NFL Mikee’s Adventures In Fantasy Football: Week Seven Action

The Colts defense racked up 25 points—a bonus for some teams with the Indy defenders. I had them a couple of times for some reason.

Team one, NFL Mikee’s Molemen made it to 4-3 with a close win. They had a nice balanced point attack and everyone kicked in some contributions.

Week Eight will start Kurt Warner, Andre Johnson (if his chest is alright), Steve Smith, Sidney Rice, Pierre Thomas, Frank Gore, David Akers, and the Eagles defense.

Team two, the TWO Wreckers, improves to 7-0 with another win. This team has won by at least 50 points in most weeks played so far. The Steeler defense had a nice 21 point day.

Week Eight will start Matt Schaub, Bernard Berian, Johhny Knox, Vicent Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Kevin Smith, and Brenk Celek. Robbie Gould kicks and the defense will be Indianapolis.

Five starters will be on the bench this week, so it’ll be a big test of the teams depth and bench strength.

Team three, NFL Mikee’s Maulers, won, and also improve to 4-3 on the season. Good scores from Drew Brees, the Indy defense, Ryan Grant, and Wes Welker helped win this week.

Week Eight starters will be Drew Brees, Ryan Grant, Thomas Hightower, Steve Smith, Brent Celek, Brian Westbrook, Nate Kaeding—who had 13 points last week—and the Colt defense again.

Wes Walker is on a bye week, so we will go with Derrick Mason.

Team four, the South Florida Tarpons, got crunched 67-110 and fell to 2-5. This team really struggled with Matt Cassell only getting three points, Frank Gore with four, Hines Ward with none, and Matt Forte with

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NFL Week Eight Power Rankings: True Lies Exposed

The Steelers are still the team to beat in the AFC, as they wiped Minnesota from the unbeaten ranks, and moved back up to No. 2 in the AFC, and No. 3 overall.

Who in their right mind thinks Kyle Orton and the Denver Broncos can beat the Steelers in the playoffs?

I’m not sure if Peyton Manning can pull this off, but the Colts are undefeated, so they sit at No. 2.

New Orleans is still atop the rankings at the No. 1 overall spot in both the NFC and AFC  with a big comeback win and a huge second half against the feisty Dolphins.

New Orleans No. 1, Indianapolis No. 2, Pittsburgh No. 3, Denver, on a bye week, at No. 4, and Minnesota slips to No. 5.

The Giants, by virtue of a 5-2 mark, are No. 6, and have the Eagles in Philadelphia next week. The Giants can’t lose that one, or they will slip further down.

Cincinnati is at No. 7 with a 5-2 record, and a win in Pittsburgh later in the season could bump the Bengals up, although I doubt that will happen, with Troy Polamalu back in the line-up.

New England is at 5-2, also, and holds the No. 8 spot, and is looking to improve on that also.

Philadelphia, with a win against Washington on Monday, will hold the No. 9 spot with a 5-2 record, as well, but must beat the Giants next week at home to move up, or plummet with a loss.

Dallas has moved up to No. 10 with a good win over Atlanta and should be at 5-2 next week after the Cowboys take care of Seattle.

San Diego is at No. 11 after crunching Kansas City and should beat the Raiders at home next week to get to 4-3.

Houston has really moved up and is now in the 12 spot at 4-3 and is looking to make the playoffs for the first time ever. The Texans will beat Buffalo next week and get to  a 5-3 record.

Green Bay is at No. 13 and needs a win at home against the Vikings to gain credibility in the NFC. The Packers are at a nice 4-2 record but, as I said, need to beat the Vikings.

Atlanta slips to No. 14 with a bad loss to the Dallas Cowboys and also falls to a 4-2 record. Next they have New Orleans at home.

I thought the Falcons would be ready to contend for the NFC Championship this season, but New Orleans, Dallas, New York, and Philadelphia may all be too high hurdles to leap.

The best of the 3-3 teams appears to be Baltimore, but the Ravens have really slipped, dropping multiple games and falling to an average record of 3-3. Baltimore is dropping fast in the rankings and is currently No. 15.

The Arizona Cardinals are also very ordinary at 3-3, after beating the   Giants,   in Week Seven. The Cardinals hold the No. 16 spot.

The San Francisco 49ers are sliding down and sit at No. 17, also with a 3-3 record.

The Jets are at No. 18 and need to beat the Dolphins to show they can be a factor this season.

The Bears are at No. 19 and are getting to be very ordinary as well. Injuries have hurt the Bears, especially on defense.

Jacksonville is at No. 20, the worst of the 3-3 teams. Tennessee should wake up and beat these guys next week, or maybe the Jaguars can move up a tad.

Detroit is at No. 21 and has shown a big improvement over last season, being the worst team of the league in 2008.

Seattle has dropped to No. 22 and will slide further if things don’t start improving.

