Game Capsules

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: I write half the coverage of RotoWire’s weekly “game capsules,” hence only the NFC home games here, and figured I might as well share them with the loyal RotoScoop readers. While extensive, maybe I touched on one of your favorite teams; dissenting opinions welcome…

Washington (+4.5) at New York Giants, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: After having not thrown for more than 200 yards for nine straight regular season games, Mark Brunell has now done it two weeks in a row, getting a remarkable 11.0 YPA last week. It’s possible Brunell continues riding the way back machine this week, as the Giants have had trouble pressuring the passer, totaling a pathetic two sacks thus far. In order to do so, Brunell needs to continue getting Santana Moss the ball in the open field, where he’s able to break big plays. Clinton Portis’ shoulder problem is officially a thing of the past. Still, the Redskins likely won’t be able to match New York’s offensive output…After a bye, look for the Giants to return having solved some of their early season problems. Eli Manning needs to get New York off to a better start, as the team has found itself in big holes early during their last two games. Washington’s defense has been beatable, and Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey return from the bye completely healthy, looking to exploit a secondary that is badly missing Shawn Springs (groin, doubtful)…Last year when these two teams met in New York, it was a 36-0 Giants’ thrashing. While it won’t be that lopsided, the Giants are tough at home and will handle their easiest opponent of the year so far.

Predictions: Mark Brunell had his worst game of the season last year in New York, but fares better this time by attempting more throws downfield, resulting in 250 yards and a TD strike to Santana Moss. Clinton Portis rumbles for 110 yards and a score. Eli Manning gets 250 yards but throws less than normal, since he’s not playing from behind. He also tosses two scores, one to Plaxico Burress and another to Jeremy Shockey. Tiki Barber gets 120 total yards, but Brandon Jacobs pilfers a late score to seal it. Giants 24-17.

Detroit (+6.5) at Minnesota, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Detroit’s lack of running game, poor defense and Mike Martz calling the shots have all resulted in Jon Kitna becoming a viable fantasy option. It’s a formula that should continue, as Detroit’s defense looks like one of the league’s very worst, especially against the pass. Roy Williams is finally cashing in on his vast talent and more touchdowns are sure to follow. Unheralded Mike Furrey, a former converted safety, is all of a sudden on the fantasy radar, while Kevin Jones is quietly turning into the versatile back everyone envisioned him being last year. Word is Mike Williams is impressing during practice, but he’s still got a long way to go before producing on Sundays…Brad Johnson has done a nice job managing games but has just two TD passes to show for it. Look for that to change this week against Detroit’s secondary, which has been nothing short of terrible. Troy Williamson should easily exploit the Lions’ weakness downfield. While his numbers haven’t shown it, Williamson is getting targeted more than eight times per game, which means bigger numbers are in store. Chester Taylor can’t help but accumulate big stats with all of his touches, but don’t be surprised if he breaks down later this season…The Lions list Kenoy Kennedy (foot, out), Rex Tucker (knee, questionable), Ross Verba (hamstring, questionable) and Dre Bly (illness, probable) on the injury report, while Darren Sharper (quadriceps, questionable), Jermaine Wiggins (hamstring, questionable) and Ryan Longwell (illness, probable) are listed for the home team…Minnesota is 9-1 in its last ten games against Detroit.

Predictions: Jon Kitna throws for 230 yards, two INTS and one TD while playing catch up most of the day. Roy Williams hauls in the score and gets 100 yards as well. Kevin Jones continues his early season success with 90 total yards and a score. Brad Johnson has his biggest day of the year, throwing for 270 yards and two scores. Troy Williamson goes for 120 yards and catches one of the TDs, while Travis Taylor corrals the other. Chester Taylor is active in both the passing and running game, resulting in 110 yards and a score, as the Vikings roll. Vikings 24-17.

