NFL 2008 RSS
And one game separates the top two clubs in two other divisions – the AFC North and NFC South.
As the NFL 2008 Season reaches the midpoint this week, much is bubbling. The Houston Texans have won three in
a row. The Cleveland Browns have won three of their last four, as have the New York Jets. Carolina at 6-2 is
one game within matching its victory total of last year. Miami (3-4) has tripled its win total of last season.
"Now is the push where teams begin to define themselves halfway through the season," says head coach JIM ZORN
of the Washington Redskins, who are a half game behind the Giants.
As the weather turns colder, the "pushing" will only get rougher. "There’s going to be, I’m sure, a lot of
tight games down the road," says New England Patriots quarterback MATT CASSEL.
Like this week. Some of the NFL 2008 Week 9 games that will contain, for sure, "tricks and treats" on Halloween
Weekend:
DALLAS COWBOYS (5-3) at NEW YORK GIANTS (6-1)
What better way to welcome November than the Giants versus the Cowboys in the brisk outdoors!
And although these two have had many memorable games in their series dating back to 1960, they will have to
go a long way this season to top last year’s three meetings. On Kickoff ’07 Weekend in Dallas, the Giants and
Cowboys combined for the most points in any game in series history (80) with a 45-35 Dallas win. Two months
later, Cowboys QB TONY ROMO threw four TD passes, snapping the Giants’ six-game winning streak (31-20).
The capper came two months after that, when, in the first playoff game ever between the clubs, the Giants
knocked the 13-3 Cowboys out of the postseason with a Divisional Playoff win (21-17) en route to the Super
Bowl XLII championship.
Hard feelings? Well this is Giants-Cowboys.
With their 13-9 win last Sunday over Tampa Bay (the fewest points they’ve given up this year), the Cowboys
are a game-and-a-half behind the Giants in the NFC East (the division with the highest winning percentage
entering NFL 2008 Week 9, .700).
One of the keys to the game will be the speed with which probable starting Cowboys QB BRAD JOHNSON gets rid
of the ball, because the Giants will be coming! New York is fresh off a five-sack win over Pittsburgh that
included four interceptions. Expect good old November pounding also by RBs BRANDON JACOBS (Giants, No. 1
NFL rush offense) and MARION BARBER (Dallas, No. 10).
GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-3) at TENNESSEE TITANS (7-0)
The veteran against the (almost) rookie.
That would be 14-year, grey-whiskered QB KERRY COLLINS of the Titans vs. fourth-year QB AARON RODGERS in his
first season as a starter.
Both have been impressive in ’08. Collins has led the Titans to their best start ever. He uses his
experience to take what teams give him and utilizes the Titans’ two-pronged running game of pounder LEN DALE
WHITE (most TDs in the league, 10) and outside man CHRIS JOHNSON, the team’s first-round draft choice this year and the NFL’s leading rookie rusher (626 yards).
"Kerry being a 14-year vet, with all the things he’s done, I don’t care how much talent a young quarterback has, they don’t have that," says Tennessee LB KEITH BULLUCK. "They haven’t played enough games."
Rodgers has shown Collins-esque ability to successfully manage games, even with an injured shoulder. He tops the league in third-down passer rating (120.3) with the most touchdowns (9) on that down. "I’d really like to have our last nine games be performances where I make good decisions, am smart with the football, and limit my turnovers," says Rodgers.
Indeed, turnovers could be the key to Sunday’s game. The Packers lead the league in interceptions (13), while the Titans tie Tampa Bay for second-most (12).
Matchup to watch: The Titans’ ALBERT HAYNESWORTH – called "the best DT I have seen in my time in the league" by former Jacksonville DE (and Jaguars radio announcer) JEFF LAGEMAN -- vs. Packers RG DARYN COLLEDGE.
NEW YORK JETS (4-3) at BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)
A Brett Buffalo jinx?
Well, yes. Although it was while he was with Green Bay, Jets QB BRETT FAVRE has never won in Buffalo, losing to the Bills all three times he has played there.
So there’s some Brett history on the line as the 5-2 Bills, tied for first with New England, try to keep down the Jets, one game off the pace in the AFC East at 4-3.
