As we enter week 9 fantasy football friends, we can’t help but think how many of our star players are here one day and gone the next. I’m sure many of us, myself included, cringed when we found out that Steve Slaton was benched in the firat quarter last week, then felt even worse when his replacement Ryan Moats went off for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns. Or how good did it feel to start Mike Bell this week, and have Pierre Thomas be back in the fold and have a huge day? So the simple lesson here is, you just never know so don’t out-think yourself, take some very sound advice, and grab something to break if things go awry!

With that I bring you my nice little fantasy football “Dear Abby” that I like to call, “Flash and Crash”. Hey, it’s week 9, I’m sure you know what it means by now!

Quarterbacks:

Flash

Donovan McNabb, Eagles vs Cowboys
Philly fans may have felt ill effects of losing the World Series, but now the time has come to quickly shift the attention back to football. The Philadelphia Eagles have a big time showdown this week against the arch rival Dallas Cowboys at home this week. If you don’t remember what happened last time, I’ll remind you. Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Cowboys were crushed by the Eagles 44-6. McNabb is back in form and showed great stuff last week against the Giants. The offensive line is getting healthy and the young guns are sharp for Philly. McNabb realizes his team is as strong as he can make them,and I feel he goes off here.

Philip Rivers, Chargers at Giants
Passed up on draft day by the Giants to make a deal for Eli Manning sure hasn’t been sitting well with Philip Rivers, and now he gets his chance at redemption. It is no better time then now for Rivers against a Giant defense that let Philly go nuts on them last week, and is hurting in the secondary. The Giants are also not controlling the ball on offense as they have in the past, so Rivers should get plenty of time with the football. The Chargers are not relying quite as much in the run game as they have in the past, so this one will have to be Rivers or bust here.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks vs Lions
Losing to the Rams is not much to be proud of, and now the Lions take it to the road, and a tough place to play in Seattle. The Seahawks struggled last week on the road at Dallas, but Hasselbeck still had good numbers. Now that Deion Branch is showing up, Hasselbeck actually has 4 guys he can feel good in passing too, which is 4 more then the Lions should be able to stop. The Seahawks have always been alot better at home, and we should see it this week.

Crash:

Matt Ryan, Falcons vs Redskins
The last time I crashed Ryan he went crazy and I felt the fool. However this week Ryan, who has been slowed the last few weeks takes on a Redskins team that is actually number two in the league against the pass, and very desperate to make something happen. The Redskins are expected to run alot against the Falcons defense which may make it difficult for the Falcons to see alot of time on offense, which would lead to a bad day for Ryan.

Vince Young, Titans at 49ers
Hold everything Mr. Young. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves here people. In Indy, Peyton Manning didn’t get any and last week Matt Schaub didn’t get any against the 49ers. Why on Earth would we think that Young can? Well I for one, don’t. The Niners defense may be weak on the ground, but over the last few weeks, they have kept some of the top TD passing QBs out of the end zone, so it doesn’t look good for an average passer like Young.

Carson Palmer, Bengals vs Ravens
This may be more or less a hunch, but it also seems like Palmer never does real big things against the Ravens. The Bengals beat them earlier this year, but of late it looks like the Ravens have been getting stronger against the pass. I just think this team is way to up for this showdown and we may see the Benglas come back to earth.

Sleeper Pick: Matt Cassel, Chiefs
Handle With Care: David Garrard, Jaguars

Running Back:

Flash

Chris Johsnon, Titans at 49ers
Yes I know what I said about Vince Young, but that’s all the more reason to start Johnson. Perhaps his 228 yards last week were not enough to sell people on this guy. If not then how about this: The Niners let up 126 yards last week to Ryan Moats of the Texans. Moats is the number 3 guy on that depth chart. Still don’t like Johnson this week? I thought you’d see it my way.

Ryan Grant, Packers at Buccaneers
You will remember a few weeks back that I made you all a Ryan Grant promise and it came through with flying colors. Well I’m back to do it again, and tell you to get Grant in your line-up. Aaron Rodgers has been taking a beating the last few weeks and now he can relax against a very poor Bucs defense. However, his relaxing will be mostly in handoffs and Grant will have another big day. It’s happened before, it can happen again.

Ray Rice, Ravens at Bengals
Ray Rice has become Mr. Everything for the Ravens of late, and this game is a biggie for them as they take to Cincy. Rice is the new L.T. of fantasy football. He catches, he runs, he scores from just about anywhere. At the beginning of the year I tagged Rice as “,this years DeAngelo Williams” and I’m going to tell you, I didn’t miss at all there. Flacco early in the year was relying alot on the pass to score, but that really isn’t the Ravens style, but Rice, now that’s the Ravens style.

Crash:

Marion Barber, Cowboys at Eagles
Barber returned to the endzone last week for his owners, but this is a bad week to sing more praises. The Eagles boast the number 3 defense in the league and have been shutting down runners very well the last few weeks. If you missed it last week, even the corners and safeties were sticking it to Brandon Jacobs. It doesn’t seem like much is scaring this defense right now, so Barber may just be a limited pace changer this week.

