With a another very interesting week of NFL Football in the books, the Power Rankings have decided to be like Elvis for Halloween this week….they’re “All Shook Up”.

O.K., that was terrible, but on a more serious note, it was a very interesting week with a lot of changes in the rankings. Take a look and comment; tell me what YOU think!

[Editor's note: I'll tell you what I think right now. How in the hell can you drop the Saints below the Colts after NO showed the heart of a champion on the road this past Sunday? Oh wait, that's right...I forgot that you live in Indianapolis. Never mind. Makes perfect sense. "All shook up" indeed...]

1. Indianapolis Colts (Last 2 [+1])

O.K., so we all expected the Colts to wax the Rams. No big surprise at all.

But, this Colts defense has seemed to continue to pick up speed, and the young guys that this team has, especially in the secondary, are beginning to make veteran plays, like Lacey’s interception return for a touchdown, which is something that Colts fans haven’t seen very often recently

The only negative to this game was that Peyton Manning’s streak of 300+ yard games was stopped at five. He only had 248 yards of passing and 3 TDs. Only.

2. New Orleans Saints (Last 1 [-1])

At the half of their bout with Miami, I’m pretty sure everyone in the Bayou must have been drowning their sorrows in a nice dark beer.

After being down 24-3, the Saints took control of the game and ended up with a commanding 46-34 victory over the Dolphins.

Drew Brees said after the game that he never once lost confidence that the Saints would be victorious. Now those are some very strong words.

The Saints still drop a spot in my Power Rankings due to the fact that they did struggle in the first half against Miami, but don’t be surprised if they find their way back to the top. Next week is a big game against division rival Atlanta.

3. Denver Broncos (Last 3 [No Change])

With Denver on bye, and one of the four remaining undefeated teams falling from perfection (see Minnesota Vikings), I feel it’s only fair that Denver maintains their position in the Power Rankings this week.

Next up: the spiraling Baltimore Ravens

4. New England Patriots (Last 5 [+1])

So the Pats have beaten up on bad teams. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are a top 5 team right?

Wrong.

This team is picking up steam and now at 5-2 they are solely atop the AFC East.

Anyone else anticipating a knock down drag out fight in Indianapolis on November 15^th? Mark it on your calendar.

5. Minnesota Vikings (Last 4 [-1])

So the Vikes are the first of the final four undefeated teams to fall from grace, but there is nothing for them to hang their head about. My only question for Brad Childress is why on 1^st and goal on the half yard line would you only give the league’s best runner one shot?

Don’t blame Brett Favre for this loss. The fumble was blind, and his interception was more Chester Taylor’s fault than Favre’s. This is still a very dangerous team, but next week’s game in Green Bay – Favre’s first game in GB since his exit - just got a lot more interesting.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (Last 14 [+8])

This team keeps surprising me and impressing me the further we get along in the season. They’ve already beaten the Steelers and now have on their resume a complete dismantling of Jay Cutler and the Bears, 45-10.

Cedric Benson is playing like the Bears thought he would when they picked him 4^th over all. The only problem? He’s a Bengal now.

We talk about the weapons in Indy and New Orleans, but what about the Bengals? Carson Palmer. Chad Ochocinco. Laverneus Coles. Chris Henry. Cedrick Benson.

Take your pick on who to stop. They’ll just burn you elsewhere.

A bye this week for the Bengals, then a big divisional game against the Ravens in week 9.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last 9 [+2])

I haven’t figured out how much I buy into the Steelers this year, but every time I start to close the book on them, they come out and just do something really special.

Two defensive touchdowns in the closing minutes of the 4^th quarter against Brett Favre and the undefeated Vikings sealed this game for the Steel City. Big Ben continues to be a very solid QB, and now the Steelers find themselves with their star back on D, and in a virtual tie with Cincy for the AFC North.

Get some rest boys, you’re heading to Denver after your bye.

8. New York Giants (Last 7 [-1])

This team is really starting to become a big disappointment.

A couple weeks ago, Jerod and I had a conversation about who the Giants had played, and aside from the Cowboys (and who the hell knows if they are for real or not), the G-Men had played no one. Now they have suffered consecutive losses against the Saints and Cardinals.

Eli looks a little lost out there and coach Tom Coughlin had better fix this team. Fast.

9. Green Bay Packers (Last 8 [-1])

What a big weekend for Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.

A huge 31-3 win over the mundane Browns (sorry Jerod) [Editor's note: go to hell Myles, the tailgating was awesome!], coupled with a Minnesota loss to the Steelers and the Pack are just one game back of the division leading Vikings.

Oh yeah. The evil Brett Favre and his aforementioned Vikes come to town this week, and the Pack have the chance to get revenge for their loss earlier in the season. It would also moveGreen Bay into a tie for the NFC North with Minnesota.

This is a much watch game. There will be blood.

10. Arizona Cardinals (Last 15 [+5])

After their loss to the Colts, I, as well as just about every NFL expert out there, had written the Cards off.

Then they spanked Seattle and beat the Giants.

Now Arizona sits at the top of the NFC West, and as long as they continue to play well they will most likely win their division with San Fran starting to fall apart.

11. Atlanta Falcons (Last 6 [-5])

I’m not sure what’s going on in the ATL right now, but I would love to know who the real Falcons are.

Two weeks ago they blew out the 49ers in San Fran, then they struggled to close the book on the Bears.

Now, after a 37-21 loss to America’s Team (The Cowboys) the Falcons find themselves at 4-2, two games behind the undefeated Saints.

12. New York Jets (Last 11 [-1])

Want to hear irony?

After a couple of really bad weeks for Mark Sanchez and the Jets, seemingly the biggest story of the Jet 38-0 trouncing of the Joke-land Raiders (you like that?) is Mark Sanchez sneaking a hot dog between his legs.

