NFL 2008 RSS
You’re right on that, Tony. And as far as "playing games," you’ve got a big one this week -- a divisional
game, one of seven on the Week 4 schedule that are intermixed with "rivalry" games packed with history.
A preview of some of these "the-pressure’s-already-on" games
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-1) at DALLAS COWBOYS (3-0)
Could be the QBs . . . or the RBs. . . or the WRs. Who knows who will break open this game of NFC East rivals?
The young quarterbacks, Dallas’ TONY ROMO and Washington’s JASON CAMPBELL, look like they may have a healthy
rivalry that will grow through the years. Romo loves the long ball and has thrown for the third-most yards in
the league this season (892). Campbell has been more conservative in new Redskins head coach JIM ZORN’s West
Coast offense, has yet to throw an interception, and completed 16 passes in a row at one point over Weeks 2-3.
Then there are the running backs – Washington’s CLINTON PORTIS, who led the league in carries last year, and
Dallas’ MARION BARBER, who has 33 TDs in his last 35 games.
Finally, there are the wide receivers. Dallas’ TERRELL OWENS had four TD catches in the teams’ first meeting
a year ago – and a pass knockdown on defense to end the game. And Washington’s SANTANA MOSS, always tacking on
multiple yards after the catch, ties for the second-most ’08 TD receptions with three.
Rookie FELIX JONES is the first Cowboys RB to score TDs in each of his first three career games.
ATLANTA FALCONS (2-1) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-1)
These two NFC South rivals always seem to play each other close. They have split the past two seasons with
the last three being decided by seven points apiece.
There are a lot of new faces to add to the drama. The Falcons’ first-round draft choice, QB MATT RYAN, has
won two of his first three games and is developing a relationship with WR RODDY WHITE. The two teamed up for
119 yards in Week 3, including a 70-yard TD after which White did his patented backflip.
And Atlanta now has MICHAEL TURNER igniting its running game. The former Charger leads the NFL in rushing
with 366 yards and ties Miami’s RONNIE BROWN for the rush TD lead with five. The Falcons lead the league in
rushing. "We have stressed since Day 1 that we want to be a physical team," says new head coach MIKE SMITH.
The Panthers will look to negate Atlanta’s rush with RBs JONATHAN STEWART, one of the club’s 2008 first-round
selections (three rush TDs so far), and veteran DE ANGELO WILLIAMS. This will be a necessity in preventing the
league’s No. 1 sacker (6.0), DE JOHN ABRAHAM, from teeing off on Carolina QB JAKE DELHOMME.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1)
Favre vs. Sapp? Nope, that was in the old NFC Central, when these two were hot rivals, so there will be
plenty of excitement Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers will have to figure out how to tone down rejuvenated veteran QB BRIAN GRIESE, who threw an amazing
67 times (and completed 38) for 407 yards in a 27-24 overtime victory in Week 3 over Chicago -- without a sack!
"Sixty-seven passes and no sacks?" says Bucs DE KEVIN CARTER. "That’s an incredible statement for our offensive
line."
That it is, but that Offensive Line performance will definitely be taken as a challenge by Green Bay Packers ends
AARON KAMPMAN (tied for the second-most sacks in the league with 4.0) and CULLEN JENKINS (2.5).
Meanwhile, new Packers QB AARON RODGERS – who did not at all have a bad game in the team’s 27-16 loss to
Dallas Sunday night (22 of 39 for 290 yards) – is aiming to rebound from his first NFL defeat.
"You’d like to win them all," says Rodgers. "We’re going to have to watch film, be critical of ourselves
and get better."
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-1) at CHICAGO BEARS (1-2) (Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
It’s not that the Chicago Bears have anything against the Eagles’ Chicago-born quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB –
it’s just that the hometown hero has basically dominated the hometown team.
McNabb has lost to the Bears only once in six meetings, with one of the wins coming in the playoffs.
And he is 4-0 in Chicago.
With that as the backdrop Sunday night, it’s the defenses of these two teams that could prove to be the
telling point. The Eagles – No. 1 in the NFL against the rush – come off a blitz-happy attack on Pittsburgh
that resulted in nine sacks, three takeaways and 180 total yards allowed.
Meanwhile, in a loss to Tampa Bay, the Bears’ rush "D" (No. 4 in the league) was tough, limiting the Bucs to
47 yards on the ground.
Bears rookie RB MATT FORTÉ rushed for 123 yards in his first Sunday night game (Week 1 vs. Indianapolis).
Already a Soldier Field favorite, a fan held up the following sign last week: "Running the Ball is his Forté."
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-0) at PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) (Monday night, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)
The game’s quarterbacks in this AFC North matchup -- Pittsburgh’s BEN ROETHLISBERGER and Baltimore’s JOE
FLACCO – face the league’s top two defenses, respectively.
"Baltimore, without a doubt, is the most confusing defense there is in the NFL," says Cincinnati G ANDREW
WHITWORTH. Coordinator REX RYAN sends people from every angle.
That kind of pressure is a big part of the Ravens not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 21 consecutive games,
the best such mark in the league. They will test the Steelers’ first-round draft choice of this year, RB
RASHARD MENDENHALL, who will get his first start in place of the injured WILLIE PARKER.
The Ravens know that shutting down the rush game is not all that is needed against Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger threw a franchise-record five touchdowns against Baltimore last November 5.
Steel-tough: Pittsburgh – this year is the 250th anniversary of the city -- has won a record 13 consecutive
MNF games.
NFC East Making an Early Statement This Season
Three weeks into the season and the NFC East is off to a flying start!
"I believe the NFC East is the best division in the league right now," says NFL Network analyst STEVE
MARIUCCI.
All four teams – the Dallas Cowboys (3-0), New York Giants (3-0), Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) and Washington Redskins
(2-1) – boast winning records, the only division that can make that claim.
The 1935 Western Division is the only division in NFL history to have all its teams finish with a winning record.
"Every game in this division is tooth-and-nail," says Giants head coach TOM COUGHLIN. "It is extremely
competitive in our division."
This season, NFC East teams are a combined 10-2 (.833), with both losses coming in games played within the
division. Among the eight divisions, the NFC East ranks first in a number of categories, including total
wins (10), winning percentage (.833), points scored (329) and net point differential (+116).
"In the NFC East, every game is tough," says Eagles head coach ANDY REID.
"This division is strong," says Mariucci. "Three of the teams (Dallas, New York and Washington) were
playoff teams last year and they are all as good or better than they were last year. And Philadelphia just
might be the team to beat this year. Every one of these teams is capable of being a playoff team and they’ve
all made improvements."
