Fantasy Football Advice

Reggie Bush is hurt?  This can’t be!  The dude is worthless.  There is absolutely no reason to ever draft, trade for, or otherwise rely on this guy for anything.  He hasn’t practiced this week and his knee is swollen. He hasn’t been ruled out, but I wouldn’t start him or say nice things about him.

Ronnie Brown: I have yet to lament the fallen soldier.  Mr. Brown is done for the year.  The Razzball flag was flying at half mast at Razzball headquarters yesterday and will be for the remainder of the season. Thankfully the injury was to his foot instead of his knee and he should be ready to go for sleeper status next year.

Lex Hilliard: Lex isn’t going to take over Ricky’s place while Ricky takes over Ronnie’s.  Lex is Ricky’s backup not his wildcat partner, but with that offensive line and Ricky’s age it’s not a bad place to be.  He’s worth a stash.

Brian Westbrook: He’s out at least three weeks.  I really don’t see him coming back this season and if he does I don’t think he’ll stay back.  Can you drop him?  Hard to say.  If I owned him I would probably hold on, but if you’re in a shallow league and holding him can hurt you then I would let him go.

Bernard Berrian: I was fairly high on Bernard in preseason, but he has been struggling with a hamstring problem most of the season and just can’t get on track. Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are enough to help the Vikings going through the air.

Dwayne Bowe: He’s out 4 weeks for PED’s and Chris Chambers and Lance Long will benefit from his absence, but they get the Steelers at home and the Steelers are the only team to have a winning record at Arrowhead, besides KC of course, but you could figure that out on your own, and why am I still talking?

Jamal Lewis: He gets the Lions, the lion’s share of the carries, and I still can’t recommend starting him.  I think that says something not so good about Jamal Lewis.  And now Jerome Harrison is in the dog house and Chris Jennings is the #2 RB.  Owning Browns running backs is hazardous to the health of your fantasy team.

Maurice Jones-Drew: He’s really good.  Oh, and he gets the Bison’s run defense.  I’m not saying to just start him, but to also bench your other players so it will be even more humiliating to your opponent when you beat him or her.

Jason Witten: If I had to vote right now I think I’d vote Witten the biggest fantasy failure of the year.  There are plenty of deserving nominees, but Kelly Rippa! he’s been a disappointment.  Many had him as the #1 overall tight end and really there was no way he should be any less than the top 3.  He is still a #2 TE, but I could see playing matchups off the waiver wire in games like the Redskins this weekend.

Joseph Addai: Before Donald Brown was injured there were some signs that he could make a move on that #1 running back position, but it looks like he might have lost his chance. Addai has been a big part of a perfect season so far and I doubt they are going to switch things up too soon.  Keep Brown firmly bench entrenched until further notice.

Randy Moss: You don’t sit Moss, but Darelle Revis has had his number. This will be a fun matchup to watch. Last week Moss was moved around a lot and got some mismatches against Indy, but this week he’ll be shadowed by Revis.  Look for Wes Welker to have a big game.

Knowshon Moreno: With Correll Buckhalter banged up and Moreno getting the bulk of the work last week I think we’ll continue to see Moreno featured in the matinee performances. He has a decent schedule and I’m looking forward to watching him play, especially against the Chargers.

Bernard Scott: We’ve been getting a lot of start/sit questions about Scott and as the week goes on I’m leaning more and more toward Scott having a big day.  Oakland is just plain inept and Scott has some skills as you could see oon his kickoff return against the Steelers.  Get him into that flex position.

1PM Games

Indianapolis (14^th) @ Baltimore (5^th)

Joseph Addai hurt his hand during the Patriots game but they taped it up and he came back in and played (even scored a touchdown) so I wouldn’t be too concerned about him not going this week. Donald Brown did a nice job against New England; expect him to start swiping the goal line carries. The Colts should be able to put up points against this defense but downgrading both these players.

Colts: Addai -1, Brown -2

Willis McGahee touched the football more against Cleveland that he has been lately. I’m not sure if that means anything. Ray Rice continues to be a total stud. He is relatively matchup proof because if his team falls behind they’re going to throw the football but he’s a great receiver as well. I don’t like him any more than usual in this game but I also don’t like him any less.

