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NFL Fantasy Player Tracker Buy or Sell

September 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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The Cover 4.com presents you with the NFL Fantasy Player Tracker Buy or Sell! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @thecover4 or facebook at theCo VerFour


Must Buy

#1. Cleveland Browns TE: Jordan Cameron

Cameron has been on my radar since the end of last season. He is another big and physical tight end that has been the primary target for Weeden, and now Hoyer, since Josh Gordon has been gone. Managing to have 5+ receptions in the first three weeks is one thing, but averaging more than 10 yards per reception is another. Head Coach Rob Chudzinski and Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner are getting him more involved with the offense by finding new ways to utilize his catching abilities, as seen in his touchdown reception on a fake field goal. One might think that his fantasy stock has fallen with Wide Receiver Josh Gordon back on the field, but that only helps to take the defense’s focus off of him. He has 4 touchdowns in 3 week. Cameron is a no brainer as top tier (ie Jimmy Graham) fantasy tight ends are hard to come, especially by this season. Trade for Cameron if you are able to as his production should continue for the rest of the season.

#2.  Cincinnati Bengals RB: Giovani Bernard

The running back has finally made use of his reps and has given Head Coach Marvin Lewis a reason to continue to give him more. The Bengals have always been known as a tough, hard-nosed football team but Bernard has brought speed and explosiveness to the team that is now taking focus off the All-Pro wide receiver AJ Green. Bernard has made himself a viable starter in most fantasy leagues at the flex position because of his ability to find ways to get in the end zone. With 4 scores in three weeks I do not see why he’d rot on someone’s bench.

#3. Buffalo Bills QB: EJ Manuel

As a rookie he is showing no signs up backing down to veteran defenders in this league. After being sacked by the New York Jets Defense eight times, Manuel stood strong in the pocket, throwing for 243 yards and 1 touchdown while also making plays happen on his feet (see his 40 yards rushing). He is a versatile player that is continuing to gain chemistry with fellow rookie WR Robert Woods, as well as his #1 receiver Stevie Johnson. There is Russell Wilson type potential in Buffalo; Wilson took the first half of the year to learn and then lit up the league in the final weeks. He might not be your starter yet but he is a strong backup/bye week option and short term replacement for struggling quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick.

#4. St. Louis Rams WR: Austin Pettis

Although not a household name, yet, Pettis is making himself known as one of the top receivers in St. Louis. He has a sure set of hands and has been quarterback Sam Bradford’s safety blanket and red zone target.  He has great route running skills and finds the windows in the opposing defenses. With 114 yards receiving and two touchdowns, he is not going to have huge games but will certainly find a way to get open. Pettis will have a decent showing Thursday night against a weak 49er secondary. The 49ers’ defense has struggled in past weeks and is plagued by ailing injuries; with ILB Patrick Willis (Groin), DB Carlos Rogers (Knee), Nnadmi Asomugha (knee), DE Justin Smith (Shoulder) all potentially out, look for Pettis to get open and for the Rams to get into the end zone. He is a definite trade worthy receiver for the remainder of the season.

#5. Houston Texans WR: DeAndre Hopkins

Hopkins is a very special rookie that has shown promise dating to the preseason. He might be the #2 receiver behind Andre Johnson but he is looking like a top fantasy wide out more each week. For the past 3 weeks, Hopkins has had 5+ receptions as well as 50+ yards with a touchdown. Hopkins has shown that he can fill in for a hurt Andre Johnson; see week #2 when he had 117 yards receiving and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Matt Schaub is really beginning to trust him and his playmaking abilities. With Johnson still hurting, expect Hopkins to get a lot more balls thrown his way the rest of the season. On a side note, Hopkins faces Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman and, although unpopular, I like this matchup for him. We can all flashback to when Falcons’ WR Roddy White torched the Seattle Defense in the 2012-2013 Playoffs.

Must Sell

#1. New York Giants QB: Eli Manning

Elite? Right now it doesn’t look like it. Without an o-line and a running game, it is really hard for a defense to respect Manning. Last week, Manning was sacked 7 times and looked silly against the Panthers D. Eli is a pocket passer, who needs the time to make the right decisions and deliver a completed ball. He is playing with frustrations and that will only force him to make more mistakes. Until Eli steps up and calms down, he is not a starting fantasy quarterback. Moving forward, I don’t see the Giants having a major turnaround.

