Week 4 - NFL and Survivor Picks
Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 4 of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer who is wondering if this week is Donovan McNabb's last stand...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 Times and the National Football Post. Scheduled for Tuesday's (7pm) and Thursday's (8pm). or anytime via ITunes and that's where you will find this week's fantasy angles...
Home Team in CAPS
Detroit 27 (+2.5) DALLAS 24 - No Miles Austin and a limited Dez Bryant equals Tony Romo struggling to keep up with the Lions potent attack. Calvin Johnson only gets one score, lame.
PHILADELPHIA 28 (-9) San Francisco 17 - At some point Eagles straighten this out. Niners only shot is if Frank Gore shows up against Eagles 30th ranked run D.
New Orleans 31 (-7) JACKSONVILLE 16 - Drew Brees versus Blaine Gabbert. Nuff said. Even if Marques Colston plays, he shouldn't for you. Lance Moore on the other hand...
Washington 21 ST. LOUIS 19 (+3) - This is the kind of game the Redskins have lost over the years. They almost give it away, but Tum Hightower and Roy Helu Jr. combine for 175 yards on the ground.
Tennessee 17 (Pick 'em) CLEVELAND 16 - Preseason is over CJ2K. Let's do this.
CINCINNATI 24 (+3) Buffalo 23 - Bengals 5th ranked defense combined with the Bills coming off an emotional win equals Buffalo's first loss. A.J. Green scores or goes over 80 yards or both.
Minnesota 35 (-3) KANSAS CITY 27 - Sure both teams are 0-3, but the Vikes schedule has been brutal and they've been far more competiitve. Adrian Peterson scores three times and Donovan McNabb saves off his benching, for now.
CHICAGO 22 Carolina 17 (+7) - The home team gets the win, but the Bears inability to convert third downs keeps the Panthers in the mix. Jonathan Stewart starts to make fantasy pundits wonder why he isn't the main back.
Pittsburgh 24 (+3) HOUSTON 20 - If the Texans are truly legit, they win this game. Guess I'm not buying in just yet.
Atlanta 27 (-4.5) SEATTLE 20 - Making this pick has more to do with the Seahawks than loving on the Falcons.
ARIZONA 26 (+1) NY Giants 24 -If Mario Manningham is starting for real for real I might switch to the Giants, but give me Kevin Kolb over Eli Manning in a second-half shootout.
SAN DIEGO 27 (-7) Miami 17 - Right as Daniel Thomas is rounding into form, he's sitting out this week. The rest of the Dolphins might want to join him after they fall to 0-4.
GREEN BAY 38 (-12) Denver 20 - Aaron Rodgers and James Starks take turns finding the end zone with the quarterback winning with three passing scores to Starks' two on the ground. Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker could pile up yards in second half.
New England 31 OAKLAND 28 (+5) - The Raiders can't stop the Patriots, but Darren McFadden and Denarius Moore - my sleeper fantasy play of the week - stay stride for stride. Well, almost.
BALTIMORE 20 NY Jets 17 (+3.5) - Two stud weeks for Joe Flacco sandwiched a brutal week 3. Could revert to bad Joe against Revis Island, etc. Ravens still survive.
TAMPA BAY 24 (-10) Indianapolis 13 - Might be too many points to give. Then again, Curtis Painter is on the team getting points.
Last week: Straight (9-7), Spread (7-8-1); Overall: Straight (26-22), Spread (20-27-1)
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Survivor picks - Tampa Bay...then Green Bay, then San Diego...tough week
Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 Carolina...