1) Bucs -7 vs. Bears

JUSTIFICATION: The Bucs have played to very well played games since Griese took over at QB and Pittman returned as the starting RB. They dumped a huge distraction this week by shipping Keenan McCardell off to San Diego. They have dominated this particular series and have won seven of the last ten played against the Bears. Quinn is not a starting NFL QB and will have to face one of the toughest defenses the NFL has to offer. Thomas Jones gives the Bears a legitimate offensive threat but without any kind of passing threat, to speak of, he will have a difficult time against the Bucs. On top of all that, Ogulieye will miss this game which has to affect the Bears defense. I expect that this will be at least a double digit win for the Bucs.

2) Colts -9 1/2 vs. Jaguars

JUSTIFICATION: The vaunted Jaguars defense has been decidedly mediocre of late. That is not a good trend facing one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. The one thing the Jags do well is run the ball. Unfortunately, as bad as the Colts defense is, they do a very solid job of stopping the run only giving up an average of 91 yards per game. The Colts lead this series 6-1 and have won the last three meetings in Indianapolis by an average of over 15 points per game. The Jags have lost 10 of their last 12 road games.  This could be a high scoring game with the total in the fifties but the Colts are much better suited to win a shootout.

3) Vikings -7 vs. Titans

JUSTIFICATION: The Vikings return home after two hard fought road victories. They will not have the full services of Randy Moss this week but they have enough other weapons to make up for the loss. Bennett should be back this week but even if he doesn't play, Mewelde Moore has been a very effective replacement. The rushing attack of the Vikes is very underrated and the Titans have given up an average of 4.6 yards per carry so far this year. A strong rushing attack will allow Culpepper to pick his spots and keep the Titans defense completely off balance. The Vikes lead the overall series 6-3 and have won five of the last six at home. The Vikings also have a five game home winning streak in which they have averaged over 33 points per game. With Duante Culpepper having a career year I expect that this particular trend will continue.

4) Cowboys +3 1/2 @ Packers

JUSTIFICATION: The Packers used to be deadly at home. No longer. The vaunted "frozen tundra of Lambeau Field" is not nearly as daunting as it used to be. This year the Pack can't seem to stop anyone on defense which has forced Brett Favre into some very productive games, from a fantasy perspective, but also a lot of mistakes by trying to win the game by himself. The Cowboys' receivers should have a field day in this game and, are more likely than not, actually looking forward to playing in Green Bay.  I expect that Testeverde will have a huge day passing the ball. Playing catch up ball in not a Packer strength this season. I'm looking for a straight up Cowboy victory so getting points looks real nice.

5) Broncos -6 @ Bengals

JUSTIFICATION: The Broncos have found a replacement for Clinton Portis.  Unfortunately, for fantasy football players, its not Quinton Griffin.  Rueben Droughns' straight ahead, no nonsense style fits perfectly with what the Broncos try to accomplish in their rushing attack. His effectiveness also allows Plummer to be much more effective. The Bengals are improving but they have a weakness in rush defense. If the Broncos can control the clock and get ahead early, the Bengals will be forced to play catch up ball and Palmer has not shown that bringing a team from behind is something he can do, at least not at this time. He has been prone to throwing interceptions and the Broncos will be more than glad to take full advantage of his gifts. This will be the Bengals first Monday night game since 1992.  One has to expect that the spotlight will affect their play.



Don Pinchin
Fantasy Football Bookmarks
http://www.ffbookmarks.com
The only bookmark you need for fantasy football information.