With less teams on Bye this week, there's a solid week of football waiting for us in Week 9. With many compelling fantasy stories; having to do with injuries, discipline and a certain video game curse, it should be a crazy week. I'm going to make my picks, with my choice in bold, and offer some thoughts on the game as well as fantasy tidbits underneath. Let's get started...


I don't think Vegas can make this high enough, the Chargers are a mess. Something is off, and the loss of Sproles has a lot to do with it, as does Gates injury. Ryan Mathews probably won't play, making Mike Tolbert the full time back. Scary for San Diego. You all know the fantasy players to play in this game, no surprises. Only thing I'll say is I'd put Starks well over Grant.


I have no faith in this pick, just a hunch. The Bills are slowing down, and even though they are getting all their receivers back healthy, I still think the Jets find a way to win this. Shonn Greene has a nice matchup here and will have a nice day. Fred Jackson will probably have his lowest output of the season, but I still expect decent numbers. Stevie Johnson is in line for a benching this week, and Fitzpatrick shouldn't be starting in any league. 

I don't expect Peyton Hills to do much in this game, even if he suits up. Let's be honest, Chris Ogbannaya doesn't really scare anyone, nor does colt McCoy. I would sit Andre Johnson out one more week if I was Houston, and it's sounds like they will. Foster is my top flex option this week, and will have a big game. Ben Tate could even get a flex look. The only Brown I would consider playing is Greg Little, a low end WR3 or flex. 

Everone is taking the Steelers in this one, not me. I think the Ravens at least keep it within a field goal. Ray Rice is an obvious must start, he's proved he can put up points on the Steelers. I would also give Boldin WR2 status. On the Steelers side, Ben is a decent start, Mendenhall is a WR2, Wallace WR1, Brown WR2 or 3 depending on how stacked your receiving corps is and Sanders a flex play. Heath Miller is also in line for a nice day.  The Eagles finally looked like what we thought they would, and watch out. They should really take off here. Matt Forte is in line for a big week, but that's the only Bear I would start. The usual Eagles you will start, as well as Celek, who is getting  more and more targets each week.  The Cowboys are still a good team, and they should go on a nice little run here. Stick with Miles & Dez, they'll be really good over the next month or so. I dumped DeMarco Murray now, at his highest value, mostly because I don't want to deal with the Murray/Jones circus that will be sure to go on once Felix gets back. I wouldn't be comfortable playing any Seahawks this week. 

Went back and forth on this one, but ultimately the Chiefs will win by more than a touchdown at home, or at least a touchdown. Jackie Battle is getting more and more carries and is a solid RB2 option at this point. It was encouraging to see him get a goal line carry last week as well. Jon Baldwin is also a nice stash, as he could really come on late. As for the Dolphins, play Marshall as a WR2 and Daniel Thomas as a flex, avoid everyone else.  I don't like either of these teams, and don't think either one is a championship threat, but give me the Bucs this week. Freeman's play will pick up, it really has to. Strangely enough, it still seems the Saints are searching for an identity. Freeman is a good start this week, as is Blount and Mike Williams. We all know about the Saints, and Colston/Graham are still the only receiving options I trust.  Even heading out East, I like the Niners in this one. They'll run, run and run some more. I don't trust John Beck to do anything, I'm going to say they score single digits. I wouldn't start any Redskin outside of Fred Davis. If you're really, really desperate for a WR, look at Jabar Gaffney. On San Fran's side, I like Crabtree to play better and better as the year goes on, making him a solid trade target.

    Most people are on the Bengals, give me the Titans. They'll grind out a win at home, and keep the Bengals in check. Javon Ringer could be in for a nice day as a flex play, sorry CJ2K owners, and remember; Ced Benson returns this week, he'll be a nice play. 


Additionally, I feel I should pick the National Championship game this week. I have LSU beating Bama. LSU is on another planet, especially defensively. The team defensive stats don't tell the entire story. Do you really think LSU would of been in a tie game with Penn State or Tennessee at halftime? I don't. LSU is fantastic on the road, and Alabama is fine at home, nothing more. LSU 27-17.

Good luck to everyone, enjoy the weekend.

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