In addition to worrying about what Favre may pull off, the Bills have to prepare for "Mr. All-Purpose" himself, Jets RB LEON WASHINGTON. The 5-8, 202-pound sparkplug produced 274 all-purpose yards last week against Kansas City in rushing, receiving and kickoff and punt returns. Included were a receiving and rushing touchdown.
If the game is close – seven of the last eight meetings in the series have been decided by no more than 10 points – the teams are in good stead. QB TRENT EDWARDS of Buffalo (108.1) and Favre (105.4) both have 100.0 fourth-quarter passer ratings. But Brett, about that streak?
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-2) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-4)
(Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
Wouldn’t seem like an NFL season without these two meeting!
These former division rivals have clashed eight times since realignment in 2002 with the Patriots winning five of those meetings. Included have been three playoff games. No more than 10 points decided six of those eight games, including two AFC Championships.
But that was then, this is now. MATT CASSEL is quarterbacking the Patriots now, replacing an injured TOM BRADY. And the Colts, winners of the past five AFC South titles, are now four games behind undefeated Tennessee due to their 31-21 Monday-night loss to the Titans.
Meanwhile, Cassel, who backed up Brady for three years, is growing into the job. Last Sunday against St. Louis, he directed his first fourth-quarter Patriots comeback win (from a 16-13 deficit). "Matt is progressing in all areas, in his decision-making, his read in coverages and his pocket presence," says New England head coach BILL BELICHICK.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-2) at WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6-2) (Monday night, ESPN, 8:30 PM ET)
It’s West Coast vs. Blitzburgh!
In other words, it’s the multi-faceted, West Coast offense of Redskins rookie head coach JIM ZORN -- ranked seventh in
the league – against the bring-it-all attack of Steelers defensive coordinator DICK LE BEAU -- now in his 50th
consecutive NFL season on the field (the only active head/assistant coach with such a streak).
It’s also a matchup of Steelers let’s-go-for-it QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER against the more measured approach of the Redskins’ JASON CAMPBELL, the lone ranked QB in the league not to throw an interception this year (the Redskins, with 360 consecutive attempts without an INT, have broken the NFL record of 281 such attempts by Oakland in 2001).
LeBeau will be sending his various packages from all angles in an attack that has accounted for the second-most sacks (25, behind the Giants’ 26) in the league this year. But that push can be negated, as the Giants did last week by not surrendering a takedown. And Redskins RB CLINTON PORTIS – with a league-leading five consecutive 100-yard rush games – does an excellent job of picking up the blitz.
NFL FACTOID
FAR FROM OVER: With clubs either having played half their games or approaching that benchmark this weekend,
history proves that teams at 3-5 still have a chance for the playoffs. Since 1990, five 3-5 teams have advanced
to the postseason: 1990 New Orleans, 1994 New England, 1995 Detroit, 1996 Jacksonville and the 2002 New York
Jets.
NFL 2008 WEEK 9 SCHEDULE – NOVEMBER 2-3
(All times local)
Byes: Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers
N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Miami at Denver, 2:05 PM
Detroit at Chicago, 12:00 PM
Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 PM
Jacksonville at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
Atlanta at Oakland, 1:15 PM
Baltimore at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
Philadelphia at Seattle, 1:15 PM
Tampa Bay at Kansas City, 12:00 PM
New England at Indianapolis, 8:15 PM (NBC)
Houston at Minnesota, 12:00 PM
Arizona at St. Louis, 12:00 PM
Green Bay at Tennessee, 12:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Washington, 8:30 PM (ESPN) Monday Night Football
NFL 2008 WEEK 8 RESULTS – OCTOBER 26-27
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
BALTIMORE 29, Oakland 10
PHILADELPHIA 27, Atlanta 14
CAROLINA 27, Arizona 23
HOUSTON 35, Cincinnati 6
DALLAS 13, Tampa Bay 9
Cleveland 23, JACKSONVILLE 17
Washington 25, DETROIT 17
N.Y. Giants 21, PITTSBURGH 14
MIAMI 25, Buffalo 16
Seattle 34, SAN FRANCISCO 13
NEW ENGLAND 23, St. Louis 16
NEW ORLEANS 37, San Diego 32 (London)
N.Y. JETS 28, Kansas City 24
TENNESSEE 31, Indianapolis 21 (MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 7 RESULTS (OCTOBER 19-20)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles
BUFFALO 23, San Diego 14
HOUSTON 28, Detroit 21
CAROLINA 30, New Orleans 7
GREEN BAY 34, Indianapolis 14
CHICAGO 48, Minnesota 41
OAKLAND 16, N.Y. Jets 13 (OT)
Pittsburgh 38, CINCINNATI 10
WASHINGTON 14, Cleveland 11
Tennessee 34, KANSAS CITY 10
TAMPA BAY 20, Seattle 10
Baltimore 27, MIAMI 13
N.Y. GIANTS 29, San Francisco 17
ST. LOUIS 34, Dallas 14
NEW ENGLAND 41, Denver 7 (MNF)
NFL 2008 WEEK 6 RESULTS (OCTOBER 12 - 13)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans
ATLANTA 22, Chicago 20
Jacksonville 24, DENVER 17
HOUSTON 29, Miami 28
ARIZONA 30, Dallas 24 (OT)
INDIANAPOLIS 31, Baltimore 3
Philadelphia 40, SAN FRANCISCO 26
MINNESOTA 12, Detroit 10
Green Bay 27, SEATTLE 17
NEW ORLEANS 34, Oakland 3
SAN DIEGO 30, New England 10
N.Y. JETS 26, Cincinnati 14
TAMPA BAY 27, Carolina 3
St. Louis 19, WASHINGTON 17
CLEVELAND 35, N.Y. Giants 14
NFL 2008 WEEK 5 RESULTS (OCTOBER 5 - 6)
(Home team in CAPS)
Byes: Cleveland Browns, N.Y. Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams
Tennessee 13, BALTIMORE 10
DENVER 16, Tampa Bay 13
CAROLINA 34, Kansas City 0
ARIZONA 41, Buffalo 17
Chicago 34, DETROIT 7
DALLAS 31, Cincinnati 22
Atlanta 27, GREEN BAY 24
New England 30, SAN FRANCISCO 21
Indianapolis 31, HOUSTON 27
Pittsburgh 26, JACKSONVILLE 21
MIAMI 17, San Diego 10
N.Y. GIANTS 44, Seattle 6
Washington 23, PHILADELPHIA 17
Minnesota 30, NEW ORLEANS 27 (MNF)
Weekend 9: NFL 2008 Week 9 Matchups & Game Capsules
NFL 2008 WEEK 9 (OCTOBER 26 - 27, 2008) GAME CAPSULES, ANALYSIS & PREVIEW
NEW YORK JETS (4-3) AT BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)
The Buffalo Bills lead the series with a 52 - 42 record versus the Jets and have won the past 3 games in a row.
In 2007, the Buffalo Bills first beat the Jets at home 17 - 14 (9/30/2007). Rookie Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards
completed 22 of 28 passes (78.5 pct.) for 234 yards & 1 TD to lead the Bills to victory in his 1st NFL start.
Later in the NFL 2007 Season (10/28/2007), the Bills defeated the Jets at Giants Stadium 13 - 3. In that game,
Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman came off the bench to engineer 2 4th-quarter scoring drives as the Bills won their 3rd
game in 4 weeks.
Last week the Jets defeated the Chiefs at home 28 -24 while the Bills lost to the Miami Dolphins in Miami 25-16.
NEW YORK JETS (4-3)
In 5 meetings against Bills (with Packers), quarterback BRETT FAVRE has 9 touchdowns vs. 5 interceptions & 81.6 passer rating.
