It was a snowstorm powerful enough to deflate the Minneapolis Metrodome. But it could not deflate was the New England Patriots offense. The Patriots set a new season high with 475 yards of total offense, more than enough to carry them to a 36-7 victory over the Chicago Bears and clinch a spot in the playoffs. Combined with a New York Jets loss to the Miami Dolphins, New England now enjoys a two-game lead in the AFC East and is tied for the best record in the NFL at 11-2.

Patriots Score on Six Straight Possessions

The Patriots went three-and-out to open the game, perhaps giving the Bears some hope that they could hang with terrifyingly efficient Patriots offense. But, any hope they might have felt after one defensive stand was killed on the next Patriots possession. Tom Brady could not be fazed by the snow, the wind or the starting field position (their own 15). He calmly marched the team 85 yards, capping off a drive in which he went 6/8 for 68 yards with a 7-yard strike to Rob Gronkowski, putting the Patriots up 7-0 with just under six minutes left in the first quarter. Gronkowski ran straight at the always-crafty and menacing Brian Urlacher, stopped in front of him and turned around. It required perfect timing for Brady to find Gronkowski, made all the more impressive by the gusting snow that sometimes reached whiteout conditions.

The key play on that drive was a 24-yard strike to Wes Welker, who was able to keep his footing enough to drag Bears defenders for almost 9 yards while being tackled, finally going down at the Chicago 10-yard line. Although the Patriots sometimes struggled to tackle on special teams (the Bears managed 28 yards per kickoff return), the Bears were the far weaker tackling defense. Numerous times the Patriots runners barreled straight through the teeth of the Bears defense for extra yardage. Numerous times the wide receivers dragged the corners behind them after making the catch.

After the defense forced a second-straight punt by the Bears offense, Brady went right back at it, this time starting even deeper, at the New England 13-yard line. This time it was the running game that did most of the work. BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 38 of his 87 rushing yards, including a 17-yarder from the Chicago 20-yard line that broke a tackle. Then Danny Woodhead punched it into the end zone from 3 yards out, putting the Patriots up 14-0 in the second. The Patriots running backs combined for 126 total yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots next scored six points on two successful Shayne Graham field goals, then got the ball back one more time before the half. On third-and-9 from the New England 41-yard line, the Bears defense lined up casually, figuring the Patriots would not risk a deep ball through the storm. But that’s exactly what they did, since the Bears defense had played so anemically in the first half that it was hardly a risk at all. Deion Branch made a move on cornerback Charles Tillman at the line, and Tillman let him go by without trying to jam him. Brady then lofted an easy, floating pass to Branch, who then had a clear path to the end zone. Branch beat the pursuing safety and put the Patriots up 33-0 (Graham missed the point-after) at halftime. Branch finished the game with eight catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. Brady finished the game 27/40 for 369 yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots ended their streak of scoring possessions at six, on a 29-yard field goal to put them up 36-0 with just under 11 minutes left in the third quarter. They didn’t score again, but they didn’t have to.

Turnovers Kill Bears’ Chances

The starkest contrast between the Patriots and the Bears was in turnovers. The Patriots committed none (except one on downs), and Brady has now thrown 268 consecutive passes without an interception. The Bears turned the ball over four times, and it hurt the team every time. First, Devin McCourty stripped wide receiver Johnny Knox after a 1-yard completion to the Chicago 39 in the second quarter. Gary Guyton, playing more this game due to Brandon Spikes’ four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug violations, grabbed the loose ball and ran it in for the touchdown, putting the Patriots up 21-0. Later in the second, defensive end Eric Moore stripped Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, and Jerod Mayo recovered it at the Chicago 17. This lead to the second field goal, a 25-yarder that put the Patriots up 27-0.

Even when the Patriots were not scoring off Bears turnovers, they were still using them to kill Bears scoring drives and keep Chicago from getting back in the game. After a 61-yard Devin Hester kickoff return set up a 1-yard Chester Taylor touchdown run to cut the Patriots lead to 36-7, the Bears penetrated into Patriots territory again on their next possession, which came with less than three minutes left in the third quarter. But, on second-and-10 from the New England 26, Guyton dropped back into coverage and intercepted Cutler’s pass. The Patriots punted at the end of the ensuing possession, but by the time Chicago got the ball back they had just over nine minutes to score four times. That possession also ended in turnover, this time with Brandon Meriweather picking off Cutler in the end zone, after Cutler had been flushed and tried to throw it away. The Patriots took over, ran enough plays to put the game out of reach (including a beautiful 28-yard floater to Brandon Tate, who caught the ball in a fully extended layout dive), then knelt down three times to end the game.

