Monthly Archives: September 2006

Week 2 College Football Picks Review: 2006

Posted on by

Ugh… So, after two weeks of college football action, good Ol’ Lucky Lester is 10-11… Not so hot. But there’s always down weeks. After an opening winner in Week 1, 4-7 wasn’t what I was going for in Week 2, but as it turns out, that’s the way the cookie crumbled. Check out the pieces in my WEEK 2 REVIEW…

The Dukies put up a nice fight against a far superior Wake Forest team as I got my first loss of week 1. Picking the Deacons to win by nearly 3 touchdowns isn’t a mistake I’ll make again.

Those blasted Army boys were too busy worrying about the next time President Bush is going to send them into a lose-lose situation to destroy Kent State. Luckily for them, a spread means nothing, unfortunately for me a spread means no dinner tonight.

Thank God for those Auburn cats. A big win in the exact fashion I imagined gave me one of my few victories on Saturday. Kenny ran like LT, and Auburn’s defense played like the Great Wall.

I don’t know what I was thinking jumping off the Notre Dame band wagon because of a close game on the road against Georgia Tech, but that’s exactly what I did. I knew GT was better than advertised. I blame myself completely for this one.

Clemson couldn’t get it done, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. BC took the game by a point, and I lost by 2, but close only matters in horseshoes and games in which you have a spread in your favor. I didn’t have that. I lost again.

I think Washington might be much better than I thought, and I know Oklahoma isn’t as good as everyone else thought. That being said, Adrian Peterson beat the Dawgs by 17 points, just enough for me to cash in.

Iowa was without Drew Tate, and I still don’t know why. I do know that without Drew, Syracuse almost took down Iowa in what would have been a huge upset. As for me, I lost again.

Idaho couldn’t hang. Washington State actually came to play this week, proving that Auburn could be the Nation’s best team… You heard it here first. Idaho, on the other hand, isn’t the Nation’s best, and as it seems, neither was I on Saturday.

Colorado State made me a winner for the 3rd time in my fist 8 games, but its not like they didn’t make me sweat it out. These rivalry games are always tough, luckily I came out on top in this one.

Though my Minnesota/Cal game turned out to be a huge typo, that didn’t replace last weeks pick, (me=moron this time around) it didn’t turn out well for me anyhow. Minnesota didn’t seem like the same team they were last week, and neither did Cal for that matter. To make a long drunk story short, I lost money here too.

At least I won my game of the week. Ohio State trotted into Texas and branded the Longhorn’s asses in a show of dominance over last week’s #2 team in the nation. I’ll be very surprised if OSU loses this season. Their young defenders look great.

Sit-Ups or Tummy Tucks?

Posted on by

If it comes out that Ben Roethlisberger is actually out because of a tummy tuck performed because he fattened up from eating all that ice cream after his accident, and not an appendectomy as was originally reported, then donâ€TMt say I didnâ€TMt tell you first. As opening day smashes home tomorrow in Pittsburgh, thereâ€TMs some dire football news that needs to be shared.

As far as the Miami @ Pittsburgh game on Thursday night, there has been an unbelievable swing in lines since Big Benâ€TMs “tummy problem”. The Steelers have jumped from a 4-point favorite to a 2-point dog. Thatâ€TMs unbelievable! Charlie Batch is one of the best quarterbacks in the last 10 years. I mean look at his numbers. In two starts last year, B-i-atch threw for 215 yards and an interception. The Steelers snuck out two wins against the powerful Packers and the big bad Browns. And people doubt this guy.

Itâ€TMs said that Clinton Portis might not make the start this weekend against the Vikings. If Clinton doesnâ€TMt play it wonâ€TMt be because he canâ€TMt, itâ€TMll be because the Redskins donâ€TMt want to injure their star runner when they expect to make a Super Bowl run. Iâ€TMve heard it through the grapevine that Portis expects to play. No promises, but donâ€TMt be surprised if Washingtonâ€TMs main man carries a load on Monday Night Football.

