Scorchers You Gotta Grab – Week 4 Fantasy Football Hot Pickups

By: Derek Gould 9/30/2009

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What’s more amazing than the Detroit Lions putting one in the win column after three years, Brett Favre’s miracle toss and Mark Sanchez’ perfect 3-0 start as a rookie, is the massive amounts of injuries that have plagued fantasy owners in the first three weeks of the young 2009 NFL season.

Let’s face it guys and gals, football is a sport that is built around physicality and contact, which ultimately damages the human body. Case and point: Most likely someone on your fantasy team. Here are a few guys to take a look at that might subside whatever injury bug your lineup has caught.

Quarterback

David Garrard Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 4 Opponent: Tennessee Titans)

If there’s one guy that goes underrated in the fantasy world, it’s Jacksonville QB David Garrard. Sure, his name isn’t as intriguing as Brees, Brady or Manning, but take a gander at Garrard’s stats over the past two seasons. 2008: 3620 passing yards, 15 TDs with a passer rating of 81.7%. Two years prior to our current year: 2509 yards, 18 TDs and only 3 interceptions with a 102.2% passer rating. Not too bad for a guy that is probably on your waiver-wire huh? It gets better, For the past two games Garrard has passed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns (one rushing) and only one interception. The fact that he plays for a team whose games get blacked out, should be overlooked, that’s what stat-tracker is for. My point is that Garrard finished as a top-10 fantasy back last year and will do so again, with a solid run game with MJD to take pressure off of the pass and two reliable receivers in Tory Holt and Mike Simms-Walker. Don’t forget that Jones-Drew is also one of the better receivers on the team, even out of the backfield. Garrard is a good bet to put up solid numbers against a Titans defense struggling to find an identity as the first bye-week looms. Give him a shot if in need of a quarterback

Running Back

Glen Coffee San Francisco 49ers (Week 4 Opponent: St. Louis Rams)

In injured running back news, Frank Gore suffered a strain in his ankle and a sprain in his foot. It seems like each year Gore goes down with some sort of monstrosity that absolutely kills fantasy teams. Luckily, the 49ers, looking more and more like an actual NFL team each week, drafted a suitable backup in this past NFL Draft. So, who exactly is Glenn Coffee? Coffee was a first round pick out of Alabama where he amassed over 1,300 yards and 10 TDs in his final season (Junior) as part of the Crimson Tide backfield. Now, Coffee will get thee weeks to tear it up in Frank Gore’s absence. When Gore went down against Minnesota, the most important thing to look at is the number of carries Coffee had: 25! Since, San Francisco is a run-first offense and rightfully so, Shaun Hill is a pedestrian quarterback throwing to pedestrian receivers, Coffee is going to get plenty of carries whether he likes it or not. Pay no attention to the recent revelations that San Fran’s back up was “out of shape” when he got into the game. The 49ers have two favorable games against St. Louis at home and Atlanta at home in weeks 5 and 6. This is a good thing, as Mike Singletary will look to use his powerful running back to take advantage of two porous defenses in the next two weeks. Coffee is a must own and is available in most leagues. Pick him up immediately.

Wide Receiver

Mike Sims-Walker Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 4 Opponent: Tennessee Titans)

It’s tough to really pinpoint exactly who the main, go-to-guy is on the receiving end of Jacksonville’s offense. But, this past week Mike Sims-Walker stepped up once again as he caught six balls for 81 yards. If that’s not enough of a revelation, in week 2 Sims-Walker went nuts as he posted six catches for 106 yards and a TD. Trust me, when sifting though the wire it’s tough to pick up a guy that is guaranteed to put up numbers week in and week out. But, in this case, Garrard doesn’t have too many targets to throw to. And Sims-Walker gets looks and touches as he’s racked up 12 catches since his coming out.  He’s worth a look if there is a need for a bench spot and/or fill-in for bye weeks.

