Week 5 is upon us, and you know
what that means: time for my game picks. Last week was awesome, and this week
shouldn’t disappoint. We have a full slate of games to get to but before we get
to that I wanted to point out a couple things. The “starts and sits” in my
weekly game picks aren’t guys that I would literally start or sit; rather, they
are guys that I think will over-perform or under-perform. And one last thing: I
get the betting lines
and over/under here. They are completely updated, and I get the lines from
them on Saturday Morning. Each game is linked to the ESPN preview when you click on the team names.With all of that mess cleaned up, I think it’s time
to get this started.
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.
Scott
Chandler – The Eagles
have been putrid against tight ends this year, and common thing amongst teams
with rush defense problems. Chandler isn’t getting targeted much except for in
the endzone, but if you are looking for a tight end for a bye week fill
in then look for Scott Chandler.
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.
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.
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.
Kevin Walter - A lot of fantasy analysts are jumping on the Jacoby Jones bandwagon, but not this guy. Walter has stepped up every time that Andre Johnson has been sidelined. I still expect Owen Daniels to have a better game, but Walter should have a good game against a weak Raiders pass defense.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sit 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.
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
Chris Johnson - It's pretty apparent that the Steelers aren't "who we thought they were", but can they shut down an elite running back? I doubt it. Arian Foster torched this defense last week, and Idon't see it getting better anytime soon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Santonio Holmes - Devin McCourty hasn't been able to do anything against his man, and guess who his man is this game? If you just guessed Santonio Holmes, then you were right. I love Holmes this week, as seen in my rankings.
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
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.
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.
Dane Sanzenbacher - I am a believer! Jay Cutler loves to throw to him, and no other Bears' receivers are not showing up. Why can't he do it this 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.
What can compare to the first three weeks of the NFL
season? Maybe week four can? No way, but it is still NFL football, and it doesn’t
get much better than that. Last week my picks were terrible; I was 10-6. I know
I will do better this week, but there are a lot of close games that are going
to be tough to pick. I wanted to point out that for each game I will do two
things that I am going to be watching, as well as two starts and two sits
instead of giving you every player from every game. Oh, and one last thing; my
pick will be at the end of each game. So with all of the housekeeping taken
care of…let’s take a look at my picks.
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears
1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Bears by 6.5
Over/Under:
42.5
Things
I’m Looking For: I really want to see what Cam Newton can
do against a top-notch defense like the Bears have. For the Bears? I am seeing
if they can get Matt Forte more involved this week, and if Jay Cutler will
continue to make Johnny Knox a productive wide receiver.
Start:
Johnathan Stewart – He is the top back for the Panthers right now
Greg Olsen – Right now the Bears can’t stop the TEs
and Olsen is getting targeted by Cam Newton.
Sit:
DeAngelo
Williams – With the start of Stewart and thw way Williams has been used, it’s
looking like a lost season for DWill.
Cam Newton – I can see this blowing up in my face,
but he didn’t do well last week (I know it was a monsoon, but still) and the
Bears have a much better defense than the Jaguars.
Pick:
Bears 20, Panthers 17
Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals
1:00 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Bills by 3
Over/Under:
43.5
Things
I’m Looking For: Can the Bills offense stay this potent?
I mean, they have dominated three defenses now, and it doesn’t look like anyone
can stop them. Surely the Bengals can’t. I also want to see if the two rookies
(Andy Dalton and AJ Green) can connect. If they are going to, this will be the
game to do it in.
Start:
David
Nelson – The guy continues to be a huge part of this offense
AJ Green – I am pretty confident in this pick. I
think the Bengals are going to have to try to keep up, and what better
playmaker than AJ Green to utilize. I mean, just watch the video and you know you gotta start him.
Sit:
Donald
Jones – I know that a lot of people are jumping on this guy, but I wouldn’t be
too sure. Fitzpatrick is throwing the ball to everyone, and I’m not sure Jones
is going to continue to be a piece of this puzzle.
Cedric Benson – He isn’t running well in the last
couple games, and he isn’t even finding the endzone. I don’t expect him to get
a ton of touches this week since they are going to be playing catch up like I
said earlier.
