FANTASY FURNACE

There are several teams coming off of losses that could get them fired up this week. Some of those teams include the Cowboys who are coming off a devastating loss at home vs the rival Redskins and the Colts who got thumped by a 522 passing yard performance by Big Ben. As the second half gets underway, we’ll get to see who are the real contenders and who the pretenders will probably be. Here are our selections for Week #9…

*Home team in CAPS

Chargers +2 1/2 over the DOLPHINS– We haven’t won with the Fish all season so either we’re due or we will continue the losing streak. It’s just hard not to go with a quarterback who has thrown 20 touchdown passes against just five interceptions in what has been a career-like year for Rivers. Anticipate a close game, as the line suggests, but San Diego, who is a little banged up, still looks like they’ll be 6-3 when it’s all over.

BROWNS -6 1/2 over the Buccaneers- We continue to be in shock over the Browns loss at the then winless Jaguars, but cannot see them losing at home to the less talented 1-6 Bucs. The Browns are capable of putting together much better performances as they did when they torched the Steelers by three touchdowns.

Cardinals +4 over the COWBOYS- Our second underdog this week pits the 6-1 Cardinals against a Cowboy team who loss to the aforementioned visiting Redskins led by a rusty Colt McCoy (who showed no worse for wear). Tony Romo is far from being healthy for this contest with his back ailing after he injured it in the game against Washington. As this goes to post (Saturday afternoon) Romo is still a game time decision. Although he’s a fighter, should he decide to play Romo will be pounded and pressured by the Cardinal’s defensive line all afternoon.

Whether it’s Tony Romo or Brandon Weeden who gets the start vs the Cardinals, the 6-1 Cards will prevail, says The Furnace. Photo: Fort Worth Weekly

Raiders +15 over the SEAHAWKS- Anytime you give more than two touchdowns to a team, even one that is still winless this season, you’re asking a lot. Yes, Seattle will win this game, but consider this; the ‘Hawks, over their last six games, are 3-3 with wins by just six, ten, and four points. Not exactly blowouts…

Colts-3 1/2 over the GIANTS- Indeed the Colts got whacked by 17 points by the Steelers in Week 8 and gave up a ton of yards in the process, however the Colts have been a staunch defensive team all season long and is entitled to a let down. We just cannot see them having two letdowns in back-to-back weeks especially to a 3-4 team who averages 120 less yards per game on offense and not on the national stage of MNF. The G-Men, led by an improving Eli Manning, will still be without Rashad Jennings leaving them with a so-far unsuccessful rookie in Andre Williams in the backfield.

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