Pro Football 101

1. QB Kurt Warner vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans have the 2nd worst passing defense and Warner and his offense is on a roll. Expect him to locate Larry Fitgerald, Anquan Boldin and the rest of the Cardinals skill players for over 300 yards and a few scores.

2. RB Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago Bears

AD has always been a load for the Bears defense to handle. And this began in the days when Chicago was dominant/very good on that side of the ball. In his rookie season, he ran for 224 and 3TDs in Soldier Field and has consistently had better days against this unit. Expect him to light up the tote (board) on Sunday against a unit not nearly as good as they were in the past.

3. WR Vincent Jackson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs don’t have anyone in the secondary talented enough to keep up with Jackson. In their earlier season matchup, Rivers hooked up with his favorite receiver for 142 yards and a TD in the 1st half. Provided this doesn’t become a laugher early on, expect a repeat performance in Week 12.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB Donovan McNabb vs. Washington Redskins

The Redskins numerous problems in 2009 aren’t because of their defense. That side of the ball has fared well although they’ve often been put in precarious situations due to their inept offense. Look for McNabb to do enough for the Eagles to win but for it hardly to be a noteworthy fantasy football performance.

2. RB Rashard Mendenhall vs. Baltimore Ravens

The formula for success against the Ravens defense is through the air, not on the ground. Roethlisberger will use the short passing game to move the chains and Mendenhall, who has locked down the No. 1 RB job this year, will be held to a very average performance running the ball.

3. WR Marques Colston vs. New England Patriots

The Patriots bring the No. 6 pass defense into this matchup and Bill Belichick’s going to design a game plan which keeps everything in front of his secondary. He’ll pay a little more attention to the Saints top receiver and this will limit Colston’s overall effectiveness. It’d be wise to look elsewhere when setting your fantasy lineup.

In Week 11, we had another solid overall week and have won over 60% of our picks against the point spread in 2009. We also hit our eighth money line bet of the season.

With three games scheduled for Thanksgiving, here’s our Week 12 picks.

Best Bets

1. Miami Dolphins (-3.5) vs. Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins have won five of their last seven to jump back into the AFC Wild Card race. And this week, they face a Bills team that’s been forced to call up practice squad players just to field an offensive line.

The Dolphins front seven will have their way with the Bills offense all afternoon and put Ryan Fitzpatrick on his back  as well as force turnovers. Offensively, look for Ricky Williams to be the centerpiece of the offensive attack and lead Miami to an easy victory.

Next In Line

2. New England Patriots (+3) vs. New Orleans Saints

See Money Line Analysis

3. Cincinnati Bengals (-14) vs. Cleveland Browns

This would normally be lot of points to be giving in a matchup between division rivals. But the Bengals are extremely disappointed about blowing a golden opportunity last week to take a commanding lead in the AFC North and the Browns are the front runner for the 1st pick in the NFL draft. Look for the Bengals offense to impose its will on a soft Browns defense and for the defense to make Brady Quinn’s life miserable all afternoon.

4. Minnesota Vikings (-10.5) vs. Chicago Bears

The Vikings are on a roll at 9-1 and Brett Favre is playing as well as he ever has. Adrian Peterson always feasts on the Bears defense and this unit is not nearly as good as they were in years’ past. Defensively, expect Jared Allen and Co. to get after Cutler and force the erratic QB in mistakes. They’ll also sack him a handful of times.

Others We Like

Jacksonville Jaguars (+3) vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Jaguars have won three in a row including a  24-22 win over the Jets in the Meadowlands. This win was important because they had played horribly on the road up until that point. The Niners on the other hand have lost five of their last six and are heading in the wrong direction fast. Look for The Jags to rely heavily on MJD and then take their chances to Mike Sims-Walker against a depleted 49ers secondary. Defensively, they’ll focus on stopping Frank Gore and put the game in Alex Smith’s hands.