Ravens: Rice 0, McGahee 0

Washington (24^th) @ Dallas (10^th)

The Redskins love playing mind games with their tortured fan base. I swear they won that Broncos game just so they could go lay an egg in Dallas and destroy all false hope of a turnaround. Ladell Betts was a bright spot for Fantasy owners who were patient and stashed him. It’s almost 100% that he’s going to be the starter and Portis will be out. I’m going to downgrade him for the matchup but you should still start him.

Redskins: Betts -1

Marion Barber is just so unreliable. Even now that he’s healthy I wouldn’t feel fantastic about having him in my lineup on a weekly basis. Listen you’re stuck with him now so you’ve got to start him and hope for the best. The Redskins defense is very soft so Dallas could rebound and put points on the board this Sunday. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are nothing more than stashes right now unless you’re super desperate. At least they have a good matchup- maybe you’ll get lucky!

Cowboys: Barber +2, Jones +1, Choice +1

Cleveland (30^th) @ Detroit (19^th)

It’s getting boring making fun of the Browns. At some point you just run out of clever analogies and catch phrases. Until and unless Jamal Lewis gets waived (in which case Harrison would become the primary guy) there will be no useful or relevant Fantasy players in Cleveland. I hate to upgrade them for this matchup but keep in mind that it’s relative to value (which, right now, is next to nothing).

Browns: Lewis +1, Harrison +1

Our loyal and astute readers will have noticed that several of my “curses” have come to fruition. The injury bug is infecting multiple backs per week. Kevin Smith was banged up earlier in the season and Maurice Morris has done well with the chances he’s gotten. Don’t be surprised if he usurps Smith at some point on the depth chart. This week there should be plenty of yards and touchdowns available in the Detroit backfield. Smith has to be a must-start on your roster and I can see Morris working his way in to your Flex.

Lions: Smith +3, Morris +4

San Francisco (3^rd) @ Green Bay (4^th)

It doesn’t matter who Frank Gore is facing. Such a beast. Gotta downgrade him for facing the Packers but DO NOT sit him. I used to lust Glen Coffee as a stash; now he’s the one who can’t stay healthy. These are always the most awkward breakups: “Um, yeah, Glen? Look, I have no tolerance for Sleepers who can’t stay healthy. All you’re doing is warming the bench. I’m sorry but you can’t be my back-up back anymore, I have to move on. Don’t cry; I’m sure the future is bright for you in the UFL. Who knows, maybe even the CFL someday!”

49’ers: Gore

First let me say that Troy Aikman is probably my favorite analyst even though I hated his guts because he played for the Cowboys. But this past Sunday he reminded us during the telecast that Ahman Green played for the Packers before and he was pretty good. Really, Troy? Is that a fact? Look we all remember this guy, don’t go on and on about it anymore or I’ll flip out. I’m downgrading Ryan Grant because of the sorta tough defense. No good stashes here- I wouldn’t want to own Ahman Green or Brandon Jackson even if Grant gets injured. I really didn’t believe he’s going to hang on to this job all season but he is.

Packers: Grant -3

Buffalo (32^nd) @ Jacksonville (22^nd)

It’s time for Marshawn to rack up some yards against a sub-standard defense. Gotta put up the numbers if you want that shiny new contract in the offseason! Fred Jackson actually played more on Sunday than he has recently. No idea what that’s supposed to mean but there it is. I’d enthusiastically start Lynch and cautiously Flex Jackson if you have to.

Bills: Lynch +2, Jackson +3

Pocket Hercules should carry a lot of Fantasy owners to glory on Sunday. There’s not really much to say- perhaps the best running back in the NFL going against the absolute worst rush defense in the league. There’s just no insight, it is what it is.

Jaguars: Jones-Drew +10,000,000,000

Pittsburgh (1^st) @ Kansas City (27^th)

Rashard Mendenhall has become the uncontested #1 back in Pittsburgh. Who’s Willie Parker again? Did he retire already? Really? I love Mendenhall to have a 15+ point day with plenty of room for upside. Multiple touchdowns wouldn’t surprise me, nor would a point output in the mid 20’s.

