The Forecaster
Week Four
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: 24 wins against 22 losses.

Three weeks into the NFL season, it is clear that this is the season of the rookie receivers. Year in and year out, receivers who are in their first seasons struggle to even see the football field, let alone do anything with their playing time. However this season many of them are destroying defenders on the field and are racking up both yardage and touchdowns. Rookie receivers off to a great start include Donte Stallworth, Josh Reed, Deion Branch, and yes even Andre Davis who I slammed in my pre-season rookie report as a blown pick. All of them are looking very strong each week and don’t look ready to hit the wall any time soon.

O.K., who out there picked the Panthers to begin the season 3-0 and the Rams to begin 0-3? Anyone? ANYONE? I didn’t think so. I know the Panthers have had a very easy schedule so far but I am still impressed with both how the defense is playing and how Lamar Smith is running the ball for the team. It looked to be a given that Deshawn Foster would crack the starting roster when he returned from injury but now it looks like it is Lamar Smith’s job to lose until defenses begin to slow him down. The Panthers start though reminds me of the Chargers last year. I doubt very much they can keep this up much longer.

How about some props for my 3-0 Miami Dolphins. Not only did they get the monkey off of their back and beat the Jets after four frustrating seasons of futility but also they completely dominated them in all aspects of the football game. Ricky “Running Wild” Williams has put the Draft, Dikta, the Dress, the Contract, the Depression and the Saints behind him on the way to his best start of a pro football player after his third straight 100-yard game. The massive week five contest between the Patriots and the Dolphins is going to be a beauty but both have solid tests ahead of them this week that will test their ability to play tough each week.

Well the new and improved Randy Moss image and attitude suffered a big blow this weekend when Daunte Culpepper gave him the business on the sidelines. I believe both Culpepper and Moss are getting very frustrated with the lack of offensive success the team has had so far. And to make it even worse Moss was arrested and brought to jail for bumping into a police officer. It doesn’t sound like he’ll get in much trouble but the “new and improved” Moss seems to have fallen by the wayside. If they fall much further into the hole, this situation may get very ugly. The “Randy Ratio” may become the “Firing Watch” because the Vikings brass will not allow this losing to continue for long.

It’s been a fun first three weeks in the season. Stud players such as Shaun Alexander, Curtis Martin, Ahman Green, Terrell Owens and Kurt Warner have been major disappointments and have killed fantasy teams across the country while teams featuring Tom Brady, Lamar Smith and Troy Brown are dominating. I will freely admit that I was wrong in regards to Tom Brady. I thought the team would regret trading away Drew Bledsoe and thought it quite possible that Brady would struggle this season. However the opposite has occurred and the Patriots have become the offensive team of this season. Not sure he can continue throwing the ball 50 times per game though. Been quite the ride so far.

****If a player is not listed under one of the three columns, you should not consider playing him this week. ****

Now… onto the Forecaster, week four.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22… On Bye “Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Washington”

New Orleans Saints 3-0 at Detroit Lions 0-3

Game Forecast

The Saints beat up three super teams to start the year in the Buccaneers, Packers and Bears. Those three teams are undefeated except for their losses to the upstart Saints. Does that mean that the Saints will destroy the Lions or will the team take the Lions lightly and come out on the short end of the stick? It really depends on the team’s focus and determination to beat up a bad team in their stadium. Now it is clear that the Saints are a very good football team in 2002. The offense is playing solid and the defense looks reborn. However what makes a good team great is the ability to go for the jugular when going up against a struggling football team. Sometimes the hardest team to defeat is the one that you are expected to destroy. I will be watching the Saints performance in this game with great interest. Deuce McAllister should have an awesome game in this one. I expect him to touch the ball 25 times and get over 150 total yards with a touchdown or two.

- The Lions have only lost 5 games by more than 7 points at home since 1999.

- The Saints already have wins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers in 2002

The Saints Notes:

· Have gone 3-0 so far with their opponents having a combined record of 6-3 (all 3 losses against the Saints)

· QB Aaron Brooks has thrown for 710 yards and an impressive 7 touchdown passes so far.

