Week 9 Matchups

Week 9 Fantasy Football Matchups
Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills
November 5, 2006 - Ralph Wilson Stadium
Check Out Our Handicappers >>
NFL Gameday Handicapping Info >>
NFL Injury Report - In Depth Previews - Transactions - Weather >>

Fantasy Spin - Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills Fantasy Preview

The Packers are coming off their second consecutive win. The Bills are trying to find answers after their bye week to what once was a promising early part of the season. Ahman Green (439 yards, 3 TDs) has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark in each of the last two weeks, and was a workhouse in the win over Arizona, recording 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Green's two scores gave him 51 rushing TD's as a Packer. Favre has eight touchdown passes in four career games versus the Bills, including five TD tosses in two games at Buffalo. Buffalo is 15th in overall defense, and 18th against the run. Losman (1,313 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs) entered the bye week on a sour note, completing 16-of-25 passes for 193 yards but also fumbling twice and throwing an interception in the loss to New England. Lee Evans leads the team with 37 catches for 429 yards and a TD. McGahee (564 yards, TD) has just one 100-yard rushing game this season, turning the trick back in Week 3 against the New York Jets. McGahee can also hurt defenses out of the backfield and owns 14 catches for 127 yards this season. Look for Green Bay to ride its ninth-ranked rushing defense to a third straight win.

Green Bay - Favre (S), Green (S), Driver (S), Jennings Inj (Z), Martin (Z), Packers D (B)
Buffalo - Losman (Z), McGahee (S), Evans (S), Price (Z), Parrish (B), Buffalo D (B)

Week 9 Fantasy Football Matchups
Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears
November 5, 2006 - Soldier Field
Check Out Our Handicappers >>
NFL Gameday Handicapping Info >>
NFL Injury Report - In Depth Previews - Transactions - Weather >>

Fantasy Spin - Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears Fantasy Preview

The last time the Chicago Bears were entertaining thoughts of an unbeaten season they were upended by the Miami Dolphins. In 1985, the Bears had designs on joining the '72, and in 2006 these same two teams square off again in Week 9. Chicago is facing a Miami team that still plays excellent defense but has struggled offensively. Harrington (912 passing yards, 3 TD, 7 INT) has not been a great upgrade over the hobbled Culpepper, and threw three picks against the Packers in Week 7. No. 1 wideout Chris Chambers (28 receptions, 3 TD) logged just two receptions for 29 yards against the Pack, he'll once again need to step up big this week for Miami to win. Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown is averaging just 3.37 yards per rush on the year, and is not a recommended starter this week. Last week Grossman was 18-of-22 passing for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the first 30 minutes, scary to think, but it could happen again. Muhsin Muhammad (32 receptions, 2 TD) and Bernard Berrian (26 receptions, 4 TD) along with tight end Desmond Clark (26 receptions, 3 TD), are the strike force. Bears running back Thomas Jones (538 rushing yards, 3 TD, 18 receptions) has picked up the pace to the tune of two 100-yard rushing days in his last three games. The Dolphins do have talent, and coming off a restful bye week, there is reason to believe that they can strap it up for one game in a quest to beat an elite NFL team.

Miami - Harrington (B), Mcmicheal (B), Chambers (Z), Brown (B), Dolphins D (B)
Chicago - Grossman (S), Jones (Z), Muhammed (S), Clark (S), Berrian (S), Bears D (S)

Fantasy Spin - Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview

Vick has enjoyed two outstanding games in a row throwing the ball, with seven touchdown passes. The Falcons now bring a balanced attack into Ford Field. Detroit looks to come out of the bye week with a fresh start, Kitna will look to use Kevin Jones, Roy Williams and his revamped offensive line to get things done in D-Town. Detroit under first-year head coach Rod Marinelli, enters the week deep in the NFC North basement at 1-6, already trailing first-place Chicago by six games and sitting two games behind third-place Green Bay. Atlanta are the only team with two players in the league's top 20 individual rushers - Warrick Dunn with 637 yards and Vick with 496. Another run threat, rookie Jerious Norwood, leads the league's rookies with a 6.8-yard average for those with 40 or more rushes. Crumpler is Vick's favorite air target, having caught 26 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns through seven games. Wide receiver Roy Williams, who had a 31-yard touchdown catch in the last game between the teams, leads the Lions with 38 catches for 581 yards, and three TD's. Kevin Jones has a team-best 474 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and ranks third in the NFL among running backs with 37 catches for 266 yards.

