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.

Carolina (+6.5) at Atlanta, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: In order to keep its playoff hopes alive, Atlanta will need to end its home woes, as the team has dropped three straight at the Georgia Dome. Facing a reeling Carolina squad in the midst of a four-game losing streak, expect it to happen. The Panthers will once again be playing without Jake Delhomme (thumb, doubtful) and an offensive line missing three key starters who were lost for the season. The makeshift line allowed five sacks last week, while Chris Weinke has thrown four interceptions to just one touchdown while starting at quarterback. He now has a 1-17 record during his career as a starter. The ground game hasn’t been any better, ranking 27^th in the league with just 97.9 rushing yards per game. As for the defense, Julius Peppers has not recorded a sack in the last five games after picking up 11 over the first eight games of the season…Last week Michael Vick not only set a new record for rushing yards in a season by a quarterback but also threw four touchdown passes, albeit in a losing effort. Vick (probable) sat out the final drive with a groin injury but is expected to play this week. While his 52.8 completion percentage and 6.5 YPA aren’t exactly impressive, Vick has already reached career-bests in touchdown passes (19) and rushing yards (990). The rest of the Falcons’ offense is back to full strength, as Jerious Norwood (knee, probable) looks likely to return to the lineup, and Warrick Dunn (calf) is listed as probable as well. Although they haven’t won a home game since Week 7, the Falcons should be able to take down their division rivals this week…Carolina lists Drew Carter (ankle, questionable) on the injury report, while Atlanta does the same with John Abraham (thumb, questionable), Jason Webster (groin, questionable), DeAngelo Hall (knee, probable) and Grady Jackson (knee, probable)…The Falcons are 7-3 over the last 10 meetings with the Panthers.

Predictions: Chris Weinke finds Steve Smith for a score, but the wideout is held under 100 yards for the sixth straight week. The Panthers’ ground game remains stagnant, but DeShaun Foster does find the end zone. Michael Vick counters with 180 passing yards, 60 rushing yards and TD strikes to Alge Crumpler and Michael Jenkins. Warrick Dunn gets 60 rushing yards, while Jerious Norwood gets a short score, keeping Atlanta in the postseason picture. Falcons 21-17.

Chicago (-4.5) at Detroit, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Rex Grossman’s improved play has coincided with a regression on the defensive side of the ball for Chicago, who has little to play for now that home field is wrapped up throughout the playoffs. Detroit, meanwhile, may be unequipped to challenge even an uninspired Bears’ squad, as the Lions have lost six straight games and are fighting for draft positioning more than anything else. One position Detroit might look to fill in the draft is quarterback, as Jon Kitna added three more turnovers last week to his league-leading total of 29. Kitna’s yardage numbers have been fine, but he hasn’t thrown for multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 7. With an offensive line full of turnstiles, the slumping Chicago defense may get healthy in a hurry Sunday, as without Kevin Jones (foot), Detroit also doesn’t have a running game to speak of…Despite its two worse defensive efforts of the season over the last couple of weeks, Chicago has won both games thanks in large part to Rex Grossman, who has a 4/0 TD/INT ratio, while getting 8.0 YPA. It’s safe to say he’s now firmly entrenched as Chicago’s starter for the duration of the season after back-to-back solid efforts. One banged up Bear who may see significantly less playing time this week is Thomas Jones (ribs, questionable), as Chicago will want Jones healthy and rested come playoff time, while Cedric Benson is a more than capable replacement. Benson has become an integral part of the offense over the past month and has three rushing TDs in his last four games. Facing a run defense surrendering more than 130 yards per game, expect Benson to have a big day this week…The Lions name Teddy Lehman (hamstring, doubtful), Jeff Backus (foot, probable) and Fernando Bryant (concussion, probable) on the injury report, while the Bears list Todd Johnson (ankle, questionable), John Tait (ankle, questionable), Charles Tillman (back, questionable) and Nathan Vasher (hamstring, questionable)…The Bears have won the last three meetings against the Lions.

Predictions: Jon Kitna again struggles with sacks and turnovers but does throw for 260 yards and a score, which Mike Furrey hauls in. Arlen Harris gets 50 total yards but is held out of the end zone. Rex Grossman puts together another strong outing, resulting in 240 yards and a TD to Bernard Berrian. Cedric Benson gets the bulk of the carries, rushing for 100 yards and a score, as the road team prevails. Bears 23-13.

