High Dez-inition

Some may consider the Dallas Cowboys (8-7) as super mediocre. Others may see the 'boys through cowboy-colored bifocals and look at them as the best team since the 1995 Dallas squad. The subject is definitely debatable. However, one component is not - Dez Bryant.
 The ex-Oklahoma State Cowboy-turned Dallas Cowboy has reached heights everyone knew he could achieve but weren't fully confident he would. After so many proverbial blue screens and snow-filled channels with white noise, pixels should be crystal clear across the board about the 6' 2", 220 pound native of Texas. Bryant left no doubt of his worthiness of wearing the #88 jersey Sunday during the Cowboys' 34-31 overtime defeat to New Orleans (7-8), as he hauled in 9 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns underneath the gigantic scoreboard in Arlington.
The twenty-four year-old star has recorded five 100-plus-yard games as the Cowpokes mosey into Washington (9-6) for the NFC East title and a playoff berth in the final regular season game of 2012.
Do not attempt to adjust your (mind)sets, for this is not a test.

Now, on to week seventeen - championship Sunday (for some).

 

 

 

QB
Aaron Rodgers (GB @ Min)
RB
Darren Sproles (NO vs Car)
WR
Brandon Marshall (Chi @ Det)
Wes Welker (NE vs Mia)
TE
Dallas Clark (TB @ Atl)
DEF

New England vs Mia

 

QB

Andy Dalton (Cin vs Bal)

RB

Doug Martin (TB @ Atl)

WR

Michael Crabtree (SF vs Ari)

TE

Antonio Gates (SD vs Oak)

DEF

Chicago @ Det

 



Russell Wilson is Too Small for QB

Measurables always seem to lurk when evaluating NFL talent. At some point, a memo went out to executives and scouts that the prototypical quarterback must meet a certain height requirement to be successful in the NFL. Apparently, Seattle Seahawks (9-5) rookie quarterback Russell Wilson didn't receive the memo.
At 5' 11" and barely 200 pounds, the NC State and Wisconsin grad has had to prove himself over and again to experts who have yet to figure out heart and desire can't be measured.
Is he good enough? Meaning, is he NFL ready? Ask the Buffalo Bills (5-9) about Wilson's readiness.
Wilson embarrassed the hapless Bills by rushing for 92 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for another score Sunday in Toronto, ending with a 50-17 victory. He currently has thrown 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions with two games remaining, despite not meeting the idealized height requirement.
Concluding where we began, Russell Wilson is too small to play quarterback in the NFL. Just ask the experts.

QB
Ryan Tannehill (Mia vs Buf)
Nick Foles (Phi vs Was)
Sam Bradrord (StL @ TB)
RB
Vick Ballard (Ind @ KC)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin @ Pit)
DeAngelo Williams (Car vs Oak)
WR
Lance Moore (NO @ Dal)
Leonard Hankerson (Was @ Phi)
Brandon Lloyd (NE @ Jac)
TE
Dallas Clark (TB vs StL)
Greg Olsen (Car vs Oak)
Owen Daniels (Hou vs Min)
DEF

Indianapolis @ KC
New England @ Jac
Carolina vs Oak

 

QB

Andy Dalton (Cin @ Pit)

Eli Manning (NYG @ Bal)

RB

Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG @ Bal)

Chris Johnson (Ten @ GB)

WR

Larry Fitzgerald (Ari vs Chi)

A.J. Green (Cin @ Pit)

TE

Vernon Davis (SF @ Sea)

Jacob Tamme (Den vs Cle)

DEF

Seattle vs SF

Atlanta @ Det

 



Flying Low: The Playoff Run

Birds have hollow bones which enables them to soar through the air without crashing to the ground. With the help of the 12th Man, the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) soared while the Arizona Cardinals (4-9) crashed, burned and washed away, 58-0, into the Pacific Ocean in the form of ashes.
12:00 1st quarter:
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner intercepts Cardinals quarterback John Skelton's plans for a completion.
11:25 2nd quarter:
Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons sacked Skelton, forced him to fumble and recovered.
10:12 2nd quarter:
Seahawks corner back Richard Sherman picked off Cardinals quarterback John Skelton and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown.
2:33 2nd quarter:
Richard Sherman records his second interception of the game on a third down play near midfield.

