This football game almost perfectly mirrored what happened in last weeks clash between the Broncos and Chargers, except in reverse. This week it was the Broncos that walked all over their opponent in Mile High.

Brandon Jacobs: A Huge Disappointment

Hopefully, this season doesn’t mark the end of a short stay in the top twenty fantasy football running backs for Brandon Jacobs. This season only marks the third year that Jacobs has been the starting tailback for the Giants and fantasy owners have been very disappointed in this big backs performance.

Coming into this season Jacobs was a clear top twelve fantasy running back after he had a big year in 2008.

Sure, Jacobs missed three games last year and has always been a little injury prone, but you could count on him to have some big rushing days and always score touchdowns. Those expectations were backed by his four games with over 100 yards and 15 touchdowns from a year ago.

This year through week twelve of the fantasy football season Jacobs has zero 100 yard games and only three touchdown scores.

Because of his lack of production the Giants were rolled over by the Broncos and have lost five of their last six games.

If Jacobs can’t turn his season around, I fully expect the Giants to miss the playoffs this season.

From a fantasy perspective, I wouldn’t recommend starting this runner until he starts showing signs of playing the way his is capable.

Denver Wins Big Game

The Broncos needed this game big time, and they won this game by pounding the football and going down the field to Brandon Marshall.

Between Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhaulter the Broncos controlled the game and wore the Giants’ defense down.

Moreno is starting to show why he was the top running back selected in this year NFL draft. He is running with explosion and in this game he held onto the football.

If he continues this play than he makes for a very solid No.2 / flex play in fantasy football the rest of the season.

Next year he should be drafted somewhere around the first four rounds of all fantasy drafts and will be a decent No.2 running back for your fantasy squad.

As for Marshall, he is a must start the rest of the season. Next year he should have an even better year as he will be a year removed from his hip surgery and will have an entire offseason to work with Kyle Orton.

Look for the Broncos to be strong again next year as long as they keep their defense solid.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The Broncos started out fast but the Redskins battled back and pulled the upset victory out for the home town fans. The victory was led by starting running back Ladell Betts, who ran for over 100 yards.

Ladell Betts Runs Well

This week there were concerns that Betts wouldn’t even play in this game because of a bad ankle. Instead of missing the game Betts thrived as he carried the football 26 times for 114 yards and a touchdown run.

This was a driving force in the Redskins comeback win against the Broncos.

Look for Betts to continue to start for the Redskins as Clinton Portis will be out for at least a few more weeks with a concussion problem. Next week Betts and the Redskins will play the Cowboys, and he should be a decent play in that game.

Brandon Marshall Scores Twice

On Brandon Marshall’s first two receptions, he had two touchdowns and 115 yards receiving. Unfortunately, for the Broncos Marshall only totaled 19 yards the rest of the game.

It was nice to see the Broncos have a few plays down the field but at the end of the day they dropped their third game.

If they lose next week against the Chargers they will fall out of first place. This would be the second year in a row that the Broncos gave up an early lead in the standings to the Chargers later in the season.

Hopefully, the team will have quarterback Kyle Orton ready for this important game. Orton was seen leaving the stadium on crutches because of a bad ankle.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

As we move into week ten for the NFL football season there are still two teams that are undefeated and atop the NFL power rankings. Outside of the Colts and Saints fabulous starters we still have other teams like the Vikings, Patriots, Steelers and even Bengals that are closing in the rankings.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Saints (8-0)

Drew Brees and the Saints are still winning ball games but the last three weeks they’ve been close to losing.

Looking past this teams recent struggles it is easy to see they are vastly improved from last year. The big turnaround for this team is when they picked up defensive coordinator Greg Williams.

His impact on the defense has given them respectability on that side of the football. Not to mention fantasy football relevance.

2. Colts (8-0)

Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense have slowed down in touchdown production the past two weeks. If they have any shot of staying undefeated this week against the Patriots, they will need to turn up the point scoring once again.

