- The Buffalo Bills travelled to New York to take on the improving Jets, and ended up walking away with a comfortable 37 – 14 victory. The Jets were held scoreless in the first half, and it was the Bills defense – with four turnovers – who led the way for the visitors, who now sit at 4- 7. Rookie QB E J MANUEL also impressed for the Bills, completing 20 of 28 for 245 yds and 2 touchdowns.
- In a bizarre result, the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers won only their second game of the season, smashing the disappointing Atlanta Falcons 41 – 28 in Tampa. Third string RB Bobby RAINEY was the hero in this one, rushing for 163 yds and scoring 3 TDs on the day. The Falcons have now lost 4 games in succession and are spiraling downward at 2-8.
- The 4-7 Pittsburgh Steelers caused an upset at home, knocking off the 6-4 Detroit Lions in a high-scoring affair, 37 – 27. In a not unfamiliar scenario it was QB Ben ROETHLISBERGER who did all the damage, throwing for 367 yds and four touchdowns. The Steelers ‘Iron Curtain’ defence was on show in a second half shut-out of the Lions.
- Continuing their mid-season resurgence, the New York Giants overcame the Green Bay Packers in New Jersey for their fourth win in a row, 27 – 13. Wilst the Packers were under the pump without star QB Aaron RODGERS who remains injured, the Giants were ably led by Eli MANNING, who completed 25 0f 35 pass attempts for 279 yds and 1 TD.
- The last undefeated team has fallen. The Kansas City Chiefs incredible run has ended at the hands of Peyton MANNING’s Denver Broncos in Denver, with the Bronc’s winning 27 – 17. Manning threw for 323yds against the Chiefs vaunted defence, with both teams now sitting at 9-1 for the season so far.
1. Bobby RAINEY - Running Back, Tampa bay Buccaneers
How can we go past RAINEY this week? Starting this season at Cleveland and only transferring to Tampa Bay a month ago, RAINEY was on fire last weekend, with 163 rushing yards from 30 carries leading to two touchdowns, whilst his 4 yards receiving led to a third touchdown. The 11.5% of leagues in which RAINEY was owned would’ve been delighted with his 34.70 pts - just don’t expect it regularly!
2. Ben ROETHSLISBERGER - Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben really hit some old form last weekend, completing 29 of 45 pass attempts for 367 yards, and a very impressive four touchdowns. Ranked 12th in QB’s so far this year, ROETHSLISBERGER threw two of those touchdowns in the final 5 minutes of the game, ensuring the victory for his team. If you had him in your lineup, his 31.88 fantasy points would’ve gone down a treat.
3. Calvin JOHNSON - Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions
What more needs to be said about Calvin JOHNSON? The number 1 ranked WR in the league, he is an absolute star and has already featured in this segment this season. This time around he managed 179 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a losing team, amassing another 29.90 fantasy pts for those coaches lucky enough to have snared him in the draft.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
To last week’s selections first, and we were very disappointed with MATTHEWs (1.80 pts) and CARLSON (3.60 pts). Luckily Titans QB Ryan FITZPATRICK saved the day, racking up a very tidy 21.20 pts.
1. Bobby RAINEY - Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
See the excerpt above for RAINEY’s exploits last weekend, but it’s impossible to ignore a guy who is held in only 11.5% of leagues but managed the highest fantasy score of anyone in round 11. If he’s available, grab him – sure, he won’t score this every week, but he definitely seems to be on the rise.
2. Carson PALMER - Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
Ranked 20th in the NFL but only in 20% of fantasy leagues, PALMER is certainly one to keep an eye on, especially as a back-up QB. He managed 24.46 pts last weekend, and has scored more than 10 pts in eight of the Cardinals ten games thus far. No superstar, but PALMER could be a cunning bench warmer.
3. Montee BALL - Running Back, Denver Broncos
Anyone in the Broncos potent offence is worth looking at, but BALL’s 16.10 pt game – consisting of 25 yards rushing for 2 TDs and 16 yards receiving - is a positive sign that he could be becoming the Broncos go-to man when close to the goalline – which could equate to some decent scores from here on in.
That’s it for this week. We’re starting to head towards the business end of the season, so maintaining your NFL lineup is of paramount importance, whether you are fighting for a playoff spot or sitting on top of the ladder. Let us know how you’re travelling.