I stated before Week 3, if New England is not safe in their home opener, then no one is. This proved to be true last week as the New Orleans Saints fell to 0-3 and even more surprisingly to 0-2 at home, eliminating me from the knockout pool. I recommended you avoid the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers, who both fell to 1-2 on the season. If you escaped the first three weeks and went with my second option of the Dallas Cowboys, check out my full analysis of every game in Week 4. Selections : Week 1 : Bears -- WIN Week 2 : Giants -- WIN Week 3 : Saints -- LOSS Week 4 : Thursday Night Football Cleveland at Baltimore -- It is a divisional game, but Cleveland traveling to Baltimore on a short week is not an easy task. The Ravens are about a 12½ point favorite in this game and they should be able to control the game from start to finish. The Ravens are a top pick in Week 4. Sunday Afternoon New England at Buffalo -- Divisional game that I would avoid. New England can't go to 1-3, right? Minnesota at Detroit -- The Lions should bounce back after a tough overtime loss in Tennessee. Matthew Stafford should play, but if he cannot Shaun Hill would make the start. He can play well enough for the Lions to win. I would pass in survivor. Carolina at Atlanta -- The 3-0 Falcons look very impressive thus far with Matt Ryan leading the way. However, it is their defense that has propelled them to the next level. They'll take on their first NFC opponent of the season as they host Carolina. Avoid this divisional matchup which should showcase a lot of offensive firepower. San Francisco at New York Jets -- The 49ers will enter New York with a bad taste in their mouths after losing to Minnesota handedly. I expect Mark Sanchez to be in for a long day, but I cannot force myself to take a road team, so I will pass again. San Diego at Kansas City -- San Diego took a big step back after last week's blowout loss at home to Atlanta. Kansas City had a great comeback win led by Jamaal Charles in New Orleans. It's an AFC West divisional game, so I'll avoid. Tennessee at Houston -- Houston should be a fine choice this week against Tennessee. It is disappointing that Chris Johnson still cannot figure out how to run the ball, especially since Jake Locker has looked good through three weeks. The Texans are clearly the favorite in the AFC right now, and they'll handle their business at home. Seattle at St. Louis -- I always repeat the differences between Seattle at...

Vinnie goes 3-for-4 in Week 2 and looks to continue with some winners in Week 3. This week's lines are from usatoday.com (as of Thursday night). San Francisco @ Minnesota (+6.5) The 49ers started the season with an impressive road win against the Green Bay Packers and then followed it up by beating the Detroit Lions at home. Their defense looks to be among the best and will be feasting on inexperienced Viking's QB Christian Ponder. The 49ers have one of the best run games and Alex Smith does a good job of managing games and has plenty of options to throw to. The Vikings are one of the worst teams in the league. They only have two offensive threats in RB Adrian Peterson who's coming off an ACL tear and WR Percy Harvin. Look for the 49ers tough run defense to shutdown Peterson and force Ponder's hand. Last week, the Vikings lost to the Indianapolis Colts, who are also in rebuilding mode. Maybe this is a trap, but I don't see the Vikings staying in this game. This one could be over by halftime. The 49ers are 2-0 ATS to start the season while the Vikings are 0-2. Gimme the 49ers minus the points. Detroit Lions @ Tennessee Titans (+4) Lions QB Matthew Stafford hasn't exactly lit the world on fire like he did last year. He threw three interceptions against the St. Louis Rams in the season opener and another one in their loss to the 49ers last week. The Titans defense is one of the worst in the league and will be the perfect remedy for Stafford to bounceback. In their first two games of the season, the Titans have given up an average of 36 points per game and 403 yards to opposing teams. The Lions should be able to score at will against the Titans. Look for WR Calvin Johnson to have a big day and their running game to get a little boost with RB Mikel Leshoure making his NFL debut after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2011. The Titans offense has scored a total of 23 points in their first two games. RB Chris Johnson has looked terrible, averaging 1.1 yards per carry. Johnson hasn't done anything since getting his big contract from the Titans after holding out to begin the 2011 season. On the bright side, QB Jake Locker has his best wide receiver, Kenny Britt, back from a 2011 season ending ACL tear and one game suspension. Britt played in 19 plays last week as he was on a limited snap count. Look for him to be a bigger part of the offense this week. However, it won't be enough against the Lions this week. I expect the Lions to ...

