Game Capsules

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.

Atlanta (-3) at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: While both teams enter with two of the worst passing offenses in the league, Atlanta’s ground game has them still in the playoff hunt. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has hit rock bottom, last week resorting to kicking a last second field goal just to avoid a shutout. Bruce Gradkowski has thrown five interceptions to zero touchdowns over his last two games and just lost Michael Clayton (knee) for the season as well. Carnell Williams has lost more fumbles (two) than he has rushing touchdowns (one) this season. Losers of five out of its past six games, Tampa Bay is officially playing for only pride at this point…Atlanta ended its four-game losing streak last week by getting back to what they do best, pounding the football. Michael Vick needs just 40 rushing yards Sunday to break the NFL’s single-season rushing record by a quarterback. Vick and Warrick Dunn make the Falcons the only team in the NFL to have two players with 900 rushing yards and provide the league-leading rushing attack. Still, it’s Jerious Norwood who has been the most productive ball carrier for Atlanta. He’s getting an impressive 6.7 YPC and has more fourth-quarter rushing yards than any other tailback in the league. While coaches around the NFL this year have proven slow to give work to younger backs, there is no reason why Norwood shouldn’t at least share the carries evenly with Dunn from here on out. Expect another big day on the ground for Atlanta Sunday, as the Falcons ran for a franchise-record 306 yards when these two teams met earlier this season…Tampa Bay lists Juran Bolden (quad), Shelton Quarles (knee) and Alex Smith (ankle) as questionable, while Atlanta lists Jason Webster (groin) as doubtful and John Abraham (groin), Grady Jackson (knee) and Jimmy Williams (ankle) as probable…Tampa Bay is 4-1 in its last five games when playing at home against Atlanta.

Predictions: Bruce Gradkowski finally marches his team into the end zone but also throws two picks as well. Joey Galloway catches the TD toss, while also adding 80 yards receiving. Carnell Williams’ disappointing season continues, as he’s only able to muster 70 yards combined. Michael Vick puts his name in the record books with 60 rushing yards, while also finding Alge Crumpler for a score. Warrick Dunn begins to lose carries to Jerious Norwood, who outperforms him with 70 rushing yards and a TD run, keeping the Falcons’ playoff hopes alive. Falcons 20-16.

Minnesota (+2) at Detroit, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Both teams enter plagued by poor quarterback play of late, as they combined for seven interceptions to just one touchdown last week. On the season, Brad Johnson and Jon Kitna have combined for a staggering 40 turnovers. While Kitna recently got a vote of confidence from Detroit’s brass, Johnson’s job security is shaky. If Brooks Bollinger (shoulder, doubtful) hadn’t gotten hurt, Johnson might have already lost his job. Tarvaris Jackson is an interesting prospect but clearly not ready yet, especially for a team with a chance, albeit very slim, at the postseason (thank you, NFC). At least Johnson faces a beatable Detroit secondary this week, evidenced by his 11.1 YPA and 139.0 quarterback rating he put up when these two teams met earlier this year. One obstacle, however, will be having to play without the team’s clear No. 1 option on offense, Chester Taylor, who is doubtful with a rib injury. Since Taylor had eclipsed his career-high in rushing attempts by more than 100 in just 12 weeks of play, him breaking down was nearly inevitable. Ciatrick Fason, however, should be able to combine with Mewelde Moore to from a solid enough ground game Sunday…Detroit enters in the midst of a four-game losing streak and faces the toughest run defense in the league in Minnesota. Still, the Lions’ offense isn’t built around the ground game anyway (31st in the league) and likes to attack opposing defenses through the air; an area Minnesota has proven to be vulnerable. Roy Williams entered this season with 16 career touchdowns in 27 games played but isn’t getting used nearly enough in the red zone with Mike Martz calling the shots. Williams has only reached paydirt four times all season and hasn’t scored since Week 9, something that figures to change Sunday. Draft bust Mike Williams is supposedly in line for more playing time and has restored confidence in his coaches, but the fact remains Josh McCown was on the field more last week…Minnesota lists Artis Hicks (ankle, questionable), Matt Birk (neck, probable), Napoleon Harris (wrist, probable), Marcus Robinson (ankle, probable), Jermaine Wiggins (knee, probable) and Pat Williams (knee, probable) on the injury report, while Detroit does the same with Fernando Bryant (concussion, out) and Teddy Lehman (hamstring, questionable)…Minnesota has won the last five, and nine out of the last 10, meetings between these two teams.

