Week 14 Predictions: Pats Falling Apart?

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Back to back losses, and a player calling out his coach have helped make it a very rough week in Foxboro. Are the Patriots falling apart? Or will they rally and get back into the win column? We will have to wait and see.

Here are this weeks picks.

Patriots 24 Panthers 16

The Pats will get a win, put it will be yet another unimpressive performance - on both sides of the ball. If they don't win, then wheels could fall off the wagon. At this point the Patriots season looks pretty clear. Win the division, host a game on wild card weekend, and maybe get to the second round at best.

Saints 34 Falcons 10

It doesn't matter if Matt Ryan plays or not, because the Saints look like a team of destiny. Unlike last week, Drew Brees will not have pull out a miracle win. The Saints will remain unbeaten.

Packers 30 Bears 17

Aaron Rodgers and the Pack were fortunate to win last week against the Ravens, committing a ton of penalties and turnovers. They will be sharper this week. A division game against hated rival, gives the Pack plenty of reasons to stay motivated. The Packers make it five wins in a row.

Colts 34 Bronces 24

The Colts make it 22 consecutive regular season wins - breaking a record held by the New England Patriots. A win over the Broncos will also secure the top seed for the Colts in the playoffs. Could we see two undefeated teams in the Super Bowl?

Bills 17 Chiefs 13

The Bills can't score, but the Chiefs are terrible on defense. The Bills will do just enough on offense to get the win.

Vikings 28 Bengals 13

Brett Favre and the Vikings will bounce back after a poor performance last time out against the Cardinals. Adrian Peterson is also due for a big game. After gaining only 19 yards against the Cards, Peterson is a good bet to crack the century mark this week.

Jets 20 Buccaneers 13

The Jets are getting right back into the playoff picture. Thomas Jones will get a ton of carries, and Kellen Clemens will not be much of a down grade from Mark Sanchez, as the Jets will make it three straight wins.

Jaguars 21 Dolphins 17

Chad Henne will come crashing back down to earth after last weeks big game against New England. The Jaguars will take a huge step towards the playoffs, but too bad nobody will be there to see it. The game figures to be blacked out once again.

Ravens 33 Lions 21

The Ravens have been unpredictable this year. One week they look good, the next terrible. After a horrid performance on MNF against the Packers, it is time for Joe Flacco to step it up. He will, and the Ravens will get the win.

Seahawks 22 Texans 20

The disappointing season for the Texans will continue. Texans coach Gary Kubiak looks to be out of a job at the end of this season.

Titans 27 Rams 10

The Titans will start a new winning streak, and the Rams are the perfect opponent to help get it started. The Titans get the win, and stay in the discussion for the post season.

Redskins 31 Raiders 14

It is time the Redskins catch a break. After playing playoff teams like the Eagles and Saints tough, the Redskins will take out some frustration against the Raiders.

Chargers 38 Cowboys 21

Wade Phillips might want to rethink his statement that the Cowboys are a "team of winners" after this week. The Chargers will make it eight straight wins with an impressive win in Dallas.

Giants 24 Eagles 21

Just when it looked like the Giants were all but done, New York will find a way to get back into the race for the NFC East. The G-men will make it two wins in two weeks over division rivals, having beaten the Cowboys the week before.

Cardinals 34 49ers 13

Kurt Warner looked great against the Vikings, finding Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin all game long. The 49ers simply do not have the weapons to keep up with the Cardinals.

Fantasy Football Friday: Week 14 Saturday Edition

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, first off I need to apologize. You see, I simply didn't know yesterday was Friday. No excuses, I screwed up and lost track of the days. Apparently that happens when you have newborn twins in the house and your on leave from work. Enough of that, now onto Fantasy Football. This is week 14 so you should either be in your last regular season week or the first week of playoffs. Either way, you're gearing up for a big championship run or playing the spoiler. If you're season is over and you have the chance to prevent someone from making the playoffs, make sure to keep your fantasy integrity and put out your best lineup.

Fantasy Match Ups of the Week:

1. Eagles @ Giants - I simply love this NFC East match up for fantasy this week. Both starting QB's are good to go this week. Normally I really like Philly's D, but something about this game screams big point on both sides. Brian Westbrook is out again, so keep looking for LeSean Jackson. It's also time to start Jason Avant. While doing research, I also like Kevin Boss in this game as he had a good game against the Eagles earlier this season.

2. Chargers @ Cowboys - The same goes for this match up. Phillip Rivers and Tony Romo are primed for big games. I am not a huge fan of LT this week, but do love Gates and Vince Jackson. Please forget about both defenses and look for Miles Austin to have a 3rd straight big game.

