NFL 2008 RSS
"You can get humbled quickly in the NFL," says Titans safety MICHAEL GRIFFIN. "You can start 5-0 and still go 5-11."
Things definitely can turn quickly in the NFL, and past seasons prove it.
Since 2000, for instance, 43
teams had winning records entering Week 6 with at least a quarter of their games played -- and still missed
the playoffs.
On the other hand, 12 clubs had losing records at this point in the season and advanced to
the playoffs, including the 2001 New England Patriots (2-3) who would go on to win Super Bowl XXXVI, and
last season’s San Diego Chargers (2-3), who played in the AFC Championship Game.
"We’re going to continue to fight," says running back BRIAN WESTBROOK of the 2-3 Philadelphia Eagles. "We’re not going to quit."
That NFL fighting continues without letup this week. Only some of the highlight games of Week 6:
DALLAS COWBOYS (4-1) at ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-2)
Romo vs. Warner -- get out the calculators!
The third (Arizona) and fourth (Dallas) most productive pass offenses in the NFL square off in the desert. QBs KURT WARNER (102.5) of the Cardinals and TONY ROMO (100.5) of the Cowboys rank Nos. 3-4, respectively, in both NFL passer rating and yards. They combine for five 300-yard passing games in ’08 (Romo, 3; Warner, 2, including a league-high 472 yards) – the most of any QB duo in a game this weekend.
The Cowboys are coming into a tough venue. The Cardinals – leading the NFC West -- are 8-2 at home since KEN WHISENHUNT became their head coach last year and have outscored two opponents 72-17 at home this season.
Each team balances its air game with a 300-yard rusher -- Dallas’ MARION BARBER (395) and Arizona’s EDGERRIN JAMES (334) – and promising rookie RBs in the Cowboys’ FELIX JONES (103 yards last week) and Cards’ TIM HIGHTOWER (five TDs).
In spite of all that offense, the key to the game could be the front seven of each squad, which have two players each in the top 10 in NFL sacks – Dallas LB DE MARCUS WARE (5.0 sacks) and NT JAY RATLIFF (3.0) and Arizona DE TRAVIS LA BOY (4.0) and DE BERTRAND BERRY (3.0).
CHICAGO BEARS (3-2) at ATLANTA FALCONS (3-2)
A hundred carries? No problem!
Only four RBs in the league have 100 carries this season – Washington’s CLINTON PORTIS (115), Minnesota’s ADRIAN
PETERSON (104) and the two pounders in this game, Atlanta’s MICHAEL TURNER (league-leading 543 yards on 103 rushes) and Chicago’s MATT FORTÉ (top rookie rusher with 383 yards on 107 carries).
The teams’ running games are perfect support for the clubs’ young quarterbacks, enabling them to keep defenses honest while they develop. Bears QB KYLE ORTON, starting again in his fourth year after two years of basic inactivity, is directing things at the line of scrimmage with more authority, says Bears offensive coordinator RON TURNER. "He’s a very bright player, and he’s handling it well," Turner says. Orton set career highs in yards, completions and passer rating against Detroit last week. But watch out, Kyle! Falcons DE JOHN ABRAHAM leads the league with 7.0 sacks.
Falcons rookie QB MATT RYAN, coming off his first road win, has formed a productive relationship with WR RODDY WHITE, with the four-year veteran ranked No. 3 in the league in receiving yards (454). "I’ve never seen anything like it," says Falcons C TODD MC CLURE. "Matt’s composure in the huddle is amazing."
CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-1) at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2)
These two are BIG-time rivals, especially since they joined the NFC South!
They have met 15 times since the Panthers came into existence in 1995, with 12 of the games being decided by no more than two touchdowns and eight of those by no more than eight points.
So here they are this Sunday sitting first (Carolina) and tied for second in the division with each having the exact same point total – 114.
And each has a possible defensive neutralizer to the other’s passing game. Carolina QB JAKE DELHOMME confronts a pass defense that has limited opposing quarterbacks to a 71.4 passer rating since 1996, the lowest in the league in that time. Meanwhile, Bucs QBs BRIAN GRIESE or JEFF GARCIA face the third-toughest pass defense in the NFL (156.0).
The RBs? Things match up evenly here too. Only two teams in the NFL have two rushers apiece in the top 20 -- the Bucs and Panthers, in Tampa Bay’s EARNEST GRAHAM and WARRICK DUNN and Carolina’s DE ANGELO WILLIAMS and rookie JONATHAN STEWART.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-1) at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-3) (Sunday night, 8:15 PM ET)
For clubs on opposite coasts, these two have one hot rivalry!
The Patriots and Chargers have played each other four times in the past three years, including twice last season, with New England winning the last three. In 2006, it was a 24-21 Patriots victory in the Divisional Playoffs. Last season, it was a 38-14 Pats’ regular-season win followed by another in the AFC Championship (21-12).
In the 2007 AFC championship, QB PHILIP RIVERS drove the Chargers to within New England’s 10-yard line three times but had to settle for field goals each time. San Diego – which will wear its 1960s-style powder-blue jerseys Sunday night -- aims to make such penetrations pay off more fruitfully Sunday night with an offense that averages almost 30 points a game (29.6), the fourth-best mark in the league.
The Patriots’ QB-WR combo of MATT CASSEL and RANDY MOSS looks like it is developing into a good relationship. They connected on a 66-yard TD against San Francisco last Sunday with five completions overall for 111 yards.
NEW YORK GIANTS (4-0) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3) (Monday night, 8:30 PM ET)
Giants’ top-10s vs. due-to-break-out Browns.
The New York Giants are the only club in the league with top-10 rankings in total, rushing and passing yards
on both offense and defense. The Browns are basically at the other end of the scale – except for pass defense
(No. 10) -- but feel they have too many potent weapons not to turn things around.
Cleveland takes on a New York team that is off to its best start since 1990 (10-0) and is fresh from a league 2008-best 523-yard offensive explosion last Sunday. QB ELI MANNING spreads his throws around, connecting with nine different receivers against Seattle in Week 5 while posting a career-high 136.6 passer rating.
Strong-armed Browns QB DEREK ANDERSON -- sacked only eight times this season – faces a pass rush with 14 take-downs in the past three games. But the Browns will be ready. They want revenge for their Monday night preseason loss to the Giants (37-34) on national television this past August 18. "This is a good opportunity to show the world that we’re definitely better than what we put out there in preseason," says Browns LB ANDRA DAVIS. "We’ll be ready."
The Giants – 14-2 under head coach TOM COUGHLIN in the month of October – can join six other defending Super Bowl champions in starting 5-0: 1986 Chicago, 1990 San Francisco, 1998 Denver, 2000 St. Louis, 2004 New England and 2007 Indianapolis.
NFL 2008 Scoring is Up
NFL games are averaging 45.0 points through Week 5, which is the second-highest average at this point since
the 16-game schedule was instituted in 1978 to the 45.7 mark through five weeks in 2002. The record for the
season is 43.7 in 1983.
