The Times-Picayune is reporting that New Orleans Saints RB Mike Bell could miss three to four weeks with his sprained knee. Mike Bell, the Saints, and team doctors have not commented on Bell’s status for this weekend’s game, let alone his status a month from now.
The timetable is roughly that of Pierre Thomas. The problem, though, is you’re not comparing apples to apples. First of all, everyone recovers at a different pace. Second, the extent of the injuries likely isn’t the same.
It’s all speculation at this point. Take the Cowboys for example. Marion Barber was slated to miss a week or two and he participates in practice the next two days. What’s worse is you can’t even count on the injury report because team’s can list someone on the report every week (ahem Tom Brady) or they can choose not to list them (ahem Brett Favre).
The odds of Bell playing this weekend are slim. Looking any further gets hazy. We’ll have to see if he can practice. Unless you are a game-changer like Brian Westbrook, practice is required to play. Mike Bell is solid, but Westy he is not. The Saints have an explosive passing game and Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush have shown they are capable of getting the job done out of the backfield. The Saints are so confident in their system that Lynell Hamilton could be called upon this weekend.
I urge you not to overreact and drop Mike Bell until further information is revealed. You can pick up Hamilton if have someone expendable, but check on Thomas’ status before you decide to plug him in on Sunday. The same goes for the Cowboys situation. You can plug in Felix Jones since he should produce whether MB3 plays or not, but do not use Tashard Choice, even in a flex spot, if Barber is going to play. They don’t go until Monday so you’ll have to make that decision on Sunday. When in doubt, I would lean towards using another option.
Going forward you’re likely to hear more injury timetables without the proper verification. I’m not saying they are wrong, but I just caution you to make any rash decisions until all of the facts are revealed.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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The first answer that comes to mind is, “Play him”—this weekend anyway, as he takes on the New Orleans Saints. The Bills are going to need every bit of firepower they can muster to keep up with the high-octane New Orleans Saints.
Fred Jackson has 220 rushing yards (5.1 ypc) and 11 receptions for 108 yards and a TD. Last year Jackson had 571 yards (4.4 ypc) and three TDs and 37 catches for 317 yards, so clearly what he’s done is not a fluke.
The problem comes next week when Marshawn Lynch returns from his suspension. Even though Jackson filled in admirably for Lynch, things are gonna change.
Lynch is too talented of a back to keep on the sidelines. He has averaged 1,075.5 yards and 7.5 TDs on the ground while averaging 4.1 ypc. He has added 65 catches for 484 yards and a TD through the air. If he weren’t such a knucklehead, he probably wouldn’t have to worry about his role in the Bills offense.
In my opinion, Jackson is better suited for the Bills’ no-huddle offense. The time Lynch missed gives Jackson the advantage, especially considering how well he’s played. It make little sense to abandon that style and go with the more deliberate Lynch.
I’m not saying Lynch won’t get his reps; I just think he takes a back seat to Jackson. Even last year, long before the suspension, Jackson was heavily involved n Buffalo’s offense.
It may be hard to rely on either one after this week, but they both absolutely need to be on fantasy rosters. If I had to choose one to play in Week Four, I would lean towards Fred Jackson, barring injury of course.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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Time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb. I scour the rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player in that given week. I base my decisions on matchups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch. To mix things up I’ll occasionally do some two-on-one matchups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other. Sometimes I’ll spot a player some points.
Scoring
6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.
Last Week:
Big Ben vs. Romo – Winner, Ben 21.65, Romo 16.65
AP vs. Forte/K.Smith – Winner – AP 17.6, Duo 15.5 (Forte – 9.3, Smith 6.2)
Ryan Grant vs. Michael Turner – Loser, Turner 17, Grant 12.8
B. Marshall vs. Andre Johnson – Loser, AJ 26.9, B. Marshall 4.8
P. Harvin vs. Ocho – Loser, Ocho 15.1, Percy 11.5
SS: L. McCoy +2 vs. S-Jax – Loser S.Jax 11.9, McCoy 7.5 (5.5 actual +2)
Regular Picks: 2-3
Super Stretch Picks: 0-1
Overall: 2-4
Season Record
Regular Picks: 3-7
Super Stretch Picks: 0-2
Overall: 3-9
Week 3 Picks
QB
Trent Edwards over Matt Ryan
The Bills take on the high-powered Saints this week so Trent Edwards is going to have to take to the air to stay in the game. He has the weapons on the outside in Lee Evans and T.O. to pile up the yardage. Besides, Kevin Kolb threw for nearly 400 yards last week against the Saints. Matt Ryan faces a New England team on the road coming off a divisional loss. Bill Belichick will make sure they are extra focused this week.