We take a creative spin on the Sam Bradford vs. Jake Locker Debate.

undefinedundefined There are times during a season when you look at the waiver wire or list of free agents and end up telling yourself, "They might be in three-receiver sets a lot and he could make a few catches," or "He caught four touchdowns of three or fewer yards last season, and one of them was against this team," or "If the injury-prone guy ahead of him on the depth chart gets hurt, he's a lock for five points." In situations like this, fantasy owners will look for a diamond in the rough. When they don't find it, they go back looking for a name they recognize. When they don't find that, they end up rationalizing ridiculous situations. Because, if six things break perfectly, they're golden. I've been there. I've done that. I've picked guys up in a 10-team league that shouldn't be owned in a 16-team league. In fact, years ago, in my first ever preseason draft, I picked a dead guy. There's no amount of rationalization that will help that guy. Each week, I'll take a look at a group of guys that might typically be available who I think could provide some value to owners that are in a tight spot. It's important to note that I am not saying go pick this guy up at the expense of depth on your roster. Instead, think of them as "in case of emergency, break glass" type of guys. Jake Locker, QB , Tennessee. Locker was given the starting nod in Tennessee because there was very little to gain from starting Matt Hasselbeck. Locker is the future of the franchise. He's younger, with a stronger arm and more mobility. In Week 1, he faces a New England defense that struggled last season against the pass. While coach Bill Belichick is known as a defensive mastermind, Locker has a chance to put up decent numbers, and, if for some reason you find yourself needing a quarterback, he has the upside to provide some value. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco. Smith impressed last year in his first season under Jim Harbaugh. He completed better than 60 percent of his passes for 3,100-plus yards, 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions. San Francisco didn't need him to be Eli Manning. The 49ers needed a game manager. They wanted to run the ball effectively, protect the football, and ask Smith to make two or three plays a game. This season it'll be more of the same. Smith shouldn't really be your go-to guy, but he should have some throwing lanes against Green Bay this week. Given the firepower on the other sideline, Smith will look to press the issue, and with his bulked up...

One game down and 15 to go. As summer begins to wind down with fall on the horizon, "We are now ready for some football." Whether it is due to the start of fantasy football, visiting your favorite sports bar to catch the games, or covering every inch of your body in your team's gear to show your support (or obsession), this will be an exciting weekend. Many of us watched Tony Romo lead his Dallas Cowboys to victory over the Super Bowl champion New York Giants on Wednesday night. We are already seeing potential sleepers appear on the fantasy radar as Kevin Ogletree caught eight passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. In fact, he nearly caught a third touchdown in the end zone that was batted away at the last second. Let's take a dive into several Week 1 matchups. If you are unfamiliar with "The Dive," let me tell you how this column can help your team. Each week, I will profile a player at each offensive position and a defense. Rarely will these players or defenses be "must starts" or "studs" like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Arian Foster, etc. Instead, I will help you make those tough decisions, especially in deeper leagues, on filling in your second running back position or flex spot, replacing a player that may be limited or sidelined due to injury. We will analyze the player or defense's matchup by reviewing historical performances, trends, workload, health, and even weather or game-time variables on occasion. Take a dive with me as we kick off the first column of the season! QB Russell Wilson If your draft was in July or early August, Matt Flynn was likely drafted in your league. In fact, Wilson likely was not on the radar since it was assumed that Flynn would be the starter after signing a lucrative contract. It is advisable to be cautious before putting too much emphasis on preseason numbers, but the rookie quarterback did successfully complete 36 out of 56 passes for 464 yards, including five touchdowns and he topped 100 yards on the ground. Whether his preseason numbers are a fluke or exaggerated, Wilson deserves major attention. If you have a Tier 1 or 2 quarterback, they should be started. However, if your league is deep and Wilson may be your starter, then start him with a few ounces of confidence against the satisfactory defense of Arizona. Week 1 Forecast: 225 passing yards, 2 TD RB DeAngelo Williams You may be surprised to find Williams on this list, but let's take a look at his Week 1 scenario. Jonathan ...

