Prediction: Philly 12, Buffalo 27

New England (2-1) at Washington (2-1), 1:00 PM
The Pats are decimated by injury. They've lost big members of the defense for the year (Rosevelt Colvin is done for the year, Ted Washington is out indefinitely, Ted Johnson is gone for the year). Unknown by many is the condition of Tom Brady. Brady became the target of speculation during the game against the Jets last week following a tackle in which Brady seemed to land on his arm "funny." The announcers commented on the obvious changes in Brady's throwing style after the hit, noting he seemed to be injured and that more news was likely to come out after the game. Considering the great number of injuries and problems this team has suffered already, it is understandable that Brady would want to lead his team through injury and the team would want to wait to discuss the injury. Nothing has been officially announced! The possibility that the injury was not serious is probable, but anyone who watched the game and listened to the commentary has to wonder. One also has to wonder after watching the Patriots struggle against the Jets last week. The Patriots defense almost allowed Vinny Testaverde to get the Jets a come from behind win. If the Patriots struggle to keep a low scoring team like the Jets at bay, they are in for big headaches versus the Redskins. Patrick Ramsey may be the NFL's best QB thus far: he's put up over 350 passing yards in the last two games, he brought his team from behind to beat the Falcons in Week 2, and almost did the same to the Giants last week. Trung Candidate and Ladell Betts have been a solid running tandem thus far. Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner have been great. Washington's offense is really starting to click and will give the Pat's hobbled defense more than it can handle.

The Redskins defense is a point of concern. They have the talent, but they've allowed so much scoring: 5 passing TD's and 3 rushing TD's. It is hard to place a finger on what exactly is wrong. They are loaded with talented players and should have no problems stopping the run or pass, yet they struggle to keep teams from scoring. If Brady is healthy, the Patriots can definitely put up some points. They have a decent running game with Kevin Faulk and good receivers with Deion Branch and Troy Brown leading the corps. However, they are not overpowering and the Redskins have got to get the defense rolling at some point. This is a good opportunity to do so: take advantage of the weakened opponent, keep up the productivity on offense, and hopefully the defense can step up their performance, and the Skins should come out with another win.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Patrick Ramsey, Laveranues Coles, Rod Gardner, Washington Defense, John Hall

2nd String: Tom Brady, Kevin Faulk, Trung Candidate, Ladell Betts, Deion Branch, Christian Fauria

Prediction: Pats 14, Redskins 23

Arizona (1-2) at St. Louis (1-2), 1:00 PM
Well, the Cardinals did what many (including myself) called impossible and beat the Green Bay Packers. In all fairness, Green Bay did plenty of damage to themselves. Arizona can do some things on offense that could help keep them competitive. Namely, they pass the ball, a lot: they average 268 yards passing a game (4th best passing offense in the NFL). Take into account the personnel and it becomes more impressive. Jeff Blake is a veteran with a chip on his shoulder and the receiver corps is a bunch of kids, almost all rookies (Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson, Bryan Gilmore). They can go deep all day long. The running game is not as healthy: with Emmitt as the starter, the Cardinals less than 90 yards rushing a game. Although it's a number that isn't horrible, it's not good enough to scare the defensive units of the NFL.

