The Vikings, after stumbling down the stretch and backing in to the No.2 seed, dismantled the red hot Cowboys 34-3 in the Divisional Round.

The Saints, after losing their final three games of the regular season, came out roaring in the Divisional Round and demolished the Cardinals 45-14.

Onto this matchup:

When the Vikings have the ball, they’ll look to keep things balanced on offense. The Saints are especially effective when they can turn opposing offenses one dimensional, so look for Minnesota to mix RB Adrian Peterson in early and often.

New Orleans is vulnerable on the ground and we see No. 28 picking up big chunks of yards all day.

In order to limit Peterson’s effectiveness, New Orleans will be forced to bring a Safety into the box.

At that point, expect Favre to take to the air.

His primary targets will once again be WR Sindey Rice and Percy Harvin, both of whom should have strong games against the Saints secondary.

Harvin will be targeted primarily on short crossing routes and screens while Rice, whose developed into a top threat in 2009, will give the Saints smaller DBs fits all afternoon.

Coming off a three TD game vs. Dallas, look for at least one in this contest.

In the red zone, keep an eye on TE Visanthe Shiancoe. No. 4 loves to look his way near the goal line and the duo will hook up for a short score here.

When the Saints have the ball, Drew Brees will come out firing. When this team is hitting on all cylinders, as they were in their win over Arizona, he’s spreading the ball around to multiple receivers and picking up yards in bunches.

He’ll need to do so this week.

Facing the Vikings front four, look for New Orleans to incorporate a quick passing game to neutralize Frazier’s aggressive blitzing attack and keep Jared Allen and Co. off of Brees.

Using that attack, Brees should have a lot of success locating Colston, Henderson, Shockey and Bush on slants and quick outs. And once he gets into a rhythm, expect a few shots deep.

When they turn to the run, it’ll only be to eat up clock and wear down the Vikings D late in the game (provided they have a lead). The Vikings run defense is strong and New Orleans will find picking up yards on the ground hard to come by.

On top of that, RB Pierre Thomas, their best back, has been injured for much of the year and comes into this game with a leg injury.

While Reggie Bush enjoyed a breakout game on the ground vs. the Cards, it won’t happen this week. Instead, he’ll find most of his success as a receiver.

As the clock strikes 0:00, look for the Vikings, currently 3.5 point underdogs, to go into New Orleans and win 31-27. The one scenario which would doom the Vikings is to get into a situation where everyone knows Favre has to pass, i.e. get down by 10 points or more.

In those situations, he’s been known to make poor decisions and the Saints are one of the most opportunistic defenses in the league.

But we don’t see that happening.

We see a close game into the 4th quarter until the Vikings ground game and defense prove too much.

Beginning with their 24-17 upset of the then 13-0 Saints, the Cowboys are on a four game winning streak and peaking at the right time.

The same can’t be said for the Vikings. Although they demolished the Giants 44-7 in Week 17, let’s not forget that New York had packed its bag for the winter vacation a week earlier.

Minnesota, after beginning the season 11-1, stumbled badly to end the season and only received the No. 2 seed after the Eagles choked away their chance in the final week of the season.

Onto the match-up:

When the Cowboys have the ball, they’ll come out throwing. The Vikings possess a formidable front four so a quick passing game neutralizes the effectiveness and Jared Allen and Co.

It’ll also set up the running game which the Cowboys will certainly make use of.

Once a dominating group against the run, the loss of E J Henderson to the middle of the defense has negatively impacted the unit’s ability to stop the ground game. Both Chris Wells and Jonathan Stewart had a lot of success in consecutive weeks.

Look for Felix Jones, Marion Barber and Tashard Choice to all play key roles in the running game on Saturday.

And once they begin to find success, and force the Vikings Safeties up, Tony Romo will key on Jason Witten, Miles Austin and Roy Williams. The injury to Antoine Winfield has affected his coverage skills and teams are attacking his side (of the field) frequently.

When Minnesota has the ball, it all starts with Adrian Peterson and the rushing attack in this one.

The ground game fell off precipitously late in the season and it’s a must that it gets going here. If it doesn’t, it’s going to be a long day for the Vikings.

