Pretzel’s Picks Week 11

Indianapolis Colts by 1 at the Baltimore Ravens

Colts are finding a way to win even if they are down 31-14 to the Patriots they comeback and win by 1.  They will take this one by a touchdown

New England Patriots by 11 at home over the New York Jets

After a disappointing last minute loss to the Colts last week the Patriots get the win this week but not by 11.  Jets will keep it close in a tough divisional game.

Cincinnati Bengals by 9.5 at the Oakland Raiders

The Bengals surprised most people by beating the Steelers last week in Pittsburgh.  This week should not be a surprise.  Bengals should have this one by 2 touchdowns

Houston Texans by 4.5 at home over the Tennessee Titans

After an embarrassing loss to the patriots 4 weeks ago the Titans have gone 3-0 with Vince Young at the helm.  They have gotten back to their roots of running first, playing some defense and then running some more.  They will extend the streak to 4 this week and take this one outright.

Eliminator

For my eliminator pick I will take the Saints over the Buccaneers.  Neither Reggie Bush nor Sedric Ellis made the trip this week for the Saints but that doesn’t matter as they should take this one easily.

Top Targets For Week 11 (free Agents Dummy)

If you have been reading these posts weekly, most of these guys will not be available but what can I do when I am at least a week ahead of everyone else. The most frequent waiver wire suggestions I have seen this week are Jamaal Charles, Mike Wallace and Chris Chambers, if you doubt the skills, check out the last few weeks.

 Jason Snelling Atlanta-  Turner and Norwood both out.  Snelling ran well last weekend and Atlanta is a team that loves to run.  Snelling is only good until The burner gets back.   Not So Obvious

 Ricky Williams, Miami- Reports say Ronnie Brown is out for the season, since Williams was putting up numbers with Brown in the game, he should only get better with brown out.  Head Smacker

 Ladell Betts, Washington- Betts is the starter again this week,  Portis is showing no sign that he is in a rush to return so Betts could be a viable option for the next few weeks. Not so Obvious

Justin Forsett, Seattle- I assumed that it would only be a matter of time before Julius Jones was knocked out of the line up but I figured it would be Edgerin James who got the call, I was wrong. Don’t get too crazy though, Forsett is facing a stout Minnesota run defense this week.Not so Obvious

 Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia-  In our Fantasy Football Index interview before the season, we picked Maclin as the first round rookie wide receiver most likely to make an impact in his first year and if it wasn’t for Percy Harvin we would might have been right.  He has been very involved in the offense lately and should stay that way.  Hail Mary

Robert Meachem, New Orleans-  This should be a head smacker but every time I say that about Meachem he goes into witness protection.  He appears to be the number 2 on this team and should put up consistent numbers.  Head Smacker (again)

David Garrard, Jacksonville-  Garrard and the Jacksonville offense seem to have found a rhythm and Garrard and Sims-Walker have developed great chemistry.  Not So Obvious

Pretzel’s Picks Week 10

Denver Broncos by 3.5 at the Washington Redskins

Denver has looked awful the last 2 weeks and Kyle Orton has looked like, well, himself again.  The Redskins have looked awful all season.  Look for the Broncos to get back on track this week.  Denver by 10.

New Orleans Saints by 14 at the St Louis Rams

What is there really to say about this game, The Saints are undefeated and the Rams are awful.  14 spread should be the first half, then look for another 10 in the second half.  Saints by a ton.

Oakland Raiders by 2 at home against the Kansas City Chiefs

In the first of 2 upset specials this week I take the Chiefs over the Raiders.  The Chiefs got rid of their main headache this week and got their offensive line back.  Raiders are still the Raiders.  Chiefs by 7.

Dallas Cowboys by 3 at the Green Bay Packers

Upset special #2.  Meeting the Packers in Lambeau doesn’t mean as much now as it did at one time but it will mean enough in this one.  Packers take this one out right.

Eliminator

For my eliminator pick I take the Ravens over the Browns on Monday night.

Top Targets For Week 10 (free Agents Dummy)

Finally, people who I haven’t already told you about 5 times have stepped forward (mid season injury will do that).  Everyone else is telling you about Mike Wallace, wholly week 5 Batman try to keep up (hacks)!  Before you send me hate mail, I know I have 3 Chiefs on here, but I can’t help who stands out.  I think they will get better on offense.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City- With the inevitable departure of Larry Johnson, Charles finally gets the job to himself.  If Cassel can get a little protection and open up the passing game a little, Charles just might get some room to run.  Not So Obvious

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay- The rookie looked very rookie-ish when he lined up under center, but when they moved him back into the shotgun he looked poised, strong and accurate.  Look for Tampa to use him out of the shotgun more often and look for him to be adequate as your QB2.  Not so Obvious

Ladell Betts, Washington- Betts has always made the most out of his opportunities and he is better out of the backfield than Portis.  With Portis sidelined indefinitely with a concussion, Betts might make some noise.  Not So Obvious

Robert Meachem, New Orleans- The reason Meachem is available right now is because he has a problem with consistency.  If Moore is out again and Colsten taking the double coverage, Meachem should have a big game against the  Rams next week.  Head Smacker

Chris Chambers, Kansas City- Chambers seems to have developed some immediate chemistry with his new quarterback.  He actually has some talent and if his first game is any indication, he looks bent on proving it.  He has had problems being the number 2 guy hopefully that changes in KC.  Not So Obvious

James Jones, Green Bay- Jones is doing everything he can to make sure that Jordy Nelson does not have a job when he comes back.  Jones is big and fast and often open.  He may be worth a shot if you have room.  Hail Mary

Matt Cassel, Kansas City-  Cassel has not lived up to the billing so far this season, but it is tough when you are throwing from your back.  His O-Line is back from injury and he now has a running back who can catch balls on all downs which is helpful when you are running for your life.  With the addition of Chambers, Cassel should have enough weapons now.  Look for him to pull out of his tail spin.  Not So Obvious