Detroit vs Buffalo

I feel it. This is the week. The streak is over and the Bills will finally win a game at the hands of a hapless Detroit team that in all actuality they are better then. All the close call games and the overtime defeats that resulted in L's and overshadowed the improved play of the Bills, will be history once Sunday comes and goes. In the meantime, lets take a look at the fantasy implications for this game.

The biggest fantasy impact on this game will be the loss which was dealt to the Lions last week, both on the field, and off. Matthew Stafford has had a decent young career thus far in the NFL, but he appears to be easily prone to injury and that is something that has to not only concern the Lions, but also fantasy owners for years to come. Stafford will miss the upcoming game against Buffalo, and there were few signs last week to point to that showed his replacement Drew Stanton would help the team.  Shaun Hill should be taking the snaps this week and until he can prove that he is back to the form he was before the Giants broke his arm, then its safe to expect a steady dose of running from Detroit and back Jahvid Best.

What better way to finally get that elusive 2010 first win of the year for Buffalo, then at home from their IVY league quarterback doing what he does best.  Ryan Fitzpatrick finds himself as the 5^th rated QB in this weeks FFCPI, and should continue his streak of impressive play at the quarterback position for Buffalo. In 4 of his last 5 starts he has attempted 30 passes or more, and in 4 of those 5 has also thrown for 220 or more yards. Look for wide receiver Steve Johnson to benefit the most from this as him and Fitzpatrick face a Detroit team that has been prone to giving up the big plays to the opposing Wide Receivers. Look no further then last weeks Jets game.

GOOD START: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jahvid Best, Steve Johnson, Calvin Johnson

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD:  Shaun Hill, Lee Evans, Fred Jackson

BAD START: Nate Burleson

 

Cincinnati vs. Indianapolis

The Bengals continue to have another classic Cincinnati “where did it go wrong” season. As stacked as they looked both on the field and fantasy wise in the summer of 2010, it has just not panned out during the regular season. Other then the back to life season of Terrell Owens, the Bengals have become an utter disappointment.  As great as T.O. has been playing is just as bad as OchoCinco has been playing. Chad has definitely not been getting the same amount of looks as Owens, but the few that he gets are still ones that he is not delivering on. As all teams do when they play Manning and the Colts, look for the Bengals to try and establish the run early and often, and in doing so keep the prolific Indianapolis offense off of the field.  It can probably be the only way that they can keep themselves in the game. Cedric Benson should be a running back to keep an eye on this week.

The Colts on the other hand continue to battle and try to stay in the hunt for the lead in their division. While only at 5-3 and coming off of their first November loss in 13 straight November games, what the Colts and most notably Peyton Manning have done this year, is remarkable. 12 players on IR, and still in the hunt for playoff football. That's saying something right there about Manning.  If the Bengals defense focuses primarily on Reggie Wayne this week (4^th wide receiver on the FFCPI), then it may be safe to assume that Pierre Garcon will be getting plenty of looks from Manning.  Backup Tight End Jacob Tamme has also become a part of Manning's arsenal, since Dallas Clark became the latest Colt to find himself places on the IR.

GOOD START: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Terrell Owens, Cedric Benson, Pierre Garcon, Jacob Tamme

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Donald Brown, Mike Hart,

BAD START: Blair White, Jordan Shipley

New York Jets vs Cleveland

Do the Browns have another one in them? First the Patriots and now the Jets as the 2^nd in the back to back of the AFC east powerhouses come to visit the dog pound.  Plenty of other angles in this one including the trash talk between both teams head coaches (and one head coach to one sibling defensive coordinator) and also the return of Braylon Edwards to Cleveland.  Though Cleveland has been a push over in the past, this is the same team that ran all over New England last week, just 7 days after picking off Super bowl MVP Drew Brees four times in their week 8 road victory at New Orleans.  The Jets themselves are coming off of a bad loss at home against Green Bay, and a Win at Detroit that was more of a gift then anything.