The Cowboys possess two of the best pass rushing players left in the playoffs (DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer), and the Vikings can ill afford to have Favre dropping back in the face of constant pressure.

So look for a lot of No. 28.

However, in order to win, the Vikings will need to do their damage in the passing game.

The running game should provide the necessary balance to make the play-action effective, and that’s where Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin will come into play.

Both are big play receivers – Harvin with his speed, Rice with his size and route running ability – and both will have an opportunity to pick up big yards after the catch.

And once in the red zone, keep an eye on TE Visanthe Schiancoe because Favre loves to look his way near the goal line.

When this one is all said and done, expect the Cowboys, currently 2.5 point underdogs, to prevail with a 27-17 win.

The Super Bowl is the only reason Favre came back, and he’s put his team into a position to reach its goal, but the Vikings are going in the wrong direction at the wrong time.

The offensive line is not creating holes for AD, it’s not pass blocking for Favre as well as earlier on, and the defense has been average since the loss of E.J. Henderson.

And that’s not the recipe for success against a surging Cowboys team playing great defense.

In that game , Kurt Warner, who’s supposedly contemplating retirement at the end of the season, completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and 5 TDs. The defense on the other hand took quite a licking but made enough plays – and the big play to finish the game – to advance to round two.

The Saints are coming off a well deserved bye week after winning the NFC with a 13-3 record. However, they stumbled to the finish gate of the regular season with three straight losses and there’s some cause for concern.

How we see this breaking down:

When the Cardinals are on offense, they’ll follow a similar blueprint to their game plan against the Packers. They’ll spread the Saints defense out and Warner will execute a high percentage passing game against the Saints secondary.

The Saints D, which really struggled down the stretch, lost another key player on the defensive line, DE Charles Grant, and this loss will make getting pressure on Warner that much harder.

Arizona should have WR Anquan Boldin, in addition to Larry Fitgerald and Steve Breaston, back in the lineup, and that will give Warner even more weapons to dissect the Saints D.

Once the passing game is working and Warner and Co. are in a rhythm, expect Beanie Wells to make his presence felt. He had another strong game against the Packers with 91 yards on 14 carries. He’s running tough and will pick up good yardage on the ground.

When the Saints are on offense, they’ll also attack through the air. When Drew Brees has been on at home this year, there’s been no one better in the game.  The pressure he places on opposing offenses by marching up and down the field has been key to the Saints winning so many games.

He’ll likely find a great deal of success this week against a Cardinals secondary which while talented, is vulnerable to the passing game. Cromartie-Rodgers should be effective against Colston, but the other receivers, Henderson, Meachem, etc., should all be able to pick up significant yards against the rest of the secondary.

One of the issues towards the end of the season was the Saints inability to rush the ball. While Pierre Thomas should be back healthy, he’s been largely ineffective this year and the running game as a whole has been inconsistent.

It should find some success this week, because we don’t see Arizona cheating S Adrian Wilson close to the line, but the Cardinal Linebackers possess enough speed to keep Thomas, Bell or Bush from getting untracked.

It’s difficult to ignore the sluggish way that the Saints finished the season. Many people can say they wrote off the last few games after suffering their first defeat to the Cowboys, but we don’t see it that way.

They gave it their all in their loss to the Bucs and were beaten by the more physical team.  The close games (albeit mostly wins) late in the season also suggest the rest of the league adjusted to them.

The Cardinals are battle tested and have been here before and became a force to be reckoned with on the road this year.

And they’ll be a force again in the divisional round.

The 7-point spread, which the Saints are currently at, is too high.

Not only will the Cardinals cover, they’ll win outright.

Expect a 37-31 victory for Kurt Warner and Co. and a return trip to the NFC Championship Game.

In their game last Sunday, Dallas smothered Philadelphia’s offense and routed them 24-0. While Philly certainly came to play, having the No. 2 seed and a 1st round bye in their sights, it’s highly likely that after the Cowboys jumped to a 17-0 1st half lead, Reid turned things off and decided not to show everything before the Wild Card Round.

