1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line: Eagles by 3
Over/Under: 50
Things I’m Watching For
I want to see if Nnamdi Asomugha can finally step up and shut down his assignment (should be Steve Johnson). He hasn’t been able to shut down anyone so far, probably because he is doing a lot more in Philadelphia than he did in Oakland. I’m even more excited for Lesean McCoy and Fred Jackson to go off in this game. McCoy has led his team in almost every game thus far, and Fred Jackson is doing better than anyone could of expected. It will be interesting to see these two teams pound the ball on the ground, to go along with their dynamic offenses.
Start
Fred Jackson – Like I just said, Jackson is going to get a lot of work in this game, and it only helps that he is playing the worst run defense in the league. Not that I think anyone would be sitting him, but I think many are under-ranking him this week.
Sit
Ryan Ftizpatrick – Bad matchup for Fitzpatrick this week and coming off of a bad performance against the Bengals last week. I expect a sub-par performance from “The Beard”.
CJ Spiller – With Fred Jackson getting almost all of the carries, Spiller hasn’t looked good. It’s just a good thing that Fred Jackson has emerged like this. or the Bills might be struggling to find an offense. Beside that point, CJ Spiller has an injury that has limited him in practice all week long. Even if you need a bye week filler, there should be better options than Spiller.
Pick: Eagles 30, Bills 24
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers
1:00PM EST - FOX
Line: Saints by 6.5
Over/Under: 51.5
Things I'm Watching For
Well, this might be something I am watching every week,but I am looking to see if Cam Newton can keep producing at this rate. The Saints defense isn't all that great, so I think we might see another great game from Cam Newton. I am also going to see how Marques Colston comes back (completely) from his injury, and see how he is going to play against Chris Gamble. If I had a guess, I would say that Drew Brees takes advantage of his number one guy being back on the field.Start
Darren Sproles - Sproles continues to be the Saint's running back that you want the most on your team. When he gets the ball he is going off, and that's how he is supposed to be used. Darren Sproles is the ideal flex, and I expect him to slowly take over the role of Pierre Thomas. It only helps that he is playing a weak Carolina rush defense (31st, 5.2 yards per rush) in week five.
Greg Olsen - Consistency is key, and Greg Olsen in consistent as can be. He has a touchdown in each of his last two games, and Olsen seems to be Cam Newton's go-to guy if he gets under pressure. Greg Olsen is a good option for your flex spot this week.
Sit
Panthers' Running Backs - The two headed monster...or the two-headed goat. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are only hurting each others' fantasy value this year. Neither one has distinguished themselves as the main guy. Regardless of matchup, it is extremely hard to stick one of these guys into your lineup.
Saints' Wide Receivers (after Colston)- With Colston back, I really don't like any of the Saints' wide receivers from a fantasy perspective. None of them have been consistent with Colston out, and with Colston back I don't think anyone is going to really standout.
Pick: Saints 30, Panthers 24
Oakland Raiders vs Houston Texans
1:00 PM EST - CBS
Line: Texans by 5.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Things I'm Watching For
I'm looking to see if Darrius Heyward-Bey is going to play like he did int he three weeks he was healthy, or if Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore step up. I think Darrius Heyward-Bey is for real, but that is just me. Denarius Moore should see a lot of coverage from Johnathan Joesph who has been magnificent this year. For the Texans, I want to see who is going to step up as the number one wide receiver now that Andre Johnson is out. We all know that Owen Daniels is going to continue to do what he does with Matt Schaub under center, but what about Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones? Jones has had his chances as the replacement of Andre Johnson and he has done nothing with it. I would look for Kevin Walter to have the biggest game in the absence of Andre, but Jones has a lot more upside.
Start
Darrius Heyward-Bey - With Denarius Moore getting covered by Johnathan Joseph much of the game (I am guessing here as Joseph and Moore both play the left side very often), Heyward-Bey is going to see a lot of Kareem Jackson, one of the worst starting corners in the league. Heyward-Bey could see a lot of targets here, and that is only going to help his stat line.
Sit
Denarius Moore - Like I explained earlier, he should see a lot of Johnathan Joesph, and he has been a top-notch corner this year.
Matt Schaub - Life is going to be hard without Andre Johnson. He is going to be handing off of the ball a lot, so I think You can find a better option this week.