Last week, the NFC East posted a perfect 4-0 record.
The Giants won their seventh consecutive game (including the postseason) by defeating the Bengals in
overtime, 26-23. "They’re playing with a little swagger," says Mariucci. "Winning the Super Bowl has
given them so much confidence."
In Washington, the Redskins won their second in a row by beating Arizona 24-17. "(Quarterback) JASON
CAMPBELL has really come around," says Mariucci, "and this team is going to improve as the season moves on."
The Eagles improved to 2-1 with a 15-6 victory over Pittsburgh. "This is as complete a team as anybody,"
says Mariucci.
And the Cowboys won for the first time ever at Lambeau Field, defeating Green Bay 27-16. "Dallas made some
great additions and they’re better than they were a year ago at 13-3," says Mariucci.
This weekend, the New York Giants have a bye, the Philadelphia Eagles play the Bears in Chicago on Sunday
night and the Redskins will visit the Dallas Cowboys.
"We are in one tough division," says Cowboys head coach WADE PHILLIPS.
Division | Year | Record | Winning Pct. |
|
AFC South | 2007 | 42-22 | .656 |
|
AFC Central | 1975 | 36-20 | .643 |
|
AFC West | 1984 | 51-29 | .638 |
|
NFC East | 2007 | 40-24 | .625 |
|
AFC East | 1999 | 49-31 | .613 |
NFL Divisions with the best combined records since 1970
Defensive Leaders Meet on Monday Night Football
The NFL’s top two defenses will be on display in Week 4 as the Baltimore Ravens (2-0) travel to the
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) in an AFC North matchup this Monday night (ESPN, 8:30 PM ET).
The Ravens (No. 1 total defense) and the Steelers (No. 2) both agree that the key to a stellar defense is
stopping the run.
"I think that stopping the run is probably the goal for all defenses," says Steelers defensive coordinator
DICK LE BEAU, whose defense ranks second in the NFL for fewest rush yards allowed per game since 2000.
"I would think that any defensive coach you talk to would say, ‘Number one, you have to stop the run.’"
The Ravens rank first in the NFL since 2000 for allowing the fewest rush yards per game and assistant head
coach / defensive coordinator REX RYAN says technique is the key for an effective run-stopping defense.
"Keeping your hands inside the blocker and keeping your pad level low is vital," says Ryan. "If you can
knock the line back, that goes a long way towards stifling the run. Also, you need to get off your blocks
quickly. The running backs in the league are so smart and so fast that if you don’t shed your blocks quickly,
they’re gone."
Buffalo Bills safety DONTE WHITNER, whose squad ranks fourth in the AFC in rush defense, says "any good defense starts in the trenches."
New York Jets defensive tackle KRIS JENKINS agrees. "If a defensive line is creating opportunities up front," says Jenkins, "then it makes everybody else’s job easier."
The defensive line leads the charge in stopping the run by shedding blockers and clogging the run gaps. This interference will lighten the load for the other members of the defense.
"A big, strong line against the run can keep blockers off the guys in back and they can fly to the ball," says Baltimore linebacker RAY LEWIS, whose Ravens defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 consecutive games (the longest current streak in the NFL).
"If you can stop the run with your horses up front, that gives you that many more options with the guys in back," says Ryan.
NFL teams that have allowed the fewest rush yards per game since 2000
Team | Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game since 2000 |
|
Baltimore Ravens | 89.1 |
|
Pittsburgh Steelers | 89.5 |
|
San Diego Chargers | 100.7 |
|
Tennessee Titans | 102.4 |
|
Denver Broncos | 102.8 |
Longest current streaks of not allowing a 100-yard rusher
Team | Consecutive Games without Allowing 100-Yard Rusher |
|
Baltimore Ravens | 21 |
Seattle Seahawks | 14 |
Minnesota Vikings | 10 |
NFL Teams that have allowed the fewest 100-yard rushers in the past five-plus seasons:
Team | Fewest 100-Yard Rushers Allowed Since 2003 |
|
Pittsburgh Steelers | 8 |
Baltimore Ravens | 12 |
Dallas Cowboys | 13 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | 14 |
Minnesota Vikings | 17 |
San Diego Chargers | 17 |
NFL HIGH SCHOOLS
USA Football has announced its annual list of high schools with the most NFL players. Two schools have the
most players with six each – Dillard HS in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Tustin HS in Tustin, California.
Four of those players will face each other this week – Dillard CB CHRIS GAMBLE (Carolina) vs. Tustin T SAM
BAKER (Atlanta), and Dillard DT PAT SIMS (Cincinnati) vs. Tustin LB BEAU BELL (Cleveland).
NFL 2008 WEEK 3 RESULTS (SEPTEMBER 21-22)
ATLANTA 38, Kansas City 14 SAN FRANCISCO 31, Detroit 13 BUFFALO 24, Oakland 23 SEATTLE 37, St. Louis 13 Tampa Bay 27, CHICAGO 24 (OT) BALTIMORE 28, Cleveland 10 MINNESOTA 20, Carolina 10 Jacksonville 23, INDIANAPOLIS 21 Miami 38, NEW ENGLAND 13 N.Y. GIANTS 26, Cincinnati 23 (OT) Dallas 27, GREEN BAY 16 TENNESSEE 31, Houston 12 WASHINGTON 24, Arizona 17 DENVER 34, New Orleans 32 PHILADELPHIA 15, Pittsburgh 6 SAN DIEGO 48, N.Y. Jets 29
NFL 2008 Week 4 Schedule (SEPTEMBER 28 - 29)
Byes: Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, N.Y. Giants, Seattle
All Times Local
Atlanta at Carolina, 1:00 PM San Diego at Oakland, 1:05 PM Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM Buffalo at St. Louis, 3:05 PM Houston at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM Washington at Dallas, 3:15 PM Denver at Kansas City, 12:00 PM Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 PM (NBC) San Francisco at New Orleans, 12:00 PM Arizona at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 PM Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM Minnesota at Tennessee, 12:00 PM Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 PM (NBC) Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:30 PM Monday Night Football (ESPN)
Week 4 NFL 2008 Matchups
Byes: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, N.Y. Giants, Seattle Seahawks
ATLANTA FALCONS (2-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-1)
The Atlanta Falcons lead the head-to-head series 16 to 10 with the Panthers winning 2 of the last 3 meetings.
