NFL's Regular Season Finale & It's All on the Line

Matt Ryan NFL 2008 Week 17 Atlanta Falcons have clinched a playoff berth but are hoping to capture NFC south with a win plus Panthers loss

"Playoffs? I think we're there," says a kidding Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Atlanta Falcons are indeed in the 2008 playoffs, as are six other teams. But the Falcons have an opportunity at improving their standing in the NFC Playoff Race.

At stake for the Falcons, the NFC's number two seed and a first-round playoff bye.

But the journey to the NFL's playoffs has been so challenging this 2008 season that it's easy to see why players might want to double-check to make sure that their team is, indeed, in the NFL postseason.

For teams fighting for the remaining NFL's 5 playoff spots, this is their last-chance. Teams either do it now in NFL 2008 Week 17 or start planning for 2009.

"You win, you keep playing," says defensive end ALEX BROWN of the Chicago Bears, one of 11 teams scrambling for the final five playoff berths.

Jets & Dolphins in an Ironic Twist of Fate

Miami Dolphins (10-5) at New York Jets (9-6) - Sunday, CBS, 4:15 PM ET

When the NFL 2008 season started, not many envisioned the significance of this game.

For the Dolphins it's a straightforward proposition, win and the Dolphins are AFC East champs. For the Jets, they need to win plus rely on either the Bills or Jaguars to win.

A loss for either team means an end to their season.

Dolphins - Jets Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

Bills Could Spring December Upset Versus Patriots

The New England Patriots have defeated the Bills 10 times in a row. However, the Patriots come into Buffalo somewhat wary, after seeing what the Bills accomplished last week in Denver.

The Bills overcame an early 13-point deficit and scored on five consecutive possessions to defeat the Broncos in Denver, 30-23.

Patriots - Bills Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

Win-and-In Opportunity for Cowboys Against Eagles in Philly

Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-6-1) - Sunday, FOX, 4:15 PM ET

Another division battle-royale between old foes fighting for their NFC playoff lives.

The Cowboys control their own destiny, despite losing to the Ravens last week, 33-24. After a 10-3 loss in Washington, the Eagles need to beat the Cowboys and need help in the form of a loss by Tampa Bay, coupled with a loss by either the Bears or Vikings in the final Sunday of the 2008 NFL regular season.

Cowboys - Eagles Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

All or Nothing in Sunday Night's AFC West Battle

Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-8) - Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET

It's an all or nothing proposition for the longtime AFC West rival Broncos and Chargers. The winner captures the AFC West and prepares for the AFC playoffs. The loser goes home and ends their 2008 season. There is no in-between.

Broncos - Chargers Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

Ravens Ready to Clinch AFC Playoff Spot

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) at Baltimore Ravens (10-5) - Sunday, CBS, 4:15 PM ET

After a 2-3 start to the NFL 2008 season, the Ravens have gone 8-2 with first-year head coach John Harbaugh and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to improve to 10-5. And, if they beat the Jaguars at home this Sunday, the Ravens advance to the AFC Playoffs.

Jaguars - Ravens Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

Falcons Playing for NFC 2 Seed & Playoff Game at Home

The Falcons (10-5) host the Saint Louis Rams (2-13) this Sunday wit a chance to capture the NFC South division title and the NFC's number two seed. With that comes a first round bye and a home game the following week.

Rams - Falcons Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

Panthers Find Themselves in Precarious Situation Against Saints

Carolina Panthers (11-4) at New Orleans Saints (8-7) - Sunday, FOX, 1:00 PM ET

Even though the New Orleans Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention, their impact on the NFC South and NFC Playoffs this Sunday can be significant when the Saints host the Carolina Panthers.

For the Panthers the NFC's second seed is on the line. As such, the Panthers find themselves in a vulnerable and precarious situation on the road.

Panther - Saints Week 17 Preview, Analysis & Prediction

 

NFL 1958 Championship: Giants vs Colts The Greatest NFL Game Ever Played

50th Anniversary of the 1958 Championship Game on Regular Season's Final Day

This Sunday, the final day of the NFL 2008 regular season, marks to the day the 50th anniversary of the "Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 NFL Championship sudden-death overtime between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants.

