replacement for you this week.

Projections:
Matthew Stafford – 220 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Jahvid Best – 40 yards rushing / 45 yards receiving
Calvin Johnson – 85 yards receiving / 1 TD
Nate Burleson – 30 yards receiving
Brandon Pettigrew – 55 yards receiving

Prediction: Washington 24, Detroit 13 ^ Top

Bills @ Chiefs - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Based on four straight good games since taking over for Trent Edwards, and the highest per game fantasy point average at the QB position, Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is perhaps the most discussed players this week. The big benefactors of the “Fitz Blitz” are WR Steve Johnson, five scores in his last four, and the undead WR Lee Evans. The Bills are coming off an overtime shootout loss to the heavily respected Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs are a better pass defense than their 25th ranking but clearly this is another game that Fitz and company can put up numbers. The concern is opportunity. Can the Bills defense get the Chiefs running game off the field? The Bills passing offense will need to be very efficient with their possessions and avoid turnovers. The Chiefs have good cover corners, but can be exploited at other positions. Since the Bills don’t have a great TE option, I think the RBs Spiller and Jackson will see an increase in passing targets this week on flares, screens, and short slants.

Running Game Thoughts: Good matchup between Fred Jackson and the Chiefs ILBs Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher. Johnson is having a comeback year worthy of his first round draft pick. The tandem has the Chiefs defense ranked fifth against the run. Jackson is a talented all around back but the Bills lack of blocking gives the Chiefs an advantage here. Jackson is a much better play in ppr-scoring this week. The Bills starting LT Demetrius Bell has been beat up this week and while he probably plays, it won’t help matters if their line is at less than full strength on the side where Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey will be attacking from.

Predictions:
Ryan Fitzpatrick: 255 yds/2 TDs/1 INT
Lee Evans: 85 yds/1 TD
Steve Johnson: 70 yds/1 TD
Roscoe Parrish: 50 yds
Fred Jackson: 60 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: In the last couple weeks Matt Cassel has shown that at the very least he is able to take advantage of poor passing defenses through the air. However, the Bills are not a poor passing defense allowing just 209 yards per contest. The health of the Bills secondary will be critical. Top cover corner Terrence McGee and their centerfielder FS Jairus Byrd are both questionable. They will present a tough matchup for the Dwayne Bowe. If they can’t play, Bowe (who is playing well with two scores in each of the last two games) can do some damage against second teamers. Byrd’s health will also directly affect TE Tony Moeaki who does most of his work over the middle. OC Charlie Wies excels at offensive wrinkles and has been increasing the role of explosive slot WR Dexter McCluster. He is questionable to play with a ankle injury but if active, will be used in creative ways to make up for the lack of production they have been getting from WR2 Chris Chambers. Chambers has been poor this year and sat out last week with a "finger" injury. He is expected back this week but can’t be trusted for any fantasy value.

Running Game Thoughts: The Chief’s one-two punch of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles should run rough shod over the Bills 30th ranked run defense that is giving up 175 yards per game. This week it won’t matter who starts or who gets how many carries. Both backs should be started in almost any league or scoring format. Jones has the better chance to score in lose but with Charles averaging a league high six yards per carry, he’s a great bet to break off a several big plays and a long score.

Projections:
Matt Cassel: 180 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Dwayne Bowe: 80 yds/0 TD
Chris Chambers: 40 yds
Tony Moeaki: 40 yds/1 TD
Jamaal Charles: 85 yds/35 rec/1 TD
Thomas Jones: 85 yds/1 TDs

Prediction: Chiefs 27 Bills 21 ^ Top

Broncos @ 49ers - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Broncos once high powered passing offense needs to get back on track after two weak performances based on the high standard the set for themselves to open the year. Some of the credit should be given to two tough matchups in a row of the Jets and Raiders. For the Broncos, the rely heavily on slot WR Eddie Royal to exploit defenses and keep double coverage off of Brandon Lloyd. His groin problem can’t be over looked as a cause for their recent struggles. He is not practicing this week so while not expected to miss time, he is still slowing down the pass attack chemistry. This puts a lot of pressure on Lloyd and Gaffney. Without Royal in the slot demanding extra attention, the 49ers will be able to keep their safeties in deep coverage, limiting the chances of big play WR Lloyd to score form distance.