#2. New England Patriots RB: Stevan Ridley

Right now there is no hope for Ridley as a reliable fantasy number one running back. The Patriots offense does not look like the Patriots offense of the past. With multiple wide receiver and running back options, Ridley looks irrelevant; He has failed to get 50+ yards in any of the three weeks against the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His terrible play has caused him to lose carries to running backs LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden. Until Gronkowski and Amendola make their ways back to the field to take pressure off the running game, Ridley will continue to struggle.

#3. Dallas Cowboys WR: Miles Austin

In a blowout on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, Miles Austin only pulled in 2 receptions for 22 yards. His production has been on a decline since his decent performance in week 1 where he hauled in 10 receptions for 72 yards. With WR Dez Bryant getting most of the targets and Austin suffering from a hamstring injury, it is hard to say that he will be back up to par soon. Hamstring injuries are nagging injuries that take time to heal before getting back to 100%, just ask Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald.  Somewhere down the line this season once he is healthy, consider him a valuable pick up but as of right now he is not the receiver everyone drafted him to be and he won’t be that guy for the next couple of weeks. Sell now!

#4. New York Giants DST

Unfortunately, the Giants look old and tired. Their defense looks slower than in years past and it seems to me that they are lacking leadership. There is no one on that defense that tries to regroup the defense, not even defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. They’re simply not getting to the quarterback. With only 3 sacks, they are allowing opposing quarterbacks to pick apart their coverages.

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Week 11 NFL Predictions!

November 15, 2012 by 2 Comments

Can Andrew Luck lead the Colts to an impressive road victory in New England?

A tie, really? Can you believe it? Mind the ghetto video I found on youtube but..

Well don’t think we saw that coming between the 49ers and Rams (any given Sunday at its finest). This week wasn’t great for some starting quarterbacks who left their games due to injuries; Jay Cutler, Ben Roesthlisberger, Alex Smith, & Michael Vick all left their respective games and did not return. Big Ben & Vick will be on the shelf this week so it is up to the backups to lead these two teams to victory.

What a call on Bengals/Giants! How many people read that and said “he is an idiot”. Yup, I’m talking about you and the rest of the 95% of people who thought I was crazy. The Bengals were poised to win that game and it showed. Now I am 2-0 versus the spread. Will this week be three in a row?

I’m very fortunate for how things have gone for The Cover 4 this season. Not only have winners been accurately predicted but the analysis, key players & fantasy studs have been on point. Turning non-believers into believers and consistent readers; I promise you this will continue!

Another theme of last week is how I can’t accurately predict the Dolphins & Titans; I just can’t get it with these two teams. The presences of Locker and the re-emergence of Chris Johnson helps solidify this Titan squad. If only they figured out how to get Kenny Britt and Jared Cook involved more.

Results speak for themselves: 11-2-1 last week.

I’m expecting a wild week as some dogs are looking good (especially versus the spread). Let’s look at this weeks matchups.

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Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills
Analysis: Two of my favorite teams right now (insert sarcastic emoji here :p.. Haha). I’m gonna say it again, I like Tannehill’s potential but I think he belongs on the bench this year. The guy can make all the big throws in the NFL but I’m more on the Moore bandwagon (like that?). The Dolphins were eaten up by the Titans last week while the Bills kept it close with the Patriots. I expect the Bills to take advantage of the Dolphins coming off a bad loss on a short week.

Key Players: Reggie Bush & Ryan Tannehill. Bush needs to find his game after being benched last week. As for Tannehill, he needs to limit his turnovers to keep the Dolphins offense on the field.

Fantasy Stud: Bills Wr Stevie Johnson. Expect the burner to be open all day.

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Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons

Analysis: The nonsense of the Falcons going undefeated is now out of the way with last weeks loss to the Saints (you liked that score prediction though right?- right score, wrong teams). The Falcons defense will be the key for the rest of the season as this unit has been overachieving. I believe this defensive unit should be able to get things together this week versus Arizona. As for the Cardinals, who are coming off a much needed bye (as every struggling team is), they must establish some sort of a running game. This team ranks dead last in rushing and has been very one-dimensional.

