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:  39 wins against 35 losses.

 

****If a player is not listed you should not consider playing him this week. ****

 

***** Sorry about the errors.  I have been fighting the flu all week and didn't format the article properly to get ready for this week.  Don't blame Joe, David or Footballguys.com for the lack of editing on the column.  I'll take the heat for that.

 

sincerely, Chris Smith

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY, October 13th… On Bye “Arizona, Chicago, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia”

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers 1-3 at Cincinnati Bengals 0-5

 

Game Forecast

Two of the biggest disappointments this season has to be the Steelers and the Bungles.  The Steelers played pretty well on offense against the Saints but the once mighty defense continues to get beat up on a weekly basis.  The Bengals on the other hand squandered a terrific performance from Corey Dillon when the quarterback flavor of the week Jon “Shitna” Kitna threw his 3rd interception of the day.  When asked how he did on the weekend, Kitna replied “Hey I got more to my guys this week than I did to the other team.  That is pretty good isn’t it?” 

The Bengals need both a good quarterback and a star receiver.  While the quarterback position gets all the attention, both the play calling and the receivers have been brutal to start the season.  There are pieces in place to make the Bengals a better team than they play each week but some serious shortcomings are stopping them from becoming a decent football team.  They need to draft a good quarterback and a great receiver in 2003 NFL Draft and give the offense some legitimate tools to work with.  Corey Dillon should find room to roam against the suddenly suspect Steelers defense and he could top 100 yards again this week if the Bengals defense can keep it close.

Tommy Maddox was very effective against the Saints and almost led the Steelers to a come from behind victory.  His passes were crisp and his play with help get the most out of the three gifted Steelers receivers.  Jerome Bettis looks as though age and wear and tear has caught up to him and Amos Zereoue will likely get more and more action as the season goes on.  Bettis could have a solid outing this week though against the reeling Bengals.  Look for Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward to both catch a touchdown pass against the Bengals and for Bettis to get near 100 yards rushing.

-          The Bengals have won 2 of the past 4 games in Cincinnati against the Steelers

The Steelers Notes: 

- RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is out this week

·         Tommy Maddox had a good first game with 268 passing yards to go with 3 touchdown passes

·         Plaxico Burress is back in business after a slow start

·         Amos Zereoue is getting more and more looks in the backfield

The Bengals Notes: 

·         Corey Dillon had a huge game last week against the Colts (185 total yards / 2 TD’s).  Will be in tougher this week though

·         Corey Dillon had 40 carries for 155 yards and no touchdowns last season against the Steelers

Must Starts
QB Tommy Maddox
RB Corey Dillon
WR Hines Ward
WR Plaxico Burress
RB Jerome Bettis

Possible Starts
RB Amos Zereoue
 
Only in a Pinch
QB Jon Kitna
WR Peter Warrick
WR Chad Johnson
WR Antwaan Randle El
 
  

Final Thoughts:  This game will likely be close but the poor play calling on offense and the ineffectiveness at quarterback makes it impossible to take the Bengals.  The Steelers should win a close one.

Predicted Score:

Pittsburgh Steelers 21 at Cincinnati Bengals 17

 

 

 

 

Carolina Panthers 3-2 at Dallas Cowboys 2-3

 

Game Forecast

Well so far I am 1-4 in picking the games in which the Carolina Panthers play.  They are making the life of a Forecaster quite difficult.  After two straight losses they travel into Dallas to play a Dallas team that is beginning to play better football.  This contest looks very close on paper as both teams have defenses that are improving rapidly and offenses that rely on conservative play to win football games.  Lamar Smith struggled last week after a hot start and his two fumbles could get rookie player Deshaun Foster an opportunity as soon as his injured knee is ready to go.  Rodney Peete has come back down to earth a little and the cracks in the Panthers offense are beginning to show.  They look a lot like the 2001 Chargers team that started strong and faded fast.

Look for a defensive game with little offensive production on either side.  Turnovers will likely play a big role in this game as will a big play on offense if either team can supply one.

The Panthers Notes: 

- WR Muhsin Muhammad is questionable

·         Lamar Smith wasn’t as productive last week against the Cardinals.  49 yards and 2 fumbles could open the door for Deshaun Foster soon.