Running Game Thoughts: The best way for the Broncos to overcome the ineffectiveness of Royal is to get their ground game back on track. Knowshon Moreno has helped but his main damage last week was as a receiver, where he scored twice. Look for the Broncos to try running early on to draw the safeties up. The Niner’s run defense has not lived up to standard set the last two years ranking just 13th against the run allowing 106 yards per game. They will still present a challenge for Moreno and the Broncos run game that has averaged less than four yards per carry even with Moreno in the lineup.

Projections:
Kyle Orton: 295 yds/2 TDs/1 INT
Brandon Lloyd: 80 yds/1 TD
Jabar Gaffney: 75 yds
Demaryius Thomas: 50 yds
Knowshon Moreno: 65 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: After arriving in London the 49ers announced that starting QB Alex Smith is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a his shoulder injury. HC Mike Singletary is going with former Heisman trophy winner and one time Raven heir apparent Troy Smith. Smith hasn’t started a regular season game in two years, which tells you how much confidence they have in David Carr. Smith is a mobile QB and good leader but has had little time in the offense. WR Michael Crabtree’s value could take a hit without Smith and an unfavorable matchup with Champ Bailey. TE Vernon Davis is a bigger question mark. He is not practicing with an ankle injury so keep an eye on his status. New QBs often rely on their TE as a safety so he could see more targets, but I would expect them to be on shorter routes and with less scoring chances. Luckily for Smith, the Broncos don’t do a great job of rushing the passer. He will have more time than normal in the pocket and has the scrambling ability to create opportunities with his when plays break down.

Running Game Thoughts: Another big week for Frank Gore. Hard to imagine him shouldering more of load than he already has though. He may not need more carries to dominate a Bronco defense that was absolutely pummeled by Darren McFadden last week. The Broncos are extremely short-handed on defense and really miss their emotional leadership from S Brian Dawkins. There was some speculation that he would sit out until after their bye next week but he with the season spiraling he is practicing and listed as probable to play. His return will help the run defense avoid another disaster.

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: 135 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Broncos 27 49ers 23 ^ Top

Panthers @ Rams - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: For the first time this season there is some optimism moving forward in Carolina. QB Matt Moore played well last week after being reinserted back in to the starting lineup. Moore threw for 308 yards and two scores. It helps that top WR Steve Smith recovered early from his high ankle sprain and will be even closer to full strength this week. The problem for the Panthers for the last couple seasons has been the inability to find a productive compliment to Steve Smith. That search may be over. Enter rookie WR David Gettis who caught two scores on 125 yards in Moore’s return. Gettis is fits the bill when searching for a potential diamond in the rough. He’s big, at 6’3” 215 lbs, and comes from a track background, so he has the speed to boot. It’s a bit early to write his hall of fame speech but if he can take advantage of one on one covered thanks to all the attention Steve Smith garners, the Panthers will be in business. Smith’s coverage will loosen up, a safety will be pulled out of the box, and the running game will l gets back on track. The Rams have played well on defense thanks to an improved pass rush by their Des and their aggressive blitz scheme. With some protection, Moore should find some yards. The Rams are 18th against the pass and give up some big plays when the blitz doesn’t arrive on time. The Rams may also be short handed if top cover CB Ronald Bartell misses this week with his neck injury. Smith’s stock increases significantly in that scenario.

Running Game Thoughts: Just when the pass attack seems to teeter on breaking through, their best RB DeAngelo Williams sprains his foot and is looking doubtful to play. The injury doesn’t appear to be long term. The door now opens for perhaps the best backup in the game, Jonathan Stewart to carry a full workload. Stewart has started three games in his career and went over 100 yards in each of them. The Rams will challenge that streak with the 14th best run defense allowing 108 yds per game on the ground. I like Stewart’s chances to continue his streak and add a score. If he falls short, he ‘s still going to put up top 20 RB stats making him worth starting in most fantasy leagues.

