BYE WEEK: Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, NY Giants, Lions, Seahawks
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler
INJURY WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Donovan McNabb(PHI), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Brett Favre(GB), Damon Huard(KC)
Start
J.T. O’Sullivan(SF) – If you followed my advice from last week, you were rewarded by O’Sullivan to a quality start of 16-23, 189yrds, 2 TD’s, and 0 Turnovers. With a shootout brewing in New Orleans this week, I expect very similar numbers. The defense will concentrate on slowing Gore, leaving a lot of single coverage on the outside. San Francisco has the receivers to take advantage of those situations. 250yrds, 2 TD’s
Trent Edwards(BUF) – Edwards and the Buffalo offense are hot right now, and there’s no reason to see that trend not continuing this week in St. Louis. The Rams are the most dysfunctional team in the league outside of Kansas City and Edwards will be able to take advantage downfield as the defense attempts to contain Marshawn ####. Though Roscoe Parrish will not play this week, Buffalo has the receivers to make the big plays. 225yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Marc Bulger/Trent Green(STL) – St. Louis has announced they are going with Trent Green this week. Bulger may quickly become a fantasy afterthought if Green comes out and performs. The Rams can’t do any worse at this point and it’s possible Green can spark something in this offense, relegating Bulger to the bench until Green gets hurt, which seems inevitable at this point in his career.
Aaron Rodgers(GB) – May be a reach here, but I think Rodgers and the Green Bay offense will struggle at Tampa Bay. It’s hard to sit Rodgers this week with so many high profile QB’s on BYE, but if you have two capable QB’s, I think Rodgers should be benched. Though he has the receivers to make the plays, I expect him to be under pressure all day and scrambling around in the backfield. If he continues to run as much as he has through the first three weeks, he won’t last much longer this season. 250yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Willie Parker, Reggie Bush, Michael Turner
INJURY WATCH: Adrian Peterson(MIN), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Steven Jackson(STL), Willie Parker(PIT), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Deuce McAllister(NO), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA)
Start
Jonathan Stewart(CAR) – I can’t see why Stewart won’t receive the bulk of the carries this week against Atlanta. It’s obvious he’s a much better back than Williams, and there has to be something with his blocking that is keeping him from being an every down back. I expect Carolina to continue to be a run first team and pick their spots to go downfield. That means a lot of touches for Stewart and a lot of opportunity to score. 100yrds, 2 TD’s
Jamal Lewis(CLE) – This is the week that Lewis finally gets it going. The Browns are desperate for a win and they can’t afford to fall to last place in the AFC North. They know that if they lose this game, they’re all but eliminated from playoff contention. With Anderson struggling, I expect to see a lot of Lewis to alleviate the pressure on the offense. 100yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Philadelphia RB’s – Brian Westbrook might play this week, but I highly doubt it. Even if he does play, given his condition, it will be a time-split and that spells trouble, especially against the Chicago defense. This could end up like last week’s game against Pittsburgh; very low scoring, with defenses dominating. 30-40yrds each, 3 for 15-20yrds each, 0.33 TD each
Edgerrin James(ARI) – I think it’s only a matter of time before James rides the pine or comes off the bench in a relief role. He just doesn’t have it anymore, and the other RB in Arizona seems to be taking more and more away from him with each passing week. Speaking of passing, there’s also going to be a lot of that from Arizona this week. Couple that with the fact that James doesn’t get the goal-line carries and that equals a Fantasy Benching. 50-60yrds, 2 for 15yrds
WR – Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Greg Jennings, Anquan Boldin (removed: Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards)
INJURY WATCH: Chad Johnson(CIN), Marques Colston(NO), Javon Walker(OAK), Reggie Brown(PHI), Kevin Curtis(PHI), Jerry Porter(JAC), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Bernard Berrian(MIN), Deion Branch(SEA), Bobby Engram(SEA), Donte Stallworth(CLE), Devin Hester(CHI), Roscoe Parrish(BUF), David Patten(NO)
