Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers – Thurs. 7:25
Tyler’s Pick: Green Bay Packers
Why: The Vikings lack the offensive firepower to beat Green Bay in a shootout and their defense is not at a high enough level to shut down the Pack Attack.
Charlie’s Pick: Green Bay Packers
Why: Without Adrian Peterson and starting a rookie quarterback, Minnesota does not have the offense necessary to keep up with Aaron Rodgers pass attack.
Fantasy Impact: Look for the Minnesota Vikings to try and keep Aaron Rodgers and his high-octane offense off the field by running the ball heavily against a league-worst Green Bay Packers run defense that is giving up 176 rushing yards per game. This means Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata should be primed for solid weeks in fantasy. On the other side of the ball, look for Aaron Rodgers, facing a middling Minnesota pass defense allowing 241 passing yards per game, to connect early and often with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Carolina Panthers
Why: Matt Forte has had an up and down season thus far and Carolina’s secondary has outperformed expectations by shutting down opposing offenses, which will force the Bears to rely heavily on their average running game.
Charlie’s Pick: Chicago Bears
Why: Matt Forte along with the other offensive weapons in Chicago should be more than enough to handle a Carolina defense that is allowing a staggering 5.7 yards per carry.
Fantasy Impact: Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears face a Carolina Panthers team that is allowing the most yards per carry, 5.7, in the league this year. Look for Matt Forte to have a big impact as the Carolina defense is stifling opponents pass attacks this year, limiting opponents to just 233 yards per game through the air. Cam Newton and Carolina’s receivers should have a nice matchup against a Bears defense allowing 8.2 yards per pass attempt. Expect Kelvin Benjamin to have a big day, having already logged 329 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns this year.
Houston Texans @ Dallas Cowboys – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Why: Houston’s defense has been below-average this season and they are one of the worst defenses in the league when it comes to shutting down the run. Luckily, Dallas has the leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, to lead their ground game.
Charlie’s Pick: Houston Texans
Why: Houston should be able to rely upon a strong run game to abuse Dallas’ defense giving up 5.0 yards per carry if Arian Foster plays.
Fantasy Impact: Houston is 19th in the league in points allowed to opposing running backs, so look for DeMarco Murray to have a huge game. Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams could be primed for big games if Houston focuses too much on shutting down the run. On the flip side, look for Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to take advantage of a weak Dallas secondary.
Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Buffalo Bills
Why: Buffalo’s electric offense led by CJ Spiller and Sammy Watkins is going to be too dynamic for Detroit to stop while the Bills’ fearsome front four will tear apart the Lions’ rushing attack.
Charlie’s Pick: Detroit Lions
Why: Leading the league in defensive yards allowed this year, the Detroit Lions have been electric stopping opponents and have been covered well on the back end. Buffalo lacks the offensive firepower to move the Lions defensive line.
Fantasy Impact: Calvin Johnson Jr. should be in line for a massive game after being held to a disappointing 12 yards last week. Reggie Bush and Joique Bell will be limited by a Buffalo defensive line that is one of the best in the league. Detroit’s defense and special teams could put up big numbers against a questionable Bills offensive line and brand-new starting quarterback in Kyle Orton. CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson could have huge roles in order to relieve the pressure from Orton.
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Why: Baltimore is coming off a blowout of a strong Panthers team and their defense has prevented opponents from scoring through the air this season, allowing only three passing touchdowns through four games.
Charlie’s Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Why: The Colts are leading the league in passing yards per game. Look to that, as well as a solid rushing attack to carry them to victory this week against the Ravens.
Fantasy Impact: Andrew Luck, Reggie Wayne, and T.Y. Hilton could all put up big points if Luck maintains his level of play through this game. Owen Daniels could be a sleeper at tight end against a Colts’ defense that has been gashed by tight ends this year. Justin Forsett should see the majority of Baltimore’s carries against a very average Indianapolis front seven. Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw should be limited by a Baltimore defense that is allowing a measly 3.3 yards per carry.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Why: The Steelers have a trio of stars in Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell and should be able to dominate a weak Jacksonville defense.
Charlie’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Why: The Steelers and their dynamic offense should prove too much for Jacksonville’s league-worst 451.2 yards per game allowed.
Fantasy Impact: Antonio Brown is poised to continue his dominant season against a Jacksonville secondary that ranks as one of the worst in the league. Le’Veon Bell should find huge gaps in the defense as they look to shut down Brown. Look for Roethlisberger to put up big numbers by targeting Brown and Bell. Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson could be decent starts against a Pittsburgh secondary that has allowed 448 yards to opposing wideouts the last two weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: New Orleans Saints
Why: The Saints have an elite quarterback and strong receivers that should run right over a very weak Tampa defense.
Charlie’s Pick: New Orleans Saints
Why: The Saints offensive firepower should prove too much for the Buccaneers to pace themselves with in this shootout.
Fantasy Impact: Drew Brees should post his usual big numbers against a Tampa secondary that has been shredded this far. The fact that this is a home game for New Orleans cannot be overlooked since Brees is much better at home. Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, and Marques Colston should all have strong games. Doug Martin should be able to run over a New Orleans defense allowing the 7th most fantasy points to running backs this year.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: New York Giants
Why: New York’s defensive line has looked strong the last two weeks and should be able to overwhelm Matt Ryan due to an unreliable line and nonexistent running game.