Joseph Addai, Colts vs Texans
What, were you expecting another TD pass this week? Sorry fans, but Addai looks risky this week to me. The Texans are actually in the top 5 against the rush this year and have been solid the last few weeks. Manning was kept quiet last week so you know he’s ready to work, so Addai will be there just not everywhere.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos vs Steelers
Seems like for now the rookie is good against bad defenses but the good defenses know how to handle him. Hey Adrian Peterson didn’t do much against this defense, and not many do. Many people who have Moreno are certain to have another serviceable back, so use that guy!

Sleeper Pick: Jamaal Charles
Handle with Care: The Texans RBs

Wide Receiver:

Flash

Reggie Wayne, Colts vs Texans
In what I feel should be a very high scoring game, you have to go with one of the hottest in the game. Wayne has been brilliant the last few weeks, and now the Texans, who at best have a middle of the road secondary. Reggie is lightning in a bittle each week and his numbers show. Even if its a RB throwing to him, he knows how to tap the toes and make the big plays.

Devin Hester, Bears vs Cardinals
Yes, Devin Hester. Seems like this make-shift receiver is actually learning how to produce. The last 3 games out Hester has caught at least 6 passes and can find the end zone with his speed. Add to it that the Cards are on the road, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been beaten deep alot this year. Cutler at home should be able to make hester a worthwhile start.

Nate Burleson, Seahawks vs Lions
I just think its turn to be huge. Seems like the Seattle guys alternate who will be big, and with the Lions in town the shifty and speedy Burleson should be the A guy here. Nat ehas moments where he looks phenominal, and moments when he looks lost, so they number 31 pass defense in the league should cure that with little problem. I feel Hasselbeck will have a big day, so why not throw Nate into that mix.

Crash

Anquan Boldin, Cardinals at Bears
If he even plays at all. Boldin has been slowed by a hamstring injury, and even when not he just doesn’t seem to have it this year. Alot has happend to Boldin over the last year plus. The brutal hit against the Jets, a dispute with his offensive coordinator, and asking to be traded. Boldin is becoming forgotten fast, and with Fitzgerald and Breaston also on this roster, it may not be a problem.

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs at Jaguars
Now don’t get me wrong, I usually like Bowe, but not here as he should see Jags shut down corner Mathis a ton in this one. A piece of me thinks the Chiefs will want to see what RB Jamaal Charles has to offer so I think this offense may be screen pass and run happy.

Roy Williams, Cowboys at Eagles
I know it’s not a big stretch, but if he wants to be treated like he’s still number 1, and mouth of like a certain former Dallas number 1, well then I will put him on the crash like a number 1. This guy isn’t even the Cowboys number 4 option let alone a number 1 receiver? He had a TD last week, but just his second of the year, oh and in case he is not paying attention, some guy named Austin seems to be doing just fine.

Sleeper Pick: Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Handle With Care: Calvin Johnson, Lions

Defense:

Flash

Seahawks vs Lions
Saints vs Panthers
Steelers at Broncos

CrashLions at Seahwaks
Cowboys at Eagles
Panthers at Saints

 

Still think it’s too late for waiver wires, well youre wrong, some new gems to look at are:

Ryan Moats, RB, Texans
Sure we don’t know what the outcome of the Steve Slaton ordeal is yet, but it sure is nice to grab him just in case, before someone else does. You all know how that stings.

Leonard Weaver, FB, Eagles
A FB? If Brian Westbrook breaks down again you may be rewarded for this move. Weaver has good hands and an eye for the holes. He had a big week last week against the Giants and you will see him more involved.

Sam Hurd, WR, Cowboys
Crayton seems to get short TDs, Miles Austin can’t get all the long ones, so Sam Hurd has snuck in the last few weeks and has produced. Now granted he’s never concrete but watch the match-ups and if you get a little desperate give him a look.

Visante Shiancoe, TE, Vikings
If youre in a league that uses a legit TE spot then he’s more then taken, but if not and you need a filler at WR/TE then look at this guy. Brett Favre seems to be finding him for at least 1 TD per week, and he’s been getting looks.

Good luck in week 9 everyone, and don’t forget to see my “Beat The Shark” article this week as I bring in another lovely female contestant. Also next week we will dish out Mid Term grades for your fantasy football players.

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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Hey again everyone, I hope that you all have been enjoying my good advice. The bye weeks are quickly coming to a close, and your full fantasy line-ups will be back in full swing. It will feel good to finally field a full squad again for most of you I’m sure, but I hope some of you were fortunate enough to take advantage of some waiver wire gems and good bench guys that I have recommended.

I continue to do a nice job in my leagues with a combined 17-4 record. Last week some of my gems like Ryan Grant had real big days as I projected,so I’m here to bring more good news to fantasy owners. So without much more to say, let’s check out this weeks version of “Flash and Crash.”

Quarterbacks:

Flash

Peyton Manning, Colts vs 49ers
This one is totally automatic. You don’t need me to tell you to play this guy every single week. Manning is back in MVP form, and it doesn’t really seem to matter who is getting the football here. The 49ers have been looking alot more like the Niners of a few years back, instead of the team that started 3-1. At home Indy is 100 percent tough, and always a great play for fantasy owners. 3 from Peyton, Sure!

