Pro Football 101

1. QB Carson Palmer vs. Baltimore Ravens

Don’t be fooled into believing that Baltimore’s defensive performance last week means they’re back to playing like the 2000 Ravens defense did. They’re not. And Palmer is a notorious Ravens killer. The Bengals receivers will be too much for the Ravens secondary to handle and Palmer will throw for at least 250 with a few TDs.

2. RB Ryan Grant vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers defense turns every opposing RB into a No. 1 fantasy starter the week they play them. And this week, even though he’s playing behind a patchwork offensive line, expect Grant to have a huge day and rattle off over 100 yards and a few scores. This is the type of match-up where teams, and players, get healthy very quickly.

3. WR DeSean Jackson vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jackson’s lightening quick speed will prove too difficult for CB Terrance Newman and the Cowboys secondary to handle. Whether it be on end-arounds, slants, or play-action passes deep, expect No. 10 to have a big game Sunday Night and another TD of 50 yards or longer.

Fantasy Busts

1. Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis Colts

The loss of TE Owen Daniels for the season is a huge blow for the Texans offense moving forward. Expect Indy to roll coverage over Andre Johnson’s way and challenge Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones to beat them. It’s extremely rare to to overcome a loss of this magnitude  in a one-week time frame and we expect to see a substantial drop off in production for Schaub in Week Nine.

2. RB Matt Forte vs. Arizona Cardinals

He’s already one of the biggest fantasy busts of the 2009 season, and that trend is not going to change here. Although the Panthers found great success running the ball vs. the Cards, Chicago doesn’t possess the running attack - or running backs- that Carolina does. Expect Arizona to play eight guys in the box and for their corners to play press coverage on the Bears inexperienced receivers.  This will be a tough day for Forte.

3. WR Brandon Marshall vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Ravens exposed the Broncos passing game and the Steelers are going to do the same on Monday Night. They’re going to bring extensive pressure after Orton which means he’ll have to get rid of the ball sooner than he’d like. And the result for Marshall is he’ll be forced to settle for short passes all night long; not a recipe for fantasy football success.

Here’s our top three suicide pool picks for Week Nine of the NFL.

1. Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins

The Falcons have lost two straight but are right in the thick of the NFC Wild Card hunt. And this week, they’ll get back in the win column when the dysfunctional Redskins come to town. Look for Atlanta to pound the ball with Michael Turner throughout the afternoon and then utilize the play-action pass to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez when the Safeties come up to help.

Defensively, the confidence level of Jason Campbell and Co. is so low that the Falcons only need to bring pressure to stifle this unit. This is our top pick in the Week Nine suicide pool.

2. Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions

The Seahawks are a completely different team when playing at home versus on the road, and they’re especially deadly when facing the bottom feeders of the league, which is what the Lions are. Expect Matt Hasselback and Co. to throw all over this defense and for Julius Jones to find success on the ground. Defensively, expect Seattle to come after Matt Stafford and force the rookie QB into costly mistakes.

3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans

Although he’s a load to handle, Chris Johnson is the only weapon on Tennessee’s offense which teams must fear. But the Niners will mirror his every move with MLB Patrick Willis, who’s extremely gifted and will clog every hole Johnson looks to run through. Aside from that, Vince Young doesn’t scare anyone and the Niners defense will confuse - and sack - him on Sunday. Offensively, the Niners will be able to both run and pass and we expect a fairly easy win in Week Nine.

We hit on three of our four top picks in Week Eight and our sixth money line bet of the season. Here’s who we like for Week Nine.

Best Bet

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Denver Broncos

It was only a matter of time before the Broncos came crashing down to earth. The Ravens, in their 30-7 romp over Denver last Sunday, exposed some of the weaknesses on this offense, namely Kyle Orton’s inability to throw down field, and you can expect the Steelers to follow that blue print.

You can also expect Pittsburgh to play a physical game and wear the Broncos down offensively and defensively. Our best bet will win by at least one TD on Monday Night.

Next In Line

2. Arizona Cardinals (+3) vs. Chicago Bears

The Cardinals have been anything but true to form in 2009; they’re 1-3 at home, 3-0 on the road. Look for that to be 4-0 come Sunday as they’ll not only cover the point spread, but win outright. Offensively, the Cardinals will attack Chicago’s secondary with Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston, and the Bears will have few answers for this talented trio of receivers. Defensively, look for Arizona to bring a creative blitz package and confuse Jay Cutler into throwing picks.