Projections:
Matt Moore: 220 yds/1 TD/1 Int
Steve Smith: 80 yds/1 TD
David Gettis: 70 yds
Jeff King: 30 yds
Jonathan Stewart: 105 yds/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: The Rams passing game still hasn’t recovered from the loss of Mark Clayton. Bradford suffered his poorest performance of the year going just 13 for 26 for 126 yards last week against a Bucs defense that isn’t amongst the league’s better pass defenses. The promising youngster Danario Alexander caught one ball for six yards. Alexander has all the talent but balky knees so he could be a guy that takes a week to recover from games where he plays a lot of snaps. With little actions last week he may be ready to contribute again just as everyone tosses him back to waivers. Another young player in this pass offense that is ever so slightly approaching the radar is TE Michael Hoomanawanui. The Rams insiders think he could stick and he is getting more snaps as the season progresses. He scored last week so keep an eye on him for the next couple weeks. It still remains to be seen if Alexander, Gibson, or Robinson will emerge to fill the Mark Clayton role. For now, they are all being interchanged and vulture each other’s production.

Running Game Thoughts: There is some concern with the rock steady Steven Jackson this week thanks to a broken finger he had surgery on after the game last Sunday. Despite not practicing all week he has said he will play. We have to take his word for it at this point. The question becomes whether it will limit him. No one can answer that but if he plays he’s always a must start with a juicy Panthers D allowing 128 yards per game on the ground. The key will be ball security. He is sure to play with a protective gear on his hand. If the Panthers can strip him a couple times, the Rams have to feel ok giving back up Kenneth Darby some touches considering how impressive he has looked in relief.

Projections:
Sam Bradford: 225 yds/2 TD/1 Int
Danny Amendola: 60 yds
Danario Alexander: 45 yds/1 TD
Michael Hoomanawanui: 40 yds/1 TD
Steven Jackson: 85 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Panthers 23 Rams 21 ^ Top

Titans @ Chargers - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: It looks as though Vince Young will return after missing a week with what could have been a much worse knee tweak. Young will look to pick up where sub Kerry Collins left off. That means getting the ball downfield to WR Kenny Britt early and often. Britt struggles with work ethic and maturity, but has the physical gifts to be a star. He will face one of the better CBs in the league in Quentin Jammer this week. Jammers presence and the return of Young will make it difficult for Britt to approach unbelievable 225 yards and three scores in a game where he sat out the first quarter due to a bar fight incident. Britt still can make a few big plays by using his height to some downfield battles. Nate Washington and Justin Gage have had mostly disappointing years. The Titan aren’t a big passing team, so as long as Britt gets the targets, there just isn’t much more than table scraps to be shared amongst them.

Running Game Thoughts: The Titans and Chris Johnson haven’t been as consistent running the ball as 2009, but he still ranks as the 4th best fantasy RB having been passed by Darren McFadden’s shredding of the Bronco’s. Johnson comes into this week fresh off his forgettable 66 yard game against the Eagles. He has been nursing a thigh injury the last few weeks which could be hampering him. He could have another mediocre day facing a pretty stiff Charger defensive unit that ranks 3rd in the league allowing just 85 yards per game rushing. When I watch the Titans I often find myself questioning their use of Johnson. They don’t use any creativity to get him in space. Would it kill them to call the occasional pitch out wide or maybe even a screen pass?

*We don’t cover special teams here but it’s worth noting, many of you may be aware of the huge struggles the Chargers have had covering kicks and punts, but the Titans good special teams have not garnered quite as much discussion. They are third best in the league in punt return yardage and second best in kickoff return yards.

