Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
This is a somewhat slimmed down version. I didn't go stat heavy so if you have some stats you want to toss out there please be my guest so we can all learn. I went quite a bit from the MOP gut this week.
On another note I just want to share what a terrific time I had in the Smoky Mtns this weekend. Initially I didn't think I wanted to go but some awesome folks over in the FFA had some great advice and I had a wonderful time. Highlights included a place called Barley's Taproom in Asheville along the way...Smuttynose, that's all I can say. We are planning to go back and stay there to visit the Biltmore and do some other things.
I know some folks don't like it when I veer off topic in here but I have to say that I was proud to be an American driving around the Smoky Mountains and seeing places like Klingler's Dome, it left me with a sense of pride I haven't had in some time. As Thanksgiving approaches I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, same as most of you.
If you have questions, post them up. Try to word them in a way so everyone can enjoy.
Oakland (5-4) at Pittsburgh (6-3) (-7) (41)
The Raiders have won 3 in a row and have yardage totals of 508, 545, and 321 the last 3 weeks. The Steelers have dropped 2 of their last 3, granted it was NO and NE which anyone can lose those 2 games. Pittsburgh is not playing great ball right now but they must remember Oakland walking into their stadium and beating them last year. I'm sure revenge will be on their minds.
Darren McFadden – I won't call for a complete whiff by McFadden but I don't see great things for him either. Maybe 60-80 total yards and a couple receptions which would make him a low end flex option, maybe RB2/3 area this week.
Rashard Mendenhall – Should be solid this week. Struggled last week against NE but has been strong most of the year.
Final Score: Pittsburgh 24…Oakland 17
Houston (4-5) at NY Jets (7-2) (-7) (45)
The Texans have lost 3 in a row and their season has gone from looking bright a month ago to now almost being on life support. In fact I think they easily miss the playoffs and Kubiak will be shown the door. That's a real shame as this team offensively has been one of the more exciting teams in recent years and has had huge impact fantasy players even though the passing game this year has been off. The Jets meanwhile are winning the close games that separate those that make the playoffs form those that sit home. New York is 14-4 over their last 18 games dating back to last year. Their pass defense the last 6 games has allowed an avg of only 190 yds.
Arian Foster – I like him almost any week and unless you have superior options I would still probably line him up. Nothing spectacular this week but should manage to stay in the top 20-25.
LaDainian Tomlinson/Shonn Greene – Did I read that these guys are going to get more of a split down the stretch? I can imagine the headache this is going to cause owners. I believe LT is still the guy who will rack up more but I also think they want to keep him fresh for the playoffs and I see him limited to probably 15 carries and under when they can for the rest of the way.
Final Score: New York 24…Houston 20
Baltimore (6-3) at Carolina (1-8) (+10) (37)
There's really not a lot to talk about here. The Ravens will be steaming after their loss over a week ago. Carolina is turning to their rookie QB3…we saw what QB3s do last night in the Miami-Chi game. This is going to be a boring game and one the Ravens should win easily.
Ray Rice – Gonna have a big day
Willis McGahee – Might work as an RB3 on your roster this week. He will see action in this one.
DWill - IR for the season
JStew – Can't stay healthy
Goodson – Baltimore is not lights out against the run this season but they held Turner in check last week and I don't see any reason to start any Panthers this week.
Final Score: Baltimore 32…Carolina 0
Washington (4-5) at Tennessee (5-4) (-7) (44)
The Skins have allowed 96 points the last 2 weeks and made Michael Vick the best QB in the history of the NFL last week. They benched their star QB in the final 2 minutes of a game a couple weeks ago for Rex Grossman, and then gave the same superstar a $75 million extension. Their $100 million DT flops and stays on the ground during games. It's good that Washington is getting things turned around.
Keiland Williams – I actually think he might be a decent flex option but look at the IR this week and see what the status of Portis and Torrain is. My guess is neither of those guys could handle a full load and Williams can be a dual threat with the receptions.
Chris Johnson – Time for him to have one of those pinball games.
Final Score: Tennessee 27…Washington 17
Detroit (2-7) at Dallas (2-7) (-6.5) (46.5)
Should be a fantasy bonanza. I would try to start most of the major players here. Amazing what a little discipline did for the Cowboys last week. Why did it take so long for the organization to see what everyone else was looking at?
