Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 10 of the NFL season...

These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com but just a solo fantasy writer who is simply hoping Mike Shanahan does not bench me since I am having to go short with this post for now...Will try and update more fantasy angles later, but as a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com and I will respond before the start of Sunday's action. Also do not forget to check out the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly - every week or anytime via ITunes.

Home Team in CAPS

Last week: Straight (8-5), Spread (6-6-1); Overall: Straight (76-54); Spread (72-55-3)

INDIANAPOLIS 31 (-7) Cincinnati 20: Coming off a loss, who could you bet against the Colts. From Reggie Wayne and Donald Brown to Blair White and Javaris James, all of Peyton Manning's options are viable this week.

JACKSONVILLE 34 (-1.5) Houston 30: In the battle to see who has the worst secondary, the Texans win in a nail biter! Only concern for Jags is everyone loves David Garrard this week. Well, so do I, along with his top three receivers, Mike Thomas, Mike Sims-Walker and Mercedes Lewis.

Tennessee 20 (-1.5) MIAMI 17: The Randy Moss Tour rolls into Miami. This one ends up being more about team-player Randy than touchdown-scoring Moss, but Bo Scaife and Nate Washington see increased production.

Minnesota 27 (-1.5) CHICAGO 23: The "Win in-spite of Brad Childress" tour hits the Windy City and the the Vikings' Jared Allen pummels Jay Cutler.

BUFFALO 28 Detroit 27 (+3): Who would have guessed a Ryan Fitzpatrick-Shaun Hill matchup would be fantasy gold??? Hill will produce in his return from injury, but will make enough mistakes to help give Bills their first win.

CLEVELAND 17 (+3) NY Jets 16: The "Mangenius Revenge" tour plays another successful date two weeks running! Not a good matchup for Peyton Hillis and I'm not ready to trust Colt McCoy. Yes, that doesn't jive with my selection, but I still haven't figured out how the Browns crushed the Saints and Pats.

TAMPA BAY 27 (-7) Carolina 17: This is more about the Panthers falling down the rabbit hole than the believing in the Bucs. I do believe Mike Williams and LeGarrette Blount find the end zone.

Kansas City 34 (-1) DENVER 28: Jamaal Charles will get close to another 200+ yards from scrimmage and outduels Kyle Orton for fantasy surpremacy.

SAN FRANCISCO 26 (-6) St. Louis 19: For some reason i still believe in the Niners skill players, just saying...Seriously, how can a team from this division make the playoffs?!

ARIZONA 24 (-3) Seattle 20: Still waiting for an answer...and on Beanie Wells to get healthy enough to use. Doesn't look like that happens this week.

NY GIANTS 38 Dallas 27 (+13.5): The red-hot Giants can name their score against a hideous Cowboys secondary, but the offense does just enough under the new regime to cover.

New England 21(+4.5) PITTSBURGH 20: Changed my call as the more I think about, the more I think losing left tackle Max Starks is really going put Steelers in a bind initially.

Philadelphia 27 (-3) WASHINGTON 23: Benching-gate has taken over the discussion in the Nation's Capital with no end in sight. OK< winning cures all, but Eagles want revenge. So does Michael Vick, who was injured in earlier game against Redskins. He exacts it with three total toouchdowns

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools
***the only rule that I follow almost religiously involves taking home teams. Most of the upsets occur when the favorite goes on the road (note many folks lost when they took Bengals, Chargers or Saints away from home). So other than in scenarios where I have no other options (or say the Colts or Ravens are at the Rams or Bills), I am going with the home crowd...

Week 10: Tampa Bay...Week 9 – Green Bay Week 8 – Kansas City Week 7 – Baltimore, Week 6 – Chicago, Week 5 – Indianapolis, Week 4 – Green Bay, Week 3 - New England, Week 2 – Dallas, San Diego, Week 1 - Tennessee, NY Giants

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week Nine of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com but just a solo fantasy writer who is not sure whether he is crazy excited or horribly frightened that Tom Cruise might be doing a follow up to Top Gun.

As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com and I will respond before the start of Sunday's action. Also do not forget to check out the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly - every week or anytime via ITunes.