The Cowboys Notes: 

·         Emmitt Smith ripped off a nice touchdown run last weekend.  It was nice to see him do something after a very quiet start.

Must Starts
none

Possible Starts
RB Emmitt Smith
RB Lamar Smith
WR Steve Smith
WR Antonio Bryant
TE Wesley Walls


Only in a Pinch
WR Joey Galloway
QB Quincy Carter
QB Rodney Peete
WR Isaac Byrd
 
 
Final Thoughts:  While the Panthers have been the hotter team all season, the Cowboys are beginning to look like a decent defensive football team.  At home and off of a hard fought game against the Giants, I expect the Cowboys to even their record at 3-3 on the year with a win this weekend.

Predicted Score:

Carolina Panthers 10 at Dallas Cowboys 14

 

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars 3-1 at Tennessee Titans 1-4

Game Forecast

I am very shocked that the Titans have begun this season 1-4.  I wasn’t sure they would be a playoff team this season but certainly thought they had a chance in the weaker AFC South division.  Eddie George simply cannot get going and seems to have lost a couple of steps.  His 2.7-yard average is simply not good enough to help the team win.  Steve McNair is putting up some numbers but is clearly not as effective as he was last season.  This week it was obvious that he missed his star receiver, Derrick Mason who is out with injury.  Kevin Dyson was invisible last Sunday and the only player who stepped up his game was Frank Wycheck.  The Titans are a team in disarray right now but Steve McNair and the boys have the talent on offense to have a good week at any time despite missing Mason.

The Jaguars on the other hand are playing very good football.  In spite of a huge turnover of talent the past couple of seasons due to salary cap problems, this team seems to be getting all they can out of their young talent like defensive tackle John Henderson who had a monster game last weekend.  As long as Fred Taylor is healthy, this team looks like they will compete all season.  The Titans defense has been poor this season and Fred Taylor should have a monster game this week as will Jimmy Smith who could shred the Titans for 130 + yards and a couple of touchdowns this weekend.

-          The Titans have beaten the Jaguars 3 straight times at home going back to the 1999 season.

The Jaguars Notes: 

·         Fred Taylor looks reborn this season.  387 rushing yards in 4 games although Stacey Mack vultures the touchdowns.

The Titans Notes: 

- WR Derrick Mason (Shoulder) is out

·         Steve McNair struggled without Derrick Mason in the lineup.  He has now thrown 9 interceptions on the season

Must Starts
QB Steve McNair
TE Frank Wycheck
QB Mark Brunell
RB Fred Taylor
WR Jimmy Smith
 
Possible Starts
WR Patrick Johnson
WR Kevin Dyson
WR Justin McCareins
WR Drew Bennett
RB Stacey Mack
RB Eddie George

Only in a Pinch
TE Kyle Brady
WR Bobby Shaw

Final Thoughts:  The key to this game is the ineffectiveness of the Titans pass defense.  They have given up 15 touchdowns via the pass in the first five weeks of the season.  The secondary has to play better this weekend in order for the Titans to win.  With Eddie George looking finished as an NFL running back, I’ll pick the Jaguars to win this game.

Predicted Score:

Jacksonville Jaguars 31 at Tennessee Titans 21

 

 

 

Baltimore Ravens 2-2 at Indianapolis Colts 3-1

Game Forecast

Ray Lewis has taken this team up onto his shoulders and propelled them into a 2-2 record.  His play has been tremendous this season and his leadership has been evident on the football field.  He is a proud player who wants the glory of the Super Bowl season of two years ago back to his team.  The Ravens are not ready to compete for the Championship again just yet but with the team in his capable hands, I am betting they will be ready to fight for the playoffs again as early as next season.  Jamal Lewis is running hard and looks as good or better than his rookie season of two years past.  Chris Redman is gathering confidence at the quarterback position and his hitting receivers in stride was very encouraging for Raven fans.