Jahvid Best – Has back to back 21 touch performances. Points have not been in abundance but clearly he is a major part of the game plan. I start him with confidence this weekend.
Felix Jones – Ride it while you can. He looked great last week and is also a threat off the screen passes.
Final Score: Detroit 27…Dallas 24
Green Bay (6-3) at Minnesota (3-6) (+3) (44)
The Vikings hate their coach, they are walking the plank at this point, and yet I still wouldn't want to part with my money in this game because with Brett Favre you never know when he will turn in another great performance.
Brandon Jackson – Guy has been coming on the last month. While he might not rack a ton of rushing yards, he brings a dual threat which I always look for. The fast surface might help him a little bit too. Good flex option this week.
Adrian Peterson – Horrible performance against Chicago last week. I imagine he will make up for it this week although running on GB is not always fun.
Final Score: Green Bay 24…Minnesota 20
Buffalo (1-8) at Cincinnati (2-7) (-5.5) (44)
Fred Jackson – Had a fantastic week last week and has been growing in numbers week by week. Schedule is not great ahead of him but he is working his way in as a solid RB2 right now. He was available on many waiver wires as recent as a couple weeks ago. Cinci is not on defense and they have been banged up for weeks, look for Buffalo to open things up and this game might end up beingone of the higher scoring games this weekend.
Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott – Reports have been that Benson is banged up. Cinci is out o it so perhaps they give Benson a week off. I would like to see what Scott could do with 20 carries a game in this offense right now.
Final Score: Cincinnati 31…Buffalo 21
Cleveland (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4) (-2) (44)
Let me share what I was going to write about Hillis last week. I actually had done about half the games and then just didn't have time to finish before I took off. I thought you all would like it and maybe I can just repeat it for this week. Bobby Layne, FootballNerd, the rest of the Hillis fan club, this is for you.
LAST WEEK:
Peyton Hillis – Simply put, he's the heartbeat of this team. He's the guy you throw down into the pit and will be the last man standing. I watched him run at, over, and thru the New England defense last week like a Mack truck plowing thru a wall of shaving cream. He is on pace for 1,600+ yds and 16 TDs so why fight the numbers? I'm not sure I would pay thru the roof in dynasty to get him but who cares about 2011 and 2012 right now, we're dealing in 2010 and he has done nothing but prove me wrong time and time again. Oh he hasn't been lights out every week but for what most owners paid for this guy is not plucked him off waivers you gotta admire the effort. We'll see what he does against a tough defense but Cleveland is rolling right now with wins against the World Champs and the last dynasty in the NFL the past 2 weeks. Hillis on 4th and goal at the 1 smashing over the Jets for the winning score as time expires and then fighting every one of them that wants a piece of him in the parking lot after the game.
I was close…lol.
This Week – He should get plenty of action on the road. He did very well on his first trip into Florida back in September. Jacksonville is not terrible against the run but Cleveland has a solid OL right now.
MJD – 55 touches the last 2 weeks. Owners are loving it and Jax is in the hunt even though I think they are complete frauds at 5-4. That bodes well for owners as the playoffs loom.
Final Score: Cleveland 20…Jacksonville 19
Arizona (3-6) at Kansas City (5-4) (-8) (44)
The Cards flat out stink and should be considered one of the bottom dwellers in the NFL right now. The Chiefs are on a downslide after starting 3-0, they are 2-4 the last 6 weeks. Tied for 1st place but they are still a work in progress. Still, look for Charles to explode this week.
Tim Hightower – Wells is hurt all the time and has done nothing. Hightower fumbles too much and the offense blows right now.
Jamaal Charles – Pinball game with long runs
Thomas Jones – Plenty of touches helping to run out the clock.
Final Score: Kansas City 25…Arizona 14
Seattle (5-4) at New Orleans (6-3) (-11.5) (44)
The Seahawks could save a lot of money and make some needy children in Seattle happy if they would just stay home. Seriously, this is going to be a debacle for them. Saints have had a week off and are finding themselves just in time for a big playoff run and defense of their title.
Marshawn Lynch – Not a snowballs chance in hell he makes the top10 this week.
