Alan Ball to Start at Safety; Week 11 NFL Picks and Fantasy Predictions

The Cowboys announced that 4th string corner and backup safety, Alan Ball, will start in place of Ken Hamlin on Sunday.  I think that is the right move for the Cowboys.  We have seen what Pat Watkins can (can’t) do at free safety.  Ball is a rangy player who will take some chances back there.  Maybe will finally see an interception from the position.  One thing is for sure: he will get tested early and often on Sunday.

NFL Picks (HOME team in CAPS)

Steelers -10 at CHIEFS

 The Steelers are coming off a difficult loss to their division rivals.  Heading to KC seems to be the perfect way to get back on track.  As I predicted, Roethlisberger struggled last week.  He will rebound against a porous Chiefs defense in a big way.  Holmes owners rejoice!  He will eclipse 100 yards and score his first TD since Week 1!!   Steelers 34 – 7

Jets +11 at PATRIOTS

I do not know why I stick with the Jets after they burned me last week.  I think as a Cowboys fan I am jealous that the Jets have a personality as a head coach.  Going from Parcells to Phillips is like going to bed next to Natalie from Survivor then waking up and realizing you were drunk and you actually took home Shambo (also from Survivor).  Or it is like going to a comedy show to see Bill Maher, then realize when you got there he cancelled and filling in is Larry The Cable Guy.  But I digress.  Everyone and their father is putting the mortgage on the Pats this week.  When that happens, go the other way.  Pats 24 – 20

Chargers -3 at BRONCOS

Chris Simms looks like he will get the start.  Enough said.  Although I will say, I have been telling my roommate all year that Denver is no better than a 9-7 team at best.  A Chargers victory might seal Denver’s fate for the season.  Chargers 35 – 17

TURN THE KEY (Bet of the Week)

Titans +4.5 at TEXANS

Vince Young has rallied the troops.  The Titans are playing well and I think they stay hot on MNF.  With Young under center the Titans have done what they should have all year long — Feed CJ the ball.  He is the best back in football.  He is the most explosive player in football.  Also, I do not like this Texans team as much without their stud tight end.  Titans 27 – 20

 … Now onto my weekly fantasy predictions …

Studs

1 – Tony Romo (QB – Cowboys)

Romo is ranked 13th by the “experts” at ESPN for the week.  I disagree with that ranking.  Romo will connect with Austin this week for one long TD.  I also think Witten will play a major role in the passing game.  The Cowboys will try to run the ball, but Romo, as he generally does, will put up big numbers Sunday afternoon.  Expect 275 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT

2 – Justin Forsett (RB – Seahawks)

He was the most added player this week with the injury to Julius Jones.  He is going against a tough Vikings run defense, but if Seattle has any chance to win they have to run the ball.  Forsett is also a threat to break a long reception out of the backfield.  I am skeptical about his yardage total, but I think he will get a score.  Expect 90 total yards, TD

3 – Jamal Lewis (RB – Browns)

This could be the last big game of his career.  He announced his retirement after this season.  Lewis is still a tough runner, and a big game is in store for him this week against the Lions.  For the most part, he has been useless in the Browns anemic offense thus far.  If your one of the patient fantasy owners of Lewis, he should reward you this week.  Expect 125 yards, 2 TD’s

4 – Greg Jennings (WR – Packers)

I am putting Jennings here because an owner in my league has him and is sitting him this week.  I think that is a big mistake.  It is bothersome to his owners that Donald Driver has outperformed him this year.  Nevertheless, I think Jennings is due to break out any game now.  My bold prediction is that he will be a top 10 receiver the rest of the way.  Expect 140 yards, TD

5 – Jason Witten (TE – Cowboys)

Owners have to be disappointed with Witten this year, and rightfully so.  His production is the lowest it’s been since his rookie year.  I think he is in store for a big second half.  Jason Garrett has to utilize his talents better, and I think he will.  Look for Witten to run more routes downfield.  That will open up the outside for the newly crowned Miles Austin.  The Cowboys have four games remaining in the division.  Notoriously, Witten has been most productive in those games.  Expect 80 yards, TD

Duds

1 - Brett Favre (QB – Vikings)

Favre is having an MVP season.  In my mind he should be the front runner thus far.  Furthermore, I think the Vikings are best team in the NFL.  So why am I putting Favre in the duds category?  Well, I do not think the Vikings will have to throw the ball much against Seattle.  I think the Vikes will win easily, and Favre will have an unspectacular game.  Expect 205 yards 1 TD, 1 INT

2 – Kevin Smith (RB – Lions)

The way to beat the Browns is through the air.  Actually the way to beat the Browns is just showing up.  Nevertheless, I think big Shaun Rodgers is coming back to Detroit motivated.  He will gobble up the Lions running game and single handidly make them one dimensional.  Just do me a favor — Do NOT watch this game.  It is going to be ugly.  Expect 70 yards, 0 TD’s 

On a Side Note: I think I am going to start a petition for the college football national champion to play the team in the NFL with the worst record.  Think about it.  That might get better ratings then the Superbowl.  Tell me you would not want to see Florida and Urban Meyer play the Raiders, Browns or Lions.  What would the line be for that game?  Would the Browns really be double digit favorites?  Interesting …

3 – Pierre Thomas (RB – Saints)

It is hard for me to trust any Saints back.  Between Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush fantasy points are scattered.  I think Bell has the most points this week.  Thomas will fail to score and eclipse 100 yards, so if you have a solid backup I would consider using him.  Expect 70 yards, 0 TD’s

4 – Randy Moss (WR – Pats)

Darrell Revis shut down Moss in Week 2.  Do not be shocked if it happens again.  Revis is one of the games best defenders.  He will be following Moss all game long and it will be enough to keep him out of the endzone.  Expect 45 yards, 0 TD’s

5 – Dallas Clark (TE – Colts)

Clark is going up against a tough Ravens D that has the best cover safety in the NFL.  Clark is never benchable, but do not expect a big week from him.  In a week of terrible matchups, this is the best game.  Do not be surprised if the Ravens win this week.  Expect 60 yards, 0 TD’s

Tags: Alan Ball, Bill Maher, Brett Favre, Chris Johnson, Dallas Clark, Dallas Cowboys, Darrell Revis, Donald Driver, Felix Jones, Greg Jennings, Jamal Lewis, Jason Garrett, Jason Witten, Justin Forsett, Kevin Smith, Larry The Cable Guy, Matt Schaub, Mike Bell, Miles Austin, Natalie, NFL, Peyton Manning, Pierre Thomas, Randy Moss, Reggie Bush, Shambo, Tony Romo, Urban Meyer, Vince Young, Wade Phillips