Tight End

Vernon Davis San Francisco 49ers (Week 4 Opponent: St Louis Rams)

Cannot play with him. Cannot win with him. Cannot win with him. Can’t do it. These were the inspirational words of 49ers coach Mike Singletary after Vernon Davis solidified his presence as a menace on the sidelines following a defeat against Seattle in 2008. Well, it’s been a year and the Niners look like a completely new team with a great coach at the helm. Along with San Francisco’s emergence in the NFC west is Vernon Davis. Now, I know, this guy has one week wonder written all over him, and could even be considered a total bust. But, go back to Singletary’s award-winning press conference a year ago. He saw the potential that Davis possesses and had to light some sort of fire underneath his behind. Fast forward to week 3 of 2009. The 49ers tight end went wild as he blew up for 96 yards and two TDs. I could be totally wrong here, but I’d like to think that I’m right when saying that these numbers are going to continue, as it seems Davis has developed a rapport with Shaun Hill. Not only has Davis developed chemistry with Hill, but also now he no longer has to worry about Hill losing his job, which equals more catches and more touchdowns. Remember Vernon Davis is a complete genetic freak and has all the tools to be a top-5 tight end. Obviously Singletary has a soft spot for him and needs Davis to emerge as the top receiver on a team lacking quality wide outs. As long as Crabtree is not in the mix, Davis will be the first look Hill gives. It couldn’t get any tastier as the 49ers get the Rams at home in what should be a one-sided game. Get him now if he’s not already gone.

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I’ma, I’ma, Diva…Hey!

By: Steve Rivers 9/28/2009

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Never in all my years of being a devoted Sports Fan, Writer, and Athlete, would I ever think I’d reference a Beyonce song, when discussing an athlete.  In this case, this is the PERFECT relation to this particular individual.  Michael Crabtree, 10th Overall Pick by the San Francisco 49ers, in this year’s NFL Draft.  Seen as the #1 player at his respective position, and arguably, in the entire draft, Crabtree remains a holdout.  The Wide Receiver has been rumored to be seeking top pick money, when in fact, he was NOT, a top pick.  Crabtree wants to be paid as if he was/is, the BEST WR in this year’s draft.  However, if we can all backtrack, Darius Heyward-Bey, was drafted in the 7th spot by the Oakland Raiders.  While we all laughed at the selection, with the rationale being placed solely on his speed, Bey was indeed the first Receiver off the board.  Will he be better than Crabtree?  Will he be worthy of the #7 selection?  Was this just another bad choice by the Raiders?  These are questions which will be posed for the length of their careers, err…ehh…Heyward-Bey’s career that is.  Crabtree hasn’t signed with the 49ers yet, and we are entering the 3rd Week of the NFL Season!  WHAT is this guy thinking???

Crabtree has rumored to be considering to re-enter the draft next season, sitting out a full NFL Season, based off of his salary demands.  The Niners have offered Crabtree a deal which would guarantee him 16 million dollars!  Now correct me if I’m wrong, but unless I’m a billionaire, and literally blow my nose in $1,000 bills, and wear a full tuxedo made of diamonds to charity events…I’m NOT in a position to say $16 Million is NOT ENOUGH Money!  Yes the analogies were ridiculous, which should further tell you how ridiculous his idea sounds!  Maybe someone should refresh his memory about Mike Williams, the talented USC Standout that attempted early entry, and was forced to sit a season.  Williams has been tossed around the league, like a rugby ball, and never came close to reaching his potential.  With respect to Crab’s talents, he should never see the same pattern in career that befell Williams.  However, what does sitting out a season hope to get you?  Does he think he’ll be worth 25+ Million Dollars, in guaranteed money?  A year AWAY from the game, A year WITHOUT working out for teams, and a year which he sat out BY CHOICE???

