Da-Chief
11-01-2006, 21:30
WOW Devil Doc won week 8 and spanked Pardue like he was a puppy...(Who knows he might be in to that kind of stuff, have you seen his pictures?)
;-)
Here are Week "9"'s Selections.. Good Luck, remember your picks have to be in prior to the 1st game of the week.
Chiefs (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/chiefs/) at Rams (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/rams/)1:00 PM CBSEdward Jones Dome
Titans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/titans/) at Jaguars (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/jaguars/)1:00 PM CBSALLTEL Stadium
Saints (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/saints/) at Buccaneers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/buccaneers/)1:00 PM FOXRaymond James Stadium
Dolphins (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/dolphins/) at Bears (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bears/)1:00 PM CBSSoldier Field
Texans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/texans/) at Giants (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/giants/)1:00 PM CBSGiants Stadium
Packers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/packers/) at Bills (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bills/)1:00 PM FOXRalph Wilson Stadium
Bengals (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bengals/) at Ravens (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/ravens/)1:00 PM CBSM&T Bank Stadium
Cowboys (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/cowboys/) at Redskins (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/redskins/)1:00 PM FOXFedEx Field
Falcons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/falcons/) at Lions (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/lions/)1:00 PM FOXFord Field
Vikings (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/vikings/) at 49ers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/49ers/)4:05 PM FOXMonster Park
Browns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/browns/) at Chargers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/chargers/)4:15 PMCBSQualcomm Stadium
Broncos (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/broncos/) at Steelers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/steelers/)4:15 PM CBSHeinz Field
Colts (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/colts/) at Patriots (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/patriots/)8:15 PMNBCGillette Stadium
MON, NOV 06
Raiders (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/raiders/) at Seahawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/seahawks/)8:30 PM ESPNQWEST FIELD
http://a68.g.akamai.net/f/68/895/3d/i.tsn.com/i/s/voices/vinnie_iyer-t.gif
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Posted: November 1, 2006
There's not much of a "monologue" this week, because just like you, I can't wait for that big game of big games in the AFC on Sunday night.
I'm calling it the Game, and really, I can't wait any longer to dive into it. Shall we? Let's move on to the …
GAME OF THE SEASON
Indianapolis at New England. My head is spinning after a tireless, week-long Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady debate on every broadcast sports program known to man. Yes, we know Manning has the stats and Brady has the rings. They're both great quarterbacks for different reasons, and really, I no longer can imagine how these teams even would be competitive without them.
Manning proved last season that he indeed could play well at New England against a Bill Belichick-coached team, guiding the Colts to an impressive 40-21 win there. Brady is coming off a terrific Monday night game. It's a given that both will play well.
The obvious disparity in this matchup is that the Colts cannot stop the run, and the Patriots now have more punch in their running game with speedy rookie Laurence Maroney joining Corey Dillon. You can bet the Pats won't throw 43 times again this week, because that's not the weakness they will want to exploit. And besides, running often will limit the possessions for Manning.
The Colts' offense may be more dynamic than ever, however, and for two reasons. One is the all-around play of super-athletic tight end Dallas Clark. He can block. He can catch. His mere presence in games makes it more difficult for defenses to find their balance against Manning's offense, because the Colts can pass and run effectively out of their two-receiver, two-tight end, one-back set.
The second reason is the one back in the one-back formation: Joseph Addai, who unofficially has supplanted veteran Dominic Rhodes. Like the guy he's replacing, Edgerrin James, Addai is a tough runner. He also knows how to pass-block. He even has the edge over Edge in one area -- the ability to reel off long runs off rushes or receptions.
I just have a feeling this is the Colts' year. Finally. And really, I went back and forth on which team to pick in the Game, because, yes, it's possible to admire Manning and Tony Dungy on the same level as Brady and Belichick. Really, I think it just comes down to how the clock shakes out and who has the ball last -- much like Indy's win at Denver last week.
I'm a writer, so I decided to go with the best storyline. You think the Colts' signing of Adam Vinatieri had something to do with stealing some of the Pats' clutch mojo? I think it did, and really, it won't feel strange at all seeing Vinatieri knock home the game-winner. Colts 30, Patriots 27.
