NFL 2008 RSS
"You get everybody's best every week," says head coach JEFF FISHER of the Tennessee Titans, who can clinch the
AFC South this week – and could have done so last week.
(
NFL 2008 Week 13 Playoff Races & Playoff Scenarios)
"Winning the division is a heck of a lot harder than people think," understates coach JON GRUDEN of the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, who this week face the team they are tied with for the lead in the NFC South, Carolina.
In the NFL, of course, nothing is predictable. Just look at last week, when 11 road teams won their games, one off the
record for a week.
And the NFL goes to Canada this week when the Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins in Toronto at the Rogers Centre in
the first of five annual regular-season games the Bills will play in Canada's largest city.
Week 14 Matchups as December heats up this NFL 2008 season
Steelers Set to Shut Down Cowboys & Romo at Home
Tony Romo has led the Cowboys to three consecutive wins in spite of a broken pinkie. However, this week is a different
story as the Cowboys pay a visit to the "Blitzburgh" Steelers and the NFLs best defense.
Despite the pinkie injury, Tony Romo comes off a 331-yard three touchdown Thanksgiving Day game performance in which he led
the Dallas Cowboys to touchdowns in their first three possessions and points in its first four that ended in a 34-9 win over the
Seattle Seahawks.
But this is a Steelers team with QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER who is 14-4 lifetime against the NFC at the helm of
a consistent offense and a defense that blitzes and distracts opponents into total confusion and ultimate submission.
Complete Preview, Analysis & Prediction:
Dallas Cowboys (8-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Eagles Visit NFC East Division Leading Rival Giants
McNabb and Westbrook are back, but the Giants continue to roll.
Off their Thanksgiving night performances in
Philadelphia's win over the Arizona Cardinals, Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB (four TD passes) and RB BRIAN WESTBROOK
(110 yards rushing, two TDs rushing, two receiving) look like they are ready to help the Philadelphia Eagles make
a Wild Card run.
The Giants will be one tough test.
The New York Giants have not lost an NFC East Division game since last December 16
to the Washington Redskins and are 6-0 this year at Giants Stadium, their longest home winning streak since seven in a
row in 1990 when the Giants marched all the way to a Super Bowl XXV victory.
Complete Preview, Analysis & Prediction:
Philadelphia Eagles (6-5-1) at New York Giants (11-1)
Redskins Short Trip North to Face Ravens in Beltway Bowl IV
The "Battle of the Beltway" between the Redskins and Ravens pits two strong running, tough defense
teams in the midst of the NFL playoff scramble against one another. The Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens
meet for only the 4th time and first time ever in Baltimore.
Beltway Bowl IV features a Ravens team that has won 6 of its past 7 games, their only loss coming to
the Giants on the road two weeks ago. The Ravens have scored 27 or more points in those 6 victories. Rookie QB JOE FLACCO
has thrown 11 touchdowns against two interceptions and posted a 99.1 passer rating during this streak.
"We have four games left and we need to continue to do what we've been doing," says Flacco. "That starts with
Washington."
Complete Preview, Analysis & Prediction:
Washington Redskins (7-5) at Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
Bucs & Panthers to Break NFC South Deadlock on MNF
Finally a Monday Night Football game with serious meaning and some serious implications as these two division rivals
square off tied for first in the NFC South.
The Panthers aren't excited to be facing Bucs QB JEFF GARCIA. Garcia, a tough & resourceful NFL veteran, has beaten
the Carolina the last five times he has faced them. Of course, Panthers QB JAKE DELHOMME has been his effective self
this year, particularly at home. Delhomme has led Carolina to an undefeated 6-0 home record with the Panthers outscoring
their opponents 166-78.
Complete Preview, Analysis & Prediction:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3) at Carolina Panthers (9-3)
The Rest of the Games for NFL Week 14 2008
OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-9) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-8)
This game marks the 98th meeting between the Raiders and Chargers. The Raiders
hold a 54-41-2 advantage in the regular season series over the San Diego Chargers since 1960 when the teams began
competition as original members of the American Football League. The Raiders are 1-0 versus the Chargers in postseason games.
However, the Chargers have won the last 10 in a row against the Raiders. In their last meeting (earlier this season),
the San Diego Chargers defeated the Oakland Raiders 28-18 on September 28 in Oakland. In that game, San Diego RB LaDainian
Tomlinson rushed for 106 yards and scored 2 4th-quarter touchdowns as the Chargers overcame a 15-0 deficit.
Last week, both the Chargers and Raiders lost at home. The Raiders lost to the Chiefs 20-13, while the Chargers
were defeated by the Falcons 22-16.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-9)
The Raiders are 3-0 vs. the Chargers on Thursday games In 12 career starts, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 163 of 308 passes (52.9 pct.) for 1,953 yards with 8 TDs vs.
5 INTs & 74.5 passer rating RB JUSTIN FARGAS averages 94.5 rush yards per game in past 2 (189 total). Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round,
No. 4) averages 4.7 rush yards per carry (87 attempts, 405 yards) In last meeting at the Chargers, WR RONALD CURRY posted 6
receptions for 73 yards (12.2 avg.) TE ZACH MILLER averages 14.9 yards per catch (37 rec., 550 yards). Miller
averages 89.5 rec. yards per game in past 2 vs. the Chargers Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (7) is tied for 1st
in NFL for most INTs among LBs (BRIAN URLACHER) DE KALIMBA EDWARDS needs 2 sacks to tie career high (7 w/the Detroit Lions
in '05) WR-KR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS is tied for 2nd in NFL with 2 PR-TDs & ranks 3rd in AFC with 12.1 PR avg
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-8)
The Chargers look for their 11th consecutive win against the Raiders Chargers aims for 11th consecutive December win Since 2006, the Chargers are 18-4 (.818) at home QB PHILIP RIVERS leads the AFC with 100.5 passer rating. For career as starter at home, Rivers has an 18-4 (.818)
record with 30 TDs vs. 15 INTs & 91.9 passer rating. Rivers (2,955) needs 45 passing yards to reach 3,000 for 3rd season
in row In 15 career games vs. Oakland, RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON averages 121 rush yards per game (1,815 total)
& has 9 100-yard rush games against Raiders. For career, Tomlinson averages 106.3 rush yards per game in Dec. & has
100-yard rush games in 8 of past 10 Dec. games TE ANTONIO GATES is tied for 1st among NFL TEs with 6 TDs
(TONY GONZALEZ) WR VINCENT JACKSON (39) needs 3 catches to surpass career-high (41 rec. in 2007) -
Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE is tied for 1st in NFL with 12 INTs (OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE).
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-8) AT CHICAGO BEARS (6-6)
The Chicago Bears (6-6) return home for the first time in almost a month when
they face the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) this Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Bears are in second-place in the NFC North, a game behind the Minnesota Vikings (7-5).
The Bears and Jaguars have split the previous four meetings between the two franchises, with alternating wins
starting with a 30-27 Chicago victory in Jacksonville during the 1995 season.
The Jaguars won the last meeting of the series 22-3 in Jacksonville on December 12, 2004.
In that game, Jacksonville QB Byron Leftwich threw for 242 yards & 2 TDs. The Jaguars' defense
limited Chicago to 210 total net yards.
Both teams are 1-1 at home in the series. The first two meetings in the series
were decided by a total of four points, while the last two were blowouts totaling
a 39-point differential.
The team that scores first is 3-1 in the series.
