Fantasy football matchups to exploit - Week 1
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September 5, 2008 @ 09:16:01
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Lions WR Roy Williams vs. Falcons CB Brent Grimes
The Falcons plan to run the football in offensive coordinator Jim Colletto's scheme, but they will have to take at least take a couple of shots down the field in this matchup. Williams has four inches on Grimes, a former undrafted free agent who's attempting to replace former Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall (Oakland Raiders). Grimes is athletic and played strong in the preseason. He might be overmatched physically in his first NFL start, though.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Falcons CB Chris Houston
While Williams is working out Grimes on the other side, Johnson will get his share of the balls. Now that the Falcons don't have Hall, they don't have anyone who has any hope of matching up with Johnson one on one. The Falcons might attempt to double Williams and thus leave Houston in single coverage in a battle of second-year players. Johnson had an excellent preseason and is a better fit in Colletto's offense. The former Georgia Tech standout and Atlanta native will want to put on show for his family and friends.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan vs. Lions defensive line
Atlanta's offensive line isn't well-regarded, nor is the Detroit's defensive line. But the Lions' defensive line is lean, quick and deep, and the Falcons' offensive line has issues. The Lions will want to put as much pressure as possible on the rookie Ryan in his first NFL start. If they can get him to rush his throws, the Lions' revamped secondary should have opportunities to make plays on the ball.
Bills RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu
Lynch has looked very good in the preseason and appears primed to build on his rookie season. The question entering the opener is: How effective will the Bills' running game be without left tackle Jason Peters, who is holding out? Sunday will be a good indicator. The Seahawks have one of the fastest defenses in the NFL, and Tatupu anchors a stellar linebacking corps. Look for the Bills to try to power up and run between the tackles against the smallish Seahawks. Lynch is the key weapon in the Bills' arsenal. They want to get him 25 touches.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant
Evans is looking to have a much improved year after seeing his catch total drop from 82 in 2006 to 55 last season. Trufant is a Pro Bowler. How much will Trufant be covering Evans? That remains to be seen. He was on the opposition's No. 1 wideout about 50 percent of the time last season. It will be a surprise if Evans does not catch at least five passes Sunday. But how successful will he be going downfield if he sees Trufant often?
Jets QB Brett Favre vs. Dolphins secondary
Favre is known as a gunslinger, and it's hard for a leopard to change his spots after 17 seasons in the NFL. Look for Favre to challenge the Dolphins' secondary deep on play-action passes in early downs because the Dolphins plan to stuff the run by putting eight men in the box. While Will Allen and Andre' Goodman are decent cornerbacks, they each struggle playing the ball. Michael Lehan, the third cornerback, is battling back from a high ankle sprain, which still limits his mobility. That means if he's healthy, Jets wideout Laveranues Coles could be in for a traditionally big day against the Dolphins. Coles has scored 10 of his 37 career touchdowns against Miami.
Jets TE Dustin Keller vs. Dolphins OLBs Matt Roth and Joey Porter
While Keller might be the third tight end on the Jets' depth chart, the rookie has been a primary target for the passing game during the exhibition season, contributing eight catches for 85 yard and a touchdown. Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said the Jets have used Keller primarily in the red zone, which could mean trouble for the Dolphins' two starting outside linebackers. Porter is a pass-rushing specialist who at times was exposed by beefed-up receivers like Keller, who is impersonating a tight end. Roth is a freshly converted defensive end who has dropped back into coverage maybe a handful of times during the exhibition season. If the Jets find a way to get Keller matched up on Roth, it could be a long day for the Dolphins defense, which has utilized a soft zone for most of the exhibition season.
Bengals QB Carson Palmer vs. Ravens FS Jim Leonhard
The Ravens could be exposed against deep passes against the Bengals because safety Ed Reed is expected to be out with neck and shoulder injuries. In 10 career games against the Bengals, Reed has broken up 12 passes and made five interceptions. Leonhard is a solid backup, but he doesn't strike any fear in Palmer. Cincinnati likely will test Leonhard early and often.
