The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Jacksonville at Carolina (Sunday early) – Panther fans have undoubtedly enjoyed watching Cam Newton throw for over 400 yards in each of his first two NFL starts.  Of course, two starts don’t make a career, but the future is definitely looking brighter for the Panthers.  This weekend they’ll get their first victory of the season, even if Newton relies more on his running backs than he has in either of the previous games.  Jacksonville is also starting a rookie quarterback (Blaine Gabbert), but his debut won’t go nearly as well as Newton’s did.  Carolina 30, Jacksonville 21.

• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, TE Zach Miller
    
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim
    
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Jason Hill (Questionable-hip), TE Marcedes Lewis (Questionable-calf), DEF, K Josh Scobee
• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton (Probable-ankle), WRs Steve Smith & Brandon LaFell, TE Greg Olsen, DEF, K Olindo Mare
    
  • Neutral:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey
  • Sit:  WR Legedu Naanee
    

 

Detroit at Minnesota – The two teams involved in this contest and their respective quarterbacks are headed in the opposite direction.  The once-proud Vikings and their once-proud quarterback Donovan McNabb are in danger of becoming an NFL also-ran, while the Lions and their up-and-coming star quarterback (at least when he’s healthy) Matthew Stafford look to be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future.  Can Detroit beat a team with a decent defense on the road?  Yes.  Detroit 27, Minnesota 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle), K Jason Hanson
    
  • Neutral:  RB Jahvid Best, WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Questionable-shoulder), DEF
    
  • Sit:  TE Tony Scheffler
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  QB Donovan McNabb, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
    
  • Sit:  WRs Bernard Berrian & Michael Jenkins (Probable-groin), TE Kyle Rudolph
    

 

San Francisco at Cincinnati – The Bengals will never be accused of being model citizens, but this was a busy week for them even by their police blotter standards.  RB Cedric Benson is likely to be suspended for three games for his involvement in a barroom fracas last year, while WR Jerome Simpson’s house in nearby Kentucky was raided this week during a drug bust (marijuana).  Fortunately for the Bengals Cam Newton is not the only rookie quarterback playing well, and Andy Dalton will lead his team to victory over the concussed Alex Smith-led 49ers.  Cincinnati 24, San Francisco 20.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, WR Josh Morgan, TE Vernon Davis, K David Akers
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith (Probable-concussion), DEF
    
  • Sit:  WRs Braylon Edwards (Out-knee) & Michael Crabtree (Questionable-feet), TE Delanie Walker
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Cedric Benson, WRs A.J. Green (Questionable-toe) & Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Mike Nugent
    
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott, WR Andre Caldwell
    

 

Miami at Cleveland – The NFL prides itself on its “parity” (read “mediocrity”), and this game should be Exhibit A.  Better things were expected from Browns QB Colt McCoy at the start of the season, but so far he hasn’t lived up to expectations.  After a stunning 400+ yard effort in the Dolphins’ opening game, QB Chad Henne reverted to his maddeningly inconsistent ways last week as Miami lost again at home (this time to Houston).  Expect rookie RB Daniel Thomas to see his first significant action for the Dolphins and lead his team to victory.  Miami 27, Cleveland 21.

• Miami
  • Start:  QB Chad Henne, RB Daniel Thomas, WRs Brandon Marshall (Probable-groin) & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF, K Dan Carpenter
  • Neutral:  WR Brian Hartline
    
  • Sit:  RB Reggie Bush (Probable-groin)
    
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Peyton Hillis, WRs Brian Robiskie & Greg Little
  • Neutral:  QB Colt McCoy, WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-ankle),TEs Ben Watson & Evan Moore, DEF, K Phil Dawson
    
  • Sit:  RB Montario Hardesty
    

 

New England at Buffalo – Patriots QB Tom Brady shockingly admitted this week that he doesn’t always tell the truth to the press because he wants to avoid stirring up controversy that his teammates would have to answer for.  Somebody should have passed the word along to Head Coach Bill Belichick, who up until this season habitually listed Brady on the injury report each week with a sore shoulder.  Buffalo has been one of the pleasant surprises of the young season, but the bubble will burst this weekend.  New England 34, Buffalo 20.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs Deion Branch & Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB Danny Woodhead
    
  • Sit:  WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez (Doubtful-knee)
    
• Buffalo
  • Start:  WR David Nelson, K Rian Lindell
    
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson (Probable-groin), TE Scott Chandler
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Donald Jones, DEF
    

 