3. Vikings (7-1)

Brett Favre has made a major impact on this team as they now have balance on offense and as a team. With Favre at the helm forgotten receivers like Sidney Rice have come out of the wood work and become fantasy starting players.

As long as Favre continues to stay healthy this team will continue to roll and could be atop the NFL power rankings soon.

4. Patriots (6-2)

The Patriots’ offense has come on strong in the past three games and Tom Brady is looking better all the time. If the Colts continue their struggles in scoring offense than I fully expect the Patriots to win this weekend.

Going forward I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots’ defense gets stronger and the end up in the Super Bowl.

5. Steelers (6-2)

Sure the Bengals are 6 and 2 and have beaten the Steelers this year, but I’m still going with the champs. The Steelers proved on Monday night against the Broncos why they are still one of the best teams in football.

With the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall in the running game the Steelers can now lean on the running game when they need to. I expect them to win this weekend against the Bengals.

6. Bengals (6-2)

This season has been a pleasant surprise for the Bengals. With Cedric Benson doing his best Rudi Johnson impersonation and the defense emerging this team is ready for the playoffs.

Cincinnati has already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beat the Steelers. This week they play the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and I expect the Bengals to lose. If the Bengals do, in fact, win, they will be the clear favorite to win the AFC North.

7. Broncos (6-2)

The past two weeks have been tough for the once undefeated Denver Broncos. This weekend they should get healthy with a blowout win against the Redskins.

From a fantasy perspective, we need to see this team go down the field more often. Doing so with help fantasy football values of Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler.

8. Cowboys (6-2)

If the Cowboys can put two road wins together this weekend against the Packers I will truly believe in their turnaround. As it stands right now Dallas is the favorite to win the NFC East as they are in first place.

Miles Austin has made a major impact on this team and will be a top 15 fantasy receiver coming into next year.

9. Falcons (5-3)

Having the Falcons ranked this high is very debatable, but I just believe they are the more balanced team of all the 5 and 3 teams. With Matt Ryan’s steady play in the passing game and Michael Turner’s re-emergence, this team is rolling.

10. Cardinals (5-3)

I would have the Eagles above the Cardinals if they prove to me, they can win without the big play in the air. For a team like the Eagles to drop a game to the Raiders is just not worthy of being in the top ten teams right now.

While the Cardinals haven’t run the ball great they have proven they can win on the road this season. Because of their undefeated record on the road and solid run defense, I’m willing to give them a pass for their loss to the Panthers.

• 11. Eagles (5-3)
• 12. Chargers (5-3)
• 13. Texans (5-4)
• 14. Giants (5-4)
• 15. Ravens (4-4)
• 16. Jets ( 4-4)
• 17. Packers (4-4)
• 18. 49ers (3-5)
• 19. Dolphins (3-5)
• 20. Bears (4-4)
• 21. Jaguars (4-4)
• 22. Titans (2-6)
• 23. Seahawks (3-5)
• 24. Panthers (3-5)
• 25. Bills (3-5)
• 26. Raiders (2-6)
• 27. Chiefs (1-7)
• 28. Buccaneers (1-7)
• 29. Lions (1-7)
• 30. Redskins (2-6) Has this team given up?
• 31. Rams (1-7)
• 32. Browns (1-7)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This game was a tale of two halves as the Broncos dominated the clock in the first half and then the Steelers dominated in the second. It seemed that the Broncos were going to give the Steelers defense all they could handle at the start of this game but it all turned around.

Rashard Mendenhall is Taking Over

This game is just another reason why Rashard Mendenhall is going to remain the starting running back in Pittsburgh. For the night Mendenhall slashed into the Broncos defense for 155 yards on 22 carries.

The Broncos were only giving up an average of 86 yards per game on the ground this season and Mendenhall almost doubled that total on his own.

What impresses me the most about Mendenhall is his ability to run the ball just as good in-between the tackles as he does running to the outside.

If Mendenhall continues to run the football like he has since taking over than he will be at least a second round pick in fantasy football drafts next year. Willie Parker is expected to leave the team after this season and that means he won’t be around as a threat to steal touches.

