The Forecaster - Week Three
by Chris Smith

This feature is the sole opinion of Chris Smith and it may not correspond to the rankings / projections of the Footballguys.com website.

2002 Forecaster record to date: 15 wins against 17 losses.

Well that was an interesting week two in the NFL. I had a losing week picking the teams last week but had many of the scores at least close to being accurate. Is it just me or is this season starting off as crazy as last year? The Rams and Steelers are 0-2 while the Chargers and Panthers are a solid 2-0.

The Ravens and the Lions are in a race for the top pick in the 2003 draft after only two weeks. Along with that race though will be the two teams scrapping to win a single game this year. At least the Ravens have some games they can win on the schedule against Cincinnati twice and Houston once. Surely there is a win somewhere during those three games. However the Detroit Lions schedule is brutal and they don’t have a game that stands out from the pack as a good matchup. They also appear incapable of stopping anybody from racking up points in the NFL. Heck, I think the B.C. Lions in the C.F.L. up in Canada would give the NFL Lions a run for their money. The race for 0-16 is on.

Is it just me or does it seem possible that this week, Plaxico Burress may surpass his numbers from the first two weeks despite being on a “Bye” this week? One more game like he had in weeks one and two and he will be forever known as the “Invisible Man”. How can a 6’6 receiver get lost on the field? If you see his picture on the side of a milk carton, help the lad find his way home.

It is obvious that the Steelers need to revamp their pass defense in a hurry or teams will simply pass the ball on them 60 times per game every week. I said last week in this column that the Steelers pass defense was the bigger concern in Pittsburgh over Kordell Stewart’s play and the defensive unit was just as ineffective this week. Something needs to be done ASAP with the Steel Curtain or the Steelers will not even make the playoffs.

So far the strongest teams appear to be the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and the New Orleans Saints (sorry Panther fans, but I can’t count you amongst the strongest teams despite your 2-0 start against the worst two teams in the NFL. Win in Minnesota this week and I’ll be a believer). It is early in the season but the five teams listed are playing the best football so far.

With David Dodds putting out excellent Team Capsules and Team Statistics on a weekly basis (see the links below), I won’t be putting up statistics on each teams offensive and defensive performance anymore. I will still be using the numbers to determine my “Forecast” each week though.

Now… onto the Forecaster, week three.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22… On Bye “Pittsburgh, Oakland, Baltimore, Jacksonville

Cleveland Browns 1-1 at Tennessee Titans 1-1

Game Forecast

The Titans and the Browns are no longer divisional rivals, but the game should be heated and nasty nonetheless. Both of these teams are hungry to reach the playoffs this season and both need this win to propel them to bigger and better things this season. Losing this game would be a huge blow to both teams.

Eddie George has looked healthy this season but will need to have better production this week against a Browns team that can be run on very successfully. I expect the Titans to feature the run this week and try to get the ball in Eddie George’s hands at least 25 times in this game. I would be surprised if George doesn’t end up with over 100 yards rushing on the day. The Titans passing attack will likely take a back seat to the rushing game but Steve McNair should get near 200 yards passing and a touchdown pass. ***updated information - at the time I wrote the Tennessee report, it appeared as though Eddie George's foot injury was relatively minor and he would be 100 % by the time the Browns game came on Sunday. Now of course it appears as though the injury was much more severe than I originally thought and his carries could be very limited if he plays at all.***

The Browns cannot run the ball and they won’t be likely to even try against a strong run-stopping defense. The Titans can be exploited via the passing attack though and the Browns have been tossing around the football really well so far in 2002. Both Kevin Johnson and Quincy Morgan can get the job done on the field and should continue to have solid starts to the season. Rookie running back William Green has struggled and is unlikely to have a good game against the stout Titans defense.

- The Titans beat the Browns in Cleveland last season while the Browns knocked off the Titans at home.

- The Titans are 5-1 against the Browns the past 3 seasons outscoring them 176 to 96

The Browns Notes:

· Scored 56 points on the Titans last year including a 41 to 38 thriller

· William Green has only 53 yards rushing on 25 carries / Jamal White has 80 yards rushing on 20 carries

· Quincy Morgan and Kevin Johnson have combined for a terrific 23 receptions so far.

