(2)New York Giants (4-0). Last: WON 44-6 vs. Seattle Seahawks. Next: @ Cleveland (1-3) (Monday Night). I think the Giants sent a little message to Mr. Burress this week. It probably read something like, “Hey if we’re not important enough to help you, we don’t need you to help us. Get on the bus or we’ll leave you standing at your stop.” Okay, it probably wasn’t anything like that, but you get the point. The Giants look good no matter who’s in there. Other teams should make a note of that.
(3)Dallas Cowboys (4-1). Last: WON 31-22 vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Next: @ Arizona (2-2). Is it me or does it seem like Dallas plays every game at home? Yes I know it only seems that way, whatever. I’m wondering when Dallas will play a better team again. Not this week, as they head to Arizona to play the Jeckel-and-Hyde Cardinals. We’ll see which Cardinals team shows up, but me thinks it will be the team that gives up 35pts early and scrambles to try and recover late when the game’s already over. ####-hum.
(4)Tennessee Titans (5-0). Last: WON 16-13 @ Baltimore Ravens. Next: BYE. You want to talk about an ugly game, man this one was bad. Sure the defenses are great and that was the focal point of the game, but it showed that the Titans are for real when you can win on the road against such a strong defense. Vince Young should be ready to return after this weeks BYE, but I think Tennessee sticks with Collins until things go south. Also, It’s nice to see Alge Crumpler finally get some action, where’s he been all season?
(5)Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1). Last: WON 26-21 @ Jacksonville Jaguars. Next: BYE. The Steelers finally won a game they weren’t supposed to win. They needed this one bad, because after their BYE this week they play Cincinnati then the schedule gets brutal, with games against Washington, Dallas, Indianapolis, San Diego, and New England, are you kidding me!?! The good news is, they should be closed to fully healed after getting this week off, and boy did they need it.
(7)Carolina Panthers (4-1). Last: WON 34-0 vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Next: @ Tampa Bay (3-2). Carolina continues to win in impressive fashion, albeit was against the hapless Chiefs this week, but it’s still impressive when you shut out another team. First place in the NFC South is up for grabs this week when the Panthers travel to Tampa Bay. I’m wondering which Tampa offense will show up this week and which Carolina run defense will do the same. That should be the determiner in this one.
(9)Denver Broncos (4-1). Last: WON 16-13 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next: vs. Jacksonville (2-3). Denver was surprising this past week in how well the run defense played. That ultimately was the winning factor in that game and good thing, because the offense struggled to do anything, scoring one touchdown. They’ll be tested again this week when they travel to Jacksonville; a team that is desperate for a win in the conference to keep pace in the playoff race. Denver should be able to move the ball through the air and I look for Brandon Marshall to get things going after a down week.
(1)Buffalo Bills (4-1). Last: LOST 17-41 @ Arizona Cardinals. Next: BYE. The fall from the top is a mighty one, but can you blame me, that was a terrible performance from the Bills. Okay, do Edwards was knocked out of the game early, but he doesn’t play on the defense. You’d think the Bills would follow what the Jets did last week on offense, but I suppose the cardinals made the adjustments necessary to handle that. A well deserved rest will do any team good and the Bills will welcome the time off. However, that’s a long time to dwell on such a smack down.
(16)Washington Redskins (4-1). Last: WON 23-17 @ Philadelphia Eagles. Next: vs. St. Louis (0-4). As promised, the Redskins skyrocket up the ranks this week with another strong divisional road win. The defense has been fantastic through this stretch of victories and the offense has been efficient, finding different ways to beat teams. They get a nice home game against the Rams this week and I expect the Skins to continue to fire on all cylinders with a heavy dose of Portis and a smothering defensive game plan.
(11)Indianapolis Colts (2-2). Last: WON 31-27 @ Houston Texans. Next: vs. Baltimore (2-2). Give the Colts credit, they’ve found ways to win games they have no business even being in. Case in point this past week when the Texans basically just handed them the game in the fourth quarter. I don’t think the better teams they will have to play coming up will be so generous, Baltimore this week being one of them. The Colts better fix things quick because games against the Packers, Titans, Patriots, and Steelers follow this one. Ouch.
(6)Philadelphia Eagles (2-3). Last: LOST 17-23 vs. Washington Redskins. Next: @ San Francisco (2-3). I feel divided by the Eagles ups and downs threw the first five games of the season. One week they look unbeatable, the next they look like a sub-five hundred team with no chemistry or desire. Brian Westbrook’s injuries may have something to do with that, but he’s merely one player on a 53 man roster. How will his ribs hold up this week against those 49er linebackers? I don’t want to say that’s the deciding factor, but will it be?
