The game I’m most looking forward to this week, by, far is the Detroit Lions defending their home turf against Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers. Look for Harbaugh to try and make a big statement by defeating the undefeated Lions with a brilliant offensive game plan.
Last week’s destruction of Tampa was just the dress rehearsal for this showdown. Detroit had better be ready mentally and physically for this test; this is one where they do not want to go down by two scores early. It’s still early in his NFL coaching career, but spotting Harbaugh twenty points is an absolute death sentence.
Quarterback
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (vs. STL) – The Rams don’t have answers even for even the worst NFL offenses. What do you think is going to happen against the best offense in football?
2. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (at ATL) – He didn’t let me down last week and so far the only thing we know will slow this kid down are monsoon conditions on the field.
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots (vs. DAL) – I think this game will be a shootout and Brady, as always, will be slinging it.
4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (at TB) – Tampa looked terrible last week against Alex Smith and Brees represents quite an upgrade.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. JAX) – Big Ben is back in form and the Jaguars offense is going to have trouble staying on the field.
6. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (vs. SF) – His passing attack looks better every week.
7. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (at NE) – Dez Bryant is back healthy and Romo has his back against the wall with the media in Dallas.
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (at CHI) – Chicago’s defense is not what it once was.
2. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders (vs. CLE) – McFadden will have a big day.
3. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) – Carolina can’t stop the run.
4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens (vs. HOU) – Rice has been on fire this season.
5. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS) – Philly needs to run more to stay competitive.
6. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears (vs. MIN) – The Vikings line is pretty good, but Forte will get a lot of carries.
7. Arian Foster, Houston Texans (at BAL) – Don’t expect a lot of yardage but he should get opportunities near the goal line.
Wide Receiver
1. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (vs. SF) – I said it last week and I’ll say it again; he’s the best pure athlete in the NFL.
2. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) – Julio is out so Roddy should get more targets.
3. Wes Welker, New England Patriots (vs. DAL) – Welker will flourish in the seams.
4. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys (at NE) – Dez should be 100% this week.
5. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers (at ATL) – Smith is one of the best stories of this young fantasy seasons.
6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers (vs. STL) – Rodgers is throwing it to him.
7. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. JAX) – Wallace is almost as unstoppable as Megatron, but there are less offensive weapons overall in Pittsburgh.
Tight End
1. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys (at NE) – Should have plenty of room to work in the middle of the field.
2. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints (at TB) – Tampa is really struggling right now and the Saints are as hot as can be.
3. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots (vs. DAL) – He gets targets in the red zone.
4. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) – The future Hall of Famer still has it.
5. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers (vs. STL) – Freak of nature at the TE position .
6. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers (at ATL) –His scoring streak is now up to three weeks.
7. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions (vs. SF) – This is a talented player that is becoming a major factor for the Lions.
Defense/Special Teams
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. JAX) – This dynasty defense if just warming up.
2. Green Bay Packers (vs. STL) – The Rams offense is a comedy of errors.
3. Baltimore Ravens (vs. HOU) – Two words: Ray Lewis.
4. New Orleans Saints (at TB) – Is Tampa really this bad?
5. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. IND) – Best defense in the league statistically through 5 games.
6. Detroit Lions (vs. SF) – Alex Smith is still Alex Smith.
7. New York Jets (vs. MIA) – Matt Moore is starting for the Dolphins.