New Orleans RBs – I have no idea who is starting and who could play an entire game for them right now. I would take a wait and see approach but I would start any Saints WR you have on your team this weekend. Henderson is due for one of those 3/100/TD type games at home.
Final Score: New Orleans 48…Seattle 16
Atlanta (7-2) at St Louis (4-5) (+3) (43)
This game is going to be closer than some might think.
Michael Turner – Laid an egg last week but look for him to bounce back strong this week in St Louis. I like him for 100 and possibly 2 touchdowns in this game
Jason Snelling – You never know when he will produce but I also would not be surprised if he racks up 8-10 points in PPR formats. Useless for a lot of owners.
Steven Jackson – Found the end zone last week. That doesn't happen much. Game will be won by Atlanta but St Louis should hang in there to keep Jackson relevant. I have an idea though for the coaching staff…you are running out of WRs, why not throw SJax the ball? He does have 90+ receptions on his resume in a season. WTH do I know though?
Final Scoring: Atlanta 27…St Louis 20….Falcons pull away late.
Tampa Bay (6-3) at San Fran (3-6) (-3) (41.5)
Bucs are another team that could do us all a favor and not even board the plane. Cross country, poor defense, look for the Niners to run it down their throat and the Bucs skill position guys to be on the bench a lot. I like the Bucs and what they are doing this year but I don't see a lot of good things happening for them this weekend.
L.Blount/Cadillac – Because I think the Bucs will lose, I don't see much from Blount. Think Atlanta few weeks back. In fact Cadillac will be in the game when they fall behind or are in a passing mode. We can argue about it but I did many of the game recaps for FBG on the Bucs over the 1st 5-6 weeks of the season so I watched them with a great amount of detail. I have not been off very often when it comes to predicting what they will do. For what it's worth Jeff Tefertiller thinks I am dead wrong on this but IMO just like Seattle, the Bucs could save us a lot of heartache and just stay home. I hope I'm wrong as a Bucsfan and former Tampa/St Pete resident.
Frank Gore – Top5 this week.
Final Score: San Fran 29…Tampa Bay 12
Indy (6-3) at New England (7-2) (-3.5) (50)
The Colts have not had a major road victory all season. They lost at Phill, Jax, and this week in NE I think they fall short again. It's not that I love NE and their personnel but history has taught us that Belichick is a tremendous leader and has this team thinking they can do anything at this point. You might think letdown after Pittsburgh but I think they had their letdown the week prior against Cleveland as they looked ahead at the Steelers. I doubt they take the Colts lightly.
Indy RBs - I don't think any of them will carry a big load, and I don't think any of them are top20 candidates this week.
BJGE/Woody – BJGE is up and down but I do expect NE to run the ball some on a suspect defense that rises to the occasion at times but will be beaten up good come the middle of the 3rd quarter this week.
Final Score: New England 28…Indy 21
New York Giants (6-3) at Philly (6-3) (-3) (48)
Sunday Night Football is gonna rock this week. I saw what Vick did against Washington and I want to see what he does this week against New York. It's not a world beater defense but it certainly is an upgrade over Washington. They were embarrassed last week against Dallas so I expect them to have something a little extra for Vick and company.
Ahmad Bradshaw – Start him for sure
McCoy/Harrison – Is McCoy really hurt? This situation is a little murky but if McCoy is clear to play I wouldn't think twice about it. Love his game with Vick scaring the heck out of the defense. No way the Giants are losing sleep at night over McCoy and that will play to his or Harrison's advantage. Nice to see Harrison is still as explosive as some of us thought. Whoever gets the start I like so I green lighted them both.
Final Score: Philly 27…New York 24…This should be one of the best games of the year.
Denver (3-6) at San Diego (4-5) (-10) (50)
Guess Vegas likes Rivers this weekend. Denver is not a good team but San Diego has poor leadership at the coaching position. What is the difference between Wade Phillips and Norv Turner, can you answer me that?
Knowshon Moreno – Seems like I am always reading he is nicked up. Assuming he's healthy I think he is always a threat to knock in 12-15 points most weeks. Depends on how long Denver can make it a game.
San Diego RBs – Let me know when we get any real consistency here. Seriously, let's discuss this but they have 3 backs that all play a role, none of them really dominate.