NFL Quarterbacks Excelling in 4th Quarter
"Finish" is the term often communicated by NFL coaches to players at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Through Week 5 of the NFL 2008 season, 11 teams have come back to win in the fourth quarter after entering the
period behind, including a historic comeback last week by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts’ PEYTON MANNING leads all NFL quarterbacks in passing yards (7,892) and touchdown passes (60) in
the fourth quarter since 2000. Manning is the only quarterback in NFL history to engineer a comeback in
regulation after being behind by 17 or more points with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, as he
did last Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Peyton Manning is no stranger to this sort of comeback. He engineered an identical fourth-quarter,
17-or-more-point comeback with five minutes to go that turned into a 38-35 overtime victory on October 6,
2003 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That game and last Sunday’s were the only games in NFL history with
comebacks of these parameters.
"I’ve always said that you should play with a sense of urgency because you don’t know what the next quarter,
the next game or the next year will be like," says Manning.
"I think you have to have that urgency no matter
the circumstances. If you’re down and have to score or whether you’re holding onto a lead and need a
third-down conversion to keep a drive going, I think you have to approach it that way and take advantage of the
situation."
Following are the most touchdown passes and highest passer ratings (minimum, 500 attempts) in the fourth
quarter since 2000:
Quarterback | TD Passes 4th Quarter |
|
Peyton Manning | 60 |
|
Brett Favre | 54 |
|
Tom Brady | 48 |
|
Trent Green | 45 |
|
Aaron Brooks | 43 |
|
Jon Kitna | 43 |
Quarterback | Passer Rating 4th Quarter |
|
Kurt Warner | 94.0 |
|
Peyton Manning | 92.7 |
|
Tom Brady | 89.5 |
|
Jake Delhomme | 88.9 |
|
Daunte Culpepper | 88.0 |
Buffalo quarterback TRENT EDWARDS ranks third in the NFL with a 136.6 fourth-quarter passer rating and has
engineered three comeback wins in the period for the 4-1 Bills.
"From a quarterback’s perspective, the fourth quarter is where games are won and lost," says Edwards. "It
seems like our team has come together, focused a little bit more, and believed in everyone else, and that’s
what has to happen in the fourth quarter. You have to play like you want to be trusted and that’s what we’ve
been doing."
The fourth quarter of a game is pressure-packed, but for New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNING, it’s more
of a time at ease. The five-year veteran ranks fourth in the NFL with a 135.9 fourth-quarter rating this season.
"It’s just kind of a deal where we have a fight in us that when things are tough we play our best and the
best comes out of us," says Eli Manning.
"You’d like to play at that level all the time, but sometimes it just
doesn’t happen. Some people get all nervous when it gets tight at the end. Our guys seem to relax and just
do a great job making plays."
Through Week 5 of the NFL 2008 season, the quarterbacks with the top five fourth-quarter passer ratings and
touchdown passes:
Quarterback | Passer Rating 4th Quarter |
|
Brett Favre, NY Jets | 139.6 |
|
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys | 137.3 |
|
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills | 136.6 |
|
Eli Manning, NY Giants | 135.9 |
|
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers | 127.8 |
|
Quarterback | TD Passes 4th Quarter |
|
Brett Favre, NY Jets | 6 |
|
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers | 4 |
|
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys | 4 |
|
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills | 3 |
|
Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions | 3 |
|
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts | 3 |
|
JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders | 3 |
|
New Running Backs Spark Chicago Bears & Atlanta Falcons
One is a veteran getting his first chance to start. The other is a rookie making the most of an opportunity.
Both have opened eyes around the NFL and will meet this Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Chicago Bears.
In Atlanta, running back MICHAEL TURNER leads the NFL in rushing with 543 yards and is tied for the NFL 2008
lead with six rushing touchdowns. Turner, who signed with the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent after
spending the previous four years as a backup in San Diego to La Dainian Tomlinson, is getting his first chance
to start and has been impressive since Week 1 when he set a Falcons franchise record with 220 rushing yards.
Michael Turner seeks to join a select group of veteran running backs with memorable first seasons with a new
team.
Since 1970, only two veteran running backs have led the National Football League in rushing in their first
season with a new club and only one has topped the NFL in rushing touchdowns:
Veteran Running Backs to lead NFL in Rushing Yards in First Year with New Team
Player | Team | Year | Yards |
|
Priest Holmes | Kansas City Chiefs | 2001 | 1,555 |
|
Ricky Williams | Miami Dolphins | 2002 | 1,853 |
|
Veteran Running Backs to lead NFL in Rushing Touchdowns in First Year with New Team
Player | Team | Year | TDs |
|
Marcus Allen | Kansas City Chiefs | 1993 | 12 |
|
Rookie running back MATT FORTÉ, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round this year out of
Tulane, won the starting job in training camp and became the first Bears rookie to start on Kickoff Weekend at
running back since Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON in 1975.
Forté leads all rookies with 383 rushing yards and has added a team-best 22 receptions.
He is on pace to become the eighth rookie since 1970, and first since 1997, to lead his team in both rushing
and receptions:
Player | Team | Year |
|
John Riggins | New York Jets | 1971 |
|
Troy Stradford | Miami Dolphins | 1987 |
|
Alvin Maxson | New Orleans Saints | 1974 |
|
Marshall Faulk | Indianapolis Colts | 1994 |
|
Clark Gaines | New York Jets | 1976 |
|
Warrick Dunn | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1997 |
|
Earl Cooper | San Francisco 49ers | 1980 |
|
NFL Network analyst MARSHALL FAULK, who rushed for 12,279 yards and scored 136 touchdowns in his 12-year NFL
career, has been impressed by both backs. Faulk can relate to both situations, as he had success as a rookie
and as a veteran with a new team.
The seven-time NFL All-Star rushed for 1,282 yards as a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 and had
1,381 rushing yards in his first year with the St. Louis Rams in 1999, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXIV.
FAULK ON MICHAEL TURNER:
"Michael has incredible balance. He can take hits and doesn’t go down on first contact. It’s a great
challenge for him now that he’s no longer playing behind LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON in San Diego. He is getting a
chance to start in this league and he looks as if he’s definitely up to the challenge. He appreciates how
good Tomlinson is and he wants to prove to people that he can get it done himself."
FAULK ON MATT FORTÉ:
"Matt understands the game. He has an incredible knack to find the soft spots in the defense. He seems to
read and react and trust his vision. He’s very well-suited for the Bears because he also makes himself
available in the passing game -- not just by catching the ball, but because he can block."
"Being a rookie and starting at running back, the good thing for Forté is that he knows he’s the guy and the
team will accept his mistakes right now. As he learns to play the position in the NFL, the team understands
that he is a rookie. While he is still learning, he has the confidence that comes with knowing the team will
stick with him."
