Preparing for the Raider-Bronco Showdown;Examining Kyle Orton

When Bears’ General Manager Jerry Angelo traded Kyle Orton for disgruntled QB Jay Cutler, it raised more questions than it answered. Did the Bears give up too much? Was Jay Cutler worth the risk, and with Kyle Orton coming into his own in Chicago, was he the QB that the Bears needed going into the future?

Rex Grossman had all but over stayed his welcome, and Kyle was seen as sort of a clean up man, or a very good second option before Grossman was officially relieved of his duties and Kyle became the number one option.

By all accounts he raised a lot of eyebrows in the Bears organization, as well as the Broncos, primarily because of his arm strength, his decision making ability, and his ability to scramble and make plays out of the pocket.

See:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/04/05/trade/index.html

Only a few games into the season and he is being praised already by teammates for his leadership and by his former team, the Chicago Bears, as Lovie Smith explained to CBSsports.com

“He has the things you look for in a quarterback. First, you want him to be a leader, and the team had faith that he could get the job done. There’s no question of that…His first year as (a starter), the team voted him as team captain, and that’s saying a lot.”

Orton threw for 2,972 yards and 18 touchdowns in 15 starts his last season with Chicago per chicagobears.com.

Per ESPN, Orton’s current QB rating is  90.9 with 506 yards and 2 touchdowns thrown with the Broncos.

It goes without saying that the Raiders in their match-up Sunday with the Denver Broncos cannot forget Orton and his ability to change the dynamic of the game.

Coach Cable noted some keys to the game which include better execution, sharper focus, and more attention to detail.

One of the keys to watch for, not noted, will be the defenses ability to rush Orton effectively and pressure him into mistakes. One team that seems to do this well would be the Green Bay Packers, we all know what their pressure defense did to the Bears.

See: http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=11136958

If the defense can remain consistent and come out with fire and ready to play, the Raiders should be able to record their first win at home this season.

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Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: Jamal Lewis and Phil Dawson Are Both Out

With the Cleveland Browns reeling at 0-2, and entering tomorrow’s clash with Baltimore as prohibitive underdogs (13.5 points), Browns’ fans have been expecting a long and perhaps demoralizing game on Sunday afternoon.

Now that two of the franchise’s most productive players this decade are not playing, the Browns chances of pulling off a shocking road upset look even more bleak.

Running back Jamal Lewis has been dealing with an injured hamstring and did not practice today or yesterday. Though the Browns and (and Lewis fantasy owners) had hoped that Jamal would be able to give it a go, the latest injury update on Lewis, via PFT, is that he is not playing tomorrow.

In fact, he did not even make the trip to Baltimore. Jerome Harrison is expected to pick up the bulk of the work in Lewis’ absence, with help from rookie James Davis.

Another Browns veteran who is not accompanying the team to Baltimore is kicker Phil Dawson, who is dealing with a strained calf according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via PFT). Dawson will be replaced tomorrow by former Dallas Cowboy Billy Cundiff.

Of course, if the game goes as most people think it will (including me), there won’t be much for Cundiff to do. I obviously hope that I and everyone is wrong, but it’s hard to have hope after the first two weeks of the season.

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Week Three Preview: Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at New England Patriots (1-1)

The Vitals:

Total Offense:

The New England Patriots are ninth in the NFL, with 370 ypg. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are currently 18th, posting 326 ypg.

Passing YPG:

The Patriots are in the top five when it comes to passing yards, averaging 292 yards passing per game, good enough for fourth in the league. The Falcons are ranked 17th overall, posting 216.5 yards passing per game.

Rushing YPG:

This has been an area of weakness for the Pats, and it shows in the rankings, where they are sitting at 26th in the league, averaging 78 rushing yards per contest. The Falcons have been solid so far this season, averaging 109.5 rushing yards per game, good enough for 16th in the league.

Total Defense:

New England’s defense has been surprisingly stingy so far this season, yielding only 265 yards per game (third overall). Coming in at 22nd in the league, the Falcons allow 349.5 yards per game when they’re on defense.

Points Per Game:

The Patriots are currently ranked 22nd overall, posting 17 points per game. The Atlanta Falcons have fared better so far this season, putting up 23.5 points per game, which has them at ninth overall.

Patriots Keys to the Game:

Establish a Running Game: The New England Patriots have been throwing the ball close to 50 times a game so far this season. In order to have a successful offense, the attack needs to be more balanced, especially with Brady struggling to get his rhythm back.