Green Bay 27, Cincinnati 13 Green Bay In case you forgot, Aaron Rodgers is a stud. In this game he reminded us of his athleticism, gaining 52 yards on six rushes with two touchdowns. Alex Green started in the Green Bay backfield but was quickly replaced by Cedric Benson. Making his Packers debut, Benson played nearly the entire first half looking solid while averaging just better than six yards per carry. We should also note that Benson received a goal line carry, although unable to convert. With rumors of James Starks on the roster bubble, Benson has sudden appeal as a mid RB3 with upside. Greg Jennings returned for the Packers after dealing with lingering concussion issues. Jennings would prove he's ready by leading his team with 37 yards receiving, including a sick tippy-toe catch along the sidelines. Cincinnati Andy Dalton had a tough outing as the Packers defense came to play. Green Bay was getting consistent pressure throughout the first half with multiple blitz packages as Dalton took a number of big hits. In case you didn't see this game, Dalton just missed a wide open A.J. Green for a deep pass that would have resulted in an 80-yard touchdown. Just saying. The continued absence of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (turf toe) should begin raising concerns. Also absent was backup running back Bernard Scott, giving way once again to Cedric Peerman and Brian Leonard for the second straight game. Neither has fantasy value. Baltimore 48, Jacksonville 17 Baltimore Joe Flacco had a great game force feeding wide receiver Torrey Smith, who garnered 11 targets for the Ravens in just over one-half of play, 11! Smith caught eight of those balls for 103 yards. It's overtly obvious that Flacco is a much, much better quarterback with Smith in the lineup, but remains a mid/high QB2 with spot start potential. Anquan Boldin has clearly lost a step, but is still effective utilizing his body to shield off defenders and catch the ball underneath. Boldin is a low-end WR3. Ray Rice didn't play long, giving way to Chris Rainey and Bernard Pierce. Both Rainey and Pierce had a solid performance, adding confusion to which player will develop into the Rice handcuff, giving us reason to monitor Week 4 of the preseason. Jacksonville Blaine Gabbert got the full brunt of one of the league's best defensive units as all the Ravens' key players were in the game. Despite the low score, Gabbert again played at a high level, continually hooking up with rookie wide receiver ...

Friday Night Football Tennessee 30, Tampa Bay 7 Titans Quarterback Jake Locker took the start under center for the Titans. Like many young players, Locker's decision making was questionable forcing the ball into tight windows and starring down his reads. Many of his throws were inaccurate including a bad interception over the middle of the defense. Although Matt Hasselbeck was slightly more efficient, he does not excite confidence as a fantasy starter. Neither quarterback is recommend but also makes it difficult to know which Titans' wide receivers to trust. Coming off a poor performance in preseason Week 1 Chris Johnson seemed more determined, gaining 46 yards on 10 carries. He also managed two touchdowns both from 14 yards. We should be skeptical of his performance as Tampa Bay was the league's worst rushing defense in 2011. We should also note that backups Jamie Harper, Darius Reynaud and Herb Donaldson were also highly effective out of the Titans' backfield, thus furthering our skepticism of Johnson. Buccaneers What a difference a week makes as the Bucs first team offense played downright awful producing 42 yards and two turnovers in the first half. Josh Freeman struggled mightily trying to get in synch with his receivers only completing four passes on 10 attempts totaling 21 yards. He did find Mike Williams for a 2-yard touchdown, which came as the result of a Titans turnover down near the goal line. LeGarrette Blount opened the game yet again in the Tampa backfield and took early goal line carries. He would sustain a left knee injury forcing him to leave the game, and likely has him missing an extended period of time. He was able to walk off the field but was seen limping on the sidelines in the second half. Even before the injury Blount was a straight line runner as Doug Martin appears to be the more complete running back displaying both power and agility. The difference between these two is noticeable as Blount simply cannot match Martin's allusiveness. Combined with Blount's injury, Martin is the preferred choice in Tampa Bay. Detroit 27, Baltimore 12 Lions With Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure still absent, it was Kevin Smith once again starting for the Lions. Smith is a puzzling selection in fantasy drafts because his talent is undeniable, but so is the injury history. Keiland Williams continues to take backup carries and played solid in relief of Smith. The question remains, "What role will Mikel Leshoure play after missing both ...

