For many of you out there that are not familiar with NEXFL, the NEXFL is the National Experts Fantasy League. It is a 32-team league that includes Offense and Individual Defensive Players (IDP) and only has one “copy” of a player. There are a few other 32-team leagues out there, but many have two “copies” of a player (i.e. two teams can own Adrian Peterson, etc.). That is not the case in NEXFL. This is not a league for the unseasoned or casual fantasy fan. The draft is 23 rounds and amounts to over 730 picks that are selected through an online draft over the span of approximately a month. The purpose of NEXFL is to establish a league that is unlike any other. The concept was originally developed by Ryan “The Warden” Houston and later enhanced by George “SpiGuy” Kerwood and now Tom “Tomdiggs” Digliani in the hopes of providing fantasy football enthusiasts with a much more difficult and challenging task: Represent an NFL team and create the ultimate Fantasy Football team with precious resources. Do you have what it takes to compete?

To take a look at the teams and rosters for this season, check out the league site:

http://www14.myfantasyleague.com/2011/home/44638

Now, here is my personal analysis of this year’s teams and projections. These are my opinions and mine alone as the commissioner and avid NEXFL enthusiast.

For those that want to take part next year, start studying up on your IDP and deep sleepers. Then follow the league from afar throughout the league and let me know your interest so I can place you on a waiting list for the 2012 season. The league usually has 6-8 vacancies that open up per year.

Without further ado, here’s the league as I see it through my crystal ball.

AFC East
1. Bills – The reigning AFC Champs return with another solid squad. Vlad looks to be forming the basis for being an annual contender now after breaking through to the playoffs for the first time last season. While Alex Smith will hurt him in a division filled with exceptional QBs, the Bills’ depth and strength at WR and LB will carry them. If Dez Bryant does not pan out or if Austin Collie gets hurt then they could be in trouble. I expect big things from both, however. D’Qwell Jackson and Jonathan Vilma will carry the D and will be helped a lot by Trent Cole and Morgan Burnett. The real player to watch for the Bills is Lance Kendricks. If he stands out during the year like he has this preseason then this team could be dangerous. If one of many risks goes awry they could fall out of the playoff picture. I want to predict a better record, but with all the risks and with Alex Smith I need to temper expectations. Prediction: 8-5

2. Dolphins – Jerm has once again put together a tough squad. Joe Flacco, Mike Thomas, and Wes Welker will help carry the offense. The D has some good players in Robert Mathis, Jon Beason and Kevin Burnett. Beason’s early season injury is one to watch. If he misses time it could doom the Dolphins’ chances out of the gate in the early divisional games. I see them being slightly off of the Bills in running for the division crown. Prediction: 7-6

3. Patriots – The Pats may have a new NEXFL owner this year, but they drafted well. Michael Vick will be the first piece that will help carry this offense. However, there is some serious offensive talent here in addition to Vick with Rashard Mendenhall, Pierre Garcon and Greg Olsen. Olsen could be a gem in this league. The defense has some nice balance with AJ Hawk, Daryl Smith and Devin McCourty leading the way. Depth is an issue. There isn’t much at DL and Paris Lenon and Keith Brooking may not be starting for their NFL teams for very long. A good, but not great rookie year for the Pats. Prediction: 5-8

4. Jets – Just like the NFL Colts; this team’s status relies on Peyton Manning’s health. Manning will run this offense with Michael Turner, but a lack of talent at WR and LB could possibly hurt this team. James Jones and Plaxico Burress need to step up to help this team. Jason Witten should remain a stud. The DBs may all be cornerbacks, but having Charles Tillman, Richard Marshall and DeAngelo Hall will help offset the lack of talent at LB. Clay Matthews and Tamba Hali really need big years to help this D out. Prediction: 4-9

Summary: This division went from being one of the deepest last year to being a little thin this year in my opinion. I only see one team coming out of this division into the playoffs. Currently everyone is chasing the Bills in my opinion.

AFC North
1. Browns – Wow what a difference a year makes. Dave went from a 5-8 owner last year to maybe assembling the best team in the NEXFL this year! Colt McCoy, Maurice Jones-Drew, DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith (Car), Braylon Edwards and Fred Davis make for a damn scary offense. The defense has some great LBs for a 32-team league in Nick Barnett, Stewart Bradley and Rocky McIntosh. Even the DBs have potential with Glover Quinn and William Moore leading the way. The only real weakness on this team is along the D-Line. There is not much there. Not a bad spot to be weak. I am not looking to facing them in week 8. Prediction: 10-3

2. Ravens – Yergs is in the running every single year and this is why. He just builds a ridiculously balanced team. Shonne Greene, Andre Johnson, Julio Jones and Brandon Pettigrew will make for a great base for the offense. His defense could be scary. Carlos Dunlap and Justin Tuck make for a great pairing at DL and they are filled in the starting lineup with Geno Hayes, Clint Session and Brandon Spikes. As long as the LBs can stay healthy (no small task with Spikes and Session already missing time), then this team will be in playoff contention. Prediction: 8-5

3. Bengals – Mike may be a new owner here, but his team turned out pretty well for his first NEXFL draft. Kevin Kolb will form a lethal one-two punch with Ray Rice on offense. If Dallas Clark stays healthy, he could be the best offensive player on the team. The WRs will decide how good this team can be. Nate Burleson, Michael Jenkins and Andre Roberts will all be NFL starters, but may not offer much punch in the box score. If they step up on offense, there is definitely enough on defense (Gary Brackett, Donald Butler, Cliff Avril, Patrick Peterson, and Antrel Rolle) to help buoy this team to the edge of playoff contention. Might be a bit tough in this division, however. Prediction: 6-7

4. Steelers – George is a seasoned vet of this league. I seemingly never like his teams and half the time I am right and half the time I am dead wrong. This year I am not high again. I love Matt Schaub and Matt Forte leading the offense and I like Todd Heap with how much Kevin Kolb has historically used the TE. The WRs are suspect though. If Steve Smith (Phi) and Eddie Royal can become decent fantasy contributors, then this team will prove me wrong. If they don’t the offense could be hurting a bit. Paul Posluszny and DeMeco Ryans will help carry the defense along with Dawan Landry. However, a lack of a third starting LB could hurt the overall production. Prediction: 3-10

Summary: This division might be close and is very good at the top. I do not like the fact that my AFC South division crosses over with this division this season. I definitely see two playoff teams coming out of this division. The Browns are the team to beat here and maybe in the AFC and entire NEXFL.

AFC South
1. Colts – Just as I said last year, some people do not rate their own teams. I say that is a cop-out! I have no problem addressing the likes and dislikes of my own team. I love my starting WRs, TEs and LBs. Last year I was 10-0 with Matt Hasselbeck as my QB. This was with him having less explosive options, less of an O-Line and less of a running game in Seattle then he will have in Tennessee this year. I think he could finish around the 20th rated QB and that should be just enough to help out. RB is a problem spot yet again. I lost my best one (Ryan Williams) for the year and will now have to rely on Reggie Bush yet again. Not good in a non-ppr RB league. Greg Jennings, Kenny Britt, Michael Crabtree, Jared Cook and Rob Gronkowski should help cover me though. I may have picked the wrong NE tight end, but if so that is my biggest regret on offense. My DL was terrible last year so I tried to fix that this year. I love having Julius Peppers and Matt Roth to start the year while Derrick Morgan gets healthy. The DBs are not stellar, but they do consist of a few high tackle CBs. I clearly need Tanard Jackson to get reinstated or I am in trouble here. The LBs lack depth but are big at the top. Despite losing Travis Goethel to a season ending injury already (yes, another), I still have David Hawthorne, Daryl Washington and NaVorro Bowman. That is likely three-100 tackle LBs and two with the chance to be 120 tackle guys. I like my team but have a brutal schedule and will not touch last year’s 10-3 record. Prediction: 9-4

2. Jaguars – I am getting sick of the Jags putting together good drafts. They are clearly putting pressure on this division. I cringe at facing this offense. Matthew Stafford, Michael Bush/Daniel Thomas, Miles Austin, Danny Amendola, Jermichael Finley…are you kidding? Even the extras like Harry Douglas are serviceable. The only hope is that the LBs do not perform. Having four starting NFL LBs is a luxury in this league and the Jags have them. None are exceptional, but Sean Lee, Chris Gocong, Michael Boley and Moise Fokou are good enough to keep the D afloat. Their O is probably better than the Colts, but the D might be a tiny bit behind. Close call. Prediction: 8-5