· Kelly Holcombe is the 6^th best fantasy producer at quarterback so far in 2002.

The Titans Notes:

· Steve McNair passed for 518 yards and 5 touchdowns against the Browns last year

· Eddie George ran for 181 yards and scored 3 rushing touchdowns last year against the Browns

· Steve McNair is ranked as the 11^th best quarterback in terms of fantasy production so far in 2002.

· Eddie George has only 107 rushing yards on 37 carries so far in 2002.

· Derrick Mason has hauled in 14 receptions for 227 yards so far but no touchdowns

Must Starts
QB Steve McNair
QB Tim Couch
WR Kevin Johnson
RB Eddie George
WR Derrick Mason

Possible Starts
WR Quincy Morgan
TE Frank Wycheck

Only in a Pinch
WR Kevin Dyson
RB William Green
RB Jamal White
WR Andre Davis
TE Mark Campbell

Bench ‘Em
RB James Jackson
WR Justin McCareins
WR Dennis Northcutt



Final Thoughts: The Titans will have too much for the Browns to handle this weekend. The Browns passing attack will keep it close but the angry Titans squad, embarrassed in Dallas will prevail.

Predicted Score:

Cleveland Browns 17 at Tennessee Titans 24

New York Jets 1-1 at Miami Dolphins 2-0

Game Forecast

It has been a long, ugly streak for the Dolphins but it is about to end this weekend. Miami have lost the past eight meetings to the New York Jets, but this season feature a dominant rushing attack against a team in the Jets that cannot stop the run. Ricky Williams should have his third great day in a row with the Jets giving up 152 rushing yards per game.

- The New York Jets have beat the Dolphins the last 8 meetings by an average score of 26.5 to 16.6

- The Miami Dolphins were 7-1 at home last year. The Jets were 7-1 on the road in 2001.

The Jets Notes:

· Curtis Martin had 186 yards rushing and a touchdown against the Dolphins in 2001.

· Vinny Testaverde had 244 passing yards and 3 touchdowns last year against the Dolphins

· The Jets have owned the Dolphins the past four seasons.

· Curtis Martin has run for a disappointing 11 yards in two games so far this season.

The Dolphins Notes:

· Jay Fiedler passed for 401 yards, 1 touchdown and a brutal 5 interceptions against the Jets last season

· Chris Chambers had only 78 yards receiving in two games against the Jets

· Turnovers have repeatedly killed the Dolphins against the Jets the past few seasons.

Must Starts
RB Ricky Williams
TE Randy McMichael
TE Anthony Becht

Possible Starts
QB Jay Fiedler
WR Chris Chambers
RB Curtis Martin

Only in a Pinch
QB Vinny Testaverde
WR Laveranues Coles
WR Santana Moss
WR Wayne Chrebet
WR Oronde Gadsden
RB Lamont Jordan
RB Rob Konrad

Bench ‘Em
RB Travis Minor
RB Robert Edwards
WR Dedrick Ward
WR James McKnight

Final Thoughts: If the Dolphins do not turn the ball over, they should win this game handily against the Jets. However with an eight game curse hanging over them, if they turn the ball over early, the team may fold up like a tent.

Predicted Score:

New York Jets 14 at Miami Dolphins 27

Carolina Panthers 2-0 at Minnesota Vikings 0-2

Game Forecast

The mighty Panthers (sorry, I couldn’t resist) travel into Minnesota to take on the 0-2 Minnesota Vikings. Remember way back to the beginning of the 2001 campaign. The Panthers beat up on the Vikings and appeared primed to perhaps challenge for a .500 or better record. They went on to lose their final fifteen games of the season. This Panthers team is better than they were last year thanks to a rapidly improving defensive unit but the Vikings are a hungry team after two close losses to start the year.