UNDERCARD OF THE WEEK
Cincinnati at Baltimore. With the Steelers in a freefall, this game is crucial to both AFC North contenders -- a win would be a huge springboard in what figures to be a drawn-out division race. The Ravens reestablished a balanced offense last week with coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Baltimore's superior running game and its ability to cause turnovers also tilts this home game in their favor.
With the Bengals' offensive line woes and the Ravens' renewed leaning on Jamal Lewis' power running, Baltimore should control both lines of scrimmage for most of the game, putting it in position to hold on late. Ravens 23, Bengals 20.
RIVALRY OF THE WEEK
Dallas at Washington. The Cowboys have started to solve their most pressing problems, pass protection and pass coverage, by making the quarterback change -- Tony Romo for Drew Bledsoe -- and by making a far less publicized change at safety. The Redskins, however, continue to face more problems than a bye week alone can fix.
Washington's backbone, the defense, has been equally vulnerable to the pass and the run, and the Cowboys boast a balanced, productive attack with the mobile, confident Romo at the helm. The Redskins' offense is very inconsistent, and if the Cowboys stop Clinton Portis, then Mark Brunell -- who may be without top receiver Santana Moss this week -- won't be able to burn them with his arm. How sweep it is, Tuna, how sweep it is. Cowboys 27, Redskins 17.
SHOOTOUT OF THE WEEK
Kansas City at St. Louis. The Rams should put up permanent residence in this category, because they have the perfect formula for shootout city: Balanced, explosive offense and balanced, porous defense. The Cardinals' World Series victory has eased some of the pain from Denkinger-gate and the 1985 loss to the Royals, but that doesn't mean STL will ease up on KC in football.
Damon Huard hasn't looked like a career backup quarterback, and both he and Larry Johnson should be in for some big plays. But when it comes to pure firepower on the fast track of the Jones Dome, it's hard to outscore Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and the Rams' latest speedy cog, Steven Jackson. Rams 34, Chiefs 27.
DESPERATION OF THE WEEK
Denver at Pittsburgh. You can bet the Steelers want to get out of this category, because they are right where they were three weeks ago when they hosted another AFC West opponent, Kansas City. They need a big win at home and to play a super-intense game on both sides of the ball to match what the tough Broncos will bring to town -- hard-hitting, strong-tackling defense with a powerful running game to match.
The difference in the teams' records, 5-2 and 2-5, comes in the fact that the Broncos have been able to overcome shaky play from Jake Plummer, while the Steelers haven't been able to do so with even shakier play from Ben Roethlisberger. It won't be easy, but the much-needed 12th man of Heinz Field will help Pittsburgh grind this one out late. Steelers 16, Broncos 13.
TRAP OF THE WEEK
Minnesota at San Francisco. This would have been the classic upset, but I think losing so badly to the Patriots on Monday night actually helps the Vikes from overlooking this one. Unlike New England, San Francisco will need to try to run on the Vikes' stout defensive tackles, because they can't win without a big game from Frank Gore.
Unlike Brady, Alex Smith doesn't have the savvy or receiving depth to spread the ball at will. The Vikings should be able to run at will, with Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson and Matt Birk mauling the Niners' front seven and paving the way for another big day away for Chester Taylor. Without much heat from the 49ers, Brad Johnson should manage to avoid costly mistakes this week. Vikings 24, 49ers 10.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
New York Giants over Houston. I'm not a huge fan of that jump-shot gesture the Giants make after every sack -- it makes me long for Mark Gastineau's ol' New York sack dance. But let's hope the Texans enjoy the jumper, because they can expect to see a whole lot of it this week.
While the Giants' pass rush takes care of David Carr and/or Sage Rosenfels, Eli Manning and Tiki Barber will take turns burning the Texans' defense. It will take a long run to do it, but I think Tiki finally gets some touchdown love in his farewell campaign this week. Giants 34, Texans 13.