Bengals WRs Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Ravens secondary
One of the reasons the Bengals have won six of the last seven against Baltimore is the production of Johnson and Houshmandzadeh. In two Bengals victories last season, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh had 24 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens. That wasn't nearly the damage Houshmandzadeh has done every year against Baltimore. Reed may not play, and although he was not on the official injury report, cornerback Chris McAlister has been struggling to get on the field.
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Bengals defense
A season-ending injury to Kyle Boller (shoulder) and a viral infection to Troy Smith means the Ravens will enter the game with the rookie first-round pick Flacco starting on opening day. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is not saying what his defense will do. However, with Bengals cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall able to play single coverage outside, expect the Bengals to blitz linebackers and strong safety Dexter Jackson. Turnovers are a key factor with these teams, who lead the NFL in takeaways since 2003. The Bengals had a 12-2 edge in turnover ratio against the Ravens last year.
Ravens TE Todd Heap vs. Bengals linebackers
Young quarterbacks tend to use tight ends as their security blankets, so Heap should see plenty of the looks from Flacco. Heap's 12.5 yards-per-catch average against Cincinnati is his highest total mark any team he has faced at least six times. In seven season openers, he has averaged 5.4 receptions and 47.2 yards.
Patriots RBs Laurence Maroney and LaMont Jordan vs. Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey
Dorsey typically lines up on the right side, which means he'll be going against New England center Dan Koppen and left guard Logan Mankins for much of the afternoon - both players were Pro Bowlers. The Pats may try to exploit the rookie, running to his side to test him. Maroney finished last season well - four 100-plus yard efforts in New England's last six games (playoffs included) - and is eager to pick up where he left off.
Patriots WRs Randy Moss, Jabar Gaffney and Wes Welker vs. Chiefs CBs Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr
Moss and Welker are coming off Pro Bowl seasons, and Gaffney is Mr. Reliable. Throwing to them is the reigning NFL MVP, Tom Brady. Flowers and Carr are both rookies, with Flowers a starter at right corner, opposite veteran Patrick Surtain. Expect both rookies to be picked on, particularly since New England has a history with Surtain from his days with the Miami Dolphins; the Pats know his strengths. Flowers (5-foot-9, 187 pounds) is feisty and doesn't yield easily to bigger, taller receivers. He has yet to see one as talented and experienced as Moss, though.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs
The 6-foot-2 Bowe uses his size as well as any receiver in the league. He is adept at shielding defenders from the ball as well as adjusting to the pass in midair. He routinely wins jump balls over smaller cornerbacks like the 5-foot-9 Hobbs, whom the Chiefs would love to across from Bowe.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Eagles run defense
The big question surrounding Jackson is how many touches he will get in the opener after missing all of the preseason in a contract holdout. Jackson will be the centerpiece of the St. Louis offense, but it's doubtful he will get a full workload for a game or two. Philadelphia doesn't have the biggest front seven, but they are fast and can do a lot scheme wise to confuse an offensive line.
Rams WR Torry Holt vs. Eagles CB Asante Samuel
Holt showed no ill effects during camp and the preseason from nagging knee problems that have slowed him the past two seasons. He remains one of the game's most productive receivers - a precise route runner with excellent hands. With the rest of the receiver corps an unproven commodity for a variety of reasons, expect quarterback Marc Bulger to look Holt's way even more than usual. Samuel has proven ball skills and obviously will be a big opening day challenge if he shadows Holt.
Eagles WR DeSean Jackson vs. Rams secondary
The little second-round rookie was the Eagles' top preseason receiver, but as many people noted, teams weren't game-planning him or press-covering him. The Eagles don't show much of their real offense in the preseason, so Rams corners Tye Hill and Fakhir Brown won't have much useful tape of Jackson. The Eagles plan to line him up in the Z, or flanker, spot, so he'll be a little off the line of scrimmage and presumably harder to press.
Eagles OT Tra Thomas vs. Rams DE Chris Long
In keeping with the rookie theme, the Rams' much heralded youngster and the second overall pick in the draft will start his pro career not far from where his father, Howie, played in college, at Villanova. Long will be working against a savvy vet who turns 34 in November but still seems very solid. Thomas had his usual bout with back spasms during the preseason but seems fine now.