- The Panthers were 1-7 on the road last season. The one win was in week one versus the Vikings

- The Panthers were outscored 135 to 201 on the road in 2001

- The Vikings were 5-3 at home last year and scored 178 points

The Panthers Notes:

· Rodney Peete looks revitalized as a starting quarterback with 446 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions

· Lamar Smith is running hard for the team with 217 total yards and 2 touchdowns

· Muhsin Muhammad is on pace for 80 receptions and 8 touchdowns

· The Panthers defense is only giving up 205 yards per game and a measly 7 points per contest.

The Vikings Notes:

· Daunte Culpepper has thrown for 4 touchdown passes and ran for 2 despite struggling at times.

· Moe Williams is the leading rusher for the Vikings with 150 and a touchdown

· Randy Moss is on pace for 136 receptions and 16 touchdowns but is averaging less than 10 yards per reception.

· The Vikings defense is giving up 418 yards per game and 36 points per contest.

Must Starts
QB Daunte Culpepper
WR Randy Moss
RB Lamar Smith
WR Muhsin Muhammad
TE Wesley Walls

Possible Starts
RB Moe Williams
RB Michael Bennett
WR Steve Smith
WR D’Wayne Bates

Only in a Pinch
WR Derrick Alexander

Bench ‘Em
WR Isaac Byrd
WR Chris Walsh



Final Thoughts: The bubble bursts in Minnesota for the Rodney Peete led Carolina Panthers this weekend. I expect the Vikings to put up a double-digit victory as the team gets on track after two tough losses.

Predicted Score:

Carolina Panthers 17 at Minnesota Vikings 27

Kansas City Chiefs 1-1 at New England Patriots 2-0

Game Forecast

The Chiefs are giving up 336 passing yards per game and are facing a Patriots team that have been incredible via the passing attack. The way the Patriots have been steamrolling so far in 2002, the Chiefs will have to play a perfect game just to stay close. Their only prayer is to have Priest Holmes go off with a monster performance similar to game one against the Browns but even that likely would only keep them close as it is unlikely the Chiefs can even slow down the Patriots hot passing attack.

- The Patriots are a tough team to score on at home. They gave up 116 points last year.

- Last meeting between these two teams was in 2000. Patriots won 30 to 24.

- The Chiefs are only 1-7 against the AFC East the past four seasons

The Chiefs Notes:

· Trent Green has been up and down so far and has thrown most interceptions than touchdowns

· Priest Holmes is a super talent at running back. He has scored the most fantasy points the first two weeks.

· Who needs training camp? Tony Gonzalez hasn’t missed a beat with 2 touchdown receptions already.

· WR Johnnie Morton has only 38 yards receiving so far in 2002. Eddie Kennison has 150.

The Patriots Notes:

· Tom Brady has passed for 563 yards and a stellar 5 touchdown passes

· Antowain Smith has rushed for 126 yards in the first two weeks.

· Troy Brown is on pace for 120 receptions

· Hotshot rookie receiver Deion Branch is on pace for 1184 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns

· Cam Cleeland has emerged as the starting tight end and has 9 receptions so far.

Must Starts
QB Tom Brady
WR Deion Branch
WR Troy Brown
RB Priest Holmes
TE Tony Gonzalez

Possible Starts
RB Antowain Smith
TE Cam Cleeland

Only in a Pinch
WR Eddie Kennison
WR Johnnie Morton
WR David Patten
WR Donald Hayes
RB Kevin Faulk

Bench ‘Em
RB J.R. Redmond
RB Tony Richardson
RB Mike Cloud
WR Dante Hall
WR Marc Boerigter

Final Thoughts: Should be a laugher this week. The Patriots juggernaut rolls on.

Predicted Score:

Kansas City Chiefs 17 at New England Patriots 37

New Orleans Saints 2-0 at Chicago Bears 2-0

Game Forecast

One of these teams will be 3-0 after this week and could be sitting alone atop the NFC. The Bears have needed their typical late game magic to beat two of the lesser NFL teams in the Vikings and Falcons while the Saints beat up on two contenders in the Buccaneers and the Packers. Aaron Brooks, Deuce McAllister and the solid Saints defense has been rolling but can they keep it up three weeks in a row against probable playoff teams. Should be an excellent game.

- The Bears were 2-0 against the NFC West in 2001

- The Bears only lost one home game during the regular season last year

- The Saints were 4-4 on the road last year.