Jay Cutler, Bears vs Browns
Cutler owners had to suffer through a tough one last week. Help is on the way, in the form of the poor Browns defense. Cleveland looks lost on the field quite often and the Bears need to come back in a big way after dropping the last 2 games. Cutler shows that he can deliver, so here against this poor defense there should be plenty of time for him and the rest of this offense to get on track. 2 from Cutler is pretty much a given right out of the gate!

Kurt Warner, Cardinals vs Panthers
After surviving and coming away with a suprise win last week, the Cardinals are out to prove they are for real. Last years NFC playoff game destruction over the Panthers seemed to be the Cards rise to glory and the Panthers fall from grace. I’m not too concerned about revenge talk and all that. The Panthers defense is a shell of what it once was, and Warner and his gang are finding a rhythm.

Crash

Eli Manning, Giants at Eagles
Maybe this foot injury is more then was led on. Manning has looked very meek the last few weeks, and now goes into the very hostile environment of Philadelphia. The Eagles offense the last 2 weeks hasn’t been brilliant, but the defense has played very tough. Manning is losing site of his clutch receiver Steve Smith, and seems to be forcing the ball around too much. If the Eagles can get penetration and establish a blitz, Eli can be in for a very long day.

Alex Smith, 49ers at Colts
Don’t do it, not yet anyway. Every other thing you read about Smith this week will most likely be seen as waiver wire pick up or sleeper, but not on my page. Bob Sanders is back in action and it isnt going to equal good things for the Niners. The book end pass rushers have been teeing of for the Colts and they actually have been decent against the run as well. We know what Smith did last week, but this game is no ordinary game, and the Colts at home are brutal against good QBs let alone Smith.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahwaks at Cowboys
A few weeks back I may not have felt as such, but the Cowboy defense is starting to play as advertised. DeMarcus Ware got his new contract and these ‘Boys are finding a pass rush as well. Hasselbecks offensive line has some question marks, and it just seems anymore that he’s never fully healthy. This Seahawk team is very hard to figure out and even more of an enigma on the road, that’s enough for me to steer clear of Hasselbeck this week.

Sleeper Pick: Duante Culpepper,Lions
Handle With Care: Donovan McNabb,Eagles

Running Back:

Flash

Kevin Smith, Lions vs Rams
Was I not the guy that called for the rebirth of Ryan Grant last week? Trust in this people, Smith will have his best game of the year this week against the hapless Rams. WR Calvin Johnson will most likely be out, so Smith will not only be big on the ground but will get to use his great hands as well. If you are in a point per catch league, Smith is a stud start this week, but even if you are not his 2 TDs will look great on your stat sheet!

Darren Sproles, Chargers vs Raiders
If last time out was any indication then you all know that Charger running backs always do well against the Raiders. Earlier this season Sproles had some huge plays and found the end zone against them and the Chargers offense is getting hot. After having a 38 spot dropped on them last week by the Jets, I have no faith in this Raiders defense. I don’t think even Norv Turner can screw this one up. L.T. is nothing more then a wear down back now and by the time Sproles gets in there the defenses are worn down. This week will be no exception.

Ray Rice, Ravens vs Broncos
I know the Broncos have been very good this year, but Ray Rice is a fantasy animal. He catches, he runs, he scores and he makes big bang type of plays. Remember when Willis McGahee was the TD guy here? That seems like so last year, most likely because Rice is doing it from all over the field. The Ravens are in desperate need of a win and Ray should see a ton of action in this one.

Crash

Brandon Jacobs, Giants at Eagles
I don’t like much of anything that Jacobs is doing lately. In the past few meeting the Giants have managed to work the ground game against the Eagles, but Philly has made some moves to improve this defense. Jacobs is not finding the end zone of late, and isn’t getting catches either. I don’t expect much from Jacobs here.

DeAngelo Williams, Panthers at Cardinals
I would not have believed it, but the Cards are now the number one defense in the league against the rush. This being the case, teamed with the fact that they will be flying high on offense, the Panthers will be forced to go to the air early in this one. Williams is far from the monster he was last year, and his team currently stinks. Putting 8 in the box to slow up the run game is something defenses will be willing to try at this point.

Julius Jones, Seahawks at Cowboys
Last week we saw Cedric Benson go hog wild against his former mates, but don’t expect to see the same out of Jones. The Cowboys defense is starting to hit stride and Jones has been slow the last few weeks. It may be safe to say that the ‘Hawks will be playing from behind in this one too, so Jones will have to get off fast to have a prayer of doing things in this one.

Sleeper Pick: Beanie Wells, Cardinals
Handle With Care: Frank Gore, 49ers

Wide Receiver:

Flash

Miles Austin, Cowboys vs Seahawks
Austin has become the number 1 guy by far and away in Big D. Tony Romo has rediscovered the deep ball again and the Cowboy offense looks to be back in form. Austin has scored 4TDs in his last 2 games and just seems to be tearing up everyone in his path. Seattle has been torched by some poor teams, and don’t seem to be up to the task of stopping hot players, and right now Austin is smoking hot!