Houston Texans Lestar Jean - A Big wide receiver with skills. He was productive last preseason, but suffered an injury and was out for the year. He's the closest replacement to Andre Johnson, if he goes down as usual. James Casey - A fullback/tight end ultra-athletic former baseball player. He had one huge game last year. If Owen Daniels' balky knee/hamstring acts up, this guy will emerge. Indianapolis Colts Coby Fleener - A super athletic tight end. He will be a red zone favorite of Andrew Luck. Enough said. Vick Ballard - A power running back. Tough-nosed guy brought in by new regime. Donald Brown - A combine warrior. Not special. Delone Carter - Not sold on him. However, be careful of running backs on bad teams. Jacksonville Jaguars Rashad Jennings - You know the story. Big-time Pittsburgh recruit, transferred to Liberty. He's a big back. He suffered a knee Injury last year, but didn't require surgery. Maurice Jones-Drew's hold out and history of overuse is a formula for disaster. Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson is a bargain between picks 7-12 in many mocks. Hearing new contract is incentive laden. I hope so! Think tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Kenny Britt are inversely proportional red zone guys. Draft Britt at a bargain with injuries and suspension pending. Draft Cook as TE2 and start him with huge upside when Britt doesn't play. Cook may be fastest tight end in the NFL (freakish combine 40). Cook may emerge even further if Jake Locker breaks through. A tight end is a young quarterback's best friend (see Coby Fleener above).

THE STORY: Any chance the Tennessee Titans had of jumping up into an AFC wild card spot took a giant hit last week, when they inexplicably fell to the previously winless Indianapolis Colts. Matt Hasselbeck decided to play despite an injured calf and proved to be terrible, yielding to rookie Jake Locker in the fourth quarter. The Titans no longer control their own destiny in the quest for a wild card spot and will need plenty of help. The first thing they need to do is take care of the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. This would seem to be a favorable matchup for Tennessee, but then so was Indianapolis. The Jaguars followed up a 41-14 win in Week 14 with a 41-14 loss last Sunday and have dropped four of their last five games.

Make sure to follow me on twitter @JLanfranca to keep up on your football knowledge through the NFL playoffs and bowl season! As we enter Week 15, it is very likely if you are still reading fantasy football information sites, you are very close to reaching the championship of your given league. It is always hard to weigh a hot player against a player who hasn't been putting up elite numbers but has a great matchup this week. For example, what if you are deciding between Marshawn Lynch and Felix Jones this week? Start the player who is clearly been playing at an elite level or do you start the player who is fresh against a below average defense? It is a decision you will have to live with one way or another. I advise two things here to keep in mind ... follow your instinct and gut feeling first and foremost. If you do that, making the wrong decision will be a lot easier on yourself. Secondly, stick to your research and on field football matchup knowledge. Case and point, Jones would be my choice of the two if I had the option this weekend. As for playing in leagues with head-to-head regular seasons and a six-team seeded head-to-head playoff format, I say to you, think outside the box. I recommend shortening the regular season to less than 13 games and putting more emphasis on making sure the best two teams make the championship game. How do you do such a thing you ask? You can either make each round more than one week in length, or you can throw seeding out the window and have more of a total points race to the finish in the playoff weeks to either make or win the championship. If you love the idea of a one-week, Week 16 matchup for all the marbles, fine. There are ways to keep that intact and still take some luck out of the equation. Leagues where having one bad week in the playoffs can cost you a championship simply should not exist any longer with the customizability of fantasy football website on the internet today. If you want to consider your league a serious league, and place a large emphasis or ‘prize' for capturing your league's championship, it is time to consider making some changes. If you are desperate for a quarterback this week, you must take a look at Jake Locker against the Indianapolis Colts. Even in deeper leagues, he probably is still available. You can pretty much count on a touchdown worth of rushing yards, and his chances of being a bust in this contest are extremely low. Another thing I really like about Locker is he is...