3. Titans – This team has the potential to steal the division away from the Colts of the Jaguars. Brandon Marshall and Percy Harvin are a hell of a one-two punch in a WR ppr league. If Aaron Hernandez keeps up this tear he is on, this offense is going to kill. LeGarrette Blount will be a great non-ppr RB too. The Jacksonville QB is a bit scary. They will be a good point producer while David Garrard is in there. Once Blaine Gabbart gets in, however, the QB spot could become an issue for them. You may not get much better than Patrick Willis and Brian Cushing as a 1-2 punch. Ndamukong Suh is going to be huge too. The D does not have much beyond them, however. They could surprise, but seem a tiny bit behind the other two teams in their division above them. Prediction: 6-7

4. Texans – This team might lack some punch on offense but will be held up by a strong defense. The D is led by the aging but exceptional duo of Ray Lewis and London fletcher. If they both continue to defy father time, this LB group will be brutal to face. Quinten Mikell, Earl Thomas and Major Wright will be great DBs too. While Drew Brees and Peyton Hillis are scary, the receiving options are a bit limited. Jacoby Ford, Mohammed Massaquoi, and Denarius Moore need to step up for them to compete weekly. Brent Celek will help too. I see this team being great if their WRs pan out. If not they will not be. I don’t have much faith in the WRs so I have them lower. They could surprise if I am wrong. Prediction: 4-9

Summary: I see this division as being considerably stronger than it was last year. The Colts and Jags will likely fight at the top if they remain healthy all year. This division could easily produce two playoff teams and do not be surprised if the Titans surprise the Colts or Jags and steal the division.

AFC West
1. Broncos – Many people might be sleeping on Kevin after last year. I will not. Kevin has been the historical competitor I compare myself to every year since I have been in this league starting in 2006. Kevin won the AFC West from 2006-2009 every year. He averaged 9 wins a year in those years and almost 166 points per game. Last year he finished with the worst record in the league somehow. Well guess what folks, he’s back! Mark Sanchez will not set the world on fire, but he will be a solid and stable NEXFL QB. Joseph Addai, Larry Fitzgerald, Robert Meachem and Lance Moore will fill out a very nice NEXFL offense. The D is even crazier. Curtis Lofton, DJ Williams, Chris Harris, Bernard Pollard, Aaron Kampman and Matt Shaughnessy give this team exceptional balance. The key for them is the early season injury to DJ Williams. If his loss costs them some key division games then there will be room to make up. Prediction: 9-4

2. Chargers – Tim has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in this league. This is his third division in as many years, but he keeps putting together exceptional teams. Dwayne Bowe and Brandon Lloyd are a great set of NEXFL WRs. Kyle Orton and Jahvid Best round out the offensive talent. I am a bit concerned with this team relying so much on Denver’s passing offense under John Fox. Orton, Lloyd and Julius Thomas are three starters that could struggle in Denver’s passing offense sputters or is underutilized. Defensively they are scary. Desmond Bishop, Mason Foster and Joe Mays form maybe the best starting LB group in NEXFL. How long Mays hangs on to the starting job is key. There is not much at DL, but the DBs are loaded with undervalued talent in Melvin Bullitt, Chris Hope and Jim Leonhard. I can see them fighting with the Broncos all year long trying to win this division. Prediction: 9-4

3. Raiders – Another year and another good Raiders team. Matt Ryan is in for a huge year and the duo of Ryan Grant and Beanie Wells will give two great RBs and a nice potential trade chip as well. The WRs and TEs are a bit lacking but have a little pop. Can Jerome Simpson and Mike Williams perform despite Andy Dalton and Tarvaris Jackson QBing their teams? If not the Raiders will struggle a bit. Rolando McClain, Tyvon Branch and Eric Berry will be great for the defense. The rest is filled with NFL starters that will be good role players but not likely to be NEXFL stars. Slow and steady wins the race, but this is a tough division. Prediction: 6-7

4. Chiefs – Boy do the NEXFL Chiefs have a lot of NFL Chiefs! If the NFL Chiefs are as good as last year then great! If not then it is not so great. I expect the NFL Chiefs to slip and thus I am a bit low on the NEXFL Chiefs. Matt Cassel could be in for a rude awakening with Charlie Weis and that NE passing offense. He was great in NE under it and great with Charlie Weis running the show. Weis is gone now though. Jamaal Charles will be a beast, but the receiving options need to get healthy to have a chance. Chris Cooley is hurt. Emmanuel Sanders has been hurt. Antonio Gates is ridiculously good when he plays, but he needs to remain healthy. Steve Breaston has been hurt. There is a lot of uncertainty with the receiving options here. If any falter then the Chiefs are hurt. If they all stay healthy and come through then my prediction is way too low. Terrell Suggs and John Abraham are an awesome starting DL pair and Michael Griffin is a great DB starter. Depth beyond them is limited. James Harrison and Ernie Sims have been hurt this preseason and if Sims doesn’t start to begin the year, then this team has Harrison and Anthony Spencer and a bunch of reserve NFL LBs. It could get ugly if that happens. Prediction: 3-10

Summary: I see two likely playoff teams her and the Raiders might make a little noise and prove me wrong and make it a 3-way race. The Chiefs have a ton of potential, but they need to get healthy and stay that way to have a chance in such a tough division.

AFC- 105-103

NFC East
1. Redskins – Chris is one of the league’s wily veterans and he has built another nice squad this year. This team has few weaknesses. It is solid at QB with Jay Cutler and is built heavily around some solid WRs and LBs. Reggie Wayne and Santonio Holmes will carry this offense and if Ryan Mathews steps up the offense could be deadly. When the team gets completely healthy and has Thomas Davis, Lance Briggs and Keith Rivers, look out. I would predict an even better record except this division will beat up on each other a good amount. Prediction: 8-5

2. Cowboys – I am happy to see Andrew gone from the AFC South and he will continue to compete annually in the NFC East now. Andrew’s team is built around stable commodities like Eli Manning and DeAngelo Williams and while his WRs are a bit thin, he has Calvin Johnson and two great TEs to start in Kellen Winslow and Vernon Davis. His LB depth is exceptional too with DeAndre Levy, Jonathan Goff and Kavell Conner to start the year. By the time Conner could get passed by Ernie Sims, he might have Nate Irving starting. Plus he has Mathias Kiwanuka for insurance. He will be fighting for the division title all year. Prediction: 8-5

3. Eagles – Jack’s team here might be just as good as or better than the two I have ranked above him. He has great talent to win on offense with LeSean McCoy, Mike Wallace, Mike Williams and Kevin Boss, but his defense is where he makes up ground. He has two great D-Linemen in Charles Johnson and Jason Babin and early in the year he will have four starting LBs in Karlos Dansby, Casey Matthews, Thomas Howard and Wesley Woodyard. He has a few weeks to sort things out before DJ Williams and Keith Rivers return. Their imminent returns and his bad QB situation are the only reason I list the Eagles behind the Skins and Cowboys here. Prediction: 7-6

4. Giants – Doug is another owner that always seems to prove me wrong. I normally expect his teams to struggle only to find them near the tops of the leader board in the NFC in points scored every year. Hopefully he proves me wrong again this year. Doug has a lot riding on the Giants as always and he needs Travis Beckum to step up for him. I love Hakeem Nicks and I like AJ Green’s talent, but if Green struggles due to poor WB play then the receivers here could be hurting. The LBs are also pretty rough with only Cameron Wake and Andra Davis to write home about. Doug does make up for it with arguably the best DBs in NEXFL with Yeremiah Bell, Roman Harper and Louis Delmas. I could see him being great if AJ Green and Ryan Fitzpatrick play out. I am not 100% sold on that, however. Prediction: 5-8

Summary: I see two likely playoff teams here. These teams are going to beat up on each other all year. The division is really strong top-to-bottom. The division is seemingly always tough and this year will be no different.

