Week 11 is over and finished, thank god. Some interesting events went down with two games contributed to very rare scores in the history of the NFL. A Tie occurred in a game for the first time since 2002 when the Eagles couldn’t fins a way to beat the Bengals. Actually, the Bengals couldn’t find a way to beat the Eagles, including missing a 47yrd field goal with about 12 seconds left in the overtime period. The other occurred in the Steelers – Chargers game, when the final score ended at 11 to 10. It was the first time in the history of the league a game finished with this score. However, it should have never happened, because on the last play of the game, Troy Polamalu deflected a lateral, also know as a backwards pass, also known as a fumble, and returned it for a touchdown with no time left on the clock. So the game should have really finished 17-10, a much more common score. All of these rare happenings to the NFL are GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
The Steelers won in about the ugliest fashion possible this past week. The defeated the Chargers without scoring a touchdown, a pretty rare thing to do. The win moves the Steelers a game and a half ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North. And yes, it is a game and a half with the tie-breakers. Look, when you’re 7-3 and the other team’s 6-4 you’re one game ahead. When you’ve also beat that team once you own the tie-breaker, hence another half game ahead. Until they play later in the season, this is how it is, get over it!
The Ravens got pounded by the Giants yesterday, exposing them for the good them they’re not. The thing I love most about this loss was the fact that the Giants had over 200yrds rushing on offense. Ah, nothing like a 200yrd output to rub it in a defense’s face that prides themselves on stopping the run. I still stand by my statement that the Ravens will finish 8-8. They’re really not that good, trust me.
BAD
Just when you think the refereeing in the NFL can’t get any worse, the Steelers play another game on the schedule. There are so many #### things to complain about these #### horrible officials it makes me #### sick. Yes, the #### poor pass interference call that led to San Diego’s first score that was blown was a dozy, but there were a couple of holding calls that were also extremely convenient. But the biggest blunder came on the final play of the game. San Diego throws a short pass then starts to lateral the ball. As Chambers laterals BACKWARDS, Troy Polamalu comes flying in and deflects the BACKWARDS LATERAL, also known as a BACKWARDS PASS, also known as a FUMBLE. He proceeds to scope up the ball and score, making it 17-10 at that point, game over. Here’s what happened next… In the ref’s head: “Wait a minute, the point spread in this one was Pittsburgh(-5). So if that score counts… hold on a second, lets review the call on the field.” To the replay official: “What, you’re confirming the call on the field of a touchdown, ####” “Hmm, I need to talk about this with the other officials.” “Okay, the booth is confirming it.” “But the spread is 5 points!” “I know, I know. Wait, I’ve got it. We’ll just call it a forward lateral.” “Brilliant!” Announcement to crowd: “It was forward lateral, therefore it is an incomplete pass, and the game is over.” In his head: “There, that wasn’t so bad. They’ll probably never even notice. Time to go and collect.” Later, it goes something like this in his head… “Okay, I’ll just apologize now that nothing can be done and we’ll move on.” What’s even funnier is then listening to the post-game show trying to justify the blown call, the bunch of #### thoughtless ####ks. One of the idiots, think it was that smug #### Terrico said, “They reversed that call because it was a backwards lateral, and as we all know, you can’t advance a backwards lateral, like on a muffed punt.” Wow, that may have been the biggest joke of all in a game that became a huge #### joke. The NFL should hold their #### heads in shame for this debacle.
Fantasy Note
Alright, back in the win column this week and with that, a trip to the playoffs, again. As things stand right now I have the #1 seed overall due to all the tie-breakers in place. I have a big showdown next week with the team that currently holds the #2 playoff seed. The next game will more than likely determine who gets the top seed for the playoffs that start week 14, as we both stand with the same record.
Thank goodness for Steve Slaton this week. The rookie rattled off huge numbers and a TD against Indianapolis to propel me my 7th win of the season. I got good contributions from Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, Carolina’s defense and my kicker, Gostkowski. I’m worried about my though. Tim Hightower has disappeared just as quickly as he appeared and Brian Westbrook has been very sub-par over the past couple of week. I guess it doesn’t help though when you only run the ball 10 times through 3 and a half quarters. Why the Eagles passed so much, I have no idea. They played right into the strong point of the Bengal defense, hmm. I’m not worries about Andre Johnson despite his poor performance, it’s tough to throw on the Colts, and recently acquired Tony Scheffler should get back on track in the coming weeks. Check out all the action at the link below!
Week 10 was one of those weird weeks were a lot happened despite nothing really happening. The Titans are still unbeaten, the Lions are still winless, and the Raiders are still the worst organization in all of professional sports, despite playing a decent game against the Panthers. Teams are stepping up, while others are stumbling down. Early leaders are fading while early favorites are starting to come around. No one is really out of it yet, less a small handful of teams, and all of these things to the NFL are GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
Other than the Raiders losing again, there was nothing good to come out of the NFL this past week. I hate John Gruden and NFL officials.
