Matchups to Exploit - Week 13
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November 29, 2007 @ 06:58:00
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Packers OT Chad Clifton vs. Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware
Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been sacked 14 times this year because of good protection and his quick release. Clifton is a technician, but Ware has been able to put pressure on quarterbacks versus the best offensive tackles, like the Washington Redskins' Chris Samuels and the Minnesota Vikings' Bryant McKinnie. Ware is relentless, and the Cowboys need his pressure to force Favre into mistakes. If Favre has too much time, he can pick apart a secondary that has been hurt when it has faced top quarterbacks this season.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Packers CB Al Harris
The Packers always match up Harris with the opponent's No. 1 receiver, and he almost always keeps that player from being the difference in the game. Last week, for instance, Detroit Lions wide receiver Roy Williams caught only three passes for 32 yards. Owens has been a big-play guy this season (13 touchdowns, including at least one in six straight games). Harris' physical play could be enough to knock Owens off his patterns and make for a frustrating day, though. New York Jets corner Darrelle Revis chose to be physical with Owens, and the rookie did a decent job; plus, he had plenty of help.
Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Packers LB A.J. Hawk, SS Atari Bigby and FS Nick Collins
With all of the weapons the Cowboys have in quarterback Tony Romo, Owens and running backs Marion Barber III and Julius Jones, the Packers' toughest matchup could end up being Witten. Several elite tight ends have had big games against the Packers - the San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates (11 catches, 113 yards), Washington's Chris Cooley (nine for 105) and the Kansas City Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez (10 for 109). Witten ranks fourth in the NFL among tight ends in receptions (59) and is a big, strong target that could end up commanding double coverage.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Vikings CB Cedric Griffin
Griffin has been a frequent target of opposing offenses this season, and Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz could look to get the rookie Johnson matched up on the second-year corner from the University of Texas. Of course, if cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) doesn't play again, that means the Vikings will start Griffin and rookie Marcus McCauley there. If that's the case, Johnson against either could be good news for Detroit.
Lions OT Damien Woody vs. Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze
Woody hasn't played right tackle since high school. Udeze has four sacks and 18 quarterback hurries this season. Woody lost his job as the starting right guard earlier this season, but he's moving over and back into starting lineup now because, frankly, the Lions don't have a better option. It's probably going to be a tough adjustment for him in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. Udeze has an opportunity to pounce. The Lions have allowed 47 sacks, most in the NFL.
Vikings RBs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor vs. Lions run defense
With Peterson (knee) expected to return from a knee injury, he will likely split the carries with Taylor. This will mean double the headache for the Lions' run defense, which is tied for ninth in the NFL. They have had trouble tackling lately, though; Detroit allowed 101 yards to Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant on Thanksgiving Day. They must stay disciplined in their gaps and bring down Peterson or Taylor. Lions middle linebacker Paris Lenon likely will spend much of the game cheating toward the line of scrimmage in order to help in run support against the contrasting styles of Peterson and Taylor. The main similarity they have is that both can take it all the way on any carry. Look for the Vikings to take advantage of the focus on the run by Lenon and others by going to play-action and attempting to hit on a few explosive passes. Peterson managed only 66 yards on 20 carries in the teams' first meeting Sept. 16. That was only his second NFL game, though, and if you didn't look at the stat sheet, you would swear he had more.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Eagles pass defense
Hasselbeck (ribs, leg) and the potent passing offense were in shock in the first half against the blitz-happy St. Louis Rams last week. They did not score any points, and they relied on a kickoff return to be within 19-7 at halftime. Seattle made some adjustments in the second half, but they clearly may have trouble without a running game to speak of. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will likely have the Eagles tee off on Hasselbeck and the Seahawks' erratic offensive line. The Eagles feel their secondary is getting healthier, too, and they are improving. Hasselbeck is a little beaten up, so it will require all of his experience and cool to remain in one piece and effective once the game gets underway. Seattle ranks eighth in passing offense; Hasselbeck is on a pace to set franchise records in attempts, completions and yards. The Birds actually got some pressure on Patriots passer Tom Brady Sunday, netting three sacks after managing just one sack the previous three weeks. Brady threw an astonishing 54 times for 380 yards, though, and the Eagles dropped to 22nd in the league in pass defense.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook vs. Seattle run defense