The Rams won't be scared, and they won't be worried about Jeff Blake and company either. The Rams are not a good defensive team and rushing is their weakness: they've allowed an average of over 130 yards rushing a game thus far. If Arizona can't take advantage of this, they will struggle to score enough points (not to mention keeping St. Louis from scoring too much) to stay in this one. On the other side of the ball, the Rams are beat up on offense. Marshall Faulk is out 4 to 6 weeks with a broken hand (and has decided to have knee surgery while he's at it). Fortunately, Lamar Gordon is a capable backup. He's seen some action this year (14 carries for 72 yards, averaging 5.1 a carry isn't too shabby) and showed his abilities last year. He's solid and should do well in relief of Faulk. Bulger has played well and can't really be blamed for the close loss to Seattle. Here is a concern: the Arizona defense actually looks better than St. Louis in some aspects. They allow about the same number of passing yards a game, and the Rams allow about 40 more rushing yards a game. However, despite the yardage numbers, there are some big differences: the scoring, the sacks, and the intimidation factor. Arizona has allowed 7 passing TD's and 2 rushing TD's, opposed to 4 and 2 respectively for St. Louis. The Rams have reached the QB 7 times and Arizona only once. The Cardinals don't have any respect, they don't put fear in any NFL team, and every team will come into a game like this willing to try anything. It's not like when you play Baltimore: you don't come in and say, "well, we won't run the ball" (San Diego didn't seem to think that either, but that's for later). St. Louis will run, they will pass, they will run trick plays, and they will win. I'm sorry, but I refuse to believe (a) the Rams are so bad they will blow this game after the tough loss to Seattle, and (b) the Cardinals are capable of winning two games in a row. Take the Rams, but don't be surprised if it's closer than you might think.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Lamar Gordon, Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Anquan Boldin

2nd String: Jeff Blake, Emmitt Smith, Isaac Bruce, Jeff Wilkens

Prediction: Arizona 17, St. Louis 28

San Francisco (1-2) at Minnesota (3-0), 1:00 PM
To say the Vikings are a surprise is a vast understatement. Most professional publications had them competing, but felt the defense and running game was too soft for a serious bid at a conference championship, much less a division win. The Vikes have been stronger than predicted in most areas. The biggest improvement has been the offensive line. Daunte Culpepper has had great protection and time to find both Randy Moss and Kelly Campbell (another big surprise, Campbell has overtaken D'wayne Bates as the #2 receiver); Moe Williams has looked like a Pro Bowl candidate running the ball between those gapping blocks (Onterrio Smith has even gotten some good carries and looked better than first thought); even when Culpepper has been on the run he's had great blocking and protection, which is huge considering Culpepper's propensity for fumbles. Daunte may or may not be out for this match up with San Fran: he has cracked backbones following a hit suffered on a TD run versus Detroit. Most reports from Minnesota have Culpepper throwing with problem, having pain but nothing unbearable, and throwing on the flack jacket and playing. The kid is tough and has become the leader of this team. This, along with the changes in attitude from Randy Moss (though he did show some flashes of his old self versus Detroit), have turned the team into a strong offensive unit capable of big plays at any given time. The 49ers defense is not very tough: their numbers are not too bad, but you have to account for the game against Chicago in Week 1 (5 of the teams' 13 total sacks came against Chicago, as did 3 of the teams' 4 total interceptions). They are playing decent against the pass, but they have not faced a team like Minnesota yet: they did play St. Louis, with a concussion ridden Kurt Warner and a team that didn't give Marshall Faulk the ball but 9 times! Moe Williams may have a tough time if you judge by the numbers, but again, the 49ers defensive rankings against the run are really not a true testament: they've played against Chicago (enough said there), St. Louis (who treated Faulk like he had the plague), and Cleveland (who did run ok, but are having trouble using Willie Green effectively). The offensive line of Minnesota, along with Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith (not to mention Culpepper if he plays), will give the 49ers the first true running test of the season.