Speaking of Monday Night Football, and I never thought the cold day in hell would come, and I hate to say it out loud, but I miss Bob Costas and “gulp” John Madden. Ugh… It feels so wrong. Mike Turico has been great, and Tony Cornheiser isnâ€TMt painful on the ears, but if Joe Theismann never said another word the world would be a better place. How the sports geniuses that run ESPN picked this guy for footballs biggest regular season show is beyond me. Who said a mute button was useless?

Yesterday Brett Favre was heard saying, “If it comes to a point where the Packers do start over and I feel like I can play and they say, ‘Bret, if you want to go somewhere else, go ahead, But weâ€TMve got to start over. Itâ€TMs time for us to rebuild. It just doesnâ€TMt make sense, so do what you want.â€TM If I got the itch at some point, I canâ€TMt say no.” Brett. Come on my man. Your team has been in rebuild mode for the last 2 years. The real question is, will the Packers actually have to physically get out the heavy equipment, nail guns, and extension cords before Brett gets the picture?

People are jerks. All preseason people loved throwing Koren Robinson under the bus. Now itâ€TMs Chargersâ€TM linebacker Steve Foley. Personally I think its terrible to kick people when they’re down… But you know what I heard? I heard Koren and Foley are getting together as early as next weekend. Word is Korenâ€TMs going to get crunk and drive Foley around aimlessly waiting to get pulled over. When K-Rob pulls over and the cop gets out of his car, Foley plans to jump out of the back seat and kick the crap out of the unsuspecting cop. Sounds like a party!

As for my prediction for this yearâ€TMs Super Bowl Champs; Iâ€TMve got to roll with the Panthers. Thatâ€TMs right the NFC takes one home this season. I think the Hawks have a chance, but going to the Super Bowl two years straight is very difficult. The Panthers are my best bet. Defensively, theyâ€TMve become more dominant, and if DeShaun Foster can stay healthy, and Keyshawn Johnson plays up to his ability, Carolina will play on the final Sunday.

In other news, Mike Shanahan remains fantasy footballâ€TMs most wanted coach. When asked who the starter would be to open the season, Shanny replied, “Youâ€TMll have to show up on Sunday to find out.” Thanks Splinter, you’re so wise.

As I sign off the Top Shelf for the first time, and you get prepared to celebrate your favorite teamâ€TMs first victory of the year, let this friendly little piece of advice from my old friend John Madden marinate for a day or two. “Winning is a great deodorant, when you win everyone comes around you. When you lose no one does!” Brilliant!

Free 2006 NCAA Football Picks – Week 2

Posted on by

After a week in the green, 6-4, I’m attempting a perfect week 2 in the college ranks. On the schedule, I see a couple nice games, a couple gimmies, and a couple important contests to boot. With a little luck, I can see a nice week for one Lucky Lester. How will I do it? Read on my son, quest for the knowledge that exists… For a little extra kick, I’m picking the Ohio State – Texas game as an extra. That makes 11 games this week. I freaking rock!
Duke @ Wake Forest (-19): Wake Forest beat Syracuse 20-10, which at least gives them a little flare in the air that says they can win. This weekend, the Demon Deacons face a Duke team that has proven over ages that they can’t win. Last year the Deacons took down the Blue Devils 44-6. This season won’t be any different. Expect nothing from Duke football and you will be rewarded.

Army (-4.5) @ Kent State: Army knows how to run. Not quite like the Golden Gophers, but I’m not expecting a 44-0. I am, however, expecting a 2 touchdown win from the Black Nights. Kent State is very similar to Duke in my expectations. There are none. And for that I thank the oddsmakers.

