Fantasy Football – Thanksgiving Day Start Em’ and Sit Em’ and Game Projections

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Week 12 is here and there are multiple games this coming Thursday. As always, we see the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions will take on The Green Bay Packers and The Cowboys will face The Oakland Raiders. We will also see The New York Giants take on The Denver Broncos. Here is a short list of players who you should have in your lineup or should keep on the bench. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

Start Em’

QB – Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. DET – Projection: 350 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

If Brady Quinn can throw for four touchdowns against Detroit, what do you think that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense will do? Must Start Em’.

RB – Ryan Grant – GB vs. DET – Projection: 125 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Grant Rushed for 90 yards in the week six game against Detroit and should have similar success against their 20^th ranked run defense this week. Start Em’.

RB – Brandon Jacobs – NYG vs. DEN – Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 2 TD

With Ahmad Bradshaw Out, Jacobs will be asked to carry the load and he should have a solid game against a suddenly ineffective Denver defense that ranks 18^th vs. the run. Start Em’.

RB – Marion Barber and Felix Jones – DAL vs. OAK – Projections: Barber: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards – Jones: 60 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Barber was highly effective last week against a good Washington D. This week, he and Jones will face the Raiders, who rank 30^th vs. the run. If there is a time for Jones to become more involved in the offense, this is it. Start Em’ Both.

WR – Greg Jennings and Donald Driver – GB vs. DET – Projections: Jennings: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD – Driver: 6 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

The Packers offense should have a field day against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Expect big games from these two. Start Em’ Both.

TE – Jermichael Finley – GB vs. DET – Projection: 5 Receptions, 50 Yards, 1 TD

You almost have to start everyone on the Packers this week against Detroit. Finley could surprise this week. Sleeper Start Em’.

D/ST – Green Bay Packers vs. DET – Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are unlikely to play, which leaves Daunte Culpepper with nobody to throw to. Good news for the Packers defense. Start Em’.

D/ST – New York Giants vs. DEN – Kyle Orton has been hurt and the Giants defense should be fired up coming off the big win last week. Start Em’.

D/ST – Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK – Bruce Gradkowski may have led them to the win last week, but do you really think that will happen ever again? Neither do I, especially against a pass rush led by DeMarcus Ware. Start Em’.

Sit Em’

QB – Eli Manning – NYG vs. DEN – Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Eli looked good last week, but that was against a weak Atlanta pass defense. This week, he will face a Denver pass defense that ranks third in the NFL. Sit Em’.

QB – Tony Romo – DAL vs. OAK – Projection: 240 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Since throwing for six combined touchdowns in weeks seven and eight, Romo hasn’t found the end zone that often. He has just three touchdowns and has thrown three interceptions in the last three games. This week, he will face the 12^th ranked Oakland Raiders pass defense and I expect the Cowboys to run the ball quite often. Sit Em’.

QB – Kyle Orton – DEN vs. NYG – Projection: 200 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Orton has been hurt and will face a New York Giants Defense that ranks second in the NFL vs. the pass. Must Sit Em’.

RB – Correll Buckhalter – Projection: 30 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Buckhalter has been relegated to backup duty as Knowshon Moreno has taken full control of the starting job. He is almost completely useless as a fantasy back, especially against the 11^th ranked New York Giants run defense. Sit Em’.

RB – Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas and Michael Bush – Projections: McFadden: 30 Yards Rushing – Fargas: 45 Yards Rushing – Bush: 25 Yards Rushing

Are you really going to start an Oakland Raider? Not against the seventh ranked Dallas Cowboys run defense. Sit Em’ All.

RB – Kevin Smith – DET vs. GB – Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

Green Bay has only allowed three rushing touchdowns all year and I don’t expect Smith to break that trend. Sit Em’.

WR – Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal – DEN vs. NYG – Projections: Marshall: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards – Royal: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

With a QB that is coming off an injury and against a Giants defense that ranks second vs. the pass, I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting either of there guys. Sit Em’ Both.

WR – Calvin Johnson – DET vs. GB – Projection: Inactive

Johnson should be benched due to the fact that he is doubtful to play. Too bad, as he has put up good numbers these past two weeks, but the short week will most likely keep him on the sidelines in this one. Sit Em’.

WR – Miles Austin and Roy Williams – DAL vs. OAK – Projections: Austin: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards – Williams: 4 Receptions, 40 Yards

You never know who is the number one guy in Dallas these days and against Nnamdi Asomugha and the 12^th ranked Raiders pass defense, I Sit Em’ Both.