The two teams last met on November 11, 2007 in Charlotte. The Falcons won the game 20 to 13 as Atlanta QB Joey
Harrington completed a 30-yard TD to TE Alge Crumpler with 20 seconds remaining to lift the Atlanta Falcons
past the Carolina Panthers.
The visiting team has won the past 5 head-to-head meetings.
Last week, the Falcons defeated the Kansas City Chiefs at home 38 to 14 while the Panthers lost to the Vikings on the
road 20-10.
Atlanta Falcons
Rookie QB MATT RYAN (first round, No. 3) led Boston College to victory at Bank of America Stadium in 2006 bowl game
vs. Navy. Ryan was the MVP of the game & passed for 242 yards with 1 TD & rush TD. Has 120+ rating in 2 of first
3 starts Falcons lead the NFL in rushing (203.0 yards per game). RB MICHAEL TURNER has rushed for 366 yards in
first 3 games with the Atlanta Falcons, including team-record 220 yards in Week 1. Had career-high 3 TDs last
week. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are 13-1 (.929). RB-KR JERIOUS NORWOOD has 4 career rush TDs & 3 have been 67+ yards. In his last game vs. the
Carolina Panthers, had 211 combined yards (145 KR, 32 rush, 34 rec.) WR RODDY WHITE had 119 yards & 70-yard TD last week. Has 8 career 100-yard rec. games, including
127-yard game vs. the Carolina Panthers (9/23/07). Had 69-yard TD in that contest DE JOHN ABRAHAM has 16.0 sacks in past 18. Leads NFL with 6.0 sacks. Has 73.5 sacks since 2000,
6th-most in NFL. Has 5.0 sacks in 6 career meetings, including 2 games with 2.0 sacks
Carolina Panthers
Have 99 victories & need 1 to reach 100 In past 5 games vs. the Atlanta Falcons, QB JAKE DELHOMME has completed 86 of 139 (61.9 pct.) for 962
yards with 8 TDs vs. 3 INTs for 92.7 passer rating. Had 110.6 rating in his last start vs. the Atlanta Falcons
As a starter, when Delhomme has 110.0+ rating, his teams are perfect 11-0 Rookie RB JONATHAN STEWART (first round, No. 13) aims for 3rd game in row with rush TD. Has 3 TDs in
past 2. Panthers are perfect 6-0 when RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS rushes for 80+ yards, including 82-yard game vs.
the Atlanta Falcons (12/24/06) WR STEVE SMITH aims for 4th home game in row with 8+ receptions. WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD has 29 100-yard
receiving games, including 4 vs. the Atlanta Falcons Has 100-yard game in 2 of past 3 meetings. TE JEFF KING
has TD in 2 of 3 meetings DE JULIUS PEPPERS ranks first in team history with 57.0 sacks & 19 FFs. S CHRIS HARRIS aims for 3rd
in row vs. the Atlanta Falcons with FF. CB CHRIS GAMBLE aims for 4th in row with turnover (1 INT, 2 FRs).
Rookie S CHARLES GODFREY (3rd round, No. 67) had first career sack last week.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-3) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-3)
The Bengals have a slim 35 to 34 margin in the all-time series head-to-head and have won 7 of the past 10 versus
the Cleveland Browns. In their last meeting on 12/23/2007, the Bengals won at home 19 to 14. Cincinnati RB Kenny
Watson ran for 130 yards & the Bengals' defense intercepted Cleveland QB Derek Anderson 4 times.
Last week both teams dropped to 0 and 3 on the road. The Browns lost to the Ravens 28 to 10 in Baltimore while
the Bengals lost to the defending Super Bowl Champions 26 to 23 in overtime at Giants Stadium.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are 5-0 under ROMEO CRENNEL when scoring 30 or more points QB DEREK ANDERSON has 7 TDs vs. 5 INTs & 85.4 passer rating against Bengals. Team is 4-0 when
Anderson has 100+ passer rating In 13 career meetings against Bengals, RB JAMAL LEWIS averages 119.3 rush yards per game
(1,551 total) & averages 154 rush yards per game in past 2. Lewis' teams are 22-3 (.880) when he has
25+ carries. RB JEROME HARRISON scored first career TD last week (19-yard rec.) WR BRAYLON EDWARDS aims for 3rd consecutive game with 8 receptions & 2 TDs against the Cincinnati Bengals &
averages 99 receiving yards per game in past 2 vs. Bengals TE KELLEN WINSLOW has totaled 13 receptions for 173 yards (13.3 avg.) in past 2 vs. the Cincinnati
Bengals Team is 3-0 when Winslow has 100+ rec. yards. LB ANDRA DAVIS has 3 career INTs against Bengals (most vs. any opponent) In first career NFL start, rookie LB ALEX HALL (7th round, No. 231) posted first career sack last week WR-KR JOSHUA CRIBBS aims for 5th consecutive game with 100+ KR yards vs. Cin
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals aim for their 5th consecutive win against Browns at home In 4 career starts at home against Browns, QB CARSON PALMER has 4-0 record & has completed 70
of 117 passes (59.8 pct.) for 811 yards with 8 TDs vs. 8 INTs & 75.1 passer rating. Palmer posted
career-high 6 TDs at Cleveland on 9/19/07 RB CHRIS PERRY aims for 3rd consecutive game with rush TD In last meeting against Browns, RB KENNY WATSON gained career-high 130 rush yards (4.3 avg.) on 30 att.
with 1 TD WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH aims for 5th consecutive game with 1 or more TDs against Browns & has 5 TDs
in past 4. Houshmandzadeh had 146 yards & tied career high with 12 receptions last week. WR CHAD JOHNSON
is averaging 125.3 receiving yards per game in past 2 against Browns (253 total) Since 2003, team is 22-5 (.814) when defense has 2+ INTs LB DHANI JONES leads team with 32 tackles DE ROBERT GEATHERS has 3.5 career sacks vs. Cleveland (most vs. any opponent) S CHINEDUM NDUKWE registered career-high 2 INTs in last meeting against Browns WR-KR GLENN HOLT averages 24.9 yards per KR.
HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-2)
Surprisingly the Texans have won 3 of 4 previous matchups facing the Jaguars and lead the all-time series
7 to 5. Last season (12/30/2007), the Texans beat the Jaguars at home 42 to 28. Houston Texans kick returner
André Davis had 2 kick return touchdowns 28 seconds apart as the Texans scored a team-record 42 points to
finish the NFL 2007 season with a franchise-record 8 wins.