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)
NFL 2008 WEEK 6 SCHEDULE (OCTOBER 12 - 13)
(All times local)
Byes: Buffalo, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Tennessee
Chicago at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Jacksonville at Denver, 2:05 PM
Miami at Houston, 12:00 PM
Dallas at Arizona, 1:15 PM
Baltimore at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
Philadelphia at San Francisco, 1:15 PM
Detroit at Minnesota, 12:00 PM
Green Bay at Seattle, 1:15 PM
Oakland at New Orleans, 12:00 PM
New England at San Diego, 5:15 PM (NBC - Sunday Night Football)
Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 PM
Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
St. Louis at Washington, 1:00 PM
N.Y. Giants at Cleveland, 8:30 PM (ESPN - Monday Night Football)
Weekend 6: NFL 2008 Week 6 Matchups & Game Capsules
CHICAGO BEARS (3-2) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (3-2)
The Chicago Bears lead the series 12 to 10 and have won 8 of the past 9 meetings versus the Atlanta Falcons.
Two teams last met 12/18/2005 in Chicago. The Bears won 16 to 3. In that game, the Chicago Bears forced 3
turnovers as the Bears won in 12-degree weather & a wind chill of -3 degrees. Bears K Robbie Gould connected
on 3 FGs (35, 29, 39).
Last week (NFL 2008 Week 5) both teams won on the road as the Bears defeated the Lions 34 to 7 and the Atlanta
Falcons won 27 to 24 against the Packers.
Chicago Bears
- The Chicago Bears have won 8 of the past 9 meetings
QB KYLE ORTON has won 14 of his past 19 starts. Had career-high 334 yards last week with 2 TDs vs. 0
INTs for career-best 121.4 passer rating RB MATT FORTÉ (2nd round) leads NFL rookies with 383 rushing yards. Ranks 4th in NFL with 555 scrimmage
yards. Leads team with 22 receptions & is 1 of 4 RBs to lead club in rush yards & receptions Pro Bowl PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER had 12-yard TD catch last week. Has 15 career TDs & averages 76.7 yards
per TD. WR RASHIED DAVIS had career-high 6 catches & 97 yards last week. TE GREG OLSEN had 3 catches for 87
yards (29.0 avg.) last week CB CHARLES TILLMAN had 26-yard INT-TD last week. DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE had sack in last meeting.
Had sack last week. When Ogunleye has 2+ sacks, his teams are 10-2 (.833). CB NATHAN VASHER had INT in
last meeting. Bears are 5-0 when DE ALEX BROWN has 2+ sacks. Brown had sack & FF last week. LB LANCE
BRIGGS had sack last week
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are 2-0 at home this year & aim for their 3rd consecutive home victory Rookie QB MATT RYAN (1st round) is 2-0 at home & has completed 21 of 31 (67.7 pct.) for 353 yards
with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 127.5 passer rating in those 2 RB MICHAEL TURNER leads NFL with 543 rushing yards. Averaging 108.6 yards per game. When Turner has 8+
carries, his teams are 14-2 (.875). In 2 home games, Turner has 324 yards (162.0 per game) & 5 TDs. RB-KR
JERIOUS NORWOOD has 4 career rush TDs & 3 have been 67+ yards WR RODDY WHITE has 20 catches for 341 yards (113.7 per game) & 2 TDs in past 3. Has TD catch in 4 of
past 5 at home DE JOHN ABRAHAM has 17.0 sacks in past 20. Leads NFL with 7.0 sacks. Has 74.5 sacks since 2000, tied
for 5th-most in NFL. Had 1.5 sacks in only meeting. LB MICHAEL BOLEY had INT last week. DT GRADY JACKSON had
sack last week K JASON ELAM has made all 11 FG attempts this year. Ranks 5th in NFL history with 406 FGs. Has 38 FGs
of 50+ yards, 2nd in NFL history. Ranks 3rd in NFC with 45 points.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-2) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (0-4)
The Houston Texans have won all 3 games in their series matchup with the Dolphins. The teams last met in
Houston on October 7, 2007 with the Texans winning 22 to 19. In that game, Houston's Kris Brown kicks a 57-yard
FG with 1 second remaining, becoming the 1st kicker in NFL history to make 3 FGs of 54+ yards in the same game.
Last week the Dolphins defeated the Chargers at home 17 to 10 while the Texans lost at home to the Colts 31 to 27.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins aim for 3 consecutive wins for 1st time since 11/19/06 In 2 career meetings against Houston (with NYJ), QB CHAD PENNINGTON is 2-0 & has completed 44 of 58
passes (75.9 pct.) for 441 yards with 3 TDs vs. 1 INT & 107.0 passer rating. RB RONNIE BROWN aims for
3rd consecutive 100-yard rush game (113, 125) & averages 119 rush yards per game with 5 rush TDs in past 2.
Brown gained 114 yards (5.0 avg.) on 23 attempts with 1 TD in last meeting against Texans In 1 career meeting against Houston (9/7/03), RB RICKY WILLIAMS gained 129 total yards (69 rushing,
60 receiving) & 1 TD reception WR GREG CAMARILLO totaled career-high 6 receptions last week & 68 yards (11.3 avg.) Rookie LT JAKE LONG (No. 1 overall) helped Miami offense total 390 yards (223 passing, 167 passing)
last week TE ANTHONY FASANO averages 14.1 yards per catch (14 receptions for 197 yards) Defense is tied for 4th in AFC with 12 sacks & has 7 sacks in past 2 LB JOEY PORTER has 4.5 sacks in past 2 games. Porter has 2 sacks in past 3 against Houston
Houston Texans
The Texans have won 4 of past 5 at home dating back to 11/18/07 QB MATT SCHAUB (3,971) needs 30 yards to surpass 4,000 career passing yards In past 3 as starter, rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) has totaled 336 total yards (242
rush yards, 94 receiving yards). Slaton aims for 4th consecutive game with TD & has scored 4 TDs in past
3 (3 rush, 1 receiving) For career, RB AHMAN GREEN averages 94.7 rush yards per game against Mia. (284 total) & aims for 3rd
game in row with TD against Dolphins. WR ANDRE JOHNSON, a Miami native, aims for 3rd consecutive game with
6+ receptions against Dolphins & averages 88.5 receiving yards per game vs. Miami. Johnson is averaging
105.8 receiving yards in past 6 at home TE OWEN DANIELS aims for reception in 24 consecutive games. Daniels averages 12.5 yards per catch in
2008 (19 receptions for 238 receiving yards) Since 2007, DE MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 3rd in NFL with 18 sacks (DE MARCUS WARE, 19; PATRICK KERNEY, 18.5).
Williams has 2.5 sacks in past 2 vs. Miami LB ZAC DILES leads team with 36 tackles & posted 1st career INT last week.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-2)
The Colts lead the series 5 - 2 and have won the last 4 meetings versus the Ravens. The teams last met on
12/9/2007 in Baltimore. The Colst won 44 to 20. In that game, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning passed for
4 TDs as the Colts scored 37 1st-half points to clinch their 6th consecutive postseason berth.
Last week, the Ravens lost to the undefeated Tennessee Titans at home 13 - 10, while the Colts defeated the
Texans in Houston 31 - 27.
Baltimore Ravens
In 1 career start on road, rookie QB JOE FLACCO (1st round, No. 18) completed 16 of 31 (51.6 pct.)
for 192 yards with 1 TD & 81.7 passer rating Since 2007, RB WILLIS MC GAHEE averages 78.5 rush yards per game against AFC on road (550 total).
