Observations & Predictions

The Cowboys ran out to a big lead against the Niners and than held on as the Niners scored 13 points in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys started the game looking flat while the Niners ran out to a 6-0 lead. That all changed in a flash as Romo found Owens for 75 yard score. After that play the Boys were energized and went on to dominate the 2nd and 3rd quarters while letting up a bit in the fourth. Dallas improved their playoff chance by upping their record to 7-4 with a very winnable game against Seattle on Thursday afternoon.

The Jets handed it to the unbeaten Titans. They are a team to be reckoned with in the AFC. All the papers here in NYC are starting to get really excited about the possibility of an all NY Super Bowl (although both teams play in Jersey). Giants beat the Cardinals a little more easily than I thought they would. The Pats pulled away in the fourth against the Dolphins in a high-scoring affair. The death knell sounded on the Eagles season (and possibly Andy Reid's tenure) as the Ravens blew out Philly.

Top Performers of the Week

QB-MattCassel: A second 400+ yard week. Cassel is a free-agent at the end of this season and based off these last two games should have plenty of suitors. This kid can run an offense.

RB-Michael Turner: Turner led the Falcons past the Panthers with 100+ yards and 4 scores. 

WR-Terrel Owens: He lit up his former squad to the tune of 213 yards and a score. Could be the breakout game we've been waiting for all year. I'm sure he's happy to have Romo back.

TE-Tony Gonzalez: Even in a losing effort he put up 117 yards and a TD.

Defense-Baltimore: They shut down a high-powered Eagles defense and even sent McNabb to the bench in favor of Kevin Kolb.

Special Teams-Buffalo Bills: Strong returns helped get Buffalo in great field position all day long against KC. 

This week sees a trio of games on Thanksgiving. None of them seem overly competitive. I think all 3 have the potential to get ugly. The Titans will be looking to take out last weeks loss on the winless Lions. The Cowboys look to continue marching towards the playoffs in dismantling the Seahawks, and the Cardinals should throw all over the Eagles. I'm expecting 3 double digit victories. The Bucs defense should have enough to slow down the high flying Saints attack. The Giants should again blitz Jason Campbell and the Skins into submission. The Jets will continue to roll over the Broncos. While the Pats will eeek one out against Pittsburgh. Bears over Minny in a battle for first place (watch out for Matt Forte, he loves them domes).

The rest of the week looks like this (10-6 last week). Indy over Cleveland. Ravens beating the Bengals. Miami over the Rams. Buffalo over the Niners. Packers at home over the Panthers. Atlanta over the Chargers. Oakland beating KC and Houston over Jacksonville. 

Fantasy Picks of the Week

QB-Jay Cutler: Even though I think the Broncos will lose, I think this will be a shoot out with Cutler chucking the pigskin all over the field.

RB-Matt Forte: The Bears will stake their claim for first on the legs of their rookie back. 

WR-Anthony Gonzalez: The soft Nickel and Dime packages of the Browns will have their hands full with the Colts slot receiver.

TE-Kevin Boss: I'm a big fan of this TE who has a score in each of the last 3 games. As the season gets longer not only is he leaving his mark with his blocking but also showing he's a complete player as a big target.

Defense-Titans: I see the Lions doing absolutely nothing.

Special Teams-Packers: Panthers on the frozen tundra=good things for the Packs return game.