Favre’s teams are 85-8 (.914) when he posts 100+ passer rating running back THOMAS JONES has 3 touchdowns in past 3
games. Jones teams are 26-14 (.650) when he records 20+ attempts & averages 130 rush yards per game when has
20 or more attempts. in 2008. running back LEON WASHINGTON posted 274 total yards last week (67 rushing, 34 receiving,
71 PR, 102 KR) with 2 touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 receiving) WR LAVERANUES COLES (598) needs 3 receptions to
surpass 600 for career WR JERRICHO COTCHERY posted 1st 100-yard receiving game of season last week
(102 yards on 9 receptions). Cotchery totaled 8 receptions for 107 yards (13.4 avg.) in last game at Buffalo
S KERRY RHODES posted 1st sack of season last week DE SHAUN ELLIS has sack in 6 of past
7 games & aims for 5th game in row with sack Since ’01, Jets lead NFL with 10 KR-TDs
BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)
The Buffalo Bills are 3-0 at home in 2008 & average 27 points per game quarterback TRENT EDWARDS is 2-0 against Jets with 84.1 passer rating. In 4th quarter this season, Edwards has completed 35 of 51 passes (68.6 pct.) for 458 yards with 3 touchdowns vs. 1 an interception & 108.1 passer rating. Team is 8-1 (.889) when Edwards has 80+ passer rating running back MARSHAWN LYNCH aims for 3rd consecutive game with rush TD & team has rush TD in all 7 games in 2008. Lynch averages 79.5 rush yards per game against Jets WR LEE EVANS averages 20.5 yards per catch in 2008 (31 receptions, 637 yards). In past 4 against NYJ, Evans is averaging 102 receiving yards per game (408 total). With 116 yards last week, Evans posted 3rd 100-yard receiving game of season & 12th of career Club is 12-2 (.857) under head coach DICK JAURON when holding opponents to 300 yards or fewer Since ’03, DE AARON SCHOBEL ranks 2nd in NFL with 53 sacks (JASON TAYLOR, 60) DT MARCUS STROUD (with the Jacksonville Jaguars) has sack in 2 of past 3 against Jets.
DETROIT LIONS (0-7) AT CHICAGO BEARS (4-3)
The Chicago Bears lead the all time series with an 88-64-5 record and have won 5 of the past 7 games.
The Bears have already defeated the winless Detroit Lions this NFL 2008 season by the score of 34 to 7 in
Detroit (10/5/2008). Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton threw for 334 yards & 2 touchdowns. Rookie running back Matt Forté scored
2 touchdowns & the Bears controlled the clock for more than 38 minutes in the victory.
DETROIT LIONS
In his 1st 3 career starts, quarterback DAN ORLOVSKY has completed 45 of 81 (55.6 pct.) for 636 yards with 3 touchdowns
vs. 0 interceptions for 93.5 passer rating. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD pass & 88+ passer rating
Rookie running back KEVIN SMITH (3rd round) leads team in rushing with 268 yards & 3 rush touchdowns. Is 1 of 5 rookies to lead
club in rushing. Last week, running back RUDI JOHNSON registered 1st career rush TD with Lions & aims for 50th of career
this week. When Johnson has 25+ attempts., his teams are 18-1 (.947) In 3 2008 games vs. NFC North,
WR CALVIN JOHNSON has recorded 12 receptions for 230 yards (19.2 avg.) & 3 touchdowns. Aims for 4th consecutive game
with TD Defense has 11 sacks in past 3 & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 3+. DE JARED DE VRIES
has 4 sacks in past 3 vs. Chi., including career-high 3 on 9/30/07. DE DEWAYNE WHITE has sack in 5 of 7 games this
year, including 1.5 last week. LB ERNIE SIMS registered 1st career an interception & FF in 9/30/07 game K JASON
HANSON has 394 FGs, 6th most in NFL history & 4th among active players. Hanson is tied for NFL lead in FG pct.
(9 of 9), including 4 of 4 on 50+
CHICAGO BEARS (4-3)
quarterback KYLE ORTON has won 15 of his past 21 starts. In career, Orton is 11-2 (.846) in home starts. Has 7-2 (.778) mark as starter vs. NFC North. Aims for 4th consecutive 100+ passer rating & 3rd consecutive 2+ touchdowns vs. division. Had career-high 334 passing yards in last meeting running back MATT FORTÉ leads NFC rookies with 515 rushing yards. Leads NFL rookies with 738 scrimmage yards (515 rush, 223 rec.). Tied for NFL rookie lead with 6 touchdowns (4 rush, 2 rec.) PR-KR-WR DEVIN HESTER had career-long 97-yard KR-TD vs. Det. (9/30/07) & caught TD pass in last meeting Defense leads league in 3rd-down efficiency (30.1 pct.). Bears are 5-0 when DE ALEX BROWN has 2+ sacks. Has 2.5 sacks & FF in past 2 vs. Det. DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE has 6 sacks & FR in past 5 games vs. Lions. Aims for 4th consecutive game with 1+ sack vs. Det When Ogunleye has 2+ sacks, his teams are 10-2 (.833). CB CHARLES TILLMAN had 26-yard INT-TD in last meeting.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-4) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-8)
The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the series 11-5 and have won the last 4 games in a row against the Bengals. The
two teams last played in Jacksonville on October 9, 2005. The Jaguars won 23 - 20 as Jacksonville quarterback Byron
Leftwich threw 2 touchdowns & running back Fred Taylor rushed for 132 yards as the Jaguars improved to 3-2.