Auburn (-19) @ Mississippi State: After getting shut out 15-0 by an ailing Gamecocks squad, the Mississippi State Bulldogs schedule doesn’t get any easier when Kenny Irons and the stout Auburn defense comes to town on Saturday. The Tigers poo-pooed Washington state 40-14 last week. This game shouldn’t be any different. The Miss D is better than the Cougs, but not that much better. If the Bulldogs play within 4 touchdowns, I’ll be stunned.

Penn State (+8.5) @ Notre Dame: After barely escaping the Yellow Jacket grasp in Week 1, the Fighting Irish host the best uniforms in sports, Penn State, in what should be one hell of a game. The Nittany Lions looked pretty good in their week 1 tune up, while the Irish looked like anything but the #2 team in the nation. I think this game is closer than 8 points, even if the Irish win. With so much talent on offense, don’t expect the Lions to flounder on offense like Tech did in the second half. ND’s defense isn’t as good as the score claimed last week, and I expect that to be well known at weeks end.

Clemson (-1) @ Boston College: After Clemson’s 54-6 win over Florida Atlantic, people are starting to talk about the Tigers. To be honest, I don’t think that game should make people talk, but I do think the Tigers deserve some powerful team consideration. Senior QB, Will Proctor had a nice game for the Tigers, while running backs Reggie Merriweather and James Davis combined for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries. Clemsons athletic approach should give them the nod in this battle ACC championship hopefuls.

Washington @ Oklahoma (-16.5): While Oklahoma didn’t impress much in week 1, the oddsmakers must be on crack to think this won’t be a 30 point blowout midway through the 3rd quarter. Sure, OK didn’t show much, but then again, the Huskies almost let their win slip away to San Jose Freaking State. SJ State has like 1 win in the last billion years for God’s sake. It’s hard to believe the Huskies have changed after they nearly choke away their opener. Adrian Peterson is gonna go Maurice Drew on the Dogs… For all of you who don’t know what that means, turn back the clocks and see how Drew did the Dawgs throughout his career. Championship!

Iowa (-18) @ Syracuse: The ‘Cuse tumbled at the hands of Wake Forest last weekend, and this weekend they’ll go to 0-2 via the knockout. Iowa should put everything together against a poor Orangemen team, solidifying their place in the Top 15. Drew Tate is a fine signal caller, and if Albert Young continues to rush well this week, you can expect a grand old blowout by the Hawkeyes.

Idaho (+17) @ Washington State: Is this the year? The year the Cougars tumble at the hands of their neighbor state rival for the first time since 2000? It very well could be. I think Washington State is better than they showed against Auburn, but then again, Idaho has improved since their 12 point defeat at the hands of the Cougars last season. WA State doesn’t have much going for them, and Idaho just played a tight one with Michigan State. I know that doesn’t always translate, but I think it will this Saturday. Those tricky Vandals will give the Cougs a ride!

Colorado State (-2) @ Colorado: After getting slapped in the face by D1AA Montana State, it will be tough for the Buffs to get as ready as they need to be for this rivalry game. State always plays tough football, and usually this game is a toss up, because in rivalries like this one you never know what’s going to happen. But not this week. With a week full of questions about the Buffaloes program, expect an exhausted team attempting to get up for the Rams. What usually happens in cases like these is a close game in the first half with a blowout in the 2nd. Those Buffs need a win bad, but not this week.

Minnesota (+8.5) @ California: These Louisville Cardinals are finally the real deal. Kentucky can’t handle the offensive production that the Cards throw on the board. Rushing, passing, defense… On all aspects of the game, Louisville should dominate. That being said, Kentucky is 4-16 in their last 20 games. They’re 4-8 ATS on the road in their last 12, and 3-4 ATS in their last 9 games. On the other hand, the Cards are 18-6 ATS in their last 24, 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games, and they won 5 straight to end 2005. Did I mention Louisville returns budding stars Brian Brohm (QB) and Michael Bush (RB) from their 9-3 2005? This game should be a gong show.
Game of the Week

Ohio State (+2.5) @ Texas: It’s Ohio State’s turn to travel all the way down to Texas and uproot the Longhorns. If you can remember back to yester-year, Vince Young and the those pesky Longhorns came all the way to Ohio, came back in the 4th quarter, and stunned the Buckeyes on rout to their National Championship. Regardless of rankings, these two teams truly are the best in the Nation. I think Ohio States offensive speed and quarterback leadership push them over the edge in the biggest game of the season.