Last week the Texans lost on the road to the Titans 31 to 12 while the Jaguars came away with a 23 to 21 road
victory against the Colts for their first win of the season.
Houston Texans
The Texans are 3-1 (.750) when QB MATT SCHAUB has 100+ passer rating In first career start last week, rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) gained 116 rush yards
(6.4 avg.) on 18 att. with 1 TD. Slaton's 116 yards were 2nd most by Texans rookie RB (DOMANICK WILLIAMS,
129 yards on 10/19/03) WR ANDRE JOHNSON averages 88.7 receiving yards per game in past 4 against Jaguars (355 total). The
Houston Texans have won 5 of past 7 when Johnson has 100+ receiving yards. Johnson (4,945) needs 56 rec.
yards to surpass 5,000 for career. WR KEVIN WALTER notched career-high 12 rec. for 160 yards (13.3 avg.)
in last meeting at Jax TE OWEN DANIELS aims for reception in 22 consecutive games. Daniels averages 14.9 yards per catch in
2008 (7 receptions for 104 yards) Pro Bowl LB DE MECO RYANS recorded 6th career FR last week Since 10/1/07, DE MARIO WILLIAMS is tied for 3rd in NFL with 14 sacks CB JACQUES REEVES posted first INT with Texans last week In last meeting against Jaguars, WR-KR ANDRÉ DAVIS totaled 234 KR yards on 5 att., including 104-yard
KR-TD
Jacksonville Jaguars
Since 2006, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 14-4 (.778) when gaining 150+ rush yards In last meeting against Houston, QB DAVID GARRARD completed 22 of 34 (64.7 pct.) passes for 221 yards
with 2 TDs vs. 0 INT & 102.7 passer rating RB FRED TAYLOR averages 84.5 rush yards per game (338 total) in past 4 against Houston. Team is
15-5 (.750) when Taylor has 25+ att. RB MAURICE JONES-DREW gained 125 yards (10.4 avg.) on 12 att. with
2 TDs in last game vs. the Houston Texans Taylor (121) & Jones-Drew (107) totaled 228 rush yards last
week. Jones-Drew totaled 191 yards last week (107 rush, 59 receiving, 25 KR) The Jacksonville Jaguars are 11-3 (.785) when WR REGGIE WILLIAMS scores a TD. Aims for 3rd consecutive
game with TD against Houston. In last meeting vs. the Houston Texans, WR MATT JONES posted career-high 8 rec.
for 138 yards (17.3 avg.) with TD CB RASHEAN MATHIS posted 61-yard INT-TD last week. Team is 12-6 (.667) when Mathis has INT DE PAUL SPICER aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack vs. the Houston Texans
DENVER BRONCOS (3-0) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-3)
The Kansas City Chiefs lead the series 52 to 43 as the Denver Broncos have won 4 of the past 6 games. In
their last meeting the Broncos blew out the Chiefs 41 to 7 in Denver. In that game, Denver QB Jay Cutler
passed for 4 TDs, including 2 scores to WR Brandon Marshall (8, 13). Broncos rookie RB Selvin Young added
156 rushing yards.
Last week the Broncos continued their winning ways edging the New Orleans Saints 34 to 32 at home to
go 3 - 0 overall, while the Chiefs lost to the Falcons 38 to 14 in Atlanta to remain winless for the NFL 2008 season.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos aim for their 3rd consecutive win against the Chiefs for the first time since 10/4/92 Broncos aim for a 4-0 start for first time since 2003 QB JAY CUTLER is 2-0 against Chiefs & has completed 37 of 56 passes (66.1 pct.) for 436 yards with
5 TDs vs. 1 INT & 111.9 passer rating. In past 2 against AFC West, Cutler has 6 TDs vs. 1 INT & 118.6
passer rating. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating In past 3, RB SELVIN YOUNG is averaging 6.9 yards per carry (26 att., 179 rush yards). RB MICHAEL
PITTMAN has 4 TDs in past 3 In 2 games as starter against Chiefs, WR BRANDON MARSHALL has 16 receptions for 200 yards (12.5 avg.)
with 2 TDs. Dating back to 12/9/07, Marshall has 100+ receiving yards in 5 of past 6 (732 total). Rookie WR
EDDIE ROYAL (2nd round, No. 42) leads all rookies with 18 receptions CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE' BLY (38) rank first & 2nd among active CBs for most INTs since 1999 DE ELVIS DUMERVIL tied career-high with 3 sacks in last meeting against Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have won 4 of past 5 against Denver at home QB TYLER THIGPEN aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD pass. QB DAMON HUARD has 8-5 (.615) record as
starter at home & has 15 TDs vs. 9 INTs & 88.7 passer rating. In 4 career starts against Broncos, RB LARRY JOHNSON has totaled 574 rushing yards (143.5 per game)
& aims for 5th 100-yard rush game against Broncos. Johnson totaled 121 rush yards last week & Chiefs
are 21-7 (.750) when Johnson has 100+ rushing yards. KC is 12-1 (.923) when Johnson has 30+ carries TE TONY GONZALEZ (10,011), needs 50 receiving yards to surpass SHANNON SHARPE (10,060) on all-time list.
Gonzalez (23) needs 2 100-yard receiving games to surpass KELLEN WINSLOW (24) for most career 100-yard receiving
games by TE In last meeting at home vs. Broncos, WR DWAYNE BOWE recorded 9 receptions for 105 yards (11.7 avg.) Defense has 6 INTs in past 4 against Broncos LB DONNIE EDWARDS leads NFL active LBs with 28 career INTs LB DERRICK JOHNSON posted 1 INT & 1 FF in last meeting against Denver at K.C.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2)
The 49ers lead the series versus the Saints with a record of 45-22-2. However, the Saints have won the last
4 in a row. They last met on 10/28/2007 when the Saints defeated the 49ers in San Francisco 31 to 10. In that
game, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees threw 4 TD passes, including 3 (17, 3, 15) to WR Marques Colston as the
Saints won their 3rd consecutive game at that time.
Last week the 49ers beat up on the Detroit Lions at home 31 - 13, while the Saints barely lost on the road to the
so-far undefeated Denver Broncos 34 to 32.
San Francisco 49ers
49ers QB J.T. O'SULLIVAN was originally drafted by the Saints in 6th round (No. 186) of the NFL 2002 Draft.