Pick: Texans 27, Raiders 20
Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts
1:00 PM EST - CBS
Line: Colts by 2
Over/Under: 38.5
Things I'm Watching For
Well, there isn't much to watch in the Andrew Luck championship.I want to see if Joseph Addai scontines to get the carries that he deserves, including the ones on the goal line. I also am curious to see is Pierre Garcon will continue to connect with Curtis Painter.
Start
Thomas Jones and Dwayne Bowe - I know your screaming, "What the hell are you thinking! You would start two Chiefs?!" Yes, yes I am starting two Chiefs. Thomas Jones has a great matchup against a weak rush defense and their pass defense isn't much better. Dwayne Bowe, despite the Chiefs' offensive struggles, Bowe has continued to be a very viable option. I think both of these guys will have great games this weekend.Joseph Addai - As I explained in my Bank/Tank, he is getting almost all of the carries and it isn't even a competition against Delone Carter. Find a spot for Addai in your lineup.
Sit
Dallas Clark - While Pierre Garcon benefited from Curtis Painter starting, Dallas Clark did not. I think you probably have a better option this week.
Reggie Wayne - He hasn't shown me anything that makes me want to put him into my lineup, and the same should go for you.
Pick: Chiefs 20, Colts 17
Cincinnati Bengals vs Jacksonville Jaguars
1:00 PM EST - CBS
Line: Jaguars by 2
Over/Under: 37
Things I'm Watching For
Rookie versus rookie..Dalton vs Gabbert..Well, I think we know which one is going to fair better, that'd be the ginger one. I'm interested to see how both of these guys are going to play against each other, even though this game doesn't mean much. I also want to see if Jermaine Gresham, a guy I have always liked, is going to continue to connect with Andy Dalton this week.
Start
AJ Green - The two rookies, Andy Dalton and AJ Green have been connecting well, and against a weak pass defense this week (Jaguars are 14th in the league, numbers do lie!), Green could have a great game.Cedric Benson - Like I said in my Bank/Tank, Cedric Benson has been getting a ton of goal line touches, and is tied for second in the league in touches overall. I know a lot of people have him ranked high this week, but I am actually expecting about 100 yards and touchdown out of this guy. Don't doubt Ced Ben.
Sit
Both Tight Ends - Even though earlier I said I am going to be watching for Jermaine Gresham, I want him to prove to me that he can find the endzone. Marcedes Lewis has been upsetting this year. I was high on him coming into last year and then again this year and he just isn't getting the job done.
Mike Thomas - The Bengals are playing notably good pass defense (3rd in the league) and have only allowed two touchdowns to apposing wide receivers so far this year (both to Eric Decker in week two). I don't think Mike Thomas is going to do much, and if you play him you have to be desperate.
Pick: Bengals 17, Jaguars 13
Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings
1:00 PM EST - FOX
Line:Vikings by 3
Over/Under: 45.5
Things I'm Watching For
Now that we know that the Vikings can play int he second half, I want to see Donovan McNabb lead this team to win. He isn't playing up to standards, but this is the perfect matchup to be able for him to do so. i expect to see Larry Fitzgerald have a huge game as well. He has had a good year with Kevin Kolb thus far, but can he take it to the next level with Antoine Winfield out? Survey says yes.
Start Donovan McNabb - He hasn't been putting up spectacular fantasy numbers by any means, but he is going up against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and I would be surprised if he doesn't exceed 17 points this week (and only this week).
Larry Fitzgerald - Like I said early, Antonie Winfield is out. This game means far more to Fitzgerald then just any game. He is supporting breast cancer right now, and whether that affects how he plays we will have to see, but I certainly think he will be playing with more compassion.
Sit
Both Tight Ends - This one is pretty apparent, but I wouldn't start either of these tight ends unless you are completely in need of a tight end.
Pick: Cardinals 21, Vikings 20
Seattle Seahawks vs New York Giants
1:00 PM EST - FOX
Line: Giants by 9.5
Over/Under: 43.5
Things I'm Watching For
I will be looking out for lots of things in this game, mostly regarding the Giants. With Brandon Jacobs most likely sitting this game out with an MCL tear, how effective will Ahmad Bradshaw be? How much work is Victor Cruz going to get compared to Mario Manningham and which will be more effective? Can the Giants stop Marshawyn Lynch with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck dealing with injuries? All of these things will be interesting to watch and find out, and you can't really get an answer without this game.