On offense, the 49ers showed something the last two weeks: they are, almost, a two-man show. Cleveland, though they didn't shut down Owens by any means, did keep the Garcia-to-Owens factor out of the end zone. Hearst and Barlow are respectable runners, but have yet to take a game over or become the lead offensive threat in any game. If a team can keep Garcia-to-Owens respectable, they can beat this 49ers team. Much like the 49ers, the Vikes' defense has played Chicago (and had a much tougher time). However, their other games have been against respectable teams: Green Bay in Week 1 (Ahman Green will test your run defense if anyone in the NFC can) and Detroit in Week 3 (Joey Harrington and Charles Rogers serve as a good barometer for your pass defense). Although they are not a top defensive team, they've kept games respectable and kept both passing and rushing numbers fairly low (they average about 200 passing yards allowed a game; we won't take the 73 rushing yards allowed a game too serious, as Chicago and Detroit hardly serve up a good rushing attack). In order for the 49ers to have a serious chance of winning this game, they will have to put more emphasis on Hearst and Barlow. They will have to play clock control, keep the ball away from the Vikings' offense, and give the Vikings a reason not to double up on Owens. Until the 49ers show they deserve serious respect, they will struggle to find wins against teams like Minnesota. The Vikes are on a roll, and the 49ers don't have the tools to slow it down.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Daunte Culpepper (Questionable), Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Moe Williams

2nd String: Kelly Campbell, Jeff Garcia, Garrison Hearst, Jim Kleinsasser, Aaron Elling

Prediction: 49ers 13, Vikings 21

Tennessee (2-1) at Pittsburgh (2-1), 1:00 PM
The Titans are a little bit of a puzzle: which team is the REAL Titans? The team we saw in Weeks 1 and 3, beating up the Raiders and the Saints will relative ease, or the team we saw in Week 2 that was manhandled by the Colts? Why not both? Indy has a solid defensive squad: they were able to pressure McNabb, control George, and keep the Titans offense guessing. The Raiders and Saints are horrible defensive teams. You can draw one conclusion from these games: the Titans will struggle when challenges by a solid defense. Pittsburgh has a solid defense, ranking #2 in the NFL for Passing Defense (allowing 130 passing yards a game). Porter is back, Gildon is awesome, and Bell is a stud. Don't expect George to be a factor: the NFL may say Pitt is allowing 101 rushing yards a game, but the NFL doesn't care if you've faced Priest Holmes (as the Steelers did in Week 2) or your grandma. Besides, George's only 100-yard performance thus far has been last week against the Saints, and that is nothing to brag about. The onus is going to be on McNair to provide the points, and Porter, Gildon, and Bell will have plenty to say about that! McNair is a top performer, and he'll get some plays, but the Pittsburgh defense is always pumped to play this Titans team and they will bring the house to stop him.

On the other hand, Tommy Maddox has been one of the best surprises of the season thus far. Many were concerned about his injury history and whether he could lead this team effectively. Not only has he lead the team, he's helped Burress, Ward, and Randle El become the biggest receiving trio in the NFL. Its no surprise the Steelers are ranked #2 in passing offense: if you have the weapons you have to use them! They will need to go to the air against the Titans this weekend. The Titans have a solid defense as well, allowing an average of less than 200 passing yards a game. That number is more impressive when you consider their opponents thus far: Oakland, Indy, and New Orleans (all pass happy teams). The Steelers will have to run the ball to keep the Titans honest. Fortunately, they have had good success running the ball. Amos Zereoue has been solid and Jerome Bettis had a great game last week versus Cincinnati. The Steelers are an all-around solid team and will provide too much defense for the Titans. Know one has stopped Burress yet, and you shouldn't bet on the Titans to be the first. McNair will play well, but he can only do so much.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Plaxico Burress, Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh Defense, Hines Ward, Steve McNair (Questionable), Derrick Mason

2nd String: Amos Zereoue, Eddie George, Titans Defense, Antwaan Randle El, Jay Riersema, Jeff Reed, Jerome Bettis, Tyler Calico, Drew Bennett