Last week both teams lost. The Jaguars lost at home to the Browns 23-17, while the winless Bengals lost to the
Texans 35-6 in Houston.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-4)
The Jaguars have won 9 of past 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals Team aims for 3rd
consecutive win on road Since 2006, team is 15-4 (.789) when gaining 150+ rush yards In
past 4, quarterback DAVID GARRARD has completed 91 of 140 passes (65.0 pct.) for 995 yards with 5 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions & 97.8
passer rating. Garrard has 150 attempts without an interception. Garrard has 18 touchdowns vs. 10 interceptions & 91.0
passer rating as starter on road For career, running back 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. For career,
Taylor averages 94.3 rush yards per game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (660 total). For career, vs. AFC,
running back MAURICE JONES-DREW averages 5.3 yards per carry (338 attempts., 1,775 yards) WR MATT JONES tied
career-high with 8 rec. for 117 yards (14.6 avg.) with 1 TD last week. Jones aims for 3rd game in row with 7+
rec WR REGGIE WILLIAMS recorded 1st TD rec. of season last week TE MARCEDES LEWIS averages
17.4 yards per catch in past 3 (7 rec., 122 yards) CB RASHEAN MATHIS has 2 INT-TDs this season
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-8)
The winless Cincinnati Bengals have a 14-7 (.667) record under head coach MARVIN LEWIS in Novemeber Club has won 4 of past 5 vs. AFC in Novemeber quarterback RYAN FITZPATRICK (627) needs 151 passing
yards to surpass previous career-high (777 yards) with Rams in 2005. Fitzpatrick rushed for career-high 42
rush yards (6.0 avg.) on 7 attempts. last week For career, running back CEDRIC BENSON averages 79 rush yards
per game when has 20+ carries WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH aims for 7th consecutive game with 6 or more
rec. Since ’07, Houshmandzadeh leads NFL with 166 rec. WR CHAD JOHNSON averages 17.3 yards per catch against
Jaguars at home (8 rec., 138 yards). Johnson aims for 101st consecutive game with reception Since
’03, team is 22-6 (.786) when defense has 2+ interceptions DE ANTWAN ODOM aims for 3rd consecutive
game with sack vs. Jax WR-KR GLENN HOLT ranks 1st in NFL with 826 KR yards (25.8 avg.).
BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-4)
The Baltimore Ravens lead the series 12-7 while the Cleveland Browns habe won 2 of the past three.
The Ravens have already beat their division rival Browns earlier in the NFL 2008 Season. On September 30th, the Ravens
beat the Browns at home 28 to 10. In that game, the Baltimore Ravens defense limited Cleveland to 167 total net
yards. Ravens RBs Le’Ron McClain (2) & Willis McGahee (1) combined for 3 rush touchdowns.