At halftime, Arizona found themselves down 38-0 with their feathers starting to feel uncomfortably warm.
10:19 3rd quarter:
Bobby Wagner intercepted Skelton inside the Cards' own twenty-yard line. Skelton was yanked from the pillage and rookie Ryan Lindley was inserted.
4:49 3rd quarter:
Lindley fumbled while being sacked and Richard Sherman recovered. Has anyone lost count?

In a nest egg, some birds were only meant to fly and not attempt to play quarterback in the NFL. For Seattle, it's off to Toronto to face Buffalo (5-8). For Arizona, it is simply off.
Good luck, for anything can (and will) happen in the playoffs.

QB
Josh Freeman (TB @ NO)
Jake Locker (Ten vs NYJ)
Russell Wilson (Sea vs Buf in Toronto)
RB
DeAngelo Williams (Car @ SD)
Jonathan Dwyer (Pit @ Dal)
Reggie Bush (Mia vs Jac)
WR
Eric Decker (Den @ Bal)
Josh Gordon (Cle vs Was)
Mike Williams (TB @ NO)
TE
Coby Fleener (Ind @ Hou)
Tony Moeaki (KC @ Oak)
Brandon Pettigrew (Det @ Ari)
DEF

San Diego vs Car
Mia vs Jac
Ten vs NYJ

QB
Joe Flacco (Bal vs Den)
Mark Sanchez (NYJ @ Ten)
RB
Stevan Ridley (NE vs SF)
Beanie Wells (Ari vs Det)
WR
Julio Jones (Atl vs NYG)
Kenny Britt (Ten vs NYJ)
TE
Jermichael Finley (GB @ Chi)
Heath Miller (Pit @ Dal)
DEF
San Francisco @ NE
Pittsburgh @ Dal

WR Comparison
                                  REC     YDS    TD
Jeremy Maclin               57        719        5
Cecil Shorts                     43        824        7

Good Luck

 

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. If and when opportunity comes your way and you have failed to prepare, then you've prepared to fail. Non preparers call this bad luck. The truth is we create our own, whether good or bad.

 

Sometimes it may be better to simply be Luck. Andrew, that is. The top-drafted rookie from Stanford found himself in a  twelve-point deficit (33-21) to the Detroit Lions (4-8) with 8:41 left in the fourth quarter at Ford Field Sunday afternoon. He threw an interception during the drive. Luck then put together an eight-play, 85-yard drive for a score to cut the Lions' lead to five (33-28) with 2:39 left on the clock. Luck, as he would have it, got the ball back with only 1:07 to go with no timeouts. The 6' 4" back-to-back Heisman runner-up drove the field with an eleven-play, 75-yard drive for the game-winning touchdown pass to Donnie Avery as time expired to complete his 424 total yard and four touchdown performance. Lucky? No. Luck bows and exits stage right.

 

 

 

QB
Sam Bradford (StL @ Buf)
Brandon Weeden (Cle vs KC)
Russell Wilson (Sea vs Ari)
RB
Joique Bell (Det @ GB)
Vick Ballard (Ind vs Ten)
Shonn Greene (NYJ @ Jac)
WR
Chris Givens (StL @ Buf)
Antonio Brown (Pit vs SD)
Anquan Boldin (Bal @ Was)
TE
Kyle Rudolph (Min vs Chi)
Dustin Keller (NYJ @ Jac)
Heath Miller (Pit vs SD)
DEF

Miami @ SF
Indianapolis @ Ten
Green Bay vs Det

QB
Philip Rivers (SD @ Pit)
Colin Kaepernick (SF vs Mia)
RB
Beanie Wells (Ari @ Sea)
Reggie Bush (Mia @ SF)
WR
Stevie Johnson (Buf vs StL)
Larry Fitzgerald (Ari @ Sea)
TE
Antonio Gates (SD @ Pit)
Vernon Davis (SF vs Mia)
DEF
Baltimore @ Was
NY Giants vs NO

Cam-Era

If there was any suspicion of a sophomore slump with Carolina's quarterback Cam Newton, the Philadelphia Eagles (3-8) defense serves as the proverbial bottle of Robitussin. His 306 passing, 52 rushing yards and four total touchdowns would then emulate a stronger immune system, clearer nasal passages and gratification the following morning.
The 3-8 Panthers may still have a slight dry cough, but going into Kansas City's (1-10) Arrowhead Stadium may resemble the Halls of medicine or perhaps a Ricola even though the Chiefs possess a top-ten pass defense.
Either way the 'itis-laden Panthers should look forward to their first winning streak of the season on Sunday afternoon. Maybe even the running game will get a shot of Vitamin C or DeAngelo Williams. 'Get well soon' cards are currently in rotation.

