Week Four...

The Week of the First Bye Weeks, that’s right suckers it’s Week Four and that means one thing. The season is a fourth of the way over. So it’s time to show me something. My team fully included in that.

Nazahoes (1-2) vs. AIDS (1-2) – The good news is that one of these teams will be .500 after this week which means that their playoff chances are still in good shape. The bad news the other team will be 1-3 and wondering what the hell happened.

QB: Tom Brady has been fantastic this year, throwing the ball more because Laurence Maroney is handicapped (or is it handicapable) by Travis Minor of all people. He throws the deep ball to Moss, or tosses it in the slot to Wes Welker and the rest is highlights for the cameras on the sideline. Yes, that joke is on it’s last leg. The Pats roll against the Bengals this week and that should be an example of when a sub par DEF gets torched. Tony Romo goes against a weak St. Louis DEF, and as long as he keeps TO happy this team clicks. The only thing that’s bad for Romo’s numbers a guy named Marion Barber III, it’s so bad ass when you have a Roman Numeral in your name. He trounces opposing run DEFs, let’s hope that doesn’t happen too much this week.
ADVANTAGE: Tom Brady.

WR: Holt/Mason vs. Johnson/Fitz. Okay Torry Holt has been catching balls left and right, with Steven Jackson out, he’s there go to guy on offense let’s face it. He’ll see balls, lots of them, but the Cowboys have an okay DEF. He’ll still have a decent game. Derrick Mason is an unsung hero in Baltimore. I started him this week because I think he can catch more balls and score against the Browns DEF, then Walker can against the Colts. Chad Johnson is an animal but the Patriots are the Patriots so I think he will be limited just a bit. Same goes for Larry Fitz, the Pittsburgh DEF can contain him, especially if Kurt Warner is behind center.
ADVANTAGE: Holt/Mason.

RB: McGahee/Henry vs. Gore/”The Edge”. Willis McGahee has only two TDs I believe but his numbers are very good. He’s catching the ball, something he didn’t do a lot of in Buffalo, and he’s making people miss, against the Browns I like anyone with a pulse. So he gets the nod. Good think I had depth at RB or Stephen Jackson going down could’ve been B-A-D, BAD. Travis Henry you are on notice. He scored last week but hurt his ankle and such, he looks to be back on point. Against the Colts though I don’t think he’ll do much, I start him because I have faith in zone blocking and Mike Shannahan. Frank Gore was dismal against the Steelers last week; he looked like he was going to disappear. Seattle’s DEF isn’t the best, but they have a good line backing corp and could limit him. I think he’ll still go for 100 yards and a touch. The Edge however goes against a dynamic Pittsburgh DEF that limited Gore last week. Expect the same from them this week. I think this one is really tight and won by Gore’s game against Seattle.
ADVANTAGE: Gore/”The Edge”

TE: Eric Johsnon is a victim of the bye week this week so I went out and got Owen Daniels. A little history Owen Dainels out performed everyone but three people last year and only played like four games. With Matt Schaub under center taking on his new team, and a pretty good pass DEF, Daniels will have a big game. 80 yards and a touch. Kellen Winsolw has a separated shoulder but will play, against the Ravens though does it matter? They have a tough DEF and their linebackers and linemen will sack the QB more times then he’ll probably throw in Winslow’s direction. He’ll have a few catches but nothing major.
ADVANTAGE: Daniels.

WR/RB: Seems my advice is taking off a bit. We’ve got Adrien Peterson against LaMont Jordan. Jordan has been a surprise of a life time this year. And Peterson is the ROY candidate in the NFC. This one comes down to the match up. I like the Dolphins a lot more then the Packers. So I’m giving the nod to Jordan, although this is a good little battle inside the battle I think.
ADVANTAGE: LaMont Jordan.

K: Jeff Reed vs. Matt Stover. Stover will kick a lot of extra points I think. That Browns DEF was just ugly and has been that way. Reed will get a chance for some field goals. I read an article that said Jeff Reed was the only safe fantasy play this week on Pittsburgh team and I thought it was funny. Based on that and the Browns shitty DEF I give the nod to Reed, field goals > extra points.
ADVANTAGE: Jeff Reed.

DEF: The Vikings against the Pack Attack vs. Indy at Denver. I don’t know Indy will fair in that game. Lesser teams then Denver have took it to the DEF. They don’t seem to force enough turnovers or score on special teams. That being said they could easily due what they did to the Saints time and time again. So nothing is out of the question. The Vikings have performed, they force turnovers, they get at the QB and their special teams is decent. Based on the Rookie running back on GB I’ll nod to the Vikings.
ADVANTAGE: Vikings.