Start
Dwayne Bowe(KC) – You wouldn’t know it by his numbers, but Bowe actually leads the league in targets so far this season. Damon Huard is expected to start this week, and that gives Bowe the best chance to succeed in this offense. The Chiefs will have to abandon the run early in this one to keep pace with Denver and that means lots of opportunity for Bowe. This is his week to shine. 7 for 125yrds, 1 TD
Hines Ward/Santonio Holmes(PIT) – The Steelers were embarrassed last week at Philly, surrendering nine sacks and managing zero touchdowns. I don’t see that happening again this week. This is a Monday Night game at home where there’s nobody better than the Steelers. Think back to last year’s first meeting between these teams. Everyone’s going to overrate Baltimore based on their record against two very bad teams. A rookie RB starting will lead to many passing opportunities. 6 for 80-90yrds each, 1 TD each
Sit
Braylon Edwards(CLE) – Again, very difficult to sit such an explosive receiver, but Edwards is at the bottom of the barrel right now in Fantasy points through the first three weeks. Cincinnati did an excellent job of shutting down Plaxico Burress last week and I expect them to do the same to Edwards this week. Until you see something from Anderson, like a good game or him on the bench, I’d wait on Edwards unless the BYE week has made you desperate. 4 for 30-40yrds
TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley
INJURY WATCH: Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Ben Watson(NEP)
Start
Billy Miller(NO) – With Shockey, Colston, and potentially Patten on the sidelines for a while, Miller becomes a strong option this week with six teams on their BYE. This would be a great opportunity for a Shockey, Dallas Clark, or Anthony Fasano owner to make up those lost points. San Francisco has been generous in its defense this season and Brees is going to be slinging the ball all over the place. 6 for 40-50yrds, 1 TD
K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding, Robbie Gould
Start
Phil Dawson(CLE) – I think the Browns get back on track this week because they need to. That still doesn’t mean they’re going to score a lot of touchdowns, but I do think they’ll score a lot of points. Cincinnati did a good job of slowing down the Giants last week, stalling many drives in field goal range. 3 FG’s, 2 XP’s
Carolina Panthers – Though the Panthers are a little ####ed up, I expect their game-plan this week will be to control the ball and keep Michael Turner off the field. Their secondary will limit Roddy White and pressure Matt Ryan into making rookie mistakes. By shortening the game and scoring, they should force Atlanta into throwing late and taking advantage of the situation. This figures to be one of the lower scoring games this week and if you’re in a pinch for a defense, Carolina could pay good dividends. <300 YA, <17 PA, 4 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
(1)Dallas Cowboys (2-0). Last: WON 41-37 vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Next: @ Green Bay (2-0) (Sunday Night). The Cowboys offense continues to be a juggernaut, scoring at will against a good Philly defense. I’m a little worried that they gave up 37 points, but they did make stops when it mattered most. They’ll be tested again this week in Lambeau, facing another potent offense, but this time, in a very hostile and unpredictable environment.
(2)Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0). Last: WON 10-6 @ Cleveland Browns. Next: @ Philadelphia (1-1). Maybe it wasn’t the most glamorous of wins, but a win it was all the same. Anytime you have weather issues, especially wind, like they did in Cleveland, there’s not going to be very many big plays. Granted, the Steelers made them when it counted, the Browns did not. The schedule toughens now, but having a two and a half game lead over the Browns after week two of the season is pretty darn good. A win at Philly this week, something they haven’t done in a long time, would really put this team at the top of the AFC.
(7)Green Bay Packers (2-0). Last: Won 48-25 @ Detroit Lions. Next: vs. Dallas (2-0) (Sunday Night). The Packers jumped up early on the Lions and never looked back. Aaron Rogers is erasing all doubts of whether or not he can lead this team back to the NFC Championship game. They’ll get their shot to solidify themselves as the team to beat when they face the Cowboys this coming Sunday Night.