· RB Deuce McAllister has 325 total yards and 2 touchdowns so far against 3 good defensive teams.

· WR Joe Horn has 270 yards receiving but Donte Stallworth leads the receiving core in fantasy points

· The Saints are putting up 30 points per game.

The Lions Notes:

- TE Michael Ricks is questionable

· Joey Harrington looks like the rookie he is with 5 interceptions in only 53 attempts

· James Stewart is averaging 101 total yards per game for the team

· A.Z. Hakim has 15 receptions but no touchdowns so far.

· The Lions defense is giving up almost 40 points per game

Must Starts
RB Deuce McAllister
QB Aaron Brooks
WR Joe Horn

Possible Starts
WR Donte Stallworth
RB James Stewart

Only in a Pinch
WR Jerome Pathon
WR A.Z. Hakim
QB Joey Harrington
TE Michael Ricks (questionable)



Final Thoughts: The Saints are on a roll and should beat up on the Lions unless they take them too lightly.

Predicted Score:

New Orleans Saints 31 at Detroit Lions 17

Carolina Panthers 3-0 at Green Bay Packers 2-1

Game Forecast

Finally a real test for the Panthers. The 3-0 start is impressive and I’ll give them their due. However beating up on teams such as the Ravens, Lions, and Vikings doesn’t mean it will carry over to the games they play tough competition. The most encouraging thing about the Panthers so far has been the play of the defense, giving up only 9.3 points per game. I’d be willing to bet the Packers will triple that in this game though. The Panthers are an undefeated team built on mirrors and the Packers should expose them as a pretender instead of a contender in Green Bay this week.

For those of you who started Rondell Mealey last week in place of an injured Ahman Green, I feel your pain. He hurt me in two leagues as well and there is no point keeping him on your roster. Najeh Davenport looked strong in the Green Bay backfield and I wouldn’t hestitate to pick him up if you also have Ahman Green on your team. Brett Favre is off to a good start and is beginning to develop some chemistry between him and the new core of receivers. The passing attack will likely get stronger as the season goes on.

- The Packers won in Carolina last year by a score of 28 to 7.

- The last time the Panthers strolled into Green Bay they were 33 to 13 winners (back in 1999).

- The Packers have only lost three games at home the past two seasons.

The Panthers Notes:

- WR Muhsin Muhammad is questionable this weekend.

· Lamar Smith is the third leading fantasy running back with 383 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

· Rodney Peete is the surprise of the year to date. Not a great fantasy option but playing good football.

· Muhsin Muhammad has 207 yards and a touchdown so far.

· The Panthers defense has only giving up 28 points so far.

The Packers Notes:

- WR Terry Glenn is listed as questionable, Javon Walker as doubtful and Ahman Green as probable

· Brett Favre just doesn’t slow down. 911 passing yards and 7 touchdowns.

· Ahman Green may have a problem playing again this Sunday.

· Najeh Davenport ran the ball effectively in his first pro action last week. 123 total yards.

· Terry Glenn has 196 receiving yards and a touchdown so far.

· Donald Driver is the go-to receiver so far with 223 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Must Starts
QB Brett Favre
RB Ahman Green
WR Donald Driver

Possible Starts
RB Lamar Smith
WR Terry Glenn (listed as questionable)
WR Steve Smith
TE Bubba Franks
TE Wesley Walls

Only in a Pinch
WR Javon Walker
WR Muhsin Muhammad (listed as questionable – may be doubtful to go this weekend).
QB Rodney Peete
WR Isaac Byrd
RB Najeh Davenport (if Ahman Green has a setback, Davenport will have a strong game)

Final Thoughts: The Packers return home after two road games. They will roll over the Panthers whose offensive deficiencies will be exposed this week.