There you have it Sports Fans. My Start Em’/Sit Em’ and Projections for the Thanksgiving Day games. Any questions or concerns, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and look for the rest of my Start Em’/Sit Em’ and Projections later this week, as well as our Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat. Happy Thanksgiving!

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

Talking Sports In The War Zone: Madden Mania

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Ryan of The Sportmeisters is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, he is continuing to write about sports and it’s effect on the troops. This is his latest update.

Sports are a release, whether it be in the states or overseas. To take three hours on a football game, even if it is at midnight or one in the morning, it allows a soldier to take his mind away from the work, and remember a simpler time. The same can be said for video games. For most of us, sports at a professional level were a pipe dream, but in the virtual world, anything is possible. Following that, it’s another way for a troop to release for thirty minutes to an hour.

We call those times to release an MWR event, standing for morale, welfare, and recreation. Of course, for a base with over three thousand people, there are a number of events. TVs playing sports, basketball and volleyball tournaments, karate classes, and even sanctioned running events (I did the Army 10 Miler!). But a new event, hosted by yours truly, was a Madden 2010 tournament.

Eight teams of two signed up for what promised to me some bone-crushing, smack-talking action, in front of the entire base in the dining facility. True to their word, they didn’t disappoint in the first round. One team required some fourth quarter magic to seal a win, and another lost on a questionable fumble. Needless to say, for the three hours we played, setting up next week’s semi-finals and finals, not one participant was concerned with their job.

Sure, the mission does come first, and we all are aware of whats going on here, but to let it slide to the side of the mind for a few hours, it helps us refocus. We’ve all worked the 12 hour days, seven days a week here, and people get burned out. They need these events to allow the energy to flow out, and come back the next day refresh and recharged.

Madden is the most popular football video game on the market, and so, a big turnout was nice, but what has spun from it is even greater. Talks of more Madden, NCAA Football, NBA, and other games have been given interest for more tournaments in the future.

Take 3,000 plus personnel and you get 3,000 plus different likes and dislikes. It seems like, with Madden and the effect on its morale, we get quite a few personnel with similar feelings.

As the days get shorter to coming home, keeping the morale up is pivotal for a young solider, and helping them keep their eye on the prize. A little Madden Sports picks up the morale every time.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

What We Learned: NFL Week 10

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Some upsets, a questionable call, and two undefeated teams remaining sum up Week 10 of the NFL. Let’s go deeper at some of the bigger stories.

A Championship Comeback

It was billed as the Matchup of the Decade, and the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts lived up to the hype all the way to the very end. With the Patriots looking to end the Colts undefeated season, they came out firing, holding leads of 24-7 and 31-14 as late as the fourth quarter. However, on fourth and two from the New England 28, Bill Belichick chose to go for the first down, and missed. This gave Indianapolis a short field and allowed QB Peyton Manning to find WR Reggie Wayne with 13 seconds left to finish the comeback, and allow the Colts to escape with a 35-34 victory.

This was the first time Bill Belichick lost when leading by 13 or more, and marked the biggest comeback victory this season for Indianapolis. New England still sits atop the AFC East, and have the struggling Jets next on the schedule. Indianapolis keeps their quest for perfection alive against Baltimore next week.

No Bungles Here

Not too many pundits expected the Cincinnati Bengals to be challenging for the AFC North title this year, not after last season’s failure, and with defending Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in the division. Well, make room for another team in the crowded AFC North.

A year removed from 4-11-1, the Bengals sit atop the AFC North at 7-2, with a commanding 5-0 division record, including season sweeps of both Pittsburgh and Baltimore, effectively widening their lead when taking tiebreakers into effect. This time, defense helped keep Ben Roethlisberger and company in check, using four Shayne Graham field goals to win 18-12. Neither team scored an offensive touchdown, the difference being a Bernard Scott kickoff return. Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have winnable games against Kansas City and Oakland, respectively, so look for the offense to come right back out.

Reversal of Fortune

Three weeks ago, after starting the season 6-0, the Denver Broncos looked well on their way to the AFC West title. The San Diego Chargers, meanwhile, had just lost to the Broncos 34-23, and had more questions than answers. Now, both teams sit 6-3, with Denver losing their third straight, 27-17 to Washington, and the Chargers defeating Philadelphia 31-23.
The two teams are now set for a huge momentum shifting matchup this Sunday in Denver. The Broncos may be without QB Kyle Orton, and San Diego’s RB LaDanian Tomlinson is getting his groove back. Last year, San Diego used the end of the season to storm back and take the AFC West. At the rate this is going now, San Diego could be making their move a few weeks early.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoffs are knocking, who is going to answer the door?

