NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 2

Week one in the NFL has come and gone, and it was a great week of football, showcasing some great games, crazy plays, and classic competitiveness. Week 1's Predictions and Picks were not too spectacular, but it is routinely difficult to judge team's competency coming in to the first game of the season, simply based on the fact that it's the first time you get to see the team in action. All excuses aside, lets take a look into the match ups and predictions for week 2 in the NFL.

Houston Texans Vs Tennessee Titans

In the season opener the Tennessee Titans lost a close Over Time game to the reigning Super Bowl Champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Look for them to rebound against the Houston Texans in this week 2 match up. Tennessee's defense played well in their first game and kept it close throughout the game. Houston on the other hand, in their week one loss to the New York Jets, looked stagnant on offense. They let the Jets rush for over a hundred yards so look for Tennessee to produce similar if not better rushing totals with speedster Chris Johnson.

Players to watch in this game:
Tennessee's WR Kenny Britt - Houston's QB Matt Schuab

Proposed Score: Tennessee 21 - Houston 13

New Orleans Saints Vs Philadelphia Eagles

The New Orleans Saint routed the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Carolina Panthers in their respected week one games. The Eagles forced a meltdown on Jake Delhomme, forcing four interceptions, while the Saints offense took apart Detroit, led by Drew Brees 6 touchdown passes. But how will these two fare against each other? Donovan Mcnabb has a fractured rib but is trying to play in this game, though its possible that even if he does play, his performance could be affected. This could go back and forth but I like New Orleans based on sheer offensive potential.

Players to watch in this game:
Philadelphia's QB Donovan Mcnabb - New Orleans TE Jeremy Shockey

Proposed Score : New Orleans 28 - Philadelphia 24

Arizona Cardinals Vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Both Arizona and Jacksonville are coming off week one losses, and in their up coming game, the match up could be close. Indianapolis was not able to run well on Jacksonville in week 1, and neither will Arizona in week 2. Jacksonville allowed 301 passing yards to Indy, which could be bad news since their up coming match up welcomes another predominantly passing team in Arizona. San Fransisco put a lot pf pressure on Kurt Warner which threw him off and led to two interceptions, this leads to bad news in turn for Arizona since Jacksonville's defense shows potential, stopping indy on both 4th down attempts, sacking manning once, and forcing Addai to fumble. This could go either way but I'm going to give it to Jacksonville because of their ability to protect the football and run the ball.

Players to watch in this game:
Jacksonville's WR Torry Holt - Arizona's RB Tim Hightower

Proposed Score : Jacksonville 23 - Arizona 14

Oakland Raiders Vs Kansas City Chiefs

As surprising as it sounds, Oakland looked like they are started emerging from bottom trawler of the league in their close loss to San Diego. Kansas City put some what of a fight up against Baltimore but but it was too little to help. I think Oakland emerges even more this week against Kansas City, the running game does better (as Baltimore rushed for a combined 198 yards) and Russell gains even more confidence in the passing game.

Players to watch in this game:

Oakland's TE Zach Miller - Kansas City's WR Mark Bradley

Proposed Score : Oakland 21 - Kansas City 17

Cincinnati Bengal's Vs Green Bay Packers

Last week Cincinnati lost a close game to the Broncos on a miracle tipped touchdown catch in the closing section of the 4th quarter (though the Bengals did not even put their own points on the board till the last minute of the 4th). Green Bay came back to reclaim the lead and the in win in the 4th quarter of their game as well. Look for Green Bay to have an easier time with Cincinnati then they did with Chicago. Chicago's pass rush pressured Rodgers constantly, sacking him 4 times and hitting him 9. After Greg Jennings big game, look for Rodgers to keep him as the go to guy in this game, and Ryan Grant should produce a little better on the ground.

