Top pick

1. New England Patriots vs. NYJ – The NFL scheduling gods didn’t do the Jets any favors with their hellacious schedule to start the season. 1-5 will become 1-6 when they head to Foxboro tonight. The defense is trying to give NYJ a chance to win but the offense is non-existent.

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2. Cleveland Browns vs. Jax – The Jaguars made it interesting against the Titans but ultimately lost. The Browns are playing good football and will roll again here.

3. Buffalo Bills vs. Min – The Vikings are lacking in talent and bringing along a rookie QB. The Bills feature a strong defense whereas the offense does just enough to win a few games. This is one of them.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are on a three-game losing streak which is bad news for the Raiders. They’re heading out to Pittsburgh and will get absolutely pummeled. Expect multiple sacks and turnovers with a probable defensive score from our top ranked fantasy football D/ST unit in Week 13.

2. San Diego Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns

The anemic Browns managed seven points vs. the Bengals and Brady Quinn finished just 15 for 34 for 100 yards. The Chargers defense is playing much better and they’re getting help from their offense; the big leads are allowing Merriman, Phillips and Co. to pin their ears back and attack opposing QBs. They’ll force Quinn into mistakes.

3. New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

The Jets defense got back on track with a dominating effort against the hapless Panthers. They’ll make that two stellar efforts in a row when they head on the road to face Buffalo. While T.O.s been hot the past two games, Revis will shut him down, and the rest of the Jets front seven will force Fitzpatrick into turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions

The Bengals pass defense is one of the best in the business and their run defense has been great the past few weeks too. The Lions, playing with rookie QB Matt Stafford, come into this hurting at the skill positions; TE Brandon Pettigrew is out for the year and WR Calvin Johnson’s knee is still banged up. Look for a top effort by Cincy on Sunday.

Sleepers

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

Throughout the years, the Chiefs have always played the Broncos tough in Arrowhead. And while the 2009 version of the Chiefs are a work in progress, they did manage double digit fantasy points against the Raiders and Steelers and we still feel that the Broncos have issues on the offensive side of the ball. Expect a solid effort out Kansas City and they’re an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week 13.

2. Chicago Bears vs. St. Louis Rams

Kyle Boller makes the Bears an attractive option alone. He’s usually good for two turnovers per game. While the Bears have been average defensively in 2009, playing this one at home, on what could be a cold, windy day, should provide enough of an advantage for a strong defensive effort.

Others We Like

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Aside from the Falcons game, the Giants have abandoned the run in each of their five losses this season. They become completely one dimensional and OC Kevin Gilbride’s lack of creativity makes them an easy offense to scheme against. Look for DeMarcus Ware and Co. to get after Manning and rack up a few sacks in the Meadowlands.

Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Packers are a resilient bunch. Players keep going down yet they keep getting better as a unit. Expect a strong effort against a solid Ravens team on Monday Night in Lambeau. The cold should limit Joe Flacco’s effectiveness allowing the Packers to key in on Ray Rice.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are already without QB Matt Ryan and could be without RB Michael Turner too. Chris Redman is an easy target and we see DE Trent Cole all over him on Sunday.

A Few More

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs

New Orleans Saints vs. Washington Redskins

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Here’s who we like for Week 10.

Best Bet

1. Baltimore Ravens (-10.5) vs. Cleveland Browns

In the past two weeks, Cleveland’s GM was fired and the team, coming off it’s blowout loss to the Bears, has switched back to Brady Quinn at QB, which will have little effect on a team that’s mailed in 2009.

The Ravens however will be fighting for their playoff lives from here on out and will bury the Browns on Monday. Offensively, look for Ray Rice and Co. to score at will; defensively, Baltimore won’t give up more than 10 points.

Next In Line

2. Tennessee Titans (-6.5) vs. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have two distinct weaknesses: passing the ball and stopping the run. They’re now getting Trent Edwards back behind center and this will make their offense as inept as it was prior to his injury.

And defensively, their hands will be full all afternoon;  Chris Johnson has amassed 363 yards and four TDs in the past two games and will torch this unit on Sunday.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (+7) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals have been too kind to gamblers to not take the seven points and run with it. They’re also playing their best football to date. The Steelers are also on a roll, but both teams know each other well and we expect this one will be decided by less than four points.

4. New England Patriots (+3) vs. Indianapolis Colts

See Money Line Analysis

A Few More

Arizona Cardinals (-9.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are beaten up at too many key positions to like their chances to cover the point spread on Sunday. Arizona’s playing well on both sides of the ball and we like Warner and Co. to put up over 27 points in this one. And defensively, Hasselback, who will be under constant pressure all afternoon, should be good for a few costly turnovers.

