FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

January 29th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

Countdown to Super Sunday (Feb 6th)

The Big Arm: Aaron Rodgers or Ben Roethlisberger
Super Sunday promises to be a fantastic matchup of two of the games’ young gunslingers that are sure to put on a spectacle of a show. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers who has finally stepped out of the shadow of legendary icon and is ready to write his own name into NFL history. Rodgers has been one of the leagues’ best passers over the past two seasons with 8,356 yards passing, 58 touchdowns, and 24 wins (including playoffs).

The Steelers have a pretty good quarterback in Big Ben; 3,200 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, and 11 wins (including playoffs) this season. Roethlisberger has enjoyed tremendous success in the post season (10-2 record) and this year has been no different, although he has struggled some throwing the ball. With the Packers up next in the big dance, Big Ben will undoubtedly be watching a lot of film from last year’s matchup when he passed for more than 500 yards against these same Packers.

Like his counterpart, Rodgers also enjoyed tremendous success a year ago; passing for over 380 yards with four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 run). Both quarterbacks are capable of delivering the big play, but the difference this time around could come down to the opposing secondary. The Steelers (ranked 12th against the pass) corners have been pretty good this season, but they will be facing a lot of four and five receiver sets that could cause them lots of problems downfield. The Packers ranked 2nd in the league with 47 sacks this season and know very well how Big Ben likes to go downfield, his tendency to hold to ball could create more opportunity for the Sack Pack to do damage.
(My Pick; Aaron Rodgers is the better fantasy play)

The Playmaker: Greg Jennings or Mike Wallace
Both Jennings and Wallace are specialists at what they do; both were 1,200 yard receivers and each led his club in touchdown receptions (Jennings 12, Wallace 10). Both defenses will struggle on Super Sunday to deny either the ball; Wallace has great speed and Jennings is an exceptional runner as well.

Jennings has 16 receptions and over 200 yards receiving in his last two games and last year against the Steelers he torched their secondary for 118 yards with a touchdown. Like Jennings, Wallace was an impact player in the previous meeting a year ago with two catches for 79 yards, including a 60 yard bomb for six. The big difference in this matchup on Super Bowl Sunday, the Steelers also had wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the lineup last year; without Holmes, Wallace figures to be the big play draw downfield.

Both defenses will hold their own on Feb 6th, but these two stud receivers are just too good to be kept down. With quarterbacks like Rodgers and Big Ben throwing the pill, you can be sure these two are going to get their share.
(My Pick; A draw, play both)

The Ground Game: James Starks or Rashard Mendenhall
The Packers have enjoyed some success with the ground game during the playoffs with rookie running back James Starks, but their luck could run out on Super Sunday against the vaunted Steel Curtain. Starks was finally able to reach the end zone in the NFC Championship, but against the Steelers (only five rushing touchdowns in 2010) he likely won’t have the same good fortune.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall has been a workhorse for the Steelers in the playoffs with 47 carries for 167 yards rushing. He’s not likely to run loose on the big stage, but he should get plenty of touches to do some damage; in particular in the red-zone. The Packers defense has allowed three rushing touchdowns in the playoffs and while the Steelers will likely have some success moving the ball in the air, you can expect them to pound the ball with Mendenhall when they get close.
(My Pick; Rashard Mendenhall is a much better fantasy play)

The Party Wreckers: The Sack Pack or the Steel Curtain
Both defenses mirror one another in many ways; the Steelers lead the league with 48 sacks, the Packers were second with 47. The Steel Curtain allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns during the regular season with five (tied with Ravens), while the Packers allowed just six. Both clubs were very similar against the pass with the Packers allowing just 16 touchdowns with 24 picks, and the Steelers defense allowing 15 touchdowns with 21 interceptions.

