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2002
Forecaster record to date:� 114 wins
against 77 losses and 1 tie.
This feature is the sole opinion of Chris Smith and it may not
correspond to the rankings / projections of the Footballguys.com website.
Indianapolis Colts 8-4 at Tennessee Titans 7-5
Game Forecast�
Two red-hot football teams meet in
Tennessee in a game that will go a long way towards determining who gets the
nod as AFC South division champion.�
Both teams have been on fire after sluggish starts and are playing well
on both sides of the ball.� The biggest
turnaround over the last month has been the play of the Colts defense, which
has finally learned how to play the Dungy system of attacking defense.� The players on the defensive side of the
ball are young, aggressive and athletic and are now causing opposing
offenses huge problems.� On the
offensive side of the ball, Peyton Manning is on fire, Marvin Harrison is
unstoppable and the team has been solid (if unspectacular) running the football.� Manning is in a position finally where he
doesn�t have to pass for 400 yards to win a football game.� It must be nice for him to rely on the
defense for a change.
The Titans have been sensational
in stopping the run over the last month, giving up three yards per carry and
only one score.� Even the once porous
pass defense has improved to the point where the Titans are winning games
with a conservative offensive game plan like they did two seasons ago.� Steve McNair continues to play excellent
football despite having to play with nagging injuries and his 20 touchdown
passes is outstanding considering his go-to receiver Derrick Mason has been
injured for parts of the season.� McNair
may find it difficult to pass against the improved secondary of the Colts who
have been shutting down their opponents over the last several weeks.� Eddie George has been solid but continues to
run for a very poor average per carry.�
He helps to move the chains but isn�t making enough happen on the
football field.� He is not the player he
once was and his punishing style of running seems to have taken his toll.�
Must Starts: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Derrick Mason,
Marcus Pollard
Possible
Starts: Steve
McNair, Edgerrin James, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck
Only in
a Pinch: Reggie
Wayne (?), Qadry Ismail, Drew Bennett
Fantasy related Injuries � Kevin Dyson � out / Reggie Wayne - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Colts are on a terrific roll
and should have enough on both sides of the ball to edge out the Titans in a
huge AFC South contest.
Predicted
Score: Colts
17 at Titans 14
St. Louis Rams 5-7 at Kansas City Chiefs 6-6
Game Forecast�
Kurt Warner was ineffective in his
two starts back with the team and couldn�t lead the Rams to a victory in either
outing.� With Marc Bulger very
questionable still, the responsibility to lead the team falls once again to
Jamie Martin.� The Chiefs are an
improving defensive football team but the Rams should be able to find some
success moving the ball against them on offense.� Marshall Faulk is once again the dreaded G.T.D. (game time
decision) and didn�t look very healthy in his limited carries last week.� Here is Mike Martz�s take on his running
back for this week and the rest of the season.
Cut from ESPN.com
Click here to read
entire article
---ST. LOUIS -- There's a chance St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk could make his first start in four
weeks Sunday at Kansas City.
Faulk played as a reserve last
week after missing two games with a high sprain on his right ankle, and he ran
nine times for 29 yards. Coach Mike Martz said Wednesday that Faulk was
"no worse for the wear.''�
Martz said rookie Lamar Gordon, despite continued fumbling
problems, probably would get his third straight start at tailback. But he left
the door open for Faulk, who again is listed as questionable.
"I don't know where Marshall
is for sure,'' Martz said. "As the week goes on, if he feels real good,
then we'll start him. But that'll be up to Marshall.''
Martz said the injury isn't going
to heal before the offseason.
"I think this is something
he's going to have to deal with,'' Martz said. "It probably won't get a
whole heck of a lot better through the rest of the season, so we'll monitor
that.''---
It sounds to me like Martz is
telling his stud running back to suck it up but he certainly did not look
Faulk-like during his performance last week in Philly.� I would look elsewhere if you have a decent
fantasy option other than Faulk.� Solid
plays this week will be Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.� The Chiefs defense has improved from the start of the season but
can still be dismantled by talented receivers.
On the Chiefs side of the ball,
obviously Priest Holmes is a running back you simply plug into the starting
lineup and ride his greatness into your fantasy playoffs.� He has averaged almost two touchdowns per
game and is on pace to shatter the single season touchdown record.� The Rams defense is better at stopping the
opposition�s running attack than most teams but it is a tall order indeed to
slow down Holmes.� The Rams entire
defensive unit doesn�t give up a lot of fantasy points to offensive players and
the Chiefs may find it harder to move the ball than they have most weeks.� It is impossible to ever sit Tony Gonzalez
at the tight end position but the Rams have only been giving up 3 fantasy
points per game to opposing tight ends.�
Must Starts: Priest Holmes, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Tony
Gonzalez, Ernie Conwell, Trent Green
Possible
Starts: Jamie
Martin, Marshall Faulk (?)
