Weekly Wager: Week 8

Michigan State @ Nebraska (-4.0) - SAT 12:00PM - ESPN

Nebraska's defensive performance against Minnesota this past weekend was impressive, but don't forget the Gophers are one of the worst offensive teams in the nation. Nebraska is averaging over 430 yards of total offense per game, while Michigan State's studly D is only allowing 223 yards per game and less than 3 yards per carry. Suddenly, the Spartans are the team to beat in the Big Ten and their one loss on the season is a distant memory. Kirk Cousins and the Spartans' offense should continue to roll after a confidence boost with their last second win over Wisconsin. Nebraska is 2-5 ATS going on 2-6...Michigan State 28, Nebraska 17

Stanford @ USC (+7.5) - SAT 8:00PM - ABC

Look for Andrew Luck to bounce back from his sub-200 yard passing game and add to his 20 passing TDs while proving to be too much for the Trojans. The Trojans are rolling but self-admittedly aren't sure how to stop Luck, which is what this game will come down to as the Trojans 11th best rushing defense should be able to contain The Cardinal's rushing attack. Matt Barkley has greatly improved throwing for 2,006 yards with 19 TDs and 4 INTs in seven games, but it won't be enough to overcome Stanford. In the last 10 games, The Cardinal is 10-0 ATS...Stanford 42, USC 24

Minnesota @ Carolina (-3.0) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX

Who thought Cam Newton would have over 2,100 yards passing and be completing over 60% of his passes through the first seven games of 2011? Definitely not me. With 2,103 yards passing on the year, Cammy Cam trails only Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady. I had a hard time typing that, but it's a fact. Newton seems to have revitalized Steve Smith's career at the same time he is proving his critics wrong. Minnesota has something to be excited about in rookie QB Christian Ponder, but the only way Minnesota stands a chance is if Adrian Peterson has some success on the ground. The Vikings are 0-4 and have been outscored 111-67 when AP rushes for less than 100 yards.  With 2 CB's possibly out this week for the Vikings, I expect Cameron & Co. to come out on top....Minnesota 17, Carolina 28

New England @ Pittsburgh (+3.0) - SUN 4:15PM - CBS

New England has won seven of the last nine matchups, including two AFC Championships in Pittsburgh, and I suspect this week's game will make it eight of ten. Tom Brady is 6-1 against the Steelers and has a knack for outplaying Ben Roethlisberger in these games. In his seven starts against Pittsburgh, Brady has averaged 286 yards passing with 14 TDs and just 3 INTs. Pittsburgh will have to do something differently on D, as they're no longer playing like the elite defense that we're used to seeing...New England 30, Pittsburgh 23

Week 8: Midweek Roundup

What a boring week 7. The match ups were painful and it was probably the most low scoring fantasy week for most of you guys. At least the Saints made up for the scoring deficits on MNF though.  I'm sure the Colts are happy they don't have any Prime time games until December (vs. Patriots 12/4) With that, we'll get to it...

OAK - No structural damage for RB Darren McFadden
Source: ANG Newspapers - Steve Corkran
Tests on Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden's (foot) right foot showed no structural damage, according to head coach Hue Jackson. McFadden will be rested during the team's bye week in hopes that he can play in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.

Great news for McFadden. He has a history of being unable to stay on the field though so watch this one closely. The bye week falls with great timing here.

SD - RB Mike Tolbert walking fine in locker room
Source: NBC San Diego - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers RB Mike Tolbert (hamstring) was walking fine in the locker room Monday, Oct. 24, and said his left hamstring is only a 'little sore.' Apparently Tolbert was removed as a 'precaution.'

The workload split between Ryan Mathews and Tolbert continues to be a bit of mystery as Tolbert seems like the favorite to get goal-line touches and therefore remains a flex option and an annoyance for Mathews owners.

DET - QB Matthew Stafford unsure of status
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ankle), who is being listed as day-to-day, is slightly less optimistic than the team that he will play in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. 'I think every competitor plans on playing,' Stafford said. 'We'll see if that comes true. I've got to keep getting better to get there, but I want to, obviously.' He said the ankle sprain is 'kind of in a weird spot,' and he's unsure if he'll practice Wednesday, Oct. 26. QB Shaun Hill will get the start if Stafford isn't ready.

We'll obviously watch this one closely this week. One thing to remember is that you can discount anything that coach Jim Schwartz says on this. He'll give Denver zero information as to who they'll face under center.

SD - RB Ryan Mathews expected to play
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (thumb) had his left thumb wrapped Monday, Oct. 24, but he is expected to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8.

Mathews is still basically an RB1 in PPR leagues, even with Mike Tolbert keeping his part of the RBBC through his own various injuries.

Get pumped for College Basketball

I know we're not even half way through football season yet, but I am already anticipating the depression that ensues after the Super Bowl every year. The long, frigid, snowy Sundays, the hours of empty channel surfing occasionally broken up by an interesting documentary on Discovery Channel or the final 2 minutes in the NBA Finals. But we don't even have the NBA to lean on this yr...not that I'm really devastated over it, but it does soften the blow of no sports during the darkest (and coldest) days of the year.