Tampa Bay (+6.5) at New Orleans, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: It goes without saying Tampa Bay didn’t envision their season going this way, as rookie QB Bruce Gradkowski starts his first NFL game for a squad reeling at 0-3. Not that Chris Simms was playing well, but things in Tampa may actually get worse before they get better. When Cadillac Williams was taken in the first round of fantasy drafts this year, owners probably expected more than 2.5 YPC; it’s taken three games for him to eclipse 100 yards on the ground this year. Maybe most disconcerting of all, Tampa Bay’s defense has underperformed as well, yielding 170.0 rushing yards per game. While the Buccaneers are unlikely to become a doormat, a huge turnaround seems at least as improbable…It’s time to start taking New Orleans seriously. While last week’s game in Carolina could have easily been a letdown after the re-opening of the Superdome, the Saints stayed competitive until the very end. After a perfect 4-0 start against the spread, it’s hard to figure out why New Orleans is giving less than a touchdown to a winless team at home. While Drew Brees only has four touchdown tosses on the year, his 7.8 YPA indicates many more to come. Reggie Bush’s season has been viewed by some as somewhat disappointing, and while it’s true he’s still looking for his first TD, he is on pace for more than 90 catches and 750 receiving yards…Tampa Bay’s T Kenyatta Walker is out for the year following knee surgery, while G David Joseph (knee) and CB Brian Kelly (foot) are questionable. The Saints only relevant injury is Devery Henderson (shoulder, questionable)…The fact the Bucs have won four out of their last five matchups with the Saints will be irrelevant Sunday, when New Orleans marches to victory.

Predictions: Bruce Gradkowski is conservative in his first start, resulting in 150 yards and no scores, negating any fantasy value for Joey Galloway and Michael Clayton. Cadillac Williams gets into the end zone, but again only musters 60 yards on the ground. The Saints attack Tampa mostly on the ground, which means Drew Brees throws for fewer than 200 yards and a TD strike to Marques Colston, who once again outshines Joe Horn. Reggie Bush gets 110 total yards and reaches paydirt for the first time in his career, giving New Orleans a lead that won’t be relinquished. Saints 20-13.

St. Louis (-3) at Green Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: St. Louis may be 3-1, but they haven’t been as impressive as their record indicates. Especially on the road, the Rams are extremely vulnerable and have no business giving points on the spread. In a battle of porous defenses, expect a busy day for the scorekeeper. Marc Bulger figures to have his third straight big statistical day, as Al Harris and company are getting shredded through the air. Orlando Pace’s (concussion, questionable) expected return should be a boon to their red-zone woes, as Jeff Wilkins has been their biggest offensive weapon so far. Torry Holt’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s been targeted 52 times, pacing the entire NFL. Don’t be surprised if he finishes as fantasy football’s No. 1 wide receiver…While the Rams’ secondary has shown improvement, look for Brett Favre (head, probable) to exploit it. Coming off an embarrassing Monday night debacle, Green Bay’s offense will get back on track, as Donald Driver (ribs, questionable) and Greg Jennings shape a formidable receiving duo. Ahman Green (hamstring, questionable) is expected to return, but it appears he’s already breaking down, so expect Vernand Morency to remain heavily involved in the running game from here on out…Robert Ferguson (foot) is doubtful to play…Green Bay is 6-1 in its last seven home games against St. Louis; expect home-field to be the difference yet again on Sunday.

Predictions: Marc Bulger goes off for 320 yards and two touchdowns, with Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce being the recipients. Holt also adds 140 yards as well. Steven Jackson gets close to 110 total yards, but doesn’t reach the end zone. Brett Favre counters Bulger with a big day of his own, passing for 270 yards and three scores. Donald Driver gets over his problem with drops and catches one of them, while Greg Jennings hauls in another. A late field goal wins it for the home team. Packers 24-23.

Buffalo (+10.5) at Chicago, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: While the Bills are off to a surprisingly solid start, the Bears have been the NFL’s most impressive team so far. J.P. Losman could be in for a long day playing in Soldier Field, where Chicago is nearly unbeatable. Still, Buffalo’s defense figures to at least keep them in the game. Willis McGahee’s 105 touches lead the NFL, in part due to his improved blocking enabling him to remain on the field at all times. Fantasy owners would surely like more than one touchdown (he has two in his last 14 games), however, and life certainly won’t be any easier come Sunday…Rex Grossman is getting 8.5 YPA and has thrown for eight touchdowns already. Against a stout Bills’ secondary, expect Grossman’s early season success to be tested. Bernard Berrian is averaging a ridiculous 21.1 yards per catch and is fast becoming one of the NFL’s best deep threats, while Muhsin Muhammad is enjoying a revival season as well. Thomas Jones may only be getting 3.3 YPC, but expect that number to grow as opposing defenses are forced to account for the Bears’ newfound passing attack. He’s making Cedric Benson irrelevant…Takeo Spikes (hamstring) is questionable for the Bills, while Desmond Clark (foot, questionable) and Adewale Ogunleye (hamstring, questionable) are for the Bears.