Final Score: San Diego 30…Denver 20
Good luck this weekend everybody!!!
On another note I just want to share what a terrific time I had in the Smoky Mtns this weekend. Initially I didn't think I wanted to go but some awesome folks over in the FFA had some great advice and I had a wonderful time. Highlights included a place called Barley's Taproom in Asheville along the way...Smuttynose, that's all I can say. We are planning to go back and stay there to visit the Biltmore and do some other things.
I know some folks don't like it when I veer off topic in here but I have to say that I was proud to be an American driving around the Smoky Mountains and seeing places like Klingler's Dome, it left me with a sense of pride I haven't had in some time. As Thanksgiving approaches I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, same as most of you.
If you have questions, post them up. Try to word them in a way so everyone can enjoy.
Oakland (5-4) at Pittsburgh (6-3) (-7) (41)
The Raiders have won 3 in a row and have yardage totals of 508, 545, and 321 the last 3 weeks. The Steelers have dropped 2 of their last 3, granted it was NO and NE which anyone can lose those 2 games. Pittsburgh is not playing great ball right now but they must remember Oakland walking into their stadium and beating them last year. I'm sure revenge will be on their minds.
Darren McFadden – I won't call for a complete whiff by McFadden but I don't see great things for him either. Maybe 60-80 total yards and a couple receptions which would make him a low end flex option, maybe RB2/3 area this week.
Rashard Mendenhall – Should be solid this week. Struggled last week against NE but has been strong most of the year.
Final Score: Pittsburgh 24…Oakland 17
Houston (4-5) at NY Jets (7-2) (-7) (45)
The Texans have lost 3 in a row and their season has gone from looking bright a month ago to now almost being on life support. In fact I think they easily miss the playoffs and Kubiak will be shown the door. That's a real shame as this team offensively has been one of the more exciting teams in recent years and has had huge impact fantasy players even though the passing game this year has been off. The Jets meanwhile are winning the close games that separate those that make the playoffs form those that sit home. New York is 14-4 over their last 18 games dating back to last year. Their pass defense the last 6 games has allowed an avg of only 190 yds.
Arian Foster – I like him almost any week and unless you have superior options I would still probably line him up. Nothing spectacular this week but should manage to stay in the top 20-25.
LaDainian Tomlinson/Shonn Greene – Did I read that these guys are going to get more of a split down the stretch? I can imagine the headache this is going to cause owners. I believe LT is still the guy who will rack up more but I also think they want to keep him fresh for the playoffs and I see him limited to probably 15 carries and under when they can for the rest of the way.
Final Score: New York 24…Houston 20
Baltimore (6-3) at Carolina (1-8) (+10) (37)
There's really not a lot to talk about here. The Ravens will be steaming after their loss over a week ago. Carolina is turning to their rookie QB3…we saw what QB3s do last night in the Miami-Chi game. This is going to be a boring game and one the Ravens should win easily.
Ray Rice – Gonna have a big day
Willis McGahee – Might work as an RB3 on your roster this week. He will see action in this one.
DWill - IR for the season
JStew – Can't stay healthy
Goodson – Baltimore is not lights out against the run this season but they held Turner in check last week and I don't see any reason to start any Panthers this week.
Final Score: Baltimore 32…Carolina 0
Washington (4-5) at Tennessee (5-4) (-7) (44)
The Skins have allowed 96 points the last 2 weeks and made Michael Vick the best QB in the history of the NFL last week. They benched their star QB in the final 2 minutes of a game a couple weeks ago for Rex Grossman, and then gave the same superstar a $75 million extension. Their $100 million DT flops and stays on the ground during games. It's good that Washington is getting things turned around.
Keiland Williams – I actually think he might be a decent flex option but look at the IR this week and see what the status of Portis and Torrain is. My guess is neither of those guys could handle a full load and Williams can be a dual threat with the receptions.
Chris Johnson – Time for him to have one of those pinball games.
Final Score: Tennessee 27…Washington 17
Detroit (2-7) at Dallas (2-7) (-6.5) (46.5)
Should be a fantasy bonanza. I would try to start most of the major players here. Amazing what a little discipline did for the Cowboys last week. Why did it take so long for the organization to see what everyone else was looking at?