Prediction: Titans 17, Steelers 24

Cincinnati (0-3) at Cleveland (1-2), 1:00 PM
The Bengals are proving to be a tougher opponent than anyone had guessed. The main culprit of surprise is the Bengals' defense: after 3 weeks the Bengals rank 4th in passing defense, allowing only 150 yards per game. This is an amazing turn around and has caught many teams by surprise: Denver only passed for 109 yards in Week 1 and Oakland passed for only 134 yards in Week 2. These efforts have kept the Bengals in their games longer than expected and even made them contenders versus Oakland (they kept last week's game with Pittsburgh close, but not by shutting down the pass). Surprisingly, the Cincy offense has been a little bit of a letdown. With Jon Kitna throwing, Corey Dillon running, Chad Johnson playing well, and even Peter Warrick finding his college form, the Bengals have still struggled to put points on the board. They can expect this to continue this week versus Cleveland. As Cincy's pass D is ranked 4th, the Browns are ranked 3rd (a difference of only 2 yards a game). They didn't necessarily shut down the pass happy offense of the 49ers last week, but they did keep Owens out of the end zone (not to mention all the other 49er players). Cleveland has yet to allow a passing TD this year. If this trend is to continue, then Cincy has but one choice: let Corey Dillon do the work. As good as Cleveland's D has been versus the pass, they have been not-so-good versus the run: they rank 30th in rushing defense, allowing an average of almost 162 rushing yards a game. San Fran was unable to take advantage of this weakness, getting the ball to RB's Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow only a combined 16 times for 32 yards. If anyone on Cincy's roster can carry this team by himself, it's been Corey Dillon. Expect Dillon to get the ball early and often (despite news of a strained groin, he has told reporters he is feeling well and should be 100% for this game).

Cleveland's offense has sputtered in most games, but finally broke out the passing attack this last weekend versus San Fran. Kelly Holcomb led his team down the field late to score in the finishing seconds on a pass to Andre Davis, capping a great performance for Holcomb: 222 yards, going 25 of 38 (about 66% completion rate) with 2 TD's and 1 INT. Unfortunately, Holcomb suffered a hairline fracture in his right leg. At this time, Coach Butch Davis has said he may still play in this game versus Cincy. The main reason for this optimism may be that Coach Davis realizes he needs to lean on RB Willie Green in this game. Green, despite smaller numbers, has played solid in all three of the Browns' games. As bad as Cleveland is at stopping the rush, Cincy is not much better: they rank 28th overall, allowing 152 rush yards a game. These two teams are evenly matched and fans can expect a game of old: lots of hard-hitting, smash mouth football with the emphasis on running and defense. Give the edge to Cincy: Corey Dillon may be too much for this team to handle, and if given the opportunity he can take this game over for Cincy and lead them to victory.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String:Corey Dillon, William Green, Chad Johnson

2nd String: Kelly Holcomb, Peter Warrick, Jon Kitna, Andre Davis

Prediction: Cincy 18, Cleveland 16

Atlanta (1-2) at Carolina (2-0), 4:15 PM
The Falcons are struggling without Mike Vick. Doug Johnson has not seized the opportunity (he's a free agent at year's end) to improve his NFL status and the entire team is struggling. They've had moments of production: they played well in the first half of the Washington game, and they somehow managed to beat an improved Dallas team. If Atlanta thought they had trouble with Tampa's defense, wait till they face a rested Carolina squad. Carolina has one of the top 2 defensive units in the NFL (I'd rank them #2, some disagree) and they are coming off their bye week. It stands to reason that the outcome of this game will be similar to that of the Tampa game, except the Panthers have a better offense. Don't expect Warrick Dunn or TJ Duckett to be very effective, and Doug Johnson hasn't made the passing game work well at all. There is little to nothing on the Atlanta offense (I'll give you Alge Crumpler, he's been far and away the best offensive player on this team) to be excited about, and this week looks to be more of the same.

