1. San Francisco 49ers vs. Det – Look for the 49ers to turn the Lions one dimensional and force multiple turnovers with one pick 6.

2. Houston Texans vs. Jax – The Texans will limit the Jags offense and sack Gabbert 4 times.

3. New England Patriots vs. Arz – The Pats love the prospect of seeing Kevin Kolb behind center.

4. New York Giants vs. TB – The Giants are getting healthier and will return to form vs. the Bucs at home.

Next

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cle – The Bengals will force 3-4 turnovers vs. Brandon Weeden in Week 2.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Sea – Russell Wilson will find the going tougher vs. DeMarcus Ware and Co.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Dal – The Seahawks are a different defense at home.

The Rest

Buffalo Bills vs. KC – Expect a much better showing from the revamped Bills D in their home opener.

NY Jets vs. Pit – The Jets front seven will present problems for a re-tooled Steelers’ offensive line.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. NYJ – Don’t completely buy into the Jets offense being fixed.

St. Louis Rams vs. Was – The Rams D will be a sterner test for RGIII. Expect a few sacks and turnovers.

KC Chiefs vs. Buf – The Bills offense was a mess Week 1.

vs. SF – The Lions will force a few turnovers on Sunday Night.

Oakland Raiders vs. Mia – The Dolphins will make a lot of D/ST look good in 2012. They’re a great fantasy sleeper in Week 2.

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 Carson Palmer

Don’t be fooled into believing that Baltimore’s defensive performance last week means they’re back to playing like the 2000 Ravens defense did. They’re not. And Palmer is a notorious Ravens killer. The Bengals receivers will be too much for the Ravens secondary to handle and Palmer will throw for at least 250 with a few TDs.

2. RB Ryan Grant vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers defense turns every opposing RB into a No. 1 fantasy starter the week they play them. And this week, even though he’s playing behind a patchwork offensive line, expect Grant to have a huge day and rattle off over 100 yards and a few scores. This is the type of match-up where teams, and players, get healthy very quickly.

3. WR DeSean Jackson vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jackson’s lightening quick speed will prove too difficult for CB Terrance Newman and the Cowboys secondary to handle. Whether it be on end-arounds, slants, or play-action passes deep, expect No. 10 to have a big game Sunday Night and another TD of 50 yards or longer.

Fantasy Busts

1. Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis Colts

The loss of TE Owen Daniels for the season is a huge blow for the Texans offense moving forward. Expect Indy to roll coverage over Andre Johnson’s way and challenge Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones to beat them. It’s extremely rare to to overcome a loss of this magnitude  in a one-week time frame and we expect to see a substantial drop off in production for Schaub in Week Nine.

2. RB Matt Forte vs. Arizona Cardinals

He’s already one of the biggest fantasy busts of the 2009 season, and that trend is not going to change here. Although the Panthers found great success running the ball vs. the Cards, Chicago doesn’t possess the running attack – or running backs- that Carolina does. Expect Arizona to play eight guys in the box and for their corners to play press coverage on the Bears inexperienced receivers.  This will be a tough day for Forte.

3. WR Brandon Marshall vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Ravens exposed the Broncos passing game and the Steelers are going to do the same on Monday Night. They’re going to bring extensive pressure after Orton which means he’ll have to get rid of the ball sooner than he’d like. And the result for Marshall is he’ll be forced to settle for short passes all night long; not a recipe for fantasy football success.

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

1. Maurice Jones-Drew

The Titans officially gave up on the season in their 59-0 loss to the Patriots. In that game, Laurence Maroney, one of the biggest enigmas in the NFL, came off the bench and rolled for 123 yards and a TD. This week, they face MJD, who’s coming off a bye after a three TD performance against the Rams. Expect another 100 yard game with at least two TDs for our top ranked fantasy football RB in Week Eight.

2. Steve Slaton vs. Buffalo Bills

Slaton rattled off two TDs (one on the ground, one in the air) vs. the 49ers on Sunday. He now faces the Bills who gave up 300 yards on the ground to the Jets two weeks ago and another 116 to the Panthers in Week Seven. Look for the Texans to feed the ball to Slaton and for the second-year back to finish with over 100 yards and one, possibly two scores.