The Bears enter Sunday's contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars with 699 overall victories in franchise
history, including the postseason. With a win over the Jaguars this Sunday, the Bears (699-514-42) would
become the first club in NFL history to reach the 700-win plateau. This will be the Bears second attempt at
reaching 700 wins.
BEARS - MOST OVERALL VICTORIES IN NFL HISTORY
Chicago Bears (699-514-42)
Green Bay Packers (667-525-36)
N.Y. Giants (637-530-33)
Washington Redskins (559-508-27)
Pittsburgh Steelers (550-520-21)
Last week, both the Bears and Jaguars lost on the road.
The Jaguars could not overcome a 10-0 first quarter deficit against the Texans in their first road
Monday night game since 2000. David Garrard threw for 287 yards and Matt Jones had eight receptions for
104 yards in the 30-17 loss.
After losing to the Vikings 34-14, the Chicago Bears (6-6) now stand one game behind the Minnesota Vikings
(7-5) for the NFC North lead with four games to play in the 2008 regular season. The Green Bay Packers are
two games behind at 5-7. The Vikings are in Detroit and the Packers host the Texans.
NFC North - Strength of Schedule in Remaining Games
New Orleans (6-6) is the only remaining opponent of the Bears to have a .500 or better record.
Three of Minnesota's four remaining opponents have winning records entering this week's
action (Arizona is 7-5, Atlanta is 8-4 and the New York Giants are 11-1). Chicago is the
only remaining opponent on the Packers schedule with a .500 or better record.
The winning percentage of Chicago's remaining opponents this season is tied for the third-lowest in
the NFC at 20-28 (.417). The Packers remaining opponents win percentage is the lowest (.313).
Minnesota's stands at 30-25 (.545).
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-8)
The Jaguars are 15-7 (.682) under head coach JACK DEL RIO vs. NFC opponents Since 2006, team is 16-4 (.800) when gaining 150+ rush yards For career, QB DAVID GARRARD is
7-1 (.875) as starter vs. NFC. In past 4 vs. NFC, Garrard has completed 82 of 131 passes (62.6 pct.) for 1,057
yards with 6 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 96.8 passer rating For career in Dec., RB FRED TAYLOR averages 96.8 rush
yards per game & has 100 yards in 4 of past 5 in Dec. Last week, Taylor set franchise record for career TDs with
70 (62 rush, 8 rec.). Since 2000, Taylor leads NFL with 13 100-yard rush games vs. NFC. RB MAURICE JONES-DREW has
6 rush TDs in past 5 & is tied for 2nd in AFC with 11 rush TDs (THOMAS JONES). Jones-Drew posted 3 rush TDs in last
road game vs. NFC team (on 11/9/08 vs. the Detroit Lions) WR MATT JONES posted 2nd 100-yard rec. game (104) of season
last week CB RASHEAN MATHIS has 3 of 4 INTs on road in 2008
CHICAGO BEARS (6-6)
QB KYLE ORTON is 12-2 (.857) as starter at home. When Orton has 100.0+ rating, Bears are 4-0 RB MATT
FORTÉ leads NFL rookies & ranks 3rd overall with 1,370 scrimmage yards & 65 1st downs. Is only rookie to lead team in
both rushing (1,012) & receptions (48). Needs 2 catches to join Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON (1978, 1983) & NEAL ANDERSON as
only Bears with 1,000 rush yards & 50 catches in season WR-PR-KR DEVIN HESTER has 17 TDs (7 PR, 5 KR, 5 rec.),
including playoffs. Had 65-yard rec. TD last week Club leads NFL with 26 takeaways (18 INT, 8 FR). LB
BRIAN URLACHER had sack in last home game vs. Jax. DT TOMMIE HARRIS has 3.0 sacks in past 2. Bears have won 12 of
past 15 when Harris has 1.0+ sack. DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE tied career-high with 3.0 sacks & had 1 FF in 10/12/03 meeting
(with Dolphins). His teams are 11-2 (.846) when he has 2.0+ sacks. DE ALEX BROWN aims for 3rd in row with sack.
LB LANCE BRIGGS has 2 INTs in past 2. Bears are 14-5 (.737) when CB CHARLES TILLMAN has INT.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-5) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-12)
Currently in sole possession of 1st place in the NFC North and winners of 4 of their last 5, the Minnesota Vikings
(7-5) will play the first of 2 consecutive road games against the Detroit Lions (0-12) this Sunday.
Earlier this season the Vikings defeated the Lions 12-10 at the Metrodome (10/12/08) on a 26-yard
game-winning field goal by K Ryan Longwell with 9 seconds remaining in the game. Minnesota QB Gus Frerotte
threw for 296 yards & one touchdown.
That win improved the Vikings all-time record against the Lions to 62-30-2 and gave the team its 16th
victory over Detroit in the last 18 matchups. Minnesota's 62 wins in the series are the team's most
against any opponent.
NFL 2008 Week 13: Minnesota Vikings 34 Chicago Bears 14
Last week the Minnesota Vikings defeated their division rival Chicago Bears 34-14 in a battle for the
top spot in the NFC North. With the win the Vikings took sole possession of 1st place in the division,
evened the season series against the Bears and moved to 7-5 on the year. The Vikings held the edge in
all major statistical categories, including time of possession, passing yards, rushing yards and
total yards, along with winning the always important turnover battle. The Vikings are now 5-1 at home
on the year, the only loss coming on a last-minute field goal in the home opener against the Indianapolis
Colts. The Vikings finished the month of November at 4-1.
The Vikings put together a balanced attack, rushing the ball 39 times for a
total of 178 yards and throwing 25 times for 200 net yards.
QB Gus Frerotte completed 16 of his 25 passing attempts for 210 yards,
including a 99-yard touchdown pass to WR Bernard Berrian. The play tied an NFL
record for the longest pass play and longest play from scrimmage in both Vikings
and NFL history. Frerotte and Berrian are only the 11th tandem in history to go the
length of the fi eld in one play. Berrian ended the night with a game-high 122 yards.
RB Adrian Peterson continued his domination over the Bears, this time
rushing 28 times for 131 yards (4.7 average) and a TD. It was Peterson's
7th 100-yard game of the season and the 13th of his career. He is now one
game away from tying the Vikings record for most 100-yard games in a single season
(8). Peterson also moved back into the league lead with 1,311 rushing yards on
the season. He ranks 1st in yards per game, runs of 20 yards or more and is tied
for the lead in runs of over 40 yards. RB Chester Taylor also added 46 yards and a
TD on 10 carries. It was Taylor's 25th career TD.
NFL 2008 Week 13: Tennessee Titans 47 Detroit Lions 10
On Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, the Titans wasted little time in getting a lead against the
Detroit Lions and pulled away for a 47-10 victory.
On the second play from scrimmage of the game, Titans safety Michael
Griffin knocked the ball loose from the grasp of Lions receiver Shaun McDonald,
and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was there for the recovery.
Two plays later, after a 28-yard gain on a reverse by Brandon Jones, Johnson
scampered six yards into the end zone. It was the first of eight scoring drives in
12 possessions, not including drives at the end of each half in which they let the clock expire.
The Lions responded with a 45-yard drive that ended with a 53-yard
field goal by Jason Hanson.
Then, on a third-and-five from the Tennessee 42, Johnson took a handoff
58 yards for his second touchdown. With less than seven minutes elapsed in the game,
the Titans had a 14-3 lead.
After an exchange of punts, the Lions were backed up in their own territory
when defensive end Dave Ball intercepted a Daunte Culpepper pass
intended for running back Kevin Smith. Ball went 15 yards untouched into
the end zone for his first career touchdown.