The Panthers, for all their defensive power, are not quite as strong on offense, but they are improving. Stephen Davis is even better than advertised: one could argue he's been one of the top three free agent signings in the NFL thus far. He's been solid, and his production is starting to help the passing game improve. Jake Delhomme should have started the season as the #1 QB: he's strong armed, tough as lead, and has great leadership qualities (see the Week 1 come from behind win over Jacksonville, or Week 2's OT win over Tampa Bay). The defense alone should win this game for Carolina, but the offense should take advantage of the soft Atlanta defense. Steve Smith is showing his abilities more as a receiver every game (he's already one of the top return guys in the league), especially considering the personal problems last season. This offense should improve every week. Expect Davis to run for 100 yards again, expect Delhomme to throw the ball, and expect a win for Carolina.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Panthers Defense, Stephen Davis, Jake Delhomme, Jay Feeley

2nd String: Peerless Price, Alge Crumpler, Steve Smith

Prediction: Falcons 6, Panthers 20

Kansas City (3-0) at Baltimore (2-1), 4:05 PM
Last week, I started to look at this game as the first true test for Priest Holmes. It's hard to say that now, as LaDainian Tomlinson ran very well against this Baltimore defense (105 yards & 1 TD). It's hard to imagine a team that could contain Holmes, and if this Baltimore team plays like it did last week it won't either. KC may be the best team in the NFL right now. They do it all: they pass, they run, they score, and they play great defense. 3 and 0 is not a fluke with KC, and the Ravens will have their hands full stopping them this week. Trent Green is as good a QB as you'll find in the NFL. He's made the entire receiving squad important: despite not having one outstanding receiver, they average over 200 yards passing a game. Tony Gonzalez played his best game last week and is going to get back to his big yard ways more consistently. That's the scary thing about this team: they can get better.

As good as Baltimore's rush defense is (they get tons of respect as the top run defense in the league, even though, right now, they are not even top 10), KC's defense is better. Look at the numbers: KC gives up 77 rushing yards a game to Baltimore's 93. Jamal Lewis will definitely test KC. Baltimore doesn't have a choice! They are struggling to pass the ball with rookie Kyle Boller. Boller did suffer a minor injury last week versus San Diego, but he's a go for this week. It is hard to say how long Boller will remain the starter: Baltimore ranks dead last in passing offense (averaging a horrible 96 yards passing a game). KC's pass defense is definitely their weak point (though its not horrible) and if Baltimore can't take advantage (let's put it this way: if Pittsburgh, the leagues' second best passing team, can't take advantage, how will Baltimore), it seems unlikely they will be able to score enough with Jamal Lewis. KC is battle tested: big wins over San Diego (they kicked 'em good, as they should), Pittsburgh (they kicked them good, and maybe they shouldn't have), and Houston (not a top team, but not a bad team either) have given KC not just 3 wins, but 3 strong wins. Baltimore will be another tough test, but KC should shine again.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Priest Holmes (Questionable), Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez, Jamal Lewis, Todd Heap, KC Defense

2nd String: Baltimore Defense, Eddie Kennison, Morten Andersen

Prediction: Chiefs 32, Ravens 16

Jacksonville (0-3) at Houston (1-2), 1:00 PM
So, how long before the owner of the Jags shakes his finger at Coach Jack Del Rio, tells him he was right, and Byron Leftwich becomes the starter? Mark Brunell is injured and, at time of print, is an unknown for the week (he's listed as Questionable, though Del Rio stands by his man and says if he can go Brunell will start). Its hard to fault Brunell: he's been a NFL Pro Bowler, he's been the leader of this team for since its inception, and starting a rookie QB doesn't work out 99% of the time. However, one has to wonder how Leftwich can come in and lead the team downfield so much easier than Brunell. The one constant thus far for Jacksonville has been Freddie Taylor: he's quietly had great games, been a solid runner, and stayed healthy. He'll have a tough time this week versus Houston: Houston does allow 120 yards rushing a game, but have had great efforts against Ricky Williams and Deuce McAllister. Houston has kept games closer than expected, and the Jags provide another opportunity to pick up another win. In order to have a chance, they better find a way to keep Fred Taylor somewhat respectable.

