Z - From The Sidelines...

Locker Room Buzz - Week 15

December 14, 2007
09:01:26

In most fantasy leagues, this week is the time when the final four teams are left battling it out for the right to meet in the championship game. For many, it has been a struggle, with teams heading into the final games leaning on players like New Orleans Saints running back Aaron Stecker and Kansas City Chiefs running back Kolby Smith to win them the title. Other teams, however, have benefited from mid-to-late round picks of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. While those two have carried a lot of team's deep into these fantasy playoffs, they have also done the same for their teams on the field.

Brady and the Patriots are on the verge of making history, along as their opponent this week: the Miami Dolphins. While one team is streaking to the top, the other finds themselves sitting on the verge of matching the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the worst start in the league's 88-year history at 0-14. Since the NFL switched to a 16-game schedule in 1978, no team has gone 0-16. How ironic would it be if the Dolphins set that winless mark this season, the same time that the Patriots tie the Dolphins' 1972 mark as the only teams to go 14-0. The Dolphins have a tough task at hand this week, but at least they hold their legacy in their hands, if for at least just one game.

There hasn't been a team in recent history that has had to deal with so much turmoil as the Atlanta Falcons have had to endure this season. Franchise quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison for running a dogfighting operation, and former head coach Bobby Petrino bailed on the team just this past week, heading back to the college ranks as the head coach of the University of Arkansas. The Falcons' biggest loss is by far the one of their quarterback. Many people have their opinion that his sentence was too stiff, while others seem to agree that it was strict enough. We asked this question to our network this week, along with whether or not they believed he could be an effective NFL quarterback if he returns to the league. The results of our poll might just surprise you.

Do you think Michael Vick's sentence was too harsh?

Yes: 28 percent
No: 72 percent

Do you think he can be an effective NFL quarterback if he returns to play?

Yes: 28 percent
No: 72 percent

Here are some of the responses we received to the questions above. Some responses were more candid than others, but overall it was unanimous that Vick got what he deserved and that he isn't expected to be the force that he once was in the league.

... Kind of a little bit, only because they're people that drive drunk and kill a human and don't get that much time. If it was for tax evasion then I would say no, but if you kill a person on accident ... you could get less time than that.
No. It was probably right there. You aren't supposed to do that stuff. He should have known better. I understand that it is street culture ... I would give him a year and a half for pure stupidity.
Yes when you compare it to Leonard Little, he killed a woman and he got less time than Vick.
Can he be effective? I think that it would be very difficult. He was so quick and that is what made him so good.... I think that it would be different if he were a pocket passer.
Can he be effective? Sure, you got Vinny Testaverde out there at 44 ... he won games when he wasn't supposed to win games. He won in GB in the playoffs. I mean, they weren't getting blown out even in the 7-7, 8-8 years. I think he's better than more than half of the quarterbacks in the league. An elite quarterback? I don't know.
I don't think it was too harsh. Being an animal person, whatever the maximum was, he probably should've gotten it. After three years, probably not ... probably have to be a running back. He wasn't that effective as a quarterback to begin with because he couldn't throw.

Onto this week's Locker Room Buzz - enjoy!

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

The recent play of running back Fred Jackson has led to questions as to whether he will take time away from running back Marshawn Lynch. Fantasy owners shouldn't worry too much, as Lynch should continue to get his looks and touches. The split for this week is expected to be in Lynch's favor; getting 70 percent of the touches.

Wide receiver Lee Evans is by far the main target in the passing game, and while his numbers haven't shown that at times, that could be attributed to the talent that surrounds him. The Bills have no one to compliment him and have lined up receivers that have No. 3 talent as No. 2 receivers, while the tight end position has no true No. 1 option. Once they start surrounding Evans with more talent we expect to see his numbers go up.

The weather isn't forecast to be good in Cleveland and could be storming the entire game. The Bills are expected to run the ball a lot this week, which would not bode well for Evans' numbers.

Miami Dolphins

The reason for quarterback Cleo Lemon replacing quarterback John Beck had more to do with the players demanding the change than head coach Cam Cameron making it on his own. The veterans reportedly said to Cameron that he better play Lemon or that he didn't want to win. Lemon allows the offense to do more, and the team wasn't scoring with Beck. Cameron wouldn't acknowledge this, but he said they have a veteran counsel and hoped they'd keep that stuff private.