Westbrook is the prototype back for the West Coast offense that Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren can only wish he had. Westbrook is a threat both running (901 yards on 195 carries) and receiving (62 catches for 558 yards); the Seahawks are mediocre defensively in both realms, ranking 14th against the run and 14th against the pass. The Seahawks defense has given up long touchdown runs in each of the past two games in the first quarter, but it has then become ever stingy - giving up less than 2.0 yards per carry after that. Against New England, the Birds' offense was less dependent on Westbrook than in most of its outings this season. It will be interesting to see if that trend continues at home on what might be a messy weather day. The goal is to keep him under control because the offense isn't likely to run up a lot of points. However, Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu (ribs) has some sore ribs himself, so if Westbrook has one of his vintage multi-purpose performances, the Seahawks could be in for a long day.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers vs. Chiefs DE Jared Allen
Rivers has had turnover issues this season when faced with pressure, and Kansas City brings a lot of it in the form of Allen, who ranks fourth in NFL in sacks. The Chargers need to give left offensive tackle Marcus McNeill some help to keep Allen from roaming free in the offensive backfield. When Rivers has time to throw, he's capable of having a productive game. The Chargers' passing game struggles when Rivers is forced to scramble and try to throw on the run as opposed to standing in the pocket and picking out his receivers.
Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Chiefs linebackers and safeties
Gates recorded his first 100-yard receiving outing since early October when he had six receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens. He badly beat Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis on one touchdown and was wide open in the secondary on the other. Kansas City has one of the top coverage linebackers in Donnie Edwards, the former Charger. It reasons the Chiefs will use a combination of linebackers along with safeties Jarrad Page and Greg Wesley in hopes of slowing Gates. In the first meeting between the two teams, Gates caught six passes for 79 yards.
Chiefs RB Kolby Smith vs. Chargers run defense
Smith showed good elusiveness in his starting debut when he rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Oakland Raiders. He succeeded where running backs Larry Johnson (foot) and Priest Holmes (neck) hadn't this season. Smith is capable of making yards on his own, as he did against Oakland. But he should find the going much more difficult against the Chargers and their fast defense. While the Chargers are as vulnerable as they've been against the run in quite some time, they still are a more formidable opponent than the Raiders are.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Chargers secondary
Bowe had a big game against the Chargers two months ago, catching eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. While he might not reach those numbers against San Diego this time, he could have some success. Even if pass protection problems or soft defensive coverage prohibits many deep passes, Bowe will still be a weapon for the Chiefs. They will probably use him on shorter, quicker patterns. He always has a chance for turning these into big plays because he runs so well after the catch.
Dolphins WR Marty Booker vs. Jets secondary
Booker has taken on the role of the Dolphins' No. 1 receiver after Chris Chambers was traded to San Diego. Booker excelled in the slop at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night with five receptions for 54 yards, including a 21-yarder. With the Miami running game decimated by numerous injuries, look for rookie quarterback John Beck to go to Booker early and often against the Jets' often erratic pass defense.
Jets TE Chris Baker vs. Dolphins secondary
Baker has 11 receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown over his last three games and is quickly becoming a favorite target of second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens. Baker had only one catch against the Dolphins in the first meeting, but it was a four-yard touchdown on a tremendous fingertip catch in the end zone. Baker has been needed less in pass protection in obvious passing downs recently, helping him get more opportunities to catch passes.
Jets KR Leon Washington vs. Dolphins special teams
You know the old saying: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Well, that applies to the Dolphins' approach to Jets special teams standout Washington, who burned the Dolphins earlier this season with a 98-yard kick return for a touchdown in a 31-28 victory. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins squib kick to the Jets Sunday because Washington is one of the NFL's most dangerous returners. He has three touchdown returns this season and is ranked second in the NFL with a 31.5 kickoff return average. The Dolphins have allowed three kickoff returns for touchdowns. They are last in the NFL in opponents' average starting field position (34-yard line), while the Jets are ranked third in the league in average starting field position (32.5-yard line).
