Observations and Predictions...

Last week provided us with a plethora of Thanksgiving games. The Titans pasted the Lions. The Cowboys beat up the Seahawks (although the win would prove costly with Marion Barber and DeMarcus Ware both hobbled). Last but not least the Eagles surprisingly (at least to me) crushed the Cards. 

I must admit to being a bit under the weather on Sunday, so I slept through most of the days games. I did get a chance to watch the Steelers impressively defeat the Pats. The Jets were beaten soundly by the Broncos. The Bucs beat the Saints to keep their claim on first place, and the Giants continued to dominate in beating Washington.

Top Performers of the Week

QB-Tony Romo: The team has been re-energized by his return. 300+ yards and 3 scores.

RB-Peyton Hillis: Was the first back all season to gain 100 yards against the revamped Jets D. He paved the way for a big day for the Broncos offense.

WR-Bernard Berrian: May have changed the whole outlook of the division with a 99 yard score against the Bears. He clicks well with Gus. 

TE-Jason Witten: A healthy Romo plus healed ribs equaled a big day for Witten.

Defense-Colts: Held down the Browns while scoring the games only TD in a sloppy mess of a game.

Special Teams-NY Giants: Domenik Hixon was a beast in the return. Almost breaking two returns for scores, but also giving the Giants dominant field position the whole game.

The weekend should shake out like this (9-7 last week). Chicago gets the win at home against the Jags. Vikings keep the Lions winless. Green Bay beats Houston on the frozen tundra. Indy over Cincy. The Saints at home over Atlanta. Giants beating the Eagles. Titans over the Browns and Dolphins stay in the playoff picture beating the Bills. Broncos over Chiefs and Jets over the Niners. Pats beat Seattle and the Cards hold off the Rams. Baltimore over Washington. Bucs keep the good times going in beating the Panthers.

Clearly the main even for me this weekend involves the Steelers welcoming Dallas to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have the best defense in the game. The Steelers have home field advantage. The Steelers have momentum after beating the Pats. Yet, somehow, I'm still picking the Cowboys. The Boys seem to be clicking on all cylinders since Romo has returned. Each week that passes they look more and more like the team that dominated the first month of the season. If Marion misses the game the Steelers will win this game going away, but an active Barber means a Cowboy win.

Fantasy picks of the week

QB-Kurt Warner: The Cards need to get back on track, plus the Warner loves beating those Rams.

RB-Joseph Addai: Could he finally have his breakout game of the season as the Colts continue their march to the postseason? I think so.

WR-Donald Driver: He loves that cold in Lambeau.

TE-Jason Witten: A healthy Romo means a lot of passes to Witten.

Defense-Titans: They should dismantle a quarterbackless Browns squad.

Special Teams-Miami Dolphins: Ted Ginn Jr. could have a huge impact on this game.