St. Louis Rams (0-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0)
Game Overview: The St. Louis Rams have been one of the most
disappointing teams so far, and they have a tough matchup against the undefeated
Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has an explosive offense that creates mismatches against
most opponents. The Rams have improved their pass defense, but struggle against
the run. Dallas features a tremendous tandem at running back -- Marion Barber
and Julius Jones. Barber has been dominant thus far, rushing for 256 yards on 40
carries (6.4 YPC) and four touchdowns. The Rams defense will have a tough time
keeping Barber in check, especially with the Cowboys offensive line playing as
well as it has. Another concern for the Rams' defense is the play of Tony Romo
and his ability to make plays on the run. Romo has displayed great awareness,
accuracy, and leadership; plus he's kept Terrell Owens happy, which is huge for
Dallas' success. St. Louis will be without Steven Jackson in this game. Jackson
has a partial tear in his groin that will keep him out a week, which means
second-round rookie Brian Leonard will make his first NFL start. Leonard is a
big, physical back that can be used the same way Jackson's used in the offense,
but Leonard is not as shifty as Jackson. The health of starting quarterback Marc Bulger is a major concern for the Rams offense. Bulger has been playing with two
broken ribs and a sore knee, and last week against the Bucs, Bulger showed signs
of discomfort. He threw for 116 yards and three interceptions in the Rams loss
to Tampa Bay.
Key Injuries:
Dallas
Out: DE Greg Ellis (Achillies), WR Terry Glenn (Knee)
Questionable : CB Terence Newman (Foot)
St. Louis
Out: RB Steven Jackson (Groin), CB Tye Hill (Back)
Doubtful: OG Richie Incognito (Ankle)
Head 2 Head Matchup: Cowboys, RB - Marion Barber vs. Rams, MLB -
Will Witherspoon
Barber is your prototypical North/South runner that tries to use his strength
to overpower the opposition. With the Rams defensive line filled with pass
rushers, Witherspoon has the daunting task of stopping Barber. For the Rams to
have success against the Cowboys' run game, the defensive line has to plug up
the rush lanes and stop Barber before he gets to the second level. If they're
unable to do this, it may be a long day for Witherspoon.
Fantasy Spotlight:
Dallas
Tony Romo - Romo has been outstanding through the first three games and he
will have another solid game against the Rams. The Cowboys have a nice mix of
pass and run in their offense, and with the Rams looking to stop the run, the
passing game will open up for Romo.
St. Louis
Brian Leonard - I really like Leonard. This is going to be his first
professional start, so you don't really know what to expect. The only thing I
can tell you is if the Rams don't change their philosophy and utilize Leonard as
they do with Jackson, Leonard will have a very nice debut. I project he'll have
at least one touchdown against Dallas.
Prediction: Cowboys 31, St. Louis 21
Green Bay Packers (3-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
Packers WR Donald Driver
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images |
Game Overview: Did anyone think the Green Bay Packers would start
the season 3-0? I seriously doubt it. Is this the start of a magical season for
Brett Favre and Co.? There are a lot of reasons to believe if you're a Packers
fan. The Packers defense seems to be for real. They have an outstanding
secondary that features Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Their linebackers are
flying around the ball and making plays. And the defensive line has stepped up.
The only drawback for the Pack may be their offense. Sure, Favre has looked good
the first few weeks, but if the Packers don't develop a consistent running game,
their offense will become predictable. Minnesota, on the other hand, has one of
the better running games in the NFL. Star rookie Adrian Peterson has been
phenomenal and is the early leader for the Rookie of the Year award. Just like
the Packers, the Vikings have a flaw on offense, but it's their passing game.
Second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is hurt, but when he was healthy, he
wasn't effective. Kelly Holcomb will start this week against the Packers, but if
the Vikings are to have any chance at defeating Green Bay, they have to run the
ball. Minnesota is dealing with a lot of injuries, and there are a lot of
players questionable for this week's game -- most notable: Darren Sharper (hip),
Dwight Smith (hamstring), Chester Taylor (hip), and Troy Williamson (hamstring).
The Packers are relatively healthy and face a tough battle with a division
rival.
Key Injuries:
Minnesota
Doubtful: QB Tarvaris Jackson (Groin), FB Tony Richardson (Forearm)
Questionable: S Darren Sharper (Hip), S Dwight Smith (Hamstring). RB
Chester Taylor (Hip), WR Troy Williamson (Hamstring)
Green Bay
Out: DE Mike Montgomery (Knee)
Doubtful: RB Vernand Morency (Knee)
Questionable: MLB Desmond Bishop (Shoulder)
Head 2 Head Matchup: Vikings, RB - Adrian Peterson vs. Packers, OLB -
A.J. Hawk
This will be an interesting matchup. Peterson is a great all-around running
back with a lot of skills, but he faces an aggressive Green Bay defense this
weekend. The Packers are good against the run and I'm sure A.J. Hawk will have
the privilege of keeping an eye on No. 28. Peterson's knack for finding a seam
and busting through it for big gains causes fits for the opposition. Hawk's
responsibility will be to contain Peterson, especially on swing passes out of
the back field, and not allow him to get into the open field.