DeSean Jackson, Eagles vs Giants
While I’m not all that crazy about starting McNabb, I fully believe that the Eagles chances of winning rely heavily on Jackson. He has home run hitting ability whenever he touches the ball, and has scored from 60+ yards 5 times already this season. He is doing it all right now and McNabb and company have no fear putting the ball in his hands. Punt returns, wildcats, reverses, receptions, you name it and Jackson has his hands in it.

Donald Driver, Packers vs Vikings
Well I said it all year that the Packers will take down Favre in Green Bay. I also said it would take a big game by Aaron Rodgers to do so, hence the reason im liking Driver. DD has scored TDs in 3 straight and is usually a good bet to have big days against the Vikings. Add into the fact that Greg Jennings is M.I.A. and you will know that Driver is once agaon, even at 36, the main man in this offense.

Crash

Steve Smith, Giants at Eagles
I don’t really know why but this guy is all bit forgotten about. Smith has done a whole lot of nothing the last few weeks, and now he will be chased around all day by Asante Samuel. Add to it that QB Eli Manning seems more aggrivated by a foot injury then we are being told and Smith could be in for a long day.

Roddy White, Falcons at Saints
White has come back to life the last few weeks and is getting more involved in the passing game, however the Saints have been playing really good defense and the secondary is looking tough. In New Orleans opponents have a tough time with signal changes and such so Matt Ryan will probably try and keep it pretty simple. Maybe alot of TE stuff but not alot of big stuff from White.

Steve Smith, Panthers at Cardinals
Jake Delhomme is BRUTAL, The End

Sleeper Pick: Bryant Johnson, Lions
Handle With Care: Donnie Avery, Rams

Defense:

Flash

Cowboys vs Seahawks
Cardinals vs Panthers
Bears vs Browns

Crash

49ers at Colts
Raiders at Chargers
Falcons at Saints

Here comes the Waiver Wire! Yes fans there is still hope and still help via the waiver wire. Keep an eye on these late season steals:

Bryant Johnson, WR, Lions
As long as Calvin Johnson is laid up with a knee injury, Bryant Johnson will continue to be the number 1 option here. He scored his first TD of the season in their last game and this week have the Rams at home, sounds like a winner.

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
Greene was very active last week in a blow out win over the Raiders. With Leon Washington out of commision, Greene will be sharing the backfield with Thomas Jones, and giving that Jones is over the magic, “30 mark” could mean that the youngster Greene can be very active.

Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans
This mostly depends on the fate of Andre Johnson. Jones has real good speed and does good stuff in the return game, but if Johnsons injury proves to be serious, then he will be needed alot more in the passing game.

Jamal Charles, RB, Chiefs
I recommended Charles a few weeks back, and now that Larry Johnson has gone, well all Larry Johnson again, Charles will not only get his chance to start next week against Jacksonville, but he will take Johnsons job, its in the bank!

Dennis Northcutt, WR, Lions
Read above about Bryant Johnson. Same scenario here, decide which one will step up.

Thanks for reading fans, don’t forget to check out this weeks installment of’ “Beat The Shark” as well, some football flavor as we feature a player from The Lingerie Football Leagues New York Majesty. Good Luck in Week 8

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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Get your NFL jerseys discounted now on Amazon.com by clicking here

Play and Win Fantasy Football with the National Football Post – Buy Now

Use Fantasy Football Commissioner for all of your FF needs at www.fflcommish.com/.

Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big – Fathead.com

Order the Madden NFL 10: Official Strategy Game Guide by clicking here.

Quarterbacks
1. David Garrard Jac – He is still a free agent in 34 percent of yahoo leagues, if you are in need of a quarterback, or your quarterback is on bye week, Garrard is your man. This week he has one of the most favorable match-ups, going against the titans pass defense. Last time he destroyed them for 300 yards and three touchdowns. I just can’t see the titans coming out and playing any different then what they have been playing this year.

2. Alex Smith SF – He played the whole second half due to Shaun Hill getting benched for his horrific performances. Smith came out and threw three touchdowns and picked apart the Texans pass defense. I know some of you are thinking it was the Texans, well Smith plays in the NFC West and none of them are much better in the secondary. Also he is a late season quick fix; you are not going to find a top ten player in free agency at this time. If he continues similar performances to this one he could end up pushing for a top ten spot in scoring from week seven on.

3. Matt Hasselbeck Sea – I know that he played like garbage last week, but he has also put on some great performances too. Hasselbeck is available in over 36 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. So if you are in dire need of a possible quick fix, and the other two are already taken, then here is your next best possible chance. The best part is that seven of his last ten games are against weak pass coverage teams so that is working well in Hasselbeck’s favor.

Running backs
1. Shonne Greene NYJ – He just turned into a decent pickup based on the fact that Leon Washington broke his leg on his first offensive play last week. Now they will rely on Greene to give Thomas Jones blows for the rest of the year. He will get plenty of carries because the Jets run the ball a lot especially with their struggling passing offense. Greene will come in and run the ball when the defense is already worn down from Jones, and will get the carries when the jets are just wasting time.