Miami is at No. 23 after a very bad collapse against the Saints. The Fins actually had me drinking the Kool-Aid after that first half, but you have to play four quarters, not two.

Buffalo is at No. 24 and can only beat bad teams.

Carolina is at No. 25, because the Panthers constantly lose to bad teams.

Washington is at No. 26 because they just suck.

Tennessee is at No. 27, but, although winless, is probably better than a lot of teams ahead of it in these rankings.

The Raiders are at No. 28 , but will probably not rise much higher this season. When do they just bench that quarterback and do something?

Kansas City is at No. 29 because the Chiefs lost to the Raiders.

Cleveland is at No. 30 and might win one more game this season.

Tampa Bay looks better than the Rams so the Bucs are not in the cellar at No. 31.

Then we have the Rams, the worst team in professional football.

Have a great week , and I hope your team improves, unless your a Saints fan, since New Orleans is numero uno at the moment.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

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Week Seven NFL Review: Mostly Blowouts But Some Surprises

The Dallas Cowboys took care of business at home against a good Atlanta team, winning to improve to 4-2 and challenging for playoff contention and only being one game out of first in that tough NFC East division. The Cowboys won 37-21.

The Packers had no problem with Cleveland winning 31-3 and getting their record to 4-2 also, with a big game next week at home against Minnesota coming up.

Houston survived three second half touchdowns by Alex Smith and the Forty-Niners to improve their record to 4-3 and remain in wild-card contention. The Texans won 24-21 at home.

Phillip Rivers passed for 268 yards and three touchdowns, going 18 for 30 to crush Kansas City 37-7. The Chargers are now 4-3 and should win next week against the Raiders. Defense is the issue for this team, when playing top rated offenses.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense saved the day, with two interceptions for touchdowns against Brett Favre and the Vikings. Pittsburgh 27 Minnesota 17.

Indianapolis dominated St. Louis as expected to stay undefeated at 6-0 with a 42-6 victory over the Rams. Next, they are at home against San Francisco and should win that one also.

New England had a jolly old day in merry old England to reach 5-2 and are looking very good in that division. Tampa Bay played Josh Freeman in the last five minutes of the game, and after a bye week, he may get a chance to start. Final score Patriots 35 Tampa Bay 7.

Buffalo shocked Carolina in their own stadium to reach 3-4 and drop the Panthers to 2-4 with no hope in sight, or receivers for that matter, for Jake Delhomme. Buffalo 20 Carolina 9.

The Jets got well against the Raiders 38-0 as I expected. The Jets are at an unspectacular 3-3, and have the Miami Dolphins and that running game to try to answer next week.

In somewhat of a shocker, due to the extremely poor effort of the Bears, who looked terrible, Cincinnati won 45-10 and is now 5-2 going into their bye week.

The Steelers rematch in Pittsburgh should be a great game. The Bears fell to 3-3 and are fast falling behind Green Bay and Minnesota in the Black and Blue division. The NFC North.

The New Orleans Saints survived a bad first half, and stormed back to beat the Dolphins handily, 46-34. That was a great second half by Drew Brees as the Saints improved to 6-0. The Dolphins fall to 2-4. Nice try, Miami.

The Giants can’t handle the Cardinals tonight on Sunday Night Football in America and drop to 5-2, while Arizona will be at 3-3 tied with the Forty-Niners for that weak NFC West.

On Monday Night Football Philadelphia will get it together against confusion and a new play caller with the Redskins to get the win.

I am at 68-35 with one more win coming , as I have predicted, for the season so far. Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Dallas I called wrong, but all the others were correct this week.

The Giants lost at home  but Philadelphia will take care of business to keep me at 9-4 this week.

Have a great evening and week, and good luck to all your teams and fantasy players.

Thomas [NFL Mikee ]Moreland.

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NFL Mikee’s Adventures In Fantasy Football: Week Six Was Pretty Cool

Every week, one player jumps up and crushes one of your teams in fantasy leagues. It seems, this week it was three players instead of one.

Ray Rice got 31 points to hammer a nail in NFL Mikee’s Molemen’s coffin this week. Other nails were driven in by Randy Moss with 30, the Green Bay defense with 21, and Aaron Rodgers with 20.

The Molemen lost 148.12 to 93.04. This, however, was my only loss out of seven teams this week.

Team No. 1, NFL Mikee’e Molemen will start in Week Seven, Brett Favre, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, and a new addition after dropping Roy Williams, and Sidney Rice.

The running backs will be Pierre Thomas and Frank Gore. Heath Miller is my dependable tight end, with David Akers kicking and the defense of Philadelphia.

This team, hopefully, will get back on the winning track.

Team No. 2, the TWO Wreckers, living up to their name, remain undefeated at 6-0.

Tom Brady led my scorers after a monster game with 40 points. Randy Moss followed that up with 30. This team won this week 158 to 68.