(4)Buffalo Bills (2-0). Last: WON 20-16 @ Jacksonville Jaguars. Next: vs. Oakland (1-1). Buffalo continues to perform against quality opponents, beating their second straight 2007 playoff team. I’m now a believer in this team because of the defenses play and the ability of Edwards to lead this team very efficiently in the passing game, not turning the ball over, and making big plays when the team needs it. Couple these things with a Tom Brady-less Patriots and one of the easiest schedules in football, and the Bills are smelling an AFC East title.
(5)New York Giants (2-0). Last: WON 41-13 @ St. Louis Rams. Next: vs. Cincinnati (0-2). The Giants continue their road winning ways, albeit against probably the worst team in the league. I like the fact that they can win games in grinder mode or by putting up big points. They haven’t played a good team yet, so we’ll see what happens when the time comes. The time will not be this week when Cincinnati comes to town. Expect a similar outcome to last week in this one.
(3)Philadelphia Eagles (1-1). Last: LOST 37-41 @ Dallas Cowboys. Next: vs. Pittsburgh (2-0). Philly was on the short end of a Monday Night shoot-out, but you still have to consider them one of the better teams in the league. I’m not sure what DeSean Jackson was doing when he dropped the ball prior to the end zone, but I’m sure he won’t be doing that again anytime soon. Pittsburgh comes to town this week and they haven’t been very successful when doing so. I’m expecting a little more defense in this one, but it should be another great game.
(8)New England Patriots (2-0). Last: WON 19-10 @ NY Jets. Next: vs. Miami (0-2). The Patriots won again, granted it has been against a couple of the worst teams in the league, and not by convincing margins. They get Miami this week, and if your MVP QB happens to get knocked out for the year, this isn’t a bad way to get your backup some work before they actually have to play teams that can beat them.
(10)Indianapolis Colts (1-1). Last: WON 18-15 @ Minnesota Vikings. Next: vs. Jacksonville (0-2). The Colts were very close to starting 0-2, but made some plays late in the game to erase a fifteen point deficit to pull out the last second win. Still, this team does not look right. The ground game needs a major spark, and I think Manning’s injury is prohibiting them from running the stretch play that they’ve made so successful. This is a big divisional game coming up and they’ll need to slow Jacksonville’s run game to win.
(12)Carolina Panthers (2-0). Last: Won 20-17 vs. Chicago Bears. Next: @ Minnesota (0-2). Carolina has now won two huge games to open the season, and they haven’t had their best player in doing so. That changes this week as Steve Smith returns from his suspension. The chemistry of the team will come into question, but I think they’ve got the mentality to hold things together. Jonathan Stewart is a beast, and I think he makes the offense more versatile when he’s in the game. If the defense can shut down AP, they’ve got an excellent chance to steal another game on the road.
(13)Tennessee Titans (2-0). Last: WON 24-7 vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Next: vs. Houston (0-1). Tennessee all of a sudden has a passing game thanks to Kerry Collins. The Titans have announced they will stick with him even when Vince Young returns from injury. I don’t think this is a bad thing. The run game has always been good. But now with the passing game, especially Justin Gage, posing a threat, the run game will be that much better. Collins just needs to remember to play within himself and realize he doesn’t need to win the game; he just needs not to lose it.
(6)New Orleans Saints (1-1). Last: LOST 24-29 @ Washington Redskins. Next: @ Denver (2-0). I think New Orleans needs to scrap the idea of Reggie Bush being the only one in the backfield. I think a two-back system, incorporating Pierre Thomas as the primary runner, would greatly benefit this team. Without a run game, defenses are keying on Drew Brees, making their vaunted passing attack less threatening. The loss of Marques Colston probably doesn’t help things either.
(11)Chicago Bears (1-1). Last: LOST 17-20 @ Carolina Panthers. Next: vs. Tampa Bay (1-1). I think Chicago will struggle this week offensively. This will be another grinding, low scoring game, with the team making the fewest mistakes coming away with a W in the win column. With Devin Hester bogged down by an injury, Chicago’s explosive special teams become merely mediocre. They’ll be at home this week, and Chicago’s weather always seems to be a mess. Hopefully these factors can help the Bears pull this one out.
