We are starting something new this year. With all the fantasy news you can possibly handle, we're going to help those who opted into "pick'em" leagues. Every week, I'll not only give you the info and which teams will win, but also give you a quick glimpse as to which players to go with in that game.
Teams on bye: Dallas, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay
Arizona at St. Louis – Thur. 8:20 pm ET
Arizona’s defense has been the key to their success and is 3rd in the league in takeaways so far (10). Both teams struggle to move the ball, but Arizona has found a way to get it done in crunch time. Kolb is getting more comfortable with his receivers and is finding Fitzgerald. With Jackson still banged up, the Rams will likely be forced to rely on Amendola’s services. I look for the Cards to eke out another win on the road to improve to, WOW, 5-0! Start: Fitzgerald and Amendola
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
The Steelers return to the field much healthier after their bye. There should be plenty of passing offense especially if Pittsburgh gets an early lead. The Eagles should advance the ball through Vick’s legs and several dump off passes to McCoy. The Steelers expect to get the running game going with Mendenhall back in the lineup (check his status prior to kick-off), but offensive coordinator Todd Haley will still want to air it out. The Steelers finish this one strong, though the Eagles should definitely keep it interesting. Start: Vick, McCoy, Celek, Big Ben, Wallace, Brown, Miller
Green Bay at Indianapolis – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
Don’t be surprised if a herculean effort by the Colts, coming fresh off the bye week, results in an emotional win (thoughts and prayers with coach Pagano) over the Packers. I don’t think it will happen, but don’t be surprised. The Packers are still not looking anywhere near the 15-1 team of last year, but they are moving the ball better on offense. And they are getting big plays on defense. Luck should have moments of brilliance and very rookie moments as well. Start: A-Rod, Benson, Nelson, Wayne
Cleveland at New York (Giants) – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
The Giants should get out to an intimidating lead early. I could see the Browns first two drives being three and outs and the Giants first two ending up in touchdowns. Games like this should show the Browns front office why they need to extend themselves to acquire a couple of blue chip O-Linemen and a stud wideout in the offseason. Otherwise Richardson will continue to get 40-50 yards on the ground and 25-30 yards receiving for eternity. No upset here. Giants win. Start: Manning, Bradshaw, Cruz, Bennett, Richardson
Atlanta at Washington – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
This looks to be a good ole fashion Wild West type of shootout. Both teams very well could end up in the 30’s, maybe even 40’s in points. Either way this game should be a fantasy goldmine. The Falcons are 29th defending the run and have allowed 6 rushing TD’s vs. the Skins who rank 1st running the ball and 1st with 8 rushing scores. On the flipside, Atlanta brings the NFL’s top rated passer (and 11 passing TD’s 2nd in the league) to the Capitol to face the 31st ranked secondary, which has yielded a league high 11 TD’s. Atlanta wins a close one (surprise, surprise). Start: Ryan, Turner, Roddy, Julio, Gonzales, RGIII, Morris, the waterboy, and anything else breathing in this one.