A 13-yard punt by the Lions on their next possession gave the Titans
possession at Detroit's 31-yard line. A 20-yard pass from Kerry Collins to
Justin McCareins on third down set up a six-yard touchdown run by White
on the third play of the second quarter.
Later in the quarter, the Titans showed they could drive the length of the
field, starting on their own nine-yard line and concluding the series with a
touchdown. They converted four third downs on a drive that took over eight
minutes, and White scored on a two-yard run to give the Titans a 35-3 lead.
Overall on third down, the Titans were eight-of-16, while the Lions
couldn't convert a third down in 11 attempts. The Titans outgained the Lions
456 yards to 154 and recorded 19 first downs to only six by the Lions. The
Titans defense limited the Lions to 23 rushing yards.
The Lions scored their only touchdown with less than a minute remaining
in the first half after a fumble recovery gave them a first-and-goal at the
two-yard line. Culpepper found tight end Michael Gaines for a two-yard
touchdown pass.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-5)
QB GUS FREROTTE is 3-0 as starter vs. Lions and has won 7 of 10 starts this year RB ADRIAN PETERSON aims for 3rd in row vs. the Detroit Lions with 100+ rush yards (227 yards in past 2,
113.5 per game). Has 859 rush yards (122.7 per game) & 6 TDs in past 7. Since entering NFL in 2007, averages
102.0 rush yards per game, most in NFL In only start vs. the Detroit Lions (10/8/06), RB CHESTER
TAYLOR rushed for 123 yards. Aims for 3rd in row with TD Including playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 20
TD catches & 14 have been 30+ yards. Had 5 catches for career-high 131 yards (26.2 avg.) & 1 TD in last meeting.
Tied NFL record with 99-yard TD catch last week Rush defense leads NFC (73.1 yards per game). DE JARED
ALLEN has 54.0 sacks since 2004, most in NFL. Has 9.0 sacks in past 7, including 3.0 last week. Had sack & safety
in last meeting. S DARREN SHARPER has 11 INTs in career vs. the Detroit Lions, including 2 INT-TDs. His 11 INTs
are his most vs. opponent. Had INT last week. CB BENNY SAPP aims for 3rd in row with INT. CB ANTOINE WINFIELD
has 2 INTs vs. Lions. LB BEN LEBER had INT last week & has career-high 2 INTs
DETROIT LIONS (0-12)
QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER was 1st round draft pick (No. 11) by Vikings in 1999, spent 7 seasons with the Minnesota
Vikings (1999-2005) & led club to 2000 NFC Championship Game. In 2004, set club records for pass yards (4,717), TDs (39),
rating (110.9), comp. (379) & comp. pct. (69.2) Rookie RB KEVIN SMITH leads team with 621 rush yards & 5 rush
TDs. Is 1 of 3 rookies to lead club in both rushing & rush TDs. Can become 6th rookie in franchise history to lead club
in both. Had career-long 50-yard run in last meeting WR CALVIN JOHNSON has TD in 6 of past 8. Leads club
with 53 receptions, 971 yards (18.3 avg.) & 8 TDs. Aims to join HERMAN MOORE (1995) as only Lions to record 70 catches,
1,200 yards & 10 TDs in season. Ties for 1st with 6 catches of 40+ yards Rookie DE CLIFF AVRIL had sack, FF
& FR to set up TD last week K JASON HANSON is 7 of 7 from 50+ yards this year, most in franchise history.
Tied NFL record with 40th career FG of 50+ yards last week.
HOUSTON TEXANS (5-7) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-7)
The Texans and Packers meet for the second time with Green Bay owning a 1-0 record. The Packers won a
16-13 in 2004. Houston led 13-3 going into fourth quarter before the Pack scored 13 unanswered points which
was concluded by a Ryan Longwell 46-yard field goal as time expired.
The Houston Texans travel to Green Bay for the first time in team history to take on the Packers.
Last week, the Houston Texans won their first appearance on Monday Night Football beating division-rival
Jacksonville 30-17. The Texans were led by rookie RB Steve Slaton who rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
WR Andre Johnson caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. DE Mario Williams had a season-high three
sacks and his team-leading fourth forced fumble on the season. Houston's defense forced three turnovers.
The Packers lost another back-and-forth battle this past weekend at home to the Carolina Panthers 35-31. It
was the Packers fourth loss this season by four points or less. Taking a 31-28 lead on a 19-yard field goal with
1:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, it took the Panthers less than 30 seconds to march down the field for
what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.
The Packers last opportunity was thwarted when Rodgers, who was 29-of-45 for 298 yards with three touchdowns and
a 96.3 rating, scrambled to his right and tried to hit Donald Driver deep. But linebacker Jon Beason intercepted
the pass at the Carolina 39.
Green Bay enters the contest fighting for its playoff life, two games
behind NFC North division-leading Minnesota with four games remaining. The Green Bay Packers are now 5-7
this season and are currently on a two-game losing streak.
The Packers began a new era at the beginning of the NFL 2008 season as they had a new starting quarterback
for the first time since 1992. QB Aaron Rodgers took over for former Packers QB Brett Favre. Rodgers has
thrown for 2,897 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.
HOUSTON TEXANS (5-7)
The Texans (282) needs 28 points to surpass 309 in '04 for 2nd-highest point total in single season in club
history In only start vs. NFC (12/9/07 vs. TB), QB SAGE ROSENFELS completed 27 of 36 passes (75.0 pct.)
for 209 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 116.6 passer rating. QB MATT SCHAUB has 2 TDs vs. 1 INT & 108.0 rating vs.
NFC in 2008 Rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) ranks 3rd in AFC with 904 rush yards (5.0 avg.)
on 180 attempts & 8 TDs. Needs 96 rush yards to reach 1,000. In past 3, Slaton is averaging 119.6 rush yards per
game (359 total) In only game vs. GB, WR ANDRE JOHNSON had 6 receptions for 107 yards (17.8 avg.).
Johnson (88 rec., 1,146 yards) needs 2 rec. yards & 16 receptions to surpass career-high (103 rec., 1,147 yards
in 2006). WR KEVIN WALTER leads team with career-high 7 TD receptions. Walter needs 1 rec. TD to tie Johnson's
franchise record of 8 in 2007 TE OWEN DANIELS ranks 2nd in AFC among TEs in receptions (50) & yards
(608) Since 2007, DE MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 3rd in NFL with 25 sacks (DE MARCUS WARE, 29; JARED ALLEN, 26.5)
GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-7)
The Packers have won 7 of their past 8 December games QB AARON RODGERS has completed 138 of 201
(68.7 pct.) for 1,492 yards with 10 TDs vs. 3 INTs for 100.6 passer rating at home. Has posted 95.0+ rating in 5
of 6 home starts, including 4 in row RB RYAN GRANT has 100+ rush yards & TD in 2 of past 3 at home. When
Grant has 19+ attempts (including playoffs), Packers are 9-1 (.900) WR DONALD DRIVER is from Houston & had 10
catches for 148 yards with 1 TD in only game vs. Texans. Has reception in 107 games in row, longest streak in team
history. Had TD catch last week. WR GREG JENNINGS aims for 4th in row with TD catch. Has 22 career rec. TDs & 10
have been 40+ yards. TE DONALD LEE aims for 5th in row at home with TD catch DE AARON KAMPMAN has 37.0
sacks since 2006, 2nd most in NFL. Had 2.0 sacks last week. In past 11, S NICK COLLINS (3 INT-TDs) & CB CHARLES
WOODSON (2) each have 5 INTs. Woodson & CB TRAMON WILLIAMS each had FF last week.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-10-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-4)
The Indianapolis Colts (8-4) host the Cincinnati Bengals (1-10-1) this Sunday. Indianapolis is playing at home
for the first time in three weeks.
