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The point spread is also only a FG opposed to the 12-point line the Pats were favored by in Arizona.

When the Giants have the ball, expect them to attack with the pass to set up the run. The Patriots pass D is poor and often times they ask WR Julian Edelman to play in the slot. That’s a tall order considering he’ll be lining up against Victor Cruz much of the evening.

The Giants other receivers (Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham) also have a decided advantage over the DBs that will be covering them.

The key for the Patriots will be how well they disguise their coverages and how effective DT Vince Wilfork and the front four pressure Eli. If they can, it will limit some of the Giants effectiveness, especially down the field, but the Giants offensive line has actually pass blocked well over the 2nd half of the season, the NFC Championship game excluded. But that was against an excellent Niners D on a sloppy field; not the 31st ranked Pats D in a dome.

An X factor in this game will be RB Ahmad Bradshaw.  He missed the Week 9 contest and will be difficult for the Pats to contain as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

When the Patriots have the ball, look for New England to throw a wrinkle at the Giants and come out running the ball out of the spread offense. They don’t want to become too one dimensional because that plays right into the Giants main strength, which is getting after the QB.

So, they’ll likely employ a quick passing game to go with the run and pick their spots when to open it up.

But a lot will depend on Brady’s ability to keep the Giants D off balance. If he is unable to do this, it could be a long evening for him.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis could be an effective runner as well as the Giants mostly use the Nickel D vs high powered passing offenses.

The X Factors will be their TEs, and namely, Rob Gronkowski. He’s coming off a bad ankle injury and it’s unlikely that he’ll be more than 60-70% healthy. If he becomes a non-factor, it will allow New York to play one man on him rather than two, and they’ll then shift their attention to Aaron Hernandez, the other talented TE.

When it’s all said and done, look for the Giants to win their 2nd Super Bowl in five years.

Both coaches are excellent at game planning and preparing their teams, but the Giants have the better and deeper team.

The Patriots lack of a deep threat coupled with the Giants ferocious pass rush also means that New England will be forced to rely on long drives to put points on the board, which will not be so easy to do. Whereas the Giants offense is a threat to strike at any time.

New York Giants 31 – New England Patriots 21

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1. Arian Foster vs. Ind – The Texans should have their way with Indianapolis on Thursday. After winning their 1^st game of the season in Week 15, the Colts can now begin planning their off-season vacations.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Dal – The 3^rd year back is almost unstoppable. Scored his 20^th TD of the season against the Jets.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Was – All Day should have a field day against the Redskins run D.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Ten – The Titans D is an anomaly. MJD will get his yards and find the end zone against this bunch.

Next

Ray Rice vs. Cle – He topped over 200 yards the last time they played.

Ryan Mathews vs. Det – The Lions run D isn’t as good as it was earlier in the season.

DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart vs. TB – EVERYONE runs on the Bucs.

The Rest

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Stl – The Steelers will likely sit Roethlisberger this week and focus on smash mouth football.

Willis McGahee vs. Buf – The Bills run D is a sieve.  Big plays are just waiting to happen.

Cedric Benson vs. Arz – The Cards run D is vulnerable.

Reggie Bush vs. NE – Bush will pose problems to the depleted Patriots D.

Felix Jones vs. Phi – The Cowboys will keep this game closer than the 1st outing and Jones will top 100 yards with a score.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NYJ – This Jets D isn’t Rex Ryan’s finest version. Look for the Giants to make a larger commitment to the run this week.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Car – The same goes for the Panthers… they can be run on with ease.

Roy Helu vs. Min – His value will also come as a receiver out of the backfield against a stingy run D.

Michael Turner vs. NO – The Falcons will attempt to slow the game by pounding the rock with Turner.

Fantasy Sleeper

CJ Spiller vs. Den – Spiller enjoyed his finest game as a receiver and runner against the Dolphins. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper again this week in the fantasy finals.

1. Ray Rice vs. SD – Expect his number to be dialed up heavily on Sunday Night.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. NO – The Saints can be run on. All Day should be back from his ankle sprain this week.

