*** Line of Scrimmage: Week 9 - Memo to NFC Contenders: Avoid Chicago ***
By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Betting Express) - Just as referring to New York as "the Big Apple" provides little hint of either the traffic or pervasive rudeness you will experience when journeying to the City, calling Chicago the Second City or the Windy City masks the following nugget of significance: Chicago is cold.
OK, so Lake Michigan is fine for wading in or basking alongside in the heat of August, but for our purposes in the gridiron world, the Chi is about as unpleasant a place as you would want to be in January. The average high temperature is 32 during the calendar's first month, and the low is 18. Then there's that wind chill, but that's only a factor if it's windy. Which it always is.
That's going to spell bad news for at least one NFC team come this winter.
The Bears are going to win the NFC North, and some of us that have watched them in recent weeks are beginning to believe they might not win it only by default. Yes, the Packers are in the tank, the Vikings are a sinking sex boat, and the Lions would be happy with George Plimpton under center at the moment, but Lovie Smith's squad should no longer be subject to guilt by their association with that dysfunctional trio.
Chicago's defense might just be the best in the NFL, what with Brian Urlacher, a playmaking secondary, and a suffocating defensive line that is one of the most underrated in all of football. The current edition of the Monsters of the Midway is allowing just 11.6 points per game, and no one, not even Carson Palmer and the media-darling Bengals, has moved the ball with anything resembling consistency against them.
Offensively, the Bears have been a work in progress, but that progress has been steady to the point that the Chicago attack has been moving with (gasp!) efficiency of late. Thomas Jones is averaging more than 100 yards per game against defenses that are stacked to stop him. Kyle Orton has looked like a rookie with an extremely bright future, throwing five touchdown passes and just one interception in his last four games combined.
That Chicago is going to win the division is appearing more obvious with each passing week, and the Bears and a mark of about 10-6 appear to be on a collision course.
Which brings us to the trouble that fact presents for the rest of the conference.
Somebody - probably whoever plays second or third fiddle in the tightly- contested NFC South or East races, is going to be playing in bone-chilling temperatures in what figures to be a Wild Card matchup during the second weekend in January.
Of the following NFC South teams, whose chances in Chicago do you like better: Dome-pampered Atlanta? Sunshine State resident Tampa Bay? Or how about Carolina, the closest thing to a cold-weather team that the division has? And by the way, Charlotte is cold in the same way that Rod Stewart is an important figure in the history of music (i.e., it's a stretch).
One of the runners-up in the East race could also be a candidate to travel to the Windy. Philadelphia, which has a Chicago-born quarterback in Donovan McNabb and won in Soldier Field in the 2001 playoffs, is the only possibility that I would give a fighting chance. The Cowboys are a warm-weather team (and before you write, I know that it once snowed in Dallas), and the Redskins and Giants rely too much on vertical passing games to withstand the wind, cold, or worse that they could face in Chicago.
Now for my directive:
As the mercury dips, you NFC contenders should make winning the division your goal, nay your obsession. Win as many as you can, avoid trap games, Monday Night hangovers, and keep a copy of the divisional tie-breaking procedures stuffed in your shirt pocket. Because if you let up and fall into the wild card zone, you could be heading to Oprah's hometown to face a surging, physical team in one of the league's most difficult venues. And chances are you'll leave feeling blue, which will match the color of your lips nicely.
Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:
QB WATCH
A number of NFL quarterbacks are hobbling heading into Week 9, with the Vikings, Steelers, Lions, and 49ers all discussing contingency plans prior to this Sunday's matchups.
Minnesota lost Daunte Culpepper (knee) for the year in its Week 8 loss to the Panthers, continuing a season of misery for the Vikes. Culpepper tore three ligaments on a hit by Carolina cornerback Chris Gamble, and a timetable for his return has yet to be established. Thirty-seven-year old Brad Johnson, who relieved Culpepper last week, will make his first start in a Vikings uniform since 1998 this Sunday against the Lions.
