Post by Trent Matsunoshin on Oct 21, 2007 6:49:48 GMT 1
OK, this is pretty late, but will be interesting nonetheless.
Last week proved I am no fantasy guru, as Carolina WR Steve Smith proved why he's the best WR in the NFL period by catching 10 passes for 136 yards from newly acquired out of retirement QB Vinny Testaverde. Also, two big trades happened right before last Monday night's deadline, one sent RB Michael Bennett to the Bucs and another sent standout Dolphins WR Chris Chambers to the Chargers, both figure to make their respective teams even more formidable. Other notes: The Titans may be without Vince Young this week thanks to a quadriceps injury, if he's out, forget the Titans.... Everybody thought the Pats would get a challenge in Dallas, and it was, until some point in the third quarter where Brady and Co. pulled away and dominated..... Don't look now, but the Jags, who for all intents and purposes were supposed to be cellar dwellers, are 4-1 and now host this week's marquee matchup on Monday night against Indy. The Jags always play Indy tough, so I wouldn't be surprised if they knocked off Manning and Co. this week.
On to the games...
Sunday
49ers at Giants: Now, despite the Giants recent play I can't say I'm convinced yet, yeah, they lead the NFL in Sacks (21) and Eli/Plaxico has been an excellent combo so far, but they haven't played anyone in the last couple weeks. The 49ers have been atrocious lately but they are rested coming off a bye, hopefully they made some offensive adjustments. My pick: Giants. They are at home and playing great defense, so unless the Niners get rolling early, this probably won't be close.
Falcons at Saints: Saints' QB Drew Brees decided to finally show up last week and pick apart Seattle, which means bad things for the Falcons, who have decided to start QB Byron Leftwich this week. My pick: Saints. The Falcons are bringing in someone new, but the result will be the same, even against a horrible Saints D.
Patriots at Dolphins: Hate to say it, but this one has 'bloodbath' written all over it. Miami QB Trent Green is now out for the season and they traded away top target Chris Chambers to San Diego. On top of that, the D is aging and now has the unenviable task of facing the hottest team going. The Patriots basically carved up the Cowboys last week as QB Tom Brady threw like it was pregame practice and the DBs were nowhere to be found. My pick: Patriots. I hardly think that the undefeated streak stops this week.
Cardinals at Redskins: Arizona's caught the injury bug, Leinart's out for the season and top backup Kurt Warner is nursing an elbow injury, Tim Rattay vs. arguably the best secondary in the NFL is not a good look. The 'Skins are coming off a tough loss but figure to have at least one of their prime WRs back this week. My pick: Redskins. Gotta like the matchup unless the Cards get to QB Jason Campbell early, then it might get interesting.
Ravens at Bills: The Ravens look like they are in prime form on D, they've surrendered just 10 points in the last 2 weeks and brought the ruckus last week in the forms of 4 sacks, 5 INTs, and a forced fumble. The Bills are coming off a much needed bye, but are a young team playing like a young team right now, I say keep rookie QB Trent Edwards in there, because despite the losses, he's showed more poise than injured starter JP Losman ever has. My pick: Ravens. Don't be surprised if the D pitches a shutout here and RB Willis McGahee has a breakout game, the Bills' Monday Night in Dallas was just an aberration.
Buccaneers at Lions: Detroit is explosive no doubt, until they see a good defense, losses to Washington and Philadelphia, two of the NFL's better Ds, show that the Lions are still a far cry from the playoffs. The Bucs lately have been looking damn good, even with the injuries at RB, QB Jeff Garcia has managed the game well and the Bucs D has stayed fresh throughout the games. My pick: Buccaneers. Winning the ugly games says a lot about a team's character, and the Bucs got a gut check last week and came through. Look for Tampa's D to get pressure early and often.
Titans at Texans: QB Vince Young might be out this week, if that's the case, forget the Titans. The Texans were on the wrong end of a Jags' awakening, and are probably angry about a pretty poor performance last week, especially against the run. My pick: Texans. Even with the injuries, a solid D should be able to stop VY and Co.
Chiefs at Raiders: The Raiders bring a rested top tier rushing attack and a solid D at home in the Black Hole. The Chiefs bring RB Priest Holmes (this is not a typo) who hasn't seen an NFL field since late 2005, the Chiefs supposed star (and fantasy dud) RB Larry Johnson rushed for 12 yards on 9 attempts last week, we may have to start calling him houdini. My pick: Raiders. After that performance by Larry Johnson last week, I'd say he's worthy of benching at this point, it doesn't get easier this week as Oakland's front 7 figures to swallow him whole.
Jets at Bengals: RB Rudi Johnson is listed as doubtful for this game, and the problems are starting to pile up like the 1-4 record, it's safe to say the Bengals need this one. The Jets' D was surprisingly solid last week as top draft pick CB Darrelle Revis had 9 tackles, he's averaging 7 tackles a game and is on pace for 100+ tackles on the season, which is a staggering stat for a DB. My pick: Bengals. They need this one, badly. The D needs to step up and force turnovers, if not, then the Jets have a chance at taking it if they keep it close.
