Matchups to Exploit - Week 7
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October 18, 2007 @ 18:06:51
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Texans defensive line
Last season, Young (quadriceps) had his way with the Texans. They are determined to stop him this year. Young may put together poor stats, but he knows how to win games, and he has an even greater motivation when he plays his hometown team that passed on him in the draft. No matter what the Texans try to do to an ailing Young, the young quarterback is likely going to have an answer.
Titans RB LenDale White vs. Texans LB DeMeco Ryans
The Titans running game is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in each of the last three weeks after a great start. White has scored touchdowns in three of the last four games, but he's averaging just 3.2 yards per attempt on the year. Meanwhile, running back Chris Brown (ankle) is nursing a sore ankle. The Texans are 19th in the NFL in run defense, but Ryans is a player who can get from sideline to sideline.
Titans WR Justin Gage vs. Texans CB Dunta Robinson
Gage should have an increased role this week after posting four receptions for 82 yards, the second best total of his career, last week. Gage will be expected to fill the void left by Brandon Jones (knee), who is out with a knee injury. Gage is one of the team's best downfield threats and recently has worked his way into the offense more.
Texans WR Kevin Walter vs. Titans secondary
Walter had a career day last week with 160 receiving yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He showed for the first time that he is a threat to catch the ball downfield and that he can gain yards after the catch. The Texans offense is still having a hard time getting Walter or any of their receivers into the end zone, though. The Texans will likely use him as their top target - along with tight end Owen Daniels - this week against a defense that ranks 18th against the pass.
Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia vs. Lions defensive line
In the Lions' three victories, they had a fairly consistent pass rush. In their two losses, they didn't. It isn't difficult to figure out, then, that the Lions need to get to Garcia, who is known for keeping plays alive and has taken only five sacks this season. Garcia has not committed a turnover yet. If the Lions hope to force the Bucs to self-destruct, they have to hit Garcia.
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Lions secondary
The Lions are sure to put cornerback Fernando Bryant on Galloway in this game. Bryant has the speed and coverage skills to stay with Galloway and could even shut him down. That's why the Bucs will try to match Galloway up against the team's other cornerback, Stanley Wilson (groin), whose status for this week is in question. Wilson is physical, and he could prevent Galloway from getting off the line the way he wants. If Galloway is allowed to get into his route against Wilson or whoever replaces him, Galloway will wind up one-on-one with a safety in the deep zone. Neither of the Lions' top safeties is a match for Galloway, so he figures to be a target anytime he doesn't line up against Bryant.
Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham vs. Lions run defense
Graham is a powerful runner who can make some yards against the Lions' front seven, but only if his line plays better than it has the past two weeks. Opponents are making adjustments to the Bucs up front, and the Bucs are not adjusting quickly enough or well enough. Those two 180-yard running games they put together just might have been flukes. They came against two teams (the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers) that seemed disinterested in playing that particular Sunday. The Bucs need to open some holes this week against the Lions. If they do, Graham will have a reputable day. If they don't, he won't.
Lions offensive line vs. Buccaneers defensive line
The Buccaneers' pass rush hasn't been the same without Rod Marinelli, who was the Bucs defensive line coach before he became the Lions head coach. It certainly doesn't help that defensive end Simeon Rice is gone and defensive end Gaines Adams, the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, hasn't developed into a starter yet. Left defensive end Greg Spires needs to take advantage of the Lions' issues on the right side of the line, with right offensive tackle George Foster on thin ice.
Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Falcons secondary
Last week, Brees turned in his best performance of the season with two touchdowns passes and a quarterback rating of 106.9. The Falcons secondary was torched by New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning last week, as he threw at right corner DeAngelo Hall; he also had wide receiver Plaxico Burress working out left cornerback Chris Houston and safety Lawyer Milloy. The Saints will look to get their passing game untracked against the Falcons.
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Falcons LB Demorrio Williams
Bush is coming off his best performance of the season. He ripped off a couple of 22-yard runs and finished with 97 yards. Carolina and the Giants have had success running at Williams. He's a fast player who can stay with Bush in coverage but is not stout against the run.
