Sports Blog

GOLD

Jermichael Finley, GB, TE, vs. Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Finley should be in line for a big game this week. Detroit has given up 6 TD’s to Tight Ends this year and should have trouble covering all of Green Bay’s weapons. If the Lions focus on the WRs then Finley should have a huge day over the middle.

Nate Burleson, SEA, WR, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
One of the most underrated WRs in the league is set to have another big game at home. He has 22 catches, 281 yards and 3 TDs in 3 games. Look for this to continue against a Cardinals team giving up plenty yards in the air.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEA, QB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 10 rushing yards (23 points)
Like I said Arizona can be beat in the air and Seattle has plenty of weapons to do it with. Look for Matt to spread the wealth again for another big week.

Pierre Thomas, NO, RB, vs. NY Giants
Forecast: 16 carries, 96 yards, 2 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Thomas has been great since his return from his knee injury. With teams keying on Brees and the passing game, Thomas has dominated on the ground averaging 106 yards and a TD. Even better is he can also catch the ball. Keep riding the wave.

Todd Heap, BAL, TE, @ Minnesota
Forecast: 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Minnesota has allowed the most fantasy points to TEs this so Heap should be the next TE to go off against them. Don’t be surprised if he scores this week.

LaDainian Tomlinson, SD, RB, vs. Denver
Forecast: 20 carries, 72 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Tomlinson has scored in 6 straight MNF games. And even though the Denver D is improved I see him keeping that streak alive especially after coming off a bye week.

Jake Delhomme, CAR, QB, @ Tampa Bay
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int (20 points)
Jake should have his best game of the year this week going against the bad Tampa Bay defense. This is one week that he is actually ok to start so take advantage if you need a QB this week

Vincent Jackson, SD, WR, vs. Denver
Forecast: 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Jackson has been good all season and I see that continuing especially with the Chargers coming off a bye. Start him with confidence.

COLD

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 13 carries, 38 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
The way to beat Arizona is in the air, they actually have a pretty good run defense. So this week I don’t see Jones having a good game especially when he is splitting with Edge.

Eddie Royal, DEN, WR, @ San Diego
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Royal finally broke out this year, the thing is how long will it continue. I don’t see it happening again this week against a mad SD defense

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, vs. Philadelphia
Forecast: 16 carries, 35 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
There is no reason to start any Raiders this game against a great Eagles defense.

Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB, @ Pittsburgh
Forecast: 15 carries, 44 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Last weeks surprise big game won’t happen again this week when the Steelers are ready for it.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, @ New Orleans
Forecast: 4 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Saints surprisingly pretty good in pass coverage and Eli could be hurt. Downgrade expectations.

Last weeks results:
GOLD
Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 21 yards, 0 catches, 0 TD (2 points)

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta                                                                    WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Actual: 188 passing yards,0 TD, 1 rushing yard (7.5 points)

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City                                                 WIN
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis                                 LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 TD (4.5 points)\

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville                                           LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 31 yards, 0 TD (2.5 points)

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England                               WIN
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 88 yards, 4 catches, 36 yards,1 lost Fum (12.5 points)

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami                                                WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
                                                                                                      ___________

                                                                                   Week:        4-4(50%)

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco                                 WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
Actual: 6 catches, 55 yards, TD (8 points)
Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 70 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee                                               LOSS
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 27 yards, 10 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami                                                  LOSS
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 13 carries, 42 yards, 2 TD (16 points)
Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco                                 LOSS
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 22 carries, 97 yards, 3 TD (27 points)
_____________

                                                                                           WEEK: 2-3(40%)

look to previous weeks for scoring benchmarks

Image source: AP

GOLD

Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Injuries in the Browns backfield have left Harrison as the last man standing and this has been good for the both of them. Thrown into the starting lineup against a tough Bengals D he preformed well going for over 100 yards rushing. Harrisons best asset is that he is a good receiver witch will help when the Browns are down.

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Gore will be out again leaving the 49er running game to the very capable Coffee. The Falcons have not been that strong stopping the run so I can see Coffee having another solid day. Even better I see him getting in the End Zone this week

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Garrard has been very solid at QB and this week he is going against a weak defense. He can beat teams on the ground and in the air and he has been pretty good at not turning the ball over. He should have another solid game right here.

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
If Barber is limited or not playing then these numbers could be even bigger. Choice has been solid when given the opportunity to play and going against a weak defense, he will be the prime Choice in the Dallas backfield.

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Washington has scored in three straight weeks and has become the Titians #1 receiver. I see them having to throw the ball a lot in this one to keep up with the Colts offense.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
The return of Matt Hasselbeck should help Carlson greatly. I see him getting back to being one of the better TE options in fantasy football. Going against Jacksonville should be just what the doctor ordered.

