Week 8 Matchups

Week 8 Fantasy Football Matchups
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
October 29, 2006 - Soldier Field
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Fantasy Spin - San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears Fantasy Preview

Both teams are coming off a bye week in which the Bears used to regain confidence in their offense, especially QB Rex Grossman, who had six turnovers against the Cardinals in Week 6. The 49ers lack stability due to injuries along the offensive line. QB Alex Smith has been a bright spot for the 49ers and will look to remain steady and resilient as he leads his team into a hostile environment. With a Bears win Smith's latest group of Monsters of the Midway would become the first Bears team since '85 to begin 7-0. The 49ers have allowed 34 or more points in four of their six games this season. Muhsin Muhammad (27 receptions, 1 TD) and Bernard Berrian (21 receptions, 4 TD) along with tight end Desmond Clark (20 receptions, 1 TD) have to step up this week, and the Bears run game needs to get going with Jones and Benson. Grossman also has to do better than MNF vs Arizona, its hard not to though. Looking to continue his steady play will be 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (1285 passing yards, 8 TD, 4 INT), who has thrown five touchdown passes in his past two games. Niners running back Frank Gore (520 rushing yards, 3 TD, 20 receptions) comes off his quietest game of the season, and Urlacher and Briggs plan to shut him down again. I expect Bryant for the Niners to get deep in this one though with Mike Brown out.

San Fran - Smith (B), Gore (Z), Bryant (Z), Davis (Z), E. Johnson (Z), 49ers D (B)
Chicago - Grossman (S), Jones (Z), Muhammed (Z), Clark (Z), Berrian (S), Bears D (S)

Week 8 Fantasy Football Matchups
Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals
October 29, 2006 - Paul Brown Stadium
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Fantasy Spin - Atlanta Falcons at Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Preview

This has the makings of another offense shootout. Cincinnati's run defense remains its biggest weakness, while Atlanta's rushing attack is still its greatest strength. Also, Atlanta's pass rushers are among the league's best and the Bengals' pass protection has been suspect all year. The Falcons thrilling overtime win over the Steelers keeps them one game behind the Saints in the NFC South while the Bengals nipped the Panthers last week and are now tied with the Ravens in the AFC North. Important game for both but only the third road trip for the Falcons who are 1-1 away from Atlanta. The Bengals are 2-1 at home. Cincinnati hasn't won home games in consecutive weeks since November 9-16, 2003. Chris Henry is off suspension and eligible to play. Quarterback Michael Vick (908 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT) completed 18-of-30 passes for 232 yards and four touchdown passes last week and will look to explode yet again. While Atlanta has struggled throwing the ball all year long, the team has been nothing short of dominant in the running game. The Falcons are tops in the league with an amazing average of 222.2 rushing yards per game. The Bengals are 12th in the NFL with 215 passing yards per game. The Falcons are 27th in the NFL with 230.8 passing yards allowed per contest. Watch Hall vs 85, and expect Housh vs Webster to be where Palmer throws the ball.

Fantasy Spin - Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers Fantasy Preview

After a rough start to the season, the Packers now have running back Ahman Green in the backfield and are getting good play from young wide receiver Greg Jennings. (Inj. this week). The Cardinals are enduring a rough start to what was supposed to be a promising season. With head coach Dennis Green on the hot seat. After defeating San Francisco in the season opener, the Cardinals have dropped every game since, including last Sunday's 22-9 loss against the Oakland Raiders. Rookie quarterback Matt Leinart failed in a third bid for his first win as an NFL starter, completing only 13-of-32 passes for 203 yards. The Packers enter this week's showdown with Arizona on a strong note after defeating the Miami Dolphins, 34-24, last Sunday in South Beach. Green Bay's defense is not one to brag about, ranking last in overall defense, last against the pass, and 10th versus the run. Cardinals running back Edgerrin James is a big reason why his team is last in the NFL in rushing. James ran for 34 yards on 13 carries against Oakland. Favre has1,481 yards, 9 TDs, and 5 INTs. The Arizona defense is 23rd overall, and figures to have a tough time away yet again. The Packers will get off the schneid at Lambeau, and Arizona will continue its free fall.

