1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been horrible on offense and this is a good week for the Ravens defense to flex its muscle. Without a passing game to contend with, Baltimore will take away the run and then force Brady Quinn into sacks and turnovers. Expect a top fantasy football effort on Sunday.
2. New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If Tuck’s shoulder injury keeps him out on Sunday, the Giants defense won’t be as potent as it otherwise would’ve been. Regardless, this is not a difficult test, and look for the Giants to shore up its run defense and pressure Leftwich into sacks and at least two turnovers. Tampa will find points difficult to come by on Sunday.
3. Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Vikings are one of the best in the business against the run and the Niners have no passing game; so expect a poor offensive showing by San Francisco on Sunday. Look for the Vikings to be led by the DT Williams’ twins and DE Jared Allen and turn in an excellent overall fantasy performance.
4.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were extremely inefficient in Matt Cassel’s first start and now they head to Philadelphia, where the Eagles were embarrassed by the Saints last Sunday. Expect a spirited bunch to come out in Week Three and rebound with a big effort; Cassel will throw at least two INTs and be sacked a handful of times.
Sleepers
1. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bengals defense has played relatively well thus far and if you take away the last second miracle TD in Week One, they’d be 2-0. Expect a physical effort against their hated division rival this week and for Roethlisberger to throw a few ill advised passes which the Bengals will capitalize on.
2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The last time these two teams met, in 2007, Adrian Peterson was completely shut down. He finished with just three yards on 14 carries and MLB Patrick Willis was everywhere that day. Expect San Francisco to once again focus their energy on stopping the run and force Favre to beat them, which seems unlikely given how he’s played in the early part of the season. Regardless, this will be a low scoring affair and the Niners are an excellent fantasy sleeper.
Others We Like
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
The Kyle Orton led Broncos have been anything but impressive on offense and now face a young Raiders defense in Oakland. Look for Oakland’s improving run defense to limit Knowshon Moreno’s effectiveness and then their pass defense to force a few turnovers.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Even minus S Troy Polamalu, the Steelers defense and its scheme is among the best in the NFL. The Bengals will not find moving the ball an easy thing to do and James Harrison and Co. should be good for a few sacks and at least one INT, possibly two.
Green Bay Packers vs. St. Louis Rams
The Packers defense will bounce back big in this spot as the Rams, outside of Steven Jackson, lack the necessary playmakers to keep Green Bay’s defense honest. Instead, they’ll bring the house after Marc Bulger and force him into a few costly mistakes.
