Week 11 Point Spreads Predictions: Back The Bucs

I decided to switch it up this week and go with my predictions with the point spreads. My pick of the week is the Bucs going up against the Saints. The Bucs are +10.5 dogs and the Saints have been in close games back to back weeks.

The Bucs are starting to play competitive football with Josh Freeman as their starting quarterback, and every team going up against the Saints will want to end their undefeated streak. The Saints are banged up on offense with Reggie Bush and Lance Moore out and on defense. I’d back the Bucs this week.

NO -10.5 @TB

Prediction: NO 31 TB 24

CLE +3 @DET

Prediction: CLE 7 DET 17

Both teams have been struggling and it’s hard to back the Browns after getting shut out by the Ravens and struggling all year long on offense. The Lions have yet to have to have a break-out game against a weak defense, and this is the week we see Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith explode. Back the Lions.

BUF +8.5 @JAX

Prediction: BUF 14 JAX 17

The Bills will be playing under a new head coach and even though they have struggled all season long, they will be competitive today. The Jaguars defense is nothing special and they may have a letdown game against the Bills after their huge win in New York last week.

PIT -10.5 @KC

Prediction: PIT 27 KC 10

The Steelers are going to be angry after their loss at home last weekend. The Chiefs have struggled all season long, so expect the Steelers to control the game and pull away in the second half. The Chiefs offense won’t get anything done and their defense has struggled all season. Back the Steelers.

IND -1.5 @BAL

Prediction: IND 21 BAL 24

This is my upset of the week. The Colts may have a letdown game after their emotional victory against the Pats last week. The Ravens are almost in a must-win situation, and even though they haven’t played well lately they are due for a big game. Terrell Suggs is out, which will hurt their pass-rush, but I still like the Ravens here. Ray Rice is going to have a huge game and the Ravens will ride him to victory.

ATL +7 @NYG

Prediction: ATL 17 NYG 27

The Falcons have been struggling, and the Giants are coming off a bye week and in a must-win situation. The Falcons will be without Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, and will struggle to run the football and move the chains. Back the Giants this week.

SF +7 @GB

Prediction: SF 14 GB 24

This is a tough game to predict since both teams have been unpredictable this year. I think the 49ers will be in the game for most of it, but my gut tells me Alex Smith has a crucial turnover and the Packers capitalize on it. This is tough, but I would back Green Bay.

SEA +10.5 @MIN

Prediction: SEA 17 MIN 24

The Seahawks were dominating the game at halftime last week, but Hasselbeck threw the game away with some crucial interceptions. I think he will play better this week and I think Justin Forsett will be much more effective than Julius Jones ever was. The match-up for Forsett isn’t pretty, but he will get the job done. Back Seattle this week.

WAS +11 @DAL

Prediction: WAS 14 DAL 27

This is a tough game to predict, but the Cowboys are due for a big game after their awful loss in Green Bay last week. The Redskins are hurting on offense and defense, and Dallas will be angry after last week’s loss. Back Dallas.

AZ +9 @STL

Prediction: AZ 24 STL 10

The Rams have played well lately, but they are due for another bad game. The Cardinals are playing as well as they were last year and Kurt Warner always steps up against the Rams. Back the Cards.

NYJ +10.5 @NE

Prediction: NYJ 14 NE 21

As bad as the Jets have played recently, they usually always play the Pats tough. Rex Ryan has always confused Tom Brady with his defense and even without Kris Jenkins, the Jets defense needs to play well here. It’s tough considering the Pats are coming off the last minute loss to the Colts and that 4th-and-1 crucial mistake, but I’d back the Jets.

CIN -9.5 @OAK

Prediction: CIN 24 OAK 17

I think the Bengals will have a letdown game after beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh. As awful as the Raiders have been, they usually play well when they are big underdogs. This game reminds me of their victory against the Eagles a month ago. The Bengals also will be without Cedric Benson, which will hurt the running game. Back the Raiders.

SD -6 @DEN

Prediction: SD 24 DEN 14

The Chargers should roll here with Kyle Orton out for the Broncos. The Broncos are in a big time skid and the Chargers are on a roll. Back the Chargers this week.

