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.

Arizona (+6.5) at St. Louis, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: One game removed from throwing for an NFL rookie-record 405 yards, Matt Leinart and the Cardinals travel to St. Louis to face another team struggling on defense. While throwing 51 times to just six total rushes isn’t likely a formula for success as far as winning goes, it did show just how explosive this passing game can become. Especially against a Rams’ defense surrendering 154.8 rushing yards per game, Arizona will need to offer a more balanced attack Sunday. After touching the ball just six times last week, look for Edgerrin James to be a big part of this week’s game plan, as he’s scored four touchdowns in just two career games against St. Louis…Although fantasy owners of Steven Jackson wouldn’t agree, there is clearly something wrong with the Rams’ offense of late. St. Louis was able to end its five-game losing streak last week, but Marc Bulger (ribs, probable) has a 1/3 TD/INT ratio over his last three games, while never throwing for more than 215 yards and taking 13 sacks. It’s clear the loss of Orlando Pace (triceps) is taking a significant toll on this unit. Coach Scott Linehan’s decision to delegate play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who is most experienced with the West Coast offense, should result in an emphasis on ball control and short passes, which is more music to Steven Jackson’s fantasy owners’ ears. Jackson, who had never caught more than 43 balls in a season, is on pace for 92 catches and 805 receiving yards this year, while surpassing 2,100 total yards of offense. Torry Holt, meanwhile, hasn’t scored or eclipsed 75 yards receiving since Week 6; expect that to change Sunday, when Holt torches a secondary giving up more than 230 passing yards per game. The Rams are struggling enough to let Arizona hang around, but since the Cardinals haven’t won a road game all year, they ultimately fall short…Arizona lists Kendrick Clancy (ankle, doubtful) and Darnell Dockett (knee, probable) on the injury report, while St. Louis lists Adam Timmerman (ribs, questionable) and Richie Incognito (foot, probable)… St. Louis has won seven of the last nine matchups between these two teams.

Predictions: Matt Leinart has his second straight strong performance, resulting in 230 passing yards and touchdown tosses to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Edgerrin James turns 25 touches into 100 combined yards with a score, while Steven Jackson answers with 150 total yards and two scores. Marc Bulger finally finds Torry Holt in the end zone, winning it for the home team. Rams 27-21.

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

Comments: Whether the blame belongs with the wide receivers’ drops or Michael Vick’s inaccuracy, and it probably lies with both, last week’s 3.5 YPA by the Falcons’ passing game was truly abysmal. Vick’s running ability makes the lack of passing game somewhat less of a problem and the offense truly unique, but it doesn’t necessarily make it special either, as the unit hasn’t turned all those yards into points lately, having failed to score more than 14 points since Week 8. Since Warrick Dunn is averaging around 3.0 YPC since Week 6, and Jerious Norwood is getting 6.0 YPC on the year, expect the rookie to see a big increase in carries down the stretch. The Falcons’ defense has been just as big of a problem, as John Abraham’s return to the lineup failed to result in any improvement last week. Atlanta is surrendering 240 passing yards per game, something Jason Campbell figures to take advantage of Sunday…Washington may be in the middle of a lost season, but at least its defense decided to show up last week, holding Carolina’s offense to just 13 points. Facing a quarterback that has been sacked eight times the last two weeks, Washington should continue to show improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Ladell Betts has filled in nicely for Clinton Portis (hand) at running back, showing quickness and vision not many realized existed. The offense should center around Betts again Sunday, and he’ll provide just enough of it to squeak out a close win…Jason Webster (groin, out) and Jimmy Williams (ankle, questionable) are on the Falcons’ injury report, while Troy Vincent (hamstring, questionable), Jon Jansen (calf, probable) and Shawn Springs (hamstring, probable) are on the Redskins’… Washington is 6-1 in its last seven games when playing Atlanta.

Predictions: Michael Vick again struggles in the Atlanta passing game, resulting in just 160 yards. He does, however, run for 80 yards and a score, while Jerious Norwood runs in another one. Jason Campbell responds with a solid, yet unspectacular day, throwing for 180 yards and a TD strike to Chris Cooley. Ladell Betts gets a productive 25 touches, resulting in 120 total yards with a rushing score, helping Atlanta’s losing streak reach five games. Redskins 20-17.

