Week 12 Matchups

Week 12 Fantasy Football Matchups
Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions
November 23, 2006 - Ford Field
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Fantasy Spin - Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview

The Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions will both be trying to pick up a win early on Thanksgiving Day when they battle at Ford Field. Oddsmakers currently have the Dolphins listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Lions, while the game's total is sitting at 39. If the Lions can't get up for this game, there's not much hope of them avoiding a 2-14 finish. Detroit has been humiliated in its showcase game on Thanksgiving in each of the past two seasons, and one of Marinelli's directives upon taking the head job was undoubtedly to stress the importance of this annual holiday affair. In addition, losing to Harrington, who caused Lions fans much frustration over his four-year stint with the team, would be the ultimate indignity. Miami is a hot team, but it's not as if the Dolphins have been running up and down the field on people, so Detroit should be able to keep this one close with a shot of winning in the fourth quarter. Look for an inspired effort from the home team here, and look for Miami's playoff hopes to take a major hit.

Miami - Harrington (Z), Mcmicheal (Z), Chambers (S), Brown (S), Dolphins D (S)
Detroit - Kitna (B), Jones Inj (S), Harris (B), Williams (S), Furrey (Z), Pollard (B), Lions D (Z)

Week 12 Fantasy Football Matchups
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
November 23, 2006 - Texas Stadium
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Fantasy Spin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys will both be trying to pick up a win on Thanksgiving Day when they battle at Texas Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Cowboys listed as 11-point favorites versus the Buccaneers, while the game's total is sitting at 39. Romo has been consistent enough over the past four games to show the world, not to mention his teammates, that he can play. The key for the fourth-year- pro has been a terrific supporting cast that features two solid running backs, two talented veteran receivers, a top-notch tight end, and an offensive line that has been good enough to hold everything together. On defense, Dallas has been far from perfect, but appears as if it is beginning to jell. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, can boast none of the qualities above, which is why the Buccaneers will lose by a decisive margin on Thursday. The team is too young in some places, too old in others, and isn't healthy enough at the moment to make an upset bid appear realistic. Look for Dallas to keep the Bucs at arm's length throughout.

Tampa Bay - Gradowski (B), Cadillac (B), Galloway (S), Clayton (B), A. Smith (B), Bucs D (B)
Dallas - Romo (S), Barber (S), J. Jones (S), Glenn (B), Owens (S), Witten (S), Cowboys D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview

The Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs will meet on the gridiron at Arrowhead Stadium on Thanksgiving night in a battle of division rivals. Oddsmakers currently have the Chiefs listed as 1-point favorites versus the Broncos, while the game's total is sitting at 38. In a crowded AFC Wild Card picture, and with games against the likes of Baltimore (8-2), San Diego (8-2) and Jacksonville (6-4) still to play, the Chiefs know that a home loss to the Broncos on Thursday night would be extremely damaging. At Arrowhead in the second half of the season is a time when Kansas City generally thrives, and the fact that hated Denver is the opponent will undoubtedly heighten the team's focus. Tomlinson showed last week that you can run on the Broncos' front seven, and Plummer is always good for a critical miscue or two. Look for the Chiefs to have the final word in a contentious fourth quarter, and to improve their postseason chances with a statement win.

Denver - Plummer (Z), M. Bell (Z), T. Bell (Z), Walker (S), R. Smith (B), Broncos D (Z)
KC - Green (B), Johnson (S), Kennison (Z), Hall (B), Gonzalez Inj (Z), Parker (B), Chiefs D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Sunday when the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons meet at Georgia Dome. Oddsmakers currently have the Falcons listed as 3-point favorites versus the Saints, while the game's total is sitting at 48. The Falcons run well. The Saints don't stop the run. The Saints pass well. The Falcons don't stop the pass. And the two teams enter the weekend on a combined five-game losing streak. In a matchup of such dismal dissimilarities something's got to give, so go with the team that's both at home and with the most to both prove and lose. A defeat on its home field could spell the beginning of internal chaos and the end of the playoff run for the Falcons, who were in the NFC title game just two seasons back and expected by many to attempt a similar flight this winter. Meanwhile, the hurricane-ravaged Saints remain the feel-good story of the league - win, lose or draw - and they'll remain in the hunt for the wild card and the division crown even if a loss throws them a game off the pace here. In the end, Vick makes one more big play than Brees.

Atlanta - Vick (S), Dunn (S), J. Norwood (B), M. Jenkins (Z) , A. Crumpler (S), Falcons D (B)
New Orleans - Brees (S), R. Bush (S), McCallister (S), J. Horn (S), Colston Inj (Z), Saints D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills Fantasy Preview

The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Jaguars listed as 3-point favorites versus the Bills, while the game's total is sitting at 35. If Dick Jauron thinks his team has a chance of running the football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, he is sadly mistaken. Jacksonville just shut down Tiki Barber, the league's leading rusher, on Monday night, so where does that leave the Buffalo Bills as far as winning is concerned? The answer rests on the young shoulders of Bills quarterback J.P. Losman, who is coming off a career day and starting to get in sync with his receivers. Unfortunately for Losman, the Jacksonville defense represents a major upgrade over that of Houston, which will likely spell a few costly mistakes for the signal-caller. Look for Garrard, Taylor, and Jones-Drew to have the last word in this one.

