Fantasy football matchups to exploit - Week 2
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September 12, 2008 @ 07:33:55
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix
Packers RB Ryan Grant vs. Lions run defense
Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli is sure to stress stopping the run after his club's embarrassing performance against the Atlanta Falcons. The Lions' tackling was atrocious. The Falcons rushed for 318 yards - 321 before the kneel-downs at the end - setting a team record and becoming the third team to reach 300 yards against Detroit. Grant rushed for 92 yards on 12 carries, including when he ripped off a 57-yard run, Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings, which had the NFL's top rush defense last season. He did it with a sore hamstring, too.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Packers CB Al Harris
Harris almost always matches up with the opponent's top receiver, so chances are he'll face Johnson most snaps Sunday. The Packers emphasize bump-and-run coverage, and this could be among Harris' toughest matchups of the season. In his second season Johnson is a burgeoning star who, at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, is a huge target with great leaping ability. The New York Giants' 6-foot-5 Plaxico Burress abused Harris in the NFC championship game last year on a couple of jump-ball plays, and the Lions figure to attack similarly this week.
Lions OT George Foster vs. Packers DE Aaron Kampman
Foster gave a spotty performance against Atlanta. He allowed defensive end John Abraham to blow past him with an inside move for a sack. Kampman is one of the best left ends in the NFL. He has had two sacks in each of his past two games against Detroit, and he had a sack Monday night against Minnesota. The Lions could play offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, their first-round pick, but he might make rookie mistakes that would cancel out the short-term benefit of replacing Foster.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Rams CB Ron Bartell
Well, Bartell does have decent height for a corner (6-foot-1), but that's not much of an advantage against the 6-foot-5 Burress. Without a pass rush, or without double-team help, the Rams have no chance of stopping him. The Washington Redskins last week dropped a safety deep to help, and Burress still had 10 catches for 133 yards, almost all of which came underneath. He made some catches with two guys draped on him. The way he's playing, he's unstoppable.
Giants RB Brandon Jacobs vs. Rams defensive line
The Philadelphia Eagles only gained 108 rushing yards last week despite blowing out St. Louis. The Giants, though, are more of a running team, and they think sending the 6-foot-4, 264-pound Jacobs up the middle at the Rams defense could be very effective. There also might be a weak spot at defensive end, where rookie Chris Long is playing. The Giants have two of the most effective pulling guards in the league, and they won't be shy about sweeping in his direction often.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Giants defensive line and linebackers
Jackson appears to have his legs back after 17 touches in the season opener against Philadelphia. The Rams want to re-establish Jackson against New York and get him into that area of 25-30 touches per game. The Rams simply have to get Jackson going on first and second down to avoid the third-and-long woes they experienced against the Eagles. But the Giants are a tough, physical defense and stingy against the run.
Rams WR Torry Holt vs. Giants CB Corey Webster
Holt was limited to just one catch for nine yards against the Eagles, facing frequent double-teaming and getting only two passes thrown to him all day. Not since 2004, when Holt caught only one pass for four yards against the Miami Dolphins, has his production been so low in a Rams offense. Webster is young and athletic but at times lacks aggressiveness, particularly defending underneath routes.
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Redskins LB London Fletcher
Fletcher seemed like he was everywhere during Washington's loss to the New York Giants, making tackles all over the field. But Bush exploded right off the bat with 163 yards of total offense, aided by his eight receptions, including a highlight-reel 42-yard touchdown catch. Bush's role will only increase in both the running and passing games with wideout Marques Colston's (thumb) loss.
Saints TE Jeremy Shockey vs. Redskins SS LaRon Landry
Shockey was effective in his Saints debut, making six catches for 54 yards in the Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shockey has been held in check by the Redskins in recent years mostly because he was always shadowed by safety Sean Taylor. Landry has proven to be a good playmaker, but his services may be required against the run, which could open things up for Shockey. Without Colston, Saints quarterback Drew Brees will no doubt look for Shockey more often. Brees already feels accustomed to his new tight end.