Start
Eli Manning - He has thrown for eight touchdowns in the last three weeks and along with that comes great fantasy numbers.
Marshawyn Lynch - As I mentioned earlier, the defensive line is hurting for the Giants, and both Lynch and Tavaris Jackson could have serviceable fantasy days. I mean maybe he will help pull off an upset..but this time, there won't be an earthquake.
Sidney Rice - It's not that I don't believe in Sidney Rice, I just think that people are overhyping him after good performances against two pretty weak defenses. I'm not saying you sit him, but temper your expectations.
Mario Manningham - I am a huge Victor Cruz believer. He has played great in the preseason for two years in a row now, and he is extremely talented. I just think that Manningham's playing time is going to go down the gutter. If your a Manningham owner then you better grab Victor Cruz.
Pick: Giants 30, Seahawks 17
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers
1:00 PM EST - CBS
Line: Steelers by 3
Over/Under: 39.5
Things I'm Watching For
What an interesting game in that is definitely a toss up between the old and the new. I want to see if Chris Johnson can run on the Steelers defense like he did last week, or is he going to flop like most other running backs? And is Jared Cook going to become the main guy for Matt Hasselbeck? Both are questions that I want answered badly, and this should be a good one.
Start
Jared Cook - He looks like he is going to be Matt Hasselbeck's go to guy, and if you are fishing for a tight end and this guy is out there, then grab him while you still can.
Sit
Ben Roethlisberger - The foot injury could limit his skills on the field, and the Titans are playing some top notch defense right now. I think there are about twenty better options than Big Ben this week.
Rashard Mendenhall - Even if this guy plays he is going to be ineffective. Keep Mendenhall on your bench this week, and if you have to, then go get Isaac Redman.
Pick: Steelers win this game at home, Steelers 26, Titans 20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Francisco 49ers
4:05 PM EST - CBS
Line:49ers by 3
Over/Under: 41.5
Things I'm Watching For
This is another one of those coin flip games. Both teams are probably underrated going into this game with their 3-1 record, and both teams are leading their division (Bucs are tied). I want to see how Mike Williams is going to perform, because he has done nothing yet and this is a great matchup for him. I'm also curious to see if the Buccaneers can get the ground game going with LeGarrette Blount against one of the best run defenses in the league (the 49ers haven't allowed a touchdown on the ground yet).
Start
Both Quarterbacks - Both guys have been putting out decent fantasy numbers, and both have a good matchup this week. What else is there to say other than "start'em"!Mike Williams - I think this is the week that he wakes up. I think Josh Freeman has the best game of his season, and he is going to utilize the matchup that Williams has, just like Tony Romo did with Miles Austin in week three.
Sit
LeGarrette Blount - Going up against a run defense who hasn't allowed a touchdown in the first four weeks in 49ers. If you have an option that is going to put points on the board for you then do it. Their defensive line has trumped other team's offensive lines (I learned this from watching it happen to the Cowboys)
Michael Crabtree - With the matchup against Aqib Talib, I don't expect to see much from Crabtree. Not that he will be non-existent, and just think that you should limit expectations for Crabtree in this game.
Pick: Buccaneers 24, 49ers 20
San Diego Chargers vs Denver Broncos
4:15 PM EST - CBS
Line: Chargers by 3
Over/Under: 46
Things I'm Watching For
Well, the season couldn't get much worse for the Broncos. At least they have a win, right? I expect the Chargers to roll over the Broncos this week. I'll be watching how the Chargers split the carries between Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert and when the two running backs are getting the carries. I also want to see who gets more targets this week: Brandon Lloyd or Eric Decker? Kyle Orton likes Decker a lot, but Lloyd is still putting up numbers. I also want to see Knowshon Moreno more involved in this offense; he has been so talented in the past.
Start
Both Broncos' Receivers (Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker)- They have both been putting up solid fantasy numbers, and the Broncos should be passing a lot in this game.
Both Chargers' Running Backs - They are both productive on any given day, just like the two names I mentioned up above. Matthews is going to get you the carries driving down the field, and Tolbert is going to be in on short-yardage and will most likely be a part of the goal line offense.