3. Arian Foster vs. Car – The Texans continue to grind and the Panthers don’t do a good job of stopping the run.

4. Chris Johnson vs. Ind – His Week 14 wasn’t too hot but things look brighter against the hapless Colts.

Next

LeSean McCoy vs. Phi – the dynamic back will torch the Jets D on Sunday. Look for him to find the end zone at least once.

Maurice Jones Drew vs. Atl – He’s been a one man wrecking crew for the Jags.

Beanie Wells vs. Cle – This is an attractive match-up for Wells. Look for him to top 100 yards with a few TDs.

The Rest

Felix Jones vs. TB – The Bucs run D is awful. Everyone tops 100 yards against them.

Cedric Benson vs. Stl – Benson will top 100 yards and a TD vs. the depleted Rams D.

Roy Helu vs. NYG – The impressive rookie will find room to work with against the banged up Giants D.

Shonn Greene vs. Phi – The Eagles are among the worst teams at stopping the run.

Ryan Mathews vs. Bal – His effectiveness will likely come as a receiver out of the backfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Was – The Giants running game is starting to reestablish itself and Bradshaw will run well against the Skins.

Willis McGahee vs. NE – The Broncos will pound the rock down the Patriots’ throats.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Dal  – Big D plays little against the run.

Michael Bush vs. Det – It appears that RB Darren McFadden will not be able to return this week. Bush will find room to run against the Lions.

Fantasy Sleeper

Ryan Grant vs. KC – Look for the Packers to run the ball more with Jennings out. Not that much more, but enough to make Grant an attractive fantasy sleeper this week in KC.

1. Ray Rice vs. Ind – He has a chance to duplicate his 200 yard effort vs. the Browns right back and is the top fantasy football RB this week.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Mia – The Dolphins will have their hands full on Sunday.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Det – Again, this ranking is only warranted if his high ankle sprain has healed. Check his status on Friday.

4. Maurice Jones Drew vs TB – The Bucs run defense has enormous holes in it.

Next

Arian Foster vs. Cin – It’s not the best match-up but Foster is a beast.

Darren McFadden vs. GB – Is this the week he returns? If so, he’ll have room to run against the Packers D.

Ryan Mathews vs. Buf – Had another 100 yard game on Monday and now gets a run D that surrendered 190 yards and 2 TDs to Chris Johnson. Look for Mathews to top the century mark with a score.

The Rest

Chris Johnson vs. NO – He’s rushed for over 340 yards the past two weeks and will find room to run against the Saints.

Frank Gore vs. Arz – The Cardinals are actually good vs. the run. Still, expect Gore to find the end zone and top 75 yards rushing on Sunday.

Reggie Bush vs. Phi – The Eagles run D is one of the worst in the business.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Atl – The Panthers rushing attack is coming on strong. DeAngelo Williams is a good start too.

Michael Turner vs. Car – The Falcons will emphasize the run game vs. the Panthers.

LeGarrette Blount vs. JAX – Freeman’s return will take pressure off of the running game.

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Cle – He scored twice vs. the Bengals and will thrive right back vs. the Browns.

Shonn Greene vs. KC – Greene will be able to amass yards and a score in the 2^nd half vs. the Chiefs.

Willis McGahee vs. Chi – Tebow’s dual threat has opened up running lanes for McGahee.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs Dal – In his 2^nd week back he’ll be in much better shape to attack the Cowboys D.

Beanie Wells vs. SF – The likely absence of LB Patrick Willis will make running the ball easier against the stout 49ers D.

DeMarco Murray vs. NYG – The going won’t be as easy as it looks on paper but Murray should top 80 yards and could find the end zone.

Fantasy Sleeper

Mark Ingram vs. Ten – The Saints keep trying to find ways to get their rookie RB involved. Scored for the 2^nd straight week against the Lions and is a strong fantasy sleeper this week.

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Must Start

1. Arian Foster vs. Cle – The Browns will have no answers for Foster on Sunday.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Chi – He’s playing as well as anyone in the game. He’ll top 125 yards and 2 TDs on Monday Night.