In Week Seven we will start Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Hines Ward, Vincent Jackson, Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, who was picked up on waivers replacing Correll Buckhalter, and Heath Miller.

Kicking is Robbie Gould and the defense will be the Steelers. This team is money so far this season.

Team No. 3, NFL Mikee’s Maulers, got a win to improve to 3-3. Drew Brees led all my players with 39.4 points.

In Week Seven, most of the starters return, except for Derrick Mason, who is on a bye week. Drew Brees carries this team on his shoulders week to week.

Starting will be Drew Brees, Ryan Grant, Steve Smith, a new addition, Wes Walker, Brenk Celek, Brian Westbrook, Nate Kaeding and the Colts defense. Also Tim Hightower will come off the bench this week to replace an unproductive Darren Sproles.

Sproles is on the bench, because one, Tomlinson is getting the work load for San Diego, and two Sproles is averaging onlt 2.2 yards per carry.

Team four, the South Florida Tarpons, also won with their second victory in as many weeks to reach 2-4. DeAngelo Williams had a breakthrough week with 29 points.

Hines Ward had 21, and so did the Packer defense.

In Week Seven this team will start Matt Cassell, Frank Gore, DeAngelo Williams, Cedric Bensen, a waiver pick up if it goes through, Hines Ward, Johnny Knox, Jeremy Shockey, who is replacing John Carlson on a bye week, and I’m taking a chance on this waiver pick.

We have Dan Carpenter kicking this week and have chosen the Packers defense. This team dropped Derrick Ward this week and is trying to pick up Mike Bell as well. Cedric Benson will be a welcome addition to this team.

Team No. 5, the Fort Myers Mustangs won again for five in a row. This team won 111-64.

The Ravens had a rough day on defense with -1, but all other scoring was balanced and good enough to win, easily.

In Week Seven, this team will start Donovan Mcnabb, Steve Slaton, Heath Miller, Brian Westbrook, Rashard Mendenhall, Randy Moss, Roddy White, the Bears defense, and Ntae Kaeding kicking.

Team No. 6, the Labelle Cowboys kept the win streak going, and got their own streak of two in a row. Matt Schaub was the leader of this team with 29 points. Hines Ward had 21, along with the Packer defense.

This team will start exactly the same players as last week. Week Seven players will be Matt Schaub, Pierre Thomas, Rashard Mendenhall, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, the Packers defense and Ryan Longwell.

This team seems to have gotten better after an 0-4 start.

Team No. 7 remains undefeated also at 6-0. Thomas Jones led the scorers with 28 points. Wes Walker had 27, Ben Roethlisberger had 23. and Hines Ward had 21. This team romped to another win 146 to 76.

Week Seven starters will be Ben Roethlisberger, Thomas Jones, Frank Gore, Larry Fitzgerald, Wes Welker, Hines Ward, Heath Miller,  the Jets defense, and Nate Kaeding.

This seems like a pretty good team also.

My team records took a nice jump this week with 6-1 overall.

Team No. 1: 3-3

Team No. 2: 6-0

Team No. 3: 3-3

Team No. 4: 2-4

Team No. 5: 5-0-1

Team No. 6: 2-4

Team No. 7: 6-0

Overall all record for fantasy 2009/2010 is 27-14-1.

All this stuff is time consuming, but fun. I will get into two money fantasy leagues next season, and try to get those two 6-0 line-ups hopefully. lol.

Have a good week and good luck to all your fantasy football players in Week Seven action.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland.

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NFL Week 7 Point-Spread Winners: Beware of Trap Games

NFL Week 7 has some trap games you will not want to fall into. Be wary of weak teams that may have won last week. This trend will certainly not carry into Sunday.

One of these games is the Jets at the Raiders on Sunday. The Raiders will have high hopes to win two in a row. This will not happen. Take the Jets with Mark Sanchez playing in California and give the 6.5 points.

The Packers are at Cleveland and the Browns have the flu bug going around, with 12 sick players. Green Bay should cover 7.5 easy.

San Diego goes into Kansas City and is favored by 4.5 points. Take the Chargers in another trap game, with people thinking Kansas City has something going. They only scored 14 against Washington. No two-in-a-row for the lowly Chiefs.

Houston is at home against San Francisco and is favored by 3.5 points. That is solid for the home team in this one. Houston is gathering momentum for a playoff run.

Indianapolis is on the road against the Rams. They will shut down the passing game. Steven Jackson can’t beat them alone. Take the Colts and give the 13.5 points.

Pittsburgh is at home versus Minnesota. A four-point margin is very attainable for the Steelers. Minnesota will lose this one and fall to 6-1.

New England will show off skills to England this week against Tampa Bay. New England should score 30 to 40 points and cover the 14 easily.