On offense, the Texans are improving every week. David Carr has put up some decent numbers and seems more comfortable with every passing play. Ande Johnson has already become a big time player: he's fast as the wind, he's got great hands, and he's already become the #1 guy in Houston. The Jags' defense is feast or famine: it showed last week again as they couldn't stop Edge James. They have some great players (John Henderson, Marcus Stroud, Hugh Douglas) but if they aren't all playing well the entire unit suffers. This game is hard to judge! Both defensive units have big potential, but neither has shown any consistency. Both offenses struggle for the same consistency. There is only one notable difference: Stacey Mack, Fred Taylor's long time backup, is not on the same level as Taylor, and that could be the difference in this game.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Fred Taylor, Houston Defense, Andre Johnson

2nd String: Mark Brunell (Questionable), Byron Leftwich (if Brunell doesn't play), David Carr, Stacey Mack, Matthew Hatchette, Jabar Gaffney

Prediction: Jags 14, Texans 13

San Diego (0-3) at Oakland (1-2), 4:05 PM
The Chargers are the most disappointing team in the NFL. Tomlinson is one of the league's best players, but he hasn't gotten the chance to shine as the Chargers have found themselves battling from behind in every game. Drew Brees is a great talent, but his weapons have either sat out due to injury or been unable to hold on to his passes. The defense has been just awful: they are young, they are inexperienced, and the NFL is taking advantage. They've had a tough schedule, but that is not excuse for the horrible play of this team. The only other team that matches the Chargers in the level of disappointment thus far is, oddly enough, the Raiders. They too have had trouble scoring, getting the passing game rolling, or getting their star players quality time in key situations. They, too, have an underachieving defense. This game doesn't look as good as it did during the preseason!

One thing is for sure: the Chargers are going to run the ball. The Raiders are in the bottom 10 teams for rushing defense in the NFL, giving up an average of about 132 rushing yards a game. Denver ran well against Oakland, and Portis didn't even play in the second half! Tomlinson will get his chance to shine this week. Brees will throw the ball, but Tomlinson will be asked to carry the bulk of the offensive load. They will want to keep Charlie Garner and Rich Gannon off the field, they will want to play ball control football, and they will want their first win. It won't be a popular decision, but I am convinced this Raiders team misses Jerry Porter more than they ever imagined. They are void of a big play threat (except for possibly Charlie Garner), they don't have the team speed, and Rice and Brown just can't get it done. The defense will not stop LaDainian, and he will finally make all of his fantasy owners proud and get his team their first win.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: LaDainian Tomlinson, Charlie Garner, Sebastian Janikowski

2nd String: Rich Gannon, Drew Brees, David Boston (Questionable)

Prediction: Chargers 21, Raiders 17

Dallas (1-1) at NY Jets (0-3), 4:15 PM
Bill Parcels was expected to make Dallas better, but you must admit this team is better than most everyone expected. No one (including myself) picked them to upset the Giants in their last game. The passing of Quincy Carter has been to most noticeable improvement. No one expected Carter to last in the NFL at this point last year. So far this year, he has lead the Cowboys to the #1 ranking for Passing Offense in all the NFL. How many of you would have guessed that? They average 275 yards passing a game: granted, they've played two games, but one of those games was against a tough Giants D. Carter has a great opportunity to keep those numbers up this week versus a struggling Jets team. The Jets defense is not playing to potential at all. They are especially vulnerable to the running attack. The Jets give up an average of 165 rushing yards a game. Troy Hambrick (who looked good in the Monday night game versus the Giants) and Aveion Cason will have to bring their A game, and if they can find some success that will help open up the passing game. That is how most teams have beaten the Jets and the Cowboys are likely to follow the recipe as well.

