NFL Week 9 Predictions

I apologize for yet again another absence last week. As a freshly minted attorney, I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into. For those of you considering a career path in the legal profession, be prepared to spend time with people that take themselves way too seriously, forget they have a spouse and children at home, and really love their sweet Range Rover and new Burberry trench coat. At least I can now retreat to my world of fantasy sports where I take my teams way too seriously, forget I have a girlfriend at home, and really love AP and getting Big Ben so late. Let's get to my NFL Week 9 Predictions.

Packers at Buccaneers

Well, if it isn't my favorite disappointments. I really thought I was on to something with the Pack this year, but they have been frustrating to watch. They do just enough to lose games that they should or could win. Perhaps a little more ball control by pounding the rock with Grant may pay off. Against the Buccs, it shouldn't matter. Start all the usual suspects or the Pack. For the Buccs, I'll go with Winslow and Bryant for sure, the Vikes torches the Pack in the air. The running matchup isn't good, but TB backs could be decent flex or deep league plays this week. Pack feast on the Buccs, 31-20.

Dolphins at Patriots

Coming off the bye week, I am sure the Pats will look like a well oiled machine. However, this could be a tough matchup for them. The Dolphins have the ability to run the ball all game and just kill huge chunks of the clock. However, if the Pats get up early, this could turn ugly fast as the Phins don't have the tools necessary to run with the big boys. I'll start the big three from New England and Benjamin Watson should also be an option with bye weeks and the major injuries to TEs. For the Phins, Ronnie Brown is a must start with Ricky Williams getting the nod in deeper leagues or as a flex. Leave Ted Ginn Jr. on the bench until he learns how to catch a pass, returns are too risky. I do think the Pats will get up early and force the Phins to play catch up. Pats take it, 30-13.

Chiefs at Jaguars

Oh man do I feel bad for anyone that has to watch this game. There couldn't be two more boring teams to watch. Neither have good offenses, defenses or special teams. Thank god MJD is playing in this game or it would be a completely worthless game. I'm sure some players will do well in this game, but do you actually trust any of them enough to start them. Assuming you aren't killed by injuries or byes, I would only play MJD and Bowe. Jamaal Charles is interesting, but I would like to see him handle more than 5 carries before I let him start. Avoid this trainwreck. Jags win, even though they won't deserve it, 20-17.

Texans at Colts

This could be a fun one to watch. While I expect Indy to win this, these two high octane offenses could put on a show. However, the loss of Owen Daniels could really derail the Houston offense, his injury will be an interesting side story on this game. For the Colts, start the big four, yes that includes Addai, and I will give Austin Collie the nod also. Collie just continues to produce, so I'll start him. For Houston, Schaub and Johnson are obvious, Slaton is still a solid start, but don't get excited over Moats. That won't happen again. Colts win this shootout, 34-24.

Ravens at Bengals

Who would have thought that Ravens-Bengals would be one of the best games of the weekend. Shocking. However, it is what it is and I never pass on good football. The Bengals know how to protect home field and should provide an excellent matchup to the Ravens toughness. For the Bengals, start the big three, and also give Laverneus Coles some consideration. He seems to be becoming a bigger part of the offense. For the Ravens, Flacco, Rice, Mason, and Heap are sure starts. Heaps value skyrockets do to all the TE injuries. I think the Ravens are the better team with just as many weapons and a better defense. Ravens "upset" the Bengals at home, 24-17.

Cardinals at Bears

Another one of the most disappointing teams in the league will be at it again this week, once again disappointing fans and fantasy owners alike. Many were expecting big things from the Cardinals coming into the year, but they have been a fairly large disappointing, especially Mr. Boldin. I don't see that changing too much this week with the only sure start being Fitz. Boldin is too banged up, the RBs are vulturing each others carries, and Warner is still cleaning up his debacle from last week on aisle three. For the Bears, start Cutler and Forte, but limit your expectations. While the Cardinals have been playing better on the road, that trend doesn't continue this week. Bears win, 20-16.