3. Matt Forte vs. Phi – He’ll continue to make his claim for a new contract with huge game this week. The Eagles run D is still suspect.

4. Frank Gore vs. Was – The 49er running game is working flawlessly.

Next

Michael Turner vs. Ind – Look for 100 yards with 2 TDs over the hapless Colts.

Darren McFadden vs. Den – Provided his foot is healed he’ll run all over the Broncos.

Steven Jackson vs. Arz – Jackson’s been a force the past two weeks (159 yards, 2 TDs vs. NO).

The Rest

Beanie Wells vs. Stl – Wells is much better at home and will have a big game vs. the Rams this week.

Ray Rice vs. Pit – His points could come from the receiving department this week.

Fred Jackson vs. NYJ – The Jets strength on D is stopping the pass.

DeMarco Murray vs. Sea  – The Cowboys will get their rookie more involved this week.

Darren Sproles vs. TB – Expect Sproles to shine as a receiver and runner vs. the Bucs.

BenJarvus Green Ellis vs. NYG – The Giants have now given up a 100 yard rusher 5 weeks in a row.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NE – Bradshaw will top 100 total yards with a score in New England.

Ryan Mathews vs. GB – Mathews will be a dual threat vs. the Pack at home.

James Starks vs. SD – The Packers’ passing attack will open holes for Starks.

LeGarrette Blount vs. NO – He’s back and the Saints run D has plenty of holes.

Shonn Greene vs. Buf – The Jets will incorporate a heavy rushing attack on Sunday.

Peyton Hillis vs. Hou – The Browns desperately need Hillis back in the lineup

Cedric Benson vs. Ten – Benson’s back from suspension this week and will find plenty of running room against the Titans.

Fantasy Sleeper

Jackie Battle vs. Mia – The Dolphins lack playmakers on D and will struggle on the road in KC. Expect Battle to post solid numbers and is a good fantasy sleeper in Week 9.

1. Arian Foster vs.  JAX – He’s coming off a monster Week 7 (40+ fantasy football points) and will be the featured horse again Week 8.

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2. Adrian Peterson vs. Car – The Packers knew he was getting the ball and still couldn’t stop him. Look for 125 yards and a TD.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. Dal – McCoy will be the featured offensive player for the Eagles on Sunday Night.

4. Frank Gore vs. Cle – The Niners power football game will overpower the Browns.

Next

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Mia – The Dolphins have checked out mentally in ’11. Bradshaw will top 100 yards for the 2nd consecutive game on Sunday.

Ray Rice vs. Arz -  The Ravens will get back to pounding the rock this week.

Steven Jackson vs. NO – The Saints run D has holes in it.

The Rest

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Hou – MJD will see the ball 25+ times and top the century mark with a score.

DeMarco Murray vs. Phi – Murray has a chance for a big night right back against a suspect Eagles run D.

Bernard Scott vs. Sea – The Bengals will commit to the run in the Pacific Northwest.

Fred Jackson vs.  Was – Jackson’s year is off to a monster start and he’ll continue that success against the Skins.

Darren Sproles vs. Stl – If Mark Ingram is forced to sit it’ll mean more touches for Sproles.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Min – The Panthers will enjoy success on the ground against the Vikes. Jonathan Stewart is a good start as well as he’s the receiving threat out of the backfield on this team.

BenJarvus Green Ellis – The Patriots schematically confused even the great Steelers’ defenses. This unit is not elite.

Ryan Matthews vs. KC – He’ll top 75 rushing yards and 50 receiving vs. the Chiefs Monday Night.

Jackie Battle vs. SD – He’s not a speedster but will pound the Chargers interior to the tune of 80 yards and a TD.

Rashard Mendenhall vs. NE – His numbers are way down playing behind a suspect line in ’11. More of a short yardage TD threat this week.

Fantasy Sleeper

Ryan Torain vs. Buf – Now that Hightower is lost for the year Torain will see his carries increase. He’s a solid

against the Bills run D and could top 100 yards with a score.