Vikings at Cowboys: Dallas has to be reeling after QB Tony Romo's late turnover against the Pats put the game out of reach last week, it shouldn't get any easier against the Vikings, who bring one of the top Ds in the NFL. My pick: Cowboys. It should be a great matchup but Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson isn't ready for the kind of pass rush the Cowboys bring, which will allow for them for focus on sensational RB Adrian Peterson.
Bears at Eagles: At the beginning of the season, this might have been a playoff preview, but right now, this could be a season ender. Philly is coming off a shutdown victory against the Jets, where the D dominated despite numeous injuries. The Bears offense has looked alive lately under QB Brian Griese, who had 380 passing yards and 3 TDs last week. My pick: Bears. Philly may have outgunned the Jets, but that probably won't happen here, as the Bears have a pass heavy ball control offense, allowing the D to be rested against an inconsistent Philly offense.
Rams at Seahawks: The Rams looked horrible last week, and QB Gus Frerotte heaved 5 INTs against a top-tier Ravens D. The Seahawks D isn't as good, for they are susceptible to the pass as shown against the Saints last week, but are still formidable. My pick: Seahawks. They should bounce back against an injury-depleted Rams team with relative ease, especially is RB Shaun Alexander gets it going.
Steelers at Broncos: Both teams are coming off a bye, but while the Steelers rested up and have WR Hines Ward back, Denver is without top WR Javon Walker and top CB Champ Bailey is a game-time decision. My pick: Steelers. Denver QB Jay Cutler is running short on targets and RB Travis Henry draws the NFL's Top Rushing D, so the Steelers should be able to shut down Denver.
Colts at Jaguars: This week's marquee matchup brings the undefeated Colts to Jacksonville for the always-tough 4-1 Jags, who have handed the Colts their first loss on a few occasions in the past years. The matchup should speak for itself, this has must-watch written all over it. My pick: Colts. Rested and off a bye, it may not be a dominant game, but they should pull this one out.
Byes
Panthers: 'Well, if Vinny gets hurt we should win with Steve DeBerg coming out retirement'
Browns: Hopefully this week doesn't stop QB Derek Anderson's sensational start.
Packers: 'Alright, let's try some running plays!'
Chargers: 'Mr. Chambers, here's the offensive playbook, we got Houston and Indy over the next two weeks, learn it, quickly.'
Quick Picks:
Giants
Saints
Patriots
Redskins
Ravens
Buccaneers
Texans
Raiders
Bengals
Cowboys
Bears
Seahawks
Steelers
Colts
Last week proved I am no fantasy guru, as Carolina WR Steve Smith proved why he's the best WR in the NFL period by catching 10 passes for 136 yards from newly acquired out of retirement QB Vinny Testaverde. Also, two big trades happened right before last Monday night's deadline, one sent RB Michael Bennett to the Bucs and another sent standout Dolphins WR Chris Chambers to the Chargers, both figure to make their respective teams even more formidable. Other notes: The Titans may be without Vince Young this week thanks to a quadriceps injury, if he's out, forget the Titans.... Everybody thought the Pats would get a challenge in Dallas, and it was, until some point in the third quarter where Brady and Co. pulled away and dominated..... Don't look now, but the Jags, who for all intents and purposes were supposed to be cellar dwellers, are 4-1 and now host this week's marquee matchup on Monday night against Indy. The Jags always play Indy tough, so I wouldn't be surprised if they knocked off Manning and Co. this week.
On to the games...
Sunday
49ers at Giants: Now, despite the Giants recent play I can't say I'm convinced yet, yeah, they lead the NFL in Sacks (21) and Eli/Plaxico has been an excellent combo so far, but they haven't played anyone in the last couple weeks. The 49ers have been atrocious lately but they are rested coming off a bye, hopefully they made some offensive adjustments. My pick: Giants. They are at home and playing great defense, so unless the Niners get rolling early, this probably won't be close.
Falcons at Saints: Saints' QB Drew Brees decided to finally show up last week and pick apart Seattle, which means bad things for the Falcons, who have decided to start QB Byron Leftwich this week. My pick: Saints. The Falcons are bringing in someone new, but the result will be the same, even against a horrible Saints D.
Patriots at Dolphins: Hate to say it, but this one has 'bloodbath' written all over it. Miami QB Trent Green is now out for the season and they traded away top target Chris Chambers to San Diego. On top of that, the D is aging and now has the unenviable task of facing the hottest team going. The Patriots basically carved up the Cowboys last week as QB Tom Brady threw like it was pregame practice and the DBs were nowhere to be found. My pick: Patriots. I hardly think that the undefeated streak stops this week.
Cardinals at Redskins: Arizona's caught the injury bug, Leinart's out for the season and top backup Kurt Warner is nursing an elbow injury, Tim Rattay vs. arguably the best secondary in the NFL is not a good look. The 'Skins are coming off a tough loss but figure to have at least one of their prime WRs back this week. My pick: Redskins. Gotta like the matchup unless the Cards get to QB Jason Campbell early, then it might get interesting.
