Week 13: Midweek Roundup

Sorry folks for the lack of posting last week, but a lot of turkey got in the way.  We're starting to get real serious over here at Mrs. Wager as the FF season is winding down.  It's the last week of regular season for many of you...which means gotta start thinking ahead to the playoffs.  By now, there's probably slim pickings on the Waiver wire due to injuries especially at QB and RB.  So let's see where we stand...

IND - QB Dan Orlovsky to start
Source: Colts.com - Craig Kelley
Indianapolis Colts QB Dan Orlovsky will start over QB Curtis Painter in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. Orlovsky has gone 14-for-21 with 122 yards this season.

The Patriots secondary is not good, so Orlovsky has a chance to put up some decent stats. We're not recommending Orlovsky as a fantasy addition, but he may be able to breathe life into this passing game.

JAX - Jack Del Rio fired
Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has been fired, according to team sources. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is the leading candidate to take over the team on an interim basis.

Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker will take over as interim head coach. It wouldn't be surprising to see the team rally behind Tucker a bit. But as far as fantasy football goes, I wouldn't expect much change from what we've been seeing.

PHI - WR Jeremy Maclin likely to sit out
Source: The Associated Press
Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder) is likely to miss his third straight game in Week 13 as the team faces off against the Seattle Seahawks Thursday, Dec. 1.

Without Maclin in the lineup we'll see more from Riley Cooper and perhaps even Jason Avant.

HOU - QB Jake Delhomme to serve as backup
Source: The Associated Press
Houston Texans QB Jake Delhomme will serve as the backup to QB T.J. Yates. Delhomme's agent said he has been working out and staying in shape.

Delhomme is a savvy veteran, but he hasn't looked good under center in a few years. The Texans will move forward with Yates as their starter unless he completely falls apart.

Weekly Wager: Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Thanksgiving folks.  We are in for a real treat this turkey day with the best lineup of games I remember in a long time.  Tough picks though, but if you must wager, here are our picks for the week:

Green Bay @ Detroit (+6.0) - THU 12:30PM FOX 

This is probably the toughest Thanksgiving Day game to pick. I genuinely believe Schwartz has lost a bit of respect from his players after the post-game incident with Jim Harbaugh last month, but his team showed me a lot last week. To come back from a 24-7 deficit before ultimately winning 49-35 largely without Megatron says a lot about the Lions. Look for Kevin Smith and his fresh legs to have another big game and help round out the Lions offense. Green Bay continues to win with one of the top offenses in the league averaging over 405ypg led by top rated Aaron Rodgers (128.8 QB Rating). Bob Costas mentioned this past Sunday night that it was 49 years ago when the Lions beat an undefeated Packers team on Thanksgiving Day before that same Packers team went on to win the Super Bowl. Deja vu? I'm not so sure. I expect Ford Field to be rockin’ on Thursday and Green Bay to squeak out a close win. I’m taking the Lions ATS...Green Bay 35, Detroit 31 

Miami @ Dallas (-7.0) - THU 4:15PM - CBS
I expect Miami to keep rolling this Thursday in Dallas. After losing so many close games, the team had a free pass to fold.  Instead, they've decided to show up in the back half of the season playing good football. This team has serious character led by Matt Moore and Reggie Bush stringing together a few solid games (maybe because Kim Kardashian is back on the market?). Sure, Miami’s three game winning streak has come against weak opponents in KC, Washington, Buffalo, but realize the Cowboys three game winning streak is against two of the same opponents in Washington and Buffalo, in addition to Seattle. As the Cowboys gain on the division lead in the NFC East, more people are jumping on the bandwagon.  Don’t lose sight of who the ‘Boys have beaten this year though, they only have one quality win in San Fran.  The Dolphins are clearly improving and Matt Moore has become a leader. It’s unlikely Moore’s play will keep Miami from exploring QB options in next year’s draft, but Moore has finally proven he can read defenses and make the right decisions with the ball. Tony Romo’s play is sparodic and the Dolphins have the fourth best run defense in the league allowing just 93ypg. I expect the Dolphins to cover on Thursday with a good chance of taking their 3-1 record against Dallas on Thanksgiving day to 4-1...Miami 28, Dallas 27