Carolina at home will build some confidence against a very weak Buffalo team. The line is 7.5. You want the Panthers in this one.

Cincinnati is at home against the Bears. I like the wee upset with the Bengals favored by only 1.5. The Bears should hold this offense down a bit more than Atlanta last week. Take Chicago.

Dallas is favored by 3.5 at home against a better Atlanta Falcons team. This could very well be the Falcon year to make some noise and reach the NFC Championship. I especially like the Falcons in this one.

New Orleans marches into Miami with much confidence and swagger. Nothing will change when they leave. New Orleans wins by a touchdown or more and goes to 7-0.

The Giants have Arizona at home. The Cardinals do not travel east very often and come out with a win. Philadelphia demolished them last season. Take the Giants by a touchdown or more.

The Eagles will go into Washington and come out with a win by many points. Bank on this one.

I am 49-41 this season against the spread and expect this to be a very good week.

Thomas[ NFL Mikee ]Moreland

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Week Seven NFL Picks: Another Easy Week Coming Up

Last week seemed easy to pick the games, and except for a couple of upsets, I was right on with my picks. Oakland shocked everyone beating Philadelphia 13-9 and Sanchez threw six interceptions as the Jets lost to Buffalo. But otherwise, my picks were pretty spot on.

Week Seven will see me, once again, right on with most of these picks.

Green Bay is at home against Cleveland. Have I said enough yet? Green Bay wins at home and gets their record to 4-2. Cleveland slides into obscurity at 1-6.

New England will continue to win, and improve to 5-2 with a victory over Tampa Bay in London this weekend. Tampa Bay will remain winless at 0-7.

Indianapolis will reach 6-0 and also remain undefeated as they have the Rams in St. Louis. The Rams will also reach 0-7.

Here is your game of the week, as the undefeated Minnesota Vikings take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense should rise to the challenge and give the Vikings their first loss.

The Steelers offense should be potent enough to keep Brett Favre off the field, as ball control drives will be important in this game. Contain Peterson and the Steelers will win this game with pass defense and Polamalu.

San Diego should not lose to Kansas City and the Bolts will keep the pressure on Denver for that division.

Houston is at home and is ready to have a break-out season, I believe. Matt Schuab has been pretty hot, and Slaton will run well. Take Houston in what may be a close one.

Carolina seems to have righted the ship and will handle Buffalo at home. Deangelo Williams is running better and is once more a good threat on the ground. 

Oakland will not pull off another upset, and the Jets will get a win in Oakland. The Jets  have to try to stay in range of New England on paper, as they will be one game behind the Pats at 4-3. New England should be at 5-2 after playing Tampa Bay.

The Cincinnati Bengals will continue to come down to earth against Chicago in Week Seven.

New Orleans travels to Miami and I’m afraid Drew Brees and this offense will be too much for Miami this week. This defense for New Orleans is pretty good too and should be able to handle the Wildcat and its little quirks.

Atlanta will come into Jerry Jones’s new house in Dallas, and should come out with a win. Atlanta is just a better team this season, and this game will prove that.

The Giants will take out some frustration on Arizona this week. Arizona has a history of horrible trips to this division’s home fields, and the Giants will handle Arizona easily.

Philadelphia will also take a bit of frustration out on this really bad Redskins team this week in Washington.  The Eagles were beat by the Raiders last week. They must be pretty angry.

I have Atlanta to win at home tonight, which I firmly believe will happen. If San Diego can hand the Broncos their first loss, I will be at a nice 11-3 for Week Six.

For the season I am now 60-30 straight up with no points.

See my point spread picks on Tuesdays or Wednesdays which also appear on Bleacher Report. I’m 50-40 against the line this season.

Have a great week and pick well.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

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NFL Week Six Spread Winners: Strong Plays On Strong Home Teams

See the guy in this picture? If your name is Eli Manning, you might want to avoid throwing the ball in his direction this weekend.

Your premier game in the NFL in Week Six will be the New Orleans Saints at 4-0 at home, taking on the 5-0 New York Giants.

I like the Saints at home in this game. They are favored by three and a half points, but wait til Saturday. And because of plenty of New York action, this line should be a field goal.

At the worst, New Orleans will win this game by three and you get a tie. I think Drew Brees, along with some punishing running by Thomas, Bush, and Bell will get the job done.

Plus, the New Orleans’ pass defense and ability to bother Eli’s passing game should help New Orleans win this home game. After all this great analysis, the Giants will probably win, but I will go with my first impulse on this one, and take the Saints.

Cincinnati should have an emotional letdown after this week—with their big win against Baltimore—and faces a dangerous offense, who is undoubtedly angry about getting stopped three times in a row on the one yard line.

Houston gets a whopping four and a half points, and I like the upset outright for Houston to even win this game. Yes, Cincinnati, you’ve been lucky, and I think it catches up to you this week.

