The winner of this game takes a one game lead in the AFC East. We all know these two teams don’t like each other, so this game should be sort of a slugfest. The Jets will try to establish their run game with Thomas Jones. The Patriots will have to rely on Matt Cassell to make some plays because there is no way the Jets respect the Pats run game.
Prediction: Jets
Denver +5.5 at Atlanta
Denver signed Tatum Bell this week, which shows you how desperate they are for a running attack. I think Mike Shanahan should just line up four to five receivers and toss the rock all over the field. Michael Turner should have a nice game for the Falcons, and Matt Ryan should find the going easy as well.
Prediction: Atlanta
Philadelphia -8.5 at Cincinnati
Brian Westbrook still doesn’t look fully healed from his leg injury, but should still have a nice game here. Kevin Curtis should be in mid-season form about now. The Eagles will blitz Ryan Fitzpatrick until he no longer wants to play football.
Prediction: Philadelphia
Chicago +5.5 at Green Bay
It looks like Kyle Orton will start for the Bears this week. So much for that ankle injury keeping him out a month. The Bears completely shut down the Titans running game last week but they gave up a ton of yardage in the passing game as their secondary is atrocious. Aaron Rodgers should have time to do what he wants.
Prediction: Green Bay
Houston +8.5 at Indianapolis
If not for the implosion of Sage Rosenfels, Houston would’ve beaten Indianapolis in their first meeting. Steve Slaton will be given every chance to take over this game for the Texans and keep Peyton Manning off the field. Joseph Addai needs to show why he is a top running back or Dominic Rhodes will continue to take away carries. Marvin Harrison needs to show that he is still a viable number two receiver.
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.
Having trouble deciding on which players will have the best prodcution for this week's games? Check out these ten player matchups you should exploit to help you win fantasy football week eight.
10. Jason Campbell, Santana Moss, Antwann Randle-El, Chris Cooley - Redskins vs. Lions While Campbell has only averaged one passing TD per game this season, he hasn't had the chance to face a defense this inept yet. Detroit is ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 28th in passing TDs allowed. Make sure you start Campbell and all his recievers.
9. Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Ellis-Green - Patriots vs. Rams With Sammy Morris out and Lamont Jordan doubtful, Faulk and Ellis-Green will get virtually all of the touches out of the backfield against the Rams 30th ranked run defense, which has also allowed 10 rushing TDs.
8. Willis McGahee, LeRon McClain - Ravens vs. Raiders The Ravens entire offense is their running game and they'll be facing an Oakland defense which hasn't stopped the run all year, allowing 136 yards per game and 9 TDs.
7. Donovan McNabb, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, LJ Smith - Eagles vs. Falcons The Falcons are ranked 26th against the pass and have allowed 10 TDs through the air. Curtis returns to the starting lineup this week after missing the first seven games.
6. Steve Slaton, Ahman Green - Texans vs. Bengals The winless Bungles have been trampled on trying to defend the run, allowing 152 yards per game and 10 rushing TDs. Both Slaton and Green should get at least 15 touches.
Week eight of the NFL season will shine the spotlight on a few desperate teams with high expectations, like Dallas and Indianapolis, and a possible Super Bowl preview between the Steelers and the Giants. Read all our game previews and spread predictions for this weekend's games.
Tampa Bay +2 at Dallas Tony Romo will once again miss this game with a broken pinkie. This leaves the offense in the capable hands of Captain Checkdown, Brad Johnson. One has to wonder if Terrell Owens is just waiting to explode if he has one more bad game. Tampa will, in all likelihood, be without Warrick Dunn which means Earnest Graham will get the bulk of the carries. Look for Jeff Garcia to take advantage of the depleted Dallas secondary. Prediction: Tampa Bay
Washington -8 at Detroit
Where do you even begin with the Lions? Offense is a mess, defense is even worse. Their 0-6 record is slightly less worse than the 0-7 Cincinnati Bungles. Washington has had some uneven play recently. Jason Campbell hasn’t thrown an INT all season, but that could also mean he’s not taking any chances, and not pushing the ball into the secondary. Clinton Portis has been listed as questionable all week, but there is little doubt that he will play.