But aside from the fact that it’s very difficult to beat a team three times in a single season, something which the Cowboys are attempting to do, there’s not a lot of reason to believe that the Eagles are going to win this game.

Now to the rematch and how we see things playing out on Saturday.

When the Cowboys are on offense, expect them to run the ball extensively with Marion Barber and Felix Jones. They’re able to run at will because Philly is severely lacking at the Linebacker position. Look no further than Jeremiah Trotter to realize the truth in that statement.

So DC Sean McDermott has to pick his poison. If he opts to bring a heavy blitz package or keep an extra man in the box, he leaves his CBs in man coverage. And for as talented as Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are, they’ve yet to prove they can handle Miles Austin and Co.

So look for the Cowboys to continue to run the ball which will have two effects: it will wear out the Eagles smaller defense and set up the play-action pass for Romo, who’s deadly when given time.

When the Eagles are on offense, they’ll need to place more of an emphasis on the running game or they’re in trouble. In last week’s loss, the pass to run ratio was once again lopsided (10 rushes and 36 pass attempts).

If they can run the ball 45% of the time, not only will they pick up important yards on the ground, it’ll also set up the passing game to TE Brent Celek and make WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson that much more effective. Without it, the Cowboys can keep an extra man up top which limits Jackson’s effectiveness.

In their two games this year, No. 10 did nothing.

The threat of a running game also keeps DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer off McNabb as the Eagles play calling won’t be so predictable.

Unfortunately for Philly, Reid’s a creature of habit, and that means he’ll employ a pass heavy attack which will limit McNabb and the offense’s effectiveness and end up being the Eagles undoing.

While it won’t be as lopsided as Week 17, expect a hard fought 24-17 win by Dallas to advance to Round Two.

They’ll also cover the 4 point spread the bookmakers currently have them at.

Here’s our Week 17 picks.

Best Bet

1. New York Jets (-10) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have added incentive to tank this game because it will mean Pittsburgh is kept out of the post season. That being said, their offense has been in a funk the past few weeks and they’ll want to work out some issues prior to Wild Card Weekend.

Expect the Bengals starters to play for about a half, and keep it close, and then for New York to pull away late en route to a two TD win.

Next In Line

2. Baltimore Ravens (-10) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have pulled off some big upsets by the bay this season (Bengals, Eagles, etc.) but those weren’t games where everything was on the line for the other team. This is. The Ravens must win on Sunday to advance to the post season.

Look for a spirited effort from Ray Lewis and Co. and for the offense, led by Ray Rice, to dominate the Raiders in the Black Hole.

3. Tennessee Titans (-4) vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have mailed in the season and are only playing for a higher draft selection on Sunday. The Titans on the other hand are focused on getting Chris Johnson to 2,000 yards – and the single season total yards mark – and will beat up a demoralized Seahawks squad in Week 17.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (+3) vs. Dallas Cowboys

Next In Line

Kansas City Chiefs (+13) vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos have had an excellent season considering their expectations coming into it, but the last time they were favored by this much, the Raiders pulled off the shocking 20-19 upset two weeks ago.

They’re on the outside looking in (at the post season) and the Chiefs, with the return of WR Dwayne Bowe, are playing more competitively on offense. KC will lose, but not by 13.

Atlanta Falcons (-1.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are riding high on a two game winning streak after knocking off the Seahawks and Saints in consecutive weeks. Unfortunately they won’t finish the season on a three game streak. The Falcons, re-energized with the return of Matt Ryan, will control this game offensively, and on defense, they’ll force Josh Freeman into a few turnovers.

Houston Texans (-7.5) vs. New England Patriots

This will be typical Patriots. Already having a home game in the Playoffs secured, the starters (Brady, Moss, Welker, etc) will play a quarter – maybe a half – before Belichick puts in the backups. The Texans still have an outside chance at a Wild Card and will romp at home on Sunday.

Money Line

Philadelphia Eagles (+140) vs. Dallas Cowboys

A lot is at stake when these two teams meet in Week 17. The Cowboys with a win will win the NFC East outright. The Eagles, thanks to the collapse of the Vikings, currently are the No. 2 seed in the NFC and with a win will lock down that first round bye in addition to the NFC East.