San Francisco @ Baltimore (-3.0) - THU 8:20PM - NFL
This game reminds me of the Thanksgiving night game a few years ago when Kurt Warner's Arizona Cardinals traveled to Philadelphia and completely fell down when clinching the division was on the line. It's unfortunate Jim Harbaugh is already complaining about the unfair shake his 49ers are getting with a short week and having to fly to the east coast, but he has a point. Despite Baltimore’s random losses to Seattle and Jacksonville, the Ravens are a solid team with the luxury of playing at home ahead of Thursday’s game. Don’t underestimate the advantage this gives Baltimore, much like it did Philly a few years back. I think it's going to be a great game between two top defenses and two offenses that are each averaging 25.6ppg. San Fran is 9-0 ATS this year and the better overall team on both sides of the ball, but in the first NFL game where opposing head coaches are brothers, I don’t expect big brother John to let little bro Jim come away with a victory...San Francisco 17, Baltimore 21

Week 11 One Liners

The Bronco offense might not be pretty, but Tebow is sure fun to watch. I get excited every time they call a passing play.

Tebow leads game winning drive and wins with a 20yd rushing TD. Booyah.

Is Kevin Smith the next DeMarco Murray?  He had 200+yds from scrimmage and 3 TDs (16 rushes for 140yds and 2 TDs)

Miami has won 3 straight. Can they get their 4th win in Big D on Thanksgiving?

Rivers 2nd INT comes late in the 4th when he was trying to throw the ball away. Cost the Chargers their chance at a comeback.

SD had 0 yds in the 4th qtr

Someone must have let Marshawn Lynch know he was approaching the back half of a contract year and had to do anything worthy of getting paid.

Norv Turner managed to blow two timeouts on one play in the fourth quarter...why am I not surprised.

Tony Romo proved once again he could win a close game, but it was the lowly Redskins

Wow, the Cowboys are the only team to have beaten the 49ers this week

Stafford has 5 TDs, none of which were to Calvin Johnson.

Philip Rivers is a whiny brat

Hugh Jackson and Carson Palmer got that special sauce flowing

Jake Locker probably has Matt Hasselback thinking about following his brother into the TV business next year

Desean Jackson's 50yd catch was called back after a taunting call. This is why the Eagles haven't given him the big contract he thinks he deserves. Jackson is a playmaker but needs to grow up.

Poll: Which will happen first? Packers Lose/Colts Win

Please vote on top right hand side!

Weekly Wager: Week 11

Oklahoma State @ Iowa State (+27.0) - FRI 8:00PM - ESPN
The Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon-led offense for the Cowboys is simply nasty. Weedon is completing over 73% of his passes while averaging 363ypg in the air. Justin Blackmon is a freak of nature and leads the nation in receiving TDs at 14. Oh yea, the Cowboys Sophomore running back, Joseph Randle, ain't too shabby either with 993 yards rushing and 21 TDs on the year. Iowa State has recently improved on defense, but they're still dead last in the Big 12 when it comes to average points allowed per game at 30. I would typically take the home team underdog to cover on a weeknight game, but something tells me Iowa State's Defense is going to struggle against the nation's second best offense which is averaging 52 points per game...Oklahoma State 56, Iowa State 24

Oregon @ USC (+14.0) - SAT 8:00PM - ABC

The Ducks handled their business in convincing fashion last Saturday night in Palo Alto and I expect them to do the same this weekend against the Trojans. Matt Barkley has led an impressive Trojans offense that is averaging 34ppg, but will likely struggle this weekend as star wideout Robert Woods is unlikely to play and the Ducks defense continues to step up in the clutch. Darron Thomas and LeMichael James are leading a Ducks offense that hasn't been stopped since the first game of the year against LSU and is currently averaging just under 500ypg and 48 points per contest. Look for the Ducks to run all over the Trojans and continue to make the case that they deserve a shot at the title...Oregon 52, USC 27

Oakland @ Minnesota (+1.0) - SUN 1:00PM - CBS

The Raiders are sitting at the top of the AFC West without their opening day starting QB and RB in the lineup and seem to just be getting better. Carson Palmer had his best week last week since joining the Raiders and Michael Bush's 263 yards from scrimmage were the most for a Raider since 1963. At the same time that the Raiders seem to be clicking, the Vikings are struggling mightily at 2-7 with their only wins coming against the Panthers and Cardinals. Christian Ponder seems to have potential but he's going to need some time before he's an impact QB in the NFL. With Minnesota's defense allowing 27ppg, second most in the NFL, I'm looking for Carson and Bush to continue improving and roll over the Vikings this weekend...Oakland 27, Minnesota 17