REST OF THE WEEK
Miami at Chicago. The 1972 Dolphins can put their Dom Perignon away again this week, because unlike 1985, there's no way the 2006 'Phins ends the Bears' undefeated run in this matchup. Chicago will keep it simple by dominating on both sides of the line, making the combination of Rex Grossman and Thomas Jones much more productive than Joey Harrington and Ronnie Brown. Just for kicks, Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester will contribute with more big plays on defense and special teams. Bears 30, Dolphins 9.
Atlanta at Detroit. The Falcons preyed on cooked Lions last Thanksgiving; this season they'll just settle for stealing all of their leftover Halloween candy. The Lions' front seven is a mess without Shaun Rogers up front, and their linebackers and safeties won't be able to contain the two hottest Falcons, Michael Vick and Alge Crumpler. The Lions will need Jon Kitna to throw often again, and that spells trouble for a shaky o-line against an aggressive Atlanta pass rush. Falcons 24, Lions 20.
Green Bay at Buffalo. You know it's November when teams from these colder climes meet, and other than pulling out the parka, what better way to warm up than with brats and hot wings? But there's more to this game than the tailgates, because both teams have shown major improvements in play and attitude under new coaches Mike McCarthy and Dick Jauron, respectively. The Bills will come out fired up after a bye, but with the way Ahman Green and Brett Favre are playing, their experience will win out late over what J.P. Losman does against the Packers' shaky secondary. Packers 20, Bills 17.
Tennessee at Jacksonville. The Titans have played well during their two-game winning streak, with more playmaking from their defense and more confidence from rookie quarterback Vince Young. The Jags are overcoming defensive injuries and passing-game ineptitude by keeping things simple, pounding Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew for chunks of yardage. Travis Henry won't quite have the same success against the Jags' banged-up front seven. Jaguars 20, Titans 17.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay. The Saints needed a punt return touchdown by Reggie Bush to save them in the teams' first 2006 meeting, but with Bush banged up (sore ankle) and this game in Tampa, the Bucs will steal the rematch. Drew Brees will play well once again, spreading the ball around underneath against the cover-2, but after last week's shutdown in New York, rookie Bruce Gradkowski will find more time to throw with his feet this week, feeding off better running from Cadillac Williams. Bucs 23, Saints 20.
Cleveland at San Diego. Charlie Frye and the Browns catch a break as the league's most explosive pass rusher, Shawne Merriman, will start his suspension here. Unfortunately for their defense, the league's best running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, will be playing. LT is doing it all as a rusher, receiver and passer, and although Romeo Crennel is a good defensive mind, his 3-4 personnel won't be able to keep up with the brightest Bolt. Chargers 40, Browns 16.
Oakland at Seattle. The Seahawks need to find a way to stay afloat without Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander, and to break their two-game losing streak, they need their defense to pick up the slack and not put it all on backups Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris. This is their chance. Buoyed by a loud Monday night crowd, they will take it to the turnover- and sack-prone Raiders, showing the same emotions and aggressiveness that made them a top unit last season. Seahawks 28, Raiders 7.
BYES OF THE WEEK
The Jets have been a pleasant surprise thanks to the fine rookie coaching job of Eric Mangini. Their young offensive line has played well, Chad Pennington has stayed healthy, and they seem to be in every game. But they don't have enough to overcome a run defense that gets consistently gashed to finish above .500 …
The Cardinals aren't much better than the Jets against the run, and despite being third in the league in takeaways (20), they still give up an average of 24.5 points a game. And so much for the signing of Edgerrin James -- despite his league-leading 185 carries, Arizona's rushing offense is dead last, and it's 2.6 yards per carry and 69.2 yards per game are down even from last season's 32nd-ranked totals.
Let's stick with running woes here: The Panthers need to have a more consistent offense, and that starts with getting better production out of DeShaun Foster and the ground game. In addition, despite their strong front four, their run defense has been surprisingly mediocre. . . .
The Eagles actually have had success running the ball with a healthy Brian Westbrook -- Philly is ninth in the league in rushing and boasts a dazzling 5.1 yards-per-carry average. So that raises the following question: Why are they only 29th in the league in average rushing attempts (23.6)? They need to lean a lot more on Westbrook if they are to end their three-game skid and come back to contend in the NFC East.
