NFL Week 4 Review

Green Bay Packers (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Bears TE Martellus Bennett vs. Packers Defense
Winner: Bennett (9 catches, 134 yards)
Bennett had a big day, and it could have included a touchdown, but he was stopped just short of the endzone as time expired in the first half and there wasn't enough video evidence to overturn it.
Bold Prediction: Matt Forte will rush for over 90 yards and a touchdown.
Result: Correct. Although Jay Cutler struggled, Forte ran for 122 yards on 23 carries.
Start 'em: Bears QB Jay Cutler
Stats: 22-34, 256 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT; 3 carries, 29 yards
Sit 'em: Bears TE Martellus Bennett
Stats: 9 catches, 134 yards
Pick 'em up: Packers TE Anthony Quarless (2.1%)
Stats: -
Top Scorer: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (22-28, 302 yards, 4 TD)
Pick: Bears 31, Packers 27
Result: Packers 38, Bears 17
Player of the Game: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (22-28, 302 yards, 4 TD)
After telling Packers fans to R-E-L-A-X earlier this week, Rodgers had a big day against the rival Bears.

Buffalo Bills (2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bills WR Sammy Watkins
Winner: Hopkins (5 catches, 64 yards, TD)
Both Clemson products found the endzone (Watkins had four catches for 30 yards and a touchdown), but Hopkins won the matchup and the game.
Bold Prediction: C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will each run for at least 80 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Spiller had 15 carries for 60 yards; Jackson had seven carries for 33 yards.
Start 'em: Bills RB C.J. Spiller
Stats: 15 carries, 60 yards; 3 catches, 24 yards
Sit 'em: Texans RB Arian Foster
Stats: 8 carries, 6 yards; 7 catches, 55 yards
Pick 'em up: Bills K Dan Carpenter (16.3%)
Stats: 1-1 FG (31 yards), 2-2 XP
Top Scorer: Texans K Randy Bullock (3-3 FG (41, 55, 50 yards), 2-2 XP
Pick: Texans 24, Bills 13
Result: Texans 23, Bills 17
Player of the Game: Texans DE J.J. Watt (5 tackles, 1 pass defense, 9 QB hits, INT, TD)
Watt showed why he's one of the best (or the best) players in the NFL by being his usual self, plus returning a poorly thrown pass 80 yards for a touchdown

Tennessee Titans (1-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Colts Defense
Winner: Walker (5 catches, 84 yards, TD)
Walker was the only player who did much against the Colts with journeyman Charlie Whitehurst playing. Whitehurst played okay, albeit not great.
Bold Prediction: Shonn Greene will run for at least 80 yards and a touchdown.
Result: Incorrect. The Titans did very little in the run game (quarterback Charlie Whitehurst was their leading rusher). Greene had 10 yards on three carries.
Start 'em: Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw
Stats: 9 carries, 32 yards; 2 catches, 20 yards, TD 
Sit 'em: Titans WR Kendall Wright
Stats: 5 catches, 55 yards
Pick 'em up: Colts D/ST (11.1%)
Stats: 17 PA, 2 INT, FR
Top Scorer: Colts QB Andrew Luck (29-41, 393 yards, 4 TD, INT)
Pick: Colts 27, Titans 17
Result: Colts 41, Titans 17
Player of the Game: Colts QB Andrew Luck (29-41, 393 yards, 4 TD, INT)
Luck continued to show he's one of the best (or the best) quarterbacks in the NFL, having another big day against an inferior AFC South opponent.

Carolina Panthers (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. vs. His Old Team
Winner: Smith Sr. (7 catches, 139 yards, 2 TD)
Smith Sr. tore up the Panthers, including scoring on a 61-yard catch-and-run that was tipped by tight end Owen Daniels.
Bold Prediction: Steve Smith Sr. and Kelvin Benjamin will each score at least one touchdown and gain at least 90 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Both receivers played well, especially Smith Sr. But Benjamin was 14 yards short of 90.
Start 'em: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
Stats: 5 catches, 76 yards, TD
Sit 'em: Ravens RB Bernard Pierce
Stats: -
Pick 'em up: Ravens TE Owen Daniels (7.9%)
Stats: 4 catches, 43 yards
Top Scorer: Ravens QB Joe Flacco (22-31, 327 yards, 3 TD) and Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. (7 catches, 139 yards, 2 TD)
Pick: Panthers 17, Ravens 13
Result: Falcons 38, Panthers 10
Player of the Game: Falcons WR Steve Smith Sr. (7 catches, 139 yards, TD)
Smith said there would be "blood and guts" when he played his former team. There weren't any literal blood and guts, but Smith metaphorically ripped the guts out of the Carolina defense.

Detroit Lions (2-1) @ New York Jets (1-2)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate vs. Jets Secondary
Winner: Tate (8 catches, 116 yards)  
While Megatron didn't do much due to injury, Tate picked up the slack.                  
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory will gain over 100 total yards.
Result: Incorrect. Technically I was wrong, because Ivory had exactly 100 total yards and I said he would gain over 100 yards. He had 17 carries for 84 yards and two catches for 16 yards.
Start 'em: Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Stats: 24-34, 293 yards, 2 TD
Sit 'em: Lions RB Joique Bell
Stats: 8 carries, 32 yards; 2 catches, 7 yards
Pick 'em up: Lions D/ST (38.1%)
Stats: 17 points allowed, INT, FR
Top Scorer: Lions QB Matthew Stafford (24-34, 293, TD; Rush TD)
Pick: Lions 27, Jets 19
Result: Lions 24, Jets 17
Player of the Game: Lions WR Golden Tate (8 catches 116)
Tate stepped up with Calvin Johnson nursing an injury and helped the Lions outpace the Jets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Steelers Offense vs. Buccaneers Defense
Winner: Buccaneers Defense (5 sacks, 8 TFL, FR)
The Tampa defense got to Ben Roethlisberger early and often. Ben got back on track later, but the Bucs still pulled out the win thanks in part to a key three-and-out by Pittsburgh with under two minutes left.
Bold Prediction: Mike Glennon will pass for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Result: Correct. Glennon solidified his spot as the starting quarterback by  leading the Bucs to a last-minute win over Pittsburgh. He was 21 of 42 for 302 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.
Start 'em: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Stats: 29-40, 314 yards, 3 TD
Sit 'em: Buccaneers RB Doug Martin
Stats: 14 carries, 40 yards, TD; 2 catches, 16 yards
Pick 'em up: Steelers K Shaun Suisham (33.3%)
Stats: 1-2 FG (25 yards), 3-3 XP
Top Scorer: Steelers WR Antonio Brown (7 catches, 131 yards, 2 TD; 1-1, 17 yards passing)
Pick: Steelers 38, Buccaneers 21
Result: Buccaneers 27, Steelers 24
Player of the Game: Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy (6 catches, 99 yards)
Murphy, who was signed by the Bucs Tuesday, came up big, especially on the game-winning drive, when he had a catch-and-run of 41 yards to set up a 5-yards touchdown reception by Vincent Jackson.

Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (0-3)-1:00, CBS (Played at Wembley Stadium in London, England)
Matchup To Watch: Dolphins Offense vs. Raiders Offense
Winner: Dolphins Defense (2 sacks, 3 TFL, 3 INT, FR, TD)
After the Raiders' first drive of the game, in which Derek Carr marched down the field and scored, Miami shut Oakland down. Carr got hurt and was replaced by Matt McGloin, who proceeded to give up a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown on a high snap.
Bold Prediction: Caleb Sturgis and Sebastion Janikowski will each kick at least three field goals.
Result: Incorrect. Only one field goal was kicked in this game, by Miami kicker Caled Sturgis (a 41-yarder). Oakland was down big early, so they couldn't settle for field goals and couldn't even get in field goal range.
Start 'em: Dolphins RB Lamar Miller
Stats: 12 carries, 64 yards, 2 TD; 2 catches, 3 yards
Sit 'em: Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Stats: 2 carries, 1 yard; 2 catches, 2 yards
Pick 'em up: Dolphins D/ST (17.1%)
Stats: 3 INT, FR, TD
Top Scorer: Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (23-31, 278 yards, 2 TD, INT; 5 carries, 35 yards)
Pick: Raiders 22, Dolphins 20
Result: Dolphins 38, Raiders 14
Player of the Game: Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (23-31, 278 yards, 2 TD, INT)
Tannehill responded to his coach not committing to him as the starter, looking very crisp and efficient.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @ San Diego Chargers (2-1)-4:05, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars QB Blake Bortles vs. Chargers Defense
Winner: Chargers Defense (Bortles: 29-37, 253 yards, TD, 2 INT; 5 carries, 24 yards)
Bortles didn't play badly given the talent around him, and showed escapability and poise Chad Henne never showed. But the Chargers still only allowed 14 points and forced Bortles into some mistakes.
Bold Prediction: Bortles will throw for at least 300 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Again, Bortles didn't play horribly, but he only threw for 253 yards.
Start 'em: Chargers RB Donald Brown
Stats: 10 carries, 19 yards; 4 catches, 35 yards
Sit 'em: Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart
Stats: 10 carries, 32 yards, TD; 1 catch, 8 yards
Pick 'em up: Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (1.7%)
Stats: 5 catches, 38 yards
Top Scorer: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers (29-39, 377 yards, 3 TD)
Pick: Chargers 48, Jaguars 27
Result: Chargers 33, Jaguars 14
Player of the Game: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers (29-39, 377 yards, 3 TD)
Rivers continued his stellar play, outplaying the rookie in a thumping of Jacksonville.