The series between the Colts and Bengals stands at 14-8 in favor of the Colts, and 1-0 in favor of
the Colts in post-season play. The teams last met on December 18, 2006 in Indianapolis, as the Colts posted a 34-16 win.
It was the Colts 5th consecutive win against the Bengals.
Peyton Manning (29-36-282, 4 TDs) directed a potent offensive attack that included solid efforts from wide receivers
Marvin Harrison (8-86, 3 TDs) and Reggie Wayne (7-84, 1 TD). DE Dwight Freeney totaled three sacks as the
club assumed a second-quarter lead it would not relinquish.
The Colts earned a 10-6 road victory last Sunday at Cleveland extending their winning streak to 5 games, while Cincinnati dropped a 34-3 home
game to Baltimore.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-10-1)
QB RYAN FITZPATRICK has 60+ completion percentage in 6 of 8 starts this season. Fitzpatrick has 140 rush yards in
past 5 For career, RB CEDRIC BENSON averages 76.6 rush yards per game when he has 20+ carries Since
2007, WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH ranks 2nd in NFL with 193 receptions (WES WELKER, 196). WR CHAD JOHNSON aims for 104th
consecutive game with reception. In 3 career games vs. Colts, Johnson averages 17.5 yards per catch (17 rec., 298
yards) TE BEN UTECHT spent 3 seasons with Colts (2005-07) WR-KR GLENN HOLT is 2nd in AFC with
1,110 KR yards Since '03, team is 22-6-1 (.776) when defense has 2+ INTs LB DHANI JONES leads
team with 113 tackles LB BRANDON JOHNSON posted career-high 1.5 sacks last week In last meeting
against Colts (w/Titans on 12/30/07), DE ANTWAN ODOM posted 2 sacks S CHINEDUM NDUKWE attended Notre Dame
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-4)
The Colts aim for their 6th win in row against Bengals RB JOSEPH ADDAI is averaging 77.3 rush yards per game in past 3. RB DOMINIC RHODES
needs 31 yards to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards & needs 84 yards to reach 1,000 career receiving yards In past 2 against the Bengals, WR REGGIE WAYNE has totaled 12 receptions for 201 yards (16.8 avg.) with 2 TDs.
For career, WR MARVIN HARRISON averages 99.5 receiving yards per game against Bengals (597 total). Harrison posted 3
TDs in last game against the Bengals WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ has career-high 581 receiving yards with 48 rec.
in 2008 DE DWIGHT FREENEY has 5 sacks in past 4. Freeney tied career-high with 3 sacks in last meeting
against the Bengals Including postseason, Colts are 15-2 (.882) when Freeney records 2+ sacks DE ROBERT
MATHIS has 3.5 sacks in past 2. S MELVIN BULLITT recorded 3 of career-high 4 INTs during last 2 min. of 4th quarter
in 2008 games.
ATLANTA FALCONS (8-4) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-6)
The Atlanta Falcons travel to New Orleans to play their NFC South division rival New Orleans Saints. The Falcons trail
the NFC South division leading Buccaneers (9-3) and Panthers (9-3) by one game.
The Buccaneers and Panthers face each other in Carolina this week.
The Falcons lead the series versus the Saints with a 44-34 record and defeated New Orleans in the first meeting
this season (Week 10 November 9, 2008) by a 34-20 margin. Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan threw for 248 yards & 2
TDs, including 67-yarder to RB Jerious Norwood.
Last Sunday (NFL 2008 Week 13), the Falcons won their third road game of the year, defeating the San Diego Chargers 22-16. Wide reciever
Roddy White topped the 1,000-yard plateau after totaling six receptions for 112 yards. Against his former team, running
back Michael Turner led the ground attack with 31 carries for 120 yards, his sixth 100-yard game of the season.
Defensively, Jonathan Babineaux posted 1.5 sacks and logged one big pass defensed on a Chargers fourth-down attempt
in the first quarter.
In their Week 13 meeting, the Saints fell to Tampa Bay, 23-20.
Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 296 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the losing effort. Wide receiver
Marques Colston led the team in receiveing with 106 yards.
ATLANTA FALCONS (8-4)
The Falcons have won 4 of their past 5 and 6 of their past 8 games Rookie QB MATT RYAN won only start vs.
the New Orleans Saints, completing 16 of 23 (69.6 pct.) for 248 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 134.0 passer rating.
The Falcons are a perfect 8-0 when Ryan has 90.0+ rating, including last week (130.2) RB MICHAEL TURNER ranks
3rd in NFL with 1,208 rush yards. Had 96 yards & 1 TD in last meeting. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are 19-4
(.826). RB JERIOUS NORWOOD has 6 career TDs & 4 have been 67+ yards. Had 67-yard TD catch in last meeting WR RODDY WHITE has 62 catches for 972 yards (97.2 per game) & 6 TDs in past 10, including 6 100-yard games.
Aims for 4th in row vs. the New Orleans Saints with TD. Rookie WR-PR HARRY DOUGLAS has rush, rec. & PR-TD in past 2 DE JOHN ABRAHAM has 22.5 sacks in past 27. Has 80.0 sacks since 2000, 3rd most in NFL. Had career-high 4.0
sacks vs. the New Orleans Saints (11/4/01 with NYJ). Rookie CB CHEVIS JACKSON had 95-yard INT-TD in last meeting,
1st INT of career
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-6)
The Saints lead NFL in total offense (405.3 yards per game) In 4 starts vs. the Atlanta Falcons with the
New Orleans Saints, QB DREW BREES is 4-1 (.800) with 95.2 passer rating. Passed for 422 yards in last meeting. Since
joining Saints in 2006, has passed for 12,711 yards, most in NFL. Leads NFL with 3,870 yards & has 320+ yards in 8 of
12 games. In starts with 10+ attempts, when Brees has 100.0+ rating, his teams are 28-5 (.848) RB PIERRE THOMAS
leads club with career-high 359 rush yards & 6 rush TDs. Aims for 4th in row with TD (3 rush, 1 rec.). RB REGGIE BUSH
had rec. TD in his last game vs. the Atlanta Falcons In past 2 meetings, WR MARQUES COLSTON has 16 catches for 232 yards
(116.0 per game) & 2 TDs. In 11/26/06 game at the Atlanta Falcons, WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 4 catches for 158 yards (39.5
avg.) & TD (76 yards). WR LANCE MOORE aims for 6th in row with TD. Has 27 catches for 398 yards & 6 TDs in past 5. Had
32-yard TD in last meeting S ROMAN HARPER had 31-yard INT-TD in 12/10/07 meeting. LB JONATHAN VILMA had sack &
2 FFs last week. DE BOBBY MC CRAY had 2.0 sacks last week. LB SCOTT SHANLE had sack last week.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-8) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (11-1)
The Tennessee Titans take their 11-1 record and a chance to clinch the AFC South division
title into this week's game against the Cleveland Browns (4-8). This is the 60th regular season
meeting between the former AFC Central rivals. The Browns lead the regular season series 33-26 and
have won the past three meetings.
The Titans and Browns last played each other on November 6, 2005 in Cleveland. The Browns won the
contest 20-14 as Cleveland CB Brodney Pool intercepted the ball near goal line as time expired.
The Browns survived the game played in 40-mile-per-hour winds.