3. Seahawks @ Texans - The Seahawks are 1-5 on the road this season. Forget about that this week. They may not win, but they'll put up some fantasy points. Jim Mora Jr. continues using Julius Jones (I don't know why) so don't expect too much for Justin Forsett. You can look to his usual TJ Housh and Nate Burelson though. What ever you do stay away from John Carlson. He's like fantasy poison. On the other side, I think Matt Schaub will be fine. The Seahawks give a ton of yards up in the air so both Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter should have double digit fantasy games.

Put em' in the lineup:

QB - Joe Flacco, Bruce Gradkowski, Matt Moore

Flacco will have an easy double digit game against the Lions. If you play in a deep, deep league and are in need of a QB for some reason, don't feel bad about using Gradkowksi against the Redskins. He's played very well against the Steelers last week with over 300 yards and 3 TD's. I know I am really going out on a limb with this one, but trust me, Matt Moore will have a good game against the Patriots

RB - Jamaal Charles, Quinton Ganther, Sammy Morris

I love Jamaal Charles lately and especially against Bills run defense. Ganther is simply a better back than Rock Cartwright and he'll get more touches. Sammy Morris will get more carries than Maroney as the Pats need a more straight forward runner against the Panthers defense.

WR - Robert Meachem, Steve Smith (CAR)

Robert Meachem has turned himself into a must 3rd WR start every week with his play. I love the original Steve Smith against the struggling Patriots defense.

TE- JerMichael Finley, Jason Witten

Finley looked fantastic last week hauling in 7 catches and a touchdown. Look for him to finish the season strong. Yes, we did have a Jason Witten sighting last week. I've always been a fan and look for him to continue to help that Dallas offense down the stretch.

DEF - Jets, Cardinals

I love the Jets defense against Tampa Bay this weekend. Same thing goes for the Cardinals. Did you see the way they played on Monday night? There will be no letdown this week.

Make em' ride the bench:

QB - Jay Cutler, Kellen Clemens

I really don't like Jay Cutler, especially in big games. Don't trust Kellen Clemens. The Bucs defense isn't that bad.

RB - Lawrence Maroney, Brandon Jacobs, Justin Forsett

We all know I am not a big fan of Maroney. Like I said above, I just expect his touches to be reduced with Sammy Morris on the field as well. Last week was not something you should expect from Brandon Jacobs. Don't start him against Philly. I know I will not. I really like Forsett, I just don't think he'll get enough touches to warrant a start.

WR - Sam Aiken, Antonio Bryant

Aiken has looked pretty good lately, but look for a heavy dose of Wes Welker tomorrow. Antonio Bryant meet Darelle Revis. Expect to be shut down.

TE- Benjamin Watson, John Carlson

Is Watson even on this team anymore? Where have you gone John Carlson? Apparently to the waiver wire.

DEF - Patriots, Broncos

Do you get a theme from me this week. Don't get me wrong, the Patriots will win this game, but I think it'll be a lot closer than you think. I just don't trust the defense at all. It's not that I don't like the Broncos, I just don't like their defense taking on the Colts

Good luck with the Playoffs

Pats have so much to prove vs. Panthers

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's gut-check time Patriots.

Do you guys have the stones to fight to the bitter end, or are you just happy to be collecting a paycheck?

No one is happy with the New England Patriots right now --players, coaches and especially the fans.

For a team that had Super Bowl aspirations to begin the season, it feels like the season is going down the toilet -- sort of like Charlie Weis' head job did at Notre Dame.

But the Patriots desperately need a victory, and the Carolina Panthers are coming to town and should be able to help out the wounded Pats.

Yes, I said should, but that doesn't mean it will happen.

See, every time you think the Pats should win, they let you down. Here's reality fans: The Pats haven't beaten a real good team (they have wins vs. Buffalo, Atlanta, Baltimore, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Miami and N.Y. Jets), so they're feasting on the weak.

Well, the Panthers are the weak, especially with Matt Moore at quarterback.

Who? Matt Moore?

Yup, the backup to starter Jake Delhomme, whose nursing a broken finger and will be out of action on Sunday.

There's now way Moore can pick apart the Pats' secondary, can he? Well, I thought that last week against Miami, and Chad Henne (over 300 yards passing) looked like Joe Montana.

So Moore can expose the Pats, but don't bet on it.

