Fantasy Football Advice

Maurice Jones-Drew had another huge game, but fell down at the one instead of running it in. No, he wasn’t drunk, at least I don’t think.  The Jags were down at the time so it seems like a questionable call, but hey, I don’t care about the real football, I needed those points!  MJD apologized to fantasy players and to himself, since he owns himself in his league, but this kind of fantasy play is uncalled for from MoJo.

Ronnie Brown: He had a TD and over 100 total yards before he went down with an ankle injury.  He thinks it isn’t that bad, but we have to wait for the physicians to do their thing.  He has a short turn around before playing Thursday night so even if he isn’t hurt badly I doubt he’ll play then.  Burn some incense and sacrifice a Harry Carson rookie card to the Fantasy Gods so he only misses the one game. If you have Ricky Williams, burn something else.

Michael Turner: The Burner had his ankle torched.  We have to wait on more word, but he also looks like he could at least be out a week or two.  Jason Snelling will be a good pickup if Turner is out for an extended period.

Justin Forsett: He totaled 149 yards and a touchdown with Julius Jones breaking a rib early in the game.  He is a must pickup even if Jones comes back in a couple weeks.  It’s hard not to see Forsett getting a lot more touches from here on out.  Sadly he plays Minnesota next week, but still.  If you are in a deep league you should also give Louis Rankin a shot.  He looked stout, quick, and fast on the touches he had.

Brian Westbrook: He suffered his second concussion this season in Sunday’s game.  This wasn’t just some twist of fate that he had this happen again. If we see him back on the field this season I will be surprised.  Lesean McCoy will take over for Westbrook, but who knows if the Eagles will remember how to even run the ball.

Darius Heyward-Bay: He dropped, juggled, and caused an interception as the Raiders were moving down for a possible winning score.  He no longer is just worthless, he is actively losing games in a worthless manner.

Beanie Wells: The guy is just too good to keep down for long.  Tim Hightower works well in the AZ system, but they are going to have to change the system because Wells needs to be in there.  He had 2 touchdowns and 117 total yards.  Buy high!

Jason Avant: 156 yards! Pick him up! Pick him up! Wait, on second thought, don’t.

Jamaal Charles: Finally! I talked to Haley right before the game and implored him to give the ball to Charles.  He said, “Suck it Doc!” I was a little upset, but I knew my man Charles would just go ahead and take control and give Haley no choice! Well, I hoped, and he did.

Cedric Benson: He left the game with a hip flexor, but out of all the running back injuries this weekend his seems to be the least worrisome.  I could see grabbing Bernard Scott, but I wouldn’t waste a waiver claim on him unless news gets worse.

Sidney Rice: The guy has sold his soul to Lord Favre and could be the last piece that will bring about Favrageddon!

Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush/Mike Bell: This three-headed turd is not making me happy.  Reggie had a nice game when it looked like PT Loser was the main man coming into a cake walk against the Rams.  I still think Thomas is the man for the rest of the year, but you can’t discount Bush as an erratic impact player.

Ladell Betts: He was supposed to be hurt and share the rock with Rock, but instead he ran for 126 yards and a TD against what’s supposed to be a good defense.  He’s gone from your free agent pools, but he made a strong case to be started even in tough matchups.

Calvin Johnson: He had a workman like performance for an elite wide receiver.  It was nice to see.  Eight receptions for 84 yards is a step in the right direction.  I think you’ll be glad you own him down the stretch.

Terrell Owens: He had a decent game, but was going all TO on everything.  He wants out of Buffalo before the blizzards hit.

Marques Colston: Another down game.  He will turn it around.  Grab him from the sweaty palmed Colston owner.

Donnie Avery: 2 touchdowns and 67 yards ain’t too shabby. He’s on a bad team, but he is by far the Rams’ best receiver and as long as he stays healthy he’ll get end zone looks. I would only use him in three wide receiver leagues though.

Bill Belichick: Peyton Manning’s bitch.

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…)

Here it is Ladies and Gents, the Ground Game Preview for Week 7. One thing I would like to reinforce about our “rating system,” which I have blatantly stolen from Mark, is that when we upgrade or downgrade a player we’re always doing so within the context of their value. Our goal is to give you the best possible tools to make decisions with.

Let’s recap how the system works here: start with your basic ranking of players, and then consider -1 and +1 ratings to move the player to the bottom or top of their current tier. A -2 and +2 rating bumps them into the tier below or above their normal position. A new addition from last week is the team’s ranking in rush defense (measured in prushing yards allowed per game) in parentheses.

1 PM games

Green Bay (16^th) @ Cleveland (30^th)

I have been down on Ryan Grant for some time but it’s tough not to love him in this game. The Packers offense should have their way with the Browns and light up the scoreboard. Even if he doesn’t rack up huge yards Grant should get some goal line opportunities. I’m not sure how many carries Brandon Jackson will get but he’s one of my top stashes right now.