FB LE’ RON MC CLAIN leads team with 4 TDs & aims for 4th consecutive game with TD WR DERRICK MASON has 5+ receptions in 3 career road games at Ind. Since 2003, Mason ranks 3rd in NFL
with 469 receptions (TORRY HOLT, 514; CHAD JOHNSON, 476) TE TODD HEAP (3,975) needs 26 receiving yards to surpass 4,000. Heap averages 13 yards per catch against
Colts (11 receptions, 143 yards) The Ravens defense ranks 1st in NFL allowing only 64 rush yards per game & 128.5 passing yards per game Ravens have not allowed RB to gain 100+ rush yards in 23 games (longest current streak in NFL) LB TERRELL SUGGS has 3 sacks in past 3 games Since 2002, S ED REED leads NFL safeties with 35 INTs CB CHRIS MC ALISTER has INT in 3 of past 4 games
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are 4-0 under head coach TONY DUNGY against Ravens Club aims for 5th consecutive win against the Baltimore Ravens at home
Colts aim for 13th consecutive win in October In past 3 meetings against Ravens, QB PEYTON MANNING has completed 54 of 86 passes (62.8 pct.) for
752 yards with 7 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 118.0 passer rating. Since 2004, the Colts are 20-1 (.952) when Peyton Manning
has 2 or more TD passes at home. RB JOSEPH ADDAI posted 2 rush TDs in last game vs. Ravens. Including postseason,
the Colts are 10-2 (.833) when Addai has 20+ carries In 2008, WR REGGIE WAYNE is averaging 87.5 receiving yards per game & has TD reception in 3 of past 4.
WR MARVIN HARRRISON averages 81 receiving yards per game at home against Ravens (243 total) TE DALLAS CLARK has 16 of 25 career TDs at home Defense aims for 3rd consecutive game with 3 INTs against Bal Colts are 13-2 (.867) when DE DWIGHT FREENEY records 2 or more sacks LB GARY BRACKETT aims for 3rd game in row with 2 INTs against Ravens. Brackett recorded 68-yard FR-TD
last week.
DETROIT LIONS (0-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-3)
In 93 meetings, the Vikings lead the series with a 61-30-2 record and have won 11 of the past 12 vesrsus the
Detroit Lions. In their last meeting in Minnesota (12/2/2007), the Vikings dismantled the Lions by a score of 42 to 10.
In that game, Minnesota rookie RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 116 yards & 2 TDs as the Vikings scored TDs on their
1st 6 possessions to post their 3rd consecutive victory.
Last week, the Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears at home 34 to 7, while the Lions lost to the Saints in
New Orleans 30-27
Detroit Lions
Lions QB JON KITNA has 1,024 passing yards in past 3 meetings & aims for 5th in row vs. the Minnesota
Vikings with TD pass RB KEVIN SMITH (3rd round) leads team in rushing with 133 yards. Is 1 of 5 rookies to lead club in
rushing. Had 12-yard rush TD last week. In only game vs. the Minnesota Vikings (12/18/05 with the Cincinnati Bengals), RB
RUDI JOHNSON rushed for 117 yards & 2 TDs WR CALVIN JOHNSON has 19 catches for 292 yards (15.4 avg.). In 2 meetings last year, WR ROY WILLIAMS
had 12 catches for 196 yards (98.0 per game) & 1 TD. Has 13 career 100-yard games. Had 7 catches for 96
yards (13.7 avg.) last week. TE CASEY FITZ SIMMONS had TD in last meeting. Offense has scored all 4 times
in red zone (3 TDs, 1 FG) DE JARED DE VRIES had sack in last meeting. Had sack last week. DE DEWAYNE WHITE has sack in 2 of 4
games this year. CB TRAVIS FISHER had INT in last game vs. Vikings K JASON HANSON has 390 FGs, 6th most in NFL history & 4th among active players
Minnesota Vikings
In the series, the Vikings have won 11 of past 12 & 15 of past 17. The Vikings have not lost at home to the
Lions since 1997 QB GUS FREROTTE has played in 3 games vs. Lions (2 starts) & his teams are 3-0. Passed for 222 yards
last week & has won 2 of 3 starts this year RB ADRIAN PETERSON averaging 94.4 rush yards per game since entering the NFL in 2007, best in NFL. In
last meeting, Peterson rushed 15 times for 116 yards (7.7 avg.) & scored 2 TDs. In past 6 games vs. division,
Peterson has 4 100-yard games. Has rushed for 678 yards (113.0 per game) & 8 TDs. When RB CHESTER TAYLOR has
100+ rush yards, his teams are 7-1 (.875). Scored TD in last meeting & rushed for 123 yards in 10/8/06
meeting. Threw 4-yard TD pass to TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE last week Including playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 16 career TD catches & 11 have been 30+ yards, including 33-yarder
last week DE JARED ALLEN has 45.0 sacks since 2004, 2nd most in NFL. In only career meeting (12/23/07 with KC),
Allen had 2.0 sacks & FF. CB ANTOINE WINFIELD had sack, FF, FR & returned blocked FG 59 yards for TD last week.
DT KEVIN WILLIAMS blocked FG. S DARREN SHARPER has 48 INTs since 2000, most in NFL. Has 4 INTs in past 4 vs.
the Detroit Lions
OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-3) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-3)
The Oakland Raiders lead the series 5-4-1, while the Saints have won 2 of the past 3 games.
They last meet on 10/24/2004 in Oakland. The Saints won 31 to 26 as a fumbled kick off allowed New Orleans
to score 10 pts in 11 seconds to snap 3-game losing streak. Saints QB Aaron Brooks threw for 282 yards & TD.
Last week the Saints defeated the Vikings at home 30 to 27, while the Raiders had their bye week.
Oakland Raiders
Raiders Head coach TOM CABLE makes his NFL debut
In 5 career starts, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 77 of 130 passes (59.2 pct.) for 892 yards with
5 TDs vs. 2 INT & 86.4 passer rating. Russell registered 25-4 (.862) record as starting QB at LSU.
Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) ranks 3rd in AFC among rookies with 272 rush yards
(5.3 avg.) on 51 attempts with 1 TD. RB MICHAEL BUSH posted career-high 7 receptions for 80 yards (11.4 avg.)
last game
In 2008, WR-KR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS averages 23.8 yards per catch (5 receptions, 119 yards). TE ZACH
MILLER totaled career high 95 receiving yards on 5 receptions last game
Defense totaled 8 sacks in past 2
Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) ranks 1st & LB KIRK MORRISON (5) ties for 2nd in NFL for most INTs
among LBs
DE KALIMBA EDWARDS aims for 4th consecutive game with sack
DT TERDELL SANDS posted career-high 2 sacks last game
Since 2005, CB DE ANGELO HALL is tied for 3rd in NFL with 17 INTs & aims for 3rd consecutive game
with INT
New Orleans Saints
In past 8 at home, QB DREW BREES has completed 202 of 293 (68.9 pct.) for 2,531 yards with 16 TDs vs. 7
INTs for 103.8 passer rating. When Brees has 100+ rating, his teams are 26-6 (.813). Since joining Saints in
2006, Brees has passed for 10,514 yards, most in NFL. Aims for 4th consecutive game with 330+ yards & has
1,114 yards (371.3 per game) in past 3. In career vs. the Oakland Raiders , Brees is 6-2 (.750) as starter with
13 TDs vs. 4 INTs for 95.4 rating RB-PR REGGIE BUSH leads NFL with 38 receptions. Has 199 career catches & can tie to become fastest to
200 (34 games, ANQUAN BOLDIN). Tied NFL record with 2 PR-TDs last week (71 & 64 yards). RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER
rushed for 2 TDs in only game vs. the Oakland Raiders Saints are 11-3 (.786) when McAllister has 2+ rush TDs WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 4 catches for 104 yards (26.0 avg.) & 1 TD last week. Averages 31.7 yards per catch
this year (10 for 317 yards) DE WILL SMITH has 7.0 sacks in past 13 games. DE CHARLES GRANT has 3.0 sacks in 3 home games this year.