Trap Evaded

This game had all the makings of a “trap game.” The Patriots were playing on short rest, on the road, in the snow, against a tough opponent, and having just defeated a division rival in a game whose atmosphere and intensity would be impossible to replicate. But the Patriots proved just how good they were, building up an insurmountable first-half lead and never looking back. The Bears managed three sacks and six defensed passes, but the third-ranked defense in the NFL never made a play that actually swung momentum back in their favor. The Patriots controlled the ball almost twice as much as the Bears (39:41 to 20:19), and the defense held Chicago to just 185 total yards, including only 42 on the ground (and half of that was from two Cutler scrambles).

Any still-held belief that Chicago is somehow grittier because it plays in the snow was put to rest by a Patriots team that showed what real teams can do, regardless of the weather. The Patriots continue to chew up and spit out the other “elite” teams in the NFL. Week in and week out, they prove that no matter how good these other teams think they might be, the Patriots are still the team to beat.

© Matt Goisman for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Featured, Patriots, Top Story.

Our fourth divisional fantasy preview takes us to the NFC North, a division that features heated rivalries and is filled with top notch fantasy talent.

Last season, the Vikings earned the top spot in this foursome, coming ever-so-close to a Super Bowl appearance, instead losing in overtime of the NFC title game at the hands of the eventual champs, the Saints. The big question around the division focuses on the QB position in Minnesota, with “Flip Flop” Favre still yet to make a decision on whether or not he’ll be wearing purple this fall. If he doesn’t come back, look for Favre’s former team, the Packers to make a strong case at taking aim at the throne, with fantasy stud Aaron Rodgers emerging as an elite NFL quarterback.

Here now, let’s sink our teeth into this four-pack of gritty Midwest squads, highlighting their stars and their value in fantasyland.

Team Profiles

Chicago Bears

The Bears were a bit of a mystery last season, posting a mediocre 7-9 record amidst high expectations from the Windy City faithful. Prior to the season, they brought in QB Jay Cutler, who was supposed to solidify a quarterback position that has been anything but solid in recent years. Instead, Cutler’s tendency to turn the ball, coupled with a very disappointing sophomore season from RB Matt Forte, helped turn Chicago into one of the bigger disappointments of the ’09 season. However, Cutler and the Bears’ offense comes into the 2010 campaign with new coordinator Mike Martz at the helm, which instantly gives Cutler added value as a fantasy starter. He remains at the bottom end of the top 10 guys at the QB position, with Martz likely to air it out as he always has. The turnovers won’t completely go away, but Cutler should have a better year than last year.

Who he’ll throw to, however, remains a mystery. The Chicago receiving corps features a trio of lackluster receivers: Johnny Knox, Devin Aromashodu, and Devin Hester. All three should end up being drafted in your fantasy leagues, but if you’re starting any of them, you’re probably in trouble. One will emerge as Cutler’s go-to guy, but it’s anyone’s guess as to who it may be. My guess: Aromashodu, who has seemed to catch on with Cutler through the off-season. Greg Olsen, the team’s tight end, should also get some fantasy consideration, even after a somewhat off year last season.

Chicago’s ground game will try to get back on track with Matt Forte looking to regain the form he had in his rookie year. To push Forte, the Bears brought in veteran back Chester Taylor, who comes over from division rival Minnesota. Forte will be given every opportunity to keep his starting role, but if he gets off to a slow start, there’s no doubt that Taylor will be there to run the rock.

Detroit Lions

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford is hoping a sophomore slump isn’t in his near future this upcoming season, but with some of the talent that has been brought in to help Stafford in his development, there’s no doubt Stafford’s big size and big arm has the opportunity to climb the ranks of the fantasy quarterbacks. Heading into this season, most draft boards have Stafford as a low-end #2 QB, but by season’s end, I like him to be a reasonable, low-end fantasy starter.