The Saints are still sitting pretty at 9-0, but almost coughed it in up in a 28-23 squeaker over St. Louis Rams. They travel to Tampa Bay before a huge home game against New England.

The Tennessee Titans aren’t turning too many heads yet, but since inserting QB Vince Young back in the lineup, they have won three in a row and are 3-6. The latest came behind RB
Chris Johnson’s 200+ all-purpose yards in a 41-17 victory over Buffalo.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept:

Five interceptions by newly acquired glory boy Jay Cutler allowed San Francisco to escape with a 10-6 victory. The Bears have now lost two in a row.

Since starting off at 3-0, the Jets have cooled off quickly, losing to Jacksonville to watch their record slip to 4-5. At the rate they are going, they can forget the playoffs and the division.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

NCAA Week 12 Top 25: TCU Takes Over the Top Spot

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

After TCUs demolishing of Utah, it felt right to make them number one. But where does everyone else fall as the season winds down?

1. TCU (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/21 at Wyoming

Their 55 point outburst was their fourth win over a top 25 ranked team, and they boast a top fifty strength of schedule. Non-AQ or not, TCU deserves the top spot right now.

2. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Kansas

The Longhorns are hitting their stride at the right time, sitting in prime position for the stretch run.

3. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Florida International

A closer than expected victory against South Carolina, but now a gimme against FIU is on the schedule.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Chattanoga

Alabama sits at fourth, but any of the teams above them could be in this same spot. It’s all relative until someone decides to lose.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/20 at Utah State

They took care of Idaho, but were once again overshadowed by TCU. They should still be able to grab a BCS bid though.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 6) Next Game: Idle

A huge win, coupled with the return of QB Tony Pike, and the Bearcats sit atop the Big East, with an undefeated season in mind.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: Idle

The Yellow Jackets clinch the ACC Coastal, and look to make the trip to the Orange Bowl this year.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan

This is always the big game, but Michigan’s recent slides have just helped Ohio State springboard to bigger and better things.

9. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 10) Next Game: Idle

The Panthers have two tough Big East matchups left, and need to win both to smell a BCS bowl.

10. LSU (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/21 at Mississippi

Three SEC teams in the top ten, and LSU has lost to both of them.

11. Penn State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan State

Penn State jumps four spots thanks to their competition all losing last week.

12. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/19 vs. Colorado

Texas Tech made it interesting for a while, and now a short week awaits the Cowboys.

13. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/21 vs. North Carolina State

The ACC Title is out of the picture, but a ten win season could still be a reality.

14. Oregon (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/21 at Arizona

Oregon jumps back up big, thanks to some competition losing.

15. Wisconsin (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 11/21 at Northwestern

The Badgers benefit from losers above, moving up in the polls once again.

16. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Minnesota

In two short weeks, Iowa went from national title contender to just another Big Ten team.

17. Stanford (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/21 vs. California

Two straight upsets of two ranked teams moves Stanford up big in the polls, and gives them a shot at the Pac-10 title.

18. USC (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: Idle

Two losses in three weeks knocks the Trojans back down, and out of the Pac-10 title picture.

19. Clemson (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/21 vs, Virginia

If Clemson wins, they’re in the ACC Championship in Coach Dabo Swinney’s first full season.

20. Utah (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/21 vs. San Diego State

Utah failed to show up last week, and suffer dearly in the polls for it.

21. Brigham Young (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Air Force

A close game, but BYU keeps the goal of a ten win season alive.

22. Navy (Last Week: 25) Next Game: Idle

The Midshipmen move up, and already clinched a bowl game this season.

23. Miami (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Duke

A week after a dominant victory, Miami’s ACC Title hopes vanish in a loss to UNC.

24. Houston (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Memphis

Houston’s dream season, and QB Case Keenum’s Heisman shot, just went right out the window against UCF.

25. Rutgers (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/21 at Syracuse

After an embarrassing opening week loss, Rutgers has bounced back, and jump into the Top 25.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

NCAA Week 11 Top 25: Iowa’s Fall Is Other’s Gain

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

An undefeated team finally bites the dust, but who is still on the outside looking in with the pollsters?

1. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/14 at Baylor

Texas sits in a prime position, knowing one SEC team will drop when Florida and Alabama meet.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/14 at South Carolina

The Gators clinched the SEC East, but they still have their eyes on the big prize, and former Coach Steve Spurrier is on the chopping block this week.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/14 at Mississippi State

The Tide punches their ticket to the SEC Championship game, knowing the winner will be in the national championship.

4. TCU (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No. 13 Utah

This is the game that will make or break TCU’s season. A big win is a must to garner any national title credibility.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Idaho

A huge promotional push to get in the national championship won’t help when you only win by ten over Louisiana Tech.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/13 vs. No West Virginia

Starting QB Tony Pike returns from injury, with a huge matchup with Big East and national title implications here.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/14 at Duke

It took overtime to take out Wake Forest, and a hungry Duke team is on the block next.

8. USC (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No 24. Stanford

Oregon beat USC. Stanford beat Oregon. Does this mean Stanford will beat USC?

9. Ohio State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/14 vs. No. 11 Iowa

Ohio State takes control of the Big Ten, and gets a banged and bruised Iowa next up.

10. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Notre Dame

Pittsburgh is steadily climbing up the polls, and move into the top ten this week.

11. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/14 at No. 9 Ohio State

There national title shot may be gone, but a Big Ten title is still a reality.

12. LSU (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Louisiana Tech

0-2 against top five teams drops LSU this week in the polls.

13. Utah (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/14 at. No 4 TCU

Utah moves up to 13, as they prepare for their biggest challenge this season in TCU.

14. Miami (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/14 at North Carolina

Miami jumps three spots thanks to their dominant victory over Virginia.

15. Houston (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/14 at UCF

A one-point win does not a national title team make.

16. Penn State (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Indiana

Penn State loses, but JoePa is still above Bobby Bowden in the wins column!

17. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Texas Tech

Can the Cowboys defense stop the high flying offense of the Red Raiders?

18. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/14 at Maryland

Virginia Tech still needs some help if they want the ACC Title shot.

19. Arizona (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/14 at California

Arizona benefits again, this time jumping three spots into the top 20.

20. Oregon (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Arizona State

An upset loss to Stanford knocks out Oregon from national title consideration.

21. Wisconsin (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Michigan

The Badgers benefit from losers above, moving up in the polls.

22. Brigham Young (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 11/14 at New Mexico

BYU moves up thanks to their demolishing of Wyoming.

23. Clemson (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 at North Carolina State

Behind CJ Spiller’s 312 all purpose yards, the Tigers pounce into the top 25.

24. Stanford (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 at No. 8 USC

Stanfords upset of Oregon moves them into the top 25, but how long will they stay with USC on their tail.

25. Navy (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/14 vs. Delaware

Navy’s second upset in three years over Notre Dame is enough to warrant a top 25 vote.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

What We Learned: NFL Week 9

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The playoff picture is starting to come in clearer as the second half of the NFL season begins. Let’s look back at the top stories from last week.

Come On Back!

As soon as I finished writing my story on whether or not New Orleans and Indianapolis would go undefeated, both teams required fourth quarter comebacks to keep their perfect streaks alive.

Facing off against the red hot Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts, behind QB Peyton Manning’s seventh 300 yard game, took down the Texans 20-17. A fourth quarter touchdown with seven minutes left, and a Kris Brown missed field goal at the end of regulation sealed Coach Jim Caldwell’s 8-0 start, the best rookie coach start since 1930. Manning also became the first QB in a decade to throw for 40,000 yards. Indianapolis’s streak is on the line in a tough showdown with New England next week.

Heading down South, the New Orleans Saints have taken the last few weeks to practice their fourth quarter theatrics. For the third straight week, the Saints came back from a double-digit deficit to remain perfect. QB Drew Brees threw for over 300 yards, overcoming two early turnovers, as he keeps the Saints with a great chance to run the table. They have two winnable matchups on the table, but they need to start playing four quarters of football.

Draft Day Revenge

In 2004, QB Eli Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. 30 minutes later, Eli Manning was a New York Giant, and Philip Rivers, and eventually Nate Kaeding and Shawne Merriman were too, with the draft picks they grabbed in the trade. Since then, Manning has a ring, but in 2009, it looks like Rivers could be marching toward the title.

