Friday, November 1, 2013

Ranking & Ranting About the NFL Slate

The NFL week got off to an unusual yet surprising start as the Dolphins not only win, but win on a walk off safety, only the third time thats happened since 1989.

For previewing this weekend's NFL action, I decided to do this with a twist. I've decided to countdown the 12 games on Sunday & Monday based on things such as interest, emotional investment & with some contribution to my own fantasy football implications.

12) Titans vs. Rams

With all apologies to those late-90s Super Bowl affectionate out there, there's not much engaging interest here. You have two teams who aren't that interesting, yet ain't absolutely horrible. Basically a battle of two teams with 7-9 written all over them.

Titans 10 Rams 3

11) Eagles vs. Raiders

What's with these super bowl rematches? This time we're going back to a rematch of the 1981 Super Bowl. If standings were judged by hype after playing one game against an over matched defenses, the Eagles would be better than 3-5. The Raiders while still not a serious player have exceeded many people's expectations by getting to 3 wins. With that said, Terrelle Pryor generates enough offense to lead the Raiders to victory

Raiders 21 Eagles 17

10) Vikings vs. Cowboys

Not a Super Bowl rematch, but it is a rematch of the lopsided Hershel Walker trade that spurred the Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins. Probably the last time in a while that the Cowboys and Super Bowl get mentioned in the same sentence. The Cowboys may be a bit underwhelming but at least they don't have sit through Freeman/Ponder/Cassell trio of QBs.

Cowboys 38 Vikings 17

9) Browns vs. Ravens

The matchup between the former Cleveland Browns and their second incarnation. Even though Jason Campbell almost did enough to take down the undefeated Chiefs, any chance they had of relevancy went out the window with Brian Hoyer's injury. The Ravens have not had the most inspiring Super Bowl defense but there's no way they lose this game.

Ravens 28 Browns 10

8) Steelers vs. Patriots

If it was a few years ago, this match-up would be higher on this list. While the Patriots have played their part (even if it hasn't looked pretty in the process), the Steelers seem destined for their first terrible season in a very long time.

Patriots 35 Steelers 14

7) Seahawks vs. Buccaneers

Likely to be one of the more one-sided affairs this weekend. The only reason it ranks this high is to see if Vincent Jackson will be able to score any garbage time touchdowns.

Seahawks 38 Buccaneers 10

6) Chargers vs. Redskins

Very average game between a Chargers team that may get the right to lose in the first round versus a Redskins team that is having a weak follow up to RGIII's rookie season. Main point of interest is to see whether Garcon or Woodhead can put up some numbers.

Chargers 31 Redskins 28

5) Chiefs vs. Bills

Kansas City's defense has given me a few good weeks. However, they didn't do much on the Fantasy side despite picking up a win over Cleveland. Still sticking with them since they get to go up against a weak Buffalo offense.

Chiefs 21 Bills 7

4) Saints vs. Jets

Saints should win this in a rout. At this point, keeping up to see how much Jimmy Graham is going to be used on Sunday. The Jets are tough to read as they alternate between incompetent and surprisingly good. Ultimately, the Saints are too much for the Jets to handle.

Saints 49 Jets 21

3) Colts vs. Texans

Sunday night game that will likely be a rout but sort of left hanging regarding whether or not Arian Foster will be cleared to play.

Colts 38 Texans 24

2) Panthers vs. Falcons

Having Cam Newton as my starting QB, i'm seeing first-hand that he's setting himself up for a monster season. My opposition is countering with Matt Ryan. The one thing in common are these are two QBs who struggle to handle Arizona's defense. Carolina continues their path towards surprising respectability.

Panthers 31 Falcons 24

1) Packers vs. Bears

Yeah, i'm unapologetic of following games for fantasy purposes only, but all of that gets trumped by what are the Packers up to this weak (especially when playing the hated Bears).

The Packers while not at 100%, have been doing enough to be 5-2 and get into first place in the NFC North. The Packers are catching a break as they are catching the Bears as their injuries keep piling up. GO PACKERS!!!

Packers 35 Bears 21

3 comments:

  1. I have Packers WR James Jones on my fantasy team waiting for him to get back healthy. Will he be viable when he comes back? I already have Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Keenan Allen on my roster and he's competing with Marvin Jones now for my WR4 spot. Which of these fives would you sell high on?

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    1. This is Nate, by the way... Also, I figure I oughta sit Garcon since RGIII looked like he had some gastrointestinal problems against the Broncos

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  2. Jones would probably be number three option behind Jackson & Garcon. He'll be good for some touchdowns but not necessarily high amount of receptions/yardage as Rodgers tends to distribute the ball pretty evenly to his receivers (with the exception of Jordy Nelson who has been becoming his go to guy).

    RGIII may be struggling but Garcon should get his against San Diego's defense. While Jackson's team is a joke, he's had some good games and hoping he's good for a garbage time touchdown or two against Seattle. Allen is a good 3/4 option but i'm not sure if there's much sell high value there.

    Out of those five, i'd sell high on Marvin Jones. The whole four touchdown thing while unlikely to be repeated may be glossy enough to get you a good return.

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