RBs
Fred Jackson over Frank Gore
Fred has one more week to show his stuff before Marshawn Lynch comes back. He should be heavily involved in both the runnning and passing game for the Bills. Gore is dealing with a sore ankle and facing the Vikings stout defense. Not a good combo.
Willis McGahee over Cedric Benson
McGahee is behind Ray Rice on the depth chart, but he’s had his number called plenty in the first two weeks. In fact, he has 4 TDs already. Baltimore takes on Cleveland this week so he should get plenty of looks in mop-up duty. Meanwhile Benson faces an angry Steelers D coming off a loss to his former team, the Bears.
WRs
Roy Williams over Dwayne Bowe
Romo will be playing on a smaller stage this week so look for him to deliver. Roy Williams should be one of his top recipients. Carolina is in danger of falling to 0-3, which should make them hungry, but I think Dallas will be too tough this week. If they drop the first two games in their palace, things will get ugly in Big D. Bowe gets to face an Eagles team that was embarrassed by the Saints. They too aren’t going to drop consecutive home games.
Eddie Royal over Jerricho Cotchery
Royal has been dreadful so far this year, but I think he breaks out this week against Oakland. Even though he’s shown nothing to suggest he capable of that this year, I think he has too much talent to continue to be held down. Cotchery faces a Tennessee team that was torched by Andre Johnson last week. Cortland Finnegan and Co. will do their best to keep Cotchery under wraps.
SUPER STRETCH
Anthony Fasano +2 over Owen Daniels
San Diego has allowed Zach Miller and Todd Heap to have big games at tight end in the first two weeks. Fasano has struggled, but this looks like his chance to break out. Jacksonville held Dallas Clark in check in Week 1 with just 39 yards. They didn’t face a pass-catching tight end last week against Arizona, but if they can shut down Clark, Daniels could be in trouble.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick five fantasy starters who could be in for a tough week. Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers—You have to play him because he’s taking on St. Louis, but there is a good chance that this game gets out of hand early and the Pack let Ryan Grant handle the heavy lifting.
Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans—Johnson has a tough matchup this week, playing the Jets on the road. You can’t bench your first-round pick in Week Three, especially after his monster performance against the Texans, but expect something closer to his Week 1 numbers.
Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions—It seems like I’m picking on the second-year backs in the early going. I’ll pile on with Kevin Smith. I don’t like his matchup against Washington. If he’s not active in the passing game, it will be a long day for his fantasy owners.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs—Bowe faces the Eagles this week. That ought to be a lot of fun, especially after they got crushed by the Saints. You almost have to play him, but don’t pencil him in for too many points.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals—Ocho gets to go up against the Steelers this week. It’s a home game for the Bengals, but still a tough draw. Carson Palmer will have his hands full. Ocho and Palmer were both impressive against Green Bay, but the Steelers are going to be fired up after falling to the Bears.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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There were some unusual heroes this past Sunday. There always are. Let’s take a look at them and see if they are worthy of your fantasy rosters.
Jake Delhomme, QB, Carolina Panthers
Jake Delhomme owners couldn’t get rid of him soon enough after Philly destroyed him. He responded with 308 yards and a TD against Atlanta, but they were playing from behind the whole fourth quarter. I don’t expect Delhomme to have to attempt 41 passes again anytime soon.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Byron Leftwich topped 275 yards for the second straight week. He has attempted 91 passes already. Eventually, he will step aside since the Bucs aren’t going anywhere, but until that point, he should be able to produce, because they are so bad.
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans
Jacoby Jones had a nice game with 73 yards and a TD. Before you get too wrapped up in the 13.3 fantasy points he registered, realize that he was only targeted on four of Matt Schaub’s 39 passes, coming up with two catches. He can’t be counted on for consistent fantasy production.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington was kind of the forgotten man after his injury, Kenny Britt’s debut, and Justin Gage’s big Week One. In a shootout against Houston, he had four catches for 36 yards and a TD. He led all Titan WR’s in targets with seven, but Tennessee is a run-heavy team and it’s hard to rely on any of their wides.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Bobby Wade, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Finally, someone worth endorsing. Bobby Wade recently joined Kansas City following his release by the Minnesota Vikings, who wanted to create more opportunities for Rookie Percy Harvin.
