The Thursday night games have started and this is the last week of the bye weeks as teams make their push for the fantasy playoffs.
Thursday night, Matt Ryan and Roddy White had monster games leading the Atlanta Falcons to the comeback 26-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco also had a big game as quarterback's took center stage as the running games were non-existent.
I have watched in amazement as the New England Patriots passing game has basically been a shell of its former self since Randy Moss was traded. Tom Brady's quarterback rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt have all fallen dramatically and it is a trend that will continue. Likewise, Wes Welker struggles week in and week out to get open, maybe feeling the effects of last year's injury.
This week Moss makes his debut for the Tennessee Titans against the Miami Dolphins. He is listed as the starter, but it remains to be seen how many plays he will be involved in. At this point, an effective strategy is 'Hey Randy, go long!'
Look for Moss to score as history shows his debut games with teams are usually good. At this point in going forward, I have Chris Johnson listed as my no. 1 running back the rest of the year based on favorable matchups and Moss stretching the field and opening up running lanes.
In the WTO Laid back League, we have three teams at 7-2 after Allen Seybert and his Green Bay defense rallied to upset my Oracles last week. The Pack defense was worth 36 points in the 98.00-87.44 victory.
Aside from my Oracles and Seybert, Frank Galeazzo also is 7-2 after a nine point win over Bob Patchen. This week's big games are Galeazzo battling Brian Ferry in a Central division showdown and Mike Campbell and Jon Sitler playing what amounts to an elimination game, as the loser has almost no chance at the playoffs.
TOLD YA SO: My prediction to play Seyi Ajirotutu was dead on as he lit up the pathetic Texans secondary. Other good calls were on Sebastian Janikowski, predicting Jon Kitna would throw a pick six and predicting Jay Cutler's total points.
DID I REALLY SAY THAT: Predicting Roddy White and Andre Johnson to be my ultimate lineup receivers were poor choices as both had subpar outings.
FEMALE FANTASY PERSPECTIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Our female correspondent says, "I feel bad for cutie Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He is as bad-off as a rubber-nosed woodpecker in a petrified forest." That pretty well sums up being the starting quarterback for an 0-8 team.
FOOTBALL QUOTE OF THE WEEK: John McKay, former coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was asked about his team's execution and he responded "I'm all in favor of it!" 30 years later Carolina Bums coach John Fox probably would say the same.
CUTLER CORNER: Jay had an effective game for the 5-3 Bears going 17 of 30 for 188 yards with two touchdowns, 39 rushing yards and a two-point conversion. This week, he faces the Vikings in what should be a game with lots of field goals. Expect a touchdown and 220 yards.
FREE AGENTS TO TARGET: Chad Pennington, Mike Goodson, Javarris James, Keiland Williams, Mario Manningham, Jacoby Ford and Mike Thomas. One week defensive play is the Tampa Bay defense.
INJURIES: Matthew Stafford, Joseph Addai, Mike Hart, Earnest Graham, Fred Taylor, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart, Tyrell Sutton, Steve Smith (NYG), Austin Collie and Owen Daniels all are out. Keep an eye on Carson Palmer, Vince Young, Beanie Wells, Lee Evans, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Dexter McCluster and Heath Miller.
BYE WEEK TEAMS: Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
ULTIMATE LINEUP: Eli Manning, Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne, Vernon Davis, David Akers and the NY Giants defense. Flex play will be Andre Johnson.
FANTASY BUST OF THE WEEK (8-1): Last week, Miles Austin laid an ostrich-sized egg catching only 2 passes for 16 yards as my player jinx continued. This week, we try to keep it going with Mike Williams (TB). He has been on a tremendous roll, but I think the underrated Carolina secondary will contain him this week.
WTO Laid Back League
Eastern Division
Rob Stewart 7-2
Jon Myler 6-3
Dave Hishman 5-4
Jon Sitler 4-5
Bob Patchen 2-7
Central Division
Frank Galeazzo 7-2
Allen Seybert 7-2
Brian Ferry 6-3
Mike Campbell 4-5
Dean Wells 3-6
West Division
Joe Mangione 5-4
Paul Mangione 4-5
Derek Farr 2-7
Cody Elms 1-8
Last week's results
Tapping Wingnuts 98.00, The Oracles 87.44
Bubba Gump Shrimp 103.10, Hooktown's Hero's 56.36
Sagebrush Apocalypse 88.04, White Crackers 67.26
Laces Out 111.02, Oobleck Storm 102.76
Hoi Polloi 109.00, Chaotic Nightmare 96.76
Fish 106.16, Roch Thousandries 76.52
St. Louis Shockers 97.58, Viking Quest 95.42