A Deeper Look Into Week 5
Buffalo @ Chicago
This one's gonna be rough for the Bills. Owners of Willis McGahee may want to consider sitting him if they have a healthier alternative and the Bears defense could have a fun time against J.P.Losman and Co. It might not be such a cake walk for the Bears offense though. While I think they'll find success overall, the Bills D is group to be wary of. They've been quiet these past 2 weeks, but remember what they did to Tom Brady back in Week 1. Thomas Jones should get some good work, but the offense will center around Grossman, Berrian and Muhammed once again.
Cleveland @ Carolina
Can you even ride momentum if it comes in the form of beating the Raiders? The Browns face a much tougher D that is looking to re-establish itself as one of the elite defenses of the league. With very little running game to even speak of, Charlie Frye is going to find himself airing it out to his wideouts most of the day. I'll throw Dennis Northcutt in as a sleeper, but Braylon Edwards will get the most attention. For the Panthers it should be pretty free-wheeling. Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith should hook up early and often and we should see both DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams pounding the ball in the second half.
Detroit @ Minnesota
Two teams moving in opposite directions, if you ask me. The Lions offense is finally startign to get it and they have shown the ability to put points up on the board. Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Kevin Jones, and maybe even Mike Furrey should have a decent week against a struggling Vikings defense. I don't know if I'm buying the Mike Williams hype that Roy is pushing just yet. On the other side of the ball, the Vikings offense needs to get it together. Look for them to try and establish the run with Chester Taylor and, if their D can hold, then maybe let Brad Johnson loose a little. Troy Williamson and Jermaine Wiggins will be likely targets for most of the day.
Miami @ New England
So was last week really your last shot for your Dolphins? I hope so. The only one I think even worth considering from here on in is Ronnie Brown. Joey Harrington starting over Daunte Culpepper? It's possible. Nick Saban hasn't named a starter as of yet. Sorry Chris Chambers...your fantasy value is going down the toilet. For the Pats, we should see that tandem of Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney all day long. It looks like Tom Brady has found a new favorite in Doug Gabriel but Chad Jackson should see some looks his way. I'm about to start giving up hope on Ben Watson.
St. Louis @ Green Bay
A shootout in Wisconsin!!! With the ever-porous Packer defense, Mark Bulger should find Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and even Kevin Curtis all day long. Steven Jackson is supposed to see an increase in touches, but I think it will remain the same this week due to the fun Bulger will be having while airing it out. The Pack will counter as best as it can. Brett Favre will probably end up throwing it 50 times if he stays in the game this time. The Rams had some trouble containing on the pass, so Greg Jennings looks to be a decent play this week. And don't laugh, but Koren Robinson could also factor in strongly.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
The Bucs first official game being led by Bruce Gardkowski...hmmm. I just shook my magic 8 ball and it reads "outlook not so good". The Tampa offensive line is still pretty banged up even after the bye and the Saints defensive line is strong. It looks like a good week to start your Saints despite the Bucs traditionally solid defense. Between Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and Joe Horn, there are plenty of offensive weapons to wear Tampa down. I like the matchup so much, I'm even sticking with Horn in my lineup this week. Still wish I had John Carney.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis
I think the point spread on this game says it all. Last I looked it was still at 18 1/2. Start your Colts, bench your Titans. Peyton Manning should hook up with Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison a bunch and Joeseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes should run all over the the Titans defense. This should be a nice learning experience for Vince Young. He has a pretty weak running game (think they'll try Travis Henry this week?) and his only real targets are Ben Troupe and Drew Bennett. It's not going to be a fun day.
Washington @ NY Giants
A tough divisional matchup for both teams. The Giants are coming off a bye so they'll be well rested and should be well prepared for the game. Unfortunately, is the rest going to be enough for the secondary? The Skins offense has been strutting its stuff the past 2 weeks, between Mark Brunnell's completion record 2 weeks ago and Santana Moss' 3 TD performance last week. Clinton Portis looks like he's regaining his form and you can't ever count out the crafty Ladell Betts. Should be a good matchup for the Giants defensive front. As for offense, the Giants are never lacking in the talent...it's just the execution. Tiki Barber needs to get off on a strong start to allow Eli Manning to open it up a little later. Plaxico Burress needs a big game here, as does Jeremy Shockey.
Kansas City @ Arizona
So really...this is a no brainer right? Larry Johnson runs all over a suspect Cardinals defense and the Cards counter with Matt Leinart airing it out to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Well, that's what's supposed to happen. The key here is going to be the Chiefs defense. If the Chiefs can hold Edgerrin James in check and watch for the dump offs to him in the flat, then it's going to be a long day for Leinart. If not, then this game is going to be points galore and the Chiefs may need Damon Huard to actually "play" 2 weeks in a row. So which is it? My guess is the former as the Cards have failed to show up the past two weeks.