(NR)Denver Broncos (2-0). Last: WON 39-38 vs. San Diego Chargers. Next: vs. New Orleans (1-1). There’s no team hotter than the Broncos right now. They’ve won big games to open the season and are in the driver’s seat in the AFC West. They have to face another high powered offense this week, and shutting down Drew Brees and Reggie Bush will be a priority. The defense needs to find a way to stop teams for Denver to truly be a playoff factoring team. Man, Brandon Marshall is awesome.
(9)San Diego Chargers (0-2). Last: LOST 38-39 @ Denver Broncos. Next: vs. NY Jets (1-1) (Monday Night). The Chargers plunge on the Power 16 this week due to the horrendous play of the defense and the injury to L.T. The Chargers will find solace this Monday Night when the J E T S Jets come calling. While they were technically cheated out of a win against Denver, they still had numerous opportunities to put the game away and failed. Somebody on the defense needs to step up and fill the leadership role now that Merriman is done for the year. Somebody better do something, and fast.
(NR)Arizona Cardinals (2-0). Last: WON 31-10 vs. Miami Dolphins. Next: @ Washington (1-1). So Arizona pounded Miami this past weekend, who hasn’t? I needed a team to represent the NFC West and they’re just as good as the next, plus they haven’t lost yet, so here they are. Kurt Warner looked much better this week and the receivers made the plays to blow the game open. The running game looks solid now that there is a truly viable backup to The Edge in Tim Hightower. If the defense keeps playing well, the Cardinals will going places, and it won’t be to the golf courses in January.
(14)Minnesota Vikings (0-2). Last: LOST 15-18 vs. Indianapolis Colts. Next: vs. Carolina (2-0). I think Minnesota is much better than their 0-2 record shows. They get another upstart team this week and will have to deal with Steve Smith. Jake Delhomme is not Peyton Manning, and if the Vikings are up 15 in the fourth quarter again, they’re won’t lose this time. I would look into this whole thing called scoring touch downs though. That would probably help.
Dropped Out: (15) Jacksonville Jaguars, (16) Atlanta Falcons
1.(1) New England Patriots (13-0)(AFC1). Last: WON 34-13 against Pittsburgh Steelers.#### hum, the Patriots won again.
2.(3) Indianapolis Colts (11-2)(AFC2). Last: WON 44-20 at Baltimore Ravens. The Colts looked impressive this past Sunday Night destroying the Ravens. The offense is back to that Colts offense that we've come to fear and the defense ranks in the top five in all major categories in yards and points against. Marvin Harrison probably won't play again this week, but I don't think it will matter. He just needs to get in game shape for the playoffs and the Colts meeting with the Patriots again. A trip to Oakland this week keeps the offensive machine rolling.
3.(2) Dallas Cowboys (12-1)(NFC1). Last: WON 28-27 against Detroit Lions. The Lions gave the game away on many occasions and the Cowboys were very, very lucky to come out with a victory. Some teams just have other teams’ numbers and the Lions seem to have the Cowboys. I don't think the Cowboys have to worry about playing the Lions again, so they'll be fine. They get Philly at home this week and should roll, but you never know how these divisional games will go. A win here clinches a first round bye.
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (11-2)(NFC2). Last: WON 38-7 against Oakland Raiders. The Packers handled their business like they should have at home against one of the worst teams in the league. They've already clinched the division and are likely to grab the other first round bye in the NFC. They play at the hapless Rams this week, so look for Favre and company to continue the offensive output. The run game has been superb lately, and that's what it will take to beat the Cowboys come playoff time.