Jaguars RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Titans DE Jevon Kearse
The Titans held the Jaguars' one-two punch to just 56 combined yards in Week 1 last year, a 13-10 Tennessee win. But Taylor and Jones-Drew piled up 146 yards combined in Week 10 when the Jaguars won 28-13. Taylor has played in 17 games against Tennessee (more than any other NFL team he has faced), with career totals of 237 carries for 980 yards and five touchdowns to go with 28 receptions for 167 yards. Kearse, in his first game back with the Titans since 2003, will be tested on his side of the defensive line Sunday, with defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth on the other side of the line. Haynesworth loves to shut down opposing runners.
Titans QB Vince Young vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
A year ago against the Jaguars, Young passed for 257 yards but only one touchdown, which was the Titans' only touchdown of the game. Young has thrown just two touchdown passes and six interceptions in four career games versus the Jaguars. Twice, the Jaguars held him to less than 100 yards. Mathis plays his best against the Titans, with a career best of six interceptions in 10 games. Mathis and the team's other physical cornerbacks give the Titans' receivers problems getting off the line of scrimmage; it disrupts the timing of their routes.
Texans RBs Ahman Green, Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton vs. Steelers run defense
There is a lot of pressure on Green, Taylor and Slaton - each of whom has issues. Green is not expected to shoulder a full load until later in the season. The groin issue is behind him, but he isn't in game shape yet. Taylor missed the entire 2007 season with a knee injury after he was cut twice by the Texans in his rookie season of 2006. Slaton is a rookie with a lot of speed and elusiveness, but he is only 5-foot-9. Plus, the Texans' offensive line is a work in progress and the Steelers' run defense was third in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 89.9 yards per game. The Texans are essentially looking to split the carries into thirds with their three backs. Green should be productive when he gets the ball, but he probably won't get much more than 10 carries.
Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor
With the Texans' running game a question mark, quarterback Matt Schaub will probably rely heavily on Johnson, who averaged 14.2 yards per catch last year in roughly half of a season. It should be an interesting battle with Taylor, who has been inconsistent throughout his time in Pittsburgh. Still, Taylor, a physical cornerback who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 195 pounds, is a good matchup for Johnson (6-foot-3, 223 pounds). Taylor's problem is that his hands are unreliable: He has been in the league since 2003, but he has only seven interceptions - three coming last season.
Steelers RB Willie Parker vs. Texans DT Travis Johnson
Known for his run-stopping ability, Johnson will have his work cut out for him in the season opener going against Parker. The Texans hope Johnson will have his best season as he enters a contract year. Parker, meanwhile, has been consistently strong - especially in season openers. In the past three openers, Parker has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark, averaging 128.3 yards per game on the ground.
Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia vs. Saints secondary
Garcia didn't get a whole lot of work in the preseason, but he may not need much to exploit the Saints' most glaring weakness. After giving up 32 touchdown passes last year, the Saints put a couple of Band-Aids on their pass defense by improving their pass rush. The Saints will probably blitz the Bucs a lot, but Garcia has the mobility and savvy to sense the rush and get the ball out. He also has a varied group of pass catchers, so he should have no trouble picking this unit apart or hitting it for a big play. One player to keep tabs on here is wide receiver Joey Galloway. He caught 11 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints last year.
Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham vs. Saints run defense
Graham is a one-cut power back who comes into the season fresher than he has ever been. He's brimming with confidence after a breakout season, but he's running behind a line that is missing its best run blocker, right guard Davin Joseph. Joseph's absence could hurt the attack, but Graham has the strength and patience to make yards against this front. The Bucs will run him up the middle primarily, attacking the merely adequate run stoppers in the middle of the Saints line. If Tampa Bay's tight ends and tackles can get to the linebackers and hold them off, Graham could have a big day.
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Saints CBs Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter
Galloway has toasted the Saints since arriving in Tampa. Last season he caught four passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 and grabbed seven passes for 159 yards in Week 13. McKenzie may not be 100 percent after coming off a torn ACL he suffered late last season. It will be the rookie Porter's first game in the league after being drafted in the second round in April.
