Running Backs

Start’em

Chris Johnson, Titans

You’re obviously starting Chris Johnson if you drafted him, but for those of you trying to get cute with your lineups, one word of advice: don’t! I traded him on week 5 the year he went crazy and emerged onto the fantasy scene.  Let’s just say I regretted every second. Just give CJ2K some time, because his schedule after the bye week is quite favorable. Plus, few players have the ability to break open a big run like Johnson does, and that alone is worth the wait.

Ryan Matthews, Chargers

The guy has finally arrived, and he just might be here to stay as long as Mike Tolbert doesn’t sneak in to vulture any goal line carries. This week against the Dolphins is going to be Matthews’ make-or-break game in my opinion.  If he is able to come through with a solid outing, then he should get the bulk of the carries the rest of the season.

Read the rest of my fantasy picks after the jump …

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Start’em

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

Fitzpatrick has seven touchdowns in two games against Kansas City and Oakland, who have had subpar starts to the season.   Now enter the New England Patriots who have torched opposing defenses, while in fact being torched themselves. I could easily seeing Fitzy continuing his trend of throwing three or more touchdowns this week against a bad Patriots defense that allowed Philip Rivers to throw over 350 yards and two Touchdowns.

Sit’em

Eli Manning, New York Giants

When Matt Ryan played against the Eagles last week, he threw four touchdowns against their vaunted defense.  The kicker is that Ryan had Tony Gonzalez to throw to,  and Eli won’t have a solid tight end to target because Hakeem Nicks is going to be covered by either Nhamdi Asomugah or Asante Samuel. So I will expect a lot more forced balls into tight coverage, and I’ll be surprised if Manning throws for 200 yards or a touchdown.

Running Back

Start’em

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

We’ve seen back-to-back 100-yard games for the burner against the Eagles and the Bears, two pretty solid defenses, so I have no reason to think he won’t do it again against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, I don’t think he will go too far over the century mark, although he should be good for a couple of touchdowns.

Sit’em

Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals

Going to Seattle will prove to be more challenging than it seems for the Cardinals; they can torch the Seattle corners easily and shouldn’t have much reason to hand off the ball to Wells, and even then I would say the Seahawks have a not-so-bad run defense that plays a lot better at home than they do on the road.

Wide Receiver

Start’em

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

No corner on the Seattle roster can keep up with Larry Fitzgerald.  It’s that simple.  The Seahawks’ cornerbacks are too young to be able to double cover the Fitz properly. Also, it’s not like last year when the Cards were playing musical chairs at the quarterback position. Kevin Kolb is a solid guy who can get the ball downfield.

Sit’em

Dwayne Bowe Kansas City Chiefs,

Look, the Chiefs aren’t beating anyone this season, so there is no reason to stack the line now that Jamaal Charles is done for the year. Bowe is a very talented receiver, but there just isn’t anything special around him.  Matt Cassel is laughable as a starting quarterback, and the offensive line is bad.

Super Bowl XVII

February 3, 2008 

Last night, everyone in the nation saw an amazing show of heart and athleticism in that stunning upset of “Football’s Greatest Team,” but there was so much more to be seen if you were really watching the game…

Bill Belichick. Ah, but was it that surprising that he just walked off the field with a second to go? He’s been skirting every question, passing up every opportunity to explain his actions, his short answers, his silence on issues that should have some sort of explaination…apparently, after a bit of humility he still thinks he’s above the Little People. Leaving the game early was just another classless act from a talented-but-classless coach. In this link, it’s worth noting the user comments after the article (the article is worth reading, too). See a trend? Ah, Karma, you fickle little monster!

The Catch II. Strahan said it best when he said that play took off a few years of his life. Fans on both side felt the same way. We’re talking about Eli‘s jersey grabbed by two Patriot defenders, a loss of balance, he scrambles forward, to his left, back around the mass of linemen, he’s free, rolling out of the pocket he takes a quick glance downfield and tosses up a mini-Hail Mary, Rodney Harrison gets to David Tyree, both at their peak leaps, just a second too late, Harrison throws his arms everywhere, but the ball gets pinned against Tyree’s helmet, they land hard on their backs and Tyree just gained 32 yards, a Giants‘ first down and keeps the New York drive alive! Amazing.

Tom Brady. Did he choke? I don’t think so. I’m not one to stand up for the Patriots, but, come on, to choke means you couldn’t handle the pressure and you simply fall flat on your ass. Tom Brady has never given up and admitted defeat. You literally have to pry victory out of his hands, like the Colts did in the AFC Championship game last year…and exactly what the Giants did to him this year. They stole his heart via 5 sacks, an unoffical 9 knockdowns and countless hurries. You can say that Brady was a little soft after a pretty safe and comfortable season behind that truly great Pats’ O-Line but give credit to those Giants.

I want to know how you all feel about the big win…Our beloved QB’s little bro just won so I’m guessing that the Giants were the favored team in Coltsdom so what are your thoughts? Thoughts on Belichick‘s M.O., Brady‘s rattled cage, Moss‘s non-presence, Eli‘s emerging stardom, Giant defensive dominance, Gisele, Tom Petty (hey, I loved it!) or anything else? Let’s hear you!