3. Green Bay Packers (-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Packers are coming off an agonizing loss but will rebound with a big time performance in Tampa Bay. Offensively, look for Rodgers and Co. to pretty much have their way with this defense and defensively, having the luxury to face Josh Freeman, who’s making his first professional start, expect Dom Capers game plan to incorporate complex blitzes which force the rookie into multiple sacks and turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) vs. Baltimore Ravens

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Atlanta Falcons (-10) vs. Washington Redskins

The issues facing the Redskins are too numerous to be corrected over a bye week. So, expect the same inept offense we’ve seen over the first half of the season to show up on Sunday minus TE Chris Cooley. The Falcons are in a bit of a slide themselves, but will get back into the win column with a rout over the downtrodden Skins. Expect Atlanta to pound the ball with Michael Turner and utilize the play-action to create big passing plays for the offense.

San Francisco 49ers (-4) vs. Tennessee Titans

The 49ers played well in two tough road losses and come home to face the 1-6 Titans. And regardless of Chris Johnson’s prediction, which is nothing short of ridiculous, expect a methodical offensive game plan for the Niners complemented by a stellar defensive effort.

Indianapolis Colts (-9) vs. Houston Texans

The loss of TE Owen Daniels is a huge loss to the Texans offense. It completely changes the way opposing defenses prepare for them and takes away Matt Schaub’s safety valve when Andre Johnson is receiving double coverage. Look for Indy to recognize this and put extra attention on No. 80. And offensively, look for Manning to have a big day through the air and for the Colts to put 30 on the board.

Money Line

Cincinnati Bengals (+160) vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals went into Baltimore in Week Five and upset the Ravens on a last second TD pass. This time, the scene shifts to Cincinnati.

The Ravens impressive showing against the Denver Broncos doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ve fixed their pass defense, it just means that they capitalized on Kyle Orton’s inability to stretch the field. But Palmer and Co. can stretch the field on any play and this will force Baltimore to tone down their aggressiveness for fear of getting beat deep.

Cincinnati will also feed the ball to Cedric Benson who found great success the last time these two teams played (120 yards, one TD). While finding running lanes will probably be more difficult this time around, it will keep the offense balanced.

Defensively, Cincinnati will focus on taking away Baltimore’s passing game and have two pretty solid corners to do so (Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph). Look for a variety of blitzes to keep Joe Flacco from finding a rhythm. Ray Rice will be hard to contain but the Bengals scheme will do its best to keep him in check.

What no one would have believed coming into the season will be a reality after Week Nine;  the Bengals will sit atop the AFC North standings with a 6-2 record and effectively be two games up on the Ravens after the season sweep.

2009 Record Against The Point Spread

Overall 63%

Best Bets 4-4

Next In Line 17-7

Others We Like 12-12

Money Line 6-2

1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos

The Baltimore Ravens showed the blueprint for keeping the Broncos offense in check: pressure. Since Orton’s not adept to throwing deep, if you bring the Safeties closer to the line, it limit’s Denver’s effectiveness. Look for Polamalu to play close to the line and the Steelers front seven to pressure Orton into sacks and turnovers. They’re our top ranked fantasy football D/ST in Week Nine.

2. Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It appears that the Buccaneers are handing the reins over to rookie Josh Freeman and you can bet that DC Dom Capers will bring continuous pressure to confuse the young QB on Sunday. Look for a multi sack/turnover performance as the Packers should dominate defensively.

3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans

The only player the Niners need to keep an eye on at all times is RB Chris Johnson. And while that’s not an easy thing to do, the 49ers do have a defensive weapon who we think matches up well: MLB Patrick Willis. Vince Young will be ineffective on the road and the Niners will take advantage of a few mistakes.

4. Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins

The Redskins are about as bad as they come on offense. Their offensive line is horrendous and Jason Campbell consistently makes poor decisions. Look for the Falcons to be opportunistic on Sunday and force multiple turnovers.

Sleepers

1. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs offensive woes are well documented and all start with the problems along the offensive line. It neither gives Cassel the time to throw or the running game holes to run through. Expect Del Rio’s unit to play a physical game in Week Nine and for our top D/ST fantasy sleeper to create havoc all day.

2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals defense completely dismantled the Bears two weeks ago and are well rested coming off their bye week. The Ravens are a tougher test than the Bears but these AFC North Divisional battles tend to be physical and close. Look for the Bengals corners to intercept a pass or two.