2. LeSean McCoy Phi – Well what do ya know Brian Westbrook is hurt again and this time McCoy is here to get his reps on Sunday. With the way Philly’s offense goes, LeSean has an opportunity to score at any moment of the game and will rack up both rushing and receiving yards. He is available in over a fourth of all ESPN leagues and will become a nice asset to your hurting fantasy backfield.

3. Beanie Wells Ari – He has had more carries in two out of the cardinals’ last three football games than Tim Hightower. Arizona is clearly making way for their running back of the future. He keeps improving week by week and now that they are giving Beanie the ball about twelve times a game he has opportunities to produce. The cards claim that Hightower is still the starter, but the only thing that matters is who gets the ball the most and that will produce the better stat sheets on Sunday.

Wideouts
1. Hakeem Nicks NYG – Nicks is one of the hottest receivers in football over the last four weeks. He has caught a touchdown pass in four straight games and is averaging over 70 yards a game. The best part is that he is still a free agent in over 55 percent of fantasy leagues! Get him before someone else does.

2. Austin Collie Ind – Him and Peyton Manning have developed a nice relationship together, they have hooked up in the end zone four times in the last three weeks. If you are looking to get rid of Steve Smith or just need another guy here it is. You know the colts are going to throw a lot when you have one of the best quarterbacks in the league under center. Another positive is the fact that he has an awesome schedule working in his favor for the rest of the year. So use some common sense and grab him while he is still there.

3. Michael Crabtree – People this is potentially one of the greater chances to have an amazing guy on your roster. In his pro debut he caught 5 passes for 56 yards. He is going to be one of the top options on this San Francisco football team. Give him two more weeks and he will be straight deadly.

Sleeper

Steve Slaton RB Hou – Slaton has started to heat up this season in his last two games. He is averaging more than 100 yards from the line of scrimmage in the last two performances. This really bodes well for him since he is playing against the Buffalo Bills who are giving up more than 170 rushing yards a game, which is worst in the league. If he is every going to have a chance to significantly raise his mediocre 3.1 yards per a carry it has to be this week. I am predicting 128 rushing yards to go along with 55 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Deep Sleeper

Marc Bulger QB Stl – I know everybody is probably thinking what on earth could make me choose a guy on a team that hasn’t won a game to be a sleeper of the week. Well if there is any chance of the Rams to look good on one Sunday this year, they need to show it now. They are playing the lions who are giving up over 250 passing yards a game. So to prove that I can be daring, I am predicting that Bulger we pass for more than 230 yards and throw 3 tds and an interception.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or would like advice on something please e-mail me at life4fantasy@hotmail.com.  

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Stock Up

QB: Matt Hasselbeck

In the two full games Hasselbeck has played this season he had passed for 7 seven touchdowns and averaged over 250 yards passing. Granted they have been against the Rams and Jaguars but he has shown he can still play. With a nice schedule coming up that includes the Cardinals (twice), Lions, and Cowboys, Hasselbeck is set up for a nice run over the next few weeks.

Other notables: Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Orton

RB: Ray Rice

The past two games the Ravens have made Ray Rice the focus of their rushing attack giving Willis McGahee only 8 touches compared to 36 for Rice. He has responded well averaging over 140 total yards the past two weeks. He has also scored twice in the past three weeks and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry on the season. If you’re in a PPR league this guy is a stud and a legitimate top 10 running back.

Other notables: Knowhson Moreno, Cedric Benson

WR: Eddie Royal

Before this past week Eddie Royal was considered one of the biggest fantasy busts of the season. He had caught only eight balls in four games and had zero touchdowns. Then on Sunday he caught 10 balls, showing why owners invested a mid round pick in him. Orton went to him consistently including a crucial 3rd and 1 during overtime. Hopefully that was the jump-start Royal needed to get his season going.

Other notables: Braylon Edwards, Miles Austin,

Stock Down:

QB: Tom Brady

Brady has not been bad by any means this seasons but he has left owners a bit disappointed. He has not been worth the second round pick you spent on him and is now in 4-7 range of quarterbacks instead of contending for the top spot. He still will have one or two games where he goes off for four touchdowns but if your expecting the 2007 Brady to come back you will be disappointed.

Other Notables: Trent Edwards, Shaun Hill

RB: Steve Slaton

Although Slaton has put up better fantasy numbers the past two weeks he is still not playing a whole lot better. He is still only averaging 3.2 yards per carry and is losing goal line touches to Chris Brown. With the game on the line last week with the ball on the one-yard line the Texans gave the ball to Brown twice. Even though Brown didn’t convert coach Kubiak gave him a vote a confidence this week. Not what you like to see from your second round pick.

Other Notables: Willie Parker, Jerome Harrison

WR: Mario Manningham

After a sensational start to the season that made him the hottest waiver wire grab Manningham has cooled off. He has caught just seven passes and one touchdown since that 10 catch game and the number one receiver job is clearly Steve Smith’s. Now talented rookie Hakeem Nicks is back and healthy and showed some real potential last week, scoring a long touchdown. Expect him to start to cut into Manningham’s production as the Giants bring him along.

Other notables: Terrell Owens, Mohammad Massaquoi

My name is Chris Cipriano and I am currently a college student. I am a huge Jets fan and have been playing fantasy football for nine years now. If you want to check out more of my work head over to my website at http://www.cippinonsports.com.