Jets OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson vs. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor
Taylor is one of the most dominant pass rushers in recent history, but against Jets first-round pick Ferguson earlier this year, Taylor's speed off the edge was neutralized. Ferguson had his way with Taylor when it came to the ground game. Taylor, who has six sacks on the season, finished that game with four tackles as Jets running back Thomas Jones rushed for 110 yards. The Jets have allowed 29 sacks, which averages out to 2.6 sacks per game. This season the Dolphins defense has recorded 17 sacks, which places them four spots from last in the NFL.
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Colts pass defense
Garrard has been the biggest quarterback surprise in the NFL this year with his 103.1 quarterback rating currently listed as the third best in the AFC. What really shows his value is his effectiveness in third-down situations. He has the league's No. 1 rating in this category, with his 127.6 mark a shade ahead of the Patriots' Tom Brady. The fact that he hasn't thrown an interception all year in a game further adds to his overall game. The Colts defense has not been particularly good in third-down situations this season, ranking 27th in the league in allowing opposing teams to convert.
Jaguars RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Colts run defense
The Jaguars, inexplicably, came out throwing against the Colts in the 29-7 home loss earlier this season. Don't expect them to make the same mistake twice. The Jaguars are No. 3 in rushing offense at 138.5 yards per game. The Colts have often moved their safeties into the box to stuff such rushing attacks. Perhaps that's why the Jags tried to throw, that and the fact that they fell behind by two touchdowns rather quickly. The Colts are 16th in rushing defense at 102.9 yards allowed per game. They have been stingy when needed and have yet to collapse like last December's 375 yards rushing allowed at Jacksonville. Cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden are stronger in run support. Colts middle linebacker Gary Brackett is playing the best has played in his career.
Jaguars WR Reggie Williams vs. Colts SS Bob Sanders
It should be a classic battle between two of the more physical players in the league. Williams takes pride in his blocking on defensive backs and, at 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, he has the size advantage over Sanders (5-foot-8, 206 pounds). Williams has played much better this season, starting with the second game of the year after he was inactive in the opener. He now has 22 catches for 381 yards and a team-best six touchdown receptions, one less than all of the other receivers have combined this year. Sanders isn't known for interceptions, but he did get his only pick of the year in the first meeting with the Jaguars. He was instrumental in helping to hold the Jaguars' running game to 117 yards and the passing attack to just 109 yards.
Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Jaguars pass defense
The Jaguars have done a reasonable job in containing Manning in the 11 meetings while he has been at quarterback. After the Colts won the first four games, the Jaguars won three of the last seven and have not allowed Manning and the Colts more than 26 points in any of the last nine games. While Manning has directed 29 fourth quarter and overtime game-winning drives in his career, only two have come against Jacksonville. The Jaguars' secondary held him to 259 yards but just one touchdown pass and one interception in the first meeting this year. The 80.8 passer rating that he recorded was his third lowest this season.
Colts RB Joseph Addai vs. Jaguars LB Daryl Smith
If the Jaguars give too much attention to Manning, Addai (and backup running back Kenton Keith) will hurt them like they did in the first meeting. Addai had 85 yards in 16 carries (5.3 yards per rush), and Keith added 56. Addai's 876 rushing yards and nine touchdowns are more than either Taylor or Jones-Drew has this year. Smith will have the main task of stopping Addai. Smith replaced veteran linebacker Mike Peterson (broken hand) in the middle last week; he was lauded for his team-high 12 tackles and overall play. He'll need to be at his best to limit Addai.