Byes: none

 

QB

Joe Flacco (Bal vs Pit)

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf vs Jac)

Christian Ponder (Min @ GB)

RB

Jonathan Dwyer (Pit @ Bal)

Michael Bush (Chi vs Sea)

DeMarco Murray (Dal vs Phi)

WR

Riley Cooper (Phi @ Dal)

Kendall Wright (Ten vs Hou)

Pierre Garcon (Was vs NYG)

TE

Jacob Tamme (Den vs TB)

Greg Olsen (Car @ KC)

Owen Daniels (Hou @ Ten)

DEF

NY Jets vs Ari

Dallas vs Phi

Cincinnati @ SD

 

 



QB
Philip Rivers (SD vs Cin)
Jay Cutler (Chi vs Sea)
RB
Darren McFadden (Oak vs Cle)
Ryan Mathews (SD vs Cin)
WR
Vincent Jackson (TB @ Den)
Michael Crabtree (SF @ StL)
TE
Antonio Gates (SD vs Cin)
Dustin Keller (NYJ vs Ari)
DEF
NY Giants @ Was
Pittsburgh @ Bal

TE Comparison:
                                     REC     YDS   TD
Vernon Davis (SF)          35         487       5
Brandon Myers (Oak)   55         591       3

Window Dressing

 

The Texans (10-1) needed every solitary yard he made in order to beat Jacksonville (1-9) 43-37 in overtime. He also added a 48-yard touchdown reception to his 14 catches and 273 yards to end the game. "In the win column, it either says 'W' or 'L'", he stated after the game. "They don't ask how you got it done."

Who is he? And why does he not fit the typical 'diva' persona most NFL receivers wear so proudly? Andre Johnson. That's it and that's all. Even though he went to Miami (FL), he barely raises his voice. The 6" 3' 230 pound silent assassin does his job then leaves the scene with very little or no audio. The late, great Paul Brown said, "You win, and say nothing. You lose - say less."



 

 

 

QB
Colin Kaepernick (SF) @ NO)
Sam Bradford (StL @ Ari)
Nick Foles (Phi vs Car)
RB
Bryce Brown (Phi vs Car)
Knowshon Moreno (Den@ KC)
Vick Ballard (Ind vs Buf)
WR
Brandon Gibson (StL @ Ari)
Cecil Shorts (Jac vs Ten)
Emmanuel Sanders (Pit @ Cle)
TE
Brandon Myers (Oak @ Cin)
Greg Olsen (Car @ Phi)
Anthony Fasano (Mia vs Sea)
DEF

Arizona vs StL
Indianapolis vs Buf
Denver @ KC

 

QB

Jay Cutler (Chi vs Min)

Philip Rivers (SD vs Bal)

RB

Reggie Bush (Mia vs Sea)

Steven Jackson (StL @ Ari)

WR

Dwayne Bowe (KC vs Den)

Vincent Jackson (TB vs Atl)

TE

Antonio Gates (SD vs Bal)

Jermichael Finley (GB @ NYG)

DEF

Cincinnati vs Oak

San Francisco @ NO

 



Planet Cybertron

Some say he can transform into numerous weapons and vehicles, depending on which universe he's in. Apparently, in this galactic faction, he comes in the form of an NFL wide receiver by the name of Calvin Johnson from Georgia Tech. Human spectators have grown accustomed to his acrobatic feats and are no longer amazed, but mildy ecstatic. The interplanetary specimen collected 12 catches, 207 yards and a touchdown in the 34-24 loss at Minnesota (6-4) Sunday. With a nagging knee injury and recovering nerve endings to his phalanges, the 6' 5" Johnson has proven to be quite the cafe` supernova, as opposed to being just another star in the constellation.