The former Texas Tech standout gained a reputation when leading up to the draft…the reputation of extreme arrogance, or in this case, A Diva.  Entering the 3rd week in the season, he’s done nothing o displace that claim.  Maybe it’s his best bet to sit out, given his head coach is Mike Singletary.  Singletary embodied everything that was right about the NFL, while Crabtree has represented quite the opposite.  The Niners Coach will most likely have Crabtree running until he fainted, and would probably place him as the 5th option at his position.  While it’s hard to say that placing him on the bench would bruise his ego at all.  He seems to not really be concerned about playing football, in comparison, to his concern about how much he feels he’s worth.  Also to add to the situation, is the current NFL Labor situation, which may enforce a rookie salary cap next season…which it desperately needs.  Giving an un-proven player millions of dollars, to have them not perform, is ridiculous to me.  Do you think the 49ers regret paying Alex Smith?  How about Detroit’s feelings about Charles Rogers?  Given the mishaps, there have been success stories, as there are with everything in life.  However, Crabtree is fooling himself if he feels he’ll still be the top WR drafted after a year off.  Unless he didn’t notice, I’ll point it out…a player named Dez Bryant was statistically better than him last season.  Bryant has as much upside, if not more, than Crabtree.  Bryant is faster, stronger, and seemingly much more versatile than Crabtree.  I myself would trade his rights to a struggling team, who’s looking to add potential to their offense, for a first round pick next season.  Imagine how much faster the Niners could improve with an additional pick!  They could be in a position to draft both, Dez Bryant, and All World Talent, Taylor Mays, or Eric Berry.  Bryant gives you that legit weapon at Wideout, while Berry and Mays, could both be the 2nd coming of Ronnie Lott!

Crabtree should look at players like Andre Johnson as a prime example of what a Receiver SHOULD be.  Johnson has been a member of the Houston Texans for his entire NFL Career, and has nothing to show for it, outside of individual success.  Yet he’s never publicly voiced his displeasure with the organization, demanded a trade, nor complained about his Quarterback.  Instead, Johnson has gone out and performed, and is recognized as arguably the best in the game, at his position.  Johnson has all the right to complain, and could easily command several draft selections in a trade from a team.  The Texans have been an under-achieving team for years, and Johnson could be 10x as good, if he played with a consistent, elite QB…versus the oft-injured Schaub.  So far, Crabtree’s done nothing to disprove his diva-like attitude, that scared teams away from him in the draft.  At this point, it’s just a wonder if the damage has been done beyond repair, or is there time for him to seal the wounds, and prove his talent on the field?

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BleacherCreatureRotoTalk Monday Morning Quarterback

Every Monday morning we will take a look back at the weekend’s games and see what we learned from a fantasy football perspective. This column should serve as a pre-read to the Bleacher Creature Roto Talk weekly Hot Pickupsarticle as you form your strategy for the week.

Alex Woods 9/28/2009

Week 3 Results

Cleveland 3 Baltimore 34
What we learned:  Brady Quinn out, Derek Anderson in.  Flacco is a real breakout player just as we predicted.  McGahee will keep the RB situation a timeshare.  Flacco likes Derrick Mason.

Wasington 14 Detroit 19
What we learned: J.Campbell is not done yet, he can actually play in this league. Kevin Smith can put up numbers, but wound up getting hurt and not finishing the game.  Santana Moss is not washed up as evidenced by his 178 yards and TD.

Jacksonville 34 Houston 24
What we learned: MJD is the next RB that feasted on the porous Houston defense. (119 yds and 3 TDs)  Sims-Walker is becoming a real fantasy football option. Kevin Walter is back and should be picked up. While Schuab is not winning NFL games, he can be counted on to win fantasy football games.

San Francisco 24 Minnesota 27
What we learned: Brett Favre is one of the all time greats….but we already knew that.  AP is human.  Frank Gore may be missing some time.  Vernon Davis should be owned and will put up nice numbers this year. Percy Harvin seems to be the rare rookie wideout that puts up impact numbers.

Atlanta 10 New England 26
What we learned: While Tom Brady is still looking to regain is accuracy, he is still a clutch performer.  Fred Taylor could be big in the short term.  Randy Moss continues to get it done.  Rody White WHERE ARE YOU????  Tony Gonzalez was held in check.

Kansas City 14 Philadelphia 34
What we learned: LeSean McCoy is an adequate Westbrook fill in – just as we predicted.  Kevin Kolb can actually play in this league, contrary to what we said last week.   Matt Cassel is in for a tough year.  Larry Johnson is in for a tough year.  DeSean Jackson is a top tier receiver.   Billy Celek is now an every week starter at tight end.

Green Bay 36 St Louis 17
What we learned: Aaron Rodgers is an every week starter.  Ryan Grant will over shoot is preseason fantasy projections.  Stephen Jackson will get his even though his team is terrible.  Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are every week starters.