Arizona Cardinals (Pick) vs. Tennessee Titans

Provided that Kurt Warner is healthy, the Cardinals will make it six for six on the road. The Titans weakness defensively is against the pass and Warner and Co. (Fitzgerald, Boldin) will exploit this weakness. Defensively, the Cardinals will stack the line of scrimmage to limit Chris Johnson’s effectiveness and force Vince Young to beat them, which he won’t be able to do.

Dallas Cowboys (-13.5) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders aren’t a good team as is. But they’re exceptionally bad on the road. Travelling to Dallas on a short week, look for Romo and Co. to have their way against the Raiders defense. Defensively, DT Jay Ratliff, DE/LB DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the Cowboys front seven will get after QB Gradkowski and force a few costly turnovers. This one should be a blowout.

Money Line

New England Patriots (+120) vs. New Orleans Saints

The Saints perfect season comes to an end on Monday Night. New Orleans is currently 10-0 and holds the top seed in the NFC. But they have a plethora of problems on defense, most notably in the secondary, and this is where the Pats will attack all night long.

Brady’s finally back to being the Tom Brady of old and the Patriots passing game is working on all cylinders. Wes Welker is the perfect underneath receiver to pick third downs and move the chains and Randy Moss has four TDs in the past three games, two over 60 yards. And they’re finally getting some value out of Laurence Maroney who will have a solid evening against the Saints porous run defense.

The Saints, equally balanced on offense, actually play into one of the Patriots strengths. New England brings the No. 6 ranked pass defense into this contest and this will be the deciding factor in the game. RB Pierre Thomas and Co. should do well on the ground but Bill Belichick will put together a scheme to keep everything in front of the secondary, thus taking away one of the Saints most dangerous weapons: the deep pass.

When all is said and done, look for New England to move to 8-3 and for New Orleans to move into a tie for the NFC’s top seed with the Minnesota Vikings.

1. Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler has been a turnover machine and his last road start (SF) saw him throw five picks. The Vikings are playing very well as a unit and we expect Allen and Co. to put continuous pressure on Cutler and force multiple turnovers. They’ll also sack him a handful of times and they’re our top fantasy football D/ST in Week 12.

2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders

While the Cowboys offense has been MIA the past few weeks, the same can’t be said about its defense. The unit has stepped up and the front seven is generating more of a pass rush than earlier in the season. Expect that pass rush to create all sorts of problems for QB  Bruce Gradkowski and for the Raiders to have difficulty reaching 10 points on Thanksgiving.

3. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

The Bengals allowed a very winnable game to slip through their fingers in Oakland and will be ready to go in this one. The Browns are a complete mess offensively, the last game not being a true indicator of what this unit is, and we like the Bengals CBs (Joseph, Hall) to pick off two passes here. The front seven will sack Brady Quinn at least three times.

4. San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers defense has come together and just held the slumping Denver Broncos to three points in their home park. The pass rush has improved considerably and the secondary has played well all year. Look for Merriman and Co. to get after Cassel and force a few turnovers.

Sleepers

1. St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are a very poor road team and usually fail to show up offensively when they play away from home. In Week 11, it was 35 – 3 before they put up a late game TD at Minnesota. The Rams defense is playing better as a unit and this is a much easier test than the last two weeks (New Orleans, Arizona). They’re a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 12.

2. New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

What happened to the New York Giants defense? Bill Sheridan is what happened. His defensive play calling is highly suspect and there’s a great deal of confusion amongst his players as to where people are supposed to be. That being said, this happens to a be a good situation for the Giants defense. The slumping Broncos are a mess right now and we expect Tuck and Co. to get after Orton.

Others We Like

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins front seven has found its rhthym and Joey Porter is once again sacking QBs. The Bills offensive line is about as depleted – and poor – as it gets and we like Miami to control the line of scrimmage and thus, the Bills offense.

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

After the loss to Tampa Bay, Dom Capers made adjustments to his defense and they’ve been playing both the run as well as the pass much better. They’ve also utilized creative blitz packages to get after the QB.  The Lions will probably have to go with Daunte Culpepper on Thanksgiving and his lack of mobility makes him an easy target.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

The Skins might be forced to play this game with their 3rd string RB (Portis concussion, Betts torn ACL) and this means the Eagles will make them one dimensional. The Redskins desperately want to avoid putting Campbell into that position because the result will be multiple sacks and turnovers.