Prediction: Washington
Buffalo -1.5 at Miami
Buffalo has to be one of the better stories of the season, but they have yet to play a game inside their division. If they can prove to be as formidable inside the division as outside, they may be the team to beat in the AFC East. Marshawn #### owners are still waiting for a breakout performance, but keep in mind, last season his second half was much better than his first. Bill Parcells and company have done a fantastic job remaking the Dolphins. They’re not a playoff threat this season, but give them another draft or two and they will be.
Prediction: Buffalo
St. Louis +7 at New England
The Rams have started to turn around what looked like a miserable season, and interim coach Jim Haslett should get some of that credit. Perhaps in-season firings do work. Steven Jackson has a quad injury and his status has been iffy all week. Matt Cassell and Randy Moss hooked up for two touchdowns last week, but that was against a dreadful Denver defense. The Patriots running game however is in shambles. Laurence Maroney was put on the IR, so his season is done, and Sammy Morris will miss the next 2-3 weeks with a knee injury. This leaves the running game in the hands of veteran Kevin Faulk and rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Might be worth a pickup if you need a short term running back.
This game will be played in merry old London, but will be considered a home game for the Saints – whatever that’s worth. Okay, it’s meaningless. LaDainian Tomlinson keeps saying he is getting healthier by the week, yet his performances say otherwise. Chris Chambers is still questionable to play this week. Marques Colston returned from his thumb surgery last week, but did not have a catch. Jeremy Shockey returned from hernia surgery and promptly complained that he is still not recovered. Shockey has not practiced yet this week and is questionable for this week. One person who is not questionable is Reggie Bush; he will miss the next 3-4 weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Deuce McAllister is now the man for New Orleans, with Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker getting some touches too.
Dominic Rhodes has surged to the top of the waiver wire pickups this week with Joseph Addai out for the next few games. See which other players have seen their fantasy stock rising and declining going into week seven.
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 Brad Johnson, Cowboys: Whether he’s in for three games or even just one, Johnson will be the most popular free agent pick-up this week due to the weapons available to him in the Dallas offense. It also helps that this week’s matchup is against the lowly Rams. Put in a claim on him even if Romo says he's playing.
Matt Ryan, Falcons: If he’s still available on the waiver wire (maybe in ten team leagues), grab him. The rookie seems to be getting better each week and has developed an excellent chemistry with receiver Roddy White.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals: Reports on Carson Palmer’s elbow injury are looking more ominous, with the worst case scenario having him miss the rest of the season. The Bengals offense is struggling, but if Fitzpatrick gets the job for the rest of the season, he could serve as a bye week replacement over the next four weeks.
RB Dominic Rhodes, Colts: After Joseph Addai went down early in last week’s game, Rhodes rushed 25 times for 73 yards and a TD. Addai has been ruled out for the next 2-4 weeks, so Rhodes will be in high demand and has a favorable matchup this week against Green Bay’s soft run defense.
Michael Pittman, Broncos: Pittman is coming off his best game of the year with a season high 20 carries for 109 yards, due to the absence of Selvin Young last week. There’s no predicting how Mike Shanahan will use his running backs from week to week, but Pittman’s value is at it’s highest right now.
Tashard Choice, Cowboys: Felix Jones is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, so Choice will step in as the backup to Marion Barber and assume the same role which Jones was used in. Expect about five to seven carries and possibly three catches, likely off screen plays.
WR Bernard Berrian, Vikings: Berrian has now had four consecutive productive games and is looking to display some synergy with Gus Frerotte. And while this is still not a very prolific passing offense, Berrian will give you solid numbers as a WR3.
Donnie Avery, Rams: The rookie was the Rams leading receiver last week, catching four balls for 74 yards. With Torry Holt getting most of the attention, Avery will be able to get more targets his way and could thrive as the second receiver Marc Bulger has been looking for all year.
Antwaan Randle-El, Redskins: Week six saw Randle-El lead Washington receivers with 87 yards. He also had five catches and seems to be targeted often in the offense every week. Not a bad bye week alternative as a third receiver or flex play.
Devin Hester, Bears: It took a little while for Hester to be recognized as more than just a great returner, but he has had three consecutive solid games averaging 60 yards receiving and totaling two TDs.
TE Zach Miller, Raiders: It’s not saying much, but Miller is the Raiders leading pass catcher with 14, five more than their next player. If your league’s tight end waiver options are thin and you need a bye week replacement, Miller probably has the highest potential for a breakout game.