Only in
a Pinch: Lamar
Gordon, Eddie Kennison, Johnnie Morton, Marc Boerigter
Fantasy related Injuries � Marc Bulger � questionable / Kurt Warner � questionable /
Marshall Faulk - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Chiefs are explosive on
offense, improving on defense and ready to make a pitch for the post
season.� If Marshall Faulk can play, he
could have a monster game but it is unclear right now whether he will
give it a try or not
Predicted
Score: Rams
17 at Chiefs 21
Buffalo Bills 6-6 at New England Patriots 7-5
Game Forecast�
Weather could play a huge role in
this game much like it did in the Bills win against the Dolphins last
week.� The forecast for this Sunday
calls for showers in New England but a drop in temperature by a degree or two
could mean snow.� Drew Bledsoe showed last
week that adverse weather conditions do not affect him as he led the
Bills to a convincing win against the Dolphins.� The Patriots crushed the Bills back in week nine with Tom Brady
having a near perfect day and everything going right for the Patriots.� It likely won�t be that easy this Sunday as
the entire Bills team will be hell-bent for revenge.� Eric Moulds has always had difficulty putting up good numbers on
the Patriots.� He hasn�t had a 100-yard
game against them since 1998 when he had a 177-yard receiving game.� He has only put up 277 receiving yards
over the last seven games against this team.�
Of course he didn�t have Bledsoe along for all but one of those games
and that could certainly change his luck this week.� Travis Henry had an effective day against the Patriots last time
with a solid 4.8-yard average but the team went away from him too early because
the Bills fell so far behind.� Look for
at least 20 carries from Henry on this day.
The Patriots have had a turbulent
season but are in position to make the post-season where anything can happen in
the crazy AFC conference this season.�
However this is certainly a must win game for the team or they will be
in a huge dogfight with many other playoff-hungry teams.� This is a game the Patriots should certainly
win and Tom Brady should have an excellent day at home against the Bills
although the Bills pass defense has been must stronger over the last several
weeks.� The key to a Patriots victory is
to remember to feed the ball to Antowain Smith at least 25 times like they did
back in week nine.� If the Patriots do
that, they should find a way to win this crucial game.
Must Starts: Drew Bledsoe, Travis Henry, Peerless Price, Tom
Brady, Antowain Smith, Troy Brown
Possible
Starts: Eric
Moulds, David Patten, Christian Fauria
Only in
a Pinch: Jay
Riemersma, Kevin Faulk, Josh Reed, Larry Centers
Fantasy related Injuries � none
Final Thoughts:� The Patriots are at home and
know how to win at this stage in the season.� It won�t be as easy as the last meeting between the teams but the
Patriots should still end up on top.�
Look for solid numbers from both starting running backs as well as the
quarterbacks throwing for at least 250 yards each.� Eric Moulds is a bit of a risk due to his lack of success against
this team over the last seven games.� It
is hard to ignore an average of 40 receiving yards per game.
Predicted
Score: Bills
24 at Patriots 30
�
San Francisco 49ers 8-4 at Dallas Cowboys 5-7
Game Forecast�
Chad Hutchinson finally emerged as a quarterback with some
upside as he led the Cowboys to back-to-back wins against the Jaguars and
Redskins throwing for 4 touchdowns in the two victories.� The Cowboys have such a talented group of
players on defense that they only need a bit of offense each week to put
the team in a position to win.� Emmitt
Smith has been running quite well over the last few games and is now on pace to
eclipse 1000 yards rushing on the season.�
His average is up over four yards per carry, which is very impressive
considering the amount of wear and tear on his body over his long,
successful career.� The 49ers are pretty
solid against the run though which means Hutchinson will have to get the job
done through the air to give his team a chance to win.� The 49ers haven�t been very good at slowing
down the opposing passing attacks as of late with the latest example being the
400+ yards passing that Matt Hasselbeck put up on them last week.� Joey Galloway is a strong play this week and
could break 100 yards and a touchdown again this week.� He has quietly put up outstanding numbers
this year and is ahead of Randy Moss in fantasy points scored so far.
The 49ers are on the way to the playoffs but will
want to win the final four games to try and situate themselves into a first
round bye and possible home field advantage in the playoffs.� It is no fun going into Green Bay,
Philadelphia or Tampa Bay and trying to win on the road in the post-season and
every game is huge for the team.�
Terrell Owens has been on fire the last few weeks, putting up 382
receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in his last three contests.� The Cowboys actually give up a lot of
fantasy points to the receiver position and he should continue his strong play
with another 100-yard game.� Garrison
Hearst enjoyed his run through the park last week when he put up huge numbers
against the worst run defense in the entire NFL.� His 3-touchdown performance was impressive of course but he will
likely find it quite difficult to find room to run against the solid Cowboys
group of defenders.� Jeff Garcia has
been a disappointment to fantasy owners this year but he has had a very nice
season for the team.� Look for around
250 passing yards and a pair of scores this week.