Redskins WR Santana Moss vs. Saints CB Randall Gay
Moss made five catches against the Giants - including a 12-yard touchdown - but his other four receptions gained only 25 yards. The Redskins took only one legitimate shot downfield, and Moss had beaten Giants cornerback Aaron Ross earlier in the play. Gay had seven tackles and one pass breakup in his New Orleans debut, but this is a matchup the Redskins would be foolish not to exploit. Gay was the weak link of the New England Patriots' secondary last year. Moss should hold the advantage downfield if quarterback Jason Campbell has time to throw.
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Evans is the key man in the Bills' passing game. He had catches of 32 and 41 yards against the Seattle Seahawks that set up two Bills scores. The Bills are committed to being more creative in getting him the ball this year, moving him around more in the formation. Mathis usually stays on the left side, so the Bills could get Evans away from the Jags' best cornerback. Evans usually starts slowly, so his 102-yard game in the opener was an encouraging sign.
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Bills pass defense
In last week's season-opening loss to the Tennessee Titans, Garrard did not look like the 2007 version of himself. He finished the game with just a 68.2 quarterback rating, was sacked seven times and threw a pair of interceptions. Now he must encounter a hard-charging linebacker set that helped drop Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck five times for sacks and hold him to 190 passing yards. With three new linemen in the center of the Jaguars' offensive line, the Bills will be blitzing up the middle on numerous occasions. Garrard will look to drop swing passes to Maurice Jones-Drew out of the backfield, a strategy that worked most successfully lat year.
Jaguars RB Fred Taylor vs. Bills DT Marcus Stroud
These two players were the best of friends a year ago when they were Jaguars teammates. While they still call each other on a regular basis, friendships go out the door this Sunday. Taylor wants to put up a big number on Stroud and the Bills defense, especially after last week's woeful rushing game produced just 33 rushing yards, 18 by Taylor on nine carries. Look for Taylor to go off tackle and on misdirection plays more than normal, as the Jaguars will start untested Uche Nwaneri and Tutan Reyes at the guard spots. One more injury on the offensive line will force the Jaguars to insert a player who was not even on their roster in training camp and will further hamper the running game. The Jaguars offense chewed up the Bills' undersized defense last year in a 36-14 decision in Jacksonville. Taylor was a big weapon, rushing for 104 yards and scoring on a 50-yard touchdown run. The Bills think they have solved their run defense problems with the addition of Stroud. He looked great in the opener.
Titans RBs Chris Johnson and LenDale White vs. Bengals run defense
The rookie Johnson ran 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and White added 40 and a touchdown. The Bengals have up 229 rushing yards at the Baltimore Ravens, 80 on two unorthodox long plays. The Titans, having watched film of the Bengals' loss at Baltimore, had to note the Ravens' last drive. They ate the ball for the final 7:15 of the game by running 260-pound fullback Le'Ron McClain right at the middle of the Cincinnati defense, which could not stop him.
Titans QB Kerry Collins vs. Bengals FS Marvin White
With Vince Young (knee) out, Collins will take over the controls for the Titans. Collins is a better passer than Young, and Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger likes to throw the ball downfield. The Titans haven't had much success doing that with Young, but they will likely take more chances downfield with Collins, which should put strain on White and the secondary.
Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco vs. Titans CB Cortland Finnegan
Ocho Cinco had 12 catches for 103 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-6 Cincinnati win versus the Titans last season. Finnegan is coming off a two-interception game. He'll get physical with Johnson to disrupt his routes and timing with quarterback Carson Palmer.
Bengals OG Andrew Whitworth and C Eric Ghiaciuc vs. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth
This matchup has everything to do with how the Bengals' fantasy players will do. Running back Chris Perry ran hard for just 37 yards at Baltimore and was hit five times in the backfield. Palmer was sacked twice and hit five other times. He was frequently unable to get the ball downfield to Ocho Cinco (one catch) and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (four). The Bengals' offensive line has to protect Palmer, or the Titans will match the seven sacks they had against Jacksonville in Week 1. Haynesworth (concussion) is uncertain to play in this one, which might be of great benefit to Cincinnati.