PHI -3 @CHI

Prediction: PHI 21 CHI 20

The Bears always play better at home and the Eagles might be without Sheldon Brown. Jay Cutler needs to redeem himself after that meltdown last week and I think he will here. Back the Bears.

TEN -4 @HOU

Prediction: TEN 24 HOU 21

This is another one of my upset picks. The Titans have been on a major roll since Vince Young has been in the lineup. Chris Johnson is unstoppable and they should ride him to another victory this week. Back the Titans.

 

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Fantasy Football Thursday Night Prediction: You Can Win With Davis

Vernon Davis was listed as a bust before this season, because he never truly had his break-out season. But 2009 has been the year of the tight-end and Davis has been one of the best.

Tonight Davis gets the defenseless Chicago Bears defense that has everybody injured. I would start all my Niners and most of my Bears in fantasy football for what should be a high-scoring game.

If you are a Matt Schaub owner, then try out Alex Smith as a bye-week flyer. Smith has had a big bounce-back season and won’t disappoint tonight. Michael Crabtree will get the injured Charles Tillman in single coverage so expect a big game from him as well.

Frank Gore should run wild and also have a huge game. On the Bears side, you can never sit Jay Cutler since the Bears defense is so bad that they are always forced to throw.

If you have been stuck with Matt Forte for this long then you can’t sit him tonight, because he will be involved in the passing attack more than the rushing attack.

 

Prediction : SF 27 CHI 21

Studs : A. Smith, V. Davis, F. Gore, M. Crabtree, J. Cutler, M. Forte, D. Hester

Duds : Both defenses

Sleepers : J. Knox, J. Hill, E. Bennett

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Week Five Review: Walk Miles To Get Austin

I will start off this article by talking about the stud of the week, the play-maker the Cowboys have been looking for: Miles Austin.

Here’s all you need to know about his game yesterday: 10 rec, 250 yds, and two tds. He set a Cowboys team record and has to be more involved in this offense. If he is still available in any of your leagues, grab him now before it’s too late.

The Cowboys have already stated that he will be more involved in the offense, even if Roy Williams returns in week seven, after the bye week. More on this game later.

Let’s get to the game reviews:

CLE 6 BUF 3

Yes, you did that read that score correctly. It was 6-3 FINAL.

These are two of the worst offenses I have ever seen. Derek Anderson completes two passes and wins! This game does not bode well for any players involved looking ahead because they will be inconsistent and cause headaches.

The only bright spots were Jamal Lewis and Marshawn Lynch.

Studs: J. Lewis (117 rushing yds ) M. Lynch (69 rushing yds, six rec, 56 yds)

Duds: All other Browns and Bills

 

PIT 28 DET 20

The Steelers took care of business even though the Lions made a late comeback.

Rashard Mendenhall built on his big game last week and came through with 77 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ben Roethlisberger continues to be reliable after throwing for 277 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Hines Ward also had a big game. The big news here is that Calvin Johnson aggravated his injury and had to leave the game.

Check his status for this week’s game against Green Bay.

Studs: Roethlisberger (277 passing yds, three tds, one int) Mendenhall (77 rushing yds, one td) H. Ward (seven rec, 85 yds, one td) K. Smith (53 rushing yds, three rec, 42 yds)

Duds: C. Johnson (left the game injured, one rec, two yds) S. Holmes (four rec, 50 yds)

 

DAL 26 KC 20

I’ve already mentioned Miles Austin, but Tony Romo finally broke out for another big game after week one. He finally looks comfortable and is on the same page with his receivers. Once they get Austin more involved, he will only get better. The Dallas defense also stepped up with a huge blocked field goal in the fourth quarter. Tashard Choice continues to impress as he went a long way for his lone touchdown of the day.

Dallas is finally seeing that Marion Barber can’t handle a full workload and will give Choice more touches.

