Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
Here we go again, it’s time for another round of Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning. It seems like every year football fans everywhere are treated to this heavy weight bout. This year is a little different. Manning is gun-slinging in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos. This will be their first meeting with Manning’s new team. No matter the uniform, when these two titans meet fans are in for a great game.
Last week the New England Patriots offensive juggernaut put up 52 points on the Buffalo Bills. Bills' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick just could not keep up with Brady. Manning is one of the few quarterbacks that can. This game may come down to which team has the ball last.
Both defenses have a big test ahead of them. Denver is allowing 220 passing yards per game, while New England is allowing 281. While most the attention will be on Brady and Manning, the real focus should be on which defense will rise to the challenge of slowing down the other teams future Hall of Famer.
Fantasy Outlook
While Brady is a must start every week, Manning is also a good option as this game could turn into a shoot out. I also like Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas as WR2 options.
As for the running backs I think Willis McGahee is an under rated fantasy back. Look for Denver to attack New England through the air, so temper expectations on McGahee. New England’s backfield is crowded. I would stay away from any Patriot' running back it’s either feast or famine in New England.
Rob Gronkowski is a must start at TE and I like Jacob Tamme to have a good week against a New England defense that has allowed three touchdowns to TE’s over the last two weeks.
Houston Texans at New York Jets
The Texans are firing on all cylinders. At 4-0 they are one of three undefeated teams in the NFL. The Jets, on the other hand, seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Mark Sanchez has not been playing like a first round quarterback and it’s only a matter of time till Jet fans start clamoring for the chosen one Tim Tebow. To make matters worst the Jets lost their best WR Santonio Holmes and their best CB Darrelle Revis to season ending injuries.
On paper this game is a mismatch. Houston has too much firepower on offense for the porous Jets defense to have a chance. On the other side of the ball the Texans defense is smothering and Sanchez will need to play the game of his life in order to keep the Jets close. The Texans defense is only allowing 14 points per game while on offense they are averaging over 30 points per game. I don’t see how the Jets could play any worse than last week, but this game could get ugly quick. Look for Houston to remain undefeated in what could turn into a double digit victory.
Fantasy Outlook
Don’t start anyone on the Jets in this game and start everyone on the Texans. That seems overly simplistic but it’s TRUE! Obviously start the no-brainers Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. Also look for Matt Schaub to have a solid start. The Texan D/ST is another good play here as they could have a feast if Sanchez and the Jets play poorly.
Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals
Two young signal callers go head to head in this game as Miami rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill travels to Paul Brown Stadium to take on second-year Bengals' quarterback Andy Dalton. While the record shows a mismatch as the Bengals are tied for first in the AFC North at 3-1 and the Dolphins are last in the AFC East at 1-3, this game may be closer than you think.
The Dolphins have lost two close fought overtime games in the last two weeks. They could easily be sitting at 3-1 but this is football not horseshoes and you are only as good as your record says. The Bengals have a chance to keep up with division foe Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North. To do this they must get past a scrappy Dolphins team that is trying to find its offensive identity.
Look for the Bengals to exploit a Miami secondary that is allowing nearly 300 yards passing per game. The Dolphins must lock down the secondary in a hurry because Andy Dalton and AJ Green can make any defense look like the JV squad. Miami will keep it close but the Bengals have too many weapons on offense. I see a high scoring game with the Bengals winning at home.
Fantasy Outlook
Teams have figured out that you can pass on the Dolphins so Andy Dalton and AJ Green are must starts in this game. Miami is only allowing 56 rushing yards per game so make sure the “Law Firm” is riding pine this week. Sit BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Start Reggie Bush the Bengals are allowing 130 rushing yards per game and the Dolphins rely heavily on the running game.