Predicted Score:

Carolina Panthers 7 at the Green Bay Packers 24

Miami Dolphins 3-0 at Kansas City Chiefs 1-2

Game Forecast

The Dolphins are on a major roll. The running attack led by a revitalized Ricky Williams is looking unstoppable and that has opened up the passing game as well. Quarterback Jay Fiedler has eliminated the costly mistakes that plagued the Dolphins a year ago and has a new go to target in TE Randy McMichael who has been super this season. The Chiefs are a good team that can score on anyone but has a problem stopping the good offensive teams. Look for big games from Ricky Williams and Chris Chambers as the Dolphins continue to roll leading to an important week five date against the Patriots. Quarterback Trent Green has had his moments but has been just as streaky as he was a season ago and is hurting his team with interception throws. He may have problems against the stellar Dolphins defense.

- The Chiefs have gone 8-9 at home since the 2000 season.

- The Dolphins have gone 11-6 on the road since the 2000 season.

The Dolphins Notes:

· Jay Fiedler is playing effective football. 6 touchdown passes so far leading the team to 100 points so far.

· Ricky Williams has 479 total yards and 5 touchdowns to date.

· Randy McMichael is in the running for rookie of the year. 186 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Chiefs Notes:

· Priest Holmes is the best fantasy player this year. Already has 7 touchdowns on the season.

· Trent Green has his moments but needs more consistency. Averaging 208 passing yards per game.

· Johnnie Morton has been invisible. Only 5 receptions and 82 yards so far.

Must Starts
QB Jay Fiedler
RB Ricky Williams
WR Chris Chambers
TE Randy McMichael
RB Priest Holmes
TE Tony Gonzalez

Possible Starts
QB Trent Green
WR Eddie Kennison

Only in a Pinch
WR Johnnie Morton
WR Oronde Gadsden

Final Thoughts: The Dolphins are playing too strong right now to fall to the Chiefs. Dolphins win on the way to the best game in week five against the Patriots.

Predicted Score:

Miami Dolphins 27 at the Kansas City Chiefs 24

Chicago Bears 2-1 at Buffalo Bills 1-2

Game Forecast

The Bills have played better than their 1-2 record and are looking very good on offense. Drew Bledsoe to Eric Moulds, Peerless Price and Josh Reed have been a great combination so far. The Bears can be passed against and the Bills will take it to the Bears in Buffalo this week.

The key to the Bears winning this week will be to feature Anthony Thomas and give him the ball 30 times. The Bills defense can be run on and the Bears will likely pound the ball up the middle as much as they can. Marty Booker is off to a sensational start for the team and will likely continue his hot play as the go to receiver. Jim Miller is the 12^th ranked fantasy quarterback so far in 2002.

- The Bills are a pathetic 1-10 at home since they beat Chicago during the 2000 season. Lone win against Carolina.

- The Bears are a stellar 7-2 on the road since the start of the 2001 campaign.

The Bears Notes:

· Jim Miller has 676 passing yards and 5 touchdowns on the year.

· Anthony Thomas has 315 total yards and 2 touchdowns on the year.

· Marty Booker has been on fire with 343 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Bills Notes:

· Drew Bledsoe passed for 1017 yards and 6 touchdowns in the first three games.

· Travis Henry has four touchdowns so far but has cooled down since his hot week one.

· Eric Moulds has 294 receiving yards while Peerless Price has 352 so far.

Must Starts
QB Jim Miller
RB Anthony Thomas
WR Marty Booker
QB Drew Bledsoe
WR Eric Moulds
WR Peerless Price

Possible Starts
RB Travis Henry
WR Dez White
TE Jay Riemersma

Only in a Pinch
WR Josh Reed
WR David Terrell
TE John Davis

Final Thoughts: Should be an entertaining game in Buffalo. The Bears seem to win most weeks despite the other team playing them very tough. I am going to pick the Bills to break that trend and to pull out a close victory of their own.

Predicted Score:

Chicago Bears 20 at Buffalo Bills 21

Dallas Cowboys 1-2 at St. Louis Rams 0-3

Game Forecast

Are the Rams really 0-3? It is the lack of polish and ineffectiveness on offense that is truly surprising this season. Kurt Warner looks like he is being coached by Ryan Leaf, with 1 touchdown and a brutal 7 interceptions on the season. Fantasy owners who picked him up in round one are not the happiest owners in the world right now. Marshall Faulk is injured and the receivers are not having the seasons most thought they would going into the season. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce have a total of 0 touchdowns so far.

