Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens
Broncos: The Ravens defense isn't what it used to be. While I don't expect Knowshon Moreno to run all over them, I do expect Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall to hook up often.
Ravens: Sitting at 3-3 and playing the undefeated Broncos, the Ravens will hit their panic button aka Ray Rice very often. Another 200 total yard performance is doable this weekend
Fantasy Factors: Brandon Marshall (8), Ray Rice (9)
Houston Texans vs Buffalo Bills
Texans: With all the injury problems the Bills have had on defense lately, this should be easy pickens for Schaub, Slaton and Johnson. Johnson was unquestionable earlier in the week, but he'll be fine to play.
Bills: Its not a big improvement, but at least one of the WRs on the Bills now is being productive. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Lee Evans hooked up a couple times last week against the Panthers showing that the Bills passing game is still has a faint heartbeat. The Texans improved run defense will be tested again this week when they get Marshawn Lynch.
Fantasy Factors: Matt Schaub (9), Marshawn Lynch (7)
Cleveland Browns vs Chicago Bears
Browns: The Bears pass defense has been weak this season, but I don't think Derek Anderson is the kind of guy that can take advantage of something like that.
Bears: This game should be known as Matt Forte's last chance. If he can't make it work at home against the Browns, its never going to happen this season. If Forte struggles, expect a 400 yard passing game from Jay Cutler. After the pounding they got in Cincy, they'll have no mercy for the Browns.
Fantasy Factors: Derek Anderson (5), Jay Cutler (10)
Seattle Seahawks vs Dallas Cowboys
Seahawks: The good news is the Cowboys pass defense is weak. The bad news is the Seattle offensive line couldn't protect Matt Hasselbeck from a pack of 1st graders, much less the Cowboys defensive line that beat the bejesus out of him last season. If they can't protect him, TJ Houshmandzadeh should see plenty of short passes.
Cowboys: This offense is just now starting to hit its stride with WR Austin Miles exploding. Seattle's defense is vulnerable in many ways, but one thing is for sure, Romo to Miles will happen very frequently.
Fantasy Factors: Matt Hasselbeck (7), Tony Romo (9)
St. Louis Rams vs Detroit Lions
Rams: If the Rams are going to win a game this year, it'll be this weekend against the Lions. This is the game Steven Jackson owners have been waiting for and the game that it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a chance on Marc Bulger and Donnie Avery.
Lions: Matthew Stafford is expected to be back, we're still not sure about Calvin Johnson. The Rams defense isn't anything special so getting Lions players in your lineup isn't a bad thing for a change.
Fantasy Factors: Steven Jackson (9), Kevin Smith (7)
San Francisco 49ers vs Indianapolis Colts
49ers: The Niners have a new QB and its one that should have taken over years ago, Alex Smith. The golden boy made a successful return to the lineup last week, throwing 3 TDs against the Texans. It won't be that easy this week in Indy though. Frank Gore should be a solid play against a Colts defense that is still struggling against the run.
Colts: After failing to pass for 300+ yards in a game last week, the Peyton Manning should be back on track this week although Reggie Wayne is dealing with an strained groin and could possibly not be available. This could mean big things for guys like Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Also, Donald Brown will be out, leaving all the RB duties to Joseph Addai.
Fantasy Factors: Frank Gore (7), Peyton Manning (8)
Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets
Dolphins: Last time the Phins played the Jets, Ronnie Brown the Wildcat a ton and ran for 74 yards and 2 TDs in rout to a 31-27 win. We should see plenty more of the Wildcat this weekend and the Jets will be without run stopper Kris Jenkins.
Jets: It was only 3 weeks ago these two teams met up in Miami, but since then Mark Sanchez has thrown 5 INT and just 1 TD. The Dolphins secondary isn't great, but Sanchez isn't playing well enough to beat anyone. The running game has been carrying this team. Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene should see plenty of carries, however Miami has one of the tougher run defenses.
Fantasy Factors: Ronnie Brown (9), Thomas Jones (6)
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
Giants: The G-Men will attempt to halt their losing streak in Philly with the division on the line. Eli Manning has been awful the last couple weeks and he'll have a tough time getting back on track. With Ahmad Bradshaw injured (but still playing), Brandon Jacobs should see plenty of carries.
Eagles: The Giants are susceptible to the deep ball and DeSean Jackson is 100%, however Donovan McNabb has been in a bit of a slump lately and this will be a tough matchup to break out of it. Brian Westbrook will be out and LeSean McCoy will get all of the carries.
Fantasy Factors: Brandon Jacobs (7), DeSean Jackson (8)
Oakland Raiders vs San Diego Chargers
Raiders: Back in Week One, the Raiders pushed around the Chargers and nearly won. This week, won't be anything like that one. The Raiders o-line isn't what it was back then, but the Chargers defense isn't what it used to be either. Justin Fargas will see a lot of carries and get around 100 yards.
Chargers: LT keeps saying he wants to prove himself again, but rushing for just 71 yards on 23 carries against the Chiefs isn't the way to do it. The Raiders defense is awful against the run, but LT hasn't proven he can take advantage. The bulk of the offense this week will come on the arm of Philip Rivers.
Fantasy Factors: Justin Fargas (7), Philip Rivers (9)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans
Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew turned in a clunker last time these two met and the Jags still won big on the arm of David Garrard. Until the Titans secondary can slow people down, even mediocre QB's like Garrard will light them up.
Titans: So Vince Young is finally the Titans QB again. It was really only a matter of time. Not having seen VY play in awhile is somewhat a cause for concern, however this is a soft pass defense and don't forget Young loves to run the ball too. It could be the rebirth of VY's career... or just another bad move by the winless Titans.
Fantasy Factors: David Garrard (8), Chris Johnson (8)
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
Vikings: Its the day Brett Favre has been dreaming about for months (maybe years). Its the day he goes into Lambeau field as the visitor. Favre destroyed the Pack in this first encounter. There's little reason to think he won't do it again. He's developed a strong chemistry with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin and the running game looks as strong as ever.
Packers: Aaron Rodgers may do a lot of memorable things in his career, but in the eyes of Packers fans nothing will be bigger than having him beat Favre in Green Bay. The Vikings secondary is in shambles right now and if their tattered offensive line can keep Vikings defenders off his back, we'll have ourselves a heck of a shootout.
Fantasy Factors: Brett Favre (8), Aaron Rodgers (7)
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals
Panthers: When turnovers are becoming a problem big enough to cause you to lose to the Bills, there's a problem. Only DeAngelo Williams should be considered when thinking about Panthers fantasy options and even that is sketchy this week as the Cards have the leagues' best run defense.
Cardinals: While the Panthers will have trouble doing what they do best, the Cards will have a similar problem as the Panthers have the NFL's best pass defense. I don't think that should cause anyone to shy away from Cardinals players this week though. The Panthers couldn't stop Larry Fitzgerald in the playoffs last year in Carolina, why would now be any different?
Fantasy Factors: DeAngelo Williams (6), Larry Fitzgerald (9)
Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints
Falcons: The Falcons have been playing great this year, but they showed some chinks in their armor last week in Dallas and this week they'll be in hostile territory on Monday Night Football. I'm not expecting a big game from Ryan or Turner, but they won't turn in clunkers either.
Saints: The unbeaten Saints, at home, on national television, its hard to imagine them losing this game. The Saints offense can crave up good defenses, just imagine what they'll do to the Falcons.
Fantasy Factors: Michael Turner (7), Drew Brees (10)
Bye Week: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins
Posted
Oct 30 2009, 12:00 PM
by
Nick Fruscello