Projections:
Vince Young: 215 yds/1 TD/1 Int
Kenny Britt: 80 yds/1 TD
Nate Washington: 40 yds
Justin Gage: 35 yds
Chris Johnson: 90 yds/25 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Philip River may not be churning out wins but he remains a top fantasy QB as long as he is dropping back 50 times and playing from behind despite the injures to his receiving core. Gates is still nursing a toe injury that really slowed him down last week and is still keeping him out of practice this week. Adding injury to insult, the Titans are among the best defenses in the league at covering TEs. It was reported this week that Malcom Floyds hamstring injury may be worse than originally thought. He may be out as late as week 11. This news means the one week fill in, Patrick Crayton, now looks like a valuable commodity for the next several weeks. Crayton isn’t Malcom Floyd or Vincent Jackson, but 5-6 catches and around 70 yards a week is reasonable until Floyd returns. Legedu Naanee is questionable to return from his lingering hammy as well. Naanee and Crayton will work possessions while Buster Davis remains the team’s only legitimate deep threat that’s healthy. The Titans secondary is struggling to cover secondary WRs. I like Davis to have a big day.

Running Game Thoughts: What is there to say about the disappointing Ryan Mathews? He remains an anomaly because the Chargers keep falling behind early and playing junking the run game. In must pass sets Darren Sproles is the back they utilize almost exclusively. Sproles has 150 yards receiving over the last three games but is still of little value in non-ppr scoring. This looks like a game where Mathews could finally produce. The reason being is the Titans offense isn’t explosive and likely won’t jump out to a big lead. In the case of a close game or Charger lead, Mathews see more carries.

Projections:
Philip Rivers: 275 yds/2 TD/1 INT
Buster Davis: 75 yds/1 TD
Patrick Crayton: 65 yds
Antonio Gates: 55 yds/ 1 TD
Ryan Mathews: 80 yds/20 rec

Prediction: Chargers 24 Titans 20 ^ Top

Seahawks @ Raiders - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Since the trade of Deion Branch WR Mike Williams has had games of 10 and 11 receptions and scored twice. He is the focal point of their passing game and is getting the red zone looks. Brandon Lloyd was on a similar hot streak until he ran into Nnamdi Asomugha last week. The player that can hurt the Raiders is Deon Butler. Butler is the big play threat in this offense and could hit a big play on the gambling Stanford Routt. I also like Justin Forsett to get some receiving yards. He can beat the Raider LBs, especially rookie MLB Rolando McClain that still gets out of position on occasion and doesn’t have the quickness of Forsett.

Running Game Thoughts: Should be a productive game for Marshawn Lynch who looks like he will continue to be the workhorse for the Seahawks. Lynch is not a blowup kind if back like say, Darren McFadden, because he’s lacks the top end speed. He’s a Marion Barber mold. He gets what the defense gives and fights hard for yards. What this means is his value is really dependent upon touches. He is also effective around the goal line, giving him good odds to pick up a score ever week. The Raiders run defense is among the league’s worst. Losing their leading tackler from last year to the Jags hasn’t helped matters. Neither has the slower than expected development of his replacement, McClain. Because owner Al Davis is so enthralled with speed, the safeties the Raiders favor are more suited in coverage than stopping the run in the box. The result is a defense that gives up 140 yards per game on the ground and only 192 through the air.

Projections:
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: Jason Campbell is expected to start again in place of Bruce Gradkowski. He played efficiently last week I the Run DMC show, but it’s hard to get too excited over a game that the Broncos didn’t show up for. The Raider’s will also be without leading WR Louis Murphy for several weeks due to a bruised lung. The Raiders will start their annual choice of the fastest player in the draft, Jacoby Ford. He has just two receptions for fifteen yards thus far. The outlook for the Raiders pass attack looks bleak other than dependable TE Zach Miller. Miller has been less productive with Campbell, but with no other options, he should see increased targets.

Running Game Thoughts: Last week’s bounty for Darren McFadden totaled 165 yards and three scores on sixteen carries. Guess his hamstring feels ok. He may have a sore shoulder from spiking the ball though. This is a great matchup of strength against strength. McFadden is 3rd in RB fantasy points scored but faces Seattle’s 2nd ranked run stopping unit holding opponents to just 78 yards per game. Look for the Raiders to attack OLB Aaron Curry. Curry is a talented athlete meant to be a pass rusher. He hasn’t quite lived up to his draft hype and is much easier to run on than the run stuffing David Hawthorne and DE Chris Clemons. The Raiders love to run over left tackle Mario Henderson and Robert Gallery. The Seahawks will be tried to counter with SS Lawyer Milloy, who is a glorified LB at this point in his career anyway. Should be a good chess match to keep an eye on.