Raiders WR Ashley Lelie vs. Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain
Lelie caught three passes for 37 yards after being with the Raiders only six days. He gained quarterback JaMarcus Russell's confidence with a difficult catch on fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line against Denver Broncos corner Karl Paymah. Lelie is healthy and the fastest Raiders receiver, one the Raiders would like to maneuver into coverage against Surtain, a veteran who relies mostly on experience. Surtain doesn't have the top-end speed to stay with Lelie in the seam if Russell can deliver one of his lasers on target.
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson vs. Raiders LB Kirk Morrison
Johnson is on a four-game run of big games against Oakland. Each time he went over 100 yards with at least one touchdown. In Johnson's absence last year, Kolby Smith had 150 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders, who didn't play well against the run last week against Denver.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall
Bowe, the top rookie receiver in the NFL last season, had a key dropped ball in the opener but remains the first option for quarterback Damon Huard. His size makes him a difficult matchup for Hall. In his Raiders debut, Hall was torched repeatedly by Broncos rookie Eddie Royal (nine receptions, 146 yards). The Broncos threw consistently to their right, attacking Hall on the left corner. Hall played soft, off-man coverage and never came close to making a play.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Raiders SS Gibril Wilson
The Raiders have generally covered Gonzalez well in recent seasons. They tend to use a cornerback on Gonzalez more than most Chiefs opponents. If the Raiders use Wilson, the advantage shifts to Gonzalez. Wilson was awful in pass coverage against the Broncos.
Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Vikings FS Tyrell Johnson
With safety Madieu Williams out because of a neck injury, Manning is sure to test the rookie second-round pick out of Arkansas State. Johnson held his own in training camp and started Monday night against the Green Bay Packers, but this will be his biggest challenge. There is no doubt Manning will try to take advantage of Johnson's lack of experience.
Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Vikings CB Antoine Winfield
These two veterans should provide an entertaining matchup. Winfield missed a career-high six games last season because of injuries but appeared to be back at full strength in training camp. The Vikings had the NFL's lowest-ranked pass defense last season, but a healthy Winfield should help that unit move up. Wayne had a career-high 104 receptions last season for the Colts.
Colts OT Tony Ugoh vs. Vikings DE Jared Allen
Ugoh gave up a sack in the opener, as did right tackle Ryan Diem; the Colts' line didn't play well on the outside edges. Allen was kind of quiet in his Vikings debut, with a pass defended and two holding penalties drawn. This will be the fourth time Allen has tried to chase down Manning. He doesn't have a sack against him yet, but he was in his face a great deal last year. Ugoh missed that contest, though. It will be interesting to see if Ugoh, the second-year pro, will pick up his game against such a high-motor guy, a Pro Bowl pass rusher who had 15.5 sacks last year.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Colts SS Bob Sanders
The truth is that Sanders saves the Colts from even more embarrassing running plays. He did on a couple in the 29-13 opening loss to the Chicago Bears, but he also missed on some tackles, too, as did a lot of other guys. Peterson ran for 103 on just 19 carries and made it look easy on a few of those. He's also a great cutback runner, the type the overly aggressive Colts defenders have had trouble with in the past. They couldn't stop Bears rookie Matt Forte, who gashed them for 123 yards, so how will they stop the Pro Bowl MVP?
Vikings OT Artis Hicks vs. Colts DE Dwight Freeney
This matchup could certainly impact the performance of Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Hicks is replacing suspended left tackle Bryant McKinnie for the first four games, and this will be his first significant test. Freeney will be coming from Jackson's blind side, and if Hicks isn't able to slow the defensive end, it could be a very long day for the passing game.
