The Fantastic Four…guaranteeing a 4-0 week!!! - Week 9
by Michael Cooper
Radio Director/Senior Writer
11/1/08

We’re back in week 9 after once again pulling out a 2-2 record. As discussed in last week’s article, the 4 team Schlichter bet (or the four-team parlay), is one of the great sucker bets in all of Football. It’s just nearly impossible to pick four winners at one time but that’s why we formed Earth’s mightiest team of NFL game forecasters to prove it can be done. This week we have added a new member to our fearsome foresome to finally insure that in week 9 the Fantastic Four pull off the perfect 4-0 record.

Last week Paul Eide suffered his first loss of the season, taking the under in the Ravens Raiders matchup. It was a great idea - it just got ruined when the Ravens scored too many points. However we won on the Ravens point spread and the over in the New Orleans - San Diego game. 

The over 45 total points in the London game was probably the one sure bet of the year so far. It’s not very often you get the best passing attack going up against the worst pass defense in football.  It was a victory for the FF but it caused the first head to roll in San Diego as Charger’s president, Dean Spanos, demanded blood following the 37-32 loss to the Saints. Asked if he was happy with the coaching staff just one day before last Sunday’s game Spanos said, "Absolutely. Not even a second thought." Oh what a difference a day makes - especially for former Defensive coach, Ted Cottrell, a key member of Norv Turner’s staff who is now out of a job.  Gee Norv does that make you a little nervous? 

Anyway, back to our new member.  For the past 20 years Jeff Thitoff has been king of Fantasy Football in the Buckeye state. A columnist with The Columbus Dispatch he has spent every breathing minute studying the finer points of the NFL. We are luckly to have him on board with myself, Michael Abromowitiz and fantasy guru Paul “80”.  So, without further ado...

NY Jets +5.5 at Buffalo, Jeff Thitoff, The Columbus Dispatch
The Jets are coming off a dramatic win against Kansas City when Brett Favre atoned for numerous mistakes by throwing a late touchdown pass to win the game. Buffalo is headed in the opposite direction after turning the ball over on each of its last four possessions in a loss to Miami. The Jets have been running the ball with authority lately and the 1-2 punch of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington will challenge the Buffalo defense and will open up the passing game for Favre. This is a game I think Buffalo will win, but I think 5.5 points is just too many to award Favre and the Jets.

Arizona –3 at St. Louis, Michael Cooper, Radio Director/Senior Writer
Wow two picks in a row taking the road team - Jeff took the road dog and I’m taking the road favorite.  This one was just too good for me to pass up. The Return of the King, the man who lead St. Louis to two Super Bowls is back under the dome that made him famous.  Grocery store clerk to Super Bowl hero, Kurt Warner, has returned to show St. Louis that they pulled the trigger too quickly letting him go.  Not only is the King back but he brought the Fellowship of the Ring in the form of Larry Fitzgerald. Anquan Bolden, Steve Breaston, Edgerrin James  and touchdown machine, Tim Hightower. Last week the Cinderella Rams lost their glass slippers and the two-week wonders will once again show their true colors. The Greatest Show on Turf has returned to St. Louis and it ain’t the Rams.  Arizona 42 St. Louis 13

Philadelphia -6.5 at Seattle – Paul Eide, Fantasy Football Director/ Radio Host
Brian Westbrook’s return last week made the Eagles look like a completel;y different offense. The return of Kevin Curtis will become more important as he gets back into game shape and the return of Reggie Brown this week gives McNabb another weapon against a Seattle defense without Patrick Kerney and has several other starters battling injury. Philly’s D should easily overpower a Seattle offense that only looked good in two meetings versus the  horrible 49ers.

Jacksonville -7.5 at Cincinnati – Michael Abromowitz, Senior Writer
This Bengals team is so bad I just question if they will even win a game this season.  To make things worst, Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown Bengals fans how truly irreplaceable Carson Palmer is.  Last week’s 35-6 drilling against the Houston Texans was probably proof that this team has already given up for the season.  The Jags on the other hand are 3-4 and still have playoff hopes even after a tough lost against Cleveland.  Last week, the Jags’ running game was sluggish and MJD and Fred Taylor were basically shut down.  The Bengals’ defense looks to be just what the doctor ordered and look for a big game from both players.  Rumors have it that the game may have a lot of empty seats with Cincinnati fans angry about the disappointing season.  The biggest question is will the Bengals show up, and if last week was any indication look for a double digit win for the Jaguars.

It’s a wrap…..