BAD
The Steelers found a way to lose again, this time to the Indianapolis Colts. I’m not sure who is to blame more, Big Ben or the coaching staff. The turning point, obviously, was with a minute and a half before half-time, the Steelers had a 17-7 lead and the ball. They were facing a third and two deep in their own territory and the Colts were down to their final timeout. Now, the smart play would have been to either run it straight up the gut, or, if you want to get a bit creative, run play-action and dump the ball off in the flat to a running back or a tight end. Ben throws a ball downfield that gets picked-off and the Colts score with like 6 seconds left. They now have all the momentum because guess what, they also get the ball to start the second half. So now the game is 17-17 and the Steelers are moving the ball well. Now we come to the second turning point of the game. After a great play to get down to the five for a first and goal, they can’t get the play-call in time or they can’t get if off, whatever the case, the have to spend a timeout. It took all the momentum away from us and it allowed the Colts to regroup and stuff three straight runs, forcing the Steelers to kick a field goal. So they’re up 20-17 and Ben throws another pick deep in their own territory leading to another Colts touchdown. The sad thing is that they actually had a chance to win the game on the last play.
I’ll also throw in there that the Steelers got nailed with another #### holding call during that last drive. They shouldn’t have even been in that position in the first place, but I’m just saying. And how about that first Colts touchdown, can you get any luckier, really? It seemed like the Steelers were just destined to lose after that. They should really think about benching Ben for a game, just to get his ego in check a little.
Fantasy Note
Somehow, despite the Tampa Bay Flames only managing 88 points this week, I found a way to lose. Kind of like the Steelers. I finished with a pitiful 82pts and can site numerous reasons why I failed to win. The biggest reason of all would have to be Tim Hightower’s performance Monday Night against the 49ers. It’s amazing how when other runners play San Francisco they run wild and rack up massive amounts of yards. Then it comes time for my players to get their chance, it doesn’t matter who, they always seem to lay an egg. Another example, Earnest Graham in week 9 against the Chiefs managed like 50yrds rushing while losing 3 fumbles. Back to this week, I also only managed to score 2 total touchdowns on my entire team. Those both came compliments of Drew Brees, who by the way, also threw 3 interceptions; two of which were in the red zone. I guess your guess destined to lose sometimes. Amazingly, despite losing this past week, I managed to actually move up into first place. All of the top teams lost and then the tie-breakers formulated that I should be in the top spot, very weird. You can check out all the action at the link below.
INJURY WATCH: Tony Romo(DAL), Jay Cutler(DEN), Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Matt Schaub(HOU), Carson Palmer(CIN), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Kyle Orton(CHI), Dan Orvlosky(DET), Brian Griese(TB), Vince Young(TEN)
Start
Chad Pennington (MIA) – Pennington has been a very strong play in recent weeks and I look for him to continue his good play. The game is at home and Seattle’s defense has been much better shutting down the run than the pass. Pennington doesn’t throw the deep ball all that well, but there’s no one more accurate on shorter routes. He is excellent in giving his receivers a chance to run after the catch and makes plays in space. Seattle gave up huge yards to the tight end last week, and Miami has some good ones. 19 for 25 250yrds, 2 TD’s
Jake Delhomme (CAR) – Delhomme has an excellent match up this week going on the road to Oakland. The weather will be perfect for Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammed to abuse the Oakland secondary. I would expect Carolina to have many opportunities to score and they may lean on the run late after the game is well in hand, but they’ll throw, oh yes, they’ll throw. 16 for 22 225yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – It pains me to say this, but the Steelers may need to sit Big Ben down a few games to let that nagging shoulder injury get healed. Byron Leftwich looked good enough in relief to convince me that Ben will at least miss one game. Even if he does start, there’s a chance he won’t finish. Indianapolis has had success against the Steelers in the past, so this offense could get shut down anyway.
Trent Edwards (BUF) – New England is a much better home team than when they’re on the road, so I look for them to use that home field advantage to rattle Edwards and force into bad situations. The Bills have given up a lot of sacks recently and you know the Patriots will try to exploit the problems in the offensive line to their advantage. Marshawn #### is also ####ed up a little and that could put more burden on the passing game. 18 for 30 225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
RB – Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jacobs, Michael Turner, Marshawn ####, Chris Johnson(TEN), Willie Parker
INJURY WATCH: Joseph Addai(IND), Marshawn ####(BUF), Steven Jackson(STL), Reggie Bush(NO), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Earnest Graham(TB), Warrick Dunn(TB), Selvin Young(DEN), Michael Pittman(DEN), Darren McFadden(OAK), Sammie Morris(NEP), Chris Perry(CIN), Justin Fargas(OAK), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA), Jerious Norwood(ATL), Felix Jones(DAL), Ahman Green(HOU), Antonio Pittman(STL), Kolby Smith(KC), Dominic Rhodes(IND), Andre Hall(DEN), Ladell Betts(WAS)
Start
Jamal Lewis (CLE) – There are many factors that play in to Lewis being a smart bet this week. Cleveland will be deploying a new QB this week, and as it happens, it’s a short week with the game falling on a Thursday. The Browns are at home and are facing a defense that ranks in the bottom five against the run and will be without DJ Williams and Champ Bailey. I expect Lewis to get an extremely heavy workload to help ease the pressure on Quinn. 125yrds, 3 for 25yrds, 2 TD’s
