NFL 2008 RSS
"But that’s OK. It doesn’t matter to us as long as we keep winning. But I do think we’re getting harder and harder to ignore."
The Chicago Bears won’t be doing any ignoring this Sunday when they welcome back an injured-reserve member of their 1985 Super Bowl XX team (and an unofficial coaching aide to BUDDY RYAN in the famed "46" defense) -- the longest- tenured head coach in the NFL, the Titans’ JEFF FISHER.
Only some of the Week 10 games that will be heating up the early-November chill:
DENVER BRONCOS (4-4) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-5) (Thursday night, NFL Network)
Welcome, Brady!
It will be a battle of two first-round quarterbacks as Denver’s JAY CUTLER, who will be starting his 30th consecutive game for the Broncos, goes against BRADY QUINN, making his NFL starting debut.
"We’re going to play hard for whoever is back there," says Browns C HANK FRALEY. "We’re still not out of this. Who knows if we can’t roll out seven wins in a row and get right in the thick of this thing."
Each of the QBs will have defensive forces they will have to contend with. Quinn will have to be wary of Broncos’ DEs EBENEZER EKUBAN and ELVIS DUMERVIL, who between them have seven sacks on the season. Cutler better keep an eye on Browns 6-4, 340-pound NT SHAUN ROGERS, who has been virtually unstoppable the past two weeks with 18 tackles, two sacks, five QB hurries, six tackles-for-loss…and one blocked field goal. "He doesn’t take plays off," says CBS analyst RICH GANNON.
TENNESSEE TITANS (8-0) at CHICAGO BEARS (5-3)
Only twice before!
Two of the best rookie running backs in the NFL will highlight this matchup in which the Titans will seek to remain spotless and the Bears aim to retain the top spot in the NFC North Division.
The youngsters who should play a large role in the outcome Sunday are the only two rookie RBs in the top 10 in rushing in the league – Tennessee’s CHRIS JOHNSON (715 yards) and Chicago’s MATT FORTÉ (641).
Only twice before in history have rookie running backs ranked in the top 10 in rushing with 600 yards apiece squared off:
December 12, 1965
Gale Sayers (Chicago) vs. Ken Willard (San Francisco)
Sayers, 672; Willard, 745
December 21, 1969
Larry Brown (Washington) vs. Calvin Hill (Dallas)
Brown, 827; Hill, 869
For Chicago, it looks like REX GROSSMAN could start at QB with the ankle injury to KYLE ORTON. The six-year veteran led the Bears to a 27-23 win over Detroit last Sunday after replacing Orton by scoring the decisive points on a quarterback sneak. For the Titans, it will be the same man who has taken them to seven of their eight wins – 35-year-old, 14-year QB KERRY COLLINS. His knowledgeable handling of the Tennessee offense has not produced impressive personal statistics – no game over 200 yards passing, but no interceptions in the past three games, either -- but has chalked up win after win. "You feel a lot younger when you’re 8-0," says Collins.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-4) at PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-2)
Peyton vs. Big Ben or old foe Byron.
If the shoulder injury of Steelers QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER prevents him from playing, then the Colts will meet a rival they know well -- former Jacksonville Jaguars QB BYRON LEFTWICH, who was an AFC South foe from 2003-06. The sixth-year QB came on for Roethlisberger in the second half on Monday night and guided the Steelers to a 23-6 win over Washington.
Indy’s third-ranked NFL pass defense will try to tone down Leftwich’s quick release. The trouble for Colts QB PEYTON MANNING – coming off his best game of the year with a 21-of-29 for 254 yards and two-TD performance in a Sunday night win over New England – is that he goes up against the league’s top-rated pass defense and top overall defense that sacked Washington’s JASON CAMPBELL seven times Monday night to retain its lead in most NFL sacks (32).
Perhaps Redskins head coach JIM ZORN summed up best -- in his always picturesque way -- the task Manning will face with Pittsburgh’s pass rush. "When the team they’re playing has to throw," says Zorn, "the Steelers just put their warrior bandana on, and here they come."
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-1) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-3) (Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
Another week, another NFC East battle!
"We’re in the meat of our schedule," says Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB, speaking for both teams. "Philly is my favorite road stadium because the fans absolutely hate everybody that moves in an opponent’s jersey," says Giants DE JUSTIN TUCK, speaking for only his team. "I kind of like being hated."
Well there will be plenty of that when these two longtime rivals clash Sunday night
And the storylines will abound. Two hot teams: The Giants have lost only once this season, the Eagles have won three in a row. Two evenly-matched teams: New York has the NFL’s No. 5 offense, Philly the No. 6. The Giants are No. 3 in defense, the Eagles No. 5. Two stellar quarterbacks: The Giants’ ELI MANNING has a 3-1 record against McNabb, who ranks third in the league in yardage (2,178). Two explosive backs: New York’s power RB BRANDON JACOBS is fifth in the league in rushing yards (680), while the Eagles’ BRIAN WESTBROOK, healthy again, has averaged 114 yards in his past two games and has scored 12 touchdowns in his last eight games against the Giants. And young Giants’ defensive coordinator STEVE SPAGNUOLO goes against the guy he studied under, Philly’s sack-meister JIM JOHNSON.
So bring it on, NFC East! "We’re playing a team that knows us, and we know them," summarizes McNabb.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-6) at ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-3) (Monday night, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)
Mike wants to slow down Kurt and the boys.
But new 49ers head coach MIKE SINGLETARY, that Hall of Fame linebacker, knows it won’t be easy. His Niners’ defense will confront a looks-like-he’s-not-ready-to-retire QB KURT WARNER, who has taken the first-place Cardinals to a three-game lead in the division while posting at least 30 points in five of their past seven games.
Warner throws to the only trio in the NFL with 500 receiving yards apiece – LARRY FITZGERALD (742), ANQUAN BOLDIN (514, with an NFL-leading eight TD catches) and STEVE BREASTON (503).
That all said, the 49ers feel they have attributes that can lead to a win. They topped Arizona twice last year, once with Warner as the starter…new starting QB SHAUN HILL has proven he can play in the league, winning his only two NFL starts last year for the 49ers…and RB FRANK GORE (second in the league in scrimmage yards with 940) has rushed for 212 yards in his last two games against the Cards, averaging 6.1 yards a carry, with three rushing touchdowns.
SCORING AVERAGE HIGHEST IN 26 SEASONS
Through the first half of the season, NFL games are averaging 44.2 points per game, the highest average at
this point in a season since 1983 (44.4).
If that mark holds, it would top the NFL 16-game season record of 43.7 points per game in 1983.