The Colts still have some holes on defense but the offense continues to put lots of points up on the board.  Peyton Manning is on a mission this year and besides his poor effort against the Dolphins in week two has been awesome.  Edgerrin James is still getting healthy but has put up some nice numbers and finally got the touchdown monkey off of his back last week against the Bengals.  His 3.7-yard average is not very good though and he isn’t the same back as he was prior to his knee injury.  At least not yet.  The receiving core featuring Marvin Harrison, Qadry Ismail, Reggie Wayne and tight end Marcus Pollard is amongst the finest in the league.  The defense is starting to play with the edge and nastiness that the Buccaneers played with when Tony Dungy was their head coach.  The Colts are young and have holes on defense but play well enough to help the team win most weeks.

The Ravens Notes: 

·         Jamal Lewis is running like he is possessed.  What knee injury?  Lewis has a stellar 382 rushing yards and a 4.5 yard average

The Colts Notes: 

·         Marvin Harrison is averaging 108 yards per game

 

Must Starts
RB Jamal Lewis
QB Peyton Manning
WR Marvin Harrison
TE Todd Heap
TE Marcus Pollard
RB Edgerrin James

Possible Starts
QB Chris Redman
WR Qadry Ismail

Only in a Pinch
WRBrendan Stokley
WR Travis Taylor

Final Thoughts:  The Ravens defense will keep it pretty close but the Colts will win at home.

Predicted Score:

Baltimore Ravens 17 at Indianapolis Colts 27

 

 

 

 

Detroit Lions 1-3 at Minnesota Vikings 0-4

Game Forecast

The Vikings have been horrible to start this year but Daunte Culpepper and the boys will get the job done this week.  Randy Moss had a forgettable week four both on and off the field but has had two weeks to put that behind him.  Why the Vikings are not getting the ball to Moss down the field is beyond me and they will need to change the offensive attack to get the most out of him.  Moss isn’t at his best by catching 3-yard hitch passes.  His talent is in sprinting down the field and out jumping the defender for the ball.  The Vikings running back committee has been getting the job done and the offense should begin putting lots of points up on the board on a weekly basis.  Both Moss and Culpepper will have huge games this weekend.

The Lions put a win on the board and have played better football the past two weeks.  Quarterback Joey Harrington has become the quarterback of today instead of the future and the play of James Stewart has been encouraging.  However this team has a lot of holes that need to be filled before they will be considered even a decent football team.  The Lions will have some success on offense this week but the poor defense will not be able to contain the well-rested Vikings offense.

-          The Vikings have beat the Lions in Minnesota the last four meetings

The Lions Notes: 

-          WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Toe) is questionable

-         WR Bill Schroeder (Ankle) is questionable [as is his talent]

·         Joey Harrington has begun playing smarter football the past two games.

The Vikings Notes: 

·         Randy Moss is not getting down the field.  He is averaging under 10 yards per reception.

Must Starts
QB Daunte Culpepper
WR Randy Moss
RB James Stewart
TE Byron Chamberlain
TE Michael Ricks

Possible Starts
WR D’Wayne Bates
WR A.Z. Hakim
RB Moe Williams
RB Michael Bennett

Only in a Pinch
QB Joey Harrington
WR Derrick Alexander
WR Bill Schroeder


Final Thoughts:  The Vikings will be too much for the Lions this weekend.  Randy Moss will get at least 140 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns and Culpepper will be fantasy gold this weekend.  No way do the Vikings drop to 0-5 this weekend.

Predicted Score:

Detroit Lions 24 at Minnesota Vikings 42

 

 

 

Green Bay Packers 4-1 at New England Patriots 3-2

 

 

Game Forecast

Brett Favre was on fire last Monday Night against the Bears.  He fired the ball into coverage with great precision and took apart the Bears secondary leaving them in shambles.  He is developing a wonderful rapport with Donald Driver who is getting stronger and stronger as the season wears on.  Also Terry Glenn owners were delighted to see him rip off a huge game.  If you are like me and suffering through Ahman Green’s slow start, feel free to join my “AA Club – Ahman Anonymous” I will be starting up shortly.  I have survived his slow start in my huge money league (WcoFF) so far and I am sitting at 4-1 on the season but I really need him to begin producing or the good start could be in jeopardy.  It was nice to see him rip off a long run against the Bears and hopefully that was a sign of things to come in future weeks.  The Patriots run defense can be exposed with a team that can also pass the ball and Green should have a nice game in New England.  The Packers defense that was playing disappointing football in 2002 came alive in Chicago and played with reckless abandon.  Constant pressure on the quarterback all game long and forcing Jim Miller to turn over the football helped the team to victory.