Steelers: Mendenhall +4

Charles Haley you’re a tricky one! Gonna have to watch you in the future. He threw all these ridiculous innuendos out there about how Kolby Smith might start. I like the gamesmanship but unfortunately you’re still the Chiefs and no one cares. Well, some people care. For instance my buddy who Flexed Smith because he believed you. It matters to him and he hates you and everything you love now. Nice work. Depending on your depth it might be tough to sit Jamaal Charles this week. He’s just pretty studly in general, especially for PPR. Smith needs to be on the bench until he gets a real opportunity.

Chiefs: Charles -3, Smith -5

Seattle (11^th) @ Minnesota (6^th)

Don’t be intimidated by the matchup and talk yourself in to sitting Forsett. I really feel like he’s going to win this job for good. I have been man-crushing him for so long. Actually seeing this come to fruition is what ugly girls must feel like when they actually get asked to the Prom. Of course the ugly guy asking them probably feels the same way they do. Where am I going with this? Oh yeah, Play Forsett!

Seahawks: Forsett -2

They should change all the Chuck Norris phrases and replace his name with Adrian Peterson’s. One of the analysts on NFL Network (can’t remember which one), just yells out “HE’S A MAN!!!” every time an A.P. highlight comes on. He’s not “scurred” that the Seahawks defense is decent and you shouldn’t be either.

Vikings: Peterson 0, Taylor -2

Atlanta (26^th) @ NY Giants (13^th)

This is really a defining game for the Giants defense. The Falcons are a middle of the road offense so we should find out whether the G-men are going to turn things around or not. If you were cagey enough to stash/claim Snelling off waivers you have to start him unless you’re super deep. I don’t think you can play Jerious Norwood in any league but in deeper formats I’d try to find room for him because there’s a ton of upside.

Falcons: Snelling -1, Norwood -2

Remember that multiple touchdown game I’ve been calling for? OK maybe this will be the week. He is a must start and Bradshaw’s someone you can Flex if you need to. I don’t foresee any issues with them piling up yards and touchdowns.

Giants: Jacobs +3, Bradshaw +3

New Orleans (20^th) @ Tampa Bay (31^st)

I think we’ve found a game where I can enthusiastically recommend starting all three of these guys. There’s almost always an odd man out and it’s difficult to predict who (last week it was Thomas). The second half, in particular, should be a running back’s wet dream- huge lead, horrible run defense.

Saints: Thomas +3, Bush +2, Bell +4

I wish someone could come up with a formula to predict whether Cadillac Williams is going to fall apart or have a great game. There’s really no logic behind it whatsoever. This should be as good an opportunity as any for him to put up digits. Derrick Ward is dead to me.

Buccaneers: Williams +2, Ward +1

4 PM Games

Arizona (8^th) @ St. Louis (28^th)

Ken Whisenhut said that he has no plans to change the current splitting situation. It should be a great time to own both Wells and Hightower down the stretch run. Here’s an example of a great matchup that makes both these players must starts.

Cardinals: Hightower +4, Wells +4,

Who’s doing more with less out there? Nobody. Steven Jackson is just the man, flat out. I’m not sure there are any worthwhile stashes in St. Louis because none of them would be effective.

Rams: Jackson 0

San Diego (23^rd) @ Denver (12^th)

LaDanian Tomlinson has really turned it on the past few weeks. Darren Sproles is becoming less and less attractive as a flex option. San Diego’s offense continues to put up points regardless of the defense they’re facing. The Broncos haven’t been nearly as stout as of late but they’re at home in this contest and really need a win. I’m going to downgrade Tomlinson slightly and I wouldn’t recommend starting Sproles (not so much because of the matchup but because his role has diminished)

Chargers: Tomlinson -1, Sproles -2

It’s tough to tell how the Broncos are going to divvy up the touches. Correll Buckhalter looked like he was going to be the main guy after coming back from injury. Then he was essentially benched on Sunday after an early fumble and did nothing for Fantasy owners (including myself). Moreno had a great game, getting all the opportunities. I would enthusiastically start him and cautiously put Buckhalter in there as a flex in 12 team if you need him.