Home Team in CAPS

Last week: Straight (8-5), Spread (8-5); Overall: Straight (68-49); Spread (66-49-2)

BUFFALO 26 (+3) Chicago 24: Teams coming off a bye have done well this year, but it just does not seem right to pick the tiresome Bears over the plucky Bills even if the game is being played in Toronto. Who would have believed that not only is Ryan Fitzpatrick the better QB in this game, fantasy or otherwise, but it is very clear that he is…Fantasy Angle – Two-for-one angles, both on the Bears. 50, 29, 29, 26, 166, 11, 41. These are not the numbers of drinks, drugs or women Charlie Sheen consumed each day last week, but Matt Forte's rushing totals per game this year. The Bears are 26th in rushing offense, but the Bills are dead last when it comes to giving your yards on the ground. Something has to give. Call me a fool for believing Mike Martz will do what is right – that is getting the run moving to help the offensive line out - but Forte picks up 150 total yards and reaches the end zone, making him my Sleeper of the Week. Also note that the Bills are also worst when it comes to covering the tight end, making Greg Olsen worth a spot start.

HOUSTON 31 (+3) San Diego 24: One of those odd lines, especially since Andre Johnson is now listed as probable and Antonio Gates is doubtful. These two squads could make a deep run if they reach the playoffs, but need to get moving if that is going to happen. I'll take the home squad…Fantasy Angle – How good is Philip Rivers this year? It does not matter who is lined up at receiver, that player is deemed worthy/interesting by the fantasy world. Example, the previously unknown Seyi Ajirotutu is also getting a lot of "flyer" talk. With Gates, Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee all "doubtful", Patrick Crayton - the poor man's Braylon Edwards- is worth a start (WR3 or Flex for sure) against the Texans 32nd ranked pass defense.

CAROLINA 21 (+6.5) New Orleans 20: Halfway through the season, do you believe the Saints are the team that just knocked off the mighty Steelers or the squad that has struggled against some of the league's also-rans? Based on my prediction, clearly I am picking the latter, especially until Reggie Bush/ or Pierre Thomas return to action…Fantasy Angle – Among the reasons to think this game will not be a shootout, Saints allowing fewest points to fantasy passers, Panthers fourth. Obviously you start Drew Brees and clearly you sit Matt Moore, but any receivers in this game not named Marques Colston and maybe Steve Smith are considered borderline at best.

MINNESOTA 27 (-7.5) Arizona 17: We could be looking at another Dallas Cowboys packing it in situation with the Vikings after the Randy Moss/Brad Childress debacle, but I say the guys in purple get the job done…Fantasy Angle – Though the Cardinals offense is not as abysmal with Derek Anderson under center as it was with Max Hall, note that they are allowing 12.3 fantasy points to opposing defenses, worst in the league. With Brett Favre continuing to be careless with the ball, Vikes are not far behind, making Cards defense worth a shot if needed.

ATLANTA 27 (-8) Tampa Bay 17: Bucs have been a great feel good story, but the non-fiction tale coming out of the NFC South is that the Falcons are the truth…Fantasy Angle – It goes without saying that Michael Turner is starting for you this week. However, any chance you can trade for the productive back at a reasonable price – his stat line week -to-week has been spotty - goes out the window after he powers past a Bucs squad allowing the fifth most points to fantasy runners this season.

NY Jets 24 DETROIT 20 (+5): Still not sure what happened to the Jets last week, but they get back on track on against the Lions, but as Lee Corso would say, closer than the experts (NFL and Vegas) think…Fantasy Angle – ideally Matthew Stafford is not in your lineup against the Jets powerhouse of a defense, but the fact that it is not a horrible fallback shows how far both the second-year QB and the historically brutal team has come. The Lions offense has been rather prolific this season, to the point that I would be fine rolling with Stafford the rest of the way if that meant I could trade Matt Schaub, Matt Ryan, etc for help elsewhere.

BALTIMORE 20 Miami 17 (+5.5): The under-the-radar potential AFC playoff matchup of the week. Give it to the home team, but the Dolphins are on the come and will be dangerous if Chad Henne becomes more consistent…Fantasy Angle – Every Ronnie Brown owner wishing their guy would finally do something, every Ravens fan wishing they could move to South Beach.

New England 31 (-4.5) CLEVELAND 20: At this point, the difference between Tom Brady and Colt McCoy on the field is still not as great as than the gap between Cris Collinsworth and Jon Gruden in the booth…Fantasy Angle – Pats defense giving up major yards through the air. Too bad TE Ben Watson and RB Peyton Hillis are the only Browns who might be able to take advantage of it. Both are worth starting, as are nearly every healthy Patriot you can get your hands on.

