The NFL Girl has been focused on her fantasy league for the first 3 weeks of the season (undefeated in her league). Anyway folks let's get this started:
Detroit Lions (3-0) vs Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
One of the most surprising teams left undefeated is the Lions. But watching them play you understand just how great this team plays together with a healthy Matthew Stafford. Stafford has an overall QB rating of 110.7% so far this season and has thrown for 9 TDs and just 2 INTs. He has 1 of the most prolific WRs in football in Calvin Johnson who has 6 of those TDs already. If they can get their running game to step up they may be a force to be reckoned with. This week they are looking for DT Nick Fairley to make his debut. If he can be a contributor he will be a great addition to a defense that has given teams fits. Cowboys stumbled out the gate but managed to put together 2 wins. Tony Romo is playing with a rib and lung injury and this team is beaten up at the WR position. They played a tough close fought game last week against the Redskins on Monday night in which Romo threw for 0 TDs and 1 INT. Their defense has looked suspect at times and may not be able to contain an offense such as the Lions. This game should be good for the expectations but may not live up to the hype. Prediction: Lions
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) vs Houston Texans (2-1)
After suffering an embarassing week 1 defeat to the Ravens, Steelers have managed to pull out 2 wins though last week's 13-10 win over a Manning-less Colts was less than impressive. This teams O-line is banged up badly and the lack of time in the pocket hasnt boded well for Roethlisberger. Their run game has been sorely lacking but falling behind has caused them to have to abandon it in most games. They have been fortunate that their defense has stayed solid and kept them in the last 2 games. Without a healthy offensive line though it's going to be a long rough season for the Steelers. Texans come in off a close but disappointing loss to the Saints in New Orleans last week. They were without RB Arian Foster in the backfield but should have him back this week. QB Matt Schaub is expected to play. His TE Owen Daniels has proven effective when WR Andre Johnson sees double coverage. Their defense is playing hurt and this could prove to be a detriment in a game that may prove to be a defensive battle. Prediction: Steelers
Carolina Panthers (1-2) vs Chicago Bears (1-2)
QB Cam Newton has been the spark that the Panthers have needed for a long time. He is a dynamic player with a gun for an arm. Unfortunate for him he doesnt have the strongest WR corp with only WR Steve Smith stepping up big for him each week. Even with 2 good RBs in Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart their running game has been sorely lacking. They managed their first win of the season last week against the Jaguars even with these deficiences and a lack of consistent play on defense. Panthers will need to get a strong #2 WR to step up and for their running game to finally get going or this will be another miserable season. Bears have had a very rough start to their season. Cutler complains about a lack of calls made for the numerous sacks, hits and hurries he's endured already this season but this is more due to his woes on the the offensive line which have let him down week after week. Falling behind early leaves them to abandon their running game which they need in order to keep Cutler from enduring so many hits. This team's defense hasnt lived up to last year's billing so will need to get it together quick to be competitive in the NFC North division. Prediction: Bears
Minnesota Vikings (0-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (0-3)
Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Lions and have started off tremendously bad. QB Donovan McNabb has not been the savior they hoped for throwing for just 2 TDs & 1 INT thus far. RB Adrian Peterson has rushed for 296 yards and 3 TDs to date. This team needs to pick it up on offense to keep their defense from spending so much time on the field. Chiefs come in off a loss to the rival Chargers last week and are winless so far this season. The loss of RB Jamaal Charles for the season has proven devastating. QB Matt Cassell is sacked too frequently and his #1 WR Dwayne Bowe has only caught 1 TD so far. RB Dexter McCluster will have to step up big this season to fill the void left by Charles and get the team on a winning track. Prediction: Vikings
Buffalo Bills (3-0) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Bills have been the surprise undefeated team this far. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 841 yds 9 TDs and 3 INTs. His go to WR Stevie Johnson has caught 3 of those. RB Fred Jackson has rushed for 3 TDs. The Bills defense has been tremendous this season picking Brady off 4x last week alone. If this team can keep it up they can have their first winning season in a long time. Bengals are in a rebuilding year after losing Palmer, Ochocinco and T.O. in the offseason. Rookie QB Andy Dalton has thrown for just 570 yds 3 TDs and 2 INTs. Rookie WR A.J. Green has 2 TDs so far this season but is suffering a toe injury. RB Cedric Benson has only rushed for 81 yards and 1 TD. Bengals defense has been a big disappointment this season. If they cant learn to play cohesively they will have a miserable season. Prediction: Bills
Tennessee Titans (2-1) vs Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Titans come in off a win over the Broncos that unfortunately cost them their #1 WR Kenny Britt for the season with a torn ACL & MCL. They signed WR Donnie Avery to a 1 year deal to replace him.QB Matt Hasselback has thrown for 932 yards, 5 TDs and 2 INTs so far this season. With Kenny Britt out WR Nate Washington will have to pick up the slack. He only has 1 TD so far. RB Chris Johnson has had slow production having only 98 total yards and 0 TDs so far this season. Only their defense has kept them in games but if they cannot get their offense to score more points this will be a long season for them. Browns come in off a win over the Dolphins last week. QB Colt McCoy has thrown for 634 yards 5 TDs and 2 INTs. RB Peyton Hillis was out last week with strep throat but is expected back this week. He already has 2 rushing TDs this season. Browns are efficient on defense. They should have a pretty good season in a tough divison. Prediction: Browns