Jahvid Best – Has back to back 21 touch performances. Points have not been in abundance but clearly he is a major part of the game plan. I start him with confidence this weekend.
Felix Jones – Ride it while you can. He looked great last week and is also a threat off the screen passes.
Final Score: Detroit 27…Dallas 24
Green Bay (6-3) at Minnesota (3-6) (+3) (44)
The Vikings hate their coach, they are walking the plank at this point, and yet I still wouldn't want to part with my money in this game because with Brett Favre you never know when he will turn in another great performance.
Brandon Jackson – Guy has been coming on the last month. While he might not rack a ton of rushing yards, he brings a dual threat which I always look for. The fast surface might help him a little bit too. Good flex option this week.
Adrian Peterson – Horrible performance against Chicago last week. I imagine he will make up for it this week although running on GB is not always fun.
Final Score: Green Bay 24…Minnesota 20
Buffalo (1-8) at Cincinnati (2-7) (-5.5) (44)
Fred Jackson – Had a fantastic week last week and has been growing in numbers week by week. Schedule is not great ahead of him but he is working his way in as a solid RB2 right now. He was available on many waiver wires as recent as a couple weeks ago. Cinci is not on defense and they have been banged up for weeks, look for Buffalo to open things up and this game might end up beingone of the higher scoring games this weekend.
Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott – Reports have been that Benson is banged up. Cinci is out o it so perhaps they give Benson a week off. I would like to see what Scott could do with 20 carries a game in this offense right now.
Final Score: Cincinnati 31…Buffalo 21
Cleveland (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4) (-2) (44)
Let me share what I was going to write about Hillis last week. I actually had done about half the games and then just didn't have time to finish before I took off. I thought you all would like it and maybe I can just repeat it for this week. Bobby Layne, FootballNerd, the rest of the Hillis fan club, this is for you.
LAST WEEK:
Peyton Hillis – Simply put, he's the heartbeat of this team. He's the guy you throw down into the pit and will be the last man standing. I watched him run at, over, and thru the New England defense last week like a Mack truck plowing thru a wall of shaving cream. He is on pace for 1,600+ yds and 16 TDs so why fight the numbers? I'm not sure I would pay thru the roof in dynasty to get him but who cares about 2011 and 2012 right now, we're dealing in 2010 and he has done nothing but prove me wrong time and time again. Oh he hasn't been lights out every week but for what most owners paid for this guy is not plucked him off waivers you gotta admire the effort. We'll see what he does against a tough defense but Cleveland is rolling right now with wins against the World Champs and the last dynasty in the NFL the past 2 weeks. Hillis on 4th and goal at the 1 smashing over the Jets for the winning score as time expires and then fighting every one of them that wants a piece of him in the parking lot after the game.
I was close…lol.
This Week – He should get plenty of action on the road. He did very well on his first trip into Florida back in September. Jacksonville is not terrible against the run but Cleveland has a solid OL right now.
MJD – 55 touches the last 2 weeks. Owners are loving it and Jax is in the hunt even though I think they are complete frauds at 5-4. That bodes well for owners as the playoffs loom.
Final Score: Cleveland 20…Jacksonville 19
Arizona (3-6) at Kansas City (5-4) (-8) (44)
The Cards flat out stink and should be considered one of the bottom dwellers in the NFL right now. The Chiefs are on a downslide after starting 3-0, they are 2-4 the last 6 weeks. Tied for 1st place but they are still a work in progress. Still, look for Charles to explode this week.
Tim Hightower – Wells is hurt all the time and has done nothing. Hightower fumbles too much and the offense blows right now.
Jamaal Charles – Pinball game with long runs
Thomas Jones – Plenty of touches helping to run out the clock.
Final Score: Kansas City 25…Arizona 14
Seattle (5-4) at New Orleans (6-3) (-11.5) (44)
The Seahawks could save a lot of money and make some needy children in Seattle happy if they would just stay home. Seriously, this is going to be a debacle for them. Saints have had a week off and are finding themselves just in time for a big playoff run and defense of their title.
Marshawn Lynch – Not a snowballs chance in hell he makes the top10 this week.
New Orleans RBs – I have no idea who is starting and who could play an entire game for them right now. I would take a wait and see approach but I would start any Saints WR you have on your team this weekend. Henderson is due for one of those 3/100/TD type games at home.