NY Giants 27 (-7) SEATTLE 13: The top team in the NFC travels west and throttles the Charlie Whitehurst led Seahawks. This game will be as competitive as a spelling bee between Terry Bradshaw and anyone…Fantasy Angle – Giants defense allowing third fewest rush yards and oh, did I mention Charlie Whitehurst is starting for Seahawks? Outside of taking a shot in the dark that Mike Williams hauls in a jump ball pass in the end zone or having no RB option other than Marshawn Lynch with six teams on a bye, I would run away from the Seahawks this week faster than Pete Carroll left USC.

OAKLAND 28 (-1) Kansas City 26: The top two rushing teams in the league battle for the right to claim they are the hottest team in the AFC West, if not the conference. Seriously…Fantasy Angle – This game will look like a 70's era Oklahoma-Nebraska clash with all the running by both sides. With Zach Miller listed as doubtful and Louis Murphy likely out, the Raiders will do all they can to feed their talented backfield. If you did not notice Michael Bush's 15-52-1 line in the romp over the Broncos, surely his 100+ total yards and a score effort against the Seahawks caught your eye. If not, just trust me, when I say that as long as the Raiders are in situations where they will be able to stay with the ground game, Bush has flex and low-end RB2 appeal

PHILADELPHIA 24 Indianapolis 23 (+3): The polar opposite in every way QB matchup will go to Peyton Manning, but Michael Vick and the Eagles lay their claim to being a Super Bowl contender with the win…Fantasy Angle – Those hoping for post-bye week resurgence from Brent Celek likely will need to wait a week. Colts tops in (fantasy) defending tight ends this year. On flip side, Eagles are a bottom-8 squad when it comes to allowing points. Yes, I go Jacob Tamme over Celek this week.

GREEN BAY 38 (-7.5) Dallas 24: Very nice of the NFL to schedule the Cowboys joke of a secondary for Aaron Rodgers after the Packers QB was in a dog fight with the Jets last week. This could be a 350+ yards, 4 TDP outing unless the defense just turns turnover after turnover into touchdown after touchdown…Fantasy Angle – The Tweet of the Week comes from our pal Evan Silva who drops this knowledge on us; "Since Jon Kitna replaced Tony Romo, Roy Williams has 1 catch for 21 yards on 6 targets. Dez Bryant 11 catches, 138 yds, 2 TDs on 16 targets."

Pittsburgh 20 (-4.5) CINCINNATI 13: The most puzzling outcome from last week was the Steelers falling to the Saints and doing so without putting up much of an offensive fight. Not a lot of points this week either, but no shock they pile on the fading Bengals…Fantasy Angle – If you own Rashard Mendenhall or Cedric Benson, start planning for fallback options in the playoffs. The numbers say the Bengals backs will face the toughest schedule in week 14-16, while the Steelers matchups clock them in at 29th. Using either of them to try and acquire one of the many backs on a bye (Chris Johnson, Gore, Steven Jackson, MJD, Moreno) makes a whole lot of sense if you can swing it and afford.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools
***the only rule that I follow almost religiously involves taking home teams. Most of the upsets occur when the favorite goes on the road (note many folks lost when they took Bengals, Chargers or Saints away from home). So other than in scenarios where I have no other options (or say the Colts or Ravens are at the Rams or Bills), I am going with the home crowd...

Week 9 – Green Bay…Cowboys have packed it in and who doesn't like to beat them up when they are down. Minnesota and Atlanta are riskier, but the best remaining home team options available…Since I lost in my league, my picks will know simply consist of my three top plays on any given week, regardless of who was used before. If still alive, would go with Atlanta.
Week 8 – Kansas City Week 7 – Baltimore, Week 6 – Chicago, Week 5 – Indianapolis, Week 4 – Green Bay, Week 3 - New England, Week 2 – Dallas, San Diego, Week 1 - Tennessee, NY Giants

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week Eight of the NFL season...

These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com but just a solo fantasy writer who still can't believe that seven weeks into the season Ryan Fitzpatrick is tied for the best per game fantasy average among QB's. Come on, are we getting punked?

As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com and I will respond before the start of Sunday's action. Also do not forget to check out the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly - every week or anytime via ITunes.