At least he likes mustard on his hot dog.

Other than that, the Jets disposed of a team they were supposed to beat. I’m still concerned about Sanchez’s “rookie-dom.” [Editor's note: Or, to continue to lame jokes, shouldn't it be "rookie-dumb?"]

13. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Not Ranked)

The Eagles continue to bounce in and out of my weekly top 15.

There is a superstar in the making in Philly.

DeSean Jackson does it all. Reverses for 60 yard touchdowns, catches for 60 yard touchdowns, kick returns.

Here’s an interesting stat: of Jackson’s four touchdowns this season, none have been for any less than 57 yards.

14. Dallas Cowboys (Last Not Ranked)

Contender or Pretender? I’m still trying to figure this one out.

Tony Romo is about as consistent as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. However, Miles Austin has given this offense new life. His big play ability give a new dimension to the otherwise dull Cowboy offense.

Maybe all Romo needed was a big play receiver NOT named Terrell Owens.

15. Houston Texans (Last Not Ranked)

I’m sure I’m going to catch hell again for putting the Texans back in my top 15, but it’s my top 15 and I’ll do what I want. Mess with me and I’ll put the Raiders up here.

[Editor's note: do that and you can find another website to post your Power Rankings on. If a shitty, undeserving team is going to inexplicably crack the top 15 it's going to be the Browns...or I'm taking your log-in password and going home.]

In all seriousness, the Texans are 4-3 and although they are somewhat inconsistent in their play, they keep winning ball games.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Matt Shaub may perhaps be the most underrated QB in the NFL right now. Remember the last QB that I considered to be underrated? His name was Drew Brees.

Any Questions?

This Week’s Biggest Winner

Cincinnati Bengals +8

This Week’s Biggest Loser

Jim Zorn and the entire Redskin Management Team. Need I say more?

Baltimore Ravens – This team has been falling apart at the seams, hopefully the bye week will treat them well.

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* – Peyton Manning photo credit: The Squeaky Pickle

Via ProFootballTalk on Twitter, Kevin Smith will suit up and start for the Lions today and Clinton Portis will do the same for the Redskins.

As for Tashard Choice, get this guy in your lineup.  Marion Barber is probable to play, but is not 100% and the Cowboys want to ease him back into action. Every report I’ve heard is that Choice will get the majority of the carries, and no team is running the ball better than Dallas right now.

We have now had three weeks of the 2009 fantasy football season and everyone should have a decent idea of what kind of team they have.

I’m in six leagues and am at least 2-1 in five of them, so I’m feeling pretty good.

But the equations change a little bit this week as the bye week rotations begin.

This week, Arizona, Carolina, Philadelphia, and Atlanta are all on byes. This means that teams with the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, DeAngelo Williams, Desean Jackson, and Tony Gonzalez, among many others, have to find productive fill-ins to keep them competitive in Week 4.

And that’s what we’re going to look at this morning.

So far, my start em, sit em picks have worked out a lot better than my sleeper picks on a weekly basis (Byron Leftwich last week, ’nuff said). In reality, though, Weeks 1-3 are really like the preseason when it comes to waiver wire trolling in the 50% -or-less category.

Most teams, if they drafted at least semi-competently, should not have been digging too far down the wire to plug any holes yet.

It’s a different ballgame now, with each team needing to find bye week replacements. This morning, I will attempt to identify players at each primary fantasy position (no kickers…not now, not ever) who have favorable matchups in Week 4 and could do some damage.

Here we go:

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Fantasy Football Week 4

Sleeper Picks and Bye Week Fill-Ins

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Week 4 Sleepers & Bye Week Fill-Ins: Quarterback

Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos (vs Dallas, 45% owned) — Where’s the love for Kyle Orton? He has throw three TD passes in three games this season and has yet to throw a pick. The Cowboys come into town this weekend and are suspect against the pass (don’t let a strong performance against a fading Jake Delhomme fool you). With Brandon Marshall getting his act together again, Orton’s numbers should be solid this week.

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets (at New Orleans, 43%) — Sanchez appears to be going down the road of rookie QB respectability traveled last year by Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. He has four TDs and only two INTs through three games. This week, the Jets travel to New Orleans to face a high octane offense and a defense that gives up a lot of passing yards. The Jets’ D will slow down New Orleans, but won’t totally stop them, meaning Sanchez will need to lead his team to more points than usual to win. Opportunities should be there for Sanchez to hit the 250-275 yard mark and potentially a couple touchdowns.

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins (vs Tampa Bay, 34%) — Campbell had a very nice game last week against Detroit, which got lost in all the hubbub over the Lions breaking their losing streak. He will have more opportunities to hit Santana Moss this week with Tampa Bay and their pathetic pass defense coming to town. Don’t be afraid to start Campbell this week. He could have very good numbers again.

Week 4 Sleepers and Bye Week Fill-Ins: Running Back

Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins (vs Buffalo, 42%) — Ricky has had a pretty strong start to the season in 2009, amassing 163 yards with a 4.8 yard per carry average and a TD through three games. He’s also caught seven passes and a scored a TD on one of them. Chad Pennington is now out, meaning the Dolphins are relying on unproven Chad Henne. Buffalo is 18th against the run this year and is allowing 4.4 yards per carry while also yielding four rushing touchdowns. I smell a solid day at home for the Dolphins, who will be in desperation mode trying to salvage their season.

Glen Coffee, San Francisco 49ers (vs St. Louis, 32%) — How in the hell is this guy only owned in 32% of leagues? Coffee had a great preseason and has a great matchup this week against St. Louis. Regardless of who is in the backfield, Mike Singletary is committed to pounding the rock, meaning Coffee should be among the league leaders in touches this week. Yes, he struggled last week, but that was against one of the league’s best run defenses. Don’t be fooled, he’s in store for a good day Sunday.

Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys (at Denver, 24%) — Here’s another guy whose % owned number I don’t really understand. Not only is Tashard Choice a vastly underrated all-around running back, but when you watch this video you will see that he is also a terrific team-first leader and the kind of guy you want to root for. Most importantly, for our purposes here this morning and on Sunday, Choice should continue to get touches with Felix Jones out this week and Marion Barber probably not at 100%. Denver is very good against the pass but a little suspect against the run. The Cowboys will lean on the run game and Choice will be a major part of it.

Others to consider: Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants (at Kansas City, 47%); Chester Taylor, Vikings (vs Green Bay, 33% — only in PPR leagues); Jerome Harrison, Browns (vs Cincinnati, 6%)

Week 4 Sleepers and Bye Week Fill-Ins: Wide Receiver

Justin Gage, Tennessee Titans (at Jacksonville, 48%) — Gage has been up and down this season, but has a terrific matchup on Sunday. The Jags are allowing a league-worst 281.7 passing yards per game and have given up six scores through the air. Granted, they’ve played Houston and Arizona, so those numbers are a bit skewed, but the Titans will have opportunities to make plays in the passing game. Gage caught six touchdowns this year, and could be in line for his second of the year this Sunday.

Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs Tennessee, 40%) – Two straight weeks of solid production for Mike Sims-Walker make him a prime sleeper pick against a defense that is giving up a lot through the air. The Titans are allowing 274.7 passing yards per game and have given up seven passing TDs. Walker has at least six catches and 80 yards in each of the last two weeks, plus he’s caught a TD. He is quickly becoming David Garrard’s most consistent target, and should be a solid player you can count on moving forward, not just this week.

Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears (vs Detroit, 27%) — Earl Bennett is tied for the Bears’ team lead in receptions with 13. He and Jay Cutler go all the way back to Vanderbilt, and their rapport is obvious. Last week, Bennett caught four passes and averaged 20 yards per reception. He has yet to find the end zone, but should have a great chance to do so this weekend against a terrible Lions’ secondary. Detroit has already yielded ten passing touchdowns this season.

Others to consider: Pierre Garcon, Colts (vs Seattle, 40%); Nate Washington, Titans (at Jacksonville, 26%); Davone Bess, Dolphins (vs Buffalo, 8% — PPR league especially); Kelley Washington, Ravens (at New England, 5%); Mike Wallace, Steelers (vs San Diego, 3%)

Week 4 Sleepers and Bye Week Fill-Ins: Tight End

Finally, America has wised up and Vernon Davis is now owned in more than 50% of leagues. All it took was one two-TD game…I guess that makes sense. However, there are now very few options in the under-50% category at TE.

Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins (vs Buffalo, 29%) — I know, I know, the guy’s been terrible and I may regret recommending him; but, that said, there are reasons to like Fasano. With a new, inexperienced QB playing, I would assume Fasano will get some targets. He’s only caught three balls all year, but he’s had opportunities to make plays. At some point, I think he starts to make those plays. Fasano caught seven TDs last year, and I would not be surprised to see his first one of 2009 come Sunday at home against the Bills.

Other than Fasano, who I do believe still has some upside, all of the other under-50% tight ends are pretty much the same.

Week 4 Sleepers and Bye Week Fill-Ins: Defense / Special Teams

Washington Redskins D/ST (v Tampa Bay, 29%) – The Redskins have been disappointing this season, and are without Albert Haynesworth, but they face a punchless Tampa Bay offense this week that is turning the reins over to unproven youngster Josh Johnson. Deangelo Hall and Fred Smoot have to be licking their chops. Tampa Bay will most likely try to control this game on the ground, but I don’t think they are capable of scoring many points.

San Francisco 49ers D/ST (v St. Louis, 29%) – The 49ers have a much improved defense and face a Rams team that has Kyle Boller starting at QB and no difference makers on the outside. If the 49ers can contain Steven Jackson, they can contain the Rams on offense. San Francisco’s conservative style on offense also will keep this game from getting into anything resembling a shootout. This should be a low-scoring, solid afternoon for the 49ers.

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST (at Cleveland, 21%) — I talked about the Bengals’ D in this week’s start em, sit em, but they merit another mention here because they are only owned in 21% of leagues. Folks, if you haven’t watched Cleveland on offense this year, there is almost no way to describe how bad they’ve been. If Brady Quinn plays QB, the Browns won’t be able to score. If Derek Anderson plays QB, the Browns will score some points but Cincinnati will rack up the sacks and INTs. Either way, you want Cincy’s D, which has been very productive in its own right this season, already notching ten sacks and a defensive touchdown.

Follow the link to my Week 4 start em, sit em column for more fantasy football week 4 info.

As always, use the comment section below to pose your questions, which I will answer as quickly as I’m able, and then get signed up at Explodium to join the MSF community. We are still developing the details, but it will be pretty cool and there are plenty of options for you to take advantage of with your own profile.

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* – Kyle Orton photo credit: Gremlin Dog

* – Jay Cutler / Earl Bennett photo credit: Jay Cutler Superstar

NFL Week 3 matchups are here already. Hard to believe how quickly the season is going. We’ve already seen a massive upset happen – how about those Bengals over the Packers? – and there could be an even bigger one on the horizon this weekend. Let’s make a few NFL picks.

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Vikings -6.5

Here’s our chance to find out if San Francisco is truly for real. Frank Gore destroyed Seattle’s defense last week, racking up 207 rushing yards, but he faces the formidable Minnesota run defense led by Pat and Kevin Williams this week. If (when?) the Vikes stack the box and bottle up Gore, Shaun Hill will have to do more than caretake from the quarterback position. I’m not so sure he’s up to the task. San Fran’s “D” looks excellent under Mike Singletary but hasn’t faced a tailback anywhere close to Adrian Peterson’s caliber so far. Bet on Minnesota to cover.