Ryan Torain (DEN) – After gaining only 1 yard on three carries last week, Torain will be the featured back due to fact that he’s the only healthy back on the team. Denver needs the run game to be successful to setup all of the play-action and boot legs that they run in the passing game. Pittman and Hall were placed on IR this week and Young is still battling a hamstring injury. Due to the short week, Torain should also get a heavy workload to wear down the Cleveland defense and protect their vulnerable defense by keeping the Browns offense on the sidelines as much as possible. 100yrds, 4 for 25yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Matt Forte (CHI) – Forte has the unfortunate circumstance of playing the Titans this week and Rex Grossman is playing quarterback. I can’t see Chicago being able to do much of anything in this one and there’s a good chance they’ll find themselves behind early and having to try and catch up later. Forte may catch some passes as an outlet receiver, but I would expect very much this week. 35yrds, 3 for 25yrds
Ryan Grant (GBP) – The Packers are going to have to throw more in this one to be successful. Minnesota will be able to shut down the run inside and Grant doesn’t have the best ability to get to the corner, the one spot the Vikings might be vulnerable. No, the Packers will attack threw the air, passing first to try and loosen up the front seven, but it will be with little success. Given the BYE week situations you shouldn’t have trouble finding a good fill-in. 50yrds, 3 for 15ydrs
WR – Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Marques Colston
INJURY WATCH: Reggie Wayne(IND), Santana Moss(WAS), Chris Chambers(SD), Laveranes Coles(NYJ), Jerricho Cotchery(NYJ), Deion Branch(SEA), Eddie Royal(DEN), Anthony Gonzalez(IND), Kevin Walter(HOU), Justin Gage(TEN), Justin McCareins(TEN), Javon Walker(OAK), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Brandon Stokely(DEN), Darrell Jackson(DEN), Brandon Lloyd(CHI), David Patten(NO), Drew Bennett(STL), Dante Stallworth(CLE), Marty Booker(CHI), Reggie Williams(JAC), Josh Reed(BUF)
Start
Matt Jones (JAC) – Jones has been the only reliable target for Jacksonville and he’s earned the confidence of Garrard. That will be important when the Jaguars need to throw the ball. This could be a break out game for Jones this week as the Jaguars need this win at Detroit to have any chance of a playoff spot in the AFC. I expect the big receiver to have a big game as Jacksonville pounds Detroit this week. 7 for 100yrds, 1 TD
Derrick Mason (BAL) – It’s rare to see a Raven WR in the Start ‘Em section, but Mason has been lights out lately due to the continuing improvement of Joe Flacco. The Ravens need to open up the passing game more if they want to compete in January and this will be another tune-up game for Flacco before the schedule gets a lot tougher. When Flacco throws, Mason catches and catches a lot. He’s not the deep threat on the team, but he’s almost a guarantee for 6 or 7 catches a game. If you’re looking for a receiver to help this week, grab Mason. 6 for 85yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Plaxico Burress (NYG) – Plax has not had a good game in a while and he’ll draw Asante Samuel this week in coverage. Not good. The Eagles will apply heavy pressure on the Giants and try to force Eli into coughing up the ball, something he did 3 times last week against Dallas. Philly’s defense is strong enough to remove Burress’ big play ability and should have you considering having him ride the pine. 4 for 30yrds
Torry Holt (STL) – You may be able to throw on the Jets, and I expect the Rams to have to do so, but you don’t throw on Darrel Revis, one of the games top young corners. Unless we see a quarterback change in St. Louis, I wouldn’t expect Holt to do much from here on out, especially not his week. 4 for 40yrds
TE – Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Owen Daniels, Dallas Clark, Antonio Gates
INJURY WATCH: Jason Witten(DAL), Tony Scheffler(DEN), Heath Miller(PIT), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Leonard Pope(ARI), Ben Utecht(CIN), Bubba Franks(NYJ)
Start
Anthony Fasano (MIA) – Fasano should benefit from a lot of looks in this one. After what the Eagles were able to do with the tight end last week, I’d expect Miami to take a very similar approach. Martin may also be involved in the passing game, but Fasano is the better all around player and should get the majority of the looks. With players like Cooley and Witten on BYE’s and Scheffler, Shockey, and Heath Miller all ####ed up, you could do a lot worse than Fasano.
K – Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, John Carney, David Akers, Robbie Gould
INJURY WATCH: Lawrence Tynes(NYG), Mike Nugent(NYJ)
Start
Jay Feely (NYJ) – Feely has only converted 75% of his tries this year, but he should get plenty of opportunities this week at home against the Rams. Check the weather before the game as it can always be a factor, but everything else points to this being a high scoring game for the Jets and lots of points for Feely. 3 FG’s, 3 XP’s
INJURY WATCH:Baltimore (Chris McAllister-CD, Samari Rolle-CB), Minnesota (Madieu Williams-S, David Herron-LB), Chicago (Tommie Harris-DT, Charles Tillman-CB, Nathan Vasher-CB), Pittsburgh (Casey Hampton-NT, Bryant McFadden-CB), Tampa Bay (Jermaine Philips-S, Jovan Haye-DT), Indianapolis (Marlin Jackson-CB, Daymeion Hughes-CB), Green Bay (Charles Woodson-CB), Dallas (Terence Newman-CB, Anthony Henry-CB), Washington (Jason Taylor-DE, Shawn Springs-CB), NY Giants (Kevin Dockery-CB, Bryan Kehl-LB) New England (Ellis Hobbs-CB, Jarvis Green-DE), Denver (Champ Bailey-CB, D.J. Williams-LB), Cleveland (Shaun Rogers-DT, Corey Williams-DE)
Start
Carolina Panthers – Could there be a more inept team right now in the league than the Raiders. If they struggled against Atlanta’s mediocre defense last week, what are they going to do against the Panthers this week? I’d expect at least over 100yrds and maybe some points, maybe. Carolina is coming off their BYE and had ample time to get healthy and prepare for this game. If the run fails Oakland early and Carolina gets a lead, it forces the Raiders into passing, and that’s exactly what Carolina wants you to have to do. <200 PA, < 14 PA, 5 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
(1)Tennessee Titans (7-0). Last: WON 31-21 vs. Indianapolis Colts. Next: vs. Green Bay (4-3). The Titans have pulled out to a large divisional lead in the AFC South and continue to surprise people with their great play. After Indy drove down the field and easily scored early, I thought Tennessee was finished. They came through by sticking to their plan, and things paid off as they scored three touchdowns on the ground. The Titans should be able to contain the Packers this week and continue their winning ways, but in the NFL, anything can happen.
