Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
It’s the "churn-and-burn" time of the season on the waiver wire.
The larger bye weeks (there are six teams off this week) represent the most vexing portion of the schedule, as those players affected by long-term injuries or those underperforming options become expendable. The team defense slot is one position where owners employ this strategy all season, but I guaranty that owners were less than thrilled about the prospect of cutting the Ravens or Giants last week.
Top 5 Defense/Special Teams
(other than Green Bay, New York Giants, New York Jets, Baltimore and Pittsburgh)
Chicago at Buffalo (Toronto)
My “Man-Crush” for Ryan Fitzpatrick and his cornerback mentality is well-established. However, he faces a difficult task this week against a stingy Chicago defense (third in total defense at 16.3 points per game). The Bears have generated only 11 sacks, so the pressure, no pun intended, will be on Julius Peppers and the front to make Fitzpatrick dance in the pocket. The Bills have surrendered 18 sacks. The Bears rank eighth in return average at 25.5 yards per return and can change field position quickly.
New Orleans at Carolina
The Saints are starting to get healthy in the secondary, and those big hits and big plays are coming back as well. Just witness the Saints’ shutdown effort in Week 8 against the Steelers. This is a great spot to go reclaim the Saints on the wire. The Panthers are generating a dismal 12.1 points per game and 251.4 total yards per game.
Minnesota vs. Arizona
The Cardinals posted an uncharacteristic total of 35 points in Week 8 against the Buccaneers (with the help of the defense, of course). Derek Anderson has been installed as the starter for Week 9, and as we know, he’s less than accurate downfield. As such, the Vikings will have opportunities for turnovers, and I do expect Jared Allen and company to come out with a good effort following this week’s turmoil. Larry Fitzgerald is excited about his Minnesota homecoming, and I suspect that he sees a high target count and makes his mark. His quarterback will make mistakes, nonetheless.
Kansas City at Oakland
The Raiders have rolled up 92 points in the past two weeks and suddenly rank fourth in terms of total offense (26.5 points per game). In the first six weeks, Oakland averaged 20 points per game, with Sebastian Janikowski and the special teams coming up huge in several contests. I suspect that Janikowski looms large in this one (no pun) intended, as the Chiefs allow just 17.4 points per game and have been stellar against the run (96.4 yards allowed per game).
New England at Cleveland
The Patriots’ youthful secondary is gaining experience and has started to play more effectively in recent weeks (San Diego and Minnesota). This week, the Patriots take aim against rookie Colt McCoy and a questionable receiving corps. Vince Wilfork and the New England defensive front will work to slow Peyton Hillis on the ground. If McCoy is forced to the air, things could get interesting. With that said, I’m mighty intrigued to watch McCoy’s growth.
Sleepers
Oakland vs. Kansas City
Matt Cassel will be under duress in this one, as the Oakland pass rush has come alive (24 sacks). The key to this game is obviously the Raiders’ ability to slow down the vaunted Kansas City running attack, particularly with Nnamdi Asomugha’s availability in question. Buffalo vs. Chicago (Toronto)
I offer this entry for all of the Tweets and emails I’ve received referencing the possible acquisition of the Buffalo defense this week. I know. The Bills surrender 30.1 points per game and get run over repeatedly. Buffalo has generated a single interception this season. Might tight coverage on Johnny Knox and the Bears’ red zone ineffectiveness help boost their efforts this week?
Flops
Miami at Baltimore
The Ravens’ offense had a week to retool and get healthy with a Week 8 bye. Baltimore is still trying to get Ray Rice on track and open things up on another level. This just might be the week to do so with a middling Miami team coming to town. Miami is tied for 16th in total defense (21.3 points per game) and has been unable to generate big plays with regularity.
San Diego at Houston
The Texans rank ninth in total offense coming into this contest, although you certainly wouldn’t have known it by watching last Monday’s terrible effort against the Colts. Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels are hurting, so the receiving corps is certainly an area of concern. However, this game is being played in Houston (San Diego has been more vulnerable on the road), and Jacoby Jones can change the field in the return game.