With monumental task facing both defensive squads the big difference for both will come down to how they attack the pass and how their foes respond. The Packers are going to throw the ball and one advantage Rodgers has is his ability to get rid of the ball in a hurry. The Packers defense appears to be set up for the bigger game of the two facing Roethlisberger. Big Ben’s tendency to buy time and make plays will in the end come back to snub him. Big Ben is too good to not make a few plays, but as many as he makes will only compel him to hold the ball longer and try to make plays.
(My Pick; Packers defense will come up with more big plays)

Just my take

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 27th, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Rashard Mendenhall: Could Be Key For Steelers
The Steelers running back led the team with 167 yards rushing in the post season and scored three touchdowns in the just two post season games. Mendenhall finished the 2010 season with nearly 1,300 yards rushing and had 13 rushing touchdowns; he also caught 23 passes for another 167 yards receiving.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers defense (allowing just 70 yards per game) will do their best to slow down Mendenhall and the Steelers ground game, but they may struggle to keep him out of the end-zone. Mendenhall already has three scores this post season and the Packers defense has allowed three.

Greg Jennings: Leads the Pack Air-Attack
The Packers wide receiver has been everything to the passing game in the post season leading the team with 17 receptions for 239 yards, but has yet to score. During the 201 season, Jennings finished with 76 receptions for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
Jennings have been unstoppable the last couple of games for the Packers. The Steelers just don’t have the personnel to matchup, it could be another big day for the Packers playmaker.

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben Looking for Another Big Day
Big Ben has not been as efficient as he would like this post season only completing 57 percent of his passes with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 75.5. During the 2010 season Roethlisberger finished the year with a 62 percent completion rate, 17 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a rating of 97.0.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers struggled a year ago against Big Ben allowing over 500 yards passing, even with five sacks. It could be more of the same on Sunday unless the defense can turn some of those hurries, hits, and sacks into turnovers.

James Harrison: Will Lead Blitz-Burgh into Dallas
The Steelers finished the 2010 season with one of the league’s most lethal pass rushes and linebacker James Harrison was a big part finishing the 2010 season with 10.5 sacks. Harrison is always imposing and has been making an impact this post season with three sacks with 14 total tackles (2nd on the team).
My Fantasy Read:
The Steel Curtain defense has been devastating at times, but they have also shown they can be vulnerable to the pass. Harrison and company will need to bring tremendous pressure if they hope to slow down Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack. This may not be all that easy; Rodgers has only been sacked five times with 93 passing attempts.

Clay Matthews Jr: The Wild Man is Ready to go Psycho
The Packers second year linebacker started the 2010 season with a bang and finished strong totaling 13.5 sacks with two forced fumbles. This post season Matthews has been on a tear with three and half sacks and 13 total tackles; he is a big part of the Packer’s “Pyscho” defense.

My Fantasy Read:
The Steelers have yet to rule out center Maurkice Pouncey, but if there’s any likelihood he can’t go the offensive line could be in trouble. Last season the Packers sacked Big Ben five times, with the Wild Man (Matthews) on the rampage the Steelers will have more than their hands full; Matthews figures to be in Big Ben’s ear all day.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 26th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

A breakdown of the notable fantasy players that will take the field on Super Sunday, February 6th,2011;

James Starks: Led the NFL Rushing in Post Season
The Packer’s rookie runner has been the spark the offense has needed in the run game to keep their explosive passing game firing on all pistons. Starks has ran well enough for Green Bay to lead the NFL in rushing this post season with 263 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
Starks role in the run game is very simple the team is not looking for yards, but rather the number of carries. His 70 attempts this post season led everyone, but he did only have one score in three games. Starks may get a couple of shots, but he’ll be hard pressed to score on the ground against the Steel Curtain.

Aaron Rodgers: Top Passer in the Post Season
There has been no other quarterback quite as hot this post season as Rodgers, at least up until the NFC Championship. Rodgers did not struggle per say, but he did throw two interceptions in the win along with 244 yard and a rushing touchdown. Rodgers finished the 2010 season with just under 4,000 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 101.2.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packer’s gunslinger is on a roll knocking down the best the NFL has to offer; the Giants, Eagles, Falcons, and Bears twice. Last season against the Steelers Rodgers did not have 500 yards passing, but he did throw for nearly 400 and accounted for four scores; three pass and one run. Super Sunday should be great for Aaron.