The Cowboys looked very good against the Titans two weeks ago but the Eagles brought them back to earth in a hurry. The Rams defense will be out for blood this week and they should shut down the Cowboys in a big way. Don’t look for much from the Cowboys offense this year but their strong defense should keep them in the game for a while.

- The Rams have gone 21 – 6 at home since the start of the 1999 season

- The Cowboys have gone a miserable 4-22 on the road since the start of the 1999 season.

The Cowboys Notes:

· Quincy Carter has only 572 passing yards and a disappointing 8 rushing yards.

· Emmitt Smith is looking old. 178 yards on 48 carries.

· Joey Galloway has been good with 227 yards and a touchdown

The Rams Notes:

· Kurt Leaf (I mean Warner) has 7 interceptions on the season. I hear the Barn-Stormers of the AFL are calling him.

· Marshall Faulk is injured and is listed as questionable this weekend.

· Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce have been ineffective.

Must Starts
QB Kurt Warner (how can you not start him)
WR Torry Holt
WR Isaac Bruce

Possible Starts
RB Marshall Faulk? (Lamar Gordon)
TE Ernie Conwell
WR Joey Galloway

Only in a Pinch
RB Emmitt Smith
QB Quincy Carter
WR Antonio Bryant

Final Thoughts: This looked like a laugher before the start of the season but the Rams are not good enough to have a laugher against anybody right now. They’ll win their first game but it may not be impressively.

Predicted Score:

Dallas Cowboys 6 at St. Louis Rams 21

Houston Texans 1-2 at Philadelphia Eagles 2-1

Game Forecast

Pretty Simple. Start your Eagles and bench any Texans you have. Eagles win big and will likely have the game wrapped up by halftime. The point spread is a collegiate like 20 ½ points and I believe the money bet would be to take the Eagles to cover. Donovan McNabb is having a MVP season and has looked even stronger this season than he was a year ago. Adding Antonio Freeman to the offensive mix has done wonders for the receiving core. This team has to be considered the favorite to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC next year.

The Texans are simply not talented enough to stick with teams like the Eagles. David Carr is learning under fire and it will help him next season and the years after but this year is going to be ugly. Just Remember David that Troy Aikman and the Cowboys went 1-15 in his rookie season and the fans wanted Steve Walsh to be the starting quarterback.

- In Houston’s only road game as a franchise, the Chargers destroyed them and coasted to an easy victory.

- The Eagles have lost a surprising seven home games since the start of the 2000 season.

The Texans Notes:

- RB James Allen is questionable this weekend. (His play on the field has been so all season)

· David Carr has only thrown for 110 yards per game.

· Jonathon Wells is up to 114 yards on the season

The Eagles Notes:

· Donovan McNabb is the leading fantasy point’s scorer from the quarterback position this season. 10 touchdowns

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

· James Thrash is the fourth best fantasy receiver so far with 3 touchdown passes.

· Antonio Freeman is becoming a force with 207 yards receiving.

Must Starts
QB Donovan McNabb
WR James Thrash
RB Duce Staley

Possible Starts
WR Antonio Freeman
TE Chad Lewis

Only in a Pinch
RB Jonathon Wells
RB Brian Westbrook
WR Todd Pinkston

Final Thoughts: The Eagles are the superior team and at home. Should beat up the Texans as bad as they beat up Dallas.

Predicted Score:

Houston Texans 6 at Philadelphia Eagles 37

Cleveland Browns 2-1 at Pittsburgh Steelers 0-2

Game Forecast

Really, the Browns should be 3-0 on the season except for that weird week one loss against the Chiefs. It looked like a quarterback controversy was brewing with Kelly Holcombe playing so well in Tim Couch’s absence but the great comeback victory by the Browns last week and Couch’s 326 yards passing have quieted the fans. The Browns passing attack has been strong led by rookie receiver Andre Davis who has a league leading 4 touchdown receptions this year. It looks as though 3^rd receivers in the offensive sets all across the country are getting the red-zone touchdowns. The Browns rushing attack is still having serious difficulties getting on track and that will be a must if they are to challenge for a playoff spot.