LB JONATHAN VILMA had FF in 12/11/05 game vs. the Oakland Raiders DT BRIAN YOUNG had sack & FF last week.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-5) AT NEW YORK JETS (2-2)
The New York Jets hold a 12 to 7 edge in their series versus the Bengals and have won 5 of the 6 past meetings
despite losing to the Bengals last season in Cincinnati 38 - 31 on 10/21/2007. In that game, Cincinnati Bengals RB Kenny
Watson rushed for 3 TDs & the Bengals scored 28 unanswered points in the 2nd half to defeat the New York Jets.
Last week was the New York Jets bye week while the Bengals lost to the Cowboys in Dallas by a score of 31-22.
Cincinnati Bengals
In 2 career meetings against Jets, QB CARSON PALMER has 1-1 record & has completed 32 of 48 passes
(66.7 pct.) for 474 yards with 3 TDs vs. 2 INTs & 102.3 passer rating. Palmer has 3 TDs vs. 1 INT & 101.5
passer rating at Giants Stadium (9/28/08 vs. NYG; 9/12/04 vs. NYJ) RB CEDRIC BENSON averages 5.1 yards per carry against Jets (10 carries, 51 yards) In past 3, WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH has 25 receptions for 281 yards (11.2 avg.) with 3 TDs. In past
2 against Jets, WR CHAD JOHNSON is averaging 100.5 receiving yards per game (201 total). Johnson aims for
98th consecutive game with reception Since 2003, team is 22-5 (.814) when defense has 2+ INTs LB DHANI JONES leads team with 50 tackles Rookie LB KEITH RIVERS (1st round, No. 9) posted 1st career INT last week In last meeting against Jets (w/Ten. on 12/23/07), DE ANTWAN ODOM posted 1 sack & 1 FF
New York Jets
The Jets are 10-9 (.526) after their bye week & 2-0 after bye under head coach ERIC MANGINI QB BRETT FAVRE posted career-high 6 TDs last week & aims to become 1st Jets QB since RICHARD TODD in
1981 (9/27-10/11) to record 3+ TD passes in 3 consecutive games. In 4 career meetings vs. Bengals, Favre
has completed 102 of 156 passes (65.4 pct.) for 1,181 yards with 7 TDs vs. 7 INTs & 84.4 passer rating.
Favre’s teams are 85-8 (.913) when he posts 100+ passer rating In 2 career games against the Cincinnati Bengals, RB THOMAS JONES averages 86.5 rush yards per game
(46 attempts, 173 yards). Jones’ teams are 26-13 (.667) when he records 20+ att WR LAVERANUES COLES recorded career-high 3 TD receptions last game & aims for 3rd consecutive game with
1 or more TDs. Coles totaled 8 receptions for 133 receiving yards (16.6 avg.) with 2 TDs in last meeting
against Bengals Rookie TE DUSTIN KELLER (1st round, No. 30) aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD & leads rookie TEs
with 2 CB DARRELLE REVIS had career-high 2 INTs last game, including 32-yard INT-TD return LB DAVID BOWENS tied career high with 2 sacks last game Since 2001, Jets lead NFL with 10 KR-TDs.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2)
The Panthers lead the series versus the Buccanneers 9 - 6 and have won 3 of the past 4 meetings. Last season
on 12/30/2007 in Tampa Bay the Panthers won 31 to 23, In that game, Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams rushed
for 121 yards & 2 TDs & QB Matt Moore added 2 TD passes in a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.
Last week, the Panthers shut out the Chiefs 34 - 0 at home, while the Bucs lost to the Broncos 16 - 13 in Denver.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers aaim for 1st 5-1 start since 2003 when club advanced to Super Bowl XXXVIII QB JAKE DELHOMME is 7-1 (.875) vs. Bucs, completing 138 of 221 (62.4 pct.) for 1,748 yards with 13 TDs
vs. 7 INTs for 93.5 rating. In 4 starts at TB, Delhomme is 4-0 with 96.9 rating. As starter, when Delhomme
has 110.0+ rating, his teams are perfect 13-0, including last week when he had 111.2 rating. RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS had 20 carries for 123 yards & scored 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 receiving) last week. The Panthers are
7-0 when he rushes for 80+ yards. In last meeting, Williams rushed for 121 yards & 2 TDs. Rookie RB JONATHAN
STEWART (1st round) has 4 rush TDs in past 4 WR STEVE SMITH has 4 100-yard games in past 6 vs. Bucs. WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD had 8 catches for 115 yards
& 2 TDs in 12/26/04 meeting DE JULIUS PEPPERS ranks 1st in team history with 59.0 sacks & 21 FFs. Has 11.0 sacks in 11 meetings,
including 2 games with career-high 3.0 sacks. LB JON BEASON & CB KEN LUCAS each had INT last week. CB CHRIS
GAMBLE has 3 INTs vs. TB, including 61-yard INT-TD
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Under head coach JON GRUDEN, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing turnover In 2 starts vs. Car., QB BRIAN GRIESE has completed 57 of 80 (71.3 pct.) for 668 yards with 5 TDs vs.
3 INTs for 101.5 rating. As starter, when Griese has 95+ rating, his teams are 23-8 (.742). QB JEFF GARCIA
has won 4 starts in row vs. Car. & has 8 TDs vs. 3 INTs in those 4 RB EARNEST GRAHAM aims for 6th consecutive home game with rush TD. Has 505 rush yards (101.0 per game)
in past 5 at home. Bucs are 5-0 when Graham has 20+ att WR JOEY GALLOWAY has 5 TDs in career vs. Car., including 2 of 50+ yards. TE JERRAMY STEVENS had TD in
last meeting LB DERRICK BROOKS had INT & FF in last home game. LB BARRETT RUUD has INT in 2 of past 3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 4-0
when Ruud has INT. DE GAINES ADAMS has INT in 2 of past 3, including 45-yard INT-TD. CB RONDE BARBER (12) &
Brooks (8) are team leaders in TDs by def. player (including playoffs). When Brooks has INT-TD (including
playoffs), The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 7-0.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-4) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (4-1)
The Washington Redskins lead the series 20-7-1 and have won 3 of the past 4 games. The two teams last met in
Saint Louis on 12/24/2006. The Rams defeated the Redskins in overtime 37 to 31. In that game, St. Louis Rams RB
Steven Jackson ran for 150 yards, had 102 receiving yards & scored 2 TDs, including the game-winning 21-yard run
in OT.