The Steelers are again concerned about Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a strained posterior capsule to his right knee in Monday's 20-19 win over Baltimore. Roethlisberger limped his way through the victory, but due to the team's short week of practice, Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher would not commit to the second-year pro playing on Sunday at Green Bay. That means either Tommy Maddox or Charlie Batch, both of whom have relieved Roethlisberger this season, could get the call at Lambeau Field. Maddox had a disastrous start against Jacksonville in Week 6, and Batch finished up the Steelers' win over San Diego on Oct. 10, when Roethlisberger suffered a hyperextended left knee.
In Detroit, Jeff Garcia is still feeling the effects of the broken left fibula and sprained ankle that forced him to miss the first five games of the season, meaning Joey Harrington could be back in the lineup when the Lions travel to Minnesota on Sunday. Garcia has started the last two games, in which Detroit has gone 1-1, but was limping badly after Sunday's loss to the Bears and has yet to regain his trademark mobility. The veteran indicated to reporters that if he was not able to practice by Thursday, he would not expect to play against the Vikings.
Finally, in San Francisco, the 49ers are down to Cody Pickett, who began the season listed No. 4 on the depth chart. Rookie Alex Smith (knee) missed last week's win over Tampa Bay, his replacement, Ken Dorsey (ankle) left the Bucs game late, and former starter Tim Rattay was dealt to Tampa at the trade deadline. That leaves Pickett, a second-year-pro out of Washington who threw one pass last week and will likely make his first NFL start against the Giants in Week 9. As insurance, the Niners on Tuesday signed former Giant Jesse Palmer, who started three games for New York in 2003. Palmer is best known for his role on the ABC reality show "The Bachelor".
HAMMER DOWN
The Seattle Seahawks announced on Tuesday that safety Ken Hamlin, who was injured in an altercation outside of a bar on October 17th, was placed on the season-ending reserve/non-football injury list. Hamlin suffered a fractured skull, a blood clot near the brain, and bruised brain tissue in the incident, which took place hours after the Seahawks defeated the Texans. Hamlin's condition has improved to the point that he has been released from the hospital, but the status of his football career remains in question. Hamlin, a third-year pro out of Arkansas, had 26 tackles in his first six games of 2005.
FANTASY - FIVE TO START
Tony Gonzales, Kansas City (vs. Oakland) - Depleted Raiders defense will continue to have trouble defending tight ends.
Plaxico Burress, N.Y. Giants (at San Francisco) - Niners secondary has no one to match up with Burress.
Hines Ward, Pittsburgh (at Green Bay) - Figures to go for a couple of big plays against beleaguered Green Bay defense.
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati (at Baltimore) - Toasted the Ravens' secondary last year, and is poised to do so again.
Kevin Jones, Detroit (at Minnesota) - Lots of slumping players will turn things around against the Vikings over the next nine weeks.
FANTASY - FIVE TO BENCH
Stephen Davis, Carolina (at Tampa Bay) - Davis does not look to be running at 100 percent, and the Bucs can stop the run.
Joe Horn, New Orleans (vs. Chicago) - He's healthy now, but the Bears secondary will keep him in check.
Corey Dillon, New England (vs. Indianapolis) - Colts tackle well, and Dillon has yet to reclaim his Pro Bowl form of 2004.
Drew Brees, San Diego (at N.Y. Jets) - Chargers probably won't have to pass much against a team that struggles to stop the run.
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore (vs. Cincinnati) - Breakthrough outing is not forthcoming for a player that has basically admitted to not giving a complete effort.
SUICIDE POOL PIX
1. Kansas City (vs. Oakland) - Raiders will not win back-to-back games on the road.
2. Jacksonville (vs. Houston) - Jags will be looking to avenge 2004 sweep by Texans, and can't afford to lose more ground in playoff race.
3. N.Y. Giants (at San Francisco) - Niners won with mirrors against Bucs, G- Men won't make as many mistakes.
NFL POWER POLL
The Betting Express's updated NFL Power Poll, which ranks all 32 league teams, can be found at:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/nfl- poll.htm
14 GAMES IN 64 SECONDS (EACH)
I was 10-4 in my picks last week, but just 6-8 against the spread. The Bengals, Patriots, and Steelers all won as predicted but failed to cover, and the Chargers won by a bigger margin than I believed they would. I am now 82-34 (.707) straight up on the year, and 66-47-3 (.582) while walking the line.
