On to week 6…the Bears are back and I hope my GOOD picks are too…

Stone Tablet Locks – chisel these guys in stone as MUST PLAYS this week. (more…)

Stone Tablet Locks – chisel these guys in stone as MUST PLAYS this week.

1. Minnesota DST @ St. Louis – The Lambs OFFENSIVE offense has scored an average of 6 points per game…does anything more need be said???
2. Donovan McNabb vs Tampa Bay – The Tampa DST is 3^rd worst in the league in allowing plays of 20+ yards.  I expect D-Mac to pick up where he left off and shred the Tampa secondary that has been terrible this year.
3. Andre Johnson @ Arizona – The Arizona DST is ranked 30^th against the pass and I expect this game to be a shoot-out of epic proportions.  AJ is generally a must-start, but a downright no brainer this week.

DeCon’s Blessing – given to SLEEPERS to sneak in to grab you some big points.

1. Chester Taylor @ St. Louis – Expect a lot of points in this game…by the Vikings and expect this laugher to be over by halftime, leaving plenty of garbage time for CT to do some damage.
2.  Julius Jones vs Jacksonville – The return of Hasselbeck likely won’t save the Seahawks season, but it should open up some lanes for JJ to exploit.  Believe it or not, JJ is actually a top-12 RB in PPR leagues and certainly worthy of a blessing this week.
3. Tim Hightower vs Houston – The Houston DST has allowed a league-high 8 rushing TDs this season.  As mentioned before, this game should be a shootout and with Houston’s aggressive defensive front, I expect Hightower to get plenty of chances in the passing game, as well as the rushing game.

Bent Over the Altar – you MUST SIT these players because no one wants to be bent over the altar.

1. Denver DST vs NE – The Denver DST is a top-3 scoring DST, but don’t be fooled as they have played subpar competition.  Expect the Evil One in the cut-off hoodie and #12 for the Pats to have a lot to say about bringing the Broncos DST back to earth.
2. Matt Ryan @ San Fran – I’m sorry, but until someone looks good against this defense (and not lucky, Mr. Favre) it is hard to think of anyone going into SF right now and doing any damage offensively…except of course on Nov 12, 2009 when a certain team we all know and love will go visit Coach Singletary and the boys…Matty gets put on ice in this game.
3. Ronnie Brown vs NY Jets – Miami is quietly leading the league in rushing, but with Henne at the helm, expect 8-9 Jets in the box on every play making Henne’s life miserable and wreaking havoc on both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

In Need of a Confession – Teams are ON A BYE and will be skipping services this week.

Bears – Cutler and Forte owners need to plug some holes, but at least the Bears can rest.

Packers – Rodgers and Jennings are about the only offensive players worth having on the Packers.  

Chargers – No Rivers, Gates, Sproles, LT or Vincent Jackson…man, this is a bad week for missing your studs… 

Saints – Brees, Colston, Bush, Pierre Thomas…geez…almost as bad as having the Chargers on a bye in the same week…oh wait, they are too….

How do you fill in the Pews this Week??? 

If David Garrard is still available, grab him or if you are really desperate, I actually like Derek Anderson this week as the Browns face the Bills…two equally hapless franchises. 

Julius Jones and Chester Taylor, mentioned above might still be available in your leagues and could be good fill-ins this week, along with Sammy Morris whose production will increase since Fragile Fred is out for about 4 weeks with an ankle. 

Look towards Mike Sims-Walker, who was a hot add this week, but he may still be available.  Another WR I like is Percy Harvin as I believe the Vikes will roll up a big number on the Lambs.

Visanthe Shaincoe and Brent Celek should be solid contributors this week at the TE position and could be available.

Can I get an “Amen?”

The DeCon has spoken…so let it be written, so let it be done…

I’ll hear your fantasy football confessions at beargoggles.decon@gmail.com.  

While I’m doling out praise, let me tip my cap to Matt Forte, who surpassed Gale Sayers on Sunday for most total yards from scrimmage for a rookie running back with 106 total yards on Sunday to pass the Kansas Comet’s 1374 yards set back in 1965.  That’s some pretty rare air for the Bears rookie.  Nice going Matt! 

Another bright spot on Sunday was the play of the tight ends, as Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark combined for 60 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.  It’s amazing how much better the offense seems to work when the TE’s are involved in the game.  Note to Ron Turner – DO MORE OF THIS!!!

Devin Hester led all receivers with 80 yards on 5 catches, but for me, the most exciting Hester moment was a punt return late in the second quarter.  Devin fielded the punt in Jags territory and showed a burst that I haven’t seen much this year.  It was as if he could smell the end zone.  While he did step out of bounds at the 23 yard line while trying to plant and sharply cut back to the inside, maybe it’s a sign that he’s getting his confidence back.  It could also be a sign that the Jags are just that bad.  All I know is that if the Bears are serious about making a playoff push, they will need the Ridiculous One to return to form.

On the defensive side of the ball, it was nice to see the D-line get some pressure on Garrard.  Coach Babich must’ve read my Pre-game thoughts.  Glad I could help, Bob.  It was nice for Mark Anderson finally to show up this season.  Besides his second half sack of Garrard, he really showed some impressive closing speed on a Garrard bootleg early in the game.  Anthony Adams and Israel Idonije also showed well for the defensive line, while Peanut Tillman and Mike Brown led the secondary with 8 tackles apiece.  I can’t overlook the Danieal Manning interception and fine return work that set the tone for the game. 

No time to celebrate with a quick turnaround this week with a Thursday night nationally televised game for the few dozen people that have the NFL Network.  More news and notes to come on Monday as we look ahead to the next opponent – the Drew Brees led New Orleans Saints.

• It’s cold out there!  Do not give the Jags a warm welcome!
• Pressure David Garrard.  He needs to spend significant time on his backside today.
• Kevin Jones is inactive for the 4th straighT game.  The end is near, KJ. 
• Also noticed that Matt Toeaina is inactive.  With Dusty Dvorcek OUT and Anthony Adams dinged up, I hope there is no lack of depth at DT position today.
• I’m starting Maurice Jones-Drew today in Round 1 of my fantasy playoffs, so if the Bears let the Jags score at all, let it be Mo-Jo.  I know, Blasphemy!  I can take it if I win.
• David Haugh wrote a nice piece evaluating the Bears’ roster in the Chicago Tribune today.  Maybe David’s jumping the gun, since this is something you really start to think about when the season is over.  The Beloved are still solidly in the playoff picture, so let’s worry about next year after this year is over.  Nevertheless, it’s a good article and I suggest you check it out :http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-081206-chicago-bears-nfc-north-haugh,0,4370382.column
•  I can’t believe that a judge has issued a temporary injunction to allow the Williams boys (and the three Saints) play today.  I hope that judge gets a dose of common sense and the 4 game suspensions are upheld.
• As much as l like to see the Lions suffer and would love to see them go 0-16, I will be rooting for them to beat the Vikes today.  Maybe Ford can use some of that Federal bailout money to fix the Lions!

BEAR DOWN!!!