Mike Wallace: Big Play Specialist in 2010
The Steeler’s speedy receiver led the team this season with 60 receptions for 1,257 yards receiving with 10 touchdowns. Wallace’s 21.0 yards per catch ranked 2nd in the NFL while his 26 catches for 20 or more yards led all receivers this past season.
My Fantasy Read:
Wallace is the homerun hitter for the Steelers. Last year against the Packers Wallace was held in check to just two catches, but both were big balls for scores; one was for 19 and the other was for 60 yards.

Heath Miller: Played Big in Last Matchup with Packers
The Steelers tight end did not make many catches in the post season, but don’t count him out of Super Sunday. Miller led the team this post season with 7 catches and finished with 77 yards receiving and a score. For the year Miller was the team’s third leading receiver with 42 catches, 512 yards receiving, and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
A big note for Miller, in last year’s shootout with the Packers he set a career high with 118 yards on seven catches. The Packers had some trouble with balls out of the backfield against the Bears, but managed to keep tight end Greg Olsen in check; it may not be another career day for Miller.

Jordy Nelson: Quietly Becoming A Weapon for Rodgers
Behind the Packers leading receiver Greg Jennings, Nelson was second on the team this post season with 12 receptions for 146 yards. Nelson has quietly moved up the depth chart into the number three slot and will see plenty of snaps come Super Bowl Sunday. Nelson finished the 2010 season with 45 catches and 582 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
This post season Nelson has developed into one of Rodgers best targets and most reliable hands on the field. The third year product out of Kansas State is also a very good blocker, so he’ll see plenty of snaps on Sunday in the pass and run game making him a safe fantasy play.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

January 24th, 2011, Tuesday

On the Cover

There is No Tomorrow

Jay Cutler Leaves NFC Title Game with Injury?

While there has been so much said and written, I will go ahead and share a little of my two cents on the subject....

Even though I don’t want to get myself all caught up in the uproar, I do think the single point most were trying to make and what I myself saw on Sunday; if you ask anyone that follows the game, hell ask any fan or player that loves to play the game (professional or not) there’s always a story or cliché “you’ll have to drag me off the field kicking and screaming.” It’s what we heard growing up following sports from our sports heroes and those that helped to make the games we watch and love as great as they are today.

Even players like former Bronco’s offensive lineman Mark Schlereth tweeted their opinion (“you would have to drag me off the field”) on the subject holding true to what many fans would expect from the greats, the professionals, and true gladiators of the sport. We are just fans and this is what we have come to know, these are world class athletes of their sport that train hard year round for a chance at greatest; and in his moment of opportunity to achieve greatness it appeared Cutler quietly resigned himself to the bench. Whether that was the case or not, for most that is what they saw.

Watching this criticism spread like a wildfire and seeing people take stance on one side or the other, should he have played, was he hurt, I think they are missing the point. I don’t really believe the original criticism stemmed from him not playing or accusing him of not being hurt, it was the perception that he did not look like a quarterback that was badly hurt, but looked more like a guy that didn’t care to be out there.

Fair or not I think some (critical) words were misspoken, but the message was there; it was in Cutler’s complete body language not offering an acceptable explanation as to why he was not out there on the field competing or doing more to help his team.

Fans are creatures of habits and we have seen it too many times, players getting knocked around and somehow, one way or another climbing back out on the field of battle and leaving their heart and soul for their fans and the world to see. We have seen players carried by teammates to remain in the game, the stories of players playing with separated shoulders, sprained knees, busted ankles, and any other kind of injury you can imagine, leaving their blood and guts on the field all for the sake of giving their all.

Right or wrong fans have become accustomed to see this from our heroes, the great players, and those players that aspire to be great, on Sunday one of those players did not deliver what fans have come to expect from a player of his caliber and talent level. If you are going to be great, you have to do great things, rise above the rest, defy the odds, and accomplish the near impossible sometimes.

In his moment of glory Jay Cutler sat lonely on the Bears sideline looking like someone who was disinterested and didn’t have a full grasp of the magnitude of that moment. While it may not be fair to vilify the guy for retreating to safe conditions on the sideline, afterall he did suffer a knee sprain, you can hardly argue with anyone to criticize his lack of effort to help the team.

Remember, this is still a team sport and it’s never about one guy. Even though Cutler’s day had ended it did not mean the Bears day did as well, that’s probably what fans should be more critical about. Maybe he could not be on the field giving his all for his team and the home crowd, but was he on the sideline doing all he could to help his team (granted my point of vision was restricted to network coverage).