Seattle @ St. Louis (-1.0) - SUN 4:05PM - FOX

In a very unexciting game between two weak teams, I'm taking the Seahawks as they seem like they might be on to something with a shocking upset of the Ravens and Marshawn Lynch finally contributing to the offense. If the Rams were to win, it would be a surprising 3 out of 4 streak, but I expect Seattle's latest play to continue to impress. This game is simply about pride and padding the Weekly Wager's record...Seattle 24, St. Louis 17

Week 11: Midweek Roundup

Jets vs. Broncos tomorrow night. Get your lineups set folks. We have a lot to cover this week, so let's get started.

NYJ - RB LaDainian Tomlinson won't play
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
Updating previous reports, New York Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) said he didn't suffer a setback in practice Tuesday, Nov. 15, but he reportedly has been ruled out for Week 11. Head coach Rex Ryan said Tomlinson would be a game-time decision if he travels with the team Wednesday, Nov. 16. He expects to be fully ready to play in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills.

Joe McKnight will get some change of pace carries behind starter Shonn Greene. Rookie Bilal Powell will be active for the first time this year, and could get a few carries.

ARI - QB Kevin Kolb doubtful for Week 11
Source: NFL Network - Jason La Canfora
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (toe) is doubtful to play in the team's Week 11 game. In addition to turf toe, Kolb is dealing with ligament damage, a bone bruise and sprain in his foot.

The Cardinals QB controversy will continue to grow if John Skelton keeps playing like he has the last two weeks. The old rule of 'you don't lose your job to injury' may not apply here as Skelton has clearly looked better than Kolb did earlier this year.

DAL - DeMarco Murray likely to receive bulk of carries
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Tuesday, Nov. 15, that RB DeMarco Murray will likely receive the bulk of the carries once RB Felix Jones (ankle) returns. Jones is expected to return in Week 11. 'One thing that comes to my mind that Murray looks like the more he carries the more effective he gets. If you think of that theoretically about a workhorse running back that they get better as the game goes along,' Jones said. 'Felix, and this is not negative in any way, Felix has always been a guy that he looks like the best way for him to be his best is to inject him in spots and so we may have a guy here in Murray who can carry a lot of carries and we may have a guy in Felix that can step in there and carry it 13 times a ballgame and really have a chance to break it.'

Jones can be utilized effectively as a receiver out of the backfield and change of pace runner. There's no need to have a drastic cut into Murray's touches.

NYJ - CB Darrelle Revis calls Denver's offense boring
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis thinks the secondary will become bored in their Week 11 matchup with the Denver Broncos Thursday, Nov. 17, because of their tendency to run the ball often. 'The biggest thing for the secondary is for us not to fall asleep,' Revis said after practice on Tuesday. 'We can't fall asleep back there in the secondary. It can get boring, especially if a team keeps on just running the ball, series after series, play after play.'

Revis had better not fall asleep in the secondary or he could get burned on a big play to Eric Decker. The Broncos aren't a passing team, and that takes away the impact CB Darrelle Revis could have on this game.

Week 10 One Liners

What a crazy week of football. The Dolphins win their second straight and the Pack still looks scary good. Even Matt Flynn, Green Bay's backup, looked better than half the QBs around the league. He's got a good role model that's for sure.

I would bet most teams around the NFL were cheering for the Vikings last night. Not because they hate Green Bay, but because they want to see that this team can be beat and a road map on how to do it. Tampa Bay gets their crack at the Pack this Sunday.

San Diego (4-5) had 67 yards of offense in the first half vs. Oakland (5-4) Thursday night (fewest since 2007).

Not looking good for the Eagles (3-6), who have 2 straight losses and pay a visit to the G-Men (6-3) next Sunday night. With Vick playing with 2 broken ribs, the Eagles may be packing it in for the season if (when) they lose next weekend in the Meadowlands.

Mike Smith' questionable call to go for it on 4th down in OT cost the Falcon's a much needed divisional win. Now the Saints are 2 games ahead coming up on a bye week.

A 6-2 Ravens team fell to the 2-6 Seahawks. Did anybody see this one coming?

The 49ers are 8-1 behind only the Packers for the best record in the league. I think it's safe to say Jim Harbaugh is a badass.

Steelers (7-3) fought hard for a W in Cincinnati (6-3) which helped them take the lead of the AFC North going into their bye week.