Atlanta (5-2) at Miami (3-4), Sunday, 1:00 (Atlanta -2 )
Storylines: Atlanta will travel to Miami seeking to keep pace in the NFC South with the winner of Sunday's Panthers/Bucs matchup...The Falcons Week 8 bye was preceded by a 27-14 win over the Jets on Monday night...Atlanta QB Michael Vick posted a season-low 16.3 passer rating in the win, tossing three interceptions in the game...Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn is second in the NFC in rushing yards (732)...Jim Mora's team has committed an NFC-low nine turnovers, and is second in the NFC in turnover margin (+7)...The Falcons lead the AFC in rushing offense (188.1 yards per game)...The Atlanta defense is tied for second in the league in sacks (24), and tackle Rod Coleman ranks among NFL leaders with seven sacks on the year...Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall is tied for the NFC lead with four interceptions, and end Patrick Kerney leads NFL defenders with three fumble recoveries...Miami comes off a 21-6 win against New Orleans in Baton Rouge, and is a game behind division-leading New England in the AFC East...Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 180 ground yards on 40 carries in the triumph...Dolphins pass rush had five sacks of Aaron Brooks...Miami linebacker Zach Thomas leads the NFL with 85 tackles...The Fins' Wes Welker leads the AFC in punt return average (12.0).
Fast Fact: The first 200-yard passing performance of Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick's career came in a 21-14 loss at the Dolphins in Week 16 of the 2001 season.
Prediction: The Dolphins are fundamentally sound, but Vick is as healthy as he's been in a month and will keep the Miami defense on its heels. Falcons 20, Dolphins 9.
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Carolina (5-2) at Tampa Bay (5-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -1)
Storylines: Panthers and Buccaneers will square off in a battle for first place in the NFC South...Carolina moved into a tie for first with a 38-13 win over Minnesota, coupled with a 15-10 loss for Tampa Bay in San Francisco last week...Panthers have won four straight, including two in a row on the road...Carolina has swept home-and-homes against Tampa in each of the last two seasons...John Fox's club is second in the NFC in scoring offense (26.6 points per game)... Panther QB Jake Delhomme threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns last week, and now ranks second in the NFC in passer rating (92.0)...Panthers wideout Steve Smith, who had 11 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown last week, now leads the NFL in receptions (50), receiving yards (797), and TD catches (8)...Carolina running back Stephen Davis is second in the NFC with nine touchdowns...The Panther line has allowed 10 sacks, second-fewest in the NFC...The Panther defense is second in the NFL against the run (78.3 yards per game)...Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms will be making his second start of 2005...Simms threw for 264 yards but accounted for three turnovers and was sacked five times against the lowly Niners...Running backs Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman combined for 25 rushing yards on 17 carries last week...Buccaneer end Simeon Rice is expected to play after being sent home following his absence from a team meeting prior to the San Francisco game...Tampa Bay leads the NFL in total defense (229.7 yards per game) and rushing defense (75.7 yards per game), and is second in the NFC in scoring defense (12.4 points per game) and passing defense (154 yards per game).
Fast Fact: Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme established career single-game bests in touchdown passes (4) and QB rating (143.4) in Carolina's 37-20 win at Tampa Bay in Week 16 of the 2004 season.
Prediction: Tampa will be primed for a bounce-back effort in a key division game, and the Panthers' good fortune on the road will come to an abrupt end. Buccaneers 24, Panthers 21.
