FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEKLY FEATURES

IND (4-2) vs KC (2-4)

Game Prediction: IND 31, KC 27

If these two teams can only match their previous best offensive showings of the season, there could be over 100 points in this single game. Makes me dizzy thinking about it.

Pre-Game Notes - IND

It was another one of those wild weeks when the Colts lost to the Jaguars 24-27 in Indianapolis after preparing for two weeks thanks to their bye. Of course, the Colts had already beaten the Jaguars 24-17 in Jacksonville earlier in the season. Facing the Chiefs would be much less fear-inspiring if they were not coming off a 56-10 win over the Falcons and rushing in four times as many touchdowns as the Colts have allowed all year.

Running Backs: Edgerrin James was again less effective against the Jaguars last week, gaining only 87 yards on 18 carries which was in line with the 83 yards he had in the previous matchup. Last week was the first time that James did not score a touchdown this season since week one.

Wide Receivers: We now know that shoving Peyton Manning on the sideline means only 28 yards receiving. Reggie Wayne proved it in spite of being at home where he is usually much more effective. Brandon Stokley had 112 yards last week and is as good a #3 receiver as any in the NFL. Marvin Harrison was held to only five catches for 70 yards last week but two went for scores. This still ranks as the top trio in the league thanks to Manning.

Harrison injured his shoulder last week but is expected to be fine against the Chiefs this week.

Tight Ends: Facing a stout defense led Manning to a much greater use of his tight ends last week. He connected three times each with both Dallas Clark and Marcus Pollard. The touchdown pass went to Clark for the second straight week.

Match Against the Defense: James has plenty of opportunities to get back on track this week, facing a defense that has allowed two runners to top 150 yards rushing though the Chiefs are better against the run lately.

Manning is also a lock for a nice game against a secondary that yielded multiple scores three times this season and that was facing DEN, CAR and JAX. This should be a big points affair you do not want to miss out on.

Pre-Game Notes - KC

What a game! Eight rushing scores for the first time in the history of the NFL and while they were split between Holmes and Blaylock, they could have all gone to Holmes if his ankle held up. The Chiefs are inconsistent this season, but at home they are 2-1 and evidently capable of scoring 56 points against the #1 rushing defense. Don't try to make sense of it, just hope you have Holmes or Blaylock on your roster.

Running Backs: Nirvana.... ohhmmmmm....

While Holmes was held out of the second half last week, HC Dick Vermeil said he could have returned if needed. I am expecting Holmes to be fine this week but will update if warranted.

Wide Receivers: The entirety of the season has only produced one passing touchdown to a wideout and that was for Chris Horn. Both Johnnie Morton and Eddie Kennison typically get 50 or 60 yards a game but with those running backs, there is no need to catch a score - just block more.

Tight Ends: Last week was the worst game for Tony Gonzalez since opening week. He only had two catches for 19 yards. Merely running the ball will not likely be enough against the Colts.

Match Against the Defense: The Colts have been much better against the run this season but mainly because they've led so many games that opponents have not been able to stick to the ground game. They've only allowed two rushing scores the entire season and Holmes had that last week in the first five minutes. This will be a test for the Colts defense and Holmes has always been up to the task this season.

The Colts usually give up passing yardage and scores thanks to garbage time and already have allowed three teams to exceed 300 yards in the air. This is the best chance the wideouts may have all season to matter and actually score.