This would be the week to do it, as the receiving corps is gimpy at the moment, and, unlike Buffalo and New York, Atlanta does not have a Top 10 rushing defense, allowing 120 yards on the ground per game (19th overall).

Continue the Solid Defense: So far this season, Patriots have had more to worry about offensively than defensively. Even without stud linebacker Jerod Mayo manning the middle of the field, the Patriots defense is still ranked third in the league in yards allowed, and 15th in points allowed. This unit has been solid so far this season, and it needs to contain Matt Ryan and company if New England hopes to snag its second victory.

No More Injuries: Even though a Bill Belichick injury report essentially means nothing (he is notorious for being overly cautious—Brady has been on the injury report every game for four years with an elbow problem), it is clear that the Pats don’t need any more injuries.

Receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss are a little banged up, linebacker Mayo is out for an extended period of time, and the Pats have a couple other injuries out there as well. While they are not in a dire situation yet, one more injury on either side of the ball could cause major problems.

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NCAAF: Several Top Teams Fall Flat

Jeremiah Masoli had plenty to smile about today as his Oregon Ducks smashed No. 6 Cal, 42-3.

Every week of the college football season there tends to be some attrition within the ranks of the unbeaten.  This weekend proved to be no different, as it seemed like there were an unusually high amount of teams getting handed their first loss.

Most notable of these teams are Ole Miss, Cal, and Miami (Fla.), who will all be coming out of the Top 10 on Monday morning.

Let’s start with the Ole Miss Runnin’ Rebels, who proved to be a good bit overrated, especially on the offensive side of the ball, in their 16-10 letdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia on Thursday night.

The Ol’ Ball Coach looked like he was on top of his game in the Gamecocks triumph over Ole Miss

 

Heisman darkhorse Jevan Snead looked like anything but that as he was a miserable 7-of-21 for 107 yards and one long TD pass that brought the slimmest amount of credibility to his lackluster performance. 

Tailback Dexter McCluster wasn’t much better, as he was limited to 15 carries for 85 yards, in part due to the good pressure put on the Rebs’ O-Line by a strong South Carolina rush. 

The surprise of the game would definitely have to be the strong play of Gamecocks QB Stephen Garcia, who wasn’t spectacular, but did what he had to do in order to give his team only its second win in 34 tries against Top 5 opponents, and the program’s first in 27 years. 

Steve Spurrier desperately needed this win to prove that he has improved South Carolina football since taking the reins and to show that they have the potential to wreak some havoc in an always competitive SEC.

Moving into today’s games, it’s very hard to say that the Cal Golden Bears weren’t looking past Oregon because they basically stayed in Berkeley for this one, as the Ducks derailed the sixth-ranked team in the country, 42-3.

Jeremiah Masoli was spectacular, going 21-of-25 for 253 yards and 3 TDs (all to his favorite target in Ed Dickson). 

Major kudos to the Oregon defense in this one, though, as Jahvid Best was almost a complete non-factor, as he was limited to 55 yards on the ground by a team that now has a couple of wins under its belt to help forget their season-opening losses to Boise State, and yes, I meant losses, lest we forget LeGarrette Blount.

The last game that really impacts the early-season look at the rankings was the biggest game of the weekend.  Apparently, Virginia Tech forgot that this game was supposed to be the statement win for the Miami Hurricanes in the ACC and their entry into serious consideration for the BCS because the Hokies dominated from start to finish in an impressive 31-7 beatdown of the ‘Canes. 

Va. Tech won it exactly the way a Frank Beamer coached team usually wins games with a suffocating defense that held the ‘Canes to 209 total yards of offense, combined with a physical and grinding rushing attack that tallied 272 total yards of offense and 2 TD’s. 

After it looked like the loss to Alabama ended hopes of a national title run and as much as they struggled against Nebraska last week, the Hokies proved once again to be the class of the ACC this year, leaving no doubt in this one, especially with the losses for Florida State and North Carolina today.

Embarrassment Alert: At the time of this post, the Greg Paulus-led Syracuse Orange are trailing the Maine Black Bears 17-13. 

If this one falls in favor of Maine, then I think we can finally agree to say that the grand experiment of bringing in a guy who hasn’t played football since his senior year of high school is a complete failure.

Also, keep an eye out west, where Cal Poly leads San Jose State, but we’ll cut the Spartans some slack because they are the sacrificial lambs for the USC’s and Cal’s of the world, so they don’t know how to play to win games.

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Is Darren Sproles the Next LT?… Not Even Close

With the uncharacteristic recent performance and injuries from LaDainian Tomlinson, as well as his fall from greatness possibly looming, some of the more optimistic Charger fans have actually suggested that Darren Sproles could be the next great running back, or the next LT.