New York Giants 24 Tampa Bay 0
What we learned: Tampa’s defense is terrible.  It may be hard to start a Giants receiver other than Steve Smith since they spread the ball around.  We would like to see another week or two before confirming that statement as the starters only played 3 quarters vs Tampa.

Tennessee 17 New York Jets 24
What we learned: Mark Sanchez and the NY Jets are for real.   Cotchery is ok play.  LenDale will continue to rob TDs from Chris Johnson.  Chris Johnson is an every week play.

New Orleans 27 Buffalo 7
What we learned: Get off the Michael Bell hype train – Pierre Thomas is still the man.  Reggie Bush is not worth a fantasy play in non PPR leagues.  Its only a matter of time before TO kills Trent Edwards.

Chicago 25 Seattle 19
What we learned: Jay Cutler is going to be all right.  Seattle is in big trouble offensively as long as Hasselback is out.

Pittsburgh 20 Cincinnati 23
What we learned: Ced Benson is an every week starter. Big Ben can still contribute to your fantasy football team.

Denver 23 Oakland 3
What we learned: Oakland is still bad and JaMarcus is garabage.   Knowshon will be a player in the NFL.  Kyle Orton is having a nice NFL year, but a below average fantasy year.  They are using him in a Trent Dilfer like role, keep him off your fantasy team until he starts using his receivers.  Eddy Royal WHERE ARE YOU???  McFadden will struggle during the many games the Raiders get blown out of.

Miami 13 San Diego 23
What we learned: Hello Vincent Jackson!  You are now a top NFL receiver.  Miami’s passing attack is in big trouble in Chad misses time.  Ricky’s goal line job will kill Ronnie Brown’s fantasy value.  Phil Rivers is a top NFL quarterback.

Indianapolis 31 Arizona 10
What we leanred: Garcon is a playmaker – as we predicted.  Peyton manning is divine.  Peyton Manning is a top three fantasy football quarterback. Donald Brown will be a big factor for fantasy purposes later in the season.

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Vitali Klitschko Owns Arreola to Retain Heavyweight Title

By: Frankie Lampando 9/27/2009

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Last night Vitali Klitschko easily handled challenger Cris Arreola to retain his heavyweight title and prove that there is still not a challenger from the US or anywhere else in the world who is ready to take a heavyweight title from Klitschko brothers.

From round 1 it was obvious that Arreola was in trouble. Klitschko used his 6’7” height advantage to keep Arreola right were he wanted him, on the outside and out of range. Klitschko used his jab to punish Arreola and that was the pretty much the story of the fight.  Arreola would try to get inside on the bigger man, begin to walk in, get picked apart by the jab, and then Klitschko would run away.  The style was very effective as Klitschko did not concede a round to the challenger.

The 9th round was the turning point of the fight.  Until the 9th it appeared Arreola’s fast pace style could potentially wear down the older Klitschko.   In the 9th, Arreola was finally able to make it past Vitali’s jab to get inside.  Most thought if Arreola could get inside he could damage the champion and end the fight with one shot.  The opposite was true.  Vitali simply smothered him and his hopes of victory.  It was clear after the 9th that Arreola had no chance and the bout was stopped.

Cris Arreola is being marketed as the American Heavyweight Hope.  Unfortunately, we do not see it.  He is overweight, and simply not as good as advertised.  Even in his is last fight against Jameel McCline which did end in a knock out, we felt Arreola did not dominate the fight.  He landed a big punch and that ultimately dispatched his man.  Arreola is 28 years old, he is not really that young.   By the time Mike Tyson was 28 he was already a legend.   The great ones peak in their mid twenties.

It appears the heavyweight division will continue to be boring for the foreseeable future. The only interesting bout we could imagine would be if the Klitschko brothers go head to head and even that would be a technical jab fest.

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Hopkins And Roy To Settle the Score

By: Frankie Lampando 9/27/2009

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Roy Jones Jr and Bernard Hopkins have fought in the past.  The distant past, before either of them was a champion.  On May 22, 1993 the two stepped in the ring against one another to fight for the vacant middle weight title.   Jones won the bout and went on to become the pound for pound king of boxing.   Now sometime in 2010 the two fighters will step in the ring to settle the score.