Pick:
Bills 38, Bengals 20
Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys
1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Cowboys
by 2.5
Over/Under:
46
Things
I’m Looking For: Will the Cowboys finally get the
running game going? If Dez isn’t able to go in this game, you have to think
that they are going to have to put the ball on the ground. Can the Cowboys
defense prove that they are for real, like they were in 2009? They are 2nd
in the league in rush defense and they have shut down some top running backs. I
say yes they can, but I doubt the pass defense. Rob Ryan has done some great
things with this defense though, that is for sure.
Start:
Tony Romo – He was in my Bank picks. Last week was the first time in two years that
he did not throw a TD pass, and he didn’t have to in that game. Look, keep your
faith in Romo. He will playoff.
Nate Burleson – The Cowboys haven’t fared well
against supporting casts in team’s offenses.: Plaxico had his way in week one,
in week two, well, the Cowboys were playing the 49ers, and in week three
Gaffney had 60 yards. All of those teams don’t have great passing offenses, but
the Lions and Matt Stafford can move the ball plenty more than Mark Sanchez,
Alex Smith, or Rex Grossman.
Sit:
Dez
Bryant – Last week the quad really bothered him and he was on the sideline for
much of the game. This week, Dez didn’t practice and it really scares me.
Jahvid Best – The Cowboys have been shutting down
the run, and I expect this to be a shootout. Flex at best.
Pick:
Cowboys 26, Lions 24
New Orleans Saints vs Jacksonville
Jaguars
1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Saints
by 7
Over/Under:
45
Things
I’m Looking For: The Saints running game is something
everyone should keep an eye on. Is Sproles going to continue to only catch
passes with a couple carries a game? Is Ingram going to gain more and more
carries every week? For the Jaguars, is Mike Thomas going to continue to
connect with Blaine Gabbert
Start:
Darren
Sproles – He was a bank for me this week. He has continued to ba playmaker for
this team, and he has a good matchup this week
Mike Thomas – He is getting a ton or targets (42% of
all passes) and Blaine Gabbert showed me he is at least going to be utilized in
the Jaguars offense.
Sit:
Pierre Thomas – Probably obvious call here, but he isn’t getting the work
anymore.
Marques Colston – He might play, but I think he will
mainly just be drawing coverage off of Brees’ other weapons.
Pick:
Saints 30, Jaguars 13
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia
Eagles
1:00 PM EST –
FOX
Line:
Eagles
by 9.5
Over/Under:
43.5
Things
I’m Looking For: Frank Gore’s ankle. Is Kendall Hunter
going to get the workload? And if he does, what is he going to do with it? Both
are things that I will be watching. Also, can Lesean McCoy run against a
run-stopping defense? As a bonus, can Michael Vick last an entire game? McCoy
has run very well, but he hasn’t played a great, healthy defense yet.
Start:
Vernon
Davis – The Eagles can’t stop tight ends.
Desean Jackson – 49ers have given up big plays, and
with the injured hamstring of Jeremy Maclin, we could see Vick targeting his
main man even more in this game
Sit:
Frank
Gore – Whether he will get the work fantasy owners want, no one knows yet. But,
either way, an injury could knock him out of the game with just one tackle, and
it will definitely slow him down.
Michael Crabtree – I don’t think Crabtree is going
to do nothing this week, but against Asomugha there isn’t much you can do.
Pick:
Eagles 24, 49ers 20
Washington Redskins @ St.Louis Rams
1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Redskins by 2.5
Over/Under:
43.5
What
I’m Looking For: Is Steven Jackson ready for his return? And
how much of a split is is between Fred Davis and Chris Cooley?
Start:
Tim
Hightower – The Rams are last in the league in rushing defense.
Brandon Gibson – I think he is the top guy for the
Rams
Sit:
Danario
Alexander – Some people are jumping on this kid’s bandwagon, I am not one of
those people
Fred Davis – Like I said, I am going to wait and see
what kind of timeshare Davis and Cooley are going to have.
Pick: Redskins 27, Rams 17
Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns
1:00 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Even
Over/Under:
38.5
What
I’m Looking For: Can Chris Johnson turn it around? Browns
don’t have a great defense, and with Kenny Britt out, the Titans might be left
to rely on CJ2K. For the Browns, I’m watching to see how much the coaching
staff is going to regulate Peyton Hillis’ workload.