After reportedly being limited in what he could do within the offense during his first run, Lemon is set to lead the team with an open playbook in the final three games. Their goal during these games is to get a win. Everyone on the team knows their jobs are on the line and it's a situation where they need to win.

It is believed that Lemon has relied more on wide receiver Derek Hagan than rookie wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. Hagan is the guy who gets open more, while Ginn is the deep threat and the better bet to score. Ginn has the only touchdown pass that Lemon has thrown to a wide receiver this season.

New England Patriots

Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney appears to have surpassed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth on the depth chart, and a source agrees. Stallworth found it difficult to learn the playbook and has had to deal with injuries, while Gaffney had the benefit of playing with the team last year. Belichik had a press conference Friday, Dec. 14, and was asked about the receivers. The one receiver he didn't mention was Stallworth. The writing appears to be on the wall and it is possible that he could be one and done with the team.

It doesn't look like the snow will prevent the Patriots from playing their game. It is uncertain how much faith they have in their running game, and the team practiced outside in the snow Thursday, Dec. 13, despite the snow coming down hard. Belichick said that there was some benefit to that; just to get a feel of what the ball feels like when it is wet.

Fans who think that Belichick may be bitter when it comes to the New York Jets aren't far off. When a source was asked if they thought the team would look to run up the score against them, they said "Oh, yeah." Belichick took a hit to his legacy, which is something that is more important to him than the money he was fined. Look for the Patriots to come out all over them. If they could win 96-2 they would, and they just might.

New York Jets

Quarterback Chad Pennington might not be in a Jets uniform come next season. It is believed that he doesn't want to be a backup, and the team may look to trade him.

Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (finger) received a special splint, a soft splint, which allowed him to play and be effective. If it weren't for that he wouldn't have been able to catch the ball.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith came in to finish the Ravens' deflating 44-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week. Smith went 3-for-5 for 33 yards and ran for a six-yard touchdown. Smith looked flustered in a game that didn't require much urgency, and the team felt he was a bit over his head when he went in. Unless starting quarterback Kyle Boller is injured, Smith won't likely get many more opportunities this season.

Smith's bland stat line echoed the entire team's mood coming off the emotional loss against the New England Patriots. The veterans will likely keep pushing the team forward regardless of the team's standing.

Head coach Brian Billick was reportedly endorsed for a 2008 return by team owner Steve Bisciotti. He has three years left on his contract, and this year has been plagued by an injury-riddled defense. The cornerback and tight end spots have proven to be part of the team's downfall.

Cincinnati Bengals

Running back Rudi Johnson has quietly been a fantasy disappointment, but lately he has been trying to make amends. He says he's not 100 percent, but he's getting healthier every week. What has helped? The Bengals have gone back to more of a power-running style of offense that plays to his strengths. They don't run him outside; instead, they have Rudi bust it up the gut, let him try to make yards after first contact and break tackles. He has what coaches call "contact balance."

The Bengals are already talking contract with offensive tackle Stacy Andrews. The fourth-year man began as a project, but he has really blossomed and still hasn't reached his potential. He's quiet, businesslike and versatile.

Changes are inevitable on the defensive side of the ball. What to look for:

The Bengals have talked to free safety Madieu Williams about a long-term contract. They likely plan to do the same with linebacker Landon Johnson, but it's too early to tell whether the two sides will come together.

Cincinnati would certainly like to sign defensive end Justin Smith to a long-term deal. He provides good bang for the buck in terms of effort and effectiveness, even if his stats don't show it. They can't afford to franchise tag him again, either.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal probably won't return, even though he has one year left at a very reasonable salary. After his Pro Bowl year, in 2005, he wanted a reworked contract. He didn't get it, and it seems to have affected his play. He wants to start somewhere, so he may ask for his release - and have that wish granted.

Strong safety Dexter Jackson probably won't be back. A lot depends on whether the Bengals believe that their two rookie safeties, Nedu Ndukwe and Marvin White, are ready, though, as well as whether Williams inks long-term.

Don't expect linebacker Caleb Miller to return - he can't stay healthy.

