Game Previews
Week 5
10/6/05

The Lions were robbed!!! Well I think they were. It looked like it to me and you just can’t change a call on the field unless it is just clear as day that it needs to be changed. At the end of the day there will be a mutiny against Harrington and if Garcia were healthy he would be the QB. What the hell happened to Kevin Jones? He was the “chose one” at the first of the season and then gets benched for Pinner? Can’t happen. He won’t find the room this week either. There won’t be a lot of options to go with in this game.

Final Score: Lions 14, Ravens 10

Cleveland has more weapons and that is why I chose them to take this one. Dilfer will not get them into any trouble and the Cleveland fans will root them to victory. Sounds dramatic right?? Much more dramatic than the game I bet!!

Final Score: Browns 20, Bears 17

Miami (+3) at Buffalo 1:00 p.m.
Are you kidding me?? Unless they break out the Kelly H. action figures then this sucker is a no-brainer. Losman is lost and that offensive line is opening no holes. Willis busted the 80-yard mark finally. Mould and Evans?? 4 catches between the two of them is just not going to cut it. I think they may make a game out of it if the coach grows a sack and goes with the guy that gives them the best chance to win. Drew Bledsoe must be laughing.

The Dolphins have surprised a lot of folks. Namely the man writing this article. They are 2-1 and playing good on both sides on the ball. A running game is all they really need as the defense is holding up nicely. I just don’t see them losing this game. A couple of options would be Randy, Gus, and Ronnie. Willis on the other side.

Final Score: Fins 26, Bills 13

New England at Atlanta (-3) 1:00 p.m.
Now I am not one of those homers that thinks that the Patriots are finished and all of that. But that was disturbing to watch Sunday. The dam finally broke on the lack of staff. Harrison missing is the key ingredient and the bolts took advantage and scorched the hell out of them. I think the fact that Tomlinson had a 5.6-yard per carrier average should bother them a little, especially this week against a good running team. Spells some trouble for the champs.

Atlanta should be happy. Finally folks are giving Warrick Dunn his due. One the leagues true good guys and a man that brings the lunch pale to work everyday. Screw all of you that put him below Arrington on your RB depth chart. He may not get a lot of TDs but when he does you can mark it up that it will be spectacular. He has over 1000 yards in his last 10 games. Vick is hurting a little and had to leave the game early but should be there this week. Start all of these fellows, as they should have no trouble running on this team.

Final Score: Falcons 28, Pats 21

New Orleans (+3) at Green Bay 1:00 p.m.
Has the final nail been pounded into the coffin symbolizing the end of the Brett Favre era? Probably, but Brett won’t go quietly. He’s destined to put together at least one or two more storybook performances this year to punctuate his legendary status, and this week is a great opportunity. With Favre’s sentiments for New Orleans Katrina victims hitting close to home, this one will be emotional.

The Saints are bound to see some standout performances this week from QB Aaron Brooks, although the target of his touchdowns is in question as Joe Horn’s status for Sunday remains uncertain. Pay attention on Horn, but if you’ve got Donte Stallworth and Deuce, go ahead and start them, along with TE Ernie Conwell. The Packers should see good games from Favre, Driver and Robert Ferguson, but watch the status of Ahman Green. TE Bubba Franks might get shelved again due to injury, but Antonio Chatman is emerging as a decent fantasy option.

Final Score: Packers 27, Saints 24

Seattle (+3) at St. Louis 1:00 p.m.
Both these teams were once offensive juggernauts with decent defenses. Now they’re just mediocre — with very limited offensive production. The Seahawks come off a loss to the Redskins and clearly aren’t as good as they were once hyped. Shaun Alexander is still a good play, but be careful of Hasselbeck, and WRs Bobby Engram and Darrell Jackson. Both receivers are banged up and may not play. Check injury reports before gametime. The Rams got abused by the Giants, and will come out blazing against the Seahawks. Bulger is a lock for 250+ yards and 2 TDs, and Steven Jackson, Torry Holt and Kevin Curtis are all solid plays.

Final Score: Rams 31, Seahawks 27

Tampa Bay (-3.5) at N.Y. Jets 1:00 p.m.
With Cadillac Williams possibly sidelined with a hamstring injury, Tampa’s offense will be tested this week against a decent defense. The Bucs will have to look to the Michael Pittman and Joey Galloway if Cadillac can’t go, which means good things for those owners, but Griese will have trouble against the Jets secondary, which has been stingy thus far in 2005. The Jets welcome back Vinny Testaverde, who many believe had finally been castrated. Looks like even testicles won’t go quietly. He sure has balls, you have to give him that. But don’t go rushing to put him in your fantasy lineup. He definitely be rusty, so watch him for a couple weeks until he produces some numbers. Should be tough going for Coles, McCareins and even Curtis Martin until he finds his groove.

Final Score: Bucs 23, Jets 13

Tennessee (+3) at Houston 1:00 p.m.
If you’re looking for a lock this week, take Tennessee with the points. I don’t often speak in conclusives, but this time, listen to me. The Titans will get great performances from Steve McNair, Chris Brown and Drew Bennett. Even WR Brandon Jones — who took Tyrone Calico’s starting job — might fill in nicely. TEs Erron Kinney and Ben Troupe have also emerged as solid fantasy options, and McNair will be taking it to the air this week. The Texans might get some numbers from Carr, Davis and Johnson, but they won’t win. Carr and Johnson should pad their numbers with garbage points in the fourth.

