Fantasy Football Week 9: 10 Bold Predictions for this Weekend

Week 9 is upon us in the NFL.

While there are still eight games for NFL teams to still play, many fantasy owners are down to their final few weeks before their respective leagues playoffs begin. Any week a player could go off for a huge point gain or come up with miniscule production. Teams are vying for playoffs berths so they must be confident with their starting lineups.

With that, here are 10 bold predictions for fantasy football this weekend...

Beware Of Beanie Wells

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Beanie Wells has had trouble finding his way on the field due to injury issues all season long. He might have had issues regaining his starting role had Tim Hightower not had some fumbling problems. Wells has been productive the last two weeks for Arizona but be careful this upcoming week.

Once again Wells is hampered by hamstring issues that have slowed him down during the week. He will still be good to go but don't expect him to as productive. He goes up against a Vikings defense in Minnesota that is looking to right the ship after a very tumultuous 2010 so far. Wells should be slowed down by the Vikings and his injuries.

Chris Ivory Will Have a Game

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 17: Running back Chris Ivory #29 of the New Orleans Saints is knocked out of bounds by linebacker Quincy Black #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by

Chris Ivory is low on many fantasy sports projection websites for Week 9 because of the mild concussion he suffered against Pittsburgh Sunday night. But, Ivory practiced in full pads Wednesday and barring any sort of setback, he will be the go to back as Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are still recovering from injury.

Ivory would be getting the bulk of the carries against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are struggling on defense, especially against the run where they are giving up nearly 120 yards on the ground per game. If Ivory is giving clearance to go this Sunday, expect him and the Saints to tear up the Panthers on the ground.

Greg Jennings Will Be A Top 5 WR This Weekend

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers congratulates Greg Jennings #85 after Jennings' touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Im

Greg Jennings has had up and down production all season fantasy wise mainly because of all the targets Aaron Rodgers has to work with in Green Bay. This should change this week as Jennings should be the No. 1 target against the Cowboys this week.

Green Bay has had injury issues all season as their starting tight end Jermichael Finley is hurt and Ryan Grant is lost for the season. Other target Donald Driver has been ineffective in recent weeks due to nagging injuries as well. They take on a Cowboys defense that has been just awful against the pass the past two weeks. Expect Jennings to have a field day and rack up a few touchdowns at Lambeau this week.

Colts Offense Will Put on a Show in Philly

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Jacob Tamme #84 of Indianapolis Colts reaches out to grab a pass while defended by Zac Diles #54 of the Houston Texans during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyo

There isn't one specific player on the Colts who should be started in this situation. If you have any receiver and/or Peyton Manning, expect them to have one of the most productive weeks for your team. Since Manning has been with the Colts, they are 3-0 against the Eagles and have won their games by an average of 24 points.

Jacob Tamme's performance against Houston Monday night shows that he is already a formidable tight end replacement for the injured Dallas Clark. So is Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez or Pierre Garcon: Who ever is ready to go this Sunday in Philadelphia should have good production. The only thing to be leery about is the running game but regardless, Manning and co. always seem to have the defense's number.

Green Bay's Defense Will Pick on Dallas

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 10: Defensive back Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers is restrained by teammates Nick Collins #36 and Josh Bell #26 while arguing an official's call in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on O

Its just strange to write that the worst team in the NFC is the Dallas Cowboys, but they are at the bottom. They have had one of the most potent offenses and defenses in recent years and were expected to contend for a Super Bowl but their season crumbled and ended with Tony Romo's injury.

Dallas' offense has suffered because of turnovers and recent weeks. Despite throwing for nearly 400 yards last week, Kitna still managed to throw four interceptions against an average Jacksonville Jaguar defense. Dallas may continue to put up yards but will still be killed because of turnovers and lack of a run game.

Green Bay has a knack for turnovers and sacks and should have a field day with the statue-esque style of Jon Kitna. Clay Matthews and the Packers should blitz Dallas merciless and force several turnovers against the Cowboys. It's looking to be a long day in Green Bay for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.

Mike Vick Will Pick Up Right Where He Left Off

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

After three weeks of nursing a rib injury, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will return back under center this week against the Indianapolis Colts. Coming off a bye week where the quarterback said he is "fine," the Eagles will likely have to find themselves in a shootout if they are going to defeat Manning and the Colts.

Vick should be at full speed and a threat to run at all times against one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. If his legs can keep the linebackers and line on their heels, he should be able to make some completions down field. With Vick, the Eagles offense was one of the most electrifying this season. Even if they lose, Vick should still put up very healthy numbers for fantasy owners in his return from injury.

New England's Run Attack Will Be Silent

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots reacts after gaining yards against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

After trading away inconsistent running back Laurence Maroney earlier in the season, the New England Patriots have thrived on the ground. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has scored a touchdown in all five games he has started while Danny Woodhead has been productive running and receiving for the Patriots. Many owners will look at the match up against the Browns and start to drool.

But despite their record, the Cleveland Browns have played many of their opponents tough and have one of the best run defenses in the NFL. They have allowed a league-low one touchdown on the run this season. The Browns shut down the Saints aside from a late fourth quarter touchdown and play teams tough at home. The NE running backs may get yards, but don't be shocked if they fail to find the end zone.

Mark Sanchez Will Rebound in Detroit

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

Mark Sanchez had an abysmal game against the Packers last week. He threw for 238 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns in a 9-0 loss. Sanchez has played effective for the most part all season. He isn't in the category of fantasy elite yet but has been a great game manager for the most part. Sanchez will recover from his poor performance and come out firing against Detroit.

Detroit does have a potent offense but its defense is nothing to write home about. LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene should do their part on the ground which should open up passing lanes for Sanchez. He has pro-bowl caliber receivers in Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes plus the tight end threat in Dustin Keller.

Look for Sanchez to flirt with 300 yards passing and a couple of scores against Detroit this weekend.

Peyton Hillis Will Bulldoze over New England

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Peyton Hillis has been the workhorse of the Cleveland Browns offense all season long. After contributing in a backup role in the first two games, Hillis has claimed the starting role and hasn't looked back. He has bulldozed over some the of league's better defenses and has been a waiver wire steal this year. Hillis has been hampered with injuries over his last couple of games but that shouldn't sway owners this week against New England.

Hillis has still produced at a high level despite some nagging injuries. The Browns had a bye last week, which gave Hillis about two weeks to recover and get back to full strength. As one of the only consistencies on the Browns offense, look for Cleveland to give him even more carries over the course of the year. He has shown playmaking ability running and catching the ball.

Call it a hunch, but look for Hillis to give New England more fits than they expected.

Darren McFadden and Jamaal Charles Will Be Held in Check

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

In a surprising match up between first and second place teams in the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders will put their talented backs at work against each other.  At 5-2, the Chiefs have relied on the tandem of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. At a 4-4, thanks to a stout defense and run duo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, this is the latest the Raiders have been .500 in a season since 2002.

Both teams have strong defenses this season and in this game between rivals, should be a hard-hitting grind it out game between the teams. Don't be surprised if both Charles and McFadden are held under 100 yards rushing this game. They both aren't the most dynamic passing attack teams in league and both defenses will look to contain the strength of the run.

These running backs are still sure thing starters in any league right now, but just don't be shocked if their production drops in this game from what it was in recent weeks.