He currently ranks 2nd in the NFC with a 104.6 passer rating, completing 50 of 75 (66.7 pct.) for 705 yards with 3
TDs vs. 1 INT. O'SULLIVAN aims for 3rd in row with 100+ rating & 3rd consecutive win When RB FRANK GORE has 20+ attempts, 49ers are 12-2 (.857). Rushed 27 times for 130 yards & TD last
week In 16 career meetings (including playoffs), WR ISAAC BRUCE has 8 career 100-yard games vs. NO. In
those 16, Bruce has 90 catches for 1,586 yards & 13 TDs. Ranks 3rd in NFL history with 14,281 receiving
yards & tops active players. TE VERNON DAVIS had 6 catches for 71 yards & TD in last meeting CB WALT HARRIS has 17 FFs since entering NFL in 1996, tied for most among CBs in that span. CB NATE
CLEMENTS, who entered NFL in 1998, also has 17 FFs. Clements had FF in last game vs. NO. LB TAKEO SPIKES
had 2 FRs in only game vs. NO (12/22/02 with the Cincinnati Bengals)
New Orleans Saints
QB DREW BREES has won all 3 starts vs. the 49ers. In those 3, Brees has completed 77 of 117 (65.8 pct.)
for 858 yards with 7 TDs vs. 1 INT for 103.9 passer rating. When Brees has 100+ rating, his teams are 25-6
(.806). Since joining the Saints in 2006, Brees has passed for 9,821 yards, most in NFL. Brees passed for 421 yards
last week RB REGGIE BUSH had career-best 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 rec.) & 131 receiving yards vs. SF (12/3/06),
becoming 4th player in NFL history with 3 rush TDs & 100 rec. yards in game. Was first career 100-yard
rec. game & when Bush has 100+ rec. yards, Saints are perfect 3-0. Had 11 catches last week & leads
NFL with 26 receptions. RB PIERRE THOMAS rushed for 2 TDs last week. Aims for 3rd in row with rush TD WR DEVERY HENDERSON has 12 career TDs & 11 have been 20+ yards. WR DAVID PATTEN had 109 yards in
last meeting. WR ROBERT MEACHEM had career-high 86 yards last week, including 74-yard catch. WR LANCE MOORE
set career-highs in catches (7) & yards (78) last week DE WILL SMITH has 6.0 sacks in past 11. Aims for 3rd in row vs. the 49ers with sack. DE CHARLES GRANT
has sack in 2 of past 3 meetings.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-1) AT NEW YORK JETS (1-2)
The New York Jets have a 4 to 2 series lead and have defeated the Arizona Cardinals 4 consecutive times now.
They last played each other on November 28, 2004 with the Jets winning 13 to 3 in Arizona. In that game,
New York Jets WR Santana Moss had 5 receptions for 109 yards, including a 69-yard TD from QB Quincy Carter
for the game's only TD.
Last week both teams lost on the road with the Cardinals falling to the Redskins 24 to 17 and the Jets losing
to the Chargers on Monday Night Football 48-29.
Arizona Cardinals
In his only start vs. the New York Jets (10/21/01 with StL), QB KURT WARNER completed 18 of 27 (66.7 pct.)
for 215 yards & 1 TD vs. 0 INTs for 103.2 passer rating. In Warner's starts with 15+ att. (including
playoffs), his teams are 31-3 (.912) when he has 100+ rating In 6 meetings vs. the New York Jets, RB EDGERRIN JAMES has 4 100-yard games & 801 scrimmage yards
(133.5 per game). His teams are 5-1 (.833) in those 6. In past 2 vs. Jets, James has 262 rush yards (131.0
per game) & 5 TDs. When James rushes for 120+ yards & 1+ TD, his teams are perfect 18-0. Rookie RB
TIM HIGHTOWER (5th round) has TD in 2 of first 3 games WR ANQUAN BOLDIN has 4 TDs in past 2. Has 22 100-yard games, tied for most in club history. Has 3
100-yard rec. games in past 5 vs. AFC, including 140-yard, 3-TD performance in Week 2. WR LARRY FITZGERALD
has 24 catches for 366 yards (122.0 per game) & 1 TD in past 3 vs. AFC In last game at Meadowlands (9/11/05 vs. NYG), LB KARLOS DANSBY had 2 INTs, including 20-yard INT-TD
& 1.0 sack. DE BERTRAND BERRY had sack & FF in last meeting. Berry & Dansby each had sack last
week. DE TRAVIS LA BOY had sack & FF last year vs. the New York Jets (12/23/07 with Ten.)
New York Jets
Dating back to 10/22/78, the Jets aim for their 5th consecutive win against Cardinals For his career, QB BRETT FAVRE is 3-1 (.750) against Cardinals & has completed 78 of 123 passes
(63.4 pct.) for 1,013 yards with 5 TDs & 2 INTs & 96.0 passer rating. Favre's teams are 84-8 (.913)
when he posts 100+ passer rating RB THOMAS JONES spent 3 seasons with Cardinals (2000-02). In 2007, Jones averaged 89.5 rush yards per
game at home against NFC (179 total in 2 games). Jones' teams are 26-13 (.667) when he records 20+ att WR CHANSI STUCKEY aims to become first the New York Jets since WR KEYSHAWN JOHNSON (1998) to record TD
reception in first 4 games of season Rookie TE DUSTIN KELLER (first round, No. 30) recorded first career TD reception last week LB CALVIN PACE spent 5 seasons (2003-07) with Cardinals & recorded 14 sacks Since 2001, Jets lead the NFL with 10 kick return TDs.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1)
The Green Bay Packers lead the series with a record of 29-19-1, whereas the Bucs have won 2 of the 3 past
contests. The 2 teams last met on September 25, 2005 with the Buccaneers winning 17 to 16 in Green Bay.
Tampa Bay rookie RB Cadillac Williams ran for 158 yards & S Will Allen registered 2 INTs.
Last week, the Packers lost to the Cowboys 27 to 16 at home while the Bucs won on the road in overtime to the
Chicago Bears by a score of 27-24 to improve to 2 and 1.