Stafford’s favorite weapon is the speedy Calvin Johnson, has some better help around him, which will keep teams from focusing solely on the stud WR. Nate Burleson was added to the roster in the off-season, after putting up very solid numbers as a part of Seattle’s weak offense last year. Johnson’s going to be drafted in the first three rounds of your draft, with Burleson acting as a great sleeper option in the middle rounds.

Detroit’s running back tandem will feature rookie Jahvid Best and a rehabilitated Kevin Smith. Best is the “best” option of the two (sorry, had to do it), with the youngster likely to get the “lion’s share” of the carries over Smith (sorry, had to do it again). Smith, who led the team in touches last season, will contribute, but his injury history limits his fantasy value greatly. Best is among the top 25-30 players at his position, and has great potential to climb those rankings.

Green Bay Packers

He hasn’t got the Super Bowl rings that Tom Brady has, or the MVP trophies that Peyton Manning has, but look atop most quarterback rankings heading into this year’s fantasy football season, and you’ll see a new top dog…Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers, who should at least be one of the top two QBs off the draft board, is surrounded by underrated talent on the offensive side of the ball, with the always dependable Greg Jennings and Donald Driver leading the receiving corps, and tight end Jermichael Finley ready for a breakout season in only his third year in the league. Jennings is a guy you’ll probably need to burn a third or fourth round pick on to get, with Driver likely available in the middle rounds.

Running back Ryan Grant is one of a handful of “feature backs” that still remain around the league, as he will again shoulder a good amount of the workload on the ground, with Brandon Jackson and rookie James Starks vying for the few carries that will be left up for grabs. Grant will be off the board by the end of the second round most likely, with Jackson and Starks having only minimal fantasy value.

The defense in Green Bay is also worth some consideration, as their new 3-4 scheme installed last year takes shape and matures.

Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy owners have to project the Vikings’ players two ways heading into their drafts; one mentality with Brett Favre coming back to run the offense, and the other with the likes of Tarvaris Jackson under center. Needless to say, if Favre decides to come back again, the value of the players around him holds strong. If however, he decides to finally hang it up and stick solely to shooting Wrangler jeans commercials, you’ll see many Vikings start to slip down the rankings. That being said, if “Flip Flop” decides to suit up before your draft day, treat him as a low-end fantasy starter, in the same class as Matt Ryan, Donovan McNabb, or Eli Manning. Otherwise, if he hasn’t made his decision before you go on the clock, draft him at your own risk.

Whoever the starting QB is for the Vikes, they’ll have a talented batch of receivers to take aim at, led by last year’s breakout star Sidney Rice, second-year speedster Percy Harvin, and underrated veteran Bernard Berrian. All three pass catchers should end up being drafted, with Rice and Harvin going in the early-to-mid rounds, and Berrian acting as a depth pick at WR in the later rounds.

The ground game of course, is in great shape again this year with the return of Adrian Peterson. Peterson, who in most pre-draft rankings, sits behind only Tennessee’s Chris Johnson atop the list, is poised for yet another stat-packing season. Behind A.P. on the depth chart is rookie Toby Gerhart, who really only has good fantasy value as a handcuff pick for teams who draft Peterson, as he’ll likely only see minimal action unless an injury sidelines the All Pro starter.

Minny’s defense is also worth looking at early, ranked among the top 5-10 units in the NFL, and with a rather easy schedule in the second half of the season, loading up on Vikes could bring your fantasy squad the momentum it needs to propel you into the playoffs.

Top 5 NFC North Studs (Players Worth Early Picks)

• Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota
• Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay
• Ryan Grant, RB Green Bay
• Calvin Johnson, WR Detroit
• Greg Jennings, WR Green Bay

Top 5 NFC North Duds (Players I Think Will Flop)

• Chester Taylor, RB Chicago
• Kevin Smith, RB Detroit
• Greg Olsen, TE Chicago
• Tarvaris Jackson, QB Minnesota
• Jay Cutler, QB Chicago

Top 5 NFC North Sleepers (Players Whose Value Will Increase)

• Nate Burleson, WR Detroit
• Jermichael Finley, TE Green Bay
• Bernard Berrian, WR Minnesota
• Matt Forte, RB Chicago
• Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit

© Brian Kintz for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

Every Wednesday, I will talk about potential fantasy football sleepers for each matchup taking place. I will go game-by-game and pick out one or two players who can most likely be found in your league’s free agent pool and explain why they can be of use to you that week.

