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2002
Forecaster record to date:� 132 wins
against 91 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.
Saturday Games, December 21st
Miami Dolphins 9-5 at Minnesota Vikings 4-10
Game Forecast�
Ricky Williams has become the stud running back he
was supposed to be when the Saints gave up an entire draft to draft him
back in 1999.� He has steadily improved
every season as a professional but truly looks like a different running back
this season.� He has had some magical
games this season and has a great shot at becoming the top rusher this season
with Priest Holmes hurting.�
Imagine how much this season would have been worth with the incentive-based
contract he had in place for his rookie season.� He could have made a fortune.
The Dolphins passing attack was as effective last week
against the Raiders as it has been all season.�
For the first time in weeks, the Dolphins attacked an opposing defense
down the field, allowing the very talented Chris Chambers to make some
big plays for the team.� His 138
receiving yards was a personal high and it showcased how good he can be down
the road.� Jay Fiedler doesn�t
look the part of a great quarterback with his wobbly throws that you can almost
hear quacking at times through the screen, but he is very effective when
the team needs him to be.� The Vikings
are better at stopping the run than they are at defending the pass so Fiedler
could have a very nice game this weekend.
The Vikings defeated the playoff bound Saints last week led
by a sensational performance by Daunte Culpepper who looked like the
superstar of old with his performance.�
It certainly gave the Vikings something to build on for next season but
they�ll likely find it difficult to move the ball up and down the field on the
confident and surging Miami Dolphins.�
With Jason Taylor providing a Derrick Thomas-like pass rush
from the outside, opposing quarterbacks are having a very tough time getting
anything accomplished against this defense.�
Culpepper will likely find it very challenging to pass against
the solid secondary of the Dolphins and the Vikings best chance for success may
be to feed the Ball to Michael Bennett at least 20 times on the
ground.� Bennett has improved to the
point where he can be considered a true threat now.
Must Starts: Ricky Williams, Chris Chambers, Randy Moss, Daunte
Culpepper, Michael Bennett
Possible
Starts: Jay
Fiedler, Randy McMichael, Byron Chamberlain, James McKnight
Only in
a Pinch: D�Wayne
Bates, Cris Carter, Travis Minor
Fantasy related Injuries � Moe Williams � questionable; Kelly Campbell - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Vikings will likely give the
Dolphins all they can handle in this game.�
The Dolphins could have a small letdown after the huge win against the
Raiders but it is too important of a game for them to come out completely
flat.� Ricky Williams will get his
100 yards, Jay Fiedler will have a solid game and the Dolphins will
get a huge victory in their quest for home-field advantage throughout the
playoffs.
Predicted
Score: Dolphins
23 at Vikings 21
San Francisco 49ers 9-5 at Arizona Cardinals 5-9
Game Forecast�
The 49ers are in an interesting position.� They have already clinched their division
but are already out of the hunt for home-field advantage throughout the
post-season after the heart-breaking overtime loss to the Packers last
weekend.� With no reason to win either
of the last two football games, the 49ers will almost certainly rest the
injured Terrell Owens this week and maybe even next week as well.� His nagging heel and groin injuries could
use some time to heal and it would be a smart move to sit him to the chagrin
of Championship-hunting fantasy owners everywhere.� Jeff Garcia suffered an ankle sprain
and the 49ers would be smart to sit him this weekend to help it recover.� He can certainly play this week and
definitely would if there was something on the line but there is no
incentive to playing Garcia this week and perhaps aggravating the injury
to the point he is lost for the post-season.�
If I were in charge of the 49ers, I would rest most of my starters this
weekend, give them a week to get over the normal bumps and bruises that afflict
most players at this point in the season and then insert them back into the
starting lineup in week seventeen so they will be sharp during the
playoffs.� It is very risky to start
49er players this week for that reason.�
It sounds like Garcia will be in the starting lineup this week though
which is an unnecessary risk in my mind.