Must Starts: Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens, Joey Galloway
Possible
Starts: Garrison
Hearst, Emmitt Smith, Chad Hutchinson
Only in
a Pinch: Antonio
Bryant, Tai Streets, J.J. Stokes
Fantasy related Injuries � Kevan Barlow � out
Final Thoughts:� The Cowboys are a solid home
team and could find a way to upset the 49ers.�
However the 49ers have a lot more to play for and that should give them
the edge they need for a huge road victory.�
Look for a monster day from Terrell Owens (what else is new?)
Predicted
Score: 49ers
24 at Cowboys 13
�
Houston Texans 3-9 at Pittsburgh Steelers 7-4-1
Game Forecast�
It is official.� Tommy Maddox is back in as starting
quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.�
Here is a quote from coach Bill Cowher on the decision to sit the hot
quarterback Kordell Stewart for Tommy Maddox.
Cut from ESPN.com
To read the entire
article� click here
"I've talked
with Tommy and talked with Kordell, and we certainly won't hesitate -- if we
need a spark -- to go to Kordell,'' Cowher said. "The bottom line is, at
time of the injury, he was playing well and did not merit losing that job.''�
While I agree with the coach on
this one it must have been an agonizing decision for him because of his
fondness for his man, Stewart.� Maddox
had helped to turn the Steelers offense into a powerhouse on Sundays and
he deserves to be the man heading into the playoffs.� It is a good week for him to step back into the limelight by
going up against the Texans who are playing out the string.� They are a decent defense but he should be
able to get back on track to the tune of 250 passing yards and a pair of
scores.� Nice to see Maddox back in the
saddle as it was only a few short weeks ago it looked like his career could be
finished.� Jerome Bettis should have his
way with a fairly poor Texans run defense.�
David Carr has had a very
successful rookie season as an NFL quarterback.� His touchdown to interception ratio is solid for a first year
player (9 TD to 11 IC) and he has displayed good poise and maturity.� Now it is up to the Texans to go out and get
some top-notch players around him to help him improve from decent to
great.� Pittsburgh�s defense has been up
and down all season and it is hard to know which version of the team will show
up this Sunday.� It is very likely
though that the Texans will find it difficult to do anything on the field in
Pittsburgh this week against a team fighting for playoff positioning.
Must Starts: Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Corey Bradford, Billy
Miller
Possible
Starts: Tommy
Maddox, Jerome Bettis (?), Amos Zereoue
Only in
a Pinch: David
Carr, Jonathon Wells, James Allen, Antwaan Randle El, Jabar Gaffney
Fantasy related Injuries � Jerome Bettis - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Steelers are too talented on
offense to have problems with the Texans this week.� Look for 25 carries from Bettis and a solid return to action from
the unflappable Tommy Maddox.� Burress
owners should be rewarded with a 100-yard receiving day.
Predicted
Score: Texans
10 at Steelers 27
�
Atlanta Falcons 8-3-1 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-3
Game Forecast�
Don�t look now but the hottest
team in the NFL is the Atlanta Falcons who are clicking on offense and stopping
teams on defense.� Michael Vick has
emerged as the best fantasy option in football much earlier than most people
anticipated.� He looks capable of
rushing for over 1000 yards in the near future combined with 3000+ yards
passing.� He will get a true test this
week against a ferocious defense that is likely the best in the NFL.� The Buccaneers will be coming after the
young quarterback with a ton of pressure and they will try to get him off of
his game.� However all Vick needs is a
small crease and he�ll make defenses pay for blitzing him by taking the ball on
a 60-yard jaunt to the house for a touchdown.�
He is almost impossible to prepare for due to his ability to scramble
with the ball.� He was leading a
conservative offensive philosophy to start the season but the team has begun
opening up the playbook and he has not had problems stretching the field.� He has averaged 200+yards passing over the
last few weeks to go along with 248 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.� That is unbelievable production from the
quarterback position.� I do expect him
to struggle this week though against the tough Buccaneers who have only allowed
a staggering 10 points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.
The Buccaneers are 9-3 because of
strong defense and a decent passing attack.�
The running game has been horrible all season and that could easily
cause them to slip up in the playoffs against the better NFC teams.� However the Falcons are better against the
run than the pass and that should play right into the Buccaneers strength.� Brad Johnson isn�t flashy but has been
getting the job done for the team.� His
touchdown to interception ratio of 3:1 has been super and he has been leading
the team to solid victories on a weekly basis.�
The Falcons can be passed on and you can expect a big game from Keyshawn
Johnson and perhaps even Keenan McCardell as Johnson and the boys try to pass
their way past a very hot Falcons team.�
The Falcons have been giving up 252 passing yards per game over the last
four contests and Brad Johnson has been on fire over that timeframe.� Michael Pittman has been so ineffective that
he might as well be benched full time for Mike Alstott.� He has only put up 124 rushing yards on his
last 42 carries and still doesn�t have a touchdown.� Pathetic!