Free Football Picks 06-07 Week 1

Posted on by

Get ready for another crazy season of NFL football! Week 1 is only days away, and already medical miracles are taking place. For instance, Nic Saban and the Dolphins prayed for Ben Roethlisberger to sit out Thursday’s opener in Pittsburg, and almost immediately Ben was scheduled for his first tummy-tuck. Amazing the way things work out. Read on to see if I stay with Pittsburgh or jump ship and head towards Miami. Thursday’s game along with every other game of opening week analyzed and picked below. Are you ready for a little Sunday Magic?Miami (+4) at Pittsburgh: I like the Dolphins this season, and with Big Ben Roethlisberger out with a tummy tuck, I have to take the Dolphins right now before the lines change drastically… Okay I’m back. Charlie B-i-atch doesn’t have what it takes to outgun Daunte Culpepper and the rest of those rascally sea mammals. Ronnie Brown didn’t look impressive in the preseason, but he is a damn good runner, so I expect him to have a big game against the big bad steel show. Game Date: 09/07/06 20:30 ET

Atlanta at Carolina (-4.5): Though I do think Atlanta has improved on the defensive side of the ball, I just don’t see the improvement against the run. On the other hand I do think the Panthers have improved offensively. DeShaun Foster, when healthy, is an improvement over Steven Davis. Steve Smith can’t be covered. I guess the overriding factor that sends me Carolina’s way, is the match-ups short term history. Last season Atlanta lost 3 games by more than 8 points. Only 3. Two of those games were against the Panthers. The combined score of the two games? 68-17. Yikes. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

New Orleans at Cleveland (-2.5): This game is only exciting because Reggie Bush makes his opening day debut in Cleveland. Other than that, neither of these teams should do much in the standings. All being accounted for, Cleveland’s rushing attack should find wide open spaces against the Saints’ porous linebacking unit, even with their struggling O-Line. Reggie Bush should make a nice play or two, but with Braylon Edwards back in the swing of things, Charlie “Brown” Frye has 3 nice offensive weapons for his disposal; Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Reuben Droughns. I have to take the Brownies in a Super Bowl 55 preview.
Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Seattle (-3.5) at Detroit: I don’t know what the rest of the world thinks Mike Martz can do to influence a game, but there is no way the Lions beat the Hawks. No way. In that case, I have to put my ass on the line and say the Hawks win by 2 touchdowns or more. That’s right, the NFC’s best team should destroy one of the worst squads in a blowout in Motown. Kevin Jones should find it tough to get going against the speedy Hawk D, while Jon Kitna gets hammered early and often by his old-old-old team.
Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Houston: Personally I think the Eagles will compete for the NFC crown while the Texans will find themselves in the bottom half of the AFC once again. The Texans will be better, don’t get me wrong, but they won’t be competing with teams like the Eagles. Donovan McNabb looks more accurate than ever before, and the addition of Donte Stallworth could push the Eagles over the edge and into the playoffs. Watch Brian Westbrook shine in this game. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Cincinnati (+4.5) at Kansas City: Can Larry Johnson, a beast of a back, take out the Bengals all by himself? I’m putting my money on no. The Bengals have a much stronger passing attack, a better defense, and explosion on special teams. The Chiefs have LJ and Tony Gonzalez, and that’s where I’d draw the line. The Chiefs have playoffs in their near future, but with Cincinnati doing all they can to protect Carson, expect a methodically strong offensive performance out of the Bengals. 4 and ½ is just too much for me to go any other way. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Buffalo (+9.5) at New England: Tom Brady and crew should pull this game out, but don’t expect a final spread of more than a touchdown. Seven of the ten Patriot wins came by 10 points or less. With the Patriots unimproved from a year ago, and the Bills headed in the right direction, an upset here wouldn’t surprise me. That being said, I’ll take the 9.5 points and those pesky Bills whose defense should be much improved with the return of Takeo Spikes. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Denver (-3) at St. Louis: I really wanted to take the Rams in this one, but the numbers say Denver gets the nod. It’s only 3 points, a situation where I always take the team I expect to win. I think the Rams could be right around .500 this season, but Denver always starts hot. They did lose to the Dolphins in last years’ opener, but they’ve won the opener in 3 of coach Shanahan’s last 4 seasons. In those 4 seasons, Denver has started 5-1 thrice, and 4-2 once. I have to take a team that historically starts hot against a Rams team that hasn’t started better than 2-2 since 2001.
Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