Predictions: J.P. Losman is shut down, managing just 160 yards through the air without a score. Willis McGahee is featured heavily, which results in 90 yards but no TDs. Rex Grossman doesn’t light up the scoreboard, but he does get 200 yards and a TD strike to Muhsin Muhammad. Thomas Jones garners 90 hard fought yards, while also reaching paydirt en route to a Chicago victory. Bears 17-9.

Cleveland (+8.5) at Carolina, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The good news is Cleveland finally won its first game last week. The bad news is now they have to travel to Carolina and face a Panthers team starting to find its groove. Charlie Frye has become a viable fantasy option with his three rushing TDs, but his seven INTS and 6.9 YPA still need work. The Panthers can be beaten on the ground, but Reuben Droughns (shoulder, questionable) may not be healthy enough to fully exploit the opportunity. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow both look healthy and like future stars but have a tough matchup this week…Jake Delhomme and the Panthers’ running game should crush an already suspect Browns defense with Leigh Bodden (ankle, questionable) and Gary Baxter (pectoral, questionable) banged up. While there’s talk Steve Smith still isn’t 100 percent, he’s still likely to be the most explosive player on the field Sunday. Although Justin Hartwig (groin, questionable) appears iffy to play, count on Carolina pounding the football, as the Browns have been gashed for nearly 150.0 rushing yards per game. DeAngelo Williams needs to improve his blocking if he wants to stay on the field more, but he and DeShaun Foster should have successful days on Sunday…While Carolina lists Dan Morgan (concussion, out) on the injury report, Cleveland does the same with Joe Jurevicius (ribs, questionable), Willie McGinest (calf. questionable), and Kellen Winslow (knee, questionable).

Predictions: Playing largely from behind, Charlie Frye ends up with 220 yards passing, another 20 rushing and one TD pass to Braylon Edwards. He also turns the ball over twice. Kellen Winslow continues his march toward comeback player of the year, netting 85 receiving yards. Reuben Droughns adds 60 yards and a score as well. Concentrating on the ground game, Jake Delhomme finishes with a modest 200 yards through the air, including a TD strike to Steve Smith, who tops 100 yards himself. Both DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams get double-digit carries and each cross the goal-line in the process, putting the Browns away for good. Panthers 27-17.

Kansas City (-3) at Arizona, Sunday 4:05 p.m.

Comments: The Matt Leinart era has officially begun, as Kurt Warner’s 10th fumble of the year finally brought on the switch. While the offensive line deserves most of the blame, Warner is a terrible fit for a team struggling to block. Enter Leinart, who immediately faces a defense completely transformed by Herm Edwards. In fact, the Chiefs currently have the third ranked defense in the NFL and have held opponents to a remarkable 121.7 passing yards per game. Leinart is likely to get the ball away quicker than Warner, but expect plenty of rookie mistakes along the way. Still, with their poor defense, struggling running game and Larry Fitzgerald (ankle, probable) and Anquan Boldin catching passes, Leinart may not be able to avoid decent numbers…While Larry Johnson continues to pile up big yardage totals, they haven’t come easy, as teams are stacking up to nine men in the box, daring Damon Huard to throw the ball. With Kyle Turley (back) and Will Svitek (knee) both ruled out, Kansas City’s offensive line just got that much thinner. Still, it’s Arizona’s defense lining up on the other side, a unit giving up more than 375.0 yards per game. Damon Huard, who has a surprising 106.9 QB rating, is competent enough to take advantage of the Cardinals’ weaknesses…While the Chiefs typically struggle on the road, expect Matt Leinart to open his NFL career with a loss.

Predictions: Big plays continue to elude Edgerrin James in the desert, but he does get enough touches to total 110 yards and a score. Matt Leinart has an up and down game, with the final result being two turnovers, 180 yards and a TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald. Anquan Boldin chips in 95 yards as well. The Chiefs limit Damon Huard’s pass attempts, but he does find Tony Gonzalez in the end zone. The gameplan runs through Larry Johnson, who totals 160 yards and two touchdowns, paving the way for a Chiefs’ victory. Chiefs 21-17.