Week 14 is the start of playoff time in most leagues. In playoff time, every point counts, so finding those bargain basement players is essential if you want to achieve victory.

Week 14 Sleepers

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland

Brady Quinn (QB), Cleveland Browns

The Steelers defense is terrible without Troy Polamalu. In six games without Polamalu, the Steelers are 2-5, allowing 260 pass yds per game to QB’s with 13 passing TD. Recently, they let Oakland’s Bruce Gradkowski throw for 308 yds and 3 TD.

Brady Quinn has a shot to do some damage against a weak secondary and he has been on a roll himself lately, averaging 225 yds with 7 TD and no interceptions in his last three games.

Mike Wallace (WR), Pittsburgh Steelers

Hines Ward is in danger of not playing with a slight hamstring tear. With the short week, I doubt Ward will be ready to play. Even if he does, he won’t be a factor.

Wallace has cooled off considerably in recent week, but with Ward’s injury, the rookie can definitely step it up, especially against the Browns defense.

New Orleans @ Atlanta

Robert Meachem (WR), New Orleans Saints

The Falcons own the fourth worst pass defense in all of football and Meachem has scored a TD in five straight games (six total). Meachem had 10 targets and eight catches in his last game (both season highs), so clearly Drew Brees is warming up to the guy.

Detroit @ Baltimore

Daunte Culpepper (QB), Detroit Lions

All signs are pointing to rookie Matthew Stafford not playing due to a shoulder injury. Then again, they say that every week and yet they still throw him out there to get torn apart. If he doesn’t play, Culpepper would start.

The matchup against a tough Baltimore defense is not favorable, but this would be the first time all season that both Culpepper and WR Calvin Johnson would start side-by-side. A few long bombs from a strong-armed Culpepper to an elite receiver may just bring back memories of the Culpepper-Moss connection in Minnesota.

Green Bay @ Chicago

Devin Hester (WR), Chicago Bears

Hester hasn’t scored since Week 7 and only has six catches over his last three games. However, I like Hester, even against the Packers. Jay Cutler is a better QB at home where the Bears are 4-2 and Cutler has thrown 9 TD and 3 INT.

During their last meeting all the way back in Week 1, Hester turned in four catches for 90 yds and a score.

Seattle @ Houston

Kevin Walter (WR), Houston Texans

This is my last recommendation for Walter. Given that RB Steve Slaton was placed on the IR this week, I think Houston will just air it out this Sunday against Seattle’s poor secondary (8th worst in league).

All Houston receivers are a good play since the other Houston backs (Ryan Moats & Chris Brown) are combining for 3.7 ypc this season.

Denver @ Indianapolis

Correll Buckhalter (RB), Denver Broncos

Over the past two games, Buckhalter has eaten into rookie Knowshon Moreno’s carries. This has resulted in 164 rush yds on 32 carries.

Denver will need all the help they can get against the undefeated Colts who have allowed an average of 132 rush yds over their last two games.

Miami @ Jacksonville

Chad Henne (QB), Miami Dolphins

Henne has come off a great game against New England where he threw for a career-high 335 yds and 2 TD.

The Jaguars may be in the bottom-10 in pass defense, but they haven’t let a running back rush for 100 yds in a game since Week 8. Henne’s new appreciation for throwing the ball will come in handy against a terrible secondary.

Davone Bess (WR), Miami Dolphins

He is Henne’s favorite receiver and had an eye-popping 14 targets last Sunday. Miami should throw the ball around all day and Bess will be the main focus of the passing game.

Buffalo @ Kansas City

Buffalo Bills Defense/Special Teams

They had five sacks last week against the Jets and even took QB Mark Sanchez out of the game.

Now they face the Chiefs, who have allowed 40 sacks this season and QB Matt Cassel has thrown three interceptions in his last two games. Cassel is on thin ice with head coach Todd Haley, who pulled him in the second half last week against the Broncos.

New York (Jets) @ Tampa Bay

Shonn Greene (RB), New York Jets

The Buccaneers own the second worst rush defense in football and have allowed 13 rushing TD this season. The Jets defense is among the best in the league and they should shut down Josh Freeman and company.

Shonn Greene has 10+ carries in each of his last two games. With Mark Sanchez sitting this one out, don’t expect Kellen Clemens to be a gunslinger. A heavy dose of running will be New York’s game plan.