The Steelers had a much-needed bye last week and hopefully for Steeler fans it will help the team get back on track. The pass defense has been horrible in 2002 and that needs to be tightened up if the Steelers wish to make the playoffs. I believe Plaxico Burress will get back on track this week after killing fantasy owners the past two weeks. Cleveland did shut him down pretty good in 2001 though.

- The Steelers have won the past three games against the Browns.

- The Steelers are 7-2 at home during the regular season since the start of last season

- The Browns won 3 road games last season.

The Browns Notes:

· Tim Couch led the Browns back last week and put up great numbers.

· Jamal White is emerging as the go-to running back for the Browns.

· Kevin Johnson, Quincy Morgan and Andre Davis are all having good seasons.

The Steelers Notes:

· Kordell Stewart struggled in the first two games of the season. Only 26 rushing yards for him as well.

· Jerome Bettis has done nothing this season so far.

· Hines Ward is off to an awesome start with 3 touchdowns in only two games.

Must Starts
QB Tim Couch
WR Kevin Johnson

Possible Starts
QB Kordell Stewart
WR Hines Ward
WR Plaxico Burress
RB Jerome Bettis
RB Jamal White
WR Quincy Morgan

Only in a Pinch
WR Andre Davis
RB Amos Zereoue
RB William Green
WR Antwaan El Randle
TE Mark Campbell


Final Thoughts: The Browns have been good so far but the Steelers have had two weeks to get ready for this game. Steelers win but it should be close.

Predicted Score:

Cleveland Browns 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers 23

New York Jets 1-2 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1

Game Forecast

The Jets have been terrible the past two weeks. Vinny Testaverde has struggled, the running attack has disappeared and the defense has been more leaky than a 1975 Dodge with 700,000 miles on it. The Jaguars on the other hand have played good football so far in 2002. They lost a good fight to the Colts in week one and knocked off the Chiefs in week two. Look for a huge game for Fred Taylor in this game as the Jets have been destroyed the first three games by the oppositions running attack (and passing attack for that matter).

- The Jaguars have won only 7 out of their last 17 home games

- The New York Jets have won 12 out of their last 17 road games

The Jets Notes:

- Curtis Martin is listed as questionable and the team is considering keeping him out this week.

· Vinny Testaverde has been below average so far and is not getting the ball down the field.

· Curtis Martin has only 54 yards rushing on the season after three games. Ouch!

· Laveranues Coles has been invisible so far.

The Jaguars Notes:

· Mark Brunell has been super so far with 4 touchdown passes against only 1 interception

· Fred Taylor has 277 total yards on the season and looks healthy.

· Jimmy Smith is a fantasy machine and off to a great start once again.

Must Starts
QB Mark Brunell
RB Fred Taylor
WR Jimmy Smith
TE Kyle Brady
TE Anthony Becht

Possible Starts
QB Vinny Testaverde
RB Lamont Jordan
WR Laveranues Coles
WR Wayne Chrebet

Only in a Pinch
WR Bobby Shaw
RB Curtis Martin (injured and will likely sit out this weekend)
WR Patrick Johnson
WR Santana Moss

Final Thoughts: The Jets have simply been too awful to pick to win. I will go with the Jaguars.

Predicted Score:

New York Jets 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars 27

New York Giants 2-1 at Arizona Cardinals 1-2

Game Forecast

The Cardinals are an improving football team but are at least a season away from going for a winning record. David Boston has been fairly quiet so far this season but Thomas Jones is beginning to show some signs of becoming the go-to back the team so desperately needed. Jake Plummer hasn’t been very effective so far this season completely less than 50 % of his passes.

The New York Giants could easily be 3-0 if they could have converted some chances against the 49ers in week one. Kerry Collins is moving the team but they are not getting the ball in the endzone. He is throwing for over 300 yards per game but has only 1 touchdown pass in three games. Tiki Barber has 285 total yards in three games but the entire offense needs to elevate their play because field goals will not continue to win games for this team. The Giants defense has been awesome so far in their 3 games, dominating the teams in front of them each week. They will win the game for the Giants this week.