Baltimore (+3.5) at Tampa Bay: The Ravens picked up Steve McNair in place of Kyle Boller (now their #2 QB) so I have to throw out last year’s offensive stats. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are back on a scary defense, so last year’s defensive numbers won’t do justice to this game either. The bottom line is I’d take the 3.5 point underdog every time these two teams played. McNair can really manage a low scoring game, and Tampa struggles to put up points against tough run defenses. This game should be very even, with a field goal separating the winner from the loser. Look for the upset in Tampa. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

N.Y. Jets (+3) at Tennessee: Ugh. This game has the makings of an early season #1 pick bowl. Sure, its nearly impossible to tell which team will get the chance to pick the best college player in the land, but I’ll be stunned if one or both of these classy organizations doesn’t find themselves with a top 3 pick in next year’s draft. Vince Young will look a lot better throwing pig rockets to Calvin Johnson anyway. In this game I have to take the Jets. They have the best chance to win now. Chad Pennington is a good signal caller when healthy, and if he is indeed healthy, his passer/receiver relationship with Coles should push his Jets to 1-0 on the season. After that I’ve got no guarantees NY. Game Date: 09/10/06 13:00 ET

San Francisco at Arizona (-7): While San Francisco’s lack of off-season movage all but promises their return to the bottom of the league, the Cardinals spent big and expect a winning record as well as grand returns in week 1. I’m with them on one expectation. Week 1 should be a breeze. Frank Gore will try to keep his Niners close, but his running ability alone won’t do the trick as Edge, Kurt, Larry, and Anquan will prove too explosive for the young 49ers defense. Arizona won each of it’s two games against the Niners last season, both times by 7 points or more.
Game Date: 09/10/06 16:15 ET

Chicago (-3) at Green Bay: It’s insane to think the Packers even stand a chance in this game. Rexxy Grosman started to put it together by the end of the preseason, and Lovie Smith did the smart thing by naming Thomas Jones the starter in Chicago’s backfield. Brett Favre doesn’t have it like he used to, and even if he did, his offensive line isn’t sturdy enough to keep him alive. The last thing the Packers need is to play one of the NFL’s strongest defenses in Week 1. I’ll be stunned if the Pack remains in the game by half time. Game Date: 09/10/06 16:15 ET

Dallas at Jacksonville (-2): If it were up to me I would stay away from this game. But, since I leave no game unplucked, I’ll roll with the Jaguars in this one, if only to be different. The Boys are a hot pick for week 1, but don’t count out the Jags. Dallas is 1-3 in opening games since 2002, while the Jags always play well on Day 1. Byron Leftwich hasn’t looked like a stud this preseason, but he’s got all the tools. Jimmy Smith’s absence will hurt, but the young trio in Jax will be fine as all three have youth and explosiveness. With Fred Taylor back and healthy, I’ll pick TO to lose his first game as a Cowboy. Fat Slow Drew will almost assuredly get concussed by Marcus Stroud or John Henderson, so we’ll see what Tony Romo can do early. Dallas’s D isn’t as good as everyone thinks, just wait and see. Game Date: 09/10/06 16:15 ET