5.(6) Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)(AFC5). Last: WON 37-6 against Carolina Panthers. I'm giving Jacksonville the edge this week in the rankings because they won last week, although they played an absolutely pathetic team. They won like they should have though, so good for them. They travel to Pittsburgh this week and it's going to be tough. These teams always play very conservative offense and physical defense with the team that is more physical usually grabbing the win. The Jaguars look like they're headed toward the playoffs and a win here would really look nice on their resume.
6.(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4)(AFC3). Last: LOST 13-34 at New England Patriots. The Steelers had chances to beat the Patriots but failed to execute and gave up too many big plays, and lost. They return to the friendly confines of Heinz Field where they've yet to lose this year. This, their final home game of the year, stands to also be the toughest test of the remaining games. The Steelers need to win this game, no matter what. A win here would leave them one more win or Brown's loss away from another AFC North title. I think they rebound this week and show everybody that they deserve to be considered a top team in the league.
7.(7) Seattle Seahawks (9-4)(NFC3). Last: WON 42-21 against Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks look like a team in top offensive form right now, handling opponents with ease on their way to another NFC WEST title. A win this week is likely again as they travel to Carolina to face the woeful Panthers. Hasselbeck has been playing as well as any QB in the NFL right now and I don't see that changing much going forward.
8.(9) San Diego Chargers (8-5)(AFC4). Last: WON 23-17 at Tennessee Titans. The Chargers got an over-time win this past week against the Titans, the last real challenge for them on the schedule. They have a chance to grab the #3 playoff spot in the AFC, which is ideal this year because they wouldn't have to play the Patriots until the Championship game if they made it that far. I still think this team is over rated and won't win a playoff game this year. Too many questions at the QB position and on defense. Playoff teams will be able to shut L.T. down, forcing Rivers or Voleck to throw and that's not good for this team's chances.
9.(10) New York Giants (9-4)(NFC5). Last: WON 16-13 at Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants pulled out a squeaker in Philly this past week as David Akers 4qt kick was rejected by the uprights. They have another tough divisional game this week against the Redskins and luckily it's at home. The Giants will be fine as long as they don't turn the ball over. The defense should be able to get at Collins, sacking him and forcing turnovers on their way to another low scoring affair. A win this week almost guarantees them a playoff spot as a wild card team.
10.(8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)(NFC4). Last: LOST 14-28 at Houston Texans. Just when I thought the Buccs were an unstoppable force, they get nailed by the Texans. What a difference one week makes in the NFL. They need Jeff Garcia back and in control of that offense to continue their winning ways. Garcia should return this week and look who's coming to town, no not Santa Clause, the Falcons. A win here locks up the division and at least one home playoff game. Yeah, they lost, so did 15 other teams this past week. They'll be fine.
11.(12) Minnesota Vikings (7-6)(NFC6). Last: WON 27-7 at San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings might be playing the best football of any team in the NFL right now, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The downfall of this team has been the QB play, but Jackson has looked great managing the game, controlling the ball and letting the run game and defense handle things. We get to see this team in prime time Monday Night this week and I don't think they'll disappoint at home against Kyle Orton and the Bears. This one may be over at halftime not unlike a lot of Monday Night games this year. I think the NFC playoff picture is pretty much set at this point unless the Viking go on a total collapse and I just don't see it happening.
12.(11) Cleveland Browns (8-5)(AFC6). Last: WON 24-18 at New York Jets. The Browns beat the Jets and... What? They've got a shot at the division me thinks, but it's a small one at that. Still, they get Buffalo this week and the Steelers have a much tougher game on their plate. I think the Browns will be happy with a playoff spot this year and challenge for the division next year. I don't think the defense is ready to make a playoff run quite yet, but you never know, stranger things have happened.
13.(13) Tennessee Titans (7-6). Last: LOST 17-23 against San Diego Chargers. The Playoffs may be slipping away for this team as they cannot afford another loss this week. Arrowhead Stadium is always a tough place to play but I think the Titans can win if they can do this week what they did last week, and that's run the ball. LenDale White was back and rolling and will benefit again from Albert Haynesworth being a little healthier this week. The Chiefs don't have as good of an offense as the Chargers and look what the Broncos were able to do to them last week. I think Tennessee keeps their hopes alive this week.