Some have even suggested that Darren Sproles, not LaDainian Tomlinson, is the best running back on the team.

That is a bit of a knee slapper there. In reality Sproles doesn’t even compare to Tomlinson in his prime let alone Tomlinson at 30.

Sproles is not capable of being an every down back and if anything he compares to the likes of Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden and Leon Wahington.

Aside from a little speed and agility Sproles has nothing on Tomlinson, who is bigger, better, and stronger than the small fry running back.

In order to be an every-down back, the running back not only needs to be able to catch the ball and run both inside and outside the tackles. But one needs to be able to pass block and help protect his qaurterback.

Though this is a skill often over-looked in running backs Tomlinson is an effective blocker. Darren Sproiles on the other hand, listed at 5’6” 185 not so much.

Then there’s power running which Sproles lacks. Sure, on one hand you can’t tackle what you can’t catch. But what about running in between the tackles? Sproles is likely to be stopped dead in his tracks when met by a defender.

Tomlinson, he not only can run around you but through you. When he’s met at the line of scrimmage, he will lower a shoulder and try to go through you. He also often fights for extra yardage and almost always is falling forward for extra real estate.

Then there’s versatility. Sure Sproiles can hurt you on special teams, but that has nothing to do with being a better running back. Have you ever seen Darren Sproles run throw and recieve a touchdown in one game?…I didn’t think so.

Which ever way you look at it, LaDainian Tomlinson not Darren Sproles is the best running back the Chargers have. 

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Broncos in a Must-Win Game in Oakland

Like it or not Donkey Fans, Denver is in a must win situation on Sunday, against a team that is playing their third straight divisional game, and has good confidence going into a home game.

Why is it a must-win? It’s a must-win situation because the schedule is brutal after the game at Oakland. Dallas, New England, at San Diego, at Baltimore, Pittsburgh, at Washington, San Diego and the New York Giants in a row before they visit the Chiefs.

The fans just can’t help but talk themselves up after a lackluster performance at Cincinnati, and their 11th straight home opening win against Cleveland. What makes their team so special?

You can’t argue with stats, right? Denver is ranked first in points given up this year, allowing only 13 points. They are second in yards allowed, which has their fans praising Mike Nolan.

What they may realize, but fail to mention in their articles is that Oakland’s defense is much improved as well. Oakland defense was on the field against Kansas City, in Kansas City, for 38-plus minutes, and only allowed 10 points.

Still, Denver fans will insist that they can run to glory against this defense. They say that running against Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis is a sure fire way to slow down the pass rush. I think that it is running game suicide and three and out series waiting to happen.

Denver fans are also quick to point out that Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell is a bust in progress. However, their head coach disagrees.

Josh McDaniels has been quick to point out JaMarcus has the highest average per completion in the league, at 16.6 yards per completion.

He also is bright enough to realize that some of the blame falls on the shoulders of Oakland’s rookie pass catchers, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy. While both have blazing speed, 4.25-40 and 4.32-40 respectively, McDaniels states that wide receiver is a tough transition in the NFL.

“That’s a hard position (WR) to come into the league and just immediately play, do all the little things well, because you see so many things you don’t see in college football,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.

While JaMarcus is willing to throw himself under the bus, with the understanding that when things get good, he will be the one taking credit, he is also saying that he will intentionally throw balls away, and let the superstar punter Shane Lechler do his job while his receivers progress.

Many people are calling Russell out, saying his accuracy is to blame, and that “you can’t teach accuracy.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Right from the time JaMarcus was drafted, though they said he needed to work on his footwork, draft experts said that one of his strengths as a passer was “accuracy and touch.” One even said his physical skill set was “the best I’ve ever seen in my life.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0VxSOCXTjE

JaMarcus completed 61.2 percent of his passes down the stretch of the final seven games in 2008, and that includes a 35.7 percent performance in his final 2008 game against KC. Eerily similar to his numbers this year. In that game, he was 10 for 28 passing, while in his last effort against KC, he was 7-of-24.

If history is telling of the future, then JaMarcus should have a great game against Denver. I know Donkey fans will dispute this, because their defense is ‘so improved’ this year. Last season, JaMarcus was nearly flawless in both games against the Broncos.

In the two games combined, he threw 27 completions in 37 attempts (78.1%), had 332 yards, had three touchdowns and no picks, and had a QB rating of 130.1.

The fact that the Donkey fans even have the fortitude to call JaMarcus out is something you have to give them credit for.