OVERALL: Yahoo has this as a Microw victory by 8 points, but I think they predicted Larry Fitz too high. I think I can pull this out, and I’m awarding myself the victory. I beat AIDS, the government should thank me.

Vicksmart (0-3) vs. Yellow Jackets (2-1) – Justin needs a win, and Ward is laughing at us because Rivers is on the bench or some shit. Let’s see if Justin can find the victory column for the first time.

QB: Big Ben vs. Brett Favre. Well let’s get this key issue out of the way first, Hines Ward might spend Sunday on the Pine, and that may be a good thig. Here’s why: Santonino Holmes, more speed, bigger reach, more of a deep threat (think Plaixco Burress). Now the bad Hines Ward was the go to man for Big Men, but against a Cardinals DEF it might not matter, keep an eye on that from here on out though. The Cardinals DEF is a little tougher then you would think but as long as they keep passing like they have been, it’s a decent day by anyone’s standards. Brett Favre is really playing like it’s his last push in the NFL. He’s playing well, and if the Packers advance to the postseason he could bow out gracefully. I think it’s 1990 something now. However Favre does face a very good Vikings DEF that has been forcing turnovers. This could be a really good measuring stick for him, but guess what he tore up the Chargers, I say he can bottle lighting twice.
ADVANTAGE: Brett Favre and his Brute cologne and Wrangler jeans.

WR: TO/Roy Williams vs. Moss/Harrison. Okay TO faces a very poor STL def, they haven’t been all that good recently, letting crappy teams score points and win games. Roy Williams gets the Chicago draw this week though but he has been the go to guy for Kitna, and the Lions are playing pretty well. Yes I’m indicating there could be a shocker here. I say both of them will find the end zone at least twice between the two of them, and probably have close to 250 between the two of them. A stark prediction but I think it’s the right one. Randy Moss has been amazing. I don’t know what Oakland did to him but the Pats cleared that right out. It’s because he’s on a winning team. If there was a week for a breakdown because he doesn’t get the ball enough it would be this week (MNF game). I think Randy finds the end zone twice and goes over 100 yards against that ugly Cinnci DEF. Marvin Harrison is always dependable but recently the Colts haven’t been sinking their teeth in that sharp, they’ve been winning but not with the 8 TD passes between two WRs we’re used to seeing. Against Denver I don’t think Harrison finds the end zone, he’ll catch about 6 passes and go for 100 yards though. TD is iffy.
ADVANTAGE: TO/Roy.

RB: Johnson/Johnson vs. Westbrook/Maroney. Okay another note to get out of the way now. Rudi Johnson could be hurt and might not play on Monday. As of today he was not at practice. He does have the extra day to heal it though, so maybe that’s what they are thinking about doing, holding him till Monday night. I would get some insurance though just in case (Kenny Watson just in case you are wondering). If Rudi plays he faces that tough New England unit, so maybe they’ll hold him out, I don’t know. Keep your eye on it. Either way he isn’t going to find the end zone but he’ll rush for close to 100 and catch two passes. Larry Johnson is pitiful. I knew this was going to happen. If Ward had taken SJ, I would have taken Peyton (and yes kicked myself in the Draft review for doing it). Johnson plays against San Diego this week, not a good chance. The SD unit has been embarrassed and against the Chiefs you should see a good week from the SD DEF. I think Johnson can be used in the passing game and hell he could use for 80 yards, but he hasn’t found the red zone yet. I’m selling his chances here. Westbrook was terrific last week, that being said he’s dinged up…what else is new. Against the Giants he’ll play, it’s a key division game before a buy week. Look for him early, and often. It’s on Sunday night so more time to rest as well. Maroney might as well not exist. I think he’s over rated from a good rookie year. Brady passes to the money man now (insert Welker, Stallworth, Moss here). Maroney is used sometimes but often gets spelled with Travis Minor. Nothing of note, but against the Cincci piss poor DEF he’ll go 100 yards with a touch. Don’t count on it again.
ADVANTAGE: Westbrook/Maroney

TE: Shockey vs. Clark. Jeremy Shockey would be a lot better if he didn’t drop balls here and there, if he didn’t bitch and if he could find the end zone a few times. Eli throws the ball to him enough, he should have some good TD grabs. He gets lazy on routes, and gives up easy. 8.45 way too low though. He’ll cross ten because he’ll grab 8 passes or so. Against the Birds pass DEF I think he has a good chance of a TD though. Consider him on point. Dallas Clark however…against Denver. I don’t like his chances of a touch, I’ll give him four passes or so, but don’t expect anything big.
ADVANTAGE: Shockey.