Projections:
Jason Campbell: 190 yds/1 TD/2 INT
Darrius Heyward-Bey: 60 yds
Jacoby Ford: 40 yds
Zach Miller: 75 yds/1 TD
Darren McFadden: 85 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Seahawks 20 Raiders 17 ^ Top

Steelers @ Saints - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: Back-to-back games with multiple touchdowns has Ben Roethlisberger’s fantasy value on the rise—but this week he faces a New Orleans defense that has allowed just one multiple-touchdown game to an opposing quarterback this season. In fairness, the Saints have done this against perhaps the most mediocre list of starting quarterbacks in the league, but the stat is certainly worth noting.

Roethlisberger appears to be mentally past the suspension that kept him out of the team’s first four games, and his top three receivers (Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, and Heath Miller) have all seen a spike in their production since his return. They have caught all five of their end zone targets over the past two weeks, and it seems that they will remain Ben’s go-to guys, as no other Pittsburgh receivers have done much to establish themselves so far in 2010. While the Steelers remain a run-heavy offense, they are certainly leaning more on Roethlisberger than they were on Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon.

Running Game Thoughts: After a very productive start to the season, Rashard Mendenhall had a surprisingly difficult time getting things going against the Dolphins in Week 7. Though Miami has one of the more underrated defenses in the league, no one expected them to keep Mendenhall to just 37 yards rushing. Prior to that game, Mendenhall had been one of the league’s most consistently productive backs this season, totaling 15 or more fantasy points in four of his first five games.

Mendenhall will look to get back on track this week against the Saints, who have had trouble stopping opposing running backs. The only backs that the team has truly shut down, from a fantasy perspective, have been those on the Cardinals and Buccaneers—all of whom have struggled mightily against pretty much every defense they’ve faced. The Steelers have one of the best running attacks in the league, and Mendenhall should be in for a nice day if they decide to give him enough carries.

Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger – 220 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT / 10 yards rushing
Rashard Mendenhall – 90 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving
Hines Ward – 85 yards receiving / 1 TD
Mike Wallace – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Heath Miller – 45 yards receiving / 0 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: If you’re in a league that doesn’t deduct points for interceptions and fumbles, then Drew Brees’ Week 7 game against the Browns was great—he threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Otherwise, his four picks and one fumble probably made you cringe like it did the Saints fans. Brees has now thrown 10 interceptions in his past five games, and although he has still been an every-week starting quarterback, his numbers are not quite what we expected from a guy who has become a perennial MVP candidate. Perhaps the only good thing that came from last week’s loss to the Browns was that Brees finally got back to throwing to his top wide receiver, Marques Colston, who finally cracked the 100-yard barrier and got into the end zone for the first time this season. Brees will need to keep throwing to Colston if he and the Saints hope to get back into the playoffs to defend their Super Bowl crown.

Things get even tougher this week as New Orleans hosts the Steelers and their vaunted defense, which ranks third in the league in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Having only given up four touchdown passes this season while forcing nine interceptions and five fumbles, Pittsburgh could show the Saints even more tough times.

Running Game Thoughts: With Reggie Bush having missed practice again this week, it looks like the Saints will be without him and regular starter Pierre Thomas once again. The duo of Chris Ivory (on running downs) and Ladell Betts (on receiving downs) has been moderately successful, but certainly the Saints hope to get Bush and Thomas back sooner than later. Though Ivory has looked decent in his limited work, it’s hard to believe that the Saints are going to lean on their running game against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh ranks second-best in the league in points allowed to opposing running backs, allowing just 8.3 points per game. They have yet to allow even 70 yards rushing against them this season and have given up just two touchdowns. Ivory and Betts are just average—at best—to begin with, so this matchup just screams for the benching of both of them in any situation other than absolute desperation.