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 24th, 2011, Monday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Late Evening Edition)

Well the NFL is now down to its’ final two with both the Packers and Steelers coming out victorious in their respective championship matchups. Although I am not surprised to see these two teams heading to Dallas for a February 6th showdown I won’t try and be one of those people that say I had this pick all along. I did however get this matchup right in my friendly and innocent office pool; I actually had three of the four teams in the championships as well (only the Jets were the surprise attendee).

Watching both games was quite thrilling, but it seems the entertainment did not stop at the conclusion of the late game (AFC Championship) with all the media buzz and twittering tweets that took place regarding the disappearance of Jay Cutler. In all fairness to Jay, it does appear he was really hurt and from what I had read in the numerous articles and tweets, I don’t think anyone questioned that fact.

There has been so much already said and written, so I don’t want to get myself all caught up in the uproar here (you can read my lead story “On the Cover”). What needs more speaking of is the two great games that were played, watched, and have now set up what could potentially be one of the greatest Super Bowl matchups in history.

Top Stories

Packers Continue the Ride to Dallas

The Packers entered Soldier Field with two goals in mind, establish the run and beat the Bears. While the numbers don’t jump off the sports pages, running back James Starks accomplished exactly what the Packers offense needed to generate enough scores to beat the Bears. Starks only totaled 74 yards on the ground, but his 22 carries were more than enough to be effective to keep the Packers balanced and the play-action in effect. Starks also jammed a four yard run into the end-zone in the second quarter to help the Packers build a 14-0 lead. With the running game doing just enough, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to operate from the pocket with his arm and his legs. Rodgers completed 17 of 30 passes for 244 yards with two interceptions (one off a deflection) and he also scrambled seven times for 39 yards and a one–yard touchdown run. The Packers would need help from their defense to close out this win and would get it in the form of an interception return late in the game by (of all people) defensive lineman B.J. Raji. The score was the difference in the game and gave the cheeseheads a not so pretty win, but one they will take every time.

Mendenhall Bullies His Way Through the Jets Onto Dallas

The Steelers looked like a team of destiny early with running back Rashard Mendenhall shredding the Jets run defense for nearly 100-yards in the first half. Mendenhall would carry the ball 27 times and finish the game with 121 yards and a one-yard touchdown dive in the first quarter to lead the Steelers ground attack. With Mendenhall running the ball very well early, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was able led the Steelers to a first half 24-3 lead, and a lead they would not relinquish. Roethlisberger’s numbers were nothing to swoon over, he completed just 10 of 19 for 133 yards and had two interceptions, but he was able to use his feet to make a few plays rushing for 21 yards and scoring on a two-yard scamper. The Steel Curtain would do their part in the AFC Championship tilt sacking quarterback Mark Sanchez and forcing a fumble that would be scooped up by cornerback William Gay and returned for a touchdown. Like the NFC title game this win for the Steelers was not a pretty one, but it’s one they will keep and the one they needed to move onto their record-tying eighth Super Bowl appearance.

Notables;

With the Packers and the Steelers set to face one another in Super Bowl XVL in Dallas on February 6th, a couple of notable players that should keep the fantasy football faithfuls’ attention…

Packer’s wide receiver Jordy Nelson didn’t see a great many targets on Sunday (just five), but he was the second most targeted receiver for Green Bay and finished Sunday with four catches for 67 yards. Nelson has 12 catches and 146 yards receiving this post season (2nd on the team).

Tight end Heath Miller did not see many balls on Sunday (no Steeler receiver did), but he was targeted four times to lead the team and finished the day with two catches for 38 yards. In their last matchup against Green Bay a year ago, Miller had a career high 118 yards receiving.

Wide receiver Donald Driver was quiet on Sunday with just one catch for nine yards, but he was targeted five times and has 12 catches for 141 yards in the post season (no touchdowns). Last year against these same Steelers he caught three balls for 76 yards.

Just my thoughts.