Betting services recommend: Vikings -6.5

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions

Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Redskins -6

Here’s your big shocker of the week. The Redskins are a superior team, of course, but they’re out of sorts. When you only beat the Rams 9-7 at home and score no touchdowns, how can you be a safe six-point favorite on the road against any team? Washington is struggling to pressure the quarterback, recording just two sacks in two games even after a matchup against Marc Bulger. That means Matt Stafford may have time to unleash some big throws to Calvin Johnson. The Lions can at least beat the spread and have a real shot to win outright.

Betting services recommend: Lions +6

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, September 27, 4:15 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Bears -1.5

After Matt Hasselbeck went down last week and Frank Gore trucked the Seahawks’ front seven, it’s a bit surprising that the Bears are only 1.5-point favorites. You’d think they’d be more popular choices after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. Jay Cutler found a groove against the Steelers and Matt Forte is itching to bust out. If Hasselbeck plays, he’ll still likely be ineffective playing through a broken rib. If he doesn’t, the Bears could rout the Seahawks.

Betting services recommend: Bears 1-.5

Luckily, I set the bar a little higher for myself with my Week 1 sleeper selections. I didn’t necessarily pick any superstars, but certainly some guys that could have helped you depending on your roster situation.

• Week 1 Sleeper hits: Brady Quinn (205 yards, TD, 12 pts.); Mike Bell (143 yards, 12 pts.); Isaac Bruce (4 rec, 74 yds, 8.2 pts)
• Week 1 Sleeper misses: Martellus Bennett (1 rec, 13 yds); New Orleans D (27 pts given up, 3 INTs, 6 pts)

The key thing to remember with sleepers, at least from my perspective, is that they shouldn’t matter all that much until the bye weeks or major injuries start to pile up. If you drafted well, you shouldn’t be doing too much trolling in the 50%-or-less owned pool of players unless you are in a very deep league.

It is still too early to tell if your highly drafted players are busts, most everyone is still healthy, and one week is not enough time to tell whether that potential diamond the rough will become a weekly starter. Still, the earlier that you can identify and latch onto a player who was significantly undervalued on draft day, the better you will be moving forward.

So each of this week’s sleeper picks will be a combination of a) a guy that has a favorable Week 2 matchup; and b) a guy with the potential to be a weekly starter down the line should certain circumstances fall his way.

Let’s get right to ‘em.

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Week 2 Sleeper Picks

Week 2 QB Sleeper Pick: Shaun Hill, San Francisco (vs Seattle)

I was high on Shaun Hill in the offseason and continue to be high on him after the 49ers QB ran his career record to 8-3 in Week 1 with an efficient (18-31) 209 passing yards a TD. Currently Hill is owned in 25% of Yahoo leagues, most likely as a result of the purported QB competition that took place in San Francisco during the offseason.

But with Mike Singletary as the coach, do you really think he was ever going to pass over a guy who has won that high a percentage of his starts?

Hill is not flashy, just effective, which makes him perfect for Singletary’s tastes. And what this means is that, barring injury, Shaun Hill should be starting 16 games this season.

For his career, Hill has a 90.4 QB rating and a 19-9 TD-INT ratio. The 49ers receivers are nothing special, but Hill has an experienced veteran target in Isaac Bruce and a young guy with upside in Josh Morgan. Hill also has a tight end with a lot of potential in Vernon Davis (who you will read more about later).

Most importantly, Hill has Frank Gore behind him in the backfield.

Although Gore and the 49ers running game struggled in week 1, he gives Hill a solid option to dump the ball off to. Gore caught three passes in Week 1 and took one of them in for a touchdown. He has 53 and 43 catches respectively over the past two seasons.

Here is one more reason to like Hill: the 49ers schedule down the stretch. In weeks 14-17, the 49ers play Arizona, @Philadelphia, Detroit, and @St. Louis. The Philly matchup is tough, but the other three defenses present opportunities for big games.

If you own Tom Brady or Drew Brees, you are probably thinking playoffs right now. What if those guys get hurt? It might not be a bad idea to have a QB on your team who won’t hurt you (a la Jake Delhomme, owned in 43% of leagues) and who could be poised for some big games down the stretch.

Week 2 projection for Shaun Hill: 210 yards passing, 1 TD

Other QB sleepers I like specifically in Week 2: Jason Campbell, Washington (vs St. Louis, 41% owned); JaMarcus Russell, Oakland (@ Kansas City, 11% owned)

Week 2 RB Sleeper Pick: RB Correll Buckhalter, Denver Broncos (vs Cleveland)

If you want to know how bad Cleveland’s run defense is, I offer you the following two links:

• Adrian Peterson’s ridiculous Week 1 run
• Browns-Vikings preview

I basically called the Browns-Vikings game exactly as it went, and based much of that prediction on the Browns’ porous run D. Granted, the team looked better in the first half when they had A.P. and the Vikings pretty well bottled up, but Eric Mangini is working no miracles in Cleveland this year. The Browns will still be at least 20th or lower in rushing defense at season’s end.

Enter Correll Buckhalter (45% owned) and the Denver Broncos.

Now, we all know that Knowshon Moreno is the long-term answer in Denver. How soon he will start getting the bulk of the carries though, I’m not sure. Last week, Moreno got eight carries and went for 19 yards. He caught no passes. Buckhalter, on the hand, caught two passes to go along with his eight carries and 46 yards.

Clearly there is a timeshare going on in Denver.

With the Browns putting a surprising amount of pressure on now-statuesque Vikings QB Brett Favre, with a lot of it coming from blitzing safeties, Denver has to be concerned about its backs’ ability to pick up blitzers. Because Buckhalter is the more experienced of the two, that should give him an edge over Moreno on 2nd-and-long and 3rd down situations.