A Few More

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

1. Dallas Clark vs. Houston Texans

Clark had a season high 14 catches for 119 yards the last time these two teams played. The Texans don’t matchup well against the shifty TE and we expect another eight to 10 catches with 100 yards and a score. He’s the top ranked fantasy football TE in Week 12.

2. Vernon Davis vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

After a horrible 1st half offensively for the Niners (five passing yards for Alex Smith), Davis got hot in the 2nd half and finished with 108 yards and a TD vs. Green Bay. The Jaguars can be hurt down the middle of the field and Davis works this area well, so expect another big day for No. 85.

3. Antonio Gates vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Heath Miller just lit up the Chiefs defense to the tune of seven catches for 95 yards and a score. Gates will be one of Rivers primary targets on Sunday and we expect the All Pro TE to find the end zone at least once.

4. Jason Witten vs. Oakland Raiders

The Cowboys offense has been in a funk over the past three weeks and Witten’s numbers have been negatively affected because of it. Look for Witten, if able to go, to get back on track on Thanksgiving as the Raiders Safeties lack the coverage skills to keep up with him.

Sleepers

1. Jermichael Finley vs. Detroit Lions

Finley’s 1st game back from his knee injury resulted in seven catches for 54 yards. Rodgers targeted him on most underneath routes and he’ll have another big part offensively vs. the Lions on Thursday. He’s a great fantasy sleeper here and should find the end zone.

2. Brandon Pettigrew vs. Green Bay Packers

Pettigrew has gotten better throughout the season and had a nice 72 yard, 1 TD performance against the Browns in Week 11. He provides an excellent target down the middle of the field and has the speed to blow past LBers and Safeties. He’ll be targeted heavily vs. the depleted Packers defense.

Others We Like

Kevin Boss vs. Denver Broncos

The Giants finally became smart and decided to incorporate Boss into their offense and the result was 76 yards and two TDs vs. the Falcons. The third year, soft handed TE should have another big game on Thanksgiving Night.

Tony Gonzalez vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gonzalez has been a huge weapon for Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense and will have another solid outing against an undermanned Bucs secondary. He should finish near 100 yards with a score.

Kellen Winslow vs. Atlanta Falcons

The weakest link of the Falcons defense is its depleted secondary. Teams have had great success throwing on them and Josh Freeman will target Winslow early and often in Week 12.

A Few More

Visanthe Schiancoe vs. Chicago Bears

Greg Olsen vs. Minnesota Vikings

Jeremy Shockey vs. New England Patriots

John Carlson vs. St. Louis Rams

Heath Miller vs. Baltimore Ravens

1. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Tennessee Titans

This is an excellent matchup for Fitzgerald. The Titans are one of the worst vs. the pass and Warner and Fitzgerald will exploit their suspect secondary. Look for over 100 yards and two scores from the top ranked fantasy football WR in Week 12.

2. Reggie Wayne vs. Houston Texans

Manning’s top target continues to put up top numbers and is the 2nd leading fantasy scorer at the receiver position in 2009. Wayne had a stellar game the last time these two teams played and we expect him to be on the receiving end of a lot of Peyton’s passes on Sunday. One will end up in the end zone.

3. Randy Moss vs. New Orleans Saints

This Monday Night showdown in New Orleans will be a high scoring affair with a lot of yardage through the air. The Saints are shorthanded at the CB position and Moss has now caught at least one TD from Brady in each of the past three weeks. He’ll catch a few more here.

4. Greg Jennings vs. Detroit Lions

Jennings appears healed from his wrist injury and is coming off a six catch, 126 yard performance vs. the 49ers which included a long TD (64 yards). The Packers will be throwing on Thanksgiving Day and Jennings will prove too much for the Lions DBs.