Last week the Redskins defeated the Eagles 23 - 17 in Philadelphia, while the Rams were off for their bye week.
LAST WEEK
Saint Louis Rams
JIM HASLETT makes Rams head-coaching debut In only start vs. Was., QB MARC BULGER completed 25 of 38 (65.8 pct.) for 388 yards with 4 TDs vs.
0 INTs for career-high 134.5 passer rating. Bulger has passed for 350+ yards in game 14 times. His 4
TDs vs. Redskins tied his career-best In last meeting, RB STEVEN JACKSON rushed 33 times for 150 yards & 1 TD while adding 6 receptions for
102 yards & another TD. Had career-high 252 scrimmage yards & joined MARSHALL FAULK as only Rams RBs with
250+ scrimmage yards in game. When he has 22+ carries, Rams are 14-6 (.700). In those 20, Jackson has
rushed for 2,253 yards (112.7 per game) & 14 TDs Since 2000, WR TORRY HOLT leads NFL with 768 receptions & 11,263 yards S O.J. ATOGWE has 8 INTs in past 12 games. DE LEONARD LITTLE had 2.0 sacks in last game. When DT
LA’ROI GLOVER has 2+ sacks, his teams are 13-3 (.813). Rookie DE CHRIS LONG (1st round) had sack in last
game
Washington Redskins
The Redskins aim for their 5th win in row QB JASON CAMPBELL has not had turnover this season. Has 6 TDs vs. 0 INTs. In 2 home games this year,
Campbell has completed 46 of 66 (69.7 pct.) for 514 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 107.8 rating In last meeting, RB CLINTON PORTIS rushed 27 times for 136 yards (5.0 avg.) & 2 TDs. When Portis has
100+ yards, his teams are 30-9 (.769), including 145 yards last week. When Portis rushes for 2+ TDs, his clubs
are 14-4 (.778) TE CHRIS COOLEY aims for 3rd in row vs. the Saint Louis Rams with TD catch. Has 28 TDs since 2004, most in NFC among
TEs. Had 8 catches for 109 yards & 1 TD last week. WR SANTANA MOSS has TD catch in 3 of 5 games this year.
Including playoffs, WR-PR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL has 26 career TDs (14 receiving, 6 PR, 5 pass, 1 KR). Had 84-yard
PR-TD vs. Rams (10/26/03 with Pit.). Had TD pass last week & in career (including playoffs) has completed
20 of 26 (76.9 pct.) for 307 yards with 5 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 155.0 rating LB-DE JASON TAYLOR has 118.0 sacks, most among active players. DE ANDRE CARTER aims for 4th in row vs.
the Saint Louis Rams with 0.5+ sack.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-3) AT DENVER BRONCOS (4-1)
The series is tied between the two at 3 wins apiece. However, the Jaguars have won 3 of the past 4 meetings.
They last played each other on 9/23/2007 in Denver. The Jaguars defeated the Broncos 23 to 14 as the Jaguars
offense maintained possession for 38:42 & outgained the Denver Broncos 186-47 in rush yards en route to victory.
Last week, the Jaguars lost at home to the Steelers 26-21, while the Broncos defeated the Buccaneers at home
16 - 13.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Since 2006, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 14-4 (.778) when gaining 150+ rush yards In 1 career start against Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars QB DAVID GARRARD is 1-0 & has completed 14 of
20 (70.0 pct.) passes for 154 yards with 1 TD & 109.2 passer rating & gained 52 rush yards For career, RB FRED TAYLOR averages 111.3 rush yards per game when has 20+ carries (7,237 total in 65
games). Team is 15-5 (.750) when Taylor has 25+ attempts Against AFC, RB MAURICE JONES-DREW averages 5.3 yards
per carry (304 attempts, 1,621 yards) WR MATT JONES has 5+ receptions in 4 of past 5. WR MIKE WALKER totaled career-high 6 receptions for 107
yards (17.8 avg.) last week TE MARCEDES LEWIS recorded 1st TD reception of season last week DE REGGIE HAYWARD played 4 seasons (2001-04) in Denver & totaled 22 sacks. Hayward has 2.5 sacks in past
2 games vs. Den CB RASHEAN MATHIS posted 2nd INT-TD of season last week Rookie KR-CB BRIAN WITHERSPOON (undrafted free agent) ranks 5th in AFC with 28.6 KR avg
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos need 1 win to reach 400 franchise victories In 2008, Broncos have scored 30+ points in 3 of 5 games & rank 2nd in NFL with 29.8 points per game Dating back to 11/19/07, Broncos aim for 7th consecutive win at home In 2008 at home, Denver Broncos QB JAY CUTLER is 3-0 & has completed 80 of 118 passes (67.8 pct.) for 841 yards with 7
TDs vs. 2 INT & 101.0 passer rating. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating In 2008, RB SELVIN YOUNG is averaging 5.7 yards per carry (47 attempts, 266 rush yards) WR BRANDON MARSHALL has TD reception in 3 of past 4 & is averaging 105.7 receiving yards per game this
season. Marshall totaled 7 receptions for 133 yards (19 avg.) in last meeting vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL
(2nd round, No. 42) is 3rd in AFC with 30 receptions. Marshall (34 receptions, 423 yards) & Royal
(30 receptions, 323 yards) have combined for 64 receptions for 746 yards CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE’ BLY (38) rank 1st & 2nd among active CBs for most INTs since 1999 DE ELVIS DUMERVIL recorded 2 sacks in last meeting vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
DALLAS COWBOYS (4-1) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-2)
The Dallas Cowboys jhave won the past 3 games in this series and lead the series with a 55-27-1 record.
In their last game played on 11/12/2006 in Arizona, the Cowboys won 27 - 10. In that game, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony
Romo connected on 20 of 29 passes for 308 yards & 2 TDs, including a 30-yarder to WR Patrick Crayton who
finished with 104 yards.
Last week, the Cowboys defeated the Bengals at home 31-22, while the Cardinals beat the then undefeated
Bills at home 41-17.
Dallas Cowboys
Have won 22 of past 27 meetings in the series In his only career start vs. the Arizona Cardinals, QB TONY ROMO completed 20 of 29 (69.0 pct.) for
308 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 126.8 passer rating The Cowboys are 16-2 (.889) when Romo has 100+ rating When RB MARION BARBER has 11+ carries, Cowboys are 23-1 (.958). Has 33 TDs (28 rush, 5 receiving) in past 36.