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Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big – Fathead.com

Order the Madden NFL 10: Official Strategy Game Guide by clicking here.

Feel the heat fantasy fans! Feel the rush of your players putting up the big digits. We head into week 6, and some of the NFL’s finest have made big impacts so far here in fantasy football. Well so have I!

Yes, last week I hope many of you feasted on some of my dandy picks like Donovan McNabb, Andre Johnson, and on and on. In my 3 fantasy leagues I am a combined 12 wins and 3 losses, much better then my alter-ego “The Shark” at picking things huh? So here we are again, my choices for you to view and hopefully ride to success this weekend. I, however did have the mind set of recommending Ryan Howard, what can I say, I’m a Philly guy with post-season fever! Ok so here are my “Flash and Crash” picks:

Quarterback:

Flash

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks vs Arizona
Matt is back, which is good news for Seattle. Last week he looked crisp, and head coach Jim Mora looked pretty smart for being patient and not panicing after a tough 1-3 start. With T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Nate Burleson and Deion Branch along with TE John Carlson, the Seahawks are once again looking like a tough offense. This week they host the Cardinals. If you saw the Cards last week at home against Houston you would know they can give up plenty through the air. If Seattle is going to take charge of this division, as many thought they could, then this is a huge game for them, and I think Hasselbeck will step up and deliver the goods. 300 yards plus at least 2 TDs is very possible.

Donovan McNabb, Eagles at Oakland
A road QB? Yes, and its a simple pick. I have grown tired of people saying, “Don’t pass against Oakland”. Well tell that to Eli Manning, who did it just fine on one good foot last week. This Raider team is not scary by any stretch and now that he’s back and healthy, D Mac is using all his firepower on the field. Andy Reid is letting them air it out and McNabb is loving his young speedsters! I’d expect another blow out and 3 TDs easily as McNabb should have his cap on walking the sidelines by the 4th quarter.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs Detroit
Ok, so we still don’t have a cure for the common cold, but we do have the cure for the common cold QB: Play the Lions. I hate to just simply trash the Lions, but they do very little to stop opposing QBs, and after a week to think about things after that tough loss to Minnesota and Favre, I think Rodgers and the Pack will be ready to rock. It is time for Greg Jennings to find his way, and what better match up then for this passing offense to re-appear. Easily 2 TDs if not more for “Mr” Rodgers.

Crash

Brett Favre, Vikings vs Baltimore
Once upon a time it was known that an offense had little chance against the Ravens defense. Well over the last few weeks, RBs have been making some of the noise and the Ravens have looked human. So in steps the man considered the games best, Mr Adrian Peterson. So why not use Favre? Well the Ravens will bring it hard and heavy, and Brett isn’t about to take that pounding so he’ll look to screen passing and running to get him through. The Raven defense may not be what it once was, but tell that to a 39 year old QB.

Kerry Collins, Titans at New England
If Collins even starts? Ok so many of you have little desire to play Collins, but even if its possible DON’T! The Patriots are starting to get a bit tougher against the pass, but the run defense looks very average. The Titans if they have any prayer will have to look to a heavy work load on the ground, and have the weapons to do so. No that the Titans have much of a chance in many peoples eyes, but don’t even think about Collins.

Jason Campbell, Redskins vs Chiefs
I know what you are all thinking, its K.C. right? It doesn’t really matter, this guy doesnt have the ability to really go off. Don’t try and get match up savvy here because it’s not worth it. Campbell is not even a good bye week filler in this one. If anything they will try and run alot and do screen passing. K.C. is a bad club, but the Redskins deserve just as little credit, and I feel good disrespecting them here.

Sleeper Pick: Matt Cassel, Chiefs
Handle with care: Kurt Warner, Cardinals

Running Backs:

Flash

Pierre Thomas, Saints vs New York Giants
Do you remember that wild Jim Mora Sr. interview that gets broadcasted like a million times every year. In one portion of it he says the phrase, “I don’t care who ya play” and neither do I when it comes to Thomas. Since coming back from injury he’s been a horse! This guy is living up to his pre-season hype and is scoring fantasy points a plenty. Two weeks ago a supposed rough and tough Jets run defense came in and watched Thomas get into the end zone and break off huge chunks of yardage. Bush may be the speed and the flash, but this guy is the bull, and when you mess with the bull you get the horns! PT Cruiser ( as I have dubbed him ) should be good for 100 and a score or 2 in what will be a smash mouth contest.

Cedric Benson, Bengals vs Texans
Well you have to give in to a guy that was the first RB in 40 games to get over 100 yards rushing against the Ravens last week. This guy is 100 percent back and looks fantastic. Ok so I traded him in one of my leagues for WR help, and I have the foot print from me kicking myself to prove it. The Texans run defense is not awful but also not top 5 either. The WRs for Cincy will get some, but I think its Cedric “The Entertainer” ( liking the nicknames huh?) that will be cashing in the TDs

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars vs St Louis
Well, what was I going to do, not pick a guy playing the Rams. Perhaps Rush Limbaugh should buy into this team, he can play defensive tackle maybe? I think the Rams keep that nickname because thats what opponents have been doing, Ramming the ball down their collective throats! MJD is due for a monster day and this is the time and the place, home against this defensive nightmare.