The two met on different sides, San Diego winning two in a row, and the Giants losers of the past three. Those streaks continued as San Diego used an 80 yard drive to cap a 21-20 victory. Rivers exploited the weak Giants secondary, and penalties were just two reasons the Giants go into the bye week at a pedestrian 5-4. It’s still too early to say whether Manning or Rivers is better, but the two will be battling for that title for a while.

The Final Frontier

The hardest win for a rookie coach and a rookie QB is the first one. For Tampa Bay’s new leading men Raheem Morris and QB Josh Freeman, they both earned their first one last week, taking out Green Bay 38-28.

It may have taken eight weeks, but in Freeman’s first start, he managed the Buccaneers well, throwing for three touchdowns, and a complete effort helped the Buccaneers snap an eleven game losing streak dating back to last season. Ronde Barber’s blocked punt return for a touchdown helped tie the game early in the second quarter, and Tanard Jackson’s interception for a touchdown sealed the game in the fourth. While it is still too early to anoint Morris and Freeman saviors in Tampa Bay, the first win is the always the biggest hump to get over.

Contenders and Pretenders

The playoffs are knocking, who is going to answer the door?

What does a 4-0 record in the AFC North get you? For the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s a 6-2 record and sole possession of first place right now, thanks to their season sweep over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Dallas Cowboys have won their fourth straight game, and now sit with a one game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.

While some teams are perfect, others are perfectly inept:

With a shot at gaining some ground in the NFC North, both Chicago and Green Bay lost, pushing them a full three games behind the Minnesota Vikings.

Another game, another loss for the Washington Redskins, who have now lost four in a row. The Redskins have yet to win a game on the road in 2009.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

Fantasy Football – Week 9 Start Em’ And Sit Em’

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

Welcome to the best time of the year Sports Fans. Here is where I will tell you who I think you should start or who I think you should sit for your fantasy team. This year, I will give you your obvious must starts (guys you start every week no matter who they play), a few players from each position who you should start, a sleeper start em’, and a must sit em’. Also, I will be giving projections for those players. If you have more questions, don’t forget to join me for my Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info. Enough talk, let’s get down to business!

QB Obvious Must Starts

Drew Brees – NO vs. CAR – Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Peyton Manning – IND vs. HOU – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Tom Brady – NE vs. MIA – Projection: 315 Yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Philip Rivers – SD vs. NYG – Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers – GB vs. TB – Projection: 300 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Kurt Warner – ARI vs. CHI – Projection: 250 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

QB Start Em’

Donovan McNabb – PHI vs. DAL – Coming off 3 TD game and facing the 22^nd ranked pass defense this week – Start Em’. Projection: 275 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Joe Flacco – BAL vs. CIN – Was extremely accurate last week and faces the 30^th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 265 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

Matt Hasselbeck – SEA vs. DET – Threw 2 TD’s last week and faces the 27^th ranked pass defense this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 255 Yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

QB Sit Em’

Matt Ryan – ATL vs. WAS – Threw 3 INT’s last week and faces the second ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 225 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Matt Schaub – HOU vs. IND – Failed to throw a TD and threw 2 INT’s last week and is facing the seventh ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 245 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Kyle Orton – DEN vs. PIT – Only threw for 152 yards last week and faces the Steelers this week, which are better than their 16^th ranked pass defense. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 175 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

RB Obvious Must Starts

Michael Turner – ATL vs. WAS – Projection: 70 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

Maurice Jones-Drew – JAX vs. KC – Projection: 120 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

DeAngelo Williams – CAR vs. NO – Projection: 105 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Chris Johnson – TEN vs. SF – Projection: 95 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

RB Start Em’

Ryan Grant – GB vs. TB – Facing the 30^th ranked run defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 100 Yards Rushing, 2 TD, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Brandon Jacobs – NYG vs. SD – Had a decent game against a good run defense last week and faces the 27^th ranked Run D this week. Start Em’. Projection: 95 Yards, 1 TD

Joseph Addai – IND vs. HOU – Getting the majority of carries with Donald Brown out and showed something new by throwing a TD last week. This week he faces the 20^th ranked run defense. Start Em’. Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Julius Jones – SEA vs. DET – Quietly having a decent year and is facing the 21^st ranked defense this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 80 Yards Rushing, 1 TD

RB Sit Em’

Cadillac Williams – TB vs. GB – With a Rookie QB at the helm, the Packers will be stacking the box against the run and will show why they are ranked ninth in the NFL vs. the run. Sit Em’. Projection: 50 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards

Kevin Smith – DET vs. SEA – Lost carries last week due to injury and may lose more this week against the tenth ranked Run D. Sit Em’. Projection: 40 Yards Rushing, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Laurence Maroney – NE vs. MIA – Expect a heavy dose of Brady to Moss and Welker this week, which means less work for Maroney against the sixth ranked run defense in the NFL. Sit Em’. Projection: 60 Yards Rushing

Knowshon Moreno – DEN vs. PIT – Had a TD last week, but was still shut down for most of the game and is facing the best run defense in the NFL this week. Must Sit Em’. Projection: 35 Yards Rushing, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

WR Obvious Must Starts

Randy Moss – NE vs. MIA – Projection: 8 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker – NE vs. MIA – Projection: 11 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald – ARI vs. CHI – Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Reggie Wayne – IND vs. HOU – Projection: 9 Receptions, 105 Yards, 1 TD

Andre Johnson – HOU vs. IND – Projection: 9 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Greg Jennings – GB vs. TB – Projection: 7 Receptions, 95 Yards, 1 TD

Roddy White – ATL vs. WAS – Projection: 5 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

Marques Colston – NO vs. CAR – Projection: 7 Receptions, 100 Yards, 1 TD

WR Start Em’

T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA vs. DET – Hasn’t been what we expected so far this year, but is facing the 27^th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 8 Receptions, 90 Yards, 1 TD

Mike Sims-Walker – JAX vs. KC – Was held in check last week, but should rebound against the 28^th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

Devin Hester – CHI vs. ARI – Hester has been a fairly consistent fantasy starter this year and is facing the 20^th ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 7 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

Michael Crabtree – SF vs. TEN – Has 11 Receptions for 137 Yards in his first two NFL games and is facing the worst pass defense in the NFL this week. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 75 Yards, 1 TD

WR Sit Em’

Mario Manningham – NYG vs. SD – Didn’t play due to a shoulder injury last week and is facing the sixth ranked pass defense this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Roy Williams – DAL vs. PHI – Scored a TD last week, but is still complaining about his role in the offense. He and QB Tony Romo are not seeing eye to eye and they face the tenth ranked pass defense in the NFL this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

Kevin Walter – HOU vs. IND – May get more looks with TE Owen Daniels out for the year, but had just 29 yards receiving last week and faces the seventh ranked pass defense in the NFL this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards

Antonio Bryant – TB vs. GB – Rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

TE Obvious Must Starts

Jason Witten – DAL vs. PHI – Projection: 6 Receptions, 65 Yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – SD vs. NYG – Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Tony Gonzalez – ATL vs. WAS – Projection: 5 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Dallas Clark – IND vs. HOU – Projection: 8 Receptions, 85 Yards, 1 TD

TE Start Em’

Vernon Davis – SF vs. TEN – Absolutely on fire this year and faces the worst pass defense in the NFL this week. Start Em’. Projection: 6 Receptions, 70 Yards, 1 TD

Brent Celek – PHI vs. DAL – Found the end zone again last week and faces the 22^nd ranked pass defense this week. Start Em’. Projection: 5 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD

Ben Watson – NE vs. MIA – Brady will be throwing the ball a lot and Watson could find the end zone against the 21^st ranked pass defense. Sleeper Start Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 35 Yards, 1 TD

TE Sit Em’

Tony Scheffler – DEN vs. PIT – Has only had one good game all year and is facing the 16^th ranked pass defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Sit Em’. Projection: 3 Receptions, 40 Yards

Anthony Fasano – MIA vs. NE – Patriots are ranked fifth vs. the pass and have only allowed 226 yards to opposing TE’s all year. Sit Em’. Projection: 2 Receptions, 25 Yards

Kellen Winslow – TB vs. GB – Rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Sit Em’. Projection: 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

D/ST Start Em’

Green Bay Packers vs. TB – In this case, Rookie QB against the ninth ranked pass defense in the NFL means Must Start Em’.

New England Patriots vs. MIA – Belichick should have found a way to stop the Wildcat by now and I expect them to shut down Chad Henne and the Dolphins anemic Pass offense too. Start Em’.

Seattle Seahawks vs. DET – Matt Stafford has looked every bit like a Rookie QB this year and the Seahawks could rack up the fantasy points this week. Sleeper Start Em’.

D/ST Sit Em’

New York Giants vs. SD – The G-Men have looked absolutely horrible these past few weeks and it doesn’t help that Philip Rivers and the Chargers are coming to town. Sit Em’.