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Cincinnati (6-2) at Baltimore (2-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Cincinnati -3)
Storylines: Cincinnati will try to remain ahead of second-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North, while Baltimore will try to pull out of a tie with Cleveland in the division cellar...The Bengals stunned the Ravens, 27-26, when the teams met in Week 13 of the 2004 season. Cincinnati recovered from a 20-3 fourth- quarter deficit in that game...Marvin Lewis' club comes off a 21-14 win over Green Bay...Cincinnati is second in the AFC in total offense (363.6 yards per game)...Bengals QB Carson Palmer leads the league in passing yards (2037) and TD passes (16), and is second in the NFL with a 104.1 passer rating... Cincinnati wideout Chad Johnson leads the AFC in catches (48) and receiving yards (717)...Cincy is second in AFC scoring defense (15.6 points per game)...The Bengals have forced a league-high 28 turnovers, 20 interceptions, and have an NFL-best +20 turnover margin...Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal leads the league with six interceptions...Cincinnati kicker Shayne Graham is second in the AFC with 63 points...The Ravens lost a 20-19 heartbreaker to Pittsburgh on Monday night...Linebacker Ray Lewis (hamstring) and strong safety Ed Reed (ankle), who both missed the Steeler game, are not likely to suit up against Cincinnati...Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis will play his first home game since controversial comments regarding his contract situation were made public last week...Ravens are last in the league in scoring offense (12.6 points per game)...Baltimore wideout Derrick Mason is second in the AFC in receptions (44)...Brian Billick's squad leads the AFC in total defense (253 yards per game) and passing defense (153.9 yards per game).
Fast Fact: Ravens running back Jamal Lewis has rushed for 100 yards or more in each of his seven career meetings with the Bengals.
Prediction: With a short week of rest, and still depleted by injuries, the Ravens will continue their slide. Bengals 21, Ravens 7.
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Detroit (3-4) at Minnesota (2-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Detroit -1)
Storylines: Two teams trying to make up ground in the NFC North race will face off at the Metrodome...Brad Johnson will make his first start as a Viking since 1998, as he takes over for the injured Daunte Culpepper (knee)...The Vikings were 38-13 losers in Carolina last Sunday, their fourth loss of the year by 20 or more points...Johnson will be operating behind a line that has allowed an NFC-high 33 sacks...Vikings are last in the NFC in scoring offense (14.7 points per game)...Minnesota is last in the NFC in rushing defense (137.6 yards per game)...The Vikings allowed Carolina wideout Steve Smith to catch 11 passes for 201 yard and a touchdown last week...The Minnesota defense has generated the fewest sacks in the league (9)...Detroit could be without quarterback Jeff Garcia (leg), who threw a decisive interception for a touchdown in his team's 19-13 overtime loss to the Bears last week...Joey Harrington will start if Garcia can't go...Wideout Charles Rogers will return from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy, and fellow receiver Roy Williams (quadriceps) could be back as well...The Lions are second-to-last in the NFC in total offense (256.6 yards per game)... Detroit leads the NFC with 13 interceptions, and is second in the NFC with 19 forced turnovers...Lions cornerback Dre' Bly, who is tied for the NFC lead in interceptions with four, is expected to miss his second straight game with a dislocated wrist...Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (knee), who missed the Chicago game, could play against the Vikings.
Fast Fact: The Lions are 0-7 in Minnesota since last winning there in 1997.
Prediction: The Vikings have been a much better team at home than on the road this season, and should rally around Johnson en route to a narrow win. Vikings 16, Lions 13.
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Houston (1-6) at Jacksonville (4-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Jacksonville -13)
Storylines: Houston will attempt to build on its first win of the 2005 season, while Jacksonville will try to avenge a home-and-home sweep at the hands of the Texans last year...The Texans were 19-16 winners over the Browns last Sunday...Domanick Davis rushed for 91 yards to help fuel the win...Houston Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson, who has missed three straight games with a knee injury, is questionable for Sunday...The Texans are last in the league in total offense (207.9 yards per game) and passing offense (91.9 yards per game)...The Houston line has allowed an NFL-high 37 sacks...Dom Capers' club has forced just five turnovers and two interceptions on the season, tied for the worst figures in the league...The Texans remain last in the AFC in total defense (372.3 yards per game), rushing defense (165.1 yards per game), and scoring defense (27.9 points per game)...Jacksonville was a 24-21 loser in St. Louis last Sunday...Running back Fred Taylor rushed for a season-high 165 yards on 22 carries against the Rams, and will be seeking a third straight 100-yard performance...Jacksonville wideout Ernest Wilford comes off a career- best six-catch, 145-yard receiving day...Receiver Reggie Williams (concussion) is considered questionable for Sunday...The Jaguar defense allowed St. Louis running back Steven Jackson to rush for 179 yards on 25 carries last week...Jacksonville cornerback Rashean Mathis had two interceptions last Sunday, and now has three in his last two contests.