Washington Redskins (2-1) vs St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Redskins come in off a close loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. QB Rex Grossman has an overall QB rating of 86.4% with 846 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs to date. His accuracy over the years has been notoriously inconsistent with a tendency to hang onto the ball too long and make poor decisions. He is fortunate to have 2 good receivers in WRs Santana Moss & Fred Davis. Redskins improved their running game this year by signing RB Tim Hightower in the offseason who has rushed for 209 yards and 1 TD so far. This team has made vast strides on their defense but will need more out of their offense to stay seriously competitive in the NFC East division. Rams come in off a blowout loss to the Ravens last week at home. QB Sam Bradford who led the Rams to a winning record last season has had a rough start so far completing just 55 of 108 passes for 685 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT. With both RBs Steven Jackson & Carnell Williams limited due to injury the Rams have struggled to gain yards and points. Rams defense has been a major disappointment and were exposed badly last week against the Ravens. Rams must find a way to win or face an uphill battle all season. Prediction: Redskins
San Francisco 49ers (2-1) vs Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Washington Redskins (2-1) vs St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Redskins come in off a close loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. QB Rex Grossman has an overall QB rating of 86.4% with 846 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs to date. His accuracy over the years has been notoriously inconsistent with a tendency to hang onto the ball too long and make poor decisions. He is fortunate to have 2 good receivers in WRs Santana Moss & Fred Davis. Redskins improved their running game this year by signing RB Tim Hightower in the offseason who has rushed for 209 yards and 1 TD so far. This team has made vast strides on their defense but will need more out of their offense to stay seriously competitive in the NFC East division. Rams come in off a blowout loss to the Ravens last week at home. QB Sam Bradford who led the Rams to a winning record last season has had a rough start so far completing just 55 of 108 passes for 685 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT. With both RBs Steven Jackson & Carnell Williams limited due to injury the Rams have struggled to gain yards and points. Rams defense has been a major disappointment and were exposed badly last week against the Ravens. Rams must find a way to win or face an uphill battle all season. Prediction: Redskins
San Francisco 49ers (2-1) vs Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
New Orleans Saints (2-1) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Saints come in off a win against the Texans last week at home. QB Drew Brees has an overall QB rating or 109.7% having completed 89 of 130 pass attempts for 1059 yards, 9 TDs and 2 INTs. With #1 WR Marques Colston out with a shoulder injury WRs Devery Henderson has caught 2 TDs in his absence and Robert Meachem has caught 3. Their running game has looked impressive behind RBs Darren Sproles who has 1 rushing and 1 receiving TD and Mark Ingram who has 1 rushing TD as well. Their defense plays smash mouth football so should be able to carry them far if they stay healthy this year. Jaguars come in off a loss to the Panthers last week. Jags have switched to starting rookie QB Blaine Gabbert who has completed for 1 TD & 1 INT so far. WR Mike Thomas got his 1st TD of the season last week and RB Maurice Jones-Drew has rushed for 307 yards and 1 TD. Jags are in a Manning-less AFC South division which is up for grabs but whether or not Gabbert can get this offense moving in the right direction remains to be seen. Without help from his defense the point will be moot. Prediction: Saints
Atlanta Falcons (1-2) vs Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Falcons come in off a close loss to the Bucs last week in Tampa. QB Matt Ryan has completed for just 844 yards, 5 TDs and 4 INTs. WR Roddy White has just 1 TD so far this season and WR Julio Jones has caught for 215 yards but 0 TDs. It's TE Tony Gonzalez who has been the bright spot having received for 173 yards and 3 TDs. RB Michael Turner was stuffed last week for just 20 yards but has rushed for 234 yards and 1 TD to date. Falcons defense is keeping games close but without their offense playing well this will be a long season for them. Seahawks come in off a win against the Cardinals at home last week. Thus far QB Tavaris Jackson has not been the answer they thought he would be having completed just 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Their running game behind RBs Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Leon Washington have rushed for 0 TDs so far which has left them unable to reliably score points. Even with a mediocre defense that can keep them within games, without a way to get points on the board this team will not do well in the NFC West division. Prediction: Falcons
New York Giants (2-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Giants come in off a win last week to the Eagles in Philly. QB Eli Manning had his best game so far this season last week throwing for 254 yards and 4 TDs with WR Victor Cruz catching 2 of them. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have each rushed for just 1 TD thus far. Giants must have their banged up defense find a way to get to the quarterback. The NFC East is completely up for grabs. Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks in Seattle. QB Kevin Kolb has an overall QB passer rating of 93.8% having thrown 5 TDs and 3 INTs. WR Larry Fitzgerald has made 15 catches for 259 yards and 2 TDs. RB Beanie Wells was out last week with an injury but has rushed for 2 TDs to this point. Cardinals defense has been plagued with injuries which has hurt them tremendously. If they cannot find a way to string together more defensive plays, this season will be a loss for them. Prediction: Giants