STATS OF THE WEEK
;-)
Here are Week "9"'s Selections.. Good Luck, remember your picks have to be in prior to the 1st game of the week.
Chiefs (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/chiefs/) at Rams (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/rams/)1:00 PM CBSEdward Jones Dome
Titans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/titans/) at Jaguars (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/jaguars/)1:00 PM CBSALLTEL Stadium
Saints (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/saints/) at Buccaneers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/buccaneers/)1:00 PM FOXRaymond James Stadium
Dolphins (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/dolphins/) at Bears (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bears/)1:00 PM CBSSoldier Field
Texans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/texans/) at Giants (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/giants/)1:00 PM CBSGiants Stadium
Packers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/packers/) at Bills (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bills/)1:00 PM FOXRalph Wilson Stadium
Bengals (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bengals/) at Ravens (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/ravens/)1:00 PM CBSM&T Bank Stadium
Cowboys (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/cowboys/) at Redskins (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/redskins/)1:00 PM FOXFedEx Field
Falcons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/falcons/) at Lions (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/lions/)1:00 PM FOXFord Field
Vikings (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/vikings/) at 49ers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/49ers/)4:05 PM FOXMonster Park
Browns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/browns/) at Chargers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/chargers/)4:15 PMCBSQualcomm Stadium
Broncos (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/broncos/) at Steelers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/steelers/)4:15 PM CBSHeinz Field
Colts (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/colts/) at Patriots (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/patriots/)8:15 PMNBCGillette Stadium
MON, NOV 06
Raiders (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/raiders/) at Seahawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/seahawks/)8:30 PM ESPNQWEST FIELD
http://a68.g.akamai.net/f/68/895/3d/i.tsn.com/i/s/voices/vinnie_iyer-t.gif
http://i.tsn.com/i/p/s.gif
Posted: November 1, 2006
There's not much of a "monologue" this week, because just like you, I can't wait for that big game of big games in the AFC on Sunday night.
I'm calling it the Game, and really, I can't wait any longer to dive into it. Shall we? Let's move on to the …
GAME OF THE SEASON
Indianapolis at New England. My head is spinning after a tireless, week-long Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady debate on every broadcast sports program known to man. Yes, we know Manning has the stats and Brady has the rings. They're both great quarterbacks for different reasons, and really, I no longer can imagine how these teams even would be competitive without them.
Manning proved last season that he indeed could play well at New England against a Bill Belichick-coached team, guiding the Colts to an impressive 40-21 win there. Brady is coming off a terrific Monday night game. It's a given that both will play well.
The obvious disparity in this matchup is that the Colts cannot stop the run, and the Patriots now have more punch in their running game with speedy rookie Laurence Maroney joining Corey Dillon. You can bet the Pats won't throw 43 times again this week, because that's not the weakness they will want to exploit. And besides, running often will limit the possessions for Manning.
The Colts' offense may be more dynamic than ever, however, and for two reasons. One is the all-around play of super-athletic tight end Dallas Clark. He can block. He can catch. His mere presence in games makes it more difficult for defenses to find their balance against Manning's offense, because the Colts can pass and run effectively out of their two-receiver, two-tight end, one-back set.
The second reason is the one back in the one-back formation: Joseph Addai, who unofficially has supplanted veteran Dominic Rhodes. Like the guy he's replacing, Edgerrin James, Addai is a tough runner. He also knows how to pass-block. He even has the edge over Edge in one area -- the ability to reel off long runs off rushes or receptions.
I just have a feeling this is the Colts' year. Finally. And really, I went back and forth on which team to pick in the Game, because, yes, it's possible to admire Manning and Tony Dungy on the same level as Brady and Belichick. Really, I think it just comes down to how the clock shakes out and who has the ball last -- much like Indy's win at Denver last week.
I'm a writer, so I decided to go with the best storyline. You think the Colts' signing of Adam Vinatieri had something to do with stealing some of the Pats' clutch mojo? I think it did, and really, it won't feel strange at all seeing Vinatieri knock home the game-winner. Colts 30, Patriots 27.