NFC North
1. Lions – I had to pick next to Chris last year and it was no picnic. He has a knack for putting together some great teams. I see him being the class of the NFC North this year again. Sidney Rice’s bust potential scares me a bit, but there is enough talent on offense to make up for that with Jason Campbell, Tim Hightower, Vincent Jackson, and Early Doucet there to help. The TE situation is not pretty, lacking a starter on the roster. Luckily the defense is there to save the day. Barrett Ruud, Rey Maualuga and Pat Angerer will team with Jason Pierre-Paul to lead the D. They have a look of a division winner and high ranking playoff team. Prediction: 8-5

2. Vikings – The Vikings are another NEXFL team that often has a lot of their home team’s players. This year is no exception. The difference is the value this year. Chad Ochocinco, Anquan Boldin and Bernard Berrian will help the offense. As long as Donovan McNabb stays healthy, the offense will be ok. If he falters and Christian Ponder enters then this team is hurting as Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe’s values would falter as well. The DBs and DLs on this team are nothing special, but the LBs are very nice, with David Harris, James Farrior and surprise preseason star Erin Henderson leading the way. If Kirk Morrison ends up starting in Buffalo at any point then this gets even better. All in all not a bad squad. Prediction: 7-6

3. Packers – I want to pick this team to basically win the division. They have a lot going for them. Aaron Rodgers is a stud and will carry them. Fred Jackson provides sneaky value at RB and Mario Manningham is set up to star this year. The problem I have is the lack of other weapons in the receiving game and the lack of oomph at LB. If Derrick Johnson and DeMarcus Ware can hold down the fort, then the Safeties with TJ Ward, Kerry Rhodes and Nick Collins can hopefully make up some ground. If there was a little bit more in the WR/TE department I could see them as a playoff team with a shot at the division. Prediction: 5-8

4. Bears – This is another team that is not barren and I hate predicting to finish this poorly. A team with Tom Brady, Cedric Benson, Mark Ingram, Brian Urlacher and Takeo Spikes is too good of a base to struggle mightily. However, there are just way too many question marks at WR and TE to stomach. When your top WRs and TEs are players that might not even start for their NFL teams (Roy Williams, Derrick Mason, Ben Obamanu, Tony Scheffler) then you know it could be a long year. Prediction: 5-8

Summary: This was a tough division for me to gauge. I don’t see the Packers or Bears being all that bad. They could flip-flop with the Vikings and all could be solid and competing to the bitter end just like last year. I just see the Lions above them for sure, that’s all. I only see one team making it out of this division into the playoffs this year. Maybe they will prove me wrong like they did last year.

NFC South
1. Buccaneers – I really like what Ty has done with his team. He is stocked strongly at QB (Philip Rivers), RB (Knowshon Moreno and CJ Spiller) and at WR (Marques Colston, Malcolm Floyd). He has Tony Gonzalez at TE but no depth behind him. He also needs one of his 3 other WRs to step up and form a decent WR3. On defense I love Elvis Dumervil and he has EJ Henderson and Von Miller to help out as well. If the Denver D struggles to pressure the QB then his team will struggle on D. They have looked good so far, so it is so-far-so-good. Prediction: 8-5

2. Panthers – Something tells me I am significantly under-rating the returning Champs. Ben Roethlisberger and Arian Foster are beats and will carry the offense. My concern is the receiving options again. This team needs both TEs to excel. Owen Daniels and Zach Miller need to be great for them to have a great offense. I don’t see much at WR to help carry the load. The defense here is what has me all types of uncertain. The DBs are top notch. George Wilson, Eric Weddle and Brent Grimes are awesome. The DL has Justin Smith and not much else. The tough part are the LBs. I do not believe in James Anderson as much as others do. The numbers speak for themselves, but I just don’t believe it. If Jamar Chaney goes back to the middle, this team could shoot up the division. If not, they have some work to do. Prediction: 6-7

3. Falcons – Welcome back Tim! Tim won the title in 2009 and then was out of the league last year. Here he is back again. I am not so sure I love the team, though. The Redskins QB will likely provide some ups and downs. Chris Johnson will be really good, and Marshawn Lynch provides some nice depth. However, if Steve Johnson struggles this team is in trouble. Johnson and Mike Sims-Walker are being relied on to carry a weak group of WRs and TEs. Defensively the DBs are great but the LBs and DL have potential and very little proven talent. I just can’t see a return to the playoffs unless everything goes right. In NEXFL it rarely does. Prediction: 5-8

4. Saints – To put it simply, I love the defense on Mike’s team and I hate the offense. The offense does not have much beyond Adrian Peterson. Cam Newton will struggle early on, none of the WRs are starters for their NFL team, and some are not even the third option for their teams. There are two very good TEs in Jimmy Graham and Dustin Keller, but both those teams have many NFL receiving options and they will be up and down week to week. It is hard to count out a team with guys like Osi Umenyiora, Chad Greenway, Stephen Tulloch, LaRon Landry and Adrian Wilson on it. I feel the need to though. With Umenyiora, Wilson and Landry dinged up, this team strength could be derailed really quickly. Prediction: 4-9

Summary: This was exceptionally hard for me. For some reason, I just simply do not like the teams in this division this year and the way they are built. I am also not an idiot and know that this division has represented the NFC in the championship three years in a row and has won the last two NEXFL Championships. These guys know what they are doing. They are likely to prove me very, very wrong. But as of now I can’t see more than one team coming out of here and I really don’t see much certainty beyond the Bucs.

NFC West
1. Rams – Dave jumped over to the NFC this year and then went on to build a great team. Sam Bradford was a nice snag when the QBs began flying off the board and Felix Jones should be good this year. He even grabbed DeMarco Murray as a handcuff, which could be big if he beats out Tashard Choice. The receiving options on this team and the LBs are great. Not only that, but they are deep. Jeremy Maclin, Lee Evans, Donald Driver, and Danario Alexander could all be starters for their NFL teams. Even Demaryius Thomas has late season upside. Ben Watson is a solid contributor and the LBs are built around James Laurinaitis, Sean Weatherspoon and Aldon Smith. Smith has looked good in his transition this preseason and the Rams can even ride Dan Conner early in the year if Jon Beason misses time. This team is primed for a run. Prediction: 9-4

2. Cardinals – For a newcomer to NEXFL, James has built a nice team. It would be even nicer if he had not lost his 23rd rounder due to his not being up to date yet on his league payment. As soon as he rectifies that and adds some depth he will be even more of a force to be reckoned with. What’s not to like about a team built around Josh Freeman, Darren McFadden, Roddy White, and solid defenders like Will Witherspoon and Bradie James. This team has the makings of one that can make some noise. Prediction: 8-5

3. 49ers – Todd’s team perplexes me. I can see them being 8-5 or 5-8. The core is solid. Jerod Mayo and Lawrence Timmons will be a nightmare to face. The question is on offense. Can Jordan Shipley be decent with Andy Dalton? Can Johnny Knox nab his starting spot back? Can Marcedes Lewis repeat last year? Can Steven Jackson stay healthy? Can the Miami QB produce? Too many questions for me to go high. But this team could easily reverse my predicted record. Prediction: 5-8

4. Seahawks – James is probably going to hate me for this. If I am not mistaken, I predicted him to be 6-7 last year and he was. Hopefully I am wrong this year. Tony Romo, Frank Gore, Santana Moss and Davone Bess will lead the offense. The season-ending injury to Tony Moeaki hurts a lot. There is not much depth on the Seahawks behind him and not much on the waiver wire. The DBs here are great but the LBs are not much to write about beyond Bart Scott….which isn’t saying much. I hope I am wrong but I see a finish similar to last year. Prediction: 5-8

Summary: This division went from last year’s joke to a strong one this year. I can easily see two teams coming into the playoffs out of here. The Rams look like they may even be the class of the NFC at this early juncture. All in all it could get wild in the NEXFL NFC West this year.

NFC- 103-105

For each position (DL, LB, DB), I will recommend 3 Starts and 2 Sits in addition to my “Start of the Week” and “Sit of the Week.” Also, for each position, I have listed players that I consider to be every week starters or, in other terms, “matchup independent.”

I hope everyone was successful in their respective playoff matchups last week (if you had one). My philosophy, at this point in the season, is to start defensive players based primarily on their matchups. There’s no use in holding on to “big name” players any longer in hopes of them panning out. It’s guys like Reed Doughty and James Anderson that are going to win you the ‘ship, not DeMeco Ryans or Osi Umenyiora.