Byes: Minnesota, NY Giants, Seattle, Tennessee

QB
Andrew Luck (IND @ NE) Although Luck is from this planet, he'll be on he road against the fourth-worst pass defense in the league on Sunday (285.3 pass ypg).
Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf vs Mia) Ranked 28th versus the pass, the 'Fins will be facing a dark horse QB that is ranked ahead of Cam Newton, Tony Romo and Eli Manning.
Nick Foles (Phi @ Was) The rookie from Arizona will line up across from the 30th-ranked pass defense minus the 14 turnovers (M. Vick).
RB
Marcel Reece (Oak vs NO) The S-aint's allow 162 rushing yards per game. Enough said, no?
Steven Jackson (StL vs NYJ) With his starting spot threatened, Jackson will have a worthy game against a Jets defense that allows 145 rushing yards per game (30th).
Jacquizz Rodgers (Atl vs Ari) Rodgers is a ppr gem. Plus anytime Atlanta is on 3rd down, he's on the field instead of Michael Turner.
WR
Andre Roberts (Ari @ Atl) Roberts has put up double-figure performances four of the last six games. He just may surprise Atlanta on Sunday.
Donnie Avery (Ind @ NE) With Reggie Wayne seeing double-team coverages all afternoon, Avery should get targets against the 29th-ranked defense against receiving.
Eric Decker (Den vs SD) With nearly 50 receptions and seven scores, why not?
TE
Greg Olsen (Car vs TB) Tampa Bay has the worst defense in the NFL against the air attack. Olsen is a no-brainer on any planet.
Brandon Myers (Oak vs NO) Myers has 44 catches through nine games. He may see red zones targets against New Orleans.
Owen Daniels (Hou vs Jac) Daniels may as well be the number two receiver on Houston's depth chart, based on his stats this season. Major 'out of this world' sleeper.
DEF

Atlanta vs Ari
Cincinnati @ KC
St. Louis vs NYJ

QB
Philip Rivers (SD @ Den)
Mark Sanchez (NYJ @ StL)
RB
Shonn Greene (NYJ @ StL)
Rashad Jennings (Jac @ Hou)
WR
Mike Wallace (Pit vs Bal)
Michael Crabtree (SF vs Chi)
TE
Vernon Davis (SF vs Chi)
Dennis Pitta (Bal @ Pit)
DEF
Pittsburgh vs Bal
Miami @ Buf

Choose One

Life is all about choices. From choosing to quickly respond to a text before the light turns green - even though it's raining, to choosing to send your kids to public school or home school, things happen as a result of certain choices being made.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie (Boise St.) running back, Doug Martin, chose the 'A' gap shortly after halftime on his way to a 45-yard touchdown run at Oakland (3-5). Martin also made the decision to follow his special-interest group along the left sideline to end the third quarter in the Bucs'(4-4) 42-32 defeat of the Raiders on Sunday. The California native gashed the Raiders defense for 272 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in victory.

Byes: Arizona, Cleveland, Green Bay, Washington

 

QB
Alex Smith (SF vs StL) Facing St. Louis at home, Smith will line up across from the 17th ranked defense the NFL against the pass.
Jake Locker (Ten @ Mia) Locker has gotten the nod to start Sunday. He will face a Miami pass defense that ranks 30th, allowing over 300 passing yards per game.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf @ NE) As great as the Patriots offense is, the defense gives up 281 yards through the air (28th).
RB
Marcel Reece (Oak @ Bal) Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson are injured. Plus Baltimore has the fifth-worst run defense in the NFL through nine weeks (139.5 rush ypg).
Rashad Jennings (Jac @ Ind) Jennings should be Fantasy worthy, facing a Colts defense that gives up 130.8 rushing yards per contest (25th).
Christopher Ivory (NO vs Atl) The Falcons allow almost five yards per carry and 127.5 rushing yards per game. Ivory should benefit.
WR
Michael Crabtree (SF vs StL) This game may get out of hand by the beginning of the third quarter. Crabtree should see the end zone before halftime.
Malcom Floyd (SD @ TB) Who has the worst defense against receiving? That's right, the Bucs. Enough said, no?
Emmanuel Sanders (Pit vs KC) With Antonio Brown nursing a foot injury, Sanders will get more targets against the Chiefs on Monday night.
TE
Martellus Bennett (NYG @ Cin) Bennett has seen his numbers decrease over the past three weeks but the fact that the Bengals are allowing the seventh-most Fantasy points per game to tight ends should serve as a remedy.
Dustin Keller (NYJ @ Sea) Although the Seahawks have a decent defensive unit overall, they tend to give up quite a mound to tight ends in 2012.
Greg Olsen (Car vs Den) More than likely, Carolina will be playing from behind for most of the game. Olsen should get targets for this reason, if not for anything else.
DEF