Atlanta Falcons (2-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater vs. Falcons Defense
Winner: Bridgewater (19-30, 317 yards; 5 carries, 27 yards, TD)
Bridgewater was great in his first start, lighting up the Falcons defense for 317 yards.
Bold Prediction: Bridgewater will throw at least two touchdown passes.
Result: Incorrect. Bridgewater had a great debut, leading the Vikings to the win, but on three occasions he drove the team all the way down the field and running back Matt Asiata punched it in for the touchdown.
Start 'em: Vikings RB Matt Asiata 
Stats: 20 carries, 78 yards, 3 TD; 3 catches, 22 yards
Sit 'em: Falcons RB Steven Jackson
Stats: 13 carries, 49 yards; 2 catches, 13 yards
Pick 'em up: Falcons K Matt Bryant (43.5%)
Stats: 4-4 XP
Top Scorer: Vikings RB Matt Asiata (20 carries, 78 yards, 3 TD; 3 catches. 22 yards)
Pick: Falcons 34, Vikings 27
Result: Vikings 41, Falcons 28
Player of the Game: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater (19-30, 317 yards; 5 carries, 27 yards, TD)
The rookie showed great poise and ability in his debut, leading the Vikings to a big win.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles vs. 49ers Front Seven
Winner: 49ers Front Seven (McCoy: 10 carries, 17 yards; Sproles: 1 carry, 4 yards)
Yet again, "Shady" McCoy and the Eagles couldn't get anything going in the run game, partly due to the 49ers defense blowing through the Eagles' hobbled offensive line.
Bold Prediction: Colin Kaepernick will throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown.
Result: Incorrect. The Niners pounded the Eagles on the ground, so Kaepernick just had 218 yards passing and a touchdown.
Start 'em: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick
Stats: 17-30, 218 yards, 2 TD, INT; 7 carries, 58 yards
Sit 'em: 49ers D/ST
Stats: 21 PA, 2 INT, 2 FR

Pick 'em up: Eagles WR Jordan Matthews (13.6%)

Stats: 4 catches, 28 yards
Top Scorer: Eagles D/ST (26 PA, INT, 3 TD)

Pick: Eagles 35, 49ers 32

Result: 49ers 26, Eagles 21
Player of the Game: 49ers RB Frank Gore (24 carries, 119 yards; 1 catch, 55 yards, TD)
Gore ran all over the Eagles and had a big touchdown catch-and-run in the big win.

New Orleans Saints (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)-8:30, NBC

Matchup To Watch: Cowboys Offense vs. Saints Offense
Winner: Cowboys Offense (445 total yards, 38 points)
The Cowboys offense continued to roll Sunday night, with big contributions from Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray in the rout.
Bold Prediction: Each team will have at least 450 yards of total offense.
Result: Incorrect. Both teams racked up the yards (438 by the Saints, 445 by the Cowboys), but neither reached the 450 yard mark.
Star 'em: Saints WR Brandin Cooks
Stats: 5 catches, 31 yards
Sit 'em: Cowboys TE Jason Witten
Stats: 5 catches, 61 yards
Pick 'em up: Saints WR Brandin Cooks (69.3)
Stats: 5 catches, 31 yards
Top Scorer: Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (24 carries, 149 yards, 2 TD; 1 catch, 6 yards)
Pick: Cowboys 38, Saints 35
Result: Cowboys 38, Saints 17
Player of the Game: Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (24 carries, 149 yards, 2 TD)
Murray, the NFL's leading rusher, continued his hot start with 149 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans.

New England Patriots (2-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)-Mon. 8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs Running Backs vs. Patriots Defense
Winner: Chiefs Running Backs (Jamaal Charles: 18 carries, 92 yards, TD; Knile Davis: 16 carries, 107 yards)
In his return from injury, Jamaal Charles gashed the Patriots on the ground and through the air. Backup Knile Davis even had over 100 yards.
Bold Prediction: Tom Brady will throw for 200 yards or less.
Stats: Correct. Brady struggled mightily, throwing for just 159 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and being replaced by rookie backup Jimmy Garoppolo late in the blowout loss.
Start 'em: Patriots WR Julian Edelman
Stats: 4 catches, 23 yards
Sit 'em: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
Stats: Ridley: 5 carries, 28 yards
          Vereen: 8 carries, 26 yards; 5 catches, 41 yards
Top Scorer: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (18 carries, 92 yards, TD; 3 catches, 16 yards, 2 TD)
Pick 'em up: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (34%)
Stats: 8 catches, 93 yards, TD
Pick: Chiefs 24, Patriots 19
Result: Chiefs 41, Patriots 14
Player of the Game: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (18 carries, 92 yards, TD; 3 catches, 2 TD)
Charles dominated this game and this post.

Bold Predictions Record: 3-10

Week 2 Record: 6-7
Season Bold Predictions Record: 10-33
Season Record: 23-20

Who's The Greatest?

With Derek Jeter playing his last game, this is just a quick little discussion on who the greatest baseball player ever is and how to determine it.

 As Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter ends his illustrious career, people are calling him one of the best players of all time. Which poses the question: Who is the greatest baseball player of all time? 

 That's a tough question to answer, and one that is probably a matter of opinion more than anything. This is because baseball has so many different positions and statistics. There are so many types of baseball players. Should it be a prodigious power hitter who strikes out a lot? A high-contact hitter who hits over .300 but has little to no power? An amazing defender who isn't an outstanding hitter? Or a speed demon who doesn't do much beyond run? Or even a pitcher? 

 It should probably be an all-around great player. Looking at it statistically, the best stat to measure all-around greatness is Wins Above Replacement (WAR). If you're unfamiliar with WAR, it attempts to measure a players contributions to the team in all aspects of the game. Different people calculate WAR in different ways. According to FanGraphs, Babe Ruth is the all-time leader in WAR, but he was a minus defender and base runner. Baseball Reference also has Babe Ruth as the all-time WAR leader, but the gap is closer between him and number two Barry Bonds. 

 Bonds brings another question. Should we count players whose careers were tainted by PED use? Some people say they were still amazing players, but others say they should always have an asterisk next to their names. 

 If we are looking for someone who had a special blend of power, speed, and defense, that brings up names like Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr. and Jackie Robinson. They may not have been the absolute best at one category, but they were among the best in multiple areas. 

 Maybe you're a pitcher's guy. Pitcher's don't play every single day, but they do contribute greatly to their team's success. In fact, back in the day of Cy Young (who has a trophy named after him), pitchers did pitch almost every day. Statistically speaking, however, pitchers don't have WARs as high as position players.

 Many people will want to bring up championships, which is what brings Jeter into the conversation. But baseball is a team sport, and championships factor in how good the other players on the team are, how good the manager and coaches are, and how lucky they get. If there is a career utility player who just happens to play on many great teams, he may have tons of championship rings. That doesn't make him better than a multiple MVP winner who never had much talent around him. However, the World Series is the ultimate goal, and players who contribute to a championship team can say they were the best that particular season.

 It's possible that the greatest baseball player of all-time never played in Major League Baseball. The Negro League had many great players, and many of them never got to play in the Majors. Satchel Page didn't get to pitch in a Major League game until he was in his 50's. The legendary Josh Gibson, who was said to be the greatest power hitter of all time by those who saw him, never got to play in the Majors. There are also great Japanese players and players from other countries who never come to America.

 Maybe the greatest player of all time hasn't even reached the peak of his career. Mike Trout has been the best player in the Majors since he was called up, and if he continues his current pace, he will probably be the best player of all time. But he could plateau or get injured, or something else unforeseen could happen.

 In the end, It's really a matter of opinion who the greatest player of all time is. Maybe you saw somebody play in person and thought he was the greatest player you've ever seen.

 Maybe you just want to go by statistics, because numbers never lie. Maybe you agree that it should be an all-around player and the number if championships won doesn't matter that much. I don't care if you disagree with me.If you want to know my opinion, though, I think it's Jackie Robinson. He was great on and off the field, having the courage to break baseball's color barrier and the talent and blend of offense, speed, and defense to win many awards and make the Brooklyn Dodgers a perennial contender. But that doesn't mean my opinion won't change. My favorite baseball player ever is either Robinson or Ken Griffey Jr., and if Junior wouldn't have had injury problems late in his career, he might've been my pick for greatest of all time.

 So as the great Derek Jeter finishes his career and people are arguing over why he is or why he isn't one of the greatest player of all time, remember that everybody has different way of determining who the best baseball player ever is. That's how great of a sport baseball is. There is no clear-cut greatest.

Week 4 Preview

Hello again! Sorry I did not do a preview piece last week. I was busy doing more important things. However, I'm back now, and just in time for the start of bye weeks. I will also be trying out some new sections, including "Start 'em, Sit 'em, Pick 'em up", a fantasy section that I'm sure you've seen variations of on other sites. "Start 'em" is someone a little bit under the radar whom I think is a good start in fantasy that particular week (so not the likes of Calvin Johnson and Peyton Manning). "Sit 'em" is someone who might be started by many people on a regular basis, but whom I believe won't have a great fantasy week. "Pick 'em up" is someone owned in less than 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues (that's the site I play on) who is a good pick up. I am also previewing the Thursday night game now, and will include the recap within the week preview.