Head coach Marvin Lewis is pretty close to linebackers coach Ricky Hunley and defensive line coach Jay Hayes. Will that cloud Lewis' judgment, if it's time for those two to move on?

Cleveland Browns

Wideout Josh Cribbs has become an exciting return man for Cleveland, so how come the third-year man isn't more involved in the offense? He needs to improve his route running. His ceiling will probably limit him to being a No. 3 receiver at best, but he can be dangerous on reverses and other trick plays. Some even think he could be a dangerous third-down back. They don't want to overuse him, though.

The Browns have maintained focus during their improbable run (to the playoffs?) with veteran influence from the likes of linebacker Willie McGinest, running back Jamal Lewis, wideout Joe Jurevicius and center Hank Fraley. The first three have championship experience.

Pittsburgh Steelers

It looks like quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) is a go this week, but look for the Steelers to have a conservative game plan either way. Wideout Santonio Holmes (ankle) still isn't 100 percent recovered from his high ankle sprain, and Big Ben may have trouble throwing downfield. Plus, Pittsburgh could have more success on the ground with Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (ankle) done for the season.

Despite the potentially conservative outlook for the Steelers, they have to get Holmes involved more, and he should be a bigger part of the game plan.

The loss of defensive end Aaron Smith (knee) could hurt more than you might think. He was considered their best lineman and about as close to being a Pro Bowl player as one can get without making it. Some think that Jags tailback Fred Taylor could have a huge game without Smith in there.

The Steelers don't feel that last week's loss to New England was a true gauge of how they stack up. With a healthier Holmes, and strong safety Troy Polamalu in the lineup, they think they can give the Pats a run for their money.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback Peyton Manning doesn't usually trust rookie receivers. Wideout Anthony Gonzalez might have broken him of this habit as the former Ohio State Buckeye has 13 catches for 261 yards over the last three weeks. He added two touchdowns to that equation in the Colts' 44-20 shellacking of the Ravens last week. Gonzalez had previously irked the perennial Pro Bowler when he dropped a few passes earlier in the season. But with wideout Marvin Harrison (knee) expected to miss another week, Gonzalez should be heavily targeted once again this Sunday.

With defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) on Injured Reserve, and defensive linemen Raheem Brock (ribs) and Robert Mathis (knee) likely out for the week, five of the eight active defensive linemen are expected to be rookies.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback David Garrard could be considered a dark horse candidate for the Pro Bowl. He has thrown just one interception on the season, but that likely won't be enough with the big trio of Manning, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Running back Fred Taylor has had a renaissance season, and he's shocked many fantasy owners by proving to be more reliable than fellow back Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor has rushed for at least 85 yards in each of his last four games including three straight 100-yard efforts. He has 944 rushing yards, putting him on pace for his seventh 1,000-yard season. Those numbers make a strong case for Canton.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback Vince Young holds no ill will towards San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman for his late hit on him in last week's game. He doesn't feel it was intentional, and the league seems to agree.

Running back LenDale White (knee) has touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and is expected to get at least 75 percent of the carries this coming week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Nomad wide receiver Mike Williams had a few looks this past week, but one was intercepted and one was knocked down.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

With running back Kolby Smith (knee) now among the ranks of the walking wounded in Kansas City, be ready to acquaint yourself with a new name, that of running back Gilbert Harris. The rookie out of Arizona has good size and boasts some power, but he isn't a polished back. Look for Smith to still shoulder 80 to 85 percent of the load this weekend including the vast majority of any goal line carries.

Despite a 0-6 record since their Week 8 Bye, head coach Herman Edwards is unlikely to be fired following the season. The team is definitely headed in a specific direction in regards to the type of players they want, and our source feels Edwards is a good fit for where they are going with personnel.

Oakland Raiders

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell is slated to see action in just his second game of the season this Sunday, but it remains up in the air as to whether or not he will start a game this year. The team may not even play Russell next week against the playoff-bound Jacksonville Jaguars on the road, which would only leave the season finale against the San Diego Chargers. If San Diego is locked into their playoff position they may look to rest many of their regulars. If that happens it could provide exactly the type of matchup the Raiders would be willing to start Russell in. However, look for the decision to be largely performance based as head coach Lane Kiffin appears in no rush to give the top overall pick a start just for the sake of starting him. In other words, Russell needs to earn it.