(14)New England Patriots (3-1). Last: WON 30-21 @ San Francisco 49ers. Next: @ San Diego (2-3) (Sunday Night). Okay, we finally get to see how the Patriots will fare against a good team. They’ve decided to stay on the West Coast this week, traveling south to San Diego after playing in San Francisco this past week. There’s mixed opinions on this strategy. There’s a saying about idle hands and the Patriots will not the normalcy and familiarity of preparing for a game, the time off, the travel and so on. We’ll see how that affects the team’s performance. Not having to face L.T. might be a bigger factor though.
(15)Chicago Bears (3-2). Last: WON 37-7 @ Detroit Lions. Next: @ Atlanta (3-2). So the Bears easily dispatched the Lions this past week, but who hasn’t. Hey, I’m not a hater, I’m just saying. The defense will be pressed to shut down Mr. Turner, something that other teams have had trouble with so far this year. You know the Falcons will be pumped up for this one, so we’ll see if the Bears can match that intensity. Kyle Orton’s consistency will be counted on again this week, and I have a feeling he’ll deliver.
(8)Green Bay Packers (2-3). Last: LOST 24-27 vs. Atlanta Falcons. Next: @ Seattle (1-3). The Packers started strong and have now dropped a bunch of games. I thought it might have been Aaron Rodgers this past week, but now I’m putting things on the defense. I know there’ve been a lot of injuries, but that the nature of the game. Other teams are dealing with the same issues but are maintaining the same level of play from their backups. It’s time for this defense to step up and make some plays. The secondary will need to contain Seattle’s passing attack, which will be in full force this week with the return of Engram and possibly Branch.
(10)San Diego Chargers (2-3). Last: LOST 10-17 @ Miami Dolphins. Next: vs. New England (3-1) (Sunday Night). How often do you see L.T. get stuffed at the goal line? Not that often. In fact, I don’t think I remember the last time it happened. He’s obviously hurt, and that’s okay, so is everyone else. But if you can’t play or your play is going to limit the team, you should pull yourself out of the game. I know, easier said than done with these guys, but you have to put pride on the side. So New England comes to town this week and the Chargers need this game.
(12)New Orleans Saints (2-3). Last: LOST 27-30 vs. Minnesota Vikings. Next: vs. Oakland (1-3). I’m getting really tired of the Saints. Please, get your team on the same damn page and win these games. I’m sure the Saints are tired of their kicker not winning games for them. Will we see a new kicker this week; the answer is yes, with Martin Gramatica hitting the IR. Drew Brees can only take this team so far. Other people need to step things up. This team is quickly becoming the most under performing unit in the league.
(13)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2). Last: LOST 13-16 @ Denver Broncos. Next: vs. Carolina (4-1). I’m not sure how Tampa Bay didn’t beat Denver this past week. Or wait a minute, maybe I do know. This whole running back by committee thing is hurting Tampa’s offense. Earnest Graham is the kind of runner that gets into a rhythm, getting better as he gets more carries. When he gets subbed out for Warrick Dunn, he loses his rhythm and doesn’t perform as well. Yes, I know Dunn is producing, but he’s not the answer. John Gruden is supposed to be this offensive mastermind, really? I haven’t seen it this year. Give the ball to Graham 25 times a game!
Dropped Out: NA
On the Verge: Atlanta (3-2), Miami (2-2)
Bottom Feeders: 32.Detroit Lions, 31. St. Louis Rams, 30. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 5 fell nicely in line for the NFL with nearly all of the favored teams handling their business with one big exception, the San Diego Chargers. But who knows, maybe Miami is ready to turn things around and make a run at the playoffs. Given the state of the AFC, anything’s possible. The NFC looks mostly like people thought it would less the Packers and the Saints. Still, the door is wide open for a lot of teams to sneak into the playoffs. And to the NFL, all of these things are GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
The Steelers finally got one over on the Jaguars and everyone in Pittsburgh rejoiced as our team is 4-1 heading into their BYE week, thank god. Pittsburgh won with defense and timely offense as they dominated the Jaguars in the first half, out-gaining them 300yrds to 46yrds. That is the point where a team changes their game-plan to adjust to what the other is doing. You’d think the Jaguars went into half and made some unbelievable adjustments… but you’d be wrong. The Steelers actually adjusted their game-plan, became much more conservative, and let Jacksonville back into the game. Why would they do this, because the Steelers offensive coordinator sucks. It’s been obvious through the first 5 games that he has no idea how to make the right adjustments and will fall into an extremely conservative offense if Pittsburgh commits a turnover early. Here’s one prime example of what I’m talking about.