The Cardinals almost went into St. Louis and
knocked off the Rams last week despite all the injuries that have plagued this
team.� Running back Marcel Shipp
is beginning to emerge as a legitimate threat from the backfield and has a
great chance at becoming the featured running back next season.� Ever since he took over for an injured Thomas
Jones, Shipp has displayed great power and quick moves and has given the
Cardinals a decent running attack for the first time in many seasons.� He has accumulated 649 total yards in the
last five contests to go with a respectable 4 touchdowns.� On a team with so many injuries, his
performance over the final stretch this season has been very encouraging and
will allow the Cardinals to look elsewhere in the draft for help to other
positions.� It will be very interesting
to see what the Cardinals decide to do with Jake Plummer in the
off-season.� His contract is immense for
next season and it is unlikely the Cardinals will wish to keep him around
unless he reconstructs his salary.� He
is an erratic quarterback but has shown enough flashes over the last
five years that he would get some interest from quarterback-hungry teams around
the league.
Must Starts: Marcel Shipp�
Possible
Starts: Jeff
Garcia, Tai Streets, Jake Plummer, J.J. Stokes, Kevan Barlow, Garrison Hearst,
Jason McAddley, Eric Johnson
Only in
a Pinch: Cedric
Wilson, Nathon Poole
Fantasy related Injuries � Terrell Owens-questionable; Frank Sanders- out
Final Thoughts:� I am not sure even how to
predict this game.� One team has nothing
to play for while the other cannot improve its position in the post-season and
is likely to rest many players.� I doubt
very much we will see Terrell
Owens play in this game.� Even players like Jeff Garcia, Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow may rest
before this game is over.� Look for a
Cardinal upset in this one.
Predicted
Score: 49ers
13 at Cardinals 17
Philadelphia Eagles 11-3 at Dallas Cowboys 5-9
Game Forecast�
The Eagles have won five games in
a row and haven�t missed a beat since Donovan McNabb went down with
injury.� They will likely have him back
for the playoffs and getting a first round bye would be huge for this team as
would home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.� The Eagles will be very conservative in this game because their
defense should be able to dominate the Cowboys into submission.� Look for at least 30 carries from the Eagles
in this one.� A.J. Feeley has
been very effective at the helm over the last three weeks.� He is averaging around 200 passing yards per
game and most importantly has thrown only 2 interceptions.� He has done just enough to help the team win
each game.� Duce Staley is up and
down like a yo-yo each week.� He runs
for 32 yards one week, gets 100 yards the next week and then is back down to 62
yards.� He is not a franchise running
back but is solid enough to take pressure away from the young quarterback.
The Cowboys will need to retool
the offense during the off-season.� With
a defense that could be an elite unit for the 2003 season, the Cowboys are only
a quarterback and young running back away from being a Championship contending
team as early as next season.� How they
draft this season will go a long way towards their chance for success in the
future.� The Cowboys could really use a
talented running back like Chris Brown (1744 rushing yards and 18
touchdowns in eleven games) or Willis McGahee-if he comes out this
season (2036 total yards and 27 touchdowns) to give the offense some flair.� Antonio Bryant will be better in year
two and Joey Galloway is finally looking like the talented player he was
back in the Seattle days.� Chad
Hutchinson is not getting any better but he has lots of potential with a
great arm and good size.� Don�t be surprised
to see them go after a quarterback like Jake Plummer in the off-season
though.
Must Starts: �Duce Staley,
Todd Pinkston
Possible
Starts: A.J.
Feeley, Chad Lewis, James Thrash, Dorsey Levens, Joey Galloway
Only in
a Pinch: Chad
Hutchinson, Troy Hambrick, Emmitt Smith, Antonio Bryant, Antonio Freeman
Fantasy related Injuries � Donovan McNabb-out; Brian Westbrook-questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Eagles have demolished
the Cowboys in Dallas each of the last two seasons by a combined score of
77 to 17.� It won�t be that bad this
week but the Eagles are on a roll and should beat the Cowboys in an important
game for their playoff positioning.�
Look for a terrific performance from the Eagles defense.�
Predicted
Score: Eagles
23 at Cowboys 10
�
Sunday Games, December 22nd
Houston Texans 4-10 at Washington Redskins 5-9
Game Forecast�
Zzzzzzzzzzzz.�
Zzzzzzzzzzzz.
If you are considering starting any of the fantasy players
from either of these teams and you are in the playoffs of your fantasy league,
I am very surprised.� Both of these
football teams have serious issues on the offensive side of the ball and both
will likely have their problems scoring many points in this one.� The only player I consider a Must Start and
that is very marginal is Rod Gardner who could get 80+ yards and a
touchdown.� In addition both defenses
can get the job done on the field and should dictate the play in this Snooze-fest.