Miami Dolphins vs. NE – Anyone remember when Tom Brady threw for six TD’s against this same team back in 2007? I sure do! Sit Em’.

Carolina Panthers vs. NO – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, never start a fantasy Defense against the best Offense in the NFL. Must Sit Em’.

There you have it Sports Fans. Any questions or concerns, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com and don’t forget to join me for my weekly Sunday Morning Start Em’/Sit Em’ Chat from 10:45am to 12:45pm. Go to www.Sportmeisters.com for more info.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

Previewing Colts-Texans

By Contributing Blogger Scott for The Sportmeisters

This Sunday, the undefeated Indianapolis Colts host the red hot Houston Texans. The odds favor the Colts to remain undefeated, and once again, send the Texans home winless from Indy. This game has the potential to become a shootout because of two high-powered offenses facing off. Let’s look at the chances each team has.

Why The Colts Will Win:

Because they always do and especially at home. If this game becomes a shootout, the Colts will win by a touchdown. Every year the Texans find a way to lose (e.g. last year’s “Rosen-coptor”), and with Texans’ turnover prowess, why shouldn’t the Colts win? If Peyton Manning gets into a rhythm, it will be a long day for the Texans’ defense. The past two weeks the Texans held the 49ers and Bills to minimal rushing yards but gave up big passing yardage late in the game.

Unfortunately, the Colts passing game will be front and center from the 1st quarter. Defensively, the Colts have to keep the Texans off the field and out of rhythm. After Ryan Moats’ big game last week, look for the Texans to run the ball early. The Colts cannot let the Texans’ run game get into synch. The key for the Colts’ D is to force turnovers and give Peyton Manning a short field to work with.

Why The Texans Will Win:

Call it divine intervention or just timing but the Texans could steal this game. It is easy for the Colts to overlook this game as another one “in the bag.” In order to the win, the defense must apply pressure to Peyton Manning and keep the Colts offense off the field. Historically, Peyton Manning’s worst games have been when he is under constant pressure. The Texans have to bring the heat by all means necessary. They must keep the game from becoming a shootout. In the last two weeks the Texans forced turnovers late to seal the game. Don’t expect that to come easy with Manning under Center.

Offensively the Texans have to establish the run. Doing so will exhaust the Colts smaller defenders and keep their offense off the field. Time of possession is critical this week, as well as scoring TDs in the red zone. Finally, they cannot commit any turnovers this week or Manning will make them pay, dearly. This week everything must fall into place for the Texans to walk away with another road win.

The two teams meet again in a few weeks, but a win here for either team could set the tone for the remainder of the NFL season.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

What’s More Likely: 16-0 or 0-16?

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

In 2007, the NFL saw the New England Patriots run the table in the regular season, going 16-0. In 2008, the Detroit Lions set their own record, becoming the first team in NFL history to go 0-16. Two straight years, two different achievements. With the NFL season beginning the second half, three teams have the chance to follow in those famous (or infamous) steps. Both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints hold perfect records at 7-0, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit on the other end at 0-7. But which team has the best shot at fame or infamy?

The Indianapolis Colts very quickly could have been 0-2 at the start of the season, but squeaked by Jacksonville and Miami, respectively. Then they went on a run that has given rookie head coach Jim Caldwell the best start for a rookie head coach since the AFL-NFL merger. While they recently came upon a scare against San Francisco, behind the arm of Peyton Manning (2227 yards, 15 TDs, six 300+ yard passing performances), and a stifling defense (13.0 ppg average leads league, ninth in yards allowed per game at 292.1), Indianapolis has the talent to run the table.

Their schedule proves to be a little more challenging to allow them a perfect season. Two games against the resurgent Houston Texans, along with matchups against Baltimore, Denver, the New York Jets (playoff potential matchup for NY), and of course, the annual faceoff against New England. Both Baltimore and Houston are away games, which can bring a hostile crowd. But, with Peyton Manning behind Center, Indianapolis always has a shot, but I’d put them second in the race to 16-0.

The New Orleans Saints are having a year no one expected, unless you are a Saints fan. Outside of an eight point win against Atlanta last week, the Saints have destroyed the opposition. With the NFL’s highest scoring offense (39 ppg), and the leader in offense (428.7 ypg), the Saints put the ball up, and score at will, despite a defense that ranks in the bottom half of most categories.

The offense will win the games, but the defense will need to step up, especially with matchups at New England and Atlanta still looming. However, they still have five matchups left against NFC South foes, and the Dallas Cowboys are still on the schedule. While I won’t give the Saints the title outright, they are the odds on favorite to go 16-0.