Last week both teams won. The Ravens beat the Oakland Raiders at home by a score of 29 - 10, while the
Cleveland Browns won on the road defeating the Jaguars 23 - 17.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-3)
In 2 consecutive wins, NFL rookie quarterback JOE FLACCO (1st round, No. 18) has completed 29 of 47 passes (61.7
pct.) for 372 yards with 2 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions & 100.7 passer rating running back WILLIS MC GAHEE has 100
or more yards in 3 of past 4 against the Cleveland Browns & averages 93.8 rush yards per game vs. the Cleveland
Browns McGahee aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD vs. the Cleveland Browns Rookie running back RAY RICE (2nd round,
No. 55) totaled 101 yards last week (64 rushing, 37 receiving) Since ’03, WR DERRICK MASON ranks 3rd
in NFL with 482 receptions (TORRY HOLT, 525; CHAD JOHNSON, 494) WR DEMETRIUS WILLIAMS posted 1st TD
of season last week on 70-yard rec. Ravens have not allowed running back to gain 100+ rush yards in 26 games
(longest current streak in NFL) LB RAY LEWIS has 6 career sacks against Browns (most vs. any
opponent) LB TERRELL SUGGS has 11 career sacks against the Cleveland Browns (most vs. any team)
& aims for 3rd in row with sack Since ’02, S ED REED leads NFL with 35 interceptions. Reed has
7 interceptions against Browns (most vs. any opponent) & has an interception in 2 of past 3 vs. Cle
CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-4)
The Cleveland Browns have won 2 of past 3 at home vs. AFC North division rivals The Cleveland Browns are 6-0
under head coach ROMEO CRENNEL when scoring 30+ points In past 3 career starts at home against division, quarterback DEREK
ANDERSON has completed 48 of 83 passes (57.8 pct.) for 698 yards with 7 touchdowns vs. 4 interceptions & 93.3 passer rating. Team
is 5-0 when Anderson has 100+ passer rating Browns are 5-0 when running back JAMAL LEWIS has 25+ carries. Lewis is averaging 82 rushing yards per game in past 4 with 3 touchdowns. Lewis averages 70.6 yards per game against Ravens for career In 2 career meetings at home against the Baltimore Ravens, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS averages 106.5 receiving yards per game with 2 touchdowns. WR DONTE’ STALLWORTH recorded 1st TD reception as Brown last week. Stallworth averages 20.8 yards per catch against the Baltimore Ravens (6 receptions, 125 yards) TE STEVE HEIDEN led team with 73 receiving yards on 3 rec. last week Rookie LB ALEX HALL (7th round, No. 231) leads AFC rookies with 3 sacks & aims for
2nd game in row with sack vs. the Baltimore Ravens
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5-3) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-6)
The Tampa Bay Bucanneers have won the past 2 in a row, while the Chiefs lead the series 5-4. The two teams last played
each other on 11/7/2004 in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 34 to 31. Tampa Bay Bucanneers running back Michael
Pittman totaled 158 scrimmage yards (128 rush, 30 rec.) & rand for 3 touchdowns, including the decisive 3-yard score in 4th quarter.
Last week (NFL 2008 week 8) bothe teams lost on the road as the Buccaneers fell to the Dallas Cowboys 13-9, while
the Chiefs lost to the Jets 28-24.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5-3)
Under head coach JON GRUDEN, Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 18-0 since 2002 when not committing turnover In his
last 2 road starts vs. AFC, quarterback JEFF GARCIA has completed 37 of 46 (80.4 pct.) for 283 yards with 4 touchdowns
vs. 0 interceptions for 121.3 passer rating Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 6-0 when running back EARNEST
GRAHAM has 20+ attempts In past 3 games vs. AFC, WR JOEY GALLOWAY has recorded 16 receptions for
299 yards (99.7 per game) & 2 TD (69, 58) Defense ranks 2nd in NFL in 3rd down defense (30.4 TD pct.)
& points (15.0 per game). Tampa Bay Buccaneers is 4-0 when LB BARRETT RUUD has an interception. 1st round selection (No. 20) CB
AQIB TALIB is tied for 1st among NFL rookies with 3 interceptions. CB RONDE BARBER will make his 144th
consecutive start, most among active CBs. Barber had sack & FF in last meeting. DE GAINES ADAMS had his
2nd 2-sack game of season last week. LB DERRICK BROOKS had FF & FR in 11/14/99 meeting
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-6)
Head coach HERM EDWARDS spent 5 seasons (1996-2000) as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant head coach /
defensive backs coach Quarterback TYLER THIGPEN posted career-high’s in passing yards (280),
touchdowns (2) & passer rating (110.9) last week For career, running back KOLBY SMITH averages
93.8 rush yards per game when has 15 or more attempts TE TONY GONZALEZ extended reception streak
to 122 in last game – streak is 2nd in NFL history among TEs (OZZIE NEWSOME, 150). For career, Gonzalez
averages 92.5 receiving yards against Buccaneers WR DWAYNE BOWE aims for 5th consecutive game
with 5 or more rec. In past 3 at home, Bowe is averaging 87 receiving yards per game. Bowe posted first
100-yard receiving game of season last week (102) Chiefs are 5-1 (.833) under Edwards when
opponents score 10 or fewer points Rookie CB BRANDON FLOWERS (2nd round, No. 35) posted
career-high 2 interceptions last week, including 91-yard INT-TD return.
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-4)
The Vikings have won the only game played between the two. That game took place on 10/10/2004. The
Vikings needed overtime to defeat the Texans 34 to 28 in Houston. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper
threw for 396 yards & 5 touchdowns, including a 50-yard TD to Marcus Robinson in OT.