Broncos: Moreno +2, Buckhalter +1

New York Jets (18^th) @ New England (17^th)

This is a huge game for both football teams; especially the Jets. Thomas Jones is a no-brainer; he’s been one of the most consistent and productive fantasy players this season. Shonn Greene’s nothing special in this matchup- it’s not horrible for him but don’t expect a double digit outing.

Jets: Jones +1, Greene +1

It looks like Sammy Morris could be back soon but it’s doubtful he’ll return this week. Look for Maroney to get the bulk of the carries. Without Kris Jenkins the Jets have been unable to stop the run consistently (or put pressure on the quarterback, for that matter). Maroney’s a solid start and as always Kevin Faulk can be a respectable fill-in for PPR. As an aside he has the most rushing yards in NFL history without a 100 yard game (he had 79 last week and he might’ve gotten there if they kept feeding him the rock).

Patriots: Mauroney +1, Faulk +1

Cincinnati (2^nd) @ Oakland (29^th)

I’m not putting Benson in because he’s almost certainly not going to play. Bernard Scott is an excellent start in this game if you’re lucky enough to have stashed him. I really don’t know how much Larry Johnson will see the field (my guess is 10 straightforward carries) and I wouldn’t feel fantastic about playing him unless you’re really stuck.

Bengals: Scott +5, Johnson 0

I hope you don’t need a productive week out of any of these players. They should all be riding the bench on your team. This has become akin to the three-headed sloth Tampa Bay trotted out there at the beginning of the season. They have all been rendered useless in my mind.

Raiders: Fargas -3, Bush -3, MacFadden -3

Sunday Night Game

Philadelphia (9^th) @ Chicago (21^st)

Even though Westbrook didn’t play McCoy had an unproductive Sunday. He’ll almost certainly turn it around. The doctors are optimistic about Westbrook’s chances of coming back soon but I doubt we’ll see him out there this week. Unless you hear that he’s going to play and see significant action I’d sit him. McCoy should be an enthusiastic start regardless.

Eagles: McCoy +4

Forte’s the only guy getting touches in the Chicago backfield. I thought at some point that Garrett Wolfe might end up getting a heavy dose of touches but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Forte’s clearly a must-start in this game. Hopefully Cutler doesn’t get pick happy again and relegate the offense to mediocrity.

Bears: Forte -2

Monday Night Game

Tennessee (16^th) @ Houston (14^th)

Chris Johnson could have a field day in this contest. Houston’s defense has gotten better as the season’s progressed but I don’t see them shutting CJ down in this one. Look for LenDale White to continue to be a colossal disappointment. He could be Sleeper next season depending on who he signs with in free agency.

Titans: Johnson +2, White +1

This game should tell us a lot about what’s going to happen going forward in the Houston backfield. Slaton owners are praying that he’s regained Kubiak’s trust enough to be the feature guy and Moats owners are hoping that it becomes a split situation. Slaton should be a respectable flex guy for you; be much more careful with Moats. I wouldn’t play him unless the word on the street is that he’ll see the football a lot on Sunday.

Texans: Slaton 0, Moats -1

1PM Games

New Orleans (19^th) @ St. Louis (27^th)

Let the running back carousel spin around again for the Saints. If one of these guys would just get hurt it’d make everyone’s life a lot simpler. Pierre is a must start, Reggie a flex option in non-PPR, and Mike a flex option in PPR. If you’re short on talent you could play either of the last two guys in a pinch. I will be surprised if the Saints put up less than 40 points this week so there should be plenty of touchdowns to go around.

Saints: Thomas +2, Bush +1, Bell +3

This one should get ugly very fast. The best thing about Jackson is the game circumstances don’t affect his usage; ahead or behind you know the Rams are going to involve him in the offense. The St. Louis offense isn’t productive enough to warrant a secondary back to split carries with so there’s no one else to talk about here. Jackson should rack up a lot of yards in this game and if he manages to get in the end zone it’s going to be a big day for him.