NFL 2008 WEEK 10 SCHEDULE – NOVEMBER 6-10
(All times local)
Byes: Cincinnati, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington
Denver at Cleveland, 8:15 PM (NFLN) - Thursday November 6
Buffalo at New England, 1:00 PM
St. Louis at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 PM
Carolina at Oakland, 1:05 PM
New Orleans at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh, 4:15 PM
Tennessee at Chicago, 12:00 PM
Kansas City at San Diego, 1:15 PM
Jacksonville at Detroit, 1:00 PM
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 8:15 PM (NBC)
Baltimore at Houston, 12:00 PM
Seattle at Miami, 1:00 PM
Green Bay at Minnesota, 12:00 PM
San Francisco at Arizona, 6:30 PM (ESPN - MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 9 RESULTS – NOVEMBER 2-3
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers
N.Y. Jets 26, BUFFALO 17
Miami 26, DENVER 17
CHICAGO 27, Detroit 23
N.Y. GIANTS 35, Dallas 14
CINCINNATI 21, Jacksonville 19
Atlanta 24, OAKLAND 0
Baltimore 37, CLEVELAND 27
Philadelphia 26, SEATTLE 7
Tampa Bay 30, KANSAS CITY 27 (OT)
INDIANAPOLIS 18, New England 15
MINNESOTA 28, Houston 21
Arizona 34, ST. LOUIS 13
TENNESSEE 19, Green Bay 16 (OT)
Pittsburgh 23, WASHINGTON 6 (MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 8 RESULTS – OCTOBER 26-27
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
BALTIMORE 29, Oakland 10
PHILADELPHIA 27, Atlanta 14
CAROLINA 27, Arizona 23
HOUSTON 35, Cincinnati 6
DALLAS 13, Tampa Bay 9
Cleveland 23, JACKSONVILLE 17
Washington 25, DETROIT 17
N.Y. Giants 21, PITTSBURGH 14
MIAMI 25, Buffalo 16
Seattle 34, SAN FRANCISCO 13
NEW ENGLAND 23, St. Louis 16
NEW ORLEANS 37, San Diego 32 (London)
N.Y. JETS 28, Kansas City 24
TENNESSEE 31, Indianapolis 21 (MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 7 RESULTS (OCTOBER 19-20)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles
BUFFALO 23, San Diego 14
HOUSTON 28, Detroit 21
CAROLINA 30, New Orleans 7
GREEN BAY 34, Indianapolis 14
CHICAGO 48, Minnesota 41
OAKLAND 16, N.Y. Jets 13 (OT)
Pittsburgh 38, CINCINNATI 10
WASHINGTON 14, Cleveland 11
Tennessee 34, KANSAS CITY 10
TAMPA BAY 20, Seattle 10
Baltimore 27, MIAMI 13
N.Y. GIANTS 29, San Francisco 17
ST. LOUIS 34, Dallas 14
NEW ENGLAND 41, Denver 7 (MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 6 RESULTS (OCTOBER 12 - 13)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans
ATLANTA 22, Chicago 20
Jacksonville 24, DENVER 17
HOUSTON 29, Miami 28
ARIZONA 30, Dallas 24 (OT)
INDIANAPOLIS 31, Baltimore 3
Philadelphia 40, SAN FRANCISCO 26
MINNESOTA 12, Detroit 10
Green Bay 27, SEATTLE 17
NEW ORLEANS 34, Oakland 3
SAN DIEGO 30, New England 10
N.Y. JETS 26, Cincinnati 14
TAMPA BAY 27, Carolina 3
St. Louis 19, WASHINGTON 17
CLEVELAND 35, N.Y. Giants 14
NFL 2008 WEEK 5 RESULTS (OCTOBER 5 - 6)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Cleveland Browns, N.Y. Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams
Tennessee 13, BALTIMORE 10
DENVER 16, Tampa Bay 13
CAROLINA 34, Kansas City 0
ARIZONA 41, Buffalo 17
Chicago 34, DETROIT 7
DALLAS 31, Cincinnati 22
Atlanta 27, GREEN BAY 24
New England 30, SAN FRANCISCO 21
Indianapolis 31, HOUSTON 27
Pittsburgh 26, JACKSONVILLE 21
MIAMI 17, San Diego 10
N.Y. GIANTS 44, Seattle 6
Washington 23, PHILADELPHIA 17
Minnesota 30, NEW ORLEANS 27 (MNF)
Weekend 10: NFL 2008 Week 10 Matchups & Game Capsules
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
DENVER BRONCOS (4-4) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-5)
The Denver Broncos have won the past 7 games in a row over the Cleveland Browns and lead the series 16 - 5.
The Broncos and Browns last played each other on October 22, 2006. The Broncos defeated the Browns in Cleveland
17 to 7 as the Denver Broncos defense limited Cleveland to 165 total net yards & forced 3 turnovers. In addition,
Broncos RB Tatum Bell rushed for 115 yards & 1 TD.
Last week (NFL 2008 Week 9) both the Broncos and Browns lost at home. The Broncos lost to the Dolphins 26-16, while
the Browns lost to the Ravens 37 - 27.
DENVER BRONCOS (4-4)
The Broncos (399) need 1 win to reach 400 franchise victories Team aims for 8th consecutive
win against the Cleveland Browns QB JAY CUTLER aims for 10th consecutive game with at least 1 TD
pass. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating RB SELVIN YOUNG averages 5.7 yards per carry
in 2008 (47 att. 266 yards). Rookie FB PEYTON HILLIS (7th round, No. 227), totaled career-high 7 receptions
for 116 yards (16.6 avg.) with 1 TD last week WR BRANDON MARSHALL is averaging 89.3 rec. yards
per game in 2008. Marshall (51 receptions, 625 yards) & rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (46 receptions, 461 yards)
have combined for 97 rec. for 1,086 yards. Royal leads NFL rookies with 46 catches CB KARL
PAYMAH posted 1st INT of season last week & 3rd of career DE JARVIS MOSS recorded career-high
2 sacks last week DE EBENEZER EKUBAN spent 2004 w/Browns & aims for 4th consecutive game with
sack
CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-5)
The Cleveland Browns are 6-0 under head coach ROMEO CRENNEL when scoring 30+ points Club’s
1st-round pick in 2007 (No. 22), QB BRADY QUINN will make 1st NFL start Browns are 5-0 when RB JAMAL
LEWIS has 25+ carries. Lewis averages 85 rush yards per game in 3 career meetings vs. Broncos (255 total). RB
JASON WRIGHT posted 1st TD reception of career last week WR BRAYLON EDWARDS is averaging 120 receiving
yards per game (240 total) in past 2 at home with 2 TDs. In only career meeting vs. Denver (w/Saints on 11/21/04),
WR DONTE’ STALLWORTH had 10 catches for 122 yards (12.2 avg.) with 1 TD TE KELLEN WINSLOW had season-high 64 receiving yards last week...Rookie LB ALEX HALL (7th round, No. 231) is tied for 1st among AFC rookies with 3 sacks DT SHAUN ROGERS aims for 4th consecutive game with sack. Rogers has 3.5 sacks in 2 career games against Broncos KR-WR JOSHUA CRIBBS had 278 return yards last week against Ravens (237 KR, 41 PR), including 92-yard KR-TD.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-4) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (5-3)
The New Orleans Saints have won the past against their division rival Atlanta Falcons. However, the Falcons
lead the series by a 43 - 34 margin.
The Saints and Falcons last played one another on Decmber 10, 2007 in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won
34 - 14 thanks to New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees who passed for 328 yards & 3 TDs & RB Aaron Stecker who added
100 yards on the ground on Monday Night Football.
Last week the Saints had a bye after their victory in London over the Chargers (37-32) while the Atlanta Falcons
shut out the Oakland Raiders 24 to 0.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-4)
In 4 starts vs. the Atlanta Falcons with New Orleans, QB DREW BREES is 4-0 & has completed 91 of 133
(68.4 pct.) for 1,087 yards with 7 TDs vs. 1 INT for 107.6 rating. In starts with 10+ att., when Brees has
100.0+ passer rating, his teams are 27-5 (.844). Since joining the Saints in 2006, Brees has passed for 11,404
yards, most in the NFL. Drew Brees leads the NFL with 2,563 yards & has 320+ passing yards in 6 of 8 games RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER has 100+ rush yards in 5 of past 8 meetings. In past 6 vs. the Atlanta Falcons,
McAllister has 669 yards (111.5 per game) & Saints are 5-1 (.833). McAllister has 4 games vs. the Atlanta
Falcons with 2+ rush TDs. When he rushes for 2+ TDs, Saints are 11-3 (.786) In last meeting,
WR MARQUES COLSTON had 9 catches for 92 yards & 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). Averages 27.7 yards per catch (18 rec.,
499 yards) this year. TE JEREMY SHOCKEY has 3 TDs in past 3 vs. Atl S ROMAN HARPER had 31-yard INT-TD in last meeting. DE WILL SMITH has 6.0 sacks & 3 FFs in 8 meetings
ATLANTA FALCONS (5-3)
Atlanta Falcons Rookie QB MATT RYAN is a perfect 3-0 at home. Matt Ryan has completed 43 of 61 (70.5
pct.) for 654 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 121.9 passer rating. In all 3 home starts, Ryan has posted
115.0+ rating. Posted career-best 138.4 rating & 77.3 (17 of 22) comp. pct. last week RB MICHAEL
TURNER ranks 3rd in NFL with 794 rushing yards (99.3 per game). Has 378 yards (126.0 per game) & 5 TDs in 3
home games. Had 139 yards last week. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are 16-3 (.842). RB-KR JERIOUS
NORWOOD had rush TD last week WR RODDY WHITE has 42 catches for 620 yards (103.3 per game) & 5 TDs
in past 6. Aims for 3rd in row vs. NO with TD. WR MICHAEL JENKINS tied career-high with 2 TDs last week. In
last meeting, had career-best 83 yards & tied career-high with 9 receptions (1 TD) DE JOHN ABRAHAM
had career-high 4.0 sacks vs. NO (11/4/01 with the New York Jets). Had 3.0 sacks & FF last week. Has 20.0 sacks in past 23.