14.(16) New Orleans Saints (6-7). Last: WON 34-14 against Atlanta Falcons. The Saints looked impressive this past Monday Night, but they were on the road and playing the Falcons. While the playoffs are all but out of reach, there is a small chance they can get in, but they need to win out to do so. Bad news, they're at home this week and they're hosting the Cardinals. Whoever losses this game is out of the playoff race. I think the Saints can win, but it depends on how they can stop the pass and which Cardinal WR's play this week.
15.(NR) Houston Texans (6-7). Last: WON 28-14 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Texans are back in the Power 16 after a solid win over a divisional leading team. I guess it doesn't really matter who throws the ball to Andre Johnson, he'll destroy secondaries regardless. The Playoffs are one loss away from being out of reach for this team and they get a chance to knock out the Broncos this Thursday Night on NFL Network. I think they can win if they play the same way they did last week and it doesn't hurt that they're at home again. Here's the Broncos offense incase anyone on the Texans staff was wondering... RUN Off-Tackle right, RUN Off-Tackle left, PLAY-ACTION Bootleg right of left. That's it. Play disciplined defense with strong back side contain and you can stuff this offense.
16.(14) Arizona Cardinals (6-7). Last: LOST 21-42 at Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals get one more chance at keeping their season alive with a win this week. They have to go on the road to New Orleans. The Cardinals have not had good success away from home this year, but the Saints may be worse at home. Which of these teams doesn't turn the ball over will win this one. If the big time WR's don't play, I don't think the Cardinals have enough offense to win.
1.(1) New England Patriots (12-0)(AFC1). Last: WON 27-24 at Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots won again and I don't think they should have. Read my "Week 13 in Review" article if you want to know why.
2.(2) Dallas Cowboys (11-1)(NFC1). Last: WON 37-27 against Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys proved they were the better team this past Thursday as they knocked off Green Bay. How good should they feel about the win? I'd say pretty to moderately good, here's why. They were at home and they knocked Brett Favre out of the game early. Now, that's not against Dallas or Aaron Rodgers, but we're talking about Brett Favre here. I think these teams meet again down the road and results may vary.
3.(3) Indianapolis Colts (10-2)(AFC2). Last: WON 28-25 against Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts took a firm grasp on the AFC South as they beat the Jags for the second time this season, but not by much. Take away Garrad's 1st INT and the TD right before half-time and the game goes the other way. The Colts need to keep the machine rolling and they need to get Harrison back into game shape before the ones that really matter quickly arrive. I'm shocked he didn't play this past week. The Colts look like a solid #2 seed right now.
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (10-2)(NFC2). Last: LOST 27-37 at Dallas Cowboys. The Packers caught a couple of bad breaks in their loss AT Dallas including an injury to Charles Woodson that held him out of the game. Brett Favre should be back this week, but I don't think Packer fan has much to fear should Favre go down again. Aaron Rodgers looked good coming off the bench in relief and led the team on some nice scoring drives while not forcing things and turning the ball over. The Defense needs to play better for this team to win. I think they right the ship this week at home against Oakland.
5.(6) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)(AFC3). Last: WON 24-10 against Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers recovered after a terrible 1st qt this past Sunday Night to easily handle the Bengals. The weather once again was an issue for this team which could become a problem in a few weeks. This team is known for thriving in bad conditions, but so far has sputtered. They get their crack at history as they travel to New England to end the Patriots flawless, but not spotless, record. The Steelers have had success against the Patriots before and it would be a huge help if they get Santonio Holmes and Marvel Smith back on offense this week. Do I believe, yes I do. Go Steelers!!!