Key Players: John Skelton. The quarterback must keep this offense moving and convert on third down for the Cardinals to hang with the powerful Atlanta offense.

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Cleveland Browns @ Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: The Cowboys are heavy favorite in this matchup after a solid game against Philadelphia last week. The Browns used the bye week to recover from their heart breaking loss to Baltimore two weeks ago. Quarterback Brandon Weeden must limit his turnovers after throwing 2 ints two weeks ago. Look for Trent Richardson to have another solid game in this one.

Fantasy Stud: Jason Witten. I think Witten has another solid game as Romo is looking Wittens way more after his 18 catch effort a few weeks ago. The Browns are allowing tight ends to have average days but they haven’t faced a tight end of Wittens caliber.

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Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Analysis: The Packers are winners of four straight and things are slowly coming together for this team. The Lions are the number one passing offense in the league and should continue to throw the ball around in this one. The absences of Clay Matthews & Charles Woodsen is big for this Packers defense. I expect a high scoring game with the Packers taking this one.

Players to Watch: Matthew Stafford & Calvin Johnson. After a slow start, the dynamic duo is starting to click again (forget the Madden curse). Megatron is putting up mega numbers and propelling one of my fantasy teams into the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Packers 31 – Lions 27

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs
Analysis: The Bengals are coming off an impressive (cough called that cough cough) win against the Giants. Dalton looks terrific passing the ball as his offensive line is giving him ample time to sling the rock; it also helps that his weapons are making plays. Kansas City is coming off a devastating overtime loss to the Steelers. I think this game will be close but the Bengals pull it out.

Key Players: Matt Cassel. I don’t know how to put it any other way except that this team only goes as far as Cassel can take them. His career (including college) has been an up and down roller coaster but something needs to give.

Player to Watch: Vontaze Burfict. The undrafted linebacker is thriving in Cincinnati. Character issues were a concern but a player of his caliber is too hard to pass up. Burfict is second on the team in tackles and watch him have another nice game this weekend.

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New York Jets @ St. Louis Rams

Analysis: It’s funny because I had a dream I was talking with Rex Ryan over some beers about how he is losing control of the team. It dawned on me that if he keeps riding Sanchez and the team keeps underperforming, he is going to go down with the ship. It may not be this year but Ryan could be on the hot seat (I think GM Mike Tannebaum is the first one to go). The Jets are just in a free fall mode right now as Sanchez and the rest of the offense continue to fail the team. Rex Ryan has his hands full with defending this team against the media. On another note, the Rams are coming off an impressive tie against a tough 49er squad. I expect the Rams to take full advantage of a defeated Jets squad.

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Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

Analysis: The Redskins are coming off a bye as the team started hot and is cooling off a bit. RGIII has been named a team captain and they say he’s “hungrier than ever”. The Eagles will rely on rookie Nick Foles to lead them into Washington for a much needed victory. Andy Reid is going to need to rely on his running game to take the pressure off his rookie QB.

Key Matchup: Eagle Wr Desean Jackson versus Redskins Cb DeAngelo Hall. Both tiny speedsters are known for being feisty players on the field, especially after the whistle. I expect these two to be battling all day. This will be an exciting matchup to watch!

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Analysis: This is a good ole’ fashion division rivalry game right here. These two teams will be in a seesaw battle as both teams will get things going on offense; Newton vs Freeman is going to bee fun to watch. In the end, I like my boy Josh Freeman (and all of his offensive weapons) to lead the Buccs to a victory.

Fantasy Dud: All Carolina Panther running backs. Just avoid them!

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

Analysis: This one could get ugly between the battle of 8s (1-8 v 8-1). You have to feel bad for the Jaguar team as they just can’t put it together. Hopefully the long week (and much needed rest) gives them ample time to pregame for the red-hot Texans, who just came away victors in a defensive battle against the Bears.

Fantasy Stud: Arian Foster. Expect a monster day on the ground and in the air from the league’s top running back.