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Knowshon has scored in two straight games and is fast becoming the main option in the Denver backfield. He doesn’t have a great match-up this week but I still see him having a good game.

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
I know this is a big reach but I could see the Jets throwing to Edwards right away. The Dolphins have been bad against the deep ball and that is just Braylon’s specialty. Look for them to go deep at least a couple times in this game.

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
The 49ers have been very good against opposing TE’s this season. They have very athletic LB’s that can cover. Look for him to have lower numbers this week.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
With Eli doubtful for the game and going against one of the best corners in the league it will be hard for Smith to keep up his excellent play this week.

Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Addai had a good week last week but I don’t see it happening again this week. He is in almost a 50-50 split with Donald Brown making big weeks more and more rare. Now he has to go up against the Titians tough running defense.

Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Another player in a time share going against a tough running defense, I don’t see a big game from Jones this week. Without that TD run last week he really didn’t do anything.

Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Follow the trend? Three straight weeks owners should lower their expectations going against the tough 49er defense. This week is even worse because Turner is no threat in the passing game.

Week 4 Results
GOLD
Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis                                                                           WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 24 carries, 74 rushing yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD (12.9 points)
Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 3 catches, 71 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami                                                                       LOSS
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Actual: 230 passing yards, 2 TD,1 Int, 20 rushing yards (17.2 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 18 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 catch, 12 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit                                                                    INJ
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 1 catch, 2 yards, (INJURED)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City                                                               WIN
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: 292 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 1 lost Fum (19. 6 points)
______________________
Week 4: 4-3-1injured (57%)
Season: 16-15 (55%)
COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 65 yards, 2 catches, 11 yards, 1 TD, 1 lost FUM (12 points)
Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco                                                               WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Actual: 23 carries, 79 yards, 3 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets                                                    WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 33 yards, 0 TD (3.5 points)
Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay                                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Actual: 271 passing yards, 3 TD, 0 Int (22.8 points)
John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis                                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD (6.9 points)
___________________
Week 4: 3-2 (60%)
Season: 12-8 (60%)

source image: Getty

GOLD

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 15 carries, 65 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Bush looked good running the ball against the Chargers on Monday night, totaling 60 yards and a touchdown on 13 touches. He is the power to Darren McFadden’s speed in Oakland’s 2-back rotation and this week they play the lowly Chiefs. I see him having at least the same production with good chance for even more.

Santana Moss, WAS, WR, Vs. St. Louis
Forecast: 7 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
The Redskins struggled on offense against the Giants, limiting Moss to only 2 catches for 6 yards. But the Rams are not the Giants and I see the offense getting on track this week. Moss should get a lot more space to operate. I see a big game for him this week.

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT, QB, @ Chicago
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 TO, 10 rushing yards (17 points)
The Steelers are no longer a running team. Not with the O-line that they currently have. So its safe to say that Big Ben is going to be throwing the ball around on Sunday because that’s the only way they can move the ball. The Bears defense is no push over but they can give up some big plays in the passing game. I see Ben going over 300 yards again with a couple TDs. He might have a couple turnovers too so beware.

Steve Smith, CAR, WR, @ Atlanta
Forecast: 8 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
People are panicking on Smith because of the horrible QB play that the Panthers are getting. Well calm down because he’ll show this week why you picked him as an elite WR. It’s not like they weren’t throwing the ball to him (13 targets). I see him going off for a big game against a secondary that is not as good as Philly.

Leon Washington, NYJ, RB, Vs. New England
Forecast: 15 carries, 75 rushing yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
The Patriots defense is not as strong as it was in years past so there is no reason to fear them. Fred Jackson had a big game against them on Monday and I see a trend forming when they play the Jets. The Jets have Thomas Jones to soften up the defense then Washington will explode for a big play. I see it working that way on Sunday in a surprise Jets win.

Bernard Berrian, MIN, WR, @ Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Finally healthy and practicing, I see him and Favre hooking up for some big gains against a horrible Lions defense.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, Vs. Seattle
Forecast: 6 catches, 55 yards (8 points)
People have been waiting for him to blow up for a couple years now. It seemed like every year he was a sleeper pick. We’ll now with lowered expectations it looks like he is ready to be a solid contributor. I see him getting around 5 catches a game and even better he is probable the 49ers best red zone threat. Keep an eye on this guy.