Others We Like

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Ravens defense made adjustments over their bye week and completely stifled the Denver Broncos on Sunday. While the Bengals are a different beast offensively, namely due to their vertical passing game, the Ravens should be able to provide pressure up front and keep this a low scoring affair.

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

The Patriots allowed a total of seven points over their last two games and are well rested coming off their bye week. Look for their focus to be on stopping the Wild Cat because Belichick knows that Henne and the passing game will struggle against his third ranked pass defense.

New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers

The opportunistic Saints have already returned six TDs on defense this season. And facing Jake Delhomme in the Superdome, there’s should be an opportunity for their seventh. If the Saints take a commanding lead expect multiple sacks and a few turnovers.

A Few More

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions

1. Antonio Gates vs. New York Giants

If C.C Brown is assigned to cover Gates, DC Bill Sheridan should be fired and Gates fantasy owners should be ecstatic. You’ll be guaranteed at least one TD and probably close to 100 yards working the middle of the field. Going against a troubled Giants defense at this point, Gates is our top fantasy football TE in Week Nine.

2. Dallas Clark vs. Houston Texans

Clark is a beast to handle who works the middle of the field better than anyone. And Peyton Manning knows how to get him the ball. Expect another strong effort with at least one TD when the Texans come to town.

3. Brent Celek vs. Dallas Cowboys

Celek, a top fantasy sleeper coming into the season, is on pace to be one of the top TEs in the league in 2009. He caught his third TD of the season against the Giants and continues to amass impressive yardage totals. Look for him to be a mismatch for the Cowboys secondary on Sunday Night and finish the game with 70 plus yards and a score.

4. Vernon Davis vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans thin secondary will have trouble containing the red hot TE on Sunday. He’s caught four TDs in the last two games and the rapport that he and Smith have developed is what Niners fans envisioned back in 2006. It took a while to get here, but it looks like it finally has.

Sleepers

1. Kevin Boss vs. San Diego Chargers

If Eli’s going to correct some of the offensive woes, he’s going to need to begin looking Boss’s way. Boss has a knack for finding holes in the secondary and Manning finally found him for 70 yards and a TD in Philly. But a lot of plays were left on the field last Sunday… that’ll change this week and expect Boss to come up big vs. San Diego.

2. Tony Scheffler vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers defense is very tough and extremely fast. They don’t allow QBs the time to sit back and scan the field. So, to offset their attacking style, expect McDaniels to focus on the short passing game and for Scheffler to be a big part of this week’s game plan.

Others We Like

Tony Gonzalez vs. Washington Redskins

Tony G’s numbers have cooled since his hot start to the season but Ryan will look his way against a good Redskins secondary. While yards will be hard to come by, expect Gonzalez to be a menace in the red zone.

Jason Witten vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Witten’s production has taken a hit in 2009 but a lot of that is due to do the team keeping him into block. And when he does go out for routes, he usually receives extra attention. But he’s always played well vs. Philly so look for a solid effort in Week Nine.

John Carlson vs. Detroit Lions

Carlson’s been a huge fantasy disappointment since his impressive Week One and has not scored since then too. That all changes on Sunday; Detroit doesn’t matchup well with Carlson and look for Hasselback to exploit this mismatch in the red zone.

A Few More

Greg Olsen vs. Arizona Cardinals

Jeremy Shockey vs. Carolina Panthers

Heath Miller vs. Denver Broncos

1. Reggie Wayne vs. Houston Texans

Peyton’s favorite target has been dominant receiver this year and has caught a TD in all but one game. And Sunday, playing with a hurt groin, he caught 12 balls for 147 yards and a TD. Look for another explosive game with over 100 yards and at least one score. He’s our top ranked fantasy football receiver in Week Nine.

2. Randy Moss vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have no one in their secondary who can stay with Moss and will have trouble covering No. 81 all afternoon. With the Patriots coming off their bye week, you can bet that they used that time to shore up their protection problems, so look for Moss to go for over 100 yards with a score.

3. Greg Jennings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After an awesome 2008, Jennings is still waiting for that first breakout game of the year. But injuries and a patch work offensive line have prevented those long TD because Rodgers hasn’t had the time to let the play develop. That all changes this weekend; the Bucs are horrible defensively and Jennings will abuse the secondary all afternoon.

4. Wes Welker vs. Miami Dolphins

Welker has been a reception - and TD - machine over the past few weeks and you know he loves sticking it to his former team. Look for Brady to throw his way at least ten times, mostly on the short to medium routes, and for Welker to find the end zone once again.