Must Starts: Rod Gardner
Possible
Starts: Corey
Bradford, Ladell Betts, Patrick Ramsey
Only in
a Pinch: David
Carr, Jonathon Wells, James Allen, Derrius Thompson
Fantasy related Injuries � Stephen Davis � OUT; Danny Wuerffel - doubtful
Final Thoughts:� The Redskins are at home and
that should be the difference in a low scoring, boring football game.� Even die-hard Redskin and Texan fans may
hope for the movie Heidi to interrupt this football game before it is
over.� Head coach Steve Spurrier will have his work cut out during this upcoming off-season if he isn�t
locked away in an institution by this point.� The Washington Gators experiment certainly didn�t go well
in year one.
Predicted
Score: Texans
10 at Redskins 16
�
Chicago Bears 4-10 at Carolina Panthers 5-9
Game Forecast�
Snooze-fest # 2 takes place in
Carolina between two football teams with marginal fantasy potential at best.� The Bears need a new game plan, a new
quarterback, some linemen that can block and a running back that can make
defenders miss.� That will be a lot to
ask of this team over one off-season.�
Don�t look for much fantasy success in this game for the Bears.� Also, I would like to make a retraction from
last week.� Anthony Thomas is out
for the season and will not have any fantasy impact in this one (not that many
other Bears on offense will have an impact.�
Jim Miller is also out for the year, which gives Chris
Chandler the nod at quarterback.� At
least Chandler can throw the ball more than five yards down the
field.� You are one lucky owner if you
got this deep into your playoffs with any of these Bear disappointments on your
team.
The Panthers are also playing out
the string and you can never really tell how a team will look over the final
two weeks with nothing to play for but pride.�
Rodney Peete has been pretty solid the past few weeks and will
provide the team with strong leadership down the stretch.� Dee Brown doesn�t look like the next
great running back in the NFL but he is getting a lot of carries and has scored
a couple of touchdowns.� Muhsin
Muhammad and Steve Smith are a solid duo at receiver and can get the
job done
Must Starts: Muhsin Muhammad
Possible
Starts: Rodney
Peete, Steve Smith, Dee Brown, Marty Booker, Chris Chandler
Only in
a Pinch: Adrian
Peterson, Leon Johnson, Dez White
Fantasy related Injuries � Anthony Thomas-out; Jim Miller-out; Wesley Walls-questionable
Final Thoughts:� Don�t expect much of anything in
this game from the Bears and DO NOT START Anthony Thomas!� The Panthers passing attack should be decent
and will lead them to a victory.
Predicted
Score: Bears
10 at Panthers 21
�
Tennessee Titans 9-5 at Jacksonville Jaguars 6-8
Game Forecast�
The Titans are flying high having
won eight of the last nine football games.�
The defense is growing stronger by the week, Steve McNair
continues to get the job done in spite of all his injuries (Is there a part
of his body that isn�t hurt?) and the Titans running attack has been
effective enough to take the pressure off of the passing game.� Eddie George is still averaging just
over three yards per carry but Robert Holcombe is getting better as a
second option from the backfield.� He
looked awesome against the Patriots and averaged 8.5 yards per carry.
The Jaguars have had a chaotic
season that has been filled with many highs and lows.� Fred Taylor and Stacey Mack have been a good
one-two punch all year but the combination has driven fantasy owners crazy with
Mack stealing the touchdowns in too many football games.� The Jaguars feature a solid defensive unit
that could give the Titans fits in this game.�
If Mark Brunell can get the ball to Jimmy Smith at least
seven times in this game, the Jaguars will have an excellent opportunity to
win.
Must Starts: none
Possible
Starts: Steve
McNair, Eddie George, Derrick Mason, Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, Fred Taylor
Only in
a Pinch: Robert
Holcombe, Stacey Mack, Pete Mitchell, Kyle Brady, Frank Wycheck?
Fantasy related Injuries � Steve McNair � questionable (but he would probably play in
a body cast); Frank Wycheck - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The last four meetings between
these two teams in Jacksonville have been decided by a total of 14 points with
the Jaguars winning the past two.� It is
usually a low scoring affair and these teams have a terrific rivalry
going.� The Titans are playing very good
football but the Jaguars are going to be coming after them hard to play the
role of spoiler.� I think the Titans
will prevail but it will be a nail-biter going down to the final moments.