Rookie RB-KR FELIX JONES has 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 KR) in 1st 5 games. Had career-high 96 rush yards last week In past 4 vs. the Arizona Cardinals, WR TERRELL OWENS has 26 catches for 373 yards (93.3 per game) & 5
TDs. Has 3 TDs in past 2 meetings. TE JASON WITTEN has 348 catches & 4,078 yards since 2004, most by TE
in NFC. Leads NFL with 15 receptions on 3rd down (159 yards, 10.6 avg.). In last meeting, WR PATRICK
CRAYTON had 5 catches for 104 yards (20.8 avg.) & 1 TD LB DE MARCUS WARE had sack last week & aims for 9th game in row with sack. Has 9.0 sacks in past 8.
Had sack & FF in last meeting. LB GREG ELLIS has 14.5 sacks in past 18. Had INT last week. DE JAY RATLIFF
has sack in 3 of past 4
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals QB KURT WARNER has completed 52 of 66 (78.8 pct.) for 611 yards with 5 TDs vs. 0 INTs
for 130.5 rating in 2 home games this year. In Warner’s starts with 15+ attempts (including playoffs), his teams
are 32-3 (.914) when he has 100+ rating In 3 meetings, RB EDGERRIN JAMES has 2 100-yard rush games & 400 scrimmage yards (133.3 per game).
James leads all active rushers with 11,941 yards. Rookie RB TIM HIGHTOWER has 5 rush TDs in 1st 5 games.
Had career-high 2 TDs last week WR LARRY FITZGERALD has 100-yard game in 3 of past 4. Tied career-high with 2 receiving TDs last week. WR
STEVE BREASTON has 16 catches for 199 yards (99.5 per game) in past 2. Had 12 catches for 164 yards in 19
previous career games. WR ANQUAN BOLDIN has 23 100-yard games, most in team history S ADRIAN WILSON has 4 INTs & 2.0 sacks vs. Dal., including 1st career INT (10/28/01). In 10/20/02
meeting, Wilson had career-best 3 INTs. CB ROD HOOD had sack in last meeting (12/25/06 with trhe Eagles). Last
week, DE TRAVIS LA BOY had 2.0 sacks & LB CLARK HAGGANS had 1.5 sacks.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-3) AT SAN FRANCISO 49ERS (2-3)
The 49ers lead the series with a 16-9-1 record, but the Eagles have won 3 of the past 4 versus the 49ers.
The teams last played on 9/24/2006 in San Francisco with the Eagles winning 38 to 24. In that game,
Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook scored 3 TDs (2 run, 1 receiving) & DT Mike Patterson returned a 98-yard
fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Last week, both clubs lost at home as the Eagles lost to the Redskins 23-17 and the 49ers lost 30-21
versus the Patriots.
Philadelphia Eagles
In past 2 vs. the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB is 2-0 & has completed
41 of 62 (66.1 pct.) for 638 yards with 7 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 137.7 rating. When McNabb has 100+ rating
(including playoffs), Eagles are 37-1 (.974). In 9/18/05 meeting, McNabb tied career-high with 5 TDs &
posted 155.4 rating In last meeting, Philadelphia Eagles RB BRIAN WESTBROOK had 164 scrimmage yards (117 rush, 47 receiving) &
scored 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 receiving). Is 1 of 7 players in NFL history with 25+ rush (31) & receiving (25) TDs WR DE SEAN JACKSON (2nd round) leads NFL rookies with 335 yards (23 catches.). Had 68-yard PR-TD last
week, 1st Eagles rookie with PR-TD since 1965 WR REGGIE BROWN had 5 catches for 106 yards (21.2 avg.) in last meeting, 1st 100-yard game of career. TE
L.J. SMITH aims for 3rd in row vs. the San Francisco 49ers with TD DE JUQUA PARKER has 3.5 sacks in past 3. DE TRENT COLE has 13.0 sacks in past 19. Had sack in last
meeting. CB ASANTE SAMUEL has 18 INTs since 2006, most in NFL. DT MIKE PATTERSON had career-high 2 FRs,
including 98-yard FR-TD in last meeting. S BRIAN DAWKINS had sack last week to become 5th DB in NFL history
with 20 sacks. Eagles have won 16 of past 19 when Dawkins has INT
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers QB J.T. O’SULLIVAN has completed 44 of 72 (61.1 pct.) for 514 yards with 5 TDs vs.
4 INTs for 82.8 passer rating in 3 starts at home When RB FRANK GORE has 20+ attempts, 49ers are 12-2 (.857). Leads NFL with 603 scrimmage yards (423
rush, 180 receiving). Has 4,321 scrimmage yards since start of 2006, 2nd in NFL WR ISAAC BRUCE ranks 3rd in NFL history with 14,384 receiving yards & tops active players 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. Harris had FF in last game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles Clements had INT
last week. LB TAKEO SPIKES spent 2007 with Eagles & started 14 games. Had INT last week. S MICHAEL LEWIS
was 2nd round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002 & spent 5 years there (2002-06). The San Francisco 49ers
had 5 sacks last week, led by DEs RAY MC DONALD (1.0), ISAAC SOPOAGA (1.0) & JUSTIN SMITH (1.0) & LB PATRICK
WILLIS (1.0) KR ALLEN ROSSUM leads the NFC with 28.9 yard kick return avg.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-3) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-3)
The Green Bay Packers lead the series 6 games to 5 and have won 2 of the past 3. The two teams last met in the
regular season on 11/27/2006 in Seattle. The Sehawks won 34 - 24. In that game, Seattle RB Shaun Alexander ran for 201 yards &
QB Matt Hasselbeck threw for 3 TDs in a snow storm played on Monday Night Football.
The Packers and Seahawks last met in the last year's NFC 2007 Divisional Playoff, won by the Packers 42 to 20.
Last week both teams lost. The Packers lost to the Falcons at home in a close game 27-24 while the
Seahawks lost on the road to the Giants 44-6.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers, under head coach MIKE MC CARTHY, team have won 19 of their past 25 games QB AARON RODGERS has passed for 290+ yards 3 times this year & ranks 3rd in NFC with 9 TDs In NFC 2007 Divisional Playoff Game vs. the Seatle Seahawks, RB RYAN GRANT set franchise playoff records
with 201 rush yards & 3 rush TDs. When Grant has 19+ attempts (including playoffs), Packers are perfect 6-0 WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 100 consecutive games, 2nd-longest streak in team history (STERLING
SHARPE, 103). In 3 meetings, Driver has 16 catches for 279 yards (93.0 per game) & 2 TDs. Had 44-yard TD
last week. WR GREG JENNINGS had 2 TDs in Div. vs. the Seatle Seahawks Has 17 career receiving TDs & 9 have
been 40+ yards. Has 3 TDs in past 2. Leads NFL with 569 receiving yards & has 87+ yards in all 5 games this
year (3 100-yard games) DE AARON KAMPMAN has 31.5 sacks since 2006, most in NFC. In past 4, S NICK COLLINS has 3 INTs, including
INT-TD. CB CHARLES WOODSON has 3 INTs in past 4, including 2 INT-TDs. Had 2 INTs in last meeting
Seattle Seahawks
Head coach MIKE HOLMGREN coached 7 seasons in Green Bay, leading the Packers to 2 Super Bowls, including
Super Bowl XXXI win QB MATT HASSELBECK was 6th round pick by GB & spent 2 seasons (1999-2000) with Packers. Passed for 3 TDs
in last meeting. In starts with 10+ attempts (including playoffs), Hasselbeck is 31-6 (.838) when posting 95+
passer rating RB JULIUS JONES has 328 rush yards (109.3 per game) & 2 TDs in past 3. This year, has 267 rush yards
(133.5 per game) with 2 TDs in 2 home games. RB T.J. DUCKETT has 3 rush TDs in past 3 games WR BOBBY ENGRAM had 11-yard TD catch in Divisional vs. GB. Led club with 8 catches & 61 yards last
week. TE JOHN CARLSON (2nd round) leads rookie TEs with 12 catches & 168 yards. WR KEARY COLBERT aims for 3rd
in row vs. GB with 4+ catches DE PATRICK KERNEY has 0.5+ sack in 4 of 5 meetings vs. GB (including playoffs). Had sack & FF last
week. LB JULIAN PETERSON has 23.5 sacks in 40 games with the Seatle Seahawks (including playoffs). In last
meeting, DE DARRYL TAPP had sack & FF. CBs MARCUS TRUFANT & KELLY JENNINGS each had INT in last meeting.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-1) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-3)
The New England Patriots lead the series with a 18-13-2 record and have won 11 of the last 13 meetings.