Saints WR David Patten vs. Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall
Hall is one of the premier defenders in the league and leads Atlanta with a pair of interceptions so far this season. He's usually assigned to the opponent's best wide receiver, and right now that's Patten. Patten seems to have become Brees' second-favorite target behind wideout Marques Colston. Last week Patten caught eight passes for 113 yards at Seattle in New Orleans' first win of the season. Part of that big night was dictated by the coverages played by the Seahawks that left Patten open; part was Brees becoming more comfortable with the free-agent acquisition. The Saints will also look to spread the wealth in the passing game to the other receivers: Colston, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson.
Saints TE Eric Johnson vs. Falcons SS Lawyer Milloy
Johnson hasn't yet reached the level of San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates in the relationship he has developed with Brees, but it's getting there rather quickly. Against the Seahawks last week, Johnson caught his first touchdown pass as a member of the Saints when Brees found him from two yards out; it was one of two passes Johnson caught on the night. While he has dropped from a season-high eight catches in Week 1 to just two last week, don't be surprised if he's a big part of the offensive scheme this week facing the veteran Milloy, a good cover guy and run supporter who knows how to shut down a good receiver.
Falcons OT Tyson Clabo vs. Saints DE Charles Grant
Grant led a five-sack showing last week to help the Saints get back on track. Clabo will be making just his second start at right tackle in the NFL. He has to get used to playing in space and has not seen the combination of speed and power than Grant can bring on a regular basis. Clabo held up well against Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, giving up just half of a sack, but the Falcons gave him a lot of help, and the quarterback threw on mostly three- and five-step drops.
Ravens QB Kyle Boller vs. Bills secondary
Boller has struggled on the road, losing seven straight starts away from home. In that skid, he has thrown five touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In his last road start (the 2005 season finale), he threw for 151 yards and threw two interceptions at Cleveland against the Browns. Boller could have moderate success against the Bills, though. The banged up Buffalo secondary is ranked 31st in pass defense, allowing 288 yards per game. The Bills have given up 21 passes of at least 20 yards, second most in the NFL.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Bills run defense
Expect McGahee to rebound after coming off his worst game as a Raven in which he gained 61 yards and averaged 2.4 yards per carry. He did score his first rushing touchdown this past Sunday. The Ravens could highlight him, knowing he will be motivated about playing back in Buffalo. Plus, McGahee could have a big day against a weak Buffalo run defense, which has already lost middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (forearm). In the first three games of the season, the Bills allowed 171, 184 and 177 rushing yards.
Bills RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Ravens run defense
Fantasy owners should feel encouraged by Lynch's showing so far. He's going to break out with a big 100-yard game soon, but probably not this week. The Ravens have shut down running backs this season, and it shouldn't be any different this game. Baltimore hasn't allowed a starting running back to gain more than 67 yards in a game this season. The Ravens also have given up just one rushing touchdown in 13 games. Dating back to last season, the Ravens have not permitted a team to gain 100 net rushing yards in nine straight games, the longest streak in the NFL. Lynch has not gained 100 yards this season and his yards-per-carry average has decreased the past three games. The Bills' weapons are being victimized in part by the team's tough schedule. They have faced three of the top four defenses in the league already. That's tough. Lynch will pay off soon, but this may not be the week to put him in the fantasy lineup, if there's another viable option.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Ravens CB Corey Ivy
Baltimore's star cornerback, Chris McAllister (knee), will miss Sunday's game. That's great news for Evans, right? Not so fast. Evans is off to a disappointing start this season, with just 12 catches for 113 yards an no touchdowns through five games. The Bills have hardly tried to throw downfield all season. Eventually, Evans figures to get on track, but not necessarily this week. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards makes his third straight start against the tough Ravens defense. Expect Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to throw the house at the young quarterback. Don't expect Edwards to be taking many seven-step drops. There is probably not a big week in the offing for Evans.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Giants run defense
Gore isn't having the type of season he had when he set the Niners record for combined yards last year, but he's still a dangerous runner with 306 yards on 84 carries. More germane to the Giants' run defense, he has a 43-yard touchdown run to his credit. That's important because the defense just got gashed by Falcons running back Jerious Norwood for a 67-yard touchdown run. The front seven did an outstanding job keeping Norwood and fellow back Warrick Dunn in check after that, however, and limited the Falcons to just another 36 yards on 14 other carries. They've got the 11th-ranked run defense in the league, allowing opponents 96.5 yards per game on the ground.