Off to their best 12-game start in franchise history, the Titans can clinch the AFC South
with a win this week. The Indianapolis Colts are in second place in the division at 8-4. A victory
by the Titans would secure the division title despite the outcome of the final three weeks
of the season after applying the NFL's tiebreaking procedures (record versus common opponents
would fall in favor of the Titans). The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans already
have been eliminated from contention for the division crown.
The Titans are in first place in the conference standings as well. Trailing closely behind them in the
AFC are the 9-3 Pittsburgh Steelers and the Colts, New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens at 8-4.
The Titans got back in the win column last week (NFL 2008 Week 13) with a 47-10 win at Detroit. Their 47 points over the
Lions on Thanksgiving Day were the most by the Titans since 2004 (48 at G.B., 10/11/04), and the 37-point margin
of victory was the club's highest since 1990 (44 vs. Cle., 12/9/90).
The Titans rushed 46 times for 292 yards. Chris Johnson led the team with 125 yards, while LenDale White
contributed 106 yards on the ground. It was the seventh game in team history in which two players topped 100
rushing yards. Johnson and White each scored a pair of touchdowns in the first half.
The Titans defense limited the Lions to 154 total yards, the lowest output by a Titans opponent
since the Dallas Cowboys totaled 95 yards on Dec. 25, 2000. The Lions did not convert
a third down in 11 attempts and were forced into three turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Browns, currently in third place in the AFC North, hosted the Indianapolis
Colts last week. They limited the Colts to just 215 total yards and forced three turnovers, but the
Colts were able to escape with a 10-6 victory. Two weeks ago they hosted another AFC South
team, the Houston Texans. The Texans took an early lead and hung on for a 16-6 victory.
Derek Anderson returned to the starting lineup at quarterback for the Browns after
Brady Quinn was placed on injured reserve last week. Anderson, who started the first eight
games of the season, completed 16 of 26 passes for 110 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an injury.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-8)
The Browns aim for their 4th consecutive win against the Titans for 1st time since 12/15/85 QB KEN DORSEY will make 1st NFL start since 11/27/05 against the Titans (w/the 49ers) Browns are 5-0 when RB
JAMAL LEWIS has 25+ carries. Lewis (793) needs 207 yards to become 1st Browns RB since MIKE PRUITT to gain 1,000 rush
yards in consecutive seasons. For career, RB JEROME HARRISON averages 6.2 yards per carry (72 attempts, 446 yards) In past 2 road games, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS averages 84.0 receiving yards per game (168 total). WR DONTE' STALLWORTH
(292) needs 8 rec. to reach 300 for career. Stallworth attended Univ. of Tennessee Club has posted 7 INTs in
past 3 Rookie LB ALEX HALL (7th round, No. 231) is tied for 1st among AFC rookies with 3 sacks Including playoffs, LB WILLIE MC GINEST has 3.5 sacks against Titans CB BRANDON MC DONALD has
2 INTs in past 3 & has career-high 3 INTs in 2008
TENNESSEE TITANS (11-1)
The Titans aim for their 1st 12-1 start in franchise history Dating back to 12/16/07, Titans have won 14
of past 15 Since 2007, club is 18-3 (.857) when posting 30+ rush attempts QB KERRY COLLINS has 11-4 (.733)
record as starter with the Titans In past 4, Collins has completed 75 of 121 passes (62.0 pct.) for 889 yards with 6 TDs
vs. 1 INT & 97.4 passer rating. In 2 career meetings against Cle., Collins completed 33 of 61 passes (54.1 pct.) for 389
yards with 4 TDs vs. 1 INT & 88.8 passer rating Rookie RB CHRIS JOHNSON (1st round, No. 24) ranks 2nd in AFC
with 958 rush yards. Needs 42 rush yards to become 2nd rookie NFL RB with 1,000 yards in 2008 (MATT FORTÉ). RB LEN DALE
WHITE is tied for NFL lead with 13 rush TDs (MICHAEL TURNER) WR JUSTIN GAGE averages 18.9 yards per catch in 2008
(24 receptions for 453 yards) TE BO SCAIFE has career-high in rec. (48) & receiving yards (498) in 2008 -
Defense tied for 2nd in AFC with 17 INTs CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN is tied for 2nd in NFL with 5 INTs (2 others
have 5) LB KEITH BULLUCK aims for 110th consecutive start DT ALBERT HAYNESWORTH has career-high 8.5
sacks in 2008.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-5) AT BUFFALO BILLS (6-6)
The Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins in Toronto at the Rogers Centre this Sunday. This week's game marks
the first ever NFL regular season contest played in Canada.
The Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins meet for the 86th
time in regular season action. The Dolphins lead the series 50-34-1, which stretches back to
their first meeting in 1966.
The Buffalo Bills have won seven of the last nine meetings between the
teams, including two victories last season.
Fourth-quarter turnovers turned a nine-point lead into a nine-point deficit as the Buffalo Bills lost 25-16 to the Miami
Dolphins in Miami on October 26th of this year. QB Chad Pennington passed for 314 yards, 175 of which went to WR Ted Ginn.
Last week, the Bills lost to the San Francisco 49ers 10-3 at home. RB Marshawn Lynch ran for 134 yards on 16 carries,
marking his second 100-plus yard game of the season and the fifth of his career. Buffalo’s defense held San Francisco
to 195 yards of offense. The Miami Dolphins defeated the Saint Louis Rams on the road 16-12.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-5)
The Dolphins have won 5 of past 6 The Dolphins aim for their 11th consecutive game with 300+ total net yards In 4 games vs. AFC East opponents in
2008, QB CHAD PENNINGTON has completed 89 of 134 (66.4 pct.) for 1,132 yards with 6 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 101.3 passer rating.
Including playoffs, his teams are 20-7 (.741) when he has 100+ passer rating. RB RONNIE BROWN has 11 TDs (10 rush, 1 pass)
in past 10 WR TED GINN posted career-high 175 rec. yards (25.0 avg.) on 7 rec. in last meeting In past 2 as
starter, rookie WR DAVONE BESS (undrafted FA) has 11 receptions for 171 yards (15.5 avg.) In 2008, TE ANTHONY
FASANO averages 13.6 yards per catch (23 rec., 312 yards) LB JOEY PORTER has 13.5 sacks in past 10 & leads AFC
& ranks 2nd in NFL with 14.5 sacks. Porter posted 2 sacks in last meeting vs. Buf S YEREMIAH BELL (6) needs 0.5
sack to surpass LIFFORT HOBLEY (6) for most career sacks by Dolphins DB CB WILL ALLEN has 2 INTs in past 3
against Bills
BUFFALO BILLS (6-6)
In 2 career games vs. Dolphins, QB TRENT EDWARDS has 4 TDs vs. 1 INT & 92.0 passer rating. Edwards leads AFC with 108.6 passer rating in 4th quarter. Team is 9-1 (.900) when Edwards has 80+ passer rating. For career vs. Dolphins, QB J.P. LOSMAN has 7 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 99.2 passer rating RB MARSHAWN LYNCH is averaging 110.6 rush yards per game in past 3 & has 100 yards in 2 of past 3. Lynch (43) & RB FRED JACKSON (27) lead NFL RB duos w/70 combined rec. in 2008. WR LEE EVANS averages 18.2 yards per catch in 2008 (49 rec., 890 yards). Evans has rec. in 74 of 76 career games. Evans had 116 rec. yds in last meeting & has 3 100-yard games vs. Dolphins (110, 117, 116) TE ROBERT ROYAL has career-high in rec. (29) & rec. yards (308) in 2008 Rookie CB-KR LEODIS MC KELVIN (1st round, No.11) ranks 2nd in NFL with 29.4 KR avg DE RYAN DENNEY posted season-high 2 sacks last week & aims for 3rd consecutive game with at least 1 sack.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-10) AT DENVER BRONCOS (7-5)
The Denver Broncos (7-5), who lead the AFC West by three games with four weeks left in the NFL 2008 regular
season, look to strengthen their playoff chances this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-10).