Fast Fact: The Jaguars have gone eight straight quarters without a touchdown against Houston, with their last TD coming on a 1-yard run by LaBrandon Toefield in the fourth quarter of a 27-0 win on Dec. 7, 2003.
Prediction: The Jags will win, but don't look for them to run up and down the field against a Houston team that shows up to play division opponents. Jaguars 23, Texans 14.
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Oakland (3-4) at Kansas City (4-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -4)
Storylines: Fierce AFC West rivals will play the second installment of their 2005 home-and-home, after the Chiefs went to Oakland and earned a 23-17 win in Week 2...Kansas City has won five straight in the series, and hasn't fallen to the Raiders at home since 2001...The Chiefs dropped a 28-20 decision to San Diego last week...K.C. quarterback Trent Green threw for a season-high 347 yards in the first game following the death of his father last week...Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzales had seven catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in his best game of 2005 to date...Running back Priest Holmes exited the San Diego loss with a mild head trauma following a hit by Charger linebacker Shawne Merriman, but is expected to play against the Raiders... Kansas City, which allowed San Diego to amass 424 total yards last week, is last in the AFC in passing defense (274.7 yards per game), and next-to-last in the AFC in total defense (368.4 yards per game)...The Raiders earned a 34-25 win in Tennessee last Sunday, just the third road win since their Super Bowl season of 2002...Oakland QB Kerry Collins threw three touchdown passes last week, including two to wideout Jerry Porter...Norv Turner's team is second in the AFC in passing offense (258 yards per game)...Raiders running back LaMont Jordan is second in the AFC in touchdowns (9)...The Silver and Black have thrown an NFL-low two interceptions, and their six turnovers are tied for the league-low...The Oakland defense, which will again be without cornerback Charles Woodson (broken fibula) and safety Derrick Gibson (dislocated wrist), has just two interceptions on the year, tied for the lowest figure in the league.
Fast Fact: The Raiders last won road games on back-to-back weeks in 2000, when they downed the 49ers and Chiefs in Weeks 6 and 7.
Prediction: A home loss within the division would be damaging to the Chiefs' playoff hopes, and Kansas City should play inspired football before the Arrowhead faithful. Chiefs 34, Raiders 19.
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San Diego (4-4) at N.Y. Jets (2-5), Sunday, 1:00 (San Diego -6)
Storylines: Chargers and Jets will meet in a rematch of a thrilling 2004 AFC Wild Card game, won by New York, 20-17, in overtime...San Diego comes off an impressive 28-20 win over Kansas City, a game in which quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes to tight end Antonio Gates...Brees is now second in the AFC in touchdown passes (13), and Gates is second in the AFC in receiving yards (575)...Gates and Charger wideout Keenan McCardell are tied for the AFC lead with six touchdown catches apiece... San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson leads the AFC with 66 points and 11 touchdowns, but has been held under 100 rushing yards in his last two contests...Marty Schottenheimer's squad leads the AFC in scoring offense (27.6 points per game)...The Bolts the AFC in rushing defense (78.4 yards per game), but are next-to-last in the conference against the pass (257.1 yards per game)...The Charger defense is tied for second in the league in sacks (24)...The Jets' Week 8 bye was preceded by a 27-14 loss to Atlanta on Monday night... Quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass while tossing four interceptions since his return to the Jets, will be making his fourth start of the year...The Jets are second-to-last in the league in scoring offense (13.1 points per game), last in the AFC in rushing offense (74.3 yards per game), and second-to-last in the conference in total offense (242.7 yards per game)...The New York line has allowed 25 sacks, the second- highest figure in the AFC...Herman Edwards' crew has coughed up an AFC-high- tying nine fumbles...The Jets intercepted Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick three times in their Week 7 loss, including the team-leading fourth of the year for cornerback Ty Law.