Tim Tebow has hooked up with Eric Decker for a TD in each of his last three starts. Is this the start of something special?

Haynesworth's Tampa debut was pretty impressive - 5 tackles and a blocked PAT. Maybe he will live up to his potential on the team that he "should have" been on all along.

Jay Feely misses 2 FGs (35, 43). Maybe this will force Arizona to score TD's instead of FG's from now on...

Cowboys fans were treated to spectacular QB play from Tony Romo in the rout of the Bills Sunday afternoon. He was 18 of 19 for 237 yds and 3TDs at the half. Romo finished the game with a passer rating of 148.4 and as many TD's as incompletions. Hopefully we get to see more of the good Tony.

Coolest moment of the weekend was when Bills WR David Nelson did a victory lap around Cowboy stadium and then ran over to his gf, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, for a big smooch after his (and Bills only) TD in the 2nd quarter. Even though Bills lost, Nelson was a clear winner that day. Wonder if coach Chan Gailey put that play in this week just for him.

Rex Ryan had a rough go at it Sunday night, which included cursing out a fan and telling NBC's Michele Tafoya that Mark Sanchez's timeout with 1:24 left in the first half was "the stupidest play in NFL history." Let's get it together, Rex.

An injury-heavy Monday brought news that Matt Schaub, Matt Cassell, and Knowshown Moreno will miss the rest of the year due to injuries.

If the playoffs were to start next week, 6 of the 12 playoff teams would belong to 2 Divisions (NFC & AFC North). December will be reaaal interesting.

On a different note, if you've visited ESPN.com lately, you've probably noticed the barrage of video ads on their website. Not only are they on autoplay, but the volume is ridiculously loud and it takes me at least 5 minutes to find all of them and turn them off. Is it just me or does anyone else feel like ESPN is shoving advertisements down your throat?

Detriot Lions: Dirtiest Team in the NFL

The Lions are a dirty team. With Ndamukong Suh voted as the league's dirtiest player (in a poll by Sporting News), Jim Schwartz's aggressive reaction to Harbaugh's handshake, and now Stafford's dirty play after throwing an INT, the Lions are replacing the Titans as the league's dirtiest team. On Sunday, when D.J. Moore (Bears' DB) blocked Stafford after the interception, Stafford grabbed him by the ear holes of the helmet and threw him to the ground. Moore then responded by charging towards the QB head first. A brawl ensued, consisting most of the Lions' bench. D.J. Moore was ejected from the game while Stafford and the Lions were not penalized. Stafford took advantage of the NFL rule book that protects and favors the QB position in most instances.

In a press conference after the game, Jim Schwartz was asked whether or not Stafford's hit on Moore could face league discipline, he responded "Discipline for what? For their guy getting kicked out of the game? For their guy getting kicked out of the game? Did Matt get penalized? No, Matt did not get penalized." Jim Schwartz's behavior champions the same type of behavior from his players. This type of play and lack of composure will not win them championships. No coach should condone the type of behavior exhibited by Stafford on Sunday. Looks like the meltdown with Harbaugh on October 16th has sent Schwartz and the Lions on a downward spiral. Losing 3 of their last 4 games, the Lions are imploding just like the Bills. Except with zero class. Jim Schwartz needs to stop acting like an over emotional soccer dad whose kid got elbowed on the soccer field. Maybe he could take some notes from Mike Tomlin, Lovie Smith, or Mike McCarthy on sideline composure.

The Lions played dirty, while the Bears played tough. I'm guessing there's a page in the Lion's playbook that says "If you can't beat em, hurt em". Sounds about right for a team coached by Jeff Fisher's protege.

What do you think, are the Lions a dirty team? (Vote on top right hand side)

Weekly Wager: Week 10

Ohio State @ Purdue (+7.5) - SAT 12:00PM - Big Ten Network
Braxton Miller and Boom Herron will continue to show improvement against a weak defense which ranks 92nd against the rush and allows 400ypg. The Buckeyes defense will step up and take advantage of a struggling Purdue offense. Expect the Buckeyes to focus on not turning the ball over, which gave Indiana an opportunity to save face in last week's game. My hope is that Purdue's focus on the run does in fact result in Miller throwing more often, which will only help his confidence. I called Troy Smith being a potential Heisman winner when he was a Sophomore behind Justin Zwick....I see more potential in Braxton Miller...Ohio State 31, Purdue 17

