Last week against the spread
Mayo: 6-8
Anderson: 7-7
1:00pm Games
New York Giants at New Orleans
Eli Manning is still suffering from plantar fasciitis, sore heel, which could contribute to the downfall of the Giants this week. Manning has been limited in practice all week and that doesn’t bode well in a game where New York is going to need to rely on their superstar quarterback to stay in this game. Despite all this, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham should be reasonably productive as the Giants will have a tough time getting the run on the go against a fairly stellar Saints defense , which ranks 7th in the NFL against the run. Downgrade Brandon Jacobs, if you haven’t from his recent performances already, but hold on Ahmad Bradshaw who should produce what he usually does. The Saints are coming off a bye week and should be up to play in this one. This game could go a long way in determining home field advantage through the NFC playoffs which is far more valuable to the Saints who do not do their best work in the rugged elements of the mighty outdoors. On the fast track this week they should be fine though. Drew Brees should get back on his previous hall of fame pace which is good news for Colston, Henderson and Bush. Despite the having the number one defense, the Giants are only middle of the pack when it comes to the run. This sets up well for Lucky Pierre Thomas who should have a very good game.
Picks
Mayo: New Orleans (-3)
Anderson: NY Giants (+3)
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
The Steelers are giving up 14 points at home, that’s crazy. Pitt hasn’t been anyone by more than 10 this season. That being said, I still like the Curtain to win handily against the dreadful Browns. It looks like Willie Parker will be the starter and will split carries Rashard Mendenhall. This is a great ground match up but it’s going to be hard to figure out who’s getting rock when it counts. I would roll the dice with Mendenhall after what he’s done the last few weeks but be very wary. Big Ben and Hines Ward should eat up the Browns secondary, he has 3TDs in his past four against the Cleve. Santonio Holmes has been put on alert by the fantasy community. After a huge week one, Holmes only has 203 over the last four games. Watch out. There’s no one you really want any part of on Cleveland but if you’re really hurting Massaquoi getting involved throughout the game would not be shocking. The Browns will try to pound the ball with Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison but the probability of that being successful is very low. I still like the Browns to cover.
Picks
Mayo: Cleveland (+14)
Anderson: Pittsburgh (-14)
Carolina at Tampa Bay
In a game that no one will be watching the punchless Panthers take on the barren Bucs. Lets not forget the old adage: just because the teams are bad doesn’t means there’s not fantasy value to be had. Yup, that comes from ancient script. Both teams are awful against the pass so if you truly need the help Jake Delhomme and Josh Johnson aren’t the worst options out there. I like Antonio Bryant to show a glimpse of his 2008 version against a weak defense. Kellen Winslow should contribute in the intermediate passing game which could lead to another score. Eventually someone will emerge from the cluttered Bucs backfield but until that happens keep Ward and Caddy on the bench. You have to roll with Deangelo and Stewart for this week. If they don’t show up this week it will be time to turn to plan B. The original Steve Smith should make an appearance here too. Get him in the lineup. This should be a close one as it is one of the only games on the schedule that the Bucs could conceivably win, I’ll take the points at home.
Picks
Mayo: Tampa Bay (+3.5)
Anderson: Carolina ( -3.5)
Houston at Cincinnati
The Texans travel north for a clash at Paul Brown Stadium with the 4-1 Bengals. The Bengals are eventually going to lose one of these close games and this should be the week. The prolific Houston offense should cause problems for the improved Cinci D. All Texans should be starts this week. I actually like Kevin Walter a bit this week as 2nd receivers have been producing every week against Cincinnati. All Bengals should be as well, especially Cedric Benson. Benson should make a mockery of the swiss cheese Houston run defense. This game could get out of hand quickly but the Bengals have the ability to play to the level of their competition, Houston should cover.
Picks
Mayo: Houston ( +5)
Anderson: Cincinnati (-5)
Kansas City at Washington
The Chiefs covered for me last week and there’s no reason they shouldn’t again this week against the Redskins. The Skins are in turmoil from top to bottom and it’s adversely affecting their performance on the field. If you haven’t traded Clinton Portis yet you may be luck. He should be a viable option this week and it will inflate his trade value by having two good weeks in row. Cooley should get back on track this week after zero targets from Campbell last week. Santana Moss should be a decent play here but it’s almost impossible to predict which games he chooses to show up for. Matt Cassel has been a terrific fantasy QB in his four games and should continue to roll here. Dwayne Bowe is Cassel’s go to guy and should produce here, he’s a red zone monster. Don’t touch LJ for the love of God, he’s done. Jammal Charles should continue to outpace Johnson despite getting a tenth of LJ’s touches. It will be Charles’ job soon so you may want to pick him up and stash him away.
Picks
Mayo: Kansas City (+ 6.5)
Anderson: (-6.5)
Detroit at Green Bay
Those poor Lions are going to be without their two best players as Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford are riding the pine with injuries. Kevin Smith should be the main option, so reap the rewards of the added touches. Don’t touch Culpepper but Dennis Northcutt could be a really sneaky play if you need the receiver help. Per usual with any team playing the Lions, start everyone on the other team. Get Jennings, Rogers, Driver, and Grant in your lineups. You may even consider using JaMichael Finley, he’s a deep sleeper.