Enough preaching, here are my IDP recommendations for Week 15:

Starts

*The IDP Guru’s Start of the Week*

WLB Keith Bulluck – I actually like both WLB Keith Bullock and MLB Stephen Tulloch this week against Miami. I chose Bullock as my start of the week over Tulloch because he stays in for nickel packages whereas Tulloch does not. Therefore, if Miami starts throwing, Bullock will obviously have more tackle opportunities than Tulloch. Look for Bullock to have 9-11 total tackles this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Every Week Starters:
Jared Allen
Julius Peppers
Elvis Dumervil
Justin Tuck
Trent Cole
Mario Williams
Robert Mathis
Andre Carter
Dwight Freeney
Will Smith
Brian Orakpo

1. DE/WLB Terrell Suggs – Suggs had missed the last 3 weeks with an injury but he returned last week against the Lions and had 4 solo tackles. Suggs is a great value because of the high tackling capability he brings from his hybrid DE/WLB spot. Chicago gets sacked a decent amount as well. Sounds like a good combination to me.

2. LDE John Abraham – I know, I know. Abraham sucks this year. I agree completely. I drafted him for God’s sake! But, he has a matchup this week against the Jets which is just too good to pass up. The Jets give up the most fantasy points to opposing defensive lineman and Abraham has a little extra incentive to do well playing against his old team. And hell, he hasn’t had a full sack since Week 5, he’s due. Isn’t he?

3. RDE Aaron Schobel – I’ve recommended Schobel a few times in my weekly waiver wire articles this year and for good reason. He plays in a division that has teams who get sacked a lot! This week the Bills play the New England Patriots, who are actually in the Top 5 for fantasy points given up to opposing defensive lineman.

LINEBACKERS

Every Week Starters:
Patrick Willis
James Harrison
Jon Beason
Barrett Rudd
London Fletcher
D.J. Williams
Curtis Lofton
Kirk Morrison
Brian Cushing
David Harris
David Hawthorne
James Laurinaitis
Karlos Dansby – INJURED (PROBABLE)
Clint Session
Paul Posluszny

1. LOLB LaMarr Woodley - I recommended Woodley in my blog as a waiver wire pickup last week and he came up big with 6 solo tackles and a sack. He has a superb matchup against the Packers this week, so expect a similar stat line.

2. WLB Michael Boley - Boley really impressed me last week by going 10-1-0 against the Eagles, who are one of the stingiest teams in the NFL when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing linebackers. He’s got a great matchup against the ‘Skins this week. Look for Boley to have a very solid game.

3. WLB James Anderson – If you’re in need of a one-week filler, Anderson may be your guy. He’s been thrown into the WLB position because of the season-ending injury to Thomas Davis a few weeks ago. To a certain extent, it’s Carolina’s Cover 2 defensive scheme that makes the WLB position valuable, not the actual player. With this being said, Anderson has the Vikings this week who  are a fantasy linebackers dream come true. He should be able to produce at least 7-9 total tackles this week.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Every Week Starters:
Eric Weddle - INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Charles Woodson
Troy Polamalu - INJURED (OUT)
Darren Sharper
Tyvon Branch
Antoine Bethea
Yeremiah Bell
Oshiomogho Atogwe - INJURED (PLACED ON IR 12/9)
Dashon Goldson
Bernard Pollard
Bryan Scott

1. SS Reed Doughty – Doughty has been one of the more consistent tackling strong safeties in the league. He has a great matchup this week against the New York “Football” Giants. Get him in your lineup!

2. SS Erik Coleman – Coleman has cooled off the last three weeks after a hot start to the season. However, I think he will bounce back this week against the Jets who will look to run the ball a lot. Seriously, what else are the Jets going to do except hand the ball to Thomas Jones? Let Mark Sanchez (or possibly Kellen Clemens) throw? I think not.

3. LCB William James – James is coming off a nine tackle week against the Ravens last week and this week he has the best matchup an opposing fantasy CB can have: The Arizona Cardinals. He should be good for 7 or 8 solo tackles.

Sits

*The IDP Guru’s Sit of the Week*

WLB Daryl Smith – Smith is on pace for about 100 total tackles this season. Not bad. However, he is the 2nd best fantasy linebacker in Jacksonville behind Justin Durant and he has to face the Colts this week who are extremely stingy when it comes to giving out fantasy points to opposing linebackers. Don’t even think about Smith this week. Look somewhere else. 

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

1. RDE Stylez White – “The Artist formerly known as Greg” had a nice game last week against the Jets. But, I could probably manage a sack (or two) against the Jets, so that isn’t saying a whole lot. White gets the Seahawks this week who have allowed the 2nd fewest points to defensive lineman over the last 8 weeks. I would shy away from White this week.

2. RDE Will Smith – For as inconsistent as the Cowboys offense has been this year, the offensive line has managed to protect Romo fairly well. Add to that the fact that Romo is an elusive QB to begin with and you have a recipe that opposing defensive lineman don’t like tasting. I don’t see Smith being successful in his “Pursuit of Happiness” (bad pun, I know).

LINEBACKERS

1. WLB Will Witherspoon – Since be traded to the Eagles in Week 7, “Spoon” has been a fairly solid fantasy producer. His value took a slight hit when the Eagles decided to move him from MLB to WLB a few ago though. And he has bad matchup this week against the 49ers and their west-coast offense. Don’t expect more than 4-6 total tackles this week.

2. MLB Dhani Jones – It was just last week that I recommended you start Mr. Jones and he came through with 10 total tackles. However, he just isn’t good enough to overcome bad matchups like the one he has against the Chargers this week. Look somewhere else for a linebacker this week. 

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1.  SS Brian Dawkins – Dawkins is coming off a huge game last week (7-3-0, 2 INTS). However, the Raiders are just not good enough to 1) control the ball for an extended period of time, and 2) get to the 2nd level of the opposing team’s defense which is bad news for a secondary player like Dawkins. The last time Dawkins played the Raiders he only had 3 total tackles. Not good.

2. SS Nedu Ndukwe – Gotta love that name! Ndukwe has filled in well for Roy “Horse Collar” Williams, but he’s probably going to hit a brick wall this week against the Eagles. The Eagles are pretty stingy when it comes to giving up points to opposing DBs.

I hope you found this article to be helpful and enjoyable!

Please feel free to leave comments, questions, or derogatory remarks!

Thanks!

Ryan Sitzmann (The IDP Guru)

If you liked this article, make sure to check out our other great Week 15 articles:

• QB Rankings (Start/Sit)
• RB Rankings
  
• WR Rankings (Start/Sit)
• Waiver Wire Sleepers
  

Merriman looks to get back on track against a terrible Oakland offense.

IDP WEEKLY!

Welcome folks, for all you defensive minded fantasy footballers we are going to take a look at some defensive starts to target in week eight of the NFL regular season, as well as some starts to avoid this week. It looks like some fairly elite players could end up riding the pine in week eight.

Players like Calvin Pace and Will Witherspoon showed last week that they are playing some incredible football for their respective teams, and DB’s Sharper and Byrd are making plays weekly.

Let’s take a look at some good match-ups on the IDP side of fantasy football.

Start’em

Shawne Merriman (OLB): I know, how can you start this guy the way he’s playing? Well, if you take a look at the match-up against Oakland, you should be able to see why. Oakland has been giving up sacks and INT’s at a rapid pace, giving Shawne Merriman a chance to step back into the spotlight and produce some decent sack totals against a vision-less Jamarcus Russell. This is his best chance to get back on track!

Kerry Rhodes (DB): Rhodes should be all over the field against Miami, with his ability to stop the run he should be busy against the Wildcat offense early and often. The Jets have been known to scheme fairly well in the run game, this time around the Dolphins will be pressured heavily from every angle and Rhodes will take charge and shut-down the run game early and force Henne and Ginn to work the passing-game, good luck Miami! This could be a very productive day for tackles by Rhodes.

Eric Weddle (DB): If you are looking for a huge day from a DB, go back to the team that’s playing Oakland. Weddle has played some good football, but this week he is going to go off! He has the ability to rack up tackles, sacks and INT’s against this offense, at a rampant pace. I expect Weddle to have a monster game against Oakland.

Jared Allen (DE): It’s not like you are going to sit this guy, but he should be considered the best IDP start in football this week. Last time Allen faced the Packers he racked up 4.5 sacks, this time around he could possibly eclipse that feat. He is undeniably the highest running motor in the game and no-one on the Packers O-line can contain him. He is the start of the week for sure, there is nothing more to say about this beast and 8 sacks for the Vikings the last time these two teams played is more than enough said.

