View from the cheap seats in Week 11 Nov 21, 2009 | More

Did you happen to hear Marvin Lewis commenting on the Larry Johnson signing? I laughed pretty hard. He would be surprised if Larry would even be active. At this time, Brian Leonard, who apparently is ahead of Johnson on the depth chart, lacks the power and speed that it takes to be a good runner. He is a poor man’s Jacob Hester, who San Diego wasted a draft pick on a couple of years ago. Don’t be fooled by the media circus as the Bengals plan to use L.J. as a complementary back to Cedric Benson. The Bengals’ offensive line is very good, which translates into some quality stats for both backs.

Ricky Williams is the No. 1 option in Miami now with Ronnie Brown on Injured Reserve. However, there is room for Lex Hilliard to pick up about 10-12 carries a game. Hilliard is 5-foot-11 and goes about 245 pounds. He runs with tremendous power and has a very good leg drive. The young Montana product should get enough work to be a decent option as more teams key on Williams. Look for increased carries and keep him on your Radar if you are thin at running back. The Dolphins won’t stop the power running game anytime soon.

The San Francisco 49ers looked great against the Bears last week.  Aaron Rodgers will exploit the secondary like a house of cards this week. Expect to see less of Ryan Grant, and a ton of work going to the wide receivers. I like Donald Driver, James Jones, Greg Jennings, Donald Lee and Spencer Havner in that order. Do you honestly think that they won’t pull the plug on gifted the Niner secondary with five interceptions last week against Jay Cutler? On several plays the receivers were to blame. The 12th man (in a striped shirt) caused one. I am not defending Cutler by any means, but with the Packers rolling at home. I’m calling it 24-10, Green Bay.

Anquan Boldin owners rejoice as he gets back on track with a monster game versus the St. Louis Rams. Boldin sheds the ankle injury and has his best game of the season. It’s about time since Boldin hasn’t seen the end zone since Week 3. Expect the slaughter to be on as the Cardinals are outscoring opponents by 16.3 points on the road.

Don’t be too excited about Justin Forsett‘s starting gig this week in Minnesota. I wouldn’t expect more than 65 yards as the Vikings defense is mighty stingy. Forsett showed flashes last week versus a very mediocre Arizona defense. Arizona gives up 10.33 points to backs, while this week’s opponent, Minnesota, gives up a modest 5.33 points per week. I would think Seattle’s game plan will be to throw the ball to score this week against a very porous secondary.

Look to Steelers offensive players for points this week. Kansas City gives up an average of 55.10 points per week to offensive players. Now I would expect big games from Rashard Mendenhall, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward and Heath Miller in that order. I expect this one will get out of hand fast. I’m calling it Pittsburgh 31-13. Mendenhall makes it look easy with that big offensive line. Most of the time he looks like he is running downhill. I expect the Steeler defense will be big as well.

That’s a wrap folks! Stay tuned for more audibles as we get down to crunch time for making your leagues’ playoffs. Playoffs? Playoffs? Did you say playoffs?

Questions/comments/concerns to michaelfsarmento@gmail.com
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