Has 77.5 sacks since 2000, 5th-most in NFL. S ERIK COLEMAN had INT last week.
TENNESSEE TITANS (8-0) AT CHICAGO BEARS (5-3)
The Chicago Bears lead the series (5-4) and have won the past 3 games versus the undefeated Tennessee Titans.
The Bears and Titans last met on November 14, 2004 in Tennessee. The Bears won in overtime 19 - 17. In that game,
Chicago Bears DE Mike Haynes returned an interception 45 yards for a TD. DE Adewale Ogunleye registered a safety in overtime
for the Chicago Bears win. The past 3 games in this series have all been decided by 3 points or less.
Last week the Titans defeated the Green Packers at home 19-16 with a game-winning field goal in overtime to stay
undefeated. The Chicago Bears barely beat the winless Detroit Lions at home 27 to 23.
TENNESSEE TITANS (8-0)
After his potential game-winning 47-yard field goal bounced off the right upright
on the final play of regulation, kicker Rob Bironas nailed a 41-yarder to
conclude the first and only drive in overtime and lift the Titans to a 19-16 victory
over Green Bay.
Tennessee marched 55 yards - 45 of them coming from
running back Chris Johnson - on 10 plays before Bironas connected on his
seventh career game-winning kick. Despite allowing 390 total yards, the Titans
defense made two fourth-down stops for the second straight game and
kept the Packers out of the end zone on three of four trips to the red zone.
Defensive end Jacob Ford collected the first two sacks of his career, forcing
a fumble on one that led to a Titans field goal. Safety Chris Hope got his third
interception in two games after picking off an Aaron Rodgers deep ball in the
end zone in the second half.
Head coach JEFF FISHER was 7th-round pick by Bears in 1981 Club aims for 1st 9-0 start in
franchise history Team aims for 4th consecutive win against NFC Dating back to 12/16/07,
Titans have 11 consecutive regular-season wins (longest current streak in NFL) Since 2007, club is
16-3 (.842) when posting 30+ rush att QB KERRY COLLINS has 8-3 (.727) record as starter with the
Tennessee Titans Rookie RB CHRIS JOHNSON (1st round, No. 24) leads AFC with 715 rush yards. Johnson
aims for 4th game in row with rush TD RB LEN DALE WHITE has 5 TDs in past 3 WR JUSTIN GAGE
spent 4 seasons with the Chicago Bears (2003-06). WR BRANDON JONES has 6 1st-down receptions in past 2 Since 2006,
team is 16-2 (.889) when it records 2 or more INTs Defense ranks 1st in AFC with 13 INTs -
S CHRIS HOPE has 3 INTs in past 2 CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN & S MICHAEL GRIFFIN are tied for league
lead with 4 INTs (4 others have 4) DE JACOB FORD had career-high 2 sacks last week
CHICAGO BEARS (5-3)
The Chicago Bears aim for their 4th win in row against the Titans In home starts with 15+
attempts (including playoffs), QB REX GROSSMAN has 12-5 (.706) record. Grossman is 19-8 (.704) as Bears starter
(min. 15 att.) RB MATT FORTÉ rushed for career-high 126 yards last week. Leads NFC rookies with 641 rushing yards, 869 scrimmage yards, & 42 1st downs. Ties for 2nd among NFL rookies with 6 TDs (4 rush, 2 rec.). Has team-high 30 receptions & is 1 of 3 RBs to lead team in both rushing & receptions PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER has 3 TDs (2 PR, 1 KR) in past 4 vs. AFC. All 3 TDs have been 70+ yards (88, 75, 73). WR RASHIED DAVIS had TD catch last week. TE GREG OLSEN has TD catch in 2 of past 3 at home DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE had 1.5 sacks & safety in last meeting. When Ogunleye has 1.5 + sacks, his teams are 13-3 (.813). Bears are 5-0 when DE ALEX BROWN has 2.0+ sacks. Had 2 FFs, FR & 0.5 sack in last meeting. LB HUNTER HILLENMEYER had sack in last game vs. the Tennessee Titans. DT TOMMIE HARRIS had FF in last meeting. Had sack last week & aims for 3rd in row with sack (2.0 sacks in past 2). Rookie S CRAIG STELTZ had 1st career INT last week.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-5) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-8)
The Jaguars lead the series 2-1 and have won the past 2 versus the Detroit Lions. They last played each other
on 11/14/2004 in Jacksonville as the Jaguars defeated the Lions 23 to 17 in overtime. In that game,
QB David Garrard threw for 2 TDs, including 36-yarder to WR Jimmy Smith in OT. Detroit WR-PR Eddie Drummond had
2 punt returns for touchdowns (55 and 83 yards).
Last week both teams lost on the road as the Jaguars fell to the Bengals 21-19 and the Lions lost to the Bears
27 - 23 to remain winless.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-5)
Since 2006, the Jaguars are is 15-4 (.789) when gaining 150+ rush yards In past 5, QB DAVID
GARRARD has completed 114 of 178 passes (64.0 pct.) for 1,224 yards with 5 TDs vs. 1 INT & 91.1 passer rating.
Garrard is 6-0 as starter vs. NFC teams In 2 career meetings against Lions, RB FRED TAYLOR averages
163.5 rush yards per game & aims for 3rd consecutive 100-yard rush game against Detroit (183, 144). Since 2000,
Taylor leads NFL with 13 100-yard rush games against interconference opponents. For career, Taylor averages
111.3 rush yards per game with 20+ carries (7,237 total in 65 games). Team is 15-5 (.750) when Taylor has
25+ att. RB MAURICE JONES-DREW has totaled 4 rush TDs in past 4 WR MATT JONES aims for 4th game
in row with 7+ rec TE MARCEDES LEWIS averages 14.5 yards per catch in past 4 (11 rec., 160 yards)
CB RASHEAN MATHIS has 2 INT-TDs this season Rookie DE DERRICK HARVEY (1st round, No.
8), recorded 1st career sack last week
DETROIT LIONS (0-8)
In their only home meeting vs. the Jaguars, the Detroit Lions won 44-0 QB DAN ORLOVSKY passed
for career-high 292 yards & 2 TDs last week Rookie RB KEVIN SMITH leads team in rushing with 305
yards & 4 rush TDs. Is 1 of 4 rookies to lead club in both rushing & rush TDs. Ranks 2nd on team with 24
receptions, 2nd-most by rookie RB in NFC. In last game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars (10/9/05 with the Cincinnati Bengals), RB RUDI JOHNSON rushed for 76 yards. In games when Johnson has 25+ att., his teams are 18-1 (.947) WR CALVIN JOHNSON had TD last week & aims for 5th in row with TD catch. Has career-high 6 TD catches, including career-long 96-yarder in Week 7. Leads club with 37 receptions & 682 yards, averaging 18.4 yards per catch. On pace for 1st career 1,000-yard season (1,364). WR SHAUN MC DONALD had 14-yard TD catch last week DE DEWAYNE WHITE has sack in 5 of 8 games this year. Has 3.5 sacks, 2 FFs & INT in past 4. DT CORY REDDING aims for 5th in row with 0.5+ sack. Has 3.0 sacks in past 4 K JASON HANSON has 395 FGs, 6th most in NFL history. Has not missed field goal att. this season (10 of 10), including franchise-record 5 of 5 from 50+ yards. Has 38 career 50+ yard FGs, tied for 2nd in NFL history.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (3-5)
The Ravens have won both games in the series versus the Houston Texans. The two teams last played each other
on 12/4/2005 in Baltimore. The Ravens won the game 16 -15. Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover kicked a
38-yard field goal with 6 seconds left in the 4th quarter for the victory. Ravens LB Adalius Thomas had
an interception which he returned for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Last week, the Ravens defeated the Browns in Cleveland 37-27, while the Texans lost to the Vikings
28-21 at Minnesota.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-3)
The Baltimore Ravens aim for their 3rd in a row vs. the Houston Texans In 3 consecutive wins,
rookie QB JOE FLACCO (1st round, No. 18) has completed 46 of 76 passes (60.5 pct.) for 620 yards with 4 TDs vs.
