NFL Week 4 Recap; Real Scores Vs Proposed Scores

In week 4 of the National Football League, it was a week of highs and lows. Many teams looked great as they pummeled their opponents into the ground, while their opponents themselves must be rather embarrassed with their performance.

Teams that looked good:

Indianapolis - While the game did not look all that tough coming into it, Peyton Manning insured that this one was not even close as he threw for over 350 yards, alone with 2 touchdowns keeping the Colts looking good undefeated.

Miami - It has been quite a disappointing year for Miami, up until this game where they thrashed Buffalo. They defense looked good as they forced three interceptions, the run could not be stopped, and Chad Henne did a good job of managing the offense.

Houston - The Texans kept it call together as they trounced the Raiders on Sunday, as Steve Slaton did his part with a rushing and receiving touchdown.

Jacksonville - Another disappointment this season up until this game was the Jaguars, but they started to sway opinion in the other direction with their destruction of rival Tennessee. For a running team like Jacksonville, it was impressive to see over 300 passing yards and 3 touchdowns through the air.

Teams that looked bad:

Oakland: Their offense was in disarray as they were routed by Houston this Sunday. They need to create some sort of running game to get this offense on the right track and help out lackluster QB play.

Tennessee: What happened to the Titans? is the defense even alive out there? could they really be this bad?

Buffalo: They gave 250 net yards rushing in their disappointing loss to the Miami Dolphins, they were looking like they were improving this year. Key word: Were

Tampa Bay: There's not much to say here, they need an overhaul. Now.



Detroit Lions Vs Chicago Bears

Key Stat: Matt Forte had 121 rushing yards on 12 attempts

Proposed Score: Chicago 17 - Detroit 13

Real Score: Chicago 48- Detroit 24

Cincinnati Bengals Vs Cleveland Browns

Key Stat: Chad Ochocinco had 2 touchdowns

Proposed Score: Cinci 23 - Cleveland 14

Real Score: Cinci 23 - Cleveland 20

Houston Texans Vs Oakland Raiders

Key Stat: Jacoby Jones ran a kickoff back 95 yards for a TD.

Proposed Score: Houston 21 - Oakland 10

Real Score: Houston 29 - Oakland 6

Seattle Seahawks Vs Indianapolis Colts

Key Stat: Robert Mathis had three sacks and forced two fumbles

Proposed Score: Indy 28 - Seattle 13

Real Score: Indy 34 - Seattle 17

Tennessee Titans Vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Stat: David Garrard threw for 323 passing yards and 3 TDs.

Proposed Score: Jacksonville 14 - Tennessee 16

Real Score: Jacksonville 37 - Tennessee 17

New York Giants Vs Kansas City Chiefs

Key Stat: Kansas City only converted 2 of 15 3rd downs.

Proposed Score: New York 24 - Kansas City 7

Real Score: New York 27 - Kansas City 16

Baltimore Ravens Vs New England Patriots

Key Stat: The Patriots were 1 for 1 on 4th down.

Proposed Score: Baltimore 27 - New England 19

Real Score: Baltimore 21 - New England 27

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs Washington Redskins

Key Stat: Tampa forced Washington into 3 interceptions.

Proposed Score: Washington 14 - Tampa Bay 7

Real Score:Washington 16 - Tampa Bay 13

Buffalo Bills Vs Miami Dolphins

Key Stat: Vontae Davis had a 23 yards interception return for a TD.

Proposed Score: Buffalo 17 - Miami 15

Real Score: Buffalo 10 - Miami 38

New York Jets Vs New Orleans Saints

Key Stat:Darren Sharper had a 99 yard interception return for a TD.

Proposed Score: New York 17 - New Orleans 26

Real Score: New York 10 - New Orleans 24

Dallas Cowboys Vs Denver Broncos

Key Stat: Kyle Orton had two touchdowns.

Proposed Score: Dallas 17 - Denver 13

Real Score: Dallas 10 - Denver 17

St. Louis Rams Vs San Fransisco 49ers

Key Stat: San Fran had two defensive scores.

Proposed Score: St. Louis 13 - San Fran 9

Real Score: St. Louis 0 - San Fran 35

San Diego Chargers Vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Key Stat: Rashard Mendenhall had 165 rushing yards and 2 TDs.

Proposed Score: San Diego 17 - Pittsburgh 23

Real Score: San Diego 28 - Pittsburgh 38

Green Bay Packers Vs Minnesota Vikings

Key Stat: Brett Favre had 271 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs.

Proposed Score: Green Bay 24 - Minnesota 28

Real Score: Green Bay 23 - Minnesota 30

Week 4 picks: 9 - 5

NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 3

We'll we are just over 2 weeks into the season, and the NFL is ripe with excitement, hype, upsets and competition. Before we go into the predictions for this weeks games, lets analyze a few other aspects of the NFL so far.