49ers WR Ashley Lelie vs. Giants defensive backs
This week Lelie is expected to see his most extensive playing time of the season because head coach Mike Nolan wants to better utilize the talent he has on offense. Lelie was buried on the depth chart in the first five games of the season and saw just 10 snaps. Lelie is a tall, speedy receiver. The 49ers are expected to use him on deep routes. Even if Lelie does not make any catches, the 49ers want to make sure that he gets the Giants' attention. Perhaps if the Giants pay some attention to him, it could open things up for Gore in the running game.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. 49ers CB Nate Clements
Burress, despite missing any and all practice time since before Game 2 against the Green Bay Packers, continues to be one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. His eight touchdown catches co-lead with New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss, and he has caught at least one touchdown pass in every game. He also specializes in the long touchdown catch, having recorded scores of 60, 53 and 43 yards. Last week he had six catches for 97 yards, but he nearly fumbled one when Atlanta corner DeAngelo Hall reached in and stripped him; it was called incomplete. Clements, working on the first year of a monster, $80 million free-agent contract, has done a good job in anchoring the 16th-ranked pass defense. He has one interception along with a sack, a forced fumble and six pass breakups.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey vs. 49ers pass defense
The 49ers lost their best defender against tight ends when linebacker Manny Lawson (knee) sustained a season-ending injury last month. The 49ers' other outside linebacker, Hannibal Navies (knee), has a knee injury that places his availability for Sunday's game in question. The 49ers might need to devote an extra defensive back to Shockey. They played a nickel defense almost exclusively against the Seattle Seahawks three weeks ago because they thought they could still handle the Seahawks' running game. They might try something like that with the Giants. Either way, strong safety Michael Lewis will probably see a lot of Shockey. Lewis is better as an eighth defender in the box and is not known for his cover skills.
Giants RB Reuben Droughns vs. 49ers LB Patrick Willis
The former Cleveland Brown, traded to the Giants in the offseason for wide receiver Tim Carter, stepped in as the team's leading ball carrier against the Falcons when running backs Brandon Jacobs (neck, ankle) and Derrick Ward (ankle) were limited by injuries. The 5-foot-11, 222-pound Droughns rushed for 90 yards, including a 45-yarder that set up Ward's fourth-quarter touchdown run. That proved the Giants now have three runners who can wear down a defense. Willis is a mobile inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense who leads the team with 67 tackles, putting him on pace to tie former linebacker Hardy Nickerson's unofficial record (214 in 1993 with the Buccaneers) for tackles in a season. He has been in on 16 tackles each of the last two games, and the Niners may need just as many if their 22nd-ranked run defense (124.2 yards allowed per game) expects to stop what has become a three-headed rushing attack.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Redskins LB London Fletcher
With run-oriented head coach Ken Whisenhunt calling the plays and coach Russ Grimm in charge of the offensive line, the Cardinals have moved from near the bottom of the league in rushing last year to 17th this season. James is averaging 4.0 yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns. With the Cards possibly starting their third quarterback (Tim Rattay) in as many weeks, expect the Cards to try and establish the run. Enter Fletcher. According to the team's statistics, he has a team-high 57 tackles. The last two weeks, though, against pass-happy Detroit and Green Bay, he has served almost as a third safety. Expect him to be closer to the line of scrimmage this week.
