By J.D. Stoecker



Drew and I decided to have our articles in early this week due to the Thursday game this week. The Thursday night game is the Ravens taking on the Falcons in Atlanta. Immediately I assume that in the running back matchup that Ray Rice has the advantage because the Ravens defense is, well, the Ravens defense. Here’s my fun fact of the week: The Falcons have actually been statistically the better run defense! True story, the Falcons are ranked sixth and the Ravens are ranked thirteenth. I still think the focal point for both teams this week will be the run. It’s a short practice week so the quarterback’s game plans won’t be as deep as they are with a full week of practice. Time to talk about those fantasy relationship issues we’ve been havingJ yes, a smiley face. (Don’t act like you don’t text those to your significant others).

She’s not always the hottest, but, that outfit is perfect:

Hopefully will continue to throw it to just his own team

Eli Manning- He’s going up against a defense that has struggled and an offense that keeps giving the ball to the other team. I’m assuming that could only get worse with a defense as violent as the Giants. Even if he plays average he’ll have so many opportunities on the field that it’ll turn out to be a great game for him.

David Garrard, Marcedes Lewis- The Texans don’t play defense. Maurice Jones-Drew is going to run tough and open up the play action and Lewis will find holes in the defense. He’s an athlete in the open field. Brian Cushing is playing inside which is new to him. Lewis will take advantage.

Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones- These three backs have the luxury of going up against the 29^th and 31^st rated run defenses. These backs have all had solid seasons but this is that “Little Giants vs. Spike” matchup. In real life, there isn’t a heartwarming ending, just broken egos.

What’s her name again?

Seyi Ajirotutu- My spell check just imploded. The Chargers have a bye this week, but expect Ajirotutu to get more reps this week with Phillip Rivers in practice. If this season has taught me anything about Rivers it’s that as long as his receiver is also tall enough to be a basketball player then he will get him the ball. Seyi got signed off the practice squad in week seven because of injuries and light it up last week. I know that some of those injured receivers will be back soon but two touchdowns and averaging a little over 20 yards a catch I’m guessing Rivers will go back to him after the bye.

If you’re dating two, don’t give either one too much attention or the other will get jealous.

Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco- My idea above has never worked, ever. It’s just what sounds good. It’s clear that if Carson Palmer throws a pass that can actually going to be completed it’s going to T.O. not Ocho. Whether Ocho admits that he’s jealous or not is irrelevant. The writing’s on the wall, I mean in the stats. If you’ve got Palmer take note here that as bad as Indy’s run defense is they’re a top ten team against the pass. I see I-N-T.

You thought she was the one, now you’re changing your phone number.

Jay Cutler- I remember one time long ago when we thought that he had that ‘gunslinger’ mentality and he was going to be a great QB. In reality, he just didn’t care and got lucky with those passes. Minnesota is coming off an inspiring win, I expect their defensive front to come out and tear apart Cutler like a crip walking in blood’s neighborhood.

She went from girl I was seeing to girlfriend real quick:

Michael Vick- I wanted to see how he was going to play coming off the injury, the Colts defense isn’t an amazing test but Vick is really becoming that quarterback that everyone wanted him to be. Plus, the threat of him on the ground is huge fantasy points. I wouldn’t be surprised if next year he was a top fantasy pick. Washington’s defense is tough so this will be his biggest test this week. I think he’ll do well and really solidify Philly as a scary contender in the NFC.

It’s that intimidating group of really gorgeous girls:

Vince Young, Chris Johnson, Randy Moss- I know Moss just got there this week but Young’s been throwing downfield this season. Randy Moss is a deep threat. The Dolphins have gotten torched on the deep ball. Do the math. Moss’ arrival will also increase C.J.’s production. No more eight in the box. It’s a scary thought for defenses.

We’re just talking:

Josh Freeman- I’m not going to start comparing him with a million other quarterbacks. He’s played well this season and throws the football around like it was made by Nerf. Mike Williams has grown right along side of him. Carolina is 5^th against the pass so if you have another option this week, think about it, but Freeman is definitely making moves.

That’s your new girl? She… she looks just like your ex:

Tamme gets touchdowns, Garcon watches.

Jacob Tamme- In this case, it’s a good thing. Tamme dropped a few passes last week but really he’s done well in the absence of Dallas Clark and you know Peyton Manning is going to throw his way since Pierre Garcon doesn’t seem to be the player he was last year. I expect Tamme and Reggie Wayne to get a majority of targets from Manning this week. I don’t expect for Tamme to drop more passes, he’s getting comfortable with Peyton. Who wouldn’t? That guy puts the ball on receivers with military type precision.

Happy birthday to the Marines today! Thanks for everything you do for our country. That about wraps it up for this week, enjoy the Thursday game and the rest of the week.