Predictions: Brad Johnson rebounds from last week’s disastrous effort with a TD strike to Marcus Robinson, while Ciatrick Fason adds 80 yards and a rushing score as well. Jon Kitna mixes in a few sacks and a couple of turnovers in with TD tosses to Roy Williams and Kevin Jones, who also contributes 130 total yards on the day, helping Detroit snap its losing skid. Lions 20-17.

New York Giants (+3) at Carolina, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The Giants have followed a five-game winning streak by dropping their last four games, while Carolina has lost five games when leading in the fourth quarter this year, putting both teams at a disappointing 6-6 on the season. Quarterback play has been a problem for both squads, as Jake Delhomme and Eli Manning have had a knack for backbreaking interceptions at the most inopportune times this season. Delhomme (thumb, questionable), however, looks unlikely to play, with Chris Weinke set to make his first start in more than four years. With that inexperience at the helm, look for Carolina to concentrate on its improving ground game. DeShaun Foster (elbow, probable) looks ready to return to action, but it’s DeAngelo Williams who has been the most explosive Carolina tailback this year. Williams is averaging nearly one more yard per carry than Foster (3.9 to 4.7) and has been far more effective in the passing game, including a seven-catch, 101-yard receiving game last week. While coach John Fox indicates he’s still turning to Foster as his starter, the exciting rookie’s play will force Fox to continue increasing his workload from here on out…The last time the Giants faced Carolina, they were shut out and gained just 132 total yards of offense in last year’s playoff loss. While Manning showed real signs of progress earlier in the season, just like last year, he’s regressed badly over the second half. Last week’s effort (7.5 YPA), however, was a step in the right direction, and this week he gets to face a secondary that recently made Jeff Garcia (8.0 YPA, three TDs) look like it was 2001. Tiki Barber, broken thumb and all, should also have a nice game Sunday, proving to be the difference between two desperate teams fighting for their playoff lives…Luke Petitgout (fibula, out), Michael Strahan (foot, doubtful), Corey Webster (toe, questionable) and Antonio Pierce (knee, probable) show up on the Giants’ injury report, while Ken Lucas (thigh, questionable), Mike Minter (knee, questionable) and Mike Wahle (shoulder, probable) are banged up for the Panthers…Carolina is 3-0 during the last three meetings between these two teams.

Predictions: Chris Weinke doesn’t take too many risks, resulting in 210 passing yards and a scoring strike to Steve Smith, who also gets 100 yards receiving on the day. DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams split the carries evenly, but it’s Williams who gains more yards and gets the touchdown. Eli Manning finds Plaxico Burress in the end zone, while Tiki Barber runs for more than 100 yards. Barber also rushes for just his second score of the year, while Brandon Jacobs punches one in from close as well, as the road team prevails. Giants 24-20.

Philadelphia (-1) at Washington, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Just when everyone wrote the Eagles off, Jeff Garcia turned back the clock and kept Philadelphia’s slim playoff hopes alive with a great performance last week. Garcia flashed a downfield ability previously missing from his arsenal, with Donte Stallworth and Reggie Brown being the biggest beneficiaries. Facing a Washington secondary that has surrendered a league-high 23 passing touchdowns, while intercepting a league-low five balls this season, the opportunity will be there for continued success from Garcia. Brian Westbrook (toe, probable) has already reached his career-high in carries and rushing yards this year and is in the midst of his best season yet as a pro. He’ll continue to be the focal point of this Eagles’ offense…While the offense still shows signs of life, Philadelphia brings in a defense that has been entirely beatable all season long, especially on the ground. The Eagles’ run defense is ranked 28th in the league, surrendering 136.8 yards per game and 10 rushing scores on the year; great news for Ladell Betts, who has proven more than capable filling in for Clinton Portis (hand). Betts has shown the ability to be a feature back in this league, rushing for more than 100 yards in back-to-back games, while also revealing adroit receiving skills. He should be in store for a huge game against Philadelphia’s undersized front seven. Although Jason Campbell has struggled to fully grasp the playbook, as well as with accuracy (50.5 percent completion rate), he’s made enough big plays to at least give Washington some hope for the future. Santana Moss’ return to health is certainly a boon to the offensive unit as well. Philadelphia’s season may have been revived last week, but traveling during a short week to face a division rival is not an easy task…Roderick Hood (hamstring, questionable), Darren Howard (knee, questionable) and Michael Lewis (concussion, probable) show up on the Eagles’ injury report, while Phillip Daniels (ankle, probable), Jon Jansen (calf, probable), Casey Rabach (shin, probable) and Troy Vincent (hamstring, probable) show up on the Redskins’…Philadelphia is 8-2 in its last 10 games against Washington.