The Baltimore Ravens will conduct special halftime ceremonies at their game against Jacksonville to salute the players who brought Baltimore its 1958 NFL championship.

"None of us on the Colts had really played on a championship team," says one of those Colts who will be honored Sunday, Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver RAYMOND BERRY. "It was a tremendous experience just winning our Western Conference championship and being able to play the Giants at Yankee Stadium for the world championship. We were so thrilled about that, that we really had no idea about the significance of what was going to happen."

 

Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1)

Kansas City Chiefs (2-13)

    In the Chiefs past 4 games on the road, QB TYLER THIGPEN has completed 84 of 131 passes (64.1 pct.) for 895 yards with 6 touchdowns vs. 1 INT & 96.1 passer rating. In 2008, Thigpen has totaled 382 rush yards (6.4 avg.) on 60 attempts
  • - RB LARRY JOHNSON has averaged 129.3 rush yards per game & has 2 games with 100+ rush yards (201, 119) in 3 career meetings against the Bengals.
  • - Rookie RB JAMAAL CHARLES (3rd round, Texas) posted career-high 102 receiving yards (34.0 avg.) on 3 receptions last week
  • - Pro Bowl TE TONY GONZALEZ extended his reception streak to 130 games last week. His streak is the 2nd longest in NFL history among tight ends (OZZIE NEWSOME, 150). This season, Tony Gonzalez leads NFL tight ends in receptions (91), receiving yards (1,005) & touchdowns (9). This is Gonzalez's 4th NFL season with 1,000 or more receiving yards
  • - WR DWAYNE BOWE has a career-high 76 receptions in 2008. Bowe needs 81 receiving yards to become first Chiefs WR to reach 1,000 yards since EDDIE KENNISON in 2005 (1,102)
  • - S JARRAD PAGE has career-high 4 interceptions in 2008

Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1)

  • - The Bengals aim to close out the 2008 season with 3 consecutive wins.
  • - In past 2 games, QB RYAN FITZPATRICK has completed 21 of 38 passes (55.3 pct.) for 264 yards with 2 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions & 94.6 passer rating. Fitzpatrick posted season-high 110.9 passer rating last week
  • - For his career, RB CEDRIC BENSON averages 89.6 rush yards per game when he has 20+ carries & his teams are 6-0-1. In 1 career meeting against the Kansas City Chiefs (member of the Bears 9/16/07), Benson gained 101 yards (4.2 avg.) on 24 attempts. Benson registered career-high 171 rush yards (4.5 avg.) on 38 attempts last week
  • - Since 2007, WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH ranks 2nd in the NFL with 204 receptions behind WES WELKER (221). Houshmandzadeh needs 8 receptions to reach 100 receptions in consecutive seasons & needs 96 receiving yards to reach 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. Houshmandzadeh posted 8 receptions for 145 yards (18.1 avg.) with 2 touchdowns in last meeting against the Kansas City Chiefs
  • - LB DHANI JONES leads the Bengals this season with 154 tackles
  • - CB LEON HALL had a career-high 3 interceptions last week, including a 50-yard interception fo a TD return
  • - DT JOHN THORNTON registered season-best 2 sacks last week.

Detroit Lions (0-15) at Green Bay Packers (5-10)

Detroit Lions (0-15)

  • - Lions QB DAN ORLOVSKY has compiled a career season-high 1,391 yards & 6 starts this year. In his past 6 starts vs. the Packers (including playoff games), QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER has 18 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions. Culpepper has completed 121 of 191 (63.4 pct.) for 1,609 yards & 121.4 rating
  • - Rookie RB KEVIN SMITH leads team with 884 rush yards & 7 rush touchdowns. Smith can become the 6th rookie in Lions franchise history to lead the club in both categories. Last week, Kevin Smith ran for 111 yards & scored a TD
  • - WR CALVIN JOHNSON has a touchdown in 8 of his past 11 games. Johnson leads the Lions with 69 receptions, 1,229 yards (17.8 avg.) & 10 touchdowns. Needs 1 catch to join HERMAN MOORE (1995) as the only Lion with 70 catches. Johnson is also tied for the NFL lead with 7 catches of 40 or more yards. Last time against the Packers, Calvin Johnson had 6 catches for 129 yards & 2 touchdowns
  • - Rookie DE CLIFF AVRIL has 3.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles & 1 fumble recovery in past 5. Ties for NFC rookie lead with 4.0 sacks
  • - K JASON HANSON is 8 of 8 from 50+ yards this year, tied for most 50+ yard FGs in season in NFL history & only player to make 6+ without miss. Has 41 career FGs of 50+ yards, most in NFL history

