Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 5 Defense Picks

Week 5 marks the first week of byes, which limits the available fantasy players this week. Baltimore, which has been the only dominant defense through 4 weeks, is off. There are not too many other defenses that you can be confident in no matter the opponent. The best advice may be stay away from whoever is playing Aaron Rodgers.

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Week 5

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1. New York Giants

The Giants have a great defensive line, and although they have given up a lot of points, they should be able to force Tarvaris Jackson into mistakes and turnovers. The Giants have 8 takeaways, and they should have a strong game against the 30th ranked Seattle offense.

2. Cincinnati

The Bengals are surprisingly leading the league in total defense giving up only 275 yards per game. Their solid defense stepped up to knock off the undefeated Bills in week 4, and should have an easier time against Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars in week 5. Jacksonville has scored the least points in the league at only 9.8 points per game, and the Bengals should be able to shut them down.

3. Detroit

Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford are getting most of the pub for Detroit's 4-0 start, but their defense has been impressive in its own right. After starting out slow, they have only allowed 13 total points in the second half against the Vikings and Cowboys. They also had two TD's on picks against Tony Romo in week 4. Look for the Lions front to pressure Jay Cutler, who is prone to bad decisions.

4. New York Jets

It is generally not wise to pick a defense that is going to New England to face Tom Brady. However, Rex Ryan and the Jets have contained the Patriots offense better than any other team the past two years, including a brilliant performance in the playoffs last year. The Jets have been the second best fantasy defense behind the Ravens, and could frustrate Tom Brady this week.

5. Tennessee

The Titans have the best scoring defense in the league, giving up only 14 points per game, just ahead of 14.3 from the Ravens. This week they go to Pittsburgh, a team that looks much weaker than the super bowl team from last year. Mike Wallace is dangerous, but overall the Steelers have struggled to score. This one should be a defensive struggle.

Sleeper: Houston

After having one of the worst defenses in the league for the last several years, the Texans look much more physical than they ever have. They rank 4th in scoring defense giving up only 17.5 points per game. Although they are not great against the rush, if they can get ahead of Oakland early, it might force Jason Campell to attempt to bring the Raiders back.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 5 Defense Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Quarterback Picks

Week 1 features some interesting matchups for the top fantasy quarterbacks. Two of the top 5 QB's will be going head to head in the Thursday night kickoff game featuring the Saints and the Packers. Although I anticipate a great game, I doubt either Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees will have a huge statistical night since each team has a solid defense. At least, there are better values this week.

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For Week 1:

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1. Michael Vick

The only knock against Vick as a fantasy quarterback is that he is prone to injury. However, if you are playing in a one week league, this is not an issue. Vick should be as healthy this week as he will be all year. Also, Andy Reid and the Eagles will pile on the score to show off their new "Dream Team." The Rams are young and getting better, but their defense will not be able to contain Vick.

2. Tom Brady

Miami looks to be a bad team that is getting worse, and Belichick and Brady would love to exploit them on Monday Night Football. Chad Ochocinco may not still have the same burst he once did, but the tight ends Gronkowski and Hernandez will be incorporated more into the Patriots offense this year. Brady will spread the ball around and could easily end up with four or five touchdowns.

3. Aaron Rodgers

Although I do not love the matchup against the Saints on Thursday, he was still the top fantasy quarterback last year and will get his numbers. Rodgers has a great group of receivers led by Greg Jennings, and adding Jermichael Finley who missed almost all of last year will be a great new option. Also the inexperience of Ryan Grant should lead to Green Bay throwing a lot of passes.

4. Phillip Rivers

The Chargers have started slowly the last several years, but it was not for a lack of production from Phillip Rivers. Minnesota has a solid defense, but they will struggle while they integrate Donovan McNabb into the offense. Rivers and Vincent Jackson looked very sharp in the preseason and it looks like the Chargers pass happy offense will really explode this season.

5. Matt Schaub

The Texans catch a huge break going by getting to play the Colts without Peyton Manning for the first time since 1997. How does this affect Schaub? If Kerry Collins is unable to sustain drives, the Texans could possess the ball for the majority of the game Sunday. I expect Arian Foster to establish a solid running game, which will open up the play action bombs downfield to Andre Johnson and over the middle to Owen Daniels.