Predicted
Score: Titans
16 at Jaguars 14
�
Detroit Lions 3-11 at Atlanta Falcons 8-5-1
Game Forecast�
Look for an offensive explosion
from the hungry Falcons in this one.�
Losers of two games in a row, the Falcons are going to come out
aggressive, frustrated and ready to lay a beating on the Lions.� Michael Vick is going to be fighting
his sore thumb the rest of the season but that probably means he will run
for 200 yards.� Warrick Dunn
will have a solid game, Trevor Gaylor and Brian Finneran will
both be solid and Vick will get his numbers despite the ailments.
The Lions are starting Mike
McMahon the rest of the season and it is probably a good thing considering
the problems Joey Harrington had down the stretch with marginal NFL
talent surrounding him.� It is hard
enough being a rookie at the pivot position without having to do it all on your
own.� McMahon is capable of doing some
things on the field although he reminds me more of Charlie Batch than a
potential star in this league.� Still he
does have a little more experience and will likely be able to get the ball to
his receiving core a little more than Harrington was able to.� James Stewart couldn�t play last week
and was knocked out of the previous two games with stingers.� The Lions will almost certainly draft a
receiver and a running back in the first two rounds of the draft next year.� It will be interesting to see whom they go
after.� I would guess it will be a
player like Charles Rogers at receiver and then perhaps a Larry
Johnson at running back.
Must Starts: Michael Vick, Trevor Gaylor, Warrick Dunn, Alge
Crumpler
Possible
Starts: Mike
McMahon, Bill Schroeder, Brian Finneran
Only in
a Pinch: T.J.
Duckett ?, Germaine Crowell
Fantasy related Injuries � Joey Harrington � out; James Stewart � questionable; T.J.
Duckett - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Falcons should destroy the
Lions in this game.� Too much on the line
for the Falcons to lose three games in a row.�
I think the Falcons will win by 20 points.� I would stay completely away from the Lions running back
situation.� There is way too many
question marks to consider any of them at this critical junction in the fantasy
season.
Predicted
Score: Lions
13 at Falcons 33
�
New Orleans Saints 8-5 at Cincinnati Bengals 1-13
Game Forecast�
Is it just me or are the Saints
the most erratic team in the NFL this season?�
They lose the games they should win, prevail in the games they should
lose and cause Handicappers to drink themselves into a stupor every week.� Losing at home to the Vikings was
inexcusable to a team pushing for a playoff position and the Saints need to
find their �A� game if they are to do some damage in the post-season.� Aaron Brooks has had a very
successful season but he has to take some of the blame for the inconsistency of
the team.� He has had some awful games
(see Cleveland) and some great games (see Atlanta) but needs to get the offense
clicking through all four quarters.� Deuce
McAllister has had a marvelous season and has shown both mental and
physical toughness by playing through injury.�
He was held in check last week but did have a long touchdown run called
back that would have made his numbers look much stronger.� He should shred the sad-sack Bengals defense
for a lot of yards no matter how much he is banged up.
The Bengals offense has not been
the problem last year in a complete turnaround from the 2001 season in which
the defense kept them in games but the offense couldn�t score.� The defense has been horrible all season and
would likely have a problem slowing down the LSU Tigers let alone the New
Orleans Saints. Jon Kitna has shown flashes but it doesn�t sound like
the Bengals are that keen on keeping him around.� Perhaps they will go after a quarterback like Jake Plummer
and try to upgrade the position.� The
team has talent on offense led by Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson and
a young offensive line but need to find a signal-caller that can help turn this
team into a contender.� The Bengals
should be able to score against a poor Saints defense.
Must Starts: Aaron Brooks, Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister, Chad
Johnson, Corey Dillon
Possible
Starts: Jon
Kitna, Donte Stallworth, TJ Houshmandzadeh
Only in
a Pinch: Jake
Reed, Matt Schobel, Peter Warrick?
Fantasy related Injuries � Jerome Pathon � questionable; Peter Warrick - questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Bengals only need one more loss to tie their all-time
futility record.� Strike up the bands
and organize the parade because I think they�ll get it.