I'm talking about those Sundays where you actually go to those bridal showers, baby christenings, and your great aunt's house for dinner because...well you don't have anything better to do. And if you're anything like me...the emptiness is so great that you start your countdown to training camp February 6th, because yes! we have stuff to talk about again!

So as God knew how much it hurt his people to end football season during the darkest hours, he created college basketball to fill this void. And this year, I'll give you a team to root for. We have a clear favorite. No team in college will be as dynamic, as well coached, and as dominant as The Ohio State Buckeyes. That is our unbiased opinion at Mrs. Wager.

Read on:
Why Ohio State Will Win the National Championship

Thursday Updates

One more day until the weekend, and only 2 more days to get your lineups set folks.

STL - QB Sam Bradford held out of practice
Source: KFFL.com
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) was kept out of practice Wednesday, Oct. 19. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo is dealing with a high ankle sprain. QB A.J. Feeley got first-team reps in his absence.

Bradford owners shouldn't get too spooked by Feeley taking all of the first-team reps. Most reports say the Rams expect him to start, and he should get a boost from the addition of Brandon Lloyd.

PHI - RB Ronnie Brown back with team
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The trade between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles has been voided, as RB Jerome Harrison had some health issues. RB Ronnie Brown is back with the Eagles, and Harrison is back on the Lions roster.

Brown's fantasy value resurgence was short-lived. Keiland Williams becomes rosterable again in deep leagues, and Maurice Morris's temporary value could have staying power now.

DAL - DeMarco Murray to be primary back
Source: SportingNews.com - Clarence Hill
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray will likely be the primary back in Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams with RB Felix Jones (ankle) out two to four weeks with a sprained ankle. The team feels Murray has made ample progress in the last few weeks and is up to the task.

The matchup vs. the Rams is heavily tilted towards the Cowboys, so Murray should be a good bet to find the end zone this week, making him a decent RB2 play.

Weekly Wager: Week 7

Wisconsin @ Michigan State (+7.0) - SAT 8:00PM - ESPN

This is the game of the week in College Football with an explosive offense going up against one of the best defenses in the country. Michigan State showed me up last week in their somewhat easy win against Michigan. Their ability to limit Denard Robinson's productivity was nothing short of impressive. However, Russell Wilson is a much better QB. Michigan State is one of only two teams in giving up less than 200 yards per game (Alabama is the other), so life will be more difficult for Russell Wilson but look for him to rise to the occassion and lead the Badgers to another comfortable win.ussell Wilson...Wisconsin 31, Michigan State 17

Washington @ Stanford (-20.0) - SAT 8:00PM - ABC
20 points is a lot, but Stanford has been a covering machine going 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games. Washington's offense will put points on the board but their passing defense, which is ranked 117th in the nation, will be their achilles heel in this matchup. The Huskies' secondary is inconsistent and inexperienced, which will allow Andrew Luck to improve on his 71% completion percentage and 18 TDs. Don't be surprised if Washington's Keith Price steals the majority of the QB headlines out west next year, as he's already matched Jake Locker's all-time single season TD passing record at 21, but this is Luck's season to shine...Washington 17, Stanford 38

Pittsburgh @ Arizona (+4.0) - SUN 4:05PM - CBS

Arizona is bad. Really bad. The Cardinals are struggling against an easy schedule. Big Ben should have a nice game against a D that has been giving up an average of 378 passing ypg. Mike Tomlin isn't happy with the Steelers' 4-2 record and I'm looking for this game to be a turning point. The Steelers have more players on today's roster from the previous season than any other team in the league. Tomlin's players respect him and he will have them playing better after a mediocre performance in Jacksonville. Look for Big Ben to have a strong game, helped by two returning O-lineman in Kemoeatu and Gilbert...Pittsburgh 28, Arizona 13

Chicago vs. Tampa Bay (-1.0) @ Wembley Stadium - SUN 1:00PM - FOX
The line has moved from a pick to Tampa Bay giving 1 point, which quickly makes me lean towards taking Chicago. Furthermore, the emotional rollercoaster TB has been riding with the beating they took in SF followed by a big time W at home against the Saints, I don't think the team will be mentally prepared for their game in London against the Bears. Cutler has been playing better as of late and I like the chip on his shoulder. I expect LaGarette Blount's absence to catch up with the Bucs this and make life easier for Urlacher and Co. Look for the Bears to prove they're a contender in a telling matchup against the Bucs...Chicago 20, Tampa Bay 14

Lions are 5-1

The media frenzy surrounding the Harbaugh/Schwartz incident overshadowed what was the best game of Week 6.  The 49ers were able to hold off Calvin Johnson in the endzone for the entire game, which ultimately was the key to their win.  

But have no fear dear Detroit fans, Lions should coast the next 2 weeks as they face Atlanta at home this weekend and Denver in Colorado next week.  Although Megatron didn't have a TD this week (gasp), look for him to have a monster game against the Falcons and their horrendous secondary on Sunday.