During the first half the Steelers came out and threw on first down, gaining 4 to 6 yards each play and setting up second downs that could be runs or passes. This was very successful and the Steelers moved the ball at will, minus Santonio Holmes slipping and Jacksonville returning one for a TD. In the second half, the Steelers ran on first down and got zero yards. Now it’s second down and the defense knows what you have to do. The Steelers had two possessions in the third quarter gained about ten total yards on six plays, yuck. Guess what they did in the fourth quarter once they were down again? That’s right, they threw on first down.
BAD
I’m going to stay with the Steelers for the first segment of BAD this week and comment on something that happened late in the game. Jacksonville was deep in their zone and Garrard dropped back to pass, let me fly incomplete and was drilled James Harrison just as the ball was released. Amazingly, the ref called a roughing the passer on Pittsburgh. I was livid when I watched the replay and saw that the pass and the hit occurred simultaneously, with Harrison having no chance to pull up. This kept the drive alive for Jacksonville. It was almost like the refs wanted to keep the game going and Jacksonville every opportunity to win. For all of the cheap shots that Ben Roethlisberger receives with the defense never getting penalized, I can’t imagine how that was called.
The New Orleans Saints lost again when their field goal kicker failed to convert late in the game, giving the Vikings good field position. One pass interference call later and Minnesota is kicking the game winner. This is now the second time this season that Gramatica has missed a kick to give the Saints at least a chance to stay alive. The other occurred in Denver and would have been for the win. Who knows what would have happened had he made the kick Monday Night, but that’s two games lost. I think it’s time for a new kicker.
Fantasy Note
A very disappointing loss this week to the top rated team in my league. I had every chance to win the game and looked good going into the Monday Night game down only 11pts, but Drew Brees committed 3 turnovers for me, Reggie Bush returned 2 punts for him, and that was that, a 116 to 103 loss. It also didn’t help that Calvin Johnson grabbed a whole 2 points this week. Earnest Graham and Jonathan Stewart both had great match-ups and managed to score 12 points between them. Wow, what are you gonna do. I still sit atop my division at 3-2 and play a divisional game this week against the (1-3) Favre Hater Bandwagon.
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler
INJURY WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Donovan McNabb(PHI), Aaron Rodgers(GB), Carson Palmer(CIN), Jon Kitna(DET), Gus Frerotte(MIN), Vince Young(TEN)
Start
Matt Cassel (NEP) – Anytime the Patriots are coming off a BYE and they’re playing a questionable defense, you should pounce, like this week when they play the 49ers. I think Bellichik has his players prepared and rested up for this one and you should see according results. They also have this guy Moss to throw to. I hear he’s open. 250yrds, 2 TD’s, 3 for 25yrds
David Garrard (JAC) – He’s affectionately known as the Steeler killer around these parts. While I don’t think Jacksonville wins this game, I do believe Garrard finds the open space in the zone and connects with his receivers on short and intermediate routes. The run game will struggle despite its past success, and that will leave Garrard as the playmaker in this one. 225yrds, 1 TD, 5 for 40yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – Hasselbeck is coming out of his BYE and he’s finally getting his main receivers back, but he’s facing a very tough Giants defense that will be in his face all day creating problems. Plus, Branch and Engram won’t play the entire game and the other receivers are suspect at best. With no big name QB’s on BYE this week, you should be able to do better. 225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
Jon Kitna (DET) – Kitna is coming off an injured knee and is facing the Bears this week. I expect a lot of turnovers and sacks and Kitna might not finish the game. While he has the weapons outside to make plays, the lack of a running game and questionable offensive line play make Kitna a poor choice this week. 200yrds, 2 TD’s, 3 INT’s, 2 FUM
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Reggie Bush
INJURY WATCH: Adrian Peterson(MIN), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Willie Parker(PIT), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA), Rashard Mendenhall(PIT), Chris Perry(CIN), Kenny Watson(CIN)
Start
Steve Slaton (HOU) – I’m on the Slaton bandwagon. After a tough Week 1 against the Steelers, Slaton has racked up the yards on the ground and through the air and scored in each of his last two games. This week he faces a Colts defense that surrenders over 150yrds to opposing backs. Gary Kubiak knows that his best defense this week will be to control the ball and keep Peyton Manning off the field. Slaton is flourishing in the same system that produced all of those Denver 1000yrd backs. 125yrds, 1 TD, 5 for 50yrds, 1 TD
Earnest Graham (TB) – Graham has been an odd cat this year, posting solid numbers through the first four weeks or the season, despite being shutout week 3. If you look at Graham’s numbers though, you’ll see he’s had two big runs late in week’s 2 and 4 that got him his big numbers for those games. With Brian Griese continuing to be generous to the opposing team with his constant turnovers, Graham should be the benefactor of a more conservative approach this week. He also goes up against a Broncos defense that nearly surrendered a 200yrd game last week. 100yrds, 2 TD’s, 2 for 15yrds