Ravens at Bills: The Ravens look like they are in prime form on D, they've surrendered just 10 points in the last 2 weeks and brought the ruckus last week in the forms of 4 sacks, 5 INTs, and a forced fumble. The Bills are coming off a much needed bye, but are a young team playing like a young team right now, I say keep rookie QB Trent Edwards in there, because despite the losses, he's showed more poise than injured starter JP Losman ever has. My pick: Ravens. Don't be surprised if the D pitches a shutout here and RB Willis McGahee has a breakout game, the Bills' Monday Night in Dallas was just an aberration.
Buccaneers at Lions: Detroit is explosive no doubt, until they see a good defense, losses to Washington and Philadelphia, two of the NFL's better Ds, show that the Lions are still a far cry from the playoffs. The Bucs lately have been looking damn good, even with the injuries at RB, QB Jeff Garcia has managed the game well and the Bucs D has stayed fresh throughout the games. My pick: Buccaneers. Winning the ugly games says a lot about a team's character, and the Bucs got a gut check last week and came through. Look for Tampa's D to get pressure early and often.
Titans at Texans: QB Vince Young might be out this week, if that's the case, forget the Titans. The Texans were on the wrong end of a Jags' awakening, and are probably angry about a pretty poor performance last week, especially against the run. My pick: Texans. Even with the injuries, a solid D should be able to stop VY and Co.
Chiefs at Raiders: The Raiders bring a rested top tier rushing attack and a solid D at home in the Black Hole. The Chiefs bring RB Priest Holmes (this is not a typo) who hasn't seen an NFL field since late 2005, the Chiefs supposed star (and fantasy dud) RB Larry Johnson rushed for 12 yards on 9 attempts last week, we may have to start calling him houdini. My pick: Raiders. After that performance by Larry Johnson last week, I'd say he's worthy of benching at this point, it doesn't get easier this week as Oakland's front 7 figures to swallow him whole.
Jets at Bengals: RB Rudi Johnson is listed as doubtful for this game, and the problems are starting to pile up like the 1-4 record, it's safe to say the Bengals need this one. The Jets' D was surprisingly solid last week as top draft pick CB Darrelle Revis had 9 tackles, he's averaging 7 tackles a game and is on pace for 100+ tackles on the season, which is a staggering stat for a DB. My pick: Bengals. They need this one, badly. The D needs to step up and force turnovers, if not, then the Jets have a chance at taking it if they keep it close.
Vikings at Cowboys: Dallas has to be reeling after QB Tony Romo's late turnover against the Pats put the game out of reach last week, it shouldn't get any easier against the Vikings, who bring one of the top Ds in the NFL. My pick: Cowboys. It should be a great matchup but Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson isn't ready for the kind of pass rush the Cowboys bring, which will allow for them for focus on sensational RB Adrian Peterson.
Bears at Eagles: At the beginning of the season, this might have been a playoff preview, but right now, this could be a season ender. Philly is coming off a shutdown victory against the Jets, where the D dominated despite numeous injuries. The Bears offense has looked alive lately under QB Brian Griese, who had 380 passing yards and 3 TDs last week. My pick: Bears. Philly may have outgunned the Jets, but that probably won't happen here, as the Bears have a pass heavy ball control offense, allowing the D to be rested against an inconsistent Philly offense.
Rams at Seahawks: The Rams looked horrible last week, and QB Gus Frerotte heaved 5 INTs against a top-tier Ravens D. The Seahawks D isn't as good, for they are susceptible to the pass as shown against the Saints last week, but are still formidable. My pick: Seahawks. They should bounce back against an injury-depleted Rams team with relative ease, especially is RB Shaun Alexander gets it going.
Steelers at Broncos: Both teams are coming off a bye, but while the Steelers rested up and have WR Hines Ward back, Denver is without top WR Javon Walker and top CB Champ Bailey is a game-time decision. My pick: Steelers. Denver QB Jay Cutler is running short on targets and RB Travis Henry draws the NFL's Top Rushing D, so the Steelers should be able to shut down Denver.
Colts at Jaguars: This week's marquee matchup brings the undefeated Colts to Jacksonville for the always-tough 4-1 Jags, who have handed the Colts their first loss on a few occasions in the past years. The matchup should speak for itself, this has must-watch written all over it. My pick: Colts. Rested and off a bye, it may not be a dominant game, but they should pull this one out.
Byes
Panthers: 'Well, if Vinny gets hurt we should win with Steve DeBerg coming out retirement'
Browns: Hopefully this week doesn't stop QB Derek Anderson's sensational start.
Packers: 'Alright, let's try some running plays!'
Chargers: 'Mr. Chambers, here's the offensive playbook, we got Houston and Indy over the next two weeks, learn it, quickly.'
Quick Picks:
Giants
Saints
Patriots
Redskins
Ravens
Buccaneers
Texans
Raiders
Bengals
Cowboys
Bears
Seahawks
Steelers
Colts