Oregon @ Stanford (-3.0) - SAT 8:00PM - ABC

This Saturday night's game will be the first top ten matchup in Stanford Stadium history. If The Cardinal loses, they are essentially eliminated from championship contention. Oregon has been rolling since LSU. Football season just keeps getting better. Both offenses average over 500ypg, while both defenses limit their opponents to less than 400ypg. Do you think the only team to beat Andrew Luck as the starting QB will beat him again in what is likely his last season at Stanford? Heisman winners have big games on big stages. Despite Oregon's speed and fast moving offense, I expect Andrew Luck to lead The Cardinal over the Ducks...Oregon 38, Stanford 42

Miami @ Washington (+3.5) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX

Just when everyone thought Miami was packing it in and KC was getting better, the Dolphins laid a beating on the Chiefs and Matt Moore won AFC Offensive Player of the Week. I'm surprised Sparano is still around, but last week's performance was impressive and I'm encouraged by the fact his players are still playing for him. I can't say the same about Mike Shanahan and his Redskins. John Beck's play is starting to look a little better than Grossman's play, but he is still 0-7 as a starter and the offense is still anemic. With the team still working hard and Reggie Bush putting up back-to-back +100 yard rushing games, the Dolphins should leave the nation's capital with a fairly easy W....Miami 24, Washington 17

New England @ NY Jets (Pick) - SUN 8:20PM - NBC

New England has lost three straight. Sounds wrong, doesn't it? If that's what you think, you're right. Sorry Jets fans, but the Pats ain't losing a third straight game. The last time the Pats lost three straight was October 2002. With 10 picks on the season, Brady is approaching his single-season career high of 14 picks. The Jets are tied for third in the league with 13 picks this year. Sunday's night matchup has all the makings of a great game with the Pats recent struggles and the Jets desire to avenge October's subpar defensive performance. Tom Brady has looked uncomfortable against the Steelers and G-Men as both teams were able to apply pressure throughout the game, but he will simply not lose three straight, I mean, what would Gisele think?...New England 27, NY Jets 17

Week 10: Thursday Updates

OAK @ SD tonight....get your lineups set!



SF - RB Frank Gore favoring ankle at practice
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) was in full pads, and he participated in all the warmup drills Wednesday, Nov. 9, during the media portion of practice. He was observed hitting the blocking sled and doing change-of-direction drills, but he was also seen favoring his left ankle.

We'll watch this one closely to see what he's able to do Thursday.

DEN - RB Willis McGahee practices
Source: DenverBroncos.com
Denver Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hand) practiced in full Wednesday, Nov. 9.

McGahee is the engine that makes the Broncos offense go. He's running strong and is a RB2 with RB1 upside the way that Denver is running the football with Tim Tebow at Quarterback.

OAK - RB Darren McFadden officially out
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Paul Gutierrez
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) has officially been ruled out for Week 10.

No surprise here. The Raiders will use Michael Bush as their starter Thursday night against the Chargers. Perhaps even rookie Taiwan Jones could get some touches as a change of pace back.

Week 10: Midweek Roundup

This is a short week folks, so you have 1 more day to get your lineups set.

OAK - RB Darren McFadden out
Source: CSNBayArea.com
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) will miss his third straight game in Week 10 against the San Diego Chargers Thursday, Nov. 10. The Raiders will again use RBs Michael Bush and Taiwan Jones in place of McFadden.

The fact that McFadden hasn't run on the foot yet and is being ruled out two days before the game is a terrible sign for his owners. At this point, they should feel relieved if McFadden plays in week 11. Michael Bush is a solid RB2 play vs. the Chargers on Thursday.

SD - RB Ryan Mathews on schedule
Source: NFL Network - Jason La Canfora
San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (groin) is currently on target to be active for the team's Week 10 contest against the Oakland Raiders Thursday, Nov. 10.

Mathews should be a low-end RB1, high RB2 play vs. the poor Raiders run defense that Willis McGahee gashed for over 100 and two touchdowns last week. Mathews was very close to playing vs. the Packers, so his owners shouldn't worry about playing him this week.

ARI - Not looking good for QB Kevin Kolb
Source: NFL Network - Jason La Canfora
It's looking doubtful that Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (toe, foot) will be able to suit up for the team's Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kolb is dealing with a sprained foot and turf toe. QB John Skelton will receive another start if Kolb can't go.

Philadelphia will likely miss a chance to face their onetime QB of the future.