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New Orleans Saints @ Oakland Raiders

Analysis: Someone call the Sheriff because we have a shoot out brewing!! Oh I think this is going to be a game right here. The Saints are starting to gain some steam but so are the Raiders (at least on offense). Expect a very high scoring game with long touchdown after long touchdown. I wouldn’t doubt if this game torches the over (54.5) and heads into the 60s.

Fantasy Studs: Every quarterback and receiver on both teams! Both secondaries are weak and being exploited by passing offenses. Look at what Baltimore did to the Raiders last week.

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Pick Center of the Week: San Diego Chargers + 8 @ Denver Broncos

Analysis: There are a number of games I want to use as pick center this week but I believe this to be the strongest one. The Chargers, well, are the typical Chargers (very inconsistent) thus you never know which team is coming to play. These two teams were in a dogfight earlier in the season with a Rivers meltdown that led to the Bronco victory. I can’t see this division matchup being a two score game. Expect a tight game in this one with the Chargers definitely covering 8 points.

Fantasy Stud: Danario Alexander. Who you ask? The Charger wide receiver is getting a few more looks his way with Malcom Floyd playing well this season. Expect close to 80 yards and a touchdown.

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Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Analysis: This game will be a nice matchup of quarterbacks showing off their finest skill sets. Brady has more weapons than the US Military while Luck is playing with subpar talent (besides Reggie Wayne of course). The Patriot offense will be too much for Indy to handle in this one. Expect some points on the board when this game is said and done.

Key Player: Andrew Luck. Luck has the potential to put up some monster numbers in this game and lead his 6-3 Colts to an impressive road victory. We all know he doesn’t have much talent around him but he will have to make play after play or this is gonna be real ugly.

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Game of the Week: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: There is nothing like a division rivalry game between the Ravens and Steelers as both teams despise each other. Unfortunately the Steelers won’t have Big Ben due to multiple injuries. Bryon Leftwich is a solid backup but I don’t think this matchup really works to his favor. The Steelers will be getting the ground game going early and often in this one. I hate to say it but I do believe the Ravens will squeak this one out.

Key Players: Rashard Mendenhall, Issac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer. Whoever is in the game at running back for the Steelers must get things going against a depleted Ravens defense. If the run game isn’t established, it will be a long day for this Steelers offense.

Score Predictor: Ravens 24 – Steelers 20

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Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: As of now, Jay Cutler is yet to be cleared to practice while Alex Smith participated in non-contact drills Wednesday. This defensive battle (every week is a defensive battle against the Bears) will be interesting if both starting quarterbacks are held out of the game. I am going to predict this matchup as if both quarterbacks are healthy and starting. If so, I expect the 49ers to take care of business against the Bears (Sorry Bears fans- I know, I know). Jay Cutler relies heavily on the passing game, which plays into the 49ers defense strategy.

Key Players: Matt Forte & Frank Gore. These two running backs are going to have a tough time getting things going against stellar defenses. Whichever running back has a better game will result in his team getting the W.

If the status of one of these quarterbacks change, expect a nice large REVISED by the title.

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Finally, video of the week. I know some of you out there are struggling in your fantasy leagues. We understand your pain….so does this guy!

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Newton or Romo? Giants or ‘Skins? Week Seven Predictions!

October 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Let me start by saying nothing is worse than typing out everything for the week and losing it all because it didn’t save; this is rough.

What is also rough is how terrible I did last week. In the first week I make my picks public I finish a measly 5-9. On the bright side, I was accurate in saying we would have a number of close games, correct on a majority of my analysis and had some nice fantasy picks (and some duds).

I also dont feel too bad because only one of the “Top ESPN Analyst” finished above .500 (Chris Mortensen) while the other 11 (13 including accuscore & pick ’em) finished .500 or lower.

I am now 52-39 on the season. 

The NFL is really an Any Given Sunday League and last week proved it. We had a number of games go down to the wire. I’d much rather be incorrect on a majority of my picks if it means I get to watch a ton of super close and interesting games. ATL pulls it out AGAIN! Cowboys miss their opportunity. Lions roar back. Pack put it together. Shall I continue?  Did I mention I went 4-0 in my fantasy leagues last week though?

For Week 7, I am proud to admit I have started off on a good note. See the tweet below. The Seahawks are a tough team, especially at home, but they just couldn’t get it going to beat the Niners at Candlestick.

