Week 3 Matchups

Fantasy Spin - Bills vs Dolphins Fantasy Preview

The Bills came out swinging last week and took a 17-7 halftime lead but finally succumbed to the Patriots 19-17 . The Dolphins played in the first Thursday night game of the year so they are spending nine days preparing for this home game. This may be one of the most important games for both teams in the first half of the season. Why do I like Miami here? The Dolphins are 25-6 at home in August/September since 1987. That's a solid sample size. Look for CPep to "get his roll on" a couple of times in this matchup. Culpepper won't be facing a pass rush or defensive playmakers in the same class as Pittsburgh's so we should see his true colors. The new look Miami secondary struggled last week in their debut with weak coverage at times and several penalties. Start McGahee and Evans. Their quick bursts should provide several opportunities to make plays.

Buffalo - Losman (B), McGahee (S), Evans (Z), Price (B), Buffalo D (B)
Miami - Culpepper (Z), Mcmicheal (S), Chambers (S), Brown (S), Dolphins D (S)

Week 3 Fantasy Football Matchups
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta Falcons
September 17, 2006 - Georgia Dome
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Fantasy Spin - Bucs vs Falcons Fantasy Preview

The Buccaneers come off a humbling loss to the Ravens last week and now have to hit the road against an improved Falcons team. Tampa Bay looked terrible last week. Atlanta looked terrific. This Falcons defense is not Baltimore's. So it's not necessarily a good game for fantasy owners. Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the brooms out against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 3 of the 2006 campaign, it is the Falcons that have a chance to sweep the Bucs to the bottom of the NFC South ladder. Last week Chris Simms only managed to complete 17 of 29 passes for 133 yards and three interceptions, anything is an improvement. The Falcons defense responded well in all facets, and the run game remains the strength of this team. Also impressive was Vick throwing for two td's. The Bucs' success this week hinges on the running game. Look for them to establish it early and often. Could this finally be the year of a fantasy relevant Falcon wide receiver?

Fantasy Spin - Lions at Bears Fantasy Preview

A revamped Detroit offense that failed to get untracked in Week 1 faces another daunting challenge on Sunday, when the Lions visit Soldier Field to battle the rival Chicago Bears in an early-season NFC North showdown.The Bears began their season with the first ever shutout of Brett Favre at Lambeau. Holding the Seahawks to a mere nine points indicates that the Detroit defense has vastly improved in a very short time. I thought Jon Kitna and Kevin Jones would be better this season, or at least worth owning, but we have to wait until Week 3 against the Packers. Last week for the Bears Thomas Jones started and got more carries, but was just average. Benson looks healthy, but didn't do much with his touches. I give up! The Detroit defense and special teams will keep the Lions in the game until the offense gets on track. Chicago was the class of the NFC North last season and looks to have improved both its offense and overall depth.

Fantasy Spin - Browns at Bengals Fantasy Preview

This divisional battle of the two Ohio franchises is the Bengals' home opener. Few rosters have a talent level close to what Cincinnati can offer and this is a game that the Bengals need to decisively win to further establish themselves as a powerhouse in the division. Cleveland suffered a 19-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the season-opener last Sunday, disappointing an expectant home crowd. The Browns registered just 186 total yards against the Saints. The last three times Rudi has run on Cleveland, he has totaled 497 yards. T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been downgraded to questionable again and still has yet to fully participate in practice. Poor Charlie Frye. It might be a long season. Reuben Droughns should get more yards than last week, as he ran for 78 and 74 yards against the Bengals in 2005 and never scored. The play of Kellen Winslow who led all receivers with eight catches for 63 yards and a touchdown, is a bright spot for the Browns.

Fantasy Spin - Saints at Packers Fantasy Preview

The Saints come off a win for their new head coach Sean Payton and once again hit the road this week. Seeking to win consecutive road games to start a season for the first time in their 40-year history. In fact, they have three road games in the first four weeks. The Packers opened the year with a shutout - the first in Favre's career and the passing game failed to materialize outside of Donald Driver. Favre was an inglorious 15-for-29 for 170 yards and two interceptions. I certainly hope we can expect better this week?! There will be a lot of growing pains due to the inexperience and depth on these rosters, so expect a loooong game. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Ahman Green while disrupting the timing and rhythm of the Packers' passing game. Reggie Bush is the real deal, and it's nice to see a pro athlete not complaining about how many carries he gets. Deuce McAllister still gets more, though Bush does more with his touches because he catches the ball and returns kicks. Play them both in this one. This week Horn will likely draw the newly acquired Charles Woodson in coverage. Sit him.