Indianapolis (-3) at N.Y. Giants: In the battle of the evil NFL spokesmen brothers, I’ll go with older and better, Peyton. Think about it. Peyton’s team is better, his receivers are better, and he’s just flat out better than Eli. Plus, is there one big brother out there who could see themselves losing to their younger brother on the gridiron? Precisely. This one goes to the Colts, even on the road in New York. Peyton doesn’t seem to mind playing there. This is the regular season here, not the playoffs, Peyton is good to go. Game Date: 09/10/06 20:15 ET

Minnesota at Washington (-4): I hate this game. With Clinton Portis out and T.J. Duckett in, who knows what will happen. Mark Brunell has looked, well, 40 years old throughout the preseason, but those old guys never seem to light it up in meaningless games, so I’ll overlook his poor outings for this one. The Redskins spent big this off season, which should allow them to sneak one out at home against the Vikings. It’ll be the first time in the history of the NFL where the combined age of both QB’s (Brad Johnson and Mark) will exceed 100 years… (White lie) Game Date: 09/11/06 19:00 ET

San Diego (-2.5) at Oakland: San Diego isn’t known for fast starts, and with a first year QB, its hard to claim things will be different for the Bolts. But they are playing Oakland. We’re talking about a team that traded their #2 receiver for a draft pick, picked up Jeff George, cut Jeff George, and sang a handful of Disney tunes on the plane ride home from Seattle all in the same week. Gong show. Aaron Brooks should find some passing yards and some touchdowns, but don’t expect the Raiders’ sorry ass defense to hold LaDainian Tomlinson for one freaking series. That would be too much to ask. Closing week 1 with a burst, SD should roll the Raiders.
Game Date: 09/11/06 22:15 ET
WAGERING SMART MAKES WATCHING NFL GAMES MORE FUN

Good Luck with your NFL Football Betting!
Lucky Lester – Free Football Picks

Week 1 College Football Picks Review: 2006

Posted on by

Opening Weekend REVIEW

I hope you didn’t blink because if you did, you missed one hell of a week in College Football. There was an upset, or two, one hell of a game in Georgia, and a Pac-10 beating that I just happened to predict in Tennessee. There were big hits, fumbles, incredible catches, and a 6-4 season to start off the year for Lucky Lester. Of course that last one is most important. Read on to get the details.

THURSDAY

The Boston College Eagles didn’t hold on to that all important cover as they got their first win of the year at the hands of Central Michigan. BC didn’t look good, but they got the W, something I can’t say for my first game of the season.

With 1 loss already in the books, I turned to my biggest guarantee of the weekend, the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. Like I predicted, any young back could be thrust into that system and pound the ball down Kent State’s throat. That’s what happened, and with a 44-0 victory I gathered in my first W.

For my second Thursday victory, the South Carolina Gamecocks shutout Miss State 15-0. With trickery, 3 field goals, and a solid rushing performance by Junior Cory Boyd, SC inked in win numero deuce. After Thursday I was 2-1.

Saturday started with a 20 point Michigan win over Vanderbilt. Not enough to cover the 26 I needed for payout, as the Wolverines slowed it down in the 4th quarter, trying harder to eliminate clock than score points. Vanderbilt played tough though, the game was closer than the score.

Stanford made me look like a moron, while simultaneously making themselves look like a high school JV team while getting absolutely slaughtered by the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. Duck RB Jonathan Stewart had some day, rushing for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns as he outscored the Cardinal all by himself.

After two early losses brought me under .500, USC, of all teams, brought me back to even on the weekend. You may remember, last season, I was the one who yelled “Texas will beat USC!” Ah, how the tides have turned. The Josh Booty and the Trojans scored 34 in the second half on way to a 50-14 destruction of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The ND Fighting Irish managed to win despite being behind for the better part of 4 quarters against Georgia Tech. Calvin Johnson looked amazing early, but Tech couldn’t get him the ball much in the 2nd half, eventually leading to their demise. ND stays alive! But not be more than a touchdown, so the Irish were responsible for my 4th loss. Little did I know that would be my last.