Even though Parker is still on the team and active right now you would have never known it in this game.

Consider Mendenhall a must start for the rest of the fantasy football season.

Ben Roethlisberger Leads His Team Back

Big Ben Roethlisberger almost gave the game away in the third quarter when he fumbled the football and Denver’s defense scored on the turnover.

After that play Roethlisberger had a flawless game as he charged his team down for three touchdown scores.

The Steelers are going to be a very hard team to face going forward as they now have balance on offense and still have a strong defense. Next week’s showdown with the Bengals should be a fun one to watch.

Brandon Marshall Hauls in Eleven Catches

The Broncos offensive attack was highlighted by Brandon Marshall as he had eleven receptions for 112 yards.

While this is a fine stat total and PPR fantasy owners with Marshall but I need to see more. Don’t get me wrong Marshall’s performance was solid, but I’m still not seeing this team trying to throw the football down the field.

Not only that but if I’m not mistaken the Broncos didn’t even get inside the red zone for the entire game.

If the Broncos are going to be a playoff team this year they need to do a better job against defensive teams.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This game was a big one for the Baltimore Ravens, who were coming off three straight losses in their schedule. On paper, the matchup didn’t look easy as they had to take of the undefeated Denver Broncos at home.

The Ravens won the game without much of a fight as they crushed the Broncos 30 to 7.

Ray Rice Continues to Produce

Coming into this season I liked Ravens starting running back Ray Rice as a sleeper fantasy pick. This season he is exceeding even my expectations and is putting together a Pro Bowl season.

By now, if you have Rice on your fantasy football team, you must feel like you’ve gotten away with one in the later rounds of your draft.

Today, Rice had another touchdown and had over 100 total yards from scrimmage. Look for Rice to continue his strong season as he is clearly the top runner in the Ravens’ offense.

Broncos Offense Flat

The Broncos showed that they still have a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the football. This team was down by more than ten points going into the final quarter of the game and the Broncos couldn’t move the ball.

Kyle Orton only threw for 152 yards passing and Brandon Marshall had four receptions for just 24 yards. If this team is going to win the AFC West Division they will need to start throwing the football down the field.

Dink and dunk passing has helped them win some contests early this season but that won’t last forever.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Another wild week of fantasy football is done as we are approaching the middle of October. This week I was surprised to see the Broncos beat the Patriots as they are still undefeated and atop the AFC West.

While the Broncos are off to a great start, there are other teams that are still looking for a win.

Next week Kerry Collins is supposed to start for the Titans, but I wonder how long they will go with him before Vince Young gets the call. The Titans’ season is just about over, and they need to see what Young can do.

Below I have some observations from the fifth week of the regular season and how I see those points of interest playing out from a fantasy perspective.

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Five

• Eagles vs Buccaneers
• Cardinals vs Texans
• Colts vs Titans
• Broncos vs Patriots
• Falcons vs 49ers
• Panthers vs Redskins
• Browns vs Bills
• Bengals vs Ravens
• Cowboys vs Chiefs
• Dolphins vs Jets

Regular Season First Four Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Five Notes:

Maclin and McNabb Hook Up Twice

Seeing Maclin go wild only makes Donovan McNabb’s fantasy football ranking go higher. For the game Maclin had six catches for 142 yards and the two touchdowns.

McNabb had a fabulous day as well going 16-of-24 for 264 yards passing and three touchdown passes. This was a great game to see from McNabb as he has been out with a rib injury since the first week of the season.

The Eagles are leaning on the passing game more often as Brian Westbrook is not fully healthy from his ankle injury in the spring.

McNabb, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek should all have big years in fantasy football. Maclin is also a player that is worthy of having on your fantasy football team.

Colts Just Can’t be Stopped

This week it was Collie’s turn in the offense to have a big day as he had eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. This was the kind of production that can only make fantasy football owners with Peyton Manning smile.

With Garcon and Collie getting so many catches it only makes this quarterback more valuable.