Carolina coach John Fox is captain conservative so don't expect to see Moore air it out like Henne did. But when they do throw, WR Steve Smith better be double-covered on every play. He's too explosive to be covered by any sub-par corner from the Pats, so expect to see a safety over the top of him to prevent big plays down the field. They better focus on taking Smith away or he'll burn them and burn them bad.

What the Panthers do well -- and better than most teams in the league -- is run the football. You would figure DeAngelo Williams should be back from an ankle injury that kept him out last week's Tampa Bay game, and the other part of the two-headed monster is Jonathan Stewart. They both can pound between the tackles and break away from defenders on the outside.

The Pats better stop the run or they're in big, big trouble. They not only will get gashed by the run, but then Moore might actually have success throwing the ball, even to Smith.

Offensively, the Pats need to put the pedal to the medal from the first quarter all the way until the final whistle in the fourth quarter. They always leave way too many points on the field.

This unit also needs that killer instinct. That goes for everyone, from Tom Brady to Wes Welker to Randy Moss. And those three better get the job done, even though Carolina's best strength is against the pass. The Panthers, led by ball-hawking cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall, have 17 INTs on the year, but Moss and Welker are extremely tough matchups.

But the Pats need to commit a bit more to the run with Laurence Maroney, who has done a very good job in my book, Sammy Morris and third-down specialist Kevin Faulk. But committing and being productive are two different things. If you run on two straight plays for 2-3 yards, the advantage is on the defense as far as down and distance on third down and they know you're going to throw.

So they need to produce both with the run and pass, but the biggest thing is moving the chains and putting points on the board.

The play-calling needs to improve, too. It's frustrating watching the Pats be too predictable. They throw and throw and throw to get a lead, and when they do they take the air out of the football and run on first and second down, and then have to throw on third-and-long and the defense is prepared for it. How about a screen pass? Remember when that was a staple in the playbook? Open up the playbook coaches, now is the time to be creative because the same old plays are getting stale -- long to Moss and short to Welker, with a few runs sprinkled in.

Chad's Take: The Patriots have so much to prove this week. I think we're going to see what kind of team they really are. Are they fighters with a passion to win, or are they pretenders that might sneak into the playoffs and then get hammered in the first round?

I think this is still a playoff team, but one that has so many issues, offensively and defensively, along with chemistry concerns between the players and coaching staff.

Carolina will give the Pats fits. Williams and Stewart will pound away at the Pats' run defense, chew up the clock and keep the Pats' offense on the sidelines. The Pats will be frustrated by the Panthers, but they have too much power on offense to be completely held down. Not to mention the Panthers struggle throwing the ball so they won't light up the scoreboard.

The Pats get it done, but still leave their fans wondering if they'll ever play a complete game.

Prediction: Patriots, 23-14

Granderson gives Yankees big boost

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The 2009 World Series champs just got a lot stronger.

Welcome to New York, Curtis Granderson.

The Yankees didn't sit back after winning the title. Instead, they shot the first bullet at the Red Sox by landing a premier center fielder.

Yes, the Yankees did give up one of their top prospects, 22-year-old outfielder Austin Jackson, and pitcher Ian Kennedy (a back-of-the-rotation arm) and lefty reliever Phil Coke (he had an up- and-down season), but with a chance to get Granderson in his prime, it was a no-brainer.

I'm not saying that Granderson is a superstar, but he's a very good player --an all-star player -- both offensively and defensively.

He can run like the wind in center, tracking balls down in the gap that many outfielders can't reach. That's exactly what the Yankees needed, better outfield defense.

He's also got some real pop in his bat. Granderson hit 30 homers with 71 RBIs and 20 steals for the Detroit Tigers last year.

Those are the good numbers, but he does need some work (.249 BA, .327 OBP, 141 Ks).

Granderson's average has dropped the last three season from .302 to .280 to .249, so that is concerning. But he's proven that even if he whiffs 141 times (he did that in 2007) he can still hit for average (he hit .302 with 185 hits in 2007).

Granderson is currently a four-tool player (he doesn't hit for average right now) and a player the Yanks coveted.

The Yankees can now move Melky Cabrera to a corner outfield spot (figuring left field and Nick Swisher in right), or they can still re-sign Johnny Damon and play him in left and at DH.

They have flexibility now with Granderson in place.

He's a guy that should fit nicely into that lineup --either in the 2-hole or lower in the order when he faces lefties (he hit just .183 vs. southpaws).

But Yankee fans should expect sensational defense in center, 30-plus HR power, especially with that short right-field porch in Yankee Stadium, 20-30 steals (or more) and a .270 batting average (hitting coach Kevin Long will improve his plate coverage and patience).