Kamerion Wimbley (OLB): Wimbley should be busy this week against the Bears, Jay Cutler is proving to be turnover prone and Wimbley will be the piece of the pie that creates the havok off the edge. With Forte struggling, this game has the potential to go to the air and give Wimbley plenty of chances to get after Jay Cutler. If the Browns can pressure Culter early Wimbley will have plenty of opportunities to get in the Bears backfield and make big-plays.

Sit’em

John Abraham (DE): Abraham has a tough match-up this week against the Saints O-line, although he has tons of talent he will be hard pressed to put his hands on Drew Brees. The Saints are not going to let Abraham disrupt the rhythm of their passing-game, they will do whatever it takes to make sure that Abraham is chip blocked consistently and shouldn’t have the impact his skill-set should have. If you have Abraham in your lineup, you should look to replace him in week eight.

Julius Peppers (DE): Peppers has been on a terror lately, but that should come to an end this week against Arizona. Kurt Warner is proving to be a hard target to get to the ground, and his ability to throw the ball quickly in the face of a pass-rush is legendary. Peppers is an extremely talented football player, but his teams struggles have limited his ability. We have to take into consideration teams are scoring early and running the ball over the Panthers defense. It’s not unheard of to think Peppers will get into the backfield this week, it just doesn’t seem likely against the Cardinals.

Terrell Suggs (OLB): It doesn’t look like a very good week for Suggs, he goes up against a Denver team that has a monster (Ryan Clady) working the edge. Suggs is an extremely high-motor pass-rusher, but Clady and the Broncos know what they have to do in terms of blocking the Ravens fierce pass-rush. Suggs is usually productive on the field, but against Clady and company he could be stopped short on a consistent basis. I would take him out of my lineup in week eight against the Broncos. When Clady is in the picture, your guy should be on the bench!

Patrick Willis (LB):  I can’t believe I am saying this, but Willis could prove to be human this week. The reason I am saying sit him is, San Francisco is a run-first offense and Peyton Manning is a one throw offense. This game should be about keeping Manning off the field, which means run the ball and control the clock. The problem (with Willis) is Manning will be fully aware of Willis at all times, and he will use his WR’s to score as fast as possible to let his defense pressure Alex Smith and force turn-overs. Manning doesn’t need to be on the field for more than two or three plays to score, and Singletary won’t want Manning on the field (meaning run the ball as much as possible) for too many plays. This match-up will be about San Fran’s ability to run the ball, giving Willis less opportunities to make plays….. Manning is to smart to let the best LB in football burn him or his team. Sit’em this week!

Remember to sign up for our Dominator Service, it gives you instant access to all the latest news and updates to help you gain that edge over your opponents.

Odom will be wearing a different suit for the rest of 2009

Injuries are just tearing up the IDP fantasy landscape this season, including what seems like an unusually high number of the season-ending kind, for prominent players. We already lost guys like Brian Urlacher, Leodis McKelvin and Stewart Bradley for 2009, now this week we had a few more. Bengals sacks leader and top three fantasy defensive lineman Antwan Odom has a torn Achilles tendon. The Browns top line backer, D’Qwell Jackson is on the IR with a shoulder injury. The Chicago Bears have once again lost Pisa Tinoisamoa, and will require knee surgery. The Seahawks have lost Lofa Tatupa to a torn chest muscle, and after losing Bradley, the Eagles have now lost his replacement, Omar Gaither to an ankle injury.

The Seahawks also lost DE, Patrick Kerney indefinitely, and the Vikings have lost DB Antoine Winfield indefinitely as well.

The Eagles made about the only trade at the deadline. picking up Will Witherspoon from the St. Louis Rams. When Gaither stepped in to replace Bradley he did very well, fantasywise, so Witherspoon may be worth a look if you’re strapped at linebacker.

In place of Tatupa, the Seahawks will once again look to LB David Hawthorne. For those that recall, in week three when Hawthorne subbed for Tatupa, he had 16 tackles (15 solo) a pass deflection and an interception. He was the fantasy LB of the week. Most people are not paying attention because of the bye week, so snag him now.

For the Browns, they will turn to rookie Kaluka Maiava to fill Jackson’s mighty shoes. When he stepped in last week after D’Qwell’s injury he put up 6 tackles and a forced fumble, so he may be worth a look. Another potential replacement in Cleveland is another rookie, David Veikune.

On the bright side, the Steelers welcomed their star defensive player, Troy Polamalu back last week, and next week when the Seahawks return to action they should have DB Marcus Trufant back. Finally, the Colts get their stub DB, Bob Sanders back. Check the free agent pool for him.

–Week 7 IDP – Start ‘em–

–Defensive Linemen–

Andre Carter, WAS – Carter has been unusually productive so far this year. He’s still available in more leagues than he should be based on his top 5 DL performance so far. He makes a solid replacement for Odom, and he has a nice match up this week vs. the Eagles.

Is the Long wait over?

Chris Long, STL – Long has been the word to describe this kid’s road to fantasy prosperity. So far this season Long has been in a 3-man rotation at DL for the Rams, but James Hall’s injury (yes, yet another) opens the door for Chris to play fulltime.

Michael Johnson, CIN – With Odom out Johnson and Robert Geathers have to step up. Johnson has more upside.

Charles Johnson, CAR - With Julius Peppers playing so well, he’s been getting tag-teamed. That means more seams for Johnson to slip through.

Justin Smith, SFO – Smith has sucked this season, but he should own Houston this week. It may be his best game of the season.

–Linebackers–

Brian Cushing, HOU - I’ve been pitching Cushing and Seattle’s Aaron Curry all season, and they just keep getting better, yet they’re still widely available. D’Qwell Jackson says pick this kid up.

Will Witherspoon, PHI - As mentioned above, he steps right in for the Eagles. Look for him to try and prove his value in his first game.

Clay Mathews, GBP – Another rookie starting to make noise. He had 3 tackles, 2 sacks and a pass deflection last week.

Chase Blackburn, NYG – Michael Boley’s injury opened the door for Blackburn who had 8 solo tackles and a sack last week.

–Defensive Backs–

C.C. Brown, NYG – Is it possible for terrible to be good? Drew Brees took advantage of Brown’s horrendous play last week, and Brown ended up with a dozen solo tackles and 2 pass deflections. I would pick him up for use against another pass happy QB this week, but his value should be short lived.

Leon Hall, CIN – You remember the guy who tipped the ball to Brandon Stokely in Week 1 and caused the Bengals to lose the game on one of the freakiest plays of the season? That was Hall, who has been quietly redeeming himself ever since. This week he faces Jay Cutler. Nice match-up.

Dashon Goldson, SFO – Matt Schaub will be passing early and often. Nuff said.

Sabby Piscatelli, TBB – Sabby had a couple of slow weeks, then went on bye. He got dropped in a lot of leagues. If he’s available in yours, snap him up. Especially this week against Tom Brady.

–Current Top 40 IDP Statistical Fantasy Rankings through Week 6–

(These rankings are not based on opinion or projections, just stats)