Studs: T. Romo (351 passing yds, two tds) M. Austin (10 rec, 250 yds, two tds) T. Choice (92 rushing yds, one td) D. Bowe (five rec, 74 yds, one td) M. Cassel (253 passing yds, two tds)

Duds: M. Barber (53 rushing yds) L. Johnson (time to give up on him, 37 rushing yds, one rec, nine yds)

 

MIN 38 STL 10

This game was a laugher as the Vikings’ defense dominated, and Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson did the rest. Donnie Avery finally had a decent game, but really can’t be trusted unless you are desperate.

Steven Jackson will suffer because the Rams are so awful, but he will at least get 100 total yards each week.

Studs: B. Favre (232 passing yds, one td, one int) A. Peterson (69 rushing yds, two tds) Vikings’ defense (three fr, one int, one sack, one td, 10 PA) D. Avery (five rec, 87 yds, one td)

Duds: S. Jackson (84 rushing yds, one fumble loss, two rec, 25 yds)

 

OAK 7 NYG 44

Did the Giants have a bye week?

It sure felt like it as they blew away the pathetic Raiders. With the Giants having a big lead at half, Eli Manning got to rest his heel injury, and the defense and Ahmad Bradshaw did the rest. Hakeem Nicks caught his second touchdown in two weeks and looks to be a big reliable target for Manning.

Any of the Giants’ starting receivers are worth starting each week and once Brandon Jacobs gets going, he will be reliable as well. I would also start Bradshaw as a RB 2 or a flex player every week. If you are starting a Raider each week your team is probably terrible because there are no points to come by here.

Studs: E. Manning (173 passing yds, two tds) A. Bradshaw (110 rushing yds, two tds, one rec, 55 yds) H. Nicks (four rec, 49 yds, one td) Giants’ defense (three fumble recoveries, six sacks, seven PA)

M. Bush (37 rushing yds, one td)

Duds: All other Raiders

 

TB 14 PHI 33

Jeremy Maclin exploded for a huge game and looks like somebody to add in all leagues. Donovan McNabb came back with a bang (264 passing yds, three tds, 30 rushing yds) and the Eagles’ defense dominated the Bucs.

Kellen Winslow was the lone bright spot for the Bucs (nine rec, 102 yds, two tds).

Studs D. McNabb (264 passing yds, three tds, 20 rushing yds) J. Maclin (six rec, 142 yds, two tds) K. Winslow (nine rec, 102 yds, two tds) Eagles’ defense (three sacks, three ints, one safety)

Duds: D. Jackson (one rec, one yd) B. Westbrook (18 rushing yds, one td, two rec, 17 yds) All other Bucs

 

WAS 17 CAR 20

The Redskins continue to struggle, but Clinton Portis finally had a big game (57 rushing yds, one td, two rec, 17 yds, one td). It’s hard to count on any Redskin right now, and I would sell high on Portis as soon as you can. Rough weeks are in store if this offense continues to struggle. The Panthers finally won a game, but it was ugly and nobody really stood out on offense.

The defense did reward owners for starting them this week, as they had some turnovers and a safety. Unless Jake Delhomme plays better, the Panthers will be hard to count on for fantasy.

Studs: C. Portis (57 rushing yds, one td, two rec, 17 yds, one td) Panthers’ defense (five sacks, one fumble recovery, one safety) J. Stewart (39 rushing yds, one td, one rec, six yds)

Duds: All other Redskins and Panthers

CIN 17 BAL 14

The Bengals continue to impress as Carson Palmer had another late game comeback victory. He is still hard to rely on because he can be erratic, but better games are ahead if the offense starts clicking more. Cedric Benson is probably the steal of every draft and cannot be benched no matter what defense he faces. He was the first 100 yard rusher in the last 39 games for the Ravens. Thirty-nine!

Joe Flacco finally had a bad week, but is still QB1 material. The Ravens’ defense blew this game with bonehead penalties late in the game, and the offense couldn’t get anything going other than Ray Rice. Rice is clearly the feature back and should be started every week, even against tough defenses like the Vikings next week.