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

Comments: While the Giants should enter hungry fighting for their playoff lives, the Saints will come in focused as well, as New Orleans scored just 10 points last week in an upset loss to the Redskins. It could be Tiki Barber’s final home game in his illustrious career, as the back is ready to enter retirement as soon as the season ends. Facing a Saints’ defense allowing 139.9 rushing yards per contest, Barber should leave the Meadowlands with a big effort. The Giants are also hoping to get Michael Strahan (foot, questionable) back, as the defensive end practiced Wednesday for the first time since early November. New York is 2-13 without Strahan during his career. For all of his faults, it’s hard to argue with Plaxico Burress’ results this season, as the physical receiver has already set a new career-high in touchdown receptions with nine…Last year, the Saints lost a “home game” against the Giants played at the Meadowlands during the NFL’s Hurricane Relief Weekend. This year, New Orleans has already clinched the NFC South title and is fighting for the conference’s second seed. Up against the NFL’s 28^th-ranked pass defense, Drew Brees should rebound from last week’s sub-par performance with a big game Sunday, as the quarterback has especially flourished when playing on the road this season. Brees has a 15/2 TD/INT ratio and is getting 9.1 YPA in seven road contests this year. Although New Orleans will be missing Joe Horn (groin), Marques Colston is back to full strength and will once again act as Brees’ No. 1 option in the passing game…The Giants list Luke Petitgout (fibula, out), Rich Seubert (shin, doubtful), Brandon Jacobs (ankle, questionable), Shaun O’Hara (ankle, questionable) and Corey Webster (toe, questionable) on the injury report, while the Saints list Omar Stoutmire (knee, questionable).

Predictions: Eli Manning throws for 250 yards and a scoring strike to Plaxico Burress, while Tiki Barber runs for 130 yards. Brandon Jacobs punches one in from the goal line, but New York also has to settle for field goals too often. Drew Brees answers with 300 yards and two touchdown passes, with Marques Colston and Devery Henderson being the recipients. Reggie Bush adds 90 total yards, while Deuce McAllister finds paydirt. In a battle filled with playoff implications, the road team pulls of the upset. Saints 24-23.

Washington (+1.5) at St. Louis, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Both teams ended losing streaks last week, but its only St. Louis mathematically still alive in the playoff race. Still, the Redskins aren’t pushovers, playing better football of late than their record indicates. Jason Campbell has completed a staggeringly low 49.1 percent over the last month, but he’s making enough plays (7.3 YPA last week) to keep the offense on the field. Facing a Rams’ defense yielding 147.8 rushing yards per game, the Redskins will game plan around Ladell Betts this week. Betts has been one of the NFL’s most impressive backs over the last month, breaking the century mark in rushing yards in each contest while also being an asset in the passing game. Betts is getting 4.8 YPC on the season and has proven the ability to be an above average featured running back…After struggling defensively all season long, the Rams shut out the putrid Raiders’ offense last week. Still, St. Louis is slowly turning into Steven Jackson’s team, as the third-year back is having one of the best campaigns in the NFL, already surpassing 1,900 total yards while catching 82 balls. Washington has shored up its run defense of late, allowing just 170 total rushing yards over the last two weeks. Steven Jackson is equally as dangerous in the passing game, however, and should once again put up a big effort this week. After finishing with zero touchdown tosses last week, expect Marc Bulger to lead his team into the end zone this week…The Redskins list Jon Jansen (calf, questionable), Casey Rabach (hand, probable) and Chris Samuels (knee, probable) on the injury report, while the Rams do the same with Adam Timmerman (ribs, questionable), Alex Barron (toe, probable), Richie Incognito (toe, probable), Will Witherspoon (knee, probable) and Torry Holt (knee, probable)…The Redskins are 4-0 during their last four games played in St. Louis.

Predictions: Jason Campbell throws for 200 yards and finds Chris Cooley for a score, while Ladell Betts contributes 140 yards and a score as well. Marc Bulger throws for 250 yards and a TD to Torry Holt, while Steven Jackson gets 160 yards and a touchdown, as St. Louis wins it on a late field goal. Rams 23-20.

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

Comments: Two of the NFL’s youngest quarterbacks face off in an NFC West battle. Matt Leinart struggled last week but has shown promise during his first year in the league. Thanks in large part to improved run blocking over the second half of the season, Edgerrin James needs just 12 rushing yards to become the first Cardinal running back to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing since 1998. Although enduring its fifth straight season with at least 10 losses, Arizona has an optimistic future built around Leinart and the WR tandem, but its defense must dramatically improve for any true changes to occur. The Cardinals enter giving up more than 355 yards per game, good for 30^th in the league…Coming off the best half of football played in his career, Alex Smith will look to attack an Arizona secondary yielding 235.9 yards per contest. Smith led the 49ers to 21 second half points last week, making big plays in the process. Still, this offense runs through Frank Gore, who has emerged as an elite running back this season. After fumbling in each of his first four games, Gore has lost just one over the last 10 games. He’s also getting a remarkable 5.5 YPC, while amassing more than 1,900 total yards. He should shred Arizona’s soft front seven on Sunday…Arizona doesn’t have any major injury concerns, while San Francisco lists Eric Johnson (knee, questionable), Derek Smith (hamstring, questionable) and Adam Snyder (knee, questionable) on the injury report…The 49ers are 9-1 over their last 10 home games against the Cardinals.