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin vs. Redskins CB Carlos Rogers
Boldin (hip) comes off a three-week absence from a hip injury anxious to make an impact; in his last game (against a good Baltimore defense), Boldin had 14 catches and two touchdowns. It's going to be more difficult to pile up those numbers if Rattay is the quarterback, but Rogers can't cover both Boldin and wideout Larry Fitzgerald, while the Redskins could be hurting if Rogers' cornerback mate, Shawn Springs, doesn't play because of his father's health.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis vs. Cardinals LB Monty Beisel
The Cardinals had done a good job stopping opposing running backs from getting 100 yards, but the St. Louis Rams' Brian Leonard and the Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams each cracked triple digits the past two games. Meanwhile, the Cardinals lose starting inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (knee) because of a knee sprain; Beisel was solid as his replacement this week, but he isn't the athlete Dansby is, and the Cards may be limited in what they can do with Beisel in the lineup.
Redskins OG Rick DeMulling vs. Cardinals DE Darnell Dockett
Dockett has enjoyed an impressive season. A powerful player at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, Dockett leads the Cardinals with six sacks and two forced fumbles. He is also fourth with 31 tackles. DeMulling will be the third Redskins right guard to start a game this season. Right guard Randy Thomas (triceps) was hurt in Week 2, and offensive guard Jason Fabini is expected to move out to right tackle if Todd Wade (groin) is unable to play. The Cardinals employ a nose tackle, so it's possible that DeMulling may have to handle Dockett one-on-one most of the time.
Patriots running backs vs. Dolphins front seven
Running back Laurence Maroney (groin) was a late scratch from last weekend's game with the Dallas Cowboys, and running back Sammy Morris (chest) is not expected to play this week after reportedly injuring a bone in his chest versus Dallas. But Miami has one of the worst run defenses in the league, allowing 168.5 yards per game. If Maroney plays, it would be a good team to come back against; he was averaging 4.7 yards per carry and 84 yards per game before injuring his groin. Running back Kevin Faulk may have to play a significant role for the Pats as well.
Patriots WR Wes Welker vs. Dolphins CB Michael Lehan
While receiver Randy Moss presents an easy mismatch for big plays with just about anyone he faces on any given Sunday, the most problematic zone in the Dolphins' secondary has been in the middle of the field. That's where Welker usually does most of his damage on slants and crossing routes. Welker, who is coming off a career-high 11-catch, 124-yard and two-touchdown performance against Dallas, has the speed that will give Lehan trouble. It doesn't help that the Dolphins are thin at safety outside Renaldo Hill. Strong safety Cameron Worrell (shoulder) is playing with one good shoulder and will likely shy away from contact. Safety Courtney Bryan is an undrafted rookie free agent who will be playing in his second game, and to this point safety Jason Allen, the team's 2006 first-round pick, has been a big-time bust. That likely means Lehan will be responsible for defending Welker with little help, especially since the Dolphins have been using their linebackers to stuff the run.
Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown vs. Patriots LB Adalius Thomas
Brown has arguably been the best all-around running back in the NFL the past four weeks, contributing 185 all-purpose yards per game in those contests. Brown leads the league with 882 yards from scrimmage, but this Sunday he'll be up against the NFL's second-ranked defense. New England's opponents are averaging 78 rushing yards per game, and a lot of that has to do with the stout run-stuffing ability of Thomas, who leads the Patriots with 32 tackles. If defensive linemen Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green and Ty Warren are able to occupy the interior of the Dolphins' offensive line, look for Thomas to make contact with Brown close to the line of scrimmage. Thomas has the physicality needed to keep Brown, a big physical back, from routinely falling forward for an extra yard or two.