However, when they say that the Oakland secondary is no match for the Broncos wide receivers, that’s where I draw the line.

To say that Champ Bailey is as good as Nnamdi Asomugha may not be an overstatement, but to compare Chris Johnson to Andre Goodman is no match. The Bronco’s used to have Dre Bly, maybe you could make that argument, but Goodman is no Johnson.

Johnson is one of the most underrated DB’s in the league, so you can’t blame Donkey followers for making a mistake like this.

In game one against Oakland in 2008, Eddie Royal smoked DeAngelo Hall for nine catches, 146 yards and a touchdown.

In game two, man to man against Chris Johnson, Royal had just two catches for 14 yards. This year, Royal is an under-achiever, with only five catches for 38 yards against two of the worst defenses in the NFL last season.

In addition to this, Johnson was ranked seventh on WalterFootball.com’s list of free agent defensive backs earlier this year. That was before he set his season goal to make the Pro Bowl this year.

Pony fans are also always quick to jump on the Brandon Stokley bandwagon when you point out the flaws of Brandon Marshall and Royal. Stokley is a great possession receiver, and I will not deny him that accreditation.

However, if you think he has the skills necessary to be your best receiver against Oakland on Sunday, I will tell you I hope you’re right. He will get nine catches for 45 yards and one touchdown.

I don’t think there is any need to address the reversal; I can attest that our receivers will probably not beat the Broncos defensive backs.

Our defensive line is superior to theirs, in spite of what you’ve heard from the pony riders. They will tell you that Elvis Dumervil is better than our entire line, and he has four sacks. The part they *DUH* don’t realize is that Dumervil actually is playing outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s scheme.

Speaking of Linebackers, donkey fans would want you to believe that Andre Davis, the Cleveland Browns reject, is better in the middle than Kirk Morrison. They say, “Davis compiled 90 tackles last season, and is looking solid in the middle.”

Ha, I laughed when I read it too. Oakland’s middle linebacker, Kirk Morrison has averaged 124 tackles since his rookie season.

For you pony riders who have no math skills, that is 34 more than Davis had last year in a 4-3 scheme like Morrison. It is also 57 more than Davis had the year before that, playing in all 16 games.

Thomas Howard is greater than or equal to DJ Williams. Williams has averaged 98 tackles a year as a Bronco. Howard has averaged 100 tackles a year as a Raider. This year Howard has 17 tackles, Williams has 15.

As far as linebackers go, you pony riders don’t really have another worth mentioning, although you are supposed to have four. We have Ricky Brown, who is a very passionate player, with a strong skill set, who can lay the wood and bring the pain.

Your halfbacks are a group of journeymen, and a rookie, who may not play because of a bad groin. Our halfbacks are widely considered one of the best young groups in the entire league.

Like it or not donkey’s, or pony riders, or whatever it is you are calling yourselves these days, Oakland is just as good, or better than your team.

They are also as well coached as your team, as well as they are playing their third straight divisional game, and it is at home.

This game will be closer than you’d like to think, or even admit.

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Do the 2009 San Francisco 49ers Remind Anyone Else of the 2000 Baltimore Ravens?

Yes I said it. This year’s 49ers squad looks very reminiscent of the 2000 Super-Bowl Champion Ravens.

But let me say this I am not making a prediction here. I am not predicting the 49ers to go 12-4 or win the Super Bowl. All I’m doing is comparing two teams who seem to have a lot of parallels.

Both teams boast dominate defenses and snore-fest offenses that heavily rely on the running game and clock management.

Lets take a look at some key positions the two teams had in common starting with the offense

Quarterbacks

Neither teams QBs are spectacular the Ravens had Trent Dilfer who is the consensus worst QB to ever win the Super Bowl but was a great game manager. The 49ers have Shaun Hill who few have heard of. I would call Shaun Hill a game manager. Currently the 49ers are in a tie at 20th in passing yards

Running Backs

Both teams had very impressive half backs. The Ravens had Jamal Lewis coming into his prime. And the 49ers have another big punishing work horse in Frank Gore, who has been very impressive thus far this season leading the 49ers to a ninth ranked rushing offense.

Tight End

The Ravens had one of the best in the Game in Shannon Sharpe. The 49ers have Vernon Davis. Though his numbers are little to brag about thus far he is a physical freak and can be very dangerous at the tight end position.

Now onto the defenses. Both teams have scary good defenses and both teams are led by the best linebacker of there respective times. Also both teams ran a base 3-4. Let’s take a look at some key players on each defense.