Sit
Chris Johnson/Lendale White (TEN) – Difficult to normally sit either of these guys, but I think Tennessee struggles this week at Baltimore. I expect a very physical game, where both teams will grind it out on offense and try to put their defenses and special teams in a position to win the game. Baltimore comes in as the number one defense in the league against the run, and I expect them to leave this week the same. Unless you’re a Steven Jackson owner, I’d stay away this week. 50-60yrds each, 0.50 TD’s each, 2 for 15yrds each
Michael Turner (ATL) – While Turner has been potent through his first four games, I expect the Falcons to stall this week in Green Bay. The Packers will load up against Turner and force Matt Ryan to try and beat them through the air. While he may score once this week, I see yardage very tough to come by as Atlanta will be forced to throw later in the game to try and make up ground. 30-40yrds, 1 TD, 2 for 15yrds
WR – Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith(CAR), T.J. Houshmanzedah
INJURY WATCH: Marques Colston(NO), Anquan Boldin(ARI), 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), David Patten(NO)
Start
Robert Meachem/Lance Moore (NO) – Besides Reggie Bush, there’s no one on the Saints left to throw to for at least the next two weeks. Both Moore and Meachem benefited from the absence of Colston, Shockey and a limited David Patten, and they’ll do the same this Monday Night when the Saints play the Vikings. Not that the Saints run all that much anyway, but this game should see even less. Get those Saints WR’s in your lineup. 5 for 100yrds each, 1 TD each
Matt Jones (JAC) – Jones will benefit from the Steelers aggressive blitzing and soft zone coverage, finding the holes much like Derrick Mason did this past Monday Night. If Garrard gets time to set up in the pocket, Jones should be open in a variety of areas on the field. Jones has also had success against the Steelers smaller cornerbacks in the red-zone, often winning many jump balls. 6 for 85yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Donald Driver (GB) – It’s obvious that the torch has been passed in the Green Bay receiving corp. Driver is getting about half the amount of looks that Jennings is receiving right now and there’s no sure bet that Rodgers will play this week. You’d figure that Driver would benefit from the doubles that roll Jennings way, but that hasn’t been the case. There are some good receivers on BYE this week, but Driver should only be used if you’re in a tight spot. 4 for 40yrds
Andre Johnson (HOU) – I thought you should never sit your studs?!? Hey, these types of calls are why they pay me the big bucks, err… something like that. If you look at what happened last week, you’ll see the reason for this predict. Indianapolis is tops in the league against the pass, (only because they’re last against the run) and Johnson will be paid extra attention this week. Kevin Walter benefited similarly last week, and the Texans are going to run the ball and use short dump offs to keep the pass rush at bay. A touchdown this week, maybe. 3 for 50yrds
TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley
INJURY WATCH: Tony Gonzalez(KC), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Randy McMichael(STL), Ben Watson(NEP), Leonard Pope(ARI)
Start
Anthony Fasano (MIA) – The TE is the go to receiver in the Miami offense and Fasano has scored in two out of three games this year. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for San Diego, who also happens to give up more catches, yards, and TD’s to TE’s than any other defense in the league. The Chargers will have to focus on stopping Ronnie Brown, leaving Fasano open in the middle of the field. 5 for 75yrds, 1 TD
K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding, David Akers
Start
Jeff Reed (PIT) – Reed is on the verge of becoming an every week start for fantasy owners. Why? He hasn’t missed a FG yet this season, converting all 7 attempts, including 4 of 40yrds and 1 50yrd. His XP to FG ratio right now is 8-7, which is the minimum you want from your fantasy kicker. I expect Reed to continue to have success as the Steelers offense stalls in field goal range against the tough defenses they face this year. 2 XP’s, 3 FG’s
Carolina Panthers – For the second week in a row I’m touting the Panthers. Though they didn’t create any turnovers last week, they are at home again and will play a Chiefs team that looked a lot better last week than they really are. Look for a low yards and points against and a few turnovers to go along an overall solid performance. There are no high profile defenses on BYE this week, so play your regulars and if you’re a NY Jets defense owner, get the Panthers in there if you need some help. <299 YA, <14 PA, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FUM
(2)Buffalo Bills (4-0). Last: WON 31-14 @ St. Louis Rams. Next: @ Arizona (2-2). You can’t blame a team for the schedule they play. Winning games in the NFL is difficult, just ask the Broncos. Buffalo has a strong lead in the AFC East and the schedule isn’t going to get any harder. As long as they keep their key players healthy and continue to play great defense, they should have no problem winning twelve or thirteen games this year.
(3)New York Giants (3-0). Last: BYE. Next: vs. Seattle (1-2). The Giants will be without Plaxico Burress this week when they play the Seahawks. I don’t think it will be a big deal, as the Giants are very deep at the offensive skill positions. Both teams are coming off their BYE weeks, so they’ve had equal time to prepare for each other. The Giants will have to play excellent defense in the secondary as both Engram and Branch are expected back this week.
