Game of the week: Steelers defeating Giants - There weren't as many close games this weekend but once againn the Giants were involved with the game of the week. The Steelres got the scoring started with a 4 yard touchdown pass from Big Ben to Emmanuel Sanders. Andre Brown of the Giants answered with a 1 yard touchdown run to tie things at 7.  The Giants took the 14-7 lead on a Michael Boley 70 yard fumble return.  The Steelers added a field goal entering the half down 14-10.  Lawrence Tynes added 2 field goals in the 3rd quarter giving the Giants the 10 point lead heading into the 4th quarter. Mike Wallace got things off to a great start in the 4th when he caught and scored on a 51 yard touchdown pass.  Wallace made some nice moves and caught the sideline and was able to get into the end zone.  The Steelers gambled later in the quarter with a fake field goal attempt but the Giants read it perfectly and stopped them.  The Giants werent able to get anything going on offense and the Steelers scored a touchdown with 4 minutes to play giving them the big road win 24-20.

Surprise result of the week: Doug Martin's huge day - I know Doug Martin is a good looking rookie and has done some great things this year but I never expected him to run for over 250 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Bucs went into Oakland which is never easy to go to and won.  The Bucs now sit at 4-4 and are looking like a much improved team under first year head coach Greg Schiano.

Disappointing performance of the week: Eli Manning - Manning for the 2nd consecutive week failed to throw a touchdown pass.  The Giants have been playing some great football but the lack of touchdowns with all of the weapons in concerning.  Hakeem Nicks appears to be healthy but hasn't been able to do much in the last 3 weeks. Martellus Bennett who got off to a great starts hasn't done much since the opening weeks.  Eli needs to get back on track if they are going to try and repeat as champions.

Fantasy star of the week: Doug Martin – Martin exploded and will now enter week 10 as the highest scoring running back in fantasy football.  The rookie rushed 25 times for 251 yards and a 4 touchdowns.  Those are huge numbers and he easily could have outscored a lot of running back combinations.  Martin is really riding a hot streak and the Bucs will continue to give him the carries if he keeps rushing at these levels.  He is a must start going forward.

Fantasy surprise of the week: Mikel Leshoure – Leshoure’s performance was overshadowed by big games from Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin but his 70 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns was huge for owners that started him.  You have to go all the way back to week 3 where he scored and rushed for 100 yards.  Any owners who remained loyal or needed him because of a bye week to a starter or injury you were rewarded big time.  He is going to get plenty of looks going forward.

Power 5:

5) San Francisco 49ers (6-2): They enjoyed their bye week to get some banged up players healthy.  They have an elite defense and if the offense can become a consistent unit they will be a tough out in the playoffs.

4) Baltimore Ravens (6-2) – The Ravens haven’t looked like a great team most of the season but they are finding ways to win games. The Steelers are breathing down their necks in the division so they will have to keep winning. A healthy dose of Ray Rice should keep them in games.

3) Chicago Bears (7-1) – The Bears have looked every bit as impressive as any other team in the league.  Cutler and Marshall have a great chemistry going and the Bears defense is punishing opponents and causing turnovers that turn into touchdowns. They have a huge showdown with the Texans next week in what could be a Super Bowl preview.

2) Houston Texans (7-1) – The Texans returned from their bye and did what they needed to take care of business against a weak Bills team.  Schaub was efficient and the defense controlled the Bills passing game.  The Bears loom next week in what is a huge matchup to see where these two teams stand this far into the season.

1) Atlanta Falcons (8-0) – The Falcons continue to get it done and are halfway through the season without a defeat.  Matt Ryan threw for a lot of yards but didn’t get into the end zone.  Michael Turner was over 100 yards and scored and when they are running the ball well they are awfully tough to beat.  The defense doesn’t get enough credit but this team is well on their way to a deep playoff run.