3. Steven Jackson vs. Detroit Lions

One of the only bright spots for the Rams this season has been the re-emergence of Steven Jackson as a top flight RB after two injury riddled seasons. And last week, even though they were down big, he still finished with 134 yards vs. the Colts to the delight of fantasy owners. Expect another solid performance and over 100 yards on the ground vs Detroit.

4. Adrian Peterson vs. Green Bay Packers

Peterson took on a tough Steelers defense and still managed to top 100 total yards with a score. He’ll find running against the Packers a much easier assignment and we expect him to top the century mark on the ground with at least one TD, maybe two.

Sleepers

1. Mike Bell vs. Atlanta Falcons

While it was initially thought that Bell would be nothing more than a hold over for Pierre Thomas to start the season, he’s actually worked his way into the rotation and is the primary goal line runner. He’s an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Eight and has a great opportunity to notch a few TDs as the Saints offense should give Atlanta all it can handle.

2. Matt Forte vs. Cleveland Browns

Matt Forte has been one of the biggest fantasy busts in 2009. After being taken at the top of most fantasy drafts, he’s been outperformed by guys taken at the bottom (RB Fred Jackson). He gets a break on Sunday though when the Browns come to town; they’ve been run over all season (149 yards to Ryan Grant on Sunday) and we expect Forte to break loose in Week Eight.

Others We Like

Kevin Smith vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams have given up a lot of yards on the ground and there’s little indication that that trend is going to stop. Look for Smith to receive at least 20 carries and finish with over 100 yards and a score.

Pierre Thomas vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have lost key members to the interior of its defense and don’t stack up well against the better running teams.  Look for Thomas to have a big Monday Night.

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders come into this game having surrendered 316 rushing yards to the Jets in Week Seven. Stopping the run obviously isn’t a part of their defensive approach. If Tomlinson is going to run for 100 yards in any game this season, this seems to be the one.

A Few More

Ray Rice vs. Denver Broncos

Marion Barber vs. Seattle Seahawks

Chris Johnson vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

1. QB Drew Brees

Brees overcame a tough start (3 INTs) vs. the Miami Dolphins and still threw for 298 yards and a score in their win on Sunday. This week’s game won’t be so tough; the Falcons are depleted in their secondary and Brees will throw for over 300 yards and three TDs. He’s our top ranked fantasy football QB in Week Eight.

2. QB Peyton Manning vs. San Francisco 49ers

Manning continued his stellar 2009 season with 235 yards and three TDs vs. the Rams. Had the game not turned into a blowout, he easily would’ve surpassed 300 yards. This is another easy match-up for the Colts and Manning can be expected to throw for at least three TDs.

3. QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Despite playing behind a porous offensive line, Rodgers has performed extremely well and put up solid fantasy numbers. In their last game against Minnesota, he tossed for 384 yards and a few scores. For this match-up, the Vikings are down CB Antoine Winfield, so look for Rodgers to once again again reach 300 yards with at least two TDs.

4. QB Phillip Rivers vs. Oakland Raiders

Rivers fantasy stock increased to an even greater extent after LaDainian Tomlinson failed to score on eight rushing attempts inside the 10 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. It signaled that San Diego would need to pass in order to score. Look for Rivers, who is coming off a three TD performance, to continue his hot passing with another 250 yard game and three TDs vs. the Raiders.

Sleepers

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Houston Texans

The addition of Fitzpatrick into the Bills offense has re-established the team’s deep passing game. Lee Evans is now stretching opposing defenses and this is opening up the middle of the field. Look for Fitzpatrick to be a great fantasy sleeper in Week Eight and to find a lot of success against a suspect Texans secondary.

2. Kyle Orton vs. Baltimore Ravens

Most of the damage done against the Ravens defense in 2009 has come through the air, so look for Denver to attack this weakness. We expect Orton to target Marshall and Royal throughout the afternoon and to finish with over 225 yards and two TDs.

Others We Like

Matt Ryan vs. New Orleans Saints

For the Falcons to win on Monday, they’re going to need to throw. Expect Ryan to find a lot of success targeting Gonzalez and White and finish with over 250 yards and two scores.

Donovan McNabb vs. New York Giants

The Giants did a better job of pressuring the QB on Sunday Night but they’re still vulnerable in the passing game… especially in the middle of the field where S C.C. Brown plays. Look for McNabb and Co. to attack this part of the defense.