Predictions: Jeff Garcia comes back to earth Sunday, with 200 passing yards and one touchdown toss to L.J. Smith. Brian Westbrook adds 130 combined yards, while also reaching paydirt. Jason Campbell answers with 180 passing yards and a scoring strike to Santana Moss. Ladell Betts gets 120 total yards and runs in two scores, carrying the home team to victory. Redskins 21-20.

Green Bay (+4.5) at San Francisco, Sunday 4:05 p.m.

Comments: It might finally be time for Brett Favre to hang ‘em up, as the Packers enter losers of three straight and completely out of the playoff picture. Favre has career-lows in completion percentage (56.4) and YPA (6.3) this season. Playing a San Francisco team that he’s 6-0 against in the regular season during his career, maybe Favre can rekindle some magic; still, it’s an improving 49ers’ secondary and one that might be getting Shawntae Spencer (ankle, questionable) back in the lineup. Being that San Francisco allowed nearly 200 yards and three scores on the ground last week, Green Bay may best be suited to attack them with Ahman Green anyway…Offensively, the 49ers have featured one of the best rushing attacks in the league this year, as Frank Gore leads the NFC with 1,217 rushing yards even after last week’s season-low 40-yard effort. Although Gore is likely to be the focal point of San Francisco’s offense Sunday, Alex Smith and company face a Green Bay secondary that has been torched all season long. The Packers are ranked 30th in yards allowed (235.2) and have surrendered a league-high 23 scoring strikes through the air. Look for Alex Smith to have his best game in weeks, attacking Green Bay’s suspect secondary deep with Antonio Bryant and underneath with Arnaz Battle. Although the Packers are likely to put up a fight, the 49ers are tough when playing at home…David Martin (ribs, questionable), Nick Barnett (hand, probable) and Charles Woodson (shoulder, probable) are listed on the Packers’ injury report, while Derek Smith (hamstring, out) and Jonas Jennings (ankle, probable) show up the 49ers’…Green Bay is 5-0 in its last five games against San Francisco.

Predictions: Brett Favre throws for 240 yards and a TD to Donald Driver, while Ahman Green runs for 90 yards and a score as well. Alex Smith counters with 230 passing yards and TD tosses to Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle. Frank Gore continues his stellar year with 140 total yards and a TD run, sealing it for the home team. 49ers 24-17.

Seattle (-3.5) at Arizona, Sunday 4:05 p.m.

Comments: Arizona has a chance to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2004, while Seattle could clinch the NFC West with a win and a San Francisco loss. In order for the Cardinals to do so, Matt Leinart will need to continue his steady play of late. Over the last three contests, Leinart is completing 62.5 percent of his passes while getting 7.9 YPA. Although Larry Fitzgerald had the bigger game last week, Anquan Boldin was actually targeted two more times; expect both to remain productive over the rest of the season. Edgerrin James finally had his first 100-yard rushing effort of the season last week, only to see three goal line touchdowns pilfered by Marcel Shipp…Seattle is 5-0 with both Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander in the lineup this season and faces a pleasing matchup against Arizona this week. Hasselbeck has been shaky since returning from his knee injury, but he showed signs of coming around during the second half last week and faces a secondary allowing the fourth most yards in the league. Alexander has had a more successful return to the lineup, rushing for 291 yards over his last two games. He has 10 touchdowns during the last four contests against the Cardinals and should be in store for a big afternoon Sunday. Arizona isn’t going to be a pushover while playing in front of its home crowd, but Seattle’s offense will start to click on all cylinders…The Seahawks list Robbie Tobeck (hip, doubtful), Bobby Engram (illness, questionable) and Mack Strong (ankle, questionable) on the injury report, while the Cardinals do the same with Kendrick Clancy (ankle, doubtful)… Seattle is 7-1 in its last eight games against Arizona.

Predictions: Matt Leinart shows more progress, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns, with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald being the recipients. Edgerrin James turns 25 touches into 85 total yards, while Shaun Alexander counters with 130 yards and a score. Matt Hasselbeck has a big day throwing to Darrell Jackson, as the pair hook up for 125 yards and two scores, as Seattle has too much firepower. Seahawks 24-20.

New Orleans (+7) at Dallas, Sunday 8:15 p.m.