(3)New York Giants (6-1). Last: WON 21-14 @ Pittsburgh Steelers. Next: vs. Dallas (5-3). The Giants won in Pittsburgh, which is not an easy thing to do, albeit with the help from the refs with some timely penalties, but still the Giants hung in the game and eventually found a way to out score the Steelers with 21pts and only one touchdown. Dallas looms this week and I think you’ll see the Giants pound the ball down their throats. There’s nothing like dominating your division rival by running all over them.
(5)Carolina Panthers (6-2). Last: WON 27-23 vs. Arizona Cardinals. Next: BYE. The Panthers are very difficult to beat at home and that showed this past week. The Falcons came in and executed well, but couldn’t contain Steve Smith, not that many defenses do, and this was the straw that broke the birds back. Carolina gets its BYE this week and they have to be feeling good about things. With no major injuries to speak of, they should be locked and loaded for their second half.
(2)Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2). Last: LOST 14-21 vs. New York Giants. Next: @ Washington (6-2) (Monday Night). The Steelers definitely lost the game against the Giants this past week. And given how many injuries the Steelers had, they played okay. The Offensive line continues to be an issue, as the Giants were able to get pressure and sacks without blitzing. Once again, the referees had too much say in determining the outcome of the game. For as many times as James Harrison gets held without a flag, to call a hold on the Steelers when the defender is already falling down and just gets pushed is unbelievable. It nullifies the touchdown that would have ended the game. Unbelievable.
(7)Washington Redskins (6-2). Last: WON 25-17 @ Detroit Lions. Next: vs. Pittsburgh (5-2) (Monday Night). The Redskins beat the Lions, barely. They’ll need to play much better this week when Pittsburgh’s number 1 defense comes rolling into town. The ‘Skins need to find a way to get the passing game going, because they won’t be able to run, see the Giants. Washington better get ready to play a physical game up front and no Jason Taylor could hurt. Shawn Springs may also be out of this one, and the Steelers will definitely look to exploit that fact.
(9)Dallas Cowboys (5-3). Last: WON 13-9 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next: @ New York Giants (6-1). I’m not sure how Dallas managed to beat Tampa Bay, I guess it was defense. They’re going to need to score more than 13pts this week to have a chance in the Meadowlands. The Cowboys need to establish the run early and limit the number of passes because Brad Johnson will be a sitting duck when he drops back and there’s nowhere to throw. If the Cowboys can find a way to win, it would be a huge boost going into the BYE knowing there’s an excellent chance their QB will be ready on the other side.
(4)Buffalo Bills (5-2). Last: LOST 16-25 @ Miami Dolphins. Next: vs. NY Jets (4-3). The Bills are going to be one of those up and down teams this year. Good at home, not as good on the road. Their at home this week and they get the Jets, a big divisional game that could potentially drop the Bills to third in the division with a loss. It will be interesting to see which teams show up in this one as the Jets have similar identity issues of their own. Yards could be tough to come by on the ground, but Edwards should have no trouble duplicating what Tyler Thigpen was able to accomplish last week and that will more than likely be the difference.
(6)Denver Broncos (4-3). Last: BYE. Next: vs. Miami (3-4). BYE week complete, running back situation in turmoil. Who’s going to carry the rock this week? Young has underperformed and has been oft injured; Pittman has had trouble holding onto the ball, as has Hall. That leaves Ryan Torain a possible replacement, but how effective will the rookie be having not played a down yet this season. I think Denver is overachieving right now, but there’s nobody challenging them in the West. They need to continue to take care of business at home and try to steal a road game or tow down the stretch to remain a playoff contender.
(8)Green Bay Packers (4-3). Last: BYE. Next: @ Tennessee (7-0). This will be a great test from Green Bay to see how far along they this season. The NFC North has become a tight race and a loss here could set this team back and out of the division lead. Tennessee has shut down some top teams this season, so we’ll see how the Packers plan on attacking them this week. They can’t abandon the run too early in this one. A one dimensional team stands no chance against that ferocious Titans defense.
(12)Philadelphia Eagles (4-3). Last: WON 27-14 vs. Atlanta Falcons. Next: @ Seattle (2-5). The Eagles are healthy and the key to the car is turning right now as Brian Westbrook returned to top shape this past week rushing for a career high against the Falcons. Road games are never easy and Seattle boasts the 12th man advantage in their stadium. Still, with the offense rolling right now and the defense playing as well as any in the league, the Hasselbeck-less Seahawks could be in some serious trouble.
(16)New England Patriots (5-2). Last: WON 23-16 vs. St. Louis Rams. Next: @ Indianapolis (3-4) (Sunday Night). If the Patriots had to play any semblance of a tough schedule this season, they wouldn’t be tied for first in the AFC East. Let’s see what they do in Indy this week. I think this game and the Pittsburgh game will show us how far into January this team can really go. Sure, they can beat up on the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Jets, Raiders, and Chiefs like any other team in the league, but what happens when they play a quality team. One question will be answered this Sunday Night.