Defensive Linemen	Team	Linebackers	Team	Defensive Backs	Team
1. Jared Allen	MIN	1. Patrick Willis	SF	1. Darren Sharper	NO
2. Andre Carter	WAS	2. Elvis Dumervil	DEN	2. Cedric Griffin	MIN
3. Antwan Odom	CIN	3. James Harrison	PIT	3. Louis Delmas	DET
4. Aaron Schobel	BUF	4. David Harris	NYJ	4. Antoine Bethea	IND
5. Justin Tuck	NYG	5. D.J. Williams	DEN	5. Oshiomogho Atogwe	STL
6. Jimmy Wilkerson	TB	6. Thomas Davis	CAR	6. Derek Cox	JAC
7. Julius Peppers	CAR	7. Brian Cushing	HOU	7. Charles Woodson	GB
8. Trent Cole	PHI	8. Curtis Lofton	ATL	8. Brandon McGowan	NE
9. Robert Mathis	IND	9. Ray Lewis	BAL	9. Eric Weddle	SD
10. Richard Seymour	OAK	10. Barrett Ruud	TB	10. Chris Hope	TEN
11. Marcus Stroud	BUF	11. D’Qwell Jackson	CLE	11. Ed Reed	BAL
12. Dwight Freeney	IND	12. Kirk Morrison	OAK	12. Leon Hall	CIN
13. Lawrence Jackson	SEA	13. London Fletcher	WAS	13. Brian Dawkins	DEN
14. Greg Ellis	OAK	14. Stephen Tulloch	TEN	14. Brodney Pool	CLE
15. Kevin Williams	MIN	15. James Laurinaitis	STL	15. Tyvon Branch	OAK
16. Jarret Johnson	BAL	16. Chad Greenway	MIN	16. Johnathan Joseph	CIN
17. Patrick Kerney	SEA	17. Keith Bulluck	TEN	17. Antrel Rolle	ARI
18. Adewale Ogunleye	CHI	18. Mike Peterson	ATL	18. Abram Elam	CLE
19. Osi Umenyiora	NYG	19. Aaron Curry	SEA	19. DeAngelo Hall	WAS
20. Robert Geathers	CIN	20. Keith Ellison	BUF	20. Terence Newman	DAL
21. Mario Williams	HOU	21. Stephen Cooper	SD	21. Champ Bailey	DEN
22. Charles Grant	NO	22. Larry Foote	DET	22. Sabby Piscitelli	TB
23. James Hall	STL	23. E.J. Henderson	MIN	23. George Wilson	BUF
24. Cullen Jenkins	GB	24. Daryl Smith	JAC	24. Jairus Byrd	BUF
25. Mike Wright	NE	25. Thomas Howard	OAK	25. Ryan Clark	PIT
26. Will Smith	NO	26. Jon Beason	CAR	26. Aqib Talib	TB
27. Kroy Biermann	ATL	27. Eric Barton	CLE	27. Chris Johnson	OAK
28. Chris Kelsay	BUF	28. Leonard Little	STL	28. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	ARI
29. Trevor Pryce	BAL	29. Lance Briggs	CHI	29. Mike Brown	KC
30. John Abraham	ATL	30. Julian Peterson	DET	30. Al Harris	GB
31. Kyle Williams	BUF	31. DeMeco Ryans	HOU	31. Michael Huff	OAK
32. Victor Abiamiri	PHI	32. Kamerion Wimbley	CLE	32. Danieal Manning	CHI
33. Shaun Rogers	CLE	33. Terrell Suggs	BAL	33. Asante Samuel	PHI
34. Cliff Avril	DET	34. Akeem Jordan	PHI	34. Roman Harper	NO
35. Albert Haynesworth	WAS	35. Scott Shanle	NO	35. Dawan Landry	BAL
36. Darren Howard	PHI	36. Lawrence Timmons	PIT	36. Jabari Greer	NO
37. Bryan Thomas	NYJ	37. Antonio Pierce	NYG	37. Jordan Babineaux	SEA
38. Mathias Kiwanuka	NYG	38. Keith Brooking	DAL	38. Charles Tillman	CHI
39. Juqua Parker	PHI	39. Andra Davis	DEN	39. Antoine Winfield	MIN
40. Ray Edwards	MIN	40. Rocky McIntosh	WAS	40. Nate Clements	SF

Other reads:

Week 7 – QB Start Sit

Week 7 – RB Start Sit

Week 7 – WR Start Sit

Week 7 – TE Start Sit

Weekly Start Sit Advice Column

Todish plays wingman for Heff and the twins

We at Top Fantasy have decided to break up our weekly defense articles into team and individual columns. Unfortunately, my colleague Chris Todish and I got our wires crossed and we both did a team defense piece. Next week, look for Chris to keep you up -to-date with weekly IDP start and sit suggestions. This week, Chris is otherwise engaged. Apparently, Hugh Hefner needed a wingman, and Chris got the gig. I can’t fault a guy for playing the man card on that call. So this week I will endeavor to kick off his column for him. If all my suggestions turn out wrong, blame Chris and his fondness for Playboy bunnies.

Good news for the Buffalo Bills this week, and fantasy owners who drafted Donte Whitner and Paul Posluzney. Both players are back at practice, and one or both could play this week. Last week the Patriots got their star linebacker, Jerod Mayo back from his week one injury. He contributed 6 solo tackles and a forced fumble against the Broncos. This week the Steelers finally get their defensive catalyst, Troy Polamalu back from his week one injury against the Titans.

While Pittsburgh gets their spark plug back, they lost DE Aaron Smith for the season. This opens the door for rookie Evander “Ziggy” Hood to make his presence known. If you’re in a dynasty league, stash him on your bench now. In regular leagues, keep an eye on him the next couple of weeks. He could have fantasy potential in the second half of the season.

Speaking of the Steelers, linebacker, James Harrison finally broke out last week with a 7 tackle, 3 sack game. That’s what IDP owners drafted him for.

Another rookie DE to keep an eye on is the Seahawks, Nick Reed. Reed didn’t play in the first few games, but last week he saw limited action and tallied, 2 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. As shallow as the depth is for fantasy defensive lineman, Reed is a guy to keep tabs on.

For the second straight week, defensive line stud, Jared Allen proved why he is fantasy’s top DL. After his Week 4 six tackle, 4.5 sack monster game, Allen had a quiet Week 5, with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Finally, while many owners drafted the Dolphins’ Gibril Wilson to be their top DB, he has been a let down so far. That is until last week when he had 11 tackles. I’m not saying he’s turned the corner, but he’s too good to have been so bad. Miami is on a bye this week, and many owners gave up and dumped him this week. If you have the bench depth, snag him from the FA pool and see, if week 5 was the start of his resurgence to top DB.

Jumpin' Jimmy Wilkerson

–Week 6 IDP – Start ‘em–

–Defensive Linemen–

Jimmy Wilkerson, TBB – Who the hell is Wilkerson? Until his defensive TD last week, he really hasn’t been on the fantasy radar. But through 5 games he has 5 sacks and an average of 3 solo tackles a week. The Panthers have the worst turnover stats in the league. He could have another nice week.

Glenn Dorsey, KCC – Dorsey has been a bust so far this season, but this weekend’s game against the Redskins could be his coming out party. Washington’s O-line is all banged up, and Dorsey should be able to get to Jason Campbell.

Antwan Odom, CIN – Odom was lights out to start the season then went dormant. Look for him to get back in the sack column against the Texans.

James Hall, STL – Hall looks to have a nice game vs. the Jaguars

–Linebackers–

Aaron Curry, SEA – One of my picks this season to become the next Patrick Willis. He started slowly but last week he had 10 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defense. He’s warming up and should have a nice game vs. the Cardinals.

Paul Posluzney, BUF – Pos should be back on the field this week. Look for him to make the Jets miserable all day.

DeMeco meet the Bengals...

DeMeco Ryans, HOU – he’s been a bit of a disappointment in 2009, but look for a huge day against the Bengals. I like him to hit double figure tackles.

James Laurinaitis, STL - Another rookie favorite I’ve been touting all summer/fall. The Jags will run the ball a lot and that means J.L. should have a double-digit day.

–Defensive Backs–

Tyvon Branch, OAK – The sophomore has quietly been sneaking up the rankings and is now ranked 13th overall. This week he will face the pass happy Eagles. He should see lots of tackle and pass defense opportunities.

Abram Elam, CLE – Elam had a very quiet week against the Bills. Then again so did the whole team. This week he’ll be up against the pass happy Steelers. He should be back in the fantasy bling department.

Louis Delmas/Anthony Henry, DET – Aaron Rodgers likes to pass, so look for these guys to have a busy day.

Josh Wilson, SEA – Wilson should be back and healthy, and facing Kurt Warner’s air assault this week. Oh, and he returns kicks, if your league awards points for such things.

–Current Top 40 IDP Statistical Fantasy Rankings through Week 5–

(These rankings are not based on opinion or projections, just stats)

Can Brady lead his bunch to victory?

Drew Brees has nine touchdowns through two games, Tom Brady’s been shut out by the Jets, the top running back in New Orleans is third stringer, Mike Bell, and first round running back picks Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Brian Westbrook are not even in the top 15 at their position. In fact, Forte, Tomlinson and Slaton are not even in the top 40. I don’t ever recall a fantasy season starting so out-of-whack. There’s always a handful of surprises, but this is Crazy Train, crazy.

Brees is on pace for 72 touchdowns, so I think he may well hit the 50 I predicted in August, barring injury of course. The question is, what will he do this week against the Buffalo Bills. I predict he’ll add 4 more. I predict Brady breaks out of his slump this weekend against the Falcons and puts up 3 TDs. Forte and Slaton will finally break loose, but Turner will continue to disappoint. Of course he’s my pick for first round bust this season. All in all I think week three will shows signs of getting the fantasy world right with the cosmic universe. Be sure to check back Saturday after the final injury report is posted for last minute announcements, barring game time decisions.