Week 9 One Liners

Exciting slate of games this weekend. All of them lived up to the hype. Week 9 has been the best weekend of football this year.

• Gostkowski misses 27yd FG
• Brady loses to Eli twice, this time in Foxboro. Goodbye 31 game home field winning streak
• Pats Defense allowed 2 TDs in final 3 minutes. Young Defense has much to improve upon.
• Mike McCarthy has every Packers player so inspired to tell the media that they still have a lot to improve on, even after big wins. The Pack is head and shoulders above the rest of the league right now, scary thought that they could be even better.  Great coaching + Talent = Championships
• Ballard wore #85, same number as David Tyree wore when he made the gamechanging grab in Superbowl XLII
• Redskins suck. That is all.
• Tony Romo didn't turn over the ball against the Seahawks, one of the best defenses in the league. Kudos to the Cowboys offensive line for the great protection this week.
• Tim Tebow 124yds pashing & 2TDs, 118yds rushing
• Carson Palmer 3TD 3INT
• When asked about his thoughts on his performance after beating the Chargers, Aaron Rodgers smiled and responded "I'll let everyone else talk about me". Yea, everyone else is talking abt him and his 26 TDs (and 3 INTS) through week 9.
• Fitzpatrick and the Bills picked apart by Jets D. Could see this rematch in January. Can the Bills rebound against an improving Dallas team this week?
• I am loving the Big Ray Little Ray dynamic on the Ravens. Truly is a special relationship. Who wouldn't love Ray Lewis as their mentor? Lewis is in his 16th season but from his pregame huddle, he's still got a few years left. Gotta love the fire in his game.
• Dolphins win their first game.  Tony Sparano gets to keep his job for one more week.  Could the Dolphins finish the year 7-9 for third straight year?  I don't know, but I do know that Reggie Bush has finally clicked in the Dolphin offense and has his 2nd straight 100yd+ game.
• I am loving the 2 tight end sets emerging across the league (Panthers, Texans, Eagles, Ravens, Bears) a la Bill Belichick. Bad for fantasy value of the TEs on those teams, great for these offenses.
• Bears over Eagles Monday night.  Jay Cutler finally looks comfortable in the pocket, and when he plants his back foot, he is unstoppable.  I'm liking the Cutler/Bennett duo.

Weekly Wager: Week 9

Stanford @ Oregon State (+21.0) - SAT 3:30PM - ABC

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm taking Stanford to cover against Oregon State after last week's quadruple OT game at USC put The Cardinal at 11-0 ATS dating back to last year. The Cardinal will not be challenged by a struggling Oregon State team this Saturday. Not only will Andrew Luck shred the Beavers secondary, The Cardinal's running game will likely do better than its average 215 yards per game as the Beavers have been beaten up at the line of scrimmage by weaker opponents. If the game does stay close, look for Oregon State to start turning the ball over and add to their Pac-12 leading 21 turnovers...Stanford 52, Oregon State 21

LSU @ Alabama (-4.0) - SAT 8:00PM - CBS

Alabama has given up two rushing TDs at home in four seasons. LSU did not turn the ball over in the month of October. Alabama is 45-3 when leading at halftime under Saban. Two of the three losses were to LSU. In the last eight matchups between these two, the halftime leader is 2-6. Really? College football is about to get a whole lot better. LSU has been surprising folks all season and Les Miles deserves credit for the job he's done in the face of adversity, but it won't be enough in Tuscaloosa. Trent Richardson is a man among boys, and Alabama's defense is playing at a ridiculous level. Alabama is giving up 181 yards of offense per game and less than 2 yards per carry. Offense sells tickets and Defense wins championships. Alabama comes out on top in an awesome game...LSU 21, Alabama 31

San Francisco @ Washington (+3.5) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX

The wheels are coming off in the nation's capital. Right about now, Mike Shanahan is wishing he didn't get his kid involved in the mess that is the Washington Redskins, and Jim Harbaugh is proving brother John isn't the only Harbaugh badass in the NFL. Interestingly, John Beck's play at QB is no better statistically than Grossman's play; Beck is throwing 3 INTs for each TD as was Grossman, and Beck is completing 59% of his passes compared to Grossman's 56% completion rate. On the other sideline, Harbaugh has Alex Smith playing the best football of his career and a top 3 defense in a weak division. Look for the 49ers to continue rolling in D.C. this weekend....San Francisco 24, Washington 10