Fantasy Spotlight

Unfortunately for the Jets Mark Sanchez, he was the only starting quarterback on Sunday to not throw an interception, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a victory. After surviving a near disastrous first half (trailing 24-3), Sanchez only in his second year in the league, regrouped and led his team to a second half comeback.

Sanchez rebounded in great fashion looking like a savvy veteran under center in the second half against the Steelers. Facing the Steelers vaunted Blitz-burgh pass rush (48 sacks in 2010) Sanchez would complete 13 of 18 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns to lead the second half rally that would fall just short.

On the evening Sanchez finished 20 of 33 for 233 yards with the two scores and a passer rating of 102.2 (highest of the day by far).

He’s our Fantasy Spotlight Player of the Week!

Diamonds in the Rough

TE-Andrew Quarless

With the Packers set to face the Steelers on February 6th, tight end Andrew Quarles could become a more significant player in the Packers passing game. On Sunday against the Jets the Steelers defense struggled to cover the Jets tight end Dustin Keller who grabbed eight passes for 64 yards. Also. Last year against the Steelers, Packer’s tight end Jermichael Finely was big with nine passes for 74 yards and a score. Quarless is not Finley, but with 21 receptions and 238 yards receiving this season he could offer some production in the pass game on Super Sunday.

WR-Emmanuel Sanders

The Steelers passing game was anemic on Sunday against the Jets secondary, but against the Packers it could find some life. Big Ben (503 yards passing in 2009 against Packers) has been notorious for holding the ball and giving his receivers a chance, so a player like rookie receiver Emmanuel Sanders (5 catches for 74 yards in the post season) could become a factor. Sanders only caught one ball on Sunday, but he was targeted three times and has been (targeted) 10 times in the post season (second on the team).

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

January 23rd, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Notable Injury News
(for fantasy owners)

Without question the big news on Sunday came out of the Packers-Bears matchup with quarterback Jay Cutler going down with a knee injury that ended his day prematurely. There was no immediate report suggesting that Cutler was even hurt or how serious and when he came out of the locker room to start the second half, it was puzzling to see him leave the game almost immediately.

The big question about the injury altogether was the commentators not offering much information, so for those of us at home we were left to speculate. The early diagnosis is a possible torn ligament (MCL) and he is schedule to have an MRI on Monday.

Steeler’s quarterback Big Ben (Roethlisberger) also suffered a leg/hip injury in his championship matchup, but unlike Cutler he remained in the fight and led his team to victory. Big Ben was hit in the thigh early by Jets linebacker Calvin Pace in the first quarter and was limping noticeably. The injury appeared to be a similar to a Charlie-horse and the limp seemed to dissipate as he played on. There have been no reports of his injury since the game concluded, so his Charlie-horse must be fine.

The only other significant injury of the day came when the Steelers pro bowl center Maurkice Pouncey left the game with an ankle injury. Pouncey was on the sideline in crutches, but no information was offered regarding the severity of his injury. We will have to wait to hear more later in the week as the Steelers now prepare to face the Packers in Super Bowl XLV on February 6.

“Sunday’s Heroes”

This Weekend’s Heroes

There were plenty of warriors on the field of battle on Sunday as the final four teams in the NFL’s post season tournament took to the gridiron.

In the early contest between the Packers and Bears rookie running back James Starks was effective early helping the Packers build a lead that they would hold on to defeating the Bears to advance to Super Bowl XLV. Starks carried the ball 22 times on the afternoon and maneuvered his way through the Bears defense for 74 yards rushing. Starks would also score one of the Packers two rushing touchdowns.

On the other side, it was running back Matt Forte who helped pace the Bears offense throughout the game to keep this one within reach most of the afternoon. Forte would run hard and grind his way through the Packers defense for 70 yards rushing on 17 carries, but the versatile back was also very productive in the passing game. Forte hauled in 10 balls for 90 yards to help the Bears stay competitive in a game that was for the most part dominated by an aggressive Packers defense.

In the later contest running back Rashard Mendenhall was the big difference for the Steelers on offense running very well through the Jets third ranked run defense. Mendenhall would fight his way for 121 yards rushing on 27 carries to lead all rushers for the day. The Steelers ball carrier also scored his third rushing touchdown of the post season and added a couple of catches for another 32 yards.

