Week 5: NFL and Survivor picks with bonus fantasy angles!!
Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 5 of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer who is amused that Redskins fan are desperate to bench Rex Grossman - despite a 3-1 start - for John Beck, a guy that scoffed out throughout the entire summer...As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com or send tweets to @benstandig. Also download the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly with guests from the Rotoworld, CBS Sports, NY Time, Sports Illustrated and the National Football Post. Typically scheduled for Tuesday's (7pm) and Thursday's (8pm), but just download us on ITunes and you won't miss out when we switch to Wednesday's like we did this week.
Home Team in CAPS
INDIANAPOLIS 24 (-2) Kansas City 21: When beyond desperate for a win, you pray for the Chiefs to pop up on your schedule. Hard to generate excitement over any of these running backs, but the Colts and Chiefs allow the 8th and 9th most fantasy points to backs respectively. I'd try Joseph Addai over the others, followed by Dexter McCluster in PPR leagues.
MINNESOTA 27 (-3) Arizona 23: Donovan McNabb's scoring in standard leagues has increased in each of the first four weeks while Kevin Kolb's numbers have gone the exact opposite way. Factor in the 0-4 Vikings are beyond due for a win and the Cards are coming off a craptastic loss, let's go with the guys in purple. McNabb makes for a sneaky, bye-week start for those searching the waiver wires with Tony Romo and Joe Flacco on byes.
Philadelphia 30 BUFFALO 28 (+3): It's rare that a 1-3 team on the road is a 3-point fave over a 3-1 team. Still not convinced we haven't seen the best of the Bills, but its clear we haven't seen anything close to a dreamy performance from the Eagles. Lots of fantasy options to use in this one, LeSean McCoy shines brightest.
HOUSTON 26 Oakland 21 (+5.5): This game is all about Arian Foster left, Arian Foster right, Arian Foster against the Raiders low-rated defense. That also means less Matt Schaub, especially if the Texans are playing with the lead. Jason Campbell is a riskier play, but the Raiders QB will be the one throwing late.
New Orleans 33 CAROLINA 28 (+6.5): Fairly stunning to think that after just four games into his rookie season, Cam Newton has been so prolific that he makes one think about which is the better fantasy QB in this game. Yes, the answer is Drew Brees, but the Saints would be rise to let the running game tee off against a Panthers run defense that is allowing 23.6 ppg to running backs. Both Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles are worthy flex or low-end RB2 starts.
Cincinnati 17 (+2) JACKSONVILLE 16: The matchup of rookie quarterbacks means start the defenses - well, at least the Bengals - and the running backs. Well, not Bernard Scott...
PITTSBURGH 16 Tennessee 14 (+3): The Steelers inexplicably cannot stop the run this season and now they will be without James Harrison and Casey Hampton with Chris Johnson visiting. Big Ben once again is a battered quarterback and Rashard Mendenhall is iffy at best to play this week. So why pick the Steelers to win? Gut feeling. That and Isaac Redman - a worthy RB2 start if Mendenhall sits - moves the chains consistently.
NY GIANTS 27 (-9.5) Seattle 13: Ahmad Bradshaw gets the heavy workload with Brandon Jacobs doubtful. That means a stat line of 23-138-2 is within his grasp.
SAN FRANCISCO 20 (-3) Tampa Bay 16: All that talk centered on the Eagles collapsing, but props to the Niners for reeling off 21 straight points. The momentum continues. Oh, Kellen Winslow should be on benches this week as he faces the stingiest fantasy defense against tight ends.
NEW ENGLAND 31 NY Jets 24 (+9) - Tom Brady and the Patriots have revenge on their mind, but wow that's a lot of points to give up in this rivalry. Brutal on Monday night, look for a better effort out of the Jets passing attack against the NFL's statistically worst pass defense.
DENVER 27 (+3.5) San Diego 24: This is exactly the game kind of Norv Turner's teams lose. Do love me some Ryan Mathews, however.
Green Bay 34 (-6.5) ATLANTA 24: The most impressive team in football against one of the most overrated (can't say "the most" as long as the Rams are win less).
DETROIT 30 Chicago 25 (-6): Wavering on what is my biggest fear; the Lions getting swept up in all the hype that comes with a 4-0 start and epic comeback win...or Jay Cutler. I'll split the difference by picking the Bears to cover, but Matthew Stafford and the Lions aerial show shred the NFL's 29th ranked pass defense.
Last week: Straight (12-4), Spread (7-9); Overall: Straight (38-26), Spread (27-36-1)
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Survivor picks - NY Giants...Then
Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 Carolina...Wk. 4 Tampa Bay...








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