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks
Bush has proven that he can't run between the tackles, and the Bucs' veteran linebacker will be the one meeting Bush in the hole if Saints head coach Sean Payton elects to send Bush up the gut. Put Bush out in space, and he can have success against a still stout Bucs defense. Running back Deuce McAllister may take away some of Bush's carries, but expect Bush to be used heavily in the passing game.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens vs. Browns secondary
This looks like one of the bigger mismatches of Week 1. With only two 100 percent receivers, Owens will be asked to carry more of the load if possible. Owens is coming off a Pro Bowl season. He had a tremendous training camp; he and quarterback Tony Romo have great chemistry. The Browns have a series of question marks in the secondary. The starting cornerbacks are second-year players Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald. Wright started 13 games and had a good rookie year, while McDonald made just two starts as part of the nickel package. He has talent, but Owens is a handful for anybody, let alone a fifth-rounder out of the University of Memphis making his first real start. There's little depth behind the starting corners. Safeties Sean Jones (knee) and Brodney Pool (concussion) missed the last two preseason games and were limited in practice this week. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will put Owens in different spots to make it difficult for Cleveland to double him. The last time Owens played in Cleveland, he caught four passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Browns TE Kellen Winslow vs. Cowboys SS Roy Williams
The last time Winslow played the Cowboys, he broke his leg on an onside kick at Texas Stadium in his rookie year. This time, Winslow will be amped up for his "matchup" with Dallas tight end Jason Witten. Winslow went to the Pro Bowl last season. He had an outstanding training camp but was quiet in the preseason, with just five catches. He won't be saving his body Sunday. Williams' cover skills have been criticized, and he may be replaced by former Browns cornerback Anthony Henry in certain passing situations. When he's on the field, Williams will give up two inches and 30 pounds to Winslow.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards vs. Cowboys CB Terence Newman
Neither player did much in the preseason because of injuries. Newman battled a groin pull, and Edwards had an ankle injury; each is critical to his unit's success. Newman plays his best against the league's best receivers. He can run with any of them, and he has improved at rerouting. Edwards had a breakout year in 2007. Quarterback Derek Anderson will look for him, even in tight spots. That is where Newman will have to come up big, because the Browns' offensive line makes it tough to pressure the quarterback.
Cardinals WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald vs. 49ers CBs Nate Clements and Walt Harris
In the three games Fitzgerald has played against the 49ers in which quarterback Kurt Warner has started, Fitzgerald has 156, 133 and 129 receiving yards. San Francisco usually doesn't have an answer for either Fitz or Boldin - sometimes both. Boldin has historically lit up the 49ers, too. Fitzgerald has improved this offseason; he and Warner have a tight friendship. Although Clements is the 49ers' top cornerback, he might be more vulnerable than Harris on the other side: The 49ers will be tempted to leave Clements on an island while giving Harris plenty of safety help. Clements generally takes the opposition's best receiver, but with the Cardinals he probably will not shadow one receiver the entire game. Warner will be looking for one-on-one matchups throughout.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Cardinals run defense
Gore had a huge day against the Cardinals in the teams' second meeting of 2007. He rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries; he also caught 11 passes for 98 yards. Not surprisingly, that was after strong safety Adrian Wilson was done for the season with a foot injury. Wilson is back at full strength and anxious to make an impact. He looks the part already. In a preseason game, he sniffed out a screen in which he split two blockers and took down Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden; Wilson was the only defender in the area. Gore figures to be featured a lot in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's first game with the 49ers. Martz envisions using him as a dual-threat back in much the same manner that he used Marshall Faulk with the St. Louis Rams.
49ers TE Vernon Davis vs. Cardinals OLB Chike Okeafor and FS Antrel Rolle
The 49ers plan to use Davis down the field a lot more than they have in the past. There is no way Okeafor can run with Davis, but he will be asked to reroute him off the line of scrimmage. On the back end, it is also unlikely that strong safety Adrian Wilson can have much success in pass defense against Davis. Therefore, Rolle, who has made the full-time transition to free safety, will probably draw the assignment of covering Davis. Davis, because of his strength, should cause matchup problems for Rolle.