Now for the week seven picks:

Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts

Analysis: Cleveland might squeak out two in a row but I think Luck is on the Colts side (get it?).

Fantasy Pick: Trent Richardson

Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams

Analysis: Are the Packers for real? The Rams defensive front has the ability to get to Aaron Rodgers and they better if they have any shot at winning this game. I still love Janoris Jenkins but how many people can he cover?

Key Players: Packers offensive line

Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills

Analysis: I am still high on this Buffalo team. If they can get Jackson and Spiller going, Tennessee might be in for a tough game.

Key Players: Chris Johnson. He looked better against the Steelers but he still isn’t hitting the holes and getting upfield!

Fantasy Pick: Kenny Britt

Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

Analysis: Christian Ponder and the Vikings need to put it together this week. This team is only going to go as far as Christian Ponder will take them. Cardinals quarterback carousel continues as Skelton gets the start. The Cards need more than Larry Fitzgerald on offense; the man can’t carry the team himself.

Key Players: Percy Harvin. The X- Factor must continue to dominate whenever he is on the field.

Fantasy Pick: Adrian Peterson. He will find the end zone this week.

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

Analysis: This is going to be one of those division rivalry games that the fans love. Eli is slinging the rock very well right now. Both teams are coming off games where they dismantled their opponents but can RGIII keep it up? The man looks as though he is going to a MVP in this league (if he stays healthy).

Fantasy Pick: Robert Griffin III

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Analysis: Josh Freeman is starting to pick things up and could have a nice game against the terrible Saints defense but I see the Saints pulling this one out. They are too talented on offense to be losing games like they are. This one has the makings to be a complete blowout or a close one. With the way the Saints have been playing, I am going to take the later.

Key Players: Jimmy Graham. The Tight End must get it going and stay healthy to keep this offense rolling.

Fantasy Pick: Drew Brees. He is carrying two of my fantasy teams. He will continue his fantasy destruction.

Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

Analysis: The success and failures of these two teams really falls on both quarterbacks. Tony Romo, whom I am not a fan of, can look so good at times but then he makes bonehead plays. As for Cam Newton, maybe his confidence was too high? (He definitely looks more like Clark Kent than Superman this year). Cam needs his running game to get going agains the Cowboys D.

Key Players: Romo & Newton.

Fantasy Pick: Dez Bryant. Bryant has 28 targets in his last two games; look for him to get things going again.

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

Analysis: The Texans took a beating last week while the Ravens escaped another close one. Unfortunately the Ravens lost one of the best players that has ever graced a NFL field in Ray Lewis. Additionally, Lardarius Webb tore an ACL. As a result, the Texans will run all over the Ravens this week.

Key Players: The Ravens Defense. They can’t allow an abundance of rushing yards like they have this year.

Fantasy Pick: Arian Foster & Ben Tate. Both are going to get it going this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Oakland Raiders

Key Players: Darren McFadden. The guy has top three running back talent but he just doesn’t perform. He is just too good and too talented to not kill it week in and week out.

Fantasy Pick: Denarius Moore. The guy is just so talented and Palmer is finally to look his way a little more.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Analysis: New England looks as though they could be in panic mode. This is a must win for this team and they have had the Jets number year in and year out. The Jets looked impressive versus a weak Indy team but they are so inconsistent. Don’t be surprised if Jets O-Coordinator Tony Sparano pulls some crazy stuff out of the playbook this week versus the Patriots (remember when he installed the Wildcat vs the Pats?).

Key Players: Mark Sanchez. How much longer will he stay a starting quarterback? Tim Tebow isn’t the answer but Sanchez needs to prove his worth.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis: This Steeler team is injury ridden and can’t hold a lead to save their lives. The Steelers are without Troy again this week but will, hopefully, have Woodley and Harrison at full strength. The Bengals are coming off a rough loss to the Browns but expect them to throw the ball at will against a weak Steelers secondary. I think this game comes down to the wire.

Key Players: The Steelers Defense. Again, this unit needs to get it together or the Steelers will end up in the bottom half of the AFC North.

Fantasy Pick: AJ GREEN!. Calvin Johnson 2.0 is slowly becoming one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. I believe he is going to torch the Steelers defense this week.