(10)Indianapolis Colts (3-4). Last: LOST 21-31 @ Tennessee Titans. Next: vs. New England (5-2) (Sunday Night). The Colts lost to arguably the best team in football right now, at least the only undefeated one anyway. I can’t put my finger on what’s ailing this team. Is Manning’s knee still an issue? Is the offensive line the issue? Does Bob Sanders make that much of a difference? What about Joseph Addai? Whatever’s wrong, they need to get it fixed quickly or the Colts will run the risk of not playing January for the first time in a long time.
(11)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3). Last: LOST 9-13 @ Dallas Cowboys. Next: @ Kansas City (1-6). Hmm, I’m not sure what happened to Tampa Bay this past week. I guess Philips called a much better run defense against them. Either that or Earnest Graham really is a bust this year, which doesn’t make sense given how well he performed last season. I’m placing all the blame on Gruden. I think he’s a very overrated coach that could be on the hot-seat if games like this past week continue to occur. For a team that loves to hoard quarterbacks, they could sure use a good one right now.
(15)Chicago Bears (4-3). Last: BYE. Next: vs. Detroit (0-7). Chicago is hoping they aren’t the team to break Detroit’s winless streak this week. I don’t think they will. Hopefully the BYW week helped the secondary get healthy because the Lions don’t have any interest in running the ball. Even if they try, Rudi Johnson is not the answer. The Bears should roll this week by running the ball to setup the play action pass. Bears fan has to love the fact that we’re only talking about positive things when we mention the quarterback situation.
(13)Arizona Cardinals (4-3). Last: LOST 23-27 @ Carolina Panthers. Next: @ St. Louis (2-5). Look, Arizona’s just not an upper echelon team yet. I think they will be, but not this year. Is a trip to the playoffs out of the question? I don’t think so. There are some college teams that could challenge for the NFC West right now, that’s how bad it is. If “The Edge” can’t get things going this week on the ground, I would expect to see Hightower’s touches steadily increase starting in this game. I don’t think the Cardinals will bring James back after his contract is up after next season and this could be a chance to see if Hightower can shoulder a heavier workload for the future. You know Wisenhunt loves his power backs.
(14)Atlanta Falcons (4-3). Last: LOST 14-27 @ Philadelphia Eagles. Next: @ Oakland (2-5). The Falcons are still a young team, and they may only finish the year at .500, but I think that’s a win for this organization. The future looks bright for Ryan, White, and Turner as a very reliable “Big 3.” They’ll get their chance at beating up on the AFC West this week when they visit Oakland. Traveling to the other coast this week won’t be an issue, it’ll just be a normal 1:15pm game for the Falcons.
Dropped Out: NA
On the Verge: New Orleans (4-4), Baltimore (4-3), NY Jets (4-3)
Week 8 has come and gone in the NFL, and things finally seemed to go according to plan. The teams that were supposed to win won, and there were no upsets to speak of. There were no injuries to any of the superstars with the exception of a broken rib or two in Dallas. One undefeated and two winless remain. Will we have a season where a team goes 16-0 while another goes 0-16? I doubt it, but the prospect of such a thing to the NFL would be both GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
The NFL got what it had been hoping for when the Chargers and Saints played in Great Britain this past week, points, a total of 69 to be exact. The game was back and forth, as both quarterbacks racked up big games with the Saints eventually prevailing. It was interesting that the NFL didn’t choose the Patriots for this game, given the team’s name origins and ties to the British.
BAD
The Steelers suffered a major meltdown against the Giants this past weekend. You kind of got the sense that things were out of place when the NFL sent officials to Pittsburgh for meetings on league policy regarding several player fines that have been recently levied. Then Santonio Holmes gets suspended for su####ion of marijuana related activities deemed illegal by the long arm of the law. Willie Parker and Bryant McFadden are out for the game. Parker, not a big issue, Moore has played great in place. McFadden was a concern, as he has played the best of Pittsburgh’s secondary lately.
The Steelers defense was phenomenal, all game, holding the Giants to four field goals through most of the game while also orchestrating a goal-line stand that resulted in no points. The offense looked good early, then poor the rest of the game. They hit a long bomb to Washington to extend their lead. The Giants struggled, the Steelers had great field position. A personal foul penalty, an illegal procedure, and a terribly bad holding call left Pittsburgh punting instead of getting any points on the drive. The holding call was extremely convenient as it negated another long touchdown that would have pretty much sealed the game and the win for the Steelers. I understand that holding will be and can be called on every play. But for how many times I see James Harrison getting held without a penalty getting called, it pissed me off to no end that they threw a flag for a linemen grabbing for a second, releasing, then falling on the player as he went down. Again, I’ll pose this question. When a defensive player has moved past or around the offensive player and that offensive player does not release him, in essence, holding him back from continuing on his course, is that not holding?
Fantasy Note
I got a big win this past week over arguably the hottest and highest scoring team in the league right now. The game didn’t finish in shootout fashion as was predicted by the site. I got monster games from Drew Brees(34pts) and Brian Westbrook(35pts) on my way to racking up 124pts, third highest of the week. I was fortunate that this happened to be one of his lowest scoring games of the year. I hope to have the same luck this week as I play The Blue Devils, winners of three in a row while averaging nearly 100pts during that streak. I failed to gain any more ground this week in my division as one of the two teams also won their game, leaving them two and half back with five to play. I’m trying to trade for either Dallas Clark, Brandon Marshall, or both this week. The problem is that none of the teams are really out of it yet, therefore nobody's selling yet.