The Patriots have now lost two in a row and the team appears to be reeling a bit.  While Brady and the passing attack are still going strong, there are definite cracks beginning to appear on the offensive side of the ball.  The running game has been almost non-existent so far this season and teams are beginning to ignore the run to concentrate on slowing down the awesome passing attack.  Antowain Smith has been a huge disappointment in New England and if the Patriots do not find a ground game soon, they will find it harder and harder to move the ball each week.  The receivers continue to put up huge numbers each weekend with David Patten being the latest to have a huge week.  The only problem with the Patriots receivers and fantasy football is that you simply do not know which one of them will go off with a huge game every week.  Troy Brown couldn’t go last week but should be back healthy for this very important game. 

The Packers Notes: 

·         Donald Driver is the # 1 fantasy receiver in the NFL.  440 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns to date.

The Patriots Notes: 

- WR Troy Brown (Knee) is questionable
- TE Daniel Graham (Shoulder) is questionable

·         David Patten is the 7th best fantasy receiver after week five.  He has 440 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns

Must Starts
QB Tom Brady
WR Troy Brown
WR David Patten
QB Brett Favre
RB Ahman Green
WR Donald Driver
WR Terry Glenn

Possible Starts
RB Antowain Smith
WR Deion Branch
TE Bubba Franks
TE Christian Fauria

Only in a Pinch
RB Kevin Faulk
WR Donald Hayes
WR Javon Walker


Final Thoughts:  Expect the Patriots to get back on track this week.  Too good of a football team to lose 3 in a row.  They will beat up on the Packers

Predicted Score:

Green Bay Packers 21 at New England Patriots 34

 

 

 

Atlanta Falcons 1-3 at New York Giants 3-2

Game Forecast

The Giants are conservative, boring and will simply not give up on Ron Dayne who is one of the worst running backs to ever hit the NFL. Hey diddle diddle, Dayne up the middle is the worst play in the NFL.  He simply cannot get the job done but the team refuses to see it.  Tiki Barber deserves to get all the carries on the field with his hard running and ability in the open field.  It was encouraging to see Kerry Collins finally get the ball into the end zone last week and that will help the offensive confidence this week.  The Falcons can be beaten via the passing attack and the Giants should have a solid game on offense this weekend.

The Falcons could have had a shot in this game but if Michael Vick and his sore shoulder cannot play, that chance went out the window.  The Giants strong defense will eat Doug Johnson for lunch and beat up on the Falcons.  There is an interesting situation brewing with the rushing game in Atlanta.  While the team continues to feed Warrick Dunn the ball, backup T.J. Duckett is running much more effectively when he gets the chance.  He is running both through and around tacklers and looks like the real deal for the team.  Dunn is averaging less than 3 yards per carry while Duckett is averaging near 5.  That is a huge difference and Duckett will begin to get more and more work every week. 

The Falcons Notes: 

- QB Michael Vick (Shoulder) is doubtful

·         T.J. Duckett is running with lots of power and explosion.  He will be the starting running back soon.

The Giants Notes: 

- TE Jeremy Shockey (Toe) is doubtful

·         Ron Dayne is a complete bust and the Giants have all but given up on him.  91 rushing yards on 36 carries with 0 touchdowns

Must Starts
WR Amani Toomer
RB Tiki Barber

Possible Starts
QB Kerry Collins
WR Ike Hilliard
RB Warrick Dunn
RB T.J. Duckett
TE Alge Crumpler

Only in a Pinch
WR Willie Jackson


 Final Thoughts:  The Giants defense will have too much for the Falcons in New York without star quarterback Michael Vick.  Giants should win big.