Projections:
Drew Brees – 270 yards passing / 2 TD / 2 INT
Chris Ivory – 35 yards rushing / 0 TD
Ladell Betts – 15 yards rushing / 0 TD / 35 yards receiving
Marques Colston – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Robert Meachem – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Lance Moore – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Devery Henderson – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jeremy Shockey – 35 yards receiving / 0 TD

Prediction: Steelers 24, Saints 20 ^ Top

Texans @ Colts - (Caron)

Passing Game Thoughts: The results of the Colts versus Texans Week 1 matchup have to be considered an anomaly. Schaub threw the ball just 17 times for only 107 yards that day—by far his lowest passing total in a full game since becoming the Texans’ starter back in 2007. While the Texans are likely to run the ball heavily again this week, they will need to use a more balanced attack if they hope to keep the Colts from keying in on the run and shutting them down.

Matt Schaub has been very off-and-on this season but, prior to the bye week, he had one of the better performances of his 2010 campaign. In that Week 6 game against the Chiefs, Schaub threw for over 300 yards for the second time this season. A healthy Andre Johnson tore apart the secondary for 138 yards and a touchdown—and he looks to make it back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time this year. The Colts have only allowed seven passing touchdowns this season, but the Texans’ high-octane passing attack should make a dent in that.

Running Game Thoughts: It’s easy to look back at the Week 1 meeting between these two teams and say, “The Texans are going to run the ball all day again.” But it’s not that simple. Sure, Houston will likely run the ball more than usual, but the 33 attempts Arian Foster got in the first meeting is 14 more carries than he has had in any other game this season. The Colts have surely been using the bye week to strategize a way to slow down the Texans rushing attack, and while it could still be successful, expecting another 200-yard performance from Foster is probably out of the question.

Foster has been the league’s top-scoring fantasy running back this season and will be trying to keep that crown—with Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden nipping at his heels. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in every game but one this season, and it doesn’t look like that trend is going to come to an end anytime soon.

Projections:
Matt Schaub – 265 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT
Arian Foster – 125 yards rushing / 1 TD / 30 yards receiving
Andre Johnson – 110 yards receiving / 1 TD
Kevin Walter – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jacoby Jones – 35 yards receiving / 0 TD
Owen Daniels – 40 yards receiving / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: With two of his top targets (Austin Collie and Dallas Clark) injured, Peyton Manning will need to once again prove that he can turn nothing into something with this hodge-podge group of receivers. Though he still has All-Pro receiver Reggie Wayne and 2009 standout Pierre Garcon, his other receivers will likely be Anthony Gonzalez, Blaire White, and Jacob Tamme.

What’s good for Manning owners, however, is that he has done this before and will get to face a Texans defense that ranks dead last in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. They have given up multiple passing touchdowns in every game but one this season—and in that game they allowed 426 yards. Needless to say, it has been a miserable start to the season for the Texans pass defense, and Manning will be sure to make it even worse this week.

Running Game Thoughts: Along with Collie and Clark being injured, the Colts will also be without running back Joseph Addai. Addai was coming off his best rushing performance of the season in Week 7, where he ran for 128 yards and a touchdown but injured his shoulder. His status for Monday’s game is doubtful, and it seems he may even miss more time. With Addai out, the Colts will likely turn to the duo of Mike Hart and Donald Brown, who is returning from injury. Brown has missed practice time this week, so Hart should get the majority of the carries. But don’t count Brown out.

In addition to their pass defense woes, Houston has had a rough time stopping opposing running backs as well. Having allowed at least 15 fantasy points to opposing backs in five straight games, the Texans simply have not done much of anything to stop opposing offenses this season. If the defense had been playing up to the level of the offense, this team could very well be undefeated—but they have actually been outscored this season. Hart and Brown aren’t the best running backs in the league, but they could do some damage this week against a porous Houston defense.

Projections:
Peyton Manning – 335 yards passing / 3 TD / 0 INT
Donald Brown – 40 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving / 0 TD
Mike Hart – 60 yards rushing / 0 TD / 5 yards receiving
Reggie Wayne – 120 yards receiving / 2 TD
Pierre Garcon – 75 yards receiving / 1 TD
Blair White – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Anthony Gonzalez – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jacob Tamme – 45 yards receiving / 0 TD

Prediction: Texans 24, Colts 34 ^ Top

Buccaneers @ Cardinals - (Eakin)
Coming soon...