Observations and Predictions...

Last weekend my beloved Cowboys showed they had a little fight still left in their injury (and drama) decimated team. They held on for dear life against a very good Bucs team. The defense looked very strong in limiting the Bucs to just a few field goals. Brad Johnson even utilized Roy Williams by finding him for a jumpball in the end zone. 

Carolina had a huge second half in beating a game Cardinals squad. The more I see of the Panthers, the more I like. They run the ball well, they pass well and they play strong defense. Could be a team to watch in the NFC for the ret of the year. Philadelphia benefited from a gift call late against Atlanta (refs completely blew a fumble call on the punt returner which would have given the Falcons the ball with a chance to tie the game with less then 3 minutes to go) and showed that teams better not have forgotten how good this team is when Westbrook is healthy. The Giants showed the heart of a champion in coming from behind with a strong fourth quarter and beating the Steelers. The Titans showed all of America on Monday night that they are for real in dispatching the Colts. 

Players of the Week

QB-Drew Brees: Has any QB been more consistent this year. The crowd in London was treated to a QB playing in an offense perfectly suited to his abilities. A trend that should continue what with Reggie injured, and Deuce getting ready to be suspended.

WR-Donnie Avery: Impressive new deep threat for Marc Bulger. Gashed the Cowboys for a deep score two weeks ago and ran through the Pats secondary for 160+ yards and a score.

RB-Brian Westbrook: Continues to be the most effective back in the league. 200+ total yards and a score. He is the engine that drives the Eagles offense.

TE-Dallas Clark: He was Manning's most effective weapons against a tough Titans defense.

Defense-New York Giants: The Giants picked off Big Ben 4 times and sacked him 5 times. Another dominant performance by a strong defensive unit.

Special Teams-Houston Texans: Strong returns all day keyed by the 73 yard punt return for a score by Jacoby Jones.

This weeks main event is the conference matchup between the Cowboys and Giants. The Giants benefit from catching the Cowboys hurting and on the road. I simply don't think the Cowboys have enough (especially at QB) to put up a fight. The Giants in a blitz induced laugher. The Bills shut down the ground attack of the Jets and expose them for the overrated mess they are. The Titans continue to let the good times roll in winning a close one over the Packers. The Colts should find a way to win one at home against the Patriots. If not they can pack their bags. Redskins keep the Steelers winless against the NFC East.

Here are my picks for the rest of this weeks games (8-6 last week). Jags keeping the Bengals winless. Browns getting to .500 against the Ravens. Vikings over the Texans in a close one. Bears huge over Detroit at home. Bucs over the Chiefs. Cards over the Rams. Miami over the Broncos in Denver. Philly over Seattle. Falcons beating the Raiders. 

Fantasy Picks of the Week

QB-Kyle Orton: The Lions are horendous and Orton shredded them the last time these two teams played.

WR-Anquan Boldin: Looked great in his return to the lineup last week. That should continue this week against the Rams inviting secondary.

RB-Michael Turner: He's enjoying being the number one back. The Raiders defense has just enough holes up front for Turner to shred.

TE-Chris Cooley: Steelers and Redskins will pay a tough Monday night contest. Cooley should break free for a score and close to 100 yards.

Defense-Tampa Bay: The defense was strong against the Cowboys in a losing effort. They'll be able to take out the frustrations of last week against the Chiefs at Arrowhead.

Special Teams:-Jags: MJD should break through against the awful special teams of the Bengals.