What is just as big as the new receivers producing is the fact that the Colts are using a short passing game as a running game.

At the end of the game, the Colts threw the football just to win out the game.

Manning is having a great season, and I only expect him to keep it rolling after the bye week when they face the Rams.

Broncos Win in Over Time

Kyle Orton had his best game of the season as he was 35-of-48 for 330 yards passing and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to top receiver Brandon Marshall.

This week Orton finally started getting the football to second year starter Eddie Royal as he had ten catches in the game.

Not only did the Broncos receivers and quarterback had solid games but rookie running back Knowshon Moreno was solid in his first start.

Moreno carried the football 21 times for 88 yards and had 4 receptions for 36 yards receiving.

The Broncos are still undefeated and entrenched as the top team in the AFC West. Not only are they winning but the offense is getting stronger every week.

All four of these players make for solid fantasy football starters going forward.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This was a huge game for Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniel’s as he faced off against his old team the New England Patriots. This game was also big because it would finally put to bed all the criticism that McDaniel’s has taken over the off season.

Broncos Win in Over Time

Kyle Orton had his best game of the season as he was 35-of-48 for 330 yards passing and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to top receiver Brandon Marshall.

This week Orton finally started getting the football to second year starter Eddie Royal as he had ten catches in the game.

Not only did the Broncos receivers and quarterback had solid games but rookie running back Knowshon Moreno was solid in his first start.

Moreno carried the football 21 times for 88 yards and had 4 receptions for 36 yards receiving.

The Broncos are still undefeated and entrenched as the top team in the AFC West. Not only are they winning but the offense is getting stronger every week.

All four of these players make for solid fantasy football starters going forward.

Brady Not Solid

This was the kind of game Tom Brady would win if he was on top of his game. In Overtime, he missed what could have been a big touchdown to Wes Welker on a routine throw.

Sometime this season Brady should be sharp again but right now he is not. Next week he gets the Titans sorry secondary, so hopefully he can get it going in that game.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Brett Favre received his opportunity to beat his old team this week and the old man made the most of it. For the game Favre went 24-of-31 for 271 yards and three touchdown passes.

Watching the game tonight it was very apparent that Favre still has his strong arm as he zipped the football around the field. The Vikings are still undefeated, and they play the lonely Rams next week in St. Louis.

Look for No.4 to have another solid week and the Vikings to continue their perfect record next week.

Below I have some observations from the fourth week of the regular season and how I see those points of interest playing out from a fantasy perspective.

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Four

• Bears vs Lions
• Jaguars vs Titans
• Broncos vs Cowboys
• 49ers vs Rams
• Steelers vs Chargers
• Texans vs Raiders
• Giants vs Chiefs
• Vikings vs Packers

Regular Season First Three Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Four Notes:

Slaton Benched

Steve Slaton got off to a horrible start in this game as the Raiders’ defense bottled him up and did not allow him much room. Not only did Slaton run to ineffectively but he fumbled the football for the fourth time this season and was benched after.

Seeing Slaton get benched was not surprising to me as he needs to stop fumbling the ball, but I was surprised to see who replaced him.

The Texans went to Ryan Moats instead of Slaton’s traditional backup Chris Brown. Not only did they go to Moats but Brown didn’t even play in the game.

Slaton Comes Back In a Big Way

After a series the Texans put Slaton back in the game, and he responded with a 32-yard touchdown run. Then on the next series he had a very nice 18-yard touchdown catch and run.

With Brown out of the game, the Texans kept Slaton in the game when they got inside the 10 yard line. If this continues, Slaton’s fantasy football ranking will increase as he will get goal line opportunities.

Hopefully, Slaton’s fumbling issues are behind him as fantasy football owners will need his production to make a championship run.

Brandon Marshall Puts the Game Away

Until the final drive of the game Brandon Marshall had been held in check. On that final drive, he made an unbelievable catch and run for a 51-yard touchdown score, that won the game for the Broncos.

This was the kind of play that makes people remember why a Marshall or a Terrell Owens is worth having on your football team. Beyond the drama that this type of player can bring, they also make the game winning plays like this one.