Teams looking good:

New Orleans - First in the league in total offense, they seem to have found a potent game plan and do not look like they'll be slowing down anytime soon.

Atlanta - Their running game needs to step up to its prolific state from last year, but overall this offense is dynamic, especially with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. Another test will be this week with New England.

Minnesota - Adrian Peterson is looking like well, himself, and this team is on its way to steady success. Their big problem is passing yards, if that improves, this offense doubles.

New York (Giants) - They are finishing out games and getting things done through the air without Buress. The defense looks well rounded and they could be a force to be reckoned with.

New York (NYJ) - Mark Sanchez looks promising as a starting rookie QB, and the improved defense is top of the league at the moment. They could falter if the offense doesn't pick up some momentum.


Teams on the verge:

Indianapolis - They may be 2-0 and their passing seems fine tuned and efficient even with young players dominating most receiving positions. Their pass defense may be number one in the league but their run defense is near rock bottom, if they can plug up the line and stop the run better they can be a real heavy hitter again.

Pittsburgh - The former super bowl champs have the cards to make another run at the playoffs if they can play with continuity. Their opener against Tennessee was a good example of team perseverance.

Houston - They bounced back in a big way with some explosive play at offense in week 2. If they can keep that level of play up they can go far.

Dallas - Their offense is putting up a lot of yards, and is near the top of the league, but their also allowing a lot of yards. The defense needs to crack down and they need to finish out games.

San Diego - They are looking good on offense especially through the air, but the running game could step up, as well as the rush defense. They have a real test 2 weeks at Pittsburgh.

Philadelphia - That hard loss to the Saints hurts, but this team can get rolling again. A healthy Mcnabb can ensure that start.

Green Bay - The packers are well rounded, they just need to continue to get better. The loss to Cinci hurts, but they can rebound with an easy win over the Rams.

Chicago - They looked better beating the former super bowl champs, but they need to pull their rushing game away from the bottom to become a real threat again.

Teams that need help:

Denver Broncos - Dont let their record fool you, they pulled one out of their ass in week one, thought the victory in week 2 did look more promising (though it was against Cleveland). They need some more fine tuning.

Miami - Their smash mouth run game seems as potent as ever, but lack of efficiency in clutch plays and lack of putting up points as kept them from a victory thus far in the season. Teams play together and win together and Miami needs to figure out how to win together fast.

Tennessee - They are better then their record, but they need to show it on the field. They have played two tough games, but they need to strive towards finishing and winning the game, and the defense needs to step up to help.

New England Patriots - They don't look like the NE of old, and Tom Brady has yet to find a rhythm. They need to find a way to protect Brady and supplement the defense or its going to be a disappointing year.

Buffalo - They show signs of the possibility of improving. The week one loss was a letdown, and they needed to finish that game. The defense needs to step up all around and the offense needs to be more versatile.

Seattle - They have some real potential brewing. Their offense is getting better and their defense is stepping up, though some injuries to Wilson and Trufant could bring them right back down again

Arizona - They need to find their continuity and step up as a team. Warner's record breaking game is surely a step in the right direction, but some run game improvement could help.

Washington - They put a lot of money into this team and it just does not seem to be translating into playing good football. Barely beating St. Louis does not help their case.

Oakland - I'm not set on their potential just yet, their offense just isint doing what needs to be done. They are gonna need to figure out how to make this team run smoothly.

Kansas City - Two losses into the season, their looking like normal run of the mill Kansas City. The loss of TE Tony Gonzalez couldent have helped any either.

Carolina - Where is that rushing game that was so phenomenal last year? The passing defense seems to be the highlight of this team, but Delhomme needs to lead this team to a win before they fall to far behind. Considering they have Atlanta and New Orleans above them, they need wins now or it will be too late.

Tampa Bay - They are on the verge of falling even father, their defense is hitting rock bottom at the moment, showing no signs of life. They need to reevaluate their game plan fast.

Teams that seem to be playing for next year already:

St. Louis - They have shown no potency at offense what so ever, and the defense is like a shredded sponge. They need an overhaul of the whole team.

Jacksonville - A team with high hopes, looks to be unable to get anything going at the moment. They have the ability to rush the ball but the passing attack is stagnant and their just not explosive. They need to find a way to bring something worthwhile to this offense.

Cleveland - They haven't been absolutely horrid, but their offense is invisible thus far.

Detroit - Second year without a win? maybe.


AFC & NFC Championship Predictions:
While making such predictions 3 weeks into the season mean nothing, we'll do them anyway.

AFC Championship:
Indianapolis Colts Vs Baltimore Ravens

NFC Championship:
New Orleans Saints Vs Minnesota Vikings


(now on to..)


NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 3

Cleveland Browns Vs Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland's already stagnant offense will be nonexistent versus this concrete defense. Look for the Ravens to run with Ray Rice, and Flacco to get the conversions easily. This should be a lock.