6.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)(AFC5). Last: LOST 25-28 at Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville played very well on the road but came up just a few plays short of really making things interesting in the AFC South. They now find themselves 3 games back(includes tie-breaker) of Indy. Their schedule still makes them look like a playoff team as they get Carolina this week before having to travel to Pittsburgh in Week 15. They get Oakland at home and then play at Houston to finish up the season. They should be able to at least go 3-1 through that stretch and finish 11-5.
7.(8) Seattle Seahawks (8-4)(NFC3). Last: WON 28-24 at Philadelphia Eagles. The Seahawks got Shaun Alexander and the ground game going this week and while it may not have made much of a difference against the Eagles, it will when they get into January. The Defense looked great, handling Brian Westbrook as well as one could hope to. While the NFC is still weak, the Seahawks are at least starting to separate themselves from the pack. They get a huge divisional game at home this week against Arizona. A win here would even the season series against the Cardinals and all but clinch the NFC West.
8.(9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-4)(NFC4). Last: WON 27-23 at New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay got lucky this past week. New Orleans had that game won and gave it away. The Buccs are a lock for the NFC South title and have an outside chance of moving all the way up to the #2 seed. Why? How? At Houston, vs. Atlanta’s, at San Francisco, vs. Carolina, that's how. I think Jeff Garcia gets another week or two to heal given the play of McCown against the Saints. Joey Galloway just peeked at the rest of the schedule and licked his lips. Mmmm... Touchdowns.
9.(10) San Diego Chargers (7-5)(AFC4). Last: WON 24-10 at Kansas City Chiefs. Oh San Diego, your division sucks, you're mediocre at best, and you're due for a loss. Enter this week's game at Tennessee, the last formidable opponent on the schedule. Finishing 10-6 in the AFC West should win the division by 3 games this year, ouch. I guess every division can't be competitive. San Diego WILL BE out coached this week in a tight game that sees L.T. gets shut down, Rivers forced to pass, and the defense chasing Vince Young up and down the field.
10.(11) New York Giants (8-4)(NFC5). Last: WON 21-16 at Chicago Bears. The Giants played horrid for 45min, then played good for 15min and won. I don't know if it's a testament to the Giants ability to stay in the game and make plays when it counts or the Bears Defense being just plain awful. A win is a win though, and the Giants will take it. They are set nicely in the NFC wildcard race right now and should just need to win two of their final four to get in. They travel to Philly this week and the defense is foaming at the mouth to get another crack at McNabb. The run game will be tested again with Derrick Ward being knocked out for the season. Jacobs is back this week, but he needs to stay healthy from here on out for the Giants to contend in January.
11.(7) Cleveland Browns (7-5)(AFC6). Last: LOST 21-27 at Arizona Cardinals. The Browns were unfortunate that they had to play a team coached by two former Steeler offensive coaches this past week. They get some easier games coming up and I still have them in as one of my playoff teams. They travel to the Meadowlands this week to play a Jets team that has been good at times, but bad more often than not. I see a bounce back week for this offense on route to a big victory and a momentum builder as they near the end of the regular season.
12.(14) Minnesota Vikings (6-6). Last: WON 42-10 against Detroit Lions. For the second week in a row the Vikings have crushed their opponents. This team is firing on all cylinders AND they just got Adrian Peterson back from injury. The defense has learned how to defend the pass much better than it did at the beginning of the season. They've got a great chance at sneaking into the playoffs this year if they can keep rolling. They play at San Francisco this week and I don't see them having any major problems taking care of business here. This team loves to run the ball and the final four games are against teams that love to give up tons of yards on the ground.
13.(15) Tennessee Titans (7-5). Last: WON 28-20 against Houston Texans. The Titans got back in the win column this past week, essentially saving their chances at making the playoffs this year. They have some tough matches coming up in the last four games and have the daunting task of figuring out how to stop L.T. this week. The Titans are a better team at home and Albert Haynesworth should be close to 100% this week, and they'll need him. The ground game is crucial for opening things up down field for Vince Young.