Must Start

1. Adrian Peterson vs. ARZ – The Cards are pretty good against the run, but few backs run like Peterson.

2. Darren McFadden vs. Hou – McFadden could be in for a big day if the Raiders keep things close.

3. Arian Foster vs. Oak – Foster looked 100% running all over the Steelers. Expect another 100 yard game with a TD vs. the Raiders.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. Buf – He’ll play a huge role in this week’s game. The Eagles are desperate and keep their best player involved early and often.

Next

Fred Jackson vs. Phi – EVERYONE runs on the Eagles.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Sea – The Giants should be playing with a lead and will look to re-establish the ground game.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Cin – It’s at home and against a less than formidable D.

The Rest

Frank Gore vs. TB – Look for Gore to build off of his Week 4 effort with a strong game vs. the Bucs.

Chris Johnson vs. Pit – This isn’t the Steelers defense of old.

Thomas Jones vs. Ind – The Colts having gaping holes in the middle of their defense.

DeAngelo Williams vs. NO – He’s been tough on the Saints throughout his career.

LeGarrette Blount vs. SF – The Niners run D is solid, but Blount runs tough and downhill. He also has some speed.

Ryan Matthews vs. Den – The 2^nd year back is becoming a steady performer in fantasy football.

Willis McGahee vs. SD – Has taken over as the starter and is putting up solid yards on the ground.

Cedric Benson vs. JAX – The Jags D can be run on.

Matt Forte vs. Det – Expect Forte to make noise as a receiver out of the backfield. The Lions front 7 is pretty stout.

Mark Ingram vs. Car – It’s taking him time to adapt to the NFL but the Saints are slowly upping his workload. The Panthers are weak against the run.

Jahvid Best vs. Chi – Running on the Bears hasn’t been too difficult in 2011.

Fantasy Sleeper

Steven Ridley vs. NYJ – The Jets run D has been less than stellar in 2011. This week they have to deal with Tom Brady and the explosive passing attack which should take attention away from the rookie and running game. Look for him to be an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week 5.

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Must Start

1. Adrian Peterson vs. KC – Some things never change.

2. Ray Rice vs. NYJ – Did you see what Oakland did to the Jets on the ground?

3. LeSean McCoy vs. SF – He’s running as well as anyone in the league. He’ll be a force against the Niners.

4. Darren McFadden vs. NE – Provided he’s healthy, he’ll rack up yards and TDs vs. the Pats soft D.

Next

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Arz – The Cardinals D is weak. Bradshaw will pick up yards in both the rushing department and receiving.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Indy – The Bucs will pound the rock all evening. Blount will top 100 yards with a TD.

Michael Turner vs. Sea – This will be a bounce back game for Turner.

The Rest

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. NO – The biggest knock on MJD is the Jags could be playing from behind all afternoon.

Ryan Matthews vs. Mia – The 2^nd year back is coming into his own.

Chris Johnson vs. Cle – He’s been a HUGE fantasy football bust thus far. This is a good week to regain his old form.

Peyton Hillis vs. Ten – Forced to miss last week with strep throat, Hillis will be back pounding away vs. the Titans.

Ben Tate vs. Pit – The Texans will want to remain balanced. Expect hard running from Tate.

Fred Jackson vs. Cin – Jackson is really thriving in the Bills offense. Expect it to continue this week.

James Starks vs. Den – Last week was an aberration. Starks will bust out with 75 yards and a score vs. the Broncos.

Steven Jackson vs. Was – The Rams will feed Jackson the rock plenty vs. the Skins.

Tim Hightower vs. Stl – The Rams are shorthanded on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Shanahan will make sure Hightower is active on Sunday.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Chi – He could be more of a factor as a receiver out of the backfield.

Jahvid Best vs. Dal – He’ll put up solid numbers out of the backfield vs. the Cowboys. Strong play in PPR leagues as well.

Matt Forte vs. Car – While the Bears O Line has been subpar, Forte’s remained effective,  especially in the passing game.

Felix Jones vs. Det – Check back on his injury status, but if he’s a go, he should be in your lineup.

Daniel Thomas vs. SD – Expect the Dolphins to try and shorten the game by keeping the ball out of the hands of Rivers and Co. Thomas will receive a lot of looks on Sunday.

