Author: Tyler Dilalla


QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith vs. Jacksonville
He struggled in the beginning of his last game (lowest pass completion yet this season) but rallied back at the end of the game to finish with three touchdown passes (all to his biggest threats: Crabtree, Davis, and Gore).  The Jaguars allowed almost 300 yards passing to Ryan Fitzpatrick including TO finally breaking out for 197 yards (let me repeat, RYAN FITZPATRICK: 300 yards & TO: 197 yards). The 49ers have more threats than Buffalo’s offense which will cause more headaches for the Jaguars defense. Both teams are going unnoticed with Jacksonville on a quiet run (6-4) and San Fran vanishing like ghosts (4-6) but I think will be a turnaround game for each. 49ers over Jaguars.


RUNNING BACK

Justin Forsett at St.Louis
Why is Julius Jones starting over Forsett? Jones is washed up with no business being a starting running back. Forsett is coming off two productive weeks (rushing 123 yards against Arizona and 80 receiving yards against Minnesota along with a rushing touchdown in both games) and should eventually become the starter (key word: Should). I didn’t pick him last week because he was going up against the brick wall defensive line in Minnesota but he is versatile. He has as many receiving yards as rushing yards so he will see his fair share of touches against the St. Louis Lambs defense.

Rock Cartwright at Philadelphia
Picked Betts last week and he ended up on the shelf for the season with a dually painful MCL and ACL tear. Hopefully the same doesn’t happen to Cartwright this week since he’ll get all the carries. It is not the best match up in Philadelphia but Washington will need to run the ball effectively if they want a chance. Cartwright is a small guy who will pound the ball inside and if they can get into the red zone, there will be a good chance he will get the TD run.

Jamaal Charles at San Diego
Back to Back big weeks (including a kick return against Pittsburgh) shows signs that Charles is going to be the main back for some time in KC. Give him a chance against San Diego at home.

Bernard Scott vs. Cleveland
If Benson is out, Scott will be the man against the Browns.


WIDE RECEIVER

Robert Meachem vs. New England
He normally only gets two receptions a game, but at least one of them is for a touchdown. The defensive script for most games against the Saints goes like this: slow Colston, cover Henderson and Shockey, stop the run, then “Oops”….forgot about Meachem, TD Meachem. It is tough to cover every Saints player, especially with Brees in the pocket and Thomas, Bell, and Bush on his side. Meachem will be open and is always a TD threat.

Malcom Floyd vs. Kansas City
He consistently gets looks but the passing game has been lacking the past few weeks averaging only 195 yards per game. The running game has been efficient the against the Broncos and Eagles but this week it looks like the passing game will be in full force facing the struggling KC passing defense. If you need filler, look for Floyd to take the spot.


TIGHT END

Jermichael Finley at Detroit
He’s finally back. He had a solid performance against the Niners, who have been prevented opposing tight ends from having big games. Finley now goes up a much weaker defense in Detroit on Turkey Day. This is an awful game to have on Thanksgiving and this tradition should end since the Lions are an embarrassment to the league. Expect Finley to have at least a TD.


DEFENSE

San Diego vs. Kansas City
Chargers are 7th in sacks (27), Chiefs are 2nd in sacks allowed (37). Have fun Matt Cassel. Enough said.


KICKER

Jeff Reed at Baltimore
If you know anything about Pitt vs. Baltimore games, there are a lot of field goals involved. Pick up either kicker and you should be happy with your kicker.