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Analysis: The Lions came through when it mattered last week but they’ll have to play much better on offense to have any chance in this game. The Bears defense is looking absolutely stellar right now. IF they can (or attempt to) contain Calvin Johnson, the Bears will shut down the Lions offensive attack. Cutler must continue to make the correct reads and stop forcing balls.

Key Players: Matthew Stafford.

Fantasy Pick: Matt Forte. If the running back is healthy, I expect a big game out of him. He should get a number of touches on both the ground and in the air.

I expect a much better week this week than last. Let the games begin!

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NFL Week 6 Predictions!

October 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t like NFL Predictions?!

Each week from here on out I will post my predictions on the weekends upcoming games. For the past three NFL seasons, I have attempted to accurately predict the winners of each game. I predict games without a spread or points and have finished above 65% each year. Also I have accurately had one team in the Super Bowl each year (Packers in 2011 & Patriots in 2012). FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T READ VERY WELL, PLEASE PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: Without going into full detail, during PRESEASON of this year I predicted the following:

AFC Division Winners: Patriots, Steelers, Texans, Broncos

NFC Division Winners: Cowboys, Packers, Saints, 49ers

AFC Wild Card: Ravens, Bills

NFC Wild Card: Bears, Falcons

Super Bowl Prediction: Packers over Ravens

It is still early but looks as though I will be missing on a few of these but only time will tell.

After finishing 8-8 for the first three weeks of the season, I went 12-3 & 11-3 respectfully; 61% accuracy at this point in the season.

Enough of the backstory- LETS GET TO THE PICKS!

This week we are going to have some really close games; games that will be closer than most suspect. Winners in BOLD & Italic

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans

Analysis: The Titans defense is just atrocious and, as a result, the Steelers offense will have their way with them. Expect a lot of points scored from the Steelers. Chris Johnson may be able to get on tract if the Titans can run the ball up the middle against the less than Steeler Curtain Steeler D. Steelers a near .500 without Troy Polamalu in the lineup.

Key Players: Steelers Defense. If this unit doesn’t get it together, the Steelers may be in for a long season.

Fantasy Pick: Mike Wallace. Expect a big game from Wallace after one of the worst performances of his career last week (and as a result I lost a fantasy league by one point- COMON MAN!).

Oakland Raiders @ Atlanta Falcons

Analysis: The Falcons are clicking on offense and defense right now. Matt Ryan looks as though he is taking that extra step to join a class of great quarterbacks (I won’t throw around ELITE as everyone else does). The Raiders just dont have the weapons on defense to hang with Jones, White, Tony G & Turner.

Key Player: Darren McFadden.  McFadden is the key to these teams success. He MUST have a solid D against a suspect run D for the Raiders to have any shot in this game.

Fantasy Pick: Matt Ryan.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Analysis: Cleveland may squeak out its first win of the season this week but, in a close one, Bengals get a W.

Key Player: Brandon Weeden. He has improved each week but he must show why the Browns chose him in the first round (way too soon by the way.).

Fantasy Pick: AJ Green. AKA Calvin Johnson 2.0

St. Louis Rams @ Miami Dolphins

Analysis: Which Dolphin team comes to out to play? Dolphins must establish a run game and get Reggie in the flow for their teams success.

Key Players: Janoris Jenkins. Rams & Dolphins receiving cores; someone must show up. Jenkins is playing lights out right now and proving why he was a top 10 talent.

Fantasy Pick: Reggie Bush.

Indianapolis Colts @ New York Jets

Analysis: I want to take the Jets but I think their struggles continue.

Key Player: Who else other than Mark Sanchez?

Fantasy Pick: Colts defense because we know Sanchez will give them some points!

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles

Analysis: The Lions have looked so up and down this year but so have the Eagles. I can see the Lions taking care of business in Philadelphia but the Lions can’t establish a run game.

Key Player: Michael Vick. Will he continue his streak of turnovers or will he turn the corner and get back to the Mike Vick we know?

Fantasy Pick: Calvin Johnson.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Analysis: The Buccaneers are a talented team and have an offense that can create matchup problems. Josh Freeman’s performance has on the decline but with more weapons surrounding him can he put it together? Chiefs defense must step up so this game doesn’t get out of hand.