Wade is an excellent slot receiver, and should be able to produce for his new club. He tied for the lead with nine touches and led the Chiefs with 72 receiving yards.
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
With Wes Welker out, Julian Edelman had a busy Sunday with eight catches (on 16 targets) for 98 yards. He’s one to monitor because he plays in what should be an explosive offense, but I wouldn’t recommend using a roster space on him just yet.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Sims-Walker had a great game with six catches (on nine targets) for 106 yards and a TD. Jacksonville got buried early so they were forced to pass. Don’t expect that type of production regularly.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears
Earl Bennett has been a popular pickup lately, but it was Johnny Knox who led the Chicago Bears with nine targets, 70 yards, and a score. I wouldn’t give him a shot, but in really deep leagues, he’s worth a shot.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants
Mario Manningham made a spectacular grab for a TD. He did much more than just that highlight reel grab though, as he hauled in 10 passes for 150 yards. The G-Men clearly have their 1-2 punch with Manningham and Steve Smith. If either are available, go get them.
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug into your lineup, if you are dealing with an injury or some tough matchups.
Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills
He didn’t take any shots deep against New England, but look for that to change against Tampa Bay. With T.O. and Lee Evans, Trent Edwards should be able to stretch the defense. He has great a safety valve in Fred Jackson, when he can’t hit his wides.
Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets
Fred Jackson was able to do some damage in the passing game last week. Look for Leon Washington to do the same as the New York Jets try to keep it simple for Mark Sanchez. Bill Belichick is known for trying to confuse young quarterbacks, though.
Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Oakland Raiders’ defense looked great, but playing on the road should be a little tougher. Darren Sproles may have looked better overall than LaDainian Tomlinson, but LT still ran the ball better. Larry Johnson should have some success.
Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants
I have a feeling that this game is going to be a shootout. It’s hard to predict who will score the New York Giants’ passing TD’s, but Steve Smith should get plenty of targets and have a respectable amount of receiving yards.
Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Houshmandzadeh and John Carlson will garner the attention, allowing Nate Burleson to have another nice game. San Fran allowed Arizona’s No. 2 WR Jerheme Urban to go for 74 yards last week.
Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Tight ends pretty much had their way with San Diego last year. The trend continued this year as Zach Miller had a great game in Week One. Of course, Oakland has limited weapons, but Todd Heap is still a solid play this week. He’s coming off of a big game of his own.
Shaun Suisham, K, Washington Redskins
Shaun Suisham gets to take on St. Louis at home. St. Louis got smoked last week, but allowed just four PAT’s. I’m guessing Washington sputters a time or two in field goal range, which should lead to a multiple FG game for Suisham.
Washington Redskins D/ST
St. Louis made Seattle’s defense look like the 1986 Chicago Bears last week. Washington looks like as good of choice as any to produce fantasy points.
This story was originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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Time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb, where I scour NFL rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player each week.
I base my decisions on matchups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch. To mix things up, I’ll occasionally do some two-on-one matchups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other. Sometimes, I’ll spot a player some points.
Scoring
6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard
Last Week
Brett Favre vs. Eli Manning—I lost, Eli crushed Favre, 16.5 to 9.5
Darren Sproles vs. Derrick Ward—I lost as Ward outscored Sproles, 14.3 to 12.6
Chester Taylor vs. LenDale White—I lost, LenDale squeaked by Chester, 3.3 to 3.0
Chad Ochocinco vs. Dwayne Bowe—I lost by a hair, Bowe’s 10.0 beat Chad’s 9.7
Marques Colston vs. Andre Johnson—Finally won, Colston had 9.0 to AJ’s 3.5
SS: Peyton Hillis vs. Clinton Portis—I lost. Portis 7.2, Hillis 0.8
Regular Picks: 1-4
Super Stretch Picks: 0-1
Overall: 1-5
Season Record
Regular Picks: 1-4
Super Stretch Picks: 0-1
Overall: 1-5
WEEK TWO PICKS
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger over Tony Romo
Both QBs threw for more than 350 yards last week, but I feel Big Ben will have to answer the call again due to Pittsburgh’s lack of a running game. Big Ben has the easier matchup against Chicago (Romo faces the Giants), but he is on the road while the Cowboys are at home.