Middle Linebacker

Well the Ravens had the best linebacker of the time and possibly the best ever, Ray Lewis. The 49ers have the best linebacker of now Patrick Willis

Defensive Backs

The 2000 Ravens also had one of the best secondaries of the time. They had Chris McAlsiter in his prime and a seasoned Rod Woodson who is now in the Hall of Fame.

The 49ers currently have a very solid corner in Nate Clements as well as some young corners and safeties coming into their own.

So what do you think are the 2009 49ers a reincarnation of the 2000 Ravens?

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Chris J. Nelson’s 2009 Week 3 NFL Game Predictions

It seems like there are weeks where all the games on at the time are going my way, then I end up losing half of them. Oh well, on to this week.

Last week’s record: 10-6
Season record: 21-11

Redskins over Lions—I’m never picking the Lions. Not going to happen for a very long time. Jason Campbell should have a field day against this horrendous secondary.

Packers over Rams—Green Bay lost a tough one to Cincinnati last week, but I still like the team overall and I expect them to beat a St. Louis team that really only features one quality player on offense in Steven Jackson.

Vikings over 49ers—San Francisco has jumped out to an early division lead, but Adrian Peterson should lead the Vikings to victory and hand the 49ers their first loss of 2009.

Patriots over Falcons—New England has gotten off to a slow start in 2009, and the mounting injuries aren’t helping. Still, I think Tom Brady overcomes the adversity and beats a tough Falcons team this week.

Titans over Jets—Not the logical pick, but in my experience, teams that aren’t bottom-feeders or among the elite never win or lose too many in a row. I think the Titans get their first win of 2009, while handing the Jets their first loss.

Eagles over Chiefs—I’m not big fan of Kevin Kolb and he definitely hurts the Eagles’ chances of winning compared to Donovan McNabb, but I still like Philadelphia as a team much better than Kansas City.

Giants over Buccaneers—The Giants’ offense isn’t missing a beat with a very young receiving corps, and I think they’ll continue to roll this week against the Bucs.

Ravens over Browns—There just isn’t much to like about Cleveland right now, and Baltimore should handle them easily.

Texans over Jaguars—If Houston’s offense plays like it did last week, they can beat anyone. Jacksonville has struggled to get going this season, and I expect those struggles to continue at least one more week.

Saints over Bills—The Bills just don’t impress me at all, and I don’t think you can pick against New Orleans’ explosive passing offense right now.

Bears over Seahawks—It’s hard to pick a Seneca Wallace-led Seahawks team to a victory, and I’m not going to this week. The Bears should be able to put this one away fairly easily.

Steelers over Bengals—Cincinnati is certainly better than they were last year, but I still like Pittsburgh better and predict they’ll rebound from that close loss against Chicago last week.

Broncos over Raiders—JaMarcus Russell just isn’t progressing, and I can’t justify picking a team led by him until I see quite a bit more.

Dolphins over Chargers—An upset pick, San Diego is just so banged up right now, and I think the Dolphins take advantage by continuing their strong running game led by Ronnie Brown. Maybe this time they’ll actually be able to finish.

Colts over Cardinals—When you have two high-powered offense that have been underachieving, you always go with the one led by Peyton Manning.

Cowboys over Panthers—It’s hard to envision the Panthers starting off 0-3, but there’s just something about the Cowboys (Tony Romo’s smile?) that I like. I think they’ll get the first win in their new stadium this week.

Chris J. Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University.  He operates his own Miami Dolphins web site, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and can be followed on Twitter here.

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Week 3 Predictions: Chris Johnson Due for a Letdown

Last week, Chris Johnson had a career day: 197 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 9 receptions for 87 yards and one more TD.

For anybody that was facing off against him in fantasy was almost assured of a loss. That not only showed us what Johnson could do with that many touches, but also gave us evidence that the Texans defense stinks.

This week, he won’t be so lucky, as he faces a defense that has not let up an offensive touchdown in two games: the New York Jets.

If you own Johnson, you are obviously starting him, but keep your expectations low, because this Rex Ryan run defense is an elite defense.

Johnson should still have a productive day, especially in PPR leagues, but don’t expect another big day. Who shall we expect to have a huge game?

Maurice Jones-Drew should have a monster game as he goes up against the Texans this week. Starting anybody in the Texans-Jaguars game should be gold for fantasy owners as both defenses have struggled. Lets get to the predictions:

CLE@BAL

Prediction: CLE 7 BAL 21

It is pretty clear that the Browns will compete as one of the worst teams in the league this year, and the Ravens are proving they are an elite team. I would sit any Brown not named Braylon Edwards, as the Ravens should roll.