Predicted Score:

Atlanta Falcons 7 at New York Giants 20

 

 

 

New Orleans Saints 4-1 at Washington Redskins 2-2

Game Forecast

Well it is officially. Whatever way I pick the Saints game each week, the opposite will occur.  Pick them to lose against the Buccaneers, Packers and Bears and they win.  Learn my lesson and pick them to beat the Lions and they lose.  See a formerly good Steeler team coming into New Orleans to right their sinking ship, pick against the Saints and the Saints win a close one.  I simply cannot pick them right.  So do yourselves a favor this week.  However I pick the Saints this week, go put money on the opposite <grin>

The Deuce is loose in New Orleans.  McAllister is getting better and better on the week and his injury history in college seems to be a distant memory so far.  He is strong, powerful and very quick on the field and suits the Saints style much better than the departed Ricky Williams.  The Saints are loaded on offense with great weapons.  Along with McAllister is receivers Joe Horn, Jerome Pathon and Donte Stallworth and a capable quarterback in Aaron Brooks.  The Saints have a good shot to win each week they play thanks to this strong group.

The Redskins rookie quarterback Patrick Ramsey got off to a wonderful start last week when the Redskins beat up on the Titans in Tennessee.  He looked poised in the pocket and threw some very nice passes.  It won’t be that easy every week but it looks like the Redskins found themselves a viable NFL quarterback.  Stephen Davis sprained his knee and is expected to try and play through the pain but nothing is certain at this point.  If you are a Stephen Davis owner pay very close attention to the injury reports this weekend.  Rod Gardner is getting better every week and will continue to be the go to receiver for the Redskins.  He is a big target with lots of skill and the rookie quarterback will be looking his way often.  The most encouraging thing last weekend for the Redskins was the strong play of the defense, which had been a huge disappointment this season.  The defense dominated the Titans on all aspects of the game and showcased how talented the unit really is.

The Saints Notes: 

- WR Donte' Stallworth (Hamstring) is doubtful

·         Deuce McAllister has the Saints’ fans saying “Ricky who?” after his first 5 games.  461 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns to start the year. 

The Redskins Notes: 

- RB Stephen Davis (Knee) is questionable

·         Patrick Ramsey was terrific in his first professional action.  268 passing yards and 2 touchdowns

Must Starts
WR Rod Gardner
QB Aaron Brooks
WR Joe Horn
RB Deuce McAllister

Possible Starts
RB Stephen Davis (questionable)
WR Jerome Pathon
QB Patrick Ramsey

Only in a Pinch
WR Donte Stallworth?
WR Kevin Lockett
TE Zeron Flemister

Final Thoughts:  This is a toss up.  The Redskins should win if they get the same level of play from their defense that they had a week ago.  Look for a big game from Rod Gardner and a solid performance from Stephen Davis despite his injury.

Predicted Score:

New Orleans Saints 21 at Washington Redskins 27

 

 

Buffalo Bills 2-3 at Houston Texans 1-3

Game Forecast

The Bills have the most explosive offense in the NFL this year.  Drew Bledsoe is on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s single season passing yardage record and the Bills poor defense will keep the team passing week after week.  Bledsoe, Moulds and Price are all must starts every week in fantasy land and will likely continue to put up huge numbers until the end of the season.  Travis Henry continues to put up workmanlike numbers and is currently the 7th best fantasy running back.  The Bills defense tries hard but simply does not have the personnel to compete with the good offenses around the league.  Expect them to enjoy their contest against the Texans this week.

The Texans do not have the firepower to match up against the Bills.  David Carr should have his best game as a pro in this one in trying to lead the Texans back from behind but he could also throw a number of interceptions on the day.  I expect Corey Bradford to put up solid numbers this week so don’t fear inserting him into your lineup.

The Bills Notes: 

·         Drew Bledsoe is on pace for 5639 yards passing and 38 touchdowns after 5 games.

The Texans Notes: 

·         David Carr is getting valuable experience with the Texans.  His quarterback rating is a poor 49.7

Must Starts
QB Drew Bledsoe (Duh!)
RB Travis Henry
WR Eric Moulds
WR Peerless Price
WR Corey Bradford

Possible Starts
QB David Carr
TE Jay Riemersma


Only in a Pinch
WR Josh Reed
WR Jabar Gaffney


Final Thoughts:  The Bills will roll in this one.  Expect a little lower numbers from the Bills passing game as they rush out to a big lead.  Travis Henry should eclipse 100 yards on the day.