(1)Dallas Cowboys (3-1). Last: LOST 24-26 vs. Washington Redskins. Next: vs. Cincinnati (0-4). Divisional games are very tough to win. You play these teams so often that record is always thrown out when these games come around. Dallas was unable to get any kind of ground game started, allowing Washington to concentrate on stopping the pass. Anytime a team becomes one-dimensional, the results are usually unfavorable.
(7)Tennessee Titans (4-0). Last: WON 30-17 vs. Minnesota Vikings Next: @ Baltimore (2-1). The Titans continue to roll along, winning games and scoring in bunches. The offense will be tested yet again when they travel to Baltimore this week to face the league’s number one defense. You have to try and establish a run game against the Ravens to draw the safeties up; the corners are not that good. Kerry Collins will face his toughest challenge to date.
(5)Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1). Last: WON 23-20 vs. Baltimore Ravens. Next: @ Jacksonville (2-2) (Sunday Night). Pittsburgh outlasted Baltimore this past Monday Night to regain the lead in the AFC North. Baltimore dominated the game through three quarters, then a personal foul penalty against Baltimore late in the third swung the game. The Steelers then scored 2 TD’s in 15 seconds and hung on to win in overtime. It was an ugly win, but still a win and you’ll take those against divisional opponents. Redemption will be on their minds this week when they travel to Jacksonville.
(4)Philadelphia Eagles (2-2). Last: LOST 20-24 @ Chicago Bears. Next: vs. Washington (3-1). The Eagles schedule is no joke, nobodies is when you play in the NFC East. There won’t be a team under .500, yet someone will not be making the playoffs. The Eagles are low-man on the totem pole at the moment, though I don’t think they’ll stay there. They’ll have a chance to make up some ground this week against the Redskins. Which defense makes a stop will determine the outcome.
(10)Carolina Panthers (3-1). Last: WON 24-9 vs. Atlanta Falcons. Next: vs. Kansas City (1-3). Carolina finally got the pass game going, and they’ll need it in the next coming weeks. With teams seeing Delhomme, Smith and Muhammed on the same page, the safeties will have to back off, allowing Stewart and Williams the opportunity to break big gains. Carolina needs to remain healthy, a problem they’ve had in the past, to remain in the NFC South race.
(6)Green Bay Packers (2-2). Last: LOST 21-30 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next: vs. Atlanta (2-2). Green Bay lost to a tough Buccaneers team on the road, but more importantly, may have lost their QB in the process. A shoulder separation of a QB’s throwing arm is no joke and could become a season ender. If that’s the case, I don’t see a pair of rookie QB’s able to step in against this schedule and have success. All will hinge on those all important x-rays and MRI’s to come for Rodgers.
(8)Denver Broncos (3-1). Last: LOST 19-33 @ Kansas City Chiefs. Next: vs. Tampa Bay (3-1). Do they have trap games in the NFL? If so this was the prime example of one, with Denver maybe looking ahead to Tampa Bay next week. Maybe not, but whatever the case, the Broncos looked bad against arguably the worst team in the league. We’ll see how they respond this week to a much better defense and similar run-first offense.
(12)San Diego Chargers (2-2). Last: WON 28-18 @ Oakland Raiders. Next: @ Miami (1-2). Things looked bad for the Chargers, going down 18 points to the Raiders early, but picked things up, scoring 28 unanswered and winning the game. The Chargers could have trouble this week in Miami (did I just say that out loud) trying to defend Ronnie Brown. They will need to play disciplined defense to have success and cover the TE in the middle of the field, something they failed at this past week.
(9)Indianapolis Colts (1-2). Last: BYE. Next: @ Houston (0-3). The Colts are coming off their BYE and they’ll get to play Houston this week. They key thing was getting time to heal and Manning getting more time to work with his receivers. I expect a lot of Joseph Addai this week to help things along. The defense will have their hands full with rookie phenom Steve Slaton. They’re going to have to stay disciplined and make sure tackles to keep the speedster from breaking big plays.
(14)New Orleans Saints (2-2). Last: WON 31-17 vs. San Francisco 49ers. Next: vs. Minnesota (1-3) (Monday Night). The Saints defense finally gelled and the results were a convincing win against San Francisco. The return of Deuce McAllister really opened things up for Brees down field and he continued his passing domination on the season. Minnesota’s secondary is horrendous, and even without Colston, Shockey, and/or Patten, New Orleans has the depth at receiver and tight end to remain productive.