NY Jets @ Sea
Pittsburgh vs KC
Miami vs Ten

QB
Russell Wilson (Sea vs NYJ)
Jay Cutler (Chi vs Hou)
RB
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin vs NYG)
Shonn Greene (NYJ @ Sea)
WR
Jeremy Maclin (Phi vs Dal)
Justin Blackmon (Jac vs Ind)
TE
Antonio Gates (SD @ TB)
Brandon Pettigrew (Det @ Min)
DEF
Philadelphia vs Dal
Atlanta @ NO

Welcome Matt

Bye weeks can be tricky. Breakouts happen when we least expect it with no forewarning. Detroit Lions (3-4) quarterback Matthew Stafford certainly picked an opportuned time to have his breakout performance. The Georgia Bulldog-turned-Lion picked the Seahawk defensive unit apart with 352 yards and four total touchdowns en route to a 28-24 victory at Ford Field on Sunday. Stafford earned top dog (or Lion) status for week eight. Now on to sunny Jacksonville.
Let week nine be a treat for us all.

Byes: New England, NY Jets, San Francisco, St. Louis

 

 

 

QB
Josh Freeman (TB @ Oak)
Matt Moore (Mia @ Ind)
Russell Wilson (Sea vs Min)
RB
Jacquizz Rodgers (Atl vs Dal)
LeRod Stephens-Howling (Ari @ GB)
Rashard Jennings (Jac vs Det)
WR
Brandon LaFell (Car @ Was)
Brandon Stokley (Den @ Cin)
Mike Thomas (Det @ Jac)
TE
Owen Daniels (Hou vs Buf)
Dallas Clark (TB @ Oak)
Heath Miller (Pit @ NYG)
DEF

Detroit @ Jac
Miami @ Ind
San Diego vs KC

QB
Jay Cutler (Chi @ Ten)
Joe Flacco (Bal @ Cle)
RB
Michael Turner (Atl vs Dal)
Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG vs Pit)
WR
Dez Bryant (Dal @ Atl)
Dwayne Bowe (KC @ SD)
TE
Dennis Pitta (Bal @ Cle)
Martellus Bennett (NYG vs Pit)
DEF
Atlanta vs Dal
Arizona @ GB

Drew Arms

A week seven road game.
Out of the huddle, the scenario is first and ten on the Buc's 20-yard line with 0:21 left before halftime. The look is of shotgun formation. One running back is to the left of the would-be passer. On the strong side near the line of scrimmage is a wide out, a slot receiver and tight end. There is one receiver on the left side of the formation as well, hugging the line.
 On the snap, the quarterback puts the ball in the belly of the half back then quickly pulls it out. He hits the tight end down the seam for a touchdown, which is Saints quarterback Drew Brees' fourth of the half.
The 6' 0" (maybe) signal-caller ended the game with 377 yards, 4 touchdowns and a 35-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Byes: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston

QB
Carson Palmer (Oak @ KC)
Chad Henne (Jac @ GB)
Matt Hasselbeck (Ten vs Ind)
RB
Phillip Tanner (Dal vs NYG)
Brandon Bolden (NE vs StL in London)
Jonathan Dwyer (Pit vs Was)
WR
Josh Gordon (Cle vs SD)
Kendall Wright (Ten vs Ind)
Andre Roberts (Ari vs SF)
TE
Dustin Keller (NYJ vs Mia)
Brent Celek (Phi vs Atl)
Brandon Myers (Oak @ KC)
DEF

Arizona vs SF
New England vs StL in London
Green Bay vs Jac

 

QB

Matthew Stafford (Det vs Sea)

Mark Sanchez (NYJ vs Mia)

RB

Steven Jackson (StL vs NE in London)

Shonn Green (NYJ vs Mia)

WR

Vincent Jackson (TB @ Min)

Michael Crabtree (SF @ Ari)

TE

Aaron Hernandez (NE vs StL in London)

Jermichael Finley (GB vs Jac)

DEF

Denver vs NO

Atlanta @ Phi

TD Packer

While some pack lunches for beloved children and spouses and others pack suitcases and duffel bags, a select few packed their respective psyches with hopes of winning last week against those who had Aaron Rodgers on their Fantasy rosters. Rodgers just packed touchdowns on Monday night in Houston. Six to be exact. The Cal Bear added seventeen rushing to 338 passing yards without an interception on his way to  a 42-24 victory, handing the Texans their first loss of the season.  The Green Bay Packers (3-3) finish their three-game road trip at St. Louis (3-3) on Sunday afternoon. Pack light, perhaps.

