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.

New York Giants (-2.5) at Washington, Saturday 8 p.m.

Comments: No matter how hard they try not to, the Giants still remain alive in the playoff picture. New York has lost six of its last seven games and didn’t run one single play in New Orleans’ territory last week, when they were held to a season-low 142 yards. The Giants have committed seven turnovers over the last two weeks and have allowed 27.1 points per game over the last seven weeks. Despite all of this, a win Saturday likely gets them into the postseason. Coach Tom Coughlin announced this week that quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride would assume play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Hufnagel, but the Giants’ problems are rooted far deeper than that. With Michael Strahan (foot) on injured reserve and Jeremy Shockey (ankle, questionable) a game-time decision, New York enters short-handed as well. If you take away one early pass play, Eli Manning threw for just 19 yards last week, and he finished with a paltry 3.0 YPA. Tiki Barber probably didn’t envision riding off into the sunset quite like this, as the Giants are a sinking ship…Washington, on the other hand, as shown improvement of late, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Ladell Betts will set a franchise record Saturday if he’s able to get his sixth straight 100-yard rushing effort. The offensive line has done a tremendous job opening gaping holes for the running game, and Betts is taking full advantage, showing excellent speed and vision in the open field. After throwing five interceptions over his previous three games, Jason Campbell has played mistake-free football over the last two contests. While the Giants seemingly have more to play for, there isn’t a less inspired football team right now…New York lists Rich Seubert (shin) as doubtful, while Washington lists Jon Jansen (calf) and Casey Rabach (hand) as probable.

Predictions: Eli Manning is again inaccurate, but he does throw for 220 yards and a TD strike to Plaxico Burress. Tiki Barber exits the league with a 125-yard rushing effort, while Brandon Jacobs runs in a goal line score. Jason Campbell gets 180 passing yards, with a scoring strike to Chris Cooley. Ladell Betts runs for 130 yards and a TD, while T.J. Duckett runs in another short score, putting an end to the Giants’ playoff hopes. Redskins 21-20.

Carolina (-3) at New Orleans, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Although coach Sean Payton isn’t revealing how much his starters will play this week, New Orleans is one of a handful of teams that has absolutely nothing to play for. The Panthers, however, still have playoff aspirations, as long as the Giants lose Saturday night. Regardless, New Orleans will be focusing on its first trip to the playoffs since 2000, likely resulting in limited playing time from its key players, as the Saints are locked into the No. 2 seed. Winners of four out of its last five games, New Orleans enters the final week of the season with the league-leading offense (397.8 yards per game) and passing offense (284.5 yards per game). Drew Brees is likely to fall short, but his season has been MVP-worthy (8.0 YPA)…Carolina won last week while attempting just seven passes all game, bringing an end to Chris Weinke’s 17-game losing streak. Even though Jake Delhomme (thumb) has been upgraded to probable and looks likely to return, expect a similar run-heavy strategy this week against the Saints, who are surrendering 130.5 rushing yards per game. Look for DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams to be busy Sunday, while Steve Smith is highly unlikely to be held without a catch again…The Saints list Joe Horn (groin, doubtful), Terrance Copper (foot, questionable) and Omar Stoutmire (knee, questionable) on the injury report, while the Panthers do the same with Thomas Davis (shoulder, questionable) and Nick Goings (chest, probable)…Carolina is 6-2 over its last eight games against New Orleans.

Predictions: Drew Brees plays sparingly and doesn’t toss a TD as a result. Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister’s playing time is also limited, but McAllister does reach paydirt before exiting. Jake Delhomme plays a conservative game, resulting in 180 yards and a TD to Steve Smith. DeAngelo Williams racks up 80 combined yards, while DeShaun Foster adds 60 and a score, as the road team prevails. Panthers 20-16.

Detroit (+13) at Dallas, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: While Tony Romo has regressed, he hasn’t exactly turned into a pumpkin yet, as he’s still leading the league with 8.5 YPA. However, Dallas has lost each of its last two home games and has hurt its playoff seeding in the process. Detroit, meanwhile, is fighting for the rights to the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The Lions are 0-7 on the road this season and have dropped seven straight games. While Jon Kitna may have extra motivation to win this week, and therefore allow Brady Quinn to be drafted elsewhere, he leads the NFL with 30 turnovers and has committed at least one in every game since opening week. However, he’s just 98 yards away from posting the second 4,000-yard passing season in franchise history. Against a Dallas secondary that has given up 10 touchdown passes and 10.1 YPA over the last three games, Kitna should have plenty of opportunities Sunday…While the Cowboys are struggling at the wrong time of the season, this team still has potential to go deep into the playoffs. A good way to enter with some momentum would be to run over an inferior squad, with the Lions fitting the bill perfectly. Detroit allows more than 130 rushing yards per contest, so expect Julius Jones and Marion Barber, who leads the NFC with 15 touchdowns, to have big games. Coming off his worst game as a pro, expect Romo to bounce back with a nice effort Sunday, while Terrell Owens atones for his recent drops with a good game himself, as Dallas rolls into the postseason…The Lions list Fernando Bryant (concussion, out), Ross Verba (groin, out) and Teddy Lehman (hamstring, questionable) on the injury report, while the Cowboys list Jay Ratliff (shoulder, questionable)…Dallas has won the last three meetings between these two teams.