(1)Tennessee Titans (6-0). Last: WON 34-10 @ Kansas City Chiefs. Next: vs. Indianapolis (3-3) (Monday Night). Tennessee continues to look dominant, mostly due to their defense, but the offense was on fire this past week, especially on the ground. It’s no surprise Kansas City couldn’t stop them, but that rushing attack was ridiculous. A win this week against the Colts would really solidify them as contenders, and I think they get it done.
(2)Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1). Last: WON 38-10 @ Cincinnati Bengals. Next: vs. New York Giants (5-1). It was shaky there for a while, but the better team ultimately prevailed. The Steelers are in good shape in the division, beating the other three teams in their first meetings of the season. The schedule is gonna get a bit tougher, but outside of New York and Washington, the other teams aren’t playing all that well. As good as Moore played this past week, the Steelers need Willie Parker’s homerun threat back in the line-up.
(3)New York Giants (5-1). Last: WON 29-17 vs. San Francisco 49ers. Next: @ Pittsburgh (5-1). It’s going to be tough to win in Pittsburgh. Not many teams do. The Giants, however, have the make up of a team that could steal a rare victory. I think this game comes down to who protects the QB better. Both defenses have the ability to apply pressure, and whoever turns it over less should win. The Giants want to run the ball, but they will get their biggest test in this one. Plaxico is returning to the ‘Burgh, and he’ll have redemption on his mind.
(5)Buffalo Bills (5-1). Last: WON 23-14 vs. San Diego Chargers. Next: @ Miami (2-4). Buffalo won, but nobody saw the game unless they were at the stadium. If a tree falls in the forest and there’s nobody around, does it still make a sound? Well, at least there are highlights to watch if anyone’s interested. I heard Buffalo won. They did a nice job of shutting down L.T., but that’s becoming something of common place these days. The Bills will need to sure up their secondary if they want to make a run deep into January.
(7)Carolina Panthers (5-2). Last: WON 30-7 vs. New Orleans Saints. Next: vs. Arizona (4-2). Carolina’s defense proved it was for real as they held the potent Saints passing attack to next to nothing this past week, while knocking Reggie Bush out of the game early in the second half. They’ll get another big test as Arizona rolls into town. It’s no surprise what the Cardinals will want to do, but Carolina looks poised to shut things down. Carolina looks to remain undefeated at home this season, and they’ll need to continue to defend the pass to be able to do so.
(9)Washington Redskins (5-2). Last: WON 14-11 @ Cleveland Browns. Next: @ Detroit (0-6). Washington managed to pull out a win despite struggling at Cleveland this past week. Yes, it’s hard to win on the road in the NFL, but Cleveland isn’t one of those places, or anywhere else in Ohio for that matter. They’ll be on the road again this week, playing the lowly Lions, but remember what happened the last time they played a winless team. They’ll need this tune up before Pittsburgh rolls into town. It will be a perfect game to unleash the passing attack, because as the games get deeper in to the year, teams need to be able to do both to win.
(11)Green Bay Packers (4-3). Last: WON 34-14 vs. Indianapolis Colts. Next: BYE. Not that the offense did much to win this one, but played a complete game with a high efficiency and no turnovers. The same could not be said for their counterparts, as the Colts had not one, but two, interceptions for touchdowns in this one. The Packers get a well deserved BYE this week, and they need to work on their consistency to be able to remain this effective.
(4)Dallas Cowboys (4-3). Last: LOST 14-34 @ St. Louis Rams. Next: vs. Tampa Bay (5-2). Hmm, I wonder if Dallas is rethinking their whole backup quarterback situation. We’ll see what Jerry Jones wants to do this week, and I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon. I don’t know if the quarterback issue is the problem though. I’m thinking there’s something majorly wrong with the defensive secondary, or with the entire defense. I think that was a tough spot for the ‘Boys given the circumstances. However, thinks need to be corrected immediately, because I smell a three game skid coming.
(6)Indianapolis Colts (3-3). Last: LOST 14-34 @ Green Bay Packers. Next: @ Tennessee (6-0) (Monday Night). Indianapolis just isn’t the same team we’re used to seeing. One week they’re pounding a good defense, the next week, a mediocre defense is pounding them. Maybe it’s a home/away thing. It definitely didn’t have anything do to with Joseph Addai not playing. They get another away game this week against the top defense in the league. Does that mean they’re going to get pounded, we’ll see. They’re gonna need a better showing in this one, because they’re starting to slip in the division.
(14)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2). Last: WON 20-10 vs. Seattle Seahawks. Next: @ Dallas (4-3). Tampa Bay won, albeit in less than impressive fashion against the Seahawks this past Sunday night. I’m wondering how Gruden rewarded Earnest Graham this week. What, by giving him a couple of goal line carries? He gets those anyway. What, but giving him more carries when the game was already over and the defense knew what was coming? Boy, what a reward, getting the snot beat out of you at the end o####ame in meaningless time.
(8)Denver Broncos (4-2). Last: LOST 7-41 @ New England Patriots. Next: BYE. Wow, I guess we see what kind of a team Denver really has. Maybe not, it's actually pretty tough to say. Jay Cutler hurt his hand on the first series and was not himself throwing the ball. Denver actually suffered quite significant injuries in this one and the status for key players is still up in the air. Welcome the BYE week and its perfect timing. There were a lot of turnovers in that Monday Night smackdown. We may see a new running back carrying the load out of the off week.