Bears RB Matt Forte vs. Panthers LB Jon Beason
It looks like the Bears found a cure for their running game ills with Forte, the second-round pick from Tulane. He'll have a more difficult time this week, though. The Indianapolis Colts featured an undersized front the Bears were able to wear down. Carolina has some big bodies up front, and then there is Beason, who has the quickness and range to make plays from sideline to sideline. Forte showed an ability to make tacklers miss with his quick feet and good vision. If he can elude Beason and the other Panthers at the second level, three- and four-yard gains will turn into 10.
Bears WR Rashied Davis vs. Panthers CB Richard Marshall
Davis did not start in the opener at Indianapolis, but he did have the most offensive snaps of any receiver on the roster, by far, an example of how far the coaching staff believes he has come. He has a difficult matchup this week, though, as he does his best work in the slot. Marshall is one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league and arguably the best corner on the Carolina roster. Thus, Davis will have to work extra hard to get free on routes over the middle. Consequently, you can expect tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen to be primary targets again for quarterback Kyle Orton.
Bears KR Devin Hester vs. Panthers PK Rhys Lloyd
Lloyd has a real strong leg, and four of his six kickoffs last week resulted in touchbacks. Of course, we all know what Hester can do on returns. The Panthers are hoping to take the ball out of Hester's hands by having Lloyd boom some kickoffs out of the end zone. Lloyd's kicks have regularly gone seven and eight yards deep in the end zone.
Bears OT John St. Clair vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
St. Clair was adequate in his debut in Indianapolis, but defensive end Dwight Freeney beat him a handful of times; the Colts' speed rusher played in a limited role in his return from Lisfranc ligament surgery. Peppers is going to be a near constant across from St. Clair. He combines terrific power, speed and reach; he is a challenge the Bears need to be aware of in order to keep Orton clean. The Bears did not face many blitzes from the Colts, who play it pretty vanilla, but the book on Chicago is to blitz, blitz, blitz and blitz. The Panthers will be coming from all angles with linebackers and defensive backs.
RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart vs. Bears defensive line
The Panthers ran for 142 yards last week against the San Diego Chargers and have vowed to become a powerful running team. The Bears, however, are no pushovers, having allowed the Colts to run for just 53 yards in last week's season opener. It's a tough matchup for Carolina, but you can bet they won't shy away from running the football.
Falcons RB Michael Turner vs. Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks
Turner hit the ground running with the Falcons, setting a team record in his first outing. The Bucs may be hurting at weakside linebacker; veteran Derrick Brooks may be limited because of a hamstring injury. If he is unable to play, Cato June, a smallish linebacker, will replace him. You can expect Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli to win that battle and get Turner to the second level.
Falcons WR Michael Jenkins vs. Buccaneers CB Phillip Buchanon
With teams expected to give Roddy White extra attention after his breakout season, Jenkins knows that he must step up. He did just that against the Lions, making them pay with a 62-yard touchdown reception on quarterback Matt Ryan's first pass in the NFL. Look for them to try to get Jenkins open deep on Buchanon if the Bucs roll their Cover 2 to White's side of the field.
Buccaneers QB Brian Griese vs. Falcons CBs Chris Houston and Brent Grimes
The veteran passer is set to start with the benching of Jeff Garcia. Houston and Grimes were hit for more than 150 yards passing last week against the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams. Look for Griese to probe the outer perimeter of the Falcons defense. Wide receiver Joey Galloway is coming back from injury and also seems to have big games against the Falcons.
Buccaneers RB Warrick Dunn vs. Falcons LB Keith Brooking
The Bucs will work Dunn up the middle in the running game, but they'll look to him most of the time as a pass catcher. Dunn is at his best in space and against linebackers, but he may not be as successful as usual against the Falcons' 'backers. This is a strong group, but if he can get out against Brooking, he'll be in an even match. Brooking is a very heady player who now relies more on his instincts and smarts than his speed, which makes him a lot like Dunn.