- The Giants have won their last two in Arizona by a combined score of 48 to 17.

- The Cardinals have won 6 games at home since the start of the 2001 season (7 if they beat the Chargers)! ! !

The Giants Notes:

· Kerry Collins has thrown for a ton of yards but only 1 touchdown.

· Tiki Barber has 285 total yards and has run the ball hard.

· Amani Toomer has 326 receiving yards but no touchdowns. This year’s Keyshawn? Stay tuned.

· Jeremy Shockey is the 4^th best fantasy tight end so far.

The Cardinals Notes:

- Thomas Jones and David Boston are questionable

· Jake Plummer is struggling so far. Well under 50 % passing.

· Thomas Jones has a stellar 300 yards rushing so far.

· David Boston only 244 yards and a touchdown in 2002.

Must Starts
QB Kerry Collins
RB Tiki Barber
WR Amani Toomer
TE Jeremy Shockey

Possible Starts
RB Thomas Jones (questionable)
WR David Boston (questionable)
WR Ike Hilliard
TE Freddie Jones

Only in a Pinch
QB Jake Plummer
WR Martay Jenkins
WR Frank Sanders


Final Thoughts: The Giants are too strong on defense for the Cardinals. Perhaps the Giants can even get the ball into the end zone this week.

Predicted Score:

New York Giants 20 at Arizona Cardinals 10

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-1 at Cincinnati Bengals 0-3

Game Forecast

Going into the season, it appeared as though the Bengals were about to shed the “Bungles” moniker and compete for a winning record for the first time in many seasons. However the opposite has happened and the sad-sack Bengals have been pathetic on offense. Last week both Gus Frerotte and Jon Kitna got a chance to show what they could do and both bombed completely. Enter Akili Smith stage left. He was a major disappointment in years past but has been the best of the three quarterbacks in practice so far and will get a chance to have his production match his potential. The Bengals are not as bad as they have played so far.

The Buccaneers are a solid 2-1 and could have been 3-0 except for the week one overtime loss to the Saints. Brad Johnson is playing decent football but it is the defense that is winning the games each week by playing dominating football and outscoring the offense the past two weeks. Meshawn resurfaced this past weekend as he got into it with his Head Coach. I happen to agree with Keyshawn Johnson here though because he should be on the field at all times. I think in this case the explosive may have had merit and it certainly got his coach’s attention. The receiver is without question, a competitor. Just get him the damn ball coach! Just get him the damn ball.

- The hapless Bengals are 10- 23 at home since the start of the 1998 season.

- The Buccaneers are 9-8 on the road since the start of the 2000 season.

The Buccaneers Notes:

· Brad Johnson has no interceptions so far in 2002.

· Michael Pittman has been disappointing with no touchdowns so far.

· Keyshawn Johnson still has no touchdowns and only 182 yards receiving.

· Ricky Dudley scored a touchdown in his first action of the year

The Bengals Notes:

· The Quarterback position has been awful. Now it is Akili Smith’s kick at the can. 6 interceptions so far.

· Corey Dillon looked ticked off after the last game. No touchdowns yet for the disgruntled star.

· All the Bengal receivers have been disappointments.

Must Starts
WR Keyshawn Johnson

Possible Starts
RB Michael Pittman
QB Brad Johnson
WR Keenan McCardell
RB Corey Dillon
TE Ricky Dudley

Only in a Pinch
QB Akili Smith
WR Chad Johnson
WR Joe Jurevicius

Final Thoughts: If the Bengals can score any points in this game they may knock off the Buccaneers who are having offensive problems of their own. I am not gutsy enough to pick them to win with Akili Smith at the helm though. Is it a new “era” for the Bengals or will Akili Smith be the quarterback he was the past few seasons. We’ll see.