He has never been a full-time player, but Buckhalter has always produced when given opportunities (4.5 yard career average, 26 catches in 2008). He will get few opportunities as sweet as this Sunday’s against the run defense of the Browns, and could have decent value as a bye week flex fill-in moving forward — especially in PPR leagues — even if Knowshon Moreno becomes the feature back on 1st and 2nd downs.

Week 2 projection for Correll Buckhalter: 65 yards rushing, 30 yard receiving, 1 TD

Other RB sleepers I like specifically in Week 2: Michael Bush, Oakland (@ Kansas City, 37% owned); Ladell Betts, Washington (vs St. Louis, 14% owned)

Week 2 WR Sleeper Pick: Robert Meachem, New Orleans (@ Philadelphia)

All offseason we heard about how former 1st round pick Robert Meachem was finally ready to begin producing for the Saints after two lost seasons. If Week 1 is any indication, those reports may well prove true.

The Saints’ WR depth chart is interesting. The top two receivers, Marques Colston and Lance Moore, were drafted in the 7th round (Colston) and not drafted at all (Moore). Numbers 3 and 4 on the depth chart, however, were drafted in the 2nd round (Devery Henderson) and the 1st (Meachem).

So things are a little inverted in New Orleans.

Things are also extremely productive in New Orleans right now, and while Drew Brees won’t be throwing for 6 TDs every game, the Saints offense is showing every possible sign of being an unstoppable juggernaut in 2009.

Whether Meachem can overtake Colston or Moore in terms of targets is highly doubtful. Those two guys have a better rapport and more game history with Brees, and will most likely end the year with more catches, yards, and touchdowns than either Meachem or Henderson.

But — and it’s a bit but — both Colston and Moore have been hurt within the past year. Colston missed time last year and Moore missed the bulk of the preseason. If either goes down, Meachem slides one step closer to getting starting-level WR targets. In New Orleans’ offense, this is a big deal, as Moore unexpectedly proved last year.

This week, Philadelphia will do a much better job of defending Brees than Detroit did. We know that. And in Asante Samual and Sheldon Brown, the Eagles have two pretty good starting corners on the outside. This could be a good game for the Saints’ other WRs, matched up on nickel corners and safeties, to get some increased targets.

And long-term, there are far worse futures buys than a talented former 1st round pick in his third season who plays in the NFL’s best offense and who also returns kicks.

Week 2 projection for Robert Meachem: 4 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD

Other WR sleepers I like specifically in Week 2: Antwaan Randle El, Washington (vs St. Louis, 23% owned); Michael Clayton, Tampa Bay (@ Buffalo, 14% owned)

Week 2 TE Sleeper: Vernon Davis, San Francisco (vs Seattle)

Well, it looks like my work concerning Vernon Davis is not yet done, as Davis still is only owned in 45% of leagues. The former 1st round pick is starting to see more targets though, seven in Week 1, and is now more able to turn those targets into production (5 receptions, 40 yards).

The 49ers are a good team, play in a so-so division, and are devoid of big-time playmakers on the outside. They also have a good, efficient quarterback who will be able to help them keep the chains moving.

Add all of that up, then sprinkle in some of Davis’ immense physical talent and newfound maturity (he’s a captain), and everything appears to be in place for a breakout year from Davis.

This week, San Francisco plays Seattle. The Seahawks should be better this year, and are 1-0, but we really know nothing about them because they’ve only played St. Louis. And for goodness sakes, they gave up four catches and 44 yards to Randy McMichael. No, those aren’t great numbers, but…Randy McMichael?

Watch out, because this could be Vernon Davis’ breakout game and then you’ll all wish you’d listened to me when I told you to pick him up.

Week 2 projection for Vernon Davis: 6 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD

Other TE sleepers I like specifically in Week 2: Brent Celek, Philadelphia (vs New Orleans, 43% owned); Todd Heap, Baltimore (@ San Diego, 38% owned)

Week 2 D/ST Sleeper: Washington Redskins (vs St. Louis)

Well, that was easy. The Redskins have a very good defense, and it should only improve this season with Albert Haynesworth. This week they are playing the St. Louis Rams, a team with the worst offense in the NFL west of Cleveland.

Start the Redskins. You won’t be disappointed. (And if you are, it probably means that Jim Zorn is getting fired on Monday.)

Other D/ST sleepers I like specifically in Week 2: Atlanta (vs Carolina, 27% owned)

Remember to use the comment section for any and all fantasy questions leading up to the start of games on Sunday. I’ll do my best to answer them promptly.

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* – Shaun Hill photo credit: Lone Placebo

* – Robert Meachem photo credit: Sean Gardner / Reuters via USA Today

[Editor's note: Matt Noonan of

Read his previews and predictions below, and get all of the information you need to schedule for your football watching Sunday with our NFL Week 1 TV Schedule and Point Spreads post.]

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Follow the links to StubHub for great deals on all NFL tickets for the 2009 season.

And if you’re planning on making any bets, head on over to BetOnline to place your Week 1 wagers.

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Washington Redskins at New York Giants Preview and Prediction

• Redskins-Giants Date: Sunday, September 13th
• Redskins-Giants TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• Redskins-Giants Location: Giants Stadium in New York
• Redskins-Giants Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
• Redskins-Giants Point Spread: NYG -6.5
• Redskins-Giants Over-Under: 37

Look for a true physical contest as both of these teams hope to start the season on the right foot.

For the New York Giants, a team that many experts believe should be the top dog in this particular division, they need to get out to an early lead and protect Eli Manning from the grueling Redskins defense. Brandon Jacobs should get a majority of the carries, probably between 20-25. But who will be Manning’s go-to target now that Plaxico Burress will not be sporting the blue and white on Sunday’s? Possibly Domenik Hixon or Steve Smith? Any suggestions?