0 INTs & 104.1 passer rating. In 1 career meeting vs. the Houston Texans (w/the Buffalo Bills. on 9/11/05), RB WILLIS MC GAHEE rushed for
117 yards (5.3 avg.) on 22 att. Rookie RB RAY RICE (2nd round, No. 55) posted career-high 21 carries for 154
yards (7.3 avg.) last week Since ’03, WR DERRICK MASON ranks 3rd in NFL with 491 receptions (TORRY
HOLT, 531; CHAD JOHNSON, 499). Mason posted 2nd 100-yard receiving game of season last week (136) & is
averaging 107.5 receiving yards per game on road in 2008. Mason tied career high with 3 TD receptions
against the Houston Texans (w/the Tennessee Titans. on 10/12/03) & has 5 TD rec. total (2nd most vs. any team)
Since ’03, team is 31-9 (.767) when defense posts 3+ sacks In 1 career meeting vs.
Texans (12/4/05), DE TERRELL SUGGS recorded career-high 3 sacks. Since ’02, S ED REED leads NFL with 35 INTs
Ravens have not allowed RB to gain 100+ rush yards in 27 games (longest current streak in NFL)
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-5)
The Texans are seeking their 4th consecutive win at home Texans are averaging 27.8 points per
game in past 6 In 2 games in 2008, QB SAGE ROSENFELS has completed 42 of 62 passes (67.7 pct.) for
470 yards with 3 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 92.8 passer rating Rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89)
ranks 3rd in NFL among rookie RBs with 538 rush yards (4.5 avg.) on 120 att. & 5 TDs WR ANDRE
JOHNSON is averaging 131 receiving yards in past 5 & aims for 5th 100-yard receiving game in row at home TE OWEN DANIELS ranks 3rd in NFL among TEs in receptions (43) & yards (528) Since 2007, DE
MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 3rd in NFL with 22 sacks (DE MARCUS WARE, 24; JARED ALLEN, 22.5). Williams has 6 sacks in
past 5 games DE ANTHONY WEAVER & S WILL DEMPS spent 4 seasons (2002-05) w/Bal CB JACQUES
REEVES registered his first interception for touchdown return of career last week.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-6) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-4)
The Dolphins lead the series and have won 2 of the past 3 versus the Seattle Seahawks. The Dolphins and Seahawks
last played each other on 11/21/2004 in Seattle. The Seahawks won 24 to 17 thanks to Safety Michael Boulware's
63-yard interception for a touchdown with 56 second left in the 4th quarter. Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander added
103 yards rushing.
Last week, the Dolphins won in surprising fashion defeating the Denver Broncos 26-17 on the road, while the
Eagles defeated the Seattle Seahawks in convincing fashion 26 to 7 in Seattle.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-6)
Seattle Seahawks QB SENECA WALLACE has at least one touchdown pass in each of his 7 career starts. Has
12 TDs vs. 6 INTs in those 7 In past 3 vs. AFC with 20+ attempts, RB JULIUS JONES has 307 rush yards
(102.3 per game) & his teams are perfect 3-0. Including playoffs, when Jones has 22+ carries, he has rushed for
2,284 yards (108.8 per game). When RB MAURICE MORRIS has 15+ attempts, Seahawks are 10-1 (.909) WR
KOREN ROBINSON had 90-yard TD last week. Had 4 catches for 105 yards, 1st 100-yard game since 12/4/05. WR
BOBBY ENGRAM has 19 catches for 208 yards (104.0 per game) & 1 TD in past 2 vs. AFC. WR DEION BRANCH had TD
in last meeting. When he has TD catch (including playoffs), his teams are 19-4 (.826). TE JOHN CARLSON leads
rookie TEs with 22 receptions & 244 yards LB JULIAN PETERSON has 25.5 sacks in 44 games with
Seattle (including playoffs). Had FR in only game vs. the Miami Dolphins (12/16/01 with SF). DE DARRYL TAPP had
sack & FF last week. S DEON GRANT had INT last week
MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-4)
The Miami Dolphins aim for their 3rd win in row for 1st time since 11/19/06 The Dolphins are 4-1
(.800) all-time at home vs. the Seattle Seahawks In past 6, QB CHAD PENNINGTON has completed 127 of
179 passes (70.9 pct.) for 1,628 yards with 5 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 101.4 passer rating. Including playoffs
Chad Pennington’s teams are 20-7 (.741) when he has 100+ passer rating. In 1 career meeting vs. the Seattle
Seahawks (with the New York Jets on 12/19/04), Pennington completed 18 of 24 passes (75.0 pct.) for 253 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0
INTs & 148.1 passer rating. Pennington aims for 5th consecutive game with 280+ passing yards. RB RONNIE BROWN has 9 TDs (8 rush, 1 passing) in past 7 RB RICKY WILLIAMS totaled 107 yards (4.7 avg.) on 23 att. in 1 career meeting against the Seattle Seahawks. (w/ NO on 9/17/00) WR GREG CAMARILLO registered career-high in receptions (11) & yards (111) last week In 2008, TE ANTHONY FASANO averages 13.7 yards per catch (21 receptions, 288 yards) LB JOEY PORTER has 10.5 sacks in past 6 games CB WILL ALLEN posted 32-yard INT-TD last week & aims for 3rd consecutive game with INT.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4)
The Green Bay Packers have won the past 5 games against their NFC division rival the Minnesota Vikings and lead
the series with a 49-44-1 record. In their past 2 meetings the Packers have won by a slim margin:
9/9/2008: Vikings 19 at Packers 24. Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers throws for 178 yards & registers 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 run) & RB Ryan Grant adds 92 yards.
9/30/2007: Packers 23, Vikings 16. Green Bay QB Brett Favre throws for 344 yards & 2 TDs, including No. 421 which breaks NFL record for TD passes in career.
Last week the Packers lost to the undefeated Titans in Tennesse in overtime by the score of 19-16. The Vikings
won at home defeating the Texans 28-21.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-4)
Packers QB AARON RODGERS completed 18 of 22 (81.8 pct.) for 178 yards with 1 TD vs. 0 INTs for 115.5
passer rating & had TD run in Week 1 meeting. Rodgers passed for 314 yards last week, his 3rd 300-yard game of the NFL 2008
season In 2 starts vs. the Minnesota Vikings, RB RYAN GRANT has 211 rush yards (105.5 per game) &
1 TD. When Grant has 19+ att. (including playoffs), Packers are 8-1 (.889) WR DONALD DRIVER has
reception in 103 consecutive games, tied for longest streak in team history (STERLING SHARPE). Had 7 catches
for 136 yards & 1 TD last week. Has 32 catches for 525 yards (131.3 per game) & 3 TDs in past 4 at the
Minnesota Vikings (3 100-yard games). WR GREG JENNINGS has 19 career rec. TDs & 10 have been 40+ yards.