Patriots OT Matt Light vs. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor
Quarterback Tom Brady needs Light and the Patriots' offensive line to step up if he's going to stay upright against Miami. Taylor has at least one sack of Brady in six of the Dolphins' last seven games against New England. So far this year, Brady has been sacked only six times, and the protection has resulted in his averaging 289.5 yards per game and registering a completion percentage of 72.5.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson vs. Raiders run defense
Johnson had a great first half last week against the Cincinnati Bengals but then had 13 yards on 15 carries in the second half, so it's not accurate to say his slump is over. Johnson is going against a soft run defense that is allowing a generous 5.6 yards per carry, so Johnson figures to have at least a few big runs - and perhaps a touchdown - in him. He has gone over 100 yards and scored at least one touchdown in his last three games against Oakland.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Raiders LB Thomas Howard and SS Michael Huff
Gonzalez has been as productive in recent games for the Chiefs as he has been at any time in his career, so obviously his game is not declining. He's coming off his best game: a nine-catch, 102-yard effort with two touchdowns against Cincinnati. He has been an Oakland nemesis for years, with 90 receptions for 1,210 yards and seven touchdowns in 19 games. But the Raiders have generally defended Gonzalez well of late. He hasn't caught a touchdown pass, made more than five receptions or gone over 70 yards in his last three games against Oakland. Howard has the size, athletic ability and coverage skills to make this a long day for Gonzalez. Howard has also returned two of his four interceptions this season for touchdowns, a fact that might cause quarterback Damon Huard to go elsewhere with the ball. Huff, in his third year out of the University of Texas, did some good things in coverage against San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Gonzalez is a more powerful player than Gates is, though, and therefore a more difficult matchup for the relatively slender Huff.
Raiders OT Barry Sims vs. Chiefs DE Jared Allen
Look for Sims to get plenty of help against one of the NFL's most active and productive ends. Fullback Justin Griffith, in particular, will have chipping duties to try and slow the charge of Allen; Allen destroyed the Bengals last week with 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and three quarterback pressures. Sims is at his best when the Raiders are running well, so that he can slow down his opponent. He handled Miami defensive end Jason Taylor and linebacker Joey Porter on passing downs after Oakland had softened them up on the run. It was a different story when the Raiders couldn't run in San Diego, with Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips providing plenty of pressure from their outside linebacker positions.
Jets RB Thomas Jones vs. Bengals linebackers
Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones had 130 yards on 24 carries, including 82 yards in the first quarter, after getting just 71 yards in the previous two games. Now that the Jets have recommitted to their running game, expect them to go to it again versus a Cincinnati defense that has been so decimated by injuries at linebacker that Jets castoff linebacker Anthony Schlegel has started the last two games. This unit helped the Chiefs and running back Larry Johnson get healthy this past Sunday. They've allowed a 100-yard individual rusher in each of the past four games - all losses - and are 29th against the run in the league at 145.8 yards per game. The Jets' offensive line is blocking well for the rush. Jones has two 100-yard games this season and has an excellent chance at notching his third.
Bengals WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Jets secondary
Johnson isn't making the boasts he used to make, but he still can get it done on the field. He has 36 receptions and is averaging 16.1 yards per catch this season. The Jets, looking to ignite their defense, blitzed successfully Sunday and collected three sacks, doubling their season total to an anemic six. If the Bengals can keep the Jets' improving pass rush at bay, quarterback Carson Palmer will have time to get the ball deep to Johnson, who also benefits from the fact that Houshmandzadeh is having a terrific season, with 47 catches and seven touchdowns. Defenses can't double both of them. The secondary does not tackle well, so Houshmandzadeh should be able to get even more yards after the catch.
Bengals running backs vs. Jets run defense
The Bengals have been inconsistent running the ball. Running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) should be a week healthier; he and solid backup back Kenny Watson could be joined this week by running back Chris Perry (ankle). The Jets have allowed 4.2 yards per rush and could be vulnerable if the Bengals stay with the run. New York allowed 92 of the Eagles' 151 rush yards in the second half last week. The Bengals will be looking to improve on third down (one for their last 18) against a defense that allows 48 percent conversions on third down.