David Garrard vs. Tennessee Titans

Garrard a must start in Week Eight because the Titans feature the worst pass defense in the NFL. In their Week Four meeting, he passed for 323 yards and three TDs. Look for a similar outcome in this one.

A Few More

Jay Cutler vs. Cleveland Browns

Matt Schaub vs. Buffalo Bills

Tony Romo vs. Seattle Seahawks

Best Bet

1. New York Giants (+3) vs. New Orleans Saints

See Money Line Analysis

Next In Line:

2. Baltimore Ravens (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Ravens are coming off two tough defeats and have really gotten away from what they do best: running the ball. They’ll be forced to pass again this week, because Minnesota is so good against the run, but look for more short, safe passes, which will help them sustain drives. This will keep their defense fresh as they’re not forced to stay on the field for long periods of time. The Vikings are riding high at 5-0 but this will be a physical game against a team that needs it more. Look for Baltimore to make Adrian Peterson a non factor and pressure Favre into miscues.

3.  New York Jets ( -10) vs. Buffalo Bills

While the Bills have always played the Jets tough in the Meadowlands, we just don’t see it happening this week. Buffalo is coming off a horrific loss to the Browns, is down five starters on defense, and Trent Edwards has lost all confidence playing playing behind their anemic offensive line. The Jets on the other hand are angry after two losses and will take out their frustration on their rivals.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (-14) vs. Cleveland Browns

The Steelers have won two straight and could have all-world S Troy Polamalu back for this one.  The Browns are coming off their first win of the season but have scored a total of 15 points in three road games thus far. Look for Pittsburgh to pound away with the running game (Mendenhall, Parker) and play ferocious defense on Sunday. This could be one of those 30-3 or 30-7 type games.

Others We Like

Houston Texans (+4.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are coming off an ultra impressive road win in Baltimore and are riding high on a four-game winning streak. The Texans are an inch away (4th down stop on goal line at Arizona) from potentially being a 3-2 team. While we still like the Bengals to win, this has all the makings of a letdown, and that’s why we think Houston keeps it to within a FG.

Green Bay Packers (-13.5) vs. Detroit Lions

The Packers come into this game well rested after the bye. The Lions might have QB Matt Stafford back, but it appears that superstar receiver Calvin Johnson will not be able to go. Regardless, expect the Packers to come out firing on offense and for its defense to stifle the Lions.

San Diego Chargers (-4.5) vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos are feeling really good about themselves after recent wins over the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. The Chargers are desperate after the beating they received at the hands of the Steelers and looking to avoid falling three and a half games back (in the AFC West). History teaches us to go with the desperate team and look for the Chargers to win by at least a TD on Monday Night.

Money Line

New York Giants (+160) vs. New Orleans Saints

This is a game the Giants have had on their radar for some time now. The last three were just tune ups for the showdown against the undefeated Saints. New Orleans, while much improved, is a finesse team that doesn’t like to get hit in the mouth.  The Giants on the other hand are quite possibly the most physical team in the league and will get after Brees and Co. on Sunday.

Offensively, look for the Giants to establish their running game (Jacobs, Bradshaw) early and set the tone. Once the running game gets going and Eli begins to find success in the air, on quick strikes to Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss, look for a few play action passes down the field and for Manningham, or Hakeem Nicks, to score on at least one bomb. One player to keep an eye on is S Darren Sharper; he’s terrorized Manning in his career.

Defensively, the Giants front will take RB Pierre Thomas out of the game. After being lit up by the Cowboys on the ground in Week Two, New York’s figured out its run defense and will prove stout on Sunday. And when Brees drops back to pass, Tuck, Kiwanuka and Osi will be in his face all afternoon. Brees isn’t nearly as efficient when he’s constantly being pressured and this will lead to a few mistakes.

Everyone keeps saying that New York has yet to play anyone.  Don’t let that fool you; the Giants are battle tested and the most physical team in the league. They’ll wear out the Saints and win this one 28-17 in Eli’s homecoming to the Superdome.

2009 Record Against The Point Spread

Overall - 68%

Best Bets 2-3

Next In Line 13-2

Others We Like 7-8

Money Line 5-0