Players to watch in this game:
Green Bay's WR Greg Jennings - Cincinatti's WR Chad Ochocinco

Proposed Score: Green Bay 17- Cincinatti 7

Minnesota Vikings Vs Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions do not look to be starting off the season well as they fell to 0-1 last week as Drew Brees threw 6 touchdowns and turned the Lions inside out. Rookie Matthew Stafford's had none and instead had 3 interceptions (though he did manage to run a TD in). The Minnesota Vikings defeated Cleveland last week as Adrian Peterson rushed for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. Look for him to post similar numbers this game against Detroit (they let New Orleans rush for over a 100 yards) as they rise to 2-0.

Players to watch in this game:
Minnesota's QB Brett Favre - Detroit's CB Anthony Henry

Proposed Score: Minnesota 28 - Detroit 13

St. Louis Rams Vs Washington Redskins

The Rams had a terrible season opener as they were shutdown by the Seattle Seahawks in a 28-0 loss. The Redskins in week one, lost a competitive game to the New York Giants in a failed comeback attempt. Washington should have far less trouble with the Rams this week as St. Louis attempts to find some rhythm on all sides of the ball. It might not be as embarrassing as week one for the Rams but look for them to get beat soundly by Washington this week.

Players to watch in this game:
St. Louis RB Steven Jackson - Washington's TE Chris Cooley

Proposed Score: Washington 23 - St. Louis 10

New England Patriots Vs New York Jets

The New England Patriots looked unready in their first game against Buffalo, but they managed to reclaim the lead and win the game in the 4th. The New York Jets looked solid as rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez led them to victory against the Houston Texans. I expect this to be another close game, but for the Patriots to look a little more like their on even footing and take his game home for the W.

Players to watch in this game:
New England's WR Wes Welker - New York's TE Dustin Keller

Proposed Score : New England 24 - New York 20

Carolina Panthers Vs Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons once again showed promise last week as they beat the Miami Dolphins with little opposition. Matt Ryan looked solid with 2 touch downs and a 98 quarterback rating. Carolina on the other hand, was dismantled by Philadelphia last week as Jake Delhomme self destructed, throwing 4 interceptions and keeping any chance of winning the game away from the hapless Panthers. Look for Michael Turner do better on the ground then in the Miami game as the Falcons take down the Panthers.

Players to watch in this game:
Atlanta's QB Matt Ryan - Carolina's RB DeAngelo Williams

Proposed Score: Atlanta 17 - Carolina 7




Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs Buffalo Bills

Tampa Bay lost to a very potent looking Dallas offense, and Buffalo lost a game they should have won to the New England Patriots. One of my main interests in this match up, is that in Buffalo's previous game they allowed the Pats to throw for 378 yards, which should make things easier for Byron Leftwich and the Buccaneers, but then Tampa also let Tony Romo throw for 353 yards so the passing defenses on both teams could be lax. Cadillac Williams looked good in their first game and look for them to run on Buffalo with at least good success.

Players to watch in this game:
Tampa Bay's RB Cadillac Williams - Buffalo's RB Fred Jackson

Proposed Score : Tampa Bay 17 - Buffalo 10

Seattle Sea-hawks Vs San Fransisco 49ers

In week 1, Seattle shut out rival St. Louis and San Fransisco beat NFC champion Arizona. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 3 touchdowns in his NFL return but also threw two interceptions. San Fransisco's defense did well against the Cards but their offense failed to muster anything to write home about, though in the end they won the game. Seattle showed a balanced run and pass game in their opener, so if they can manage to retain this potency then look for them to win a competitive game.

Players to watch in this game:
San Fran's Frank Gore - Seattle's RB Julius Jones

Proposed Score : Seattle 23 - San Fran 17

Baltimore Ravens Vs San Diego Chargers

The Charger and Ravens won their respected games in the first week of the season, but in my eyes, the Ravens look to take this upcoming contest. Joe Flacco looks poise in the pocket, getting his team a lot of yards through the air as newcomer Ray Rice looks to run the ball effectively. The Ravens defense will most likely stop any potency in San Diego's rushing attack and limit their overall productivity. it will be a tough challenge to limit Philip Rivers efficiency, so the contest will be close.