Has 11 catches for 258 yards (129.0 per game) in 2 division contests this year DE AARON KAMPMAN
has 9.0 sacks in past 7 meetings & has 0.5+ sack in 6 of those 7, including 2 games with 3.0+ sacks. Has
33.5 sacks since 2006, 2nd most in NFL. In past 7, S NICK COLLINS & CB CHARLES WOODSON each have 4 INTs,
including 2 INT-TDs. CB TRAMON WILLIAMS has 3 INTs in past 5. CB-PR WILL BLACKMON had 76-yard PR-TD in
last meeting
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4)
Vikings QB GUS FREROTTE has won 4 of 6 starts this year. Frerotte makes 1st start vs. the Green Bay
Packers since 11/21/99 (with Det.). Had 3 TDs & 111.6 passer rating last week RB ADRIAN PETERSON
aims for 4th game in in row with 100+ yards. Had 139 yards & TD last week. Since entering the NFL in 2007,
ADRIAN PETERSON averages 98.4 rush yards per game, most in the NFL. Has 976 rush yards (108.4 per game) & 10
TDs in 9 games vs. NFC North. Has rushed for 100+ yards in 6 of those 9 Including playoffs, WR
BERNARD BERRIAN has 19 career TD catches & 13 have been 30+ yards. Had 49-yard TD last week. Has 19 catches
for 426 yards (106.5 per game) & 4 TDs in past 4. Aims for 5th in row with TD. WR SIDNEY RICE & TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE had TD catches last week Rush defense leads NFC (69.6 yards per game). DE JARED ALLEN has 50.0 sacks since 2004, most in NFL. Has 5.0 sacks in past 3. Former Packer S DARREN SHARPER has 48 INTs since 2000, most in NFL.
BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-3)
The New England Patriots own the series versus their division rival Buffalo Bills as the Patriots have won the
last 9 games in a row and lead the series with 54-40-1 mark. In their two NFL 2007 season meetings, the Patriots routed the
Buffalo Bills:
9/23/2007: Patriots 38, Bills 7.
New England QB Tom Brady passed for 4 TDs, including 2 to Moss, as the
Patriots posted 38 points for the 3rd consecutive game.
11/18/2007: Patriots 56 at Bills 10.
New England Patriots WR Randy Moss had a career-high 4 TDs as the Patriots improved to 10-0 at the time.
New England’s 56 points are the most points scored by an NFL road team since 1973.
New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has a 14-3 career record versus the Bills as a head coach.
Last week both teams lost. The Bills lost at home to the New York Jets 26-17 while the Patriots lost to the
Colts in Indianapolis 18-15. The Bills and Patriots along with the New York Jets are currently tied for first in the
AFC East.
BUFFALO BILLS (5-3)
Buffalo Bills QB TRENT EDWARDS totaled a career-high 289 passing yards last week. Edwards has a 60+
completion pct. in all 8 games in 2008. The Bills are 8-1 (.889) when Edwards has an 80 or better passer rating RB MARSHAWN LYNCH posted career-high 52 receiving yards (17.3 avg.) on 3 receptions last week WR LEE
EVANS averages 19.4 yards per catch in 2008 (35 receptions, 678 yards). Evans averages 86.8 receiving yards per game
in past 5. Evans has reception in 71 of 72 career NFL games TE ROBERT ROYAL had career-high 70 receiving
yards on 5 receptions last week Club is 12-3 (.800) under head coach DICK JAURON when holding opponents
to 300 yards or fewer Since ’03, DE AARON SCHOBEL ranks 2nd in NFL with 53 sacks (JASON TAYLOR, 60) CB JABARI GREER posted 2nd INT-TD of season on 42-yard return last week Rookie CB-KR LEODIS MC
KELVIN (1st round, No.11) ranks 3rd in AFC with 750 KR yards
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-3)
The New England Patriots aim for their 10th consecutive win against Bills Since 2001, the
Patriots are 22-7 (.758) in November In past 3 starts at home, Patriots QB MATT CASSEL has completed 58 of
88 passes (65.9 pct.) for 583 yards with 5 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 89.3 passer rating RB KEVIN FAULK has
totaled 120 yards rushing yards & 85 receiving yards in past 2 games (205 total) Rookie RB BEN JARVUS
GREEN-ELLIS (undrafted free agent) aims for 4th consecutive game with rush TD In 5 career meetings against Buffalo, WR RANDY MOSS averages 101.4 receiving yards per game (507 total) & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100+ receiving yards (115, 128). WR WES WELKER ranks 2nd in NFL with 168 rec. since 2007 (T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH, 173 receptions). Welker can become 1st player in NFL history with at least 6 catches in team’s 1st 9 games TE BENJAMIN WATSON aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception against Bills...DE RICHARD SEYMOUR has 6 career sacks against Bills (most vs. any opponent) LB ADALIUS THOMAS posted 2.5 sacks in last meeting against the Buffalo Bills & leads team in sacks (5.0) CB-KR ELLIS HOBBS leads NFL with 29.3 KR avg.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-6) AT NEW YORK JETS (5-3)
The Rams lead the series with a 9 and 2 record and have the past 7 consecutive matchups versus the New York Jets.
The two teams last met in Saint Louis (1/2/2005). The Rams defeated the Jets 32 to 29 in overtime.
Saint Louis Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins kicked a 31-yard field goal in overtime for the victory. Rams QB Marc
Bulger passed for 450 yards & 3 TDs, including 2 to WR Torry Holt (19, 44).
Last week the Jets defeated the Bills 26-17 in Buffalo while the Rams lost to the Cardinals at home 34-13.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-6)
In his only career start vs. the New York Jets, QB MARC BULGER completed 29 of 39 (74.4 pct.) for 450
yards with 3 TDs vs. 2 INTs for 116.4 passer rating. Bulger’s 450 passing yards were 2nd most in career (453
vs. SD, 11/10/02) & he has 4 games with 440+ yards RB STEVEN JACKSON had 20-yard TD run in only
meeting. In past 11 vs. AFC, Jackson has 1,525 scrimmage yards (138.6 per game) & 10 TDs (8 rush, 2 rec.).
Jackson has 1,122 rush yards (102.0 per game) & 43 catches for 403 rec. yards in those 11. When Jackson has
22+ att., Rams are 16-6 (.727). In those 22, Jackson has rushed for 2,492 yards (113.3 per game) & 17 TDs In last meeting, WR TORRY HOLT had 7 catches for 116 yards (16.6 avg.) & 2 TDs. Since 2000, Holt leads
NFL with 785 receptions & 11,423 yards. WR DEREK STANLEY had 1st career TD catch (80 yards) last week. Rookie
WR DONNIE AVERY has 13 catches for 244 yards (81.3 per game) & 2 TDs in past 3 S OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE
has 4 INTs, 1 FF & 1 FR (75-yard TD) in past 5 games. Has 12 INTs since start of 2007, tied for most in NFL.
Rookie DE CHRIS LONG leads all rookies with 4.0 sacks
NEW YORK JETS (5-3)
In past 4 meetings against Rams (with the Green Bay Packers), QB BRETT FAVRE has completed 82 of 128
passes (64.1 pct.) for 928 yards with 8 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 96.7 passer rating. Including postseason, Favre’s
teams are 94-8 (.921) when he posts 100+ passer rating RB THOMAS JONES has 5 TDs in past 4 games.
Jones averages 130 rush yds per game when posting 20+ att. RB LEON WASHINGTON has 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.)
in past 3 WR LAVERANUES COLES has 4 TD receptions in 4 home games in 2008 WR JERRICHO
COTCHERY is averaging 82 receiving yards per game in past 2 TE CHRIS BAKER aims for 2nd game in
row with TD vs. StL DT KRIS JENKINS tied career-high with 2 sacks last week DE SHAUN
ELLIS aims for 6th game in row with at least half sack CB DARRELLE REVIS recorded 1 INT, 1 sack,
1 FF & 1 FR last week S ABRAM ELAM had 1st career INT last week & returned 92 yards for TD Since 2001, Jets lead NFL with 10 KR-TDs.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-2) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-6)
The Oakland Raider have won the past 2 games in a row to lead the series against the Panthers with a 2-1 mark.
The Panther and Raiders last met on 11/7/2004 in Charlotte. The Raiders won the game 27 - 24 as Oakland RB
Tyrone Wheatley scored 2 rushing TDs & K Sebastian Janikowski kicked the decisive field goal with 6 second
remaining in the 4th quarter.