Must Starts: Brad Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson
Possible
Starts: Michael
Vick (?), T.J. Duckett, Alge Crumpler, Keenan McCardell
Only in
a Pinch: Brian
Finneran, Trevor Gaylor, Mike Alstott, Michael Pittman
Fantasy related Injuries � Warrick Dunn - doubtful / Michael Vick � questionable (is
sick)
Final Thoughts:� The Buccaneers will be out to
teach the young Michael Vick a lesson this weekend and have the personnel to do
just that.� This will be a fun game to
watch with lots on the line.� Brad
Johnson will be the better fantasy option on this day.
Predicted
Score: Falcons
14 at Buccaneers 20
�
New York Giants 6-6 at Washington Redskins 5-7
Game Forecast�
Two short weeks ago, the Giants
had positioned themselves to not only make the playoffs, but perhaps even make
some noise once they got there.� However
after disappointing losses to both the Texans and Titans, it appears that the
Giants have missed the boat and will be watching the playoffs from the comforts
of the living room this year.� Tiki
Barber continues to play very well for the team and could easily eclipse 1000
rushing yards on the season with a solid game this week.� The �Thunder and Lightning� tandem of
years past has become simply �Lightning� with Barber playing so
well.� The Redskins are solid on defense
but have been giving up lots of rushing yardage over the last few weeks and the
Giants should be able to exploit that.�
Kerry Collins has had a very disappointing season with the G-Men because
of his inability to get the ball into the end-zone.� His 12 touchdown passes have not helped the team to win on a
weekly basis.
Wheel� Of�. Quarterback!� Continues to spin on a near weekly basis in
Washington.� With Danny Wuerffel not
looking like a long-term answer at the quarterback position (No Duh!),
it appears that Patrick Ramsey will perhaps get most of the repetitions to end
the season.� That is unless head coach
Steve Spurrier can find another option to go with such as past Redskins alumni
Joe Thiesmann, Doug Williams, Jay Schroeder, or even Sonny Jurgenson.� Heck!�
Perhaps he should go out and sign Doug Johnson or Eric Kresser and see
if those past Gators can jumpstart his football team.� The Redskins are a team that haven�t been able to find an
identity and changing quarterbacks and receivers more often than their head
coach changes his underwear has not help this team find it.� I agree with Ramsey getting the playing time
down the stretch but give him the opportunity to learn on the job.� Don�t bench him after he has a bad
game.� Both Shane Matthews and Wuerffel
have shown they are not the answer at the position.� The Giants are a sound defense and the Redskins will have
problems passing the ball against them no matter who is tossing the rock.� It doesn�t take an offensive genius to
realize the best way to beat the Giants is to run the ball 30 + times in a game.� If I were the coach in this game, I would
have a lot of Stephen Davis left and Stephen Davis right in the gameplan.
Must Starts: Stephen Davis (if Spurrier can really coach), Tiki
Barber, Jeremy Shockey
Possible
Starts: Amani
Toomer, Kerry Collins, Rod Gardner
Only in
a Pinch: Patrick
Ramsey, Ron Dayne, Derrius Thompson, Ron Dixon
Fantasy related Injuries � none
Final Thoughts:� This game could fall either
way.� The Giants have only won one of
the past six games in Washington so I will pick the Redskins to destroy the
Giants playoff aspirations.
Predicted
Score: Giants
16 at Redskins 17
�
Cincinnati Bengals 1-11 at Carolina Panthers 4-8
Game Forecast�
Does it really matter?� In the world of the NFL, it only matters for
draft positioning but in the world of fantasy football, it could be critical to
a team�s success.� The Bengals have
actually been playing much better football over the last several weeks but
continue to find new disheartening ways to lose each week.� Last week it was defense and special teams
that cost them the victory in a game they should have won.� Jon Kitna has been one of the hottest
quarterbacks in the league over the past several contests and he looks as good
as he has during his tenure in the NFL.�
He has now thrown for more touchdowns than interceptions on the season
and perhaps has given the team hope for the future (as much hope as anyone
in Cincinnati can muster which I am sure is precious little).� Perhaps the real reason for the emergence of
Kitna has been the development of receiver Chad Johnson who is looking like a
stud at the position.� The Bengals had
been awful at receiver over the past few seasons and it is huge news for the
team to finally see the young guys beginning to step up.� Corey Dillon is a threat as always but
hasn�t been super over the last few games with a yard per carry average well
under four.� He needs to step up his
game for the team to win.
