Neither team has any injuries worth noting. Brett Favre has proven to be the riverboat gambler so far this season, tossing 11 interceptions. Marshawn #### has still not gained over 100 yards in any game this season, but does score TDs. I would expect this game to be close.
Prediction: Buffalo
Detroit +13 at Chicago
The Lions have played much better since GM Matt Millen was canned. Perhaps the team is starting to realize that their jobs are on the line also. Dan Orlovsky has yet to prove to be an adequate starting QB, but the rumors abound that Detroit will sign Daunte Culpepper shortly. Speaking of QBs, who could have predicted Kyle Orton, would play so well this season? Brandon Lloyd is still questionable for the game.
Prediction: Detroit
Jacksonville -7.5 at Cincinnati
Backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has had an incredibly hard time finding his receivers for anything other than short gains. Matt Jones has still not been suspended by the NFL, so you better use him while you can. Could this be the Bengals first win of the season?
Prediction: Jacksonville
Baltimore +1.5 at Cleveland
The Browns have actually been playing much better of late. Kellen Winslow returns after sort of being suspended for one game. They did suspend him but then rescinded it, but still declared him inactive - weird situation. Joe Flacco is the definition of managing the game and not making mistakes. Willis McGahee has finally started to look like a starting running back.
Prediction: Cleveland
Green Bay +5.5 at Tennessee
Another test for the Titans. This could be a let-down game after playing Monday night against the Colts. Plus, the Packers are coming off a bye. I have a feeling the Titans will not remain undefeated after this one. They will look to control the clock as always, by running Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Defensively they will try and make Green Bay one dimensional by taking away Ryan Grant, which hasn't been all that difficult for any team so far this season.
Prediction: Green Bay
Tampa Bay -8.5 at Kansas City
Jon Gruden did not have Jeff Garcia take advantage of a depleted Dallas secondary last week, and it might have cost them the game. Look for Gruden to take advantage of a horrendous Chiefs run defense by stuffing the ball down their throats over and over again. Larry Johnson is once again inactive for Kansas City, and there is a feeling that he may have played his last game for them.
Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Browns vs. Bengals: The Bengals lack of a pass rush, (only 1 sack and ranked last in the league) will allow Anderson and his favorite targets plenty of time to get open and rack up the yards and TDs. This trio had their most productive games against Cincinnati last season, with Anderson totaling 7 TDs in the two games, connecting with Edwards in the end zone 4 times.
Chris Perry, Bengals vs. Browns: The Cleveland defense is ranked 25th against the rush and has allowed 6 TDs on the ground (ranked 29th).
Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Panthers vs. Falcons: The Falcons allow 137 rushing yards per game and had trouble stopping the only tough opponent they’ve faced so far, when they played Tampa in week two.
Trent Edwards, Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Marshawn ####, Bills vs. Rams: The Bills are not a prolific scoring team, but the Rams have shown to be inept, while earning the rank of dead last in total defense by allowing a whopping 7 passing TDs and 6 rushing TDs.
J.T. O'Sullivan, Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Frank Gore, 49ers vs. Saints: New Orleans is allowing almost 28 points per game and is ranked 29th in yards allowed.
Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Broncos vs. Chiefs: While the running back by committee is the worst scenario for owners who have any of these backs, the opportunities will be plentiful to pile up the yardage against the Chiefs 31st ranked run defense, which is allowing a ridiculous 204 yards per game and 6 rushing TDs.
Join our FSF League at Pay The Fan Sign-up once for only $39.95 to play for your chance to win $10,000 every week.Click this banner below for more details
Every week this list will give you the players whom you should expect to see a change in fantasy value due to performance, injury or splitting time at his position. Monitor your league's free agent list and opposing rosters to find these players at their optimum value.
RISERS
QB Brian Griese, Buccaneers: His stat line from last week should get your attention: 38 completions on a whopping 67 pass attempts for 404 yards and 2 TDs. This is uncharacteristic from the typical run-oriented Bucs offense, but it shows that Jon Gruden has confidence in Griese airing it out.
Kyle Orton, Bears: Orton had his best game as Bears QB, against a tough Tampa defense, connecting on two TD passes and 268 yards.
Trent Green, Rams: With starter Marc Bulger now benched, Green will take over a beleaguered offense with problems on the line and no quality second receiver to throw to. Pick him up only if you're desperate for a QB.
RB Rudi Johnson, Lions: There was a noticeable change in in who carried the workload for the Lions in last week's game against the 49ers. Starter Kevin Smith had just 3 rushes for 14 yards, while Rudi was used for the first time this season in a prominent role and was effective with 83 yards on 14 carries and 3 catches for 48 receiving yards, with a TD. Detroit is on the bye this week, but expect Johnson to be the primary back in week 5.
Corell Buckhalter, Eagles: When Brian Westbrook went down with an ankle injury, Buckhalter was effective as his substitute, both rushing (43 yards) and receiving (44 yards). Even if Westbrook plays this week, Buckhalter will be a hot waiver wire item.
Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Willy Parker has been ruled out for the Monday night game against Baltimore, so the Steelers first round pick will get significant playing time for the first time this season. Not a good matchup for him this week against a very tough Ravens D, but if Parker's injury is more serious, than Mendenhall will be a valuable pick-up.
Pierre Thomas, Saints: It's become clear that Deuce McAllister has no role in this offense, which is good news for Pierre Thomas. He has capitalized on his role as a short yardage and goal line specialist, rushing for 2 TDs last week, giving him 3 for the season.
T.J. Duckett, Seahawks: Seattle's injury depleted wide receiving unit has forced them to focus on the run, which translated to big games for both Julius Jones and Duckett, who capitalized on his increased role with 79 yards on 19 carries and 2 scores. The big back could become an ideal goal-line rusher, even if Maurice Morris returns after Seattle's bye this week.
Every week this list will give you the top players for whom you should expect to see a change in their fantasy value due to recent performance, injury or increase/decrease in time at his position.
RISERS
QB
Kerry Collins, Titans: Should offer a better option to fantasy owners than Vince Young.
Damon Huard, Chiefs: Operates the Kansas City offense more efficiently than Brodie Croyle and will better utilize Bowe and Gonazalez.
Matt Cassel, Patriots: It's his job to lose, but Belichick won't hesitate to make a change if he sputters.
RB
Sammy Morris, Patriots: Week one showed that he may be a better fantasy option than Maroney.
Julius Jones, Seahawks: The injury to Maurice Morris may double the touches for Jones in the next few weeks.
WR
Eddie Royal, Broncos: His impressive Monday night performance quickly put him on the radar as one of top rookies for this season.
Matt Jones, Jaguars: He emerged as David Garrard's top WR option in game one with six catches for 80 yards.
TE
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins: Don't be surprised to see him continue to be Pennington's top target every week. Dante Rosario, Panthers: A last second TD and 96 receiving yards moves him up the TE list.
The Rams are still a mess. Steven Jackson has reported, but has not seen any game action, so no live hitting. The offensive line has major question marks and there is little doubt that Marc Bulger can survive another beating like he did last season. Donovan McNabb and the Eagles are expecting a big year. The loss of Kevin Curtis for at least the first quarter of the season will put even more pressure on Brian Westbrook, as he will have to continue to be the focus of the offense.
Prediction: Philadelphia
Houston +8 at Pittsburgh
Houston is an improved team, just how improved is anyone’s guess. Matt Schaub has developed into a capable quarterback. The question is if their running game help them move the chains. As for Pittsburgh, their offense is loaded with playmakers, but there offensive line may be their undoing. No matter how good your receivers and running backs are, if your quarterback is running for his life, you’re not going anywhere.
Prediction: Houston
Cincinnati +.5 at Baltimore
Both of these teams are a mess. Let’s start with the Bengals. They just released Rudi Johnson, so Chris Perry has been named the starter. Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum but will play through it. T. J. Houschmandzadeh hasn’t played this pre-season with leg problems and the defense was never any good. The Ravens have named rookie Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. Troy Smith has had tonsillitis and lost a good deal of weight and strength. Kyle Boller has a severe shoulder injury and may have to go on injured reserve.
Prediction: Cincinnati
Detroit -4.5 at Atlanta
With Mike Martz gone, Detroit has sworn that they will run the ball more. That’s good news for the defense and running back Kevin Smith. With Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams manning the outside, they will stretch the field also. The recent signing of Rudi Johnson adds depth to the backfield. Atlanta may very well be the worst team in the NFC. Matt Ryan will lead the team, and free agent prize running back Michael Turner will try and control the clock.
Every week for the next 17 weeks, The Fantasy Sports Forum will give you the best game matchups to exploit and to avoid, as we seek to help our readers win $10,000 every week in our FSF fantasy football League at Pay The Fan. It's not too late to join. For less than $4 a week, you'll have a chance at a $10,000 weekly cash payout, in addition to working towards the year-end grand prize of $250,000. Read why Aaron Rodgers and Thomas Jones may help you get there.
Teams are listed in order of predicted finish with record in parentheses.
AFC East
New England Patriots, (14-2): Was there ever any doubt? They may not be as dangerous as they once were, but they are still the class of the East. Their offense is virtually unstoppable. Look for Tom Brady to continue to throw often. The defense however can be scored upon, which could lead to many high scoring games this season.
New York Jets, (10-6): The Jets spent quite a few dollars and some draft choices this off-season in order to upgrade their team. They’re not a Super Bowl contender, but they should be in the mix for the wild card. The addition of Brett Favre is sure to energize Gang Green. If he can play at a high level, the Jets could be the surprise team of the AFC.
Buffalo Bills, (8-8): Difficult team to judge. The defense, although not great, is certainly above average. The running game led by Marshawn #### is very productive and the strength of the offense. The big questions lie with the passing game and Trent Edwards. In order for the Bills to reach that next level, Edwards has to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback, and the jury is still very much out on that.
Miami Dolphins, (5-11): The Fish are sure to be selecting in the top five come next year's draft, but that doesn’t mean sunny days are not far behind. One thing you know about Bill Parcells, is that he can turn a team around somewhat quickly, as his track record has proven.