Running back Justin Fargas (ribs) is not expected to be limited in any way this Sunday, but with an injury like his there is always a risk factor that another shot could aggravate it. If that happens don't be shocked to see halfback Dominic Rhodes get the call over running back LaMont Jordan.

Why the possible switch? Jordan looked bad against the Green Bay Packers last week, failing to make much headway even with the team trailing huge in the fourth quarter and Green Bay playing for the pass. Rhodes' connection to the Indianapolis Colts, Oakland's opponent this Sunday, could also factor into the decision.

As for the rest of the season it really boils down to how Rhodes and Jordan practice, as well as their attitude, to determine that week's backup.

For those fantasy owners curious about a split in carries, it really all depends on how Fargas looks. If he comes out strong and looks good he could get north of 20 carries against the Colts. If he struggles or is hurting, then look for a more even split.

San Diego Chargers

The image of running back LaDainian Tomlinson getting up with a disgusted look on his face right as quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) sat down next to him on the bench received a lot of airplay this week. However, according to both men, there was nothing to it. Tomlinson's explanation was that he had been talking to fullback Lorenzo Neal (leg) about an earlier play, and he stood up to say something about it to the offensive line. Television cameras didn't show who was on Tomlinson's left, so it is impossible to know for sure.

Tomlinson's generally easygoing persona has taken some hits this year because of sideline incidents and emotional post-game press conferences. However, anyone thinking he is a "cry baby" is off-base. Tomlinson is just a ferocious competitor during the game and wears his emotions on his sleeve afterwards. As our source accurately pointed out, would you really want someone on your team who looks happy when the team is losing and can't move the ball?

Given his back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, one might think the loss of Neal is a significant blow to the Chargers running game. However, that isn't really the case as this season the team only utilizes the fullback on about 30 to 40 percent of the offensive snaps. The club is also confident that there won't be a significant drop-off from Neal to fullback Andrew Pinnock.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Well, it came a little later this year, but wide receiver Terrell Owens spewed into microphones this week by criticizing retired wide receiver and ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson said that Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has benefited from a team built by former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells. Owens verbally knocked Johnson's abilities and career, and Keyshawn spat back. What a nice couple.

Regarding Parcells, it's hard to believe that T.O. doesn't enjoy his current situation a bit more than last season. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and wide receivers coach Ray Sherman are finding ways to get Owens more involved, and former wideout coach Todd Haley reportedly didn't call his number much last year because they didn't think Owens knew the playbook well enough.

Linebacker Bobby Carpenter, the Cowboys' 2006 first-round pick, has been relatively quiet while playing on special teams. The Cowboys' linebacking corps of Bradie James, Akin Ayodele and DeMarcus Ware is locked up for some time, and linebacker Anthony Spencer looks to replace linebacker Greg Ellis after his contract runs out after 2009. There's nowhere to fit Carpenter into normal playing time because strong safety Roy Williams plays linebacker in nickel and dime situations.

Looks like Ware took cornerback Terence Newman's words a bit too seriously. The linebacker was fined $12,500 for his late hit on Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna last week.

New York Giants

With the job he has done revamping the Giants' front seven, could defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo be a target for a head coaching job within the next few seasons? He doesn't have much of a reputation yet, but he has maximized the Giants' personnel schemes and within the next few years could be running the sidelines for some defensively starved team.

Even with the great defense, you need to look at the standings for a reminder that the Giants are 9-4 and are in prime position for a Wild Card berth. They won eight straight games in spite of quarterback Eli Manning's deficiencies, but the only winning team they beat was the Detroit Lions. Three of their four losses came against winning teams - two to Dallas and one to the Green Bay Packers. Essentially, they're the best of the rest.

Philadelphia Eagles

Don't expect the Eagles to play their youngsters - including quarterback Kevin Kolb - if they're eliminated from the playoffs or if a game gets out of hand. They would rather not reopen the floodgates to the trials and tribulations of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

This has been a tough year for place kicker David Akers. The lefty boot might be pining for his old tandem of long snapper Mike Bartrum and former Eagles quarterback Koy Detmer as his holder. Bartrum was forced to retire because of neck problems and Detmer... well, he was forced to leave because he was ineffective as a quarterback. The current duo of punter Sav Rocca as the holder and Jon Dorenbos as the long snapper hasn't been as effective, and the 33-year-old Akers has suffered as a result. It hasn't helped that the nine-year veteran has had a single-season high four attempts from the 50-yard range. He has only made one of those bombs.