J-Ville - Gerrard (Z), Taylor (S), D. Jones (Z), Williams (B), Jones (B), Lewis (B), J-Ville D (S)
Buffalo - Losman (Z), McGahee Inj (S), Thomas (S), Evans (S), Price (Z), Buffalo D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Fantasy Preview

The division rival Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are set to renew hostilities on Sunday when they meet at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Bengals listed as 3-point favorites versus the Browns, while the game's total is sitting at 42½. While its chances of catching Baltimore for the AFC North crown are remote, Cincinnati remains in the thick of the playoff race and sorely needs this game. It won't be a gimme, however, considering all the injuries the Bengals have endured, their repeated breakdowns on defense and Cleveland's penchant for playing its competition closely. Although Winslow presents a serious matchup problem for the Bengal secondary, the Browns will be hard pressed to stop either of the Johnsons, and don't possess enough firepower on offense to keep up with Cincinnati's high-powered attack.

Cincinnati - Palmer (S), R. Johnson (S), C. Johnson (S), T.J. Housh (S), Henry (B), Bengals D (B) Cleveland - Frye (B), Wright (B), Edwards (S), Winslow (S), Browns D (B)

Fantasy Spin - San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams Fantasy Preview

The division rival San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams are set to renew hostilities on Sunday when they meet at Edward Jones Dome. Oddsmakers currently have the Rams listed as 4½-point favorites versus the 49ers, while the game's total is sitting at 44½. The lingering skepticism about the staying power of the 49ers in the playoff chase has much to do with their first seven games of the season. It is hard to envision a team that was so bad defensively continuing to ride that side of the ball to victories. The Rams, who have a poor offensive line but plenty of skill players to keep the 49ers guessing, are a good candidate to snap San Francisco back into reality. St. Louis has much to prove after last week's display, is desperate for a victory to end its losing streak, and will remain focused against a team that it has lost to three straight times. Look for the still-green Niners to make a couple of critical mistakes on both sides of the ball, which will help seal their fate.

San Fran - Smith (B), Gore (S), Bryant (Z), Battle (S), Davis (B), E. Johnson (B), 49ers D (B)
St. Louis - Bulger (S), Jackson (S), S. Davis (B) , Holt (S), Bruce (Z), Curtis (Z), Rams D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview

The fans at The Metrodome will be treated to a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings when they take their seats on Sunday. Oddsmakers currently have the Vikings listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game's total is sitting at 39. It is desperation time for the Vikings, who follow this week's game with a trip to Chicago that, quite frankly, doesn't figure to go well. The frustrations of the last month are sure to be taken out on Arizona team that ended its slide in uninspiring fashion last Sunday and does not appear to be on the brink of a winning streak. Look for the Minnesota offense to play its best game of the year against an Arizona "D" that is missing its best player, and expect the Cardinal offense to sputter once again in the face of a defense that allows zero running room for opponents. Green will be humbled in his homecoming, and Vikes fans will love every minute of it.

Arizona - Leinart (Z), James (Z), Fitzgerald (S), Boldin (S), Pope (B), Cardinals D (Z)
Minni - Johnson (B), Taylor (S), Williamson (B), T. Taylor (B), Wiggins (B), Minni D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Houston Texans at New York Jets Fantasy Preview

The Houston Texans and the New York Jets will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Giants Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Jets listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Texans, while the game's total is sitting at 39½. The Jets have had trouble putting together back-to-back strong performances this year, but it is also worth noting that the team has yet to play poorly in consecutive games under Mangini. Their two most troubling losses of the year, to the Jaguars and Browns, were followed up with stabilizing victories in the next game, and there is reason to expect that pattern to hold this time around. Pennington and his receivers should have a solid day against a Houston team that doesn't rush the passer or defend in the secondary especially well, and the Texans offense will struggle to remain consistent in the face of the Jets' ever-shifting defensive looks. New York will improve its postseason chances with a decisive win, with an eye toward showing some rare multi-game consistency in next Sunday's trip to Green Bay.

Houston - Carr (S), Lundy (Z), Johnson (S), Moulds (B), Daniels (B), Texans D (B)
New York - Pennington (S), Washington (Z), Barlow (B), Coles (S), Cotchery (Z), Jets D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins Fantasy Preview

The Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at FedExField. Oddsmakers currently have the Panthers listed as 4-point favorites versus the Redskins, while the game's total is sitting at 36. Campbell looked like he might be ahead of schedule in last week's loss, but it would be foolhardy to expect the green quarterback to ascend to the role of trusted team leader without a couple of missteps along the way. Look for this week to represent one of those missteps. Peppers will harass Campbell enough to keep him out of his rhythm, and the battered running back and receiving corps won't do enough to keep the pressure off of him. Meanwhile, a Washington defense that hasn't shown up all year won't start this week, which means a couple of big plays from Steve Smith and an important road victory for the Panthers.