Philip Rivers, SD, QB, Vs. Baltimore
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 Int (20 points)
Yes, the Ravens have a solid defense but I think they lost a lot in losing their coordinator and Bart Scott. Another big factor will be that LT might not play forcing the Chargers to rely more on Rivers. I see a good game. Start him with confidence.

COLD
Mike Bell, NO, RB, @ Philadelphia
Forecast: 12 carries, 43 rushing yards, 1 catch, 5 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Every body’s prize pick up of the week is in for a rude awakening. The Eagles are not the Lions and there is going to be little room for him to run. Even worse for him is that starter Pierre Thomas has been practicing this week and will probably play on Sunday. This will dig into Bell’s carries even more. I say Bell’s value is about to take a big hit so deal him if you can.

Roy Williams, DAL, WR, Vs. New York Giants
Forecast: 3 catches, 46 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Williams big game against the Buccs was a mirage when you see that 66 yards of his 86 came on one long blown coverage. Other than that he didn’t have that good of a game. Let’s see if he can do it against a real defense, which I don’t think he can.

DeSean Jackson, PHI, WR, Vs. New Orleans
Forecast: 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 carry, 14 yards (5 points)
If McNabb is out, which it looks like he is, Jackson will struggle. Last game he barley did any thing and aside from the long punt return it was a forgettable game. I see another one coming without his QB.

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 49 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TDs (6 points)
Jones had a huge game last week against the lowly Rams. We’ll the Niners are not the Rams and last week they shutdown the high power Cardinals offense. Their running game could do nothing against the 49ers defense and I see them shutting that down again.

Tin Hightower, ARI, RB, @ Jacksonville
Forecast: 12 carries, 44 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Last weeks 12 catch game will not happen again any time soon. That was a product of hurt receivers and good pressure on Warner for the 49ers defense. With the WRs getting health I see them throwing the ball to them a lot more this weekend, hurting Hightower’s production.

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

Last Week’s Results:
Gold
Leon Washington, NYJ, RB                                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 10 carries, 60 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 15 carries, 60 yards, 4 catches, 24 yards (12.4 points)
Josh Morgan, SF, WR                                                                                           LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD ( 14 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 38 yards ( 4.9 points)
Robert Meacham, NO, WR                                                                                  WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD ( 10.5 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB                                                                                        WIN
Forecast: 26 carries, 110 yards, 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 76 yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 1 TD (19.2 points)
Anthony Fasano, MIA, TE                                                                                     LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 10 yards (2.5 points)
Julius Jones, SEA, RB                                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 2 catches, 21 yards (13 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 117 yards, 2 catches, 19 yards, 1 TD ( 21.6 points)
Joe Flacco, BAL, QB                                                                                               WIN
Forecast: 205 passing yards, 17 rushing, 2 TD passes, 0 Int (17 points)
Actual: 307 passing yards, 18 rushing, 3 TD passes, 1 Int (24 points)
Shaun Hill, SF,QB                                                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 230 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 Int (16 points)
Actual: 209 passing yards, 1 TD pass, 1 lost fumble ( 10.4 points)
___________
Last Week: 5 - 3 ( 63%)
Season: 5- 3 (63%)
COLD
Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 43 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Actual: 11 carries 57 yards, 3 catches, 37 yards 0 TDs ( 10.5 points)
Dwayne Bowe, KAN, WR                                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 4 catches, 43 yards 0 TDs (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (12 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 5 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 46 yards, 0 Tds (4.3 points)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int (9 points)
Actual: 256 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int, 1 fumbles lost (10.2 points)
Clinton Portis, WAS, RB                                                                                WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 57 yards, 2 catches, 12 yards, 0 Tds (7 points)
Actual: 16 carries, 62 yards, 1 catch, 10 yards, 0 Tds (7.7 points)
___________
  Last Week: 4 -1 (80%)
Season: 4 -1 (80%)

Image Source: Getty

The NFL season is upon us, so its time to see where teams stack up in their divisions. Today I will preview the AFC and tomorrow the NFC. It should be a great season but here is how I see it playing out:

AFC EAST:

1. New England Patriots
The Patriots were the class of the league till Tom Brady went down in game one last year. Well Brady’s back and he still has his weapons like Randy Moss and Wes Welker. They should resume their high scoring ways and be the top of the division. On the other side of the ball though, their defense is not as good as years past. This might cause for some exciting shootouts during the season, but in the end I see them having enough offense to win the division.

2. New York Jets
The Jets have got a new coach and new QB, I think that could make the deference this year. They still have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, but I think their defense will be improved with new coach Rex Ryan. They still have to worry about starting a rookie (Mark Sanchez) at QB, but they have a strong enough defense and running game to coupe with that. I see them as this years Ravens.