The Saints Notes:

· Aaron Brooks has thrown for 477 yards in two weeks with 3 touchdown passes.

· Deuce McAllister has run for a stellar 232 rushing yards against two solid defenses.

· Rookie receiver Donte Stallworth is on pace for 976 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns

· Joe Horn is averaging 114 receiving yards per game.

The Bears Notes:

· Jim Miller has passed for 440 yards and 3 touchdowns so far in 2002 but has been inconsistent in the two games.

· Anthony Thomas has run for 129 yards and scored 2 touchdowns so far in 2002.

· The Bears rush defense has shown cracks so far in 2002

Must Starts
RB Deuce McAllister
QB Aaron Brooks
WR Joe Horn
RB Anthony Thomas
WR Marty Booker

Possible Starts
WR Donte Stallworth
QB Jim Miller
WR Dez White

Only in a Pinch
RB Leon Johnson
WR David Terrell
WR Marcus Robinson
WR Jerome Pathon
TE David Sloan

Bench ‘Em
TE Eddie Williams
TE John Davis


Final Thoughts: This game could go either way. The Saints have beaten the tougher opponents but it will be tough to knock off the Buccaneers, Packers and now the Bears in consecutive weeks. Look for some late game magic from the Bears once again.

Predicted Score:

New Orleans Saints 17 at Chicago Bears 20

Dallas Cowboys 1-1 at Philadelphia Eagles 1-1

Game Forecast

The Eagles looked dominant in Washington on Monday Night and in their first home game of the season should be able to beat up on the Cowboys. The Eagles have too much talent on both sides of the ball for the Cowboys who have a solid defense and a below average offense. Quincy Carter looked good last week against the poor Titans secondary but the Eagles will eat this kid alive and spit him out. Look for a shutdown performance by the Eagles and another solid performance by Donovan McNabb.

- The Eagles are 4-0 against the Cowboys the past four seasons winning by an average score of 33 to 12

- The Cowboys haven’t won in Philadelphia since the 1998 season

The Cowboys Notes:

· Quincy Carter is up to a 50 % completion percentage and has thrown for 371 yards in two games.

· Emmitt Smith is a shell of his former self but is up to 126 rushing yards on the season.

· Joey Galloway is finally paying dividends for the Cowboys. 11 catches for 157 yards in the first two games.

· Antonio Bryant is a great rookie receiver who is on pace for 56 receptions.

The Eagles Notes:

· Donovan McNabb is the leading fantasy point’s scorer from the quarterback position this season.

· The three headed monster at running back has been getting the job done for the Eagles

· James Thrash is off to a great start with 139 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns

· Antonio Freeman is up to 89 yards receiving and is beginning to see the ball more.

Must Starts
QB Donovan McNabb
WR James Thrash

Possible Starts
RB Duce Staley
WR Antonio Freeman
WR Joey Galloway
RB Emmitt Smith
TE Chad Lewis

Only in a Pinch
WR Antonio Bryant
TE Jeff Thomason
TE Tony McGee
WR Todd Pinkston
RB Dorsey Levens
RB Brian Westbrook

Bench ‘Em
WR Freddie Mitchell
WR Ken-Yon Rambo
RB Troy Hambrick

Final Thoughts: The Eagles are the superior team and at home. They should be able to put a beating on the Cowboys as Quincy Carter is brought back down to earth.

Predicted Score:

Dallas Cowboys 10 at Philadelphia Eagles 21

Indianapolis Colts 1-1 at Houston Texans 1-1

Game Forecast

Reality is about to set in on the Texans in a huge way. First the Chargers crushed them last week and this week, the angry Colts team who was dismantled by the Dolphins will be out to right the ship in a big way. Peyton Manning will not have two bad games in a row and I expect the Colts to rack up the score against the expansion Texans. David Carr is going to be very good one day but the Chargers showcased how difficult it is to play quarterback in the NFL as a rookie slinger. They took the kid apart and let him know that the NFL is a long way from playing college football.

The Colts Notes:

· Peyton Manning has thrown for 500 yards and 4 touchdowns this year despite his poor game last week.