Marshall is officially back and healthy and should be in all fantasy football lineups moving forward.

Steelers Win Big Game, Mendenhall Runs Hard

Tonight the Steelers’ were desperate for a victory as they would fall to 1-3 if they lost. In the end, the Chargers made the game close but for most of the night it was the Steelers that dominated.

This performance was highlighted by second year runner Rashard Mendenhall as he stepped up big after being benched the week before.

Coming into the game Willie Parker was going to be out because of turf toe and Mendenhall got the call. Mendenhall answered as he had 29 rushes for 165 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

He even flashed some receiving skills with two receptions for 26 yards as well.

Next week the Steelers play the Lions and Mendenhall will probably get the bulk of work again with Parker on a bum toe. Pick him up and start him in your fantasy football league.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The Denver Broncos were not supposed to start the season 4-0 and be a top the AFC Western Division. In fact, many (yours truly) thought this team might not even have 6 wins all together this season, after their disastrous off-season.

I suppose that is why people say, “that’s why they play the games.” The Broncos are undefeated and Brandon Marshall looks primed for another Pro Bowl season.

Brandon Marshall Puts the Game Away

Until the final drive of the game Marshall had been held in check. On that final drive, he made an unbelievable catch and run for a 51-yard touchdown score, that won the game for the Broncos.

This was the kind of play that makes people remember why a Marshall or a Terrell Owens is worth having on your football team. Beyond the drama that this type of player can bring, they also make the game winning plays like this one.

Marshall is officially back and healthy and should be in all fantasy football lineups moving forward.

Tony Romo is Just Careless

I’m done defending Tony Romo and his care free ways with the football. This guy just doesn’t understand the importance of protecting the football, and I don’t believe he ever will understand.

His interception down by the goal line might have cost his team a win. If he doesn’t turn it over Nick Folk would have had an easy chip field goal. Then at the end of the game they could have had their solid kicker put an easy field goal in order to win.

But no, Romo had to live on the edge and throw a pick to Champ Bailey. Douche Bag!

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

It’s been a slow start for the Denver Broncos top receiver Brandon Marshall. With so much drama in the offseason, it looked as if Marshall might not even be a Bronco, at this point in time.

Beyond the off the field problems, Marshall also is coming off of hip surgery and one would expect a slow start for that reason alone.

Last week, Kyle Orton and Marshall finally looked like a pair that is primed to start producing together. Orton has been dealing with a finger injury, but at this time it looks like he is now recovered.

Against the Raiders, Marshall had six receptions and a touchdown. Beyond the production, what I also liked is that the Broncos are moving Marshall around trying to present mismatches for him to take advantage of.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The best thing the Broncos could have done to start the year was sweeping the Bengals, Browns and Raiders. They did just that and hopefully they now have that bad taste out of their mouth from the offseason.

This is a testament to the group of players they have and how they haven’t doubted themselves.

Unfortunately, the Broncos are now going into the hard part of their schedule. Below I have a list of Denver’s next eight games and there are no gimme games in this list.

• Wk 4- Cowboys
• Wk 5- Patriots
• Wk 6- @ Chargers
• Wk 7- Bye Week
• Wk 8- @ Ravens
• Wk 9- Steelers
• Wk 10- @ Redskins
• Wk 11- Chargers
• Wk 12- Giants

As you can see everyone of these games should be a hard earned win for the Broncos. The one exception might be the Redskins in week ten, but we will have to see how they are performing at that time.

If the Broncos and Marshall are to have success in this tough stretch. They need to continue their hard work and effort.

Fantasy Football Ranking for Brandon Marshall

Right now I believe Marshall is worth starting on your fantasy football team as he looks healthy. It also appears that his issues of his contract are out of sight and mind, until the season is over.

Look for Orton to continue to look Marshall’s way as he is the one big target receiver he has on the team.

Hopefully, Marshall won’t have any health set backs moving forward as it looks like he is ready to produce for fantasy football teams.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com