Fantasy Spotlight:
Minnesota
Ryan Longwell - With the Packers defense playing at a high level and the Vikings
offense struggling a bit, Longwell will have a few opportunities to hand his
former team their first loss.
Green Bay
Donald Driver - The Vikings defense is solid against the run, and since the
Packers don't really have a running game, Driver is prime to bust out against an
ailing Minnesota secondary. Driver has faced the Vikings 14 times in his career
and has 54 receptions for 900 yards and six touchdowns. Those are excellent
numbers against a divisional team.
Prediction: Minnesota 24, Green Bay 20
Denver Broncos (2-1) at Indianapolis Colts (3-0)
Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images |
Game Overview: The last two weeks the Titans and Texans have challenged
the Colts, but just like great teams do, they found a way to win. The Colts'
offense has been playing very well and Peyton Manning is having another stellar
season. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are also playing at a high level and
Joseph Addai has played well in his second-year. But entering this Sunday's game
against the Broncos, the Colts will face the league's best pass defense. The
Broncos feature Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly in the secondary, two of the top cover
corners in the league. The Colts have to install a balanced attack to catch the
Broncos' defense off guard. The Broncos have an athletic defense that puts
pressure on the quarterback and plays aggressively against the pass. The one
area the Colts will be able to exploit is Denver's run defense, currently ranked
29th in the league. Addai has averaged 90 yards a game on the ground for the
Colts through the first three weeks, and the Broncos are allowing 166 yards a
game, which is great news for the Colts. The Broncos also feature a solid
running game. Travis Henry has been a great addition and has led the Denver
offense thus far. The maturation of Jay Cutler is still a work in progress, but
the kid has shown a lot of grit and poise in just his second-year. This will be
a contest that will come down to the team that has the most success running the
ball -- passing will be secondary.
Key Injuries:
Indianapolis
Questionable: TE Dallas Clark (Neck), OT Ryan Diem (Neck), OLB Rob Morris (Abdomen)
Denver
Out: S Hamza Abdullah (Hip), OG Ben Hamilton (Concussion), OT Ryan Harris (Back)
Questionable: TE Stephen Alexander (Calf), CB Domonique Foxworth (Ankle)
Head 2 Head Matchup: Marvin Harrison vs. Champ Bailey
This is a classic matchup between two of the best players at their positions.
Harrison is one of the most productive receivers in NFL history, and Bailey is
an All-World cornerback who quarterbacks avoid throwing the ball near. Harrison
is a major weapon in the Colts arsenal and a player Peyton Manning relies on to
make plays. Bailey is an aggressive receiver that plays physical on the line of
scrimmage. He doesn't back down to anyone and makes the receiver challenge him.
Fantasy Spotlight:
Denver
Travis Henry - Henry will be counted on to make a lot of plays against the
Colts' defense. Historically, in six career games, Henry hasn't been very
successful against the Colts. In these six career games, Henry has rushed for
411 yards on 92 carries and just one touchdown. The Colts are decent against the
run, but still allow over 90 yards a game on the ground. With that being said,
Henry has an opportunity to have a nice game as the Colts will apply a lot of
pressure on Jay Cutler.
Indianapolis
Joseph Addai - Going up against one of the worst run defenses in the league
will allow the Colts' offense to have a productive day on the ground. Addai will
get his touches and should have a big day.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Denver 17
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) at New York Giants (1-2)
Plaxico Burress battles Lito Sheppard
Doug Benc/Getty Images |
Game Overview: The Eagles offense finally broke through last week against the Detroit Lions
and showed what it's capable of. Donovan McNabb was accurate and made excellent
decisions against the Lions defense. His performance against the Lions was
vastly improved from his performances against Green Bay and Washington, so what
to expect this week is anyone's guess. Kevin Curtis and Brian Westbrook also had
outstanding games against Detroit, and they will be counted on this week against
New York. The Giants have struggled this season, but this past week against the
Redskins they battled back under tough circumstances. Being down 17-3 at
halftime, the Giants struck back and scored three touchdowns in the second half
to get their first win of the season. The Giants' defense also played well in
the second half and shutout the Redskins' offense. The Eagles are facing the
29th ranked pass defense, and they should be able to take advantage of their
suspect secondary. The Giants are also facing a banged-up Philadelphia
secondary, which was torched by Jon Kitna who threw for 446 yards. For
Philadelphia to be successful, they have to apply pressure on Eli Manning and be
physical against Plaxico Burress. For the Giants to have success, they have to
contain Brian Westbrook and get in the face of McNabb. This is always a physical
game that usually comes down to the end. This is an important game for both
teams, because a loss means two division losses for one of these teams. And if
either of these teams have playoff aspirations, this game is huge.