New England Patriots (2-1) vs Oakland Raiders (2-1)
Patriots come in off an embarrassing but close loss last week against the Bills in Buffalo. QB Tom Brady threw 4 INTs in the game but has thrown for 11 TDs and just 5 INTs to this point in the season. WR Wes Welker has 4 TDs so far and TE Rob Gronkowski has 5 TDs. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis has rushed for 122 yards and 2 TDs. Patriots defense has been stifling even in their only loss which bodes well for their chances down the stretch. Raiders come in off a win against the Jets last week at home. QB Jason Campbell has completed for 584 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT. RB Darren McFadden has rushed for 393 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively the Raiders have played well despite some injuries. Raiders could potentially be a contender in the very weak AFC West division. Prediction: Patriots
Denver Broncos (1-2) vs Green Bay Packers (3-0)
Broncos come in off a loss to the Titans last week in Tennessee. This team is sorely lacking on offense with WRs Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas out and WR Brandon Lloyd and RB Knowshon Moreno playing with injuries. QB Kyle Orton has thrown for 5 TDs and 3 INTs to this point in the season. The defense is already plagued with injuries and if the offense cant find a way to score this is going to be a dreadful season. Packers come in undefeated off a win over the Bears in Chicago last week. QB Aaron Rodgers has an overall passer rating of 120.9% having thrown for 917 yards 8 TDs and just 1 INT. TE Jermichael Finley has 15 receptions for 206 yards and 3 TDs & WR Greg Jennings has 18 receptions for 263 yards and 2 TDs for the season to date. RB Ryan Grant has yet to score this season which is the only complaint that can be made about this offense. Defensively the Pack has shown why they are the defending champions by being quick on the blitz and punishing in 3rd and long situations. The should easily handle the miserable Broncos. Prediction: Packers
Miami Dolphins (0-3) vs San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Dolphins come in off a loss to the Browns last week at home. They are a bad team without a clear identity. When the deal to bring in QB Kyle Orton from the Broncos fell through they stuck to QB Chad Henne who has been anything but spectacular. Henne has an overall passer rating of 82.4% with 4 TDs & 3 INTs so far to date. His #1 WR Brandon Marshall has only caught 1 of those. RB Daniel Thomas & RB Reggie Bush have combined for just 1 TD (a receiving TD by Bush). To add insult to injury has been the poor performance of their lackluster defense which has cost them close games late. This team is in desperate need of a ground attack and a defense that can rush the quarterback. Chargers come in off a win over the division rival Kansas City Chiefs last week. Known for their slow start each season they've started off decent even under poor play. QB Phillip Rivers has thrown 2 INTs all 3 weeks for a total of 6 and only 4 TDs with 0 thrown last week. He's also been sacked 6 times and fumbled twice which shows that his O-line is still not giving him the coverage he needs. WR Vincent Jackson is back this year and has 17 receptions for 266 yards and 2 TDs so far. RB Mike Tolbert has 1 rushing TD and 2 receiving and RB Ryan Matthews has rushed for 3. Their defense has been their savior keep games tight and giving the offense a chance to win. If they can get off to a quicker start this season they can get make a push down the stretch. Prediction: Chargers
New York Jets (2-1) vs Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Jets come in off an ugly loss last week to the Raiders in Oakland. QB Mark Sanchez threw for 2 TDs and 1 INT in the game. He has thrown 6 TDs and 4 INTs on the season. WRs Dustin Keller & Plaxico Burress have caught 2 apiece. RB Shonn Greene has 1 rushing TD so far. Their o-line has got to give Sanchez more time to throw the ball as he's easily rattled when rushed. Their defense had been good up til last week when it was exposed for not being able to cover the deep pass. They need their secondary to do better with the AFC East being so competitive this year. Ravens come in off a beatdown win over the Rams last week in St. Louis. QB Joe Flacco threw for 3 TDs last week taking his total on the year to 7 with just 2 INTs. WR Torrey Smith caught all 3 of Flacco's TDs last week. Meanwhile WR Anquan Boldin hasnt caught a TD since week 1 & RB Ray Rice hasnt rushed for 1 since then either. What keeps this team on a winning track is their #1 ranked defense which is punishing and brutal each week. If they can get more production out of their offense they'll have a good season. Prediction: Ravens
Indianapolis Colts (0-3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Colts come in off a loss last week to the Steelers at home. The Manning-less Colts have had a horrendous start made worse each week by constant injuries. This week QB Curtis Painter will get the starting job with QB Kerry Collins out with a shoulder injury. Painter came in briefly last week & completed 5 out of 11 for 60 yards. This team has been depleted on both sides of the ball by injuries. It may be a rough season ahead for them. Bucs come in off a win against Atlanta at home last week. They are winning even in the face of a struggling offense with QB Josh Freeman having thrown just 2 TDs to 4 INTs to date. RB LeGarrette Blount has 2 rushing TDs so far. Only their defense has kept up a consistent pace week to week. This team has got to find a way to score more points or they will not be able to maintain their lead in the NFC South. Prediction: Bucs
Off to set my line up for fantasy league..till next week!