Washington Redskins

With the loss of quarterback Jason Campbell (knee) possibly for the rest of the season, veteran quarterback Todd Collins led the Skins to a victory over the Chicago Bears last week. The Skins brass had to have been pleasantly surprised at his performance - a 15-for-20 night with 224 yards and two touchdown passes. The 36-year-old might have a bit of a rude awakening as Washington faces the Giants' flustering pass-rush this Sunday.

Collins beat out fellow quarterback Mark Brunell as the No. 2 guy because of his preseason performance. Collins is undoubtedly one of the few staunch supporters of the NFL's long preseason schedule. Head coach Joe Gibbs loves Brunell like a third son, but his football offspring has been managing the clipboard as the head of the scout team.

Call off the search: Running back Ladell Betts found the end zone twice last week. Betts could be utilized more in the passing game if he were to be utilized at all.

Expect the Redskins to cut ties with disgruntled wideout Brandon Lloyd (collarbone) next year. Wide receiver Keenan McCardell, who has 22 catches for 256 yards and a touchdown in nine games, could be an option to replace him if they can convince him to return at the right price.

The Redskins have a tough road ahead if they are to at least be considered for the playoff picture. They would have to win out in their remaining games against the Giants, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cowboys. They have not won back-to-back games since the first two weeks of the season.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The team's decision to start quarterback Kyle Orton was definitely made with an eye towards next season. They already know what they have in quarterback Brian Griese, and quarterback Rex Grossman (knee) is a free agent. Chicago wants to see if Orton has improved since his rookie season and whether he has a future in the Windy City.

Asked if Orton could succeed this week, our source said no. He said the team's shortcomings on the offensive line and the resulting inability to run the ball have put Orton in a position to fail this Monday.

For fantasy owners out there, the big loser in the switch could be receiver Bernard Berrian, who has played well this season as a favorite of both Grossman and Griese. Look for Orton to check down quickly, which should help running Adrian N. Peterson and tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen.

Another player we could see a little bit more of is running back Garrett Wolfe, but he is undersized and can't be relied upon in pass protection. The majority of the work should still belong to Peterson with Wolfe seeing around six or eight touches.

Despite a terrible overall showing by the defense this year, don't look for wholesale changes in the offseason. The team wants linebacker Lance Briggs back, but they'll need to open the checkbook. Berrian is also a free agent.

Detroit Lions

Whether or not wide receiver Roy Williams (knee) returns this season could depend largely on what happens this Sunday. If the Lions can beat the San Diego Chargers, then they remain in the playoff race. If that happens we could see Williams back on the field as early as Week 16. If they lose it becomes far less likely that they would risk his health by bringing him back.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz will probably return in the same role with Detroit next season, but if a move is made it will almost certainly be because of the way the team has run the ball this season. Our source indicated about a 75 percent chance that Martz is retained.

Continuing with Martz, we posed the question as to whether or not the mad scientist would ever get another head coaching job in the NFL. Our source thought it was possible since his resume includes a trip to the Super Bowl, but he also pointed out the number of job openings last year that got filled without Martz's name garnering attention.

In terms of offseason moves, look for the team to focus on upgrading the right tackle position and deciding if they want to bring back offensive lineman Damien Woody. The Lions could also be in the market for a running back with halfback T.J. Duckett set for free agency and tailback Tatum Bell as good as gone.

Whoever they bring in is expected to be the backup to running back Kevin Jones, who is under contract for one more season and should be the primary ball carrier for at least 2008.

Green Bay Packers

Even though he is no longer on the injury report, quarterback Brett Favre is not yet back at 100 percent. Of course, Favre is as tough as they come and is actually doing quite well health-wise considering the mileage that has been put on his body over the years.