Offensively, look for Reid to try and re-establish the Eagles running game. The Eagles have gotten away from that in recent weeks but with the return of Westbrook, to go along with McCoy and Weaver, now’s a good time to begin balancing out the team’s play-calling.

An effective running game will also keep DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer off McNabb and open up the passing game to DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek.

Defensively, look for the Eagles to blitz Dallas to keep the offense under control. When Romo has time, he can deliver the ball to Austin and Witten and is extremely effective. When he’s pressured, he makes mistakes. Dallas also tends to get away from the running game when Romo is off so expect the Eagles to bring as much pressure as possible.

In their last game, playing a straight up defense hurt Philly as Romo was able to locate Miles Austin on a  GW 49 yard TD pass late in the game. They won’t make the same mistake again.

Andy Reid has strong record in Dallas and he’ll continue that success with a win on Sunday as the Eagles will wrap up a bye in the Playoffs.

1. San Francisco 49ers (-12.5) vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions will starting Drew Stanton at QB on Sunday and that’s not good for Detroit. A poor road team as is, they’re heading into San Francisco where the Niners blew out the Cardinals two weeks ago and forced seven turnovers in the process.

Expect a dominating defensive effort in Week 16 and a convincing, two TD win for the Niners.

Next In Line

2.  Green Bay Packers (-14) vs. Seattle Seahawks

The only thing to be concerned about here is whether last week’s 37-36 loss in Pittsburgh took the wind out of their sails. If they are able to put that loss behind them, this will be a rout. The Seahawks have mailed in the season after being annihilated by Houston and Tampa (at home) in consecutive weeks and are not going to be happy about playing in the frigid Lambeau Field.

Green Bay, still fighting for a Wild Card Berth, will win convincingly on Sunday and cover the two TD point spread the sportsbook currently has them at.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+14) vs. New Orleans Saints

While the Saints want to have a strong performance after suffering their 1st loss of the season, they’ve already wrapped up the NFC’s top seed and are not about to expose their key players to injury in the 2nd half of this game. Look for Tampa, coming off a solid road performance in Seattle, to keep this one within reach for 60 minutes.

4. Washington Redskins (+6.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Cleveland Browns (-3) vs. Oakland Raiders

The 38 point over/under is probably a safe bet too. The Raiders, opting to go with Charlie Frye at QB, are running into a Browns team which is playing surprisingly well right now. They’ve beaten the Steelers and Chiefs as underdogs in back to back weeks and will win their 3rd straight game – and cover the point spread – on Sunday.

Denver Broncos (+7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles will win this game, but it will not be by a TD. The Broncos, probably looking ahead to this game in their loss last week to Oakland, were playing very well (up to that point) and will get back on track this week.

The Eagles, excellent offensively, have holes in their defense and Denver, behind Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall, will keep this close.

Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs. Chicago Bears

The Vikings will probably get back to their roots on Monday and run the ball first, pass second. Favre’s been tremendous this season but it all starts with Adrian Peterson. Some of his best games have come at Chicago’s expense.

Jay Cutler should also be good for a few picks which might lead to a defensive score. Regardless, expect a convincing win for the Vikings on Monday Night.

Money Line

Washington Redskins (+220) vs. Dallas Cowboys

Although the Skins rolled over and died on Monday Night, if there’s one team on the schedule that they always get up for, it’s the Cowboys. The Skins could be 0-14 and still play Dallas competitively.

The Cowboys are coming off an impressive win over the Saints and have quieted their “can’t win in December” talk for the time being.

But this game could be a trap, situated between the Saints game and their crucial game with the Eagles next week.  That one could decide their playoff fate and they haven’t exactly played their best ball in December recently.

Offensively, look for Washington to utilize the short passing game to set up the running game. Campbell will use quick strikes to WR Santana Moss, WR Devin Thomas and TE Fred Davis, who’s really come on of late, and then mix in the run. Dallas is vulnerable against the passing game.