The Packers are at home against the Lions. This is a rivalry and division game. Detroit played the Steelers and only lost by eight. The Packers are favored by 131/2 points?

This seems like too many and I will take the Lions and the points. Call me crazy.

The Vikings are at home against the angry, leave the ground like a missile, Ray Lewis and the Ravens. After giving up more than 100 yards to a rusher on the ground for the first time in 35 games. Look for that trend to continue with Adrian Peterson.

Once the ground game is established, Brett Favre will carefully dissect these under-achievers at home in Minnesota. Easier than a pass in a Wrangler commercial. Vikings win by more than three.

The Panthers travel to Tampa Bay, after winning against Washington late in the game last week. It was a good comeback, and this good play and new confidence should spill over into this week against a horribly coached team with no direction.

Oh, and the players are not that great, either. This is probably Tampa Bay’s last chance to win a game this season, looking at the schedule later down the road. Carolina is favored by three and a half points. Take the Panthers, unless you’re a huge risk taker, and like to lose.

Here’s a good one: Washington is favored to win over Kansas City by six and a half points. I think Kansas City has a shot at winning the game, period.

The Jags are favored by nine and a half points against the Rams. When, if ever, have you seen a team favored by almost 10 points, after a 41-0 loss? That’s how bad the Rams are. Take Garrard, Sims-Walker—who should play—and Maurice Jones Drew in this one.

The Steelers are at home against a passer who won the starting job, completing two out of 14 passes, for a 6-3 win, over hapless Buffalo. Take the Steelers by the 14 1/2 points. You can’t really expect much from Cleveland in this game.

This game should be just like the Giants/Oakland last week.

Seattle is at home, favored by two and a half points against division rival Arizona. Has Seattle improved that much, and Arizona digressed so quickly? I think not. I like Kurt Warner and his host of receivers to keep Seattle off guard and force them to play catch up.

Here is the no-brainer game of the week: Philadelphia plays Oakland in Raiderland. And I can’t imagine the abuse the Raiders will take when they fall behind at home, quickly. This might be a shut-out by the Eagles’ defense, and I know they can score 21-28 points on this team easily. The line is 14 1/2.

Who can cover this week easier? Pittsburgh or Philadelphia? That’s a better bet than trying to take Cleveland or Oakland. But, be careful Eagles. They have a coach who may run out on the field and punch you in the facemask.

The Jets are home against Buffalo. Angry Jets and bummed out Terrell Owens mean the Jets win this game by 14 at least. The spread is nine and a half for God knows what reason. I guess the division game makes the Bills play harder…like they did in Miami. 

New England is home against Tennessee, and they are favored by 9 1/2 points. I keep thinking Tennessee has some pride and is better than their record, and I keep losing this pick.

I surrender. I will only pick the Titans against weak teams for the rest of the season. We may see Vince Young in the second half, which will mean Kerry Collins’s career is over and the Titans are down by 20. Take the Patriots and give them 10 points.

Atlanta traveled to San Francisco and nearly cause Mike Singletary to have a stroke. Atlanta is now at home, after a big game on the road. Serious consideration is given to the Falcons to compete for the Super Bowl, along with Minnesota and New Orleans in the NFC. Take the Falcons by three and a half.

Did I leave out the Giants and Philadelphia? Alright, they are pretty good, too. We’re not going to worry about the NFC West making it to the Super Bowl this season.

On Monday Night Football, San Diego is at home against Denver. These teams hate each other, so I expect San Diego to stay in this game. What’s totally bizarre is that the 2-2 Chargers are favored over the 5-0 Broncos by 4 1/2 points.

What kind of Kool-aid are the oddsmakers drinking? People in Denver must be mortgaging their houses to bet on this game. I have the Chargers to actually beat Denver in this game, but the spread is worrisome.

But think back to last season…

Who went to the playoffs?

Are the oddsmakers all smoking something really, really good? Are Gates and Rivers, along with Vincent Jackson, all going to go off and get more than 40 points.

Can Orton score enough points on the sometimes no-defense-at-all Chargers? I will take the Chargers, mainly because Vegas always gets this stuff right. It seems ridiculous to favor a 2-2 team over the 5-0 Broncos. That why I’ll take the Chargers. Something’s weird about this matchup.

Currently, I am 42 and 34 against the line and 49-27 straight-up with no points. Last season I finished 70 games over 500, with no points. Upsets and some badly picked upsets that did not happen have me behind my usual torrid pace.

Still, I am getting the feel of the league with every passing week, and I expect this to be a good week.

Thomas[ NFL Mikee ]Moreland.

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NFL Power Rankings from a Fan’s Perspective

This is your NFL rankings as far as entertainment value, wins, and other interesting factors no one else probably thinks about.

Your No. 1 ranked team is the Minnesota Vikings. With every win, this team gets better and more focused on the ultimate prize, that Super Bowl trophy.