Panthers RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart vs. Chargers run defense
Williams and Stewart each averaged more than seven yards per carry in the preseason but will be tested by a tough defense. With wideout Steve Smith suspended, the Panthers will look to run the football and keep the crowd out of the game. They have committed to running the ball this year, so let's see if head coach John Fox stays true to his word. The Chargers had occasional struggles stopping the run in the preseason, but the defense is much different when run-stopping defensive tackle Jamal Williams is on the field. Williams' achy knees are always a concern, but he will play Sunday. The Chargers will be playing without their leading tackler from last season, inside linebacker Stephen Cooper (suspension). Veteran Derek M. Smith, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, starts in his place.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Panthers run defense
Tomlinson doesn't play in preseason games, so Sunday's contest marks his 2008 unveiling. He had a tough time in last season's opener, gaining just 25 yards on 17 carries against the Chicago Bears. The Panthers were 18th in run defense last season. They have moved star defensive end Julius Peppers from the left side to the right side. Middle linebacker Jon Beason was a machine as a rookie, accumulating a team-record 160 tackles. You can bet he will monitor Tomlinson's every move.
Chargers OT L.J. Shelton vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
Chargers head coach Norv Turner admitted he doesn't expect Marcus McNeill to play. That means Shelton will get the start at left tackle and have to face Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers has looked awesome in the preseason and is looking for a huge season in his contract year. Advantage: Carolina on this one.
Bears RB Matt Forte vs. Colts run defense
Let's be realistic: The Colts are going to stack the line of scrimmage with safety Bob Sanders. They hope to entice Bears quarterback Kyle Orton to try to beat Indianapolis through the air. That means Forte will have to be patient as the Bears try to bring back to life their once solid running game. He needs to take three yards when that's all that's there and wait for his opportunities. The Colts have a small front that can wear down. The key will be for the Bears to hang in the game so they can stick with the running game in the second half. But with underrated linebacker Gary Brackett, Indy has a formidable front. They will challenge the Bears, who have unresolved questions on the left side of their line with tackle John St. Clair and guard Josh Beekman.
Bears WR Rashied Davis vs. Colts CB Tim Jennings
The Bears called Davis one of the best players in their offseason program and praised him again at the end of training camp. If he wasn't so ideally suited for the slot, he might have won a starting role, but after disappearing in 2007, he will be a bigger part of the attack this year. Davis has the quickness, toughness and ability to run precise routes that makes him a mismatch versus a lot of defensive backs. He's a key target for quarterback Kyle Orton on third down and could be in for 20 or more snaps depending on the flow of the game.
Bears LT John St. Clair vs. Colts DE Dwight Freeney
The Bears blocker has started just seven games at left tackle. He has been in the league for nine seasons, but he'll need some help against Freeney, who will be fired up to prove he's 100 percent healed from his broken foot. At times, the Buffalo Bills had to chip block Freeney in his only preseason appearance. Don't expect the Bears to leave St. Clair on an island with No. 93 too often.
Colts RB Joseph Addai vs. Bears LB Brian Urlacher
In Super Bowl XLI, Addai made Urlacher look silly in the open field - miss after miss, be it on a short pass or rush. Few players make Urlacher look bad consistently. Addai hasn't had a 100-yard game in his last 10 starts, though, and the Colts' interior offensive line will start three backups. The Bears will be wary of the Colts' passing game, but stopping the run shouldn't be as much of a problem this time around.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Packers run defense
There is no doubt Peterson will be out for some revenge. In the Vikings' 34-0 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field last November, Peterson suffered a partially torn lateral collateral ligament and missed the next two games. Peterson averaged only 2.6 yards on 20 preseason carries. The Packers' No. 1 run defense often struggled in the exhibition season. The key for the Packers to contain Peterson will be the performance of defensive tackles Johnny Jolly and Ryan Pickett. Pickett is the team's best run stopper and didn't play in preseason because of a hamstring injury, but even with his return, there are questions about how much stamina he'll have. He and Jolly will have to handle a lot of early-down snaps if the Packers are to have much success against Peterson. Jolly sat out all offseason after rotator cuff surgery; in camp, he hasn't been the player he was last year before getting hurt.