Packers: Grant: +3, Jackson: +2

Now that Jamal Lewis is in there ruining everything I have no reason to get excited about Cleveland. Odds are they will fall behind in this game quickly and be forced to put it in the air. Jamal Lewis should be a start by force only. Unfortunately you can’t throw Jerome Harrison out there either but I still love his upside

Browns: Lewis: -2, Harrison: -1

San Diego (27^th) @ Kansas City (25^th)

The Chargers should have no problems moving the football and putting up points against the Chiefs. Tomlinson actually looked really good on Monday Night Football. I see Sproles as a serviceable flex start right now.

Chargers: Tomlinson +2, Sproles +2

Their defense has been a colossal disappointment this season. They did lose their stud nose tackle but still there’s no excuse for how bad they’ve been. Look for the Chiefs to try and pound the ground game to keep Philip Rivers and company off the field. Relative to value I love both Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles in this one.

KC: Johnson +3, Charles +3

Indianapolis (14^th) @ St. Louis (26^th)

The Colts are the one team in the NFL that don’t seem to adjust their game plan all that much based on their opponent. Basically whatever you try to do, Peyton Manning will exploit you the other way. There’s no reason the Colts shouldn’t put up a lot of points against this team which is good for both Addai and Brown.

Colts: Addai +2, Brown +2

The only chance the Rams have of winning this game is by shortening it. Expect a heavy dose of Steven Jackson in this one. I see no reason why he won’t be able to put up respectable fantasy numbers. The nice thing about Jackson is even if they go to the passing game he stays in there and catches balls.

Rams: Jackson +2

Minnesota (9^th) @ Pittsburgh (2^nd)

This is going to be a great game. If anyone will be able to have success against Pittsburgh it’s going to be Adrian Peterson. This is a matchup you’re not looking forward to if you own him but there is no way you can sit him and respect yourself. Chester Taylor is a definite no-start.

MIN: Peterson: -3, Taylor: -5

The Steelers passing game is so dynamic right now that its forcing teams to game plan them differently. This is great news for Rashard Mendenhall. The Vikings aren’t a great matchup for him necessarily but I think he should have a decent game. I would be very hesitant about putting Parker or Mewelde Moore in there.

PIT: Mendenhall -1, Parker -3, Moore -3

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

The Patriots should treat this as a scrimmage, much like their game last week against the Titans. So far Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris have gotten injured, leaving Laurence Maroney as the only horse in the stable. He should rack up some yards again this week. Kevin Faulk is nothing more than a pass receiver (see- Keith Byars) and he never will be.

Patriots: Mauroney +5, Faulk +2

The Buccaneers can’t run the ball or pass it. The Patriots have given up some yards on the ground this season but I foresee them keying in on Cadillac Williams. There’s really nothing to like in this game about the Bucs backs. I’m done with Derrick Ward at this point, he’s dead to me.

Buccaneers: Williams -1, Ward -3

San Francisco (7^th) @ Houston (24^th)

Frank Gore is returning this week which makes Glen Coffee bench material. Gore is a must start here, especially against this soft defense. If you still own him now hopefully he has a few good games and you can get something for him in a trade. I think you’re crazy if you hold on to him the whole season.

49’ers: Gore +2, Coffee -3

The Texans offense is a lot of fun to watch. They will finish the season as one of the top scoring teams in the NFL. Steve Slaton was on my list of players who are due to break and he did this past Sunday. I view him as must-start in every format regardless of opponent. Ryan Moats at this point is just someone to hang on to unless Slaton gets hurt.

Texans: Slaton -1, Moats -3

4 PM games

Buffalo (32^nd) @ Carolina (29^th)

You have to love this matchup for the Bills rushing attack. The controversy all season has been what would happen once Marshawn Lynch came back from injury. Fred Jackson has taken over the kick and punt return duties as of last week so that means you can expect Lynch’s touches to increase more. I see Lynch as a must start for the week and Jackson as a flex start if you need someone.

Bills: Lynch +3, Jackson +1

Well the Bills have taken over the crown of “worst rushing defense in football” despite their victory against the Jets. DeAngelo Williams should be able to let loose and finally have a big game; he’s due.

Carolina: DeAngelo Williams +2, Stewart +2

New York Jets (21^st) @ Oakland (28^th)

The formula for beating the Raiders is pretty simple- run it down their throats. The Eagles decided instead to throw the football all over the field which was the reason they lost. Expect a heavy dose of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington with a little bit of Shonn Greene sprinkled in during 4^th quarter junk time.

Jets: Jones +2, Washington +2, Greene +3

You actually own Raiders players? Must be you’re in a 20 team league. It is difficult for me to have anything positive to say about Justin Fargas or the rest of their “alleged” running game. One HUGE impact on the Jets was the announcement that they have lost Kris Jenkins for the season. Why is this so important? Because in the 3-4 scheme that they run the nose tackle is far and away the most important player. Kris Jenkins is one of the top nose tackles in the NFL and without him it’s difficult to predict how much their defense will regress. Listen I hate the Raiders as much as you do but I would probably start Justin Fargas this week and Michael Bush if you’re desperate.