Minnesota (+9) at Chicago, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The Vikings were able to put their four-game losing streak to a halt last week but now travel to Chicago to face a hungry Bears team itching to get back into the win column. Brad Johnson likely won’t be asked to do a whole lot, as the Bears’ defense is slightly weaker against the run, and that’s exactly what Minnesota prefers to game plan around anyway. Although Johnson has surprisingly surpassed 250 yards passing each of the last three games, Chester Taylor (wrist, questionable) figures to be the focal point of the offense Sunday. Taylor is just one rushing yard shy of 1,000 for the season and is already approaching 300 touches for the year. For someone who’s never topped 190 touches in a season during his career, Taylor runs the risk of breaking down over the final month of the season. He’s missed practice time all week with a wrist ailment…There isn’t a bigger feast or famine player in the NFL right now than Rex Grossman. Unfortunately for the Bears, famine has been showing up more frequently, as Grossman has thrown for less than 5.5 YPA in three out of his last four games. Chicago will need that to change Sunday, as Minnesota sports by far the league’s best run defense (55.7 rushing yards allowed per game). Although, losing run stuffer Pat Williams (knee, doubtful) might make life easier Sunday. Facing a secondary getting torched in recent weeks, Grossman should be able to get his numbers healthy again. It’s possible Minnesota has the best run defense, yet worst pass defense in the NFL. Grossman loves chucking it deep; an area Minnesota has been vulnerable…The Vikings list Artis Hicks (ankle, questionable), Steve Hutchinson (knee, questionable), Jermaine Wiggins (knee, questionable) and Marcus Robinson (ankle, probable) on the injury report, while Chicago does the same with Todd Johnson (ankle, questionable) and Tommie Harris (knee, probable)… Minnesota is winless in its last five trips to Soldier Field.

Predictions: Brad Johnson is shut down, throwing two interceptions and never leading his team into the end zone. Chester Taylor suits up but only gets 65 total yards. Rex Grossman quiets the Brian Griese talk, at least for one week, with 260 passing yards and TD strikes to Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad. Thomas Jones gets 60 rushing yards, while Cedric Benson runs one in for a score, helping Chicago win in a rout. Bears 24-6.

New York Jets (-1) at Green Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Brett Favre (elbow, probable) was able to make his 252nd consecutive start last week, but it resulted in a four-turnover performance. The Packers now return home, where they are only 1-4 this year, including being shut out twice. It’s safe to say Lambeau Field isn’t quite the home field advantage it used to be. Nor is Favre, for that matter, as his completion percentage (57) is a career-low and his 6.5 YPA leaves a lot to be desired as well. The ground game has been even worse, with Ahman Green (knee, probable) getting just 127 yards on 49 carries (2.59 YPC) over his last three games. The Jets defense, meanwhile, is an improving unit…Coming off one of his best efforts of the season last week (9.2 YPA), Chad Pennington (calf, probable) should be able to continue his success by attacking Green Bay’s suspect secondary (232 passing yards allowed per game). Laveranues Coles is the best receiver no one talks about, while Jerricho Cotchery (chest, probable) is underrated as well. It’s a duo that Al Harris and company will have no answer for. Kevan Barlow has finally been removed from the running back picture, leaving Leon Washington and Cedric Houston (knee, questionable) to take over the committee duties. It’s not exactly an inspiring combo, but they should be effective enough to succeed against a ground defense that was gashed to the tune of 235 rushing yards last week…Andre Dyson (neck, probable), Pete Kendall (knee, probable) and Dewayne Robertson (foot, probable) are on the injury report for the Jets, while Nick Barnett (hand, questionable), Cullen Jenkins (illness, probable) and Charles Woodson (shoulder, probable) are for the Packers…Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s with snow possible.

Predictions: Brett Favre throws for 220 yards and touchdowns to Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, while Ahman Green runs for 60 yards and a short score as well. Chad Pennington answers with 240 yards passing, along with TD strikes to Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery. Leon Washington gets 60 yards, but it’s Cedric Houston who gets the TD run, as the road team wins it on a late field goal. Jets 24-21.

San Francisco (+7) at New Orleans, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: San Francisco and New Orleans have been two of the most improved teams this year, while Frank Gore and Drew Brees have been two of the NFL’s best players. Gore (shin, probable) set a team-record with 212 rushing yards a couple of weeks ago and needs just one more 100-yard rushing game to set another 49er record with seven this year. Up against a Saints’ defense allowing 140 rushing yards per game, expect Gore to have another productive day Sunday, as he is clearly the focal point of San Francisco’s offense. The team has been successful with a formula of heavily using the ground game and a fast-improving defense. After having one of the worst defenses in the league over the first half of the season, the 49ers are surrendering just 12.5 points per game over the last four weeks and have improved to 20th overall in yards allowed. There won’t be a bigger test than Sunday, when the team faces the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense in New Orleans…One of the most pleasant surprises in the league this year has been Drew Brees, who has set an NFL record for passing yards in a five-game span with 1,954. If Shawntae Spencer (ankle, questionable) can’t suit up, the 49ers’ secondary could be in big trouble Sunday, with or without Marques Colston (ankle, questionable). While Brees and the offense has struggled some with turnovers and play in the red zone, San Francisco will have a hard time containing this unit. Brees’ shoulder is only getting stronger since surgery over the offseason, evidenced by his downfield accuracy; over the last month, Brees has thrown five touchdown passes 45 yards or longer – expect another one this week…San Francisco lists Eric Johnson (knee, doubtful) and Jonas Jennings (ankle, questionable) on the injury report, while New Orleans lists Joe Horn (groin, questionable), Will Smith (knee, questionable) and Fred Thomas (thumb, probable).