Jets KR Leon Washington vs. Bengals kickoff coverage team
New York's kickoff return team gives its offense the NFL's top average drive start at the 33.1-yard line, on average. The Bengals kickoff coverage team is worst - it allows teams to begin at the 32.3-yard line, on average, so the Jets might get a lot of hidden yards in field position. Washington averaged 37.3 yards on three returns against Philadelphia.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Cowboys LBs Bradie James and Akin Ayodele
The standout rookie rushed for a team-record 224 yards last Sunday against the Chicago Bears. His ability to find holes and blow past the first wave of defenders means James and Ayodele are going to have to be extremely sharp in run support to make sure Peterson doesn't have another huge day. It might be of no use. Peterson has gone for 100-plus yards in four of five games this season.
Vikings WR Troy Williamson vs. Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves
Yes, Williamson dropped another pass last Sunday against the Bears, but he also caught a 60-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and might be establishing some confidence. Williamson definitely has the speed to be a threat in the deep passing game, and the Vikings could look to get him matched up against Reeves at times to test the fourth-year player out of Purdue University. No doubt, stretching the field on occasion would help the Vikings' running game be that much more effective.
Cowboys QB Tony Romo vs. Vikings secondary
Romo rebounded pretty well versus New England after his five-interception performance versus Buffalo. He had two touchdown passes, and his interception came with the game basically decided. He was efficient with his decisions. The Vikings do not have the same personnel as the Patriots, but Romo must continue to be careful with the ball. Versus Minnesota, opposing quarterbacks are completing 65.7 percent of their passes and have eight touchdown passes.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Vikings CB Antoine Winfield
Owens promises to make life difficult on the NFL's worst-rated pass defense. Although the Vikings have not made a habit of matching up Winfield against other team's top receivers, they did do it Sept. 30 against Green Bay wideout Donald Driver. There would seem to be a good argument that this might be another situation for the Vikings to use their top cover corner against a tough receiver. Owens could do severe damage to the confidence of second-year corner Cedric Griffin or rookie corner Marcus McCauley, who plays the left corner in the nickel. The problem with the potential Winfield-Owens pairing is that Owens goes 6-foot-3 and Winfield is, at most, 5-foot-9. Nonetheless, Winfield probably gives the Vikings their best chance against TO. Winfield said Wednesday he has not specifically asked for this assignment.
Cowboys OLs Andre Gurode, Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis vs. Vikings DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams
The Vikings have the NFL's second-ranked run defense and have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. The Williamses can stack the middle, and they have quick linebackers that fill very well. The Cowboys have decent running numbers, but they have not consistently run the ball for a full game. If they try to attack the Vikings up the middle, they could be in line for a long day. Gurode performed well versus New England defensive lineman Vince Wilfork last week, but he will need to be better this week.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook vs. Bears LBs Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher
Westbrook is a more complete back right now than the one the Bears faced last Sunday in Minnesota's Adrian Peterson; Westbrook has the ability to hurt the defense just as much if not more. He's an accomplished receiver out of the backfield and can hurt the Bears as much that way as he can running the ball. He leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage per game (167.5); Westbrook's 6.1 yards per touch also lead the league. After being gashed for 311 rushing yards by the Vikings, you know the Bears will be focusing extra hard on stopping the run this week. They might very well overplay it, in fact. That doesn't mean they can stop Westbrook altogether, however. Briggs figures to draw most assignments covering him out of the backfield, and given that, versus the Bears, opponents are completing 67.7 percent of their passes, third-worst in the league, quarterback Donovan McNabb just might have a game plan tailored around the passing game. Briggs has sideline-to-sideline range; he is sound when covering short and intermediate routes. He'll need to be decisive with his moves and take good angles to control Westbrook, who has excellent hands, vision and open-field running ability.
Bears WR Bernard Berrian vs. Eagles CB Lito Sheppard
Philly's top cover corner, Sheppard (knee), has not played since Week 1, when he suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee. He's expected to return, and the Bears figure to try to test him out quickly with the speedy Berrian. It would help open up the running game and hopefully keep what can be a relentless Eagles pass rush off quarterback Brian Griese. The Bears offense finally started clicking a little against Minnesota; it's primarily because Berrian was more involved and was fed the ball early in the game. Griese has to be careful. He has been committing some of the same turnovers that plagued quarterback Rex Grossman, and Sheppard is a big-play corner who can make things happen.