Sleepers

1. Michael Crabtree vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Crabtree hauled in his first career TD in their loss to the Packers on Sunday. He’s quickly emerged as the team’s top receiver and the Jaguars have been plagued by poor pass defense all season. In Week 11, T.O. caught a 98-yard TD pass and Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for nearly 300 on the Jags secondary; there’s a lot to like here and Crabtree’s an excellent fantasy sleeper.

2. Chris Chambers vs. San Diego Chargers

Chambers will be returning to his old stomping grounds after being released by the Chargers a short while ago. And in his short time with the Chiefs, he’s put up impressive yardage totals. With Dwayne Bowe on the sidelines, look for Chambers to be Cassel’s primary target and finish near the 100 yard mark.

Others We Like

Calvin Johnson vs. Green Bay Packers

Johnson is coming off a huge game in Week 11 (177 yards, 1TD) and faces a depleted Packers secondary which will be without CB Al Harris for the rest of the season. Culpepper, who will most likely be replacing Stafford in this one, will hook up with his big receiver for 100 yards and a score on Thursday.

Vincent Jackson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Jackson’s relatively quiet game in Denver was the result of the large lead the Bolts had throughout the game. He’ll be more of a factor on Sunday and already torched KC earlier in the year (142 yards, 1TD). Expect Rivers to hit his favorite receiver for at least one long TD in this one.

Wes Welker vs. New Orleans Saints

Brady looked to Welker all afternoon vs. the Jets and the receiver ended up with 15 catches for 192 yards. He’s Brady’s most reliable target and will be counted on heavily this Monday as the Patriots use the short pass to avoid the Saints pass rush.

A Few More

Mario Manningham vs. Denver Broncos

Mike Sims-Walker vs. San Francisco 49ers

Andre Johnson vs. Indianapolis Colts

Roddy White vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hines Ward vs. Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin vs. Tennessee Titans

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago Bears

Some of AD’s best games in his career have come at the expense of the Bears. In his rookie year, he went for 224 yards and 3 TDs and has consistently eaten up Chicago’s defense. This week will be no different; expect 150 plus yards with a few scores.

2. Steven Jackson vs. Seattle Seahawks

No. 39 has been a one man wrecking crew the past few weeks gaining over 100 yards and a TD against both the Saints and Cardinals. This week, he has an easier matchup than the past two and will top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Marion Barber vs. Oakland Raiders

The Bengals No. 2 option, Bernard Scott, torched the anemic Raiders defense for 119 yards. The Cowboys should enjoy a healthy lead on Thursday and Barber will get 20 plus carries and top the 100 yard mark with 2 TDs.

4. Cedric Benson vs. Cleveland Browns

Benson took Week 11 off to rest his hip but should be ready to go in this one. Look for another 25 plus carries with 100 yards and a score against a very soft Browns defense.

Sleepers

1. Knowshon Moreno vs. New York Giants

While the Broncos offensively have hit a wall, Moreno has a chance to have a nice game against the Giants on Thanksgiving Night. New York’s defense has been plagued by poor scheming and opposing RBs have had success against their front seven. He’s a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 12.

2. Jamaal Charles vs. San Diego Chargers

Charles’ speed make him a dangerous threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well as when running the ball. The Chargers have addressed some of their run defense issues but will be tested by the 2nd year back on Sunday. He could break 100 total yards and find the end zone.

Others We Like

Ricky Williams vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills did an excellent job stopping Maurice Jones-Drew as they committed extra men into the box. But overall they’ve been extremely poor against the run in 2009. Look for Williams to enjoy an excellent day and top 100 yards with a few TDs.

DeAngelo Williams vs. New York Jets

The Jets have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Kris Jenkins and opposing RBs have pretty much had their way with this unit. Williams has put up impressive numbers over the past month and Carolina will once again rely on the running game to set-up the pass. Look for Williams to top 100 yards with a TD.

Chris Johnson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals top five rushing defense has given up 100 yards and a score in consecutive weeks. This week they face the most dangerous RB in the game right now; Johnson can beat you on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield and we think he’ll top 150 totals yards with two scores here.