Last week was the Panthers bye week (NFL 2008 Week 8: W 27-23 vs. Cardinals) while the Raiders were shut out
at home by the Atlanta Falcons 24-0.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-2)
The Carolina Panthers aim for their 3rd 7-2 start in team history (2003, 2005). In 2003, the Panthers advanced to Super Bowl
XXXVIII. In 2005, the Panthers advanced to the NFC Championship In only meeting, QB JAKE DELHOMME
passed for 299 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs. Has won 6 of past 8 starts vs. AFC. Has 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs in past
2 & aims for 3rd in row with 120.0+ rating. As starter, when Delhomme has 110.0+ rating, Panthers are 15-0 RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS has 209 rush yards (104.5 per game) & 2 TDs in 2 starts vs. AFC. Club is 8-0 when
he rushes for 80+ yards. Rookie RB JONATHAN STEWART has 5 rush TDs in past 7 WR STEVE SMITH aims for
6th in row with 5+ receptions & 95+ yards. Has 29 catches for 543 yards (108.6 per game) & 4 TDs in past 5. In
past 3, Smith has 17 receptions for 351 yards (117.0 per game) & 3 TDs. Aims for 4th in row with 110+ yards.
WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD has 22 catches for 295 yards (98.3 per game) in 3 meetings DE JULIUS PEPPERS
ranks 1st in team history with 60.0 sacks & 22 FFs. Had 2.0 sacks in only meeting. DE CHARLES JOHNSON had
career-high 2.0 sacks in last game. LB JON BEASON had INT in last game
OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-6)
In 5 career starts at home, Raiders QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 85 of 143 passes (59.4 pct.) for
915 yards with 5 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 81.2 passer rating RB JUSTIN FARGAS is averaging 87.7 rush yards
(614 total) with 3 TDs in past 7 at home. Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) averages 5.1 rush
yards per carry (67 att., 341 yards) WR JAVON WALKER (3,984) needs 17 yards to surpass 4,000 receiving yards for career. WR-KR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS averages 21.3 yards per catch (8 rec. for 170 yards). TE ZACH MILLER averages 14.6 yards per catch (22 receptions, 321 yards) Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) ranks 1st & KIRK MORRISON (5) ties for 2nd in NFL for most INTs among LBs Since ’05, CB DE ANGELO HALL is 3rd in NFL with 18 INTs Rookie DE TREVOR SCOTT (6th round, No. 169) is tied for 1st among AFC rookies with 3 sacks DE KALIMBA EDWARDS needs 2 sacks to tie career high (7 w/Det in ‘05).
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-4) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-2)
The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the series 13-5 and have won 6 of their past 7 meetings versus the Indianapolis Colts.
The two teams last met in Indianapolis on 11/28/2005. The Colts won 26 - 7 as Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton
Manning threw for 245 yards & 2 TDs, including 80-yarder to WR Marvin Harrison on the Colts’ 1st play from
scrimmage.
Last week both teams won as the Colts defeated the Patriots on the road 18-15 and the Pittsburgh Steelers
came home with a convincing road victory on MNF defeating the Washington Redskins 23-6.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-4)
Head coach TONY DUNGY played for the Steelers (1977-78) & was assistant coach with the Pittsburgh
Steelers. (1981-88) In past 2 games against the Pittsburgh Steelers (including playoffs), QB PEYTON
MANNING has completed 37 of 63 passes (58.7 pct.) for 535 yards with 3 TDs vs. 1 INT & 95.7 passer rating.
Since ’04, Colts are 39-7 (.847) when Manning has 2+ TDs. RB JOSEPH ADDAI aims for 3rd consecutive road game
with rush TD. RB DOMINIC RHODES has 70+ rush yards in 3 of past 4 WR REGGIE WAYNE has 7 1st-down
rec. in past 2. In last regular season meeting vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, WR MARVIN HARRISON posted 4 rec.
for 128 yards (32.0 avg.) with TD. WR ANTHONY GONZALEZ tied career high with 2 TDs last week TE DALLAS CLARK is averaging 79.3 rec. yards per game in past 3 Including postseason, Colts
are 13-2 (.867) when DE DWIGHT FREENEY records 2 or more sacks. Including postseason, Freeney aims for 4th
consecutive game with at least 0.5 sack vs. Pit S BOB SANDERS posted 1st INT of 2008 last week
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-2)
Dating back to 9/15/1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers aim for their 13th consecutive win vs. the Indianapolis
Colts at home (including playoffs) Club is 5-0 against AFC in 2008 QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER
has completed 83 of 127 passes (65.4 pct.) for 1,032 yards with 9 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 107.5 passer rating against
AFC in 2008. Including playoffs, team is 29-2 (.935), when Roethlisberger has 100+ passer rating. QB BYRON
LEFTWICH completed 7 of 10 passes (70.0 pct.) for 129 yards with 1 TD vs. 0 INTs & 145.8 passer rating last
week In past 9 at home, RB WILLIE PARKER is averaging 101.5 rush yards per game & has 6 games with
100+ yards WR HINES WARD has 3 TDs in past 2 vs. the Indianapolis Colts WR NATE WASHINGTON aims for 4th game in row with rec. of 50+ yards & is averaging 19.4 yards per catch in 2008 (18 rec., 349 yards) LB LA MARR WOODLEY has 8.5 sacks in past 6 games LB JAMES HARRISON has 7 sacks in past 5 & is tied for 2nd in NFL with 10 CB DESHEA TOWNSEND & S TYRONE CARTER registered 1st INTs of season last week.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-7) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (3-5)
The Chiefs lead the series (50-44-1) but have won 2 of the past 3 versus the San Diego Chargers. The Chiefs and Chargers
split the last two meetings:
9/30/07: Chiefs 30 at Chargers 16.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Damon Huard passed for 284 yards & 2 TDs, including a 51-yard TD score to rookie WR Dwayne
Bowe as Chiefs improve to 2-2.
12/2/07: Chargers 24 at Chiefs 10.
San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 177 yards & 2 touchdowns (31, 28). The Chargers
defense registered 9 sacks & forced 4 turnovers.
Last week the Chargers were off after losing to the Saints in London 37-32 while the Chiefs lost in
overtime to the Buccaneeers at home 30-27.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-7)
In past 2 games, Chiefs QB TYLER THIGPEN has completed 39 of 61 passes (63.9 pct.) for 444 yards with 3
TDs vs. 0 INTs & 102.1 passer rating. In 2008, Thigpen has totaled 103 rush yards (5.4 avg.) on 19 att. Also
added 37-yard TD rec. last week vs. TB Rookie RB JAMAAL CHARLES (3rd round, No. 73) gained career-high
106 rush yards (5.9 avg.) on 18 att. last week TE TONY GONZALEZ extended reception streak to 123 last
week – streak is 2nd in NFL history among TEs (OZZIE NEWSOME, 150). In past 3, Gonzalez is averaging 79.3
receiving yards (238 total) In past 8 vs. SD, Gonzalez averages 100.8 receiving yards per game &
has 4 100-yard receiving games In 2 career games vs. SD, WR DWAYNE BOWE averages 109.5 receiving
yards per game Chiefs are 5-1 (.833) under Edwards when opponents score 10 or fewer points Rookie CBs BRANDON FLOWERS (2nd round, No. 35) & BRANDON CARR (5th round, No. 140) have 2 INTs apiece.
LB DONNIE EDWARDS played 5 seasons with Chargers (2002-06)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (3-5)
Since 2006, the Chargers are 13-1 (.928) at home vs. AFC teams For career against AFC, QB PHILIP RIVERS has 22-8 (.733) record as starter with 45 TDs vs. 25 INTs & 89.2 passer rating. In past 3 games, Rivers has completed 65 of 96 passes (67.7 pct.) for 855 yards with 8 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 114.7 passer rating RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON aims for 4th consecutive 100-yard rush game vs. KC & is averaging 169.3 rush yards per game in past 3. Since 2007, Tomlinson averages 102.6 rush yards per game at home vs. AFC TE ANTONIO GATES has 8 career TDs against Chiefs (most vs. any opponent). Gates leads NFL TEs with 5 TDs For career, WR CHRIS CHAMBERS averages 23.5 yards per reception against KC. WR VINCENT JACKSON is averaging 17.9 yards per reception in 2008 (30 rec., 538 yards) & aims for 4th consecutive game with TD Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE is tied for 1st in NFL with 12 INTs (OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE, 12). Club is 7-0 when Cromartie has INT In 2008, RB-KR DARREN SPROLES ranks 2nd in AFC with 817 KR return yards.