Predicted
Score: Saints
37 at Bengals 27
�
Buffalo Bills 7-7 at Green Bay Packers 11-3
Game Forecast�
The Bills drove a big stake into
the Chargers post-season aspirations last week by defeating them in overtime up
in Buffalo.� The Bills have little
chance in reality to make the post-season this year but I am sure they would
love to have a winning record on the season.�
However going into Green Bay and upsetting the Packers in December is
next to impossible.� With home field
advantage still up for grabs, the Packers should be all business on the
field.� Travis Henry is turning
out to be not only a good NFL running back but a great one.� With giant offensive tackle, Mike
Williams getting stronger every week, Henry has become one of the
top fantasy options in the game today.�
He is quick enough to find the hole and strong enough to run over a
defender.� He will certainly be a top
ten running back in the draft next season and may slip into many folks top
five.� The Bills passing game has
fallen apart after destroying the Dolphins two weeks ago and Drew Bledsoe
needs to get back on track. He has been terrible over the last two weeks
although high winds had a lot to do with that last weekend.
The Packers are in the hunt for
home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.�
As everyone knows, it is almost impossible to win in Green Bay once
December rolls around and the Packers have a great shot at the Super Bowl if
they can win their last two games and stay home throughout the
post-season.� Ahman Green is
healthier than he has been in weeks and he will likely get 25 carries in this
game.� I wouldn�t be surprised to see
him end up with near 200 yards in total offense.� Brett Favre has been very poor over the last five weeks
with more interceptions than touchdowns and he is due to break out with a big
game.� He should have some success
against the Bills.
Must Starts: Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Bubba Franks, Eric Moulds,
Peerless Price, Travis Henry, Drew Bledsoe, Donald Driver
Possible
Starts: Terry
Glenn
Only in
a Pinch: Josh
Reed, Jay Riemersma, Larry Centers, Javon Walker
Fantasy related Injuries � none
Final Thoughts:� The Bills are a good football
team but they won�t be able to knock off the Packers in Green Bay.� Look for a lot of offense this Sunday from
both sides but the Packers will prevail.
Predicted
Score: Bills
20 at Packers 28
�
New York Giants 8-6 at Indianapolis Colts 9-5
Game Forecast�
The Giants are still in the hunt
for the playoffs despite playing some real stinkers this season.� Tiki Barber has been dynamite for the
team all season and the defense has won more than a few games for the team that
can move the ball up and down the field but has a serious problems getting it
into the end zone at times.� Who was
that guy piling up the yardage like a big man can gobble up hamburgers?� Ron Dayne had 63 rushing yards and 0
touchdowns over the past four games until last week when he had 80 rushing
yards and 2 scores.� Was it an anomaly
or has Dayne finally emerged as a legitimate fantasy-scoring machine? Has he
shot up the running back ranks as if a bullet exploding from the chamber?� Will he be a dark horse sleeper pick for
the 2003 season?� No!
The Colts were reeling against the
Browns, down 16 to 0 at halftime and were possibly seeing their once promising
season slip away.� That damn Peyton
Manning always slips up in the big games and he was awful in the first
half.� You could almost hear the Manning
detractors getting ready with their ammunition against him.� However, Manning and boys came out ready to
take care of business in the second half and he led them all the way back to
victory in a huge game for the franchise.�
Marvin Harrison is the best receiver in the NFL today.� That�s right!� Move over Randy Moss and step aside Terrell Owens because
Harrison is the one that just broke the record for most receptions in one
season with two full games left to play.�
He will likely end up with over 140 receptions on the season.� That my friends, is downright scary!� I took some flack last week for saying the
offense looked better with James Mungro in at tailback. While I meant
the entire offensive flow seemed crisper with Edgerrin James on the
sidelines, Mungro was the difference maker against the Browns with 75 rushing
yards and 2 scores.� He is becoming more
and more of a factor for the team with James having his problems.
Must Starts: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Marcus Pollard,
Tiki Barber, Jeremy Shockey, Ron Dayne (just kidding � don�t send me hate mail)
Possible
Starts:
Kerry Collins, Amani Toomer, Edgerrin James; James Mungro
Only in
a Pinch: Reggie
Wayne, Ron Dayne (for real � back to his 20-30 yard games)
Fantasy related Injuries �Ron Dixon-out
Final Thoughts:� The Colts are at home, need a
win and have Peyton Manning throwing to Marvin Harrison.� The Giants are back on track again but have
been inconsistent all season.