Colts offensive tackles vs. Jaguars DE Paul Spicer
The Colts have allowed 16 sacks in 11 games, more than usual by this point in most seasons. Part of that is attributed to a makeshift line hit by injuries to both tackle spots. Spicer, an Indianapolis native, leads the Jaguars with six sacks and was constantly in Manning's face when they met last month at Jacksonville. Spicer sacked Manning twice and always seems to do well against his hometown team. It's uncertain who will line up at offensive tackle, particularly on the right side, given all of the team's injuries. While Spicer moved around a bit in the last meeting, he was effective against either side.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Panthers run defense
Gore (ankle) has had some injury issues, but San Francisco's offense has started to click. The 49ers finally made a concerted effort to get the ball in Gore's hands last week against the Arizona Cardinals. He rushed for 116 yards and caught 11 passes for 98 yards. Look for the 49ers to continue that philosophy of getting the ball in Gore's hands as much as possible. The Panthers are not an easy team to run against, however; they might rank 20th in the league in yards rushing allowed per game (112.3), but they're fourth best in the league in average per carry allowed (3.6). Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason has been one of the league's most productive rookies, leading the team in tackles in nine of 11 games. He'll have to be at his best to stop his former University of Miami (Fla.) teammate. Beason is at his best in open space and can go from sideline to sideline against the running game. He needs defensive tackles Kris Jenkins and Ma'ake Kemoeatu to keep offensive linemen from slowing him down. Quarterback Trent Dilfer also had a lot of success last week in checking down to Gore in the passing game.
49ers TE Vernon Davis vs. Panthers pass defense
Davis is the 49ers' best option in the passing game. He has six or more receptions in three of the 49ers' last five games. The Panthers will try a variety of coverages to deal with him, beginning with strongside linebacker Thomas Davis trying to reroute him at the line of scrimmage. A lot of the coverage for Davis downfield will fall on free safety Deke Cooper, who played in the season finale last season with the 49ers.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. 49ers CB Shawntae Spencer
Smith hasn't caught a touchdown pass during Carolina's five-game losing streak, and his production has been limited because the team has no other offensive weapons. The 49ers are likely to follow what other teams have been doing and devote a safety to help Spencer with Smith. If Vinny Testaverde (back) is healthy enough to start at quarterback, Smith will be more of a threat. Testaverde has shown a willingness to try to force balls in Smith's direction. If David Carr has to start at quarterback, Smith probably won't be as productive because Carr is hesitant to force passes into coverage and usually checks down.
Texans RB Ron Dayne vs. Titans run defense
The Texans are unsure which defense they are going to see, but they expect it will be the one with a healthy and well-rested defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (hamstring). He has missed the last three games, and his absence has left a big void. The defense has given up almost 100 more yards rushing per game than they did when he started the first eight games. Dayne has been one of the league's most efficient backs over the last three weeks. He will try to keep that up, even if Haynesworth is back on the line.
Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Titans FS Michael Griffin
Griffin wasn't in the lineup the last time these teams met, Oct. 21, and neither was Johnson. The rookie will have his work cut out for him versus Houston, as quarterback Matt Schaub will likely test him downfield. Johnson averaged 18.2 yards per reception, but he isn't the team's only deep-play threat. Wideout Andre' Davis averaged 18.6 yards per catch, so Griffin will have to be on alert for the deep ball.
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Texans DE Mario Williams
Williams has played better the past two weeks. He even has a sack in three of the team's last four games. Young has struggled at times but always is motivated to play against his hometown team that passed him in the draft. It should be a good battle with Williams making a play or two, but Young should have a decent game as well.
Titans RB LenDale White vs. Texans LB DeMeco Ryans
White recorded three straight 100-yard games before hitting a stop sign versus Jacksonville Nov. 11. In the last three games he has been held to just 81 yards and hasn't even been effective in third-and-short situations. Ryans leads the Texans defense with 94 stops and is capable of stuffing the lead-footed White behind the line of scrimmage.