Buccaneers TE Alex Smith vs. Falcons secondary
The Falcons have a very young and inexperienced secondary. The Bucs will look to beat it by running Smith down the seam. Smith does a good job of finding holes in zones and catching the ball, but the key to his success is going to come in making big yards after the catch. Smith doesn't always turn upfield and run, but if he can keep his feet moving in this game he could be in for a big day against a suspect secondary.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Seahawks run defense
Gore has enjoyed much success against the Seahawks. In his four career starts against them, Gore has rushed for 507 yards on 82 rushing attempts (6.2-yard average). The Seahawks geared their defense to stop Gore last season. The 49ers will try to establish Gore while also having the threat of throwing the ball if the Seahawks try to sneak an eighth defender in the box.
49ers WR Isaac Bruce vs. Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant
Bruce was not at all pleased that he was held without a catch. He angrily walked away from reporters after he was shut out in the 49ers' opener against the Cardinals. It is likely that offensive coordinator Mike Martz will try to keep Bruce happy this week. It won't be easy, though, as he goes up against Trufant, a six-year pro who was named to his first Pro Bowl last season.
49ers OT Jonas Jennings vs. Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney
If 49ers quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan is going to have time to throw, Jennings must do a good job against Kerney, who recorded 14.5 sacks last season for the Seahawks. Jennings played well in the 49ers' season opener, but he was a little rusty after missing the two final exhibition games with a broken hand. Jennings gave up a sack in the final two minutes of the game.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Broncos run defense
Denver had all kinds of trouble stopping the run last season, so you can expect Tomlinson to be salivating. However, he jammed his right big toe in the season-opening loss to the Carolina Panthers and might be at less than full strength. Even though Denver routed the Oakland Raiders Monday night, the Broncos allowed the hapless Raiders to accumulate 150 rushing yards; Oakland continued to run when they were down big, though. The Broncos retooled their linebackers in the offseason, and they played well against th Raiders' run-heavy attack in Week 1. Tomlinson still has a chance to have a nice game, but he may not have it as easy as last year's statistics would indicate. He has had some huge games against Denver. Expect the Chargers to test this run defense.
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall vs. Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie
As far as one-on-one matchups go, they don't get much better than Marshall versus Cromartie. Cromartie was a Pro Bowler last year and led the NFL with 10 interceptions; Marshall was knocking on the door for the Pro Bowl and caught 102 passes. Marshall has high hopes for this season, but his first game back - he was serving a suspension last week - won't be easy. The Broncos were comfortable featuring rookie receiver Eddie Royal last week, so they may have someone to take heat off Marshall. While Marshall will get some targets, he will have much more favorable matchups as the season goes on. Cromartie could be limited by a bruised hip, though.
Broncos C Casey Wiegmann vs. Chargers DT Jamal Williams
Williams always gives Denver's line problems. His penetration has affected Denver's zone-blocking scheme, which relies on stretching the play outside and finding a cutback lane. However, Williams has been affected by knee problems. From his days with Kansas City Chiefs, Wiegmann, who is filling in for injured center Tom Nalen, is familiar with Williams. Whether Wiegmann can control Williams will be a major key for the Broncos' running game.
Patriots RBs Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris vs. Jets NT Kris Jenkins
Jenkins was a big addition to the Jets' defensive line and is making a major impact thus far. Maroney and Morris each had 10 rushes and averaged more than five yards per carry against the Kansas City Chiefs. They may have to bounce out toward the offensive tackles rather than try to run into Jenkins in the middle. If last week is any indication, there will be a lot of the running back-by-committee approach in New England, not good news for fantasy owners.
Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Jets CB Darrelle Revis
Moss gave Revis quite the introduction into the NFL last year when the receiver lined up against the rookie in his first NFL game and blew past him at the line on his way to a 51-yard second-half touchdown. It will be interesting to see what Revis has learned over the past year. Moss has been limited in practice due to his back, so owners should keep an eye out on his health.
Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano vs. Cardinals LBs Chike Okeafor and Karlos Dansby
Against the Jets' zone coverage, Fasano caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, proving why the Dolphins' front office targeted him in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. It's likely that Fasano will be a heavy contributor again this week since the Cardinals like to blitz their linebackers. San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis caught three passes for 51 yards last week in the loss to Arizona. Last season Dansby proved he was fairly effective dropping back into coverage, contributing 85 tackles and three interceptions and breaking up a career-high eight passes. Okeafor is more of a blitzer and could give Fasano trouble in pass protection.