Predicted
Score: Giants
14 at Colts 21
�
San Diego Chargers 8-6 at Kansas City Chiefs 7-7
Game Forecast�
The Chargers were once 7-3 and
looked like a lock to make the post-season.�
However after losing three of the past four games and needing overtime
to win the one game they did win, this team is reeling and in very real danger
of missing the post-season.� Going into Kansas
City and knocking off the Chiefs is never easy and the Chargers have lost the
last five in Kansas City. The Chiefs are not eliminated from post-season play
yet but the loss last weekend certainly did not help their cause.� Whoever loses this game will definitely not
make the playoffs so it is a huge game for both teams (No, duh!)� I wouldn�t be surprised to see Ladainian
Tomlinson carry the ball 40+ times in this game.� The Chargers know they need to rely on his
running talents to carry them to victory and the passing game has been awful
over the last month.� Drew Brees
hasn�t thrown a touchdown pass in what seems forever and teams have stopped
respecting the Chargers quarterback.
The Chiefs will be without Priest
Holmes this weekend at the most inopportune time for both the Chiefs and
fantasy owners who have the mighty Holmes as their cornerstone.�
Clipped from ESPN.com
article.� To read entire page,
click here
"I would say
there's a good chance it's over,'' coach Dick Vermeil said Wednesday night
after talking with doctors.
Holmes is definitely
out for Sunday's game against San Diego, Vermeil said. As for the
regular-season finale at Oakland a week from Saturday, Vermeil said, "I
think it's doubtful.''
Vermeil will not
automatically place Holmes on the injured reserve list because specialists in
Kansas City, New York and Florida have all agreed there is a possibility Holmes
could come back this season.
"The doctor said
in two days, you might feel like, 'Hey, I want to run,''' Vermeil said.
"It's up to Priest. It may be six days. It may be three weeks.''
However the Chiefs have a dynamite
offensive line and a solid, if untested backup in Mike Cloud who was
drafted a couple of years back to be their new starting running back.� He can get the job done and the Chargers run
defense has been awful over the second half of the season (150 rushing yards
and 2 touchdowns per game given up over the last four contests).� Dante Hall had a career week against
the Broncos last week and is an explosive player.� However he isn�t ready to do that on a week-to-week basis yet and
he�ll likely have a quiet week this time.�
I expect Tony Gonzalez to light it up for the team in a huge
game.
Must Starts: Mike Cloud, Tony Gonzalez, Ladainian Tomlinson
Possible
Starts: Curtis
Conway?, Trent Green, Eddie Kennison
Only in
a Pinch: Drew
Brees, Tim Dwight, Dante� Hall
Fantasy related Injuries � Priest Holmes-out; Curtis Conway-questionable, Marc
Boerigter, Dante� Hall and Johnnie Morton are all questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Chargers never have much
success in Kansas City and have lost five consecutive games there as
outlined above.� This is a huge game for
both teams and the Chiefs have been the better team over the last month.� Look for very nice numbers from Mike Cloud as the Chiefs try to keep the fragile playoff dream alive.
Predicted
Score: Chargers
14 at Chiefs 24
�
St. Louis Rams 6-8 at Seattle Seahawks 5-9
Game Forecast�
The Rams did not look very good
last week against a banged-up, talent-challenged football team otherwise
known as the Cardinals.� The Rams almost
let the Cardinals escape with victory in what would have been the ultimate slap
in the face to this once proud franchise.�
With Marshall Faulk hurting and really unable to do the things
that make him so special, it is possible that Mike Martz will allow Trung
Canidate to play all game and see what he can do against the horrible run
defense of the Hawks.� However, Martz
seems to almost ignore the run when Faulk cannot go at 100 % as if this gives
him an opportunity to go with the type of ball he loves to coach.� If he truly is a good coach though, he will
run the ball at least 30 times against a defense that truly looks incapable of
slowing down anybody�s running game.� Marc
Bulger looked a little rusty in his first game back but still threw for
over 300 passing yards and 2 scores on the day.� He will certainly give Kurt Warner one hell of a
quarterback battle in next year�s camp.�
The Seahawks may be seeing the end
of the Mike Holmgren era but you can certainly see the pieces beginning
to fall into place on offense.� Shaun
Alexander has been a disappointment at time this season but will be better
next year with the offensive line healthy once again.� Koren Robinson looks ready to become an elite NFL receiver
and already has over 1000 yards this season.�
Darrell Jackson is a fantastic second receiver and Jerramy
Stevens is becoming a big target in the red-zone.� Now if the Seahawks can find four new defensive linemen that can
actually plug holes and stop the run instead of getting blown off the ball
constantly, this team could do some real damage.� I expect the Seahawks offense to continue playing super football
in what should be a very high scoring, entertaining football game between two
teams going nowhere but to the golf course.