(15)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1). Last: WON 30-21 vs. Green Bay Packers. Next: @ Denver (3-1). Tampa Bay has looked good, and they’re winning games differently every week. The defense was very strong against the Pack this past week, creating pressure, forcing turnovers, and eventually knocking Rodgers out of the game. The offense should be able to move the ball effectively against Denver this week by running the football and setting up play action. Griese needs to do a better job of taking care of the football for them to continue to have success.
(11)New England Patriots (2-1). Last: BYE. Next: @ San Francisco (2-2). The Patriots have the fortune of the BYE also last week, and they needed probably more than any other team. Their offense just isn’t that good, and their defense was exposed severely against the Dolphins. While the 49ers won’t run the same package this week, expect a heavy dose of a very similar type back in Frank Gore.
(16)Chicago Bears (2-2). Last: WON 24-20 vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Next: @ Detroit (0-3). Chicago beat a very good Philadelphia team this past Sunday Night, and they did it with defense, stopping the Eagles on a fourth and goal from the one. The passing game has looked remarkably different from past years, with Orton becoming more of a playmaker and less o####ame manager. A passing game opens up the run and the Bears are very good at the run.
(NR)Washington Redskins (3-1). Last: WON 26-24 @ Dallas Cowboys. Next: @ Philadelphia (2-2). I want to rank the Redskins higher, but what are you gonna do. A win this week would shoot them up the ranks, I promise. Winning at Dallas is no easy feat, but the Skins have played well against the Boys, beating them in the final game last year to squeak into the playoffs. Back-to-back divisional road games are the ultimate test of a team. Let’s see how they perform this week.
Dropped Out: (13) Minnesota
On the Verge: Jacksonville (2-2)
Bottom Feeders: 32.St. Louis Rams, 31.Detroit Lions, 30. Cincinnati Bengals
(1)Dallas Cowboys (3-0). Last: WON 27-16 @ Green Bay Packers. Next: vs. Washington (2-1). Dallas won for the first time Green Bay. Dallas is going to be difficult to beat. Especially when the defense plays up to its potential like it did against Green Bay. The offense wasn’t spectacular, but it didn’t need to be, it just needed to be efficient and get points. They have a big divisional game this week, though it is a home, and Washington has come on strong after their dismal showing in week one.
(4)Buffalo Bills (3-0). Last: WON 24-23 vs. Oakland Raiders. Next: @ St. Louis (0-3). Buffalo squeaked out a win against Oakland, and that is good and bad for this team. It’s bad that they were in that position, especially being at home. But it’s good in that they had to come from behind, make big plays and nail a field goal with time expiring to win. These types of games are character builders for teams, and Buffalo continues to grow.
(5)New York Giants (3-0). Last: WON 26-23 vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Next: BYE. The Giants also struggles this past week, needing overtime to beat the Bengals. Cincinnati finally showed what type of team it could be, and I don’t think the Giants were quite prepared for that. Like the Bills, it is critical for teams to win tight games and overtime games to learn how to handle those types of situations. These learning experiences are vital to any team wanting to contend.
(6)Philadelphia Eagles (2-1). Last: WON 15-6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Next: @ Chicago (1-2) (Sunday Night). The Eagles outlasted the Steelers in this heavyweight fight, but paid a bit of a price in the area of personnel. Tony Hunt(RB) was knocked out of the game on the first series and never returned. A series or two later, Brian Westbrook left the game after stepping on his own teammate. While Westbrook’s injury is being called a strain and not considered serious, the Eagles have quickly become thin in the backfield.
(2)Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1). Last: LOST 6-15 @ Philadelphia Eagles. Next: vs. Baltimore (2-0) (Monday Night). The Steelers got beat in the score, in the mental, and in the coaching game this past week. Big Ben was battered around all day to the tune of 8 sacks, 2 fumbles and an interception before leaving the game midway through the fourth quarter. It was a very physical game for both teams, so check injury reports to see who survived. I’d like to see some changes on the offensive line, but I doubt anything will happen. A win this week at home gets them back on track and back in first in the AFC North.
(3)Green Bay Packers (2-1). Last: LOST 16-27 vs. Dallas Cowboys. Next: @ Tampa Bay (2-1). The Packers lost to arguably the best team in the league, but Green Bay fan shouldn’t fret. I’m guessing that most teams will lose to the Cowboys. It’s all about how the Pack responds to losing. They face another challenge on the road this week against and aging, but solid defense. This game is important because it could decide playoff seeding and a game at home during those playoffs. I think this game shows us how good Green Bay really is.
(10)Tennessee Titans (3-0). Last: WON 31-12 vs. Houston Texans. Next: vs. Minnesota (1-2). Tennessee continues to win, playing solid defense and controlling the ball and the clock on offense. This is a much better passing game now with Collins, and he’ll have the ability to bring the team back if they fall behind. The Titans will face their mirror team in the NFC in the Vikings, who want to do the same things on offense and defense. Tennessee was gouged by much lesser of a running back in Steve Slaton, and will have to face A.P. Not taking anything away from the rook from WVU, but the Vikings have a better offensive line.