Players to watch in this game:

Baltimore's RB Ray Rice - San Diego's TE Antonio Gates

Proposed Score : Baltimore 21 - San Diego 19

Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Chicago Bears

The Steelers and Bears meet up in this week 2 match up, that should leave the Steelers edging out the win. Pittsburgh got off slow against Tennessee in the season opener, but Big Ben played well as the game went on and they ended up winning in overtime. While Chicago dropped a close game to Green Bay on Sunday night. Among the pitfalls in Chicago's opener were Culters' 4 interceptions, the lack of running game, and losing Brian Urlacher for the season. Pittsburgh's defense should play well against Chicago and look for Big Ben to again open it up through the air.

Players to watch in this game:
Pittsburgh's TE Heath Miller - Chicago's RB Matt Forte

Proposed Score : Pittsburgh 23 - Chicago 10

Cleveland Browns Vs Denver Broncos

Denver stole the game from Cincinatti last week on one of the luckiest tipped passes Ive seen in a while and Cleveland was routed by Minnesota as Adrian Peterson used them as a track meet. I think Denver shows a little more promise this week and defeats the Browns. The've got some good wide receivers, Kyle Orton just needs to be comfortable learning how to utilize them.

Players to watch in this game:
Denver's QB Kyle Orton - Cleveland's TE Robert Royal

Proposed Score : Denver 14 - Cleveland 10

New York Giants Vs Dallas Cowboys

Two 1-0 teams match up this week when Dallas meets New York in what could one of the most competitive games of the week. New York just beat Washington, and Dallas flew past Tampa Bay. The Cowboys offense looked very potent in week one so I will give the close edge to them, though this game could be a complete toss up and I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants and their defense won the game, either way its gonna be close.

Players to watch in this game:
Dallas QB Tony Romo - Giants WR Steve Smith

Proposed Score : Dallas 23 - Giants 20

Indianapolis Colts Vs Miami Dolphins

Miami dropped to 0-1 this season after being routed by the Atlanta Falcons in their week one game. Indianapolis got off to a sloppy start but finished well as they won a close game with division rival Jacksonville. Look for the Colts to extend their win record to two as they meet the Dolphins on Monday night. The Dolphins will not likely be able to slow down the Colts aerial attack, Reggie Wayne is coming off a 160+ yard game and should be Mannings go to guy in this one as well, along with veteran tight end Dallas Clark.

Players to watch in this game:
Indianapolis WR Reggie Wayne - Miami QB Chad Pennington

Proposed Score : Indianapolis 21 - Miami 10

Fantasy Picks for Week 1

Quarterback

Great Game Potential: Tom Brady

It seems the story of Tom Brady awards him some potential of a great game week in and week out, but following the year off due to injury it will be seen if he can reclaim his status as an elite quarterback, he seems fine and healthy so look for him to be the same old Brady in his dissection of Buffalo's defense.

Solid Pick: Philip Rivers

Rivers is a sure thing against the rival raiders in their week one debut. One of the best quarterback's in the league last year Rivers displayed immense efficiency and effectiveness in the passing game. Look for him to gain sufficient yards through the air in the game against this sub par Oakland team.

Sleeper: Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub will lead his Texans against the Jets in week one, bringing a talented offense against last year's 29th ranked passing defense. The Jets did upgrade their defense in the off season, but it will be interesting to see if it slows down the Texans or even if rookie starting QB Mark Sanchez's play puts pressure on the Jets own defense.

Running Back

Great Game Potential: Adrian Peterson

The 2008 league leader in rushing should be up for a great game against one of the worst defenses of 2008. The introduction of Brett Favre in no way should take away from Peterson's carries as he drives the offense. Look for him to break the 100 yard mark relatively early in the game

Solid Pick: Matt Forte

In the Bear's first game of the season they play the packers in a rival division game. The Packers run defense last year was a sup-par 26th in the league and we'll see what there switch to a 3-4 set does to their defense. Forte is an up and coming talented running back and should be in for a solid game as Jay Cutler eases in to his new home and receivers.