Green Bay Packers (5-10)

  • - In his last and only start vs. the Detroit Lions, QB AARON RODGERS completed 24 of 38 (63.2 pct.) for 328 yards with 3 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for career-high 117.0 passer rating. Rodgers needs 270 yards passing to join LYNN DICKEY, BRETT FAVRE & DON MAJKOWSKI as only Packers with 4,000+ yards & 25+ touchdowns in one season
  • - RB RYAN GRANT has rushed for 100+ yards & TD in 3 of past 4 at home. Grant has recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career (1,097)
  • - WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 110 games in row, longest streak in Packers history. Drvier needs 99 yards for 5th 1,000-yard season in row. WR GREG JENNINGS has 1,191 yards, 1st 1,000-yard season of career. Had 6 receptions for 167 yards (27.8 avg.) in last meeting. Ties for NFL lead with 7 catches of 40+ yards
  • - The Packers send 2 to the Pro Bowl: S NICK COLLINS (1st) & CB CHARLES WOODSON (5th). In last meeting, Collins (42 yards) & Woodson (41) each had an interception for a touchodwn. Tied for NFC lead with 6 interceptions. Woodson had 2 interceptions in last meeting & has 3 interceptions in past 3 vs. the Detroit Lions DE AARON KAMPMAN has 37.0 sacks since 2006, 3rd most in NFL. Aims for 4th in row vs. the Detroit Lions with 1.5+ sacks. Has 5.5 sacks in past 3 meetings. LB A.J. HAWK had 2.0 sacks in last meeting.

Chicago Bears (9-6) at Houston Texans (7-8)

Chicago Bears (9-6)

  • - After Monday's 20-17 overtime victory over the Packers, Bears QB KYLE ORTON is now 21-and-11 as a starter. Orton aims for his 3rd consecutive win vs. an AFC opponents. When Orton has 100.0+ rating, the Bears are 4-0
  • - RB MATT FORTÉ leads NFL rookies with 1,640 scrimmage yards & is tied for the NFL lead in first downs with 82. Matt is the only rookie to lead the Bears in rushing (1,188), receptions (60) & touchdowns (12). FORTÉ joined Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON (1978) & NEAL ANDERSON (1989) as only the Bears with 1,000+ rush yards, 50+ catches & 10+ touchdowns in a single season
  • - WR-PR-KR DEVIN HESTER has 17 touchdowns (7 PR, 5 kick return, 5 receiving), including playoff games. TE GREG OLSEN has a TD catch in 2 of past 3 & is tied for the team lead with Forté (4)
  • - The Bears are tied for the NFL's top spot in takeaways (31 Total: 22 INT, 9 fumble recoveries). LB LANCE BRIGGS was selected to his 4th consecutive Pro Bowl. Briggs is the 7th Bears LB to be selected to 4 or more Pro Bowls. This season Briggs leads the Bears in tackles & surpassed 100-tackle mark for 5th season in row. DT TOMMIE HARRIS has 3.0 sacks in past 5. Bears have won 12 of past 15 when Harris has at least one sack. The Bears are 14-5 (.737) when CB CHARLES TILLMAN has an interception. S KEVIN PAYNE leads team with career-high 4 interceptions. DE ALEX BROWN had 5th career INT last week & blocked FG

Houston Texans (7-8)

