The matchup: Bears offense vs. 49ers offense
• They don't appear on the field together, but the key Monday night is going to be which can find paydirt. The way these teams play defense - it may take one TD. With Chicago QB Jay Cutler out and San Francisco QB Alex Smith questionable after both suffered concussions last week, Bears RB Matt Forte and the 49ers' Frank Gore are the focal points. But that plays into both defenses' strengths, as they rank 4th (Bears) and 6th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. San Francisco is at home, but the Bears have 7 INT returns for TDs. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes should come out on top.
Fantasy Gold: Colts QB Andrew Luck
• Remember when Peyton Manning came into the league for Indianapolis? Well, here's Peyton's final statistical line in his 1998 rookie season: 326-575, 3,739 yards, 26 TDs, 28 INTs and a 71.2 QB rating. And here are Luck's projected final stats based on his per-game averages: 370 -644, 4,677 yards, 18 TDs, 16 INTs and a 79.1 rating. Not shabby. Point is, he's good and already producing for fantasy. This week he plays the Patriots, who allow 285 yards per game to opposing QBs (fourth worst in NFL) and 19 TDs (tied for second worst). We just hope if you have him, you're in a keeper league.
Numbers game
112.8, 5.8
Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson's average rushing yards per game and per carry for the season thus far. Only three runners have ever completed a season with numbers as good: Barry Sanders (1997), O.J. Simpson (1973) and Jim Brown (1958, 1963).
469.3
The Saints' yards allowed from scrimmage per game, last in NFL. The Bills, the next worst, give up 410 per game, and the Steelers, first, allow 265.7.
974, 20
Lions WR Calvin Johnson's yards receiving and catches of 20 or more yards, both first in NFL. So we suppose it's up to you to decide if the Madden Curse still applies since Megatron has only 2 TDs.
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