Sleeper: Le'Ron McClain

McClain had a breakout season last year rushing for over 900 yards as Baltimore started using him along with the aging Mcgahee in their run game. They face off against the Kansas City Chiefs with the 3rd worst run defense in the league in 2008. Don't look for Baltimore to make it more complicated then it needs to be, if the run game works, they are gonna keep at it, and McClain can certainly benefit from this.

Wide Receiver

Great Game Potential: Andre Johnson

Last time the Texans played the Jets, David Carr was playing quarterback for the Texans and Johnson still amassed just short of a 100 yards receiving in an unfortunate loss. Now with a healthy Matt Schaub back, Johnson is poised to generate even more offensive yards against a mediocre defense.

Solid Pick: Marques Colston

Colston is a talented wide receiver on of the best offenses in the league for the Saints. The first game of the season for New Orleans is against the former 0-16 Detroit Lions, and should allow them to put up some good statistics. Look for Colston to get targeted by Quarterback Drew Brees throughout the game and in the red zone. Last season when the Saints played the Lions, Colston caught two touchdown passes on the way to a resounding Saints victory.

Sleeper: Derrick Mason

Usually the Ravens are not thought of when one would talk about big name receivers or passing records, and that my be the overall truth. But come their week one game against the Kansas City Chiefs, their number one wide receiver Mason could be a good pick for fantasy owners with a little gambling on the mind. Mason did amass over 1000 yards last year, though the ravens style seems a little more inclined to run the ball.

Tight End

Great Game Potential: Jason Witten

T.O. is gone, the leading receiver on the cowboys got kicked out. That means Tony Romo is going to have to spread the ball around and find ways to make his offense work. Witten amassed just short of a thousand yards last season. Look for him to pinpoint Jason Witten constantly as the offense sets to balance itself in this first game of the season.

Solid Pick: Tony Gonzalez

Last year Gonzalez played on the Kansas City Chiefs and still gained over 1,000 yards. This year he starts on one of the most promising young offenses in the league with a second year quarterback showing real promise with Atlanta's offense. Gonzalez should be a problem for Miami and look for Matt Ryan to target his new TE throughout the game.

Sleeper: Visanthe Shiancoe

Shiancoe has shown he can play the tight end position at a high level, if he can keep the continuity of production flowing. With the addition of Brett Favre to the Vikings, the possibility of the passing game increasing stands valid. If Favre passes the ball well, look to Shiancoe to get some looks during the game as Favre gets more and more comfortable.

Defense

Great Game Potential: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings play their first game of the season against an offensively hapless Cleveland team with quarterback issues and lack of play makers. Look for the defense to take advantage of all the mistakes made by a uncoordinated Browns team.

Solid Pick: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens had the 2nd best defense in the year last year statistically and should be looking to a first game showcasing that talent. They open against Kansas City, a team with a new quarterback in Matt Cassel that might not be 100% come game day, and a team generally off balance. Look for them to mostly shut down the chiefs withering offense especially with pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez gone away to the Falcons.

Sleeper: San Diego Chargers

The Chargers did not have an all star defense last year but this week they play against the Oakland Raiders, and have the opportunity to push them around defensively because of Oakland's shortfalls on offense. Look for them to put pressure on the quarterback and force him to make throws.

NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 1

That fabled time of year is drawing ever closer, only days away. The time of year when Sundays are no longer just the "day before the Monday", the time of year when true competition comes alive, rivalries are renewed, and the excitement is mounting. Football season is upon us, mere days away from the first kickoff of the season, and no better way to commemorate it then doing some week one NFL predictions and outlooks.

Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Last time these two teams met up, Tennessee was the first team in 2008 to gain over 300 yards on the Steelers, and beat them with a resounding 31-14 score. This time these two meet its going to be a different ball game. The loss of Albert Haynesworth will show a weakened Titans Defensive line, along with a familiar inability to run the ball on the Steelers tough Defense. Pittsburgh will open it up through the air, and edge the Titans in a relatively competitive game.

Players to watch in this game:

Titan's WR Justin Gage - Steeler's TE Heath Miller

Proposed Score : Steelers 24 - Titans 17

Miami Dolphins Vs Atlanta Falcons

Two of the biggest surprises in 2008 were the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons massive improvements and play. Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5 in a single year, and Atlanta showed true offensive potential with the 2nd best RB and 4th best WR in the league. If Miami can contain Michael "The Burner" Turner from running up and down the field at will then the game will be much closer then if they fail to answer for Atlanta's talented tailback. Chad Pennington had the 2ns highest QB rating last year and knows how to play the game efficient and productive, and the defensive back talent has improved as well. But in the end, I dont see the 'Fins stopping Atlanta's run game, and it will just open up the pass to Roddy White and recently acquired Tony Gonzalez.

Players to watch in this game:

Miami's QB Chad Pennington - Atlanta's RB Michael Turner

Proposed Score : Miami 13 - Atlanta 21





Kansas City Chiefs Vs Baltimore Ravens

Kansas City has newly acquired QB Matt Cassel, but they've also lost Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, and will most likely see a mediocre rebuilding phase this year with a new QB and no over achieving offensive talent. Look for Baltimore to establish a steady run game, fortified by surprisingly capable 2nd year QB Joe Flacco, and the continually iron clad Ravens defense that was 2nd in the league last year, led by interception hungry Ed Reed (had the most INT's in 2008).

Players to watch in this game:
Baltimore's Le'Ron McClain- Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe

Proposed Score: Kansas City 7 - Baltimore 17






Philadelphia Eagles Vs Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles come into this season both carrying possibilities of talented offenses. Carolina with double threat RB's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart as well as the always deadly WR Steve Smith; and Philly with a capable QB in Donovan Mcnabb, speedy WR Desean Jackson, and potential filled RB Brian Westbrook. Carolina's offense is going to surge in this game, with arguably the best RB tandem in the league (even against Philly's solid defense).

Players to watch in this game:
Carolina's LB Jon Beason - Philadelphia's WR Desean Jackson

Proposed Score: Philadelphia 17 - Carolina 28






Denver Broncos Vs Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer's back in Cincinnati. Kyle Orton has replaced Jay Cutler in Denver. Two QB controversies for speculation, and don't look for either to have a field day. Even with Denver's talented WR's, their lack of any sort of rushing attack and poor defense will keep this game close for Cincinnati as they show some improvement over last year in continuity. Look for it to come down to the final minutes, with Denver just edging out a win over Cincinnati as Orton adapts to the offense and they try and establish a running game with newly acquired Corelll Buckhalter and just drafted Knowshon Moreno.

Players to watch in this game:
Denver's QB Kyle Orton - Cincinnati's WR Chad Johnson

Proposed Score: Denver 13 - Cincinnati 10






Minnesota Vikings Vs Cleveland Browns

Last year the Cleveland Browns had the 28th ranked run defense in the league, and the Minnesota Vikings has the number one ranked running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. Cleveland also had the 2nd to worst offense in the league, never mustering any potential during the season, while Minnesota had the 6th ranked defense. Cleveland has not made any off season improvements to the point where things look much any brighter for them this year (their QB situation does not look particularly promising either). Look for this game to be a perfect start for Peterson's perennial phenomenal statistics. I can put up with the whimsical notion what it will be competitive for perhaps a quarter or quarter and a half till Minnesota, and AP run away with this one (far far away).