New York Giants (1-2) @ Washington Redskins (1-2)-Thurs. 8:25, CBS/NFL Network
Matchup To Watch: Giants RB Rashad Jennings vs. Redskins Run Defense
For all the talk of how bad the 'Skins are defensively, they've only allowed 65 rushing yards per game so far this season, and that wasn't against a few pushovers either. They did give up 103 yards to Arian Foster in Week 1, but kept him out of the endzone. In Week 2 they faced the lowly Jaguars, and quarterback Chad Henne (who has now been displaced as the starter by rookie Blake Bortles) was the Jags' leading rusher (17 yards on three carries). And last week, in a shootout loss to the Eagles, they held LeSean McCoy to 22 yards on 19 carries. Rashad Jennings blew up last week against Houston (right after I traded him in fantasy), running the ball 34 times for 176 yards and a touchdown. We'll see if he can keep that going against a defense that contained "Shady" McCoy and Darren Sproles last week.

Winner: Jennings (13 carries, 55 yards)
Bold Prediction: Kirk Cousins and Eli Manning will both throw for over 300 yards.
Cousins threw for 427 yards last week in a barn-burner against Philly, while Eli threw for 234 yards in a win over Houston. Fortunately for Eli, he'll be going up against a defense that has allowed 309 yards passing per game. The question will be whether the Giants throw the ball enough, especially with Rashad Jennings' breakout.

Result: Incorrect. Eli threw for exactly 300 yards (he played great, but I needed one more yard!) and Cousins struggled, throwing for 257 yards.
Start 'em: Giants WR Victor Cruz
He started off the season nonexistent in the first two games (7 total receptions, 80 total yards), but then finally got to do the salsa for the first time this season last week against Houston (5 receptions, 107 yards, TD).  And, as I noted earlier, he's going up against a porous pass defense. You can start inserting him back into your starting lineup again.

Stats: 6 catches, 108 yards 
Sit 'em: Giants RB Rashad Jennings
Yes, he did have a great week last week and will more than likely have more great weeks, but this week he is going up against a defensive front that contained LeSean McCoy last week. He will not replicate his Week 3 performance this week.

Stats: 13 carries, 55 yards
Pick 'em up: Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (Owned in 29.4% of ESPN Leagues)
I can't believe more people don't own Cousins. He's not an amazing quarterback, but he's produced big fantasy numbers in the games he's played, and he has weapons around him. By ESPN Standard scoring, here are the point totals in the two games he's played in this year: 18 and 27. And he didn't even start the game he got 18 in. The Redskins are going to continue to air it out with Cousins, and his fantasy owners will benefit.

Stats: 19-33, 257 yards, TD, 4 INT
Top Scorer: Giants QB Eli Manning (28-39, 300 yards, 4 TD, INT)
Pick: Redskins 34, Giants 31
This could have the makings of another high-scoring game for Washington, as neither defense is really strong, and both offenses put up big numbers last week. In the end, Cousins will make enough big plays to beat Eli and the Giants.
Result: Giants 45, Redskins 14
Player of the Game: Giants TE Larry Donnell (7 catches, 54 yards, 3 TD)

Green Bay Packers (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Bears TE Martellus Bennett vs. Packers Defense
In the three games the Packers have played so far this season, opposing tight ends only have a total of seven catches for 66 yards. Bennett has been one of the best tight ends in the league, catching 20 passes for 161 yards and four touchdowns and being a favorite of Jay Cutler's (tied for team lead in targets with Cutler's best friend Brandon Marshall). Bennett will pose the toughest test at tight end thus far for the Packers.
Bold Prediction: Matt Forte will rush for over 90 yards and a touchdown.
Forte, Chicago's versatile running back, has started a little slow this season, totaling only 136 yards on the ground through three games. He also has not found the endzone yet, but I think he will on Sunday. Green Bay hasn't done a great job stopping the run, giving up 110 yards and two touchdowns to Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, 146 yards and two touchdowns to New York, and 94 total yards and a touchdown to Detroit's Reggie Bush and Joique Bell.
Start 'em: Bears QB Jay Cutler
Cutler is having the breakout season many envisioned with his many weapons, ranking fourth among quarterbacks in fantasy points. He should be able to continue that Sunday in what could be a shootout against a below-average Green Bay defense.
Sit 'em: Bears TE Martellus Bennett
There is no obvious choice for the "Sit 'em" category, so I'll go with Bennett against a defense that has allowed the fewest points per game to opposing tight ends. I do think Bennett is the best tight end the Packers have faced, and he has a good chance of having a decent game, but the numbers never lie, and the numbers suggest you sit him.
Pick 'em up: Packers TE Anthony Quarless (2.1%)
There are slim pickings here, but Quarless is the Packers' starting tight end and did score last week, so someone in need of a tight end in a deep league could pick him up. However, I wouldn't recommend playing him this week against a pretty stout Bears defense.
Pick: Bears 31, Packers 27
The Bears have rebounded from a season-opening loss to Buffalo in overtime, looking sharp in wins over the Niners and Jets. The Packers, meanwhile, struggled against the Lions last week, and the Bears are similar to the Lions in that they have some explosive players on the offensive side of the ball and a defense that can create havoc at times. I do think Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy will get back on track after slow starts, but Chicago will take this rivalry game.

Buffalo Bills (2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bills WR Sammy Watkins
Both of these Clemson products lead their respective teams in receiving yards (Watkins: 13 receptions, 167 yards, TD; Hopkins: 13 receptions, 227 yards, 2 TD), and they are going up against defenses that are 26th (Buffalo) and 18th (Houston) at defending the pass.
Bold Prediction: C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will each run for at least 80 yards.
The Bills' two-headed running back monster of Spiller (37 carries, 147 yards) and Jackson (25 carries, 119 yards) isn't amazing, but it's solid, and it's going up against a Texans defense that gave up 176 yards to Giants running back Rashad Jennings last week.
Start 'em: Bills RB C.J. Spiller
Although he shares carries with Fred Jackson and only had 25 yards on 10 carries last week, he is Buffalo's lead ball carrier, and they will run the ball a lot against a weak run defense (142.7 yards per game). Be confident that Spiller will have a big game this week.
Sit 'em: Texans RB Arian Foster
There are a few reasons I would not start Foster this week, even after a Week 2 performance that saw him gain 138 yards on 28 carries: 1. He is questionable for this week's game after sitting out last week with a hamstring injury. 2. Even if he does play, he probably won't get a big workload. 3. The Bills have only allowed 83.7 rushing yards per game.
Pick 'em up: Bills K Dan Carpenter (16.3%)
Yes, I'm so desperate I've chosen a kicker. But he's currently ranked fourth among kickers in fantasy points, playing for a team who's offense is improved but still not quite there yet.
Pick: Texans 24, Bills 13
The Texans will need to stop the run, but if Ryan Fitzpatrick plays more like the first two games of the season (345 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT) against his old team and less like last week (289 yards, TD, 3 INT), then the Texans should be able to beat a team that still has a shaky quarterback in E.J. Manuel.

Tennessee Titans (1-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Colts Defense
The Colts are not a very good pass defense (28th in the NFL) and they have given up 13 receptions, 206 yards, and three touchdowns (the three touchdowns were all from Denver's Julius Thomas) to tight ends. Walker torched Dallas in Week 2 for 142 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. However, there are some variables with Walker. First, he's questionable against the Colts with a shoulder injury he suffered last week against the Bengals. Second, his quarterback, Jake Locker, is hurt, so journeyman backup Charlie Whitehurst will be under center.
Bold Prediction: Shonn Greene will run for at least 80 yards and a touchdown.
Greene gets the majority of the touches in the Tennessee backfield (30 to Bishop Sankey's 18) and he had 10 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown in a blowout loss to the Bengals where the Titans were throwing early and often. With Whitehurst starting at quarterback this week and an opposing defense that's not much better at stopping the run then it is at stopping the pass, Greene could have a solid game.
Start 'em: Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw
Bradshaw is still only owned in 81.8% of ESPN fantasy leagues, even though he's second on the Colts in fantasy points (to Andrew Luck, of course). I understand that he's technically not the starter, but he is better than Trent Richardson, and he still gets a good amount of carries. Plus, as a bonus for players in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, he is the receiving back for the Colts. While he will probably cool off a bit after a hot start, and he is pretty brittle, right now he's a smart start, especially against a slumping Titans team.
Sit 'em: Titans WR Kendall Wright
I picked Wright in one of my fantasy drafts (PPR league) and expected the talented receiver to play well in an improved Titans offense. Unfortunately, poor quarterback play has plagued him once again. He'll still get targets, but with Whitehurst at quarterback this week, he's hard to trust.
Pick 'em up: Colts D/ST (11.1%)
For those of you who stream defenses based on matchup, the Colts are a decent play this week. They're playing a Titans offense that has struggled this season, averaging 14.3 points a game and has turned the ball over five times in three games, and some good defenses are on bye this week. Plus, they get to face Whitehurst instead of Locker.
Pick: Colts 27, Titans 17
The Titans aren't as bad as the Jaguars, whom the Colts destroyed 44-17 last week, but they still aren't good, especially without their starting quarterback. The Colts are probably enjoying these games against weak AFC South foes after starting with losses to Denver and Philadelphia.