Oakland (+3.5) at San Francisco, Sunday 4:05 p.m.

Comments: This battle of the bay would’ve been a marquee matchup a few years back; instead, it’s a contest between two of the NFL’s weakest teams, with Oakland in the early lead for most futile. Last week, Andrew Walter made Aaron Brooks look positively Hall of Fame like, as he mustered a pathetic 3.0 YPA while completing less than 40 percent of his passes. He accomplished these feats with a 21-3 lead, suggesting it might have been even uglier had he been forced to throw under less than ideal circumstances. It’s a situation we should witness Sunday, as the 49ers figure to be out in front at some point, as San Francisco is far from a doormat at home. However, San Francisco’s secondary has allowed eight touchdowns and has yet to pick off one pass this year. While it was nice to see LaMont Jordan have a big day last week, if you take away his one long run, he’s left with another pedestrian YPC average. At least he caught his first two balls of the year, as it remains a mystery why offensive coordinator Tom Walsh refuses to feature him in the passing game. This is not the same Randy Moss we know and love; not even close…Alex Smith took a step backward last week, but he had been having a solid year before that. Against a secondary missing Fabian Washington (hamstring, out) and possibly forced to start Duane Starks, expect another step forward for Smith this week. The same could be said for Antonio Bryant, who has been quiet the last two weeks. Frank Gore has lost a fumble in four straight games, and if he doesn’t start protecting the ball, expect to see more Michael Robinson. Still, look for Gore to get it corrected and start holding the ball higher, and aside from the fumbling issues, he has been a force. Against one of the worst run defenses in the league, the Raiders will have no answer for Gore, who has a monstrous day Sunday…Oakland lists Robert Gallery (shoulder), Grant Irons (back) and Lance Johnstone (knee) as questionable, while the 49ers will likely be without Larry Allen (knee, doubtful).

Predictions: Andrew Walter isn’t quite as bad as last week, but that doesn’t mean he’s good, as finishes with 190 yards and one TD pass. LaMont Jordan gets 75 yards on the ground and scores. Alex Smith gets 220 yards and connects with Antonio Bryant for a long score. Frank Gore explodes for 140 yards and a TD, while Michael Robinson runs another short one in as well, as Oakland remains winless. 49ers 24-17.

Dallas (+2) at Philadelphia, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: The headlines will be Terrell Owens’ return to Philly, but the story will be the battle between two division rivals, with the winner in sole possession of the NFC East lead. Drew Bledsoe is getting a respectable 7.3 YPA, but he’s doing so while completing a putrid 52.7 percent of his passes. Still, with Terry Glen playing well and complementing Terrell Owens, he has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Speaking of T.O., he says his injured hand is no longer a problem, but he’ll have to exact revenge against a secondary finally getting healthy, as Lito Sheppard (ankle, questionable) looks likely to return…Donovan McNabb should be equally fired up for Dallas coming to town, as this year’s Eagles are officially his team. McNabb and his 8.7 YPA is probably the league’s MVP a quarter into the season. However, the rest of Philadelphia’s offensive unit is more than a little banged up, with Donte Stallworth (hamstring, doubtful) unlikely to suit up and Brian Westbrook’s (knee, questionable) status again uncertain. After sitting out a week, coaches expect Westbrook to play, which would provide a huge boost to the offense. Reggie Brown (shoulder, probable) and L.J. Smith (shoulder, probable) are both expected to play and provide enough options in the passing game to compensate for Stallworth’s absence. While Owens figures to make his mark, the Eagles’ pass rush will ultimately disrupt Bledsoe, resulting in numerous sacks and a couple of turnovers. McNabb shines and leads Philadelphia to victory.

Predictions: Terrell Owens makes his presence felt, as he is targeted frequently Sunday, resulting in eight catches, 120 yards and one score. Drew Bledsoe also finds Terry Glenn in the end zone, while Julius Jones gets 80 yards on the ground. Donovan McNabb continues his early season excellence, spreading the ball around to reach 330 yards and three scores, one to Reggie Brown and another to Brian Westbrook, who suits up and totals 130 yards himself. McNabb runs the other TD in late in the game, putting a fork in the Cowboys. Eagles 24-20.