Start all your Ravens, especially Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, because even though they share touches, they will still produce.

Boom: All Ravens, Braylon Edwards

Bust: All other Browns

WAS@DET

Prediction: WAS 14 DET 17

You want your upset of the week? This is it right here. The Redskins are ripe for an upset as they are dealing with injuries and bad coaching. They should have lost to the Rams last week if the Rams weren’t so bad. Expect the Lions to get their first victory since 2007.

I’d start most of the Redskins, but Santana Moss is too risky right now to start even in a favorable match up.

Boom: Jason Campbell, Clinton Portis (if he plays), Chris Cooley, Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith

Bust: Santana Moss

JAX@HOU

Prediction: JAX 27 HOU 31

This will be the highest scoring game of the weekend as both defenses are awful. I would start everybody in this one and some sleepers such as Mike Sims-Walker.

MJD will go nuts and so will Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels.

Boom: All Texans and Jaguars

Bust: Nobody

SF@MIN

Prediction: SF 14 MIN 17

The Vikings are 2-0 but they have beaten two of the worst teams in the league in the Browns and the Lions so we will see what happens when they face a solid team in the 49ers.

I would start Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, but everybody else on the offense is risky since they are not a passing team. This should be a close, defensive battle so I’d stay away from any other 49ers besides Frank Gore.

I would start both defenses in this one.

Boom: Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Frank Gore, both defenses

Bust: Brett Favre, Bernard Berrian, Shaun Hill, Vernon Davis

ATL@NE

Prediction: ATL 24 NE 27

This will be a close game that will come down to the end. Tom Brady faces another elite pass-rusher in John Abraham, but they have seen him before so expect the Pats to protect Brady better this week.

I’d start all healthy Pats besides the running backs and the Falcons should be able to move the ball frequently. Neither defense should be started here. Check for player updates until game time since the Pats never reveal anything before then.

Wes Welker and Randy Moss are listed as questionable, but I expect both to play.

Boom: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Ben Watson, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White

Bust: Both defenses, Fred Taylor and Lawrence Maroney

KC@PHI

Prediction: KC 10 PHI 24

Even though Donovan McNabb will miss the game and Brian Westbrook might too, I would start all other Eagles against a weak KC defense. DeSean Jackson should have a field day if he starts and LeSean McCoy would have a big day if Westbrook misses the game.

Brent Celek is having a huge year so far and it won’t stop here. I’d stay away from most of the Chiefs other than Dwyane Bowe.

Boom: Kevin Kolb, DeSean Jackson, Brian Westbrook (if he plays), LeSean McCoy (if he starts), Brent Celek, Jason Avant, Eagles defense

Bust: Matt Cassel, Larry Johnson

GB@STL

Prediction: GB 27 STL 14

One week after having a huge win over the Bears, the Packers looked lifeless against the Bengals and the Bengals marched into Lambeau Field and got the upset. The biggest problem for the Pack has been pass protection as Aaron Rodgers is getting sacked and hit almost every play.

That shouldn’t be a problem this week as the Rams defense is no where near as good as the Bears or the Bengals. Expect the Packers to bounce back nicely and start all of your regulars.

Jermichael Finley can be used as a sleeper this week as he had more targets last week and was more involved. Steven Jackson and Laurant Robinson are the only Rams that should be started this week.

Boom: All Packers, Steven Jackson, Laurant Robinson

Bust: All other Rams

NYG@TB

Prediction: NYG 34 TB 14

The Giants offense exploded last week against the Cowboys, especially Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Both guys should be picked up off waivers and started this week.

I expect the Giants to run more this week as they had to play catch-up last week. They’ll show more balance, but start any of your Giants against the hapless Bucs defense.

The Bucs will try to run the ball and control the clock since the Giants defense has struggled against the run thus far. Start your Bucs running backs, but don’t start anybody else.

Boom: All Giants, Derrick Ward, Cadillac Williams

Bust: All other Bucs

TEN@NYJ

Prediction: TEN 17 NYJ 14

The Titans are the best 0-2 team right now and they are desperate for a win. That’s not good for the Jets, who are 2-0 and have not given up an offensive TD yet. Since the Titans are a running team, unlike the Texans and the Patriots, Darrelle Revis can’t be used as effectively.

Expect the Jets to do everything possible to slow down Chris Johnson, but I think he’ll do enough for Kerry Collins to connect on some play-action passes. I’d start most of the Jets since the Titans defense has struggled thus far.