Rams: Jackson +2

Cincinnatti (2^nd) @ Pittsburgh (1^st)

The Pittsburgh defense looks to be back in all its glory. I own Cedric on several teams and I fear this matchup. Hopefully Palmer is able to threaten them in the passing game enough to open up the run. There’s definitely a legitimate possibility, however, that the Steelers could shut them down. Even so you have to play Benson unless you’re super deep at running back because he’s going to touch the ball 30+ times.

Bengals: Benson -3

The Bengals defense has been sneaky good this season; they are finally near the top of the NFL in categories other than “DWI’s” and “arrests on charges of domestic violence.” Don’t be surprised if the Steelers put the ball in the air even more than they have been this year (and that’s a lot). Mendenhall is a serviceable start for you but don’t expect him to carry your team. By the way, Willie Parker is barely touching the football in Pittsburgh.

Steelers: Mendenhall -3

Jacksonville (22^nd) @ NY Jets (14^th)

The loss of Kris Jenkins, as I’ve mentioned before, has totally neutered the Jets defense that had looked so devastating early on in the season; most notably their ability to stop the run. They aren’t going to spiral into oblivion but I just wouldn’t fear them any more when looking at matchups. Maurice Jones-Drew should be his usual self. I don’t expect a three touchdown game from him but 15 points in PPR sounds about right.

Jaguars: Jones-Drew -1

Thomas Jones is sooooo boring. He deserves so much credit though- still getting it done at an age where all his peers are falling apart. I can’t envision ever sitting him. In this game Shonn Greene might actually be flex starter for you in deeper leagues. You have to think that the Jets will move the football with ease throughout this contest.

Jets: Jones +2, Greene +2

Detroit (17^th) @ Minnesota (6^th)

Kevin Smith is nothing to get excited about in this matchup and Maurice Morris probably doesn’t even deserve an afterthought. The Vikings will likely commit unspeakable atrocities on the Lions in this game. I don’t bet but sometimes I’m curious about what the “spread” is on some of these blowout contests. Smith is projected for about 10 points in standard PPR. I don’t see there being much of a ceiling beyond that.

Lions: Smith -3, Morris -5

AP is projected for 20+ against the Lions. I would be shocked if he puts up less than 15. The only thing that could hurt him is if they decide to throw the football (which they will be able to do with ease) he might not rack up as many points as he should. Chester Taylor could sneak his way on to your lineup if you need a flex starter in deeper PPR leagues.

Vikings: Peterson +4, Taylor +2

Tampa Bay (30^th) @ Miami (5^th)

Avoid this matchup like the plague if possible. I wouldn’t start Cadillac or Derrick Ward unless you’re really stuck. The Dolphins defense should take advantage of this opportunity to pad their stats. Don’t expect the Bucs offense to be on the field a whole lot- the Dolphins will chew the clock up with their running game for four quarters.

Buccaneers: Williams -3, Ward -4

There’s nothing not to love about this matchup. As I said above I expect the Dolphins to run the ball and burn the clock all game. Don’t be surprised if Ronnie and Ricky both go for 100 yards and they each get in the end zone at least once.

Dolphins: Brown +5, Williams +5

Denver (8^th) @ Washington (25^th)

The Redskins are in shambles right now and this game could seal Jim Zorn’s fate. I know Washington’s come out and said Jim Zorn will be the coach the rest of the season but I don’t believe them. Buckhalter got a lion’s share of the touches and started last week. We might be seeing a return to the early season split with Correll getting more looks than Knowshon. They should both be comfortable flex starters in 12 team double flex or deeper.

Broncos: Buckhalter +2, Moreno +1

Denver is coming off back to back losses and will be hungry. You have to love that it will be the Ladell Betts show (if you own him, that is) but don’t be surprised if he, along with their entire offense, gets shut down completely. But hey, you can’t really complain since he is starting at last.