Studs: C. Palmer (271 passing yds, one td, one int) C. Benson (120 rushing yds, one td, two rec, 16 yds) R. Rice (69 rushing yds, seven rec, 74 yds, one td) Ravens’ defense (one sack, one fumble recovery, one int, one td) Bengals’ defense (two sacks, two ints)

Duds: J. Flacco (186 passing yds, one td, two ints) D. Mason (0 catches) W. McGahee (-2 rushing yds, one rec, four yds)

 

ATL 45 SF 10

The 49ers should be embarrassed after this blow-out loss. Dre Bly thought he wasDeion Sanders and was celebrating after an interception and Roddy White caught up to him and knocked the ball out. Players need to start learning not to celebrate until they actually have the touchdown.

The Falcons’ offense destroyed the Niners’ defense as Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White all had huge games. Glenn Coffee was the only bright spot for the Niners, but didn’t do much.

Studs: M. Ryan (329 passing yds, two tds, one int) M. Turner (97 rushing yds, three tds) R. White (210 receiving yds, two tds) G. Coffee (45 rushing yds, one td, four rec, 21 yds) Falcons’ defense (three sacks, two fumble recoveries, one int)

Duds: All other 49ers

 

NE 17 DEN 20

This was the game of the week as Josh McDaniels defeated his teacher, Bill Belichick.

The Broncos’ passing game finally looked dangerous as Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall and even Eddie Royal had big games. Royal made up for the first four weeks of his disappearing act, but will still be inconsistent because Orton will always look to Marshall first and even Jabar Gaffney sometimes. I would add Royal if he was dropped though, especially in PPR leagues.

The Broncos’ defense continues to impress as they shut down Randy Moss and made some big stops at the end. Tom Brady and Randy Moss are clearly not on the same page right now, but once they are again this should still be a dangerous combination. Don’t trade either player unless you get a great offer.

Studs: T. Brady (215 passing yds, two tds) W. Welker (eight rec, 86 yds, one td) K. Orton (330 passing yds, two tds, one int) E. Royal (10 rec, 90 yds) B. Marshall (eight rec, 64 yds, two tds)

Duds: R. Moss (one rec, 36 yds)

 

HOU 21 AZ 28

We knew this game would be high scoring, but the dramatic fourth quarter was what made this game interesting. The Texans were shut down most of the game until Matt Schaub connected with Andre Johnson twice in the fourth quarter. This is still a very dangerous combination.

I am worried about Steve Slaton. This is his fifth straight medioce game and Gary Kubiak is still looking to Chris Brown at the goal-line. I would try and trade Slaton if you can get a good return, because his role does not look as good as it did in the preseason.

The Cardinals’ offense is back to looking dangerous as long as Kurt Warner can stay healthy.

Studs: M. Schaub (371 passing yds, two tds, one int) A. Johnson (101 receiving yds, two tds) O. Daniels (eight rec, 94 yds) K. Warner (302 passing yds, two tds) L. Fitzgerald (five rec, 79 yds, two tds)

Duds: S. Slaton (39 rushing yds, six rec, 59 yds) K. Walter (four rec, 37 yds)

 

JAX 0 SEA 41

This was yet another blow-out, as the Jags had no answer for the return of Matt Hasselbeck and the resurgence of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson. The Seahawks finally had a healthy group of starters, and they looked good.

The Jags were awful as David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew both disappointed their owners. Garrard looked like a great QB2 before this game, but now cannot be relied on whatsoever. It is tough to get a read on Jones-Drew, because the defense has been so bad that they cannot run the ball; it will be tough to count on great stats every week.

Studs: M. Hasselbeck (241 passing yds, four tds) N. Burleson (six rec, 98 yds, two tds) T.J. Houshmandzadeh (five rec, 77 yds, two tds) T. Holt (seven rec, 95 yds) Seahawks defense (two sacks, two fumble, recoveries, 0 PA)

Duds: D. Garrard (188 passing yds, two fumble losses) M. Jones-Drew (34 rushing yds, five rec, 23 yds)

 

IND 31 TEN 9

How the mighty have fallen. The Titans had the best record in the league last year, but now join the Dark Side with the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams as the only winless teams in the NFL. Peyton Manning continues to have an MVP year and Austin Collie is somebody you need to pick up after two straight big weeks.