Fast Fact: The Jets limited San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson to 80 yards on 26 carries in last year's AFC Wild Card matchup.
Prediction: Edwards and company will come out with fire following the bye week, but simply lack the offensive punch to beat the Chargers. Chargers 25, Jets 20.
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Tennessee (2-6) at Cleveland (2-5), Sunday, 1:00 (Cleveland -3)
Storylines: A battle of clubs attempting to halt three-game losing streaks...Cleveland was a 19-16 loser to previously winless Houston last Sunday...Browns rookie Charlie Frye could see his first action as a pro, as starter Trent Dilfer has struggled of late...Rookie Cleveland wideout Braylon Edwards publicly called for Dilfer's benching earlier this week...Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns has rushed for 100 and 99 yards in his last two games, but his status is unclear following a DUI arrest early Tuesday morning...The Browns defense is tied for last in the AFC with just 10 sacks...Tennessee dropped a 34-25 decision to Oakland last Sunday, failing to recover from an early 17-0 deficit...Titans quarterback Steve McNair was sacked six times in the loss... Jeff Fisher's squad has coughed up an AFC-high 17 turnovers, and is tied for worst in the league with nine lost fumbles... Tennessee wideouts Drew Bennett (thumb), Brandon Jones (knee), and Tyrone Calico (calf) are all expected to miss Sunday's game, as is tight end Ben Troupe (ankle)...The Titans are second-to-last in AFC scoring defense (26.4 points per game), but the unit has been on the field enough to rank in a tie for second in the league in sacks (24)...Tennessee end Kyle Vanden Bosch is tied for the league lead with eight sacks.
Fast Fact: The Titans franchise is 4-0 in Cleveland since the Browns defeated the then-Houston Oilers during the 1994 season.
Prediction: If the Browns can't win on their home field against this depleted team, they might not win again in 2005. Browns 16, Titans 12.
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N.Y. Giants (5-2) at San Francisco (2-5), Sunday, 4:05 (N.Y. Giants -10)
Storylines: The Giants will try to build on a 36-0 thrashing of the Redskins last Sunday, while San Francisco will seek its second straight win after a 15-10 shocker over Tampa Bay last Sunday...New York quarterback Eli Manning will be looking for his first win as a starter away from Giants Stadium... Giants running back Tiki Barber rushed for a career-high 206 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries last week...The G-Men lead the league in scoring offense (29.9 points per game)...Tom Coughlin's team has forced an NFL-best 19 lost fumbles, and an NFC-high 22 turnovers...New York is an NFC-best +11 in turnover margin...The Giants' Willie Ponder leads the NFC in kickoff return average (28.2)...New York and San Francisco are 15th and 16th in the NFC, respectively, in both total defense and passing defense...The 49ers are expected to give second-year pro Cody Pickett his first NFL start this week, with Alex Smith (knee) and Ken Dorsey (ankle) both hobbled...One-time Giant Jesse Palmer, signed on Tuesday, could be Pickett's backup against his former team...San Francisco running back Kevan Barlow rushed for a season-high 101 yards against the Buccaneers...The Niners are last in the NFC in total offense (213.7 yards per game) and passing offense (114 yards per game)...Mike Nolan's team is giving up a league-high 31.7 points per game...San Francisco tackle Bryant Young is tied for the league lead with eight sacks.
Fast Fact: The Giants are 0-4 in San Francisco since their 15-13 win in the 1990 NFC Championship.
Prediction: The Niners' win over the Buccaneers was an aberration, and the Giants will come in focused in a game they can't afford to lose. Giants 26, 49ers 3.