Defensively, look for Haynesworth and the front seven to clog the running lanes and take Barber and Co. out of the game. They’ll want to turn Dallas one dimensional and force Romo to drop back 40 times. If they can do this, it’ll put more pressure on him and could lead to turnovers.

Regardless of Washington’s showing on Monday, this will be close throughout, and with the point spread only at 6.5, we think the sports betting world agrees. So look for Dallas, who’s made a habit of losing winnable games in December, to blow another late season opportunity here.

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Panthers passing game has never really found its groove in 2009 and the Vikings are one of the best in the business at stopping the run. Expect another dominant effort by Jared Allen and Co. when Minnesota heads down to Carolina on Sunday Night.

2. Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

If the Raiders go back to JaMarcus Russell, this is a no brainer. He’ll be sacked numerous times and turn the ball over. If they go with Charlie Frye, the results won’t be much better. Either way, Denver’s a great fantasy football play in Week 15.

3. Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears have traveled poorly all season and face a hungry Ravens D in Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens still have something to play for. Expect Ray Lewis and Co. to come out fired up and keep the Bears to under 10 points. Cutler will add to his league leading INT total.

4. New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Jets D has rediscovered its mojo the past three games and seem poised for another strong showing in the Meadowlands on Sunday. Check back to see if  Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will play, but regardless, expect New York to keep Atlanta to under 13 points on the day.

Sleepers

1. Houston Texans vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams were relegated to their 3rd string QB who promptly threw 5 picks vs. the Titans on Sunday. With no one else to worry about aside from Steven Jackson, expect Houston to put on another top effort. They’re a great fantasy sleeper in Week 15.

2. Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Seahawks, good at home, terrible on the road, will feast on a struggling Bucs offense in Week 15. Look for Seattle, playing with the 12th man, to force QB Josh Freeman into multiple turnovers and a few sacks.

Others We Like

Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are in an offensive funk right now and just scored six points against Cleveland. Green Bay has righted its ship and will have another strong performance in Week 15.

New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Saints should be able to take an early lead and force the Cowboys to become one dimensional. Once that occurs, look for New Orleans to sack Romo and force him into turnovers.

San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals offense has failed to find its rhythm the past few weeks and relied more on its defense in their victories than its offense. And heading out west to face a resurgent Chargers squad, expect another sup bar performance against Merriman and Co.

A Few More

Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

1. Indianapolis Colts (-7) vs. Denver Broncos

With a win on Sunday, the Colts will wrap up home field advantage in the AFC. The Broncos, who are still fighting for a Wild Card, have beaten the Giants and Chiefs in consecutive weeks but will find that the Colts are a different beast.

Look for Peyton Manning to have success through the air and force Denver into a shootout, which is not their style of play. Defensively, Freeney and Co. will shut down Kyle Orton en route to an easy win in Week 14.

Next In Line

2. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Although Minnesota is a tough place to play, it’s tough to bet against the Bengals in a big game situation this year. They’ve won every single one they’ve played in. And still vying for the No. 2 seed in the conference, expect Cincinnati to pull out a close victory on the road behind the legs of Cedric Benson and arm of Carson Palmer. The loss of MLB EJ Henderson to the Vikings’ defense will be difficult to overcome.

3. New England Patriots (-13.5) vs. Carolina Panthers

The Patriots are finally back to a place they can win: home. They’re 6-0 in New England and just 1-5 on the road. The Panthers will likely have to go with Matt Moore at QB and even the beleaguered Patriots defense can handle this assignment. Offensively, look for Brady and Co. to put between 25 to 30 on the board and wear the Panthers down late.

4. Miami Dolphins (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Dallas Cowboys (-3) vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are on a roll right now but have mostly feasted off a soft schedule during their seven game winning streak. And while the Cowboys certainly have issues of their own – can’t win in December, this is a must-win game for them. Their ability to run the ball will end up being the deciding factor in the game.

Philadelphia Eagles (+1) vs. New York Giants

The Giants potentially saved their season with their win over Dallas in Week 13. And while they did a lot of good things in that game, they’ve still got a number of issues rushing the passer and getting off the field on 3rd down. Andy Reid always has his teams prepared against New York and will attack the Giants porous pass defense with the Eagles talented young pass catchers (DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek).