14.(NR) Arizona Cardinals (6-6)(NFC6). Last: WON 27-21 against Cleveland Browns. Arizona debuts this week in my Power 16 after winning three out of their last four. I bet they'd love to have that game against San Francisco back, ouch. They have the second toughest schedule of the teams fighting for the final playoff spot right now and injuries to their two big time receivers can't help matters. They need to win this week at Seattle to keep things alive. 15.(12) Detroit Lions (6-6). Last: LOST 10-42 at Minnesota Vikings. The Lions have lost four in a row and things don't get any easier as the Cowboys coming calling this week. Detroit is fading fast and they're in the toughest part of their schedule right now. Not the time to have the offense in meltdown mode. Who knows, maybe this team was just a product of an easy opening schedule and they're not as good as we thought. They have the hardest schedule remaining for teams battling for the sixth spot in the NFC. At one time I thought this was a playoff team. Hey, everyone's wrong once.
16.(13) New Orleans Saints (5-7). Last: LOST 23-27 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And sometimes they're wrong twice. Like in my love for the Saints. After crapping the game away last week to Tampa Bay, I don't know if they have anything left to make a playoff run. I had no idea they'd miss Deuce McAllister this much. If he comes back next year, here's how you win. Start the games with Reggie Bush, use Deuce on short yardage(even if it's a decoy) and late in the game to control the ball and the clock. The Saints need to be able to pound the ball with a big back at some point in a game. Their remaining schedule could lead them to the playoffs, but they need to go at least 3-1 to have any chance. It needs to start with a win over the Falcons this week.
It's great to be back from my long vacation. My Fantasy team stands at 3-3, 1 GB of first place with a match with the division leader this coming week. No problem. Oh yeah, my Steelers totally blew out the Chiefs in what was supposed to be a make or break for the Steelers season... Questions answered. Enough said...
Wow! So how about that Monday Night game. It was probably the most boring first half of football I've ever watched (I missed the Sunday Night game this week), and the greatest second half of football I've seen in a while. This game will be debated over the next week as either the greatest comeback in Monday Night history, or the biggest choke job we've seen in a while.
Those poor, poor Arizona Cardinals... what is left to say that hasn't been said about a thousand times before. This team is notorious for horrendous collapses, but this takes it to another level. I have to give the coaching staff of Arizona some credit in that they still tried to be aggressive in the latter stages of the game. They knew, along with the rest of us watching, that there was no way they were going to run out the clock with that dominant offensive line of theirs. On the other hand, I need to blast the Arizona coaching staff for blowing the end of that game. Here's why...
The Bears have this guy on Defense named Urlacher or something like that. I think that everyone knows he wears jersey number 54 and plays middle linebacker and he's the best defensive player in the league, etc... You get the point. I get the point. The whole football watching, football loving universes gets the point. Everyone I think, except for the Arizona Cardinals. I watched helplessly at the end of the game, the Arizona running backs getting blown up by #54. Now I have to think as a coach, your objective would be to take out the other team's best player. Not hurt him, just try to neutralize him. I watched M. Leinart hand the ball off, the offensive line part like the red sea, and #54 step into the opening and crush the ball carrier. Not just once or twice, but about eight times.
I'm not a coach, but I've played football nad I feel that I could be an outstanding coach. If I was coach, I think I would tell my Offensive line, no matter what, please block #54. Let the rest of the team try and beat you. The Bears were already down two of their starting DB's and I hadn't heard T. Harris's name mentioned once last night. Don't let the other teams best player beat you. It's as simple as that. If you let the other team's best player beat you, you're headed for a Monday Night Mishap.
ZombieNation is back for a third strong season of everything that is the NFL. After spending the last seven years in exile on the West Coast, I have returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA... the greatest sports town of all the land.
My column will consist of three weekly posts, Good/Bad (week in review) on Tuesdays, Power 16 on Thursdays, and Fantasy Football Start/Sit on Fridays.
All material provided in this blog is of original material. These are expert opinions and analysis that I have concluded based upon research that I myself have performed.
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