The Panthers were embarrassed two
weeks ago but found enough heart to go into Cleveland and upset a Browns
football team that had been red hot.� Letting
that happen last week should embarrass the Browns but certainly the Panthers
deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.�
The defense absolutely destroyed Tim Couch and the passing attack last
week and they will try to do the same to Jon Kitna this week.� However with little to play for, the
Panthers could certainly come out flat after their surprise victory last week
and let the Bengals move the ball on them.�
With Lamar Smith suspended for the year, Dee Brown surprised everyone
with a monster game last week.� He was
an unheralded player from Syracuse but has certainly made folks stand up and
take notice.� Rodney Peete had been
terrible over the last few weeks until the win in Cleveland and he is obviously
not a long-term answer in Carolina.�
Could the Byron Leftwich era or the Carson Palmer era be
just around the corner?� Stay tuned in
Carolina.
Must Starts: Chad Johnson, Corey Dillon, Matt Schobel
Possible
Starts: Jon
Kitna, Muhsin Muhammad, Wesley Walls, Dee Brown, Rodney Peete
Only in
a Pinch: T.J.
Houshmandzadeh,
Peter Warrick, Isaac Byrd
Fantasy related Injuries � none
Final Thoughts:� The Bengals are long overdue for
a victory and have been playing pretty decent football over the last
month.� Jon Kitna and Chad Johnson will
have good football games.
Predicted
Score: Bengals
21 at Panthers 16
�
Cleveland Browns 6-6 at Jacksonville Jaguars 5-7
Game Forecast�
The Browns and Jaguars have likely
choked their way out of the playoff race with the Jaguars all but
eliminated and the Browns hanging on by a fingernail.� This game is very evenly matched on paper and it will likely come
down to turnovers on Sunday.� The Browns
are a better road team (4-2) than the Jaguars are a home team (3-3), which will
throw the home-field advantage away.�
Mark Brunell is hurting and will likely not be as effective as normal
although he is expected to play.� Tight
end Kyle Brady has been one of the best tight ends over the past few weeks and
could continue to find some success as teams try to stop the solid running back
tandem of Fred Taylor and Stacey Mack.�
While the combination of the two running backs frustrates Fred Taylor
owners, it is obvious that the pair is working together very well on the field.� Mack is a powerful running back that is a
nice change of pace from the speed and elusiveness of Taylor.
The Browns lost a game they needed
to win last week and will either come out flat and disheartened this
week or with a giant chip on their shoulder.� Butch Davis is a great football coach and I believe he will have
this team angry and ready to get out on the field and lay a beating down on the
Jaguars across from them.� Losing to the
Panthers in Cleveland was inexcusable and very easily may have cost the team a
chance at the post-season.� However this
team is a team that has been building towards a playoff berth next season and
not this one.� The team needs to improve
along the offensive line and tweak the defensive unit and they could easily
surface as one of the top teams in the AFC next year.� They are certainly close to becoming an elite team with a smart
pickup or two.� The Browns will find it
tough to move the ball on a solid Jaguars defense, which means the defense,
will need to find their �A� game and play good football.
Must Starts: Kyle Brady, Jimmy Smith
Possible
Starts: Tim
Couch, Quincy Morgan, Kevin Johnson, Mark Brunell, Fred Taylor, Stacey Mack,
William Green
Only in
a Pinch: Bobby
Shaw, Jamel White
Fantasy related Injuries � Dennis Northcutt - doubtful
Final Thoughts:� Very tough game to forecast.� Both teams have seen playoff dreams all but
eliminated and it is hard to say how it will affect their performance on the
field.� With the Browns still in the
hunt, I say they put last week�s stinker behind them and emerge with a
confidence-building victory.
Predicted
Score: Browns
14 at Jaguars 13
�
New Orleans Saints 8-4 at Baltimore Ravens 6-6
Game Forecast�
Who can figure out these
Saints?� I know I certainly cannot.� Lose to teams they should win such as the
Cleveland loss two weeks ago and then go out and beat a team like the
Buccaneers who should give them fits.�
One thing is for sure and that is the Saints are an exciting team to
follow on a weekly basis.� Going
into this season, many folks were ridiculing the Saints for getting rid of Ricky
Williams and putting the ball into the hands of a talented running back that
was very injury prone in college.�
However Deuce McAllister has helped the Saints and their fans forget the
Ricky Williams years and his performance last weekend against a killer
Buccaneers defense while still clearly in pain was wonderful to
behold.� He is obviously tough enough to
withstand punishment at the NFL level and his talent is off the charts.� The Ravens are not the defense they once were
and without Ray Lewis in the game, McAllister should have no problem getting
over 100 yards rushing on the day.� Look
for Aaron Brooks to pass the ball effectively against a Ravens team that does
have problems slowing down the pass.