Crash
Willis McGahee, Ravens at Minnesota
You all should know by now how I feel about RBs playing aginst the Vikings. Now add to it the fact that Willis was left out of most of the plays last week and was limited the week before and you suddenly have a disaster on your hands. This team, like most fantasy owners are loving Ray Rice, and with his hands and toughness, is making more sense so McGahees fast start seems to be nothing more then 15 minutes of fantasy fame this year.

Brandon Jacobs, Giants at New Orleans
Are you still using Jacobs? If you are inform the Giants because they are not. The Saints defense is actually pretty tough this year and have been decent against the run. In todays “here today gone tomorrow” style of NFL, Jacobs looks to be giving way to Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants will look to take it to the Saints through the air and Bradshaw has better speed and hands and will continue to see more action. Jacobs may be playing his way right on to several fantasy benches.

Fred Jackosn, Bills at New York Jets
I knew it was coming, I just didn’t want to face it. Jackson owners must be sick to the stomach as a once great sleeper pick has, well, fallen asleep. Head coach Dick Jaroun seems to be feeding Marshawn Lynch more every week, and Jackson seemed to be at his best when he was an every down back, heating up as the action got more intense. Does anyone see a pattern in how bad the Bills offense has gotten since Lynchs return? I bet alot of Jackson owners have. The Jets are not the remedy for a struggling ground game. They play stingy run defense at home, so how can you trust a guy that now touches the ball maybe 8 times a game?

Sleeper Pick: Cadillac Williams, Bucs
Handle with care: Matt Forte, Bears

Wide Receivers:

Flash

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs at Washington
Finally Bowe has come back to the guy many of us knew he could be this off-season. After being in his coaches dog house during camp and suffering a hamstring injury, Bowe has gone all “Brandon Marshall” on us and has been, “Playing and working harder then at any point in his career” say teammates and coaches. The Redskins don’t play great pass defense and if the Chiefs are going to be anywhere is this game they will rely on Bowe to carry the load. Last 3 games he’s hit the field, he’s hit the end zone and should be just fine in this one.

Randy Moss, Patriots vs Tennessee
There will be a Moss sighting this week, mark it down. The Titans have gotten little pass rush this year and the past few weeks Brady has been trying to get back in the groove with Moss and has fallen just a bit short. Moss has stayed quiet and has been a good teammate through it all and should see the reward this week. The Patriots have lots of question marks at RB so its time to get back to Welker for the yards and Moss for the paydirt!

Andre Johnson, Texans at Cincy
Ohhhh you Bengals. So you think you really have a good pass defense? Have you met Andre Johnson. This guy is downright superhuman when he slaps on the pads and he should be plenty busy this week. It has all the feel of a let down game for the Bengals after some real big wins the last few weeks. I’m not knocking Cincy but I’m going with what works and a desperate Texans team will need to lean on its leader as it looks for a much needed win.

Crash

Vincent Jackson, Chargers vs Broncos
You usually like Phillip Rivers and his bunch at home, but not here! Champ Bailey is playing like a kid again for the Broncos and he should spend most of his day watching Jackson. Plus, if you had not noticed, this Broncos team plays good defense. The Chargers need this game, but I think it’s more on the shoulders of Gates and Sproles this week then Jackson.

Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars vs St Louis
Now I may be wrong here, bit I think the Jags may have ruined the best possible wide receiver in this teams history. Suspended before the game last week and now being sent out there aginst a bad Rams team seems to make it ok right? Not in my eyes. If I’m Sims-Walker I think i’d take a step back this week and let the Jags see what else they have at WR which is nothing! I’m not getting into the conditions that got him suspended, but this will be a ground game for the Jags, and they may have killed the spark this guy has provided. I may be wrong, but i’d like a week to be sure.

Anybody on the Browns
The Browns QBs stink, The WRs stink and im not even going to mention how they are playing the Steelers! Do you smell that? I think the Browns just crapped themselves?

Sleeper pick: Donnie Avery, Rams
Handle with care: DeSean Jackson, Eagles

Defense

Flash

Eagles at Oakland
Jets vs Buffalo
Packers vs Lions

Crash

Cardinals at Seattle
Titans at New England
Giants at New Orleans

So now its time to scan the waiver wire. It gets harder every week to find yourself a gem as guys get picked up after one big outing. Here are some guys that got picked up this week or may still be out there for you according to my ff leagues

Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys
Before his huge performance last week I knew Austin would be active. Roy Williams is injured and this offense needs a spark. Austin is the fastest receiver of this bunch and coach Wade Phillips said that he will see time now as a starter.

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
He was drafteed in many leagues im sure, but Avery still finds himself on some waiver wires in some leagues. He’s healthy again and found the end zone last week. He is option 1,2, and 3 in this passing game.

Jamal Charles, RB, Chiefs
One of these weeks it’s going ot happen. Todd Haley will give up on the slow footed Larry Johnson and give the speedy Charles some action. It may be a reach, but backs are so hard to find this time of year so why not take that risk?