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-3) SUNDAY NIGHT
The Giants lead the series with 78-66-2 record and have defeated the Eagles 5 of the 6 past times.
Towards the end of last season (12/9/2007) the Giants defeated the Eagles in Philadelphia 16 -13.
New York Giants QB Eli Manning passed for 219 yards & 1 TD. The Giants won their 6th consecutive road game at the time.
Last week, the New York Giants defeated NFC East division rival Dallas Cowboys at home by the score of 35-14, while the
Eagles defeated the Seahwaks on the road 26-7.
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-1)
The Giants aim for their 13th win in past 14 on road (including playoffs) QB ELI MANNING has
won 5 of past 6 meetings. Including playoffs, Manning is 21-5 (.808) in past 26 starts & 12-1 (.923) in past
13 on road RB BRANDON JACOBS had 117 yards & 1 TD last week. When he has 100+ yards, Giants are
7-1 (.875). When he has 10+ att. (including playoffs), team is 21-4 (.840) WR PLAXICO BURRESS has
100-yard game in 4 of past 6 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. WR STEVE SMITH had 1st career TD catch last week
In 2 meetings last year, defense had 15 sacks, including tying NFL record with 12 sacks in 9/30/07
contest. DE JUSTIN TUCK has 10.5 sacks in past 9 (including Super Bowl XLII) & had 2.5 last week. When Tuck
has sack (including playoffs), Giants are 11-3 (.786). Aims for 4th in row with sack. DE MATHIAS KIWANUKA
had career-high 3.0 sacks in 9/30/07 meeting. Tied that mark in Week 8. Has 4.0 sacks in past 2. Giants
have won 14 of past 16 when Kiwanuka plays. CB COREY WEBSTER had career-high 2 INTs last week
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-3)
QB DONOVAN MC NABB has won 7 of past 10 starts vs. the New York Giants. In those 10, has 14 TDs vs. 3
INTs. When McNabb has 100+ rating (including playoffs), team is 37-1 (.974) In past 8 meetings
(including playoffs), RB BRIAN WESTBROOK has 1,087 scrimmage yards (135.9 per game) & 10 TDs (6 rush, 4 rec.).
Including playoffs, aims for 9th consecutive meeting with 100+ scrimmage yards. Is 1 of 7 players in NFL history with 25+ rush (33) & rec. (25) TDs Rookie WR DE SEAN JACKSON leads NFL rookies with 525 receiving yards. WR REGGIE BROWN had 22-yard TD last week. TE BRENT CELEK had career-high 6 catches & 131 yards last week In past 6 vs. the New York Giants, DE TRENT COLE has 6.0 sacks & 19-yard INT-TD. Has 3 games with 2.0 sacks vs. the New York Giants. Has 15.5 sacks in past 24. DE JUQUA PARKER has 4.5 sacks in past 6. CB ASANTE SAMUEL has 19 INTs since 2006, most in NFL. S BRIAN DAWKINS has 5 INTs vs. the New York Giants, including 64-yard INT-TD. Club has won 16 of past 19 when he has INT (6 in row).
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, NOVEMBER 10
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-6) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-3)
The 49ers lead the series 19-15 and have won 2 of the past 3 versus the Arizona Cardinals. Earlier this season
(9/7/2008), the Cardinals defeated the 49ers in San Francisco 23 to 13. Arizona QB Kurt Warner threw for 197
yards & 1 TD & RB Edgerrin James ran for 100 yards. Cardinals K Neil Rackers connected on 3 FGs.
Last week the 49ers were off for their bye week after losing to the Seahawks at home (NFL 2008 Week 8: L 34-13 vs. Seahawks)
while the Cardinals won on the road 34-13 against the Rams
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-6)
49ers QB SHAUN HILL is 2-0 as a starter. For his career, SHAUN HILL has completed 69 of 102 (67.6 pct.)
for 674 yards with 6 TDs vs. 1 INT for 101.5 passer rating RB FRANK GORE aims for 6th in row vs. the
Arizona Cardinals with rush TD (8 TDs in past 5). In past 2 meetings, Gore has 365 scrimmage yards (182.5 per
game) with 212 rush yards (106.0 per game) & 15 catches for 153 yards. Since start of 2006, Gore has 4,658
scrimmage yards (3,426 rush, 1,232 rec.), tops in NFC In career vs. the Arizona Cardinals,
WR ISAAC BRUCE has 52 catches for 823 yards (15.8 avg.) & 6 TDs. Has 14,508 rec. yards, most among active
players. WR ARNAZ BATTLE had 57-yard TD in last game at the Arizona Cardinals WR JASON HILL had 1st career
TD catch in Week 8 LB PATRICK WILLIS had career-high 21 tackles vs. the Arizona Cardinals
(11/25/07). LB MANNY LAWSON had sack in Week 8. Has 3.5 sacks in career, all vs. division
ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-3)
The Arizona Cardinals have won 9 of their past 11 games at home, including 6 in row for their longest
streak since 1975-76. Lead NFL with 29.3 points per game In 9 starts vs. SF, QB KURT WARNER is 8-1
(.889), completing 220 of 334 (65.9 pct.) for 2,869 yards with 20 TDs vs. 10 INTs for 100.2 rating. In his
starts with 15+ att. & 100.0+ rating (including playoffs), his teams are 34-3 (.919) RB TIM HIGHTOWER
leads NFL rookies with 7 rush TDs. Had 1st 100-yard game last week (109) WR ANQUAN BOLDIN has 8 TDs in past 5 & aims for 6th in row with TD. WR LARRY FITZGERALD aims for 3rd in row vs. SF with TD. Has 3 TDs in past 2 vs. SF. WR STEVE BREASTON has 35 catches for 431 yards (86.2 per game) in past 5. WR JERHEME URBAN had 56-yard TD catch last week S ANTREL ROLLE had 40-yard INT-TD last week, 4th career INT-TD. S ADRIAN WILSON had INT in last meeting. Had sack & FF last week. Club has sack in 31 games in row, longest current streak in NFL. LB KARLOS DANSBY has 3.5 sacks in past 5 meetings.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 10
"We still have a chance to go 4-12," says Titans linebacker KEITH BULLUCK.
Another team – that other club in New York, the Super Bowl champion Giants who were quiet in their bye week while BRETT FAVRE was throwing six touchdown passes -- will look to up their record to 4-0 for the first time since 1990.
NFL 2008 Week 4: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Jets QB Brett Favre AFC Player of the Week For 6 TD Passes Against Cardinals
Quarterback BRETT FAVRE of the New York Jets, linebacker DERRICK JOHNSON of the Kansas City Chiefs and kicker
JEFF REED of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the Week 4 AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for
games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)
Quarterback JAKE DELHOMME of the Carolina Panthers and linebacker DERRICK BROOKS and kicker MATT BRYANT of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the Week 4 NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)
NFL 2008 Week 4:
The Pressure is Already On with Big Division Matchups & Old Rivalries
In the National Football League, whether it is Week 4, like this week, or
Week 14 of the NFL 2008 season, the pressure is always on.
Sure, you’d rather be undefeated – as six NFL teams are – or at least have a winning record as the last
weekend of September looms.
But all those teams on the downside of the won-loss ledger should remind themselves of the
2007 San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers began last season at 1-3, won their final six games then took an 11-5 record into the
playoffs, advancing all the way to the AFC Championship Game.
"It doesn’t matter whether you’re the favorite now or the least favorite," says quarterback TONY ROMO of the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys. "The reality of it is you’ve got to keep playing games. You’re not trying to be the favorite now, you’re trying to be the favorite at the end of the year."