Predicted Score:

Buffalo Bills 34 at Houston Texans 20

 

 

Kansas City Chiefs 3-2 at San Diego Chargers 4-1

Game Forecast

Fantastic battle in San Diego this week.  The suddenly red-hot Chiefs stroll into Charger territory for a huge divisional game for both teams.  The Chargers are a solid 4-1 but were taken apart by the Broncos a week ago who exposed some weaknesses within the Chargers team.  The Chargers must get an early lead to be an effective football team.  Drew Brees simply does not have enough weapons around him in regards to receivers and tight ends to lead the team from behind.  Curtis Conway is off to a super year for the Chargers and will be in the Pro Bowl if he keeps it up along with teammate Ladainian Tomlinson who has been outstanding.  The Chiefs poor defense will give the Chargers stud running back some room to run and it will be up to the Chiefs offense to match the Chargers blow for blow.

The Chiefs have tons of offensive weapons for quarterback Trent Green to utilize.  The receivers are improving on a week-to-week basis and he has the top running back and tight end in the game on his side.  Priest Holmes has been dynamite so far but gets a huge test this week against a very strong Charger run defense.  He will earn any yardage he gets this week.  However Holmes did shred the Chargers defense a year ago to the tune of 190 total yards and a touchdown in one of the games.  I expect big things this week from Trent Green, Johnnie Morton and Tony Gonzalez.  The Chargers will do everything they can to eliminate the production from Holmes, which should open things up down the field.  The Chiefs are ready to leap up into the realm of contenders but need to beat up on the Chargers this week to keep the old momentum going. 

-          The Chargers have won 3 of the past 4 against the Chiefs in San Diego going back to 1998

-          The Chiefs haven’t won 2 games in a row on the road since 1999.

The Chiefs Notes: 

- K Morten Andersen (Hamstring) is questionable

·         Priest Holmes is the fantasy MVP this season.  803 total yards and 10 touchdowns so far in 2002.

The Chargers Notes: 

- TE Stephen Alexander (Ankle) is doubtful

·         Ladainian Tomlinson has a solid 554 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns so far.

Must Starts
RB Ladainian Tomlinson
RB Priest Holmes
QB Trent Green
TE Tony Gonzalez
WR Curtis Conway

Possible Starts
QB Drew Brees
WR Johnnie Morton
WR Eddie Kennison

Only in a Pinch
WR Dante Hall
WR Tim Dwight

Final Thoughts:  This game could go either way.  The Chiefs look to be catching fire at the right time and will give the Chargers a terrific effort.  Both teams know that the road to the playoffs depends a lot on this game so both will be ready to go.  I like the direction Dick Vermeil has this team going in and I think he will pull out a close victory this weekend.  Look for another 100+ total yards from both Tomlinson and Holmes and good receiving games from Conway, Gonzalez and Morton.

Predicted Score:

Kansas City Chiefs 27 at San Diego Chargers 23

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns 2-3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-1

Game Forecast

The Browns are a team in need of an identity.  They look strong one quarter and then crappy the next and vice versa.  The best running back the Browns have is Jamal White who doesn’t even start.  The team continues to force William Green into the lineup despite his pathetic numbers so far this season.   In all honesty, Green hasn’t looked any better this year than James Jackson did for the team in 2001.  White on the other hand has looked awesome for the Browns.  He is ranked # 22 for fantasy point production so far this year despite being a part time back.  Much like the Giants situation with Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne the Browns need to realize that White is the best option they have at running back and give him the ball as much as possible.

The season’s “Tuff Guy” award goes to Kelly Holcombe who damn near brought the Browns all the way back to victory despite playing the fourth quarter on a broken leg.  That is one tough guy to continue hobbling down the field on one leg.  He is going to be a starting NFL quarterback some time in the next two years and will have a career like Rich Gannon once he gets his chance.  I am falling in love with the way Holcombe lays it on the line in the football game and I understand why Brown fans want him in the starting lineup.  However I don’t think cheering a Tim Couch injury is very cool by the fickle Brown fans.  Couch plays his heart out on the field as well and deserves to be treated with respect in Cleveland.  Give the kid a break!