Key Injuries:
New York
Out: RB Brandon Jacobs (Knee), WR Steve Smith (Shoulder)
Questionable: WR Plaxico Burress (Ankle)
Philadelphia
Out: TE L.J. Smith (Groin)
Doubtful: CB Lito Sheppard (Knee)
Questionable: S Brian Dawkins (Neck)
Head 2 Head Matchup: Brodrick Bunkley vs. Eli Manning
After a disappointing rookie season, Bunkley has been outstanding so far this
season. He's shown great push off the line of scrimmage and commands a double
team. This is huge for the Eagles' defensive line, a line that totaled eight
sacks last week against Detroit. The Eagles have to pressure Eli Manning and
force him to turn the ball over. Manning loves to get the ball to Plaxico
Burress against the Eagles, and Burress always seems to bring his "A"
game against Philadelphia. It'll be Bunkley's responsibility to get a good push
up the middle and allow the defensive line to pressure Manning. If Bunkley isn't
able to get to Manning, it could spell trouble for the Eagles' secondary.
Fantasy Spotlight:
Philadelphia
Reggie Brown - Brown is off to an abysmal start, but things always seem to
come around for him when he faces the Giants. In four career games against the
Giants, Brown has 13 receptions for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Brown only
has five receptions for 64 yards and no touchdowns through the first three weeks
of this season. Expect a big game from Brown this weekend.
New York Giants
Plaxico Burress - Burress is the ultimate Philly killer. In six career games
against the Eagles, Burress has 24 receptions for 458 yards and two touchdowns.
If Manning has time to find Burress, expect him to exploit the 26th ranked pass
defense and give Burress the opportunity to have another tremendous game against
the Eagles.
Prediction: Philadelphia 21, New York Giants 20
New England Patriots (3-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Tom Brady
Andy Lyons/Getty Images |
Game Overview: This should be a great offensive game between two teams with high-powered
offenses. The Patriots are ranked No. 1 in the league in offense and defense,
and they have scored 38 points in all of their games this season. That's an
amazing stat. It shows that the offense is consistent and flat-out scary. The
Bengals can score at will and are ranked 5th in total offense and shouldn't be
taken lightly. The only difference between these two teams is that one team can
play defense and the other one can't. Even though the Patriots have an
outstanding defense, this game appears destined to be a shootout. Playing on the
road and facing a team that's lost its last two games by a total of nine points
-- while posting 66 points -- could be a setup game for the Patriots. As good as New
England's looked the last few weeks, and as bad as the Cincinnati defense has
played the last two games the Bengals will look to shock the world and get back
on track this weekend.
Key Injuries:
Cincinnati
Out: OLB Rashad Jeanty (Shin),
S Ethan Kilmer (Knee),
WR Tab Perry (Hamstring)
Doubtful: MLB Ahmad Brooks (Groin),
C Eric Ghiaciuc (Thumb),
OLB Lemar Marshall (Groin)
Questionable:
OT Willie Anderson (Foot),
WR Antonio Chatman (Hamstring),
WR Chinedum Ndukwe (Hamstring)
New England
Questionable: OG Stephen Neal (Shoulder),
WR Donte' Stallworth (Knee),
WR Kelley Washington (Hamstring),
S Eugene Wilson (Ankle),
OG Billy Yates (Shoulder)
Head 2 Head Matchup: Tom Brady vs. Carson Palmer
Brady is the best quarterback in football. Even with all of the controversy
surrounding the Patriots with "Spygate", he's still the complete
package. Carson Palmer is a rising star in the league and appears to be fully
recovered from his knee injury he suffered two years ago. This will be a high-scoring game that features some of the best receivers in the game. It'll come
down to Brady or Palmer making the key play to elevate their team to a victory.
Fantasy Spotlight:
New England
Randy Moss - Moss is off to a tremendous start. He's really added another
dimension to the Patriots' offensive attack, and all are gaining from his
presence. Moss has 22 receptions for 403 yards and five touchdowns thus far.
Going up against a poor Bengals secondary, expect Moss to continue his solid
play.
Cincinnati
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - All the attention is usually directed towards Chad Johnson, and when the Bengals play the Patriots that's the truth. But when New
England focuses on Johnson, Houshmandzadeh is the benefactor of that attention.
In two career games against the Patriots, Housmandzadeh has 16 receptions for
240 yards and no touchdowns.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38, New England 35
A member of the Pro
Football Writers of America and the Football
Writers Association of America, Chris Steuber has
provided his analysis of the NFL and NFL Draft
prospects on the web and on the radio since 1999.