(10)Philadelphia Eagles (3-3). Last: BYE. Next: vs. Atlanta (4-2). Philly is hoping the BYE week brought rest and recovery to a couple of key players, most notably, Brian Westbrook. Not that they struggled with Buckhalter in the game, but Westbrook is a beast of a different nature. They stay in the comfy confines of home this week and face Atlanta in a key conference game that could be a tiebreaker decider later in the season. Philly also needs this one to keep pace in the NFC East. If Westbrook is ready, the Eagles should soar (Boy that was cheesy).
(15)Arizona Cardinals (4-2). Last: BYE. Next: @ Carolina (5-2). The Cardinals should get Anquan Boldin back this week, though they may wait one more week given the good fortune the team has experienced and how terrible everyone else in the division is playing. They’ll be on the road this week were they haven’t been as good and they’re facing the Panthers, who have the second best pass defense in the league. Oh yeah, they’re not too shabby against the run either. The Cardinals will win this game if they can contain Carolina’s offense.
(16)Atlanta Falcons (4-2). Last: BYE. Next: @ Philadelphia (3-3). The Falcons may be playing over their heads right now, but they’re taking care of things with the schedule they’ve been given. A little bit of a tougher challenge this week on the road at Philly. The Falcons best defense will be their offense. A solid ground game with Michael Turner would keep Philly’s offense off the field and wear down the defense. The Falcons are sitting in a good spot in the NFC, but this is one of the games they need to win if they want to stay there.
(NR) Chicago Bears (4-3). Last: WON 48-41 @ Minnesota Vikings. Next: BYE. The Bears win in a shootout? That had to be a weird headline in Chicago today you those who may have missed the game. I’m concerned about the defense. Yes, they had four interceptions, but they also gave up 41 points. Their top three cornerbacks were out of this one, but there’s no excuse. I am impressed with the 48 points though. Now, the offense wasn’t spectacular, but they took advantage of mistakes and still converted a couple of passing TD’s. Hopefully the BYE will allow their secondary to get healthy, because they’re going to need it if they want to win the NFC North.
New England Patriots (4-2). Last: WON vs. Denver Broncos. Next: vs. St. Louis (2-4). The Patriots won big time at home, but the Broncos suffered aome major injuries in that game that didn't hurt things either. Speaking of injuries, Maroney goes on IR before the game, Harrison gets carted off with a season ender and Sammy Morris suffers an injury that may keep him sidelined for a few weeks. This team is way down in running backs right now and the resurgent Rams come calling this Sunday. The Pats better strap it on for this one.
Week 7 saw a couple of snoozers to go along with a couple of big scoring outputs. One Super Bowl favorite took care of business will another one fell flat on its face. We’re almost to the midway point of the season, and while most teams are still in the running, a handful have nearly packed it in for the year. Some big name teams are struggling mightily, while some unlikely teams are making pushes for January. Some big hits will probably lead to some big fines from the National Pansy League. And all of these things are GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
The Steelers crushed the Bengals 38-10 this week, if you just look at the score. If you watched the game, you saw something much different. The Steelers came and dominated early, building a ten point lead while the defense smothered Cincinnati not surrendering a first down until mid way through the second quarter. Nut the offense got very conservative and the Bengals being an NFL team, slowly clawed their way back into the game. The score was 17-10 in the third and all the momentum was on Cincinnati’s side… then they collapsed. The Steelers pounded them late, even scoring a rub-it-in-your-face TD pass at the end of the game. Luckily we play the Bengals, because if we have the same performance over the next couple of games, we’ll get pummeled.
The Cowboys got smacked by the St. Louis Rams this past week and there’s nothing like a team that’s favored to win it all getting wiped all over the field by a team that probably win more than five games all season . I believe the meltdown is inevitable at this point. To can only keep things under wraps for so long before Mt. St. Owens blows. The only thing is we’ll have to hear about until the end of the season and that’s just going to get old real fast.
BAD
Officiating in the NFL just gets worse week after week. Sometimes, the Refs will throw flags and whistles all over the field, holding up games and becoming too much of a factor. Then there are games, like the Pittsburgh – Cincinnati game, where the whistles get swallowed completely. Holding, the most subjective penalty in any sport, can be called on almost every play, except it seems when the Steelers are rushing the quarterback. When a player is trying to run passed a blocker and that blocker has a fistful of jersey preventing the defensive player from proceeding, that’s holding. When a defender is rushing the passer and the blocker has him in a headlock, prohibiting him from moving forward, that’s holding. When a blocker tackles a defensive player trying to get around him, that’s holding. All of things happened numerous times in the game, and not once was it called.
After back to back games with fines coming from the Commissioners office, you’d think a player would make an adjustment. Unless you’re Hines Ward that is. Hines will more than likely be hitting the trifecta this week after the hit he laid on Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers. On the fourth play from scrimmage, a pass was dumped into the flat to the tight-end. Ward peeled back and ear holed Rivers, knocking him out of the game and finishing his season by breaking his jaw. Ward was not penalized on the play because it was a perfectly legal hit. We’ll see if the NPL has anything to say about this one.