The Ravens are to be commended for
a solid 6-6 record in a season that was obviously a rebuilding one from the
start.� The team has displayed a lot of
pride and hunger on the field and has let the NFL know this team will have to
be reckoned with in the near future.�
Jamal Lewis has been running the ball very well but hasn�t found the end
zone in the last few weeks.� That should
change this week as he will get at least one rushing touchdown.� Travis Taylor has emerged as a legitimate
threat at receiver and Todd Heap is one of the finest tight ends in the game
today.� The pieces are in place for the
Ravens to be a solid offensive team in the future if Chris Redman can continue
to develop once he gets back on the field.
Must Starts: Aaron Brooks, Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister, Jamal
Lewis, Travis Taylor, Todd Heap
Possible
Starts:
Donte Stallworth
Only in
a Pinch: Jeff
Blake, Jake Reed, Eddie Williams
Fantasy related Injuries �Chris Redman � questionable / Aaron Brooks � questionable �
should play though / Deuce McAllister - probable
Final Thoughts:� The Saints should win this game
which means they will probably lose.� I
have given up trying to figure this team out.�
I�ll pick them to win because they should have lots of success moving
the ball both on the ground and in the air.�
Good week to start your Saints players.
Predicted
Score: Saints
27 at Ravens 20
�
Detroit Lions 3-9 at Arizona Cardinals 4-8
Game Forecast�
YAWN!
If you like offense, don�t bother
turning on the television for this stinker.�
If you have to start players from either team at this point in the
season, your fantasy team is likely in trouble.� The only players I would feel comfortable starting this week are
James Stewart and Marcel Shipp (only if you have no other options).� Jake Plummer and Joey Harrington have been
terrible over the last several starts, which makes starting both them and the
receivers they will be throwing to extremely risky.� However the defenses have also been poor and that could help get
the passing attacks on target.� Still to
risky for my liking though.
Must Starts: James Stewart
Possible
Starts: Marcel
Shipp, Bill Schroeder, Mikhael Ricks, Freddie Jones
Only in
a Pinch: Jake
Plummer, Joey Harrington, Jason McAddley, Germane Crowell
Fantasy related Injuries � David Boston � out / Frank Sanders � doubtful / Thomas
Jones � out / Jake Plummer�s confidence level - zilch
Final Thoughts:� The Cardinals have been terrible
but it is the Lions they are playing.� I
think the Lions are the better team at this point in the season and will put up
nice numbers with James Stewart who could be one of the fantasy gems of the
week.
Predicted
Score: Lions
21 at Cardinals 13
�
Philadelphia Eagles 9-3 at Seattle Seahawks 4-8
Game Forecast�
Who needs Donovan McNabb when you
have the mighty A.J. Feeley?� Well,
O.K., that may be a little over the top but it appears the Eagles are focused
on showing the world that they are a great football team no matter who they go
against on the field and no matter who they put in at quarterback.� Winning back-to-back games against the 49ers
and Rams without McNabb has been a gigantic confidence builder for the team and
it appears they are ready to make a serious Super Bowl run.� It�s funny but the Seahawks pass defense has
been better than the Eagles over the last several weekends.� Of course everybody knows the struggles the
Seahawks have gone through to stop the opposition�s running game this year but
at least one aspect of the defense hasn�t been awful.� You can expect to see 25 carries from Duce Staley and perhaps as
many as 12 to 15 from a combination of Dorsey Levens and Brian Westbrook as the
Eagles play a very conservative game this weekend.
Matt Hasselbeck was horrible last
season and did nothing to dispel that while Trent Dilfer was injured at the
start of this season.� However since
Dilfer went down for the second and final time back in week eight against the
Cowboys, a new confident Hasselbeck has emerged.� He has thrown for 789 yards over the last two football games to
go along with 6 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.� His quarterback rating on the season is a
sizzling 88.0 and he has been getting stronger every game out.� Another player who has emerged is Koren
Robinson who has begun to live up to his draft hype of two years ago with four games
in the last five with over 95 yards receiving.�
He and partner-in-crime Darrell Jackson have become a wonderful
duo that is causing defenses huge problems on a weekly basis.� With a solid passing attack emerging in
Seattle, Shaun Alexander has begun to find room to run and he is looking like
the dominant back he was during the 2001 season.� This offense could be one of the best in the NFL next season as
these young players continue to develop and grow within the offense.�
Must Starts: Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Koren Robinson,
Darrell Jackson, Duce Staley
Possible
Starts: James
Thrash, Dorsey Levens, Todd Pinkston, Chad Lewis
Only in
a Pinch: A.J.