Carolina Panthers (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. vs. His Old Team
Steve Smith spent the first 13 years of his NFL career in Carolina, usually as the best player on many bad teams. He was a fan favorite and team leader. Then Carolina cut him in the offseason to shed salary. Now Smith is starring for the Baltimore Ravens and the Panthers are hoping they've found a new deep threat in rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Smith is a fiery competitor, and although he says he's moved on, you would be silly to think he's not motivated to perform well against his former team.
Bold Prediction: Steve Smith Sr. and Kelvin Benjamin will each score at least one touchdown and gain at least 90 yards.
See "Matchup To Watch" and "Start 'em".
Start 'em: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin, the tall rookie receiver from Florida State, has impressed so far, including an eight catch, 115 yard, one touchdown outing last week in a loss to Pittsburgh. He's owned in 73% of ESPN fantasy leagues, and that number should only keep increasing, as Benjamin will keep improving and he and tight end Greg Olsen are Cam Newton's only real receiving threats.
Sit 'em: Ravens RB Bernard Pierce
Pierce, who was already sharing carries with Justin Forsett, watched as rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro (from Coastal Carolina) tore up the Browns to the tune of 91 yards and a touchdown after Pierce injured his hip. Now it looks like all three will share carries, with Taliaferro looking the most impressive so far. I wouldn't even keep Pierce on my roster, as he will be part of a three-man backfield-by-committee.
Pick 'em up: Ravens TE Owen Daniels (7.9%)
Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta injured his hip again last week and was put on IR, so Daniels will take over at tight end. Daniels will be an important part of the offense, and those looking for a tight end could do worse than him. Remember, he was a solid contributor in Houston (when Matt Schaub was a pretty good quarterback, which seems like ages ago).
Pick: Panthers 17, Ravens 13
Steve Smith Sr. will be motivated to beat the Panthers, but the Panthers will also be motivated to beat him. They're looking to rebound after an ugly loss to Pittsburgh last week, while Baltimore just scraped by Cleveland. Carolina is a better team, and they should be able to pull this one out.

Detroit Lions (2-1) @ New York Jets (1-2)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate vs. Jets Secondary
Calvin Johnson, of course, is the best receiver in the NFL, and so far this season he has 19 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns. His new running mate Golden Tate has also prospered, racking up 201 yards on 16 catches. The already suspect Jets secondary is banged-up, with corner Dee Miliner still recovering from ankle and quad injuries. However, the Jets have only allowed 209 passing yards per game so far this season.
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory will gain over 100 total yards.
Earlier this week, head coach Rex Ryan said that they may give Ivory more carries. Ivory is a bruising runner, and has played much better than running back mates Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell. Ivory had 96 total yards last week, and more snaps should mean more production.
Start 'em: Lions QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford didn't need to do much last week, as the defense did most of the work in a win over the Packers. Stafford scored just three fantasy points (246 yards, 2 INT, Fumble). But other than that, he has played very well, and he will surely get back to his gun-slinging ways this week against a depleted Jets secondary.
Sit 'em: Lions RB Joique Bell
Bell has been a popular fantasy draft choice the past two seasons due to his pass-catching ability and Reggie Bush's injury history, but he hasn't made much noise thus far this season, although he has still gotten double-digit carries each game. Even with his decent workload, he's going up against a pretty stingy rush defense.
Pick 'em up: Lions D/ST (38.1%)
The Lions dominated Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week, and there point totals so far this season have been 10, 4, and 17. They have questions in the secondary, but their line brings so much chaos that it is made up for. The Jets aren't horrible on offense, but there also not an offensive juggernaut.
Pick: Lions 27, Jets 19
The Lions looked really good last week, and they've looked good all season so far. The Jets have looked okay, but Geno Smith is still erratic at quarterback (3 TD, 5 INT) and going up against a defense that has troubled opposing quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Steelers Offense vs. Buccaneers Defense
Pittsburgh's offense struggled from halftime in Week 1 to the end of Week 2, but they exploded for 37 points in a blowout over Carolina. They are averaging 419.3 yards per game (2nd in AFC) and have one of the league's best wideouts (Antonio Brown) and running backs (Le'Veon Bell). The bumbling Bucs were blown out by Atlanta 54-16 last Thursday, and gave up 488 yards. They are a mess right now.
Bold Prediction: Mike Glennon will pass for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Glennon came in after Josh McCown injured his thumb in the blowout last week, going 17 for 24 with 121 yards and a touchdown. In 13 games last season, Glennon had 19 touchdowns and nine picks. He's also going up against a defense that's so banged up they signed 36-year-old linebacker James Harrison, who played with them from 2002 to 2012. Even if it's in garbage time, Glennon should be able to accomplish this.
Start 'em: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Tampa gave up 286 yards on 21 passes and three touchdowns to Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan last week, and now Big Ben, who was 22 for 30 with 196 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, gets to face the awful Buccaneers.
Sit 'em: Buccaneers RB Doug Martin
After getting injured early in Week 1, it looks like Martin will return this week. But with the production of backup Bobby Rainey and the struggles of the Tampa Bay offense, Martin probably won't get many points. In fact, at this point, especially with Martin's injury problems, Rainey is probably the better bet for the rest of the season.
Pick 'em up: Steelers K Shaun Suisham (33.3%)
Yes, it's another kicker. Suisham is second among kickers in fantasy points, playing with an offense that is up and down and relies heavily on the run. This week against Tampa, he's likely to get many points in what could be a blowout.
Pick: Steelers 38, Buccaneers 21
Tampa will play better this week (it's not hard to do that), and maybe Glennon will wake up this offense that has some playmakers (although probably not). Pittsburgh impressed in a thumping of the Panthers last week, and should cruise this week.

Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (0-3)-1:00, CBS (Played at Wembley Stadium in London, England)
Matchup To Watch: Dolphins Offense vs. Raiders Offense
Both of these offenses are struggling mightily right now. The Raiders are last in the NFL in points per game with 12.3. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr has done what many expected, which is struggle a bit. He has 588 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has struggled as well. In fact, there was controversy earlier this week when coach Joe Philbin wouldn't commit to Tannehill as his starter this week (he is starting). Since week one, when Miami beat New England 33-20, the Dolphins have scored just two touchdowns.
Bold Prediction: Caleb Sturgis and Sebastion Janikowski will each kick at least three field goals.
With the struggles of these two offenses, the kickers get a lot of work. Janikowski scored all of Oakland's points in a 16-9 loss to New England last week, and Sturgis has attempted eight field goals (and made seven) already this season.
Start 'em: Dolphins RB Lamar Miller
Miller is currently the feature back in Miami after Knowshon Moreno broke his arm in Week 2,and he ran for 103 yards on 15 carries in a loss to Kansas City last week. The Dolphins are going to continue leaning heavily on the run game with the inconsistent Tannehill at quarterback, and he's facing the second-worst rush defense in the NFL.
Sit 'em: Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Jones-Drew scored a grand total of two points in Week 1 sharing the backfield with Darren McFadden, and he missed the last two games with a hand injury, so I'm surprised he's still owned in 91.9% of leagues. But anyway, he won't get much action this week coming back from injury.
Pick 'em up: Dolphins D/ST (17.1%)
The 'Fins are a good defense to stream this week. They scored 10 fantasy points in Week 1 and Week 3 (Week 2 they scored -1) and they're facing a team that's last in the NFL in yards and points per game.
Pick: Raiders 22, Dolphins 20
Some strange things could happen in London, including Oakland's first win of the season and Derek Carr's first career win in the NFL. Carr has shown some encouraging things, and the Dolphins are in a bit of turmoil with the head coach's mistrust in the starting quarterback (one or both of them will probably lose his job if they lose this game).

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @ San Diego Chargers (2-1)-4:05, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars QB Blake Bortles vs. Chargers Defense
Bortles, the third overall pick out of Central Florida, will make his first career (regular season) start against the Chargers. He was supposed to have a 'redshirt" season, but head coach Gus Bradley decided to put him in for the ineffective Chad Henne at halftime of a blowout loss to Indianapolis last week. Bortles showed good mobility but also made some mistakes in garbage time against the Colts, and he'll try to make the most of this weak offense.
Bold Prediction: Bortles will throw for at least 300 yards.
The Jags are sure to air the ball out a ton, and they'll take chances with the rookie. Bortles had 223 yards in the second half last week (albeit probably against a lot of backups), and the Jaguars running game is almost nonexistent. Even if it's in garbage time, Bortles will throw a lot and rack up yards.
Start 'em: Chargers RB Donald Brown
Chargers starting running back Ryan Matthews sprained his MCL in Week 2 and will miss at least a month, and third-down back Danny Woodhead fractured his fibula and ankle last week and is out for the season. So Brown now gets a king's share of carries (he had 31 last week) and gets to run against the worst run defense in the NFL (160 rush yards allowed per game). Brown is a must-start this week.
Sit 'em: Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart
Poor Toby Gerhart. He was Adrian Peterson's backup for years, and then he finally gets a starting spot in Jacksonville, but it's for a team with an atrocious offensive line and pass-heavy offense (plus they're always down, so they're always throwing). Plus after Peterson's child abuse incident, he won't be playing for a while (and maybe never again for the Vikings), so backup Matt Asiata is taking advantage. Oh wait, but he's still a starter in the NFL and making tons of money. Drop Gerhart now. He has 2.4 yards per carry this year and has only gotten double-digit carries in one game.
Pick 'em up: Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (1.7%)
All is not gloomy in Jacksonville (okay, yes it is). The rookie from Penn State has become the most-targeted receiver for the Jaguars, scoring seven fantasy points in each of his last two games. He's a good pick-up in PPR leagues, since he's the most-targeted receiver in a pass-heavy offense.
Pick: Chargers 48, Jaguars 27
San Diego has looked great since a season-opening loss to the Cardinals in which they were winning late, beating Seattle and Buffalo convincingly. The Jaguars have looked like the Jaguars. They will improve under Bortles, but they're still not good.