Also, the +1 point spread suggests that the odds makers think Philly will win; home teams are usually alloted a 3 point spread if the book makers think the game is even.

Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers hopes for the post season will come to an end on Monday Night when the Cards head out to San Francisco. Kurt Warner is playing extremely well and Fitzgerald and Boldin will be too much for the Niners secondary. Defensively, the Cards will take Frank Gore out of the game and force Alex Smith to beat them.

Money Line

Miami Dolphins (+120) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are the most unimpressive 7-5 team in the NFL.  Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game, they don’t do anything particularly well; the passing game is inconsistent and the defense is soft against both the run and pass.

The Dolphins are by no means a powerhouse, but they’ve won three of their last four (including a 22-21 win over the Patriots on Sunday) to move to .500. Chad Henne is slowly getting better and the improvement to the offensive side of the ball reflects his growth as a QB.

Offensively, Miami will focus on the running game with Ricky Williams to set-up the pass. Look for Henne to then execute a safe passing attack designed to keep the clock/chains moving and wear Jacksonville down. Miami will score at least 21.

Defensively, Miami will focus its efforts on stopping the run, which it’s quite good at. They’ll force David Garrard to beat them and he’ll struggle against an improving secondary.

When clock hits 0:00, Miami will win 21-17 to move even with the Jags at 7-6.

1. Tennessee Titans vs. St. Louis Rams

The Titans are still mathematically alive in the playoff race although another loss would be the “nail in the coffin.” They have an easy opponent in the Rams this week and should win going away. Chris Johnson could have another one of those 200 yard games and the defense, although far from the unit of ’08, will get after Kyle Boller and keep the score under 14.

2. Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Texans are in a similar situation to the Titans although their last three losses probably spelled and end to their post season chances because all were in the division.  But they’re still playing for Gary Kubiak’s job and have the offensive firepower to put points on the board against Seattle. Another reason to like Houston is the Seahawks travel terribly; they’re 1-5 on the road.

3. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers

The Cowboys are the more desperate team in this matchup and will play like it on Sunday. Offensively, they’ll emphasize the run while employing a methodical passing attack which eats away at the clock. Defensively, the Chargers have no running game to speak of, so while Rivers will have success through the air, look for Ware and Co. to keep the unit in check.

The final score will be close, but look for Dallas to prevail.

1. QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Baltimore Ravens

The one area of weakness on the Ravens defense in 2009 has been its pass defense. This is somewhat hard to believe considering S Ed Reed is back there, but there’s been a noticeable drop off in play at the CB position. Rogers has continuously put up big fantasy numbers behind a suspect offensive line and will do so again on Monday Night.

2. RB DeAngelo Williams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Matt Moore at QB, the Panthers will feed the ball to Williams who will easily top 100 yards with a few scores. The Bucs possess little in the way of run defense and are 0 for the season on the road.

3. WR Reggie Wayne vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans pass defense ranks among the worst in the league and they’ve continued to struggle stopping it during their five game winning streak. Manning will locate Wayne all afternoon for over 100 yards and another trip to the end zone.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB Joe Flacco vs. Green Bay Packers

Flacco’s production has tapered off since his incredibly hot start to the season. And now he faces a Packers defense that has cleaned up its act since the shellacking they received at Tampa. Expect Flacco to disappoint once again (fantasy wise) as Lambeau is a tough place to play for opposing QBs in December.

2. RB Brandon Jacobs vs. Dallas Cowboys

Perhaps the reason Brandon Jacobs looks so slow and tentative this year is because Kevin Gilbride consistently calls runs off the edge rather than powering the ball up the middle. He doesn’t possess the speed to get outside and his numbers have reflected this. Over the past six week, the Giants have also abandoned the run early in games so it’s best to look elsewhere here.

3. WR Roddy White vs. Philadelphia Eagles.

The first reason to sit White is Matt Ryan’s out. There’s a HUGE drop off to Chris Redman. The second is that CB Asante Samuel will be covering him all afternoon. That’s not a healthy combination for fantasy football success.