New York Giants at Philadelphia - Both of these teams look a lot different than they did late last season, when the Eagles triumphed in the Meadowlands after an epic Giant meltdown.  Michael Vick’s status for the game has improved during the week, and he’ll face a defense that’s been decimated by injuries this season (both real and faked).  At least the Giants won’t have to worry about blowing a big lead this time around.  Philadelphia 30, New York 17.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Hakeem Nicks 
  • Neutral: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Mario Manningham (Questionable-concussion)
  • Sit: QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Victor Cruz, TE David Ballard, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
• Philadelphia
  • Start: QB Michael Vick (Probable-concussion), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, DEF, K Alex Henery
    
  • Neutral: QBs Vince Young (Probable-hamstring) (if he starts) & Mike Kafka (if he starts), WR Jason Avant, TE Brent Celek (Probable-hip)
    
  • Sit: RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith (Probable-knee)

 

Denver at Tennessee – Those of you who’ve been doubting your first-round pick of Titans RB Chris Johnson will finally feel vindicated after this week.  Unfortunately for Johnson’s team, his performance won’t be enough to overcome a more balanced Denver offense (sorry, Matt Hasselbeck, Kenny Britt, & Nate Washington).  Meanwhile, those of you who’ve been doubting your last-round pick of Broncos QB Tim Tebow will continue to do so after this week.  Denver 24, Tennessee 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee, WR Brandon Lloyd (Questionable-groin), TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
  • Sit:  RB Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Eddie Royal (Questionable-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Questionable-finger)
• Tennessee
  • Start: RB Chris Johnson (Probable-ribs), WRs Kenny Britt (Probable-thigh) & Nate Washington
  • Neutral: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Javon Springer, DEF, K Rob Bironas
    
  • Sit: TE Jared Cook
    

 

Houston at New Orleans – This game, featuring two high-octane offenses filled with fantasy stalwarts, will be the weekend’s most entertaining contest.  Much has been made of new Texans Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips’ impact on his charges, but the Saints simply have too many offensive weapons at their disposal.  New Orleans 30, Houston 24.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-foot), RB Ben Tate (Probable-back), WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels
  • Neutral:  WRs Kevin Walter (Questionable-shoulder) & Jacoby Jones (Questionable-knee), K Neil Rackers
    
  • Sit:  RBs Arian Foster (Questionable-hamstring) & Derrick Ward (Doubtful-ankle), DEF
    
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Mark Ingram & Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore (Probable-groin), DEF
    
  • Sit:  TE Dave Thomas

 

New York Jets at Oakland – The last time the Jets visited Oakland, QB Mark Sanchez was caught by television cameras enjoying a hot dog on the sidelines during the game.  Sanchez won’t be able to relax enough to eat a wiener during this nail-biter, but the result will still be the same.  New York 28, Oakland 24.

• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene, TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-elbow), WRs Santonio Holmes (Questionable-quad), Plaxico Burress & Derrick Mason (Probable-knee); DEF, K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Joe McKnight
    
• Oakland
  • Start:  WR Denarius Moore
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot), RB Darren McFadden (Probable-shoulder), WRs Chaz Schilens & Jacoby Ford (Questionable-hamstring), TE Kevin Boss (Probable-knee), DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Sit:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Louis Murphy (Questionable-groin) & Darius Heyward-Bey (Probable-knee)

 

Baltimore at St. Louis – The Ravens laid an egg last week in Tennessee - how will they respond.  Will they take it on the chin again, as Kansas City did last week, or will they rebound decisively, as Pittsburgh did last week?  I’ll go with the latter - Sam Bradford has been impressive, but without Steven Jackson at full strength, the Rams’ offense isn’t going to scare anyone.  Baltimore 27, St. Louis 20.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • Neutral:  WR Lee Evans (Questionable-ankle)
    
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, TE Dennis Pitta
    
• St. Louis
  • Start: QB Sam Bradford, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Brandon Gibson, TE Lance Kendricks, K Josh Brown
  • Neutral:  WR Danario Alexander, DEF
    
  • Sit:  RBs Steven Jackson (Questionable-quad), Cadillac Williams (Questionable-hamstring), & Jerrious Norwood; WR Danny Amendola (Doubtful-elbow)
    

 

Kansas City at San Diego (Sunday late) – It’s gut-check time for the Chiefs.  A week after losing star RB Jamaal Charles for the season, who will step up for the Chiefs offense, which was already missing TE Tony Moeaki?  RB Thomas Jones is the popular waiver wire pickup this week, but I actually like RB Dexter McCluster to have the bigger fantasy impact for the remainder of this season.  The Chargers look to avoid a second straight loss and more talk about their chronic early-season problems, and they’ll succeed in doing so.  San Diego 31, Kansas City 17.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster
  • Sit:  QB Matt Cassel, RB Le’Ron McClain, WRs Steve Breaston & Jonathan Baldwin (Questionable-thumb)
    