Predictions: Alex Smith is asked to do more this week while playing mostly from behind, resulting in 230 yards, one touchdown toss to Arnaz Battle, and two interceptions. Frank Gore adds 150 total yards and a TD run as well. Drew Brees counters with another huge game, throwing for 340 yards and scoring strikes to Joe Horn, Devery Henderson and Terrance Copper. Reggie Bush adds 80 yards combined, while Deuce McAllister finds paydirt, as New Orleans pulls away late. Saints 28-20.

Dallas (-3.5) at New York Giants, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: There aren’t two quarterbacks playing at more opposite spectrums than Eli Manning and Tony Romo right now. While Romo is being hailed as the second coming, Manning has thrown two interceptions in each of his last three games, all losing efforts, while completing only 50.5 percent of his passes and posting a 46.4 passer rating. It’s safe to say a lot has changed since the Giants beat the Cowboys last time they met in Week 7. Last week, the Giants became just the third team in NFL history to lose when leading by 21 or more points with less than 10 minutes left. Tiki Barber has also struggled of late, averaging just 3.1 YPC over his last two games. New York looks likely to get reinforcements back on the defensive side of the ball, however, as Osi Umenyiora (hip, questionable), Brandon Short (quad, questionable) and Sam Madison (hamstring, questionable) all returned to practice this week and should suit up. While all blame should never fall on the quarterbacks shoulders, the Giants are going to need vast improvement from Manning, who looks clueless far too often on the field…Romo, on the other hand, has Dallas looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Since his first start, Romo has a 10/2 TD/INT ratio, while getting more than 9.0 YPA and completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. He’s fast becoming the talk of the league. As impressive as Romo’s been, the defense has been equally as good in recent weeks, surrendering just 11.3 points per game over the last three contests (all wins). The Giants are far more desperate at this point and playing at home, but these two teams are clearly playing at entirely different levels right now…Dallas reports no major injuries, while New York lists Michael Strahan (foot, doubtful), Carlos Emmons (groin, questionable), Sinorice Moss (quad, questionable), Gibril Wilson (shoulder, questionable) and Antonio Pierce (knee, probable) on the injury report… New York is 4-1 in its last five games when playing Dallas.

Predictions: Eli Manning again has an uneven game, throwing for 230 yards and touchdowns to Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey but also committing two turnovers as well. Tiki Barber gets 90 rushing yards, but Brandon Jacobs gets the goal line score. Tony Romo continues to impress, throwing for 280 yards and scoring strikes to Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. Owens also adds 120 receiving yards on the day. Julius Jones reclaims the brunt of the carries and rushes for 80 yards, while Marion Barber punches one in from close, helping Dallas take control of the NFC East. Cowboys 24-21.

Carolina (-3) at Philadelphia, Monday 8:30 p.m.

Comments: A once promising season now looks lost for Philadelphia, while Carolina hasn’t exactly lived up to its lofty expectations either. With Donovan McNabb (knee) gone for the year, Jeff Garcia (forearm, probable) gets his second straight start in prime time. If last week’s performance was any indication, Brian Westbrook (knee, probable) and intermediary routes will be the focus of the game plan. Garcia wasn’t terrible, but he did complete just eight total passes to his wide receivers, showing a true lack of downfield ability. As a result, Westbrook has become an even bigger part of the offense, becoming the first Eagle since 1981 to rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games. He’ll have his work cut out for him Monday, as Carolina’s defense has been stout of late, allowing just 27 total points over its last three games…Philadelphia’s offense may be in some disarray without McNabb, but it’s been the defense that’s truly let them down this year. Look for DeShaun Foster (elbow, questionable) and DeAngelo Williams to attack a rush defense that surrendered 237 yards on the ground, including four touchdowns, just last week. It’s a unit that’s been getting gashed all year, ceding nearly 140 rushing yards per game. It would be in Carolina’s best interest to focus on the ground game anyway, as Jake Delhomme has been slumping of late. Over the last month, he’s thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four), while getting just 5.8 YPA. Still, after being held to just 34 yards last week, expect a big game from receiver Steve Smith Monday, as Philadelphia has no answer for him…The Eagles list Shawn Barber (knee, questionable), Jon Runyan (hamstring, probable) and Donte Stallworth (hamstring, probable) on the injury report, while the Panthers list Mike Wahle (shoulder, questionable)…Philadelphia has lost five out of its last six games.

Predictions: Jeff Garcia again has trouble stretching the field, throwing for just 160 yards and a TD strike to L.J. Smith. Brian Westbrook turns 30 touches into 125 yards and a TD run, while Jake Delhomme answers with 240 passing yards and a long score to Steve Smith. Smith also contributes 130 receiving yards. DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams both get around 60 rushing yards, but both score as well, helping to seal it for the road team. Panthers 21-17.