A Few More

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thomas Jones vs. Carolina Panthers

Kevin Smith vs. Green Bay Packers

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Ryan Grant vs. Detroit Lions

1. Aaron Rogers vs. Detroit Lions

Rodgers is coming off another impressive performance in which he tossed for 344 yards and two TDs against the Niners. This week, he faces a Lions team on Thanksgiving which just gave up 180 yards and three TDs to Brady Quinn in the first quarter on Sunday. Look for Rodgers to once again light up the tote board with 350 yards and two or three TDs.

2. Phillip Rivers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are coming off a shocking win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that their defense was torched for 398 yards and three TDs by Ben Roethlisberger. Rivers will pass a lot in this one and look for him to locate his skill players (Gates, Jackson) for a huge fantasy football day in San Diego.

3. Carson Palmer vs. Cleveland Browns

The Bengals are extremely mad about blowing a golden opportunity to take a commanding lead in the AFC North with their loss in Oakland last Sunday. They’ll come out strong in this one and Palmer will be facing a defense which just surrendered over 400 yards and 5 TDs to rookie QB Matt Stafford. Nothing more needs to be said.

4. Kurt Warner vs. Tennessee Titans

Prior to leaving the game with a head injury, Warner was 15 for 19 and 203 yards with a few scores. He should be ready to go for this one and will feast on the Titans undermanned secondary. Look for another 250 yard game with two or three TDs.

Sleepers

1. Alex Smith vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are playing much better as a team but are still vulnerable against the passing game. In their Week 11 win over the Bills, Ryan Fitzpatrick passed for 297 yards and a long score. Smith has begun to put up numbers, albeit late in games, and from a fantasy perspective he’s been a solid No. 2. Expect another strong outing here.

2. Eli Manning vs. Denver Broncos

Manning had a career day with 384 yards and three TDs against the Falcons in Week 11. Due to the lack of a running game of late, the result of defenses putting extra men in the box, the Giants have been forced to put the ball in the air. And now with Manningham back healthy,  to go with Boss, Smith and Nicks, he has the weapons to produce and will be a strong fantasy sleeper on Thanksgiving Night.

Others We Like

Tom Brady vs. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are still banged up on defense and thin in the secondary. Brady and the offense have really hit their stride over the last month and we expect that trend to continue on Monday Night.

Drew Brees vs. New England Patriots

Although the Patriots rank quite well as a defense vs. the pass, elite passers (Peyton Manning) can still hurt them through the air. The Saints are a hard team to keep up with and Brees should pass for 250 and a few TDs on Monday Night.

Matt Ryan vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ryan will be forced to pass the ball with Michael Turner still on the sidelines. And with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, he has the weapons to do it. Look for another 250 yard passing game with two TDs on Sunday.

A Few More

Tony Romo vs. Oakland Raiders

Brett Favre vs. Chicago Bears

Peyton Manning vs. Houston Texans

David Garrard vs. San Francisco 49ers

1. QB Matt Schaub vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans have improved defensively since the bye week but they’re still vulnerable against the pass. The Texans will pass in order to win on Monday Night and we like Schaub to hook up with Johnson, Walter and Jones for a few big plays and scores. 250 yards and two or three TDs is certainly within reach.

2. RB Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are extremely beat up on defense and haven’t stopped anybody this season on the ground. And that’s not going to start this week. Maurice Jones-Drew has been on fire over the past three games (377 yards, 4TDs) and will go wild in Week 11. A 150 yard game is not out of the question.

3. WR Larry Fitzgerald vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams are playing better ball on defense but lack the quality DBs to keep up with a player like Fitzgerald. He and Warner should have a field day in St. Louis and we think Larry could score twice on Sunday.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB Matt Ryan vs. New York Giants

The likely absence of RB Michael Turner makes the Falcons offense much less imposing. His running ability set-up everything for the passing game. Without the fear of a running threat, the Giants can be more creative on defense and keep Atlanta one dimensional, which will limit Ryan’s effectiveness.

2. RB Ryan Grant vs. San Francisco 49ers

Grant’s already endured a tough year running behind a line that cannot open up holes. This week it gets even tougher; the Niners bring the No. 3 ranked run defense to Lambeau on Sunday and will keep this running game in check all afternoon.