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot), DEF, K Nick Novak
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert (Questionable-calf)
    
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Questionable-groin)

 

Atlanta at Tampa Bay – So will a victory last week following an opening-weekend defeat be a turning point for either of these division rivals?  Falcons QB Matt Ryan has a stronger supporting cast than Bucs QB Josh Freeman, and Tampa’s running game is also a mess, as LeGarrette Blount has not lived up to his preseason billing so far.  Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 21.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan (Probable-knee), RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF, K Matt Bryant
    
  • Neutral:  WR Julio Jones
    
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas
    
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  WRs Mike Williams & Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
    
  • Neutral:  QB Josh Freeman, TE Luke Stocker, K Connor Barth
  • Sit: RBs LeGarrette Blount & Earnest Graham, WRs Dezmon Briscoe & Arrelious Benn, DEF
    

 

Arizona at Seattle – Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll was somehow able to make it into the playoffs last season with a losing record and an injured Matt Hasselbeck, and even managed to win a home game against the Saints.  After losing a game opening weekend to San Francisco that was much closer than the final score made it appear, the Seahawks were annihilated by the Steel Curtain last week.  Meanwhile, Arizona is enjoying life with their new QB Kevin Kolb.  That will continue to be the case this weekend.  Arizona 30, Seattle 17.

• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Neutral:  RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, TEs Jeff King & Todd Heap
    
  • Sit:  RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-hand)
• Seattle
  • Start:  WRs Michael Williams & Sidney Rice (Probable-shoulder), TE Zach Miller
    
  • Neutral:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Ben Obomanu
    
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, DEF, K Steve Hauschka

 

Green Bay at Chicago – Green Bay’s defense has been surprisingly vulnerable so far, but then again, Drew Brees and (maybe) Cam Newton will make a lot of defenses look bad this season.  Chicago has far greater problems with their offense than Green Bay does with their defense, and that’s why the Packers will win easily.  Green Bay 35, Chicago 24.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB James Starks, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RB Ryan Grant, DEF
    
  • Sit:  WRs Donald Driver & James Jones
    
• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
    
  • Neutral:  WRs Devin Hester & Dane Sanzenbacher, K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit:  RB Marion Barber (Questionable-calf), WRs Roy Williams (Questionable-groin) & Earl Bennett (Questionable-chest), TE Kellen Davis, DEF
    

 

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis  (Sunday night) – Oh well, this game probably seemed like a good choice at the time the NBC & NFL execs picked it to be the Sunday night game.  Hopefully, Peyton Manning will be comfortable wherever he’s watching the game, although he won’t be happy with the outcome.  Pittsburgh 27, Indianapolis 10.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
    
  • Neutral:  RB Isaac Redman, WR Hines Ward 
  • Sit: WRs Emmanuel Sanders, Antoine Brown, & Jerricho Cotchery
    
• Indianapolis
  • Start: WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: DEF, TE Dallas Clark (Questionable-foot)
    
  • Sit: QB Kerry Collins (Probable-shoulder), RBs Joseph Addai & Delone Carter, WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme (Questionable-concussion), K Adam Vinatieri

 

Washington & Dallas (Monday night) – Monday Night Football features another matchup of mediocre teams this week.  Even if Tony Romo is “healthy” enough to play, he may not have enough healthy wide receivers to throw the ball to.  However, Tony Romo with cracked ribs and a punctured lung is still better than a 100% Rex Grossman, so the Cowboys will knock the Redskins off of their perch atop the NFC East.  Dallas 27, Washington 24.

• Washington
  • Start: RB Tim Hightower, WR Santana Moss, TE Fred Davis
    
  • Neutral: QB Rex Grossman, RB Roy Helu, WRs Jabar Gaffney& Anthony Armstrong, DEF, K Graham Gano
    
  • Sit: TE Chris Cooley
• Dallas
  • Start: QB Tony Romo (Questionable - ribs), TE Jason Witten (Probable-ribs), K Dan Bailey
    
  • Neutral: QB Jon Kitna (if he starts), RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh), DEF
    
  • Sit: RBs Felix Jones (Questionable-shoulder) & Tashard Choice, WRs Miles Austin (Doubtful-hamstring), Kevin Ogletree, & Jesse Holley
    

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

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