Dustin Keller should have a stellar day after seeing Heath Miller and Owen Daniels torch their secondary. This is a tough game to choose, but I’ll go with the desperate team.

Boom: Chris Johnson, Dustin Kellar, Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, both defenses

Bust: Kerry Collins, Thomas Jones, Mark Sanchez

NO@BUF

Prediction: NO 31 BUF 34

This should be a high scoring affair since neither defense is scary. Expect huge numbers from most of the Saints and the Bills. This is the last week Fred Jackson gets all of the touches for the Bills, but expect him to hold the starting job even with Marshawn Lynch’s return in week 4. Jackson should have another big day.

T.O. should score once again and I’d start Trent Edwards as a sleeper this week. The Saints’ running backs are all nicked up so Reggie Bush might be the only safe play, even though Pierre Thomas is listed as probable. Start Thomas is you own him, but keep expectations low since it’ll be his first game.

Boom: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, Trent Edwards, Fred Jackson, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens

Bust: Both defenses, Pierre Thomas

CHI@SEA

Prediction: CHI 24 SEA 14

The Bears should have an easy game this week since the Seahawks are injured once again and Matt Hasselbeck will miss the game. Start all your Bears with confidence, even though it’s tough to predict which Bears receiver will have a big game.

Johnny Knox has proven to be a reliable option for Cutler so far. Matt Forte has struggled thus far, but he catches a break facing the Seahawks depleted defense. He might have a career game. Stay away from any Seahawk this week besides T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Boom: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Bears defense, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Bust: All other Seahawks

PIT@CIN

Prediction: PIT 14 CIN 17

The Bengals franchise has come back from the dead and looks like a legitimate team once again with a healthy Carson Palmer, motivated Chad Ochocinco and a much-improved defense.

The Steelers could be 2-0 right now if it weren’t for Jeff Reed, but this is not the same team without Troy Polamalu. Willie Parker looks washed up, so the team has not had any success running the ball.

Even though you have to start him, I’d keep expectations low for Santonio Holmes going against Leon Hall, who shut down Greg Jennings to zero catches last week. The Steelers are playing a second consecutive road game and look ripe for an upset.

Boom: Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Steelers defense, Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Bengals defense

Bust: Willie Parker, Santonio Holmes, Cedric Benson

DEN@OAK

Prediction: DEN 21 OAK 17

The Broncos defense looks superb through two weeks and things will only get easier facing JaMarcus Russell, who has regressed. I’d play the Broncos defense with confidence this week.

The Raiders are dealing with injuries to the offensive line so that does not bode well for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. I’d stay away from my Raiders this week unless I had no better options.

The Broncos offense finally showed some flashes last week, but are still unreliable until the passing game shows up. I’d start Knowshon Moreno with confidence, but that’s about it. This won’t be a pretty game for fantasy owners.

Boom: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Broncos defense

Bust: Eddie Royal, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush

MIA@SD

Prediction: MIA 14 SD 24

The Dolphins offense showed signs of life last week as Ronnie Brown exploded. This offense remains one-dimensional though as long as Chad Pennington is their starter. I’d start Ronnie Brown and Ted Ginn Jr., but that’s it for Miami.

The Chargers offense looks like a juggernaut with Philip Rivers developing into a top quarterback. LT will miss another game (surprise, surprise) with an ankle injury so expect Darren Sproles to be heavily involved once again and produce.

Start all your Chargers after seeing the Colts have their way with the Miami defense last week.

Boom: Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles, Ronnie Brown, Ted Ginn Jr.

Bust: All other Dolphins, Chargers defense

IND@AZ

Prediction: IND 27 AZ 30

The Cardinals offense finally woke up last week after showing nothing week 1. This will be a scoring fest as neither defense is elite.

Start all your Cardinals and your Colts, because they will produce. I expect the Cardinals to edge the Colts with a late score to win the game.

Boom: All Colts, All Cardinals

Bust: Both defenses

CAR@DAL

Prediction: CAR 21 DAL 24

What business do the Cowboys have being nine point favorites despite seeing their defense not have any sacks or producing turnovers? The Panthers defense might stink too, but their offense still has playmakers.

I expect them to give the ‘Boys a heavy dose of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and a few bomb passes to Steve Smith. The Cowboys will miss Marion Barber is he doesn’t play, but Felix Jones will be a nice fill in.

Start Jones if you have him. I’d stay away from both defenses and Jake Delhomme, since he’s prone to bad games and turnovers.

Boom: Tony Romo, Roy Williams, Felix Jones, Jason Witten, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart

Bust: Both defenses

It should be another exciting week and I will be back next for more predictions. Enjoy the games and good luck to fantasy owners!