Cincinnati @ Minnesota

Ryan Longwell (K), Minnesota Vikings

In a game of two tough defenses, I think that this may be a game of field goals. You may be hesitant to rush out and pick up kickers, but hey, you need all the points you can get in the playoffs.

Both the Bengals and Vikings allow less than 90 rush yds per game, so running won’t be on display. Minnesota’s pass defense is the more vulnerable of the two teams, but Carson Palmer hasn’t been airing it out much this season (212 yds per game).

Favre on the other hand showed that he was vulnerable last Sunday against Arizona by throwing two interceptions.

Both teams will move the ball, but touchdowns won’t be as plentiful this week in what will be a defensive game.

Shayne Graham (K), Cincinnati Bengals

See Ryan Longwell.

Carolina @ New England

Sammy Morris (RB), New England Patriots

Back from a knee injury, Morris has taken his share of carries in New England’s backfield.

The running game should be on display against the Panthers, who have given up 139+ rush yds in four straight games.

Washington @ Oakland

Devin Thomas (WR), Washington Redskins

Thomas had a breakout game last Sunday with seven catches for 100 yds and 2 TD against New Orleans.

Oakland is vulnerable to the run, but Washington’s running game isn’t setting the world on fire. CB Nnamdi Asomugha will probably be assigned to Santana Moss, leaving Thomas open for another productive game. Plus, Oakland has given up 269 or more pass yds in two straight games.

St. Louis @ Tennessee

Tennessee Titans Defense/Special Teams

You have to like any defense against the Rams offense. It’s just common sense.

Just to give you more incentive, I’ll just tell you that Rams QB Kyle Boller has been sacked seven times and has thrown three interceptions in his last two games. The Rams themselves are averaging only 8.8 points on the road this season.

San Diego @ Dallas

Felix Jones (RB), Dallas Cowboys

I endorse Jones every week, and the tradition will continue in Week 14.

San Diego has allowed 114+ rush yds in three straight games, and frankly, their defense hasn’t exactly been challenged by potent rushing attacks in recent weeks (Cleveland, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Oakland). The Chargers actually allow 4.4 ypc, so expect Dallas and their 8th ranked rushing game to do some damage.

Philadelphia @ New York (Giants)

Kevin Boss (TE), New York Giants

Philadelphia will most likely dominate this game, so Eli Manning will be throwing it plenty of times.

In their last meeting, Boss came away with 70 yds and a score, so I don’t see why he can’t find success against the same defense again.

Arizona @ San Francisco

Alex Smith (QB), San Francisco 49ers

Still minimally owned in leagues, Smith is in line for a big game this week against the Cardinals.

Smith is averaging 225 pass yds per game this season and just came off his best game of the season last week against Seattle with 310 yds and 2 TD. Arizona’s pass defense is among the worst in football and they are giving up 293 pass yds per game over the past five weeks.

We know the damage that Alex Smith and tight end Vernon Davis can do, so this may be your last chance to buy into Smith. Not to mention, during the fantasy playoffs, Smith faces Detroit and St. Louis in Weeks 16 & 17.

© Pete Rampino for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Fantasy, Featured.

I am frustrated. I mentioned last week how owners should get creative when dealing with their bye weeks. I shared with you how I coped with a tough Week 4 by making two trades that value-wise weren’t in my favor, but allowed me to upgrade my starting lineup – or so I thought. Let’s look at the three trades I’ve made in this league:

• In Week 3 I traded Cedric Benson and Derrick Mason for Clinton Portis and Calvin Johnson.
• In Week 4 I traded Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch and Steve Smith (NYG) for Matt Forte and Percy Harvin.
• In Week 4 I traded Mike Bell and Correll Buckhalter for Donald Brown.

My starting lineup after these trades was Donovan McNabb, LaDanian Tomlinson, Matt Forte, Clinton Portis, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith (CAR), Brent Celek, Indianapolis D/ST and a kicker. I was feeling pretty good about my team and thought that I was the team to beat in this 12-team league. Think about that for a second. In a 12-team league I had acquired three first round players. However, if you reevaluate the trades now it appears I not only gave up more value, but downgraded my starters in the process!