Falcons RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood vs. Rams run defense
The Rams had problems stopping the run last season, allowing 10 100-yard games. This season, Rams rookie defensive linemen Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan continue to do a very good job clogging the middle for St. Louis. The Rams have not allowed a running back to rush for 100 yards yet this year. The 11-game stretch is the longest the Rams have not allowed a player to rush for 100 yards in a game since the end of 2000 and into the 2002 season, when they went 21 straight games with allowing a back over the century mark. Dunn went over the 10,000-yard mark in his career last week, and the Falcons' running game has improved. Dunn's numbers aren't overly impressive this season; he has rushed for 583 yards but is averaging only 3.2 yards per carry. He's a proven pro that has had success in the past against St. Louis, though. Norwood is more of a home run threat with a 5.7 yards-per-carry average, although he's getting only about one-third of the carries that Dunn is getting.
Falcons OG Justin Blalock vs. Rams DT La'Roi Glover
Glover, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, registered his 80th career sack last week. At one point, against Seattle, the Rams blitzed on 19 consecutive plays to try to create pressure. The Falcons - Blalock in particular - have had trouble picking up the blitz and handling folks on stunts.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Falcons LB Keith Brooking
After missing five games with back and groin injuries, the Rams' top offensive threat is rounding into shape. He showed his big-play ability with a 53-yard run last week and is still a threat catching passes out of the backfield. Brooking considers Jackson one of the toughest running backs in the league and knows he's going to run hard all day long. Jackson also has a touchdown pass to his credit this season.
Rams OTs Rob Petitti and Brandon Gorin vs. Falcons DE John Abraham
Abraham, who has seven sacks, normally plays right end, which would put him over Rams left offensive tackle Alex Barron. Given the struggles of Petitti last week against former Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney, though - Kerney had three sacks for Seattle, all against Petitti - don't be surprised if Abrabam flips over to Petitti's side. Rams head coach Scott Linehan said he plans to rotate Petitti and Gorin this week, after Petitti got the lion's share of the work against Seattle. Especially with Gus Frerotte starting at quarterback, the Rams won't be able to get their passing game going if Abraham goes wild Sunday.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Redskins CB Carlos Rogers
The Bills are switching quarterbacks this week, but it's a tough assignment for rookie Trent Edwards on the road against a Redskins defense that ranks ninth overall. The Redskins held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to just nine first downs last week. Evans looked like he was getting hot at midseason but he has gone three straight weeks without a 100-yard game or a touchdown. He may have a hard time getting the ball this week.
Bills OG Derrick Dockery vs. Redskins DT Anthony Montgomery
The two players went against each other most of last season in practice when Dockery was the Redskins' left guard and Montgomery a reserve defensive tackle. Dockery departed after four seasons with Washington to sign a monster contract with the Bills in March. Montgomery beat out fellow second-year player Kedric Golston for the starting defensive tackle spot along with Cornelius Griffin. Montgomery (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) has 26 tackles and half of a sack. Dockery (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) is having his usual solid season. If Dockery can limit Montgomery, that will allow the Bills to double Griffin.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis vs. Bills run defense
Quarterback Jason Campbell has more than 100 pass attempts in the last two games, in which the Redskins fell behind Dallas and Tampa Bay. Portis, meanwhile, has only 32 carries for 104 yards in those two games - compared with games of 36 carries for 196 yards and 36 carries for 137 yards against the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. The Bills will face their second straight power running team and may be ready to wear down due to injuries. They will be without starting defensive end Chris Kelsay (ankle), who has a badly sprained ankle. That depletes a defense that ranks 23rd against the run. The Bills gave up 124 yards rushing against Jacksonville last week, and that was about as good as they could have played. Portis is due to break out.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards vs. Cardinals CB Antrel Rolle
Rolle shined in Cincinnati two weeks ago, but that was as the third corner where he could play physical and be in some safety-like situations. Now, with cornerback Eric Green (groin) down for the season, Rolle has to go back outside, which is definitely not his strong suit. Edwards, who is having a fabulous year anyway, has a chance to blow up in Arizona given the Cards' secondary woes. He is sixth in the league with 894 receiving yards and is tied for third with 11 touchdowns. He has cut down on his drops this season and showed toughness last week by picking up a pair of crucial first downs on slants in traffic.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. Browns run defense
James' average yards per carry (3.7) doesn't impress, but he has rushed for 808 yards, which rank eighth in the league. He also has six touchdowns. The Browns rank 28th in run defense, allowing 131.4 yards per game, but they've been improving lately. In the last six games, they've allowed 109.7 yards per game, compared with 157.4 in the first five games. Their best performance came last week, when they held Houston to 77.
