What's the old saying? "Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!"
Spaz, the magnificent football predicting cat, and I refuse to believe the Lions can beat the Green Bay Packers in week #11. It may be a "must win" game for the Lions, but Detroit cannot seem to prevent a Packers quarterback from having a big day against them. Just ask All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers or Matt Flynn who was Rodger's backup and now plays for Seattle.
Detroit also seems ill-equipped to win the critical games this year or put together an extended winning streak. In 2011 the Lions benefited from a 5-0 start. But they've won only nine out of their last 22 games.
The Lions defense is no better than last year's squad. And the Matthew Stafford-to-Calvin Johnson combo seems to be in peak and valley mode.
Given the recent history of this match-up, Spaz and I are expecting the Lions to be 4-6 by 4 p.m. (US EST) this Sunday. Now let's look at the rest of the week #11 predictions.
Predictions
"The Lion who will roar" (Hometown Hero): Wide receiver Calvin Johnson ascends to the top of the Lions chart this week, because Spaz and I believe he could have a big day against the Packers secondary.
"Above (not On) Par Lion": Running back Joique Bell could provide an element of surprise in this game. Bell has been proficient catching the ball out of the backfield and has been a good No. 2 RB behind starter Mikel Leshoure.
"Bench that Lion" (Hometown Zero): The Detroit Lions defense against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Advantage Rodgers and Green Bay's passing game.
Week #10 Predictions: Deni (5-4) - Green Bay 28, Detroit 27. Spaz (3-6) - Green Bay 28, Detroit 24.
"I wish I had him this week" - Predictions: For Detroit fantasy owners with stars from other teams, here are three players that should have a better than average game in week #10:
• Drew Brees, QB, New Orlenas - According to Yahoo!Sports, Brees is now the leading scorer in fantasy football. Brees versus the Raiders defense is a mismatch and that's why he is my national "Start Him" player of the week. Expect the Saints QB to ring up at least 25 fantasy points.
• Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay - Martin keeps climbing up the fantasy football ranks with solid rushing performances. He faces a Panther defense that has not been very effective against the run this season.
• Arian Foster, RB, Houston - If the Detroit Lions can muster an effective running game against Jacksonville, imagine what the Texans could do. Foster should have another solid day rushing the football.
"Expect a Downturn": Here are three players whose performances will take a slide:
• Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore - Boldin is averaging 7.5 fantasy points per game and is my national "Sit Him" player of the week. He seems to have dropped to the Ravens' No. 3 receiver.
• Chris Ivory, RB, New Orleans - The Saints have four running backs. Well, actually, they have three healthy RB's, because Darren Sproles is hurt. With a congested backfield, someone has to surrender some carries. I think the best candidate is Ivory.
• Greg Little, WR, Cleveland - Little is not being targeted as much this year as he was in 2011. Plus the Cowboys secondary has been pretty good at containing an opponent's passing game.
Which players do you think will surprise or disappoint us in week #11?
Here's your opportunity to share your opinions and expertise with other fantasy sports enthusiasts and me. You can submit your predictions by choosing to "Comment" on this story or email me at deni-martin@att.net.
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