Even in defeat 2nd year quarterback Mark Sanchez played like a Sunday Hero. The former Trojan played as well as anyone could have expected completing 20 of 33 passes for 233 yards. In the face of tremendous pressure most of the evening, Sanchez stood as tall as he can and tossed two touchdowns without any interceptions. He did have a fumble in the first half that led to a score, but that was his only mistake.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

January 23rd, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Championship Day

Today’s injury notes

For this time of year, all four teams playing today are relatively healthy and wo’t have any significant injuries to be concerned with. The only two notable players this week with any injury concerns, Bears safety Chris Harris (torn muscle) will play with pain today and Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis (knee) is questionable, but expected to play.

A couple of notable differences for the Jets-Steelers matchup later this evening, in their first meeting the Steelers were without tight end Heath Miller and All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu; both are healthy today and will start.

The Bears will not have wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, he will be inactive making room for tight end Desmond Clark; the Bears will obviously be leaning on the run and adding more blockers to protect Cutler.

The Jets will have a healthy Brad Smith (groin) back on the field today. Smith was a full-participant in practice Friday and will be returning kicks today for the Jets. In their only meeting with Pittsburgh back in week 15 this season, Smith took the opening kickoff to the house; it was one of his two returns for touchdowns this season.

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is battling a cold and had some voice issues, but according to ESPN earlier the Steelers coaching staff say Big Ben is feeling better and his voice should not be an issue. If Big Ben does struggle with making calls it could have an impact on their hurry-up offense.

Today’s Matchup (Player watch)

Both of today’s games offer plenty of defense and defensive specialists; in the Packers-Bears matchup both teams bode plenty of playmakers that can make a huge difference, but only a few can change the game.

The Bears will need a huge effort from defensive end Julius Pepper. The versatile Peppers will need to bring a whole lot of pressure on the edge if the Bears have any hopes of slowing down the Packers passing attack. Peppers’ is also an extremely gifted athlete and will need to make plays today against the run.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher will also be essential for the success of the Bears defense. He also needs a big game against the run today if the defense is going to force quarterback Aaron Rodgers into predictable 3rd and long passing downs.

On the other side of the coin, the Packers have a couple of defensive players that need to play very well this afternoon. The key to slowing down the Bears attack will be shutting down the run and pressuring quarterback Jay Cutler. Linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and cornerback Charles Woodson need to get there when the Pack bring the heat, if they don’t Cutler could have a big passing day for Chicago.

The Packers defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins need to clog the middle and make sure running back Matt Forte does not have a big game on the ground. In their last meeting Forte scampered his way for 91 yards.

The Steelers will need to secure the ball today against the Jets defense and will need Big Ben to make a few plays if they hope to have great success running the ball. In their last meeting Ben passed for 264 yards completing 23 passes, while running back Rashard Mendenhall was successful running the ball for 99 yards; they will need more of the same.

Against the Steelers offense today, the Jets defense needs a much better push against the run. Defensive lineman Shaun Ellis is expected to play and along with him linebacker Bart Scott will need to be big against the run. The Steelers managed 146 yards last go around, if the Jets are to win, they can’t allow the Steelers as many yards.

…of course there will be plenty of offense to watch;

Aaron Rodgers is geared up to have a big day against the Bears. Starks will see some carries, but his effectiveness should come in short yardage near the goal line. You can pick and choose any of Rodgers weapons, but one that may go overlooked today is Jordy Nelson; effective last week against the Falcons and could be big today.

Running back Matt Forte should see plenty of action in the run and pass games today, with quarterback Jay Cutler throwing the ball quite a bit today against the Packers aggressive 5th ranked pass defense. Tight end Greg Olsen came up big last week and could be utilized more today in shorter routes in hopes of slowing down the Pack sack attack.

The Steelers had success in the air and on the ground in their last meeting with the Jets; wide receiver Mike Wallace could be in for another terrific outing today matched up against Cromartie and Mendenhall will get plenty of carries inside and could find paydirt.

The Jets may struggle a little today, but where they may find success is with their big receiver Braylon Edwards (8 catches in the last meeting) and if this game moves to the pass for New York, running back LaDanian Tomlinson is still an effective weapon.

By David Ortega