Last week the Vikings were off while the Houston Texans dismantled the Bengals at home 35-6.
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4)
The Texans aim for their 4th consecutive win for 1st time in franchise history in single
season Team is averaging 29.2 points per game in past 5 With Texans, quarterback
MATT SCHAUB has 3-1 record against NFC & has completed 95 of 132 (72.0 pct.) for 1,104 yards with 7
touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions & 114.6 passer rating. In past 4, Schaub is averaging 308.3 passing
yards per game with 9 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 113.6 passer rating Rookie running
back STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) ranks 3rd in NFL among rookie RBs with 476 rush yards (4.6 avg.)
on 104 attempts. & 5 touchdowns WR ANDRE JOHNSON is averaging 148.3 receiving yards in past
4 & aims for 5th consecutive game with 130 yards or more (131, 178, 141, 143). In 1 career meeting against
the Minnestoa Vikings (10/10/04), Johnson recorded 12 receptions for 170 yards (14.2 avg.) with 2 touchdowns
TE OWEN DANIELS ranks 2nd in AFC among TEs in receptions (32) & yards (395) Since
’07, DE MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 2nd in NFL with 21 sacks (DE MARCUS WARE, 23). Williams has 5 sacks in past
4 games CB EUGENE WILSON aims for 3rd game in row with an interception
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-4)
Vikings quarterback GUS FREROTTE has won 3 of 5 starts this year. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with
290+ yards passing As starter at home, Frerotte has 7 TD passes in past 6 vs. AFC Running
back ADRIAN PETERSON averaging 96.4 rush yards per game since entering NFL in 2007, best in NFL. In 4 career
starts vs. AFC, has 638 yards (159.5 per game) & 6 touchdowns. Stands 2nd in NFL with 684 yards rushing.
Aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100+ yards. When running back CHESTER TAYLOR has 100+ rush yards, his
teams are 7-1 (.875) Including playoffs, WR BERNARD BERRIAN has 18 career TD catches & 12 have been
30+ yards. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD reception Rush defense ranks 3rd in NFL (70.7
yards per game). DE JARED ALLEN has 48.0 sacks since 2004, most in NFL. Recorded 2 sacks in last game. S
DARREN SHARPER has 48 interceptions since 2000, most in NFL. CB ANTOINE WINFIELD had an interception in
11/16/03 (with the Buffalo Bills) meeting.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-3) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-5)
The Rams lead the series 30-26-2 although the Arizona Cardinals have won the pas 3 meetings. Last season the
Cardinals won both contests between the two division rivals:
10/7/07: Cardinals 34, Rams 31. Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald caught 9 passes for 136 yards & 1 TD
& recovered an onside kick attempt with 13 seconds remaining to seal the 3-point victory. 12/30/07: Rams 19 at Cardinals 48. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 300 yards & 3
touchdowns, including 171 yards & 2 touchdowns to Larry Fitzgerald as the Arizona Cardinals outgained the
Rams by 188 total net yards.
Last week both teams lost on the road. The Arizona Cardinals lost to the Carolina Panthers 27-23. The Saint Louis
Rams lost to the Patriots 23-16.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-3)
In only road start vs. former club (11/20/05), quarterback KURT WARNER completed 27 of 39 (69.2 pct.)