Sleepers

1. Michael Crabtree vs. Tennessee Titans

In his home debut this Sunday, Crabtree faces the worst pass defense in football, which is why he’s our top fantasy sleeper at the receiver position in Week Nine. Look for Smith to hook up with the rookie for a solid afternoon.

2. Jeremy Maclin vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Eagles high flying vertical attack features a deadly combo in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. But Maclin is the X factor on Sunday Night as his speed will be too much for the Cowboys secondary to handle. Terrance Newman will be busy on Jackson.

Others We Like

DeSean Jackson vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jackson provides at least one ESPN highlight per game and the dynamic second year receiver will challenge Newman deep in this one. Very few players in the NFL possess the speed to stay with Jackson and the ones that do aren’t on the Cowboys defense.

Vincent Jackson vs. New York Giants

Jackson’s become a huge vertical threat in the Chargers passing system and he and Rivers are one of the top combos in the NFL. With all of the problems in the Giants secondary right now, expect another solid day from Jackson.

Chad Ochocinco vs. Baltimore Ravens

Ochocinco re-dedicated himself to the sport and it’s been evident to all thus far. His numbers are reminiscent to 2005, when he was a top five receiver in the game.  He’s always given Baltimore fits and expect that to continue this weekend.

A Few More

Andre Johnson vs. Indianapolis Colts

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Chicago Bears

Nate Burleson vs. Detroit Lions

1. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Kansas City Chiefs

MJD ran for 177 yards and two long TDs (80,79 yards) on just eight carries. Which begs the question: why only eight carries? Because Jacksonville has no idea how to utilize their best player. You can be sure he’ll get 20 plus carries vs. the Chiefs and easily top 125 yards with at least two TDs. He’s our top fantasy football RB in Week Nine.

2. Pierre Thomas vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers strength is its pass defense, not run. Look for Pierre Thomas, coming off a solid two TD game on Monday Night, to be featured heavily in Week Nine and finish with over 100 yards and a TD.

3. Ray Rice vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Rice’s has been the MAN the past three weeks (four total TDs) and is even more dangerous due to his receiving skills. He’ll be heavily featured against this division rival and look for the Bengals to have very few answers for the second year back.

4. Cedric Benson vs. Baltimore Ravens

The last time these two teams played, Benson became the first RB in 40 games to eclipse the 100 yard-mark with a 120 yard effort and a TD against the Ravens. He’s shown a propensity to do well against the better run stopping teams and after his impressive 189 yard performance vs. the Bears, we like him right back in this one.

Sleepers

1. Julius Jones vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions are awful against the run and will have a tough time stopping Jones on Sunday. The Seahawks, while playing with injuries along the line, have enough firepower at the receiver position to keep the Lions defense back to play the pass. Which is exactly what you want from the top fantasy sleeper at RB in Week Nine.

2. Ryan Moats vs. Indianapolis Colts

It looks like Steve Slaton has been benched due to his fumbling issues. Moats made the most of his opportunity in Buffalo finishing with over 126 yards and three TDs. Look for another solid effort vs. Indy and some catches out of the backfield.

Others We Like

Brandon Jacobs vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers still have trouble stopping the run and have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Jamal Williams. All things considered, Jacobs has ran well the past two weeks, and we expect him to notch at least one score on Sunday.

Ryan Grant vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grant fared poorly against trough Vikings run defense but has a dynamite matchup against the Bucs here. Tampa’s been a gold mine for opposing RBs and each one has put up a huge fantasy day. Expect at least 100 yards on Sunday.

Frank Fore vs. Tennessee Titans

Gore showed no ill effects from that foot injury as he rattled off a long TD vs. the Colts on Sunday. Look for San Francisco to continuing feeding him the ball and for No. 21 to top the 100 yards mark with at least one TD vs. Tennessee.

A Few More

Chris Johnson vs. San Francisco

Ronnie Brown vs. New England

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Denver Broncos

1. Peyton Manning vs. Houston Texans

Manning was held out of the end zone vs. the 49ers for the first time all season, yet he still managed 347 yards. He’ll have an easier time finding the end zone on Sunday in what could be a shootout. Look for Manning to hook up with Wayne, Clark and Co. for over 300 yards and three TDs. He’s our top fantasy football QB in Week Nine.

2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rodgers played an admirable 2nd half vs. the Vikings after being under siege for the first thirty minutes. Despite that futile first half, he still managed 287 yards and three TDs. He won’t have the same issues against a porous Buccaneers’ secondary and will finish with at least 250 yards and three TDs.