Players to watch in this game:
Minnesota's Adrian Peterson - Cleveland's Braylon Edwards

Proposed Score: Minnesota 31 - Cleveland 10






New York Jets Vs Houston Texans

The Jets and the Texans are too teams sitting on the fence between getting by and showing their true potential. Matt Schaub is back from injuries and is a prominent passer int he league, while on the Jets side, they have decided to start rookie QB Mark Sanchez. Because of the inexperience of starting with rookie Sanchez at QB, look for the Jets to lean on the run, or perhaps even utilize their tight ends more often then normal to build up Sanchez's comfort and confidence (the pressure he feels could be a game changer). Schaub on the other hand has the better array of offensive weapons, led by 2008 league leading receiver Andre Johnson. Both teams have average defense's and it'll be a competitive game with the Texans pulling out a hard fought victory.

Players to watch in this game:
Houston's DE Mario Williams - New York's QB Mark Sanchez

Proposed Score: New York 17 - Houston 23






Jacksonville Jaguars Vs Indianapolis Colts

Inter-division games are always hard fought, and so can be said for the two-a-year Indianapolis vs Jacksonville match ups. Indianapolis's run defense will be without Bob Sanders, but should see decent improvement due to the draft editions of rookie defensive tackles Terrance Taylor and Fili Moala. Look for the Jaguars to gain sufficient yards on the ground but fail to pull off the crunch time plays through the air, or stop Peyton Manning when they really need to. This will not be a game in which Indy's poor run game should show any improvement so look for them to go to the air, pinpointing Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez while Wayne is likely double covered. Should be a battle as always with Indy edging it out int he fourth.

Players to watch in this game:
Jacksonville's RB Maurice Jones-Drew - Indianapolis's WR Anthony Gonzalez

Proposed Score: Jacksonville 17 - Indianapolis 24






Detroit Lions Vs New Orleans Saints

The Detroit Lions went a teary eyed 0-16 last year, acquiring a first round draft pick and signing Matthew Stafford, and making him the starting QB. Positive play by Stafford could certainly point the lions in a good direction for 2009 after such an embarrassing season last year. They have some great play makers on their team in RB Kevin Smith and WR Calvin Johnson, if they can utilize them and play smart, they could win some games this season, though this will not be one of them(especially not with that carried-over last ranked defense from last year). New Orleans passing attack is a force to be reckoned with led by the talented Drew Brees who threw for over 5000 yards last year, and does not look to slow down too much this year.

Players to watch in this game:
Detroit's QB Matthew Stafford- New Orleans WR Devery Henderson

Proposed Score - Detroit 13 - New Orleans 28





Dallas Cowboys Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both the Cowboys and Buccaneers went 9-7 last year and failed to make the playoffs. Both teams are looking for new play makers and leaders to emerge to bring them back to their dominant selves. The Buccaneers have a solid defense and are trying to find their identity on the offensive side of the ball, though Antonio Bryant was a keystone to their offense last year and should continue to put up solid numbers this year. Dallas had the best defensive end in the league in Demarcus Ware, and is trying to sort out their wide receiver corp, though they still have Jason Witten, arguably one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Look for a competitive match up, it could go either way, but it looks like Dallas will tip this one in their favor based on offensive talent and quarterback play.

Players to watch in this game:
Dallas TE Jason Witten - Tampa Bay's RB Derrick Ward

Proposed Score: Dallas 23 - Tampa Bay 13





San Francisco 49ers Vs Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a loss in the Superbowl, and while they will not rebound to another Superbowl berth, they do stand to play pretty well this year. Their first game of the year squares them off against division rival San Fransisco. Look for the 49ers to do good rushing the ball, but once Arizona puts up some points and forces the 49ers to try and keep up then Arizona will pull away. The cardinals have two of the best wide receiver's in the league and look for them to be on display against San Fran's average pass defense (though they shouldn't get too cocky around talented defensive players Patrick Willis and Justin Smith). Look for Arizona to pull away towards the end due to the superior passing game (though hard fought division games are never a surprise).