WR/RB: Kevin Curtis vs. Wes Welker. Welcome to the jungle battle boys. I like this, two white WRs going toe to toe. However let me tell you this I like Kevin Curtis a little better here. Curtis had an amazing connection with McNabb last week and would’ve had a TD the week before too. I like his chances vs. a very lack luster Giants unit. Wes Welker is great I love him, he does it all, but guess what. Randy Moss, that’s all I have to say and you get the picture.
ADVANTAGE: Kevin “I’ve found my hands” Curtis

K: Robbie Gould vs. the Lions and Mike Nugent vs. the Bills. I like both of these matchups. The Bears are putting Grandpa Griese behind center on Sunday and the Bills DEF unit is good but not great and the Jets offense is so so. Consider these guys both good plays.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH

DEF: Chi Town vs. New England. Chi Town, and here’s why. Devin Hester has found his groove and is healthy. The Lions aren’t that great up front and Jon Kitna throws picks like they are going out of style. New England faces a good offensive unit that is very careful with the ball.
ADVANTAGE: Chi Town.

OVERALL: Sorry Just but I think you are going to go 0-4. The matchup against the Cinnci DEF for Maroney might do it for Ward, if Maroney doesn’t do it then you have a shot but I’m calling a Yellow Jackets victory.

Nazabitches (3-0) vs. Vick’s My Dog Catcher (2-1) – the thing here is can J Piss lose? I don’t know let’s go to the tape.

QB: Peyton Manning vs. Carson Palmer. Let me tell you something this isn’t as one sided as you may think. Denver has two amazing corner backs in Bly and Bailey (B&B), so that could shut down Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. Not to mention John Lynch over the top, it could be a long day for Manning. Another little bit of advice, the Broncos bounced the Colts out of the playoffs like 4 of the last 6 years or something. I don’t know the exact numbers and they did it with lesser names then they have now. That being said Carson Palmer faces the New England DEF, he’s thrown an awful lot to TJ Housh recently and with Rodney Harrison still out…we could have a nice day for Palmer. I’m still going to call this one for Manning, but wouldn’t be surprised to see it tight between these two.
ADVANTAGE: Manning.

WR: TJ Hous/Burress vs. Chambers and Coles. Clearly by name only we can see where the talent sits, but let’s break this down. TJ Housh is playing that vaunted NE DEF I just talked about so a good day for Palmer is a good day for Housh, see how this is a double situation. Don’t you just love when that happens (part of the reason I drafter three Rams, that worked great ). Well anyway he should have a somewhat decent night, esp. since Samuel will be playing on Chad Johnson. If Rudi Johnson is out though his numbers go down, not enough of a running threat to keep the other team honest. Plaxico might not even play. He’s day to day with a serious ankle sprain, this is the kind of injury that is a headache for managers. If he goes he faces the Philly depleted DEF, in which Roy Williams racked up yards and a TD last week, the same could be his if he’s healthy and the Giants don’t choke (two big long shots btw). If he doesn’t play looks like Curry from Oakland gets the start, and that’s bad news just all around. He had one good week, that’s it. Chris Chambers and Coles are the same type of WR believe it or not. They are on teams that don’t do that well but they catch balls, in a PPR league that’s good. Chambers against Oakland that’s doable for a score, Coles against Buffalo, that’s doable for a score. I like the CC connection better then a shaky ankle and a bad backup WR.
ADVANTAGE: Chambers/Coles.

RB: Brown/Benson vs. LT/Parker. Ronnie Brown is predicted to have a monster game this week, what difference a week makes, but guess what I don’t think he can do it. I think he can score but he won’t post anywhere close to 30. I’m not even sure about 20, tamper expectations and email me when I’m wrong. Cedric Benson, he hasn’t proven much of anything as of late and the Lions are playing decently…so you do the math. Benson does get upgraded due to Griese taking the reigns. That being said this is the week that LT breaks out, face the facts. He’s a terror and he’s going to explode all over the place this weekend. I’m going two touches and 100 yards. That’s steep but I like setting the bar high. Willie Parker, not so much. Last week he did nothing, as long as Big Ben throws the ball Parker gets demoted a bit. LT is the difference maker here.
ADVANTAGE: LT/Parker.