While this is a fight we would have loved to have seen about 10 years ago, it will nevertheless be entertaining…..we think.   Both men are legends.  Both men are fighting well outside their prime.   Bernard is coming off a dominating victory over Kelly Pavlic who is a legitimate champion.  However, that win was almost a year ago.   Roy has looked washed up of late.  Frequently getting bloodied and even KO’d.

Roy Jones Jr. comes into the match with a record of 54-5 with 40 KOs. Bernard Hopkins enters with a record of 49-5-1 and 32 KOs.  Under the terms of the agreement the money will be split 50-50 unless there is a KO in which the winner would receive the bigger half of a 60-40 split.

Its tough to say who we favor at this point without seeing either fighter in so long.  Roy has a fight scheduled on December 2 against the Australian Danny Green.  Regardless if he wins or loses the fight will help odds makers figure out exactly where Roy is at in his career.   Bernard has nothing scheduled in the near future, but will surly want to step into the ring before facing Jones for bragging rights.

At the end of the day we will have a 41 year old Roy Jones Jr facing a 46 year old Bernard Hopkins.  I say who cares about age.  These two are legends, these two are the Kings of the Ring I grew up watching and I cant wait to see what happens when they mix it up.  Based on recent performance I would have to lean toward making Bernard the favorite.  In any case, it should be a good one, even if the fight stinks it will be fun to see what celebrities and athletes show up to watch!  I hope MJ and Oakley wind up with ringside seats!

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What Kind of Fantasy Football Value Can a Non-Goal line Back Hold?

By: Bobby Hastings 9/27/2009

This article will explore the fantasy football value of running backs that do not get goal line carries vs. those that do.  To support our analysis we looked at the final running back ranking of 2008 from Yahoo Fantasy Sports.  Based on the distribution of final fantasy points we were able to identify five different categories of running backs in the National Football League.  First you have the primary running backs that dominate the ball.  These are your Adrian Peterson and Ladainian Tomlinsons of the 2008 season. (editors note: LT is currently in a time share for 2009).  Second, you have your top tier secondary backs that really put up nice numbers.  In 2008 Chris Johnson is the perfect example.  While he was dominant between the 20’s it was LenDale White who saw the ball on the goal line.  Third, there are your top tier goal line backs.  These are your big men who guaranteed to get the ball on the goal line, they often play on running teams who like to grind it out.  LenDale White of 2008 is the perfect poster boy for this role.  Fourth, you have your secondary running backs that could be playmakers if an injury were to occur.  Darren Sproles is the perfect example of this from last year.  As soon as LT went down he stepped in and put up huge numbers.  Lastly, you have the second tier goal line specialists.  These are the big men who find themselves often as the third back on the depth chart and are brought in only in short yardage situations.   TJ Duckett is the perfect example of this type of player.   Lets take a deeper look at the running backs from 2008 and see what else there is to learn.

The top 10 running backs from the 2008 season all received goal line duties and were not involved in a RBBC. Those that were in an RBBC played along a secondary running back who was more of a scat back change of pace guy and not really a threat to steal goal line carries.

Of the backs that finished the season ranked 11-20 we begin to see the dominant RBBC backs appear.  Chris Johnson who did not receive goal line duty in 2008 makes the list at #11.  Brandon Jacobs who split carries with Derrick Ward, but did receive goal lines duties comes in at #12.  At #16 is Ronnie Brown who is similar to Chris Johnson and also did not receive many goal line carries in 2008.  #19 and #20 are LenDale White and LeRon Mclain who both did not receive the majority of their teams carries, but did consistently get the ball on the goal line.   It appears the second tier of running backs is variable in its makeup.   Essentially you have the non-RBBC backs strung in with the dominant non-goal line backs and the lucky secondary RBBC players who happen to hit pay dirt the most near the goal line.

After #20 things get very variable.  In fact from looking at the way the final rankings wound up it is better to put your chips on the secondary back in the RBBC who does not necessarily get goal carries than a straight up goal line specialist.  By far the players with the least value are the big men who only see the ball on the goal line.   True goal line specialists do not really seem worth a fantasy football play.