If you're scoring at home: Yankees 1, Red Sox 0

Patriots have no heart

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, I'm sick and tired of sticking up for the Patriots. After today's gross performance, I've completely had it.

Yes, I'm still a huge fan, but I also call it as I see it.

This team has a lot of weaknesses, but I thought I'd never say a Bill Belichick-coached team doesn't have heart.

There, I said it.

Who wants to step up and be that go-to player that is a playmaker and one that everyone feeds off of? I call that heart, and no one -- and I mean no one -- has shown to be able to do that, at least consistently.

Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Asante Samuel, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and Adam Vinatieri aren't walking through the door people.

Those are some of the former Patriots that always made plays, including when the game was on the line.

Tom Brady has done that in the past, but not enough this year. He's still outstanding, but he's not carrying this team. How about Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Do they want the ball with the game on the line? Of course they do, so they need to elevate their game in crunch time and start making more plays.

Actually, you can call out everyone on this team, including the coaching staff.

And how about that defense?

They are a pitiful bunch of nobody's. I'd start building a defense around Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather and Vince Wilfork, but there's just not enough talent on that team.

And the secondary is downright sad. Miami's Chad Henne picked them apart for over 300 yards today. And those were all easy yards. Come on, Chad Henne? Really?

Soft coverage, sometimes no coverage and a lack of tackling is just not acceptable.

Everyone is to blame. How about a pass rush, too? Those down linemen don't get any heat on opposing QBs. They allow them to sit back, survey the field and, of course, find the open man.

It's like taking candy from a baby.

How about a little more fight in the trenches? Play like you're playing for your next contract.

Again, where's the heart?

Who's the inspirational leader on this team that makes big plays in big situations?

This franchise has taken a major step back (tears as I type). And in a hurry.

Until these players start playing with more heart and start making a lot more plays, especially in the fourth quarter, this team in nothing more than a Wild Card team (maybe not even a playoff team unless they win the AFC East) that will get bounced in a hurry because we all know they can't win on the road.

Patriots, where's the heart?

Week 13 Recap: Dolphins Shock Patriots

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanaitc Sports Staff

The Patriots, Steelers, and Redskins were all on the wrong end of some surprising results, highlighting week 13 in the NFL.

Dolphins 22 (6-6) Patriots 21 (7-5)

Where to begin? A lack of pass rush by the Patriots helped make Chad Henne look like an all pro. Henne led a last minute drive to set up a game winning field goal by Dan Carpenter, and Channing Crowder picked off Tom Brady to ice it, as the Dolphins stunned the Patriots in Miami. The offense must also share some of the blame, as there definately were some points left out on the field. Never mind getting the second seed in the AFC, the Pats must now do some work just to make the playoffs.

Saints 33 (12-0) Redskins 30 (3-9)

Just when the Redskins looked poised to pull off the biggest upset of the season, the Saints find a way to pull out a miracle win. With a chance to ice the win, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham missed a 23 yard field goal. Minutes later Brees and company took full advantage, tying the game on a 53 yard TD reception by Robert Meacham. New kicker Garret Hartley then won it in overtime, as the Saints remained unbeaten.

Raiders 27 (4-8) Steelers 24 (6-6)

Don't worry Patriots fans - things could be worse. After all you could be the Steelers. The Steelers dropped their fourth straight, this time in stunning fashion to the lowly Raiders. Bruce Gradkowski hit Louis Murphy from 11 yards out with just 9 seconds left to hand the Steelers a last second loss at Heinze Field. The defending champs may be all but done for year.

Colts 27 (12-0) Titans 17 (5-7)

There was no drama this week for the Colts. Peyton Manning helped put 24 points on the board in the first half, and the Colts cruised to an easy win from there. Vince Young suffered his first loss after taken over for Kerry Collins at QB.

Eagles 34 (8-4) Falcons 7 (6-6)

Michael Vick managed to get a measure of revenge against his former team. Vick found the end zone twice, once by air and once by ground, to highlight a big win by the Eagles. Chris Redman, in for an injured Matt Ryan, had a tough day, throwing 2 ints, one which was returned 83 yards for a TD by Sheldon Brown.

Bears 17 (5-7) Rams 9 (1-11)

Can you believe it? Jay Cutler went a whole game without throwing a interception. Cutler wasn't great, but he didn't have to be. The Bears jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and the defense took over from the there. The win keeps the Bears slim hopes at the post season alive.