NFL 2008 Week 3: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
RB Michael Turner of the Falcons Earns 2nd Player of Week Honor in Young Season
Running back MICHAEL TURNER of the Atlanta Falcons, safety BRIAN DAWKINS of the Philadelphia Eagles and kicker
JOHN CARNEY of the New York Giants are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for
games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).
Running back RONNIE BROWN of the Miami Dolphins, cornerback ANTONIO CROMARTIE of the San Diego Chargers and kicker JOSH SCOBEE of the Jacksonville Jaguars are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).
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Kurt Warner QB, Arizona Cardinals
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NFL 2008 Week 3: Fall's Coming Up & the NFL is Heating Up!
NFL 2008 WEEK 3 TOPS OFF WITH ROMO VS. RODGERS, FAVRE VS. RIVERS
Great way to start. Great way to come back.
That easily summarizes developments in the NFL so far this NFL 2008 Season that have already packed a season's worth of
surprise and suspense into the league’s first two weeks. As autumn looms on Monday, who can imagine what's in store?
Look at things so far.
Three of the 2-0 teams (Buffalo, Carolina and Denver) won only seven games apiece last year. So things are looking up for them.
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But, hold on. Just look at last year. The Giants started 0-2
and won the Super Bowl. The Chargers began 1-3 and reached the AFC Championship Game. It’s two weeks down –
and a long way to go!
NFL 2008 Week 2: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Saint Louis Rams QB Kurt Warner named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his perfect performance
In the NFC, Quarterback KURT WARNER of the Arizona Cardinals, safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins
and kick returner-running back FELIX JONES of the Dallas Cowboys are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special
Teams Players of the Week for games played the second week of the NFL 2008 season.
Wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL of the Denver Broncos, safety TROY POLAMALU of the Pittsburgh Steelers and
linebacker KEITH BULLUCK of the Tennessee Titans are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of
the Week for games played the second week of the 2008 NFL season (September 14-15).
NFL 2008 Week 2: Big Division Games Highlight Week 2
It's only Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season & already "big games" is a term that will be heard repeatedly.
On top of them being key division games, the matchups have intriguing storylines as well. It is only Week 2
of the 2008 NFL season and already "big games" are on tap.
"It's a rival game every time we play in our division," says linebacker BRADIE JAMES of the Dallas Cowboys,
who play NFC East foe Philadelphia on Monday night. "Everybody approaches it like it's a playoff game."
So after a Kickoff week that saw such thrills as a TD on a first pass (Atlanta rookie MATT RYAN on his first
NFL attempt) and one on a last pass (by Carolina quarterback JAKE DELHOMME to win a game with no time left),
here comes Week 2 of what promises to be another memorable NFL season.
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Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Offensive Player of the Week
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NFL 2008 Week 1: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Willie Parker, Cortland Finnegan, Roscoe Parrish, Michael Turner, Adewale Ogunleye & Will Blackmon
Running back Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers, cornerback Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans
and wide receiver - punt returner Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on NFL Kickoff 2008 Weekend.
In the NFC, Running back Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye of the Chicago Bears and punt returner - kick returner Will Blackmon
of the Green Bay Packers are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games
played on NFL 2008 Opening Weekend.
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Adrian Peterson, NFL Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP
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NFL 2008
Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP Adrian Peterson Ready to Pick Up Where He Left Off
2008 NFL Football Player Profile: Adrian Peterson Running Back Minnesota Vikings
During the NFL 2007 Regular season, Minnesota Vikings rookie sensation ADRIAN PETERSON ranked second in the NFL (and first in the NFC) with
1,341 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, carried the ball 238 times and led the league rushing for 95.8
yards per game.
Adrian Peterson also rushed for 296 yards rushing against the San Diego Chargers (November 4, 2007), setting
the single-game rushing record. Peterson also made 19 receptions for 268 yards including a 60 yard touchdown,
and amassed 2,021 combined net yards.
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NFL 2008: Chargers' Running Back La Dainian Tomlinson Closes in On Records
2008 NFL Football Player Profile: La Dainian Tomlinson Running Back San Diego Chargers
In 2008, San Diego Chargers running back La Dainian Tomlinson can pass Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC
DICKERSON and become the only player in history to begin a career with eight consecutive 1,200-yard rushing
seasons. Tomlinson can also extend his streak of consecutive seasons to start a career with at least 10 rushing
touchdowns to eight. With nine rushing touchdowns, Tomlinson (currently 115) will pass Pro Football Hall of Famer MARCUS ALLEN
(123) to move into second place all-time.
Atlanta Falcons running back MICHAEL TURNER, who served as Tomlinson's understudy for four seasons in San Diego, observed Tomlinson's attributes firsthand.
NFL 2008 Quarterbacks Review & Preview
Last Season 7 QBs threw for 4,000 yards, the most ever in a single season
The NFL has a long history of excellence at the quarterback position, but the recent influx of poised
and accurate passers has been steady and remarkable. Coaches' schemes continue to grow more
and more complex, taking advantage of the unique talents of today's QBs. Last season Seven quarterbacks threw
for 4,000 yards, the most ever in a single season; PEYTON MANNING continued to rise to the top of
the NFL's record books; Tom Brady was named the 2007 AP NFL MVP after a record-shattering regular season
who set or tied nine NFL records; and Eli Manning took charge and marched the Giants to Super Bowl Victory and
was named Super Bowl XLII MVP.
NFL 2008: Peyton Manning Colts QB Continues Rising to Top of NFL Record Books
Peyton Manning can become 1st to throw 25 TDs 11 years in a row & pass for 4,000 yards in 9 different seasons.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING continues to rise to the top of
the NFL's record books. In 2008, Manning can become the first QB in NFL annals to
throw 25 touchdowns in 11 years in a row as well as become the first to pass for 4,000
yards in nine different seasons. Manning's success has been attributed to his superior
work ethic, preparation, focus, dedication and competitive spirit.
NFL 2008 Kickoff & Punt Returners: Thank Devin For Many Happy Returns
Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears is Widely Considered the King of Return Specialists
With six combined kick-return touchdowns in 2007 (four punt and two kickoff), Chicago's DEVIN HESTER -- a Pro Bowl All-Star in each of his two NFL seasons -- is widely considered the
king of the return specialists. But there are several worthy adversaries to his throne. Though Hester's kick-return touchdown total set an NFL record, he led in neither kickoff nor
punt return average.
NFL 2008: Double Trouble Running Backs & Big Play Excitement Wide Receivers
Momentum comes in the form of a big play in the running or passing game.
Double-Trouble Running Backs seem to be all over the NFL. Guys like La Dainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook,
Joseph Addai and others. These are the running backs that can hurt you two ways: rushing or catching the ball.
Wide Receivers such as Torry Holt and Braylon Edwards produce momentum-changing exhilaration from their
teammates and the crowd.
NFL 2008: Active Streaks & Individual Accomplishments on the Horizon
Patriots & Colts Active Win Streaks; Peyton Manning & La Dainian Tomlinson Headline Individual Accomplishments
The National Football League's 2008 Season should be a year full of major individual and team record-breaking
performances. The New England Patriots look to continue building upon their regular season all-time winning streak
while the Indianapolis Colts are on track to extend their consecutive 12 or victories per season to six. Peyton Manning and La Dainian Tomlinson continue to expand on their Hall of Fame in the making individual
performances. Plus other NFL Players are likely to set or build upon great individual accomplishments.
NFL 2008 Running Backs: Tandem Backfields - Good Things Come in Pairs
Last season, 12 clubs boasted 2 running backs with at least 500 rushing yards apiece, including 5 playoff teams
"Tandem" backfields continue to grow! Last season, 12 clubs boasted two running backs with at least 500 rushing yards apiece, including five
playoff teams – the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.
Additionally, the Super Bowl XLII champion Giants became the fifth Super Bowl winning team since 2000 to feature
two running backs with more than 500 rushing yards each (2006 Colts, 2003 Patriots, 2002 Buccaneers, 2000 Ravens).
In the eight prior seasons, only one such team won the coveted Lombardi Trophy (1996 Packers)
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