Must Starts: Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Koren Robinson,
Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce
Possible
Starts: Trung
Canidate, Marshall Faulk? Jerramy Stevens, Ernie Conwell
Only in
a Pinch: Lamar
Gordan, Bobby Engram? Darrell Jackson?
Fantasy related Injuries � Marshall Faulk-probable (but won�t be 100%); Darrell
Jackson-questionable; Bobby Engram-questionable
Final Thoughts:� Expect lots of scoring in this game
with the Seahawks going another step towards saving Mike Holmgren�s job with
another victory.
Predicted
Score: Rams
27 at Seahawks 34
�
Cleveland Browns 7-7 at Baltimore Ravens 7-7
Game Forecast�
You have to feel bad for the
Browns.� They looked out of the hunt for
the playoffs a few weeks back at 5-5.�
Since then they have been on an emotional roller coaster that saw them
beat teams like the Saints and Jaguars in exciting finishes and lose
heartbreakers to the Panthers and the latest setback against the Colts despite
being up by a score of 16 to 0 at the half.��
Now all but eliminated from post-season play, the Browns may have a
problem getting up for this football contest.�
The Browns are known as the Cardiac Kids but were at the wrong end of a
comeback last week when the Colts drove a big nail into the Browns coffin.� The Browns will be able to pass on the
Ravens and will put up some points.� William
Green has been running hard and should be the featured back from the start
of the 2003 season.
The Ravens have to be pleased with
the 7-7 record during a rebuilding season.�
They have some pieces in place for a good showing next year if they can
add a couple of good defenders.� Travis
Taylor continues to shine over the second half of the season and Jamal
Lewis has been fantastic, as has Todd Heap who will be considered
one of the top few tight ends next season.�
I remember taking a lot of slack for my # 14 ranking of Taylor during
the pre-season but I think that prediction has turned out pretty well.
http://www.footballguys.com/wrrank.cfm
Must Starts: Tim Couch, Quincy Morgan, Travis Taylor, Jamal
Lewis, Todd Heap, William Green
Possible
Starts: Kevin
Johnson, William Green, Jeff Blake
Only in a
Pinch: Jamel
White, Dennis Northcutt?
Fantasy related Injuries � Dennis Northcutt-questionable; Chris Redman-questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Browns will continue the up
and down play by knocking off the Ravens in Baltimore.� The Browns are 5-2 on the road this
year.� William Green will continue his
strong second half surge by racking up at least 80 yards rushing.
Predicted
Score: Browns
21 at Ravens 20
�
Denver Broncos 8-6 at Oakland Raiders 9-5
Game Forecast�
Huge game with massive playoff
implications will take place in Oakland this week.� The Dolphins took the Raiders to school last week in a game that
wasn�t as close as the score indicated.�
The Raiders were out hustled, out hit and out coached and are now
in a must-win position if they want to win the division.� Rich Gannon looked ordinary against
the strong Dolphins secondary and ferocious pass rush and he will be out to put
that mediocre effort behind him against a team he absolutely torched in their
first meeting this year in which he could do no wrong.� We will see if the Broncos learned from that
first meeting because if they didn�t, Gannon and company will move the ball
with ease on them once again.
Clinton Portis has been the best fantasy running back over the last three
weeks and carried many a fantasy owner to victory last week including myself in
one league and my opponent in another.�
He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and is a must start
every week.� It is a tough match up
though for him this week against a Raiders team that is excellent against the
run.� Brian Griese has completed
over 70 % of his passes since his return from injury and he will need to be
that sharp if the Broncos are to have some success in Oakland.� Rookie receiver Ashley Lelie
continues to get better as the year goes on and is a solid third option for the
team.
