Week 9 - NFL and Survivor picks...
Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 9 of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer who currently prefers memories of Y2K over the reality of CJ2K...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. Times can vary so download us on ITunes and you won't miss out.
**Since I only posted this late Sunday morning, I'm going to stay on the clock this morning, answering any lineup or other fantasy questions. Post below or hit me up on Twitter (@benstandig). Let's do this!
Home Team in CAPS
Atlanta 27 (-6) INDIANAPOLIS 20: Roddy White and Julio Jones do the big play receiver thing. Guess by default that means I like Matt Ryan this week as well.
NEW ORLEANS 31 (-8.5) Tampa Bay 21: The combo of a stunning loss to the Rams and the Bucs offense lacking consistency (especially on the road) has me siding with the Saints.
HOUSTON 27 (-10) Cleveland 16: I get that Chris Ogbonnaya was a hot pickup, especially for frustrated Peyton Hills owners. I also know the Texans rank 6th against the run and likely lead throughout, so temper expectations.
NY Jets 23 (+2.5) BUFFALO 22: Shonn Greene takes advantage of the Bills sub par run defense as the Jets pull the "upset". Ryan Fitzpatrick is the slightly better QB play in the matchup, but the long-term numbers suggest Mark Sanchez has the better second half.
KANSAS CITY 20 Miami 17 (+4): The numbers ay Matt Cassel has the third easiest matchups among QBs this week. Still do not trust using him outside of a bye week scenario. That does not mean Dwyane Bowe won't have a Dwayne Bow kind of day. His battle against Brandon Marshall for top receiving honors figures to be entertaining.
San Francisco 24 (-3.5) WASHINGTON 17: Hard to see the Redskins putrid offense score 20 points against LSU or Alabama, let alone the Niners. Frank Gore tops 100 yards yet again and Michael Crabtree hauls in at least five receptions with a score.
DALLAS 30 (-11) Seattle 17: The Seahawks run defense gets the job done, this week's job calls for Tony Romo going up top to Miles Austin and company. Cowboys D arguably tops among fantasy options.
OAKLAND 24 Denver 19 (+7): Only way Michael Bush does not post RB1 numbers is if Carson Palmer plays like a QB4
TENNESSEE 17 Cincinnati 16 (+3): I like the Titans to win, but not for fantasy. Bengals D proving to be formidable and the Titans offense pedestrian...Yes, I am starting CJ2K in the two leagues I have him in, but largely by default.
ARIZONA 21 St. Louis 20 (+3): If this is Skelton vs Feeley, I'll just check the box score.
NEW ENGLAND 28 NY Giants 21 (+9): Eli Manning without Ahmad Bradshaw limits the play-action, the QB's go-to move. Ultimately facing the Patriots woeful pass defense and trailing late gets Manning's numbers up to solid levels.
Green Bay 34 SAN DIEGO 30 (+6): This is exactly the kind of game the Chargers under Norv Turner win, but I'm not brave enough to pick against Aaron Rodgers and company, at least not to lose anyway.
PITTSBURGH 24 (-3) Baltimore 17: Joe Flacco already crushed the Steelers defense once this year. No way that happens again and Flacco brings Anquan Boldin down with him. And as for Hines Ward, I know he's hardly an elite option anymore, but if he's in your WR3 mix you don't sit him against the Ravens.
PHILADELPHIA 31 (-7.5) Chicago 21: Remember when folks were fretting about Michael Vick's production? On Monday night he goes over 20 fantasy points for the fourth time in five weeks. Brent Celek is once again a primary target.
Last week: Straight (10-3), Spread (7-6); Overall: Straight (72-44), Spread (52-62-2)
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Survivor picks - I know some would say take Atlanta, though I don't do road teams. Houston works, but used in week one. So, I'll take Tony Romo and the Cowboys and hope the offense is no longer MIA ...Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 Carolina...Wk. 4 Tampa Bay...Wk. 5 -NY Giants...Wk. 6 - Pittsburgh...Wk. 7 - New Orleans...Wk. 8 Baltimore