Players To Watch:
Baltimore's Ray Rice - Cleveland's Jamal Lewis

Proposed Score: Baltimore 27 - Cleveland 13

Washington Redskins Vs Detroit Lions

Washington hasn't been very explosive this year, but anyone looks explosive matched up with Detroit.

Players to Watch:
Washington's Chris Cooley - Detroit's Kevin Smith

Proposed Score: Washington 17 - Detroit 9

Houston Texans Vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has struggled on offense and Houston has bounced back, showing some stellar offensive Jacksonville can put up a fight but i don't think they can pull out a win.

Players to watch:
Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew - Houston's Matt Schuab

Proposed Score: Houston 20 - Jacksonville 9

Atlanta Falcons Vs New England Patriots

The Patriots are sputtering, unable to protect Brady and get a offensive rhythm down, look for Matt Ryan and the Falcons to exploit them on the ground and through the air.

Players to watch:
Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez - New England's Tom Brady

Proposed Score: Atlanta 23 - New England 13

Green Bay Packers Vs St. Louis Rams

Look for Green Bay to have a good bounce back game versus the hapless St. Louis rams who have only scored 7 points total in 2 games this season.

Players to Watch:
St. Louis Steven Jackson - Green Bay's Ryan Grant

Proposed Score: Green Bay 27 - St. Louis 6

New York Giants Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay's defense has not lived up to expectations and the Giants have been fairly well rounded as they moved to 2-0. I think its certainly possible for Tampa to take this, but its highly unlikely.

Players To Watch:

Tampa's Byron Leftwich - New York's Brandon Jacobs

Proposed Score: New York 28 - Tampa Bay 17

New York Jets Vs Tennessee Titans

The Jets are rolling on their 2-0 start and the Titans are on the other end, but i think this could be a good match up for the Titans. I think it will be a war, but the Titans can pull it off.

Players to watch:
Titans Justin Gage - Jets Mark Sanchez

Proposed Score: Titans 17 - Jets 14

Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles got torn apart by the Saints last week but they could rebound very nicely against this undermined Kansas City team.

Players to watch:
Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe - Philadelphia's Desean Jackson

Proposed Score: Philadelphia 33 - Kansas City 13

San Fransisco 49ers Vs Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is one of the best teams rushing the ball with AP, and their going up against one of the top 5 run defenses thus far this season. This should make the game a close ball game, but Minnesota's defense will keep them on top.

Players to watch:
Minnesota's Brett Favre - San Fran's Frank Gore

Proposed Score: Minnesota 17 - San Fran 13

New Orleans Saints Vs Buffalo Bills

Buffalo shows some improvement but they will be little match against the leagues best offense this week. Look for the Saints to produce stellar numbers as always on route to a win.

Players to watch:
New Orleans Drew Brees - Buffalo's Terrell Owens

Proposed Score: New Orleans 38 - Buffalo 19

Chicago Bears Vs Seattle Seahawks

Chicago and Seattle are both a little wobbly coming into this week. Chicago is due to take this after beating the Superbowl champs last week. Seattle faltered since their first win.

Players to watch:
Seattle's Julius Jones - Chicago's Matt Forte

Proposed Score: Chicago 20 - Seattle 10

Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Cincinnati Bengals

The steelers are due for a bounce back after the disappointing loss last week, Cincinnati played well last week but should fall to Pittsburgh.

Players to watch:
Cinci's Chad Ochosinco - Pittsburgh Hines Ward

Proposed Score: Steelers 21 - Bengals 14

Denver Broncos Vs Oakland Raiders

Despite pitfalls, Denver is 2-0 and while it may be very competitive they should move to 3-0 this week against Oakland. The Raiders show promise but cant seem to keep it together.

Players to watch:
Denver's Brandon Marshall - Oakland's Zack Miller

Proposed Score: Denver 14 - Oakland 10

Miami Dolphins Vs San Diego Chargers

The Dolphins have yet to balance out their offense in their first two games, but this could be their turning point in a tough battle with San Diego. Miami's run game is effective and if they can run in between the tackles, which they most likely will against the Chargers, it could be a good game plan. San Diego needs to focus on scoring in the red zone.

Players to watch:
Chargers Vincent jackson - Dolphins Ronnie Brown

Proposed Score: Dolphins 17 - Chargers 14

Arizona Cardinals Vs Indianapolis Colts

Kurt Warner is coming off his most efficient game ever but that might not be enough for the Colts solid pass defense. Look for it to be close but for Peyton Manning to create some magic and lead his team to victory again.

Players to watch:
Colts Peyton Manning - Cardinals Kurt Warner

Proposed Score: Indianapolis 23 - Arizona 19

Carolina Panthers Vs Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys offense should rev back up against the mistake prone Panthers in this match up. That is, if Marion Barber can keep his effectiveness up and Tony Romo can protect the football.

Players to watch:
Carlina's Steve Smith - Dallas Jason Witten

Proposed Score: Dallas 27 - Carolina 19

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.