· Edgerrin James looks like the knee injury is behind him. 237 yards rushing and 93 receiving after two weeks

· Marvin Harrison is still an awesome talent at receiver. 15 receptions and 2 touchdowns so far.

· Qadry Ismail is off to a fantastic start with 105 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Texans Notes:

· David Carr looked like a rookie last week and has only 232 passing yards so far in two games.

· James Allen looks to have won the starting running back job for now with 107 yards in two weeks

· Corey Bradford has 5 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown so far in 2002.

Must Starts
QB Peyton Manning
RB Edgerrin James
WR Marvin Harrison
WR Qadry Ismail
TE Marcus Pollard

Possible Starts
RB James Allen
WR Corey Bradford

Only in a Pinch
WR Reggie Wayne
WR Jabar Gaffney
QB David Carr
RB Jonathon Wells



Bench ‘Em
WR Jermaine Lewis
TE Billy Miller



Final Thoughts: Another blowout loss for the Texans. David Carr will likely have a little more success against the Colts defense but the Texans defense will have holes exposed to the potent Colts offense.

Predicted Score:

Indianapolis Colts 38 at the Houston Texans 17

San Diego Chargers 2-0 at Arizona Cardinals 1-1

Game Forecast

This is turning out to be an interesting tilt in Arizona. The Chargers looked awesome in beating up two have-nots to start the year but the Cardinals are the best team they have faced so far. The Cardinals took apart the Seahawks in Seattle led by a dominating rushing performance by Thomas Jones. Jones put up his finest numbers as a professional and both the fans and the organization hope that he can continue to run the ball effectively for the team. Not too likely against the Chargers though who have a strong defensive unit and especially against the run.

The Chargers Notes:

· Drew Brees is playing tremendous football and has 3 touchdowns against only 1 interception.

· Ladainian Tomlinson is off to a wonderful start with 249 total yards and a touchdown

· Curtis Conway has continued to excel in a Charger uniform. Has 152 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns

The Cardinals Notes:

· Jake Plummer is off to a horrible start with only 298 yards passing and a 50 % completion percentage

· Thomas Jones was terrific last week (finally got some blocking). He has 227 yards rushing on the season.

· David Boston continues to be a tough receiver to cover. 187 yards and a touchdown so far.

Must Starts
RB Ladainian Tomlinson
WR Curtis Conway
WR David Boston

Possible Starts
RB Thomas Jones
QB Drew Brees
QB Jake Plummer
TE Freddie Jones

Only in a Pinch
WR Martay Jenkins
RB Terrell Fletcher
WR Tim Dwight

Bench ‘Em
WR Frank Sanders
TE Stephen Alexander

Final Thoughts: The Chargers look like the better team so far but the Cardinals have faced the better competition are at home and hungry for an early winning record. The Cardinals beat the Chargers in San Diego last year and look to be a little better team in 2002. I won’t be surprised to see the Chargers win this but I am going to take the Cardinals anyways.

Predicted Score:

San Diego Chargers 17 at Arizona Cardinals 20

Buffalo Bills 1-1 at Denver Broncos 2-0

Game Forecast

Two teams playing pretty good football will meet up this week. The Broncos are riding high after big wins against both the Rams and the 49ers. The Broncos defense is playing outstanding football so far in 2002 and face yet another test from a Bills offense that is rolling on all cylinders. From Peerless Price to Eric Moulds and Josh Reed, the receiving core is reaping the benefits of playing with proven gunslinger, Drew Bledsoe. The Broncos are winning with sound fundamental football. They are pounding the ball up the gut with a three-headed running back and playing smart football. Should be a fun game to watch.

The Bills Notes:

· Drew Bledsoe is on fire with 734 passing yards and 4 touchdowns so far.

· Peerless Price has 265 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns including last weeks gem.

· Eric Moulds has 198 receiving yards and a touchdown so far.