3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins went from worst to first in the division last year, this year they will take a step back. Last year they benefited from the Pats losing Brady and the Jets fading at the end but this year teams are going to be ready for them, especially for the Wildcat offense that teams had trouble tons stopping. A tougher division puts the Dolphins back in their place this year.

4. Buffalo Bills
From worst to worst! Yes the Bills got T.O. in the off-season, but I don’t think it will be enough to make a move in a division that will be better this year. Add missing Marshawn Lynch for three games, plus the recent firing of the Offensive Coordinator and I see a bad season coming.

AFC NORTH:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending champs will be right there again. This team has all the pieces in place to repeat just can they stay health. Another thing they need to worry about is their O-line that was horrible last year in blocking for the run game or protecting Big Ben. This could catch up to them this year if they don’t improve.

2. Cincinnati Bengals
I see the Bengals making a come back this year, that is if Carson Palmer can stay healthy. The Bengals defense was very under rated and they improved it in the off-season through the draft and free agency. If their offense could get back to where it was, then I see them as a surprise team this year. Again, the key lies with Palmer.

3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will always have a solid defense as long as Ray Lewis and they will again this season. On offense Joe Flaco had a great season as a rookie leading them to the playoffs and even winning a couple games. Can he do it again? I going to say he struggles a little bit this season, but the ravens should still be good with their defense either way.

4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns might be improved this season but it won’t be enough to move up in the division. They still haven’t decided who the QB will be to start the season. That’s not good for a team that needs direction.

AFC SOUTH:

1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made it through a slow first half to start rolling at the end of the season. Then that had to play the Chargers a team that has had their number in recent years to end their season. Healthy this year, I see them taking back the division lead. It’s going to be a tough division but the Colts are still the class.

2. Houston Texans
It seems like this team has been picked as a sleeper for a couple years now only to disappoint. They have shown glimpse of the team they could be and this year I think they finally put it together. Their offense will be solid, but can their defense step it up?

3. Tennessee Titans
Surprising many to being the top team in the AFC, this team does it with a strong defense and a solid running game. They will try to use that again, but I see teams being ready for them this season. Their lack of passing offense might hurt them more this year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
A few years ago the Jaguars were right there with the Colts competing for the division title, now injuries have forced them to an after though. I think they will still have a solid team and might surprise, but in a tough division it will be hard for them to move up.

AFC WEST:

1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are by far the class of the AFC West this season. They have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and now the will have Shawn Merriman back to rep havoc on QB’s. Getting of to a good start will be key this season as they started off slow the past two years. If they do start fast they could end up with the best record and home field advantage in the playoffs.

2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have talent to compete, but a lose of their QB and a disgruntled WR has this year looking very bleak. There is talk that players are already feuding with the new coach witch can’t be good to start the season.

3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be the Raiders this season, which is not very good. They have talent but no leadership to lead them. I don’t see the Raiders being good until Al Davis gives up the team. With that being said the could be in some games because of a solid defense but how far they grow on offense will be as far as this team goes.

4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be in a rebuilding year this season. Even worse their starting QB Matt Cassell hurt his knee and will be out for some time. It doesn’t look pretty for the up coming season.

Image Source: AP

NFL Shop  San Diego Chargers Gear

Fantasy Studs:

• Andre Johnson went nuts for 178-yards receiving and a touchdown.
• Thomas Jones rushed for 2 touchdowns and 65-yards, including one more touchdown reception.
• Correll Buckhalter filled in nicely for the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing for 93-yards and a touchdown and receiving for 85-yards.
• Steve Breaston had 8 receptions for 102-yards and a touchdown.
• Peyton Manning finally had a great game, tossing for 3 touchdowns and 271-yards.
• Reggie Wayne caught 8 balls for 118-yards and a touchdown.
• Bernard Berrian took in 8 passes for 131-yards, including an 86-yard touchdown reception.
• Aaron Rodgers passes for 2 touchdowns and another on the ground.
• Clinton Portis rushed for 129-yards and 2 touchdowns in a losing effort.
• Drew Brees erupts for 320-yards and 3 touchdowns for the Saints.
• Marion Barber rushed for 45-yards and received 128 yards with a touchdown for the Cowboys.
• Tony Romo passed for 3 touchdowns and 321-yards.
• The Jags’ Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 125-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Philip Rivers passed for 306-yards and 3 touchdowns.