Green Bay Packers
Under head coach MIKE MC CARTHY, the Packers have won 19 of their past 23 games In first 3 starts, QB AARON RODGERS has completed 64 of 99 (64.6 pct.) for 796 yards with 4 TDs
vs. 0 INTs for 102.9 passer rating Since Week 8 of 2007, RB RYAN GRANT has rushed for 1,095 yards, 2nd-most in NFC. When Grant has 15+
att., Packers are perfect 8-0 WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 98 consecutive games, 2nd-longest streak in team history
(STERLING SHARPE, 103). WR GREG JENNINGS has 15 career rec. TDs & 8 have been 40+ yards. Leads
NFL with 373 rec. yards & aims for 3rd in row with 100+ yards DE AARON KAMPMAN has 31.5 sacks since 2006, most in NFC. Had sack in last meeting. S NICK COLLINS
aims for 3rd in row with INT. In past 2, Collins has 2 INTs, 103 INT-return yards & INT-TD. DE CULLEN
JENKINS aims for 3rd in row with sack (2.5 sacks in past 2). CB CHARLES WOODSON had INT in SB XXXVII vs.
TB (with Oak.). In 3 meetings (including SB), Woodson has INT, FF & FR
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Under head coach JON GRUDEN, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing a turnover QB BRIAN GRIESE has won all 3 starts vs. GB, completing 51 of 82 (62.2 pct.) for 716 yards with 6 TDs
vs. 3 INTs for 99.4 passer rating. As starter, when Griese has 95+ rating, his teams are 23-8 (.742).
Last week, Griese set a franchise record with 67 att. & completed 38 for 407 yards RB EARNEST GRAHAM has 394 rush yards (98.5 per game) & 4 TDs in past 4 at home. Aims for 5th home
game in row with rush TD WR JOEY GALLOWAY had 2 TDs in last meeting. WR ANTONIO BRYANT had career-high 10 catches for 138 yards
last week. WR IKE HILLIARD had 6 catches & 1 TD last week DE GAINES ADAMS had first career INT last week & returned INT 45 yards for TD. CB RONDE BARBER
(12) & LB DERRICK BROOKS (8) are franchise leaders in TDs by def. player (including playoffs). When Brooks
has INT-TD (including playoffs), TB is 7-0. S WILL ALLEN had career-high 2 INTs in last meeting. LB BARRETT
RUUD had INT last week & TB is 3-0 when Ruud has INT.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (3-0)
The Vikings have won the past 4 versus the Titans to lead the series 7 to 3. The two teams last met on
10/24/2004 when the Vikings defeated the Titans 20 - 3 at home. In that game, Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper
completed 24 of 30 passes (80 pct.) for 183 yards & a 103.2 rating. Vikings RB Mewelde Moore added 138
yards rushing.
Last week both teams won at home. The Vkings defeated the Panthers 20 -10 while the Titans beat up on the
Texans winning easily 31 to 12.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have won the past 4 meetings, outscoring the Titans 111 to 60 QB GUS FREROTTE won his last start vs. the Titans (12/24/05 with Miami Dolphins). Passed for 2 TDs in
game. Aims for 3rd consecutive start vs. Titans. with 2+ TDs In 4 games vs. AFC opponents, RB ADRIAN PETERSON has 594 rushing yards (148.5 per game) & 4 TDs.
Has 100-yard game in all 3 starts vs. AFC. Averaging 98.9 rush yards per game since entering NFL in 2007,
best in NFL. When RB CHESTER TAYLOR has 100+ rush yards, his teams are 7-1 (.875) WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 13 career TD catches & 8 have been 30+ yards. TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE had 34-yard
TD last week CB ANTOINE WINFIELD had sack, FF & 19-yard FR-TD last week. Had INT & 30-yard return in last
meeting. DE JARED ALLEN has 45.0 sacks since 2004, 2nd most in NFL. In last game at Tennessee (12/13/04 with
KC), Allen had sack. DT KEVIN WILLIAMS had sack & FF in last meeting. Had 2.0 sacks last week. S DARREN
SHARPER has 48 INTs since 2000, most in NFL
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans aim for their first 4-0 start in franchise history Since 2006, club has 16-4 (.800) record when scoring 20+ points In past 3, QB KERRY COLLINS has completed 30 of 49 passes (61.2 pct.) for 382 yards with 2 TDs vs.
1 INTs & 90.7 passer rating Rookie RB CHRIS JOHNSON (first round, No. 24) leads AFC with 276 rush yards RB LEN DALE WHITE has rush TD in 3 of past 4 against NFC. White posted career-high 2 rush TDs last
week & aims for 4th consecutive game with TD WR JUSTIN MC CAREINS led team with 4 receptions for 90 receiving yards (22.5 avg.) last week Since 2006, team is 14-2 (.875) when it records 2 or more INTs Club aims for 4th consecutive game with 2+ INTs Defense ranks first in AFC & 3rd in NFL with 11 sacks Including postseason, CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN aims for 5th game in row with INT. Finnegan scored on
99-yard INT-TD return last week S MICHAEL GRIFFIN registered career-high 2 INTs last week.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (1-2) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-2)
The Raiders lead the series with a record of 54-40-2. However, the Chargers have won the last 9 matchups between
these two AFC West rivals. On December 30, 2007, The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30 to 17 on the road as San
Diego's defense posted 4 sacks & forced 4 fumbles. At that time it was the Chargers' 6th consecutive win as they
secured the 3rd seed in the AFC playoffs.
Last week the Charger defeated the Jets 48 to 29 at home on Monday Night Football while the Raiders lost to the
Bills on the road 24-23/
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers aim for their 10th consecutive win against the Raiders QB PHILIP RIVERS has 10-3 (.769) career record against AFC West & has completed 198 of 340
passes (58.2 pct.) for 2,600 yards with 16 TDs vs. 11 INTs & 84.7 passer rating. Rivers is 2-0 at
Oakland & has 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 112.7 passer rating. Rivers tied career high with 3 TD passes
last week For his career against the Raiders, RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON averages 122.1 rush yards per game (1,709
total) & has totaled 16 TDs. Tomlinson has 100+ rush yards in 3 of past 4 against Oakland TE ANTONIO GATES has 6 career TD receptions against Raiders (2nd most vs. any opponent). Team is 8-0
when Gates has 2+ TDs WR CHRIS CHAMBERS aims for 6th consecutive game with TD reception & has 6 TDs in past 5 games.
In 5 career meetings vs. Oakland, Chambers averages 17.3 yards per catch (20 rec., 375 yards) Defense has 5 INTs in past 3 vs. Oakland Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE leads NFL with 12 INTs. Club is 7-0 when Cromartie has INT LB SHAUN PHILLIPS has 3.5 sacks in past 3 against Oakland LB JYLES TUCKER recorded 2 sacks last week
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are 8-3 (.727) against Chargers in September at home In 4 career starts, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 55 of 93 passes (59.1 pct.) for 615 yards with 4
TDs vs. 1 INT & 88.8 passer rating. Russell posted his first career rush TD last week Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (first round, No. 4) ranks 3rd in AFC (2nd among rookies) with 252 rush
yards (5.7 avg.) on 44 att. with 1 TD WR-KR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS posted first TD reception last week on 84-yard reception (career long).