To even me up once again, Auburn pummeled the Washington State Cougars in Alabama, 40-14. Weird. A bottom of the barrel Pac-10 school couldn’t hang on the road with a top tier SEC squad ranked 4th in the country? Riddle me that. Kenny Irons showed why everyone sings his praises, out-rushing the Cougars entire team 184 yards to 122.

Taking me over the top were my Tennessee Vols. In my write up I said that Cal was a Pac-10 school that couldn’t hang with Tennessee because there were used to playing against lesser talent. Good thing they proved me wrong. Right.

Needing a win on Sunday night to remain over .500 in week 1, the Louisville Cardinals jumped out to a huge 1st half lead, and hung on to cover despite losing their Heisman Trophy hopeful, Michael Bush, for the season. My 6-4 opener aside, I can only hope that Bush makes a full recovery on his way to Sunday’s in the NFL. He’s got the special talent it takes to be one hell of an NFL running back.

2006 Fantasy Football Week 1 theRUNDOWN

Posted on by

This Week’s Top Team: This is the best team I could put together for Week 1

QB: Carson Palmer against the Chiefs: Palmer has looked just as accurate as ever during his two game stint in the preseason. He’s not quite there with stepping up in the pocket yet, but the Chiefs have never been much for pass rushing. Expect Palmer to find Chad Johnson and TJ Hoosyourmammma early and often on rout to a top QB day in Kansas City.

RB: Larry Johnson against the Bengals: First of all, it’s well known that LJ can’t be stopped. Second of all, it’s well known that the Bengals can’t stop solid runners. With Carson Palmer whipping the ball around to his elite wideouts, expect Marvin Edwards to try and feed LJ the rock trying to control the clock. Week 1 should show the fantasy world why LJ was the #1 overall pick in most leagues.

RB: LaDainian Tomlinson against the Raiders: The Raiders couldn’t shut down Kent State’s rushing attack last season, and this season only looks worse. Warren Sapp still looks big, but I don’t know if that’s such a good thing. LT should go off against one of the worst run defenses of all time. Those of you who are worried about Phillip Rivers’ ability to throw the ball effecting Tomlinson need not worry in Week 1. I could hand the ball off to LT and watch him pick apart the Raiders.

WR: Anquan Boldin against the 49ers: Last year Boldin and the Cardinals played the 49ers twice during the regular season. Both times the Cardinals won the game. Both times Boldin had over 100 yards receiving. In those two games combined, ‘Quan put up some serious numbers. Try 19 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns. That’s completely baller.

WR: Randy Moss against the Chargers: Last year the Chargers had one of the worst secondarys in football. It seemed like anyone could get loose on the SD boys, and I don’t see what they’ve done to change that. They took a raw and young rookie in the draft, he won’t be able to touch Randy in his first season. Jammer won’t slow Moss down either. With the Raiders almost certain to be down early in the game, expect Randy to get his chances early and often. Aaron Brooks loves to get the ball to his playmakers.

TE: Antonio Gates against the Raiders: If Phillip Rivers wants to feel comfortable throwing the ball; he’ll definitely do his best to find the leagues best tight end as much as possible. Michael Huff is just a rookie, so I can assure you that Gates will have a couple little tricks up his sleeve to hoodwink the rook. The Raiders don’t have stud linebackers, so expect Gates to run show like he always does.

K: Jeff Wilkins against the Broncos: Jeff should have a very solid year for the Rams. With Mike Martz and his “go for it on 4th and 8 from the 30 yard line” BS relocated to Detroit, one of the leagues most accurate kickers should make his run at the title formerly held by Neil Rackers; League’s Best Kicker. This week against the Broncos he should get plenty of opportunities to put up points. Denver’s D is solid but not amazing, which should allow the Rams to move just far enough to take advantage of Wilkins.