Oakland @ San Francisco
Nothing cures a two game losing streak better than a visit from the Raiders. Randy Moss now wants out, and while Lamont Jordan should find some success, it's just not going to be enough as the Niners get back on track this week. Frank Gore should have a great day this week and word is that he's working on that whole fumble thing. Alex Smith should find some success against a suspect Raider defense so Antonio Bryant and Eric Johnson make for good picks this week as well.
Dallas @ Philadelphia
Game of the week here? Word out of Dallas in the preseason was that T.O.'s workout reps were done in sets of 10 and 8. Get it? 10/8? The date of his big return? Explosive media hype here as Big D comes to a banged up Philly. The Philly D has some holes and are lacking in the pass defense area so Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, and yes, Terrell Owens should all have big games this week, regardless of what the Philly d-backs are saying. For the Eagles, Donovan McNabb continues to look great and should have another solid week as he shows T.O. that he can do it on his own. And he may have to as Donte Stallworth is doubtful and Brian Westbrook is questionable. If you're starting Eagles not named McNabb, they should be L.J. Smith and Greg Lewis.
Pittsburgh @ San Diego
Big defensive game here. I like the Charger D over the Steeler D, but both play a pretty rough game. If I were starting players in this game, my top 3 choices would be LaDanian Tomlinson, Nate Kaeding and Jeff Reed. I feel a lot of field goals here. It would be nice to see Phillip Rivers hook up with Antonio Gates a little, seeing as how his other receivers are mediocre at best. Tough call against the Steelers linebackers and safeties. For Pitt, Big Ben is still banged up and just doesn't look right and Hines Ward is still dealing with his hamstring problems. If Willie Parker can't get it going, then look for Roethlisberger to hook up with Heath Miller as much as he can.
Baltimore @ Denver
Another defensive battle here as the Ravens give up an average of 10.3 points per game, and the Broncos have only let up 31 pts. in their last 3. Great for the under...not great for fantasy numbers. I'm still giving the edge to the Broncos as I think their offensive weapons can outsshine Baltimore's They can pound with both Bells, Mike and Tatum, and if the O-line can hold, we'll see a little more of the Plummer to Walker show. While McNair can be a great come from behind type guy, he can't do it every week and not always aginst the better defenses.
This one's gonna be rough for the Bills. Owners of Willis McGahee may want to consider sitting him if they have a healthier alternative and the Bears defense could have a fun time against J.P.Losman and Co. It might not be such a cake walk for the Bears offense though. While I think they'll find success overall, the Bills D is group to be wary of. They've been quiet these past 2 weeks, but remember what they did to Tom Brady back in Week 1. Thomas Jones should get some good work, but the offense will center around Grossman, Berrian and Muhammed once again.
Cleveland @ Carolina
Can you even ride momentum if it comes in the form of beating the Raiders? The Browns face a much tougher D that is looking to re-establish itself as one of the elite defenses of the league. With very little running game to even speak of, Charlie Frye is going to find himself airing it out to his wideouts most of the day. I'll throw Dennis Northcutt in as a sleeper, but Braylon Edwards will get the most attention. For the Panthers it should be pretty free-wheeling. Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith should hook up early and often and we should see both DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams pounding the ball in the second half.
Detroit @ Minnesota
Two teams moving in opposite directions, if you ask me. The Lions offense is finally startign to get it and they have shown the ability to put points up on the board. Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, Kevin Jones, and maybe even Mike Furrey should have a decent week against a struggling Vikings defense. I don't know if I'm buying the Mike Williams hype that Roy is pushing just yet. On the other side of the ball, the Vikings offense needs to get it together. Look for them to try and establish the run with Chester Taylor and, if their D can hold, then maybe let Brad Johnson loose a little. Troy Williamson and Jermaine Wiggins will be likely targets for most of the day.
Miami @ New England
So was last week really your last shot for your Dolphins? I hope so. The only one I think even worth considering from here on in is Ronnie Brown. Joey Harrington starting over Daunte Culpepper? It's possible. Nick Saban hasn't named a starter as of yet. Sorry Chris Chambers...your fantasy value is going down the toilet. For the Pats, we should see that tandem of Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney all day long. It looks like Tom Brady has found a new favorite in Doug Gabriel but Chad Jackson should see some looks his way. I'm about to start giving up hope on Ben Watson.