Atlanta - Vick (S), Dunn (S), J. Norwood (B), M. Jenkins (Z) , A. Crumpler (S), Falcons D (Z)
Detroit - Kitna (S), Jones (S), Williams (S), Furrey (B), Pollard (B), Lions D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams Fantasy Preview

On Sunday, the St. Louis Rams host the Kansas City Chiefs in a regular-season game for the first time in nearly a decade. The teams met in 2000 and 2002 in Kansas City, with the Chiefs rolling to victories of 54-34 and 49-10. Expect more high scoring Sunday. This year St. Louis has managed to claim a share of first place in the NFC West despite a two-game losing skid. Fresh off the first four-touchdown game of his NFL career, few are questioning whether Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (644 rushing yards, 27 receptions, 10 TD) is the same back that he was during his Pro Bowl campaign of 2005. Johnson has 287 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his last two games combined. Huard, who is 4-2 in his six starts, brings a sterling 100.4 passer rating with him into Week 9. Tight end Tony Gonzalez (33 receptions,1 TD) has put together back-to-back 100-yard games. Rams running back Steven Jackson (605 rushing yards, 3 TD, 28 receptions) is continuing to serve as an effective ground weapon for the team. Torry Holt (42 receptions, 7 TD) and Isaac Bruce (32 receptions, 1 TD) are must starts. The winner here will be the one that wins the turnover battle.

KC - Huard (S), Johnson (S), Kennison (S), Hall (B), Gonzalez (S), Parker (B), Chiefs D (B)
St. Louis - Bulger (S), Jackson (S), S. Davis (B) , Holt (S), Bruce (Z), Curtis (Z), Rams D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Houston Texans at New York Giants Fantasy Preview

Giants stadium is the scene of the Texans fighting to get out of the cellar of the AFC South, while the Giants will be fighting to maintain their one-game lead over the Cowboys in the NFC East. Carr (1330 passing yards, 9 TD, 5 INT) ranks near the top of the league in passer rating (94.3), though that number does not reflect the five fumbles he has lost on the season. Carr has found regular targets in wideouts Andre Johnson (56 receptions, 4 TD) and Eric Moulds (28 receptions, 1 TD), along with rookie tight end Owen Daniels (18 receptions, 5 TD). The Texans seem to have settled on rookie Wali Lundy (266 rushing yards, 1 TD, 11 receptions), as their running back for this year. Lundy's 116-yard performance last Sunday marked his first 100- yard game as a pro. Entering Week 9 as the NFL's leading rusher is the Giants' Tiki Barber (715 rushing yards, 29 receptions). Brandon Jacobs (258 rushing yards, 4 TD) has done most of the Giants' dirty work near the goal line. Eli Manning (1672 passing yards, 14 TD, 8 INT) has been operating the Giants' offense with quiet efficiency of late. Plaxico Burress (31 receptions, 5 TD) will again be Manning's top target this week. The Giants might be subject to trap game syndrome this week if they were facing a stronger opponent, but New York should be able to beat Houston even in the possible absence of its "A" game.

Houston - Carr (B), Lundy (Z), Johnson (S), Moulds (B), Daniels (B), Texans D (B)
NYG - E. Manning (S), Barber (S), Burress (S), Toomer (Z), Shockey (S), Giants D (S)

Fantasy Spin - New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Preview

New Orleans vs Tampa Part 2. In the first meeting between the teams on Ocotber 8, Bush made the game-changing play that proved to be the difference in a 24-21 victory. Buccaneers rookie Bruce Gradkowski's first career start came against the Saints. He played well, completing 20-of-31 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Gradkowski has failed to lead the Bucs to an offensive touchdown in their last two games though. New Orleans' resurgence has been predicated on a wide-open offense that currently ranks fourth in passing yardage (262.9 ypg) and seventh in total yards (361.3 ypg). Quarterback Drew Brees (1,892 passing yards, 11 TD, 7 INT) has been at the forefront of the offensive improvement during his first season in the Big Easy. Rookie Marques Colston (33 receptions, 577 yards, 6 TD) and wily veteran Joe Horn (30 receptions, 507 yards, 3 TD), lead the Saints receivers. Bush's 290 receiving yards and 42 receptions leads all rookies. The Saints don't run the ball a whole lot, ranking just 22nd in the league in rushing yardage. Gradkowski hasn't consistently been able to throw the deep ball, which has hindered the effectiveness of speedy wide receiver Joey Galloway (25 receptions, 378 yards, 2 TD). The Saints stand 21st overall versus the run (122.1 ypg) and have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of their last four games, start Cadillac.