There's no question that running back Ryan Grant has been a huge boost to Green Bay's offense this season. However, there is a question as to whether they see him as the answer long term. The answer appears to be yes, and the current thought is that there is a very good chance he will be the team's starter in 2008. Despite that notion, don't be surprised to see the team invest a first-, second- or third-round pick in a running back next season as teams want to have two quality backs these days. Plus, as good as Grant has been, he hasn't given them what current Houston Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) gave them during his stellar career with the team.

Minnesota Vikings

Running back Adrian Peterson didn't pull any punches in characterizing last Sunday's 14-carry, three-yard performance as the worst of his football life. The 49ers had a good game plan for stopping Peterson, which included blitzing their cornerbacks, but A.D. felt he definitely had opportunities to make plays and failed to capitalize. He has a good chance to bounce back this week against a Chicago team that is weak up the gut. The last time these teams hooked up, he ran for 224 yards and three scores.

In terms of the division of carries, look for Peterson and running back Chester Taylor to continue with a near-even split.

Defensive end Erasmus James (knee) is done for the season after undergoing his third knee surgery. Head coach Brad Childress said the injury is not career-threatening, but given how highly he was selected (18th overall in 2005) James is in serious jeopardy of becoming a full-fledged bust. He simply can't stay on the field.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

It's a rough week to be associated with the Falcons. First, quarterback Michael Vick is sentenced to 23 months in prison for his dog fighting activities, and head coach Bobby Petrino bails the day after the team loses on Monday Night Football. Owner Arthur Blank has done a commendable job on the business side of the Falcons, but he has his work cut out for him on the football side. You could go back to his signing of former head coach Dan Reeves and some of his free-agency blunders to see how much weaker his decision-makers are on the football side.

Interim head coach Emmitt Thomas is just that. He doesn't want the head coaching job; he's merely there to plug the leak until the search begins.

The search will most likely be directed towards a name that the players will immediately respond to in the locker room. Hall of Fame linebacker and current San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary impressed Blank during the same interview process that netted Petrino last year and will likely be brought up again. Some names floating around include former San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer and former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, but both names seem to be reaches. They might consider some disciples of Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. Either way, they want a disciplinarian that will immediately command respect.

Back to on-field matters, expect running back Jerious Norwood to receive 70 percent of the carries this week with running back Warrick Dunn relegated to the other 30 percent.

Wide receiver Roddy White's "Free Mike Vick" message written on his pads last week will likely result in a fine from the NFL at some point.

Exemplified by strong safety Lawyer Milloy's branding of Petrino as a "Coward" on his publicly displayed letter to the players, Falcons practice was a bit louder this week. The players were finally allowed to play music in the locker room and there was a sense of vigor during their Friday drills.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are leaning towards starting third-string quarterback Matt Moore this week. The undrafted rookie from Oregon State University would be the fourth different starting quarterback for the Panthers this year.

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett could get another chance to prove he's useful this week as fellow wideout Keary Colbert (knee) is doubtful for Sunday. They still don't have much confidence in Jarrett's abilities.

New Orleans Saints

Running back Pierre Thomas is a pauper's version of fellow back Reggie Bush (knee). As he recovers from kidney surgery, he should be utilized in Bush's old role. Thomas is a moderately athletic back who can run routes and act as a decoy in the passing game.

The Saints have been content with tight ends Eric Johnson (groin) and Billy Miller while filling in for starting tight end Mark Campbell. The Saints prefer to use their tight end as a run blocker. They have so much offense at the running back and receiver positions that the tight end slot is expected to continue serving as a blocking-heavy position for some time.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) is ready to go for this week, but the Bucs will likely continue their run-first philosophy.

Wide receiver Ike Hilliard (back) has been the No. 2 wideout all season, but wideout Mark Clayton started in his place last week because they came out in a specific personnel package. Hilliard still ended up with more snaps than Clayton, but if Clayton starts again this week then Clayton could be pushing for the starting role.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens was suspended one game due for a Sept. 7 conviction for three counts of driving under the influence. He could face more discipline from the league for an old marijuana conviction but don't look for the team to discipline him further.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (toe) think he should play this week unless he aggravates the injury between now and Sunday, but the team isn't real optimistic. He did some things in practice Thursday, Dec. 13, but it's not certain if it was enough to say he'll play this week. He's doing more in practice this week than he did last week, which is a good sign, though.