Final Score: Titans 27, Texans 20

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Dallas 4:15 p.m.
I’m a Cowboys fan, and I dread when Philly comes to town — PRIMARILY BECAUSE WE HAVE NO WAY OF STOPPING T.O. The Eagles have all the advantages in this one except home field. McNabb, Owens, Westbrook, Greg Lewis and L.J. Smith re all viable fantasy options against a defense that can’t seem to stop the big play. The Cowboys don’t stand much of a chance this week, with McNabb and Owens apparently mending fences and ripping up NFL defenses. Offensive, the Boys will struggle as well, since the Philly D is also coming together. Bledsoe might scrape together a touchdown or two, but I’ve also got him pegged for two INTs and a fumble. Julius Jones is a must play because of his enormous upside, but don’t expect great numbers. Keyshawn, Glenn and Witten will split a couple TDs among them, with decent but generally unimpressive yardage totals.

Final Score: Eagles 34, Cowboys 23

Washington (+7) at Denver 4:15 p.m.
I’m sensing this will be a low-scoring affair, with a couple big plays making the difference, The Redskins, with the points, are a solid pick this week in Denver. While Brunell is not a marvelous fantasy option, he may be viable in two-QB leagues. Moss and Portis should have decent games, but David Patten and Chris Cooley haven’t shown much. The Broncos won’t dismantle the Redskins like they did Kansas City, but they should get okay games from Mike Anderson and Rod Smith, unless Shanahan changes the game plan and loads up with Tatum Bell. Jake Plummer, like Brunell, is only a decent option in two-QB leagues this week.

Final Score: Broncos 17, Redskins 13

Indianapolis (-14.5) at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
The Colts deserve some respect as they can play anyway you want it. They can run the ball 35 times or throw for four TDs. They are playing some amazing football right now. They are clearly the league’s best team. But you have to make it count in the playoffs, not now. They should have absolutely not trouble kicking the crap out of the 9ers. Freeney should cause more problems in the bay area this Sunday since Al Capone when he was locked up in Alcatraz. They should be sitting there starters by half-time. Play every offensive weapon you can get your hands on but understand that they may shut them down when they are up 20 by the 3rd quarter.

The 9ers are beat up, pissed off, no offense, and about turn this shell of a team over to a rookie QB. That’s great management for you. This is what Nolan said, “ I think Alex gives us the best chance to win”. Guess what he said about Ratay four weeks back?? “Tim gives us the best chance to win”. My ass. He has just decided to mail it in this season. Which I would too. Let’s see what the kid can do. But this week is not the week to change QB’s. This will be a slaughter.

Final Score: Colts 38, 9ers 14

Carolina at Arizona (+3) 4:15 p.m.
My upset special of the week. Hell I don’t know why the Cardinals. It just seems they looked “gasp” inspired with McCown at QB Monday night. I thought they were a better team than they were playing all along but all they needed was a QB shot in the arm. Poor Warner, if Josh has another great game he could be regulated back to holding the clipboard (see Marc Bulger circa 2003). He must be having nightmares. Next you will hear his wife call some station in Tempe complaining to Denny about playing time. Play Fitz, Josh, Boldin, but no RB. They still can’t run.

The Panthers won but they looked far from dominant. At home against a weak Packers team they almost imploded. But they won and that is what matters. Delhomme just doesn’t look right to me. Just not as accurate and comfortable in the pocket. The running game is solid. Between Davis and Foster they should be just fine. I just think this is their week to get thumped. They are obviously subject to the pass as Favre showed when he lit them up for 303 yards and 4 TDs. He has no receivers. Josh has many. Should be high scoring though so play Jake and Smitty.

Final Score: Cardinals 30, Panthers 27

Cincinnati (+2.5) at Jacksonville 8:30 p.m
The Bengals didn’t dominate as expected last week. Maybe that is because they are young and so much is expected when you are undefeated. There were times when they would just be happy with a win. But with success breeds greed. They have to eliminate the fumbles. Mistakes will kill drives and seasons. Do what you do best. Give it to Rudi, Chad, and the gang and make it a big track meet. They will have their hands full with their first “real” test of the season. It will be fun. Play a hot Palmer, C. Johnson, Rudi, and TJ.

The Jags seem to be slipping. But take into consideration that the Broncos are playing as well as anyone in football right now. They just took them down defensively. Basically left them with no running game. Four turnovers will do it to you as well. Between these two teams it will come down to who can hold onto the ball and finish drives. I like the Bengals because their offense can finish drives. The Jags can not. I would venture away from this offense right now other than J Smith.

Final Score: Bengals 24, Jags 21

Pittsburgh (+3) at San Diego 9:00 p.m.
After the Chargers drubbing of the Super Bowl Champion Patriots last week, this game takes on a little different meaning. Last year, it would have appeared to be a pretty standard fantasy outcome, with the Steelers defensive will imposing itself on the Bolts, but now, I’m not so sure. The Steelers, who might give in to the high-scoring affair the Chargers often incite, will get good games from Big Ben, Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. But the RB situation demands attention, and since the Chargers have been stopping opposing backfields cold, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere, although Willie Parker remains the best option and Duce Staley is available this week for a few carries. The Chargers, not surprisingly, will get most of their points courtesy of LT this week, although Keenan McCardell and Drew Brees should have serviceable games. Antonio Gates and LT are obvious must-plays, but against the Steelers, no one else can claim that status.

Final Score: Steelers 30, Chargers 27