Predictions: Jon Kitna throws for 300 yards but also two interceptions and just one touchdown, with Roy Williams being the recipient. Tony Romo answers with 260 yards and two touchdowns that are hauled in by Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens. Owens also adds 120 receiving yards on the day. Julius Jones runs for 110 yards, while Marion Barber gets 50 and two TD runs, as Dallas wins in a rout. Cowboys 31-13.

Seattle (+3.5) at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Thanks to their division, the Seahawks have “earned” the No. 4 seed despite losing their last three games. Although locked into their playoff spot, the Seahawks are likely to play to win Sunday, as the team will want to avoid entering the postseason on a four-game losing skid. Still, since they won’t have a bye, it’s possible the starters do sit out the latter part of the game. Seattle has allowed 27.8 points per game over its last six road contests and faces a Tampa Bay team that has played better with Tim Rattay at quarterback. While Seattle stayed afloat with key offensive starters out earlier this season, the offense has struggled since Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander returned. Hasselbeck has a 1/4 TD/INT ratio over the last two games, and Deion Branch is dropping more balls than he’s catching. Alexander, however, got back on track last week, with 140 rushing yards and two TDs, easily qualifying as his best effort this season. Expect him to build off that performance with another nice game Sunday…Tampa Bay ended a four-game losing streak last week, thanks to improved defensive play. Also, the offense has moved better since Tim Rattay has been under center, as he’s getting 7.6 YPA compared to Chris Simms (5.5 YPA) and Bruce Gradkowski (5.1 YPA). Rattay has never been taken seriously as an NFL starting quarterback, but his career numbers (6.8 YPA) suggest he’s somewhat capable. As for the ground game, Carnell Williams (foot, questionable) looks likely to be out again, meaning Mike Alstott and the underrated Michael Pittman will share backfield duties. Pittman is getting 4.5 YPC this season and is always a threat in the passing game. Facing a Seahawks’ rush defense surrendering 127.9 yards per game, expect Pittman to rack up the yards Sunday…The Seahawks name Robbie Tobeck (hip, out), Darrell Jackson (toe, doubtful), Marcus Trufant (ankle, doubtful) and Rocky Bernard (foot, probable) on the injury report, while the Buccaneers name Alex Smith (back, doubtful), Juran Bolden (quad, questionable), Davin Joseph (knee, questionable), Jermaine Phillips (wrist, questionable) and Jamie Winborn (knee, questionable)…Seattle is 5-1 all-time versus Tampa Bay.

Predictions: Matt Hasselbeck bounces back with a solid game, resulting in 240 yards and a TD to Jerramy Stevens. D.J. Hackett remains his primary receiver, totaling 90 receiving yards. Shaun Alexander runs for 110 yards and a TD as well. Tim Rattay throws for 220 yards and finds Joey Galloway for a long score, while Michael Pittman adds 100 combined yards. Mike Alstott finds the end zone in what could be his last game in a Tampa uniform, as the Bucs win it on a late field goal. Buccaneers 23-21.

St. Louis (-2) at Minnesota, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Both teams had promising starts to the season turn sour, but it’s only St. Louis who is still mathematically alive for the postseason. Still, it would take a victory Sunday and a whole lot of help for the Rams to make the playoffs. It’s still possible, however, thanks in large part to Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson. Bulger had a huge game last week, throwing four touchdowns and getting 10.2 YPA. Jackson, meanwhile, seems to have a huge game every week, with last week no exception (252 yards, 2 TDs). Jackson has already racked up an NFC-leading 2,168 total yards this season but won’t find many running lanes Sunday, as Minnesota sports the NFL’s best rush defense, ceding just 54.5 yards per game…Making his first career NFL start, Tarvaris Jackson (knee, probable) mustered just 50 passing yards last week. This week the offense will be without Marcus Robins (cut), but Troy Williamson (hamstring, probable) should be able to suit up. Williamson’s future is uncertain due to inconsistent hands, so he’ll have plenty of incentive to impress. Still, the Vikings figure to keep feeding the ball to Chester Taylor (ribs, probable), as the Rams surrender an atrocious 149.7 rushing yards per game. If St. Louis commits eight or nine men to the box, look for Jackson to make them pay, as the rookie may be raw, but he has the arm strength to sling it downfield. Last week’s game in a rainy Lambeau Field was an extremely difficult venue for a first start. This week at home and against a beatable Rams’ defense, Jackson will give Minnesota hope going into the offseason…The Rams list La’Roi Glover (ribs), Torry Holt (knee), Leonard Little (neck) and Will Witherspoon (knee) as probable, while the Vikings list Napoleon Harris (wrist) also as probable…Minnesota is 7-3 over the last 10 games against St. Louis.