Fantasy Spin - Texas at Colts Fantasy Preview

This game has seen dominating wins by the Colts for a while and there's no reason to expect less here. They also swept the Texans last year, winning 38-20 and 31-17. the running backs? Now, that's interesting. I'd choose Dominic Rhodes over Joseph Addai yet again. In fact, I think Rhodes has a big game and distances himself from Addai. I don't expect to see Sam Gado play much, if at all, this week, so Wali Lundy gets his chance. I wouldn't play him this week. Last week looked all too familiar to Carr as his pass protection doesn't look to have improved much so far. That's a very bad thing going into Indy with their strong pass rush. Do you really need a reason to start Harrison? Okay, Houston's pass defense stinks. Ditto for Wayne. The Colts' passing offense didn't exactly explode in the opener last week, but you can expect that to change this Sunday. In eight career games against the Texans, Manning has thrown 19 TD passes against just four interceptions and has a lofty QB rating of 116. The Texans, on the other hand, need to prove that the Week 1 loss to the Eagles is not indicative of where they are heading.

Fantasy Spin - Jets at Titans Fantasy Preview

Many pundits predicted the Carolina Panthers to be a playoff team and even the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, and many question marks surrounded the Vikings. The Panthers laid a 20-6 egg at home against Atlanta last Sunday, as its offense was barely heard from. The Vikings, meanwhile, went to suburban D.C. and stunned 90,000-plus patrons and a primetime television audience by downing the favored Washington Redskins, 19-16. Delhomme and the passing game fell flat on their face last week without Smith in the lineup, newsflash, he could be out again. Johnson was efficient and productive running the Viking passing game Monday night. Minnesota is going to lean on the running game this season, so get Chester Taylor in your lineups. DeShaun Foster isn't a great play again, DeAngelo Williams did not have a single carry in week 1 though he had one catch. For Minni Chester Taylor should always be in your lineup, with Troy Williamson a good No. 3 fantasy wide receiver. Wiggins had five catches for 29 yards last week and I expect him to get his pts again this week.

Fantasy Spin - Giants at Eagles Fantasy Preview

Philadelphia opened with a 24-10 win in Houston last Sunday, while the Giants fell, 26-21, to the Colts. Those results gave the Eagles sole possession of first place in the division, which had been a familiar spot for the franchise for much of the last half- decade. The Giants are favored by some to win the NFC East, but for that to happen, they must find a way to win on the road against the Eagles. Look for Donovan McNabb to throw a lot, probably one touchdown pass and close to 300 yards. Manning looked poised and improved last week and played well against the Eagles last season. But the Eagles defense is much improved this season and will pose problems. In his last four games against the Eagles Barber has averaged 162 total yards and scored twice. Wow, what a Philly coming out party for Stallworth. Look for more of the same this weekend. In an NFC East race that figures to be a nip-and-tuck affair well into December, the Eagles can't go losing home games to division rivals like the Giants.

Fantasy Spin - Raiders at Ravens Fantasy Preview

The Ravens' defense appeared to be back to its Super Bowl form, With their swagger back, they will be facing the Oakland Raiders, who were destroyed by the Chargers on Monday night. The Ravens dismantled the NFC South champs as a road team and have not allowed a point yet. The Raiders come off being completely dismantled by the Chargers in Oakland and have not scored a point yet. This could be ugly. Aaron Brooks only had six completions on 14 passes for 68 yards and seven sacks. Steve McNair started his Raven career with a solid 181 yard game with one score and no turnovers. There was no need to throw much last week and may not be this week as well. Sit all your Raiders for this game. Don't play LaMont Jordan either. I know, I know, he's a first round draft pick...so what?! The way San Diego was able to torture Oakland with the running game, one would think the Ravens will do the same thing. Jamal Lewis tops 100 yards. The Ravens should win this one handily, based almost solely on an attacking defense that the Silver and Black will have little answer for.

Fantasy Spin - Rams at 49ers Fantasy Preview

In 2005/06 the Rams were swept by the 49ers who could beat few other teams. The Rams dropped the season opener 28-25 in San Francisco and then again 24-20 in week 16. The Rams are running great with Jackson and Wilkins looks like the new Rackers. Jackson comes off a 22 carry game with 121 yards and even added four catches for 19 more yards. Frank Gore in the new Norv Turner system ran for 87 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns and added six catches for 83 more yards. This could be a running back battle...could?! Look for another powerful rushing attack by the Rams and fewer mental mistakes by the 49ers, who are playing with confidence on offense. I'm not buying into the Rams just yet, not in this road game against a hungry team. I think the Niners can do it again. What's that you ask? SWEEP the rams. Alex Smith should feel confident about his performance last week, and will carry that into his first game of the season in front of the home fans.

Fantasy Spin - Cardinals at Seahawks Fantasy Preview

Divisional matchups are always intriguing to watch and this game could help determine who takes an early share of the divisional lead. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses as the Seahawks return home for their season opener in front of a sold-out capacity crowd. The all-time series between the Cardinals and Seahawks is knotted, 7-7, with Seattle evening the series by winning six of the last seven head-to-head meetings. Seattle is 22-3 in its last 25 regular-season home games, including 10 straight wins. Still picking an upset? Arizona has a legit offense and should keep the game close. Shaun Alexander is always a good play, and look for a nice bounceback game with more than 100 yards and two touchdowns. I think this will be a throwing game though, expect solid numbers from Cardinal killer D-Jack, and both Boldin and Fitz will be strong as the Cards try to come back on the road. James is the one who isn't a terrific play, but if you have him, how can you sit him? Despite throwing no Td's last week in Dtown Hasselbeck completed 25 of 30 passes, expect more of the same.