Feeley, Bobby Engram, Antonio Freeman, Brian Westbrook, Itula Mili, Jerramy
Stevens
Fantasy related Injuries � Koy Detmer � doubtful / Donovan McNabb � out (no duh!)
Final Thoughts:� These Eagles are due for a loss
and it could happen this week against a surging Seahawks team.� This is my Upset of the Week!� Hasselbeck will have another strong game and
lead the Hawks to victory.
Predicted Score: Eagles 24 at Seahawks 27
�
Oakland Raiders 8-4 at San Diego Chargers 8-4
Game Forecast�
Rich Gannon is on pace to break Dan
Marino�s single season passing record, Jerry Rice is flying up and down the
field like he is 25 years old, Jerry Porter is emerging as the next great
Raiders receiver and to top it off the defense has turned the corner and has
been playing excellent football over the last month.� Everything seems to be in place for a strong playoff drive but it
all starts this week in San Diego.� With
the tight playoff race in the AFC, games like this are critical and both teams
will have playoff intensity and desire in full force.� This game appears to come down to the match-up between the
Raiders prolific passing attack against the Chargers very suspect
pass defense.� If the Chargers
cannot figure out a way to slow Rich Gannon down, the Raiders will win by
double digits.� Look for 300 + yards
from Rich Gannon (I know, I know.�
Predicting Gannon to throw for 300 yards is like predicting Steve
Spurrier will change his quarterback but a Forecaster such as myself cannot
simply ignore the obvious) and a solid game from all three receivers.
The Chargers continue to win but
there are some serious holes emerging on the team.� The defense has been poor against the pass but what is a surprise
is that the run defense hasn�t been able to get it done lately either.� Ladainian Tomlinson is a wonderful weapon
on offense but he cannot beat the Raiders on his own.� Drew Brees and the passing attack have been quiet as of late and
Curtis Conway had to sit out last week�s game due to injury.� Brees will have to get the passing game on
track or the Chargers will not be able to keep pace with the Raiders.� Look for a solid game from Tomlinson but he
shouldn�t put up more than 90 yards rushing on the day.
Must Starts: Rich Gannon, Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, Charlie Garner,
Ladainian Tomlinson, Jerry Porter
Possible
Starts: Doug
Jolley, Stephen Alexander
Only in
a Pinch: Reche
Caldwell, Tim Dwight, Tyrone Wheatley, Curtis Conway (?), Drew Brees
Fantasy related Injuries � Curtis Conway - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Raiders have won the last
two games in San Diego and in my opinion are clearly the better football
team.� The Raiders will regain first
place in the division by beating up on the Chargers
Predicted
Score: Raiders
28 at Chargers 20
�
Denver Broncos 7-5 at New York Jets 6-6
Game Forecast�
In the frantic race of the AFC,
it seems that every game is a crucial one and this affair is no exception.� Both teams are coming off of tough losses
against teams also in the playoff hunt which will make this game that much more
important.� The Jets have tightened up
the defensive play over the last six games and it can now be considered more of
a strength than a liability.� Steve
Beurelein wasn�t awful in relief of Brian Griese but he certainly wasn�t as
effective either.� The team should
welcome Griese back to the starting lineup this weekend and he should find some
success against the Jets secondary.�
Clinton Portis has been on fire since gaining the starting
tailback position and is averaging a sizzling 6 yards per carry over the last
three games.� He is living up to the
pre-season hype and should be able to gain 100 yards in this contest.
The Jets may not make the playoffs
this season but they certainly have found their quarterback of the future in
Chad Pennington.� He has perhaps the
nicest touch on a pass in the NFL and appears to have little difficulty reading
the defense, which is often the toughest part of the game for a young
quarterback to pick up.� He continues to
complete a tremendous 69 % of his passes and has the passing game for New York
flourishing.� Laveranues Coles is getting
stronger with every passing week and is beginning to be a go-to receiver who
can expect to catch 6-8 passes every game.�
He has lots of chemistry with Pennington and the two should have many
outstanding seasons together.� The
passing attack may have some difficulties this week though because the Broncos
are solid on defense against the pass.�
The hottest player on the Jets may be Wayne Chrebet who looked finished
during the first month of the season but has enjoyed a tremendous recovery
since the month of November started.� He
has three touchdowns in his last three games.�
Curtis Martin has been running hard and has erased that awful start he
had to the season.� His numbers are
still very sub-par for a player of his caliber but he can still hit 1000 yards
with a couple of good performances down the stretch.
Must Starts: Clinton Portis, Rod Smith, Chad Pennington,
Laveranues Coles
Possible
Starts: Anthony
Becht, Brian Griese, Curtis Martin, Wayne Chrebet, Ed McCaffrey,
Only in
a Pinch: Shannon
Sharpe, Mike Anderson,�
Fantasy related Injuries � LaMont Jordan � questionable / Santana Moss - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Broncos have a better team
and that should be enough to prevail in the harsh New York environment.� The loser of this game will have a tough
time making the post-season.� Look for
more excellent numbers from superstar in the making, Clinton Portis.