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Chicago (4-3) at New Orleans (2-6), Baton Rouge, Sunday, 4:05 (Chicago -3)
Storylines: The Saints will try to snap a four-game losing streak, while Chicago looks to hold onto its lead in the NFC North...New Orleans will be playing its second straight game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, one of the team's temporary home venues following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina...The Saints dropped a 21-6 decision to Miami last week...New Orleans QB Aaron Brooks was sacked six times last Sunday...The Saints line has allowed 25 sacks, the second-highest figure in the NFC...Jim Haslett's team has coughed up a league-high 12 fumbles and 23 turnovers this season...New Orleans is next-to-last in the NFC in scoring offense (15.6 points per game)...The Saints defense allowed Miami to rush for 188 yards last week, and is second- to-last in the NFC against the run (133.9 yards per game)...Chicago was a 19-13 overtime winner in Detroit last Sunday, prevailing when cornerback Charles Tillman returned a Jeff Garcia interception 22 yards for a touchdown in the extra session...Bears QB Kyle Orton threw for a career-high 230 yards in the triumph...Running back Thomas Jones left the Detroit game with a rib injury, but is expected to play...Starting wideout Mark Bradley was lost for the year with a torn ACL against the Lions, and Justin Gage is expected to step into the starting lineup...The Bears are second-to-last in the NFC in passing offense (137.3 yards per game)... Chicago leads the NFC in scoring defense (11.6 points per game), and is second in the NFC in total defense (262.7 yards per game)...The Bears' Bobby Wade leads the league in punt return average (12.5).
Fast Fact: The Saints last played back-to-back games at the same venue in Weeks 10-11 of the 2004 season, when they faced the Chiefs and Broncos at the Superdome.
Prediction: The Saints' bumbling offensive unit figures to be squashed by Chicago and its top-notch defense. Bears 13, Saints 7.
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Seattle (5-2) at Arizona (2-5), Sunday, 4:05 (Seattle -4)
Storylines: Arizona will be seeking revenge after suffering a 37-12 defeat to the Seahawks back in Week 2...Seattle, which had a bye last week, has won three straight entering Sunday's game...Mike Holmgren and company lead the NFL in total offense (390.3 yards per game), and are second in the NFC in rushing offense (152.6 yards per game)...Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander leads the league with 12 touchdowns, and is pacing the NFC with 776 rushing yards... Seattle wideout Bobby Engram (cracked ribs) is expected to be back in the lineup for the first time since Oct. 2nd...The Hawks sacked Dallas' Drew Bledsoe five times in Week 7, and notched two interceptions in the game...The Seattle defense has forced just two lost fumbles this season, tied for the worst figure in the league...Arizona was a 34-13 loser in Dallas last week, and is now 0-3 on the road this year...Head coach Dennis Green is expected to stick with quarterback Josh McCown, who is 2-2 since relieving the injured Kurt Warner (groin)...Cardinals wideout Anquan Boldin suffered a bone bruise on his right knee in the loss to Dallas, and is considered questionable for Sunday...Arizona is next-to-last in the league in rushing offense (71.1 yards per game)... The Cardinals gave up 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns to unheralded rookie Marion Barber III last week...Arizona kicker Neil Rackers leads the league with 73 points and 22 field goals, and is a perfect 22-of-22 on the year.
Fast Fact: The Seahawks are 3-13 all-time following a bye week.
Prediction: If Seattle wishes to be considered a member of the NFC elite, it has to beat inferior opponents on the road. Seahawks 24, Cardinals 16.
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Pittsburgh (5-2) at Green Bay (1-6), Sunday, 4:15 (Pittsburgh -6)
Storylines: Green Bay will be attempting to finish its first half on a positive note, while Pittsburgh will try to avoid the Monday Night hangover while keeping the heat on Cincinnati in the AFC North...Packer QB Brett Favre comes off a week in which he threw five interceptions, a regular-season high for the future Hall-of-Famer, in a 21-14 loss to the Bengals...Favre is tied for second in the league with 15 touchdown passes, but has also thrown a league-high 13 interceptions...The Packer line has allowed an NFC-low nine sacks...Green Bay running back Tony Fisher rushed 17 times for 51 yards and a touchdown in his first start in place of the injured Ahman Green (knee) last week...The Packer secondary allowed Carson Palmer to throw for three touchdown passes last week...Green Bay linebacker Nick Barnett leads the NFC with 65 tackles...Pittsburgh won a 20-19 thriller over Baltimore on Monday night... Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a strained knee in the win, and is considered questionable against Green Bay...Roethlisberger leads the NFL in passer rating (112.4)...Pittsburgh wideout Hines Ward needs four receptions to pass John Stallworth for first place on the all-time franchise list...Steelers tight end Heath Miller is tied for the AFC lead with six touchdown catches...The Pittsburgh defense is second in the AFC against the run (87.4 yards per game).