Atlanta Falcons (2-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater vs. Falcons Defense
Yet another rookie quarterback makes his first start this week as Teddy Bridgewater will start in place of Matt Cassel, whom he came in for last week after Cassel broke his foot. Unlike Jacksonville with Bortles, Minnesota was pretty conservative with Bridgewater last week. He'll make his first start against a defense that is giving up 387 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Bridgewater will throw at least two touchdown passes.
Bridgewater may not throw as much as Bortles, since the Vikings are being conservative and do have some semblance of a running game, but he could throw for some touchdowns against the league's fifth-worst pass defense.
Start 'em: Vikings RB Matt Asiata 
Atlanta has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Asiata is a solid flex start as the Vikings' main back and a threat in the short passing game.
Sit 'em: Falcons RB Steven Jackson
At this point, Jackson is probably not worth starting unless you have to start him. Last week was his best game of the season, when he had 14 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. With Matt Ryan throwing it to his bevy of weapons, the Falcon's running game is not worth banking on in fantasy.
Pick 'em up: Falcons K Matt Bryant (43.5%)
Yes, another kicker. He is a solid veteran kicker who plays his home games in a dome and kicks for a usually-explosive offense. His point totals thus far this season are 18, 5, and 7. Very good for a kicker.
Pick: Falcons 34, Vikings 27
I think Minnesota will make it close because Atlanta doesn't have a strong defense and Teddy Bridgewater is an upgrade over Chad Henne. However, the Falcons are the far superior team. The Vikings lost 9-20 to the Saints, who lost to the Falcons in Week 1 34-37.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-2)-4:25, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Eagles RB LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles vs. 49ers Front Seven
McCoy and Sproles are always dangerous and elusive, but were quiet last week in a shootout win over Washington. McCoy, who was out part of the game after a hit to the head, had only 22 yards on 19 carries. Sproles didn't get many looks (for some reason), rushing twice for 20 yards and catching three passes for 30 yards. The always-tough Niners rush defense has allowed just 85.7 yards per game.
Bold Prediction: Colin Kaepernick will throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown.
Kaepernick has not thrown over 300 yards in a game yet this season, but he'll probably do it against the Eagles. Philly has given up 266 yards and two touchdowns to Chad Henne, 172 yards (???) and three touchdowns to Andrew Luck, and 427 yards and three touchdowns to Kirk Cousins. San Fran is a run-heavy team, but against Philly, it may be a shootout.
Start 'em: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick
See "Bold Prediction".
Sit 'em: 49ers D/ST
The vaunted Niner defense hasn't fared very well the past two weeks, giving up 28 points to Chicago and 23 points to Arizona. That probably won't end against the high-flying Eagles offense that ranks second in the NFL in points per game.

Pick 'em up: Eagles WR Jordan Matthews (13.6%)

Matthews broke out last week in the war with Washington with 59 yards and two touchdowns. He's become the number two wide receiver behind Jeremy Maclin, and he could be a good pick up in a deeper league.

Pick: Eagles 35, 49ers 32

I just can't pick against Philadelphia. They make it interesting and go down early, but then they cruise the rest of the way and they're 3-0. The Niners could take this at home, but until the Eagles lose, I'm picking them to win.

New Orleans Saints (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)-8:30, NBC

Matchup To Watch: Cowboys Offense vs. Saints Offense
Both of these teams are dangerous offensively and have multiple weapons. Dallas has the league's leading rusher in DeMarco Murray (385 yards) and the ever-dangerous deep threat Dez Bryant. The Saints, although they've struggled stopping teams from scoring, haven't really struggled to score themselves. They are sixth in the league in rush yards per game (140.3), and Drew Brees has a variety of targets, including Jimmy Graham and speedy rookie receiver Brandin Cooks.
Bold Prediction: Each team will have at least 450 yards of total offense.
Both of these teams have weak defenses and lethal offenses. The Saints are averaging 422 total yards a game and Dallas had 448 total yards last week in a win over the Rams.
Star 'em: Saints WR Brandin Cooks
The rookie Cooks (from Oregon State) has become Drew Brees' favorite target, leading the team in catches and yards last week (8 catches, 74 yards). The Cowboys defense is still the Cowboys defense, so this one could be a shootout, and Cooks will get lots of looks.
Sit 'em: Cowboys TE Jason Witten
Witten has been a consistent commodity for years, but this year he's only caught a total of 10 passes and has not yet found the end zone. He's still a decent play at tight end, but if you have someone like Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker, Antonio Gates, Zack Ertz, or Travis Kelce, don't play Witten.
Pick 'em up: Saints WR Brandin Cooks (69.3)
Mostly everybody in this matchup is heavily owned (as they should be), so I'm going to break a rule I just instituted and go with Cooks, who's owned in more than half of ESPN fantasy leagues but should be owned in more (and should be owned in all PPR leagues).
Pick: Cowboys 38, Saints 35
The Cowboys have shown they can win and have a very productive rushing attack, while the Saints have not yet shown they can stop people (the Vikings without Adrian Peterson do not count). They also haven't shown they can play well outside of the cozy Superdome. Cowboys in a shootout.

New England Patriots (2-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)-Mon. 8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs Running Backs vs. Patriots Defense
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis might find some running room against New England (or might not). The Patriots have only given up 104 rushing yards per game, but in Week 1 they gave up 134 rushing yards to Miami running back Knowshon Moreno in a loss to the Dolphins. Davis ran for 132 yards on 32 carries in a win over Miami last week, but it looks like Charles is a go this week (he's listed as probable).
Bold Prediction: Tom Brady will throw for 200 yards or less.
Brady hasn't been outstanding through three weeks this season, averaging 210.7 yards per game. He faces a Kansas City pass defense that has allowed 223.7 yards per game, and one of the three quarterbacks they've played is Peyton Manning (of course, the other two are Jake Locker and Ryan Tannehill, but still).
Start 'em: Patriots WR Julian Edelman
Edelman is far and away Tom Brady's favorite target, as he has twice as many catches as any other Patriot receiver. The Chiefs aren't very strong against the pass (I know what I said in "Bold Prediction") and Edelman is sure to get targets (he had 10 for 84 yards last week).
Sit 'em: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen
Neither of these guys has been very productive this season. Ridley is averaging 3.4 yards per carry and Vereen is averaging 5.8 yards per catch, and they are already in a time share at running back. They aren't horrible options, but you can do much better.
Pick 'em up: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (34%)
Kelce is the Chiefs leading receiver and is 11th among tight ends in fantasy. He will continue to see targets and scoring opportunities after finding the endzone for the first time last week.
Pick: Chiefs 24, Patriots 19
The Patriots are 2-1, but they haven't been pretty wins. They beat Oakland last week thanks to a holding penalty that negated a Raider touchdown and a Vince Wilfork interception off a deflection. The Chiefs haven't looked great either, but they almost beat Denver and crushed Miami, who dispatched of New England in Week 1, last week. 

Week 2 Review

There were some surprises in Week 2. The Saints lost to the Browns (YES!), the Bills won again and are 2-0, and the Bears handled the 49ers at Levi's Stadium. There were also many big injuries. Robert Griffin III, A.J. Green, Knowshon Moreno, and DeSean Jackson all got hurt on Sunday. Unfortunately, those surprises and injuries hurt some of my picks and predictions. Thank you (as always, even though I neglect to say it) to ESPN.com for stats and information. Also as always (even though, again, I neglect to say), please feel free to comment on things you like, don't like, or want to see changed, or you have an idea for something new I could do or add to this.

New Orleans Saints (0-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Browns RB Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell vs. Saints Defense
Winner: West (19 carries, 68 yards, TD; 2 catches, 22 yards) and Crowell (11 carries, 54 yards)
Bold Prediction: Terrance West will run for at least 120 yards.
Result: Incorrect. 120 yards was pretty bold. West had a decent day, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown while also catching two passes for 22 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Browns RB Terrance West
Stats: 19 carries, 68 yards, TD; 2 catches, 22 yards  Points (ESPN Standard Scoring): 14
Top Scorer: Saints TE Jimmy Graham (23)
Pick: Saints 34, Browns 30  Result: Browns 26, Saints 24
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Saints: +10  Browns: +4
Predicted Margin: Saints by 4
Actual Margin: Browns by 2
Player of the Game: Browns QB Brian Hoyer: 24-40, 204 yards, TD, game-winning drive (down by 1)

Miami Dolphins (1-0) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Bills Offensive Line vs. Dolphins Defensive Line
Winner: Bills Offensive Line (0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss, 0 QB hits)
Bold Prediction: Neither quarterback will throw for over 170 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Both Ryan Tannehill (241 yards) and E.J. Manuel (202 yards) threw for over 200 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Dolphins Defense
Stats: 29 points allowed  Points: -1
Top Scorer: Bills D/ST (21)
Pick: Dolphins 27, Bills 24  Result: Bills 29, Dolphins 10
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Dolphins: +17  Bills: -5
Predicted Margin: Dolphins by 3
Actual Margin: Bills by 19
Player of the Game: Bills WR Sammy Watkins: 8 catches, 117 yards, TD
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) @ Washington Redskins (0-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars Defense vs. Redskins Defense
Winner: Redskins Defense (10 sacks, INT, 10 points allowed)
Bold Prediction: Chad Henne will throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Result: Incorrect. Henne had a rough go of it Sunday, throwing for 193 yards and one touchdown.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jaguars WR Allen Hurns
Stats: 2 catches, 13 yards  Points: 1
Top Scorer: Redskins RB Alfred Morris (20)
Pick: Jaguars 24, Redskins 21  Result: Redskins 41, Jaguars 10
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Jaguars: +14  Redskins: -20
Predicted Margin: Jaguars by 3
Actual Margin: Redskins by 31
Player of the Game: Redskins QB Kirk Cousins: 22-33, 250 yards, 2 TD