  • - The Texans have scored 335 points this season which is their second best mark ever (379 in 2007)
  • - In past 3 games vs. NFC North opponents in 2008, QB MATT SCHAUB has completed 65 of 89 passes (73.0 pct.) for 820 yards with 4 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 107.0 passer rating. Schaub (2,715) needs 285 passing to reach 3,000 for 1st time in career
  • - Rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) ranks 3rd in AFC with 1,190 rush yards (4.8 avg.) on 248 att. & 8 touchdowns. Slaton (1,124) surpassed DOMANICK WILLIAMS (1,188 in 2004) for most rush yards by RB in franchise history last week
  • - In 7 home games in 2008, WR ANDRE JOHNSON averages 134.4 receiving yards per game (941 total) & has 5 games with 100 or more yards. Johnson has career-high 105 rec. for 1,427 receiving yards (13.6 avg.) in 2008. WR KEVIN WALTER leads team with career-high 8 TD receptions & needs 1 TD rec. to surpass Johnson's franchise record of 8 in 2007
  • - TE OWEN DANIELS has career-best in rec. (67) & receiving yards (825) in 2008
  • - Since 2007, DE MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 1st in AFC with 25 sacks
  • - DT AMOBI OKOYE posted 1st sack of season last week.

Tennessee Titans (13-2) at Indianapolis Colts (11-4)

Tennessee Titans (13-2)

  • - The Titans have now won 15 of their past 17 regular season games
  • - If the Titans win, their 14-2 finish will be the best in franchise history
  • - Since 2007, the Titans are 20-3 (.869) when rushing the ball 30 or more times
  • - QB KERRY COLLINS is 13-5 as the Titans starting quarterback. Collins has a 83.7 passer rating in past 2 against Colts
  • - Rookie Pro Bowl RB CHRIS JOHNSON (1st round, No. 24) is 2nd in the AFC with 1,228 rush yards. RB LEN DALE WHITE's 15 rushing touchdowns this season ranks as second best in Titans history. Earl Campbell had 19 in 1979. White has scored 3 touchdowns in past 3 games against the Colts
  • - WR JUSTIN GAGE is averaging 19.1 yards per recpeption this season (34 receptions for 651 yards) & has a career-high 6 touchdowns
  • - TE BO SCAIFE has career-high in receptions (57) & receiving yards (554) in 2008
  • - S MICHAEL GRIFFIN tied career-high with 2 interceptions last week, including an 83-yard interception which he returned for a TD against the Steelers
  • - The Titans defense now ranks first in points allowed (14.1 pts per game)
  • - Rookie DE JASON JONES (2nd round, Eastern Michigan) recorded career-high 3.5 sacks & forced 3 fumbles last week

Indianapolis Colts (11-4)

  • - The Colts are on an 8-game winning streak
  • - If the Colts win, they become the first team in NFL history with 12 or more wins in 6 consecutive seasons
  • - During the Colts 8-game winning streak, QB PEYTON MANNING has completed 202 of 283 passes (71.4 pct.) for 2,153 yards with 16 touchdowns vs. only 3 interceptions & a 107.7 passer rating. Manning needs 93 passing yards to become the first QB in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards 9 times. In past 3 games vs. Titans at home, Manning has 5 touchdowns vs. 1 INT & 112.0 passer rating. Since 2004, Colts are 44-7 (.863) when Manning has 2+ touchdowns
  • - RB DOMINIC RHODES has career-highs this season in receptions (45), receiving yards (302) & touchdown receptions (3).
  • - WR REGGIE WAYNE (1,130) has now attained 1,000 receiving yards in 5 consecutive seasons. Wayne aims for 3rd consecutive 100+ receiving yards game (104, 108)
  • - Since 2007, TE DALLAS CLARK is tied for 1st in NFL among tight ends with 17 touchdowns (ANTONIO GATES). In past 2, Clark is averaging 123.5 rec. yards per game & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100 or more yards
  • - CB KEIWAN RATLIFF posted 1st career INT-TD return on 35-yard return last week.