The Jets finally started to get some passing game last week in a tough loss to the Patriots. Vinny is still not the QB he once was, but the other weapons in the offensive arsenal are starting to come around, with one exception. Curtis Martin has yet to find his old form, and it is looking more and more like the Jets need to go to LaMont Jordan as the lead rusher for this team. Martin has been around so long, he may not have the game to succeed in the NFL anymore. He's had a Hall of Fame career, and the Jets just can't watch him flounder much more if they hope to start winning. The passing game has some receivers: Wayne Chrebet, Santana Moss, and Curtis Conway have some good plays in them. They just can't seem to get on track, and to say they miss Chad Pennington is the biggest understatement this side of saying "Salma Hayek is a looker." It is hard to imagine too much winning for this team without Pennington. The Dallas defense is pretty good: they struggle a little against the pass, but have been money versus the rushing game. The Jets will have to put together a much better passing attack to win games like this. Until they show otherwise, there is no reason to believe the Jets have the plays to win this match up. They may keep it respectable, and to believe Dallas can blow out anyone is a hard case to make. Go with Dallas.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Quincy Carter, Dallas Defense, Troy Hambrick, Billy Cundiff

2nd String: Avieon Cason, Vinny Testaverde

Prediction: Cowboys 21, Jets 17

Detroit (1-2) at Denver (3-0), 4:15 PM
The Broncos would like to argue over whether KC is the NFL's best team. They have been impressive: they run well, they pass well (when Plummer is healthy, and now especially that he's settled into Denver), and their defense has been their biggest story. The Broncos have great offensive weapons: Plummer has all the talent and ability to succeed in the Broncos' scheme, Portis is proving his numbers from last year were not a fluke, Ashlie Lelie is coming into this own as a big time receiving threat, Shannon Sharpe is still one of the best TE's in the game, and Rod Smith and Eddie Mac are just as tough and solid as ever. The offensive line is doing a great job thus far despite some injury problems. They all combine to make up one of the most potent offensive units in the NFL, and they are more than capable of scoring enough points to beat Detroit. Detroit's defense is not good at all. They give up over 250 yards passing and 140 yards rushing a game. Both put Detroit in the bottom 10 teams for both categories. They won't stop any aspect of the Broncos, plain and simple.

Detroit will put up some passing yards. The one thing they have done in every game thus far, no matter who their opponent has been, is pass the ball. Charles Rogers and Joey Harrington may be the Montana to Rice of the future. The Denver D is tough, but they are vulnerable to the pass. Joey won't hesitate to take what Denver gives him, and that will be some passing plays here and there. This game should be a romp for Denver, another learning process for Detroit, and a good offensive game no matter what you enjoy.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Clinton Portis, Jake Plummer (Questionable), Ashlie Lelie, Shannon Sharpe, Charlie Rogers

2nd String: Joey Harrington, Rod Smith, Denver Defense

Prediction: Lions 10, Broncos 31

Indianapolis (3-0) at New Orleans (1-2), 8:30 PM
The Colts have officially served notice to the rest of the NFL: we've got it all working, and we are here to win. The last two weeks the Colts have posted significant wins, beating up the Titans and Jaguars. The biggest story out of Indy is the return of Edge James. Not Edgerrin James: Edgerrin James is the guy who suffered the knee injury, struggled last year through pain and doubt, and made all of you fantasy buffs drop him into the second round of your drafts. Now, Edge is back. Edge is the guy that led the NFL in rushing for 2 years straight. Edge made the Colts look smart for (a) trading Marshall Faulk for his draft pick, and (b) picking him over Ricky Williams. Edge is back and making a run at the playoffs again. He has leaded his team's offense to 3 victories so far. This week he takes aim at the Saints, who give up an average of 110 yards rushing a game. Believe James will be the big factor in this game once again. He'll get the ball at least 25 times, if not more. It would be nice to see Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning hook up more than they have, but winning is key and Edge gives them the best chance to do so.