For those of you who haven't seen the footage, fast forward to the 29 second mark of the video:

Now that the Lions have losing out of their system, they can refocus on being the #2 best team in the NFC.  Behind the Packers of course.  Looking forward to the back half of the season.

Week 7: Midweek Roundup

I apologize for the lack of posting the last couple weeks. Life and football watching has gotten in the way. Anyhow, lots of news to report from the craziness that was week 6:

HOU - Optimistic on WR Andre Johnson
Source: The Associated Press
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is hopeful that WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) will return to game action in Week 7.

Johnson is among the best two or three WRs in the game, so if he is active, he is in your lineup. Keep a close eye on this one this week. And to be fair, I don't trust anything Gary Kubiak says. It would be exactly like him to hype up Johnson all week long to force Tennessee to prepare for him and then he never sees the field Sunday. Stay tuned.

SD - TE Antonio Gates could return
Source: SportingNews.com - Kevin Acee
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (foot) seems to be on track to return to game action against the New York Jets in Week 7. It would be his first game action since leaving early Sept. 17 against the New England Patriots.

Gates isn't promising anything, but he did return to practice. He is a good enough player that he can be used in his first week back despite the uncertainty about how his foot will respond unless you have a strong top 10 option at TE.

HOU - QB Matt Schaub may sit Wednesday
Source: Twitter
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said QB Matt Schaub (chest) has a chest bruise and may sit out practice Wednesday, Oct. 19. Kubiak said the team may give Schaub a day or two of practice off per week moving forward.

Schaub has been beat up for the last three weeks by the Steelers, Raiders, and Ravens, and the Titans are unlikely to let up.

Weekly Wager: Week 6

Michigan @ Michigan State (-3.0) - SAT 12:00PM - ESPN
Michigan State has the #1 defense in the country (173 ypg) and is playing at home in a rivalry game, but that won’t be enough to stop Denard Robinson.  It will be interesting to see if the Spartans can add to Denard’s 9 INTs on the season, especially with 2 weeks to prepare, but I don’t see it happening.  I look for Denard to rely on the ground game and be the difference maker...Michigan 27, Michigan State 21

Stanford @ Washington State (+20.0) - SAT 7:30PM - VERSUS
Look for Andrew Luck to continue putting up +40 points for The Cardinal in today’s matchup at Washington State.  On the year, Stanford has yet to give up 20 points or more and has scored more than 40 points in each game except one, where they put up 37 against Arizona.  Andrew Luck will win the Heisman this year and The Cardinal will go 6-0 against the spread this evening...Stanford 45, Washington State 21

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay (+4.0) - SUN 4:15PM - FOX
Drew Brees has historically played well in TB and this week will be no different.  The Saints are averaging over 450 yards of offense per game and have put up over 30 points in each of Brees’ last two games in TB.  It’s becoming more apparent that the Bucs overachieved last year and without LaGarette Blount this week, the Bucs will not bounce back from a 48-3 beat down in San Fran last Sunday...New Orleans 35, Tampa Bay 17

Minnesota @ Chicago (-2.5) - SUN 4:15PM - FOX
Minnesota looked good last week against Arizona, but don't expect that momentum to continue.  The Bears will once again show they cannot be counted out, as they have time and time again.  Jay Cutler has proved his critics wrong and shown his toughness as the Bears Offensive Line continues to struggle mightily.  Look for Mike Martz to re-work the offensive game plan and a new starting O-Line to benefit Da Bears offense this Sunday...Chicago 20, Minnesota 13

Weekly Wager: Week 5

California @ Oregon (-24.0) - THU 9:00PM - ESPN
Don't expect a repeat of last year's 15-13 close call in Berkley. The #9 ranked Ducks want more than just a win this year, regardless of how cool they try to play it. Expect the Ducks to lay a beating on the Golden Bears and extend their 18 game win streak at home with the #1 offense in the nation (avg 52 ppg) leading the way. The Ducks have clearly bounced back from the loss against LSU in Dallas and will use this as their opportunity to remind everyone they're after the title as well.  Darron Thomas and LaMichael James will keep the offense clicking Thursday night...Cal 24, Oregon 51

Michigan @ Northwestern (-7.0) - SAT 7:00PM - BIG TEN NETWORK
While it feels like Northwestern is better than a team that would lose three straight this early in the season, expect just that to happen Saturday night in Evanston. #12 Ranked Michigan is off to a 5-0 start behind Denard Robinson's almost 800 yards passing and Big Ten-leading 603 rushing yards. More impressive though, is the just 10 points per game the Michigan D is allowing per contest. Brady Hoke seems to have things turned around in Ann Arbor, finally. Northwestern QB Dan Persa will look to have a big showing in his second game back, but the Michigan D will prove too be too much.  Look for Denard Robinson to have a big day against the second worst defense in the Big Ten...Michigan 34, Northwestern 13