New York Giants (12-3) at Minnesota Vikings (9-6)

New York Giants (12-3)

  • - Including playoffs, Eli Manning is 26-7 over his past 33 starts
  • - The Giants rushed for 301 yards last week, their most since 1959. RB BRANDON JACOBS has 9 rush touchdowns in his past 6 game, including career-high 3 last week. When he has 100+ yards, the Giants are 8-1. The Giants are 25-5, when Jacobs has 10 or more rushing attempts (including playoff games).
  • - RB DERRICK WARD ran for a career-high 215 yards last week against the Panthers. The 215 yards was the 4th highest in Giants history. Ward needs 52 yards to attain his 1st 1,000-yard rushing season
  • - The New York Giants' BRANDON JACOBS (1,089) and DERRICK WARD (948) look to become only the fourth set of running-back teammates to rush for 1,000 yards each in the same NFL season. The last running back duo to reach the milestone was KEVIN MACK and EARNEST BYNER of the 1985 Cleveland Browns.
  • - Jacobs and Ward give a big amount of the credit for their seasons to their offensive line of LT DAVID DIEHL, LG RICH SEUBERT, C SHAUN O'HARA, RG CHRIS SNEE and RT KAREEM MC KENZIE.
  • - The running back duos to rush for 1,000 yards apiece in the same NFL season: 1985 Cleveland Browns - Kevin Mack (1,104) and Earnest Byner (1,002); 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers - Franco Harris (1,128) and Rocky Bleier (1,036); 1972 Miami Dolphins - Larry Csonka (1,117), Mercury Morris (1,000).
  • - Including playoffs, the Giants have won 9 in a row when WR AMANI TOOMER has TD catch. TE KEVIN BOSS leads the Giants with 6 TD catches which is also his career-high.
  • - DE Tuck has 15.0 sacks in past 16 (including Super Bowl XLII). When Tuck has a sack (including playoff games), the Giants are 13-4

Minnesota Vikings (9-6)

  • - QB TARVARIS JACKSON completed 10 of 12 (83.3) for 129 yards with 1 TD for 139.2 rating in his only start vs. the New York Giants
  • - RB Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,657 yards which is also a Vikings record. Peterson has compiled 1,205 yards & scored 6 touchdowns over past 10 games, including 7 100-yard games
  • - Also, the second-year running back needs only two yards to join a short list of players who have rushed for at least 3,000 yards in their first two NFL seasons.
  • - Running backs who have rushed for 3,000 yards in their first two seasons. Eric Dickerson (1983-84 Los Angeles Rams) 3,913 yards; Edgerrin James (1999-00 Indianapolis Colts) 3,262 yards; Earl Campbell (1978-79 Houston Oilers) 3,147 yards; Clinton Portis (2002-03 Denver Broncos) 3,099 yards.
  • - Adrian Peterson also is poised to enter an even more exclusive category of players who have led their conference in rushing in each of their first two seasons. Peterson rushed for an NFC-best 1,341 yards in being named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and currently leads the NFL with 1,657 yards.
  • - Running backs who have lead their conference in rushing yards in their first two seasons: Earl Campbell (Houston Oilers 1978-79) 1,450 and 1,697 yards; Eric Dickerson (Los Angeles Rams 1983-84) 1,808 and 2,105 yards; Edgerrin James (Indianapolis Colts 1999-2000) 1,553 and 1,709 yards
  • - RB CHESTER TAYLOR has a TD in 4 of past 5 games
  • - TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE had career-high 7 catches, 136 yards & 2 touchdowns last week. Including playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 21 touchdowns & 15 have been 30+ yards. WR SIDNEY RICE had 60-yard TD in last meeting

Cleveland Browns (4-11) at Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)

Cleveland Browns (4-11)

  • - QB BRUCE GRADKOWSKI makes his first career start with the Cleveland Browns.
  • - Cleveland is 5-0 when RB JAMAL LEWIS has 25+ attempts. Lewis needs 92 yards to become the first Brown since MIKE PRUITT to gain 1,000 rush yards in consecutive seasons
  • - For his career against the Steelers, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS averages 19.2 yards per catch (20 receptions, 384 yards). Edwards aims for his 58th consecutive game with a recpetion. WR DONTE' STALLWORTH (295) needs 5 receptions to reach 300 for his career
  • - T JOE THOMAS earned his 2nd consecutive Pro Bowl selection
  • - The Browns are tied for 2nd in NFL with 22 interceptions (Chicago) & have 12 interceptions over the past 6 games
  • - S SEAN JONES has 3 interceptions in past 5 games
  • - CB BRANDON MC DONALD has career-high 5 interceptions in 2008
  • - Pro Bowl DT SHAUN ROGERS aims for 2nd consecutive game with sack against the Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)