Predicted
Score: Broncos
24 at Jets 21
�
Minnesota Vikings 3-9 at Green Bay Packers 9-3
Game Forecast�
The Vikings have been able to keep
the score close over the last three seasons when traveling to Green Bay but
haven�t been able to pull out a victory.�
The Vikings may have some success moving the ball both on the ground and
in the air against a Packers defense that has been ordinary at best over the
last month but the Vikings simply do not have the defense to slow down Brett
Favre and the Packers at home.� Ahman
Green is questionable and the team may decide to rest him in order to get him
healthy for the final stretch of the season and the playoffs.� In all honesty, it doesn�t appear that the
Packers need him to win this game.�
Expect Brett Favre to light up the weak secondary of the Vikings and
pass for at least 325 yards on the day with a minimum of three touchdown
passes.
Daunte Culpepper was on top of the
world two seasons ago but now looks confused and unconfident on Sundays.� His ability to run with the ball guarantees
he will put up nice numbers each week put his passing numbers this season are
in a word, awful.� With only 13
touchdown passes against 19 interceptions on the season, it has been a very
frustrating season for the quarterback and he will have to figure out what
happened to his game over a very long off-season for his team.� The only real positive for the team on
offense has been the steady improvement of Michael Bennett who could find some
success against the Packers.� He will be
an important part of the team in 2003.�
Randy Moss is catching a lot of passes over the last three weeks (23
receptions) but hasn�t been able to find the end zone like he has in years
past.� He is still having a solid season
but it has been a disappointing one by his standards. The Packers have been
giving up touchdown receptions over the last month so perhaps he will find the
end zone in this game.
Must Starts: Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Randy Moss, Daunte
Culpepper, Bubba Franks
Possible
Starts: Michael
Bennett, Ahman Green (Tony Fisher if they sit Green out), Byron Chamberlain,
Terry Glenn
Only in
a Pinch: Kelly
Campbell
Fantasy related Injuries � Moe Williams � doubtful / Ahman Green � questionable /
D�Wayne Bates � questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Packers should have no
difficulty polishing off the Vikings on the frozen tundra in Green Bay.� Brett Favre has a huge game as does Donald
Driver and the Pack continues the quest for home field advantage in the NFC.
Predicted
Score: Vikings
17 at Packers 30
Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears 3-9 at Miami Dolphins 7-5
Game Forecast�
The Dolphins had the perfect
game plan going last week, had Ricky Williams running like Earl
Campbell on speed and had the Buffalo Bills reeling.� Then a famed gunslinger by the name of Drew
Bledsoe took the Bills up on his broad shoulders and carried them to victory in
a game the Dolphins let get away and the Bills deserved to win.� I imagine the Dolphins are an angry,
determined football team and will be out to make a statement at home on
Monday Night Football this week.� Jay
Fiedler is back in as the starting quarterback and he was able to play some
last week to shake the rust off.� The
Dolphins are getting healthy at the right time and need to win three of their
final four games to make the playoffs in all likelihood so there is little
danger the team will come out flat.� The
Bears defense has been horrible against the pass and only decent against the
run and Fiedler could have a very nice first game back as the starting
quarterback.� For those of you stuck
with an under-achieving Chris Chambers this season, it may be an outstanding
week to insert him into your starting lineup.�
He has nice chemistry with Fiedler and is due for a good game.� Ricky Williams is looking better than
ever and is almost a lock to go over 100 yards on the day with a score or
two.�
The Bears have had a hugely
disappointing season for a team that many thought could contend in 2002.� The conservative offensive philosophy that
worked so well last year has fizzled this season thanks to a running game that
simply has not been able to get started this year.� With Anthony Thomas sidelined, the Bears rushing attack has gone
from bad to worse and will likely have little to no success against the
Dolphins.� Jim Miller, Marty Booker and
the passing attack may have a little success against the Dolphins but I would
be hesitant to start any Bears against a Dolphins defense that should respond
well to last week�s breakdown.
Must Starts: Ricky Williams, Chris Chambers, Randy McMichael
Possible
Starts: Marty
Booker, Jay Fiedler
Only in
a Pinch: Jim
Miller, Dez White, Leon Johnson, James McKnight, Rob Konrad, Marcus Robinson
Fantasy related Injuries � Anthony Thomas � out / Ray Lucas - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Dolphins are better in all
aspects of the game.� They will enjoy a
double-digit win led by big numbers from Ricky Williams yet again and a solid
day from Jay Fiedler, Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael.
Predicted
Score: Bears
7 at Dolphins 28
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