Bengals 23 (9-3) Lions 13 (2-10)

Cedric Benson was the show for the Bengals, rushing for 110 yards on 36 carries, as the Bengals are now on the verge of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The win gives the Bengals at least a 2 game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North.

Broncos 44 (8-4) Chiefs 13 (3-9)

A few weeks back, it looked like the Broncos were going let their season slip away after losing four straight. Now it looks like the Broncos are back among the AFC's best. Denver ran all over Kansas City, gaining over 240 yards rushing in a rout of the Chiefs. Matt Cassel had a QB rating of 14.6 for the game. Who knew it was possible to be that bad?

Panthers 16 (5-7) Buccaneers 6 (1-11)

Josh Freeman moved the Tampa Bay offense fairly well most the game, but the problem was interceptions. Freeman threw 5 picks, and Carolina was able to pull out the win at home.

Jaguars 23 (7-5) Texans 18 (5-7)

The Jags continue to do just enough to stay in the playoff chase. Behind David Garrad's 2 TD passes, the Jags won for the fourth time in the last five games, and remained in the middle of the race for a wild card playoff spot.

Chargers 30 (9-3) Browns 23 (1-11)

This one was not as close as the final indicates. San Diego led 27-7 in the fourth quarter, before the Browns added a pair of late scores to make the score look closer than it really was. Phillip Rivers was huge, passing for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns, as San Diego won for the seventh straight time.

Giants 31 (7-5) Cowboys 24 (8-4)

Domenik Hixon's 79 yard punt return for a TD helped put the game away for the Giants, and put the New York right back in the race for the top spot in the NFC East. Romo was not to blame this time around, as the QB was solid, throwing for 392 yard and 3 TDs in the loss.

Seahawks 20 (5-7) 49ers 17 (5-7)

The 49ers may have seen their chances at a post season appearance come to and end in Seattle. Olindo Mare kicked a 30 yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Seahawks to a win at home. The loss spoiled a great day by Alex Smith who threw for 310 yards and a pair of scores.

Cardinals 30 (8-4) Vikings 17 (10-2)

Kurt Warner had a big night, throwing for three scores, as the Cardinals handed the Vikings just their second defeat of the season. Brett Favre threw 2 ints, marking the first time he has throw an int since week 7 against the Steelers.

Monday Night Football: Packers Look Playoff Bound

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Perhaps the biggest story of the NFL season has been the play of the ageless Brett Favre. What's not to like? Favre has been outstanding, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 26 TDs. He should be the league MVP, leading the Vikings to a 10-2 record thus far.

Overlooked in the Brett Favre saga however, has been the story of the man who replaced Favre at QB in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers has had a career year himself, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 22 TDs in leading the Pack to a 7-4 record.

There is no doubt that Rodgers is the new face of the Packers organization, but Favre's shadow is still cast over Green Bay. As good as Rodgers has been, he will not get the credit he deserves until he can beat Favre and the Vikings. The only way this will happen is if the Packers can get into the playoffs as a wild card. A win over the Ravens at Lambeau will go a long way to securing the Packers a spot in the post season, and perhaps getting the Packers one more shot at Favre and the Vikings.

Think of Rodgers as a the NFL's version of Luke Skywalker. Luke was not able to become a Jedi until he beat Darth Vader. Favre is Aaron Rodgers' version of Darth Vader. Rodgers must beat Favre to truly cement his place as the leader of the Pack. With a win on MNF over the Ravens, Rodgers may well be on his way to seeing Favre once again this year. If you thought the regular season match ups against the Vikings were huge, imagine the hype if these teams meet in the playoffs.

The Packers appear to be playing their best ball of the year, and are peaking at the right time. A win over the Ravens on Monday night will be four straight wins for Green Bay. You want to be playing your best football late in the year, and the Pack have been doing that the past few weeks.

If the Packers are playing their best, then the Ravens have been inconsistent at best. The defense has started to turn things around, allowing just 12 points per game over the past five contests, but the real problem for the Ravens has been on offense.

Ray Rice has been a stud at running back for the Ravens, but QB Joe Flacco has come back down to earth a bit. After a hot start to the year, Flacco has thrown just one TD over the past four games. The Ravens have not been able to put back to back wins together since September. If current patterns hold, the Ravens will have an off week.

Even thought both teams have a lot on the line, the Packers have just been a better, more consistent team all year. Throw in a Monday night crowd at Lambeau, a potential rematch against Farve and the Vikings looming in the playoffs, and Green Bay gets the nod for a win on MNF.

Prediction: Packers 23 Ravens 17