TE: Todd Heap vs. Antonio Gates. Todd Heap again plays that Browns DEF so I like his shot of finding pay dirt, but Gates will have another HUGE game, and guess what he’ll explode just like LT. Rivers likes to use him a lot, a lot, a lot. I go with Heap though narrowly.
ADVANTAGE: Heap.

WR/RB: Tatum Bell vs. Marion Barber. Tatum Bell is going against the Chi Town DEF and Kevin Jones scored a TD last week, all bad things if you own him. Marion Barber gets a St. Louis DEF and he’s been running wild all over the place. Think about it, it’s simple.
ADVANTAGE: Marion Barber

K: Wilkins vs. Adam V. I think the offense in STL will sputter way more then the Colts will, that makes Jeff Wilkins over Adam V. in my very good opinon.
ADVANTAGE: Wilkins.

DEF: Baltimore Ravens vs. SD. Now both of these teams get sub par offensive units. There is no denying that the Ravens are a top DEF unit and they will keep that up against the Browns. The Chargers, they will be hurting a little bit but will play good. The Ravens get the edge here though.
ADVANTAGE: Ravens

OVERALL: I think the running back situation here is terrible for the Nazabitches. And if Burress doesn’t play which I don’t think he will things could get ugly. Vick’s My Dog Catcher to give John his first loss.

T-Rex Grossman (1-2) vs. Inches (2-1) – Vito wants to change the downward trend this is a chance to do it. We could have a lot of teams here all bound together.

QB: Cutler vs. McNabb. Jay Cutler is a pretty good Quarterback but you know what I like him, and that Colts DEF can be thrown on. I didn’t start Javon Walker this week because of the DEF though and because the offense hasn’t shown much spark in recent weeks. Meanwhile the Eagles are coming off a game where they showed amazing team chemistry. McNabb will get the ball to Westbrook and down the field a little bit, he always shows up big for divison games. Even in that game against the Skins he was pretty decent.
ADVANTAGE: McNabb

WR: Anquan Boldin/Braylon Edwards vs. Steve Smith/Reggie Wayne. Okay Anquan Boldin benefited from Kurt Warner last week, I don’t know if that’s going to happen again, even if he does the Pittsburgh DEF isn’t going to be passed on that much. Braylon Edwards has to work against the Ravens DEF too so that’s kind of difficult. I say both of these are so so starts. Steve Smith and Reggie Wayne are two of the best in the game, guess what…Steve Smith plays Tampa Bay and while they play a good cover two, Jake Delhomme is going good and he will continue to roll on. Although he may be hurt. Either way Steve Smith is fantasy gold. Reggie Wayne and Manning and such haven’t been rolling as good as they were last year but guess what…Wayne will be blanketed by Bly or Bailey and guess what he’ll have a few good catches and he will find the end zone but not real more.
ADVANTAGE: Smith/Wayne.

RB: Alexander/Addai vs. Bush/Williams. First the good news…Alexander will play, bad news he has a cracked wrist. They will still get the ball to him early and often. Addai will get the ball a ton too I believe both are really good plays with DEFs they potential could take advantage of. Reggie Bush isn’t playing and Caddy is in the shop. This could be the Vito runaway category, even if Ward makes some changes.
ADVANTAGE: Alexander/ Addai (AA)

TE: Vernon Davis vs. Gonzo. Ummm hello….um hi I’m Vernon Davis I sprained my knee I’ll miss the next two games. Umm hello…um hi I’m Gonzo I play for a sucky team, but I do play. Until Vito changes this I got Gonzo.
ADVANTAGE: Gonzo.

WR/RB: Calvin Johnson vs. Santonino Holmes. My name is Calvin Johnson and I’m an impact rookie no doubt but you know what…I have back spasms and guess what I might not play this weekend. So keep an eye on that, even if he does the Bears are good on DEF but they do let up some big plays to second and third WRs. Holmes will probably be the top Pitt wide out due to Hines Ward’s injury. So I’m going with him.
ADVANTAGE: Holmes.

K: Jason Hanson vs. Jason Elam. And I’m Jason Carfagno! HI! LOL. Jason Hanson will get chances with the Detroit team and he can kick the ball a country mile. I’m going with him.
ADVANTAGE: Jason Hanson.

DEF: Denver vs. Pittsburgh. I said the Denver DEF could defend I didn’t say they would recover fumbles, get after the QB or pick off Peyton. Pittsburgh will do those things to the Cardinals though, so I give them the nod.
ADVANTAGE: Pittsburgh.

OVERALL: Ward is asleep at the wheel this week, so is Vito a little bit. But I’m going C.A.V.