Arizona - Leinart (Z), James (Z), Fitzgerald Inj. (B), Boldin (S), Pope (B), Cardinals D (Z)
Green Bay - Favre (S), Green (S), Driver (S), Jennings Inj (B), Martin (Z), Packers D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans Fantasy Preview

Oh boy, Tennessee vs Houston you say? These teams are also looking as healthy as they have been since the start of the season. Neither team is apt to be in the fight for a playoff berth, but they both want to land ahead of the other in the final standings, and a win would be a step in the right direction. The game also features Texans 2006 No. 1 draft pick Mario Williams and Titans top pick Vince Young, who was the third overall selection in last April's NFL Draft. Start Henry - In the last two games, Henry has rushed for 301 yards on 51 carries. Impressive. Texans rookie running back Wali Lundy (150 yards, TD) had the best game of his young career last weekend, posting 93 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Texans quarterback David Carr is coming off a strong performance, and will try to duplicate his success in Tennessee. Andre Johnson has reached the 100- yard receiving mark four times and has at least eight receptions in four straight contests. Young (512 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs) will make his fourth career start on Sunday. Houston is still ranked near the bottom of every defensive category, including 31st in the league against the pass. Henry will have to plow his way through the likes of defensive tackles Thomas Johnson (5 tackles) and Travis Johnson, but he will. I think the Tennessee secondary should be able to limit the big play ability of Houston enough to walk away with a narrow win.

Fantasy Spin - Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview

This is a huge contest for both teams as Kansas City needs to keep pace with several other AFC clubs to have a chance at a wild-card spot, and Seattle has lost 2 of 3 since losing Shaun Alexander, and this week have no Hasselbeck, Alexander, or Engram. UGH!! News out of KC today had KC's starting QB Damon Huard injurying his hammy, so keep an eye on his gameday status as well, this could be the battle of 1st time starting QB's if Huard is out. For the Hawks to win they'll need Mo Morris and Mack Strong to run at the weak interior line of KC, and Wallace will have to spread the ball to wideouts Darrell Jackson (33 receptions, 5 TD), Deion Branch (15 receptions, 2 TD), and D.J. Hackett, and Burleson. A Chiefs pass rush that managed to bring San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers down four times last week will try to rattle another inexperienced signal. Trying to stop Larry Johnson will be a Seattle defense that had major trouble slowing down Minnesota running back Chester Taylor in Week 7. Seattle has five interceptions through its first six games, but none by a cornerback, so upgrade Kennison - Parker and Gonzo. The Seahawks are probably not going to move the ball with any consistency against a speedy Kansas City defense, unless they have some help. (See KC QB)

Seattle - Wallace (B), Morris (Z), Jackson (Z), Branch (Z), Burleson (B), Engram (B), Hawks D (B)
KC - Huard Inj* (B), Johnson (S), Kennison (S), Hall (B), Gonzalez (S), Parker (B), Chiefs D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview

Head coach Brian Billick is officially on the hot seat after replacing offensive coordinator Jim Fassel last week. Saints head coach Sean Payton will continue to spread the field. Both teams have had two weeks to prepare for this week. Baltimore's offense is averaging 18.3 points per game through six, but that per-week clip has dropped precipitously in the two losses. New Orleans would love to contribute to the dropping as they look to begin the second part of their run as the NFL's feel-good story of 2006. Check the game day injury status for Deuce and Conwell this week. For Baltimore Lewis has averaged 112 yards per game in his last three outings in indoor stadiums. McNair's varied targets through the air include tight end Todd Heap, who leads the team with 27 catches and has four touchdowns. Don't start Mason or Clayton just yet. For Nawlins Colston, a seventh-round draft pick, leads all rookies with 414 receiving yards. Joe Horn adds another quality target. McAllister has gained 444 yards on 91 carries. Look for the varied threats of Bush, Deuce, Colston and Horn to be enough for Brees to challenge with, especially against a banged-up Baltimore secondary.

Baltimore - McNair (Z), Lewis (Z), Mason (B), Heap (S), Clayton (Z), Ravens D (S)
New Orleans - Brees (Z), R. Bush (S), Mcallister (Z), J. Horn (Z), Colston (S), Saints D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants Fantasy Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are starting to slowly climb back in the NFC South race after consecutive victories at home. The Giants you'd feel are just hitting their stride. Now it's time for the Barber Bowl. Tiki vs Ronde. Tiki, a two-time Pro Bowl running back who has spent his entire 10-year career with the Giants, leads the NFL in rushing with 647 yards this season. Ronde leads an aging defensive unit for Tampa looking for respect. Gradkowski has impressed in three starts since taking over for the ailing Simms, completing 56.1 percent of his throws with four touchdowns while being intercepted only once. The Bucs are a disappointing 27th in the NFL in rushing yards (92.3 ypg). Cadillac Williams has run for over 100 yards in three of his four career games on turf...start him. Eli Manning (1,518 passing yards, 13 TD, 8 INT) still has some bouts with inconsistency directing the Giants' pass game, but the third-year quarterback has been good. The Bucs have some issues regarding their secondary so look for Shockey, Toomer, and Plax to have decent outings. New York should be able to move the ball at will, and I don't think Tampa has the firepower to keep up.