Receiver Bryant Johnson was targeted eight times last week but only caught one pass. The game plan just turned out that way, and it wasn't anything the defense did against him. Quarterback Kurt Warner has proven that he will not throw to a guy just to throw to him.

Receiver Jerheme Urban caught six passes for 123 yards and a touchdown last week. He found some creases and was used in the slot the right way. He has shown that he can get open, but he hasn't proven he can hang on to the ball when given to him. If Boldin is out, Urban should be the No. 3 receiver, but his production could depend on whether they can keep Warner off his back.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin) may see a healthy share of passes if he is healthy. The New Orleans Saints secondary isn't very good; so we see the Cards throwing the ball a lot.

The receiver pecking order is as follows: Fitzgerald, Johnson, Urban and Steve Breaston if Boldin doesn't play.

Tight end Leonard Pope (ankle) is lost for the season, but the team can't afford to stop throwing to the tight end. Pope isn't much better than rookie Ben Patrick at catching the ball. Patrick could be the top option at tight end for the Cards, but the team hasn't made a decision.

San Francisco 49ers

With starting quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) out for the season and backup Trent Dilfer (concussion) out this week the team will look to lean on quarterback Shaun Hill. Hill is a mobile quarterback with good awareness in the pocket that can run a little outside the pocket. He goes through his progressions well and has an accurate release. He's not much of a deep passer, which is sort of accentuated with a right finger injury.

It's way too early to tell if he has chemistry with any specific target. He has a pretty good feel for No. 2 tight end Delanie Walker since they played together in the second halves of preseason games. Walker hasn't done much this year, but the team uses two tight ends a lot. Hill can hit Walker on underneath patterns. Hill brings athleticism that Dilfer was unable to bring.

Hill does a good job of finding open receivers. Tight end Vernon Davis didn't catch a pass until Hill came in last week. Davis says he is open a lot, and this could serve as a testament to Hill's ability at finding the open receiver.

Seattle Seahawks

Looking for inside info on the carry split between running backs Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris? Tough luck, we don't even know! That makes us wonder if head coach Mike Holmgren knows at this point. It was a bit surprising to our sources to see Morris get 13 carries last week. Morris catches the ball better, and they are throwing more in the offense. Alexander wasn't a good pass catcher before the cast was put on his hand, and it's hard to justify throwing to him now. If Alexander is in, he won't be used as a receiver. Teams can expect that now.

Is there a chance the team asks Alexander to restructure after this bust of a season? Our sources say no. The cap hit is significantly less if they were to let him go after June 1. The team could consider letting him go at the end of the year, but considering how much he has done and how he has been hurt the past couple of years they might give him another shot. He doesn't fit the pass-happy offense, while fullback Leonard Weaver does. However, Weaver is too unproven. The team needs a back that runs hard and can catch the ball.

The team brought in new long snapper Jeff Robinson after bad snaps messed up the timing and got into kicker Josh Brown's head. The team worked out kicker Nick Novak simply to work on a few of those things.

The Seahawks have clinched the division, but they will play everyone this week. As for next week, it will depend on what the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys do. The team wants to win in order to carry the momentum into the playoffs.

Our sources expect to see more from receivers Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor this week.

St. Louis Rams

Quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion) is expected to start in Week 15 unless he experiences lingering effects of his concussion. If Bulger were unable to go backup quarterback Gus Frerotte (shoulder) could be thrust into action.

The team knew third-string quarterback Brock Berlin was limited in the throws he can make and is small in stature. Head coach Scott Linehan worked with him when he was with the Miami Dolphins, and he's a competitive player. His size, arm strength and talent limit him in this league.

Running back Steven Jackson appears to be fully recovered from the groin tear that hampered his season. His numbers have been gaudy considering the patchwork offensive line he is running behind. He'll face a good Packers run defense this week, though.

The Packers present a bad matchup for the Rams. They have a lot of pass rushers, and defensive end Aaron Kampman is a bad matchup against anyone the Rams throw at him. The Packers have two good cornerbacks to go with the pass rush, and the Rams probably won't be able to run much against that defensive line. The Rams secondary has played well in coverage, but we're not sure how they can cover all the Packers receivers. Look for the Packers to win this game.