Imagining Peyton Hillis running all over the Jets defensive line and linebacker core the way that he did against New England, may be a bit of a stretch.  Want to hear a crazy stat…The Jets defense has not allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 1. Take that into consideration before thinking about a repeat performance from Hillis. At the same time, asking rookie Quarterback Colt McCoy to make up the difference through the air, may be a bit of a task. As promising of a season he is having, the Jets secondary should be out for blood against a Cleveland wide receiving core that leaves much to be desired.

Mark Sanchez cracks the top 10 in this weeks FFCPI for Quarterbacks, at #10. Keep in mind however that Sanchez will be facing a Browns defense that Drew Brees and Tom Brady to a combined 69.5 passer rating the past two weeks. This is where the running game for the Jets will have to come and help out the young quarterback. In the middle of all that, will be Dustin Keller, the tight end who finds himself at the top of our FFCPI. If the deep threat is not there for Sanchez, and the running game is taking a rest, then it will be Keller who will be getting the looks as he continues to be the favorite target for the Jets passing game.

GOOD START: Dustin Keller

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD:  Payton Hillis, Ladanian Tomlinson, Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez

BAD START: Santonio Holmes, Josh Cribbs, Colt McCoy

 

Houston vs Jacksonville

It seems that whenever the Texans are involved in a fantasy match up, we are always telling you about how much the opposing Quarterback and Wide Receivers will benefit from going up against the worst passing defense in the NFL. Well this week should really not be that different.

When able to pick apart a week defense, Jacksonville Quarterback David Garrard can deliver. In 2 games against the Texans last year, Maurice Jones Drew (ranked 5^th for Running Backs in this weeks FFCPI) rushed for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns in both games combined.

Matt Schaub has never beaten the Jaguars, going 0-4 against them in his career. Could this be the week that the streak ends? Well if it is, then Schaub picked a great week to be the top Quarterback in the FFCHAMPS FFCPI. Andre Johnson is the top ranked wide receiver on the FFCPI as well for week 10, and Arian Foster is the #2 RB. Plenty of scoring to come in bunches for the Texans on Sunday in northern Florida. The Jaguars defense is nothing to brag about and combined with the weak passing defense of the Texans, has all signs pointing to a shoot out come Sunday.

GOOD START: Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Matt Schaub. Maurice Jones Drew, David Garrard

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Mercedes Lewis, Jacoby Jones

BAD START: Kevin Walter, Mike Thomas

 

Minnesota vs Chicago

The Vikings locker room seems to have become ground zero for how to NOT participate in a player and coach friendly environment. The team is coming off of a thrilling and dramatic home victory against the Cardinals just a week after Coach Childress deiced to make an executive decision and place hall of fame wide receiver Randy Moss on waivers, without informing anyone. It was good to see them come out and respond the way they did, but the anonymous players now chirping away saying that they do not enjoy playing for Childress, give reason enough to believe that the Vikings are just one more loss away from some serious changes. It does not appear like anybody has given up on the season or the coach just yet, but you can sense that anything going wrong from here on out, may be the beginning of a serious downfall. With the trade deadline approaching in most leagues this week, you have to take that into consideration should you own any Vikings. Just to show you how serious we feel about this, not one Viking cracked the top 5 in their respected position in this weeks FFCPI.

Look for the Bears to come out on Sunday at home with something to prove. A Win will get them first place in the division. Matt Forte has not had a big game in quite sometime, and that Vikings defensive line is not one that is into giving up big plays. The Bears should try and look to Forte often enough though, in their way of keeping Favre and Peterson off of the football field.

GOOD START: Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, Percy Harvin,

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Brett Favre, Jay Cutler, Visanthe Shiancoe, Johnny Knox.

BAD START: Greg Olsen, Bernard Berrian

 

Philadelphia vs Washington

This weeks Monday Night game takes us to the nations capital. Another chance at his old team for Mcnabb, this time in Washington. However unlike the last time these two teams met in Philadelphia, the Eagles are now soaring in one direction, while controversy sends the Redskins in another. Coming off of a bye week with plenty more to prove now then before, it should be interesting to see how Mcnabb will come out against his old team.