Fantasy Spin - Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Preview

The Eagles are 4-3 now after watching a 62 yard field goal beat them on the final play in Tampa Bay. The Eagles and Jags are the two teams with the most surprising losses last week, so who knows what to expect when they lock up at Lincoln Field. It looks more likely now that Leftwich will miss the game this week and Gerrard will start at QB for the Jags. For the Eagles LJ Smith has a tender back, and Duante Stallworth will be back in the lineup for McNabb. Jack Del Rio's club has lost three of four since posting an impressive 2-0 start. The most consistent piece of Jacksonville's offensive puzzle has been its one- two punch of Fred Taylor (451 rushing yards, 2 TD, 13 receptions) and rookie Maurice Jones-Drew (187 rushing yards, 16 receptions, 5 TD). Philadelphia ranks a respectable 14th in the NFL against the run. Westbrook (462 rushing yards, 30 receptions, 7 TD) has made the Philadelphia offense work and the Jags run D is just to decimated by injuries to compete this week. Philadelphia has been more consistent, has more playmakers on offense, and can overcome its deficiencies on defense, they'll win.

Fantasy Spin - St. Louis Rams at San Diego Chargers Fantasy Preview

After another promising start, the Chargers' season is falling apart. The Chargers are regarded as one of the deepest teams in the NFL and we will see this week how deep they really are. The Rams are coming off their bye week. They are one of the best kept secrets in the NFL and continue to fly under the radar. Last week's loss dropped San Diego one game behind Denver for first place in the AFC West, St. Louis is coming off a bye and have had 2 weeks to prepare for San Diego. St. Louis is averaging 247 passing yards per game and ranks fourth in the league in that category. Marc Bulger (1,619 yards, 10 TD, 1 INT) has done an excellent job. In Holt's last game he hauled in eight passes for 154 yards and three TDs. Issac Bruce added 5 receptions, and is a spot start fantasy WR. Jackson (521 yards, 2 TD) did score a touchdown in the game. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has been doing an excellent job in his first year as an NFL starter - start him. The Rams have not been great at stopping the pass this season, and are currently ranked 22nd in the league. San Diego is 2-0 at home this year. The St. Louis Dwill have to play a nearly flawless game to stop Tomlinson and the San Diego offense, I don't see it happening, do you?

St. Louis - Bulger (S), Jackson (S), S. Davis (B) , Holt (S), Bruce (B), Curtis (B), Rams D (B)
San Diego - Rivers (S), L.T. (S), Gates (S), Mccardell (B), Parker (Z), Chargers D (B)

Fantasy Spin - New York Jets at Cleveland Browns Fantasy Preview

The Jets are one of surprise teams under new head coach Eric Mangini. The Browns are still trying to find their identity. We'll call this the SNOOZER in Cleveland!! New York has responded with its two best four-quarter performances of the season, taking early leads and holding on for consecutive home wins over Miami and Detroit. Meanwhile, the Browns remain the Browns. A key factor in the surprise start for the Jets has been the health of starting quarterback Chad Pennington, he'll roll this week again. Last week Rookie Leon Washington, a third-round draft pick from Florida State, exceeded 100 yards on the ground for the second time in three weeks. He has 346 yards on 71 carries for the season. Stud WR Coles is listed as questionable with a calf injury, but he'll play. Charlie Frye's been troubled by interceptions throwing 10 through six games, and his QB rating is 67.3. Winslows' 33 catches are tops in the NFL among tight ends. Speedy wide receiver Braylon Edwards has 22 catches, and his per-reception average of 16.2 yards is third in the AFC. Mistakes for Cleveland will no doubt add up and the propensity for mistakes plays right into the hands of an opportunistic New York unit.