Cedric Benson came out of nowhere and has outperformed both Portis and Johnson. Matt Forte has been a huge bust and Thomas Jones is now the clear-cut #1 running back after Leon Washington broke his leg last week. Now I am sitting in ninth place going into week eight and wondering what to do with this team. On paper, my team is by far the best team in the league, but on the field they have collectively screwed me this season. I am watching my players play like crap every Sunday while lesser known guys like Ray Rice, Cedric Benson, Miles Austin, Mike Sims-Walker and freakin’ Vernon Davis are having monster seasons.

I’ve learned a valuable lesson this season and never again will I pay for big names.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets (vs. MIA)

The last time Sanchez faced the Dolphins, he put up 172 yards and a touchdown. This time he gets them at home and the Dolphins will be without starting cornerback Will Allen. In a week where Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady and Carson Palmer are on their bye week, Sanchez could be a serviceable fill in as him and Braylon Edwards should both have nice games.

Kyle Orton, QB, Denver (@ BAL)

He has scored 13 points or more in five of his six games this season and is facing a Ravens defense that has been vulnerable against the pass. Orton has scored 17, 19 and 18 points in the last three weeks and seems to be clicking on all cylinders with Brandon Marshall and has a legitimate pass-catching back in Knowshon Moreno. He doesn’t take a lot of chances, which limits his mistakes, so we can expect a nice game from him on Sunday.

Other Mentions: David Garrard (@ TEN), Brett Favre (@ GB), Joe Flacco (vs. DEN)

Sit ‘Em

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta (@ NO)

My first reaction is that this game is going to be a shootout. However, the more I think about it the more I think the Saints are going to run away with the victory. The Saints defense has been the best at creating turnovers (13 picks, 5 fumbles) so limit your expectations for Matty Ice this weekend.

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (@ PHI)

I’m telling you that there are very few constants in the NFL. Dan Dierdorf’s mustache, Brian Westbrook missing at least one game and Eli Manning turning into Ryan Leaf in the second half of the season. OK, so he’s not that bad, but I talked about it when I argued about the two Steve Smith’s (so much for that argument) and the numbers don’t lie. In the last three years, Eli Manning has a 75.2 QB rating, 19 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the second half. This is compared to an 88.5 QB rating, 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the first half. Sell high.

Other Mentions: Alex Smith (@ IND), Marc Bulger (@ DET), Chad Henne (@ NYJ)

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago (vs. CLE)

This is usually a given every week, but with just two double digit performances in six games this season. However, this week he gets to face the Cleveland Browns who are one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. I expect a nice bounce back game for Forte and he should get back on pace to finish the season strong to save his 2009 fantasy season.

Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona (vs. CAR)

Beanie Wells still hasn’t officially been named the starter, but he is slowly getting more carries and last week he carried the ball 14 times to Hightower’s four. Hightower is still in line to get most of the goal line carries, but Arizona faces the Carolina defense this week, which lets up the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs. So there should be plenty of points to go around.

Other Mentions: Joseph Addai (vs. SF), Kevin Smith (vs. STL), LeSean McCoy (vs. NYG)

Sit ‘Em

Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay (vs. MIN)

Ryan Grant has been very average this season, as he has only topped 100 rushing yards once this season (last week) and scored just three touchdowns. This week he faces a Minnesota defense that is especially tough against the run. The Vikings have let up just two rushing touchdowns all year and the last time they faced Green Bay they held Grant to just 51 yards on 11 carries.

Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets (vs. MIA)

Greene had a monster game for the Jets last week, but let’s remember it was against the Raiders. This week he faces a tough Miami defense, which should do a nice job stopping Thomas Jones and Greene. With Leon Washington out for the season, Greene will be a nice option because the Jets do run the ball a lot, but I suggest you wait until after this week to explore that option.

Other Mentions: Knowshon Moreno (@ BAL), Marshawn Lynch (vs. HOU), Willis McGahee (vs. DEN)

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants (@ PHI)

It’s time to stop making excuses and time to start realizing that Hakeem Nicks is a legit wide receiver. He has scored in four straight games, which tells me that Eli likes looking in his direction when the team gets into the red zone.

Devin Hester/Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago (vs. CLE)

Cleveland’s defense is absolutely dreadful and I expect the Bears to have a nice day on offense here. Cutler will have his way all afternoon with the Browns’ secondary, so this is why I like both Hester and Knox. If I had to choose between the two, I would go with Hester because of his playmaking ability after the catch, but both players have great speed and have shown they can perform in this offense.