The Vikings are undefeated and have just lacked that leader-type quarterback in past years to get back in the Super Bowl conversation.

Now, with a very good defense, Brett Favre, the ultimate warrior at quarterback, and the always touchdown threat of Adrian Peterson, who is always ready to get you 150 yards on the ground in a game, look out this season.

I had previously thought Atlanta would rise up and make it to the Super Bowl as the NFC representative this season, but I have to go with the mystique of Brett Favre and the fact that the Vikings have so many previous losses in past Super Bowls.

Go Vikings! You’re fun to watch this season.

The team they play might just very well be the New Orleans Saints, who are showing defense to go with offense. Drew Brees is always pretty good. They have a punishing running game and an emerging defense, as you saw in the Jets game.

New Orleans are 4-0 and on the rise. They are your No. 2 ranked team in wins and entertainment value.

No. 3 are the New York Giants. Part of this ranking is due to Steve Smith, who has emerged as a big-time weapon, to take the place of Burress.

Eli Manning is dependable, and the defense is always present in games. They are 4-0 and have a big game coming up against the Saints next week.

Peyton Manning and the Colts are in the fourth position in my rankings. They are also 4-0, and very, very steady this season. The only question, remains the run defense, and perhaps injuries, as Peyton needs enough weapons to throw to.

The new rookie running back shows promise, as the running game has been somewhat questionable as well. Donald Brown looks good, and the starters need to stay healthy.

The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers have my fifth position, currently. Seriously, does anyone think Denver will beat these guys, besides Denver Bronco fans? I know Pittsburgh is 2-2, but things will get better.

Pittsburgh has showed, however, how very important Troy Polamalu is on that defense. With a healthy Polamalu all over the field, this defense still needs to be feared on any given game day.

We all know Big Ben is money under pressure, and Mendenhall and Parker will get it done, plus Moore is a versatile player as well, as he threw a touchdown to Miller last week.

The New England Patriots have my No. 6 spot, but if Denver can beat them, Denver will slide up a couple of notches. That’s a big if, however.

New England is 3-1, and needs a win in Denver, to establish presence in the grand scheme of NFL power.

Alright, Denver, 4-0 and currently in the No. 7 spot, mainly because of that lucky first week win at Cincinnati.

Without that win, you might be ranked lower, so be happy, don’t worry, and try to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots this week. Then, watch your team move up and get some respect.

The Philadelphia Eagles have spot No. 8, at 3-1 and with a good team. Injuries are key to this team getting anywhere this season, as Westbrook misses game time, and other players must step up and carry the load.

McNabb is still very good with a supporting cast, but his window of opportunity is getting smaller and smaller to actually win a Super Bowl. We could very well see McNabb gets his hopes dashed by some old guy in Minnesota.

The surprising San Francisco 49ers have my No. 9 spot, presently, but Atlanta could swap with them this week. Big game for Mike Singletary and that defense this week against the Falcons.

Atlanta has the No. 10 spot but could also move up with a win against the Niners, and a couple more good weeks, against quality teams.

A good addition was Tony Gonzales at tight end, and a healthy Roddy White is also key, as far as weapons for Matt Ryan to have at his disposal.

The defense also has to play tougher, especially against the run. They are lucky Frank Gore is not playing against them this week in San Francisco and must take advantage of that. I do have them winning this game and slipping ahead of the Niners in the rankings.

No. 11 in the ranking are the also surprising Bengals. Our hearts go out to Mike Zimmer, the defensive coordinator, and the whole Bengal organization, for the loss of Zimmer’s wife recently.

They should play an inspired game today against Baltimore and maybe pull off an upset.

Baltimore is in the No. 12 spot, but will move up, with a win against Cincinnati. Joe Flacco is playing great, the defense is always tough. and the running game is coming along.

They have to get over the proverbial hump and wrest away that division stranglehold that Pittsburgh holds, year after year.

Your No. 13 team is the Chicago Bears. Cutler looks pretty good, but Matt Forte has a slow start on the season. Defensive holes must be filled.

Your 14th ranked team are the Dallas Cowboys. The quarterback is slightly above average, the team is aging, and injuries are bothering the running game.

The defense is not all that special. Sorry Dallas, you need some help, in the next couple of drafts, and maybe a quarterback like Tebow, McCoy, or Bradford.

No. 15 is Arizona, who is facing just better teams to play this season. They may drop further in the rankings after the Houston game, whom I have picked to make the playoffs this season.

This is a big game for Houston to move up in rankings and compete for that division, or at least a wild card this season. That offense needs to get ahead of Arizona quickly this week, for Arizona has difficulty coming back from large deficits.

No. 16 is Houston but will flip flop with Arizona with a win. This defense needs to get better, as the offense has plenty of weapons.