Frank Gore vs. Phi – If he’s healthy, make sure you start him. The Eagles run D has been atrocious in 2011. If he can’t go, plug his back-up in.

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Hou – His poor offensive line is negatively affecting his stats. Look for 60 yards and possible short yardage TD vs. the Texans.

Fantasy Sleeper

Mark Ingram vs. JAX – He’s been middle of the pack thus far, but this is a good game for a breakout performance. The Saints should have a large lead and that’s why Ingram’s a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 4.

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Must Start

1. Chris Johnson vs. Jax- He’s fresh, happy, and ready to run all over the Jags.

2. Jamaal Charles vs Buf- He’s the undisputed top back in KC and will run circles around the Bills D.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. SD -  He’s slightly below the others this week because the Vikings could find themselves facing a large deficit early.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. Stl- The Eagles RB will be dynamic on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield on Sunday.

Next

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Was- The Giants O Line is better than a year ago and Bradshaw will have plenty of room to run.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Ten- The Titans D can and will be run on by MJD in Week 1.

Frank Gore vs. Sea- Gore’s biggest career games have come at the expense of the Seahawks. Expect a top notch fantasy football effort in Week 1.

The Rest

Darren McFadden vs. Den- Run DMC could break a few long ones on Monday Night. Denver D still adjusting to a new system.

Peyton Hillis vs. Cin- Hillis should pick up where he left off a year ago against the ’11 version of the Bengals.

Matt Forte vs. Atl – Expect him to produce as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

Michael Turner vs. Chi- Turner Burner will find the end zone possibly twice on opening day.

Ryan Mathews vs. Min- The Chargers 2^nd year back will be given every opportunity to succeed. The Vikings D can be run on.

Shonn Greene vs. Dal- Expect Greene to pick up a majority of his yards in the 2^nd half when the Jets try and wear down the Boys.

Ray Rice vs. Pit- Look for Rice to be more effective as a receiver on opening day.

Benjarvus Green Ellis vs. Mia- The Pats offense will have Miami on its toes. Green Ellis will find the end zone at least once.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Det- Blount won’t find running too easy vs. the Lions, but should find the end zone at least once.

Ben Tate vs. Indy-  Arian Foster’s backup should find a ton of success against the smaller Colts front seven.

Steven Jackson vs. Phi-  Jackson will be a big part of the Rams offense as they should be playing from behind in Week 1.

Cedric Benson vs. Cle – The Bengals will look to protect their rookie QB by pounding the rock with Benson.

Fantasy Sleeper

James Starks vs. NO- Starks finished last season as the No. 1 starter and looked like a keeper in the Playoffs. He’s an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week 1 and should find success against this Saints D.

1. Maurice Jones-Drew - The Jags will get back to running the ball and MJD will thrive.

2. Rashard Mendenhall - The Steelers back will easily top 100 yards with a TD.

3. Ray Rice - Cam Cameron FINALLY gave the ball to Rice and he dominated. Expect it once again.

4. Michael Turner - Expect Turner to receive the ball at least 25 times on Monday Night.

Next In Line

Jamaal Charles - The leagues leading rusher (YPC) will be off to the races vs. the Titans.

Chris Johnson - Expect Johnson to find success against the Chiefs.

LeSean McCoy - This Vikings D can’t stop anything on the ground.

Rounding Out the List

Adrian Peterson - His value drops if the rookie starts at QB.

Ahmad Bradshaw - Look for the Giants to call No. 44′s a ton in Green Bay.

Benjarvis Green-Ellis - The Pats will have their way with Buffalo.

Steven Jackson - The Rams will hope Jackson can lead them one step closer to the Playoffs on Sunday. He always runs well against the Niners.

Legarrette Blount - He’ll have his way with the porous Seahawks run D.

Darren McFadden – The Colts don’t stop anyone on the ground and on the road.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Felix Jones - The Cardinals can’t stop the run and will be playing this one from behind. Expect Jones to finish with 100 yards and a TD and be a factor in the passing game. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper in the Championship Round.