Byes: Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego

QB
Matt Hasselbeck (Ten @ Buf) Hasselbeck will be on the road in a potential shootout between two teams that rank in the bottom half on the league in pass defense.
John Skelton (Ari @ Min) Although Skelton will be facing a top ten pass defense on the road, there is something enigmatic about the Forham graduate--wide receiver #11.
Carson Palmer (Oak vs Jac) The Former #1 pick had the 4th most passing-yard performance in Atlanta last week. He's at home with a struggling D-Mac against the Jags, who allow 261 passing ypg (23rd).
RB
Chris Johnson (Ten @ Buf) After this week CJ will no longer be a sleeper, running against the worst run defense in the NFL (173.5 ypg) with so many running backs on bye.
Daryl Richardson (StL vs GB) The rookie from Abilene Christian is nearly at a 50% timeshare with aging, hobbled Steven Jackson.
Felix Jones (Dal @ Car) With starter DeMarco Murray out with injury, Jones should get plenty of touches against a Panther defense that allows 127.4 rushing yards per contest.
WR
Devery Henderson (NO @ TB) Two reasons: The Saints have quite a few injuries at receiver and tight end. The Bucs are 31st of 32 teams in receiving defense through six games.
James Jones (GB @ STL) As long as Greg Jennings has a nagging groin injury, Jones should get plenty of targets. Jones scored twice Monday night.
Brandon Gibson (StL vs GB) Danny Amendola is rumored to be back November 11 against San Francisco. Until then, Gibson is better than nothing.
TE
Kyle Rudolph (Min vs Ari) With 25 receptions, the Notre Dame alum has posted double-figure games five of six games with just as many touchdowns this season.
Heath Miller (Pit @ Cin) Miller is Big Ben's security blanket against a mid-grade Bengals defense (17th receiving ranking).
Greg Olsen (Car vs Dal) Olsen looks to be the most consistent alternative to Steve Smith as Cam Newton struggles in his second NFL season.
DEF

Oakland vs Jac
Dallas @ Car
Indianapolis vs Cle

QB
Joe Flacco (Bal @ Hou)
Jay Cutler (Chi vs Det)
RB
Steven Jackson (StL vs GB)
Marshawn Lynch (Sea @ SF)
WR
Steve Smith (Car vs Dal)
Stevie Johnson (Buf vs Ten)
TE
Jimmy Graham (NO @ TB)
Fred Davis (Was @ NYG)
DEF
Chicago vs Det
Baltimore @ Hou

Torched

Mostly everyone expected Green Bay to rumble into Lucas Oil Stadium and dismantle the Indianapolis Colts. Apparently, veteran receiver Reggie Wayne and his youthful cohorts knew otherwise. The former Miami Hurricane's 13-catch, 212-yard performance was paramount to the 30-27 victory over the sub par Packer defense Sunday afternoon in the dome. Wayne's career single-game output was capped off with a spectacular touchdown grab that put the Colts ahead with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter. His celebratory drink of choice -- Fountain of Youth juice.

Byes: Carolina, Chicago, Jacksonville, New Orleans

 

QB

Andy Dalton (Cin @ Cle) No sophomore jinx for the red bandit, especially playing against the 6th worst pass defense in the NFL.

Brady Quinn (KC @ TB) With Matt Cassel's status uncertain, Quinn or anyone who has seen the Bucs' secondary (worst pass defense in the NFL) on the field should have no trouble in Tampa.

Sam Bradford (StL @ Mia) Lining up across from the 27-ranked pass defense in the league should serve as an antibiotic for a struggling young quarterback.

RB

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin @ Cle) The law firm will certainly be Fantasy-worthy against the 26th-ranked defense versus the run, averaging 142.4 ypg.

LaRod Stephens-Howling (Ari vs Buf) Although the Cardinals haven't prove they can run block thus far, they're matching up against the 30th-ranked (171.8 rushing ypg) run defense.

Vick Ballard (Ind @ NYJ) Don't look for the rookie form Mississippi State to get 100 rushing yards, but he'll get plenty of carries against the second-worst run defense with Donald Brown hobbled with injury.

WR

Brandon Gibson (StL @ Mia) The Dolphins give up 300.6 receiving yards per game (30th). Gibson is pushed to WR depth chart forefront with Danny Amendola injured. Enough said.