Dolphins OT Jake Long vs. Cardinals DE Travis LaBoy
LaBoy had a dynamic debut with two sacks. Long, not so much; he struggled with a couple of penalties. Both LaBoy and his backup, Bertrand Berry, showed plenty of pass-rush ability, and the Dolphins were - for some reason - throwing it all over the place in the opener. Neither LaBoy nor Berry is as effective against the run, and the Dolphins might serve Long better by using running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown more often.
Cardinals WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald vs. Dolphins CB Andre' Goodman
The Dolphins' secondary simply isn't very good - Goodman in particular - and Fitzgerald will be motivated after being all but shut down in San Francisco. Boldin is the type of big, physical receiver Goodman generally has trouble defending because of an old shoulder injury that limits his ability to press in man-to-man and tackle in the open field. Boldin is known for easily handling the press and racking up yards after the catch. Against the 49ers last week Boldin came on strong at the end of the game; he finished with eight catches for 82 yards. Circumstances held Fitzgerald's numbers down, but historically, when one of the Cards' big two has a bigger game (Fitzgerald caught three passes), the other is the primary target the next week. Goodman gave up a 56-yard touchdown to New York Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery after biting on a play-action fake.
Steelers WR Hines Ward vs. Browns CB Eric Wright
Ward has four 100-yard receiving games versus the Browns; he has become one of Cleveland's more despised opponents. Last year, he totaled 10 catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns in two games against the Browns. He scored an early tone-setting touchdown versus Wright in the 2007 season opener, Wright's first game in the NFL. Ward is off to a good start with six catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans. Wright improved as his rookie year progressed and played OK in this year's opener versus the Dallas Cowboys, but the corner position is considered a weakness. If Wright can neutralize Ward, it will allow the Browns to blitz a safety to try to muster some form of pass rush, which was missing against the Cowboys.
Steelers offensive line vs. Browns defensive line and linebackers
If the Browns have a strength that they can use against the Steelers, it's their three-man defensive line - or so it appeared in the preseason before both teams played their openers. The Browns' line of nose tackle Shaun Rogers and ends Robaire Smith and Corey Williams averages 6-foot-4 and weighs a total of 980 pounds. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said this game will be a test for Steelers veteran center Justin Hartwig (6-foot-4, 312 pounds), who is in his first year starting for the team. The Steelers have a five-man line of Hartwig, tackles Marvel Smith and Willie Colon and guards Chris Kemoeatu and Kendall Simmons (none of whom are under 315 pounds); they blocked surprisingly and exceptionally well Sunday against Houston. The Browns looked vulnerable against the Cowboys.
Browns WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow vs. Steelers secondary
The Browns' highly regarded passing game was out of sync against the Cowboys. Quarterback Derek Anderson completed only 11 of 24 passes for 114 yards and a two-yard touchdown pass to Winslow. Edwards and Winslow totaled a mere seven receptions for 61 yards, eliminating a big part of the Browns' offense. Steelers cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor are not elite, but the team had interceptions from outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley and strong safety Troy Polamalu (his first since 2006). Still, the Steelers historically have trouble guarding the tight end, and Anderson will look for Winslow about as often as he looks for Edwards. Winslow had nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown versus the Steelers in two games last year, a big improvement over 2006, when had eight catches for just 55 yards. Polamalu looked healthy in the opening win over Houston and creates problems for Cleveland. He can run with Winslow and get to the quarterback with his blitzing ability.