Carolina - Delhomme (S), Smith (S), Johnson (S), Foster (Z), Williams (Z), Panthers D (S)
Washington - Campbell (B), Betts (Z), Moss (S), Lloyd (B), El (B), Cooley (S), Washington D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens will meet on the gridiron at M & T Bank Stadium on Sunday in a battle of division rivals. Oddsmakers currently have the Ravens listed as 3-point favorites versus the Steelers, while the game's total is sitting at 39. Sunday's matchup between Baltimore and Pittsburgh figures to be a battle to the end. Both teams sport impressive defenses and are riding winning streaks, though if the Steelers want to repeat as champions, they will have to do exactly what the 2005 squad did and put together an impressive run. The only problem is that Roethlisberger is not playing at a championship level, and faces a daunting task in beating an intimidating Ravens defense in Baltimore. McNair is reborn, and Jamal Lewis is running well since Billick took over play-calling. It will not be a walk in the park for McNair, but once again, he will do just enough to put his team on top when the final whistle blows.

Pittsburgh - Roethlisburger (Z), Parker (S), Ward Inj (S), Holmes (B), Miller (Z), Steelers D (S)
Baltimore - McNair (Z), Lewis (Z), Mason (Z), Heap (S), Clayton (S), Ravens D (S)

Fantasy Spin - Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers Fantasy Preview

The Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers will meet on the gridiron at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday in a battle of division rivals. Oddsmakers currently have the Chargers listed as 13½-point favorites versus the Raiders, while the game's total is sitting at 43. Just because the Chargers had a big, emotional win in Denver last week doesn't mean they are headed for a letdown this week against the Raiders. San Diego will take wins any it can get them, but obviously would prefer easy wins. The Bolts should smell a blowout this week against the Raiders, and will likely jump on them early. Oakland's defense has improved by leaps and bounds this year, but that doesn't mean it can hang in there against one of the most feared offenses in the NFL.

Oakland - Brooks (B), Fargas (B), Moss (Z), Curry (B), Porter (B), Raiders D (B)
San Diego - Rivers (S), L.T. (S), Gates (S), Mccardell (B), Parker (B), Chargers D (S)

Fantasy Spin - New York Giants at Tennessee Titans Fantasy Preview

The New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at LP Field. Oddsmakers currently have the Giants listed as 3-point favorites versus the Titans, while the game's total is sitting at 44. The Giants have the edge in personnel, and certainly have more to play for, which should be more than enough to get past the upstart Titans, even on the road. Expect Coughlin to rely on Barber and Jacobs to pound on a vulnerable Tennessee run defense while simultaneously allowing Manning to regain confidence with a risk-free effort. Young will make a play or two, and it may not be locked up until the late going, but New York should have enough to at least temporarily restart the engines before a daunting stretch that includes Dallas, Carolina, Philadelphia and New Orleans before a season-ender at Washington.

NYG - E. Manning (S), Barber (S), Burress (Z), Carter (B), Shockey (S), Giants D (Z)
Tennessee - Young (B), Henry (S), White (B), Bennett (B), Scaife (B), Titans D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Chicago Bears at New England Patriots Fantasy Preview

The Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Gillette Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Patriots listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Bears, while the game's total is sitting at 37½. Winning on the road in three consecutive weeks is extraordinarily difficult in the NFL, and it's not as if Chicago has been flawless enough this season to expect that it can beat a high-quality team like New England with something less than a top-notch effort. Given the circumstances, which include a wide lead in the hunt for the No. 1 seed and a feather-light schedule over the final five games of the regular season, you can expect the Bears' focus on Sunday to be just a tad wayward. Look for Belichick and the New England defense to coax Grossman into some key mistakes, and expect the Patriots' pinpoint passing attack to make some strides against a Chicago team that hasn't seen a quarterback as accurate as Brady this season.

Chicago - Grossman (Z), Jones (Z), Muhammed (Z), Clark (S), Berrian (Z), Bears D (S)
New England - Brady (S), Dillon (S), Maroney (Z), Watson (S), Caldwell (Z), Gabriel (B), Pats D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Preview

Philadelphia - Garcia (S), Westbrook (S), Stallworth (S), Brown (B), LJ Smith (Z), Phili D (B)
Indy - P. Manning (S), Addai (Z), Harrison (S), Wayne (S), Clark (B), Colts D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview

Green Bay - Favre (S), Green (S), Driver (S), Jennings (Z), Martin (B), Packers D (B)
Seattle - Hasselbeck (S) , Alexander (S), Jackson (S), Branch (Z), Hawks D (S)