On the other side of the ball, Jason Campbell carries not only this game, but also the entire season on his shoulders. Don’t expect anything too exciting from aging veteran running back Clinton Portis in this contest, but clearly make sure to watch for newly acquired defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, as well as linebackers Brian Orakpo and London Fletcher.

Washington has and will always be a team that looks like they belong in the Pro Bowl, but in order to win this contest they need to pressure Manning and establish an equal running and air attack.

Prediction: Giants 24 – Redskins 16

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals Preview and Prediction

• 49ers-Cardinals Date: Sunday, September 13th
• 49ers-Cardinals TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• 49ers-Cardinals Location: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
• 49ers-Cardinals Announcers: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan
• 49ers-Cardinals Point Spread: ARI -6.5
• 49ers-Cardinals Over-Under: 46.5

Who would have imagined Arizona was going to be the representative of the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII? Yet, after a crushing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cardinals are energized and ready to defend their NFC crown. However, in the past, these meetings against the 49ers haven’t always been a cakewalk for the birds in the desert.

Take a look at the past few divisional meetings in Arizona between these teams:

2008: Arizona 29 – San Francisco 24

2007: Arizona 31 – San Francisco 37

2006: Arizona 34 – San Francisco 27

2005: Arizona 31 – San Francisco 14

2004: Arizona 28 – San Francisco 31

2003: Arizona 16 – San Francisco 13

2002: Arizona 14 – San Francisco 17

In the end I expect Kurt Warner to have a field day against Mike Singletary’s defense. Expect a great game for the Cardinals’ wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston.

As for the 49ers, just expect a solid running attack with Frank Gore.

Overall, this game surely belongs to the Cardinals, but who really knows what will happen once the final whistle blows.

Prediction: Cardinals 31 – 49ers 26

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks Preview and Prediction

• Rams-Seahawks Date: Sunday, September 13th
• Rams-Seahawks TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• Rams-Seahawks Location: Qwest Field in Seattle
• Rams-Seahawks Announcers: Ron Pitts and John Lynch
• Rams-Seahawks Point Spread: SEA -8
• Rams-Seahawks Over-Under: 41

The return of Jim Mora Jr. and Steve Spagnuolo’s debut has a head coach… hmm… may have to side with Mora in this contest.

The Seahawks are coming off an awful 2008 season, as are the Rams. The last time the Seahawks ended the season with 4 wins was in 1982, but this year look for a rejuvenated and healthy Matt Hasselbeck to lead an exciting offensive unit that features newly acquired running back Edgerrin James and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

As for the Rams, this season and game are all about playing for pride, but also starting to improve their offense and defense for the future. Spagnuolo should turn this team around, slowly, but this game will just be a beginning in the journey of turning the Rams from a basement squad to the Greatest Team on Turf-Part II.

Prediction: Seahawks 24 – Rams 10

**********

New England Patriots @ Washington Redskins

Friday, August 28, 8:00 p.m. ET

Favorite: Patriots -3

One of the tricks to betting on preseason football is asking yourself: “What, if anything, do these teams have to play for?” The Patriots are solidly established already this preseason. Tom Brady looks healthy, having posted big yardage in his first preseason game and having shrugged off some big hits last week. Now that the Pats know Brady is ready to go, they have nothing more to learn or prove. They know they’ll have a running-back-by-committee approach and that Randy Moss and Wes Welker will be the focal points of the passing game.

The Redskins haven’t played as well as the Pats in the preseason but I like them to pull off the upset this week, because they’ll have more motivation to win. Quarterback Jason Campbell is struggling, perhaps distracted by trade rumors surrounding him over the summer; he was just 1/7 against Pittsburgh last week. His No. 2 receiver still isn’t determined, as Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are reportedly neck-and-neck for the job. Don’t you think, then, that the Redskins’ passing offense will (a) play a few more series than Brady’s unit and (b) work extra hard? Toss in a stingy defense and Washington looks good Friday night.

NFL pick: Redskins +3

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals

Friday, August 28, 10:00 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cardinals -3.5

Here’s a game that would’ve been tough to predict a couple of weeks ago but now gives us plenty of hints based on the first two preseason games. The Packers look razor-sharp on both sides of the ball. Aaron Rodgers is firing lasers, Ryan Grant is running with purpose and the new 3-4 defensive scheme may be ahead of schedule, as it showed when the Pack shut out Cleveland in their opener and were ball hawks in their win over the Bills, sacking them four times and picking them off twice.

The normally potent Cardinals offense seems out of whack. Whether it’s because they can’t establish a running game with Chris Wells on the mend or because Kurt Warner is battling hip pain, they’re not themselves. It’s smarter betting management to go with another upset here and pick the Pack.

NFL pick: Packers +3.5

The game started slowly, with 13 consecutive punts before Shaun Suisham missed a field goal in the closing seconds of the first half. Both teams were tied at zero until Clinton Portis broke the tie with a 3-yard touchdown run in the middle of the third quarter.

The Browns offense then appeared to wake up, if only for a moment, and answered back with a 37-yard field goal before the end of the 3rd quarter.

The there were several more failed third down conversions and punts by both teams until Jason Campbell hit Santana Moss in the endzone with an 18-yard touchdown pass.

Cleveland put together a few impressive, albeit scoreless, drives before they cracked into the red zone with 5 minutes left to play. Washington was able to stop the Browns on 4th and Goal, and the game appeared to be over.

A fumble by Portis on the following play gave Cleveland another chance, and they quickly capitalized by driving the ball 29 yards on a 5-play drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Cribbs (Anderson really sold the run on a fake-naked-bootleg-pass). After a successful 2-point conversion, they Browns had cut the Redskins lead to three.

