By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
Editor’s Note: The following is written for RotoWire’s weekly “game capsules;” I cover the NFC home games.
Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Atlanta, Sunday 1 p.m.
Comments: Ben Roethlisberger got back on track in a big way last week, finishing with a remarkable 153.8 QB rating and getting 12.5 YPA. While that performance is sure to ease some concerns about his health, Roethlisberger and the Steelers now have to travel to Atlanta to face a team fighting to stay in the NFC South race. Willie Parker won’t find the gaping holes he had during Week 5, but the Steelers will concentrate on attacking a run defense that was exposed by the Giants last week. Grady Jackson (knee, probable) has been solid, but John Abraham (groin, questionable) and Rod Coleman (foot, questionable) are far from full strength. Atlanta’s pass defense, however, has been one of the best in the league, and the unit as a whole has been extremely tough to score on…Atlanta’s fondness of the running game will get a stern test against Pittsburgh’s stingy run defense, especially after losing starting guard Matt Lehr to a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s steroid policy. Still, Atlanta has nearly 400 more rushing yards than any other team in the NFL, and Michael Vick (shoulder, probable) will make just enough plays to squeak out a victory for the home team…Pittsburgh lists Joey Porter (hamstring, doubtful), Kendall Simmons (foot, questionable) and Deshea Townsend (hamstring, probable) on the injury report, while Atlanta does the same with Patrick Kerney (hamstring, probable)…The last time these two teams met it resulted in a 34-34 tie, the only tie game in the NFL over the last nine years.
Predictions: Ben Roethlisberger continues his improved play, with 220 yards and two TD tosses, with Hines Ward and Heath Miller being the recipients. Willie Parker gets 95 yards but fails to find the end zone. Michael Vick continues to be more of a threat on the ground than through the air, but he does find Alge Crumpler for two short scores. Warrick Dunn manages 80 yards, as the Falcons win on a late field goal. Falcons 20-17.
Philadelphia (-5) at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.
Comments: Tampa Bay was finally able to get its first win last week, while Philadelphia comes in following a disappointing loss at New Orleans. The Bucs have been terrible against the run, but the Eagles like to attack through the air, which Tampa Bay has defended reasonably well this year. The Eagles’ secondary, however, has been torched this season, something Bruce Gradkowski figures to take advantage of Sunday. Philly’s run defense has been average, and Cadillac Williams is coming off back-to-back strong efforts…The Eagles’ offense, on the other hand, is leading the entire NFL with more than 400 yards per game. Philadelphia’s league-leading passing offense faces a Tampa secondary that might be missing Brian Kelly (foot, questionable) and has depth issues, evident by the recent Phillip Buchanon signing. Donovan McNabb has struggled mightily throughout his career against the Bucs, compiling a 53.1 QB rating and just 4.2 YPA over three games. Still, McNabb is playing at quite possibly his highest level yet and figures to have a very productive Sunday. Brian Westbrook is probable and his knee appears healthier than it’s been since early in the season…The Eagles’ Roderick Hood (heel) is doubtful to play, while Shawn Barber (neck), Darren Howard (groin), Tra Thomas (back) and Donte Stallworth (hamstring) are questionable. As for Tampa Bay, Simeon Rice (shoulder, questionable) is the only significant injury concern.
Predictions: Philly’s pass rush harasses Bruce Gradkowski, resulting in numerous sacks and a couple of turnovers. Gradkowski, however, is able to throw for 230 yards and two scores, which are hauled in by Joey Galloway and Alex Smith. Cadillac Williams contributes 90 combined yards, but a TD eludes him. Brian Westbrook counters with 120 total yards and a touchdown catch, while Donovan McNabb throws for 260 yards and two other scores, which land in Reggie Brown and L.J. Smith’s hands. Tampa Bay keeps it close, but Philadelphia ultimately has too much firepower. Eagles 24-20.
Minnesota (+6.5) at Seattle, Sunday 4:15 p.m.
Comments: While the Steve Hutchinson signing has certainly worked better for Minnesota than Nate Burleson has for Seattle, this matchup could be considered the “poison pill” bowl. With no Shaun Alexander, Seattle doesn’t quite look like a powerhouse, and Minnesota’s defense has played surprisingly well this year. The Vikings’ offense has been rather productive as well, but playing in Seattle is no small task. Minnesota relies heavily on Chester Taylor each week, but Seattle enters with the league’s fourth best run defense. Brad Johnson hasn’t played terribly while leading the Vikes to a 3-2 start, but he’s only getting 6.6 YPA and has a 3/4 TD/INT ratio…Seattle was lucky to come away with a victory in St. Louis but returns home this week, where the Seahawks have won 11 straight regular season games. Maurice Morris is a serviceable replacement at running back, but Minnesota’s run defense has been quite stingy. Matt Hasselbeck, however, should be getting Jerramy Stevens back at tight end and has already formed a strong rapport with Deion Branch, who was targeted even more than Darrell Jackson last week. Since Branch is settling in nicely into Seattle’s system, the offense becomes that much harder to slow down…While the Vikings don’t list any major injuries, the Seahawks will be without Floyd Womack (knee) and Bobby Engram (illness).
Predictions: Brad Johnson throws for a modest 220 yards and a TD strike to Jermaine Wiggins. Playing mostly from behind, Chester Taylor receives fewer carries than normal, but he does run in his second score of the year. Maurice Morris counters with 80 yards, while Matt Hasselbeck throws for 250 yards and two scores. Darrell Jackson and Deion Branch each approach 85 yards and haul in the touchdowns, sealing it for Seattle. Seahawks 24-17.
New York Giants (+3.5) at Dallas, Monday 8:30 p.m.
Comments: Dallas enters boasting the No. 1 run defense in the league, while New York has the second best offense so far, eclipsing 400 yards per game. While all is well in Dallas after Terrell Owens’ three-touchdown day last week, that number masked the fact he was targeted just six times and gained a modest 45 receiving yards. Drew Bledsoe may have been able to beat a suspect Texans’ secondary, but the Giants figure to get a much better pass rush, forcing too many sacks and poor decisions from the quarterback. Julius Jones and Marion Barber, however, form the league’s third best rushing attack, which is exactly where the Cowboys should focus its gameplan…The Giants have to be thrilled with a 3-2 record following a brutal five game stretch to open the season. Eli Manning has officially arrived, and after a slow start, Tiki Barber has turned in two consecutive big games. He’s still searching for his first score of the year, however. Count on it happening Monday night, as Barber and the Giants shine in the spotlight…Carlos Emmons (pectoral) and Gibril Wilson (toe) are questionable for the Giants, while Keith Davis (ankle) is probable for the Cowboys.
Predictions: Drew Bledsoe mixes in a couple turnovers with two TD passes, one to Terrell Owens and the other to Terry Glenn. Julius Jones approaches 100 rushing yards, but Marion Barber scores from the goal-line. Eli Manning answers with 250 yards and TD strikes to Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey, while Tiki Barber gets 110 yards and solidifies a New York victory with a late rushing score. Giants 24-21.
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