Redskins: Betts -2

Atlanta (24^th) @ Carolina (23^rd)

We all thought Michael Turner’s heavy workload last season could lead to injury this year. Ironically Turner has stayed completely healthy (although not quite as productive) while his backups have constantly been injured. Neither Snelling nor Norwood has proven themselves to be reliable spellbacks. I’d like to stash them but right now it’s not worth it. Turner should have a field day against Carolina this week.

Falcons: Turner +2

DeAngelo Williams is a no-brainer start but Jonathon Stewart makes it a little tougher on you. It’s nice when you get a game like this where you don’t have to deliberate about it too much- he is projected for around 10 points. Despite their continued struggle to win ball games Carolina’s offense has looked better as of late. The running game has started to resemble what we saw from them last year and expected again this season.

Panthers: Williams +2, Stewart +2

Buffalo (32^nd) @ Tennessee (18^th)

Marshawn Lynch is projected for almost 11.5 and he could be better than that in this game. The Bills line is clearly in shambles but it hasn’t affected their ability to run the football all that much so far. Trent Edwards is supposed to be back in this game but I expect them to lean heavily on the rushing attack. I would feel nervous about starting Fred Jackson unless you really need to. He could make a nice keeper for next season.

Bills: Lynch +2, Jackson 0

Could this be the week that LenDale White is relevant again? Playing him is clearly a roll of the dice since he’s done nothing this season but if you’re going to take a chance why not do it against the last ranked run defense? Chris Johnson should be an absolute MONSTER in this game.

Titans: Johnson +4, White +2

4 PM Game

Kansas City (28^th) @ Oakland (29^th)

We’re all really curious to see how this split between Jamaal and Kolby is going to shake out. This game should answer a lot of those questions for us. The Raiders can’t do anything well, especially stop the run. I think you have to put Charles in there unless you’re really loaded and I can see Smith working his way in too if you need the help. If Smith is still on waivers and you have room I’d pick him up.

Chiefs: Charles +3, Smith +2

The Fargas/Bush combo was not all that great to begin with. Now McFadden’s supposed to be back in the mix breaking up the touches even further. You really don’t want to own any of these players unless you can help it. This week makes it particularly tough for you since the Chiefs are a weak rush defense. I can’t upgrade any of these players even with the great matchup because it’s hard to say how the touches are going to be split up.

Raiders: MacFadden 0, Fargas 0, Bush 0

Philadelphia (10^th) @ San Diego (26^th)

The Chargers rush defense is very soft; the Eagles should b able to run the ball at will against them. Which means Andy Reid will probably dial up 90% pass plays. Westbrook is good to go in terms of the concussion but he also has a nagging knee injury that could possibly keep him out of this contest. He has been in and out of practice this week. Pay attention to the injury report and play him accordingly. McCoy is a must start regardless.

Eagles: McCoy +3, Westbrook -1

I see the Chargers testing the Eagles battered secondary in this contest from the get go. LT is a must start unless you are uber deep at RB. I’m upgrading Sproles slightly (relative to his value) because the Chargers should look to get him involved in the screen game in order to slow down Philly’s pass rush.

Chargers: Tomlinson -1, Sproles +1

Dallas (11^th) @ Green Bay (9^th)

Marion Barber is the only one of these players you can feel good about starting in this game. It’s hard to trust Felix Jones health and his touches aren’t that heavy to begin with. Choice was featured in the Cowboy’s version of the “Wildcat” last week so that helps his value out but doesn’t make it enough for him to be a comfortable start.

Cowboys: Barber 0, Jones -2, Choice -2

Ryan Grant continues to defy all odds and put up big numbers. I really felt like stashing the guys behind him was a great play up until recently. Now it looks like that’s a strategy to use only in case of injury. The Cowboys defense is fairly solid against the run but you have to think the Packers will try and attack via the ground game to slow that devastating pass rush down. Grant might get a lot of work in this game.

Packers: Grant 0

Seattle (11^th) @ Arizona (3^rd)

Julius Jones is projected for just less than 9 points and I don’t see him being much better than that. The Cardinals could put up scary time of possession numbers in this contest. I loves me some Justin Forsett as a stash and one of the running backs that could be a second half sleeper but leave him on the bench in this contest.