Sleeper: Kyle Orton

Orton is a solid QB who has the ability to put up really big numbers. He started 2010 with five straight games over 295 yards. He gets less credit because he is constantly thrown into Jay Cutler or Tim Tebow drama. But he is a great value playing against the hapless Raiders, whose pass defense should be much worse with the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Quarterback Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 2 Running Back Picks

1. Ray Rice

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By piling up 149 total yards and 2 touchdowns against one of the best defenses in the NFL and the defending AFC champions in week 1, Ray Rice made a statement that he is on the short list of top running backs in the league. However, the Ravens looked to have a little more motivation last week after being knocked out of the playoffs by their rivals. I am not sure Rice can duplicate that performance, but he should put up similar numbers against a weaker Tennessee defense.

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2. Lesean McCoy

Michael Vick will lead his new "Dream Team" into Atlanta against his old team in what should be a shootout on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles feel pressure to show off after all their offseason moves, and Atlanta will be fighting for their lives not to go down 0-2. McCoy had 122 yards and a TD rushing last week, and could put up bigger numbers as both these teams will light up the scoreboard.

3. Darren McFadden

McFadden looked great with 150 yards mostly up the middle in Denver in week 1. The Raiders likely will return to old form and fall apart as the season moves on, but right now they looked like a contender in the AFC West. Lost in the Bills beat down of the Chiefs was that Jamaal Charles had a solid game against a soft run defense. McFadden will be able to exploit this defense as well for a big day.

4. Matt Forte

The Bears will need to put up a lot of points to keep up with the Saints this week. Forte should be able to run through New Orleans' weak rush defense, and even if Chicago falls behind, he is a great weapon out or the backfield in the passing game.

5. Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw had limited carries in week 1 at Washington. After falling behind early, the Giants threw the ball most of the game. They should settle into a more balanced attack against the Rams, who had a slew of injuries in week 1. If the Giants can get ahead early, Bradshaw should receive a solid workload to shorten the game and beat down the already thin Rams defense.

Sleeper: Willis McGahee

The Broncos are a bad team, but the Bengals are even worse. With Knowshon Moreno, slightly injuring his hamstring in week 1, McGahee may become the starting tailback against a terrible defense. Even if Moreno returns, McGahee will be a weapon in the passing game and will potentially be used on goal line situations, which means fantasy points.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 2 Running Back Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 2 Quarterback Picks

1. Michael Vick

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Sunday Night Football will be a track meet as Vick returns to Atlanta with the Eagles. Philadelphia is still trying to prove they are a "Dream Team," and Vick will want to show off in his return to Atlanta. The Falcons on the other hand will be fighting to not go down 0-2, after being the number one seed last year. Both teams will put up a lot points, which will be good for fantasy teams.

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2. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers was incredible in the Thursday night opener, and he should be able to put up similar numbers against a bad Carolina defense. Also, while Ryan Grant is working his way back into the offense, the Packers will continue to pass much more than run.

3. Tom Brady

Brady set all kinds of records putting up 511 yards against Miami on Monday night. He will come back to Earth against a solid San Diego defense, but he is still the best QB in the league. He will put up strong numbers, especially as the Patriots struggle to find a consistent running back.

4. Matt Schaub

Kerry Collins got a lot of the blame for the Texans drumming of the Colts, but Indianapolis was unable to stop the Texans in the first half. Schaub did not have a huge fantasy day, but his touchdowns should increase this week. The Dolphins pass defense was atrocious against the Patriots, and Schaub will exploit Miami's defense for a big day in week 2.

5. Tony Romo

Despite falling apart the final 3 possessions in New York, Romo had a really good fantasy week. The Jets have an elite defense, which Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten were able to move the ball against for three quarters. San Francisco struggled to stop one of the worst offenses in the league lead by Tarvaris Jackson. Romo will have a big day in a bounce back game for the Cowboys.

Sleeper: Matt Stafford

The Lions beat down Tampa Bay, which has a pretty good defense. Stafford to Calvin Johnson is a great matchup that will put up huge numbers if they can both stay healthy this year. This week the Lions return home against a Kansas City defense that gave up 41 points to the Bills last week. Stafford and Johnson are a greater scoring threat than anyone on the Bills, and although KC should play better, Detroit has the ability to hang 30 or 40 points on them.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 2 Quarterback Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Defense Picks

The key to picking a weekly fantasy defense comes down to both teams offense. You want a good offense playing against a weak team, preferably with a young QB. The Browns, Bengals, and Panthers are great matchups each week.