UNDERCARD OF THE WEEK
Cincinnati at Baltimore. With the Steelers in a freefall, this game is crucial to both AFC North contenders -- a win would be a huge springboard in what figures to be a drawn-out division race. The Ravens reestablished a balanced offense last week with coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Baltimore's superior running game and its ability to cause turnovers also tilts this home game in their favor.
With the Bengals' offensive line woes and the Ravens' renewed leaning on Jamal Lewis' power running, Baltimore should control both lines of scrimmage for most of the game, putting it in position to hold on late. Ravens 23, Bengals 20.
RIVALRY OF THE WEEK
Dallas at Washington. The Cowboys have started to solve their most pressing problems, pass protection and pass coverage, by making the quarterback change -- Tony Romo for Drew Bledsoe -- and by making a far less publicized change at safety. The Redskins, however, continue to face more problems than a bye week alone can fix.
Washington's backbone, the defense, has been equally vulnerable to the pass and the run, and the Cowboys boast a balanced, productive attack with the mobile, confident Romo at the helm. The Redskins' offense is very inconsistent, and if the Cowboys stop Clinton Portis, then Mark Brunell -- who may be without top receiver Santana Moss this week -- won't be able to burn them with his arm. How sweep it is, Tuna, how sweep it is. Cowboys 27, Redskins 17.
SHOOTOUT OF THE WEEK
Kansas City at St. Louis. The Rams should put up permanent residence in this category, because they have the perfect formula for shootout city: Balanced, explosive offense and balanced, porous defense. The Cardinals' World Series victory has eased some of the pain from Denkinger-gate and the 1985 loss to the Royals, but that doesn't mean STL will ease up on KC in football.
Damon Huard hasn't looked like a career backup quarterback, and both he and Larry Johnson should be in for some big plays. But when it comes to pure firepower on the fast track of the Jones Dome, it's hard to outscore Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and the Rams' latest speedy cog, Steven Jackson. Rams 34, Chiefs 27.
DESPERATION OF THE WEEK
Denver at Pittsburgh. You can bet the Steelers want to get out of this category, because they are right where they were three weeks ago when they hosted another AFC West opponent, Kansas City. They need a big win at home and to play a super-intense game on both sides of the ball to match what the tough Broncos will bring to town -- hard-hitting, strong-tackling defense with a powerful running game to match.
The difference in the teams' records, 5-2 and 2-5, comes in the fact that the Broncos have been able to overcome shaky play from Jake Plummer, while the Steelers haven't been able to do so with even shakier play from Ben Roethlisberger. It won't be easy, but the much-needed 12th man of Heinz Field will help Pittsburgh grind this one out late. Steelers 16, Broncos 13.
TRAP OF THE WEEK
Minnesota at San Francisco. This would have been the classic upset, but I think losing so badly to the Patriots on Monday night actually helps the Vikes from overlooking this one. Unlike New England, San Francisco will need to try to run on the Vikes' stout defensive tackles, because they can't win without a big game from Frank Gore.
Unlike Brady, Alex Smith doesn't have the savvy or receiving depth to spread the ball at will. The Vikings should be able to run at will, with Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson and Matt Birk mauling the Niners' front seven and paving the way for another big day away for Chester Taylor. Without much heat from the 49ers, Brad Johnson should manage to avoid costly mistakes this week. Vikings 24, 49ers 10.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
New York Giants over Houston. I'm not a huge fan of that jump-shot gesture the Giants make after every sack -- it makes me long for Mark Gastineau's ol' New York sack dance. But let's hope the Texans enjoy the jumper, because they can expect to see a whole lot of it this week.
While the Giants' pass rush takes care of David Carr and/or Sage Rosenfels, Eli Manning and Tiki Barber will take turns burning the Texans' defense. It will take a long run to do it, but I think Tiki finally gets some touchdown love in his farewell campaign this week. Giants 34, Texans 13.