The real hero of this Indy team has been the defense. Coach Tony Dungy was brought on to make the offense work better and build the defense in the mold with which he built Tampa's overpowering defensive unit. He has already shown success: Dwight Freeney (though injured) is the best young defensive player in the game (along with Julius Peppers), and the team as unit is functioning unbelievably well. They will have a good test in New Orleans this weekend. The Saints can put up some yards: Deuce McAllister is a great running back and has been the backbone of this squad; Aaron Brooks has great talent and weapons to match in Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth. The Saints would love to rush the ball more: they average only 76 yards rushing a game. Deuce has been challenged by every team they've played, and you better believe the Colts will do the same. Deuce cannot do it alone: he's likely to get some good carries, but if the passing game can't find the openings and score (or at least get them downfield for Deuce to punch it in) then the Colts will claim victory. The Saints have struggled in this aspect: they can't get into the red zone where Deuce works best. The Colts will use James to control the clock, to get down the field, and to keep Deuce off the field. The passing game has got to be working at maximum potential to win this one, and they have yet to make in work (thus, the 1-2 record). The Saints just don't have the defense to do the things necessary to stop this Colts team. It the Titans can't do it, then its fair to assume New Orleans won't either.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Deuce McAllister, Joe Horn

2nd String: Aaron Brooks, Indy Defense, Reggie Wayne, Donte Stallworth, Dallas Clark, John Carnery, Mike Vanderjagt

Prediction: Indy 32, Saints 14

Green Bay (1-2) at Chicago (0-2), 9:00 PM
The Packers laid a huge egg at Arizona last week. After watching the game, it remains a mystery why the Packers didn't run more. There is no denying the Packers' defense is weak against the pass, which played well to Arizona's one and only strength. The Pack faithful are unwavering, but many in the press have pointed the finger at Brett Favre. The 5 picks in last week's loss didn't help, and there is some validity to the argument that Brett isn't the player he once was. He's older, he doesn't run as well or as much, and he can't be as crazy as he once played. However, this can benefit the team if the other players step up. They need more from Ahman Green (he's been great, but 21 carries for 53 yards against Arizona could have been better), Javon Walker (the kid has tons of talent, but needs to be a daily contributor), and Bubba Franks (Franks is good, but it seems like his production is not what it was last season). Brett is still a top NFL QB, and to say he is alone responsible for this teams up and downs is just stupid. He'll get his chance to shine this week against an awful Chicago team. Believe he'll have his run ins with Urlacher, and he'll take them like he always does: he gets up, slaps ya' on the ass, and says, "Now that's football." However, other than Urlacher, the pass rush for Chicago is hurting and will not pose a serious threat to Favre. Ahman Green should have a better game as well, and that is the real key to Green Bay's success. Green has the ability to be a top 5 RB in the NFL, he just needs to find the consistency (a better offensive line would help) to get those yards in every game.

The Green Bay defense is nothing to show off, but they are playing Chicago. Chicago may have the title for worst team in the NFL after the Cardinals beat the Packers last weekend. At least the Cardinals can pass the ball. Marty Booker must be frustrated with the lack of balls he's seen, and Kordell Stewart is rumored to be on the hot seat. Chicago locals and press are dying to get a win, and almost as anxious to see Rex Grossman in action. Grossman is one of the best QB's out of the draft, and he's definitely the future of this team. The real question is whether the future should be next year or next week. I will be honest: I have big time personal feelings about Chicago as a big time Bears fan (I'd be happy to share, just drop me an email) and if Kordell continues to struggle the Bears have to do SOMETHING. They can't run, they can't pass, they can't score, and they are THE worse team in the NFL. Urlacher can't do it all, the defense can't do it all, and if Kordell, A-Train, and Edinger can't find some way to get points on the board, they will stay at the bottom. Until things change in the city with big shoulders, the Packers shouldn't worry about their biggest NFL rival.

Key Fantasy Players

1st String: Ahman Green, Brett Favre, Javon Walker, Ryan Longwell

2nd String: Marty Booker, Donald Driver (Questionable), Bubba Franks, Desmond Clark

Prediction: Packers 21, Bears 10