3, WR Miles Austin vs. Washington Redskins

Defenses have begun to shift coverage Austin’s way and outside of his lone catch (TD) vs. Philly, he’s been shutdown the past few weeks. Expect the Redskins to keep an extra eye on his side of the field and for Austin to once again be shut down.

In Week 10, we hit on three of our top four bets against the point spread and only missed the money line when Peyton Manning hooked up with Reggie Wayne on the last second TD.

For Week 11

Best Bets

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (-10) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs will be down WR Dwayne Bowe this week after he was suspended for substance abuse by the league. This is a big blow to their offense and comes just a week after the franchise dumped RB Larry Johnson thus leaving the unit seriously thin from an experience standpoint.

The Steelers might be playing without S Troy Polamalu, but against KC, it won’t matter. Look for Pittsburgh, coming off a disappointing loss to the Bengals last week, to dominate Cassel and Co. defensively, and for their offense to have their way with the Chiefs defense all afternoon.

Next In Line

2.  New England Patriots (-10.5) vs. New York Jets

The Jets are in a tail spin after their 3-0 start and have now lost four of five. They were very vocal before and after their victory over New England in Week Three and you can bet Bill Belichick hasn’t forgetten this. Expect Rex Ryan and Co. to find a hostile opponent awaiting them at Foxboro and for Brady and Co. to run up the score in a blowout.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+11) vs. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are 9-0 but have played poorly in their last few victories. The injuries on defensive are clearly taking their toll. Rookie QB Josh Freeman has ignited a lifeless Bucs team and came within seconds from being 2 for 2 on his young career with a last second loss to the Dolphins. Expect another close contest here.

4. Tennessee Titans (+4.5) vs. Houston Texans

See Money Line Analysis

New York Giants (-6.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Giants are on a four game losing streak and coming off a much needed bye week. They were able to heal up some injuries (CB Aaron Ross, DT Chris Canty, LB Michael Boley) and had some coaching issues to correct. Atlanta will play this one without star RB Michael Turner and this changes the entire dynamic of their offense. Without the threat of a running game, Ryan’s far less effective. Look for New York to get back in the win column with a TD victory in the Meadowlands.

Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Bengals are coming off an emotional win at Pittsburgh and now sit alone atop the AFC North. While the potential for a letdown against the lowly Raiders exists, we think Marvin Lewis will have his team ready to compete in Oakland and Palmer and Benson will guide the Bengals to a commanding win.

St. Louis Rams (+9.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are 4-0 on the road and will make it 5-0 here. However, the Rams are playing much better for Steve Spagnuolo – especially defensively – and came extremely close to handing New Orleans its first loss of the season in Week 10. Look for the Rams to rely heavily on Steven Jackson and keep the score close throughout the contest.

Money Line

Tennessee Titans (+190) vs. Houston Texans

The Titans come into this game red hot on the three game winning streak. Ever since Vince Young regained the starting QB position after the bye week, the defense has played better and Chris Johnson improved upon his hot start.

The Texans on the other hand are coming off a tough last second loss to the Colts two weeks ago and had a bye week in Week 10 to adjust its offense approach with TE Owen Daniels out for the year (ACL).

Offensively, look for Tennessee to feed the ball to Chris Johnson – on the ground and out of the backfield – and for the second-year star to pick up yards at will on the Texans defense. In their earlier meeting this season, he amassed nearly 300 total yards and 3TDs. He’ll dominate in this one too. Vince Young will be called upon to make plays wit his legs and the short, safe passes to keep the chains moving.

Defensively, Jeff Fisher will focus his attention on WR Andre Johnson and try and take him out of the plan. If he can create a scenario where the only players who can beat him are Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones in the passing game, he’ll feel good about his chances. On the ground, aside from Ryan Moats stellar performance against the Bills (129 yards, 2TD), there hasn’t been much productivity out of the unit and RB Steve Slaton seems to have fallen out of favor with this coaching staff.

In the end, expect the Titans to win their 4th game in a row and RB Chris Johnson to be the difference maker.