Start:
Jared
Cook – I didn’t rank him like a “start”, but this could be Hasselbeck’s new
favorite target on that offense.
Peyton Hillis – The sickness shouldn’t be a problem.
Sit:
Browns
Wide Receivers – No one on the Browns is getting enough targets and receptions
to be starting on your fantasy team
Nate Washington – While I do like him, I don’t know
how he will fare against Joe Haden. He could be huge, or he could do very
little.
Pick: Titans 20, Browns 16
Minnesota Vikings @ Kansas City
1:00 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Vikings
by 3
Over/Under:
39.5
Breaking: Vikings still can't win.
What
I’m Looking For: I’ll be watching to see it Matt Cassel
and Dwayne Bowe can continue to connect, but more importantly I am going to be
waiting for that 2nd half meltdown by the Vikings. If the Vikings
give Peterson the ball more than 25 times they will win this game. Period.
Start:
Percy
Harvin – With Brandon Flowers’ ankle injury, I could see Harvin having a huge
game. He is a playmaker, and the Chiefs haven’t been able to stop them so far.
Dwayne Bowe – One of my Banks. Him and Cassel have
had a ton of production lately. I expect that to continue all though he is up
against Antoine Winfield.
Sit:
Chiefs
running backs – Neither is getting enough work to start.
Both Quarterbacks – They have looked terrible in the
three games they have played, and their records reflect it.
Pick:
Chiefs 24, Vikings 20
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texams
1:00 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Texans
by 3.5
Over/Under:
45
What
I’m Looking For: How much work is Foster going to get,
and what is he going to do with those carries? Also, is James Casey going to
continue to get targets from Matt Schaub? I would guess that he is not. And can
Rashard Mendenhall bounce back from last week?
Start:
There
are no secrets. Start your studs in this game.
Sit:
Arian
Foster – Battling a hamstring injury and playing a tough run defense…not
something I like to see. Keep Foster on the bench for now.
The TEs in the game: I don’t like either TE, but I
would rather play Owen Daniels than Heath Miller (obviously)
Pick:
Texans 20, Steelers 17 (OT)
Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks
4:05 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Atlanta
by 4.5
Over/Under:
38.5
What
I’m Looking For: Are the Falcons still elite? Obviously,
one game can’t prove to such a claim, but if they can put a spanking on the
Seahawks then they are where they should be in my eyes. I also want to see if
Sidney Rice was a fluke last game, or if he really is going to be relevant for
fantasy owners.
Start:
Julio
Jones – Last week, in Jones’ first game in a good matchup he went for over 100
yards. The Seahawks have no one who can cover the very talented Julio Jones.
Marshawyn Lynch – Ok, maybe not a start, but the
Falcons run defense has looked bad. Just saying.
Sit:
Both
tight ends – I don’t have any faith in Tony Gonzalez anymore, and Zach Miller
doesn’t look like he is going to be a factor.
Sidney Rice – I don’t see him doing much against
Brent Grimes this week.
Pick:
Falcons 27, Seahawks 13
New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals
4:05 PM EST – FOX
Line:
Giants
by 1
Over/Under:
44.5
What
I’m Looking For: Can Kevin Kolb escape the rush and
expose the weak pass defense of the Giants? And is Beanie Wells healthy enough
to run against a tough Giants defense?
Start:
Ahmad
Bradshaw – I think he will have a huge game against one of the worst run
defenses in the league.
Eli Manning – Dominated the Eagles last week, no
reason he can’t dominate the Cardinals the same way.
Sit:
Beanie
Wells – I think the injury is going to take playing time and carries away from
him.
Brandon Jacobs - Ahmad Bradshaw is going to dominate
this game.
Pick:
Giants 30, Cardinals 23
Miami Dolphins @ San Diego Chargers
4:15 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Chargers
by 7
Over/Under:
44.5
What
I’m Looking For: I want to see the Chargers get on top
early and maintain that lead. They just don’t have that type of urgency in the
first half, and they never have had that with Norv Turner. Also, as a Hartline believer, I want to see if
he can continue to put up good PPR league numbers
Start:
Ryan
Matthews – Despite injuries, I still love the matchup this week,
Philip Rivers – He is going to maul the Dolphins
defense. It’s going to be bad.