Key Player: Brady Quinn, hands down!

Fantasy Pick: Jamal Charles continues his hot streak.

Dallas Cowboys @ Baltimore Ravens

Analysis: I’m very high on this Ravens team. They have been competitive each of the past few seasons but have been unable to make it to the Super Bowl or win when it matters. Joe Flacco has a number of regular season wins but doesn’t have the playoff record for those wins to hold weight. As for Tony Romo, well, I’m not a fan. I believe he has terrible footwork and can’t do much with a tough pass rush in his face. The Cowboys have so much wasted talent at wide receiver, tight end and running back with Romo playing the way he is.

Key Player: TONY ROMO. Inconsistent quarterback play is the common theme here.

Fantasy Pick: Ray Rice has a great day in Baltimore.

New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks

Analysis: Seattle D is playing tough right now, especially at home. The Seahawks pass defense is shutting down top receivers so this matchup will be much closer than most think. The Patriots are starting to click again, which is scary for everyone.

Key Player: New England Tight Ends. If Gronk is playing, he needs to prove his hip injury isn’t an issue and if Hernandez is healthy, he must step up as he is a game changer and mismatch anytime he is on the field.

Fantasy Pick: Beast Mode- Marshawn Lynch.

Buffalo Bills @ Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: I’m not a believer in the 4-1 Cardinals. I am, however, a believer in the Buffalo Bills. I like this teams chances as I picked them early to win a wild card position. The Bills have weapons on offense and finally added pieces on defense to make this team a legitimate contender.

Key Players: The Cardinals Offensive Line. Did anyone watch the horrible Rams Cardinals game on Thursday Night Football? The Rams were rushing three against six and still getting to Kolb; this unit is absolutely abysmal.

Fantasy Pick: Larry Fitzgerald, the only player who can still put up ELITE numbers on an awful team.

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: The 49ers are once again putting it together. Harbaugh and crew are still angry from last years bitter loss. The Giants offense is looking awesome right now; the offensive players are lighting up fantasy scoreboards each week.

Key Player: Alex Smith. If he can continue his efficiency the 49ers will keep scoring Ws.

Fantasy Pick: Michael Crabtree.

Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins.

Analysis: RGIII doesn’t look like a rookie and is creating a ton of excitement in Washington. The Vikings are flying under the radar right now.

Key Player: Adrian Peterson. Peterson is coming along very nicely after a terrible knee injury last year. He must continue his productive season for the Vikings to win this game.

Fantasy Pick: RGIII. He is a dual threat! Why not?

Green Bay Packers @ Houston Texans – Game of the Week

Analysis: The Texans look unbelievable right now. Arian is Fostering the People week in and week out but will this team continue its hot streak? The Packers don’t look like last years team despite Coach McCarthy saying this is his best team in years. I think this is going to be a great game for everyone to watch this weekend. The Packers are coming off a TERRIBLE loss to the Colts. Houston lost Brian Cushing. Rough Week for both teams.

Key Player: Alex Green. The Packers running back is an unknown unless your fantasy team is weak at running back and you needed a wavier wire pickup. He showed a few flashes last week but Green must get going or the Packers will be one dimensional once again.

Fantasy Pick: Arian Foster. Once again he shows why he is one of the most complete backs in the NFL.

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers

Analysis: The Broncos have played teams close each game of the season (or close in the fourth quarter that is). Manning and crew are looking as advertised and Demaryius Thomas is carry all of my fantasy teams! I’m not high on the 3-2 Chargers as they really haven’t beat any good teams this year (Raiders, Titans & Chiefs) and lost to the Saints last week.

Key Players: Ryan Matthews. I am VERY high on Matthews and his potential despite being hurt and in the doghouse for the past few years. Matthews put up solid numbers last year despite giving up goal line carries to Tolbert. Matthews had a nice week running and catching passes despite not playing much during the beginning of the game.

Fantasy Pick: Demaryius Thomas. The 24 year old, 6’3” 229 lb wide receiver is a monster out there. Despite a lack of end zone targets, the receiver is putting up monster numbers each week.

Phew. Well hope you enjoyed my predictions and analysis.

Come back each and every week for more insight!

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