3. Tom Brady vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dophins, while extremely good against the run, are very thin - and vulnerable - in the secondary after the loss of CB Will Allen. Tom Brady was on fire before the bye week (9 TDs) and will continue his hot passing this week.

4. Phillip Rivers vs. New York Giants

The Giants defense is in complete disarray and there’s a gaping hole in the middle of their secondary (C.C. Brown). This also happens to be the same place that TE Antonio Gates tends to roam… Look for Rivers to find success through the air and finish with at least 250 yards and two TDs.

Sleepers

1. Alex Smith vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans made adjustments to their pass defense and stifled David Garrard in Week Eight. But we’ll need to see more than one solid performance before we begin to change our perceptions of this pass defense. Expect Alex Smith, who’s thrown the ball well in his return to the lineup, to be an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Nine.

2. Matt Cassel vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville defense just made Vince Young look like a professional QB, so this matchup bodes well for Matt Cassel. Look for him to locate Dwayne Bowe and Co. for a solid afternoon through the air.

Others We Like

Carson Palmer vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were much improved against the Broncos but Denver lacks the vertical passing game which Cincy has. Palmer will challenge the Ravens corners and this is a matchup that favors the Bengals.

Matt Hasselback vs. Detroit Lions

Hasselback threw for 249 yards and two TDs vs. the Cowboys and now gets a considerably easier opponent  in the Detroit Lions. Look for another two, maybe three TD effort on Sunday.

Drew Brees vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers possess a solid pass defense but they have yet to face an opponent as potent as the Saints. While you probably shouldn’t expect one of those ridiculous 350 yard passing games, it’s realistic to expect 250 yards and two TDs from Brees.

A Few More

Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis Colts

Donovan McNabb vs. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Here’s our top three picks for the suicide pool in Week Eight.

1. Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Cowboys are coming off an impressive win over the Falcons and appear to have found their No. 1 receiver in Miles Austin. He’s taking pressure off of the other receivers and this is making Tony Romo and the offense that much more effective. The Seahawks on the other hand are reeling and have lost some key players for the season recently (LB Lofa Tatupu, LT Walter Jones). Expect a big win by Dallas on Sunday.

2. Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns

Aside from their 14 point outburst in Pittsburgh, which happened to be a 13 point loss, the Browns have scored 15 total points in their other three road games. And it doesn’t get any easier this week as they head into Chicago to play an angry Bears team. Look for another futile showing from the Browns and a 20-point romp by Cutler and Co.

3. San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

The Chargers finally got their act together with the 30-point demolishing of the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, their defense attacked the QB and forced turnovers, something they hadn’t done up until that point. Expect another stellar showing by the Chargers when the lowly Raiders come to town and for JaMarcus Russell to once again find himself on the bench after multiple turnovers.

Fantasy Booms

1. QB Drew Brees vs. Atlanta Falcons

After two sub par games vs the Bills and Jets, Brees is back on fire after torching the New York Giants and leading the comeback against the Dolphins. And this week, he gets a Falcons opponent that is hurting in the secondary. Expect another 300-yard game and for Brees to locate Colston, Shockey, Moore and Co. for at least three TDs.

2. RB Steven Jackson vs. Detroit Lions

Jackson was able to run for 134 yards in their 36-point defeat to the Colts. This week, in a game between two of the worst teams in the league, expect a much closer affair, and for Jackson to eclipse the 100 yard mark and find the end zone  for the first time this season. He might get there twice.

3. WR Mike Sims-Walker vs. Tennessee Titans

Sims-Walker totaled 91 yards and two TDs in his last game against the Titans. And that was against a healthier Titans secondary. For this one, some of Tennessee’s key members in the secondary will be out of action so look for Sims-Walker to top 100 receiving yards with at least one score.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB Kurt Warner vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have the No. 1 pass defense in the league and will force Arizona to be more balanced in their offensive attack. A bigger role out of Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower will diminish Warner’s fantasy football numbers in Week Eight.

2. RB Thomas Jones vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have the No. 2 run defense in football and will stack the line this week vs. the Jets. They’re going to bet that Sanchez can’t beat them. So, facing eight and nine man fronts, look for a substantial drop off in numbers for Jones on Sunday.

3. WR Derrick Mason vs. Denver Broncos

The surprising 6-0 Broncos are winning games because of their defense and we expect CB Champ Bailey to lock onto Mason all day in Week Eight. While Mason and Flacco have put up solid numbers to this point, don’t expect anything of consequence on Sunday.