Studs: P. Manning (309 passing yds, three tds, one int) A. Collie (eight rec, 97 yds, two tds) R. Wayne (eight rec, 60 yds, one td) D. Clark (nine rec, 77 yds) Colts’ defense (one sack, one fumble recovery, one int, nine PA)

 

Tonight’s Monday night game features the Jets and the Dolphins. Mark Sanchez and Chad Henne have their first starts on Monday Night Football and Sachez looks to rebound after a forgettable week four. Jerricho Cotchery is questionable and Braylon Edwards has his first start for the Jets. Look for the Jets to get he and Dustin Keller involved early and play smash-mouth football with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.

NYJ 21 MIA 17

Studs: M. Sanchez, B. Edwards, D. Keller, Jets’ defense, R. Brown

Duds: C. Henne, R. Williams

 

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Week 3 Predictions: Chris Johnson Due for a Letdown

Last week, Chris Johnson had a career day: 197 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 9 receptions for 87 yards and one more TD.

For anybody that was facing off against him in fantasy was almost assured of a loss. That not only showed us what Johnson could do with that many touches, but also gave us evidence that the Texans defense stinks.

This week, he won’t be so lucky, as he faces a defense that has not let up an offensive touchdown in two games: the New York Jets.

If you own Johnson, you are obviously starting him, but keep your expectations low, because this Rex Ryan run defense is an elite defense.

Johnson should still have a productive day, especially in PPR leagues, but don’t expect another big day. Who shall we expect to have a huge game?

Maurice Jones-Drew should have a monster game as he goes up against the Texans this week. Starting anybody in the Texans-Jaguars game should be gold for fantasy owners as both defenses have struggled. Lets get to the predictions:

 

CLE@BAL

Prediction: CLE 7 BAL 21

It is pretty clear that the Browns will compete as one of the worst teams in the league this year, and the Ravens are proving they are an elite team. I would sit any Brown not named Braylon Edwards, as the Ravens should roll.

Start all your Ravens, especially Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, because even though they share touches, they will still produce.

Boom: All Ravens, Braylon Edwards

Bust: All other Browns

 

WAS@DET

Prediction: WAS 14 DET 17

You want your upset of the week? This is it right here. The Redskins are ripe for an upset as they are dealing with injuries and bad coaching. They should have lost to the Rams last week if the Rams weren’t so bad. Expect the Lions to get their first victory since 2007.

I’d start most of the Redskins, but Santana Moss is too risky right now to start even in a favorable match up.

Boom: Jason Campbell, Clinton Portis (if he plays), Chris Cooley, Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith

Bust: Santana Moss

 

JAX@HOU

Prediction: JAX 27 HOU 31

This will be the highest scoring game of the weekend as both defenses are awful. I would start everybody in this one and some sleepers such as Mike Sims-Walker.

MJD will go nuts and so will Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels.

Boom: All Texans and Jaguars

Bust: Nobody

 

SF@MIN

Prediction: SF 14 MIN 17

The Vikings are 2-0 but they have beaten two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Lions so we will see what happens when they face a solid team in the 49ers.

I would start Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but everybody else on the offense is risky since they are not a passing team. This should be a close, defensive battle so I’d stay away from any other 49ers besides Frank Gore.

I would start both defenses in this one.

Boom: Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Frank Gore, both defenses

Bust: Brett Favre, Bernard Berrian, Shaun Hill, Vernon Davis

 

ATL@NE

Prediction: ATL 24 NE 27

This will be a close game that will come down to the end. Tom Brady faces another elite pass-rusher in John Abraham, but they have seen him before so expect the Pats to protect Brady better this week.

I’d start all healthy Pats besides the running backs and the Falcons should be able to move the ball frequently. Neither defense should be started here. Check for player updates until game time since the Pats never reveal anything before then.

Wes Welker and Randy Moss are listed as questionable, but I expect both to play.

Boom: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Ben Watson, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White

Bust: Both defenses, Fred Taylor and Lawrence Maroney

 

KC@PHI

Prediction: KC 10 PHI 24

Even though Donovan McNabb will miss the game and Brian Westbrook might too, I would start all other Eagles against a weak KC defense. DeSean Jackson should have a field day if he starts and LeSean McCoy would have a big day if Westbrook misses the game.