Fantasy Note
Well, sometimes things just line up perfectly against you in Fantasy and you’ve got no chance at a win. This week I played the Dallas Dirks, a team that had three wins despite only scoring over 80 points once, while I've scored under 100points onlt twice. Of course, he has his highest scoring game of the season against me this week, I managed yet another good perfomance of 103pts. But it wasn’t that, it was the factors in his score that hurt most. One, if Willie Parker doesn’t step in a hole during practice, Mewelde Moore never plays against Cincinnati. See where this is going, if not, it’s 34pts for him. I played Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson. Both had very nice games, however, on three different drives my players moved the ball down the field, one drive, Ahman Green vultures a TD from Slaton, the other two drives, Owen Daniels catches little junker TD’s. Guess who had Owen Daniels, that’s right, Dallas Dirks. The finals nail in the coffin was when the Steelers were trying to run out the clock, I thought, and kick a field goal. Jeff Reed is my kicker and that’s at least three points. What happens, Hines Ward catches a garbage TD. Guess who has Hines Ward, that’s right, Dallas Dirks. So you see, sometimes the fantasy universe is just against you and nothing you do can change it.
I need a huge win this week as I face the hottest team in the league, the Buckeye Brown V6 (5-2). They’ve won four straight, including just knocking off the only undefeated team in the league. I can’t afford to go to 4-4.
(3)Tennessee Titans (5-0). Last: BYE. Next: @ Kansas City (1-4). The Titans should feel nice and rested after coming off the BYE last week and having to play Kansas City this week. Yes, it is tough to win in Arrowhead, but Tennessee is a far superior team on both sides of the ball. The ground game will flourish, while the defense creates havoc for Brodi Croyle. Damon Huard better be ready.
(4)Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1). Last: BYE. Next: @ Cincinnati (0-6) The Steelers also got some well needed rest and are on their way to face the winless Bengals. This is an AFC North game, so you can throw the records out the window in this one. This is a classic trap game for Pittsburgh when you look at the schedule after this one, but I think with Carson Palmer out and Big Ben healed up, the Steelers should be ready to go.
(1)New York Giants (4-1). Last: LOST 14-35 @ Cleveland Browns. Next: vs. San Francisco (2-4). Hmm, the Giants got ambushed this past Monday Night by a Browns team that was desperate for a win. That’ll probably be the worst game this team will play this season and sometimes every team needs a wake up call. I expect the G-Men to come firing on all cylinders this week at home.
(2)Dallas Cowboys (4-2). Last: LOST 24-30 @ Arizona Cardinals. Next: @ St. Louis (1-4). Dallas was somehow in the game this past week, then lost it on a blocked punt four plays into overtime. What’s worse is that they lost Tony Romo three plays into overtime. He’s supposed to be out a month, so we’ll see what affect that has on this team. Felix Jones will also be out, so the run game will be mainly Marion Barber. The ‘Boys brought in Roy Williams, no the other one that plays WR, in a trade. I think this helps, but not that much.
(7)Buffalo Bills (4-1). Last: BYE. Next: vs. San Diego (3-3). Buffalo will be tested this week when the Chargers come to town fresh off their pummeling of the Patriots this past week. The Bills need better play from the defense if they expect to have a chance. Trent Edwards needs to come back sharp from the concussions he suffered two weeks ago. If #### is on, the Bills should find comfort in the home crowd.
(9)Indianapolis Colts (3-2). Last: WON 31-3 vs. Baltimore Ravens. Next: @ Green Bay (3-3). Wow, did the Colts show up this past week or what? They made that Baltimore defense look like a bad college team. The Colts even ran extremely well against them. It just goes to show you that when Peyton Manning is on, he’s nearly unbeatable. Oh yeah, there was this guy named Harrison that caught passes like he was in his twenties again. If Indy’s back, it’s trouble for the rest of the AFC.
(5)Carolina Panthers (4-2). Last: LOST 3-27 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next: vs. New Orleans (3-3). You want to talk about odd performances, what happened to the Panthers? Three points? I know Tampa’s got a pretty good defense, but three points? This game showed me that if Carolina gets down early and has to abandon the run, they don’t have the team to play catch-up. The Saints come to town this week, so that Panther defense needs to play better to stop the NFL’s leading passer.
(10)Philadelphia Eagles (3-3). Last: WON 40-26 @ San Francisco 49ers. Next: BYE. The Eagles need to get some more consistency if they want to stay in the race for the division. The BYE week should prove well as Westbrook, Curtis, and Brown should all be ready to go. Give McNabb his full staple of weapons and it’s hard to imagine this team losing many more games. Hey, the backups weren’t all that bad either.
(6)Denver Broncos (4-2). Last: LOST 17-24 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars. Next: @ New England (3-2) (Monday Night). The Broncos are coming back to earth, and I think you can contribute the fast start to the schedule. Remember, they shouldn’t have even won the game against San Diego, so we’re really looking at a 3-3 team at best. Oh yeah, if New Orleans makes a late field goal then it’s 2-4. New England will be tough at home, but the Bronco’s just need to look at what happened this past Sunday Night to figure out how to beat the Pats.
(8)Washington Redskins (4-2). Last: LOST 17-19 vs. St. Louis Rams. Next: vs. Cleveland (2-3). I’m not sure what happened to Washington, but St. Louis could be a re-inspired team after losing their head coach that I don’t think many players liked anyway. Washington still should have won, I’m not sure why an offensive lineman would try to advance a live ball? Just fall down!
(13)Green Bay Packers (3-3). Last: WON 27-17 @ Seattle Seahawks. Next: vs. Indianapolis (3-2). Okay, Green Bay won, but I’m not that impressed. However, the ground game finally showed a little life and they were extremely efficient. Given the state of Seattle’s offense though, 17 points is a