During the NFL 2007 Regular Season, the Patriots beat the Chargers 38 to 14 at home (9/16/2007). In that game,
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady threw for 279 yards & 3 TDs, including 2 TD passes to WR Randy Moss, who
finishes with 105 receiving yards.
This game is a rematch of the NFL 2007 AFC Championship game, also won by the Patriots (21 - 12).
Last week, the Patriots beat the 49ers on the road 30-21, while the Chargers lost on the road to the Dolphins
in Miami, 17 to 10.
New England Patriots
Including playoffs, the New England Patriots aim for their 4th consecutive win against the Chargers
Since 2003, the Patriots are 20-3 (.870) in October & aim for 12th consecutive win in month QB MATT CASSEL has 2-0 record on road as starter & has completed 38 of 55 (69.1 pct.) for 424 yards with
1 TD vs. 2 INTs & 82.7 rating Including postseason, RB LAURENCE MARONEY averages 99.5 rush yards per game in past 2 vs. the San Diego Chargers (199 total).
RB KEVIN FAULK tied career high with 2 TDs last week In last regular season meeting vs. the San Diego Chargers, WR RANDY
MOSS posted 8 receptions for 105 receiving yards (13.1 avg.) with 2 TDs Including postseason, WR WES WELKER aims for 3rd consecutive game with 7+ receptions vs. the San Diego Chargers S RODNEY HARRISON spent 9 seasons (1994-2002) with Chargers CB-KR ELLIS HOBBS leads NFL with 34.2 KR avg K STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI has made all 10 FG attempts in 2008
San Diego Chargers
Since 2006, the San Diego Chargers are 12-1 (.923) at home vs. AFC teams For his career against AFC teams, QB PHILIP RIVERS has a 21-7 (.750) record as starter with 40 TDs vs.
24 INTs & 86.9 passer rating In 4 career meetings against NE, RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON averages 117 rush yards per game (468 total)
with 5 TDs. Since 2007, Tomlinson averages 106.7 rush yards per game at home vs. AFC. In 2008, RB-KR
DARREN SPROLES is averaging 5.0 yards per carry (26 attempts, 130 yards) & 23.2 yards per catch
(6 receiving, 139 yards). Ranks 3rd in NFL with 30.8 KR avg. TE ANTONIO GATES has 75+ receiving yards in both career games vs. NE & averages 92.5 receiving yards per
game in those 2 (185 total). Gates has 2 TDs in past 3 WR CHRIS CHAMBERS has 5 TDs in past 5 games Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE leads NFL with 12 INTs. The San Diego Chargers are 7-0 when Cromartie has an interception. LB SHAUN PHILLIPS has 3 sacks in past 3 games.
NEW YORK GIANTS (4-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3)
The New York Giants have won the past 4 meetings versus the Browns, but the Browns hold a commanding lead
in the series with a 25-19-2 record against the Giants.
The two teams last met on September 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium. The Giants won 27 to 10. In that game,
now retired New York Giants RB Tiki Barber racked up 154 scrimmage yards (106 rushing, 48 receiving), including an
8-yard rushing TD. Giants QB Kurt Warner added 286 passing yards.
Last week, the Browns were off for their bye week, while the Giants beat up on the Seahawks at home winning by a score of
44 to 6.
New York Giants
The New York Giants aim for their 9th consecutive win (including playoffs). It is the New York Giants 1st 4-0 start since 1990, when the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV QB ELI MANNING has won 5 of past 6 starts vs. AFC teams. The New York Giants are 18-4 (.818) in Eli Manning's past
22 starts (including playoffs). Eli Manning is 3-1 (.750) in his career on MNF When RB BRANDON JACOBS has 100+ yards, Giants are 6-1 (.857). When Jacobs has 10+ attempts (including
playoffs), Giants are 16-3 (.842). Had 15 attempts for 136 yards & 2 TDs last week WR PLAXICO BURRESS aims for 4th MNF game in row with TD. Since joining the New York Giants in 2005,
Burress has 10 TDs in 13 games vs. AFC teams (including the Super Bowl). WR AMANI TOOMER aims for 3rd in row vs.
the Cleveland Browns with 100+ yards. Has 11 catches for 226 yards (113.0 per game) & 2 TDs in past 2
meetings. WR SINORICE MOSS had 1st 2 TDs of career last week DE JUSTIN TUCK has 5.0 sacks in past 5 (including Super Bowl XLII). When Tuck has 1.0+ sack, Giants
are 8-3 (.727). DT FRED ROBBINS has 4.0 sacks in past 3. Has 2.0 sacks & INT in past 3 on MNF. Giants
have won 11 of past 12 when DE MATHIAS KIWANUKA plays. Aims for 3rd in row with sack
Cleveland Browns
This is Cleveland Browns first MNF game since 12/8/2003 against the Saint Louis Rams The Cleveland Browns are 5-0 under head coach ROMEO CRENNEL when scoring 30 or more points. Crennel is
2-1 (.667) after bye week QB DEREK ANDERSON has 7-3 record (.700) at home with 14 TDs vs. 11 INTs & 79.4 passer rating. Team is
4-0 when Anderson has 100+ passer rating For his career, RB JAMAL LEWIS averages 78.3 rush yards per game against NFC. Lewis totaled 25 attempts
for 79 yards in last game & Browns are 5-0 when he has 25+ carries Since 2007, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS averages 82.8 receiving yards per game against NFC & has 4 TDs in past
5 vs. NFC TE KELLEN WINSLOW averages 78 receiving yards per game in past 3 against NFC at home. Cleveland Browns are
3-0 when Winslow has 100+ receiving yards S MIKE ADAMS has 2 INTs in 2008 & aims for 3rd consecutive game with INT Rookie LB ALEX HALL (7th round, No. 231) aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack.
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 6
"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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