***For Week 9, the Podcast will be on Wednesday with special guests joining me to breakdown all the news and notes

Home Team in CAPS

Last week: Straight (8-6), Spread (8-6); Overall: Straight (60-44); Spread (58-44-2)

Denver 24 (+2) San Francisco 23: I keep trying to find reasons to pick either of the two entrants in The London Bowl, but that is harder than imagining why anyone would fly overseas to go this game (my buddy Dave is doing just that. Note we didn't copy his homework in college)…Fantasy Angle – The Niners will start Troy Smith in place of the injured Alex Smith and while that will not necessarily be a boon for the passing game (though it can't hurt their chances of actually winning), it will not matter since Frank Gore runs and runs and runs his way to being the top fantasy RB of the week.

DALLAS 28 (-6) Jacksonville 17: The Cowboys are on the verge of being totally down and out, but they are still better than the Jaguars, who have been defeated by at least 22 points in each of their four losses…Fantasy Angle - Jon Kitna went from holding a clipboard to being a viable fantasy option in less than a week. I get why folks are skeptical because, well, he is Jon Kitna, but whatever issues he has, the long-time NFL starter can move the Cowboys offense and find their many weapons; he just won't make enough plays to help them win tons of games. The Jaguars have allowed an NFL-high 16 TDP this season. That number will rise to 19 by the end of this week with scores to Dez Bryant, Felix Jones and Jason Witten, all of which makes Kitna my Sleeper of the Week.

DETROIT 27 (-2.5) Washington 23: An odd spread, but the perception (at least in fantasy) of the plucky 1-5 Lions and their improved offense actually seems more positive than the 4-3 Redskins…Fantasy Angle – Since this will be Matthew Stafford's first game back from injury, it is reasonable to expect the Lions passing game will be up and down. However, the Redskins defense is allowing 292 passing yards per game (31st in league). Everyone will of course start Calvin Johnson, but owners looking for a bye week option should consider adding CJ's opposite number, Nate Burleson, who has scored two straight weeks.

NY JETS 24 Green Bay 20 (+6): While the Packers might be the most battered and bruised team in the league, the rested Jets are coming off a bye week. Green Bay will keep it close, but the New Yorkers wear them down late…Fantasy Angle - Even though few are counting on the Packers ground game each week, do not expect much production fantasy-wise from the other sideline either. It might not be a shock to know that the Jets are allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs, but odds are finding out the Packers are fourth in the category likely is. LaDainian Tomlinson is still an RB2, but do not look for a monster game.

ST.LOUIS 24 (-3) Carolina 19: Though I would like to pick the Panthers and believe that John Fox's crew is back on track with Matt Moore and Steve Smith in the lineup, this game ends up being more about the improved (at least at home) Rams...Fantasy Angle – In a week where six teams have a bye and Tony Romo plus maybe Brett Favre are out, lots of fantasy teams are surely scrambling for a QB this week. So I grant you beggars can't be choosers, but do not fall in love with Sam Bradford just because the Rams have a strong chance to win against the Panthers. Carolina's defense is currently allowing the fewest fantasy points per game. The difference is rather minute, but if made to pick between the two passers in this game, I would take Moore. Also, if DeAngelo Williams is out, look for Jonathan Stewart to break out.

Miami 23 (+1.5) CINCINNATI 20: Was listening to ESPN's Ron Jaworski on a local radio show today and he picked the Bengals, noting their season could be over with a loss. He is correct with the assessment of what a defeat would mean, but not with the pick. The Dolphins are stronger than their 3-3 record indicates and have suffered a couple of heartbreaking losses, last week's in particular. Their run to the playoffs begins now…Fantasy Angle – Brandon Marshall is a must start every week, but it's the Bengals passing attack that on paper should have an easier time of things this week. The Dolphins are giving up the sixth most points to fantasy receivers this season so both Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco - in that order - are WR2 worthy.

KANSAS CITY 27 Buffalo 21 (+8): With wins over the Chargers, Browns, Niners and Jaguars, the Chiefs 4-2 record might be a touch misleading. Off course, the job is take down the teams in front placed in front of you, something they will do again when they face the win less Bills… Fantasy Angle – The Chiefs have been running all over the opposition this year and now get to play the team giving up the most yards on the ground this year. How can you not love both Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones this week?