Charlie’s Pick: Atlanta Falcons
Why: Matt Ryan and his bevy of capable receivers should coast Atlanta past the New York Giants this week. Look for the Atlanta defense to focus on the run game, forcing Eli to throw the ball.
Fantasy Impact: Matt Ryan could have a strong outing with Julio Jones and Roddy White able to overwhelm the average New York secondary. Rashad Jennings should return to his usual form after a down week, especially against an Atlanta defense that has allowed nearly 30 points per game to opposing running backs. Victor Cruz should take advantage of the Falcons’ secondary.
St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: St. Louis Rams
Why: A shockingly average Rams offense should take care of business against the Eagles’ defense while the Rams’ front four should be able to shut down LeSean McCoy and pressure Nick Foles.
Charlie’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Why: The Eagles up-tempo style of play should tire out the Rams defense and lead to a strong fourth-quarter comeback.
Fantasy Impact: Austin Davis could be an excellent fill-in at quarterback and Brian Quick should continue to rack up yards against a Philly defense that has been gouged through the air. Zac Stacy should put up above-average numbers against the Eagles’ poor run defense. LeSean McCoy could have a resurgence after two consecutive down weeks, although the Rams have done well against the run thus far. Nick Foles should bounce back after a rough game and produce against a weak secondary.
Cleveland Browns @ Tennessee Titans – Sun. 12:00
Tyler’s Pick: Cleveland Browns
Why: Cleveland’s underrated defense should be able to handle the Titans while a surprising offense should be able to lead the way to victory.
Charlie’s Pick: Tennessee Titans
Why: The emergence of Delanie Walker along with Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter give the Titans a potent offense that should be able to outscore a poor Browns team.
Fantasy Impact: Kendall Wright is probably a bad play this week as he has a tough matchup in Joe Haden. Look for Delanie Walker to continue to eat up Jake Locker’s targets. With Ben Tate returning, the Browns have a two-headed running back machine. Expect Tate and Terence West to get a heavy workload.
Arizona Cardinals @ Denver Broncos – Sun. 3:05
Tyler’s Pick: Denver Broncos
Why: Denver’s defense has been surprisingly solid this year and a dominant offense led by the three-headed beast of Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, and Julius Thomas should pick apart Arizona’s defense.
Charlie’s Pick: Arizona Cardinals
Why: The Cardinals run game will be key in defeating the Denver Broncos who are among the worst in the league at stopping opponents at the line of scrimmage.
Fantasy impact: Andre Ellington is primed for a large fantasy impact against a Broncos team that is allowing 21 points per game to opposing running backs. Look for Arizona to lean heavily on that in an attempt to keep Peyton Manning off the field. On the other side, Demaryius Thomas, Montee Ball, Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker and Peyton Manning may be limited by a robust Arizona defense. All are still start-worthy but do not temper your expectations.
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers – Sun. 3:25
Tyler’s Pick: San Diego Chargers
Why: The Jets have allowed opposing teams to dominate them through the air. Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Keenan Allen, and Eddie Royal should have no problem continue that trend.
Charlie’s Pick: San Diego Chargers
Why: San Diego passing attack has looked strong over the first quarter of the season and that trend should continue against an abysmal New York secondary.
Fantasy Impact: Donald Brown and Brandon Oliver will be limited by a tough Jets defensive line. Look for Phillip River to pass a lot against a weak Jets secondary. Big fantasy weeks are likely for Rivers, Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates. New York will continue their approach of ground-and-pound football, shortening the game and keeping Philip Rivers off the field. Look for Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson to perform adequately.
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers – Sun. 3:25
Tyler’s Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Why: Kansas City is coming off of the absolute destruction of the New England Patriots. Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce should find plenty of room against a disappointing San Francisco defense.
Charlie’s Pick: San Francisco 49ers
Why: San Francisco’s defense is not as good as last year but, they are good enough to win at home against a Chiefs team that has struggled early.
Fantasy Impact: Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce should have big games against a weak San Francisco secondary. Do not expect too much out of Charles on the ground against a defensive line that has been strong this year. Colin Kaepernick should have a solid outing against a middling Kansas City defense.
Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots – Sun. 7:30
Tyler’s Pick: New England Patriots
Why: The Patriots are out for revenge after being embarrassed by the Chiefs on national television. Their defense should revert to their prior form and give a weak offense a shot at victory.
Charlie’s Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
Why: Cincinnati and their stifling defense should prove too much for a declining Tom Brady, who has fared poorly against far lesser opponents.
Fantasy Impact: AJ Green is a must-start against a New England secondary that has yet to solidify itself. Giovani Bernard should have a strong game against the Patriots’ average front seven. The Cincinnati defense and special teams should have a strong game against a weak Patriots’ offense. Shane Vereen and Julian Edelman should put up strong numbers since this game is either going to be a shootout or a big Cincy lead that requires the Patriots to lean on their passing game.
Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Redskins – Mon. 7:30
Tyler’s Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Why: Seattle’s defense is arguably the best in the league and should have no problems in shutting down the Redskins’ offense. Look for them to give Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch a short field the whole game.
Charlie’s Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Why: The Seahawks ball-hawking secondary should provide the team with a few turnovers against Kirk Cousins. This will set up Russell Wilson and the highly-efficient Seahawks offense in scoring opportunities all day.
Fantasy Impact: The Washington offense has a terrible matchup with the amazing Seattle defense. Alfred Morris has a chance to put up average numbers in order to alleviate pressure off Kirk Cousins.