Denarius Moore (Oak @ Atl) Oakland will be forced to pass on Sunday to attempt to catch up in the Georgia Dome. Moore should benefit.

Andre Roberts (Ari vs Buf) Roberts is averaging nearly 13 points per game in ppr leagues, playing against the 26th-ranked receiving defense.

TE

Heath Miller (Pit @ Ten) Miller is currently tied for the most touchdown catches in the NFL, so red zone looks go to him first.

Dennis Pitta (Bal vs Dal) Pitta should get plenty of looks down the middle against a top-ranked Cowboys defense against air attacks.

Fred Davis (Was vs Min) Davis has yet to score, but should be Fantasy-worthy with 20 receptions this season for those with tight ends on bye.

DEF

NY Jets vs Ind

Atlanta vs Oak

St. Louis @ Mia

 

 

 

QB

Joe Flacco (Bal vs Dal)

Josh Freeman (TB vs KC)

RB

Steven Jackson (Stl @ Mia)

Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG @ SF)

WR

Anquan Boldin (Bal vs Dal)

Vincent Jackson (TB vs KC)

TE

Jermaine Gresham (Cin @ Cle)

Antonio Gates (SD vs Den)

DEF



Houston vs GB
Seattle vs NE

Cardio

Growth has little to do with age. Some grow while most merely get old, unfortunately.
 Sunday was truly a growth period for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline as he set a new franchise record with a 253-yard receiving mark during the 'Fins 24-21 loss to Arizona in overtime. The Ohio State Buckeye pulled in twelve catches, including an 80-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Week four was Hartline's to take, catapulting him to first place in the NFL with 455 receiving yards. The seed has been planted for the 6' 2", twenty-five year-old to blossom under Miami sun.
Next stop; Cincinnati.

Byes: Dallas, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay

 

QB

Andrew Luck (Ind vs GB) Although the Packers are currently 6th vs the pass, Luck should accumulate plenty of meaningless stats in the second half on Sunday afternoon.

Matt Cassel (KC vs Bal) Don't be fooled. The Ravens rank 29th in the NFL, yielding 295.8 per game to quarterbacks in 2012.

Christian Ponder (Min vs Ten) The Titans' opposing quaterbacks have a 118.3 rating and have given up ten TD's through the air in the first four games. 

RB

Jackie Battle (SD @ NO) Perhaps the Saints will improve on their league-worst rush defense (186.8 ypg) Sunday night. Until then, Battle should fill in nicely for owners with running backs on bye.

Cedric Benson (GB @ Ind) Benson is averaging double figures per contest in ppr leagues and should get lots of carries in the RCA Dome on Sunday.

Chris Johnson (Ten @ Min) Many owners have given up on CJ2K, but he should have his second consecutive game worthy of starting.

WR

Domenik Hixon (NYG vs Cle) Hakeem Nicks is still nursing his foot, so Hixon is a perfect fit at home against a 28th ranked Cleveland defense, giving up nearly 300 yards receiving per game this season.

Brian Hartline (Mia @ Cin) Some remain skeptical even though Hartline leads the NFL in receiving and is facing a Bengals defensive unit that gives up 264.5 receiving yards per game. Play this kid.

Nate Washington (Ten @ Min) For some reason, Matt Hasselbeck loves Washington. The fact that the Vikings have already given up eleven passing plays over twenty yards is a bonus. 

TE

Owen Daniels (Hou @ NYJ) Daniels will have a Monday night to remember against the NFL's worst receiving defense.

Martellus Bennett (NYG vs Cle) Bennett has double-figure performances in three of the four games this season with just as many scores.

Greg Olsen (Car vs Sea) Seattle has a top ten defense against aerial attacks, but has yet to face a tight end of Olsen's speed and skill set. 

DEF

Chicago @ Jac

Minnesota vs Ten

NY Giants vs Cle

 

 

 

 

QB

Jay Cutler (Chi @ Jac)

Michael Vick (Phi @ Pit)

RB

Michael Turner (Atl @ Was)

DeAngelo Williams (Car vs Sea)

WR

Brandon Marshall (Chi @ Jac)

Stevie Johnson (Buf @ SF)

TE

Dennis Pitta (Bal @ KC)

Fred Davis (Was vs Atl)

DEF

Atlanta @ Was

Pittsbugh vs Phi