The Giants are going to put a lot of pressure on Romo, which could force him into some turnovers. They’ll also use a mix of Marion Barber III and Felix Jones in what should be an intense game. Chicago just lost Brian Urlacher for the year, which should make things a little easier for Big Ben.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson over Matt Forte and Kevin Smith combined
I’m doing my first two-for-one special of the year. I’ll take last year’s leading rusher against two second-year backs. I’m counting on AP to do his damage early because he could be watching the game on the sidelines in the fourth quarter as Minnesota draws Detroit.
Forte (Pittsburgh) and Smith (Minnesota) both face tough run defenses. Although both are capable of picking up yardage in the passing game, I’m guessing neither back scores this week.
Ryan Grant over Michael Turner
Ryan Grant got off to a decent start against the Bears last week, and he should follow that up with a strong effort against Cincinnati at home. Michael Turner had somewhat of a disappointing start against Miami in Week One, and although he’s also at home, I would temper my expectations. He’s playing a Carolina team that got dominated by Philadelphia, but they are going to come out firing to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. Plus, Turner scored four TDs the last time he played Carolina, which I’m sure the Panthers were reminded of several times this week.
Wide Receivers
Brandon Marshall over Andre Johnson
I’m going to pick on AJ once again. I think he has a tough matchup going on the road to Tennessee. Houston QB Matt Schaub is going to be under heavy pressure, and Johnson is going to draw plenty of attention.
After dealing with Jets CB Darrelle Revis last week, he’ll have to face Cortland Finnegan this week. Meanwhile, Marshall plays against Cleveland. He’s had another week to get acclimated to the offense, and QB Kyle Orton’s getting healthier.
Percy Harvin over Chad Ochocinco
Brett Favre threw his first TD as a Viking to Percy, and I think the rookie will find a way to get into the end zone again against the Lions. He is so explosive, and when the Lions try to stop AP, Harvin should get loose.
Ochocinco has to face Green Bay’s tough defense, which forced Chicago QB Jay Cutler into four INTs in Week One. While I don’t see Bengals QB Carson Palmer making that many mistakes, Cincinnati’s offense isn’t in sync right now. It’s not going to happen for Chad in Lambeau this weekend.
Super Stretch
LeSean McCoy +2 over Steven Jackson
With QB Donovan McNabb likely out, the Eagles are going to have to run the ball more to move the chains and keep Drew Brees and company off the field. While RB Brian Westbrook should be in line for a big game, the Eagles will have to use a heavy dose of McCoy as well to make sure Westbrook doesn’t get banged up.
I’m taking on a top-six fantasy pick in S-Jax, so I’ll spot McCoy two points. Jackson faces Washington, who kept Brandon Jacobs in check on the road in Week One. Look for them to do the same against Action Jackson.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick five fantasy starters that could be in for a tough week. Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks—Matt had his way against the Rams last week, but I think that’s going to be a familiar tune in St. Louis. He faces the 49ers next week, and while they aren’t going to confuse anyone for Pittsburgh, Mike Singletary has his team believing and they are going to get after it on Defense.
Kurt Warner didn’t look particularly well against the Niners last week, and even without two of his top three wides, he still has more weapons than Hasselbeck. Bonus: Don’t count on Julius Jones to repeat.
Steve Slaton, Houston Texans—Albert Haynesworth may not be in Tennessee anymore, but that Titan Defense is still very tough. A trendy pick to earn a Wildcard spot, Houston is in danger of falling to 0-2. Tennessee is also in danger of falling to 0-2. They are going to do their best to shut down the rushing attack and put pressure on Matt Schaub. Bonus: Don’t rely on Schaub this week.
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears—Forte faced a tough Packer defense to open the season and things get worse. He takes on Pittsburgh at home. He was limited to 55 yards on 25 carries (2.2 ypc) in the opener, and, perhaps even more concerning, he did not catch a pass after leading all RBs in that category last week.
One bright spot is not having to face Troy Polamalu, but the forecast is still not sunny for Forte. Bonus: Avoid Jay Cutler as well.
Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys—Roy started the season off on the right foot with 3 catches for 86 yards and a score last week against Tampa Bay, but the Giants are going a much more difficult challenge for the Boys. The G-Men are going to get after Romo, and I see him relying more on Witten and his Backs this week.
Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals—Ocho had a nice game with 5 catches for 89 yards against Denver. They are going to find out the Packers’ defense is much stiffer than the Broncos’. To me this could be one of those ugly games where they muster only 150-180 passing yards or so, which would make Ocho a risky play. Bonus: Avoid all Bengals this week.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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Let’s face it. Nobody wants to start their fantasy football season off with a loss, although half of us do. I want you to end up in the happy half so I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug in if you are dealing with an injury or tough matchups.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks – Hasselbeck has a pretty cake matchup against St. Louis. With an actual threat at WR in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, he is a nice spot play. This is one of those weeks. I would prefer to roll with Matt over QB’s like Eli (Washington) or Cutler (Green Bay).
Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints – Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are going to be out or limited so Bell should get some touches. Anytime you can use a RB that’s playing the Lions, you have to feel good about your chances.
Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills – I don’t expect a monster effort from Jackson, but he will provide yards on the ground and through the air. With Marshawn Lynch out, Jackson’s a decent RB2/flex play this week.
Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens – Mason continues to produce despite his age. Joe Flacco should get the opportunity to throw a little more in his second year, and Kansas City is terrible, making Mason a nice WR3 option.
Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Henry had a spectacular preseason, and appears to have gained so much maturity. He’s a big play threat, and should be able to take advantage of Denver’s secondary.
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota Vikings – Shiancoe was a breakout player last year, and has had a strong preseason. Brett Favre has targeted him several times, and he should be able to get open against Cleveland. Favre’s smart enough to know that his wides aren’t great, so Shiancoe’s number could get called early and often.
Steven Hauschka, K, Baltimore Ravens – Hauschka has flown under the radar for the most part, but he will likely be one of the biggest adds after week one when he piles up the points against Kansas City.
Houston Texans Defense – Facing a Rookie QB in Mark Sanchez, Houston should be able to capitalize with some turnovers. They will also bring plenty of pressure, which should result in multiple sacks making the Texans a nice spot start in week one.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
It’s time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out On a Limb.
I scour the rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player in that given week.
I base my decisions on matchups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch.
To mix things up, i’ll occasionally do some two-on-one matchups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other. Sometimes I’ll even spot a player some points.
Scoring
Six points for rushing or receiving TD
Four points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.
Quarterback
Brett Favre Over Eli Manning
I’ll take the oldest QB in the league over the richest one. Favre likes the attention, and I think he’ll put on a show against Cleveland in his first game in purple.
Eli faces what should be a tough Washington defense. He’ll probably win ugly, but if you start him, you probably won’t follow suit.
Running Backs
Darren Sproles Over Derrick Ward
Ward was drafted a lot earlier than Sproles in fantasy drafts, but I expect Sproles to make a bigger impact in the NFL’s opening week. LT is healthy, but San Diego should destroy Oakland, giving the diminutive back ample opportunity to produce in mop-up duty.
Ward once again finds himself in a three-back system with Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham. Until that mess sorts itself out, I can’t trust any of them.
Chester Taylor Over LenDale White
Chester Taylor should also get plenty of work in mop-up duty. I expect the Vikings to pound the Browns, and Taylor should be active both in catching and running the football.
LenDale’s value soars when he can score and when he’s closing out football games protecting a lead. I don’t see either scenario taking place, as the Titans open with the Steelers.
Wide Receivers
Chad Ochocinco Over Dwayne Bowe
Ochocinco had a horrible 2008 season as he simply mailed it in. Thus he’ll be looking to get off to a great start in 2009. He does have to share with Chris Henry and Laveranues Coles, and he didn’t really get a chance to get in rhythm with Carson Palmer, which tempers my expectations.
But keep in mind, Bowe faces Baltimore and has plenty of questions as well. Kansas City has the look of a very bad team. They’ll have trouble getting first downs, let alone putting points on the board.
Marques Colston Over Andre Johnson
Colston also had a down year in 2008, but that was because of injuries, not a lack of effort. With the Saints hurting at running back, Drew Brees and company will carry the load. The Detroit Lions hardly stand a chance.
Andre is an unbelievable talent, but Matt Schaub’s health is always a question mark. I fully expect the Jets to put the pressure on Schaub, which could lead to an early exit. Johnson usually has a couple of stinkers every year. I’m banking that this will be one of them.
SUPER STRETCH:
Peyton Hillis Over Clinton Portis
I don’t think I can be accused of not taking a big risk on this one. Hillis will be active for the Broncos as Josh McDaniels makes his debut against Cincinnati. Portis starts off with a tough matchup against the Giants on the road. Hillis will score, which will be the difference.
Originally published at LestersLegends.com.
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