Miami at Cincinnati – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
We are seeing a better Miami team than many anticipated this year, but I still don’t see them leaving “the Jungle” with a victory. The Bengals have a balanced attack on offense as long as Green-Ellis, who’ll face the No. 1 ranked rush defense, holds onto the ball. Speaking of which, the Dolphins are very generous with the ball and have given it away 10 times already this year. Also, temper your expectations on Hartline. Start him in deeper leagues and if you don’t have better options in a 10-12 team format. Other Starts: Tannehill, Bush, Dalton, Green-Ellis, AJ Green
Baltimore at Kansas City – Sun. 1:00 pm ET
The Chiefs have the sloppiest productive offense in the NFL. Their unit ranks 4th overall, generating 419.5 yards per game. They are 2nd running the ball, 15th passing the ball, yet lead the league in giving the ball away. Very strange. Nevertheless, whether it’s close or a blowout, I fully expect the Ravens to win this game. They are playing at an elite level. The defense isn’t what it once was, but is certainly up to the task this week. Start: Flacco, Rice, Smith, Boldin, Pitta, Charles, Bowe
Seattle at Carolina – Sun. 4:05 pm ET
So far it’s been somewhat of a sophomore slump for Cam in an offense that many projected would advance closer to an elite level of production. Miscues, miscommunication and turnovers have spoiled their plans. But I look for them to turn it around, just not this week. They face a mean, nasty defense (ranked #2 overall) that is masterful in the art of creating confusion for offenses. On the flipside, the Seahawks should be able to move the ball on the ground if they don’t fall behind. I’d take Seattle by a hair in this one. Start: Lynch, Cam, Smith, Olsen
Chicago at Jacksonville – Sun. 4:05 pm ET
Da Bears should have no problem scoring on a Jags defense that ranks 30th against the run and 20th against the pass. On the other side, the Bears defense should devour a Jacksonville offense that, other than MJD, needs a ton of work. Chicago will have the pedal to the metal all through this one. Start: Cutler, Forte, Bush, Marshall, “Yogi”, MJD
Denver at New England – Sun. 4:25 pm ET
Peyton is getting comfortable in his offense in Denver and the Manning vs. Brady is always must-see-TV! It will be interesting to see if Belichick will try to take Thomas out of the Bronco’s game-plan. If he does, then look for Decker to have an enormous day. The Pats will be favored slightly in this game, but we all know it should be too close to call. I’m going Broncos with some late 4th-quarter magic from Manning. Start: Manning, McGahee, Thomas, Decker, Brady, Ridley, Welker, Gronkowski
Buffalo at San Francisco – Sun. 4:25 pm ET
The Bills are, at this point, the only team that could be considered a legitimate threat to the Patriots in the AFC East. A major upset in San Fran and a Bronco’s victory in Foxborough would go a long way to keeping that dream alive. I’m picking the Niners. But hey, stranger things have happened. Avoid the allure of the whole Kaepernick thing from last week vs. the Jets, unless you’re in a deep league where you start 2 QBs. He was game-planned into that situation. Look for whichever Buffalo RB is healthy to get dump off passes when protection breaks down, but not a lot of rushing yards. Start: Gore, Davis, Fitzpatrick, Jackson & Spiller (hope for the best), Johnson, Chandler
Tennessee at Minnesota – Sun. 4:25 pm ET
Before everybody jumps back on the CJ2K train, realize that most of the yards he gained last week were in garbage time. Minnesota is only allowing 85.5 yards on the ground per game and have only given up 1 TD on the ground. I look for Kyle Rudolph to bounce back this week. Simpson and Harvin could have good games. And you know AP is licking his chops at this Titan defense that has given up 136.5 yards per game and 5 rushing TD’s. Tennessee is really banged up, so there aren’t many startable players there. Start: AP, Rudolph, Harvin, Simpson, CJ (if you have to), monitor Britt’s injury.
San Diego at New Orleans – Sun. 8:20 pm ET
Ryan Mathews will strive to secure the ball again this week and keep his job. If he can manage that, the Chargers should have no problem moving the ball. I want to pick the Saints to finally get a win, but that defense is going to have to really step it up. I’m just not sure they will be able to. Look for a high scoring affair with the Saints through sheer desperation to finally win a game. Start: Rivers, Mathews, Gates, Brees, Sproles, Graham, Colston
Houston at New York (Jets) – Mon. 8:30 pm ET
The Texans will get to display the product that many are picking to win the Super Bowl. Well, they look every bit the part. The only problem is that this game will probably not test that. For a nationally televised prime time game, many would have hoped to at least see the Jets at full strength. Needless to say, unless Rex Ryan can pull several rabbits out of his hat, the Texas should shred the discombobulated Jets. Start: Schuab, Foster, Johnson, Daniels, and NO JETS if possible