  • - The Steelers clinched their 2nd consecutive AFC North division title under head coach MIKE TOMLIN
  • - The Steelers have 10 consecutive wins vs. the Cleveland Browns
  • - Steelers aim for their 4th season with 12 or more victories since 1994
  • - QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER (3,193) needs 321 passing yards to surpass his previous career season-high of 3,513 passing yards (2006). Roethlisberger is 8-0 vs. the Cleveland Browns. with 12 touchdowns passes vs. 6 interceptions for a 96.8 passer rating. Including playoffs, when Roethlisberger has 100+ passer rating, the Steelers are 29-2 (.935).
  • - RB WILLIE PARKER aims for 5th consecutive game with 100+ yards vs. the Cleveland Browns. In the last 4 games against the Browns, Parker has rushed for 223, 109, 105 and 105 yards.
  • - WR HINES WARDS needs 27 receiving yards to record his 5th season with 1,000 yards receiving. Ward has 4 100-yard receiving games this season & needs 1 more to surpass his career-high of 4 which he has accomplished twice (2002 & 2005).
  • - WR SANTONIO HOLMES has 3 touchdown receptions in past 4. TE HEATH MILLER has 2 TD receptions in past 3 vs. the Cleveland Browns
  • - The Steelers rank 2nd in NFL with 48 sacks. The Dallas Cowboys lead the NFL with 53 sacks.
  • - The Steelers defense now ranks 2nd in points allowed (14.9 points per game).
  • - Pro Bowl LB JAMES HARRISON (16) & LB LA MARR WOODLEY (11.5) have totaled 27.5 sacks in 2008. Last week, Harrison (16) surpassed MIKE MERRIWEATHER (15 in 1984) for most sacks in Steeler franchise history.
  • - LB JAMES FARRIOR was selected to his 2nd Pro Bowl.

Oakland Raiders (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)

Oakland Raiders (4-11)

  • - The Raiders aim for their 3rd consecutive win over the Buccaneers
  • - QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 35 of 57 passes (61.4 pct.) for 478 yards with 4 touchdowns vs. 1 INT & 104.3 passer rating in his past 2 games
  • - Over the past 5 games, RB JUSTIN FARGAS has averaged 80.4 rushing yards (402 rushing yards total).
  • - Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) has 92 rushing and 109 receiving yards in his last 2 games.
  • - WR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS averages 19.6 yards per catch (16 receptions, 314 yards) in 2008 & aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception. In addition, Higgins is tied for 1st in NFL with 3 punt returns for TDs. Higgins ranks 2nd in AFC this season with 12.6 yard punt return average
  • - TE ZACH MILLER leads the Raiders with 54 receptions for 744 yards (13.8 average) & can become the first Raiders tight end to lead the team in both receptions & yards since TE TODD CHRISTENSEN in 1986
  • - Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (7) is tied for 1st in NFL for most interceptions among LBs with BRIAN URLACHER
  • - Rookie DE TREVOR SCOTT (6th round, Buffalo) leads NFL rookies with 5 sacks
  • - DE DERRICK BURGESS posted season-high 2 sacks last week
  • - In past 3 games, KR-CB JUSTIN MILLER is averaging 28.4 yards per kick return (16 kick return, 454 yards) with 2 kick return touchdowns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)