Denver has won its last seven home games versus Kansas City, outscoring the Chiefs 210-104 in those contests, and has
never lost to the club at INVESCO Field at Mile High, which opened in 2001.
The Broncos and Chiefs have met 96 times in the regular season with the Chiefs leading the series by a 53-43 margin.
In the postseason, the Broncos have played the Chiefs once, defeating the Chiefs 14-10 in a 1997 AFC Divisional
Playoff Game.
With strong running from RB Larry Johnson and a defensive effort that forced four turnovers the Chiefs beat the
Denver Broncos 33-19 earlier this season (9/28/2008). Kansas City RB Larry Johnson
rushed for 198 yards & 2 TDs. Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson had an interception & forced a fumble.
The Broncos can clinch their 11th AFC West title in club history with a win on Sunday coupled with a
San Diego loss vs. Oakland on Thursday.
Last week both teams prevailed on the road.
The Chiefs saw all three phases of their game contribute to a second victory of the season, beating the Raiders by a
20-13 margin in Oakland.
The Denver Broncos won their third consecutive road game and snapped the AFC East-leading New York Jets
five-game winning streak with a 34-17 victory on Sunday at Giants Stadium.
Denver turned two takeaways into 14 points, including a 23-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by safety
Vernon Fox. The Broncos finished the game with a +1 turnover ratio (2 takeaways, 1 giveaway) and improved to
6-0 for the year with an even or positive turnover ratio.
Quarterback Jay Cutler set a Denver single-season record with his sixth 300-yard passing game, completing 27-of-43
passes for 357 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (94.8 passer rating). Cutler, who led a Broncos offense
that averaged 7.1 yards per play (68-484), also became the fastest player in Broncos history to 50 touchdown passes
(33 games).
Broncos rookie running back Peyton Hillis notched his first career 100-yard rushing game with 129 yards on 22
carries (5.9 avg.) and scored a rushing touchdown for the third consecutive game.
Defensively, the Broncos limited Jets quarterback Brett Favre to a 60.9 passer rating (23-43, 247 yds., 0 TD, 1 INT).
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-10)
In his past 6 games, QB TYLER THIGPEN has completed 117 of 193 passes (60.6 pct.) for 1,347 yards with 11 TDs vs. 4
INTs & 92.0 passer rating. In 2008, Thigpen has totaled 251 rush yards (6.6 avg.) on 38 attempts In past 4 against Broncos, RB LARRY JOHNSON averages 155.2 rush yards per game (621 total) & has 4 100-yard rush
games (140, 126, 157, 198). the Chiefs is 4-1 (.800) when Johnson has 100+ yards against the Denver Broncos the Chiefs are
12-1 (.923) when Johnson has 30+ attempts TE TONY GONZALEZ extended reception streak to 127 last week – streak is
2nd in NFL history among TEs (OZZIE NEWSOME, 150). Gonzalez aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100 receiving yards (113,
110) WR DWAYNE BOWE has 3 TDs in past 3 games & has career-high 6 TD receptions in 2008 LB DERRICK
JOHNSON posted 1 INT & 1 FF in last meeting Rookie CBs BRANDON FLOWERS (2nd round, No. 35) & BRANDON CARR
(5th round, No. 140) have 2 INTs apiece S JARRAD PAGE needs 1 INT to surpass career-high (3 in 2006 & 2007)
DENVER BRONCOS (7-5)
In 3 career starts against Chiefs, QB JAY CUTLER is 2-1 (.667) & has completed 66 of 105 passes (62.9 pct.) for 797 yards with 6 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 93.2 passer rating. Club is 9-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating Rookie FB PEYTON HILLIS (7th round, No. 227) posted career-high 129 rush yards (5.9 avg.) on 22 attempts with 1 TD last week. Hillis aims for 4th consecutive game with rush TD. Hillis averages 12.9 yards per reception (13 rec., 168 yards). For career, RB TATUM BELL averages 6.0 yards per carry vs. Chiefs (37 attempts, 223 yards) In past 3 against the Chiefs, WR BRANDON MARSHALL averages 92.3 receiving yards per game (277 total). Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (2nd round, No. 42) leads NFL rookies with 63 catches. WRs Marshall (72 rec., 942 receiving yards) & Royal (63 rec., 757 receiving yards) have totaled 135 receptions for 1,699 yards TE TONY SCHEFFLER tied career-high with 7 receptions last week CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE' BLY (40) rank 1st & 2nd among CBs for most INTs since '99 DE ELVIS DUMERVIL has 4 sacks in past 3 against the Chiefs.
NEW YORK JETS (8-4) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-8)
The Jets travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers. The Jets finished the month of November with a 4-1 record,
the Jets best November since the team won all four of their November games in 2002, the year the Jets finished
9-7 after a 1-4 start and won the AFC East title. The Jets were also 4-1 in Nov. 1998, when they also won the AFC East
and advanced to the AFC Championship game.
This will be the 11th meeting between the two. The 49ers lead the series against the Jets with an 8-2 record. The
two teams last played in the Meadowlands on October 17, 2004. The Jets won 22-14 as New York RB Curtis Martin ran for
111 yards & 2 TDs as the Jets rallied to its first 5-0 start in franchise history.
Last week, the Denver Broncos snapped the AFC East-leading New York Jets five-game winning streak with a 34-17 victory
at the Meadowlands. The Broncos converted two takeaways into 14 points, including a 23-yard fumble recovery for a
touchdown by safety Vernon Fox.
Quarterback Jay Cutler set a Denver single-season record with his sixth 300-yard passing game, completing 27-of-43
passes for 357 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (94.8 passer rating). Jets quarterback Brett Favre to a
60.9 passer rating (23-43, 247 yds., 0 TD, 1 INT).
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Bills in Buffalo 10-3 in what turned out to be a defensive contest.