Miami Dolphins (-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All of the good feelings experienced by Buccaneer players and fans in their win over the Packers in Week Nine will evaporate on Sunday. The Dolphins defense, playing at home, will present all sorts of problems for rookie QB Josh Freeman and we expect a rout in Week Ten.

Detroit Lions (+16.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Games between these two teams are usually close regardless of each team’s record. So, while the Lions blew a 17-point lead on the road to Seattle in Week Nine, they do have Calvin Johnson back in the lineup and could catch the Vikings taking them a little too lightly.

Money Line

New England Patriots (+125) vs. Indianapolis Colts

These teams actually mirror one another right now. Neither team runs the ball particularly well but both feature explosive passing attacks. And defensively, both teams have noticeable weaknesses which will be hard to mask against these potent offenses.

We expect both teams to come out passing to set-up their running games. And that’s where the Pats will have an edge. They’re currently ranked third in the league against the pass but feature bigger bodies up front to limit Joseph Addai’s effectiveness.

The Colts aren’t too shabby against the pass either, ranking ninth in the league to date, but their smaller defense has trouble stopping the run and even more so now that S Bob Sanders is out for the year.

This game will be extremely close throughout the night, but in the end, look for Brady and Belichick to be the deciding factors in a 21-17 victory for the Pats.

2009 Record Against The Point Spread

Overall 60%

Best Bets 5-4

Next In Line 19-9

Others We Like 13-14

Money Line 7-2

1. Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Cardinals have everything backwards this season; they’re 4-0 on the road and just 1-3 at home. Look for win No. 2 (at home) when the Seahawks come to town on Sunday. Offensively, Kurt Warner and Co. will have their way with the injury ravaged Seahawks defense/secondary and defensively, look for the Cards to take away the running game and pressure Matt Hasselback into costly mistakes. This will be a double digit win.

2. Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills

The only signs of life for Buffalo came when Ryan Fitzpatrick took over at QB for the injured Trent Edwards. Edwards is now back in the lineup which means the Bills passing game, and offense in general, will struggle. Defensively, the Bills will be no match for Chris Johnson who will torch this unit for a huge afternoon. The Titans will romp  for their third consecutive win.

3. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Although there’s still eight games to play, the Browns players are already thinking about January, and which warm weather city they want to vacation in. The 2009 season just can’t finish fast enough for them. Baltimore on the other hand will be fighting for their playoff lives from here on out. Expect a dominant performance on Monday Night and a double digit blowout.

1. Minnesota Vikings

Jared Allen and the rest of the Vikings front have been terrorizing opposing QBs of late. Look for that trend to continue when they face struggling rookie Matt Stafford in Minnesota. Expect a top fantasy football performance with multiple sacks, a few turnovers and a potential defensive score.

2. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

The situation in Cleveland is bleak and getting bleaker. After being annihilated by the Bears prior to the bye week, there was a shakeup in the front office and the team is switching back to Brady Quinn at QB. Not that it will matter… look for an impressive showing by Ray Lewis and Co on Monday Night.

3. New Orleans Saints vs. St. Louis Rams

The Saints are the highest scoring defense in the league and face one of the worst offenses on Sunday. Look for New Orleans to pressure Marc Bulger into multiple turnovers and return one to the house.

4. Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman will find Miami’s defense more difficult than the Packers unit he shredded in Week Nine. The Dophins, one of the more physical defenses in the league, will get after the rookie QB and produce multiple sacks and turnovers.

Sleepers

1. Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are a completely different team on the road than they are at home… and not for the better. Their level of play drops off dramatically away from Seattle. Look for the Cardinals to pressure Hasselback and force multiple turnovers on Sunday. They’re an excellent fantasy sleeper in this spot.

2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears offense is severely handicapped by the lack of talent at the receiver position. It has affected Jay Cutler’s play all season. Look for Willis and Co. to sack Cutler on multiple occasions and create a few turnovers.

Others We Like

Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Now this is finally a match-up which favors the Raiders.  The Chiefs are not a very good team and Oakland will be better prepared coming off its bye week. Expect a spirited defensive effort in a low scoring affair.

Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins

While the Broncos may have hit the proverbial wall, it’s not due to the defense’s play. They’ve been hurt by the offense’s inability to sustain drives and score points. That shouldn’t be as difficult this week against the lowly Washington Redskins. Expect a strong outing.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers inability to run the football will play right into the strength of Philly’s defense, which is to pressure the QB. Look for Trent Cole and Co. to drop Rivers on multiple occasions.

A Few More

Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

New York Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Our top pick will be a team we haven’t used yet and who we’d go with.