At the end of the day running backs should be valued as follows:

1. Primary backs who get goal line carries 
2. Top tier secondary backs who rack up yards 
3. Top tier goal line backs 
4. Secondary running backs with a shot to put up points in the event of injury 
5. Secondary backs who are goal line specialists 

Top 2008 Running Backs 
1. DeAngelo Williams 
2. Michael Turner 
3. Matt Forte 
4. Adrian Peterson 
5. Thomas Jones 
6. Ladainian Tomlinson 
7. Steve Slaton 
8. Maurice Jones-Drew 
9. Clinton Portis 
10. Brian Westbrook 
11. Chris Johnson 
12. Brandon Jacobs 
13. Marshawn Lynch 
14. Frank Gore 
15. Steven Jackson 
16. Ronnie Brown 
17. Marion Barber 
18. Kevin Smith 
19. LenDale White 
20. Le’Ron McClain 
21. Pierre Thomas
22. Ryan Grant 
23. Derrick Ward 
24. Jonathan Stewart 
25. Jamal Lewis

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BleacherCreatureRotoTalk Last Minute Injury Report

By: Frankie Lampando 9/27/2009

Week 3 Fantasy Football Injury Landscape

QBs
Tom Brady (right shoulder) expected to start, practiced fully.
Drew Brees (left shoulder) will start, practiced fully.
Donovan McNabb (ribs) out.
Kurt Warner (right shoulder) expected to start, practiced fully.
Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) out.

RBs
LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) out;
Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) expected to start, practiced fully.
Brian Westbrook (ankle) hasn’t practiced all week, GTD.
Marion Barber (thigh) limited in practice all week, GTD.
Clinton Portis (ankle) missed practice on Friday, expected to play.
Frank Gore (ankle) limited all week, but will get the start.
Jonathan Stewart (heel) limited in practice, but will play            
Jamal Lewis (hamstring) out.
Carnell Williams (knee) GTD, regardless Ward will start.
Knowshon Moreno (groin) did not practice Friday.  GTD.

WRs
Steve Breaston (knee) limited in practice will come down to a GTD.
Randy Moss (back) – did not practice Friday, GTD.
Wes Welker (knee) – did not practice Friday, GTD.
Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) limited in practice all week – GTD.
Antonio Bryant (knee) practiced lightly, GTD.
Anthony Gonzalez (knee) out.
Kevin Walter (hamstring) limited in practice all week, should play.
Lance Moore (hamstring) out.
Kevin Curtis (knee) out. 
DeSean Jackson (groin) practiced on Friday, should play.
Domenik Hixon (knee) did not practice all week, unlikely to play.
Percy Harvin (illness) did not practice Thursday or Friday, GTD. 
Chaz Schilens (foot) is out against the Broncos.

Ks
Phil Dawson (right calf) questionable, GTD. 
Rob Bironas (right ankle) listed as questionable, but expected to play.

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Yankees Top Red Sox – Magic Number is at 1.

By: Alex Woods 9/27/2009

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Another thriller in the Bronx ended in victory for the Bombers. CC Sabathia pitched a gem throwing seven innings of one hit ball. Despite leaving an astounding 27 men on the base the Yankees were able to edge out a 3-0 victory over their arch rivals from Boston.

There are a few interesting factors that are becoming apparent from this series. The biggest being that Boston cannot hold men on base. Teams are running wild on the Sox as evident by the Yankees stealing 7 bases on Friday night. The fact that neither Varitek or Martinez have any kind of arm will come back to haunt the Sox. Defense and Pitching wins games in the playoffs. Lastly, while we fully endorse the Yankees at BCRT we would like to note that John Lester who was hit by a pitch in the knee on Friday is ok. The injury looked serious at the time and it would be a shame if a player with as much heart as Jonh Lester who has battled back to the big leagues by beating lymphoma could not participate in the playoffs.

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Week 3 NFL Picks

By Masterballer 9/26/2009

FFBaller.com

We are 19-13 against the spread and 19-13 straight up for the season.

