Week 5 picks

I did so bad at picking games last week, I shouldn't even be allowed to do this anymore. I went 5-7 in pick 'em! I didn't pick lines or anything like that, just...pick a winner. Couldn't do it. I even got knocked out of my survivor league beacuse the Broncos decided to the let one of the worst teams in the last decade run all over them. I'm not bitter though. Afterall, I guess thats why we love the NFL you never know what is going to happen right? Anyway, I'll try to redeem myself a little in week 5...

Titans over Ravens: I like what the Ravens have going on with Joe Flacco, a good running game and revived defense. But McGahee is banged up and might not play and...oh yeah...they are playing the best defense in the league. Haynesworth and the boys will get to know Joe Flacco in this one. The Titans are a better team without Vince Young. Kerry Collins is the game manager the team needs.

Panthers over Chiefs: If the Chiefs win again this week I'm just shutting this site down! Probably not...but I'll shocked. Delhomme has weapons all over the place with Smith, Hackett, and an ageless Muhammhed. Jonathan Stewart has been a touchdown scoring machine. Larry Johnson has had a good 2 weeks he's not playing Atlanta or that joke of a front 7 in Denver (I'm not bitter, I swear!).

Bears over the Lions: Here is what I don't get...the Lions are a joke. They have no chance at getting anywhere near the playoffs and haven't for some time (I know they were 6-2 a couple years back but how did that turn out?) How can you be so bad for so long and still cling to Jon Kitna as your QB? Isn't it time to move on? Hey speaking of QB issues, rememeber when the Bears had them? Kyle Orton has played better than people thought and the team should be 4-0. They'll be 3-2 after Sunday.

Packers over Falcons: If Aaron Rodgers doesn't play I am going on record as taking the Falcons. Matt Flynn at QB inspires no confidence in me. What were the Packers thinking going into the season with Flynn and Brian Brohm as their backups. This is a team that is ready to compete for the Superbowl but if Rodgers is down for any exteded period of time they may not win a game. Atlanta will make this game close even with Rodgers. They have a nice young team with some upside.

Colts over Texans: The Colts should have Ugoh and Saturday back this week. That will help to give Peyton Manning some time to throw and open up some holes for Addai. There is still a ton of talent on the outside with Wayne, Gonzalez and the guy who used to be Marison Harrion. I expect Steve Slaton to have a big day for Houston. Indy's D is not very good right now. Do you know they only have 4 sacks this year?

Chargers over Dolphins: If there has been on consistent this season, its that the Chargers are having trouble covering the tight end. Rosario from Carolina, Scheffter from Denver, Zack Miller from Oakland...all had big days. Are you listening to me Anthony Fassano and David Martin. Even if the Dolphins can move the ball though, I don't see them being able to stop SD on the outside. I think Chambers and Jackson will be too much for the Phins. Look for Philip Rivers to have a nice day.

Giants over Seahwaks: Seattle should be getting Bobby Engram back this week but he needs time to get back in the swing of things. I believe Seattle will make a run as they get healthier but it won't start this week. Even with Plaxico out the Giants will be too much. NY has quickly evolved from an underachieving team to the leagues elite. Amazing what a championship win over an 18-0 team will do. Justin Tuck is a beast by the way.

Eagles over Redskins: Are the Skins playing well or what? It looks like the light finally went on for Jason Campbell and Portis is as a consistent running back as there is. I just think Philly will to much offensively whether Westbrook plays or not. Jason and Taylor and Shawn Springs are both out for this one.

Broncos over Bucs: The Denver defense is atrocius. Their front 7 can't stop anyone right now (Really I'm not bitter). I think that Cutler and the boys will score some points but the Bucs D should be able to make enough plays to keep them in the game. But can I really going with Brian Griese on the road? Listen, TB is a really good bad team. I don't understand how they keep winning. The D is good. Not great, good. I don't see any playmakers on their offense outside of Joey Galloway who is banged up. Maybe Earnest Graham...I'm sure TB will find a way to pull this one out to make me look stupid but I'm going with Denver and joke of a defense at home.

Bills over Cards: I have a man-crush on the Bills. I love that team. I really pulled for them last season when they had 57 players on IR and still almost made the playoffs. It shows what a good, underrated coach Dick Jauron is. This season, they are healthy and scrappy. Trent Edwards is the real deal. Marshwan Lynch, who loves Buffalo by the way (see video) is a stud. The defense is stout. I have seen a lot of people pick the Cards here but I don't see it. Look for the Bills to be 5-0 going into their showdown with SD in 2 weeks. By the way, did you see Anquan Boldin broke his sinus? I didn't even think that was possible.



Cowboys over Bengals: Lets see if Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett decide to give the ball to Barber or Felix Jones this week. The Cowboy game plan last week was a joke. How can Barber only get 8 carries and Jones not even touch the ball? Doesn't matter this week, they could play Chad Hutchinson and runningback and still beat Cincy.