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Scoring defensive fantasy points is semi random, but you can increase your chance of a defensive TD if your team gets the lead, and forces the opponent to play from behind. Your odds get even better if you are matching up against a mistake prone quarterback. If David Carr is ever scheduled to play, grab that defensive matchup in the first round.

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For Week 1:

1. NY Giants

The giants have a solid defense with an elite defensive line, going against Rex Grossman and several position players worse than he is. I am not sure anyone predicted Grossman and Tim Hightower would be a starting backfield for the first week of 2011. As long as the G Men keep Santana Moss in front of them, this could be an eight sack shutout. Grossman is also good for at least a couple interceptions.

2. Texans

Throw this pick away if Peyton Manning shows up, but as of Tuesday, he is not expected to play. The Texans are perpetually overrated and have a pretty bad secondary, but I will take them against an offense of Kerry Collins and Pierre Garcon. If Matt Schaub and Arian Foster can get an early lead, Kerry Collins may be forced to air it out, which is great for the Texans Defense.

3. Cardinals

Not a great week to week pick. But you only get to play against a rookie quarterback making his first ever start once. The Cardinals should be able to do enough to confuse a young but promising Cam Newton. Also, if Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald put up a few TD's against a bad Carolina defense, the rookie QB could be forced into comeback mode.

4. Patriots

Weird things tend to happen on Monday Night Football, but I like my chances with a solid Patriots defense against Chad Henne and the Dolphins. The Dolphins are creative with their wildcat and other packages, but they will have to take a lot of chances to have a hope of keeping up with Tom Brady. That often leads to turnovers.

5. Steelers

I don't love the matchup with the Ravens, but they are a great D, and Polamalu is worth about five fantasy points by himself.

Sleeper: Browns

I don't like the team, but I love the matchup. The Bengals will be the worst offense in the league this year. They are starting a rookie 2nd rounder at quarterback in Andy Dalton, and quick... Name the Bengals top 3 receivers? Jerome Simpson, A.J. Green, Ryan Whalen. The Bengals will really be a great pick when they get to play the Steelers and Ravens.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Defense Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 3 Running Back Picks

1. Ray Rice

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Rice had a down game in week 2 against Tennessee, but that was still good for 96 total yards and a touchdown. Rice is becoming the most consistent fantasy back in the NFL, and he should have a big game against an injured Rams team that has struggled to stop anyone through the first two weeks.

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2. Adrian Peterson

The Vikings have gotten off to a slow start, but it is not fault of Peterson who has 218 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his first two games. Peterson is remarkably consistent even as the rest of the offense struggles. With McNabb not providing the passing threat the Vikings were looking for, they will lean more on Peterson to shorten the game against an explosive Lions offense. If they fall behind, he will also play a significant roll in the passing game.

3. Rashard Mendenhall

With Isaac Redman getting more carries in week 2 for the Steelers, fantasy owners are starting to worry about Mendenhall. However, he still had a decent day, including a touchdown, and if he is going to get on track, he should do it against a really bad Colts defense that was beaten down by Peyton Hillis in week 2. Expect Mendenhall to have strong day as he solidifies himself as Pittsburgh's number one running back.

4. Mike Tolbert

Tolbert is another player that underperformed under large expectations in week 2. On a positive note, he had 73 receiving yards. He and the rest of the Chargers offense will put up big fantasy numbers hosting a Chiefs team that gave up 89 points in their first two games. Kansas City's goal line defense is much more porous than New England's, which should provide Tolbert with at least one goal line touchdown.

5. LeSean McCoy

McCoy sustained a hand injury Sunday against the Falcons, but he indicated it will not hold him out against the Giants. He also rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns in Atlanta. Although the Giants are a division rival and still have an aggressive defensive line, their linebackers are nearly all out with injuries. The injuries to this unit will make it easier for McCoy to find and accelerate through rushing lanes. He will exploit this weakness for a big day.