Predicted Score:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14 at Cincinnati Bengals 10

Tennessee Titans 1-2 at Oakland Raiders 2-0

Game Forecast

The Titans have had a couple of discouraging losses in a row and now get to face a well-rested Raiders squad who looked awesome in the first two games this year. Expect to see a ton of passing from both teams in this game. It is a good thing the Raiders had a week to rest. Especially Rich Gannon whose arm was almost ready to fall off after the passing numbers he put up against the Steelers two weeks ago. With Raiders shutdown corner back Charles Woodson out for a few weeks with injury, look for the Titans to attack the Raiders down the field where they may be vulnerable. Kevin Dyson will go against the 3^rd best Raider defender and should find open looks.

- The Titans have played the Raiders twice in the past four seasons and beat them both times.

- The Titans are 15-10 on the road since the start of the 1999 season

- The Raiders are 17-7 at home since the start of the 1999 season

The Titans Notes:

· Steve McNair has 602 passing yards and 5 touchdowns so far.

· Eddie George has 3 touchdowns but is running for under 3 yards per carry.

· Derrick Mason has lots of yardage so far but no touchdowns and Kevin Dyson has been a disappointment.

The Raiders Notes:

· Rich Gannon has 617 passing yards in only two games this year.

· Charlie Garner is averaging 151 total yards per game and has 3 touchdowns.

· Tim Brown has 11 catches on the season.

Must Starts
QB Steve McNair
WR Derrick Mason
QB Rich Gannon
RB Charlie Garner
WR Tim Brown
WR Jerry Rice
TE Frank Wycheck

Possible Starts
RB Eddie George
WR Kevin Dyson
TE Roland Williams

Only in a Pinch
WR Jerry Porter
RB Tyrone Wheatley

Final Thoughts: This is going to be a good football game. The Titans will be hungry for a win and the Raiders are well rested. It should be close but the Raiders will take it.

Predicted Score:

Tennessee Titans 24 at Oakland Raiders 34

New England Patriots 3-0 at San Diego Chargers 3-0

Game Forecast

Two undefeated teams match up in an important AFC tilt this weekend. The Patriots are for real and I feel the Chargers will likely have a tough time keeping this fast start up as the season goes on. The Chargers could compete for a wild card spot if they continue to play well.

The Patriots survived a scare as the Chiefs and Priest Holmes almost pulled off a huge upset this past weekend. Tom Brady continues to amaze and Troy Brown had a tremendous game last week. The only problem with the team in terms of fantasy football is figuring out which receiver will go off with a big game on which week. Tom Brady has become a must start player. The comparisons to Joe Montana have not looked out of place with his poise and leadership on the field and he has perhaps the best ball fakes I have seen in a long time.

- The Patriots have won 12 games in a row since they last lost against the Rams in 2001.

- The Chargers have gone 5-4 at home since the start of the 2001 season.

The Patriots Notes:

- WR Troy Brown is questionable this week

· Tom Brady is on fire. 9 touchdown passes in three weeks and is averaging 328 yards per game.

· Troy Brown has 31 receptions in 3 games (less than 10 yards per catch though).

· David Patten and Deion Branch are taking turns starring each week.

The Chargers Notes:

· Drew Brees has only 504 passing yards in 3 games but continues to win.

· Ladainian Tomlinson is the fourth best fantasy performer at running back in 2002.

· Curtis Conway has 3 touchdowns and 244 yards receiving so far.

Must Starts
QB Tom Brady
WR David Patten
RB Ladainian Tomlinson

Possible Starts
WR Curtis Conway
WR Troy Brown (questionable this weekend)
RB Antowain Smith
QB Drew Brees
WR Deion Branch

Only in a Pinch
TE Cameron Cleeland
TE Daniel Graham
TE Stephen Alexander
WR Donald Hayes
WR Tim Dwight

Final Thoughts: The Patriots have too much firepower and defense for the Chargers. Patriots win on their way to a huge game next week against my Fish.