1. New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Patriots are playing the Bucs across the Atlantic this weekend. Unless the turf is in such bad condition that it doesn’t allow Brady and the passing game to get on track, this will be a laugher. Belichick has never shied from running up a score and that’s not going to begin this week.

2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

The Eagles are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders but still find themselves at 3-2. The Redskins on the other hand are a mess right now and that turmoil has made its way to the front office. Look for Reid to feature a balanced attack this week (46 passes, 14 runs last week) and put the Skins out of their misery on Monday Night.

3. Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills

After their 0-3 start, the Panthers have battled back with two consecutive wins. Sunday will be their third. The Panthers will be able to run the Bills into the ground (Williams, Stewart) and control the tempo to the game. This running success will take all of the pressure off Delhomme and allow him to utilize the short passing game to keep the chains moving. Defensively, they’ll be able to control Fitzpatrick and Co.

For those of you still in your suicide pool, our Week Six pick is the New York Jets. The Jets are facing those same Bills and coming off two tough losses.

Offensively, look for New York to pound the ball with RB Thomas Jones and RB Leon Washington. The Bills are down five starters on defense and don’t have the muscle inside to stop the run. This will do two things: wear down Buffalo’s defense and create opportunities for Mark Sanchez to utilize the play action pass to locate newcomer, WR Braylon Edwards and TE Dustin Keller.

Defensively, look for the Jets to have a huge showing after last Monday’s embarrassing effort in Miami. They will dominate an extremely porous Bills offensive line and limit Buffalo’s ground attack. They’ll also get after Trent Edwards – a QB playing with zero confidence – and force him into a few turnovers.

Normally the Bills play the Jets close; not this time. Expect a dominating effort by New York and an advance into Week Seven of your suicide pool.

This week, we’re selecting the Buffalo Bills, a team coming off a 38-10 romp at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. The choice appears a lot less precarious when you realize who they’re playing. The Cleveland Browns are one of the few teams that are actually worse than them, coming in with an 0-4 record and having been outscored 61-9 in their two road games.

Offensively, although the Bills have issues along the offensive line, expect them to focus on the run this Sunday. The better defensive teams can stifle them but not the Browns. Once they begin to find success running the ball with MarShawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, this will force Cleveland to bring extra help into the box and open up the passing game.  That’s when Edwards will have his most success locating T.O. and Lee Evans, two receivers still looking for their first breakout game of the season. It comes this week.

Defensively, expect the Bills to key on Cleveland’s running game and force Derek Anderson to beat them. And he’ll have to do it this week without Braylon Edwards, who was shipped to New York on Wednesday. This leaves the Browns receiving corps extremely thin for this game and why we see Buffalo creating havoc on Sunday and limiting the Browns to fewer than 14 points.

When this one is in the books, expect the Bills to move to 2-2, and for you, who were able to use one of the lesser teams in the league for your pick, to move on to Week Six of the suicide pool.

Teams Used

Week Four - San Francisco 49ers

Week Three – Green Bay Packers

Week Two – Washington Redskins

Week One – Baltimore Ravens

This edition takes a look at two potential 2009 fantasy sleepers to consider at the QB position after the initial wave of talented passers have come off the board.

Trent Edwards

While he was erratic for much of 2008, only finishing with 2,699 yards and 11 TDs, the offense was relatively easy to defend with few threats outside of WR Lee Evans.

That all changed when the Bills scooped up T.O. days after he was released. In addition to what he brings to the table from a production standpoint, 10 TDs is probably a good number to expect, Owens addition instantly makes Edwards more appealing as defenses will shift focus away from Evans, leaving the speed burner and excellent receiver in his own right alone in one-on-one situations.

On top of this, his third and fourth receiving options, James Hardy and Josh Reed, will have favorable match-ups against nickel backs and both tailbacks are solid receivers out of the backfield.

And being blessed with playing a last place schedule, this all provides ample reason to expect Edwards to have a solid 2009 fantasy campaign.

Matt Hasselback

The aging vet endured a horrendous 2008 campaign and only played in seven total games as a result of a lingering lower back injury. And once the Hawks were officially out of it, they shelved him for the season as there was no point in risking anything long term.

But the outlook is much brighter this season. Not only is he healthy, but he plays in a weak division and has the luxury of facing a third place schedule in 2009.  Seattle also went out an upgraded its receiving corps to include T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who will give Hasselback another option alongside Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and young stud TE, John Carlson.

With not much of a running game to speak of, look for Seattle to rely on the passing game heavily and use the short safe passing game to set-up the deep ball.

Sure to be overlooked come draft day, Hasselback, an extremely accurate QB, could end up one of the best fantasy sleepers in the entire draft.