Players to watch in this game:
San Fransisco's RB Frank Gore - Arizona's DT Darnell Dockett

Proposed Score: San Fransisco 14 - Arizona 23






Washington Redskins Vs New York Giants

Another divisional match up, placing the bottom of the division Redskins vs the top of the division Giants The lack of a true number one wide receiver will put a damper upon New York's offense and will allow the Redskins to put more pressure on Manning to make mistakes. Jason Campbell is no superstar but they have a very capable running back in Clinton Portis and wide receiver in Santana Moss, while the Giants lost Derrick Ward in the off season to the Bucs, putting more pressure on Brandon Jacobs. This has the possibility to go either way but I feel that the Redskins will might not be able to pull of an upset because of the Giants rock solid defense, but ill take a risk.

Players to watch in this game:
Washington's TE Chris Cooley - New York's QB Eli Manning

Proposed Score: Washington 17 - New York 13





St. Louis Rams Vs Seattle Seahawks

St. Louis faces off against Seattle in a battle with seemingly little fire in either team. Both the Seahawks and Rams are coming off rough seasons and looking to rebound. Both quarterback situations have not been what they've used to be and the teams have suffered because of it (the 'hawks leading receiver last year was their TE John Carlson). Look for Steven Jackson to have a good game on the ground and help edge the rebuilding Rams over the Seahawks in a game that is truly up for grabs. Both teams need big improvements in defensive talent and productivity as they both ranked near last in the league in overall yards allowed. Both team's need to show improvement fast as they were the two bottom teams in their division the year previous.

Players to watch in this game:
St. Louis WR Donnie Avery - Seattle's QB Matt Hasselbeck

Proposed Score: St. Louis 13 - Seattle 9




Chicago Bears Vs Green Bay Packers

This off season the Bears made an improvement at quarterback acquiring Jay Cutler in a trade with the Broncos. He'll be bringing his strong arm to a team that already has great running back in Matt Forte, and he should make the wide receiver corp looked better than it is. He just needs to be aware that both Charles Woodson and Nick Collins have interception potential and not to force anything and the defense needs to be aware of Green Bay's offensive potential that was not indicative in their record. Aaron Rodgers has shown the ability to be a great quarterback and has the talent of two thousand yard receivers to throw to, as well as a decent running back in Ryan Grant. If they let Cutler show them up through the air then it will be a tough day for them, but if they can utilize their play makers then its their ballgame, im going to pull for pull that Cutler improves this offense, but this one could be quite close.

Players to watch in this game:
Chicago's QB Jay Cutler - Green Bay's RB Ryan Grant

Proposed Score: Chicago 24 - Green Bay 23



Buffalo Bills Vs New England Patriots

Tom Brady's back, and we'll get a look if he's back at his old form Monday night against the Bills, and if he is, boy will it be a long night for Buffalo. Marshawn Lynch will not be able to play in this game so that all but turns down Buffalo's running game. Needless to say, New England's offense is set to pummel Buffalo, look for Brady and Welker to have big games, making fantasy owners proud. If some quarterback continuity can be established then Lee Evans could have an acceptable game but nothing too glamorous as they will not be able to run well enough to open up the pass, and Evans has little support from his fellow wide receivers as far as talent goes.

Players to watch in this game:
Buffalo's RB Fred Jackson - New England's WR Randy Moss

Proposed Score: Buffalo 9 - New England 24




San Diego Chargers Vs Oakland Raiders

The last game of the week places San Diego against division competitor Oakland. The Raiders have yet to form into a real football team so I really don't see this going anyway then the Chargers. They have a superior running game even with aging Ladianian Tomlinson, and one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league in Philip Rivers. As long as rivers is aware of the skill set of Nnmadi Asomugha then he should have no problems picking the Raiders apart. Look for Antonio Gates to be an easy target for Rivers throughout the game.

Players to watch in this game:
San Diego's WR Vincent Jackson - Oakland's TE Zach Miller

Proposed Score: San Diego 23 - Oakland 10