FANTASY: Weekend Edition Week 10

I apologize to those of you who read my column weekly for not writing a Mid-Week Edition this week. I had a family emergency and was not afforded the opportunity to sit down at my computer. I will get back to the regular schedule next week. If you are a first time reader this is the Weekend Edition of Laptop Quarterback. In this issue I will choose players, which I feel, could have breakout games this weekend. Again, I must say that these are players that should be played if your stars are on a bye week or you are trying to choose between two or three guys. You will not see Warner, James, Moss… I trust that you are all smart enough to play these guys already. Also, I have picked the winners of this weekend’s games for those of you that would like to know that information ahead of time (Ha Ha Ha). Enjoy!!!

Quarterbacks

1. Jim Miller (vs. Indy)- The Bears offense had been waiting to burst all year. Do you remember what happened last year when Jim Miller took over? My sources tell me he has looked great in practice this week, so all systems are a go. Marcus Robinson is at full strength and James Allen has looked better each week. Top that off with an inconsistent Colt defense away from home, you are looking at a big game from Miller.

2. Jeff Blake (vs. SF)- Whoever is playing the 49ers is destined to have a great game. I think Blake has the potential to have a breakout game this weekend because of Ricky Williams. The 49ers will be forced to allocate at least 7 people to the run, which will leave the San Fran secondary even more vulnerable.

3. Vinny Testeverde (vs. Den)- The Broncos’ secondary has looked old and tired much of the year. Again this is a situation where a running back will influence the success of the passing game. The Broncos will devote a great deal of their defensive scheme to stopping Curtis Martin, which will leave the Jet receivers in single coverage. The emergence of Laverneus Coles helps Vinny out as well.

Running Backs

1. Ron Dayne (vs. Cle)- Cleveland has faced six power runners in a row and all of them have had great days against them. Dayne will where them down and will probably get two TD’s in the fourth quarter. This game will be closed until then, because the Giants are not as good as there record shows.

2. Jamal Lewis (vs. Cin)- The rookie has not really had the day that the Raven coaches have expected from him. Have you noticed that none of the focus has been on his lack of production? If I were the Baltimore QB I would be passing some of the blame onto Lewis. Look for him to break out in Cincy this weekend.

3. James Stewart (vs. Mia)- With Zach Thomas out the Miami run defense is average at best. They are still great in the secondary but Stewart will be able to run in between the tackles. He will be their #1 red zone option.

Wide Receivers

1. Joe Horn (vs. SF)- If he draws single coverage, expect a 200-yard day. Horn is a burner and as I have said the 49ers have problems with speed receivers (see Isaac Bruce, Tim Brown, etc…). He is a lock for 2 TD’s and 100 yards.

2. Sean Dawkins (vs. SD)- Jon Kitna is getting the starting nod again this weekend. His favorite receiver is Dawkins who he through to 13 times last weekend. The Charger run defense is so good that the Seahawks will be forced to pass a lot. Dawkins will get most of those looks.

3. Qadry Ismail (vs. Cin)- No I have not been sipping on Grandma’s Cough Medicine. The Ravens will score this weekend and like the Kitna-Dawkins connection Dilfer likes to throw to Ismail. Billick has promised to open it up this weekend and will have to in order to get back into the playoff hunt.

Tight Ends

1. Christian Fauria (vs. SD)- TE’s under Mike Holmgren are always involved in the offense, especially in the red zone. Fauria is a great receiving TE, he will account for at least one TD and 50 yards receiving.

2. Freddie Jones (vs. Sea)- He is the quiet hero on the Chargers team. If he played for anyone else he would be in the Pro Bowl this year. Harbaugh likes to throw him the ball because he is big and strong with the athleticism of a WR.

Kickers

1. Tim Seder

2. Morten Anderson

Defenses

1. Cleveland (vs. NYG)- Don’t forget the Browns defense. Even though they have been beat up they are stepping up each and every week. Without these guys the Browns would be out of every game at the end of the first quarter. Have you seen Courtney Brown? He is a future Hall of Famer.

2. Carolina (vs. St. L)- This is my insane pick of the week. If you don’t have a top defense give these guys a chance. The Rams will turn the ball over as much as it is in the air. I am not one of the people who believe Trent Green can step in and do the job. He will falter this weekend, just a hunch.

Weekly Game Picks Last Week- (6-8 ouch) Season (24-17)

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