Predicted Score:

New England Patriots 28 at San Diego Chargers 14

Minnesota Vikings 0-3 at Seattle Seahawks 0-3

Game Forecast

Two teams that cannot buy a win hook up in Seattle. Will one of these teams find it in them to pull out a victory or will this be the first tie in the NFL in many seasons. Daunte Culpepper is frustrated and looked ready to rip Randy Moss’s head off this weekend. Moss on the other hand has not been very good on the field and was arrested this week for bumping into a police officer. This team appears to be self-destructing and hasn’t been able to stop anybody so far in 2002.

The Seahawks are not as bad as their record indicates. The Giants are a great defensive team and shut them down and the Cardinals exposed a problem in the interior of their defense. However Trent Dilfer, Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson are good offensive weapons and will go off with a good game this week. Shaun Alexander has only 110 yards rushing in three games so far. He will be at least double that after this weekend.

- The Vikings have gone 11 straight road games without a victory going back to the 2000 season.

- The Seahawks have gone 6-3 at home since the start of the 2001 season.

The Vikings Notes:

- TE Byron Chamberlain is still listed as questionable this weekend.

· Daunte Culpepper hasn’t been very good this year. He has more interceptions than touchdowns.

· Moe Williams / Michael Bennett are getting an equal amount of carries which sucks for fantasy owners.

· Randy Moss has struggled and has only 185 yards on 21 receptions in addition to unraveling off of the field.

The Seahawks Notes:

· Trent Dilfer had trouble against the Giants but so has everyone this year. He’ll rebound.

· Shaun Alexander has been stifled so far this year.

· Darrell Jackson is playing well since Dilfer came back. 17 receptions for 232 yards the past two games.

Must Starts
QB Trent Dilfer
RB Shaun Alexander
WR Darrell Jackson
QB Daunte Culpepper
WR Randy Moss

Possible Starts
RB Moe Williams
RB Michael Bennett
WR D’Wayne Bates
WR Koren Robinson
TE Byron Chamberlain (still listed as questionable)

Only in a Pinch
TE Jerramy Stevens
WR Derrick Alexander

Final Thoughts: The Seahawks look like the better of the two teams so far and the Vikings have not won on the road in their last 11 road games.

Predicted Score:

Minnesota Vikings 20 at Seattle Seahawks 30

Monday Night Football, September 23rd

Denver Broncos 3-0 at Baltimore Ravens 0-2

Game Forecast

This has the look of a defensive struggle on Monday Night. The difference is that the Broncos have some offensive weapons that can get the job done while the Ravens have looked horrible on offense. The Ravens have had two weeks to get ready for this game and should be ready to give the Broncos a heck of a fight.

The Broncos are the best team in the NFL as far as stopping the run goes. That is not good news for the Ravens who have had problems passing. How frustrated must offensive guru Brian Billick be after watching his team score a total of 7 points in two games. It is unlikely to get better for them this week.

- The Ravens have beaten the Broncos in two straight seasons, outscoring them 41 to 16.

The Broncos Notes:

· Brian Griese has tossed 6 touchdowns and only has 2 interceptions.

· The 3-Headed monster is running wild in Denver once again. Look for Clinton Portis to begin emerging.

· Rod Smith is as consistent as ever. He’ll end up top ten once again.

The Ravens Notes:

· Chris Redman has only 359 yards passing.

· Jamal Lewis has 188 total yards so far in 2002

· No Ravens receiver has emerged yet. The best so far is Brandon Stokley

Must Starts
WR Rod Smith

Possible Starts
QB Brian Griese
TE Shannon Sharpe
RB Clinton Portis
WR Ed McCaffrey

Only in a Pinch
RB Jamal Lewis
RB Mike Anderson
RB Olandis Gary
TE Todd Heap



Final Thoughts: If Billick is truly an offensive genius, he will surprise up this week with a victory. He has had two weeks to get this team ready and he should be ready to give the Broncos a run for their money. I’ll believe when I see it though. The Broncos have been too awesome on defense to believe the Ravens can beat them via a passing attack. The Ravens pride is on the line in this game. They were already embarrassed at home by the Buccaneers in week two and will not want that to happen on Monday Night Football.

Predicted Score:

Denver Broncos 17 at Baltimore Ravens 13