Week 9: Match-ups

At work this Friday so plenty of time to look over the Week 9 match-ups. Some stellar games of football this weekend, too: starting today is Panthers v Saints; Cowboys v Cardinals; Eagles v Texans; the always entertaining Steelers v Ravens; and everyone's favourite match-up Peyton Manning v Tom Brady. This game is so big it has its own video channel over at NFL Now, where you can relieve the greatest moments of these two titans squaring off over the last 14 years or whatever. Last years game was a doozy, with the Patriots clawing back from behind to win in over-time. But then in the one that really mattered, in post-season Manning well and truly dominated the Patriots on their way to the Superbowl. Both teams have had a good month and should be rolling for the game. If you can watch it, I recommend doing so.

But enough about Manning versus Brady...

Lighties (114) v Marcy (98)

It's Manning versus Newton with Brady on the bench! Newton let Marcy down bad last week so I'm surprised to see him still in the line-up. But the Saints Defence has been giving it up lately so maybe it's a good match-up? Better match-up than Eli Manning has, but Peyton vs Eli in fantasy would be more interesting to watch. And then if the Lighties swapped Peyton for Brady and then it'd be Brady v Eli... not as exciting, obviously, but a little more alternate-reality-type-thing... Or maybe that's just the low-caffeine levels talking. Love the Big Play players on the Lighties team, Brown, Ivory and Garcon. But Marcy has Jimmy Graham.

Endless (104) v Agent P (107)

Rivers is back under centre after a week off for the platypus, meanwhile Endless pegs all of her hopes and dreams on the ginger Dalton (not usually recommended). Both teams have high projections despite Endless having 1 starter on a bye and Agent P with 2. Love the Chiefs v Jets match-up for Endless, it's like a feast just waiting to happen - all those brutal defenders lining up to takes shots at the pathetic Jets corp. Meanwhile, Danaryius Thomas at Patriots and McCoy @ JJ Watt: can't wait to see what happens there. Update your teams, people!

Farnsworth's (97) v Bradlessbrothers (116)

BB has benched Romo for this week, probably a wise move given Romo's health status - he took a shot in the back last week and did not look well. Big Ben is not without his risks, Raven's should put up more fight than the Colts did last week. Foster, Bernard, LaFell, Smith, Thomas, Bradshaw and JJ Watt/Clowney - what a line-up! Who let this happen? But it gets better: the Farn's are starting Flacco! How awesome to see Big Ben v Flacco on the field in Sunday night Football and here in VP3 Football. Look at those QB projections: 18 points each!

Breesus (105) v Zim (100)

The two big point-scorers from last week face off in Week 9 with only 5 points separating their early projections. Zim is starting Alex Smith, a solid, safe performer who is playing the Jets. Her other option was gun-slinger Nick Foles who is facing Watt and Clowney in Houston. On Monday Foles should be black and blue and sore all over, Smith should look like he didn't even play. "Should"... Also love the two Seahawks player, Lynch and the D, facing off against Oakland at home. Boom time! Breesus fortune starts in an hour with three players suiting up, Drew Brees, and the opposition Panthers, the adorable Kelvin Benjamin and TE Olsen. Murray at Cardinals is an interesting match-up, and the Browns D versus the Bucs is a standout selection. The Bucs fought hard to get to over-time last week and then threw the game away, literally, throwing an interception to the Vikings defender who ran it back for a TD and the W. The Bucs really Suck.

Doof (95) v Forces (81)

My Run to the Championship (tm) started last week so not much to discuss here, obviously I'm destined to win. Wilson v Oakland: haha! Everyone else: errr... I'm sure they'll be fine! Totally confident in Forsett, Sanu, Ertz, Tate and Jackson all having big games. Suuuure. Luck versus the Giants, I'm sure the Giants can do well... and play unlike their usual selves. And now a quick prayer: dear dark football gods, please don't let the General notice his defence has gone on holidays. Or if, in your capriciousness, you do point it out, let him replace them with another dud as you have seen fit to do so many times already this season. If you agree, give me absolutely no sign.... thy will be done!