New Orleans - Brees (Z), R. Bush (S), McCallister (Z), J. Horn (Z), Colston (S), Saints D (Z)
Tampa Bay - Gradowski (B), Cadillac (S), Galloway (S), Clayton (B), A. Smith (B), Bucs D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins Fantasy Preview

The Cowboys need a win at Washington to keep pace with the Giants. The Redskins are in a big hole and do not have much of a chance at the playoffs this year, but can play the part of the spoiler because misery loves company. Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss missed his sixth consecutive practice Friday with an injured left hamstring and isn't expected to play against the Dallas Cowboys. James Thrash (4 receptions, 1 TD) would probably join Brandon Lloyd (11 receptions) and Antwaan Randle El (18 receptions, 1 TD) in the team's three-receiver alignment. Brunell (1465 passing yards, 7 TD, 3 INT) hasn't necessarily been terrible during the Redskins' 2-5 start, as evidenced by a solid 90.4 passer rating. Last week Owens logged season-highs with nine catches for 107 yards last Sunday, and now has 20 receptions, 250 yards. Tight end Jason Witten (26 receptions, 1 TD) also comes off his best game of the year, a six-catch, 80-yard, one-touchdown effort. Romo should have plenty of time to throw against a Redskins defense that ranks dead last in the league in sacks (10). Throw in Julius Jones (616 rushing yards, 3 TD) and Marion Barber III (264 rushing yards, 6 TD), and you have the makings of a Big D win.

Dallas - Romo (Z), J. Jones (Z), Glenn (Z), Owens (S), Witten (S), Cowboys D (B)
Washington - Brunell (B), Portis (S), Moss (inj)(Z), Lloyd (B), El (B), Cooley (Z), Washington D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Preview

The Titans, riding on a two-game winning streak, are hoping to get out of the AFC South cellar that they occupy along with the Houston Texans. Jacksonville re-located its dominating defense against the Eagles in Week 8, holding the NFL's top offense to 227 total yards. Jacksonville is 0-2 in the division, and resides in second place behind the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Tennessee, meanwhile, is 1-1 in the AFC South and tied for last in the standings with Houston. They clash at ALLTEL on Sunday. Young (599 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs) is becoming the ultimate weapon for the Titans, making plays with both his arm and legs. Bennett (22 catches, 328 yards), Scaife (13 catches, 179 yards, TD), Givens (8 catches, 104 yards), and Brandon Jones (10 catches, 110 yards, TD) are Young's targets on offense, and a struggling Travis Henry (29 carries, 412 yards, 3 TDs) saw his streak of 100-yard rushing games halted at two last week. Jags Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is expected to miss his fourth straight game against Tennessee due to an ankle injury. Byron Leftwich has said Gerrard will start on Sunday, but he scares me. Last week Fred Taylor (123 carries, 554 yards, 3 TDs) and rookie back Maurice Jones-Drew (62 carries, 264 yards 3 TDs) helped contribute to 209 rushing yards and keep Philadelphia's defense at bay, look for more of the same. Don't start any J-ville receivers including Matt Jones (15 catches, 189 yards) the leading wideout, as Gerrard will do enough and should continue to manage the offense well this week for the win.

Tennessee - Young (Z), Henry (Z), White (B), Bennett (B), Scaife (B), Titans D (B)
J -Ville - Gerrard (Z), Taylor (Z), D. Jones (Z), Williams (B), Jones (B), Lewis (B), J-Ville D (S)

Fantasy Spin - Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Preview

This is the first matchup between the two top teams in the AFC North and obviously will have distinct playoff implications. The Baltimore crowd will be extremely loud and the environment will be nearly playoff-caliber. The Ravens (5-2) lead the division race over the Bengals (4-3) by one game. This should be a close-fought grudge match between division rivals. Ocho Cinqo has a team-best 36 catches for 451 yards and two touchdowns in seven games. Meanwhile, Houshmandzadeh has gone for 495 yards on 31 catches and scored twice in his last four games against the Ravens. Rudi Johnson has rushed for 552 yards on 142 carries and has scored five times, good for third in the conference.This week they'll be without center Rich Braham (knee), tackle Levi Jones (knee) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring). The Ravens tormented Drew Brees and the Saints to the tune of four interceptions and two sacks last week, upping their co-NFL-best takeaway total to 22. McNair bounced back from a concussion to play well in last week's win, and is 8-4 in his last 12 starts. Tight end Todd Heap leads the team with 30 catches, and his five touchdown receptions are tied for first in the AFC. The Ravens have only averaged 274.7 total yards per game through seven games. The Bengals are nearing crisis mode, but I don't know if they can pull this one out with their run game the way it is. RUUUDDDDIIIIIII needs to step up huge in this one.