Detroit (+6.5) over Washington
Detroit has been competitive in their first two games despite the final scores.  Washington is lucky they don’t have the same record as the Lions after barely beating the lowly Rams.  Look  for another low scoring affair with the Skins scraping by again.  Redskins 16-10

Philadelphia (-9) over Kansas City
The Eagles will likely be without McNabb again but luckily for them the Chiefs come to town.  After getting decimated by Brees last week, the Eagles will unleash their anger on KC.  Eagles 30-17

Green Bay (-6.5) over St. Louis
The Rams have scored a total of seven points so far this year.  The Packers’ offense hasn’t played that well this year but they’ve at least score 20 points in their first two games.  Packers 24-10

San Francisco (+7) over Minnesota
Both these teams like to run the ball and play hard defense.  This will be a closely fought contest but I think the Niners will force Favre into a few mistakes.  They’re out to gain some respect in the league.  49ers 17-14

Atlanta (+4) over New England
After getting throttled by the Jets, Brady and company will look to stay above .500.  Atlanta has play very well so far but facing a desperate New England team on the road might be too much this early.  Patriots 34-31

New York Jets (-3) over Tennessee
The Titans are desperate but the Jets are just playing too well right now.  The Titans won’t be able to score on New York.  The Jets have shutdown two top offenses so far and the Titans don’t come close as being a top offensive team.  20-10

New York Giants (-6.5) over Tampa Bay
Tampa just can’t stop anyone and the Eli Manning is having a career year so far.  The Giants should win this one easily.  Giants 35-17

Baltimore (-13) over Cleveland
Another mismatch and this one will be ugly.  Cleveland can’t stop the run and Baltimore has the fourth ranked rushing attack.  Ravens 38-3

Jacksonville (+4) Houston
The Jaguars should be able to keep this one close by running against a defense that just can’t stop the run.  Houston should be able to pull it out and avoid another embarrassing loss at home.  30-27

Chicago (-2) over Seattle
The Seahawks are too banged up and Chicago’s defense should be able to contain Wallace.  20-14

New Orleans (-6) over Buffalo
Both offenses can move the ball but the Saints move it better than anyone.  New Orleans surprisingly are fourth against the run.  So it’ll come down to Brees versus Edwards which will result in an easy Saints victory.  38-24

Oakland (+1.5) over Denver
This will be a low scoring affair with both offenses struggling to score.  The Raiders however will get Orton to make a few errors and the home team should take this one.  Raiders 13-9

San Diego (-6) over Miami
The Dolphins will use the same game plan they use last week against the Colts.  They’ll run the ball and keep the Chargers offense off the field, but that was a home game and they still lost.  Chargers 28-20

Cincinnati (+4) over Pittsburgh
This divisional game will be a closely fought low scoring affair.  Both defenses are playing well but the Steelers have won the last five games.  Steelers 17-14

Indianapolis (+2.5) over Arizona
The Cards should be able to run on the Colts and keep this game close but I see Manning pulling it out in the end as usual.  Colts 27-24

Carolina (+9) over Dallas
Neither team can stop anyone so look for a high scoring contest.  The Dallas defense is actually worst than the Panthers but Jerry Jones will make sure the Cowboys finally win in their new stadium.  Cowboys 35-27

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Elvis Andrus The Future Is Bright

By: Alex Woods 9/25/2009

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As the season wraps up we would like to focus on talented players who actually lived up to the hype in 2009. Coming into the season Andrus was regarded as burner who could also hit for average. In fact, ESPN called him a .290 hitter capable of 10-15 HRs to go along with 30+ steals.

Well, Andrus has come through and is currently hitting .270 with 6 HRs and 31 SBs. Not bad, additional power can be expected from the young short stop as he gains additional experience behind the plate. Also, after storming out of the gate his performance has begun to drop off of late. This is typical for young players as they adjust to the grueling MLB schedule. Expect his stamina to increase as well for the 2010 campaign.

As far a defense goes, Andrus has been as good if not better than advertised. While defense is not really a factor for fantasy baseball purposes we choose to include it in this article since it highlights his all-around game. Look for Andrus to be ranked as a top ss in the 2010 pre-season rankings. Keeper league owners take note.