Vikings WR Bernard Berrian vs. Packers CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson
Berrian missed the final three games of the preseason because of a toe injury but is expected to play in the regular season opener. Berrian signed a six-year, $42 million contract to serve as the downfield threat the Vikings lacked last season. His presence is a key because it should enable the Vikings to keep defenses honest and not put eight men in the box on a regular basis against running back Adrian Peterson.
Packers WRs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver vs. Vikings secondary
Jennings and Driver form a quality receiving duo, with Jennings providing an especially good big-play threat; both excel at running after the catch. Cedric Griffin is the weaker of the two starting cornerbacks, and the Packers will probably attack him when possible. Also, safety Tyrell Johnson is a second-round draft pick filling in for injured Madieu Williams; the Packers are sure to target him with some confusing routes and personnel combinations. Considering the Vikings had the No. 1 run defense last year, the Packers figure to attack Griffin and Johnson with Jennings and Driver.
Broncos WR Eddie Royal vs. Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall
Word has traveled fast on Royal - he is a dangerous receiver who should be an immediate contributor, especially with the absence of Brandon Marshall, who is suspended for Week 1. As good as Hall was with the Atlanta Falcons, chances are teams will choose to go his way rather than at fellow corner Nnamdi Asomugha.
Broncos OT Ryan Clady vs. Raiders DE Derrick Burgess
The Broncos' passing game is already affected by wideout Brandon Marshall's suspension, but a huge matchup for the team this week is the rookie Clady against Burgess. Clady had a solid preseason and appears ready to go, but it's impossible to know how a player will perform in his regular season debut. If he can't hold off Burgess, quarterback Jay Cutler could have a tough day.
Raiders TE Zach Miller vs. Broncos SS Marquand Manuel
Miller caught eight passes from quarterback JaMarcus Russell in the 2007 season finale and had a four-catch game in a half this preseason. He had a touchdown last year against Denver. He is the first Raiders receiver to develop chemistry with Russell and will be looked at on key plays. Manuel joins the Broncos this season with the reputation of being a big hitter but suspect in coverage. The Broncos also have a new strongside linebacker, Boss Bailey; the question is if Bailey will be able to start because of a high ankle sprain. He doesn't excel in coverage. Jamie Winborn will take Bailey's place if he can't go. Denver's defense has allowed some big days to tight ends the past couple of years.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis vs. Giants run defense
The passing game is still in transition for quarterback Jason Campbell and head coach Jim Zorn, so expect the Redskins to call on Portis to carry the load early in the season, starting against the Giants. For a change, Portis received some work in August, carrying 15 times for 50 yards. In his last game against New York (December 2007), he helped the Redskins dominate the Giants, carrying 25 times for 126 yards and one touchdown. He has three career 100-yard games against New York.
Redskins WR Santana Moss vs. Giants CB Corey Webster
Moss caught a 49-yard pass over Webster in Week 3 last year that sent Webster to the bench for most of the season. But he rediscovered his game in the playoffs and is a starter again. Webster has the speed to keep up with Moss, good hands to play the ball and a newfound confidence. Lining up against the small, shifty and speedy Moss out of the gate could be a huge test, though.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Redskins CBs Carlos Rogers and Shawn Springs
Playing with torn ligaments in his right ankle last season, Burress had 70 catches for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns even though he barely practiced all season. Now he's 100 percent and has been practicing for two weeks. With the Giants 0-2 and facing a 17-3 halftime deficit in Week 3 of last year, Burress helped saved the Giants' season, and Rogers (knee) was often the player he beat. Burress caught five passes for 86 yards, including the 33-yard game-winner. Rogers struggled against Burress' physical play. Rogers is still coming back from last year's ACL injury and might be vulnerable, too. The Giants should try to match up Burress against Rogers, but the Redskins will probably try to match up Burress against Springs. At 6-foot-5, Burress was a mismatch for the 6-foot Springs even on one good ankle, though.
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