Cincinnati - Palmer (S), R. Johnson (Z), C. Johnson (S), T.J. Housh (S), Henry (B), Bengals D (Z)
Baltimore - McNair (Z), Lewis (Z), Mason (Z), Heap (inj)(S), Clayton (B), Ravens D (S)

Fantasy Spin - Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Preview

The Vikings self-destructed in Week 8 and need to elevate their play this week against a struggling 49ers team. The 49ers are a team looking to rebuild, but they have good, young players on offense in quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore. If the San Francisco 49ers can find one positive through the first seven games it would have to be that they have played well at home, however they continue to struggle defensively, having allowed a league-high 235 points. They have given up 41 and 48 points in their last two games. Last week was the worst rushing game of the season for Chester Taylor (612 yards, 2 touchdowns), who ran for 292 yards in his previous two contests. San Francisco is rated 22nd in the NFL in rushing defense. Last week veteran qb Johnson (1,484 yards, 4 TD, 7 INT) completed 20-of-33 passes for 185 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions, ouch. The Vikings are 14th in the NFL in passing offense this year with 214.4 yards per contest. San Fran is second from the bottom in passing defense this season, giving up 244.4 yards through the air per game. The 49ers have been running the ball extremely well this season and running back Frank Gore has been a big reason why. Gore (631 yards, 3 TD) is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Minnesota is ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up just 72.9 yards. Minnesota's defense is trying to erase some bad memories from Monday's game, and they should get it done.

Minni - Johnson (Z), Taylor (S), Williamson (B), T. Taylor (B), Wiggins (Z), Minni D (S)
San Fran - Smith (B), Gore (Z), Bryant (Z), Davis (B), E. Johnson (B), 49ers D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Preview

This is a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game and features two of the longest tenured and most successful head coaches in the NFL. Pittsburgh was embarrassed in an ugly game in Oakland last week. Denver is coming off a last-minute loss to the Colts. With primary rusher Tatum Bell (612 rushing yards, 2 TD, 13 receptions) battling turf toe injuries to both feet, undrafted rookie Mike Bell (277 rushing yards, 3 TD) stepped right in with 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries last week, who knows how Tatum's toe will be this week, it shouldn't matter vs the Steelers run D. Wideouts Javon Walker (33 receptions, 3 TD) and Rod Smith (24 receptions, 1 TD) have been Plummer's top targets this season Jake Plummer gets his shot at the Pittsburgh D again, but I don't think he'll be the difference maker either. Denver's D will be the side that wins this game for them against a struggling Steelers offense. Roethlisberger will be seeking to attack a Denver defense that had its problems against Indianapolis' Peyton Manning last Sunday. Pittsburgh enters Week 9 ranked a distant 16th in NFL rushing offense (110.4 yards per game). Willie Parker (564 rushing yards, 13 receptions, 6 TD) will have to carry even more of the load, with Haynes lost to an ACL injury, the will bring Davenport into a bigger role, UGH. Wideouts Hines Ward (34 receptions, 5 TD) and Cedrick Wilson (17 receptions) will be Big Ben's top targets. The Steelers will sputter, Plummer will benefit from some short fields, and the Broncos will head back home with a win.

Denver - Plummer (B), M. Bell (Z), T. Bell (Z), Walker (S), R. Smith (B), Broncos D (Z)
Pittsburgh - Roethlisburger (Z), Parker (Z), Ward (S), Washington (B), Miller (Z), Steelers D (S)

Fantasy Spin - Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers Fantasy Preview

Last week the Chargers bounced back from a disappointing loss and once again proved they are one of the power teams to contend with in the AFC. This week no Shawn Merriman, we'll tell you Monday how this will effect the Chargers, right now I have no idea but, the second-year star is tied for the league lead in sacks with 8 1/2, that will be hard to replace. Cleveland won its first game with new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson taking over the play-calling. Davidson was much more balanced with his play-calling. Because he's also the team's offensive line coach, you could see a greater commitment to run this week. Upgrade Droughns? Nah....! San Diego did a solid job against the Rams rushing attack last Sunday, and was able to keep running back Steven Jackson from having a huge day. Cleveland's running game had its best game of the year against the Jets, but the passing offense appeared to be as mediocre as ever, led by Frye (1,329 yards, 7 TD, 11 INT). Winslow (40 catches, 393 yards, 3 TD), Wideout Braylon Edwards (24 catches, 378 yards, 1 TD), and Joe J are his main threats on offense. The Chargers have one of the game's most dynamic players in running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and he lived up to that reputation last week against the Rams. Tomlinson (656 yards, 9 TD) ended the game with 183 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Browns are fifth in the NFL with 180.3 passing yards per game. Rivers (1,536 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT) is still a decent play throwing to Gates (32 catches, 384 yards, 4 TD) who last week led the Chargers with five catches for 66 yards. Chalk up a San Diego win here.