Fantasy Spin - Chiefs at Broncos Fantasy Preview

Both teams are 0-1 and don't want to fall too far behind in the tough AFC West. The fans might be a little unhappy with QB Jake Plummer's performance last week, but he had the same kind of outing in the season opener in 2005 in Miami. He bounced back and had one of the most productive seasons of his career. Herm Edwards already knows this drill. The first-year Chiefs head coach found out in 2005, his final season with the Jets, what having concerns at the quarterback position feels like. Don't play Huard this week, but I do think Jake bounces back and shows you his true form in front of the home crowd. The Chiefs were not tested much by Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati passing game in Week 1, but could be forced into greater activity by Plummer and the Broncos. These teams traded home wins with the Chiefs winning 23-17 in week 3 and the Broncos winning in Denver 31-27 during week 13. Start Johnson, and Gonzo for the Chiefs, but please don't start anyone else, as for the Broncos, Mike Bell is probably playing hurt if at all, so start Tatum, and Walker in the passing attack.

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

Fantasy Spin - Patriots at Jets Fantasy Preview

The Patriots had to squeak out a victory over the Bills during the weekend where all underdog visitors were supposed to win. The Jets opened their new Eric Mangini era with a win over the Titans on the road. First-year New York head coach Eric Mangini spent the last six years serving under Bill Belichick in New England, and went to the Jets against the advice of his mentor during the offseason. Mangini spent a total of 10 years learning at Belichick's feet with the Browns, Jets, and Patriots, and now the pupil will be eager to show the master what he knows. Last week New England dressed just three WR's - Caldwell, Brown and practice squader Bam Childress, this spells trouble, so New England will pound the rock this week with Dillon and Maroney (RBBC). Pennington's 319 yards last week was the second highest yardage total of his career. His passes were sharp and the Jets showed more spunk and creativity in the passing attack. I doubt it continues this week, but keep him on your bench for later in the year. The Pats' close call against the lowly Bills and Pennington's winning performance in Tennessee have altered the terrain immensely, this could be a close game.

Fantasy Spin - Titans at Chargers Fantasy Preview

The Chargers came off a big win on Monday night over the Raiders in a game that seemed to bore even the San Diego players. A great defense (or just a terrible opponent) made that game decided by the first score by Tomlinson. Tennessee doesn't have much of a running game, and San Diego is well acquainted with Kerry Collins. I don't think this is much of a game. Philip Rivers might have to throw 16 times instead of 11. Travis Henry is questionable to play this week due to turf toe and was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Lendal White could see his first action, do you grab him before the games so you have him after he has hig "break out game"? The Chargers have the best RB in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a versatile runner who can also create mismatches in the passing game. Vince Young should play a little more this week, as they groom him to be the eventual starter. Big deal, he's still overrated. The Chargers' defense pitched a shutout last week and may do it again this week.

Fantasy Spin - Redskins at Cowboys Fantasy Preview

Both teams come in 0-1 when this was supposed to be the battle of unbeatens. The Skins should have the bigger task on the road and yet both teams will be loaded to a big game here knowing that an 0-2 hole is going to make the season uphill all year. Portis now has been downgraded to doubtful and according to HC Joe Gibbs, he will not play because he did not practice. The Redskins suffered through a dismal 0-4 preseason, with the first-team offense failing to produce a touchdown for the entire four-game warm-up period. Last week's home effort failed to diminish the fears of Redskins nation, which had expected to see Joe Gibbs and company build on last year's 10-6 finish and playoff trip. Mark Brunell and the Washington passing game moved in fits and starts in Week 1, showing some signs of coming out of its shell but failing to come up with a number of big plays. Brunell was 17-of-28 for 163 yards. Brunell will have to find Moss again for some big plays for the Skins to avoid going 0-2. Can the Redskins' corners hold up against Cowboys receivers Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens? Neither team can afford to lose this game, and I say T.O. is the difference maker.

Fantasy Spin - Steelers at Jaguars Fantasy Preview

Ben Roethlisberger hopes to make a belated 2006 season debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers when the defending world champions visit the Jacksonville Jaguars for a Monday night clash between two returning playoff teams at ALLTEL Stadium. Jacksonville is at home and certainly capable of matching the Steelers on prime time. Yes, Pittsburgh was impressive with Charlie Batch picking apart the Dolphins, and Willie Parker topped 100 yards. I'll stick with Parker again, and will do so every week. Fred Taylor shouldn't find a lot of holes, but he's a decent flex option. He's going to get the carries. I think Byron Leftwich actually avoids the mistakes Culpepper did, and despite the aura around the Steelers' defense, I could see a decent game.The Steelers are 0-3 playing in Jacksonville in September but it will be cooler playing in the Monday night game. The Jaguars beat the Steelers in overtime 23-17 in week six last year in Jacksonville.