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MC’s Week Three NFL Picks

I am proud to have called the Jets victory over the Patriots but overall I did not fare as well Week Two as I anticipated, going 10-6. Tomorrow’s another week…

Everyone seems to like the Lions this week. I’m not drinking te Kool-Aid, the Redskins do not have an explosive offense. I’m not very concerned that they only scored nine points against the St. Louis Rams. With that defense, facing the Detroit Lions, they will score enough.

Redskins win 20-10.

Green Bay’s offensive line is a concern, especially after giving up five sacks last week to Bengals DE Antwan Odom. I still think this is the week that the Green Bay Packers offense breaks out against the hapless St. Louis Rams.

Packers win 31-10.

This my friends is man-football, two of the best running backs in the league and two of the best defenses so far too. Even though Minnesota is at home, I’m going to go with good coaching (Mike Singletary) over bad coaching (Brad Childress).

49ers wins 24-21.

Only once since 2003 have the New England Patriots lost back to back games. Bill Belichick is going to have them prepared after a tough loss to the Jets and expect a better Tom Brady playing at home and against an inferior defense. I dare you to pick the Falcons…Do it…You’ll be sorry.

Patriots win 31-24.

With every loss for the Tennessee Titans there is increased pressure to put in Vince Young. I don’t put much blame on Kerry Collins for the 0-2 start but this is a big game for him and the Tennessee Titans looking to avoid going 0-3. I have a man-crush on Rex Ryan though, I’m taking the Jets to go 3-0.

Jets win 17-13.

I think last week said much more about how good Drew Brees is and the Saints passing attack than it did about potential flaws in the Eagles secondary. Matt Cassel may look better making his second start coming off an ankle injury but not much. Kevin Kolb wins, who would have thought it?

Eagles 24-13.

Last week watching the way the Bills passing game looked confirmed it; Tampa Bay’s defense is terrible with a capital “T.” Expect the Giants to win fairly easily and remain undefeated.

Giants win 31-17.

The Ravens secondary is not what it used to be but the offense has been what is winning games. This makes for a good matchup against the Cleveland Browns but then again nearly anytime a team matches up against them it is a good match-up for that team. If I miss this one, my head’s gonna explode.

Ravens win 31-10.

I thought the Jaguars were a little better than people thought coming into this year. It appears that I may have been wrong. To say that the Arizona Cardinals passing game dominated last Sunday would be an understatement…To say that the Houston Texans’ passing game won’t too is just foolish.

Texans win 31-21.

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora says that it’s extremely unlikely that QB Matt Hasselbeck will play in this one, I think that’s the difference.

Bears win 21-14.

So Drew Brees needs 42 more passing TDs to become the single-season record holder. Ok I of course am not expecting him to threaten that record this week but I’m excited to watch him go to work on the Buffalo Bills secondary.

Saints win 52-28.

Cedric Benson was huge for the Bengals last week running for 108 yards, it’s hard to imagine he will do that against this Pittsburgh Steelers defense. For me this is one of the most intriguing games of the week. Cincinnati is bad deflection away from being 2-0 and the Steelers have not been able to generate a running game of their own.

I’m going to give the nod to the defending champs to rebound after a loss in Chicago.

Steelers win 20-17.

It’s time for the Oakland Raiders to start looking for another QB of the future. I’ve never been a fan of Russell but last weeks game sealed it. The difference between this game and Oakland’s last game with Kansas City is that Kyle Orton won’t turn the ball over like Matt Cassel. And the Denver Broncos much to everyone’s surprise will start off 3-0.

Broncos win 17-10.

At what point during the season will the real San Diego Chargers show up? Not yet I don’t think, the wildcat was especially effective last year for the Dolphins when they faced San Diego. I’m not a fan of this Dolphins team but I’m going to go with the upset.

Dolphins win 28-24.

The toughest game of the week for me to pick. My psychic powers tell me to expect a lot of scoring in this one. Even after just watching Peyton Manning absolutely steal one on Monday night against Miami I think the Cardinals have one too many play-makers on offense.

Cardinals win 35-31.

Marion Barber is expected to be a game time decision but even if he sees just limited action or none at all, the Cowboys running game should not suffer much having Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

They ran for over 250 yards against one of the best front sevens in football in the New York Giants and I expect them to have another big week. Plus, what better medicine for a defense with no turnovers than to face Jake Delhoumme.

Cowboys win 31-17.

Last Week: 10-6

Overall: 22-10

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