Reggie Bush – With Daniel Thomas out, Bush could
have a great game, and maybe one of last great games he has with Daniel Thomas looking like a complete stud.
Sit:
Malcom
Floyd- Rather he plays or not, he shouldn’t be in your lineup.
Davone Bess -
He has not done anything thus far.
Pick:
Chargers 30, Dolphins 20
Denver Broncos @ Green Bay Packers
4:15 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Packers
by 12
Over/Under:
46.5
What
I’m Looking For: Who is going to get the bulk of the
carries for the Broncos? Also, how much is Starks going to get the ball, and
what is he going to do with those carries? Both will be interesting, especially
since I liked Moreno so much coming into the season, it will be interesting to
see how they use him.
Start:
James
Starks – I believe in the kid. He is going to get around 8- percent of the
carries, and he has shown me that he can do it in the first two weeks.
Brandon Lloyd – The Packers pass defense has looked
awful this year. Orton and Lloyd will hook up for some big yardage.
Sit:
Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee – Who knows
how the carries will be split for the Broncos
Jordy Nelson – There isn’t enough to go around…
Pick:
Packers 30, Broncos 17
New England Patriots @ Oakland Raiders
4:15 PM EST – CBS
Line:
Patriots
by 5
Over/Under:
55
What
I’m Looking For: I want to see if Denarius Moore
continues to be a huge factor even with Darius Heyward-Bey back. I would assume
he will be a big part. Campbell loves him. For the Patriots, I want to see if
Stevan Ridley can keep getting more and more carries. Last week he actually
became relevant, but I want to see more.
Start:
Wes
Welker – I just wanted to point out that he is going to have another huge game
against this week pass defense.
Rob Gronkowski – You cannot sit him. Brady has
become a tight end lover.
Jason Campbell – Believe it or not, if you are
looking for a QB to pick up and start this week then this is your guy.
Sit:
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – With not many carries to go around in the first place,
it really hurts Lawfirm’s value now that he is giving up carries to Ridley and
Woodhead.
Darius Heyward-Bey – Obviously sitting this guy. He
started strong, but I want to see how him and Moore mix.
Pick:
Patriots 38, Raiders 27
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens
8:20 EST – NBC
Line:
Ravens by 3.5
Over/Under:
42
You can't stop me!
What
I’m Looking For: I am very anxious to see the Torrey
Smith versus Antonio Cromartie matchup. I’m also anxious to see how the offensive
line of the Jets (especially Mangold with the hurt ankle) is going to hold up
against the Ravens.
Start:
Ray
Rice – You can’t sit him. He is a physical beast in the rushing and the passing
game.
Dustin Keller – I mean, who else is there in this
game, really.
Sit:
Santonio
Holmes – Didn’t have a good week last week while Sanchez went off, and the
Ravens have a decent pass defence
Anquan Boldin – Revis Island.
Pick:
Ravens 20, Jets 16
Indianapolis Colts @ Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
8:30 PM EST – ESPN
Line:
Buccaneers
by 10
Over/Under:
42
You want ME to come in?
Things I’m Looking For: Who is Cutis Painter’s favorite
wideout? Do the Buccaneers trust Blount to get a huge workload? If they do, he
is going to have a huge game. I also want to see the Buccaneers offensive line
against the two stellar defensive ends that the Colts have (Robert Mathis and
Dwight Freeney).
Start:
Reggie
Wayne – I think Painter will be looking for the most talented wide out of the
field, and don’t feel confident that Aqib Talib will be able to stick with him.
LeGarrette Blount – Like I said, if he can get a
large workload, he is going to have a huge game.
Sit:
All
Colts receivers besides Wayne – I don’t want to trust a guy like Austin Collie
is I don’t know what I am getting.
Kellen Winslow – He has been playing terribly from a
fantasy perspective lately.
Pick:
Buccaneers 21, Colts 13
That'd be the full slate of games for this week. I'd like to thank you all for checking out the blog and for reading the article. If you have any "Who do I start..." questions then feel free to hunt me down on Twitter or just send me an email. On Sunday, don't forget to check out the Injury Report section or use my fantasy rankings to assist your WDIS needs if you are just too shy to ask. Go get a win this week and Gabe will be back on Monday with his pickups and I will be back on Tuesday with Let Them Preach.