Brent Celek is having a huge year so far and it won’t stop here. I’d stay away from most of the Chiefs other than Dwyane Bowe.

Boom: Kevin Kolb, DeSean Jackson, Brian Westbrook (if he plays), LeSean McCoy (if he starts), Brent Celek, Jason Avant, Eagles defense

Bust: Matt Cassel, Larry Johnson

 

GB@STL

Prediction: GB 27 STL 14

One week after having a huge win over the Bears, the Packers looked lifeless against the Bengals and the Bengals marched into Lambeau Field and got the upset. The biggest problem for the Pack has been pass protection as Aaron Rodgers is getting sacked and hit almost every play.

That shouldn’t be a problem this week as the Rams defense is no where near as good as the Bears or the Bengals. Expect the Packers to bounce back nicely and start all of your regulars.

Jermichael Finley can be used as a sleeper this week as he had more targets last week and was more involved. Steven Jackson and Laurant Robinson are the only Rams that should be started this week.

Boom: All Packers, Steven Jackson, Laurant Robinson

Bust: All other Rams

 

NYG@TB

Prediction: NYG 34 TB 14

The Giants offense exploded last week against the Cowboys, especially Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Both guys should be picked up off waivers and started this week.

I expect the Giants to run more this week as they had to play catch-up last week. They’ll show more balance, but start any of your Giants against the hapless Bucs defense.

The Bucs will try to run the ball and control the clock since the Giants defense has struggled against the run thus far. Start your Bucs running backs, but don’t start anybody else.

Boom: All Giants, Derrick Ward, Cadillac Williams

Bust: All other Bucs

 

TEN@NYJ

Prediction: TEN 17 NYJ 14

The Titans are the best 0-2 team right now and they are desperate for a win. That’s not good for the Jets, who are 2-0 and have not given up an offensive TD yet. Since the Titans are a running team, unlike the Texans and the Patriots, Darrelle Revis can’t be used as effectively.

Expect the Jets to do everything possible to slow down Chris Johnson, but I think he’ll do enough for Kerry Collins to connect on some play-action passes. I’d start most of the Jets since the Titans defense has struggled thus far.

Dustin Keller should have a stellar day after seeing Heath Miller and Owen Daniels torch their secondary. This is a tough game to choose, but I’ll go with the desperate team.

Boom: Chris Johnson, Dustin Kellar, Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, both defenses

Bust: Kerry Collins, Thomas Jones, Mark Sanchez

 

NO@BUF

Prediction: NO 31 BUF 34

This should be a high scoring affair since neither defense is scary. Expect huge numbers from most of the Saints and the Bills. This is the last week Fred Jackson gets all of the touches for the Bills, but expect him to hold the starting job even with Marshawn Lynch’s return in week 4. Jackson should have another big day.

T.O. should score once again and I’d start Trent Edwards as a sleeper this week. The Saints’ running backs are all nicked up so Reggie Bush might be the only safe play, even though Pierre Thomas is listed as probable. Start Thomas is you own him, but keep expectations low since it’ll be his first game.

Boom: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, Trent Edwards, Fred Jackson, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens

Bust: Both defenses, Pierre Thomas

 

CHI@SEA

Prediction: CHI 24 SEA 14

The Bears should have an easy game this week since the Seahawks are injured once again and Matt Hasselbeck will miss the game. Start all your Bears with confidence, even though it’s tough to predict which Bears receiver will have a big game.

Johnny Knox has proven to be a reliable option for Cutler so far. Matt Forte has struggled thus far, but he catches a break facing the Seahawks depleted defense. He might have a career game. Stay away from any Seahawk this week besides T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Boom: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Bears defense, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Bust: All other Seahawks

PIT@CIN

Prediction: PIT 14 CIN 17

The Bengals franchise has come back from the dead and looks like a legitimate team once again with a healthy Carson Palmer, motivated Chad Ochocinco and a much-improved defense.

The Steelers could be 2-0 right now if it weren’t for Jeff Reed, but this is not the same team without Troy Polamalu. Willie Parker looks washed up, so the team has not had any success running the ball.

