Tennesee Titans at Miami Dolphins
Sunday’s matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the Miami Dolphins features two teams with a lot on the line. The Titans are coming off an embarrassing loss the Chicago Bears, while the Dolphins are coming off a tough loss to the hot-handed Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. Titans' owner Bud Adams spoke out publicly about the poor play of his team and has people clamoring about possible off season changes coming to Tennesee. The Dolphins must win Sunday if they want to remain in the crowded AFC playoff picture.
Neither defense has looked stout as of late. Tennessee is allowing over 34 points per game, while Miami was carved up for 433 passing yards by Luck last week. Miami started the season as a running team but with the emergence of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill they have evolved into more of a passing team. Tannehill will go up against Jake Locker, who returns from an injury this week. Locker will be looking for the Titans fourth win of the season, while Tannehill will attempt to lead his team over .500 and back in the playoff hunt.
Fantasy Outlook
For the Dolphins, Ryan Tannehill is a safe start this week if your regular starter has a bye. I also like Reggie Bush to run for at least 80 yards and one touchdown. Miami is very stingy against the run, so temper expectations of Chris Johnson. The Dolphins allow ridiculous yardage through the air, the question is: Who on the Titans will capitalize on this? Be wary of starting any Tennesee Titan players.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patroits
Two AFC East teams with opposite records (Bills 3-5) and (Patroits 5-3) face each other in Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Last time these two teams met the Bills got off to a hot start and led the Patriots at halftime. The Bills collapsed in the second half the Patriots went on to win the game. The Pats look to sweep the season series Sunday, while the Bills must win in order to salvage their season.
Buffalo has two work horse running backs in CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson but has used them sparingly as of late, a formula that has NFL insiders scratching their heads. If Buffalo is to compete with the AFC East leading Patriots they must enforce a dominant running game. The Patriots on the other hand are matched up against a Buffalo defense that’s allowing over 400 yards of total offense. New England can beat you in more than one way so the Bills must be ready for everything. Buffalo always seems to be up to the challenge when they face New England but New England has too much offense for the Bills to handle. New England wins this one at home and remains in first place in the AFC East.
Fantasy Outlook
New England has a great match up this week. Starters I like for New England include: QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, RB Steven Ridley and WR Wes Welker. The two running backs for the Bills (Jackson, Spiller) spit carries and they may get behind early, bench both backs this week. Buffalo may be forced to throw the ball often. Bills WR Steve Johnson could end up a decent play here.
New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks
Gang Green travels across the country to face the Hawks and the 12th Man Sunday. This game is a must win for the Jets if they want to save their season. Sitting at 3-5 a loss would essentially keep them out of any playoff contention. Seattle on the other hand is right in the middle of a playoff race and rookie quarterback Russell Wilson is playing at high level. The Jets will go up against one of the top defenses in the league. Will this week be the week they release Tim Tebow upon us? We will just have to wait and see.
Seattle head coach Pete Carol has his team playing well and will look to continue his success against a struggling Jets team. Injuries have really hurt this Jet team and their lack of depth has been exposed. New York quarterback Mark Sanchez must play well for the Jets to have a chance at victory. Rex Ryan’s future with the Jets is tied to Sanchez. Everything is amplified in New York and if Rex is to return as coach next year he must turn things around starting Sunday against the Seahawks.
Fantasy Outlook
The Jets face a tough Seattle defense, bench all Jet players this week. The Jets are allowing over 141 yards on the ground, RB Marshawn Lynch may be the only safe play in this game.