Sleeper: Daniel Thomas

This rookie did not play in week 1, but he had a strong debut, rushing for 107 yards against the Texans. He will split time with Reggie Bush, but if Bush can't handle being a full time back, a struggle he had in New Orleans, Thomas will continue to gain more playing time.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 3 Running Back Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 3 Quarterback Picks

Passing yards are at on all time high, especially through only 2 weeks, making fantasy quarterbacks more important than they've ever been. Whether its Tom Brady going over 500 yards on Monday Night Football, or Cam Newton putting up over 400 yards in his first two games in the NFL, quarterbacks have never put up more fantasy points. Make sure you get a top quarterback if you want to compete in week 3.

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Week 3

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1. Tom Brady

Brady is on pace to set every passing record in the NFL after his first two weeks. It is unlikely he will keep up this pace, but the Bills gave up 35 points to the Raiders, and will have no success slowing down the Pats. Brady is the early favorite for MVP, and definitely the best fantasy QB in the league.

2. Phillip Rivers

Rivers has not been great out of the gate, but he has been solid, and should pick up the pace against KC who has given up 89 points in their first two games. Rivers and the Chargers will thrash the Chiefs, in a solid bounce back game after returning home from New England.

3. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben had an awful first week against an inspired Baltimore defense, but he got on track against a bad Seahawks defense, which will carry over against the Colts on Sunday Night. The Colts defense made Colt McCoy look unstoppable after he couldn't move the ball against the Bengals in week 1. Roethlisberger to Wallace will put up even bigger numbers than the Browns in a route.

4. Drew Brees

The Texans defense looks the best it has ever looked, but the Saints just put up 30 on a strong Bears defense at home in week 2. Drew Brees is unstoppable in the Superdome. It will be up to Matt Schaub and the Texans offense to make this a game because Brees will light up the scoreboard.

5. Aaron Rodgers

The Packers have a tough matchup this week at Chicago. The Bears are tough and will play inspired against their division rival. However, that is the only reason Rodgers is down to five on this list because he continues to put up big numbers every week no matter the opponent.

Sleeper: Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Bills offense has been great through two weeks against a terrible and mediocre team. New England will be a much tougher test, but the Patriots offense is not the strength of their team. Fitzpatrick should put up big numbers as the Bills try to keep up with Tom Brady and the Pats in a shootout.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 3 Quarterback Picks

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Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Running Back Picks

The biggest advantage of weekly fantasy football leagues is you can draft players based on matchups, which is a huge advantage with running backs. Generally, you want to stay away from the Jets and Steelers defenses and take advantage of the Bills and Bengals.

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Week 1:

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1. Chris Johnson

There has been a small backlash against Johnson because of his contract holdout. I do not expect him to miss a beat. Matt Hasselbeck will be good enough to keep Jacksonville's defense honest, but he knows Johnson is the playmaker and will lean on him heavily. Also, with the Jags cutting ties with David Garrard and counting on Luke McCown, their offense will struggle big time, which should give Tennessee plenty of opportunities to put up points.

2. Jamaal Charles

Charles is a great back, but I believe he and the Chiefs will regress from last year. However, they will have no trouble this week with Buffalo. The Bills had the worst rush defense in the league last year, and Charles should easily put up over 100 yards and a couple TD's this week.

3. Adrian Peterson

Similar to Tennessee, the Vikings brought in a new, veteran quarterback who will do a lot of handing off to Peterson while he gets acclimated with the offense. I also expect Peterson to get more receiving yards since McNabb will check down to him more often as he gets comfortable with his new receiving corps.

4. Arian Foster

There is still some concern about Foster's hamstring, but I expect him to start and get a normal workload this week. He will break down the Colts/ poor run defense. Peyton Manning's injury will also really hurt the Colts' defense. If Kerry Collins is unproductive, Foster could be pounding a worn down Colts' D that cannot get off the field.

5. Frank Gore

Gore is a force, and with the 49ers sticking with Alex Smith, Gore should get plenty of work this week. Gore has a tendency to get injured, but the first few weeks, while he is healthy and fresh, he will rack up big fantasy points.

Sleeper: LeGarrette Blount

The Lions seem to be a hot sleeper pick, but I am not buying the hype just yet. Suh is a beast, but he is better at getting after the quarterback than at stuffing the running game. Blount has gone from a free agent pickup no one wanted to the starter in a strong young offense. Blount doesn't have the speed to bust huge runs like Chris Johnson, but he is a powerful short yardage rusher that will convert from the 1 yard line. He has also improved in the passing game, which adds to his value.

Weekly Fantasy Football - Week 1 Running Back Picks

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