Dallas Cowboys (0-1) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Cowboys QB Tony Romo vs. Titans Defense
Winner: Romo (19-29, 176 yards, TD)
Bold Prediction: Jake Locker throws for at least 300 yards.
Result: Incorrect. The Titans struggled mightily against Dallas. Locker threw for 234 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Titans Defense
Stats: 4 sacks, fumble recovery, 26 points allowed  Points: 5
Top Scorer: Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray & Titans TE Delanie Walker (20)
Pick: Titans 34, Cowboys 21  Result: Cowboys 26, Titans 10
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Titans: +24  Cowboys: -5
Predicted Margin: Titans by 13
Actual Margin: Cowboys by 16
Player of the Game: Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray: 29 carries, 167 yards, TD

Arizona Cardinals (1-0) @ New York Giants (0-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Cardinals RB Andre Ellington vs. Giants RB Rashad Jennings
Winner: Ellington (15 carries, 91 yards)
Bold Prediction: Carson Palmer will throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Result: Incorrect. Palmer didn't play due to a shoulder injury, but his backup, Drew Stanton, filled in admirably (14-29, 167 yards).
Fantasy Sleeper: Giants TE Larry Donnell
Stats: 7 catches, 81 yards  Points: 8
Top Scorer: Cardinals D/ST (17)
Pick: Cardinals 35, Giants 17  Result: Cardinals 25, Giants 14
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Cardinals: +10  Giants: +3
Predicted Margin: Cardinals by 18
Actual Margin: Cardinals by 11
Player of the Game: Cardinals PR Ted Ginn Jr.: 71-yard punt return for a TD

New England Patriots (0-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Vikings RB Matt Asiata (and WR Cordarrelle Patterson) vs. Patriots Defense
Winner: Patriots Defense (Asiata: 13 carries. 36 yards; Patterson: 0 carries)
Bold Prediction: Both Asiata and Patterson will gain over 100 all-purpose yards.
Result: Incorrect. The Vikings were horrid Sunday. Quarterback Matt Cassel threw four picks and the offense couldn't get anything going. Asiata had 36 yards on the ground and 48 yards through the air (plus a touchdown) and Patterson had 56 receiving yards and 23 return yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: RB Matt Asiata

Stats: 13 carries, 36 yards; % catches, 48 yards, TD  Points: 13
Top Scorer: Patriots D/ST (27)
Pick: Vikings 27, Patriots 23  Result: Patriots 30, Vikings 7
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Vikings: +20  Patriots: -3
Predicted Margin: Vikings by 4
Actual Margin: Patriots by 23
Player of the Game: Patriots DE Chandler Jones: 8 tackles, 2 sacks, blocked field goal return 58 yards for TD

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Falcons Offensive Line vs. Bengals Defensive Line
Winner: Bengals Defensive Line (2 sacks, 3 INT caused)
Bold Prediction: Andy Dalton will outthrow Matt Ryan.
Result: Correct. Dalton threw for 252 yards and a touchdown. Ryan, a week after setting a franchise record for passing yards in a game, threw for 231 with one touchdown and three interceptions. Even Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu had a 50-yard pass.
Fantasy Sleeper: Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham
Stats: 3 catches, 25 yards  Points: 2
Top Scorer: Bengals RB Giovani Bernard (22) 
Pick: Bengals 33, Falcons 27  Bengals 24, Falcons 10
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Bengals: +9  Falcons: +17
Predicted Margin: Bengals by 3
Actual Margin: Bengals by 14

Player of the Game: Bengals RB Giovani Bernard: 27 carries, 90 yards, TD; 5 catches, 79 yards

Detroit Lions (1-0) @ Carolina Panthers (1-0)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions Offense vs. Panthers Defense
Winner: Panthers Defense (4 sacks, INT, 7 points allowed)
Bold Prediction: Kelvin Benjamin will gain at least 50 yards and score at least one touchdown.
Result: Incorrect. Benjamin was targeted often, but had a few drops. He finished with 2 catches for 46 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
Stats: 2 catches, 46 yards  Points: 4
Top Scorer: Panthers QB Cam Newton (18)
Pick: Panthers 27, Lions 24  Panthers 24, Lions 7
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Panthers: +3  Lions: +17
Predicted Margin: Panthers by 3
Actual Margin: Panthers by 17
Player of the Game: Panthers K Graham Gano: 3-3 FG (29, 53, 38), 1-1 XP

Saint Louis Rams (0-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)-4:05, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Buccaneers Offensive Line vs. Rams Defensive Line
Winner: Buccaneers Offensive Line (2 sacks allowed, 157 yards rushing)
Bold Prediction: Austin Davis will throw for at least 200 yards and a touchdown.
Result: Incorrect. Davis led the Rams to victory and threw for over 200 yards (235), but he did not throw a touchdown.
Fantasy Sleeper: Rams QB Austin Davis
Stats: 22-29, 235 yards  Points: 9
Top Scorer: Buccaneers QB Josh McCown & RB Bobby Rainey (17)
Pick: Buccaneers 17, Rams 13  Result: Rams 19, Buccaneers 17
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Buccaneers: 0  Rams: -6
Predicted Margin: Buccaneers by 4
Actual Margin: Rams by 2
Player of the Game: Greg Zuerlein (A.K.A. "Greg the Leg"/"Legatron"/"Young GZ"): 4-4 FG (36, 35, 46, 38), 2-2 XP
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) @ San Diego Chargers (0-1)-4:05, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers and Wide Receivers vs. Seahawks Secondary
Winner: Rivers (28-37, 284 yards, 2 TD)
Bold Prediction: Phillip Rivers will throw for less than 150 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Rivers picked on Richard Sherman and the Seattle secondary, throwing for 284 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Chargers WR Malcolm Floyd
Stats: -  Points: 0
Top Scorer: Chargers TE Antonio Gates (27)
Pick: Seahawks 34, Chargers 24  Result: Chargers 30, Seahawks 21
Result: Incorrect
Difference Between Pick and Result: Seahawks: +13  Chargers: -6
Predicted Margin: Seahawks by 10
Actual Margin: Chargers by 9
Player of the Game: 
Houston Texans (1-0) @ Oakland Raiders (0-1)-4:25, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Raiders QB Derek Carr vs. Texans Defense
Winner: Texans Defense (2 INT, 263 passing yards allowed)
Bold Prediction: Ryan Fitzpatrick will throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Result: Incorrect. Fitzpatrick didn't play badly, throwing for two touchdowns in a Texans win, but he only threw for 139 yards.
Fantasy Sleeper: Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Stats: 14-19, 139 yards, 2 TD  Points: 13
Top Scorer: Texans RB Arian Foster (20)
Pick: Texans 27, Raiders 14  Result: Texans 30, Raiders 14
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Texans: -3  Raiders: 0
Predicted Margin: Texans by 13
Actual Margin: Texans by 16
Player of the Game: Texans RB Arian Foster: 28 carries, 138 yards, TD

New York Jets (1-0) @ Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Matchup To Watch: Packers RB Eddie Lacy vs. Jets Defensive Line
Winner: Jets Defensive Line (Lacy: 13 carries, 43 yards)
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson will each run for at least 70 yards.
Result: Incorrect. Ivory did okay, toting the rock 13 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. Johnson struggled, accumulating just 21 yards on 12 carries.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jets TE Jeff Cumberland
Stats: 1 catch, 14 yards  Points
Pick: Packers 34, Jets 21  Result: Packers 31, Jets 24
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Packers: +3  Jets: -3
Predicted Margin: Packers by 13
Actual Margin: Packers by 7
Player of the Game: Packers WR Jordy Nelson: 9 catches, 209 yards, TD

Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-0)-4:25, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles vs. Broncos RB Montee Ball
Winner: Ball (Ball: 12 carries, 60 yards; Charles: 2 carries, 4 yards {left with an injury})
Bold Prediction: Julius Thomas will score at least three touchdowns... again.
Result: Incorrect. That was a pretty bold prediction, and I didn't expect Thomas to reach that mark again. He had four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.
Fantasy Sleeper: Chiefs WR Donnie Avery
Stats: 3 catches, 14 yards  Points:
Pick: Broncos 37, Chiefs 17  Result: Broncos 24, Chiefs 17
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Broncos: +13  Chiefs: 0
Predicted Margin: Broncos by 20
Actual Margin: Broncos by 7
Player of the Game: Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders: 8 catches, 108 yards

Chicago Bears (0-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-0)-8:30, NBC
Matchup To Watch: Bears WR Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery (and RB Matt Forte) vs. 49ers Secondary
Winner: Marshall (5 catches, 48 yards, 3 TD) and Jeffery (3 catches, 47 yards)
Bold Prediction: Jay Cutler will throw for at least three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Result: Correct. Cutler played efficiently, throwing for 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Fantasy Sleeper: 49ers RB Carlos Hyde
Stats: 4 carries, 0 yards; 1 catch, 5 yards  Points:
Pick: Bears 37, 49ers 28  Result: Bears 28, 49ers 20
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Bears: +9  49ers: +8
Predicted Margin: Bears by 9
Actual Margin: Bears by 8
Player of the Game: Bears WR Brandon Marshall: 5 catches, 48 yards, 3 TD

 Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1)-8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Eagles Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense
Winner: Eagles Offensive Line (0 sacks allowed, 458 total yards)
Bold Prediction: Both LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles will have at least 100 total yards.
Result: Correct. McCoy just broke the 100 yard mark (102). On the other hand, Sproles shattered it, going for 152 yards just through the air.
Fantasy Sleeper: Colts TE Dwayne Allen
Stats: -  Points: 0
Pick: Eagles 34, Colts 31  Result: Eagles 30, Colts 27
Result: Correct 
Difference Between Pick and Result: Eagles: +4  Colts: +4
Predicted Margin: Eagles by 3
Actual Margin: Eagles by 3

Player of the Game: Eagles RB Darren Sproles: 4 carries, 26 yards, TD; 7 catches, 152 yards

Bold Predictions Record: 3-12
Week 2 Record: 8-7
Season Bold Predictions Record: 7-23
Season Record: 17-13

The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow For The NFL

Before I begin my Week 2 preview, I'd like to take a moment to remember the events of September 11, 2001, 13 years ago this past Thursday. Not to remember all the fire and tragedies, but to remember the heroes and touching stories. As I tweeted on Thursday (@GCTosu), not what someone says, but what someone does, will make him or her be remembered.
As for the NFL, it's been a rough week. Video came out of Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee (they're now married) in an elevator earlier this year, leading to his release and indefinite suspension. Rice had initially been suspended for the first two games after video showed him dragging her out of the elevator. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL caught a lot of grief for the lax suspension, so they passed new domestic abuse policies. Now there are reports that Goodell saw the video back in April and lied about not seeing it. This is like the NFL version of Watergate.

Then, when it looks like things couldn't get worse, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was issued an arrest warrant Friday for causing injury to a child after he disciplined his son with a tree branch. He turned himself in, but will not play against New England this week.
There are many things wrong with Goodell and the NFL, whether it be allowing players to play after getting arrested, being inconsistent with punishments, and not getting priorities straight (smoking pot is worse than abusing someone?). However, all is not bleak in the NFL. There are people within the league who are good-hearted and truthful. For example, Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, who's 4-year-old daughter has Stage 4 pediatric cancer, was cut, but then signed to the Bengals practice squad. after Week 1, the Bengals had a open roster spot on their active 53-man roster, so they added Still to the active roster. This feel-good story only gets better. Profit made from the sale of Still jerseys go to help research pediatric cancer and raise awareness. Sales skyrocketed after this was announced. Then, on Wednesday, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints bought 100 jerseys to help the cause. So remember, whatever is going on in the commissioner's office or some places around the NFL, there are still good things going on and many kind, hard-working players and personnel.

New Orleans Saints (0-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Browns RB Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell vs. Saints Defense
Browns starting running back Ben Tate will be out 2-4 weeks with a sprained knee, so rookies Terrance West, who ran for 100 yards last week after Tate went out, and Isaiah Crowell, who added two touchdowns, will be tasked with the running back duties. They'll be going against a Saints defense that looked more like the porous defense of 2012 than the much-improved defense of 2013, giving up 37 points to the Falcons last week.
Bold Prediction: Terrance West will run for at least 120 yards.
West ran for 100 yards last week, so this is definitely within reach. Plus, the Saints defense is not very strong, and West will most likely get more carries this week than he did last week.
Fantasy Sleeper: Browns RB Terrance West
This is a new section where I choose a player who could be a good play in fantasy football on a particular week, but who may be a bit under the radar (so not Calvin Johnson or Peyton Manning). As I've been saying, West will take advantage of being the starter in the wake of Tate's injury, and he should thrive, especially this week against a weak defense.
Pick: Saints 34, Browns 30
The Browns showed they can stay with good teams by coming back and almost beating Pittsburgh last week, but the Saints are better than the Steelers and looking for their first win. If the Browns defense plays like they did last week against the Saints, they won't be able to keep up.

Miami Dolphins (1-0) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Bills Offensive Line vs. Dolphins Defensive Line
Last week against Tom Brady and the Patriots, the Dolphins had four sacks, including two sacks and a forced fumble by defensive end Cameron Wake. Last week in a win over the Bears, the Bills offensive line only allowed one sack.
Bold Prediction: Neither quarterback will throw for over 170 yards.
Last week both of these teams won, yet Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for only 178 yards, and Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel only threw for 173 yards. Both of these teams rely heavily on the defense and running game.
Fantasy Sleeper: Dolphins Defense
The Miami defense forced two turnovers, had two sacks, and gave up only 249 passing yards to Tom Brady and the Patriots, and E.J. Manuel and the Bills aren't Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Pick: Dolphins 27, Bills 24
This will be a close ground-and-pound game between two decent teams, but the Dolphins quarterback and defense may be the difference.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) @ Washington Redskins (0-1)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Jaguars Defense vs. Redskins Defense
This is really about which defense is less bad this week. Jacksonville gave up 420 yards and 34 points to Philadelphia last week, and Washington gave up 321 yards and 17 points to Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Texans.
Bold Prediction: Chad Henne will throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Henne threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Eagles, and the Redskins defense is worse than the Eagles defense.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jaguars WR Allen Hurns
Hurns, an undrafted rookie from Miami, went off in the first half of last week's game, but was quiet in the second half, finishing withfour receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Cecil Shorts III might be out again with a hamstring injury, and rookie Marqise Lee might be out with a hamstring injury he suffered last week. So look for Hurns to have another big game as the Jaguars' best option against a Washington defense that isn't the greatest.
Pick: Jaguars 24, Redskins 21
Neither of these teams are very good, but if the Jaguars do what they did against the Eagles in the first half last week, the Redskins don't have enough firepower to comeback like the Eagles did. It may be an ugly game, but I think the Jaguars come out on top.

Dallas Cowboys (0-1) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Cowboys QB Tony Romo vs. Titans Defense
Romo had a horrible game last Sunday, even by Tony Romo standards, throwing three interceptions. But he should do better this week, and he still has some playmakers around him. The Titans defense, however, may present problems. They held the Chiefs to 10 points last week and running back Jamaal Charles to just 19 yards on seven carries.
Bold Prediction: Jake Locker throws for at least 300 yards.
The Cowboys defense is awful, and the Titans offense racked up 405 total yards last week, 266 of them coming from Locker. He's got options in Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter, among others, and again, the Cowboys defense is horrible.
Fantasy Sleeper: Titans Defense
Tony Romo really struggled last week against the 49ers, and while the Titans defense is not quite the 49ers defense, they're still pretty good. The Tennessee defense held Kansas City to 245 total yards and forced three turnovers last week.
Pick: Titans 34, Cowboys 21
The Cowboys do not look good on either side of the ball right now, while the Titans are impressing on both sides. Anything could happen, as the 'Boys have enough talent on the offensive side, but the way things are going, the Titans will take this one.

Arizona Cardinals (1-0) @ New York Giants (0-1)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Cardinals RB Andre Ellington vs. Giants RB Rashad Jennings
Both teams have good running backs whom they rely heavily on. Ellington is a playmaker who isn't 100% healthy yet. He had 13 carries for 53 yards last Monday. Jennings had 16 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. They will be the keys.
Bold Prediction: Carson Palmer will throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Palmer led the Cards back in the fourth quarter against the Chargers Monday night, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns, and now he faces a Giants defense who got shredded by Matthew Stafford and the Lions. Palmer's got Michael Floyd, who has overtaken Larry Fitzgerald as the number one receiver, among other options against the struggling Giants.
Fantasy Sleeper: Giants TE Larry Donnell
Donnell was the leading receiver for the Giants last Monday night with five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. He's a good pick-up for those in need of a tight end.
Pick: Cardinals 35, Giants 17
The Cardinals are a more well-rounded team than the Lions, even though the Lions may have more offensive talent. The Giants are bumbling right now, and while I do think it will probably get a little better, it won't this week against the Cards.

New England Patriots (0-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Vikings RB Matt Asiata (and WR Cordarrelle Patterson) vs. Patriots Defense
The Patriots got torn up by Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno, who ran for 134 yards in a win over New England last week. Backup Lamar Miller added 59 yards.  Meanwhile, the Vikings have possibly the most exciting player in the NFL (Cordarrelle Patterson), one who ran for 102 yards on three carries last week, and Asiata, who will take over for Adrian Peterson. The key to a Patriots win will be containing those two.
Bold Prediction: Both Asiata and Patterson will gain over 100 all-purpose yards.
Patterson is almost a cinch to achieve this, whether it be returning kicks, rushing, or receiving. It may be a bit tougher for Asiata, but he's a decent player, and the Patriots run defense is weak.
Fantasy Sleeper: RB Matt Asiata

See "Matchup To Watch" and "Bold Prediction".
Pick: Vikings 27, Patriots 23
The Patriots are vulnerable, as shown last week, and they probably won't be as good this year. The Vikings, on the other hand, could be pretty good this year, with Peterson being Peterson, Patterson improving, and Matt Cassel providing solid quarterback play. I think Minnesota will pull out the win at home.