Cardinals WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald vs. Browns secondary
The Browns are dead-last in the NFL in defense and 30th against the pass. Meanwhile, the Cardinals threw for 486 yards in their loss to San Francisco last week and may need to match the production given all of their injuries on defense. Fitzgerald has been playing excellently (he has just two games in which he has had fewer than 85 receiving yards), and Boldin's game has picked up. Both should be able to exploit the Browns in a game that should be a shootout.
Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper vs. Broncos pass defense
The Raiders have the No. 29-ranked passing offense and have trouble getting going. Culpepper has been effective in the past two games, but he hasn't been anything special. Denver's secondary is strong, and its pass rush has improved. The Broncos can be beaten here and there but overall are solid. The Raiders will likely have difficulty getting a consistent passing game going Sunday. Watch for cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly to have big days.
Broncos running backs vs. Raiders run defense
We don't know exactly who is going to be running the ball for Denver with running back Travis Henry (knee). Running back Selvin Young (knee) and Andre Hall (ankle) are dealing with injuries, but at least one of the three is expected to play, with Henry actually appearing to be the most likely. All have had success this year. Oakland's run defense is ripe for the picking. Oakland has the 32nd-ranked run defense and is allowing 153.6 yards per game on the ground. Denver can always run no matter who the backs are. Watch for the Broncos to try to dominate this game on the ground.
Raiders TE Zach Miller vs. Broncos secondary
Miller, a rookie from Arizona State, caught a 28-yard pass during the Raiders' game-winning scoring drive against Kansas City - his longest reception of the season by nine yards after being primarily a block-and-release receiver. Head coach Lane Kiffin said the Raiders would look to get more downfield opportunities for Miller.
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Raiders CBs Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt
Marshall has evolved into one of the NFL's bright young stars, and at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, he has the size to manhandle almost any corner. The Raiders, however, have long believed in a prototype; both Asomugha (6-foot-2, 210) and Routt (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) are tall enough to handle the bigger receivers and fast enough to deal with the smaller ones. More often than not, teams are avoiding Asomugha after his breakout season a year ago with eight interceptions.
Giants QB Eli Manning vs. Bears pass defense
The Giants quarterback set a franchise record last week when the Vikings returned three of his four interceptions for touchdowns. They weren't his only errant throws, however. In the first half Manning was 6-for-20 for 92 yards and two interceptions against what has been the league's worst pass defense. The Bears aren't doing much better than the Vikings, being ranked 25th, but they could employ the same pressure tactics as Minnesota. That could mean more turnovers and more tipped balls, like the one Vikings linebacker Ben Leber directed toward free safety Dwight Smith for his fourth quarter, 93-yard interception return for a score. Manning has engineered just eight touchdown drives in the last 18 quarters, and one of those came when last week's game was out of hand in the fourth quarter.
Giants RB Reuben Droughns vs. Bears run defense
With running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) out for the second straight week, Droughns will again start. He had a great first series against the Vikings, churning for 25 yards and a touchdown. After that, not so good. He finished with 15 carries for 46 yards. He's a banger, but unless he can get through that middle and make a cut outside, he's not every effective. He has proven he's not a real edge runner like Jacobs. Still, he has five touchdowns on the season, all from in close. The Bears are 27th in the league against the rush, however, allowing 126.8 yards per game.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman
The Bears had traditionally always kept their cornerbacks on one side of the field and never deviated from that plan until they traveled to the Meadowlands to play the Giants last season. That's when they changed things up and matched Tillman on Burress to combat the receiver's size and strength. Tillman plays bigger opponents well at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds. He did a solid job, limiting Burress to four receptions for 48 yards. The Bears have employed the strategy a handful of times since and are expected to again shadow Manning's biggest playmaker with Tillman, who is having a solid season.