No. 17 is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who may be 4-2 going into their bye week. Sims-Walker is proving to be a great receiver, Garrard is stepping up, and Maurice Jones-Drew is a great player as well.

Defense is the question, for continued success.

Green Bay is all the way down in 18th place in your NFL power ratings. They need help in all facets.  Defense, offense, special teams, the works.

Speaking of defense, San Diego has none. That’s why they are ranked in 19th place. They have a great quarterback, good runners, and good receivers. Even a good kicking game and special teams. Just no defense.

The Miami Dolphins round out the top 20 in rankings. Perhaps Tennessee is just as good, but they have to start winning some games.

Washington could somehow climb into the top 20 but must start playing a whole lot better.

Everyone else in the league is not a very good team, and will not likely make any impact on this season in the NFL.

Biggest surprise in the NFL, the Denver Broncos. Biggest disappointment, the Carolina Panthers. followed by San Diego, Dallas, and Green Bay.

Hope you liked my rankings, and if you don’t, speak up!

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland.

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NFL Week Five Picks: Another Good Week Coming Up!

The New England Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC this season, as they stopped the Ravens at home last week 27-21. This week, they travels to Denver and will win again ro improve to 4-1.

The Philadelphia Eagles after a bye week, will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be an easy way to ease back into action. There will be no problem beating this team.

The Giants are at home against the lackluster performing Oakland Raiders. How can the Raiders be worse than last season? But they are. How long do we have to put up with this joke of a quarterback on this team? Cash those checks while you can.

The Ravens are at home against Cincinnati and will probably take out a little frustration on the  Bengals this week. Take the Ravens at home. Both teams at tied for the divison lead at 3-1.

The Vikings go on the road and should be able to handle the hapless Rams, who might be the very worst team in football this season. Kansas City, Tampa Bay, are trying to keep up, but they might win a game this season.

Two teams struggling meet in Buffalo, with Buffalo most likely getting this win at home.

Cleveland played alright but still  lost to the Bengals 23-20.  Take Buffalo at home.

Dallas will make it to-3-2 with a win over Kansas City this week.  The Cowboys have way more talent than the Chiefs and will win in Arrowhead.

The Steelers really need a win to get untracked and compete for that divison this season. They travel to Detroit, where the Lions can score some points. Look for the Steelers to fight back into the thick of things with a win.

Carolina, starting at 0-3, takes on the Redskins, who at 2-2, still don’t look very menacing to anyone. I will take Carolina to take advantage of the rest, to regroup and win this game. 

Atlanta, after their bye week, travels to San Francisco. Without Frank Gore to run the clock a bit for the Niners, Atlanta should get back on a winning track this week, after their loss to New England a couple of weeks ago.

Jacksonville, a surprise to many at 2-2, travels to Seattle, who is not that good, again this season so far. Jacksonville has some weapons on offense, and I will take the Jags this week, as Seattle shows me no heart.

Arizona at 1-3, takes on an explosive offensive team in Houston, now sitting at 2-2. I like Schaub, and Steve Slaton, plus Andre Johnson against this defense.

I’m afraid Kurt Warner will see a decline in production as this season wears on. I predicted the Texans will make the playoffs this season, so this is a key game. I stand behind ny support of Houston in this game.

Indianapolis takes on a battered Tennessee team at 0-4. The Colts are 4-0 and at home, they seem to firing on all cylinders this season. I keep thinking the Titans will get it together, but clearly they are not the same team as last season. I have to take Peyton and the Colts.

Well, Miami won as i thought last week, but the Jets this season are not like Buffalo. This is in New York and the Jets will be good at home this week. I got lucky picking the Dolphins last week, and like Detroit after their win, MIami will lose this one big.

It;s Sunday afternoon, October fourth. I am sitting at 10-2 today, and I have the upset pick of San Diego later this evening, and Minnesota on Monday Night Football.

I won’t lose both of these so looks like a nice week of 11-3. That will get me to 40-22 for this season. That’ s a liittle better, and week five looks good also. 

Have a great week.

Thomas[ NFL Mikee ]Moreland

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NFL Fantasy Football Adventures: Week Three

Maurice Jones-Drew lived up to his potential this week for his fantasy owners, dominating the Houston Texans for over 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

I, unfortunately, don’t have him on a team.

My point leaders on team one, the Molemen were Steve Smith, the Giants version, Nate Kaeding, and Kerry Collins, with 12.30, 11.00, and 9.24. Not great.

NFL Mikee’s Molemen, took a loss this week for the first time. I thought Kurt Warner would have a tough time against the Colt defense and I was right, but options were few as replacements.

I settled on Kerry Collins, but did not fare well. This week, just for kicks, I picked up Brett Favre to take Warner’s place on a bye week for the Cardinals. This should be fun playing Green Bay, so maybe this pick will work out.

Andre Johnson, Steve Smith of the Giants, and Roy Williams will start at wide receivers.

Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will be my running backs.

Heath Miller will be my tight end, plus Nate Keading and the Eagles defense. I like my chances this week. Molemen, 2-1.

Team two, the TWO Wreckers, won easily again, and are now 3-0. I did make some changes, as people pointed out to me the bench was weak. Point leaders were Matt Schaub with 23 and Brent Celek, a good free agent pick-up, with 16.40.

This week’s starting line will have Tom Brady back, after I rested him in favor of Matt Schaub. Schaub has Oakland, while Brady has the Ravens defense to deal with. Call it a hunch, but I want Tom Brady this week.

We will also have Randy Moss, Vincent Jackson,Johhny Knox, Adrian Peterson, Kevin Smith, and Heath Miller. Kicking will be John Carney, and the defense will be the Forty-Niners. This team should make it to 4-0 and keep dominating the league I’m in with ten teams.

I have figured out the deal with defenses and kickers, I think. Use whoever you can get, depending on your bye week. These guys are like pawns in a chess game. Slightly expendible, but useful on some level.

My Fox team, NFL Mikee’s Maulers took a loss, and fell to 1-2. Point leaders were Brent Celek with 16.40 and Steve Smith, again with the Giants, with 12.3.

Drew Brees will start, of course. Darren Sproles will be at one running back, and Correll Buckhalter will start this week, as Felix Jones hurt his knee. Steve Smith and Mark Clayton will be my wide receivers.

Ryan Grant will stay in my flex position as he has been steady. Vernon Davis is being picked up for tight end this week, as it is Brenk Celek’s bye week. We have also picked up the San Francisco defense and dropped Tennessee. This week has a good shot at a win.

Team four, the South Florida Tarpons, in an ESPN league also lost this week and fell to 1-2. We are dropping Trent Edwards and I am trying to pick up Mark Sanchez to start this week instead of Kerry Collins.

Point leaders were Willis McGahee with 16 and  the Forty-Niner defense with 11.

 I think Sanchez will be forced to put the ball up. and maybe he can get 2-3 touchdowns , I’m hoping.

 Reggie Bush, Willis McGahee, anf Matt Forte will start, along with Hines Ward, Antwean Randle El, John Carlson, the Forty Niner defense and John Carney, who will replace Neil Rackers.

 I’m thinking about replacing El, but will have to see if any one else worthwhile is available.

Team five, the Fort Myers Mustangs,scored a win with a good point total. Point leaders were Joe Flacco with 17 and the Ravens defense also with 17. This team is 2-0-1.

Joe Flacco will start again at quarterback, as he has done well so far. Donovan McNabb is on a bye week, nursing that rib. Steve Slaton will start at running back, along with the workhorse of the Dolphins, Ronnie Brown.

Johnny Knox, Randy Moss, and Jerricho Cotchery will be the receivers. Heath Miller will take over for Tony Gonzales with his bye hitting this week.

We have the Ravens defense, and Mason Crosby as the kicker. This weeks line-up looks adequate.

Team six, the LaBelle Cowboys have it rough already at 0-3. The Giants Steve Smith led in points with 12 and Ryan Longwell had 11. These are not great point leaders.

Last week , I thought Kurt Warner would have a rough week, as I stated earlier, and he did. I made a bad decision trying Byron Leftwich as a replacement. Bad choice!

I have again, picked up Mark Sanchez for this week, as Kurt Warner has a bye week.

I have also dropped Chris Cooley and picked up Brent Celek at tight end, but will also have to grab someone else this week as it is Celek’s bye week. Heath Miller will start at tight end.

 He is somewhat dependable, and maybe will get a touchdown catch this week.

Pierre Thomas and Fred Jackson will start at running backs this week. Steve Smith of the Giants, Hines Ward, and Johhny Knox will be the receivers. I have the Packers defense and Ryan Lomgwell kicking. Who knows about this team. Try to get a win, guys.

Team seven, the North Fort Myers Warlords, are undefeated at 3-0. Point leaders were Brent Celek with 16 and  the Bronco’s defense with 14. 

 I like Brenk Celek and have him on most of my teams , it seems. i also like Steve Smith of the Giants and have him on many teams also.

Frank Gore has a sore ankle, Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner have a bye week, so this starting line-up had to be adjusted this week.

My back up quarterback is Big Ben however, not a terrible replacement. Thomas Jones, Correll Buckhalter, and Darren Sproles will start. Also starting will be Hines Ward, Percy Harvin, and Heath Miller.

The Forty-Niner defense will replace Denver’s this week, and Joe Nedney will replace Rian Lindell. I hope the replacements have a decent week and get me to 4-0.

Last week my teams went 6-1, but this week I finished at 3-4. Week four coming up!

Have a great week and thanks for staying tuned to my fantasy adventures.

Thomas[ NFL Mikee] Moreland

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