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

24 - 17

The Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are two teams going in opposite directions. The Ravens have gone from a defense first, run second team, to an air assault. Sophomore QB Joe Flacco has 497 yards and 5 TDs through two games. Meanwhile, rookie QB (well he’s technically not a rookie) Brady Quinn is off to a poor start after losing to the Vikes and Broncos. Unfortunately, I don’t see this being the week they break out and put one in the win column. On the bright side, WR Braylon Edwards is stepping up his game, and managing to hold onto the ball. Coach Eric Mangini needs to put some fire in his running game and give rookie James Davis the pigskin. The Ravens have been solid defensively giving up very little fantasywise to RBs, WRs or TEs, but they have surrendered the 5th most points to QBs. So Sunday is Quinn’s day to show something. The Browns by contrast have been defensively tight against QBs and receivers. They have been terrible at stopping the run.

Start ‘em– Ravens: Joe Flacco, Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, Team Defense — Browns– Braylon Edwards

Sit ‘em– Ravens: Derrick Mason — Browns: Team Defense

Sleeper– The Browns, Joshua Cribbs is always a candidate to break out at WR, on special teams, or as a QB in the wildcat.

Key Injuries– None

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions

23 - 13

Last week I went out on a limb and predicted the Detroit Lions would upset the Minnesota Vikings, and they did…for two quarters. This week I think they get off the snide and stop their losing streak. The Washington Redskins have been tough against the run, but their secondary is porous. They have also had trouble scoring. Against the N.Y. Giants that’s not surprising; against the St. Louis Rams? That’s troublesome for the Redskins. Despite their two losses, the Lions have been solid against the run. They have been terrible against the pass, though everyone is terrible against Drew Brees. Sunday is Jason Campbell’s day to quiet his detractors.

Start em– Lions: Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith — Redskins: Santana Moss, Chris Cooley

Sit ‘em– Clinton Portis

Sleeper– Of the Redskins receivers, Campbell seems most in tune with Antwaan Randle El. He could have a big day.

Key Injuries– None

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans

28 - 17

So which Houston Texans team will we see in week 3? The one that got shutdown by the Jets defense or the one that air bombed the Titans defense? The Jacksonville Jaguars have been terrible against the pass through two games. Seventh worst against wide receivers. Texans WR Andre Johnson is averaging 125 yards per game at home over their last nine contests. The Texans run defense is dead last, and the Titans’ Chris Johnson blew them up last week. Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has a 5.4 YPC average against the Texans for his career.

Start ‘em– Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew — Houston Texans: Steve Slaton, Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson

Sit e’m– Jaguars Defense

Sleeper– Jags WR Michael Sims-Walker looked good last week.

Key Injuries– Texans WR Kevin Walter is still questionable to play

Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams

24 - 21

The Green Bay Packers seem a bit out of sync on the field so far. last week they simply fell apart against a Cincinnati Bengals team they should have stomped. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers only has 6 more completions and one more TD than St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger through 2 games. If they Pack plays like it did last week, the Rams could surprise their critics. RB Steven Jackson will be the Rams primary weapon, and he’s certainly far better than the bengals Cedric Benson who laid 141 yards on GB last week. Packers top WR, Greg Jennings put up his first career goose-egg against Cincy, but fantasy owners need not panic. So far both team’s best receivers are their number two guys, Donald Driver and Laurent Robinson.

Start ‘em– Rams: Steven Jackson, Laurent Robinson — Packers: Ryan Grant, Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings

Sit ‘em– GB kicker Mason Crosby has been inconsistent

Sleeper– Rams WR Donnie Avery has yet to come to life, this could be the week. Their defense could also be a pleasant surprise, as the GB O-line has allowed 10 sacks in 2 games.

Key Injuries– OT Chad Clifton. His loss makes the GB O-line even worse.

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots

27 - 17

There’s simply no way Brady doesn’t get on track this week, right? They’re back at home Foxboro, he’s had a week to feel his shame, and pump himself up. The Atlanta Falcons defense isn’t nearly what the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets threw at him. While I argued the other day that Brady has gone back to being an average Joe QB, he’s still a pretty crafty average Joe. He will find a way this week to clip the Falcons’ wings and put a legitimate W in the win column for the Pats. Wes Welker may not be back in action this week, as he has not participated in practice, but Jason Edelman has shown he can play the part. Brady had no problem throwing the ball last week, he just couldn’t finish. Randy Moss will score this week. Look for the Pats to establish the run game against a hurting Atlanta rush defense. I predict Falcons’ DL John Abraham and Kroy Biermann will sack Brady in this game. The Patriots have not lost a regular season game to an NFC team in their last 15 contests.

Start ‘em– Pats: Tom Brady, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Randy Moss — Falcons: Matt Ryan, and Tony Gonzalez.

Sit ‘em– Falcons: Roddy White (He’s bound to break out soon, but the Pats have been very stingy to WRs so far). <strong> </strong>

Sleeper– The Falcons have allowed 300 total yards to running backs in their first 2 games, including 11 receptions for 75 yards. Kevin Faulk could have a nice day.

Key Injuries– WR Wes Welker may be out, LB Jerod Mayo is definitely out.

Tennessee Titans at New York Jets

20 - 16

The New York Jets played the Houston Texans and shut them down, then followed up by shutting the New England Patriots down. The Tennessee Titans played a tight one with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then got into a shoot out with the Texans. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the Jets defense have led the team to a 2-0 start against two very good offenses. The 0-2 Titans, well who knows what we’ll see this week from them. Both teams are ranked one and two against the rush through 2 games. The 34 points against the Titans last week all came through the air, and Jets DB Darrelle Revis has taken that away against Randy Moss and Andre Johnson. In fact, the Jets have yet to surrender an offensive touchdown this season. Look for another low scoring afternoon for the Titans, and a moderate day for the Jets. Look for the Titan’s to try and get RB Chris Johnson going early, and to sneak a deep bomb to rookie WR Kenny Britt.

Start ‘em– Jets: Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller, Team Defense — Titans: Chris Johnson

Sit ‘em– Jets: Thomas Jones — Titans: Everyone not named Chris Johnson

Sleeper– WR Kenny Britt <strong>could</strong> be the first WR to break through against the Jets defense.

Key Injuries– Titans TE Bo Scaife has not practiced all week.

New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills

31 - 23

The Buffalo Bills should be 2-0 to start this season, and their defense and back-up running back Fred Jackson are the prime reasons why they almost won against the Pats, and did beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is fantasy Fred’s last week to make his place on the field more permanent when Marshawn Lynch returns from suspension in week 4. The Bills have allowed 5 receiving TDs through two games, ironically none to wide receivers. Four have gone to TEs (two in each game), against whom the Bills are ranked dead last so far. Saints TE Jeremy Shockey and his owners have to be delirious. Saints QB Drew Brees already has 9 touchdown passes, and he has hit 10 different targets through two weeks. Buffalo hunting season opens this Sunday. The Saints are 25th against the pass, so Bills WRs Terrell Owens and Lee Evans should see more receptions this week, but I expect the Bills to try and slow New Orlean’s air assault by using RB Fred Jackson to control the clock.

Start ‘em– Bills: Trent Edwards, Fred Jackson — Saints: Drew Brees, Drew Brees (yes, I listed him twice, he’s that damn good so far), Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey

Sit ‘em– No one, this should be an offensive explosion on both sides

Sleeper– WR Devery Henderson could put up another big day as he did against Detroit in week one. For the Saints, RB Pierre Thomas returns this week with something to prove, and Mike Bell likely sidelined.

Key Injuries– RB Mike Bell and WR Lance Moore have not practiced this week for the Saints.

Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers

24 - 20

The Miami Dolphins were fairly impressive against the Indianapolis Colts. This week they face a very similar offense in the San Diego Chargers. I don’t expect them to have ball possession for 3/4ths of the game this time. The Chargers looked bad against the Oakland Raiders and pretty week defensively against the Baltimore Ravens. However, they did score well in both games, and I expect them to push the Dolphins hard this Sunday. Don’t expect the Dolphins defense to lay down though. Despite being 0-2 they have played both opponents tough. Look for Chargers TE Antonio Gates to have a big game.