The Eagles have been one of the hotter teams in the league, and a lot of the credit is due to quarterback Michael Vick. Vick lead the Eagles to victory at home last week over the Colts by completing17 of 29 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, as well as 10 carries for 74 yards and another score. It should be no surprise that Vick has found himself in the top 2 for the FFCHAMPS FFCPI this week at the Quarterback position. Look for the Philadelphia defense to step up again as well, coming off of a week where they held the great Peyton Manning in check. Make sure to keep an eye on LeSean McCoy had who has 174 yards from scrimmage the last time the Eagles played Washington, including 12 catches for 110 yards.

When they last met in Philadelphia, the Redskins rushed for a season-high 169 yards. Mcnabb also had a better game as a passer, as he found tight end Chris Cooley for a 31-yard touchdown. Much has changed in both cities since that game, but there is always a human element to fantasy sports, and Mcnabb now has an extra chip on his shoulder at home this week to play with. The Washington running. game has been banged up all year, which gives even more of a reason for Mcnabb to be throwing the ball come Monday night.

 

GOOD START: Michael Vick, Lesean Mccoy, Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Donovan Mcnabb

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Chris Cooley, Ryan Torain, Santana Moss, Brent Celek

BAD START: Jason Avant, Anthony Armstrong,

 

Patriots vs Steelers

This is Sunday night football at its best as both teams come in at 6-2, but there have been some kinks in both team's armor in recent weeks.

The Patriots are eager to prove that they are as good as ever, even without Randy Moss and with the less reliable surgically-repaired Wes Welker in the receiving corps.  This team will rely heavily on short passes to the two talented rookie tight ends as well as third-down tailback Danny Woodhead.  The deep threats aren't all that threatening in this match-up against the best defense in the NFL in points allowed per game.

The Steelers are looking a lot more balanced now they are again pushing the ball hard on the ground with Rashard Mendehall.  In fact, we have Mendenhall as the top ranked running back this week.  You still start Ben Roethlisberger, as well as his top targets Hines Ward and Mike Wallace, but Heath Miller has been a fantasy disappointment thus far. 

GOOD START: Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Aaron Hernandez

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Tom Brady, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Heath Miller

BAD START: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brandon Tate, Rob Gronkowski

 

Rams vs 49ers

Two teams appearing to move in the opposite direction go at it this weekend with the Rams relying on the strong arm of their rookie sensation at quarterback, and the Niners hoping that Troy Smith simply doesn't lose the game for them. 

The Rams receiving corps has been hurt by injuries, but the reliable Danny Amendola remains the team's top target.  On that note, the team will have to push the ball on the ground, hoping that Steven Jackson can deliver another win, while Sam Bradford mixes in a few deep throws along the way.

The 49ers are very much a rush-dominated offense with Frank Gore ranked as the ninth best running back this weekend.  Troy Smith does have some weapons to target in Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, but expect the team to call for a passing play only when it is absolutely needed.

GOOD START: Frank Gore, Vernon Davis

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Steven Jackson, Michael Crabtree

BAD START: Sam Bradford, Troy Smith, Danny Amendola

 

Cowboys vs Giants

Two teams moving in the opposite direction meet at the New Meadowlands Stadium. 

The Cowboys have been awful and the biggest issue has been an offensive line that offers Jon Kitna very little protection.  The ground game has been a wash and the talented receivers have been dealing with too many drops.  The one player who has raised his game in recent weeks is Jason Witten, likely because he is the safety valve of the team's offense.

The Giants are everything you could have expected coming into the season.  Eli Manning is an above average quarterback who is surrounded by young talent.  One player sitting out this contest will be Steve Smith, who will miss the new few games because of an injury.  Other than him, plan to start just about everyone else including Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham.  On the ground, Ahmad Bradshaw is the safe bet, while Brandon Jacobs could rack up plenty of yardage if this is a blow out. 

GOOD START: Eli Manning, Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Mario Manningham, Jason Witten

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: None

BAD START: Jon Kitna, Brandon Jacobs, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, Kevin Boss

 

Seahawks vs Cardinals

Two teams once known for their lethal passing attacks have fallen on hard times in the pocket.