On the other end, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and their first year coach Raheem Morris, are taking the term “rebuilding year” to a whole new level. They are in the bottom half of the key offensive and defense statistical categories, and outside of a close game against Washington, have lost by at least a touchdown in all their other games. There only bright spot is newcomer TE Kellen Winslow, with 295 yards and four touchdowns, leads the team. They have more or less thrown in the towel, moving to rookie QB Josh Freeman as the starter.

Can Freeman snap the slump? Tampa does not hold the easiest second half schedule. Atlanta and New Orleans twice each head up the toughest portion. However, two games come to mind as possibly winnable. Carolina only beat Tampa by a score, and their offense has been dysfunctional at best. Seattle has had injuries to deal with and could be looking to the future, making this a possible win, and keeping Tampa from being the second team to go 0-16. However, with the way Tampa is playing, they have the strongest odds at a zero in their record.

Looking at the three teams and there schedule, I would bet Tampa has the better chance to go 0-16 before New Orleans and Indianapolis go 16-0.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

NCAA Week 10 Top 25: Texas Remains On Top, Despite Strong Showing From Florida

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

For the first time in a few weeks, we have a repeat number one! But where does everyone else fall?

1. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/7 vs. UCF

The Longhorns meant business in their dismantling of Oklahoma State, and that keeps them at number one this week.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Vanderbilt

The Gators finally looked like the dominant team that was lacking confidence the last few weeks. The road to the championship still goes through them.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/7 at No. 8 LSU

The annual “”Saban” bowl is in Baton Rouge this year, but Alabama had an extra week to get prepared for the onslaught of booing.

4. TCU (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/7 at San Diego State

Thanks to the USC’s loss, TCU moves up, but a weak schedule could still hold them back.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 11/6 at Louisiana Tech

Boise State sits in the same position as TCU, a weak schedule overlooking an otherwise dominant performance this season.

6. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Northwestern

If Iowa could come out with a solid performance in a whole game, that might warrant jumping them in the polls. Until then, they sit where they are.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Wake Forest

The ACC breeds a parity filled conference, so upsets are possible at any time. Georgia Tech needs to watch out.

8. LSU (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/7 vs. No. 3 Alabama

LSU lost their first shot at taking out a top ranked team, and they have even more motivation against their old coach.

9. Cincinnati (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Connecticut

Keep moving the Bearcats up, as they still have a lot to play for this season.

10. Penn State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/7 vs. No. 13 Ohio State

For Penn State, this game could decide their entire season. A win is a must!

11. Oregon (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 11/7 at Stanford

Oregon played superb in their takedown of USC, and jump up three spots for it. They are now in complete control of the Pac-10.

12. USC (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/7 at Arizona State

USC can still make a BCS bowl as an at-large, but will need to start winning and getting their defense on track.

13. Ohio State (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/7 at No. 10 Penn State

The Big 10 Championship goes through Iowa right now, but Ohio State can take one step closer with a win on Saturday.

14. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Syracuse

This is a warm-up game for Pittsburgh’s stretch run, and the classic trap game is in effect here.

15. Utah (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Utah

A few losses helps Utah jump higher in the rankings.

16. Houston (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 11/7 at Tulsa

Despite giving up their most points since their loss to UTEP, the Cougars are in a good spot to earn a C-USA championship game berth.

17. Miami (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Virginia

Miami almost made it two losses in a row, but came back to stop Wake Forest’s upset bid.

18. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 11/7 at Iowa State

Three straight years, three straight losses to the Longhorns.

19. Oklahoma (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/7 at Nebraska

This game is another tough one for the Sooners, as Nebraska can go off at any time.

20. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/5 at East Carolina

Another Thursday night game is on the schedule, and the nation saw had bad the first one went for the Hokies.

21. Notre Dame (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Navy

Last time Navy came to South Bend, they upset the Irish. Will déjà vu strike this season?

22. Arizona (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Washington State

Arizona moves up a few spots thanks to a few losses in the polls.

23. California (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Oregon State

Welcome another Pac-10 team to the top 25, as the conference has shown some strength in numbers this season.

24. Wisconsin (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 at Indiana

Welcome to another Big 10 team, joining the top 25.

25. Brigham Young (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 at Wyoming

After starting off the season hot, the Cougars cool off, but work their way back into the top 25.

This post was submitted by The Sportmeisters.

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