Start ‘em– Miami: Ronnie Brown — Chargers: Philip Rivers, Darren Sproles, Antonio Gates

Sit ‘em– Miami: Expect Ted Ginn, Jr. to go back to sleep <strong> </strong>

Sleeper– Fins RB Ricky Williams could surprise us this week.

Key Injuries– Chargers RB LaDanian Tomlinson and LB Shawne Merriman have not practiced this week.

New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

28 - 27

The New York Giants have looked pretty powerful without their longtime star wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, and the fact that stud RB Brandon Jacobs has barely eclipsed 100 yards and has 3.3 YPC average. As loathe as I am to say it, much of the credit goes to the maturation of QB Eli Manning. The rest goes to the stout defense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been victims of their own defense. Even coach Raheem Morris called it “a mess” after last week’s loss to the Bills. On paper this looks like an easy Giants win, but here’s why the Bucs can beat them: QB Byron Leftwich has actually been fairly solid. He’s passed for 572 yards and 4 TDs. Derrick Ward is back to face the team that let him go, and the Giants defense keeps taking injury after injury. The latest being DE Justin Tuck, who is questionable to play. If the Bucs can limit their turnovers, they can beat the Giants.

Start ‘em– Giants: Eli Manning, Mario Manningham, Steve Smith — Bucs: Cadillac Williams, Kellen Winslow

Sit ‘em– Giant’s WR Domenik Hixon will likely play, but if he does, he’s been invisible so far

Sleeper– Bucs WR Michael Clayton

Key Injuries– Giants: Hakeem Nicks — Bucs: Antonio Bryant and Cadillac Williams. All three have missed practice this week. If Williams plays, I predict an upset.

Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles

17 - 7

Philadelphia Eagles QB Kevin Kolb looked pretty good last week against the Saints, except for those 3 interceptions. This week Kolb has been announced as the starter, but McNabb “could” play, and Michael Vick makes his return to regular season action. How they’ll use him, no one knows. They may be without RB Brian Westbrook and WR DeSean Jackson. The latter hurts them more than the former. LeSean McCoy can fill in nicely for Westy, but Jerry Maclin is Jackson’s probable replacement, and he’s a rookie. The Kansas City Chiefs lost a low scoring heartbreaker to the Oakland Raiders last week. QB Matt Cassel returned and looked okay, but he threw two interceptions. Against the Eagles secondary that could be enough to lose the game. Two surprise names popped onto the fantasy radar for KC, RB Dantrell Savage and WR Bobby Wade. Cassel seems to like both.

Start ‘em– Eagles: LeSean McCoy, Brent Celek, Team Defense — Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe

Sit ‘em– Eagles: Michael Vick — Chiefs: Larry Johnson

Sleeper– Kevin Kolb had a strong start last week. If he can avoid interceptions…

Key Injuries– McNabb, Westbrook and Jackson for the Eagles

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

27 - 21

The San Francisco 49ers are a surprising 2-0, as are the Minnesota Vikings. The difference is, it was expected of the Vikes once Brett Favre signed on. RB Adrian Peterson already has 272 rushing yards and 4 TDs. The San Francisco defense has allowed less than 100 rushing yards, and no rushing TDs. Who will blink first? In their last meeting Peterson ended with 3 yards on 14 carries. Favre has yet to show off his old gunslinger ways, and he may need to this week. 49ers RB Frank Gore has been the team’s offense so far, but the Vikes rush defense looks to end that, meaning QB Shaun Hill is going to have to get something going through the air.

Start ‘em– 49ers: Frank Gore, Vernon Davis — Vikes: Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin

Sit ‘em– Adrian Peterson (Yes, it’s a gutsy call, but I think he’ll have a bad day)

Sleeper– 49ers: I think WR Josh Morgan could finally do something — Vikes: RB Chester Taylor will succeed where A.P. fails this week

Key Injuries– Percy Harvin’s been ill but should play

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

34 - 10

Will Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback play or won’t he? Magic 8-Ball says game time decision of No! After a brutally ugly week one game against the Green Bay Packers, followed by a steal from the Steelers, the Chicago Bears have to be tripping over themselves to get to Seattle. The Seahawks’ defense is easier to part than Courtney Love’s legs. Look for TE Greg Olsen and RB Matt Forte to finally get some fantasy love this week. Jay Cutler is bound to have some pent up aggression and will unload both barrels on the Seasquabs.

Start ‘em– Bears: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Greg Olsen, Earl Bennett, Team Defense — Seahawks: John Carlson

Sit ‘em– Julius Jones, TJ Hushmandzadeh, Seahawks defense

Sleeper– WR Johnny Knox is starting to look like Cutler’s deep threat

Key Injuries– Matt Hasselback, half the Seattle O-line and defense

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

24 - 17

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost last week to the Chicago Bears by a foot. Jeff Reed’s to be exact. He missed two field goals, which cost them the game. The Steelers once vaunted running game has hit a wall, and QB Ben Roethlisberger must use his arm to get the team down the field. Ben find Ohio much to his liking as he’s 11-0 all time against the Bengals and Browns on the road. Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer is getting his mojo back, but don’t expect another 28 point drubbing like they gave the Packers. Even without Troy Polamalu, the Steel Curtain should close on the Bengals this week. The one chance the Bengals have is getting Big Ben on his back, and the way he holds onto the ball, look for sacks leader Antwan Odom to put at least one more on his stats.

Start ‘em– Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Team Defense — Bengals: Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco

Sit ‘em– The RBs: Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhal and Cedric Benson

Sleeper– Chris Henry

Key Injuries– None

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

17 - 12

Is it possible the little ponies could go 3-0? Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton finds himself leading his team to the black hole with a division lead. The Oakland Raiders almost beat the Chargers, and managed to scalp the Chiefs on a last minute field goal. Which one of these lame duck teams can get the job done this week? Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell is only connecting on about 35% of his passes and his QB coach has said Russell has stopped improving. There’s a vote of confidence. Owner Al Davis is not happy. Coach Tom Cable could do jail time if convicted of assaulting his assistant, and despite being the worst receiver on the field, rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey is immune to being benched. Oh yeah, and they just got blacked out for their Sunday game. Denver meanwhile has one of the league’s worst QBs and their top two receivers are fantasy washout so far this season. On a good note, their defense is ranked 2nd in fantasy points.

Start ‘em– Raiders: Michael Bush, Darren McFadden, Sebastion Janikowski — Broncos: Knowshon Moreno, Brandon Marshall, Team defense

Sit ‘em– Both QBs

Sleeper– WR Eddie Royal has got to come to life soon, right?

Key Injuries– WR Chaz Schielens is still likely out at least one more week

Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals

31 - 28

It’s a shootout in the desert. This match-up should be high scoring, and defense be damned. Of course now they’ll have a field goal defensive game to defy the odds. Neither team has a great running game right now. The Arizona Cardinals have made better use of their RBs as pass receivers than runners. The Indianapolis Colts have had a bit more luck running the ball, but not by much. However, the Cards rush defense is one of the best so far, while the Colts is one of the worst. If you have Larry Fitzgerald, Dallas Clark, Anquan Boldin or Reggie Wayne, or either QB- cha ching! Cards QB Kurt Warner looked great last week against the Jags, but this week he faces the league’s top-ranked pass defense. It should be an exciting Sunday night game.

Start ‘em– Everybody but the defenses

Sit ‘em– RBs Joseph Addai and Beanie Wells

Sleeper– RB Tim Hightower

Key Injuries– WR Anthony Gonzalez is out for several more weeks

Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys

21 - 13

The Dallas Cowboys lost a tight one on a last minute field goal to the Giants in their home opener, and QB Tony Romo threw three interceptions. Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme already has five interceptions. This game has all the makings of a snoozer. The Cowboys have the top ranked rushing attack, but leader Marion Barber could miss the game due to injury. The Panthers have a great dou of backs in deAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart, but they haven’t been on fire like they were last season. Look for both teams to run the ball a lot. The Cowboys have a better air assault and that’s what will prove to be the difference.

Start ‘em– Cowboys: Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Felix Jones — Panthers, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams

Sit ‘em– Jake Delhomme, Mushin Mohammad

Sleeper– RB Tashard Choice. If Barber doesn’t play Choice will be the go to guy

Key Injuries– Marion Barber

Week 3 Start and Sit Team Defense and IDP