· Rookie Josh Reed is also excelling with a solid 11 receptions plus a touchdown

· Travis Henry was shut down last week but still has 179 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns

The Broncos Notes:

· Brian Griese is playing smart football. He is completing 69 % of his passes and has 4 touchdowns

· Mike Anderson is leading the way at running back with 112 rushing yards (Olandis Gary has 98 yards)

· Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith have 12 receptions between them and 2 touchdowns

· Shannon Sharpe has 8 receptions so far.

· Broncos have the 11^th best defense so far despite playing the Rams and 49ers

Must Starts
QB Drew Bledsoe
WR Eric Moulds
WR Peerless Price
WR Rod Smith

Possible Starts
RB Mike Anderson
RB Olandis Gary
WR Ed McCaffrey
QB Brian Griese
TE Shannon Sharpe
TE Jay Riemersma
WR Josh Reed
RB Travis Henry

Only in a Pinch
RB Larry Centers
RB Clinton Portis

Bench ‘Em
WR Ashley Lelie
RB Shawn Bryson
RB Sammy Morris



Final Thoughts: The Bills have looked great on offense this year but the Broncos have looked awesome on defense. Will be interesting to see which side of the ball has more success. The true story in this game though is that the Bills defense will not be able to slow down the Broncos rushing attack and that will be their undoing. Broncos win.

Predicted Score:

Buffalo Bills 21 at the Denver Broncos 31

Green Bay Packers 1-1 at Detroit Lions 0-2

Game Forecast

If the Packers would have won last week against the Saints, perhaps the Lions could have caught them napping and given them a game. They have played the Packers tough the past two seasons but Ahman Green or Rondell Mealey against the horrible Lions defense equals a blowout. The only question is how many fantasy points either one will pile on this week (Green is doubtful at the time of this column with a knee injury). I wouldn’t be surprised to see either one rumble for 100+ yards and 2 touchdowns on the day. Lions are a team in complete chaos. They will start rookie quarterback Joey Harrington for the first time this week and he’ll have his work cut out for him with the poor offensive weapons on the offensive side of the ball. They lost 31 to 7 to the Panthers for crying out loud. Put them in an exhibition match with my B.C. Lions in the CFL and the Damon Allen led Leo’s may just give this team a run for its money. Truly pathetic organization. Matt Millen needs to find his way back into the broadcast booth because the front office just isn’t doing it for him.

- The Packers are 3-1 over the last two seasons against the Lions, scoring 107 points and giving up 77

- The Packers are only 4-4 on the road within their division the past two seasons.

The Packers Notes:

· Brett Favre has passed for 253 yards per game the last 2 seasons against the Lions

· Ahman Green rushed for 259 yards and scored 4 touchdowns against the Lions in 2001 (may do that this weekend)

· Brett Favre is off to a good start with 4 touchdown passes against only 1 interception.

· Terry Glenn 141 yards receiving and a touchdown and is looking good in the offense

· Donald Driver has 129 yards and a touchdown and has formed a nice duo with Glenn

· The tight end position has disappeared from the Packers attack. Only 6 total catches at the position so far.

The Lions Notes:

· The Quarterback position has been awful. 44 % passing, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions.

· James Stewart has 53 yards rushing and 0 touchdowns

· A.Z. Hakim has 10 receptions for 112 yards and 0 touchdowns

· Bill Schroeder has been invisible in the offense so far.

· Best offensive player has been Michael Ricks with 96 yards receiver from the tight end position.

Must Starts
QB Brett Favre
RB Ahman Green (doubtful at the time of this column) – Rondell Mealey jumps up if he cannot go.
WR Terry Glenn
WR Donald Driver

Possible Starts
TE Bubba Franks
TE Michael Ricks
RB James Stewart

Only in a Pinch
RB James Stewart
WR A.Z. Hakim
RB Rondell Mealey (if Green cannot go, Mealey jumps up into Must Starts)
QB Joey Harrington
WR Javon Walker

Bench ‘Em
WR Bill Schroeder
WR Scotty Anderson
QB Mike McMahon
WR Robert Ferguson


Final Thoughts: If Green can play; he’ll have a huge game. If he cannot go, Rondell Mealey will reap the benefits and the Packers will roll regardless. This game should be over by the half.

