Thursday Night Fever

Thursday night is upon us.  The best television night of the week (not including Sunday).  Tonight we have the Jets v. Bills in Canada.  It should be an interesting game tonight.  Our old pal T.O. is finally starting to show up at the end of the season.  He is clearly auditioning for another team next year.  I do not know what to make of this game.  Along with T.O, running back Fred Jackson and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick are also playing out the season with hope of starting somewhere next year.  That in itself is motivation to finish the year strong.  Also, do not forget the Bills Interim coach would love to pull a Mike Singletary and get the dreaded interim title removed.  Nevertheless, I expect the Jets to get it done this week.

Jets – 3 @ Buffalo (in Toronto)

In the past five years has there been a greater invention then the DVR (Tivo).  I am going to watch the football game tonight, but Thursday is full of epic prime-time television shows.  Here is my DVR list for the evening.

8:00 P.M. (CBS) — Survivor

Arguably my favorite show on TV currently.  The subplots have been better than ever.  The Russell watch continues.  This guy is the single most entertaining middle aged man I have ever seen on screen.  The way he toys with people, finds the hidden immunities and forces his will on others is absolutely addicting.  Also, Natalie prancing around in a bikini brings me back to my pubescent days.

8:30 (NBC) — Parks and Recreation

My least favorite show of the lineup.  This is my first year watching the show and admittingly it has started to grow on me.  Like the next show on the list, it is blessed with an all-star cast.

9:00 (NBC) — The Office

Classic, Classic show.  For my money there is little better in the world then watching the endless banter between Jim and Dwight.  This is a show that usually is watched tonight after the game.  After losing some money, the comic relief brought to me by Michael Scott and his team is the best pick me up.

10:00 (FX) — It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Quite possibly the funniest show on network television.  I got hooked on this show early this year on New Years Day.  I was at my friends house in Orlando recovering from NYE, when he introduced this show to me.  We successfully watched the whole Season Four in one sitting.  Since then, it has become a staple in my lineup.

10:00 (MTV) — The World Premiere of JERSEY SHORE

This show is bound to be an instant classic in the reality realm.  It was filmed in Seaside Heights, NJ (basically my hometown).  The premise is eight people (GUIDOS) come together to live and work in Seaside Heights.  I am not going to lie, but this is very unflattering to where I reside.  I was there for some of the filming and here is a hint of what to expect.  Plenty of Jaeger Bombs, Weight Lifting and Fights, along with a few of the Jersey Shore’s classiest women.  This caps the Thursday Night Marathon.

On to my weekly Fantasy Studs (outside top 50) and Duds (inside top 50)

Studs

1 – Vince Young (QB – Titans)

I know I am a little late to hop on the “Vince Young Bandwagon”.  Nevertheless, I am enamored with this story.  If the Titans win out, that would be the best sports story of the decade.  The 99 yard drive to win the game against the Cardinals last week was the signature moment of the NFL season thus far.  Let’s hope for everybody’s sake the hot streak continues next week.  Expect 250 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, 2 total TD’s

2 – Felix Jones (RB – Cowboys)

Jerry Jones has made it clear that he wants Jones to touch the ball more.  As a Cowboys fan, we know what Jones wants he gets.  We saw evidence of that last week against the Raiders.  The Cowboys will have to establish the run this week.  With Antonio Pierce out, expect the Cowboys running game to come up big this week.  Another big run is in store for “old man” Felix Jones.  Expect 100 total yards, TD

3 – Larry Johnson (RB – Bengals)

Not long ago, Johnson was considered a top back and was consistently on my Duds list.  Well times have changed.  He is now the backup RB in Cincy.  With Cedric Benson expect to return this week, do not expect Johnson to get a full workload.  However, the Bengals are going to ease Benson back in.  I would expect 10-12 touches for Johnson.  Against the Lions, that might be good enough to get him a score, and a spot start on your flex.  Expect 66 yards, TD

4 – Santana Moss (WR – Redskins)

Moss has been quiet the past several weeks.  Opposing defenses have gameplaned to limit his receptions.  The Redskins to their credit have been playing hard for Coach Zorn.  They are playing the Saints this week, who are coming off an emotional win against the Patriots.  Do not be surprised if this is closer than anticipated.  Moss will be the beneficiary this week of a mildly revived Redskins offense.  Expect 110 yards, TD

5 – Heath Miller (TE – Steelers)

The Steelers are playing the Raiders this week.  We saw on Thanksgiving how opposing tight ends can have big games against their secondary.  Roethlisberger is going to play this week, and the Steelers will carve up the Raiders secondary.  Expect 75 yards, TD

Duds

1 – Aaron Rodgers (QB – Packers)

The Packers are going against a somewhat pedestrian Ravens defense this Monday night.  Nevertheless, the offensive line for the Packers have been awful this year.  The Ravens are going to play aggressively and look for them to sack Rodgers numerous times.  Expect 240 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT’s

2 – Steven Jackson (RB – Rams)

Jackson is staying healthy and putting together a nice season for the lowly Rams.  However, he is playing the Bears this week and their deficiencies on defense are in the secondary.  Jackson will rack up some yards, but I do not think he scores or eclipses the century mark.  Expect 95 yards, 0 TD’s

3 – Marques Colston (WR – Saints)

He had a huge game against the Patriots this week, but as I said earlier I expect the Saints to struggle some in Washington.  The Saints offense is designed to spread the ball.  Colston will not be targeted as many times as other top receivers, therefore, he will have some disappointing games.  Expect 45 yards, 0 TD’s

4 – Roddy White (WR – Atlanta)

The Falcons are without Matt Ryan this week against the Eagles.  It will be tough for Roddy White and the rest of the receivers to get going without him.  Also, Asante Samuel will be locked on White.  I expect the Eagles to win big in this one.  Expect 50 yards, 0 TD’s

5 – Calvin Johnson (WR – Lions)

I am leaving a tight end out of this week’s edition of Fantasy Duds.  I think the Lions will struggle to move the ball against the much improved Bengals defense.  Also, Johnson is not 100 percent healthy which will limit his big play ability in this matchup.  The Bengals have played down to their competition as of late, but I expect that to change this week.  Expect 55 yards, 0 TD’s

Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson, Dallas Cowboys, Felix Jones, Fred Jackson, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Jason Garrett, Jerry Jones, Jersey Shore, Larry Johnson, Matt Ryan, Mike Singletary, NFL, Parks and Recreation, Roddy White, Santana Moss, Survivor, Terrell Owens, The Office, Vince Young