NEW YORK JETS (8-4)
The Jets have won 5 of their past 6 & aim for their 4th consecutive road win For his career, QB BRETT FAVRE is 7-0 against 49ers in regular season with 88.8 passer rating. In 2 games vs. NFC
in 2008, Favre has 7 TDs vs. 1 INT & 129.4 rating. Including postseason, Favre's teams are 97-8 (.924) when he posts 100+
rating RB THOMAS JONES leads AFC with 1,088 rush yards & is averaging 121.7 rush yards per game in past 4 (487
total). Jones has 12 TDs in past 8 (10 rush, 2 rec.) & aims for 7th consecutive game with TD. Since 2007, Jets are 9-1
when Jones has TD. Jones averages 121.5 rush yards per game when posting 20+ attempts in 2008 (609 total in 5 gms). In
last meeting vs. the 49ers (w/ Bears on 10/29/06), Jones gained 111 yards (4.8 avg.) on 23 attempts with 1 TD. RB LEON WASHINGTON
has 4 TDs in past 3 (2 rush, 1 rec., 1 KR) WR LAVERANUES COLES had 9 rec. for 119 yards (13.2 avg.) in last
meeting vs. the 49ers In past 4, rookie TE DUSTIN KELLER (1st round, No. 30) has 27 rec. for 313 yards
(11.6 avg.) with TD. Keller has 20 1st-down receptions in past 4 LB CALVIN PACE (5) needs 2 sacks to
surpass career-high (6.5 in 2007 w/Az) Rookie CB DWIGHT LOWERY posted 1st career INT last week Since '01, Jets lead NFL with 11 KR-TDs
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-8)
The 49ers have 53 plays of 20+ yards, 2nd most in NFL this season QB SHAUN HILL posted 96.5 passer
rating last week. Has rating of 95.0+ in 6 of 8 career games. Has 4-2 (.667) record as starter RB FRANK GORE
is 1 of 2 players to hold or share team lead in rushing yards (926) & receptions (39). Since start of 2006, Gore has 4,998
scrimmage yards (3,723 rush, 1,275 rec.), tops in NFC. This season, Gore ranks 4th in NFL with 1,280 scrimmage yards (926
rush, 354 rec.) WR ISAAC BRUCE has 14,734 rec. yards, most among active players. Had 5 catches for 86 yards
(17.2 avg.) & TD in last meeting (1/2/05 with StL). Aims for 3rd in row with TD catch LB TAKEO SPIKES has
3 INTs this season, tied for most among LBs. Spikes & LB PATRICK WILLIS each had FF last week. CB NATE CLEMENTS had
58-yard INT-TD in last game vs. NYJ (12/10/06 with Buf.). Has started 116 consecutive games, 2nd longest streak among
active CBs. DE JUSTIN SMITH had 1.5 sacks last week.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-5) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-10)
The Patriots travel to play the Seahawks in Seattle for the first time in 15 years,
kicking off the final month of the NFL regular season.
The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks meet for the 15th time and just
the second time since 1993. The series between the two is tied at 7 wins each.
This is the first time the Patriots will play at Qwest Field. The Patriots have not
played a regular-season game in Seattle since Sept. 17, 1993.
The last time the two squared off was in 2004 (October 17) when The Patriots won by a 30-20 score at
Gillette Stadium to end a five-game losing streak against the Seahawks. New England RB Corey Dillon ran for 105 yards
and scored 2 TDs, including the game-clinching TD with 1:55 remaining.
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, the Patriots are 17-1 (.944) in games
following a loss, including a 4-0 record in such games this season. New England fell
to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, 33-10. Over the last five-plus seasons (2003-08), the Patriots have only
lost back-to-back games on one occasion (Nov. 5 and Nov. 12, 2006).
Last week, the New England Patriots fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 33-
10 at home to fall to 7-5 on the season. The teams were tied 10-10 at halftime,
but the Steelers pulled away with 23 second-half points. On a 34-degree, rainy late afternoon,
New England turned the ball over on five straight possessions in the second half, leading to four
Pittsburgh scoring drives, two of which began inside the Patriots’ 10-yard line.
Kevin Faulk led the way for the Patriots offensively, recording his second straight game with more than
100 scrimmage yards, and led the Patriots with 73 rushing yards and also paced the club with seven receptions
and 48 receiving yards. The Patriots gained 122 rushing yards – the highest total gained on the ground against
Pittsburgh this season. New England also gained 267 total net yards – the third highest total against the Steelers
top-ranked defense this season.
Last week, the Seattle Seahawks were carved up the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day 34-9. The Seahawks fell behind
the Dallas Cowboys early on Thanksgiving Day and could not make up the difference.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck was sacked seven times and could not find the end zone while Dallas limited the Seahawks
to three field goals.
Dallas scored on the opening drive with the first of three Tony Romo touchdown passes - this one a 16-yard completion to
tight end Martellus Bennett.
Seattle marched the ball right back down the field; however, a Julius Jones fumble at the
Cowboys’ 28-yard line thwarted the drive. Dallas converted the turnover into another touchdown with a Marion Barber 2-yard
scoring run.
The Seahawks moved into scoring position for
the first of Olindo Mare’s three field goals. After Mare’s 44-yard field goal made the score 14-3, Dallas added another 10 ponts
with a Romo-to-Jason Witten touchdown pass and a Nick Folk 41-yard field goal. Another Mare field goal just before half made
the score 24-6 at the break. Mare added a third-quarter field goal, but Dallas again found the end zone when Romo connected
with Terrell Owens on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Folk added a fourth-quarter field goal for a 34-9 final.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-5)
The Patriots aim for their 14th consecutive regular season win vs. an NFC opponent Including postseason, BILL BELICHICK aims for 150th career win as head coach In past 3, QB MATT CASSEL
has completed 79 of 133 passes (59.4 pct.) for 984 yards with 6 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 88.0 passer rating RB KEVIN
FAULK has 226 total yards in past 2 (126 rush yards, 100 receiving yards). Rookie RB BEN JARVUS GREEN-ELLIS has 5 rush
TDs in past 7 In past 3 against Seahawks, WR RANDY MOSS averages 104.3 rec. yards per game (313 yards).
Moss (59) is tied for 2nd in NFL for most 100-yard rec. games (MARVIN HARRISON, 59; JERRY RICE, 76). Moss aims for
4th consecutive game with 100 or more yards against NFC (100, 111, 102) Since 2007, WR WES WELKER leads
NFL with 196 receptions. Averaging 105.7 rec. yards per game in past 4 vs. NFC. Welker has 100+ rec. yards in 3 of
past 4 DE RICHARD SEYMOUR (7.5) needs 1 sack to surpass career-high (8 in '03) & aims for 5th in row with
0.5+ sack Rookie LB JEROD MAYO leads team with 104 tackles
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-10)
QB MATT HASSELBECK passed for 349 yards in only game vs. hometown team (Westwood, MA). In starts with 10+ attempts,
his teams are 36-12 (.750) when he has 90.0+ rating In last home game, RB MAURICE MORRIS rushed for 103 yards on
14 carries (7.4 avg.) & added TD catch. Seahawks are 10-1 (.909) when he has 15+ attempts In 20 games with 22+ carries,
RB JULIUS JONES has 2,172 rush yards (108.6 per game) & 16 TDs WR DEION BRANCH faces former team for 1st time.
Was 2nd round pick by NE in 2002 & played 4 seasons there (2002-05). Was named MVP of SB XXXIX. Including playoffs, when
he has TD catch, his teams are 19-4 (.826). TE JOHN CARLSON leads NFC rookie TEs with 38 receptions & 456 yards. Tops
team in both categories & aims to join Hall of Famer STEVE LARGENT (1976) as only rookies in franchise history to lead
in both. Had 1st career 100-yard game last week (6 catches, 105 yards) LB JULIAN PETERSON has 26.5 sacks in
48 games with the Seahwaks (including playoffs). CB MARCUS TRUFANT had INT last week.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-10) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (7-5)
The Cardinals resume division play with a game against the St. Louis Rams.
A victory would give Arizona its first-ever NFC West title and the team’s first division
championship since 1975 when in St. Louis.
The Cards look to bounce back from a pair of tough games within a 4-day span against NFC East teams.
On November 27, they hosted the Super Bowl champion Giants and fell 37-29. Arizona then traveled across
the country for a Thanksgiving night showdown at Philadelphia where they lost 48-20.
The Cards can clinch this Sunday with either a home win over the Rams or a 49ers loss to the visiting Jets.
The Rams head to Arizona at 2-10 and are coming off a 16-12 loss to Miami last Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.
WR Torry Holt (850) recorded three receptions to pass Rod Smith (849) for 13th on the NFL’s all-time receptions
list and continuing his streak of 149 consecutive games with a reception, the fourth longest streak among active
NFL players and the 11th all-time.