Predicted Score:

Green Bay Packers 38 at Detroit Lions 10

Washington Redskins 1-1 at San Francisco 49ers 1-1

Game Forecast

The Redskins came crashing back to earth this week when they met up with a legitimate NFL defense. The Eagles took the “Fun N’ Gun” and rammed it down Steve Spurrier’s throat letting him know that you need big time talent on offense to get the job done in the NFL. The 49ers are 1-1 but have looked very shaky on offense so far this season. Both the Giants and the Broncos were able to contain this offense and the Redskins have the personnel to do the job as well. At some point, you have to think that Terrell Owens will explode with a big game but that will likely be difficult against a strong Redskins secondary.

The Redskins Notes:

· Shane Matthews was 10 of 22 passing for only 62 yards passing against the Eagles

· Stephen Davis has been solid this year with 226 total yards and a touchdown

· Rod Gardner is emerging as a star receiver with 194 yards and a touchdown so far.

The 49ers Notes:

· Jeff Garcia has only 371 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes so far and received some boos from the 49er fans.

· Garrison Hearst has only 45 yards rushing during the first two games of the season. Kevan Barlow has 80.

· Terrell Owens is the 39^th ranked receiver after two weeks. I am betting he’ll climb up the rankings <grin>

· Eric Johnson is having a wonderful start with 10 receptions in two weeks.

Must Starts
WR Terrell Owens
QB Jeff Garcia
RB Stephen Davis
WR Rod Gardner
TE Eric Johnson

Possible Starts
RB Garrison Hearst
RB Kevan Barlow

Only in a Pinch
QB (redskins starting quarterback)
WR Derrius Thompson
WR J.J. Stokes
WR Jacquez Green

Bench ‘Em
WR Tai Streets
TE Zeron Flemister


Final Thoughts: This should be the 49ers game to win but the offensive unit certainly is not playing as well as they were expected to this season. Look for Terrell Owens to break out with his first 100 yard receiving game of the season. You can’t keep him down forever.

Predicted Score:

Washington Redskins 14 at San Francisco 49ers 20

Seattle Seahawks 0-2 at New York Giants 1-1

Game Forecast

The Giants could very easily be 2-0 so far and played both the 49ers and the Rams very tough. Kerry Collins is looking terrific as are Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard, Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey. Why the Giants continue to pound Ron Dayne for 2 yards up the gut 10+ times per game is beyond me. The guy needs to be firmly planted at the end of the bench. The Seahawks are a team in disarray. The offense is getting better with Trent Dilfer back under the center and hold-out offensive tackle Walter Jones signed and back with the team. Shaun Alexander will be doing jumps for joy at having a legitimate NFL tackle run blocking for him because he has had no where to run the first two weeks. The Seahawks defense has looked horrible so far. When Thomas Jones and the Cardinals can run for over 200 yards on you at home, it is obvious there are some major issues to deal with. Tiki Barber should have an outstanding game this week.

The Seahawks Notes:

· Trent Dilfer was strong in defeat last week. He had 352 passing yards and a touchdown

· Shaun Alexander has had no room to roam so far. He has only 73 rushing yards on 30 carries.

· Nobody is happier that Dilfer is back than Darrell Jackson. He had 10 receptions for 174 yards.

The Giants Notes:

· Kerry Collins has been sharp for the team. He has 649 passing yards on the season

· Tiki Barber has 176 total yards and a touchdown in two games

· Ron Dayne has 28 yards rushing on 17 carries.

· Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard have combined for 22 receptions and 388 yards receiving so far (but 0 touchdowns)

· Jeremy Shockey was solid last week and now has 7 receptions and a touchdown on the season.

Must Starts
RB Tiki Barber
QB Kerry Collins
WR Amani Toomer
WR Ike Hilliard
RB Shaun Alexander
WR Darrell Jackson
QB Trent Dilfer
TE Jeremy Shockey

Possible Starts
WR Koren Robinson
TE Ituli Mili

Only in a Pinch
TE Jerramy Stevens
RB Ron Dayne (only because the team is foolish enough to leave him on the field each week)

Bench ‘Em
WR Ron Dixon
WR Bobby Engram
RB Maurice Morris



Final Thoughts: The Seahawks defense couldn’t stop the Cardinals. I’m betting they cannot stop the Giants as well.