  • - QB JEFF GARCIA has completed 53 of 77 (68.8 pct.) for 618 yards with 6 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for 118.9 passer rating in 2 starts vs. the Raiders. Garcia aims for 3rd in row vs. the Raiders with 110.0+ passer rating. When Garcia has 95.0+ rating as a starter including playoff games, his teams are 36-13.
  • - RB WARRICK DUNN is 1 of 6 players in NFL history with 10,000+ rush yards (10,930) & 500+ receptions (508).
  • - Pro Bowl rookie KR-PR CLIFTON SMITH looks to become the 3rd player in NFL history to lead in both kick return & punt return average
  • - WR ANTONIO BRYANT has 23 catches for 435 yards (145.0 per game) & 4 touchdowns in past 3. Aims for 5th in row with TD catch & 4th in row with 100+ yards
  • - LB DERRICK BROOKS was selected to his 11th Pro Bowl, 2nd most by a linebacker in NFL history. Brooks returned an interception for a 44-yard TD in the Bucs 48-21 victory over the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. When Brooks returns an interception for a touchdown (including playoff games), the Buccaneers are 7-0.
  • - CB RONDE BARBER has 11 career defensive touchdowns (fumble recovery & INT), most among active players & 3rd all-time.
  • - DE KEVIN CARTER has 104.5 career sacks & is 1 of 2 active players with 100.0+ sacks. Rookie CB AQIB TALIB leads NFL rookies with 4 interceptions.

Seattle Seahawks (4-11) at Arizona Cardinals (8-6)

Seattle Seahawks (4-11)

  • - QB SENECA WALLACE has a 108.5 passer rating, completing 53 of 78 (67.9 pct.) for 613 yards with 4 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions in his last 3 starts.
  • - QB MATT HASSELBECK has won 7 of 11 starts vs. the Cardinals
  • - Seahawks are 12-1 (.923) when RB MAURICE MORRIS has 15+ attempts. Last week in the Seahawks 13-3 victory over the Jets, Morris rushed for 116 yards. Morris had a TD reception earlier this season against the Cardinals.
  • - In 20 games with 22+ carries, RB JULIUS JONES has 2,172 rush yards (108.6 per game) & 16 touchdowns.
  • - RB T.J. DUCKETT had 2 touchdowns in last game against Cardinals.
  • - Including playoffs, when WR DEION BRANCH has TD catch, his teams are 19-5 (.792).
  • - TE JOHN CARLSON leads NFC rookie tight ends with 53 receptions & 613 yards this season. Carlson leads the Seahawks in both categories & aims to join Hall of Famer STEVE LARGENT (1976) as only rookies in Seahawks franchise history to lead in both
  • - CB MARCUS TRUFANT had career-high 3 interceptions vs. the Cardinals. (12/9/07), including 84-yard INT-TD. CB JOSH WILSON had a 58-yard INT & forced fumble in last meeting. Wilson had 2 interceptions & sack last week versus the Jets. DE DARRYL TAPP had sack & fumble recovery in last meeting

Arizona Cardinals (8-6)

  • - With 85 yards on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver STEVE BREASTON can reach the 1,000-yard mark and join Pro Bowl teammates ANQUAN BOLDIN (1,038) and LARRY FITZGERALD (1,301) as only the fifth trio in NFL history with 1,000 receiving yards apiece in a season. Breaston needs eight catches for the threesome to be the first in NFL history with 80 receptions each.
  • - The trios in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards each in a season:
    2004 Indianapolis Colts - Reggie Wayne (1,210), Marvin Harrison (1,113), Brandon Stokley (1,077);
    1995 Atlanta Falcons - Eric Metcalf (1,189), Bert Emanuel (1,039), Terance Mathis (1,039);
    1989 Washington Redskins - Gary Clark (1,229), Art Monk (1,186), Ricky Sanders (1,138);
    1980 San Diego Chargers - John Jefferson (1,340), Kellen Winslow (1,290), Charlie Joiner (1,132)
  • - The Cardinals placed 5 players on this year's NFC Pro Bowl Squad: WRs ANQUAN BOLDIN (3rd) & LARRY FITZGERALD (3rd), ST SEAN MOREY (1st), QB KURT WARNER (4th) & S ADRIAN WILSON (2nd).
  • - The Cardinals are 11-4 at home under head coach KEN WHISENHUNT including a 5-2 mark at home this season.
  • - Kurt Warner has 4 300-yard games in his 6 starts vs. the Seahawks, including 395 yards in their 26-20 win over the Seahawks earlier this season. In starts with 15+ attempts and 100.0+ rating (including playoff games), Warner's teams are 35-3 (.921)
  • - RB TIM HIGHTOWER leads NFL rookies with 10 rush touchdowns & set club rookie record. RB J.J. ARRINGTON had 2 touchdowns in last meeting
  • - In last meeting, WRs Boldin (13 catches, 186 yards) & Fitzgerald (10, 151) became 3rd set of teammates to have 10+ catches & 150+ yards in game. Fitzgerald had career-long 78-yard TD last week. WR STEVE BREASTON has 915 yards & needs 85 to reach 1,000. Can be 5th team in NFL history with 3 1,000-yard receivers in season
  • - S Wilson is 1 of 4 active safeties with 15+ interceptions (18) & 15+ sacks (18.5). Had sack & FF in last meeting. Rookie CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE had career-high 2 interceptions in last meeting. LB KARLOS DANSBY had INT in last game vs. the Seahawks.

