NFL Week 10 Picks and Fantasy Predictions

Did anyone watch that (supposedly) NFL game last night?  What a horrible offensive performance by Jay Cutler.  The Bears bring him in to solidify their quarterback position, which has been shaky the past 20 some odd years, and he has been plain miserable this year.  He threw FIVE INT’s against a 49ers secondary that was missing their best player (Nate Clements).  NFL pundits have been on this guy’s bandwagon ever since he entered the league.  Well this year on a potential playoff team before the season, he has amassed 14 TD’s and 17 INT’s with a QB Rating in the 70’s. 

Jay Cutler’s miserable game somehow let Alex Smith (49ers QB) off the hook last night.  He threw for 118 yards on 23 attempts with NO TD’s and an INT.  Also, both teams had to have set some sort of record for the number of penalties committed in one game.  In hindsight, I should have spent my night watching Survivor and The Office. 

On to my weekly picks.  3-1 last week.  HOME team in CAPS.

- Cowboys -3 at PACKERS

The Cowboys have won their past 13 games in November, and the Packers are coming off a loss to the Bucs.  That’s right, THE BUCS!!  Romo and the Boys continue their streak in November.  Cowboys 30 – 20

- Chiefs +2 at RAIDERS

The Raiders should not be favored against anyone.  I don’t care that they beat the Eagles.  The Chiefs have a better offense, and JaMarcus Russell makes Ryan Leaf look like Peyton Manning.  I’d advise you all to not watch this game.  It is going to be ugly.  Chiefs 17 – 13

- JETS -7 v. Jaguars

The Jets are coming off a bye, and they match up well defensively against the Jaguars.  Also, the Jags defense is borderline pathetic.  Therefore, I would not worry about Sanchez having one of his meltdowns.  Jets 27 – 14

TURN THE KEY (Bet of the Week)

- Saints – 13.5 at RAMS

The Saints are made to blow out teams like the Rams.  Bulger is in line for be hit all game and the Saints will have this covered by halftime.  I would expect all three of the Saints running backs to be fantasy plays this week.  Saints 41 – 13

Now on to my weekly fantasy predictions.  Studs outside top 50, and duds inside top 50.

Studs:

1 – Matt Cassel (QB – Chiefs)

If you have Eli Manning as your starter and are looking for a replacement this week via the waiver wire, then Cassel might be your best choice.  He can give you a solid 30 yards rushing this week, while also throwing a few TD’s.  The Chiefs have no running game.  Expect them to take chances downfield in the toilet bowl this Sunday.  Expect 260 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT

2 – LeSean McCoy (RB – Eagles)

I am not convinced Westbrook is healthy.  Even if he plays, I would expect McCoy to receive a fair amount, if not the bulk of the touches.  The Chargers have a terrible run defense.  Even a pass happy Andy Reid cannot ignore that fact.  Start McCoy.  He will give you over 10 points this week.  Expect 80 total yards, TD

3 – Darren McFadden (RB – Raiders)

McFadden is expected to come back from injury this week for the Silver & Black.  He has been a bust yet again this year.  He had his biggest game in his career against the Chiefs, so I would not be surprised if he breaks a long run on Sunday.  It is clear the Raiders want him to touch the football.  Expect 75 yards, TD

4 – Roy E. Williams (WR – Cowboys)

Romo and Williams made strides last Sunday toward getting on the same page.  Five catches is nothing to start gushing about, but it was their best performance together since Week One.  For all the negativity surrounding Williams play, he is a prime candidate to have a breakout second half.  The back shoulder fade is a route I can see him excelling at much like Plaxico Burress used to before he became a incarcerated.  He is never going to be a blazer, but if he can become a target around the goal-line and catch the intermediate routes, then he can be a real solid receiver for the Cowboys.  His size this week will help him have a big game against a much smaller Al Harris.  Expect 80 yards, TD

5 – Dustin Keller (TE – Jets)

Keller has become a nice target for Mark Sanchez.  He has received less attention due to the acquisition of Braylon Edwards.  This could bode well for fantasy owners that are in need of a waiver wire TE.  He will give you 50-70 receiving yards each week.  This week he scores a TD.  Expect 65 yards, TD

Duds:

1 – Ben Roethlisberger (QB – Steelers)

Roethlisberger is on pace for a career high in passing yards.  He has had a great season thus far.  However, the Bengals defense is for real.  They complete shutdown a pretty good Ravens offense last week.  I expect this to be another low scoring AFC North game.  One hole the Steelers have on offense is pass protection.  I think the Bengals will attack all game long and hurry Roethlisberger (pretty fun typing his name) into bad throws.  Expect 245 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s

2- Steven Jackson (RB – Rams)

Jackson is going against a tough Saints defense.  The Saints gave up a ton of yards to the Panthers on the ground last week, so my bet is Sean Payton will challenge his defense to eliminate the run this week.  Since the Rams offer no threat through the air, the Saints D should have no problem shutting down the Rams rushing attack.  Expect 75 total yards, 0 TD’s

3 – Ryan Grant (RB – Packers)

The Cowboys have done a nice job stopping the run all season.  Grant has had a pretty good year, but the Cowboys goal defensively is to make the opposing offense one dimensional.  He will struggle to break free from the Cowboys attacking linebackers.  I’d consider benching him this week.  Expect 65 total yards, 0 TD’s

4 – Reggie Wayne (WR – Colts)

This should be a great matchup Sunday night between the Colts and the Pats.  They have become the premier rivalry in the NFL over the last decade.  I think this game is not going to be the shootout as anticipated by most.  The Pats will concentrate on shutting down Reggie Wayne.  They should be successful for the most part.  You cannot sit Wayne, but do not expect his usual number one type numbers.  Expect 80 yards, 0 TD’s

5 – Heath Miller (TE – Steelers)

As I said earlier, I think the Steelers offense will struggle against the emerging Bengals defense.  Miller is having a career year at the tight end position.  He has been a quality fantasy player the whole year.  This week he will fail to eclipse FIVE points.  Expect 45 yards, 0 TD’s

Tags: Ben Roethlisberger, Darren McFadden, Dustin Keller, Heath Miller, LeSean McCoy, Mark Sanchez, Matt Cassel, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Roy Williams, Ryan Grant, Sean Payton, Steven Jackson, Tony Romo