Redskins at Falcons

Ahhh, the Redskins, one of my favorite dysfunctional teams right now. You look at their roster and think they should be better but then you realize they have Jason Campbell and 36 different coaches making decisions. How long after week 17 will Cowher sign? I'd start Moss and Portis, but that is it. For the Falcons, I expect them to rebound nicely with the big four all providing some good fantasy stats. Although, at this point Matt Ryan is barely a top ten QB, treat him as such. Falcons beat up on the Skins, 27-13.

Lions at Seahawks

Both of these teams are officially at the lowest points of their season so far. Seattle can't move the ball on offense and isn't much better on defense. The Lions had a glimmer of hope a few weeks ago but look like they want the first pick again this year. While both of these teams are slightly better than a warm pile of garbage, that doesn't mean there couldn't be fantasy gold here. If Megatron plays, its a good matchup. Kevin Smith should also be able to find some room to run and Brandon Pettigrew may be a good stealthy start with shallow TE pool. For Seattle, I expect the passing game to get going against the weak Lions D, start Hasselback, Burleson, and Houshmanzilly. Seattle wins easy, 27-17.

Panthers at Saints

Oh boy, this could get ugly. The Panthers have one chance and one chance only, run the ball every time. Panthers need to eat up clock and keep the Saints offense on the sideline. I don't find it likely to happen and once again the Saints have a wonderful afternoon. Start Brees, Colston, Thomas, Bush, and Shockey. For the Panthers, I do think they will try to pound the ball and both Williams and Stewart may be good plays this weekend. You have to start Steve Smith, but meh. Saints win big, 38-17.

Titans at 49ers

I enjoy writing about the Niners. It is solely related to the fact that I like Mike Singeltary as a coach, but my fandom rages none the less. He has turned Vernon Davis into an actual NFL caliber tight end and Alex Smith may not be worthless after all. The Titans have been scorched through the air all year, so Smith is my sleeper special this week. I like Davis, Smith, and Gore for the Niners. For the Titans, its just Johnson. Just about every week it will be just Johnson. In a battle between two of my favorite coaches, the new kid on the block wins. SF takes it, 24-13.

Chargers at Giants

Chargers got back on track last week while the Giants just got embarrassed. The Giants haven't been the same since Eli's foot woes began. I understand its affect on the offense, but what is the D's excuse? They have another tough opponent this week and may find themselves on a four game losing streak. I actually would sit Eli if you have a decent second option. Start both running backs, Steve Smith, and Kevin Boss. For the Bolts, start all four of the usual suspects. Also, keep an eye on Malcolm Floyd, he clearly has become a better option than Chris Chambers in that offense. This should be a close one but I am going with the Chargers, 23-17.

Cowboys at Eagles

This may be piling on, but Roy Williams shut up. The Boys are finally clicking, the play has been solid on both sides of the ball, and you want to cry and moan about not getting good balls thrown your way. You aren't good enough to complain. At least TO was talented. With that said, I am still starting Roy this week. I have a feeling he gets a couple extra looks from Romo to appease him. I'd start Romo, Barber, Austin, Witten, and Felix Jones, in deeper leagues. For the Eagles, I'll go with Chunky Soup, Westbrook, Jackson, Maclin, and Celek. I expect a good bit of offense in this one, bet the over. Eagles win to help soothe some of that World Series burn, 31-27.

Steelers at Broncos

The week ends with what should be one of the best games. Steelers are coming on strong after a disappointing start while the Broncos are looking to bounce back after losing their first of the year. Going to Denver is never easy, especially because of the altitude. I consider it the ultimate home field advantage. The altitude is causing Steelers' starting safety Ryan Clark to sit out for an already depleted defense. I would start Moreno and Marshall, but I wouldn't be excited about. For the Steelers, go with Ben, Hines, Santonio, Heath, and Rashard. Although, I expect some tough sledding for Mendenhall. In a great game, Steelers somehow pull it out 24-20.

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