(13)Denver Broncos (3-0). Last: WON 34-32 vs. New Orleans Saints. Next:@ Kansas City (0-3). The Broncos lead the NFL in scoring through the first three weeks of the season and they’ll need to keep that trend going if they want to continue winning, because they’ve also given up the third most points in the league. They should continue to win this week at least as they visit Kansas City and the worst coached, worst offense in the league.
(8)Indianapolis Colts (1-2). Last: LOST 21-23 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars. Next: BYE. The Colts lost a heartbreaker to the Jags on a last second field goal this past week, so I can’t drop them too far, but they need to turn things around fast to stay in the AFC race. Luckily they get their BYE this week and it comes at a perfect time. Manning will get a week to rest and work on getting his timing back with his receivers. They’ll also get a chance to sure up that porous run defense, yikes.
(9)Carolina Panthers (2-1). Last: LOST 10-20 @ Minnesota Vikings. Next: vs. Atlanta (2-1). The AFC South is going to be tight this year, and the Panthers are going to be in the hunt. They have a huge divisional game this week against Atlanta, and they’ll need to get the passing game going to keep Atlanta from loading the box. This is a winnable game for Carolina, but the Falcons are out to prove something.
(7)New England Patriots (2-1). Last: LOST 13-38 vs. Miami Dolphins. Next: BYE. This game against the Dolphins will represent the rest of the season for New England in my opinion. There should be no possibly way the Dolphins rack up that many points on the Pats, which in case you forgot, Tom Brady is on IR. Wait a minute, Brady doesn’t play defense, wow. The Patriots get their BYE at the right time, and I expect The Devil(Bellicheck), to have his team ready to play. I still don’t think they’ll win more than eight games this year.
(14)San Diego Chargers (1-2). Last: WON 48-29 vs. New York Jets. Next: @ Oakland (1-2). The Chargers looked good Monday, easily disposing of the Jets while scoring big points, with turnovers, pressure, and a score from the defense as well. Tomlinson appeared to be okay but lacked explosiveness in his run that he normally carries in his game. He still scored two TD’s, while he actually didn’t do the work to get down there, he still converted, and that’s what mattered. San Diego has dominated Oakland in the past and I expect them to even up their record this week to get back in the hunt for the AFC West.
(16)Minnesota Vikings (1-2). Last: WON 20-10 vs. Carolina Panthers. Next: @ Tennessee (3-0). The Vikings finally finished the game in the win column this year, and they needed it badly. They honestly can’t afford to lose many more games this year if they want a chanced at a wild card spot, considering how well the NFC East is playing. They’ll get tested again this week when they travel to Tennessee. Hopefully A.P. is ready to go, because the Vikings will be counting on him to win the game.
(11)New Orleans Saints (1-2). Last: LOST 32-34 @ Denver Broncos. Next: vs. San Francisco (2-1). The Saints are getting close, but the defense is not holding things together long enough to help win games. They’re pretty ####ed up right now, and it might get worse before it gets better. There could be another shoot-out in the dome this week as Mike Martz comes strolling into town with his pass first, pass second, pass third philosophy. Drew Brees has a great game despite only throwing for one TD against Denver. There’s no confusing who’s going to have to win games for this team.
(NR)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1). Last: WON 27-24 @ Chicago Bears. Next: vs. Green Bay (2-1). Tampa Bay makes their debut in the Power 16 this week after winning an overtime knock-down, drag-out with the Bears in the windy city. The defense and lack of ground game scares me about this team. When you run the ball a total of 10 times, you don’t win many games. They’ll need to run and sure up the defense this week when the Packers come to town.
(12)Chicago Bears (1-2). Last: LOST 24-27 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next: vs. Philadelphia (2-1) (Sunday Night). Despite the overtime loss to Tampa, the Bears have to feel a little better about their passing game. They will at least realize they have one now, and it may be featured when they play Philly this coming Sunday Night. The Eagles are pretty ####ed up on offense right now, but the Bears will have to find a way to beat the every-play blitzing defense to give themselves a chance.
Dropped Out: (15) Arizona Cardinals (2-1)
On the Verge: Washington(2-1), Atlanta(2-1), Baltimore(2-0), San Francisco(2-1)
Bottom Feeders: 32.Kansas City, 31.St. Louis, 30.Detroit
Week 3 of the NFL is in the books, and it will be a forgettable one for a lot of teams, I’m sure. There are still six undefeated teams to go along with the six winless teams. Things are starting to shake out like many thought they would with some glaring exceptions in the AFC South and East. Things in that conference are pretty much up in the air right now, with some very unexpected front runners heading up their respective divisions. And in the era of the salary cap and the infamous parity that exists; the NFL surely considers all of this good and bad.