Cleveland got the ball back with just over two minutes to play, and drove the ball to the Redskins 36 yard line, where Phil Dawson missed a 54-yard field goal with 27 seconds left in the game.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

–Derek Anderson looked shaky, at best, until the last few minutes of the game. Perhaps this is because of the pressure he felt to put on a repeat performance of last week, or perhaps EVERY quarterback looks good against a bracket-defense guarding an eleven-point lead with 5 minutes to play. You be the judge.

–Dropped passes (see: Braylon Edwards).

–Jamal Lewis couldn’t punch it in when we needed him to.

–Romeo should have taken the field goal on 4th down. We needed two scores, and the first one didn’t necessarily have to be a touchdown. Perhaps he didn’t trust Dawson to make a 22-yard field goal.

–Phil Dawson can’t hit the deep ball. Had his game-tying kick been good from 54-yards, it would have been the longest field goal of his 10 year NFL career. He has not made made a field goal longer than 38 yards all season, and his career long 52-yarder was in 2003. You can’t win close games if you have to get inside the twenty to have faith in your kicker…

(For the latest on Kellen Winslow’s current spat with Browns’ management, visit the Cleveland Browns news page or read the post specifically regarding Kellen Winslow being upset, and Romeo Crennel’s reaction.)

This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns (2-3) travel to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Redskins (4-2). A week ago, with the Browns sitting at 1-3 and with little momentum and the Redskins coming off two straight division wins and sitting at 4-1, this game appeared to be little more than an afterthought in the NFL schedule.

However, after last weekend’s results, this game is now much more important; and much less obvious to predict.

Monday night, the Cleveland Browns shocked the NFL by defeating the previously undefeated New York Giants. The shock was not that the Browns won the game — we all know that anyone in the NFL can beat anyone else on any given Sunday (or Monday). What was shocking was the way the Browns won the game. Other than committing too many false start penalties, the Browns were quintessentially efficient as they became one of the only four teams since 1963 to complete an entire game without turning the ball over, punting, or taking a sack. Mind you, this was an offense coming in that appeared to not know its elbow from its a-hole (to borrow the famously used line in commercials uttered by Shannon Sharpe on NFL Films).

Furthermore, the Browns’ secondary dominated the game when the Giants had the ball. Eli Manning had been on a roll ever since the end of last season, while the Browns’ young secondary was much maligned in the offseason for being too unproven and inexperienced to be anything more than a liability. However, second-year cornerback Eric Wright was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after sealing the victory with an INT return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter; and Brandon McDonald and Brodney Pool also each stole an errant pass of Manning’s.

Led by the secondary, as well as a career-high receiving day from Braylon Edwards and a return to form for Derek Anderson, the Cleveland Browns completed a 35-14 victory of the New York Giants, the NFL’s consensus top team at the time.

On the flip side, Washington came into last weekend riding high after consecutive road victories over the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Led by a resurgent Jason Campbell and the punishing running of Clinton Portis, the Redskins were rolling and beginning to make believers out of NFL pundits across the country. They ran into a buzzsaw last Sunday, though — facing a winless St. Louis Rams team that had been liberated from incompetent head coaching rule of Scott Linehan. The Rams found a way to do something they haven’t done much over the last two years: win. Clinton Portis said after the game that the culpability for the loss fell to the Redskins players, who seemed to buy into their own hype and did not take the Rams seriously enough.

After their experience from the last weekend, and watching the Cleveland Browns on Monday night, there is very little chance that the Washington Redskins will overlook their opponent this weekend.

Here a few of the most important keys to this Sunday’s game (4:15 ET) between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins:

1 — The health of Kellen Winslow. ***For the most up-to-date information on Kellen Winslow, which have may changed since this posting, go to the Cleveland Browns news page***

Kellen Winslow was finally released from the hospital on Monday and spent the next three days at his home receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. It appears that Kellen Winslow will practice on Friday, but his status for the Sunday game with the Redskins remains in doubt. In his absence on Monday, Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins picked up the slack and had productive games, but even Heiden knows that the Browns need Kellen Winslow to experience significant long term success.

In discussing his increased role Monday night with Winslow on the sidelines, Heiden said: “You want to be as involved as you can be, but in the years when I was catching all those balls, we had what, five wins? Last year, I caught 12 and we won 10 games. I would much rather win games than catch footballs.”

People are starting to whisper that the Browns without Kellen Winslow could be like the New York Giants last season, who took off once their outspoken tight end, Jeremy Shockey, was lost for the season to injury. I can understand the analogy, but I firmly believe it is false. One good game from Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins does not prove that the Cleveland Browns experience addition by subtraction with Winslow out of the lineup. He is passionate and outspoken, but I have never heard any leaks out of the Browns camp that Kellen Winslow is anything but a positive influence and emotional leader on this team and his quarterback. The Browns is offense adds one more element of dynamic play-making potential with Kellen Winslow on the field. I think it is a severe disadvantage if he is forced to miss this game due to the mystery injury. As of right now, it looks like this is case — and you have to wonder how effective he would be even if he was able to suit up given his lack of activity during the week.

2 — The running game of the Washington Redskins.

Besides the false start penalties, the only other glaring red flag from the Monday nighter against the Giants was the Browns’ inability to stop the run. Granted, the Giants have run it on everyone this year, coming into the Monday night game averaging 5.8 yards per rush. And they continued on Monday, gouging the Browns defense up the middle over and over again. Luckily, the defensive backs were able to make plays that killed drives, and the Browns were able to pressure Eli Manning when he wasn’t handing the ball off.

The Browns need to fix their run defense though. They are giving up 137 yards rushing per game, while the Redskins and Clinton Portis come into this Sunday averaging 152.3 yards per game on the ground. The bright side for the Browns is that Clinton Portis is not practicing this week due to injury, though he will play. How effective will he be? That remains to be seen. Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander was signed this week to fill in for the injured Ladell Betts as Portis’ primary backup. Obviously, the more the Browns see of Soft Alexander the better.