Raiders: Fargas +1, Bush 0

Atlanta (23^rd) @ Dallas (17^th)

Michael Turner is on his way to being such a bust this season. He has been disappointing so far but I think he’ll ultimately be even worse. I am telling everyone to sell and him now while people still think he was worth a first round pick. Jerious Norwood has also been an enormous disappointment for me this year. For this game you have to start Turner but beyond that I wouldn’t even consider it in the deepest of leagues.

Falcons: Turner 0, Norwood -2, Snelling 0

A lot of people were drafting Tashard Choice in the later rounds and I thought it was such a reach at the time to give up anything for a #3 back. Barber and Jones just can’t get/stay healthy and Choice just keeps running strong. I love him in this game to give you a solid start against a mediocre defense.

Cowboys: Choice +2, Barber -1 (not sure what his health status will be)

Chicago (6^th) @ Cincinnati (11^th)

Matt Forte hasn’t delivered on his first round status either. I do like the Bears offense though and if he can run effectively in the red zone there might be some opportunities for him. Cincinnati’s defense isn’t anything special although they are better than they get credit for. Keep an eye on Garrett Wolfe going forward; he continues to play more and more and will be a big scorer if Forte gets hurt.

Bears: Forte 0, Wolfe 0

“Runnin’ for money!!!!!!!” Keeps those legs churnin’ Cedric Benson! I predicted that he would have a slightly down week after ripping up the Ravens. I’m going to go double or nothing on the predictions with him- he is going to light the Bears up like a unity candle; 2 touchdowns, 120+ total yards (rushing and receiving). Our regular readers know I’m not the predicting type but I’m on a roll with “runnin’ for $” and there’s no reason to stop now. Keep your eyes on Bernard Scott in case Benson gets hurt.

Bengals: Benson +1, Scott -1

New Orleans (5^th) @ Miami (3^rd)

Is there anything the New Orleans offense can’t do? The only thing that kills their running backs is that there are three of them, they are all good, and they all specialize. Pierre Thomas is your straight up runner so he tends to get most of the raw yards. Bell comes in and vultures his touchdowns. Reggie Bush snakes most of the receptions (and subsequently, yards) out of the backfield. So it is difficult to say which of them is poised for a big day. Against Miami’s stout defense Thomas and Bush are flex starts if you need them to be and Bell should stay on the bench for this matchup.

Saints: Thomas -1, Bush -1, Bell -3

I think there’s a conspiracy at ESPN. See, Sean Salisbury used to make outrageous statements, declaring a new team “the best in the NFL, a sure bet to win the Super Bowl” every single week. What I think happened is they fired him so they could all do that. I’m not saying the Saints aren’t the real deal, I’m not saying they aren’t a great team. What I am saying is that it’s mid-season. Remember how “unbeatable” the Cowboys have been early on in recent memory? So when I see that the Saints defense is 5^th against the run I don’t buy that they’re that good. I think the Dolphins can run the football on this defense. I’m not sure if their defense will be able to reign in Drew Brees and his minions but I just think this is sort of a trap game for the Saints.

Dolphins: Brown 0, Williams 0

8 PM game

Arizona (1^st) @ New York Giants (18^th)

The Cardinals don’t see much reason to run the football unless it’s 3^rd and 1. They actually do try to stay a lot more balanced than you would think but they are a pass-oriented team and will be all season. I love what Tim Hightower does for you, receiving out of the backfield and getting all the goal line touches. Beanie Wells I’m not so enthused by and without opportunities to get in the end zone I can’t justify him as anything more than a stash at this point. Considering how the Saints were able to carve up the Giants D last week you have to think the Arizona will be able to move the football and score points. That bodes well for Hightower.

Cardinals: Hightower +1, Wells -1

The Cardinals shouldn’t be ranked 1^st overall against the run for long. Expect a heavy dose of Jacobs and Bradshaw this week as they try and keep the ball out of Kurt Warners hands and give their defense time to rest. I can’t give the dynamic duo a positive rating for this game- in fact I have to downgrade them slightly. But I have this sneaking suspicion that the G-men are going to try and ram it down their throats all game and might be successful.

Giants: Jacobs -1, Bradshaw -1

Monday game

Philadelphia (15^th) @ Washington (22^nd)

As a die hard Eagles fan last Sunday was one of the saddest days of my football life. But you get what you deserve. That’s what happens when you don’t run the football, that’s what you get when you overlook a team no matter how bad they are. I like the Eagles to come out in this contest inspired and motivated. Look for Brian Westbrook, in particular, to have one of his patented 150+ all purpose yard performances. I think LeSean McCoy warrants a flex start in all leagues 12 team or deeper.

Eagles: Westbrook +2, McCoy +1

Clinton Portis is about the only thing the Redskins have going for them right now. He continues to defy all logic and post solid performance after solid performance. That offense is a disaster right now but he’s an obvious must start. I have been touting Ladell Betts as a stash in case Portis gets injured due to the excessive workload but in this game he’s not an option to start.

Redskins: Portis -1, Betts -3