The Cards & Rams met a little over a month ago (November 2, 2008) in St. Louis where Arizona notched a 34-13 win. In that game,
Arizona QB Kurt Warner threw for 343 yards and 2 TDs. Rookie RB Tim Hightower ran for 109 yards, including a 30-yard TD.
The Cardinals have won four straight vs. the Rams, their longest win streak since the series began.
The Rams lead the all-time series, 31-27-2.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-10)
QB MARC BULGER is 7-4 (.636) as starter vs. the Cardinals and has 17 TDs & has thrown TD in all 11 meetings When RB STEVEN JACKSON has 22+ attempts, Rams are 16-6 (.727). In those 22, Jackson has rushed
for 2,492 yards (113.3 per game) & 17 TDs WR TORRY HOLT has TD catch in 6 of past 7 meetings. Has 89+ rec. yards in 10 of past 12 vs. the Cardinals. Since 2000, Holt leads NFL with 798 receptions & 11,602 yards.
WR DONNIE AVERY is 2nd among NFC rookie WRs with 35 receptions & 499 yards. Averages 14.3 yards per catch. WR DEREK STANLEY had 80-yard TD in last meeting, 1st TD of career S OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE had 52-yard INT-TD
in last game at the Cardinals. Aims for 3rd in row at the Cardinals. with INT. Has 4 INTs, 4 FFs & 1 FR (75-yard TD) in past 9. Has 12 INTs since start of 2007, tied for most in NFL. Aims for 4th in row with FF. Rookie
DE CHRIS LONG leads all rookies with 4.0 sacks
ARIZONA CARDINALS (7-5)
The Cardinals can clinch 1st division title since 1975 are 4-0 within their division this year. Rank 2nd in NFC
averaging 28.2 points per game QB KURT WARNER passed for 3 TDs last week & set franchise record with 20th game
in row with TD pass. Has 109.0 passer rating this year vs. division with 1,263 yards (315.8 per game) & 7 TDs vs. 1 INT.
In his starts with 15+ attempts & 100.0+ rating (including playoffs), his teams are 35-3 (.921) RB TIM HIGHTOWER
leads NFL rookies with 9 rush TDs & is tied with RONALD MOORE for club rookie record. Had career-high 109 rush yards & TD in last meeting WR ANQUAN BOLDIN aims for 3rd in row vs. Rams with TD. Leads NFL with 11 rec. TDs. Needs 58 yards for team-record 4th 1,000-yard season. WR LARRY FITZGERALD has 8 TDs in past 8 meetings. Had 2 TDs last week. WR STEVE BREASTON has 28 catches for 389 yards (97.3 per game) & 1 TD in past 4 at home S ANTREL ROLLE aims for 3rd in row vs. StL with INT-TD. Has 3 INTs (2 TDs) in past 2 meetings. S ADRIAN WILSON is 1 of 4 active Ss with 15+ INTs (18) & 15+ sacks (18.0). In past 5 meetings, has 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs & FR. DT DARNELL DOCKETT aims for 3rd in row vs. StL with sack.
NFL 2008 WEEK 14 SCHEDULE
(All times local)
Thursday, December 4
Oakland at San Diego, 5:00 PM (NFLN)
Sunday, December 7
Miami at Buffalo (Toronto), 4:05 PM
Kansas City at Denver, 2:05 PM
N.Y. Jets at San Francisco, 1:05 PM
Jacksonville at Chicago, 12:00 PM
New England at Seattle, 1:05 PM
Minnesota at Detroit, 1:00 PM
St. Louis at Arizona, 2:15 PM
Houston at Green Bay, 12:00 PM
Dallas at Pittsburgh, 4:15 PM
Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
Atlanta at New Orleans, 12:00 PM
Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 PM
Cleveland at Tennessee, 12:00 PM
Washington at Baltimore, 8:15 PM (NBC)
Monday, December 8
Tampa Bay at Carolina, 8:30 PM (ESPN)
NFL 2008 WEEK 13 RESULTS – NOVEMBER 27, 30- DECEMBER 1
(Home team in CAPS)
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 2008)
Tennessee Titans 47 DETROIT LIONS 10
DALLAS COWBOYS 34 Seattle Seahawks 9
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 48 Arizona Cardinals 20
Sunday, November 30
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 23 New Orleans Saints 20
N.Y. Giants 23 WASHINGTON REDSKINS 7
Atlanta Falcons 22 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 16
Pittsburgh Steelers 33 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 10
Denver Broncos 34 N.Y. JETS 17
San Francisco 49ers 10 BUFFALO BILLS 3
Kansas City Chiefs 20 OAKLAND RAIDERS 13
Baltimore Ravens 34 CINCINNATI BENGALS 3
MINNESOTA VIKINGS 34 Chicago Bears 14
Indianapolis Colts 10 CLEVELAND BROWNS 6
Carolina Panthers 35 GREEN BAY PACKERS 31
Miami Dolphins 16 SAINT LOUIS RAMS 12
Monday, December 1
HOUSTON TEXANS 30 Jacksonville Jaguars 17
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Tony Romo has led the Cowboys to three consecutive wins in spite of a broken pinkie. However, this week is a different
story as the Cowboys pay a visit to the "Blitzburgh" Steelers and the NFLs best defense.
Despite the pinkie injury, Tony Romo comes off a 331-yard three touchdown Thanksgiving Day game performance in which he led
the Dallas Cowboys to touchdowns in their first three possessions and points in its first four that ended in a 34-9 win over the
Seattle Seahawks. But this is a Steelers team with QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER who is 14-4 lifetime against the NFC at the helm of
a consistent offense and a defense that blitzes and distracts opponents into total confusion and ultimate submission.
Eagles Visit NFC East Division Leading Rival Giants in Midst of Burress Saga
Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are back, but the Giants continue to roll. Off their Thanksgiving performances in
the Eagles win 48-20 over the Cardinals, Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB (four TD passes) and RB BRIAN WESTBROOK (110 yards
rushing, two TDs rushing, two receiving) look like they are ready to help the Philadelphia Eagles make a Wild Card run.
However, the Giants will be one tough test as the Giants have not lost an NFC East Division game since
last December and are 6-0 this year at Giants Stadium, their longest home winning streak since seven in a row in 1990.
Redskins Short Trip North to Face Ravens in Beltway Bowl IV
The "Battle of the Beltway" between the Redskins and Ravens pits two strong running, tough defense
teams in the midst of the NFL playoff scramble against one another. The Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens
meet for only the 4th time and first time ever in Baltimore.
Bucs & Panthers to Break NFC South Deadlock on MNF
Finally a Monday Night Football game with serious meaning and some serious implications as these two division rivals
square off tied for first in the NFC South.
The Panthers aren't excited to be facing Bucs QB JEFF GARCIA. Garcia, a tough & resourceful NFL veteran, has beaten
the Carolina the last five times he has faced them. Of course, Panthers QB JAKE DELHOMME has been his effective self
this year, particularly at home. Delhomme has led Carolina to an undefeated 6-0 home record with the Panthers outscoring
their opponents 166-78.
NFL 2008 Week 14 Playoff Races & Playoff Scenarios
Two things are for sure heading into NFL 2008 Week 14: Five NFL teams have been eliminated while no team clinched
a playoff birth in NFL Week 13. Both the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans had an opportunity to clinch playoff
spots last week. However, that never materialized. Both can clinch this week plus a few more teams are in the hunt.
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