Picks
Mayo: Green Bay (-13.5)
Anderson: Green Bay (13.5)
St. Louis at Jacksonville
Start you Jags. Get Garrard, Sims-Walker, MJD, Scobee, and Lewis in your lineups. The Rams are terrible and that’s not changing anytime soon. St. Louis should be able to keep up a bit in points but will ultimately fall. I wouldn’t touch Bulger but Donnie Avery will make a nice play. Steven Jackson should put up his usual 120 yards and no touchdowns, which still makes him a start.
Picks
Mayo: Jacksonville (-9.5)
Anderson: Jacksonville (-9.5)
Baltimore at Minnesota
The Ravens and Vikes hook up in Minni and it should be a battle of the defenses. You can’t sit Peterson but don’t expect too much against a very good Ravens run defense. Favre is a sit and could produce his worst stat line of the year against the opportunistic Ravens secondary. Ray Rice should continue to get his touches and will contribute out of the backfield. Todd Heap you produced from Baltimore’s side and is a good filler if you need the TE help. The Ravens have lost two in a row to good competition and the Vikings provide another tough challenge, go Vikes.
Picks
Mayo: Minnesota (-3)
Anderson: Baltimore (+3)
4:00pm Games
Arizona at Seattle
As long as it’s not raining make starters out of all legitimate passing options in this game. Start Warner, Boldin, Fitz, Hasselbeck, Burleson, Housh and Carlson. The Cards actually have the number one rated run defense so sit Orange Julius. Hightower may vulture a touchdown but you shouldn’t trust him to do much else. This is a good match up that will tell us a bit more about the confusing NFC West.
Picks
Mayo: Seattle ( -3)
Anderson: Arizona (+3)
Philadelphia at Oakland
I think the Eagles win and win big but don’t put too much stock in their offense this week. They’re certainly capable of exploding but I get the feeling they get up so much so early we’ll see some backups and a copious amount of the running game. Philly’s D/ST is a great play as they’ll get their turnovers and maybe a TD. You’ll start your usuals due to lack of better options but don’t get your hopes too high. Oh ya, don’t start any Raiders.
Picks
Mayo: Philadelphia (-14)
Anderson: Philadelphia ( -14)
Tennessee at New England
The Titans are 31st in the NFL against the pass so this match up is as juicy as it gets for Brady, Moss and Welker. This will be the week they finally get it all together and put up some serious points. The Titans rank 3rd against he run so that doesn’t bode well for Pats’ running backs. If you really need one play Sammy Morris. Actually, go pick up Sammy Morris, he’s the Patriots running back you want. Get Chris Johnson in there and hope they don’t get down too much too early. Nate Washington is the receiver you want here but watch out, “Hooked on Phonics” Vince Young may be starting.
Picks
Mayo: New England (-9.5)
Anderson: Tennessee ( +9.5)
Buffalo at New York Jets
Thomas Jones and Leon Washington will eat up the awful Bills defense. The Bills are actually respectable against the pass so watch out all Braylon owners who may be riding high after last week. Jericho Cotchery looks like he’ll miss this one with a hamstring injury so David Clowney will be starting in his spot. Keller should finally get back on track this week as the Bills have a tough time against tight ends. The Jets’ defense is pretty tough so there’s no really good options here. I would start Marshawn Lynch and that’s about it. I can see this being a low scoring affair that the Bills are able to stay in. I don’t think they’ll win but 9.5 is a lot of points for a game they should be up for. Also, The bills have won 2 of their last 3 at the Jets.
Picks
Mayo: Bills (+9.5)
Anderson: Jets (-9.5)
8:20pm Game
Chicago at Atlanta
This game reeks of shootout. I’m starting everyone I can here. Start Cutler, Knox, Forte, Hester, Olsen, Ryan, Turner, Gonzo, and White: they should all produce. The Falcons looked good coming out of their bye last week and I expect the Bears to do the same. This game will be high scoring and I’m really not sure who will win, so I’m taking the points.
Picks
Mayo: Chicago (+3)
Anderson: Atlanta: ( -3)
Monday Night
Denver at San Diego
Who knows with this one. The Chargers are favored against the 5-0 Broncos which is mind blowing but not possibly wrong. Knowshawn Moreno will start but Buckhalter will be back to steal carries; I still like them to both put up decent numbers. San Diego has a pretty terrible defense so get Orton and Marshall in there. If you really need the help Eddie Royal looked like he was back last week but I wouldn’t be super confident with him in my line up. I hate LT this week but that could be just me. He really looks like he’s lost a step. I would wager that Sproles outscores him this week but I’m not starting either. Denver has only given up two passing touchdowns this year, last week vs. NE, but Rivers can bomb it with the best of them, he’ll be fine. Jackson and Gates will get themselves involved so start them. Everyone I see seems to be picking the Chargers but I’m gonna stick with the undefeated Broncos until they prove to me they’re able to lose.
Picks
Mayo: Denver (+4)
Anderson: San Diego (-4)
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