Sit
Broncos' Running Backs - It's quite obvious you don't want either of these guys. I mean, McGahee has been finding the endzone, so he may be worth a flex, but I think Moreno could see more work. Besides that point, I think Denver will be down on this game, and will be airing the ball out.
Vincent Jackson - Champ Bailey should be back for this game, and I think people have forgotten that he is still close to a shut down corner. He allows very little to get past him, and Rivers will find other spots to throw the ball. Of course, if Bailey is inactive then I am fine with Vincent Jackson.Pick: Chargers 27, Broncos 13
New York Jets vs New England Patriots
4:15 PM EST - CBS
Line: Patriots by 7.5
Over/Under: 49
Things I'm Watching For
This is probably one of the greatest rivalries of the 2000s, as you might know. Rex Ryan vs Bill Belichick. It doesn't get much better than that. I'm looking to see who is going to get more snaps and who gets more catches: Ladanian Tomlinson or Shonn Greene. I also want to see what Stevan Ridley does with no Danny Woodhead stealing snaps from him. It will be a very good game..or will it?
Start
Patriots' Running Backs - Jets have had a sub-par rush defense this year, so don't fear the Jets. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is getting a tremendous amount of carries on the goal line, and Stevan Ridley is the emerging star. I think both of these guys deserve to be in your lineup.
Sit
Wes Welker - I'm obviously not literally sitting Welker. but against Revis, Welker is definitely going to under perform. Roll with Welker, but just limit your expectations.
Dustin Keller - He hasn't done much lately, and Patriots aren't letting tight ends do much. I would keep Keller on the pine this week.
Pick: Patriots 30, Jets 20 - Patriots don't lose at home
Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons8:27 PM EST - NBC
Line: Packers by 5.5
Over/Under: 53
Things I'm Watching ForThe main thing I am watching that i haven't watched much this season is how Julio Jones looks, and how Roddy White is affected by him. I am also watching to see how the carries are split now that Ryan Grant is back from that kidney injury.
Start
Julio Jones - He is getting a ton of targets in every game, and Matt Ryan loves to throw the ball to this guy. He is a big physical receiver and just like I conveyed in my Bank/Tank, the Packers can't defend #2 wide receivers this year, and Julio Jones is the best number two that they have faced. I am definitely finding a spot for Julio Jones on my roster on his way to his first touchdown in the NFL.Jordy Nelson - Continues to put up nice fantasy numbers. Good wide receiver two or flex play this week
Sit
Packers' Running Backs - You don't know who is going to step up every week, and I don't think this is going to be a running type of game for the Packers.
Michael Turner - He was in my Bank/Tank as a tank. The Falcons aren't going to be running the ball, and even if they do, it isn't going to be effective of the ground.
Picks: Packers 30, Falcons 24
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions 8:37 PM EST -ESPN
Line: Lions by 5
Over/Under:47.5
Things I'm Watching For
I think we all want to see what a game at Ford Field on Monday Night that is sold out is going to be like. It's should be a great thing to watch. I want to see what wide receiver get's the most targets for the Bears and if Dane Sanzenbacher will step up to the plate once again. I'm even more ready for "C'mon Man!": the best part of Monday Night Football...well maybe not this Monday. I think this will be a really fun game to watch, hopefully more so than last week.
Start
Start Your Studs- You are starting Calvin Johnson, Matt Forte, and Matt Stafford. All of those are a given on any week.
Sit
Jahvid Best - The Bears have a great run defense, and I don't think we are going to see Jahvid Best get much in this game. If you are starting him, hope for a touchdown.
Bears' Wide Receivers (Knox, Williams, Bennett) - None of these guys are showing up on any given week, so there is no reason to believe in them this week
Pick: Lions 27, Bears 24 (OT)
Those would be all of the games for this week, and there are so many good ones! So many that are coin flips and are going to be exciting to watch. You best be prepared for a fun day Sunday tomorrow. Don't forget to check out the Injury Report tomorrow for all of the latest injury news. Also check out my rankings for all of your activation needs. You can always ask me a question on Twitter or you can shoot me an email. I'll see you guys on Tuesday with my "Let Them Preach" article. Between now and then, I hope you win your fantasy matchup, and good luck to all of you guys this week.
No comments:
Post a Comment