The Buccaneers defense is simply awesome this year.  The consensus going into this season was the unit would suffer a little with the loss of defensive guru Tony Dungy but the opposite has happened.  Derrick Brooks has three more touchdowns than the disappointing Michael Pittman who hasn’t been very good to start the season.  Brad Johnson though has been playing good football and Keyshawn Johnson (yes that’s right, Keyshawn) actually found the end zone for the first time this season.  A giant monkey fell off of his back with that score and it might open up the floodgates.

The Browns Notes: 

- QB Kelly Holcomb (Leg) is out

·         Jamal White is the best running back on the team but continues to split duties.   He has a 5.0 average on the season.

The Buccaneers Notes: 

·         Keyshawn Johnson erupted with a huge game.  He is up to 369 receiving yards on the season.

Must Starts
QB Brad Johnson
WR Keyshawn Johnson

Possible Starts
QB Tim Couch
RB Jamal White
RB Michael Pittman
WR Keenan McCardell
WR Kevin Johnson
WR Andre Davis
TE Ricky Dudley

Only in a Pinch
WR Dennis Northcutt
WR Quincy Morgan

Final Thoughts:  The Browns will give the Buccaneers a run for their money but the defensive unit for the Bucs is simply playing too good to lose at home this week.  Look for another good performance from Brad Johnson and Keyshawn Johnson and one of the Browns receivers will have a good week.  Which one though is anybody’s guess.

Predicted Score:

Cleveland Browns 14 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

 

 

Oakland Raiders 4-0 at St. Louis Rams 0-5

Game Forecast

The Raiders have been awesome to start the season.  However so far they have played 4 teams with a combined record of 5 wins against 13 losses and not one of whom have a winning record.  While I have been impressed with the Raiders play so far they need to be tested by some of the better teams in the NFL before I am ready to hand them the Super Bowl berth.  While teams like the Dolphins have played the Chiefs, Colts and Patriots and the Chiefs have tangles with the Jaguars, Dolphins and Patriots, the Raiders have faced teams who all have serious questions on one or both sides of the football.  Don’t get me wrong.  The Raiders have a very solid football team but I don’t know if they are as good as they have looked so far after 4 weeks.  After this week they have a string of five very tough football games coming up including divisional tilts against the Broncos and Chargers.  They are marching into St Louis to face a 0-5 football team and could very easily overlook the Rams while looking ahead to the Chargers in week 7.  Rich Gannon has been unbelievable so far in 2002 and will have another solid football game this week.  Running back Charlie Garner has also been fabulous but will likely sit this week out due to injury.  He will be a huge loss for the team.

The Rams have stunk out the joint this year.  Marshall Faulk hasn’t run the ball well, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce haven’t found the end zone and the defense has been weak.  However these are still the Rams that scored a ton of points over the past three years and they have the talent to rise up with a big performance at home at any time.  Remember two weeks back to when the Detroit Lions knocked off the favored Saints.  I see more of the same this week as the Rams, although clearly the weaker team, should be able to pull off a victory in this game.

The Raiders Notes: 

- RB Charlie Garner (Hamstring) is questionable

·         Charlie Garner is an MVP candidate.   He has 596 total yards and 6 touchdowns

 

The Rams Notes: 

·         Marshall Faulk has only 261 rushing yards through the first 5 games this season.

Must Starts
QB Jamie Martin
RB Marshall Faulk
WR Torry Holt
WR Isaac Bruce
QB Rich Gannon
WR Tim Brown
WR Jerry Rice

Possible Starts
WR Jerry Porter
TE Ernie Conwell
TE Roland Williams

Only in a Pinch
WR Ricky Proehl

Final Thoughts:  I am torn on this game.  While the Raiders obviously have the better team this year, they are due for a letdown game and the Rams are more than due for a win.  I know the Raiders have the better team in all aspects of the game this year but the Rams at 0-6?  I simply do not see it.  Expect big numbers from Marshall Faulk and one of the Ram receivers will light up the Raiders secondary.  My upset special of the week is right here.  Rams win a shocker!