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)-1:00, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Falcons Offensive Line vs. Bengals Defensive Line
The Falcons offensive line was already ailing before losing rookie left tackle Jake Matthews last week to an ankle injury. On the other hand, the Bengals d-line had three sacks last week, including two (technically 1.5) big sacks by Wallace Gilberry to win the game.
Bold Prediction: Andy Dalton will outthrow Matt Ryan.
Yes, I understand that Matt Ryan set a Falcons franchise record in the overtime win against the Saints last week by throwing for 488 yards. But Dalton, coming off a contract extension, threw for 301 yards last week against a tougher defense. Dalton may have lost tight end Tyler Eifert (put on IR due to an elbow injury), but he still has Giovanni Bernard, A.J. Green, and second tight end Jermaine Gresham, who I will talk about in 3...2...1...
Fantasy Sleeper: Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham
Gresham is a trendy waiver-wire pick-up in fantasy following Eifert's elbow injury, and for good reason. Gresham was the starting tight end in Cincy before they drafted Eifert out of Notre Dame in 2013, and he'll again be at the top of the depth chart. He has some talent and experience, and he has produced before. This is a passing offense, and Gresham will get some more looks.
Pick: Bengals 33, Falcons 27
The Bengals are a very good team, and they're facing another good team that just beat the Saints in overtime. I think the Bengals are the better team, however, as they have more young talent than the Falcons, plus they're at home this week, and it won't be played in a dome.

Detroit Lions (1-0) @ Carolina Panthers (1-0)-1:00, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Lions Offense vs. Panthers Defense
The Panthers front, led by Defensive Player of the Year Luke Keuchly (9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble), forced three turnovers last week in a win over the Buccaneers, while the Lions offense, led by Matthew Stafford (22-32, 346 yards, 2 TD, 1 rushing TD) and Megatron (7 catches, 164 yards, 2 TD), blew out the Giants last week.
Bold Prediction: Kelvin Benjamin will gain at least 50 yards and score at least one touchdown.
Benjamin, the Panthers receiver and 6'5" red zone target out of Florida State, played well last week, going up to get a touchdown to add to 92 yards, all on six receptions. And that was with Derek Anderson at quarterback. This week, Cam Newton will be back ad it will be exciting what Benjamin, who played well with Newton in the preseason, will perform.
Fantasy Sleeper: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin
See "Bold Prediction".
Pick: Panthers 27, Lions 24
This will be an exciting matchup between two young teams with multiple playmakers. The Panthers, though, have Newton back and a much better defense than Detroit, so I have them pulling it out at home.

Saint Louis Rams (0-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)-4:05, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Buccaneers Offensive Line vs. Rams Defensive Line
The Bucs offensive line showed they're still the weak point of the team last week, giving up three sacks and only rushing for 102 yards. Plus, they're new acquisition, Logan Mankins, is banged up with a knee injury he suffered last week. The Rams defensive line, even without defensive end Chris Long, is dangerous, led by defensive end Robert Quinn, who just received a contract extension Saturday.
Bold Prediction: Austin Davis will throw for at least 200 yards and a touchdown.
This is less my trust in Austin Davis (undrafted rookie quarterback for the Rams who will start for Shan Hill) and more my mistrust in the Buccaneers defense. In fact, They gave up 230 yards and two touchdowns to Derek Anderson last week, so this is achievable.
Fantasy Sleeper: Rams QB Austin Davis
See "Bold Prediction".
Pick: Buccaneers 17, Rams 13
This may be an ugly game, but I think the Tampa Bay offense will perform better than in Week 1. They've got size and talent, and Josh McCown isn't that bad.

Seattle Seahawks (1-0) @ San Diego Chargers (0-1)-4:05, FOX
Matchup To Watch: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers and Wide Receivers vs. Seahawks Secondary
Rivers threw for 238 yards and a touchdown last week, but Arizona came back and beat them. Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd had 50 receiving yards and a touchdown. But they're facing the vaunted Seahawks secondary, who bottled up Aaron Rodgers last Thursday in a rout.
Bold Prediction: Phillip Rivers will throw for less than 150 yards.
Like I said, the Seahawks shut down Aaron Rodgers last week, and Phillip Rivers is good, but not quite as good as Aaron Rodgers.
Fantasy Sleeper: Chargers WR Malcolm Floyd
Floyd produced last week with 50 receiving yards and a touchdown, and even against the Seahawks, he could produce a little bit.
Pick: Seahawks 34, Chargers 24
In case you didn't know, the Seahawks are very good. The Chargers are good too, but I'm not sure how long they can hang with Seattle.

Houston Texans (1-0) @ Oakland Raiders (0-1)-4:25, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Raiders QB Derek Carr vs. Texans Defense
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr had a decent debut last week against the Jets, throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns, although they lost. The Texans defense shut down RGIII and the Redskins, holding them to six points, although they lost first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney to an injury.
Bold Prediction: Ryan Fitzpatrick will throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Last time Fitzpatrick played against the Raiders (last year with the Titans), he threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns, and now he has receivers Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. He played okay last week against Washington, throwing for 206 yards and a touchdown.
Fantasy Sleeper: Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
See "Bold Prediction".
Pick: Texans 27, Raiders 14
The Texas are pretty good (although their quarterback situation is still murky), and the Raiders have a rookie quarterback (although he's decent), so my guess is the Texans will win this one on the road with the help of stars Arian Foster and J.J. Watt.

New York Jets (1-0) @ Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Matchup To Watch: Packers RB Eddie Lacy vs. Jets Defensive Line
Lacy, the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year, had a rough time on Thursday Night Football against the Seahawks, rushing for 34 yards on 12 carries before exiting with a concussion. However, he moved quickly through concussion protocol, and looks to play this week. He'll be going up against a pretty good Jets front led by Muhammed Wilkerson.
Bold Prediction: Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson will each run for at least 70 yards.
Last week against the Raiders, Ivory had 102 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Johnson had 68 yards on 13 carries, so it's pretty obvious that this is a running back-by-committee. The Packers gave up 207 yards to Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks last week.
Fantasy Sleeper: Jets TE Jeff Cumberland
Geno Smith doesn't have many receiving options beyond Eric Decker, and Cumberland was second on the team in receiving last week with four catches for 50 yards. So if you're desperate for a tight end in a deep league, he could be a good pick-up.
Pick: Packers 34, Jets 21
The Jets were able to pull out a victory at home against a rookie quarterback last week, but this week they face Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau. Packers get back on track after a rough opening game.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-0)-4:25, CBS
Matchup To Watch: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles vs. Broncos RB Montee Ball
Charles is a stud who only got seven carries last week against the Titans (for 19 yards), and Ball is a breakout candidate who got his first start last week against the Colts and rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Both backs will probably produce better this week.
Bold Prediction: Julius Thomas will score at least three touchdowns... again.
Thomas had a huge game last Sunday night, scoring three times on seven receptions for 104 yards. There's no reason he won't be a top target again this week, with Wes Welker still suspended since the new drug policy was not finalized in time for him to be reinstated by Sunday.
Fantasy Sleeper: Chiefs WR Donnie Avery
The Chiefs receiving corps isn't close to that of the Broncos, but they do have to throw sometimes. Last week, Avery was the top receiver with 84 yards on seven receptions. Even though receiver Dwayne Bowe is coming back from a one-game drug suspension this week, Avery will still get targets.
Pick: Broncos 37, Chiefs 17
This one just feels like it'll be a blowout, especially the way these two teams played last week. The Broncos were the usual Broncos in a win over the Colts, while the Chiefs couldn't do much against the Titans.

Chicago Bears (0-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-0)-8:30, NBC
Matchup To Watch: Bears WR Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery (and RB Matt Forte) vs. 49ers Secondary
The San Francisco secondary had a field day last Sunday, intercepting Tony Romo three times and returning a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown. They'll have their hands full this week, however, as they go against Forte, one of the best receiving backs in the league and Chicago's leading receiver last week (8 catches, 87 yards), and the one-two receiving punch of Marshall (8 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD) and Jeffery (5 catches, 71 yards). However, both receivers are questionable to play due to injury.
Bold Prediction: Jay Cutler will throw for at least three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Last week in an overtime loss to Buffalo, Cutler threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions, while San Fran picked off Tony Romo three times, but Cutler isn't Romo (well... not exactly), and he has good targets and a good running back.
Fantasy Sleeper: 49ers RB Carlos Hyde
Yes, I understand Hyde is the backup and will only get so many carries, but last week he still had seven carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. Remember, Frank Gore isn't getting any younger (unless he's like Benjamin Button), and Carlos Hyde is at the least a must-have handcuff for Gore.
Pick: Bears 37, 49ers 28
The Bears aren't as bad as they may have shown last week in a loss to the Bills (who actually are not bad), and the 49ers probably aren't as good as they looked last week against the Cowboys (they won't face Bad Tony Romo every week).

 Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1)-8:30, ESPN
Matchup To Watch: Eagles Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense
The Philadelphia offensive line has been depleted by suspension (right tackle Lane Johnson) and injury (right tackle Allen Barbre, who's out with an ankle injury, and left gaurd Evan Mathis, who's questionable with a knee injury), but they may get a break against a punchless Colts front, especially without pass-rusher Robert Mathis (suspension/torn Achilles).
Bold Prediction: Both LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles will have at least 100 total yards.
Last week we saw how the Eagles will use new toy Darren Sproles, pairing him in the backfield with LeSean McCoy. McCoy had 21 carries for 74 yards and Sproles had 11 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown, and both are dangerous in the passing game.
Fantasy Sleeper: Colts TE Dwayne Allen
Although he splits time with Coby Fleener, he is the lead tight end, and he had four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown last week. With Andrew Luck at quarterback against a below-average Eagles defense, he's a good play.
Pick: Eagles 34, Colts 31
It may be stupid going against Luck at home after a loss, but the Eagles are exciting, and the Colts are weak on defense and don't have a running game (as long as they keep starting Trent Richardson).