The Seahawks are banking on Matt Hasselbeck to return this weekend, but he is by no means the team's savior.  On the other hand, he is much better than Charlie Whitehurst and will get Mike Williams involved.  The rushing attack seems to be an equal split with Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett suffering the consequences.

The Cardinals still have some talent in the receiving corps with Larry Fitzgerald joined by Steve Breaston.  We see Fitzgerald as the third best wide out in the NFL this weekend.  Though he doesn't have any value on his own, Derek Anderson does the best job at getting them the ball.  With Beanie Wells injured, expect Tim Hightower to get the majority of the carries this weekend, which offers him some value assuming the Cardinals can afford him some goal line opportunities.

GOOD START: Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Williams, Steve Breaston

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Matt Hasselbeck, Derek Anderson, Tim Hightower

BAD START: Justin Forsett, Marshawn Lynch, John Carlson

 

Chiefs vs Broncos

The Chiefs have found a way to win with a solid backfield and a capable defense, while the Broncos simply air the ball out for better or for worse.

The Chiefs will have every chance to do what they do best and that is run the ball.  The Broncos feature one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL, so expect Thomas Jones to bounce back from an uneven performance.  The passing attack could also be a strength for the Chiefs as the high-flying ways of the Broncos could always lead to a shootout, though it is unlikely due to the prowess of the KC defense.

The Broncos now have a healthy Knowshon Moreno, but don't be fooled; this is still a team that has to put up points via the pass to get anywhere.  That means fantasy points all around for Kyle Orton, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd, and Eddie Royal.

GOOD START: Jamaal Charles, Brandon Lloyd, Dwayne Bowe

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Kyle Orton, Knowshon Moreno, Thomas Jones, Eddie Royal, Tony Moeaki

BAD START: Matt Cassel, Jabar Gaffney, Demaryius Thomas,

 

Panthers vs Buccaneers

This is a mismatch as the Panthers have been destroyed by injuries and the Buccaneers are evolving into one of the most complete teams in the NFL.

As if it was bad enough that the Panthers entered the season banking on Matt Moore, now that he is lost for the season due to injuries, the team will have to call on a pair of rookies to man the most important position.  That practically wipes away the fantasy value of all Panthers receivers including Steve Smith.  On the other hand, a sleeper could appear in the backfield in the form of Mike Goodson who will spell the injured Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams this weekend.

The Buccaneers offer a little bit of everything these days thanks to the fine rapport formed between Josh Freeman and rookie wide out Mike Williams.  The ground game can also offer some value in favorable match-ups such as the one they face this weekend.  That will lead to LeGarrette Blount getting the majority of the touches, with Cadillac Williams relegated to a much smaller role.  You also have to love the Tampa Bay defense against the injury-plagued Panthers this weekend. 

GOOD START: Mike Williams

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Josh Freeman, LeGarrette Blount, Mike Goodson, Steve Smith, Kellen Winslow

BAD START: Jimmy Clausen, Brandon LaFell

 

Titans vs Dolphins

Two of the best wide receivers face off, but they are both adapting to brand new quarterbacks, the question now is whether there will be a long learning curve.

The Titans will break Randy Moss into the offense, but he will truly play a secondary role for the franchise behind Chris Johnson.  The Titans will likely turn to their veteran backup Kerry Collins in this one, since Vince Young has not performed well in the NFL when he is not 100% healthy.

The Dolphins showed a little desperation by turning to Chad Pennington, but I like the move.  He is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in NFL history, and that is exactly what they may need to get the ball in the hands of Brandon Marshall.  If not Marshall, the 'Phins offer other fantasy talents in the receiving corps including Davone Bess and Brian Hartline.  Even Anthony Fasano is a solid option thanks to his red-zone prowess.  On the ground, Ronnie Brown gets the majority of the touches, but his fantasy value seems to be vanishing by the day, while Ricky Williams has lost it altogether. 

GOOD START: Brandon Marshall, Chris Johnson, Randy Moss

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Ronnie Brown, Chad Pennington, Davone Bess

BAD START: Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Ricky Williams, Brian Hartline, Anthony Fasano

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