Fast Fact: Brett Favre's first NFL start was a 17-3 win over the Steelers on Sept. 27, 1992, at Lambeau Field, and also marked the occasion of Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher's first NFL defeat.
Prediction: Roethlisberger is at less than 100 percent, the Steelers come off a short week, and the Pack is desperate for a win at Lambeau. I smell a trap for Pittsburgh. Packers 21, Steelers 20.
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Philadelphia (4-3) at Washington (4-3), Sunday, 8:30 (-1)
Storylines: Two teams that enter Week 9 tied for last place in the NFC East will be vying to gain ground in the crowded division race...The Eagles have won seven straight over the Redskins...Philadelphia dropped a 49-21 decision in Denver last Sunday, giving up 564 total yards in the Broncos...Eagles QB Donovan McNabb completed just 12-of-34 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions against Denver...McNabb is second in the league in passing yards (2034), and is tied for second with 15 TD passes...Eagles wideout Terrell Owens is second in the NFC in receptions (47) and touchdown catches (6)...Andy Reid's squad leads the league in passing offense (295.7 yards per game), but is last in NFL rushing offense (60.6 yards per game)...Washington was thrashed by a 36-0 count against the Giants last Sunday...The Redskins had just 125 yards of offense, committed four turnovers, and suffered five sacks in the debacle...Skins QB Mark Brunell completed 11- of-28 passes for 65 yards and an interception before being relieved by Patrick Ramsey...Clinton Portis rushed four times for nine yards...Redskins wideout Santana Moss is second in the league in receiving yards (777)...The Redskins have thrown an NFL-low four interceptions this year...Joe Gibbs and company are No. 1 in the NFL against the pass (152.7 yards per game), but are next-to- last in the NFC in sacks (12)...Washington has forced just five turnovers and two lost fumbles on the season, tied for the worst figures in the league
Fast Fact: The Eagles are 5-0 in Washington since last losing there in the 1999 season.
Prediction: Philadelphia has more weapons than Washington, and thus stands the greater chance of bouncing back from an ugly Week 8 loss. Eagles 27, Redskins 24
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Indianapolis (7-0) at New England (4-3), Monday, 9:00 (Indianapolis -3)
Storylines: The league's only undefeated team will face the defending Super Bowl Champion on Monday night...Colts QB Peyton Manning is 0-7 at New England all-time, including a loss in an AFC Divisional Playoff in January... Indianapolis' Week 8 bye was preceded by a 38-20 win in Houston... Tony Dungy's club is second in the AFC in scoring offense (27.0 points per game) and rushing offense (134.9 yards per game)...Colts running back Edgerrin James leads the league with 801 rushing yards...The Indianapolis line has allowed a league-low five sacks...Indianapolis leads the NFL in scoring defense (11 points per game), and is second in the AFC in total defense (277.9 yards per game)...Colts lead the NFL in sacks (26)...Indianapolis end Robert Mathis is tied for the league lead with eight sacks...Colts linebacker Cato June is second in the league with five interceptions...New England erased a 16-7 deficit to down Buffalo, 21-16, last Sunday...Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who suffered a mild stroke in the offseason, returned to the field in that game...New England QB Tom Brady is second in the AFC in passing yards (2020)...The Patriots lead the AFC in passing offense (279 yards per game), but are next-to-last in the AFC in rushing offense (83.9 yards per game)...The Patriot line has allowed just 10 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the AFC...Bill Belichick's squad has forced just five turnovers and two interceptions on the season, tied for the worst figures in the league.
Fast Fact: Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown three or more interceptions 10 times in his NFL career, four of which have occurred in games played at New England.
Prediction: Until I see Bill Belichick and Tom Brady lose a truly big game, I'll be picking New England in these situations. Patriots 26, Colts 23.