Final Score: New Orleans 48…Seattle 16
Atlanta (7-2) at St Louis (4-5) (+3) (43)
This game is going to be closer than some might think.
Michael Turner – Laid an egg last week but look for him to bounce back strong this week in St Louis. I like him for 100 and possibly 2 touchdowns in this game
Jason Snelling – You never know when he will produce but I also would not be surprised if he racks up 8-10 points in PPR formats. Useless for a lot of owners.
Steven Jackson – Found the end zone last week. That doesn't happen much. Game will be won by Atlanta but St Louis should hang in there to keep Jackson relevant. I have an idea though for the coaching staff…you are running out of WRs, why not throw SJax the ball? He does have 90+ receptions on his resume in a season. WTH do I know though?
Final Scoring: Atlanta 27…St Louis 20….Falcons pull away late.
Tampa Bay (6-3) at San Fran (3-6) (-3) (41.5)
Bucs are another team that could do us all a favor and not even board the plane. Cross country, poor defense, look for the Niners to run it down their throat and the Bucs skill position guys to be on the bench a lot. I like the Bucs and what they are doing this year but I don't see a lot of good things happening for them this weekend.
L.Blount/Cadillac – Because I think the Bucs will lose, I don't see much from Blount. Think Atlanta few weeks back. In fact Cadillac will be in the game when they fall behind or are in a passing mode. We can argue about it but I did many of the game recaps for FBG on the Bucs over the 1st 5-6 weeks of the season so I watched them with a great amount of detail. I have not been off very often when it comes to predicting what they will do. For what it's worth Jeff Tefertiller thinks I am dead wrong on this but IMO just like Seattle, the Bucs could save us a lot of heartache and just stay home. I hope I'm wrong as a Bucsfan and former Tampa/St Pete resident.
Frank Gore – Top5 this week.
Final Score: San Fran 29…Tampa Bay 12
Indy (6-3) at New England (7-2) (-3.5) (50)
The Colts have not had a major road victory all season. They lost at Phill, Jax, and this week in NE I think they fall short again. It's not that I love NE and their personnel but history has taught us that Belichick is a tremendous leader and has this team thinking they can do anything at this point. You might think letdown after Pittsburgh but I think they had their letdown the week prior against Cleveland as they looked ahead at the Steelers. I doubt they take the Colts lightly.
Indy RBs - I don't think any of them will carry a big load, and I don't think any of them are top20 candidates this week.
BJGE/Woody – BJGE is up and down but I do expect NE to run the ball some on a suspect defense that rises to the occasion at times but will be beaten up good come the middle of the 3rd quarter this week.
Final Score: New England 28…Indy 21
New York Giants (6-3) at Philly (6-3) (-3) (48)
Sunday Night Football is gonna rock this week. I saw what Vick did against Washington and I want to see what he does this week against New York. It's not a world beater defense but it certainly is an upgrade over Washington. They were embarrassed last week against Dallas so I expect them to have something a little extra for Vick and company.
Ahmad Bradshaw – Start him for sure
McCoy/Harrison – Is McCoy really hurt? This situation is a little murky but if McCoy is clear to play I wouldn't think twice about it. Love his game with Vick scaring the heck out of the defense. No way the Giants are losing sleep at night over McCoy and that will play to his or Harrison's advantage. Nice to see Harrison is still as explosive as some of us thought. Whoever gets the start I like so I green lighted them both.
Final Score: Philly 27…New York 24…This should be one of the best games of the year.
Denver (3-6) at San Diego (4-5) (-10) (50)
Guess Vegas likes Rivers this weekend. Denver is not a good team but San Diego has poor leadership at the coaching position. What is the difference between Wade Phillips and Norv Turner, can you answer me that?
Knowshon Moreno – Seems like I am always reading he is nicked up. Assuming he's healthy I think he is always a threat to knock in 12-15 points most weeks. Depends on how long Denver can make it a game.
San Diego RBs – Let me know when we get any real consistency here. Seriously, let's discuss this but they have 3 backs that all play a role, none of them really dominate.
Final Score: San Diego 30…Denver 20
Good luck this weekend everybody!!!
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