Predicted Score:

Oakland Raiders 31 at St. Louis Rams 34

 

 

 

 

Miami Dolphins 4-1 at Denver Broncos 4-1

Game Forecast

Both of these teams are coming off of huge wins last week against divisional foes.  The Dolphins put an ass-whooping on the Patriots last week to put claim to the top spot in the AFC East while the Broncos won a must win game against the Chargers to keep pace on the most competitive division in football, the AFC West.  The Dolphins continue to pound Williams as much as possible and he is up to 118 carries on the season.  He will likely be fed the ball 20+ times every game unless the team falls way behind early in a football game.  Jay Fiedler is much more effective with a lead than coming from behind.  His game relies on the Dolphins getting ahead in the football game.  Chris Chambers had a good game last week, as did rookie sensation Randy McMichael.

The Broncos finally seem to have made the decision to start Clinton Portis.  He has been getting more and more of the touches the past few weeks and seems to be the go-to running back now for the team.  He will find it tough going though against the strong Dolphin defense that is only giving up 82 rushing yards every game.  Brian Griese is off to a very nice start with 1176 yards passing and 9 touchdowns.  He will need to play very well this week to topple the tough Dolphins defense.

The Dolphins Notes: 

·         Ricky Williams continues to play a strong role in the offense.  He is the 2nd leading rusher in the NFL.

The Broncos Notes: 

·         Clinton Portis is emerging as the starting tailback.  He has 306 yards rushing and a strong 5.6 yard average. 

Must Starts
RB Ricky Williams
QB Brian Griese
WR Rod Smith
TE Randy McMichael

Possible Starts
QB Jay Fiedler
RB Clinton Portis
WR Ed McCaffrey
WR Chris Chambers
TE Shannon Sharpe

Only in a Pinch
WR Oronde Gadsden
RB Mike Anderson
RB Robert Edwards

Final Thoughts:  The Broncos and Dolphins are a toss up.  However I cannot go against my Dolphins so I’ll pick them to knock off the tough Broncos team.  Don’t be surprised to see this score reversed though.  Expect decent numbers from Ricky Williams and Clinton Portis but they have tough match ups against good run-stopping teams. 

Predicted Score:

Miami Dolphins 24 at Denver Broncos 17

 

 

Monday Night Football

 

San Francisco 49ers 3-1 at Seattle Seahawks 1-3

Game Forecast

The 49ers put a beating on the Rams that must have felt very good after years of futility against them.  Jeff Garcia and the boys took it to the Rams and cemented their role as division favorites this year.  They march into Seattle for an important divisional tilt against the Seahawks who have had two weeks to get ready for them.  The Seahawks dismantled the Vikings two weeks ago led by the record-breaking performance from Shaun Alexander.  Lost in that game though was the Vikings marching the ball up and down the field on the Hawks as though they were in a practice drill.  Costly drops and lapses of concentration thwarted the Vikings comeback but the Seahawks have a lot of huge question marks on the defensive side of the ball, which the 49ers should be able to exploit. 

Jeff Garcia has only thrown for 669 yards on the season in a huge surprise.  He was a first round pick in many fantasy leagues this year which is simply killing owners out there.  With the Seahawks poor performance to date against the run, look for his numbers to be fairly low this week as well as the 49ers pound Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst 30+ times.  Also look for 100 yards and a touchdown from Terrell Owens who is more than due.

The 49ers Notes: 

- WR J.J. Stokes (Knee) is questionable

·         The Running attack is very strong. Hearst and Barlow have combined for 482 rushing yards on the year

The Seahawks Notes: 

- TE Jerramy Stevens (Ankle) is out

·         Darrell Jackson has 282 yards receiving on the season but 0 touchdowns.

Must Starts
WR Terrell Owens
RB Garrison Hearst
RB Shaun Alexander
TE Eric Johnson
QB Jeff Garcia (how can you bench him?)

Possible Starts
WR Darrell Jackson
WR Koren Robinson
RB Kevan Barlow
TE Itula Mili
QB Trent Dilfer

Only in a Pinch
WR Tai Streets



Final Thoughts:  The Seahawks will keep it close but the strong rushing game of the 49ers and the superior defense will result in a win for the Niners.

Predicted Score:

San Francisco 49ers 21 at Seattle Seahawks 17