Even though you have to start him, I’d keep expectations low for Santonio Holmes going against Leon Hall, who shut down Greg Jennings to zero catches last week. The Steelers are playing a second consecutive road game and look ripe for an upset.

Boom: Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Steelers defense, Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Bengals defense

Bust: Willie Parker, Santonio Holmes, Cedric Benson

 

DEN@OAK

Prediction: DEN 21 OAK 17

The Broncos defense looks superb through two weeks and things will only get easier facing JaMarcus Russell, who has regressed. I’d play the Broncos defense with confidence this week.

The Raiders are dealing with injuries to the offensive line so that does not bode well for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. I’d stay away from my Raiders this week unless I had no better options.

The Broncos offense finally showed some flashes last week, but are still unreliable until the passing game shows up. I’d start Knowshon Moreno with confidence, but that’s about it. This won’t be a pretty game for fantasy owners.

Boom: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Broncos defense

Bust: Eddie Royal, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush

 

MIA@SD

Prediction: MIA 14 SD 24

The Dolphins offense showed signs of life last week as Ronnie Brown exploded. This offense remains one-dimensional though as long as Chad Pennington is their starter. I’d start Ronnie Brown and Ted Ginn Jr., but that’s it for Miami.

The Chargers offense looks like a juggernaut with Philip Rivers developing into a top quarterback. LT will miss another game (surprise, surprise) with an ankle injury so expect Darren Sproles to be heavily involved once again and produce.

Start all your Chargers after seeing the Colts have their way with the Miami defense last week.

Boom: Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles, Ronnie Brown, Ted Ginn Jr.

Bust: All other Dolphins, Chargers defense

 

IND@AZ

Prediction: IND 27 AZ 30

The Cardinals offense finally woke up last week after showing nothing week 1. This will be a scoring fest as neither defense is elite.

Start all your Cardinals and your Colts, because they will produce. I expect the Cardinals to edge the Colts with a late score to win the game.

Boom: All Colts, All Cardinals

Bust: Both defenses

 

CAR@DAL

Prediction: CAR 21 DAL 24

What business do the Cowboys have being nine point favorites despite seeing their defense not have any sacks or producing turnovers? The Panthers defense might stink too, but their offense still has playmakers.

I expect them to give the ‘Boys a heavy dose of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and a few bomb passes to Steve Smith. The Cowboys will miss Marion Barber is he doesn’t play, but Felix Jones will be a nice fill in.

Start Jones if you have him. I’d stay away from both defenses and Jake Delhomme, since he’s prone to bad games and turnovers.

Boom: Tony Romo, Roy Williams, Felix Jones, Jason Witten, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart

Bust: Both defenses

 

It should be another exciting week and I will be back next for more predictions. Enjoy the games and good luck to fantasy owners!

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NFL Opening Kick-Off Predictions: Steelers Should Squeak By

It’s finally here after a long wait and tonight’s game shouldn’t disappoint. NFL’s opening kickoff game features the Steelers and the Titans and it should be a tight game that will come down to the last moments.

If the Steelers want to start off strong they will have to contain the dynamic duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White. They should contain the passing game, but will need to play top-notch defense to stop their two-headed rushing attack.

If the Titans are to win the game, they’ll need to stop Ben Roethlisberger and the passing attack, while slowing down the running attack of Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.

The Steelers offensive line should be improved and with the offseason loss of Albert Haynesworth, the Titans rush defense won’t be as stout. Fantasy owners should expect a decent game out of Parker and the Steelers wideouts, who will find some room to run.

 

Prediction: Steelers 24 Titans 17

Studs:

Titans: Chris Johnson (RB) Rob Bironas (K) Titans Defense

Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger (QB) Willie Parker (RB) Santonio Holmes (WR) Hines Ward(WR) Steelers defense

Duds:

Titans: LenDale White (RB) Nate Washington (WR) Justin Gage (WR)

Steelers: Rashard Mendenhall (RB) Jeff Reed (K)

 

Adjust your lineups accordingly and I’ll be back to make more predictions for the weekend. Enjoy the game and let the NFL season begin!

 

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