And don’t let last Sunday’s lopsided 33-7 victory lead you to believe otherwise.

The Packers come into this affair winning seven of their last eight. The embarrassing 38-28 loss they suffered to the Buccaneers turned on the switch for Dom Capers’ defense and ever since that game, with the exception of the 37-36 loss to the Steelers, they’ve played lights out.

And offensively, they’ve corrected many of their early season offensive line woes and are thriving through both the air and on the ground.

The Cardinals are also very dangerous coming into this game. Their slow finish to the season was the result of having clinched their division by Week 15, but they still finished 10-6.

Nevertheless, when this team really needed a big win this year, they always came through.

We see them doing so again on Sunday.

When Arizona is on offense, we expect Kurt Warner to come out firing to Fitzgerald, Boldin (if available) and Breaston. The Packers like to bring extra men to pressure the QB but Warner’s not the type of QB you can do that to… at least not on a consistent basis.

If you get to him, great, you’ll disrupt the passing game; but if you don’t, and more times than not you won’t, he’ll light you up.

And even with the season that CB Charles Woodson has had, don’t expect him to win the battle with Fitzgerald.

Once they get the passing game going, look for RB Beanie Wells to be a big part of the plan. The rookie RB starred in the 2nd half of the season and is an excellent option to eat up clock and wear down the smaller Packers’ front seven late in the game.

When the Packers are on offense, they’ll also need to use their passing game to set up the run. The Cardinals love to bring S Adrian Wilson into the box and take away the opposing team’s running game. So don’t expect much from RB Ryan Grant.

Expect Aaron Rodgers to locate Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Co. using the short passing game before setting up the deep ball. Dominique Cromartie-Rodgers at his best is tough to beat deep; but he’s hurt, so Jennings might be able to get down field for a long score.

Regardless, while Rodgers will find success through the air, the deceptive Cardinals defense will be able to make a few key plays that force the Packers to settle for FGs rather than TDs.

And in the end, that will be the difference.

In what should be a hard, fought game, look for Arizona, whose mettle has been tested before, to prevail 31-27.

They’re also a good bet to cover the point spread.

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. Seattle Seahawks

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers will probably shake up its lineup after the disappointing loss to the Oakland Raiders. The team knows it’s now or never in 2009, so expect a spirited effort on Thursday Night with multiple turnovers and sacks.

2. New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Jets defense has turned in back-to-back impressive fantasy football performances and this is another tasty matchup for the unit. Rookie QB Josh Freeman tossed 5 picks on Sunday and the Jets have one of the better secondaries in the league. Look for a low scoring affair with multiple turnovers.

3. New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

If Chris Redman is the starter, the Saints D will dominate the Falcons. Especially if Michael Turner is forced to sit again. Regardless, the Saints should be able to jump out to a commanding lead and turn the Falcons one dimensional, which is when the sacks and turnovers begin…

4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions

The weather should be just right for the Ravens D on Sunday. The Lions, a dome team, will find moving the ball a bit more difficult in the cold and wind and we expect Ray Lewis and Co. to have a dominating effort after their poor showing on Monday Night.

Sleepers

1. New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers

The embattled Patriots defense comes into this game after two poor performances. Their lack of a pass rush against better teams exposes their pass defense. Carolina is not one of those “better” teams, so expect the Pats to be a nice fantasy sleeper play in Week 14.

2. Washington Redskins vs. Oakland Raiders

The Skins gave up 33 points to the Saints on Sunday but these are the Raiders, who have been inept offensively outside of a few recent games. Look for the Skins corners to do a better job of containing Louis Murphy and the passing game and the D should be able to keep points off the board.

Others We Like

Tennessee Titans vs. St. Louis Rams

The Titans playoff hopes may have been dashed on Sunday but they’re technically still alive. The Rams, outside of Steven Jackson, have very little in the way of an offense and the Titans will put on an impressive performance at home.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos offense has feasted on a slumping Giants unit and the Chiefs the past two games but will have a substantially more difficult time moving the ball against Indy. Look for Freeney and Co. to sack Orton and force turnovers.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Cardinals defense is playing strong as a unit and matchup well against the 49ers. They’re excellent at stopping the run and their young corners have stepped up their respective games. Look for Dockett and Co. to have a big evening and force Smith into sacks and a few turnovers.

A Few More

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders

This game won’t be much of a contest. The Steelers have dropped three straight and would fall completely out of the Wild Card race with another loss. Of course there’s about as good a chance of that happening as there is of our country reducing the National deficit anytime soon.

Look for Pittsburgh to have their way with the Raiders defense and rack up 30 plus points. On defense, we’d be surprised if the Raiders scored more than seven.

2. Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals

There’s a good chance that the Cardinals will have to play this game without Kurt Warner who’s still suffering side effects from the concussion he suffered two weeks ago. If he is unable to go, Matt Leinart is dead in the water; Jared Allen and Co. will make his life miserable pressuring him into errant throws and turnovers.

On the other side of the ball, Brett Favre is currently hitting on all cylinders. While he’ll have another solid game throwing to Harvin, Rice and Schiancoe, the real star of this contest will be Adrian Peterson. The Cardinals defense has suddenly forgotten how to stop the run and AD will find tons of holes to run through.

3. San Diego Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns

Even with Merriman sitting out with an injury, this will be a cake walk. Offensively, the Chargers will have little difficulty passing and running the ball on the Browns. Defensively, the Chargers have rediscovered their pass rush and their front seven will force Brady Quinn into mistakes. Overall, this is probably the second easiest game on the board, and San Diego should win in a laugher.

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

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Chiefs have been abysmal offensively in 2009 and will now be without WR Dwayne Bowe on Sunday. Expect Pittsburgh and its aggressive front to dominate all afternoon and pressure Cassel into mistakes and turnovers.

2. Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Vikings defense could get healthier with the return of CB Antoine Winfield, but regardless of whether he returns or not, look for a stellar effort on Sunday. Jared Allen and Co. will make Hasselback’s life miserable and force a few turnovers in Week 11.

3. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

Don’t be misled by the Redskins 27 point game vs. the Broncos; Denver is in a tail spin right now. The Cowboys on the other hand are playing much better over the past month and DT Ratliff and DE/LB Ware will be in Campbell’s face all day Sunday.

4. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Oakland Raiders

The only reason the Bengals wouldn’t be a top fantasy football unit on Sunday is if they have a letdown knowing the hapless Raiders are coming to town. If they can get past that, and we think they can, expect a low scoring game with multiple sacks and turnovers.

Sleepers

1. Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins

Since Ronnie Brown is likely out for this one, the Panthers only have Ricky Williams to contend with. And Carolina’s defense has played much better over the past month of the season vs. the run. Expect John Fox to mix it up and force Chad Henne into poor decisions.

2. Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns

The Browns are horrible offensively and even more atrocious on the road. The Lions certainly aren’t anything to write home about, but look for Jim Schwartz to have his team ready to play and they’re a strong fantasy sleeper in Week 11.

Others We Like

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Packers defense rose to the occasion nearly shutting out the Cowboys in Week Ten. They’ll focus on taking away Frank Gore and putting the ball – and game – into Alex Smith’s hands, which is a good sign for Packers D/ST owners.

New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons

If DC Bill Sheridan used the bye week to clean up some of his defensive calls, the Giants could be in for a big week here. The Falcons will be without Michael Turner which means New York won’t have to worry about a running game. If they hit Matt Ryan early, look for Tuck and Co. to rack up a few sacks and force turnovers.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears, and namely their passing game, are struggling mightily at the moment. The Eagles defense is the opportunistic sort and we like them to pick Cutler at least twice on Sunday Night and sack him a handful of times.

A Few More

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills

Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams

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. 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

Best Bet

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Denver Broncos

It was only a matter of time before the Broncos came crashing down to earth. The Ravens, in their 30-7 romp over Denver last Sunday, exposed some of the weaknesses on this offense, namely Kyle Orton’s inability to throw down field, and you can expect the Steelers to follow that blue print.

You can also expect Pittsburgh to play a physical game and wear the Broncos down offensively and defensively. Our best bet will win by at least one TD on Monday Night.

Next In Line

2. Arizona Cardinals (+3) vs. Chicago Bears

The Cardinals have been anything but true to form in 2009; they’re 1-3 at home, 3-0 on the road. Look for that to be 4-0 come Sunday as they’ll not only cover the point spread, but win outright. Offensively, the Cardinals will attack Chicago’s secondary with Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston, and the Bears will have few answers for this talented trio of receivers. Defensively, look for Arizona to bring a creative blitz package and confuse Jay Cutler into throwing picks.

3. Green Bay Packers (-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Packers are coming off an agonizing loss but will rebound with a big time performance in Tampa Bay. Offensively, look for Rodgers and Co. to pretty much have their way with this defense and defensively, having the luxury to face Josh Freeman, who’s making his first professional start, expect Dom Capers game plan to incorporate complex blitzes which force the rookie into multiple sacks and turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) vs. Baltimore Ravens

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Atlanta Falcons (-10) vs. Washington Redskins

The issues facing the Redskins are too numerous to be corrected over a bye week. So, expect the same inept offense we’ve seen over the first half of the season to show up on Sunday minus TE Chris Cooley. The Falcons are in a bit of a slide themselves, but will get back into the win column with a rout over the downtrodden Skins. Expect Atlanta to pound the ball with Michael Turner and utilize the play-action to create big passing plays for the offense.

San Francisco 49ers (-4) vs. Tennessee Titans

The 49ers played well in two tough road losses and come home to face the 1-6 Titans. And regardless of Chris Johnson’s prediction, which is nothing short of ridiculous, expect a methodical offensive game plan for the Niners complemented by a stellar defensive effort.

Indianapolis Colts (-9) vs. Houston Texans

The loss of TE Owen Daniels is a huge loss to the Texans offense. It completely changes the way opposing defenses prepare for them and takes away Matt Schaub’s safety valve when Andre Johnson is receiving double coverage. Look for Indy to recognize this and put extra attention on No. 80. And offensively, look for Manning to have a big day through the air and for the Colts to put 30 on the board.

Money Line

Cincinnati Bengals (+160) vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals went into Baltimore in Week Five and upset the Ravens on a last second TD pass. This time, the scene shifts to Cincinnati.

The Ravens impressive showing against the Denver Broncos doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ve fixed their pass defense, it just means that they capitalized on Kyle Orton’s inability to stretch the field. But Palmer and Co. can stretch the field on any play and this will force Baltimore to tone down their aggressiveness for fear of getting beat deep.

Cincinnati will also feed the ball to Cedric Benson who found great success the last time these two teams played (120 yards, one TD). While finding running lanes will probably be more difficult this time around, it will keep the offense balanced.

Defensively, Cincinnati will focus on taking away Baltimore’s passing game and have two pretty solid corners to do so (Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph). Look for a variety of blitzes to keep Joe Flacco from finding a rhythm. Ray Rice will be hard to contain but the Bengals scheme will do its best to keep him in check.

What no one would have believed coming into the season will be a reality after Week Nine;  the Bengals will sit atop the AFC North standings with a 6-2 record and effectively be two games up on the Ravens after the season sweep.

2009 Record Against The Point Spread

Overall 63%

Best Bets 4-4

Next In Line 17-7

Others We Like 12-12

Money Line 6-2