Get our week six snapshot game previews and spread predictions to find out which games have the potential to be blowouts.
Baltimore +4 at Indianapolis
We all know Baltimore can play defense, but they are not going to shut down Peyton and company. They will try and keep Peyton off the field by running LeRon McLain and Willis MaGahee, but I just can’t see them scoring enough to beat Indy on the road.
Prediction: Indianapolis
Detroit +13.5 at Minnesota
Gus Frerotte looked really good Monday night against New Orleans, he could look even better this week versus Detroit. The Lions can’t stop the run or the pass, so look for big things from the Minnesota offense. Jon Kitna is iffy at best to start this game. This could be an ugly one.
Prediction: Minnesota
Oakland +7 at New Orleans
Oakland is coming off of a bye, but Darren McFadden is still not fully recovered from his toe injury. Justin Fargas looks to be the starter in this one, and should be able to run for some yards until the Raiders fall behind. Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey are still out for this game - both are at least a week away.
Prediction: New Orleans
Cincinnati +9 at Jets
Cincinnati has played much better the past two weeks, losing to the Giants in OT, and playing a very close game against the Cowboys last week. Carson Palmer is healthy for now. The Jets need Tomas Jones to get things going. This will put less pressure on Brett Favre and the passing game.
Prediction: Cincinnati
Chicago -3 at Atlanta
These are two of the more surprising teams in the NFL. Kyle Orton has proven he can be a solid starting quarterback in this league. He will not be the singular force behind a victory, but he won’t make the mistake that will cost the game either. Atlanta has already won three games; some thought that might be all they win all year. Matt Ryan has proven he was the right pick with their number one choice (3rd overall) and Michael Turner might have been the number one free agent signing.
Will this be the week that Maurice Jones-Drew finally breaks out? See why we think he has a favorable matchup this week and which other matchups you should look to exploit in week six.
Running Backs 1. Julius Jones, Seahawks vs. Packers: The only positive with Seattle's offense has been Jones and he'll be facing a Green Bay defense which has allowed 161 yards per game on the ground. Expect Jones to carry the ball 20-25 times for over 100 yards.
2. LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee, Ravens vs. Colts: Offenses will to continue to run on the Colts last ranked run defense, which is allowing a stunning 188 yards per game, with defensive MVP Bob Sanders still out.
3. Clinton Portis, Redskins vs. Rams: The Rams are a mess on both sides of the ball and have been unable to keep opposing runners out of the end zone, giving up seven rushing TDs, tied for 2nd worst.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, and Fred Taylor, Jaguars vs. Broncos: This should finally be the week for this underachieving duo to break out and post some big numbers, since Denver is allowing 134 yards rushing per game (ranked 25th).
5. Ronnie Brown,and Ricky Williams, Dolphins vs. Texans: The Miami backfield pair should have no problem running all over Houston's 26th ranked run defense. Expect a couple of TDs, as Houston has allowed a league most eight rushing TDs.
6. Thomas Jones, Jets vs. Bengals: Cincinnati has been surprisingly solid defending the pass this season (6th best in yards allowed) but has been trampled on trying to stop the run, allowing a whopping 171 yards per game. Jones will get plenty of work and should exceed 100 yards on the ground.
7. Deuce McAlister, Saints vs. Raiders: Oakland has allowed seven rushing TDs on the ground and it's becoming clear that he'll be getting the carries inside the five.
This past Sunday, the 49ers honored Steve Young with a halftime ceremony retiring his number. I always thought that despite his numerous accomplishments, Young was never appreciated as much as he should have been. It got us thinking here at The Fantasy Sports Forum about some excellent NFL players who never quite received the credit they probably should have. Here is our top ten list:
10. Phil Simms, QB, New York Giants: Not the strongest arm or the fastest runner, but an excellent leader who got the job done and had one of the greatest Super Bowl games of any quarterback. Could play for my team anytime.
9. Art Monk, WR, Washington Redskins: Yeah I know he was just elected to the Hall of Fame, but it took about 15 years for him to get there - even though when he retired he was the NFL leader in receptions. Wasn't flashy, didn't call attention to himself, just caught the football and kept the chains moving.