D: Chicago Bears against Green Bay: The Packers team is brutal. Their O-Line is young and fragile. Brett Favre is older nowadays, and he loves to throw the ball up for grabs. Chicago loves to score defensive points. Those two things mold together to make a damn good D on Sunday.

LUCKY’S Week 1 SLEEPERS

Phillip Rivers: As a competitive kid, Rivers will be out to prove his critics wrong in his first game as a starter. What a deal for him, he gets to try that against the Oakland Raiders. With Gates, Tomlinson, and McCardell expect Rivers to shine.

Frank Gore: While many have Gore as their #3 or #4 RB, he should get a nice look this week starting against the 49ers. Right now, everything on the ground out of San Fran should go through him. He’s always ran well, but now the job and the 20+ carries that go along with being the man, is his.

Reuben Droughns: RD should get his carries up around 25 in Week 1 against the Saints. Charlie Frye isn’t as accurate as the Browns coaching staff would like yet, so expect them to ride Droughns as far as he’ll take them. Without anyone who can stop RD on their linebacking corps, this could be a long day for the Saints secondary, because no one small likes to run into Droghns 15 times a game.

Matt Jones: Jones speed, size, and athleticism make him a touchdown threat every time he gets the ball thrown his way. Dallas’ secondary isn’t the strongest group on the planet, and if Jones gets matched up with Roy Williams, expect him to fly by the Oklahoma standout for a score or two. Plus, you know Dallas will stack up against the run and make Byron beat them. Opportunities for Jones are on the Jag’s agenda.

Nate Burelson: Nasty Nate should have a big week against the Lions. It’s unsure whether or not D-Jack will be suiting up for the Seahawks on Sunday in Detroit, but either way, and especially if he’s the #1 target, Nate should have a nice game. His precise routes, his speed, and his sticky fingers are perfect for Seattle’s offense. The Lions defense isn’t one of the better units the league has to offer.

Ben Watson: After seeing Ben race down Champ Bailey in the AFC playoffs last season, its hard not to love the guy. His speed and athleticism are almost unheard of at his position. And with Deion Branch not “available” for Sunday’s game, Ben should get the majority of play that would go Branch’s way normally. Tom likes to toss it to his tight ends. Watson could be huge in Week 1, and any week after for that matter.

Eagels DST: The Eagles go start work against the Texans. I don’t think the Texans will be as awful this season as they were last, but I also don’t think they’ll be a scoring surplus. The Eagles had an off year, but they return a team with some of the best talent in the league. Expect a bounce back year in Philly, led by a tougher D.
LUCKY’S Week 1 WUSSIES

Brett Favre: The pride of Wisconsin will almost surely have an opening day to forget the Sunday against the Bears. Brett struggled all last season against foes like the Lions, Vikings, and every other team in the league. This year he lost his long time center, and he got a year older. The Bears have pounded Brett recently, so look for Mr. Favre to struggle throughout.

Julius Jones: This is a tough spot for the former Notre Dame rusher. Jones is going up against one of the toughest front 4’s in the league, and his backup expects to get plenty of play as well. This could be the beginning of a tough season for JJ. He’ll almost certainly be sent into the teeth of John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and they have quite a bite. If he struggles early, his chances will dwindle.

Hines Ward: He’s not feeling too hot, but he’s probable. Charlie Batch will be his quarterback, which if I were him, would make me doubtful. He’s doubtful for my starting lineup that’s for sure. Miami’s D is decent, not great, but with Batch trying to slow the game down, Hines won’t get the opportunity to shine.

Joey Galloway: I would hate to go up against the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed back running show. Joey should be limited by both the Ravens defense and the slow it down, a field goal wins offense that both the Bucs and Ravens will be playing. This game will not be fantasy friendly.