Higgins totaled 218 total yards last week (84 receiving, 36 PR, 98 KR). TE ZACH MILLER has 1 or more
receptions in 17 of 19 career games The Raiders defense has totaled 8 sacks in their past 2 games Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) is ranked first & LB KIRK MORRISON is tied for 2nd for most INTs
in NFL among LBs DE DERRICK BURGESS has 5.5 career sacks against Chargers (most vs. any opponent) DE KALIMBA EDWARDS aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack Since 2005, CB DE ANGELO HALL is tied for 3rd in NFL among active CBs with 16 INTs.
BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-3)
The Bills have won 4 of the past 5 and lead the series 5 games to 4. In their last meeting on 11/21/2004,
Buffalo QB Drew Bledsoe threw 3 TDs to TE Mark Campbell & RB Willis McGahee added 100 yards rushing as the
Bills defeated the Rams at home 37 to 17.
Last week, the Bills defeated the Raiders 24 to 23 at home while the Rams lost on the road to the Seahawks
37 - 13.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills look to start 4-0 for the first time since 1992 In 4th quarter this season, QB TRENT EDWARDS has completed 24 of 32 passes (75.0 pct.) for 284 yards
with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 122.4 passer rating. Edwards has 8-4 (.667) record as starter with 10 TDs vs.
8 INTs & 79.2 passer rating. Team is 6-0 when Edwards has 80+ passer rating In 1 career road game vs. NFC (12/30/07 at Phi.), RB MARSHAWN LYNCH had 105 rush yards (4.8 avg.) on 22
att. Lynch posted career-high 2 TDs last week & aims for 4th consecutive game with 1 or more TDs WR LEE EVANS aims for 4th consecutive game with long of 30+ yards. Evans aims for 2nd straight game
with 100+ yards against NFC Defense aims to hold opponent under 100 rush yards for 4th consecutive game Club is 11-2 (.846) under head coach DICK JAURON when holding opponents less than 300 yards Since 2003, DE AARON SCHOBEL ranks 2nd in NFL with 53 sacks (JASON TAYLOR, 60) CB-KR LEODIS MC KELVIN totaled 137 KR yards (27.4 avg.) last week (4th most by Bills rookie) on 5 att
Saint Louis Rams
QB TRENT GREEN makes first start of season. Has started against Bills 3 times in career & has posted
2-1 (.667) record. Last saw action with Rams in 2000, when he played in 8 games & posted 101.8 passer rating
with 16 TDs vs. 5 INTs In past 9 vs. AFC, RB STEVEN JACKSON has 1,210 scrimmage yards (134.4 per game), including 924 rush
yards (102.7 per game) & 33 receptions for 286 yards. Jackson has 8 TDs (6 rush, 2 rec.) in those 8.
When he has 22+ carries, Rams are 14-5 (.737). In those 19, Jackson has 2,143 yards (112.8 per game) &
13 TDs Since 2000, WR TORRY HOLT leads the NFL with 764 receptions & 11,198 yards. In only meeting, Holt
had 8 catches for 90 yards & 1 TD. Holt has 12 100-yard games in career vs. AFC & Rams are 10-2 (.833)
in those 12 S O.J. ATOGWE has 7 INTs in past 11 games. DE LEONARD LITTLE had sack in last game vs. Buf. Has 22.5
sacks in past 24 vs. AFC, including 5.0 sacks in past 3. When DT LA'ROI GLOVER has 2+ sacks, his teams are
13-3 (.813). LB WILL WITHERSPOON had sack last week.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (3-0)
The Redskins have won 2 of the past 3 meetings, but the Cowboys hold a commanding lead in the overall series with
a 56-36-2 record over the Redskins. The NFC East rivals last met on December 30, 2007. The Redskins defeated the
Cowboys at home 27 to 6. Washington's defense allowed only 147 total net yards as Redskins won their 4th consecutive
game to clinch an NFC Wild Card berth. Earlier in the NFL 2007 season on November 18, 2007, the Cowboys defeated the
Redskins 28 to 23. Dallas WR Terrell Owens hauled in 173 yards & 4 TDs (4, 31, 46, 52) as the Cowboys improved to
9-1 for the first time since 1983.
Last week both teams won as the Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24 - 17 at home, while the Dallas Cowboys
beat the Green Bay Packers on the road 27 - 16.
Washington Redskins
In only career start vs. the Dallas Cowboys, QB JASON CAMPBELL had career-highs in att. (54), comp.
(33) & yards (348). Aims for 3rd game in row with 100+ rating In last meeting, RB CLINTON PORTIS rushed for 104 yards & 2 TDs. When Portis has 100+ yards, his
teams are 28-9 (.757). When Portis rushes for 2+ TDs, his clubs are 14-4 (.778) TE CHRIS COOLEY has 5 TDs in past 5 meetings, including career-high 3 vs. the Dallas Cowboys (12/18/05).
Has 27 TDs since 2004, most in NFC among TEs. In 5 games vs. the Dallas Cowboys with Redskins, WR SANTANA
MOSS has 28 catches for 537 yards (107.4 per game, 19.2 avg.) & 4 TDs. Had 7 catches for 75 yards &
TD last week. Including playoffs, WR-PR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL has 24 career TDs (13 rec., 6 PR, 4 pass, 1 KR).
TE TODD YODER had TD catch last week CB SHAWN SPRINGS had INT in last meeting. LB LONDON FLETCHER had INT in last meeting at the Dallas
Cowboys DT KEDRIC GOLSTON had sack last week
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys aim for their first back-to-back 4-0 starts since 1976-77 In only home meeting vs. Was., QB TONY ROMO completed 22 of 32 (68.8 pct.) for 293 yards & 4 TDs
vs. 1 INT for 124.1 passer rating. Team is 15-2 (.882) when Romo has 100+ rating When RB MARION BARBER has 11+ carries, Cowboys are 22-1 (.957). Has 33 TDs (28 rush, 5 rec.) in past
34. Rushed for 142 yards & TD last week. RB-KR FELIX JONES is first Cowboys rookie to score TD in first
3 games (2 rush, 1 KR). Had 60-yard rush TD last week WR TERRELL OWENS tied club record & set career-high with 4 rec. TDs in his last game vs. Was.
