Slumps are a funny thing. No one can say why they start or what exactly needs to be done to unslump oneself. Once in a slump, people will try nearly anything from facial hair to hypnosis to extricate themselves from it. I couldn’t say what exactly it was that got me into my current slump, nor am I sure what will get me out. I do know this: if things don’t turn around soon, I’m calling Jason Giambi and asking for the gold thong. Let’s look at last week’s picks:
Time to Shine:
QB Tyler Thigpen, Kansas City: Thigpen put up almost the same numbers I predicted. His one interception was balanced out by 45 yards rushing. Hit.
RB Matt Forte, Chicago: Matt had a very quiet 104 total yards on Sunday, but his inability to find the end zone makes him a miss.
RB Kevin Smith, Detroit: Even though he didn’t get a score this week, 135 total yards had to make any Kevin Smith owner happy. Hit.
WR Donald Driver, Green Bay: Once again, the yards were pretty good but no touchdown means no hit.
WR DeSean Jackson, Philly: In keeping with this week’s theme, no score/no hit.
Ride the Pine:
QB Phillip Rivers, San Diego: A meager 164 yards along with two picks made for a long day in Pittsburgh. Hit.
RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants: Nobody runs on the Ravens defense except the Giants. Miss.
RB Marion Barber, Dallas: Barber’s big day makes my day seem even worse. Miss.
WR T.J. Houshmazadeh, Cincinnati: I tell you to sit him and he has his best game of the season. This is a disturbing trend. Miss.
WR Lavernaues Coles, New York Jets: 3 catches for 38 yards. At least I finished on a positive note. Hit.
Week 11 Totals: 4-6
Overall Totals: 50-47-4
On to this week’s picks:
Time to Shine:
QB Sage Rosenfels, Houston: Sage has been an adequate replacement for Matt Schaub this season, but this may be his chance (and quite possibly last chance) to put up big numbers. Going against a Browns team that is 1-4 at home and looks a lot like a team who is just waiting for someone to put them out of their misery, Rosenfels could go for 200 yards and a couple of scores this week.
RB [insert Week 12 starter here] Tampa Bay Bucs: One of the difficulties of getting this article out before the Thursday night game is not knowing who will be playing on the weekend. The Bucs play the Lions and whomever starts at running back should have a big day. Whether that is Dunn, Williams, or newly acquired Noah Herron, you can bet some Buccaneer running back is getting in the end zone.
RB Jamal Lewis, Cleveland: Lewis is showing his age this season, not having gained 100 yards even once in ‘08. Yet he seems to be one of the few Browns willing to call out his teammates. Against a very so-so Houston rush defense, Lewis will get close to his first 100 yard game and better yet, score a touchdown.
WR Eddie Royal, Denver: Royal absolutely destroyed the Raiders in Week 1 and that was without Brandon Marshall distracting Nnamdi Asomugha, the only Raider playing up to expectations this year. Asomugha may be able to take Marshall out of the equation this time around, which should leave Royal to do most of the heavy lifting once again. 100 yards and a score from the rookie.
WR Marvin Harrison, Indy: The Colts are looking more and more like the San Antonio Spurs of the NFL. After years of running away with the division in October, they seem to be pacing themselves more this year and rounding into form as the playoffs approach. No one is a better example of this than Harrison. After a ridiculously slow start, Harrison may have started to turn the corner last week and playing the league’s worst pass defense can only help him. Look for 80 and a touchdown from Marvin.
Ride the Pine:
QB Kurt Warner, Arizona: If Warner has a weakness, it’s making plays in heavy pressure. All those years in Mike Martz’s offense seem to have left him a bit shell-shocked. The Giants will find a way to pressure Warner leading to several turnovers and a few flashbacks.
RB Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia: Although he’s listed as probable, word is starting to leak out that Westbrook may be banged up more than originally thought. Facing a tough Baltimore defense that was thoroughly embarrassed last week, don’t expect Westbrook to put up anything but modest numbers.
RB Larry Johnson, Kansas City: Johnson did not seem to adjust well to the new spread offense Herm Edwards has fallen in love with. A power back in a finesse offense is not a great combination, but the Chiefs don’t appear too concerned. Fantasy owners should be, however, as Johnson will struggle for the second straight week.
WR Marques Colston, New Orleans: Colston has had a tough year already and Monday night won’t make it any easier. While he is still having a difficult time working himself back into the offense, Colston now has to face one of the top pass defenses in the league. Don’t expect much if you roll the dice with Marques this week.
WR Lee Evans, Buffalo: If I had to pick an upset this week, I’d take the Chiefs and 4.5 points at home. The Bills have been regressing at an alarming rate and Trent Edwards is leading the charge. Evans and his fantasy owners will suffer for it.