Other Mentions: Mike Sims-Walker (@ TEN), Kevin Walter (@ BUF), Pierre Garcon/Austin Collie (vs. SF)

Sit ‘Em

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay (vs. MIN)

It’s been a disappointing year so far for Jennings, who has just one touchdown. While the Vikings generally struggle against the pass, they do pressure the quarterback, which is evident with their NFL-best 24 sacks. This will throw Aaron Rodgers’ timing off on Jennings’ deep routes and will limit his impact on the game. The last time these two teams met Jennings caught only three balls for 31 yards.

Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore (vs. DEN)

Champ Bailey is one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL and it shows as the Broncos have let up just two touchdowns this season. Mason won’t be completely shut down, but if you’re expecting a double-digit effort out of him you should think again.

Other Mentions: Mario Manningham (@ PHI), Roy Williams (vs. SEA), Terrell Owens (vs. HOU)

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Miller, TE, Oakland (@ SD)

The Chargers have let up the eighth-most points against tight ends and Zach Miller is really the only legit offensive option in the Raiders’ passing game. Their quarterback situation is probably one of the worst in the last 10 years, but if they throw the ball it’s going in his direction.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit (vs. STL)

This is a sleeper pick for deeper leagues, but Pettigrew could be a nice play this week against a bad Rams defense. He is a freakish athlete who should be a fine tight end for years to come and him and Stafford were building a nice rapport before Stafford went down with an injury. Reports are that Stafford practiced on Thursday so there’s a chance he might be back for Sunday’s game, which is good news for Pettigrew.

Other Mentions: Donald Lee (vs. MIN), Marcedes Lewis (@ TEN), Kevin Boss (@ PHI)

Sit ‘Em

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore (vs. DEN)

It’s no secret that the Broncos’ defense is tough on an offense, but they are especially tough on tight ends. They’ve let up just 17 catches and one touchdown to opposing tight ends in six games. Heap hasn’t found the end zone since week two so it’s a safe bet that he is kept out this week.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco (@ IND)

Vernon Davis is having a breakout year. He is coming off a three-touchdown performance against Houston and has six touchdowns on the season. However, he faces the Colts this weekend, who have been the toughest against opposing tight ends this season. The Colts have let up just 26 catches for 193 yards and zero touchdowns so Davis will have some trouble scoring in double digits this weekend.

Other Mentions: Randy McMichael (@ DET), Anthony Fasano (@ NYJ), Greg Olsen (vs. CLE)

Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em

Houston D/ST (vs. BUF)

Buffalo’s offense is one of the worst in the NFL this season, so the Texans should have no trouble holding them to under 17 points. Mix in a couple sacks and turnovers and you have yourself a nice fantasy day.

Chicago D/ST (vs. CLE)

Much like the Bills, the Browns can’t get anything done offensively. Derek Anderson has been a complete failure and the team’s top wide receiver is a guy named Massaquoi. The only threat to score a touchdown in this game is Josh Cribbs and that’s on kickoff returns. The Bears should flirt with a shutout and force Anderson into a couple mistakes.

Sit ‘Em

Minnesota Vikings D/ST (@ GB)

This is the week’s most anticipated matchup. I expect this game to be a shootout because the Vikings struggle against the pass. They couldn’t contain Ray Rice, Joe Flacco and company so don’t think that Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver and company will struggle to rack up points against the Vikings’ defense.

Atlanta D/ST (@ NO)

The Falcons face one of the best offenses in the NFL and with the loss of cornerback Brian Williams they are going to find it that much harder to stop Drew Brees from throwing all over them. The Saints have too many weapons for the Falcons’ defense so expect them to air it out often.

Top 5 Kicker Matchups

• Mason Crosby (vs. MIN)
• Nate Kaeding (vs. OAK)
• John Carney (vs. ATL)
• Josh Scobee (@ TEN)
• Ryan Longwell (@ GB)

Bottom 5 Kicker Matchups

• Rob Bironas (vs. JAX)
• Dan Carpenter (@ NYJ)
• Olindo Mare (@ DAL)
• Joe Nedney (@ IND)
• Billy Cundiff (vs. CHI)

© George for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments
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