Cleveland - Frye (B), Droughns (Z), Edwards (B), Winslow (S), Browns D (Z)
San Diego - Rivers (S), L.T. (S), Gates (S), Mccardell (B), Parker (Z), Chargers D (Z)

Fantasy Spin - Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots Fantasy Preview

This is a huge contest between two perennial AFC powers. The winner of this game will have a leg up in the race for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The Patriots have looked like world-beaters again, winning four straight since that home setback to the Broncos and outscoring their opponents 117-36 over the streak. The Patriots defense can be vulnerable to the pass, but it's a very opportunistic unit that picked off Minnesota's Brad Johnson four times in last week's rout. The Patriots stand 23rd overall in passing yards allowed (218.7 ypg). Joseph Addai (447 rushing yards, 1 TD), the Colts' top pick in last April's draft, gets better and better with every game. Manning tops the league with a 108.0 quarterback rating, while his 1,965 passing yards and 15 touchdown tosses are the second-most among NFL QBs. Tight end Dallas Clark (19 receptions, 233 yards, 3 TD) has had an inconsistent year. Future Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison (44 receptions, 553 yards, 3 TD), and Reggie Wayne (38 receptions, five TD) are his main targets obviously. After a slow start to the 2006 campaign, New England's offense has really picked it up. Indianapolis has surrendered the third-fewest passing yards (167.9) so far this season, but their run D is horrible. The Pats eading receiver Ben Watson (28 receptions, 366 yards, 1 TD) should have his way. New England ranks eighth in the league with an average of 124.3 rushing yards per game and has a terrific running back tandem in Laurence Maroney (395 rushing yards, 3 TD) and Corey Dillon (333 rushing yards, 4 TD). Your call !!!

Indy - P. Manning (S), Rhodes (Z), Addai (B), Harrison (S), Wayne (S), Clark (B), Colts D (B)
New England - Brady (S), Dillon (Z), Maroney (Inj)(Z), Watson (S), Gabriel (Z), Pats D (B)

Fantasy Spin - Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview

These teams are former AFC West rivals and there used to be a lot of bad blood between them, plus who can forget that Bo Jackson MNF run back in the early 90's. Wow he was amazing running past "The Boz". Seattle will be without QB Matt Hasselbeck, but his backup Seneca Wallace did some good things the previous week, making some plays with both his feet and his arm. Oakland has not received much positive attention, but their defense is one of the best kept secrets in the NFL. Seattle will also be missing DT Tubbs, WR Engram, RG Locklear, LG Spencer, MVP Alexander, however they get their "Pork Chop" back, (Floyd Womack) on the O-line. Slated to make his sixth consecutive start in place of Aaron Brooks (pectoral) is Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (925 passing yards, 3 TD, 9 INT). Looking to provide targets for the signal-caller this week will be wideouts Randy Moss (26 receptions, 3 TD) and Ronald Curry (14 receptions), along with the recently reinstated Jerry Porter. Don't expect much from the Raiders run game. Wideouts Darrell Jackson (36 receptions, 6 TD), D.J. Hackett (11 receptions, 1 TD), Deion Branch (17 receptions, 2 TD) along with tight end Jerramy Stevens (3 receptions, 1 TD), will be counted on for the win for Seattle this week, however the Raiders remain No. 1 in the league in passing defense (159.1 yards per game). Maurice Morris (249 rushing yards) will again get the call in Alexander's place, and will look to improve what he's done so far. I'm expecting the struggling Raider offense to give up a couple of short fields, and for Seneca Wallace and his receivers to cash in for a couple of pivotal touchdowns.

Oakland - Walters (B), Jordan (B), Moss (S), Curry (B), Porter (Z), Raiders D (Z)
Seattle - Wallace (Z) , Morris (Z), Jackson (S), Branch (Z), Burleson (B), Engram (B), Hawks D (S)