NFL Shop  Dallas Cowboys Gear

Fantasy Duds:

• Joseph Addai left the game early for the Colts, with only 3-yards.
• Roy Williams caught only two balls for 23-yards.
• Michael Turner only racked up 54-yards on Sunday.
• Edgerrin James rushed for 23-yards.
• Terrell Owens caught only four passes for 36-yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• DeAngelo Williams had 3 total touchdowns and 123 yards rushing.
• Brandon Jacobs rushed for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Giants
• Lee Evans finished with only 2 receptions, but for 100 yards, including a 87-yard touchdown.
• Randy Moss finally did some good on Sunday, catching a touchdown to go along with 111 yards.
• The Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown went over 100 yards again (125) and 1 touchdown.
• Michael Turner rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Packers.
• Kurt Warner aired out 250 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Chris Cooley racked up 109 yards receiving and a touchdown.
• Big Ben Roethlisberger passed for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Washington Redskin Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and a touchdown.
• Roddy White caught a touchdown to go with 132 yards.
• Aaron Rodgers’ 313 yards and 3 touchdowns wasn’t enough to push the Packers to victory

Fantasy Duds: 

• Larry Johnson racked up a whopping 2 yards from scrimmage.
• Santana Moss didn’t record a single catch or yard this weekend.
• Marvin Harrison once again disappointed, having only 4 catches for 32 yards.
• Fred Taylor rushed for only 19 yards.
• Tony Gonzalez finished with 3 catches and 17 yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Matt Jones busted with cocaine - SI
• What!? Lebron James and Chris Paul lose a pick up game! Three! - Larry Brown Sports
• Fans vote in Longoria and Hart for All-Star team - Fox Sports
• Ex-Florida basketball star charged with rape - Sports By Brooks
• Corey Maggette signs with the Warriors - Fox Sports
• The Okahoma City Thundercats? - Deuce of Davenport

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• Say hello, to my little friend
  
• Indians Trade C.C. Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers
• The Team Formerly Known as the Seattle Supersonics
• A’s Trade Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs
• Elton Brand Leaves the Clippers for Philadelphia

Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys were one of the many teams upset this weekend in the second round of the NFL Playoffs. Since Romo couldn’t lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, he can now spend some more PDA filled evenings with his new sweetheart, Jessica Simpson. I wonder if her parents will tag along again.

Here are the players who helped out their team this weekend and some who didn’t:

New York Giants 24, Dallas Cowboys 17

• Eli Manning didn’t turn the ball over once and connected to Amani Toomer for two touchdown passes.

San Diego Chargers 28, Indianapolis Colts 24

• Philip Rivers tossed for three touchdowns despite a non-existent LaDainian Tomlinson, who left with a leg injury.
• Peyton Manning was his usual self with over 400-yards passing and four touchdowns, but it was his two interceptions in Charger territory that proved to be crucial.

New England Patriots 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 20

• Tom Brady only threw two incomplete passes, connecting on 26 passes and throwing three touchdowns.

Green Bay Packers 42, Seattle Seahawks 20

• Brett Favre and Ryan Grant each had three touchdowns, including 201 yards rushing for Grant.
• Seattle’s running game was pretty much non-existent, as Shaun Alexander led the Seahawks with 20-yards.

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Check out and see who made an impact this week in the NFL for your fantasy football teams:

• Jaguars running back Fred Taylor had 147 yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Marques Colston had 8 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.
• Jamal Lewis ran all over the Bills for 163 yards to help the Browns to the victory.
• The Philadelphia Eagles Defense was responsible for the win over the Cowboys, holding them to 6 points and sacking Tony Romo four times and nabbing three interceptions.
• The Patriots Defense was just as good, contributing 5 sacks, a blocked punt and interception for a touchdown and a fumble recovery.
• Stephen Jackson had 143 yards rushing, including a 43-yard touchdown run for the Rams.
• Despite not recording a touchdown, Brian Westbrook still had a strong game with 81 yards rushing and 63 yards receiving.
• Kurt Warner tossed 3 touchdowns in a losing effort for the Cardinals.
• Clinton Portis rushed for a touchdown and 126 yards.
• Portis’ counterpart Brandon Jacobs had 130 yards in a losing effort for the Giants.
• The San Diego Chargers had a field day running on the Detroit Lions. LaDainian Tomlinson had 116 yards and 2 touchdowns while Darren Sproles had 122 yards and 2 touchdowns of his own.
• The Miami Dolphins finally won a game behind the arm of Cleo Lemon, who threw for 315 yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Stecker ran for 95 yards and had 2 touchdowns for the Saints, taking place of Reggie Bush.
• David Garrad threw for 3 touchdowns as did Ben Roethlisberger, but it was Garrad who came away with the win over the Steelers.
• Frank Gore broke loose for 138 yards.

Photo Source.