Washington Redskins (8-7) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9)

Washington Redskins (8-7)

  • Four Redskins were selected to this season's NFC Pro Bowl Roster: TE CHRIS COOLEY (2nd), RB CLINTON PORTIS (2nd), T CHRIS SAMUELS (6th) & FB MIKE SELLERS (1st)
  • - QB JASON CAMPBELL leads the NFL with a 1.3 interception percentage (only 6 interceptions in 476 passing attempts). The Redskins lead the NFL with fewest interceptions (6) this season. Campbell has 3,089 passing yards which is his 1st 3,000-yard season of career
  • - Clinton Portis is tied for the NFL lead in first downs this season with 82. Portis ranks 2nd with 1,625 scrimmage yards (1,407 rush, 218 receiving). Portis aims for his 3rd performance in a row against the 49ers with 100 or more yards. When Portis rushes for 100+ yards, his teams are 33-10 (.767). In last meeting, Portis rushed for 101 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.
  • - FB Sellers had career-high 2 touchdown receptions in last meeting
  • - WR SANTANA MOSS had 5 catches for 112 yards & 1 TD in last meeting. WR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL has 28 career touchdowns (16 rec., 6 PR, 5 pass., 1 kick return), including playoff games. In last game vs. the 49ers, had 32-yard TD catch. TE Cooley has 28 touchdowns since 2004, most among NFC tight ends
  • - LB-DE JASON TAYLOR is active leader with 120.5 sacks. DE ANDRE CARTER was 1st round pick by the 49ers in 2001 (No. 7 overall). Played 5 seasons in the 49ers (2001-05) & had 32.0 sacks. CB DE ANGELO HALL had INT in last game vs. the 49ers

San Francisco 49ers (6-9)

  • - The 49ers have 51 pass plays of 20 or more yards this season, 2nd most in NFC
  • - QB SHAUN HILL has posted passer rating of 95.0+ in 7 of 11 career games, including 4 of past 6. Hill has 6-3 record as a starter
  • - Since the start of the 2006 season, RB FRANK GORE has 5,063 scrimmage yards (3,775 rush, 1,288 rec.), 2nd most in NFC. Gore ran for a 72-yard TD in last meeting
  • - Last week, WR ISAAC BRUCE became the 5th player in NFL history with 1,000 catches (1,001). Bruce's 14,936 career receiving yards now ranks him 2nd all-time. Bruce had 9 catches for 148 yards & 1 TD in last game vs. the Redskins.
  • - WR JOSH MORGAN had career-long 48-yard TD last week
  • - LB PATRICK WILLIS was named to 2nd consecutive Pro Bowl.
  • - LB TAKEO SPIKES has 3 interceptions this season, tied for most among NFC LBs. Had sack last week. Defense is tied for 3rd in NFC with 44.9 TD pct. in red zone (22 touchdowns, 49 possessions). DE JUSTIN SMITH had sack last week & has sack in 3 of past 4. LB PARYS HARALSON has 4.5 sacks in past 6. Leads club with career-high 8.5 sacks.

NFL's Regular Season Finale & It's All on the Line - NFL 2008