Browns KR Josh Cribbs vs. Steelers special teams
Tomlin said he does not expect Cribbs' ankle injury to keep him out of a second consecutive game after he missed the opener against Dallas. If healthy, Cribbs, an All-Pro returner last season, could keep the game close. He has five career returns for touchdowns (four on kickoffs, including a 100-yarder against the Steelers last season). Cribbs averages 26.6 yards on kickoffs and 12.5 on punts, but the Steelers believe (hope?) they have made significant improvements in their soft kick coverage from a year ago. The additions they've made and the upgraded play of other special teamers have helped, according to Tomlin. The Texans averaged less than 20 yards per kickoff return and only brought back two punts for a total of five yards.
Ravens RBs Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain vs. Texans run defense
The Ravens will play McGahee (knee), but expect more of a running back-by-committee approach. Baltimore will look to wear down Houston with McGahee, the rookie Rice and the fullback/tailback McClain. With a rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco, making his first road start, the Ravens will try to run the ball as much as possible to take the pressure off. This will be a steep challenge for the Texans, who allowed 183 yards rushing and three touchdowns to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Texans QB Matt Schaub vs. Ravens pass rush
Schaub will get a boost simply by being back in his home stadium, but it won't be easy for the second-year starter to get into a rhythm. The Texans' struggled immensely a week ago. The Ravens defense is just as confusing as and more blitz-crazy than that of the Steelers. Schaub may not have much of a running game to lean on, so expect quite a few short passes and more balls thrown out of bounds instead of into the hands of defenders. If Schaub can get a successful short passing game going, it should help him create a couple of opportunities to throw downfield. He will likely find the end zone with a receiver once, and he may be quicker to run with the ball himself this week - something he didn't do readily last week.
Texans RB Steve Slaton vs. Ravens run defense
The rookie is likely heading toward his first NFL start. Slaton struggled to show his breakaway speed against the Steelers in his debut. He'll have to show more this week with Ahman Green likely sidelined indefinitely with a sprained ankle. Slaton is a solid blocker in pass protection, and he has exceptional speed. This week, he just needs to make quicker decisions and make it through the gap before it closes.
Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Ravens CB Chris McAlister
McAlister seemed to return to his shutdown form against Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco in the season opener, limiting him to one catch for 22 yards. McAlister also seemed to be around the ball when the Ravens played zone, making his first interception of the season. The impressive part is that he was dominant despite being slowed by a knee injury. McAlister seems to play his best against the bigger receivers. It could be a tough day for Johnson, who led the Texans with 10 catches in the season opener.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb vs. Cowboys pass rush
Despite their easy 28-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns last week, the Cowboys weren't able to apply great pressure against a team that often kept six or seven players in to fend off the blitz. If you can't make McNabb uncomfortable, he will kill you, no matter who his receivers are, as he showed against the Rams. Linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis and company need to get in McNabb's face.
Cowboys WRs Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton vs. Eagles CBs Asante Samuel and Lito Sheppard
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has a decision to make. The last time the Eagles visited Dallas - Dec. 16, 2007 - Johnson had Sheppard shadow TO, and the strategy worked very well; Owens caught two passes for 37 yards. But in the offseason, the Eagles spent $57 million to make Samuel their starting left corner, ahead of Sheppard, who now is the nickel corner. Does Samuel cover TO, or does Johnson find a way to have Sheppard do it? Sheppard has eight interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns in 10 games against the Cowboys. No player since 2003 has more interceptions against one team. In Crayton the Cowboys have a valuable outlet. Five of his six catches in the opener went for first downs. While he is not the fastest, he gets open. The Eagles like to pressure, so Crayton will have to have a big game because Owens will be the focal point of the Philly D.
Cowboys TE Jason Witten vs. Eagles pass defense
Witten has worn out the Philadelphia defense. In nine career games he has 49 catches for 632 yards and three touchdowns against this unit. Twice he has had more than 100 yards receiving, including a 113-yard effort when these teams last met. He presents a problem for most teams, but he and quarterback Tony Romo have such chemistry, and that allows them to have a good feel for the Eagles' blitz. Witten is often the hot read on those occasions and becomes a security blanket. In the opener the Cowboys moved him around from the backfield to the slot, and he caught six passes for 96 yards.
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