Had 8 catches for 173 yards (21.6 avg.). TE JASON WITTEN has 333 catches & 3,909 yards since 2004, most
by TE in NFC LB DE MARCUS WARE aims for 5th game in row vs. Was. with sack. Has 3 FFs in past 2 meetings. Had sack
last week & aims for 7th game in row with sack. Has 7.0 sacks in past 6 games. LB GREG ELLIS has 14.5
sacks in past 16. CB TERENCE NEWMAN had INT in his last game vs. Was. & has 6 INTs vs. Was. CB ANTHONY
HENRY had career-high 2.0 sacks last week. DE JAY RATLIFF aims for 3rd in row with sack.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-2)
The Bears lead the series 25-8-1, but the Eagles have won 4 of the past 5 games between the two. Last season,
the Bears defeated the Eagles in Philadelhpia 19 - 16 on October 21, 2007. Chicago WR Muhsin Muhammad caught
a 15-yard TD pass with 9 seconds remaining to cap 97-yard game winning drive.
Last week the Eagles beat the Steelers 15 to 6 at home while the Bears ;ost to the Bucs at home in overtime by
the score of 27 to 24.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB is from Chicago & has 4-1 (.800) record vs. Bears (including
playoffs). When McNabb has 100+ rating (including playoffs), Eagles are 37-1 (.974). Threw 176th career TD
pass last week, moving past RON JAWORSKI (175) for most in franchise history In past 2 meetings, RB BRIAN WESTBROOK has 301 scrimmage yards (150.5 per game), including 198 rush
yards (99.0 per game) & 15 receptions for 103 yards. Is 1 of 7 players in NFL history with 25+ rush (30)
& rec. (25) TDs WR DE SEAN JACKSON (2nd round, No. 49) leads NFL rookies with 256 yards (17 catches, 15.1 avg.). WR
HANK BASKETT has 4 career TDs & 3 have been 85+ yards. Had career-high 8 catches last week (85 yards) Defense had 9 sacks last week, led by DE JUQUA PARKER (2.5), LB OMAR GAITHER (1.5) & DE DARREN
HOWARD (1.5). DE TRENT COLE had sack & has 12.0 sacks in past 16. Had sack in last meeting. CB ASANTE
SAMUEL has 18 INTs since 2006, most in NFL. Aims for 3rd in row with INT. S BRIAN DAWKINS had INT in 10/22/00
meeting
Chicago Bears
Bears QB KYLE ORTON has won 8 of past 9 starts at home & overall is 9-2 (.818) RB MATT FORTÉ (2nd round, No. 44) leads NFL rookies with 304 rushing yards. Last week, rushed for 89
yards & had career-high 7 catches & 66 yards with 1 TD Pro Bowl PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER has 14 career TDs & averages 80.9 yards per TD, highest avg. in NFL
history (min. 10 TDs). WR BRANDON LLOYD had 33-yard TD in 12/21/03 meeting (with SF). Had 6 catches for 124
yards (20.7 avg.) & TD last week DT TOMMIE HARRIS had 2.0 sacks in last meeting. Aims for 3rd in row vs. Phi. with 0.5+ sack. When DE
ADEWALE OGUNLEYE has 2+ sacks, his teams are 10-2 (.833). LB BRIAN URLACHER has INT in 3 of past 4 at home,
including 85-yard INT-TD. LB LANCE BRIGGS had INT last week. Bears are 5-0 when DE ALEX BROWN has 2+ sacks.
CB NATHAN VASHER had INT in last meeting at home.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-0) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1)
The Ravens have won 4 of the past 5 yet the Steelers still lead the all-time series 14 to 10. Last season, the AFC
rivals won their home game in their 2 matchups. On 11/5/2007 it was the Steelers 38 Ravens 7 in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh
QB Ben Roethlisberger threw a career-high 5 TD passes & Steelers' defense limited Baltimore to 104 total net yards.
In Baltimore on 12/30/2007 the Ravens won at home 27 to 21. The Baltimore Ravens offense scored on its first 3
possessions for a 17-0 lead. Ravens rookie QB Troy Smith threw a 15-yard TD to WR Devard Darling in 3rd quarter.
Last week the Ravens defeated the Browns at home 28 to 10 while the Steelers lost 15 to 6 against the Eagles in
Philadelphia.
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens Rookie QB JOE FLACCO (first round, No. 18) aims to join the Cincinnati Bengals QB GREG COOK (1969)
as only 2 rookie QBs in Super Bowl era to start season 3-0 In 2 career games vs. Pit., RB WILLIS MC GAHEE has 3 TDs & aims for 2nd consecutive multi-TD game vs.
Pittsburgh. RB LE' RON MC CLAIN posted career-high 2 rush TDs last week Since 2003, WR DERRICK MASON ranks 3rd in NFL with 456 rec. (TORRY HOLT, 510; CHAD JOHNSON, 470).
In past 2 meetings against Steelers, Mason has 12 rec TE TODD HEAP (3,934) needs 67 receiving yards to surpass 4,000 Defense has not allowed RB to gain 100+ rush yards in 21 games Since '02, S ED REED leads NFL safeties with 35 INTs. Reed posted 4th career INT-TD on 32-yard return
last week CB CHRIS MC ALISTER recorded 25th career INT last week & aims for 3rd game in row with INT
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dating back to 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won 13 consecutive at home on MNF (longest all-time home
win streak on MNF) QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER is 3-0 at home on MNF & has completed 49 of 67 passes (73.1 pct.) for 551 yards
with 7 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 119.7 passer rating. Team is 25-2 (.925), when Roethlisberger has 100+
passer rating Rookie RB RASHARD MENDENHALL (first round, No. 23) will make first NFL start this week. WR HINES WARD
aims for 4th consecutive game with TD against division & has 4 TDs in past 3 vs. AFC North Since 2007, WR SANTONIO HOLMES ranks 2nd in AFC with 17.5 yards-per-reception average. In past 2 against
Bal., Holmes has 8 rec. for 208 yards (26.0 avg.) with 3 TDs Steelers defense ranks first in AFC & 2nd in NFL allowing 64.3 rush yards per game in 2008 LB JAMES HARRISON has 3.5 sacks, 1 INT & 1 FR in past 2 vs. Bal S TROY POLAMALU registered 13th career INT last week & aims for 4th consecutive game with INT.
including playoffs, club is 11-3 (.786) when Polamalu has INT.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 4
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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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