Predictions: Marc Bulger throws for 260 yards and finds Torry Holt in the end zone, while Steven Jackson stays active in the passing game, resulting in 140 combined yards. He also runs in a score, while Chester Taylor counters with 110 yards and a TD run of his own. Tarvaris Jackson throws for 160 yards, runs for another 30 and finds Travis Taylor for a score, as home field is the difference. Vikings 20-17.

Atlanta (+8.5) at Philadelphia, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: Improbably, Philadelphia can clinch the No. 3 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday. The Falcons can also still make the postseason but have a much tougher road after losing two straight and six out of their last eight games. Atlanta has beat just one team with a winning record this season and hasn’t won a home game since Week 7. With coach Jim Mora’s job on the line, expect the Falcons to play focused, and their league-leading rushing attack does match up well against the Eagles, who boast the league’s 26th ranked run defense (134.9 yards allowed per game). Michael Vick’s play has been extremely inconsistent, as he followed a brilliant Week 15 performance with a lousy one last week (22.7 QB rating). Against a fast improving Eagles’ defense that has held opponents to less than 90 rushing yards in consecutive weeks, Vick and company will have their work cut for them…Not only has Philadelphia won four straight games, the last three have all come on the road against NFC East Division opponents. Jeff Garcia continues to impress (10.3 YPA last week), throwing for 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions since taking over quarterback duties. The Eagles’ offensive philosophy has changed along with the signal caller. With Donovan McNabb at the helm, Philadelphia used a quick-strike air attack offense that resulted in a 5-5 record. With Garcia, the offense has transformed into a more balanced, ball-control style, resulting in a 4-1 run. While the defense is another major reason for the improved record, Brian Westbrook (illness, probable) has been heavily involved as well. The running back already has surpassed his career-high in carries by 83 and has amassed 1,884 total yards. Westbrook has also eased some durability concerns after missing just one game this season. The offense will once again center around him on Sunday…The Falcons list Ashley Lelie (shoulder, out), Jason Webster (groin, doubtful), Edgerton Hartwell (knee, questionable), Roderick Coleman (knee, probable), Warrick Dunn (calf, probable), DeAngelo Hall (knee, probable) and Grady Jackson (knee, probable) on the injury report, while the Eagles list Williams James (calf, questionable), Michael Lewis (knee, questionable), Shawn Andrews (collarbone, probable), Lito Sheppard (back, probable), Jeremiah Trotter (knee, probable) and L.J. Smith (toe, probable)…Philadelphia is 4-1 over the last five games against Atlanta.

Predictions: Michael Vick throws for 180 yards, runs for 60 and finds Alge Crumpler in the end zone. Jerious Norwood runs for 40 yards, while Warrick Dunn rushes for 60 yards and a score. Jeff Garcia counters with 220 yards and TD strikes to Reggie Brown and Donte Stallworth, while Brian Westbrook gets 130 total yards and a touchdown run, as Philadelphia clinches its division. Eagles 24-20.

Green Bay (+3) at Chicago, Sunday 8:15 p.m.

Comments: Green Bay comes in with a possible playoff spot on the line in what could be Brett Favre’s final game, while Chicago enters with virtually nothing to play for, having already wrapped up home field advantage throughout the postseason. The Packers have won three straight, despite Favre’s last two games (zero TDs, five INTs). It’s been the Packers’ defense that’s kept their slim playoff hopes alive, allowing just 35 total points over their last three games, albeit against poor competition. Defensive end Aaron Kampman has played a big role, as he recorded three sacks last week when Green Bay held Minnesota to just 104 total yards of offense. Kampman’s 15 1/2 sacks tie him for the NFL lead. If this truly is Favre’s final game, you can bet he’ll want to go out a winner. Facing a Bears’ defense devastated by injuries that has allowed 32.3 points per game over the last weeks, he’ll have every opportunity to do so…It’s unclear just how long Chicago will play its starters Sunday night, as its only real incentive would be to go undefeated against the NFC this year for the first time since the 1985 Super Bowl champions did it. Rex Grossman has thrown five touchdowns to zero interceptions over the last three games, but like last week, expect Brian Griese to get significant playing time. Still, Thomas Jones (ankle, probable), Cedric Benson and even Adrian Peterson should be the biggest part of the Bears’ offense this week, as the team will want to enter the postseason with some momentum…Green Bay lists Abdul Hodge (shoulder, questionable), David Martin (rib, questionable), Donald Driver (shoulder, probable), Ahman Green (knee, probable) and Charles Woodson (shoulder, probable) on the injury report, while Chicago does the same with Charles Tillman (back, questionable), Leon Joe (hamstring, probable) and John Tait (ankle, probable)…Green Bay is a remarkable 11-1 over its last 12 games played in Soldier Field.

Predictions: Brett Favre rebounds from a couple of poor performances with 260 yards passing and two touchdowns to Donald Driver, who also surpasses the 100-yard mark. Ahman Green gets 75 rushing yards but the end zone eludes him. Rex Grossman’s playing time is limited, but Brian Griese is a capable substitute, throwing for 180 yards and a TD to Muhsin Muhammad. All three Bears’ running backs get on the field, but it’s Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson who find paydirt, as Chicago makes it 11-0 against its conference. Bears 21-17.