Quick Picks: Week 9

So I suppose our readers want me to talk about the massive sports game that still has everyone out there reeling.  I'm talking, of course, about Bowling Green's last-minute win against Buffalo on Tuesday night.  14 points in the 4th quarter including the game-winning touchdown pass with 38 seconds left -- what a game!

Okay, so now that that's out of the way, let's get onto Week 9:

Cardinals @ Bears = CARDINALS

-This is actually a tough game to predict.  By the numbers, these teams are eerily similar.  Both teams have a 4-3 record.  Chicago's defense is allowing 310 yards a game, Arizona's is allowing 329.  Chicago's allowing 21.4 points a game, Arizona is allowing 20.4 points a game.  Even on offense; Cardinals are gaining 328 yards a game, the Bears are gaining 320.  Arizona is scoring 22.4 points a game, Chicago's scoring 22.7 points a game.  Warner's thrown for 11 TDs and 11 INTs; Cutler's thrown for 11 TDs and 11 INTs.  Forte is pathetically averaging 3.5 yards per carry, while Tim Hightower is averaging an even more pathetic 3.3 yards per carry.  The Cardinals are 3-0 on the road, but the Bears are 3-0 at home.  I mean, it's ridiculous how similar these teams are.  I'm tempted to call this one a tie, but I'm thinking I gotta go with the Cardinals.  They're coming off a huge upset loss and, after five interceptions, I'm sure Kurt Warner wants to dispel any notions that he's lost a step.  Should be a shootout.  I'm gonna say the birds edge it out 31-28.

Ravens @ Bengals = BENGALS

-My second week going against the Ravens on top of an already collective 0-3 on my Raven predictions this year, but by this point of the season I have to go with the team coming off the bye week.  The Ravens looked impressive last week against the Broncos as they themselves were the team coming off a bye, but I just don't see them pulling this one out.  I won't be shocked if they win, but I'll be impressed.  Maybe my fantasy hopes for Ocho and Benson to have a big day are getting the best of me, but I think the Bengals sweep the season series and win 28-17.

Dolphins @ Patriots = PATRIOTS

-The Dolphins got lucky last week in the shape of Ted Ginn Jr. and Jason Taylor.  That kind of lightning won't strike again for a long long time.  Much like the Bengals above, the Pats are coming off a bye and are a perfect 4-0 at Foxb...err...Gillette Stadium.  While I certainly don't buy the current line for the game with the Pats at -11, I don't see the Dolphins winning it either.  Patriots prevail 27-13.

Chargers @ Giants = GIANTS

-From Kansas City to Oakland and now from Oakland to New York, the Chargers are certainly racking up the frequent flier miles in the past few weeks.  Frankly I didn't even realize the Chargers played the last two weeks until I saw their games were against the Chiefs and the Raiders.  It's a good thing they won both those 'gimme games' because now they're heading into the Meadowlands to face a pissed off team that has some serious explaining to do for their fans.  The Giants better win and better look good while doing it or else their dreams of the playoffs, let alone the division title, may be in serious jeopardy.  Giants (have to) win 24-20.

Cowboys @ Eagles = EAGLES

-Good news Philly fans, you guys are going to win something this week!  I'm not buying the resurgence of the Cowboys.  Outside of their win against the Falcons, their other four wins have come against the Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, and Seahawks.  The Eagles defense is amongst the league's leaders in sacks and interceptions.  Their constant blitzing will force Tony Romo's game to be filled with more mistakes than an orphanage in a town without condoms.  Eagles fly 31-14.

Steelers @ Broncos = STEELERS

-Make it three in a row for the well-rested teams this week.  I know the Broncos are going to want to show that last week was a fluke, but the Steelers are simply a better team and now a healthier team thanks to the bye.  The forecast for the game is low-40s with a chance of rain.  Big Ben plays his best in cold-weather slop games.  I think the Steelers D reigns supreme as they win this one 21-7.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week:  Michael Crabtree, WR SF.  282 yards; that's how many passing yards the Titans are allowing every game and puts them last in the league in pass defense.  I know analysts are projecting Crabtree to have a decent day and this might not look like a true sleeper, but I think Crab is absolutely going to go off.  Terrible pass defense + first home game in front of the 49ers faithful = HUGE DAY.  I'm going to go as high as penciling him in for 6-115-1.

Fantasy Worry of the Week:  Michael Turner, RB ATL.  The point of this section is to point out a player who's supposed to have a huge day and could have some trouble.  Burner's being listed as the 2nd best RB in fantasy this week by ESPN and is projected to have 115 yards and a TD by Yahoo!  I think differently.  I think he's a between-the-tackles power runner and, unfortunately for Mike, the Redskins have a well-rested Albert Haynesworth waiting for him between those tackles.  I think the touchdown might be possible for Turner, but the yardage won't be there.  Mark him down for an 18-66-1 performance -- (still a decent day by most standards, but not stud-worthy).

Enjoy.  Enjoy.  Enjoy.  God I love football.

-Dave