SAN DIEGO 28 Tennessee 27 (+3.5): There is no logical reason to take the Chargers other than to say they are due, but they look to be getting (somewhat) healthier at receiver, so sure, the Bolts…Fantasy Angle – this one is more about the big picture instead of just this week and that is it feels like we have hit critical mass when it comes to Ryan Mathews. Random people I know have commented their displeasure if not flat out hatred for the Chargers rookie after his nearly invisible fantasy season to date. Call it a hunch, but look for a much more productive second half as the Chargers, who have one of the easier fantasy RB schedules going forward, look to feed Mathews and his 4.7 ypc more and more. Buy low.

ARIZONA 20 (-3) Tampa Bay 16: Consider this more about not buying the Bucs at 4-2 than it is an endorsement of the Cardinals, who will continue to struggle offensively with the not-ready-for-prime time Max Hall under center…Fantasy Angle – Easily one of the most disappointing fantasy backs this years has been Beanie Wells, who has only one touchdown and has failed to reach 80 total yards in game this season. That all changes this week as Wells finally gets going against the Bucs 31st ranked run defense. As long as the rookie QB does not commit too many turnovers, Wells makes for a solid RB2 this week and is my fantasy "sleeper" of the week.

OAKLAND 24 (-2.5) Seattle 17: It would be easy to go against the Raiders and give the points after they thrashed the Broncos last week, but I'm riding with the Silver and Black. Plus I am still not buying the Hasselbeck's on the road…Fantasy Angle - The Seahawks are a statistically strong run defense and are sure to load up against the Raiders ground game, but Oakland will get Darren McFadden the ball as both a runner and receiver. Ride the wave and keep expecting RB1 value from one of only two running backs to reach double figures in every game they have played in this year.

NEW ENGLAND 27 (-4) Minnesota 20: The will he or won't he play aspect surrounding Brett Favre will dominate the headlines right up until kick off. Tom Brady and the Pats offense will take over from there…Fantasy Angle – We have to talk about Randy Moss returning to Foxboro at some point here, right? The game-breaking wide out is the kind of player that rises to meet the moment (at least as it relates to him). If Favre is active, Moss finds the end zone, though does not have a prolific receiving day even with the Pats secondary being eh.

Pittsburgh 31 (+1.5) NEW ORLEANS 24: Was ready to start buying into the Saints again, but not falling for their act after that home debacle against the Browns. The loss of DE Aaron Smith is not to be overlooked, but the Steelers are still strong across the board and get the win in the Big Easy…Fantasy Angle – Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers passing attack have been en fuego since the QB returned to the lineup, but this game feels like a chance to get Rashad Mendenhall. The power runner has averaged only 3.0 yards per carry over the last three games and while the Saints are middle of the pack in terms of rush yards allowed, they are allowing 22 fantasy points per game to backs.

INDIANAPOLIS 34 (-6) Houston 24: The Colts were rocked by the Texans in the season opener, still cannot stop the run and their offense has been crushed by injuries. Clearly all of that means I am picking…the Colts! I'll take Peyton Manning on a revenge kick…Fantasy Angle – As for the three replacements that the Colts will be integrating into the lineup this week, RB Donald Brown has the best chance to succeed, though the 2009 first round pick has been dealing with his bumps and bruises. The true flyer is TE Jacob Tamme, who enters the game without a catch on the season, but faces a Texans defense that is allowing the most points to tight ends among all the week nine teams. Tamme is a risky play until we actually see how the Colts use him, but he is an intriguing bye week option. WR Anthony Gonzalez is worth rostering in 12+ team leagues, but not an advisable WR3 or flex option due to uncertainty over his own health.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools
***The only rule that I follow almost religiously involves taking home teams. Most of the upsets occur when the favorite goes on the road (note many folks lost when they took Bengals, Chargers or Saints away from home). So other than in scenarios where I have no other options (or say the Colts or Ravens are at the Rams or Bills), I am going with the home crowd...

Week 8 - Kansas City. Not a great week, but the Chiefs have been playing aggressively and with confidence. That should be enough to get them past the Bills. If you can stomach it, the Cowboys are another option.
Therefore my picks will know simply consist of my three top plays on any given week, regardless of who was used before.
Week 7 – Baltimore, Week 6 – Chicago, Week 5 – Indianapolis, Week 4 – Green Bay, Week 3 - New England, Week 2 – Dallas, San Diego, Week 1 - Tennessee, NY Giants