Comments: In a battle possibly for the No. 2 seed, two of the NFC’s best teams face off in prime time. Each teams success is in large part to coaching, as both Sean Payton and Bill Parcells have done terrific jobs this season. New Orleans, however, enters a little shorthanded, as wide receivers Marques Colston (ankle, questionable) and Joe Horn (groin, questionable) look unlikely to play, and its defensive line is banged up, with Will Smith (knee) questionable and Hollis Thomas suspended. For a team already struggling to stop the run, they could be in big trouble Sunday. The Saints will need a lot of offense this week, starting with continued MVP-like play from Drew Brees (8.3 YPA). A carryover from Reggie Bush’s effort last week would also help, as the rookie ran with determination and physicality previously missing from his arsenal. Against a Dallas defense performing at one of the highest levels in the league, things won’t come easy for New Orleans this week…Even when Tony Romo played like a mere mortal last week, he was still able to make the clutch throws necessary to lead his team to victory. Facing a Saints’ secondary stingy in yardage allowed (180.3) but generous with touchdowns allowed (21), expect another big game from Romo. Pitted against a porous rush defense that might be missing two defensive linemen, the Dallas running game should be productive as well. Marion Barber has been more effective and remains the goal line option, but don’t be surprised if Julius Jones retakes a good portion of the ground game Sunday. Either way, this is a committee situation moving forward…New Orleans has won the last four matchups between these two teams.

Predictions: Drew Brees throws for 280 yards and a long TD to Devery Henderson, while Reggie Bush totals 75 yards. Deuce McAllister runs in a goal line score, but the Saints are stopped in the red zone a couple of times as well. Tony Romo answers with 260 yards and three TDs, with two going to Terrell Owens and one to Terry Glenn. Julius Jones runs for 80 yards, but once again it’s Marion Barber punching in the score, as the home team pulls away late. Cowboys 28-20.

Chicago (-6.5) at St. Louis, Monday 8:35 p.m.

Comments: Both squads enter amid quarterback controversy, as Rex Grossman’s play has fallen off a cliff, and Marc Bulger recently criticized teammates for not caring enough. While calling out offensive linemen to the media may not be the best tactic, it doesn’t make the comments untrue, as something has clearly been wrong with St. Louis’ offense over the last month. Bulger (ribs, probable) has been sacked 17 times over the last four games. One player who clearly cannot be blamed is Steven Jackson, who is on pace to catch a remarkable 96 balls for 830 receiving yards this year. Facing a Chicago defense surprisingly susceptible against the run (they allowed 192 rushing yards last week at home against Minnesota), expect another big game from Jackson. The fact Chicago will be missing Tommie Harris (knee, out) for the rest of the season won’t help matters either…Clamoring for backups is usually overdone, especially involving a 10-2 team, but in Rex Grossman’s case, the concerns are legitimate. Grossman has six interceptions to zero touchdown passes over the last two games and hasn’t eclipsed 5.4 YPA in a game in nearly a month. Coach Lovie Smith’s 10-2 record argument runs thin, as he made a QB switch last season in a very similar situation. At minimum, Brian Griese needs to start warming up. Facing a Rams’ secondary ranked in the top-10 in yards allowed but a run defense ranked 31st in the league (allowing 153.3 yards per game), the Bears will focus on their ground game anyway. With Cedric Benson playing the best football of his career (5.4 YPC over the last three games), look for him to combine with Thomas Jones to gash St. Louis on the ground Monday. Jones is still the starter, but the backfield has become a timeshare in Chicago. The Rams will keep it close, but the Bears will make enough plays on defense and special teams to win it…St. Louis lists Kevin Curtis (calf, probable), Torry Holt (knee, probable) and Adam Timmerman (ribs, probable) on the injury report, while Chicago lists Nathan Vasher (hamstring, questionable) and Todd Johnson (ankle, questionable)…St. Louis is 4-1 in its last five games against Chicago.

Predictions: Marc Bulger throws for 220 yards and a TD strike to Torry Holt, while Steven Jackson totals 140 yards and rushes for a score. Rex Grossman has a good, not great game, reaching 200 yards passing and finding Desmond Clark in the end zone. Thomas Jones gets 70 rushing yards, while Cedric Benson gets 50 and a score, as Chicago moves one step closer to home field advantage. Bears 20-14.


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One response to “Game Capsules”

  1. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    Good previews and I agree with almost all of your picks, but I see Green Bay upsetting SF and N.O. covering against Dallas.

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