Bears KR/PR Devin Hester vs. Giants PK Lawrence Tynes and P Jeff Feagles
Teams have proven that it's almost suicide to kick to Hester, who has returned five punts and kickoffs for touchdowns this year. The Giants have experience with him, as he brought back former Giants place kicker Jay Feely's 52-yard field goal attempt that fell short last year for a then record 108-yard touchdown. He can cough up the ball, however, with seven fumbles and seven muffed catches in his career. Feagles should probably consider putting his punts well across the sideline, even if it means sacrificing length. Things get a little dicier with Tynes. Unless he simply plans to give the Bears field position at the 40 with a kickoff out of bounds, he'll have to direct his kicks outside the numbers, with plenty of hang time to allow his coverage unit ample time to surround Hester.
Bears OT Fred Miller vs. Giants DE Michael Strahan
With Miller (ankle) in the twilight of his career and battling a sprained right ankle that has bothered him for a while, he faces one of his toughest matchups of the season in the future Hall of Famer, Strahan. Strahan comes in with eight sacks, and the Giants are going to be focused on pressuring quarterback Rex Grossman, who has mechanical breakdowns when the pocket closes in on him. The Bears can help Miller with a tight end, but they are not likely to double team Strahan all of the time with defensive end Osi Umenyiora on the other side going against left offensive tackle John Tait, who has had his own struggles at times this season.
Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham vs. Saints LB Mark Simoneau
Having spent three years watching mostly from the sidelines as a special teams player, Graham is just now starting to get a real feel for the running back spot again. His vision is improving with each carry, but he'll need the guys up front to move defensive tackle Hollis Thomas and Simoneau out of the way for him. Graham should fare well against this defense, but if he is to succeed at a high level, he will need an open hole. That means moving Thomas and Simoneau out.
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Saints secondary
In the last six games against the Saints, the Bucs' veteran receiver has been a one-man wrecking crew. Galloway has caught 23 passes for 473 yards and nine touchdowns. He has another score against the Saints on a punt return. In the first meeting between the teams, a 31-14 Tampa Bay victory, Galloway caught four passes for 135 yards and two scores, including a 69-yard scoring pass and a 24-yard scoring pass. His per-catch average in the first game was 33.8 yards. Saints cornerback Jason David has allowed nine scoring passes in eight games this seasons, and he is particularly vulnerable to big pass plays this season. Cornerback Mike McKenzie has the speed to say with just about any receiver, maybe even Galloway. On the turf, though, Galloway probably has a slight edge. A lot may depend on whether quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) is able to play this weekend; otherwise, Galloway could grow frustrated, check out of the game early and become a non-factor.
Saints WR Marques Colston vs. Buccaneers FS Tanard Jackson
Jackson, the last line of defense in the secondary for the Buccaneers, ranks second on the team with 11 passes defensed and is tied for second with a pair of interceptions. Last week Colston fell seven yards shy of extending his string of 100-yard receiving games to four, but he still caught seven passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. In the last four games, Colston has caught 35 passes for 399 yards. While he has caught just one pass for a touchdown in those four games, the Saints rely on Colston's underneath ability to move the chains.
Bengals WR Chad Johnson vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor
Funny thing about the Steelers defense - it has two shutouts, and Pro Bowl strong safety Troy Polamalu (knee) has missed both games with injuries. Maybe that's because Taylor, maligned and benched by former head coach Bill Cowher, is thriving under new head coach Mike Tomlin. Taylor has two interceptions and 10 passes defensed. Here comes Johnson, fresh off his best game of the season, when he caught three touchdown passes among his 12 receptions for 103 yards against Tennessee. Taylor has been solid against Johnson over the years, but his best friend Sunday night won't be his athletic ability - it will be the muddy Heinz Field turf. More rain is in the forecast.
