1. Brian Westbrook vs. Cincinnati. Unless the Bengals commit nine guys into the box, leaving the secondary shorthanded, look for Westbrook to have a field day this Sunday.
We think the Eagles are going to have a strong game this week after their disappointing loss vs. the Giants, and look for No. 36 to be a direct beneficiary of a lot of hand-offs and passes out of the backfield. 100+ yards and two TDs.
2. Michael Turner vs. Denver. Coming into the season, I felt Turner (Burner) wouldn’t have much success because opposing teams would be allowed to key on him without the true threat of a passing game. This is usually the case with rookie QBs.
Not so in Atlanta. Ryan continues to play like a seasoned vet, so look for Turner to have lots of holes to run through against Denver and for Turner to eclipse the 100-yard mark with two TDs.
3. Ronnie Brown vs. Oakland. The Raiders have officially checked out for the ‘08 season. It’s why April (NFL Draft) is the favorite time of year for Oakland’s franchise…they’re always picking towards the top.
Even last week, in a game QB Jake Delhomme tried to give to them (four picks), the Raiders still manged to lose 17-6 and, in the process, give up a 70-yard TD run to DeAngelo Williams. Look for lots of running room in this one, as the Raiders head out to Miami.
Look for Brown to go for 100 yards and put one in the end zone, perhaps on a wildcat play.
4. DeAngelo Williams vs. Detroit. I could almost stop this write-up by saying Maurice Jones-Drew ran for three TDs vs. the Lions in the second quarter alone last week. In other words, Detroit’s not real good on the ground. Conversely, Williams has come on real strong of late and has broken the century mark in three of his last four games. After Sunday, it’ll be four of five. 100 yards and one TD.
Sleepers
1. Frank Gore vs. St. Louis. If there was a No. 5 for our must starts, Gore’d be it. The Rams were down 40-0 at the half last week, and RB Thomas Jones had already amassed 100 yards and two scores by that point.
In this one, we see SF being able to run the ball down the Rams’ throats and for Gore to break the 100 yard mark and score at least one TD. He’ll provide additional fantasy points with receiving yardage out of the backfield, too.
2. Joseph Addai vs. Houston. The Colts have yet to establish a consistent running game in ‘08 but that all might change this Sunday vs. the Texans. For the first time this season, the offensive line not only appears to be fully intact, they’re actually playing well as a unit. After Baltimore came into Houston last Sunday and ran the ball at will, we like Addai to enjoy a lot of success: 90 yards and one TD.
Others with favorable matchups
1. Willie Parker vs. San Diego. As of Tuesday, we’re still not sure whether Parker will play, but if he does, make sure you start him. The Chargers feature a very soft defense and opposing RBs have had a great deal of success at finding holes in this unit. Also, with Roethlisberger’s injured arm, the Steelers will look to pound it on the ground.
2. Marshawn Lynch vs Cleveland. If the rumors are correct, and players did quit on the Browns in their loss Thursday to the Broncos, this bodes very well for Buffalo and Lynch. Just two weeks ago, RB Ray Rice busted out against the Browns to the tune of 160+ yards; look for a strong effort from Lynch and a chance to hit the century mark for the first time this season.
3. Clinton Portis vs. Dallas. As of Tuesday, it’s 50/50 that he’ll play this Sunday night. If he can go, make sure he’s in your lineup. Portis has been one of the top two or three performers in the league over the first half of the season and the Cowboys can be run on. Look for that trend to continue if Portis is in the lineup.