49ers over Pats: Yeah I said it. The Niners are going to beat the Pats...I think. Listen, I believe Mike Nolan is the worst head coach in the league (now that Linehan got fired). I know that is harsh coming from a 9er guy but I have seen the same tired act from his teams for 4 years. The defense was shredded last week against NO. Looked a lot like the last 3 years to me. I'm picking them this week though. I just think the Pats are in worse shape than people think and the Niners offense can put up some points (when JTO is upright). Mark my words though, if the Niners don't win this weekend it's going to get ugly quick in San Fran. Their schedule gets tough with games coming up against the Eagles, Giants and Seahwaks.

Jags over Steelers: Both teams are beat up. This should be a very physical game. I just don't see Pitt coming out on top here. They played a tough Monday night game and are down to their 3rd string RB. The Jags need to come to their senses and start featuring Jones-Drew a little more.

Saints over Vikings: For all the talk about the Vikes D, they only have 7 sacks this season. Jared Allen better get after Drew Brees if they have any shot this week. Brees is without Colston and Shockey and still lights up defenses. He really is a terrific QB.

Mr. Monday Night Award

I got nothin'. Not a thing. Nobody really did much of anything to even warrant giving out an award this week but I'll do it anyway. I'm going with Jeff Reed. Yep. A kicker. He got most owners 13 points this week with 2 40 plus yards, a 30 something and 2 extra points. Congratualtions Jeff.
I guess I can't complain too much...it was a good game. It was an old school black and blue defensive game. I felt like the score should have been like 13-10 rather than 23-20. The Ravens are on to something with Joe Flacco. He looks like he will be a player. As far as the Steelers, I thought they were going to be fantastic after they killed the Texans in week 1 but not anymore. They have major offensive line issues. No way Big Ben will survive the season if they don't tighten it up. They still should get enough wins to take the AFC North title though.

Week 4 review

Studs

How about all of the Jets: Specifically Favre, Coles and Cotchery. The handcuffs were finally taken off this offense in its 56 point explosion. Favre had an all time fantasy day with 6 td's (3 to Coles and 2 to Cotchery). I still think they will be a Jeckyl and Hyde show all year, but if you had any of those guys in your lineup you hit it big.

Larry Johnson: LJ is back. 198 yards and 2 scores had owners thinking of the good old days of 2005/2006. Johnson is getting into a groove and is a must play every week.

L. Tomlinson: L.T scored twice and had 106 yards on the ground. He looks like he is starting to get healthy again which is good for the Chargers and fantasy owners.

Matt Schaub: Schaub finally stopped sucking and had a big day Sunday. He threw for 307 yards and 3 scores. Now only is Houston can actually win a game.

Greg Jennings: Jennings has played well this season but was frustrating his owners with 0 scores. Everyone kissed and made up after his 2 td performance.

Tony Romo: He may make some stupid throws but he can really light it up. 3 more touchdowns passes reminded you of why you used a late first/early second on Tony.

Adrian Peterson: Another player who has performed well but lacked touchdowns to show for it. That's what happens when your QB is garbage. Ferrotte helps open things up and AP scored twice Sunday.

Steven Jackson: It's about time dude! Have another decent week and I'll write about how you actually did.

Duds:

Andre Johnson/Braylon Edwards/Chad Johnson: For 2nd/3rd round picks you three should be ashamed of yourselves. I don't even care if Edwards and CJ scored, neither broke 30 yards.

Marion Barber: I'm not sure what the Cowboys were thinking only giving him the ball 8 times. Barber should be complaining, not TO.

J.T. O'Sullivan:...And the Niners drop back to earth. 2 picks and a fumble. Thanks for nothing JT.

Derek Anderson: It's official Derek, you suck.

Steady as he goes:
Drew Brees: Another 350 plus yard day and 3 touchdowns. Just another day at the office for Drew.

Should have started:
How about Jake Delhomme...294 and 2 scores. He is a decent play with Steve Smith back.

Pick me up!
Issac Bruce: Have you noticed he is quietly putting up solid numbers in San Fran? Also props to Kyle Orton who threw 3 td's against a tough Philly D.

Drop me like I'm hot!
Vernon Davis: He looks like he could be in the doghouse in San Fran. He has 2 catches in his last 3 games.

Westbrook questionable

As you probably already know, Brian Westbrook is questionable tonight with a high ankle sprain. What does this mean? Well for the Eagles it means they may be without arguably the best all around back in the league right now. For us fantasy addicts...er...um...players...it means we have to commit to playing him and risking very little or no points at all or not playing him and risking him scoring 3 td's on our bench. I own Westbrook in a league and here is what I did: I picked up Buckhalter and have him as my starter. If I turn on NBC's awful highlight show (seriously, how much do you miss NFL Primetime?) and they say Westbrook will play, I will run to my computer and put him in the starting lineup (while my wife belittles me for being a dork). For those of you who do not have Buckhalter, I would go ahead and play my backup. It's too much of a risk to play Westbrook and get 0 points.

On a side note, can this season be any stranger. So many injuries, so many players not performing, weird things like suspensions, infected sacs, and torn ACL's. It's been a disappointing season so far for a lot of fantasy players. Good fantasy players with solid draft strategies are falling victim to these situations that are out of any players control. I don't know what to make of it...maybe the bass is just taking away from the vocal...