I see this as a statement game for the Browns’ front 7, just as Monday night was for the offense going up against a great defense in the Giants.. Stopping the run has been an issue all year, and the Browns D has a chance to prove that they are capable of doing so against a team that runs the ball proficiently. If the Redskins can control the clock and eat up yards on the ground, Jason Campbell becomes a much more effective quarterback and is not forced to win games on his own. The Redskins had turned the ball over once this season before last weekend’s game against St. Louis. The main reason is their ability to run the ball effectively and mostly stay out of desperate down and distance measurements to keep drives alive. These are the circumstances that oftentimes precede poor throws from QBs trying to make plays. Jason Campbell has played with confidence and control because he can rely on one of the best ground attacks in the NFL.

In Week 1, the Giants held Clinton Portis to under 85 yards and they lost. The Browns need to fight and claw to do the same this weekend and put more of the onus on Jason Campbell to beat them. He may prove capable, but I’ll take my chances with a still unproven quarterback as opposed to Clinton Portis controlling the game. Luckily for the Browns, the Redskins backs are injured or old and rusty, so this could turn into a surprising advantage on Sunday.

3 — The play of the quarterbacks

True, it is easy to call this a key to the game because nearly every NFL game is decided by the effectiveness of the quarterbacks. But in the case of the Browns and Redskins, two teams built around talented but inexperienced and erratic quarterbacks, they truly go as their quarterbacks go.

Based on the totality of the season thus far, the Redskins would seem to have the advantage here. Jason Campbell has been coolly efficient, with a 96.2 QB rating, 6 TDs, and no INTs. Derek Anderson, on the other hand, has basically played six good quarters of football and 14 subpar quarters. Buoyed by his Monday night performance, Derek Anderson has raised his QB rating from the depths of Tyler Thigpen territory to a more respectable (but still pathetic) 64.1. He has 5 TDs and 6 INTs.

They key to this game will be interceptions, as it was for the Browns on Monday night and has been for the Redskins all year. Derek Anderson is prone to making bad reads and poor decisions — even when playing well, he is good for at least two or three hiccups a game. The hope is that the poorly thrown balls or bad decisions find their way to the ground and not an opponent’s hands. Working in Derek Anderson’s favor is the fact that the Washington Redskins’ secondary is banged up. Shawn Springs has been hurt, but participated in practice towards the end of the week. Fred Smooth was limited in the practice, while Carlos Rogers has an injured calf and has not suited up yet this week. A secondary at less than optimal effectiveness will obviously be a boon for the Browns resurgent offense, which now has Donte Stallworth opposite Braylon Edwards.

The Browns proved last year, and again on Monday night, that they need the deep pass to be a major part of their offense. Rod Chudzinski must allow Derek to air it out to Braylon and Donte down the field to open up the middle for the battering ram Jamal Lewis. This is the formula for success for the Browns. If Derek can stay away from the interceptions, as he did Monday night, the Browns have an excellent chance of moving the ball through the air against a Washington defense already giving up more than 200 yards passing per game and coming in banged up.

On the flip side, the Browns absolutely have to continue forcing turnovers. The most pleasant surprise of this young season of frustration for the Browns has been the playmaking ability of the defense. Kamerion Wimbley still needs to find that extra burst to complete sacks when he gets close, and Shaun Rogers must continue to be a stalwart in the middle, and D’Qwell Jackson must continue flying to ball and being a consistent tackler; but most importantly, the Browns defensive secondary must make Jason Campbell when he makes a mistake. On Monday night, Eli Manning paid dearly for his mistakes, and Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are giving Browns fans hope that this can become a consistent theme of the Browns defense.

With the Redskins’ running game a question mark, it is reasonable to expect Jason Campbell to throw the ball more than normal on Sunday. I think this plays right into the hands of the Browns. Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright are small, quick cornerbacks. And though it was usually Terry Cousins getting burned by Plaxico Burress when the Giants were able to move it through the air, big receivers can give the Browns trouble. Washington, however, employs Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El on the outside. Both are playmakers, and quick as hell, but they won’t be able to abuse the Browns because of their height. Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald have to come out and neutralize the outside passing game of the Redskins. Ideally, the Browns defense can force Jason Campbell into his first one or two interceptions and provide more opportunities for an offense that is getting its swagger back.

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict, but one thing is for sure: both of these teams will come out ready to play. The Browns are 2-3, and still in jeopardy of seeing their playoffs slip away with a few more losses early in the season. They will not be resting on the laurels of their Monday Night victory, but will be hungry for me and prove it was not a fluke. The Redskins are in a very competitive division and coming off a surprising upset defeat to a previously winless game. They will not be taking the Browns lightly, especially after watching what Cleveland did to their NFC East brethren Monday night.

I would be very surprised if this is not a close game that comes down to the 4th quarter. If Kellen Winslow is able to go and be effective for the Browns, obviously it would boost their chances. Either way, I see the Browns completing a two week sweep of a couple of NFC East powerhouses. The injury to Clinton Portis places the durability of the Redskins’ running game in doubt. There is no doubt about the durability of the Browns running game. If the Browns can get to the 4th quarter with a lead (and I think they will, powered by a few big plays downfield that take advantage of the Redskins’ hampered secondary) I think Jamal Lewis and the offensive line will be able to close it out. And look for Eric Wright or Brandon McDonald to come up with another 4th quarter interception from a quarterback in Jason Campbell who gets out of his comfort zone trying to put the game on his shoulders with Portis not at full strength.

It won’t be easy by any means, but this is a game the Browns can go on the road and steal.

Cleveland Browns 24 Washington Redskins 17

(And remember, we were right about the Browns-Giants game. Just saying…)

[tags]nfl, football, cleveland browns, washington redskins, kellen winslow, prediction[/tags]