Bengals OT Levi Jones vs. Steelers LB James Harrison
In his first season as a starter, Harrison has emerged as a star in place of linebacker Joey Porter (Miami Dolphins). Porter and Jones' battles - on the field and off; see casino squabble in Las Vegas this past offseason - were always entertaining. Now Jones, still not looking 100 percent healthy on wobbly knees, has to deal with Harrison to protect quarterback Carson Palmer's blind side. Harrison leads the Steelers with 8.5 sacks and is second with 58 tackles. He also is credited with 10 quarterback hits. Jones has struggled with speed rushers this season, giving up 2.5 sacks to Kansas City's Jared Allen. The Bengals have allowed 15 sacks. The Steelers have 32.
Steelers RB Willie Parker vs. Bengals run defense
If the game is indeed played in poor conditions, the Steelers will likely run the ball even more. Parker ran 24 times for 81 yards Monday night in the mud and rain at Heinz Field. He has gone over 1,000 yards. Parker went for 126 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown in the first Bengals game this season. He has four 100-yard games against the Bengals, previously running for 131, 134 and 133 yards. Parker has six career rushing touchdowns and 595 yards rushing in five career starts against Cincinnati. The Bengals are playing better against the run, having limited their past three opponents to 66, 50 and 61 yards as well as an average carry of fewer than three yards.
Steelers offensive tackles vs. Bengals DE Justin Smith
The big problem with the leaky Steelers' offensive line this week is that offensive left tackle Marvel Smith (back) came up with a bad back Monday night and was unable to play against the Dolphins. His availability for the Bengals game is uncertain, but know this: Max Starks would start in his place, if Smtih can't play, and Starks lost his starting job at right offensive tackle to Willie Colon, who has been shaky himself this season. Smith is tied for the team lead with two sacks, but the Steelers make poor pass-rushing teams look good. The Jets and Dolphins each have 12 sacks in 10 games against the rest of the league. However, the Jets had seven against the Steelers, and the Dolphins, five. The Browns, with only 19 sacks all season, dropped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger four times in the teams' most recent game.
Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Ravens pass defense
The Ravens have a secondary that, when it's healthy, could match up against New England. But the Ravens won't be at full strength because cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) is still not fully recovered. Brady is coming off his worst game of the season, but he should get back on track against the Ravens. During the Ravens' five-game losing streak, the defense has totaled 10 sacks and just three interceptions. The Ravens are one of two teams (the Giants are the other) not to allow a passing touchdown to Brady in his career.
Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Ravens CB Samari Rolle
Moss is coming off his lowest output of the season after getting extra attention from the Eagles, but he also didn't give the same type of effort he exhibited in the first 10 games of the season. Brady and head coach Bill Belichick have likely made mention of this to Moss, who no doubt will be looking for a return to the type of numbers he has put up for much of the season. This is a tough matchup for Rolle (condition), who has only recently returned to the field after discovering he has epilepsy.
Patriots WR Wes Welker vs. Ravens CB Corey Ivy
Welker is coming off another career game, with 13 catches for 149 yards against the Eagles. He was the beneficiary of the extra attention Philadelphia gave to Moss; Welker and Brady took advantage. With free safety Ed Reed patrolling the deep part of the field for the Ravens and thus making long passes to Moss or wideout Donte' Stallworth more difficult, it could be Welker's night once again. That could be especially true against Ivy, who began his career as an undrafted rookie with the Patriots in 1999.
Ravens QB Kyle Boller vs. Patriots pass defense
Boller could have a respectable game against the Patriots. He plays his best at home, winning 15 of 20 starts at M&T Bank Stadium. He also has done well on Monday night, throwing four touchdowns and one interception in four games. The Patriots, though, have the ability to rattle quarterbacks. New England ranks sixth in the NFL in sacks (31) and second in interceptions (16). Plus, Boller likely will be without tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) and receiver Demetrius Williams (ankle).
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Patriots run defense
McGahee could have tough game against the Patriots because the Ravens likely will struggle to keep the game close. New England can be vulnerable against the run. The Patriots allow 4.1 yards per carry, which is 20th in the NFL. They only allow 86.2 yards rushing per game because teams can't commit to the run. If they do, they fall behind early against New England. Third in the NFL in rushing, McGahee has gained at least 77 yards rushing in seven of 11 games and has scored a touchdown in six straight games.
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