8. Jeff Garcia, QB, San Francisco 49ers: Had the impossible job of making 49er fans forget Joe Montana and Steve Young - good luck. His arm is nothing special, but all he does is win. I'm not sure anyone knows why, but he just has that something special.
7. John Taylor, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Maybe he was able to put up all those numbers because opposing defenses were worried about Jerry Rice, but he was a highlight machine himself, regularly turning five yard slants into 60 yard touchdowns. The perfect complement to Rice in that he didn't need the spotlight to shine on himself.
6. Drew Pearson, WR, Dallas: One of the best receivers of the 70s and a leader of the Cowboys. Best known for the Hail Mary completion against Minnesota in the playoffs. Has very similar numbers to Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and should probably be there himself.
5. Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers: Moon was a prolific offensive machine during the Oilers Run and Shoot era. And while he never won a Super Bowl, he was a multiple champion in the CFL, if that counts for anything.
4. Doug Flutie, QB, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Flutie was another quarterback who excelled in the CFL, but was never given a fair chance in the NFL, mostly due to being the anti-prototype size for an NFL quarterback. But anywhere he played, he managed to win. He should never have been passed over in Buffalo for an inferior and subpar talent like Rob Johnson. Wade Phillips would have lasted longer in Buffalo if he had picked the right man to lead his team.
Matt Hasselbeck will finally be able to fully operate the Seahawks offense with the return of starting receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram. See our prediction on that game and all the rest of the week five matchups.
Seattle finally has some healthy wide receivers returning in this game, as Deion Branch and Bobby Engram will make their season debuts. Matt Hasselbeck will be ecstatic, now that he can fully operate the offense. The Giants are coming off a bye week, but will be without their star receiver, Plaxico Burress, who has been suspended by the team. The Giants also do not have a winning record after bye weeks under Coach Coughlin.
Prediction: Seattle
Washington +6 at Philadelphia
Another bruising NFC East tilt. Washington comes to Philly on a big high after beating Dallas last week, while Philly is quite low after losing to Chicago. The big news in this game is whether or not Brian Westbrook will play. His status should go a long way in determining who wins this game. Donovan McNabb also has a bruised chest, but he will play. Jason Taylor is out for this game again for Washington.
Prediction: Philadelphia
San Diego -6.5 at Miami
The Chargers finally seem to have hit their stride after a rough start. Phillip Rivers is playing as well as any quarterback out there, and as long as LT remains healthy, they are the favorites in the AFC. Miami is coming off the biggest upset in years when they whooped the Patriots in week 3. This momentous win prompted Rickey Williams to say that he thought about smoking pot during the bye week. He’s a danger to himself when he has time to think. Just run Ricky.
Prediction: San Diego
Kansas City +9.5 at Carolina
KC comes off an impressive win versus Denver last week. They fed the rock to Larry Johnson and he produced. Brodie Croyle is close to returning, but even when he is healthy, look for Damon Huard to keep the starting QB job until Croyle can prove he is ready to take over. Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith are once again getting in sync.
Every week, 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 a week in our FSF fantasy football League at Pay The Fan.
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The rules are pretty simple, but require some strategy. Every week you pick a lineup of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 DEF. The goal is for your team to score more fantasy points than any other team. You can start any player, but you can only use the same player no more than twice throughout the 17 week season. This is where you employ your strategy of finding the best matchups to exploit and avoid.
AVOID THESE WEEK 3 MATCHUPS
QB
David Garrard, Jaguars vs Colts: Too many injuries to the offensive line will keep Garrard from having time to air it our, so look for the Jags to empasize the run as the Colts will be without tackling machine, Bob Sanders. Also, Indianapolis has yet to allow a passing TD so far this season.
RB
Jonathan Stewart, Panthers vs. Vikings: The rookie will have a tough time breaking through the wall of the Vikings D-Line, which ranked first against the run last season.
Rickey Williams, Ronnie Brown, Dolphins vs. Patriots: New England has not allowed a rushing TD yet and the Dolphins duo will struggle against the 8-man fronts they will frequently face on Sunday.
Ahman Green, Steve Slaton, Texans vs. Titans: Tennessee has averaged only 60 yards allowed through two games. Green is questionable to play, but even if Slaton is named starter, keep him on your bench.