Mewelde Moore, RB, Steelers
One of the most underrated players of our time for sure. He catches, he’s quick and he’s a very smart football player. Not yet sure as to how long Willie Parker will be out, and the Steelers love this guy on 3rd downs. I think against the Browns there will be some garbage time, and Moore will get some reward.

Invest in the near future?
Ok so don’t be afraid if you have roster room to spare to grab LaMont Jordan. Correll Buckhalter is working with an ankle injury, and twice last week Knowshon Moreno was slow in getting up after plays. Jordan is next in line if these guys can’t carry the load and in the past he’s shown soft hands and tough running.

Keep an eye on Calvin Johnson, and if he misses serous time go grab Bryant Johnson. It looked like last week that he will be the number 1 when Calvin can’t go and he even scored against the tough Steelers defense. He spent a few years in Arizona with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin so you know he has some tricks to work with.

Don’t forget friends to check back every Friday for my “Beat The Shark” segment. This week another great female prepares to take me on one on one! Good luck in week 6 everyone!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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5. The Raiders and Rams don’t show up to play Football

The new competition every Sunday seems to be which one of these teams plan on scoring the fewer amounts of points on Sunday. Both of these franchises are currently racing for the #1 draft pick in the 2010 draft this coming spring. One team has a Quarterback on his way to the bust and buffet line with JaMarcus Russell while the other has…Kyle Boller? Yeah remember him? He was supposed to be the future of the Baltimore Ravens, how did that work out? Just ask Joe Flacco.

The St. Louis Rams are a team that surprises me because I really thought Steve Spagnuolo was going to have a decent season in St. Louis. He was looked at by some in NFL inner circle as the guy that made that Giants team go in the last couple of seasons. He sits 0-5 while the Giants are 5-0 and the defense still looks good. You tell me if Spagnuolo really was a defensive genius after all.

It’s amazing that the Raiders even have a win this season. Sam Bradford…Colt McCoy…please meet your future employers. Sorry guys.

4. With Hasselbeck back the Seahawks look good

With Matt Hasselbeck behind center again this Sunday the Seahawks were able to shut out and shut down the Jacksonville Jaguars who clearly didn’t play like they did against the Titans, 41-0. It took five weeks to show what the Seahawks still have left in the tank and it was an impressive showcase by far. Most importantly Seattle got their leader back in Matt Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck in his first full healthy game this season went 18 for 30 for 241 yards and 4 touchdowns. Leading the Seattle Seahawks to shut down the Jacksonville Jaguars 41-0, making heads turn in the NFC as the leader of the Seattle franchise has returned. If this is the Hasselbeck that Seattle gets this season then we are looking at potential powerful team surging in the NFC and possibly catching teams by surprise.

3. Falcons dominate the 49ers

Going into this Sunday’s matchup I really thought it was going to be the most competitive and exciting game out of all of Week 5. What this game showed us is what I have been predicating all season long, the Atlanta Falcons are a dangerous team and could be NFC Champions come February. The offense does not get enough credit and the Falcons defense may be overlooked by most.

Roddy White finally had the game Fantasy Football owners were hoping for catching over 200 yards against a defense that has played well throughout the entire season. Mike Singletary is a defensive minded coach and putting 45 points on the board with a receiver catching 200 yards is a good sign of what things are to come for the Falcons in the 2009 season. Very impressive win for the Falcons after a string of losses, hopefully Matt Ryan can ride this wave and gain more confidence as the season rolls on. The Falcons are a dangerous team.

2. The Bengals win an emotional game for their Defensive Coordinator

Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer lost his wife tragically this past Thursday, three days later he led his Bengals defense to a huge victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Not only did the Bengals capture an emotional victory but they also cemented themselves as an early season AFC powerhouse. This Bengals team has defeated the Steelers and Ravens this season already while they are a Denver miracle away from being 5-0.

Amazing to see what a healthy Carson Palmer can do for a team. Now that Carson Palmer is in season form it appears that Palmer can be considered an elite Quarterback in the NFL. Not many people can “contro” Chad Ocho Cinco and that alone is a talent that can be applauded for. Like the Falcons the Bengals could also be partying Super Bowl weekend as the AFC representative.

I can’t believe I’m writing that in Week 5, but it looks like it could be a possibility.

1. The Broncos go 5-0

The Denver Broncos are for real, finally. I have been questioning that statement for weeks now but now it is official as the Broncos defeated long AFC mainstay the New England Patriots in an overtime thriller this past Sunday in Denver. Josh McDaniels is by far the favorite for the NFL Coach of the Year now by taking a team that most estimated would be a Top 5 Draft Pick team in 2010. They were heading into this season with a less then proven Quarterback in Kyle Orton and a disgruntled Pro Bowl Wide Receiver in Brandon Marshall.

Five weeks later Kyle Orton is looking like a better team Quarterback then Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall has shut his mouth, practicing hard to be a better Wide Receiver for the Broncos. The person that deserves all that credit is first year Coach Josh McDaniels. Not many of Bill Belichick’s protégés have been successful in their levels of Football coaching but Josh McDaniels has thus far. It could be a case of the Mangini’s where he looks like a “genius” but for now the Broncos and Josh McDaniels are for real.

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos Video Highlights

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