Predictions: Matt Leinart gets 240 passing yards, while also finding Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin for scores. Edgerrin James gets just 60 yards, but he does reach paydirt as well. Alex Smith builds off last week’s effort, resulting in 210 yards and two touchdown passes, with Vernon Davis and Arnaz Battle on the receiving end. Frank Gore gets 160 combined yards, while also running in a score, as the Cardinals’ road woes continue. 49ers 24-21.

San Diego (-4.5) at Seattle, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: Last year’s MVP winner faces off against this year’s likely winner in a battle between teams going in opposite directions. While San Diego has won eight straight, Seattle has dropped consecutive games and enters with a disappointing 8-6 record. In no small part to its division, Seattle still looks likely to make the playoffs but has been stumbling of late, even losing at home last week to the 49ers. Matt Hasselbeck is clearly not playing at 100 percent, as the former Pro Bowler has been erratic since returning from a knee injury. With Darrell Jackson (toe, doubtful) out of the lineup, D.J. Hackett has emerged as Hasselbeck’s No. 1 option in the passing game. Nate Burleson’s hands are too unreliable, while Deion Branch has been just mediocre. If you take away the Green Bay game, Shaun Alexander is getting 3.0 YPC on 153 carries this year, more than 2.0 yards fewer than each carry he got last season. The writing was on the wall, but Alexander’s breakdown has come at a truly precipitous pace…LaDainian Tomlinson, on the other hand, is having one of the finest seasons at running back in the history of the NFL. He’s re-writing the record book and is the favorite to win MVP honors. While not listed on the injury report, Tomlinson underwent X-rays this week after getting popped in his jaw late in the game last week. The results were negative, and Tomlinson is fully expected to play this week. Against a Seattle run defense prone to give up huge games on the ground, expect more of the same from LDT Sunday. Philip Rivers, however, is coming off his worst game as a pro, completing just 8-of-23 passes while getting picked off twice last week. Expect a nice rebound performance from Rivers, but Seattle should bounce back as well and is still tough to beat at home…The Seahawks list Robbie Tobeck (hip, out), Rocky Bernard (foot, questionable) and Floyd Womack (groin, questionable) on the injury report, while the Chargers list Luis Castillo (ankle, questionable), Randall Godfrey (hamstring, questionable) and Shawne Merriman (shoulder, probable)…The Seahawks have won the last five meetings between these two teams.

Predictions: Matt Hasselbeck gets 230 passing yards and finds D.J. Hackett and Jerramy Stevens in the end zone, while Shaun Alexander gets a modest 85 rushing yards. Philip Rivers throws for 180 yards and finds Antonio Gates for a scoring strike, while LaDainian Tomlinson runs for 160 yards and two more touchdowns, scoring multiple times for the ninth straight week. Chargers 24-23.

Philadelphia (+7) at Dallas, Monday 5 p.m.

Comments: While most assumed the Eagles were done once Donovan McNabb (knee) went down, Jeff Garcia has led the team to a 3-1 record and within one game of Dallas for the division lead. Garcia has a 108.0 QB rating and an 8/1 TD/INT ratio since taking over. Facing a division opponent on the road for the third straight week is no easy task, however, and Dallas will be looking to avenge its loss to the Eagles earlier this year. Still, the Cowboys have surrendered nine touchdown passes over the last two weeks, as their safeties have struggled mightily in coverage. Philadelphia has been surprisingly competent running the ball this season, as the team enters with the 11^th ranked rushing offense. Brian Westbrook is having his finest season yet, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career while remaining a threat in the passing game…Terrell Owens may be even more fired up than usual, facing his former quarterback and former team that shut him down during their previous meeting. The Eagles’ secondary has been playing well, however, and the team is more susceptible against the run. An undersized Philadelphia front seven has been unable to pressure the quarterback of late, while also yielding 138.6 rushing yards per game. With Dallas focusing on the ground game, Julius Jones and Marion Barber should both see double-digit touches, as the Cowboys wear down the Eagles’ defense. Tony Romo has shown a propensity to throw INTs this year, but his 8.8 YPA still easily leads the league…While the Cowboys are healthy, the Eagles list William James (calf, doubtful), Michael Lewis (knee, questionable), Brian Dawkins (back, probable) and Jeremiah Trotter (knee, probable) on the injury report…The Eagles are 10-3 over their last 13 games against the Cowboys.

Predictions: Jeff Garcia throws for 220 yards and finds Reggie Brown in the end zone, while Brian Westbrook totals 125 yards and runs in a score. Tony Romo answers with 250 yards and TD strikes to Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. Julius Jones runs for 90 yards, while Marion Barber adds 60 yards and a score, as the home team prevails. Cowboys 24-20.