Must Starts: Clinton Portis, Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice, Shannon
Sharpe
Possible
Starts: Brian
Griese, Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Jerry Porter, Doug Jolley, Charlie Garner
Only in
a Pinch: Tyrone
Wheatley, Tim Brown, Ashley Lelie, Mike Anderson
Fantasy related Injuries � none
Final Thoughts:� The Broncos have done very well
in Oakland since the Mike
Shanahan era began.� They have won three of the last four games
of the series in the Raiders home stadium.�
This is going to be an all-out war and it could go either way depending
on turnovers and big plays.� The Raiders
won the first meeting 34 to 10 up in Denver but the Broncos have won 7 of the
last 9 meetings.� I think the Broncos
will get their revenge and keep their dominance in Oakland alive.
Predicted
Score: Broncos
24 at Raiders 21
�
New York Jets 7-7 at New England Patriots 8-6
Game Forecast�
Both teams are reeling after
looking pretty good going into last week.�
The Jets lost to the Chicago Bears who were playing for nothing but
pride while the Titans dismantled the Patriots. Tom Brady who looked so
incredible to start the year is now having serious problems moving the ball
down the field.� His confidence is down,
he is yelling at his receivers, at the referees and having a horrible time
getting going.� The running game is
mediocre at best and this team is in danger of missing the playoffs.� To top it all off, the Patriots have lost
six games in a row against teams with winning records (thank god for them
the Jets are 7-7).
The Jets lost a critical game
against the Bears that probably eliminated them from the playoffs.� However all is not lost yet and they go up
against a team they have owned over the last four seasons.� Chad Pennington continues to play
well and he�ll have to be at his best if the Jets are to win this game.� I expect them to pound the ball with Curtis
Martin at least 25 times trying to take advantage of a Patriots team that
hasn�t been able to stop the run this season.� Laveranues Coles has been excellent and he will also need a
good game if the Jets are to win.
Must Starts: Curtis Martin, Laveranues Coles
Possible
Starts: Chad
Pennington, Tom Brady, Troy Brown, David Patten, Antowain Smith, Anthony Becht
Only in
a Pinch: Kevin
Faulk, Wayne Chrebet, Daniel Graham?
Fantasy related Injuries � Deion Branch-questionable
Final Thoughts:� The Jets have beaten the
Patriots in New England each of the past four seasons.� Not a good omen for the Patriots and the
Jets would like nothing better than to both play spoiler and keep their own
marginal playoff hopes alive.� Jets will
upset the Patriots.
Predicted
Score: Jets
17 at Patriots 14
Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-5-1 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-3
Game Forecast�
This will be a critical game for
both teams on Monday Night Football.�
The Buccaneers are still playing for home-field advantage throughout the
playoffs while the Steelers are trying to wrap up the division with a win.� It is almost impossible to pass on the
Buccaneers team, which means the Steelers will have to win on the ground
featuring both Jerome Bettis and Amos Zereoue.� They will be hard pressed to score more than
13 points against this outstanding defensive unit.� Tommy Maddox could look like a deer caught in the headlights
against the terrifying pass rush of the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers would love to be at
home throughout the playoffs and that means they should be able to keep their
focus and determination at a high level.�
Brad Johnson has been super for the team over the second half of
the season and the running game has picked it up with both Mike Alstott
and Michael Pittman being more productive over the last few games.� The Buccaneers will likely try to beat the
Steelers by playing conservative football.�
They don�t need to score a ton of points to win every week.
Must Starts: none
Possible
Starts: Jerome
Bettis, Plaxico Burress, Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, Brad Johnson?
Only in
a Pinch: Tommy
Maddox, Joe Jurevicius, Mike Alstott, Michael Pittman, Amos Zereoue? Antwaan
Randle-El
Fantasy related Injuries � Amos Zereoue-questionable; Brad Johnson-questionable
Final Thoughts:� This has defensive battle
written all over it.� I am curious to
see if the Buccaneers defenders can effectively shut down the huge, talented Plaxico Burress of the Steelers.� I think he
matches up well against this defense and he may be the key to a possible
Steelers upset.� I do think the
Buccaneers are too talented to lose a big game at home though on Monday Night
Football.� Brad Johnson is hurting with
a bad back and may not be able to play this weekend.� If he cannot play, the Steelers likelihood of success this Monday
night will go way up.
Predicted Score: Steelers 13 at Buccaneers 17
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