St. Louis @ Green Bay
A shootout in Wisconsin!!! With the ever-porous Packer defense, Mark Bulger should find Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and even Kevin Curtis all day long. Steven Jackson is supposed to see an increase in touches, but I think it will remain the same this week due to the fun Bulger will be having while airing it out. The Pack will counter as best as it can. Brett Favre will probably end up throwing it 50 times if he stays in the game this time. The Rams had some trouble containing on the pass, so Greg Jennings looks to be a decent play this week. And don't laugh, but Koren Robinson could also factor in strongly.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
The Bucs first official game being led by Bruce Gardkowski...hmmm. I just shook my magic 8 ball and it reads "outlook not so good". The Tampa offensive line is still pretty banged up even after the bye and the Saints defensive line is strong. It looks like a good week to start your Saints despite the Bucs traditionally solid defense. Between Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and Joe Horn, there are plenty of offensive weapons to wear Tampa down. I like the matchup so much, I'm even sticking with Horn in my lineup this week. Still wish I had John Carney.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis
I think the point spread on this game says it all. Last I looked it was still at 18 1/2. Start your Colts, bench your Titans. Peyton Manning should hook up with Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison a bunch and Joeseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes should run all over the the Titans defense. This should be a nice learning experience for Vince Young. He has a pretty weak running game (think they'll try Travis Henry this week?) and his only real targets are Ben Troupe and Drew Bennett. It's not going to be a fun day.
Washington @ NY Giants
A tough divisional matchup for both teams. The Giants are coming off a bye so they'll be well rested and should be well prepared for the game. Unfortunately, is the rest going to be enough for the secondary? The Skins offense has been strutting its stuff the past 2 weeks, between Mark Brunnell's completion record 2 weeks ago and Santana Moss' 3 TD performance last week. Clinton Portis looks like he's regaining his form and you can't ever count out the crafty Ladell Betts. Should be a good matchup for the Giants defensive front. As for offense, the Giants are never lacking in the talent...it's just the execution. Tiki Barber needs to get off on a strong start to allow Eli Manning to open it up a little later. Plaxico Burress needs a big game here, as does Jeremy Shockey.
Kansas City @ Arizona
So really...this is a no brainer right? Larry Johnson runs all over a suspect Cardinals defense and the Cards counter with Matt Leinart airing it out to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Well, that's what's supposed to happen. The key here is going to be the Chiefs defense. If the Chiefs can hold Edgerrin James in check and watch for the dump offs to him in the flat, then it's going to be a long day for Leinart. If not, then this game is going to be points galore and the Chiefs may need Damon Huard to actually "play" 2 weeks in a row. So which is it? My guess is the former as the Cards have failed to show up the past two weeks.
Oakland @ San Francisco
Nothing cures a two game losing streak better than a visit from the Raiders. Randy Moss now wants out, and while Lamont Jordan should find some success, it's just not going to be enough as the Niners get back on track this week. Frank Gore should have a great day this week and word is that he's working on that whole fumble thing. Alex Smith should find some success against a suspect Raider defense so Antonio Bryant and Eric Johnson make for good picks this week as well.
Dallas @ Philadelphia
Game of the week here? Word out of Dallas in the preseason was that T.O.'s workout reps were done in sets of 10 and 8. Get it? 10/8? The date of his big return? Explosive media hype here as Big D comes to a banged up Philly. The Philly D has some holes and are lacking in the pass defense area so Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, and yes, Terrell Owens should all have big games this week, regardless of what the Philly d-backs are saying. For the Eagles, Donovan McNabb continues to look great and should have another solid week as he shows T.O. that he can do it on his own. And he may have to as Donte Stallworth is doubtful and Brian Westbrook is questionable. If you're starting Eagles not named McNabb, they should be L.J. Smith and Greg Lewis.
Pittsburgh @ San Diego
Big defensive game here. I like the Charger D over the Steeler D, but both play a pretty rough game. If I were starting players in this game, my top 3 choices would be LaDanian Tomlinson, Nate Kaeding and Jeff Reed. I feel a lot of field goals here. It would be nice to see Phillip Rivers hook up with Antonio Gates a little, seeing as how his other receivers are mediocre at best. Tough call against the Steelers linebackers and safeties. For Pitt, Big Ben is still banged up and just doesn't look right and Hines Ward is still dealing with his hamstring problems. If Willie Parker can't get it going, then look for Roethlisberger to hook up with Heath Miller as much as he can.
Baltimore @ Denver
Another defensive battle here as the Ravens give up an average of 10.3 points per game, and the Broncos have only let up 31 pts. in their last 3. Great for the under...not great for fantasy numbers. I'm still giving the edge to the Broncos as I think their offensive weapons can outsshine Baltimore's They can pound with both Bells, Mike and Tatum, and if the O-line can hold, we'll see a little more of the Plummer to Walker show. While McNair can be a great come from behind type guy, he can't do it every week and not always aginst the better defenses.
posted by Howard Bender at
5:50 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home