GOOD
The New England Patriots lost, excuse me, got pounded at home by the hapless Miami Dolphins. Note to the league, the Patriots are a shell of their former selves without Tom Brady at QB. It also didn’t help that Maroney and Jordan both missed this game with some kind of injury. Why this is in the good column, because everyone outside of Boston and its surrounding areas was cheering when they saw what was happening in Foxboro. People love to hate Bill Belichick and the Pats, and this season is shaping up to be one big love-fest.
The Browns and Bengals both lost their games this past week, leaving them scraping at the bottom of the AFC North and winless at 0-3. This is shaping up to be a one and a half pony race for this division. Oh yeah, they play each other this week, so someone's gonna be 0-4, ouch.
BAD
The Steelers lost their first game of the season this past Sunday in ugly fashion, getting outscored and out-coached by the Philly Eagles. It’s no new news that Pittsburgh hasn’t won in Philly in quite some time. This was a very winnable game in my mind, but the Steeler coaching staff made no attempt to adjust to the all-out blitz Philly ran on EVERY play. There were no draws, no screens, and only the occasional quick hitter to a wide receiver that produced results. The one deep ball that was thrown was intercepted, albeit early in the game, but there wasn’t another ball thrown deep again. It was a hard fought game, and one that was totally winnable. I’m not sure why Max Starks did not make an appearance at RT or another position. In that situation, what’s the worst that could happen; he’d give up a sack?
Fantasy Note
I got crushed in my Fantasy Game this past week, against what I believe is the best team in our league. I managed a measly one touchdown from my players, that coming from Drew Brees. The yardage was okay, but when you only get 4 total points from Brian Westbrook, Earnest Graham, and Andre Johnson, you’re going to be in trouble. Yes, Westbrook was injured in that game, but the production still needs to come from the other players and needs to be more than that. My bench almost outscored my starters, scary. So this was my worst game of the year, I expect to bounce back next week. I’ll be without Calvin Johnson this week as the Lions go on their BYE, but I believe I will be able to find a suitable replacement for him. You can keep track of me this season at the below link.
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler (removed: Tom Brady)
INJURY WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA)
Start
Aaron Rodgers (GB) – Again, a lot of other QB’s with great match-ups this week, but considering what Philly did last week with less talent and Green Bay’s lackluster ground game, Rodgers once again should be a very solid start. I think this good be another prime-time shoot-out that leaves owners very pleased with the results. 300yrds, 3 TD’s, 20yrds rushing
J.T. O’Sullivan (SF) – There are other QB’s to consider as a start this week, but O’Sullivan has the benefit of Mike Martz behind him when they host the Lions. I think Martz will be a little motivated to stick it to his old team. I expect the 49ers to throw and throw often, making O’Sullivan a very promising play this week. 300yrds, 3 TD’s
Sit
Derek Anderson (CLE) – It doesn’t get any easier this week for Anderson and the Browns when they travel to Baltimore to take on the rejuvenated Ravens defense. Couple that with the Browns anemic offense and that spells disaster. This will be another low scoring affair with turnovers abound, no ground game, and no chance o####ood performance. 175yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
Matt Schaub (HOU) – I expect a similar outing for Schaub close to what happened in week 1. No running game, sacks, pressures, and turnovers. Who knows, maybe having two weeks to prepare for the Titans will make a difference, but I don’t think this team has the talent to protect Schaub and make enough plays to be worth a start this week. 200yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT, I FUM
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Marshawn ####, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Willie Parker (removed: Larry Johnson, Joseph Addai)
INJURY WATCH: LaDanian Tomlinson(SD), Michael Turner(ATL), Ryan Grant(GB), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Maurice Jones-Drew(JAC), Fred Taylor(JAC), Darren McFadden(OAK), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Deuce McAllister(NO), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Brandon Jacobs(NYG)
Start
Julius Jones (SEA) – Besides that fact that he’s the only healthy player on the offense left, he gets the Rams in Seattle this week. While there will be passes a plenty, I expect the ‘Hawks to get the ground game going in a big way. It’s something Holmgren has been trying to do for the last two years and has been unsuccessful in his attempts. Jones should also be able to catch some passes coming out of the backfield. I worry slightly that T.J. Duckett will start to steal the goal line carries, so monitor this in the upcoming weeks. 100-125yrds, 3 for 15-30yrds, 2 TD’s
Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor (JAC) – Check the injury reports to make sure they’re active. If one is out for this week, boost the others numbers, but I expect both will be active and they will be featured this week against the Colts. Jacksonville needs this game and they’re going to use their run game as their best offense AND best de