Bears KR/PR Devin Hester vs. Eagles special teams
Hester has three return touchdowns. The Eagles haven't allowed a return touchdown, but they haven't done a great job in coverage, either, ranking 21st in the league in average kickoff return yards allowed. Their mark for net punt return yards allowed ranks 11th. They were burned for 51 yards on a kickoff return by the Jets' Leon Washington last week. Rookie punter Saverio Rocca has been inconsistent; it's not clear that he can keep the ball away from Hester.
Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander vs. Rams run defense
Despite its continued losing streak, the Rams have shown signs of life on run defense lately. They held Arizona and running back Edgerrin James to 3.3 yards per carry Oct. 7; Baltimore and running back Willis McGahee only mustered 2.5 yards per carry last week. Alexander has started slowly this season for the Seahawks, but he has enjoyed great success over the course of his career against St. Louis, with five consecutive 100-yard rushing games against the Rams. The prevailing notion here is that Alexander will have a breakout game sooner than later, or it's going to get real strange, real fast around here. He has 60 yards in 25 carries the past two games combined. He did not play the last time the two teams met; he was sidelined with a crack in his foot. Well, this year, there is a crack in his left wrist. Although he ran better Sunday night, despite gaining only 35 yards, he seemed to be regaining his balance and energy running the football. Although head coach Mike Holmgren said running back Maurice Morris would play more last week, Morris only carried the ball three times because the Seahawks were playing from behind. If Alexander doesn't get it going this week, expect more from Morris.
Rams QB Marc Bulger vs. Seahawks pass defense
Bulger (ribs) has had big games against the Seahawks in the past, but he hasn't always been effective down the stretch of many of those games. After missing two games with broken ribs, he returns to the starting lineup Sunday in Seattle. The ribs still aren't healed, but they're feeling better than they did before Bulger was shut down; it will be interesting to see how effective he is. If Bulger is right, and he gets some protection, he could spark a Rams offense that has been a major disappointment this season. Beware linebacker Julian Peterson, though. As a Seahawk, and before that as a 49er, Peterson had some big moments against St. Louis, including 7.5 sacks in his past seven games against the Rams. The Seahawks have 16 sacks this season, but in two games - including Sunday night's loss to New Orleans - they recorded zero sacks. It is imperative that they put pressure on Bulger, or he will pick them apart as he has done on occasion in the past when they struggle with the pass rush.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Broncos pass defense
Roethlisberger is in the midst of a stretch where he can do little wrong. He has completed 61.8 percent of his passes (81-for-131), with a passer rating of 99.2, indicating he is making good decisions in the pocket. After completing his last 13 passes against the Seahawks in the most recent Steelers game, Roethlisberger needs to hit his first two Sunday in Denver to tie the Steelers record of 15. He may not have to worry about Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (quadriceps), who has been one of the top cornerbacks in the league for many years, either. The Broncos may have to start paying more attention to run defense after running back Lamont Jordan of the Raiders (159 yards) and San Diego halfback Michael Turner (147) had their way with this defense. That could open up seams in the secondary for Roethlisberger.
Steelers wide receivers vs. Broncos cornerbacks
This may be a poor matchup by default. The Steelers are probably going to run, run and run against the Broncos. There's no reason why the Steelers shouldn't run the ball 80 percent of the time against Denver. Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker has gained 507 yards in five games, and Denver's run defense has been horrendous. Denver is allowing 187.6 yards per game and is last in the NFL. Thus, don't expect the Steelers' receivers to get many yards. Denver has a good secondary, even without Bailey, and is ranked No. 1 against the pass.
Broncos RB Travis Henry vs. Steelers run defense
Look, there are few quality matchups for Denver this week. The Steelers are playing outstanding on both sides of the ball; they have been terrific on defense. Henry is a quality player himself, and Denver plans on using him as much as possible before his pending NFL suspension is resolved. Pittsburgh has the No. 4 run defense in the NFL, but Henry is a workhorse who can gain yards against anybody.
Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Jaguars secondary
Even though the Colts have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams, Manning has not enjoyed his normal success. In three of those games he finished with a passing percentage of 50 or less, and he has thrown for just three touchdowns in those four games. He has had a passer rating of less than 80 in three of those games. Whether the Jaguars' secondary can continue to blanket the Colts' receivers like they have in the past will likely determine who wins this game. The Jags allowed the short passes in front of them but overall have held the Colts to less than 1,000 passing yards in the last four games, a feat few NFL teams can claim against Manning.
Colts WR Marvin Harrison vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Harrison (knee) is one of the all-time greats, and in last December's game against the Jaguars, he became just the fourth NFL player to reach the 1,000-catch plateau. He'll move into third place in the NFL for most career receiving yards if he gets 77 against the Jaguars. A bruised knee that caused him to miss the Tampa Bay game two weeks ago appears to be healed. Looking to shut him down will be Mathis, who has started 69 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in Jaguars history. Mathis was a starter in last year's Pro Bowl, but his play this season hasn't been as good as it was a year ago.
Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Jaguars CB Brian Williams
The Colts expect to have Harrison back from a bruised knee, which means he and Mathis will go at it again, each besting the other at times, basically a push. The real test for the Jags is Williams going up against Wayne, the Colts' top receiver with 28 catches for 369 yards and four scores. The guess is Williams will get safety help up top because he can't be left alone too often with Wayne. The Saints tried to do that against Wayne, and cornerback Jason David was cooked for a couple scores by Wayne (as well as another by Harrison). Last season, in two games against the Jags, Wayne caught 12 passes for 192 yards. Harrison caught 12 balls for 195 yards, so both present a matchup problem. If Mathis minimizes Harrison and Williams keeps tabs on Wayne with some safety help, the Colts will probably look to the middle of the field with tight end Dallas Clark, who missed last December's debacle because of an injury.
Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Colts run defense
Last December, the Jags, led by Jones-Drew, embarrassed the Colts' NFL-worst run defense to the tune of 375 rushing yards. In previous meetings, the Colts had also struggled to stop running back Fred Taylor (groin), but the compact, short-burst style of Jones-Drew presents more of a problem. Jones-Drew had 166 yards rushing and two scores in that game, the latter on a 93-yard kickoff return. But the Colts have made significant strides in stopping the run. They rank 13th in the league; they're allowing 105.4 yards per game, an improvement of 68 yards per game from last year. Weakside linebacker Freddie Keiaho has been solid when he has played, and cornerback Marlin Jackson has been a finisher in run support. The real key, though, is strong safety Bob Sanders (rib), who is expected to return after missing a game. When Sanders returned to the Colts last postseason, they allowed just 83 yards and change per game on the ground.
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Colts linebackers
Garrard has been the biggest surprise for Jacksonville this year; his passer rating ranks third in the AFC and fourth in the NFL. He hasn't done anything spectacular, but he has been steady and efficient. He's one of just two NFL quarterbacks who have not thrown an interception this season. He likes to throw the short eight- to 12-yard pass, which will put pressure on the Colts' linebackers. In addition, Garrard has shown his value as a runner, scrambling for 134 yards in 30 tries (4.5 yards per rush). In 2007 Garrard has been over the 100-point mark in quarterback rating in all five of the Jaguars' games, a feat to which few NFL signal callers can lay claim this year.
Jaguars OT Khalif Barnes vs. Colts DE Dwight Freeney
Freeney is a proven, three-time Pro Bowler and the Colts' career leader in sacks with 58. He has recorded a sack in half of the 84 games in which he has played, and the Colts are 33-9 in those games. The key will be for Barnes to keep Freeney away from Garrard. This season Barnes hasn't played as well as he has in the past, although he had a pretty good game last week against Houston. Barnes had some off-the-field issues revolving around a car accident that he has had to put out of his mind.
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