Cincinnati @ Tennessee (-3.0) - SUN 4:05PM - CBS

Andy Dalton and the Bengals are in the midst of a 4-game winning streak - the longest streak for Cincy since 1988. I can already hear the "Who Dey" chants. The Bengals are currently allowing a second-best 85 rushing ypg and rank ninth against the pass allowing just 212 ypg. I repeat, Offense sells tickets, Defense wins championships. Despite the Titans 3-1 record at home, I expect Cincy's D to step up and prolong Chris Johnson's problems. The Bengals Offense clicks with the return of Cedric Benson...Cincinnati 27, Tennessee 20

Week 9: Thursday Updates

One more day until the weekend, and only 2 more days to get your lineups set folks.  Lots to cover so here we go:

OAK - RB Darren McFadden unlikely to play
Source: SportingNews.com - Steve Corkran
Updating a previous report, Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) is unlikely to play in Week 9 after missing practice again Wednesday, Nov. 2. He left the facilities Wednesday on crutches and in a protective boot.

Holding McFadden out against the Broncos would make Michael Bush the team's starter. Bush is a very capable back who is strong, fast, and has a bullish mentality. If McFadden doesn't play it also makes rookie RB Taiwan Jones a nice 'what the heck' flex option for fantasy owners.

HOU - WR Andre Johnson still day-to-day
Source: HoustonTexans.com - Nick Scurfield
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) is still considered day-to-day at this point. Johnson did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 2, because he worked out Monday, Oct. 31.

Johnson's playing status is unknown at this time, but it wouldn't surprise us if he misses a couple of more weeks with this hamstring injury.

BAL - WR Lee Evans not practicing
Source: Carroll County Times - Aaron Wilson
Baltimore Ravens WR Lee Evans (ankle) was not participating during the media-access portion of practice Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Evans fantasy owners (all 2 of you) need to let him go. He's not been able to stay healthy and is being replaced by rookie WR Torrey Smith.

Week 9: Midweek Roundup

I can't believe half of football season is already over.  Not a lot of injuries this week so let's get started

OAK - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh signs
Source: Twitter
The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Ravens) to an undisclosed deal Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Housh is reunited with Carson Palmer in Oakland now. That should help the transition for both players as they adjust to their new offense with the Raiders.

TB - RB LeGarrette Blount will be primary back
Source: St. Petersburg Times - Rick Stroud
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount (knee), who will return to game action in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, will be the team's primary back and will even stay on the field for third downs with RB Earnest Graham (Achilles') out for the year. 'Oh yeah, I know I'm going to play third downs in this game,' Blount said. 'I'm probably not going to play all of them, but I know I'm going to play quite a few of them.' Blount said he is fully recovered from his knee injury.

We'll see if Blount looks like his old self this week against the Saints. If he needs a breather or isn't quite the same then we'll see some carries get split between Kregg Lumpkin and Mossis Madu.

ARI - QB John Skelton could start in Week 9
Source: The Associated Press
Arizona Cardinals QB John Skelton could start in Week 9 if QB Kevin Kolb (toe) is unable to play. At this point, Kolb said he has 'no idea' if he will play. Kolb had his right foot in a walking boot Monday, Oct. 31, to protect a turf toe injury. Kolb said he has had the injury before but not 'near this severe.'

The turf toe injury Kolb suffered is not considered serious. This type of injury is known to linger, regardless of severity, so expect the Cardinals to monitor Kolb closely during the week. We could see Skelton get most of the first-team reps while Kolb is on the mend.

Week 8 One-liners

Philip Rivers needs to learn better ball handling skills. Don't take lessons from Tony Romo.

This may be the year of the NFL kicker.

Reggie Bush has his first 100yd+ rushing game this year, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from her new husband a day later. Coincidence? Perhaps a Kim/Reggie reunion in the future...I knew she couldn't have stayed with a white guy for too long.

Teams coming off byes in week 8 went 5-1. Only loss was the Pats to the Steelers. AFC championship preview?

Tim Tebow is creating a whole new breed of bipolar writers. I dont see the media getting all worked up over Brady throwing 4INTs like he did in week 3 against the Bills. Give Tebow a month, and then put him him on the front page as the best/worst Quarterback in NFL history.

Victor Cruz's TD celebration may be the best I've seen yet. This guy has got moves...DWTS worthy. ABC will thank me for this one later.