Fantasy Spin - Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos Fantasy Preview

It's the battle of the best offense in the league (Colts) against one of the best defenses in the league (Broncos). My question mark for this game is can Denvers castoff defensive linemen from the Cleveland Browns, keep up the pace against the Indy offensive line. Is the Indy run defense that is allowing a league-worst 5.2 yards per carry and facing Tatum Bell and Mike Bell this week cause for concern? Is Denver, which is giving up a league-low 7.3 points per game and has surrendered just two touchdowns in six games, simply feasting on teams with struggling offenses? Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (1620 passing yards, 12 TD, 2 INT) comes off his finest performance of the season to date. Addai has been the more productive of the two backs, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and going over 100 total yards on two occasions already this season for Indy. I'm pretty sure we don't have to mention Harrison or Wayne. As always, the number one directive for the Denver offense on Sunday will be to run the football. Tatum Bell, who last week posted his third 100- yard game of the season, is averaging a healthy 4.7 yards per carry. The Colts enter Week 8 ranked a distant 31st in the league against the run. Look for the Broncos defense to frustrate the daylights out of Manning for four quarters. On the other side of the ball, Denver will be able to do what it does best - run the football. Denver wins.

Indy - P. Manning (S), Rhodes (Z), Addai (B), Harrison (S), Wayne (S), Clark (B), Colts D (Z)
Denver - Plummer (B), M. Bell (Z), T. Bell (S), Walker (S), R. Smith (B), Broncos D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders Fantasy Preview

The Raiders are coming off their first win of the season. As the Steelers head into Oakland this week to face the Raiders, even with a banged up Big Ben (concussion), it is best not to start writing the team's epitaph just yet. The Raiders are No. 1 in the NFL in passing defense 140.5 yards per game. The Steelers offensive directive will be to hand the ball early and often to running back Willie Parker (481 rushing yards, 5 TD, 11 receptions), as Pittsburgh is 0-3 when Parker fails to run for 100 yards in a game. The Raiders held Arizona's Edgerrin James to 34 yards on 13 carries last Sunday, so who knows which Black and Silver show up this weekend? Walters carries a woeful 52.3 passer rating into Sunday's game, and thanks to the Raiders' swiss cheese-like offensive line, has been sacked 22 times, watch out for the blitz on Sunday, with Joey Porter back in there. Whoever does the running for the Raiders will be going up against a Pittsburgh defense that ranks ninth in NFL rushing defense (94.2 yards per game) and limited the Falcons' Warrick Dunn to 69 yards. The Steelers still have much to play for, are the more physical of the two teams, and also have an advantage in talent.

Fantasy Spin - Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview

Tony Romo will make his first start, and he flashed his ability on Monday night in relief of Drew Bledsoe. This offense could really explode if the Cowboys can run the ball and protect Romo..."IF". The Panthers are looking to rebound after their loss to the Bengals, as they try to keep pace with the Falcons and the Saints in the NFC South. Peppers leads the NFL with eight sacks as Week 8 begins, and figures to win his share of battles against Dallas' much-maligned offensive line. When he looks downfield, Romo will be attempting to locate wideouts Terrell Owens (28 receptions, 5 TD) and Terry Glenn (29 receptions, 3 TD) along with tight end Jason Witten (20 receptions). Seeking to avoid getting torched by Smith will be a Dallas secondary that has given up its fair share of big plays this season. Smith posted his third 100-yard outing in five games last week, hauling in eight receptions for 126 yards. Foster has been held to a combined 117 yards on 40 carries (2.9 yards per carry) in his last two outings. Romo's first assignment is a tough one, as he faces a Carolina defense that should ravage Dallas' woeful tackles in pursuit of him. Carolina rolls.

Dallas - Romo (Z), J. Jones (Z), Glenn (S), Owens (S), Witten (Z), Cowboys D (B)
Carolina - Delhomme (Z), Smith (S), Johnson (S), Foster (S), Williams Inj (B), Panthers D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview

Minnesota returns home after a dominating win over Seattle to host the New England Patriots under the bright lights of Monday night football. This is a homecoming for Patriots stud rookie RB Laurence Maroney, who is very familiar with the Metrodome. He performed there many times in three years at the University of Minnesota and finished as the school's second all-time leading rusher. New England ranks sixth overall with an average of 131.5 rushing yards per game, Minnesota counters with a run defense that has surrendered a league-low 70.8 yards per game on the ground. New England stands just 22nd in the NFL in passing yards (193.3 ypg), but that's no fault of Brady's. Steve Hutchinson, has paved the way for a breakthrough season for running back Chester Taylor, whose 590 rushing yards trails only the Giants' Tiki Barber for the most in the league. The Patriots are allowing just 83.8 rushing yards per game. Johnson and his banged-up receiving corps will have to step it up a notch if the Vikings are to win this one.

New England - Brady (S), Dillon (Z), Maroney (B), Watson (Z), Gabriel (Z), Pats D (S)
Minni - Johnson (B), Taylor (S), Williamson (B), T. Taylor (B), Wiggins (B), Minni D (S)