REST OF THE WEEK
Miami at Chicago. The 1972 Dolphins can put their Dom Perignon away again this week, because unlike 1985, there's no way the 2006 'Phins ends the Bears' undefeated run in this matchup. Chicago will keep it simple by dominating on both sides of the line, making the combination of Rex Grossman and Thomas Jones much more productive than Joey Harrington and Ronnie Brown. Just for kicks, Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester will contribute with more big plays on defense and special teams. Bears 30, Dolphins 9.
Atlanta at Detroit. The Falcons preyed on cooked Lions last Thanksgiving; this season they'll just settle for stealing all of their leftover Halloween candy. The Lions' front seven is a mess without Shaun Rogers up front, and their linebackers and safeties won't be able to contain the two hottest Falcons, Michael Vick and Alge Crumpler. The Lions will need Jon Kitna to throw often again, and that spells trouble for a shaky o-line against an aggressive Atlanta pass rush. Falcons 24, Lions 20.
Green Bay at Buffalo. You know it's November when teams from these colder climes meet, and other than pulling out the parka, what better way to warm up than with brats and hot wings? But there's more to this game than the tailgates, because both teams have shown major improvements in play and attitude under new coaches Mike McCarthy and Dick Jauron, respectively. The Bills will come out fired up after a bye, but with the way Ahman Green and Brett Favre are playing, their experience will win out late over what J.P. Losman does against the Packers' shaky secondary. Packers 20, Bills 17.
Tennessee at Jacksonville. The Titans have played well during their two-game winning streak, with more playmaking from their defense and more confidence from rookie quarterback Vince Young. The Jags are overcoming defensive injuries and passing-game ineptitude by keeping things simple, pounding Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew for chunks of yardage. Travis Henry won't quite have the same success against the Jags' banged-up front seven. Jaguars 20, Titans 17.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay. The Saints needed a punt return touchdown by Reggie Bush to save them in the teams' first 2006 meeting, but with Bush banged up (sore ankle) and this game in Tampa, the Bucs will steal the rematch. Drew Brees will play well once again, spreading the ball around underneath against the cover-2, but after last week's shutdown in New York, rookie Bruce Gradkowski will find more time to throw with his feet this week, feeding off better running from Cadillac Williams. Bucs 23, Saints 20.
Cleveland at San Diego. Charlie Frye and the Browns catch a break as the league's most explosive pass rusher, Shawne Merriman, will start his suspension here. Unfortunately for their defense, the league's best running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, will be playing. LT is doing it all as a rusher, receiver and passer, and although Romeo Crennel is a good defensive mind, his 3-4 personnel won't be able to keep up with the brightest Bolt. Chargers 40, Browns 16.
Oakland at Seattle. The Seahawks need to find a way to stay afloat without Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander, and to break their two-game losing streak, they need their defense to pick up the slack and not put it all on backups Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris. This is their chance. Buoyed by a loud Monday night crowd, they will take it to the turnover- and sack-prone Raiders, showing the same emotions and aggressiveness that made them a top unit last season. Seahawks 28, Raiders 7.
BYES OF THE WEEK
The Jets have been a pleasant surprise thanks to the fine rookie coaching job of Eric Mangini. Their young offensive line has played well, Chad Pennington has stayed healthy, and they seem to be in every game. But they don't have enough to overcome a run defense that gets consistently gashed to finish above .500 …
The Cardinals aren't much better than the Jets against the run, and despite being third in the league in takeaways (20), they still give up an average of 24.5 points a game. And so much for the signing of Edgerrin James -- despite his league-leading 185 carries, Arizona's rushing offense is dead last, and it's 2.6 yards per carry and 69.2 yards per game are down even from last season's 32nd-ranked totals.
Let's stick with running woes here: The Panthers need to have a more consistent offense, and that starts with getting better production out of DeShaun Foster and the ground game. In addition, despite their strong front four, their run defense has been surprisingly mediocre. . . .
The Eagles actually have had success running the ball with a healthy Brian Westbrook -- Philly is ninth in the league in rushing and boasts a dazzling 5.1 yards-per-carry average. So that raises the following question: Why are they only 29th in the league in average rushing attempts (23.6)? They need to lean a lot more on Westbrook if they are to end their three-game skid and come back to contend in the NFC East.
STATS OF THE WEEK