Each week, the great minds behind numberFire will give you some answers to the big questions of the weekend. Why can't Michael make his picks from his honeymoon? And why do two of the four nF experts really like the Cleveland offense this week? Find out all that and more below.
Game of the Week Pick: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh. Who you got?
Keith Goldner, Chief Analyst: E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! Steelers defense is banged up and once again, I'm obligated to pick my boys.
Nik Bonaddio, CEO: Pittsburgh. The Steelers simply don't lose games they have to have at home, and with Polamalu and Harrison likely back, the defense will return to the form that everyone expects.
Sean Weinstock, COO: Here we go, Stillers. Here we go! PIttsburgh's going to the SU-OOO-PER Bowl...
Zach Warren, Editor: Vick had his good game, but now's the point in the schedule where he regresses back to his interception-filled self. Steelers get up for a big game and take it.
GotW Records: Sean: 2-1, Keith, Nik, and Zach: 2-2
Which game this week is your upset special?
Keith: E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! Who needs to hedge their bets!?
Nik: I can see the Jags topping the Bears. I just don't think the Bears are that good at all, and with MJD rolling again, I think they've got a decent shot at home.
Sean: San Diego for sure. The Saints?! Really?! The Saints have no D. The Chargers are charging. I'm really surprised by Vegas on this one.
Zach: Chargers! I actually still like the Saints. I just like that San Diego offense with Rivers, Gates, Floyd, and the two-headed rushing attack of Mathews and Battle against this New Orleans defense.
Upset Special Records: Zach: 2-1, Sean: 2-1, Keith: 2-2, Nik: 1-3
Who is more likely to lose again this week: the Saints or the Seahawks?
Keith: Seahawks. Carolina should be able to win at home and the Saints aren't as bad as everyone thinks. While their defense is atrocious, they still own one of the most potent offenses in the game.
Nik: Seahawks. Saints are simply a better team.
Sean: Saints. I really think that matchup is not an even one. Carolina and Seattle will be an interesting game. Tough defense for Seattle. Cam put up some great numbers last week, but he's been far from consistent.
Zach: See my previous answer, but I'm going the Saints. Their defense couldn't stop a CYO team right now.
Who are you picking for a survivor pool this week?
Keith: 49ers. Already picked the Giants and too many people are picking them, even though they are the biggest favorite. Niners should dominate the Bills at home.
Nik: I'm resorting to my "Who is playing the Browns?" strategy, so my pick is the Giants.
Sean: Going with the Giants this week. The matchup in Cleveland should be a nice one. I'm not confident in them going forward later into the season.
Zach: Going against the grain and picking Minnesota this week. That defense looks too strong for Matt Hasselbeck to face in his first start back in the lineup. Plus, the Vikings won't have many easier matchups.
Survivor Records: Zach: 3-1, Keith and Nik: 2-2, Sean: 1-2.
Who will be the best currently under-the-radar fantasy player this week?
Keith: Domenik Hixon. Playing for an injured Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden. Hixon was targeted 11 times last week in place of Nicks. Oh, they are playing Cleveland too.
Nik: I think that the 49ers will be up big on the Bills early, so expect a big dose of Kendall Hunter. Keith is right that Hixon is a great play, though.
Sean: RANDY MOSS!!!! He's playing Buffalo. Although, the Niners put up 34 points on the Jets last week, and he got nothing. I'll go with one of Zach's guys and say Josh Gordon from Cleveland. Editor's Note: I strongly considered barring Sean from saying Randy Moss this week. If he puts up less than 5 FP this week, Sean never gets to use him again.
Zach: I talked myself into Josh Gordon of the Browns yesterday and I'm sticking with him. Honestly think it could be a shootout in MetLife Stadium.
Last week's top under-the-radar pick: My Cedric Benson pick didn't get a touchdown, but 84 yards rushing for Benson is nothing to sneeze at.