Predicted Score:

Seattle Seahawks 17 at New York Giants 31

Cincinnati Bengals 0-2 at Atlanta Falcons 0-2

Game Forecast

The best 0-2 team so far in the NFL matches up with one of the worst this week. The Falcons played both the Packers and Bears as close as you can and still lose and will be out to make a statement on the sad sack Bengals. This is the week that Michael Vick gets a win and the Falcons build towards a competitive record this season. The Bengals are in complete disarray once again for the umpteenth straight season. They looked better going into this year but folks forgot that the Bengals are still the Bungals. The good news for the Bengals is that the Falcons can be run on. If they give the ball to Corey Dillon 30+ times this week they’ll have a shot.

The Bengals Notes:

· Gus Frerotte may be replaced this week. He has 1 touchdown against 4 interceptions and has played terribly.

· Corey Dillon has yet to get on track. He has 118 rushing yards in 2 games.

· The best receiver in terms of fantasy numbers is Chad Johnson and he is ranked 53^rd.

The Falcons Notes:

· Michael Vick has been poised and effective. He has thrown for 375 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

· Warrick Dunn has had a good start with 152 total yards and 3 touchdowns

· T.J. Duckett has run for 71 yards on 11 carries

· The top ranked Falcons receiver is Brian Finneran down at 61^st overall

· Alge Crumpler is off to a good start with 5 receptions and a touchdown.

Must Starts
RB Corey Dillon
RB Warrick Dunn
QB Michael Vick
TE Alge Crumpler

Possible Starts
WR Brian Finneran
WR Willie Jackson

Only in a Pinch
WR Chad Johnson
RB T.J. Duckett

Bench ‘Em
Bengals QB
Bengals TE


Final Thoughts: The Falcons have looked good and the Bengals have not. Falcons should win easily at home.

Predicted Score:

Cincinnati Bengals 14 at Atlanta Falcons 27

Monday Night Football, September 23rd

St. Louis Rams 0-2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-1

Game Forecast

The Rams looked shell-shocked so far in 2002. Kurt Warner is throwing interceptions and not getting the ball to his receivers, Marshall Faulk isn’t as strong running the football and the defense has been mediocre. The Buccaneers lost a heart breaker to the Saints in week one before dominating the Ravens last week. Tampa Bay has beaten the Rams each of the past two seasons and with the Rams floundering to start the season, the Buccaneers will be out for blood.

The key to this game will be the Buccaneers ability to control the clock. If they can do that they will have an excellent shot at winning. The key to success for the Rams is simply to get the ball downfield into the receiver’s hands so they can make plays for the team.

The Rams Notes:

· Kurt Warner is off to a rough start with only 1 touchdown pass against 3 interceptions.

· Marshall Faulk has more receiving yards than touchdowns (does have 3 touchdowns already)

· Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce only have 318 yards between them and no touchdowns.

The Buccaneers Notes:

· Brad Johnson has 2 touchdown passes and 0 interceptions so far in 2002

· Michael Pittman has 176 total yards so far in 2002

· Keyshawn Johnson has only 8 receptions for 123 yards so far.

Must Starts
QB Kurt Warner
RB Marshall Faulk
WR Torry Holt
WR Isaac Bruce
QB Brad Johnson
WR Keyshawn Johnson

Possible Starts
WR Keenan McCardell
RB Michael Pittman
RB Mike Alstott
TE Ernie Conwell

Only in a Pinch
WR Ricky Proehl
WR Joe Jurevicius
TE Ken Dilger

Bench ‘Em
WR Yo Murphy
RB Trung Canidate
RB Travis Stephens

Final Thoughts: I am torn on this game. My head is saying that the Rams are struggling and to pick the Buccaneers who have beaten them in two straight games while my guts are telling me that the Rams are too good to lose three games in a row. I am going to listen to my guts that seem to get games right more than my brains sometimes. The Rams are too strong to be 0-3 and they’ll find a way to win this game.

Predicted Score:

St. Louis Rams 28 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20