Seahawks: Jones -2, Forsett -4

This game should be chalk full of touchdowns wire to wire for the Cards. Beanie Wells might chew up solid yardage in this one- he looks better and better running the football. Tim Hightower should continue his PPR studliness and is definitely a flex starter even in standard formats.

Cardinals: Wells +1, Hightower +2

Sunday Night Game

New England (20^th) @ Indianapolis (14^th)

This is the game I’m most looking forward to watching on Sunday. New England should be very pass-heavy in this contest to take advantage of the severely depleted Colts secondary. That bodes well for Kevin Faulk and in PPR he could be a good spot starter for you in deep leagues. Laurence Maroney is the only real ball-carrier right now and has scored a lot of touchdowns the past few weeks. He should be a starter for you.

Patriots: Mauroney +1, Faulk +3

The Patriots have struggled more to stop the run than you’d have thought so far. Joseph Addai has become an absolute must-start in all formats. Despite Donald Brown’s recent bouts with injury I like him in the second half of ’09. If you need to lean on him in this contest he could be serviceable.

Colts: Addai +2, Brown +1

Monday Night Game

Baltimore (7^th) @ Cleveland (31^st)

If you own Ray Rice be wary of the projections for this game. They are spotting him almost 25 in PPR right now and that is tough to get even against such a horrible defense. What I’m telling you is not to complain if he puts up 15. Willis McGahee continues to be less relevant by the week. In this game I can see playing him because there should be touchdowns and yards a-plenty available for all.

Ravens: Rice +4, McGahee +3

Must be Jamal Lewis is looking to get cut just like Larry Johnson because now he’s out there publicly complaining about his coach and the organization. I just don’t see anything positive happening in this game but maybe he’ll sneak in the end zone on accident. If you have better options go with them. Jerome Harrison continues to be a pretty good stash and a great keeper for 2010.

Browns: Lewis -3, Harrison -3

Yesterday before the “Aerial Preview” as I call it, Mark compared Fantasy Football to Fantasy Baseball. He drew some really good analogies; in particular that Fantasy Football is a lot like poker. I’d like to piggy-back off that and ramble a little bit myself.

I have been playing cards ever since I can remember; it’s just part of being in my family. I have been playing No-Limit Texas Hold’em for about 10 years and have put quite a bit of table time in as well as reading, discussing, etc. In September I went to Las Vegas for the first time (I have played quite a bit at other casinos) with a friend. Basically we wanted to find out if we were any good compared to the rest of the world.

Most other times when I have gone to casinos (Atlantic City mostly) to play poker it’s been for one or two night stints. The one complaint I have with that is the luck doesn’t have the opportunity to even itself out. This keeps you from getting a really good idea of how well you played which is what I am most interested in to begin with. What was exciting about Vegas was that we played poker for four days (basically all day long) so we knew there’d be no complaining about “luck” because in 60 hours of seat time it all evens itself out. (more…)

1 O’Clock Games

Houston (21^st) @ Buffalo (32^nd)

Steve Slaton is an automatic start regardless of matchup. The Bills defense isn’t as bad as you would assume. The offense makes their job a lot more difficult because they don’t stay on the field long enough. Earlier in the season I thought that Moats might usurp Slaton if he struggled but that’s not going to be the case now that Slaton has turned it around in a big way. Chris Brown continues to vulture some of Slaton’s carries, even in short yardage situations but that doesn’t make him a viable option either.

Texans: Slaton +1

Runnin’ for money!!! Marshawn Lynch is fighting for every inch right now and you have to love it. The Texans defense isn’t the stoutest so you know Lynch has a bulls eye on this game to put up big numbers. The nice thing about Lynch is that he is a complete back and will get work in the passing game as well. Unfortunately Fred Jackson’s role in the offense continues to diminish. My theory is that since Lynch is going to be a free agent the Bills are piling the carries on him; I believe they want to keep Jackson, who was effective during Lynch’s suspension, fresh for next season.

Bills: Lynch +2, Jackson -1 (more…)