for 285 yards with 3 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for 115.9 passer rating. In Warner’s starts with 15+
attempts. (including playoffs), his teams are 33-4 (.892) when he has 100+ rating In 5 career
meetings, running back EDGERRIN JAMES rushed for 542 yards (108.4) & 5 touchdowns. James leads all active
rushers with 11,987 yards. running back TIM HIGHTOWER leads all rookies with 6 rush touchdowns in 1st 7
games In his past 2 games vs. the Saint Louis Rams, WR LARRY FITZGERALD has 20 catches for
307 yards (153.5 per game) & 3 touchdowns. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100+ rec. yards vs. the
Saint Louis Rams WR ANQUAN BOLDIN leads NFL with 7 rec. touchdowns. WR STEVE BREASTON has 33 catches
for 392 yards (98.0 per game) in past 4 games. Had 12 catches for 164 yards in 19 previous career
games In past 6 meetings, DE CHIKE OKEAFOR has recorded 6.5 sacks. Tied career-high with
2.5 sacks on 12/3/06. S ADRIAN WILSON aims for 3rd consecutive game vs. the Saint Louis Rams with an
interception
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-5)
In 13 career home starts vs. NFC West (min. 10 attempts.), quarterback MARC BULGER has completed 310
of 481 (64.4 pct.) for 3,665 yards with 22 touchdowns vs. 12 interceptions for 92.4 passer rating. Aims for
3rd consecutive 300+ yard home game vs. division. Had career-long 69-yard TD last week For career,
club in 10-4 (.714) when running back STEVEN JACKSON has 100+ yards. When Jackson has 22+ attempts., Rams are
16-6 (.727). In those 22, Jackson has rushed for 2,492 yards (113.3 per game) & 17 touchdowns In
12 career games vs. the Arizona Cardinals, WR TORRY HOLT leads NFL with 779 receptions & 11,365 yards.
Has 5 touchdowns in past 6 vs. the Arizona Cardinals Rookie WR DONNIE AVERY had career highs in rec. (6), yards (163), & TD rec. (69 yards) last week Rookie DE CHRIS LONG had career-high 2 sacks last week. S O.J. ATOGWE has 11 interceptions in past 15 games. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with 1+ an interception. Had 52-yard INT-TD in last meeting. Tied for most interceptions (12) since ’07 (ANTONIO CROMARTIE).
GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-3) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (7-0)
The undefeated Tennessee Titans lead the series 5-4 and have won the past two meetings.
The two teams last played each other on 10/11/2004 as the Titans won 48 - 27 at Green Bay.
Tennessee rushed for 224 yards, including 148 & 2 touchdowns by running back Chris Brown. Titans
quarterback Steve McNair added 2 passing touchdowns.
Last week the Packers did not play (NFL 2008 Week 7: W 34-14 vs. Colts) while the Titans defeated the
Colts at home on onday Night Football 31 to 21.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-3)
Under head coach MIKE MC CARTHY, the Green Bay Packers have won 21 of past 27 games quarterback AARON RODGERS aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ passer rating.
Has completed 67 of 95 (70.5 pct.) for 707 yards with 6 touchdowns vs. 1 an interception for 108.5 passer rating in past 3 In past 4 vs. AFC, running back RYAN GRANT has
420 rush yards (105.0 per game), 2 touchdowns & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100+ yards. When Grant has 19+ attempts. (including playoffs), Packers are perfect 8-0 -
WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 102 consecutive games, 2nd-longest streak in team history (STERLING SHARPE, 103). Had 10 receptions for 150 yards (15.0 avg.) in last
meeting. WR GREG JENNINGS has 5 touchdowns in past 5 games vs. AFC. Has 19 career rec. touchdowns & 10 have been 40+ yards. Leads NFC with 685 rec. yards
DE AARON KAMPMAN has 33.5 sacks since 2006, 2nd most in NFC. Has 4.5 sacks in past 5 vs. AFC Green Bay Packers defense leads NFL with 13 interceptions. In past 6, S NICK COLLINS & CB CHARLES
WOODSON each have 4 interceptions, including 2 INT-TDs. CB TRAMON WILLIAMS has 3 interceptions in past 4
TENNESSEE TITANS (7-0)
The undefeated Tennessee Titans aim for their 1st 8-0 start in franchise history The Titans aim for their
5th consecutive win against NFC opponents Dating back to 12/16/07, Titans have 10 consecutive regular-season
wins (longest current streak in NFL) quarterback KERRY COLLINS has 7-3 (.700) record as starter with
Tennessee Titans Rookie running back CHRIS JOHNSON (1st round, No. 24) leads AFC with 626 rush yards.
Johnson aims for 3rd game in row with rush TD running back LEN DALE WHITE leads NFL with 10 rush
touchdowns & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 2 or more touchdowns WR BRANDON JONES has 6
1st-down receptions in past 3 Since 2006, team is 16-2 (.889) when it records 2 or more
interceptions Defense ranks 1st in AFC with 12 interceptions S CHRIS HOPE posted
career-high 2 interceptions last week CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN & S MICHAEL GRIFFIN are tied for
league lead with 4 interceptions (NICK COLLINS, CHARLES WOODSON & OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE, 4).
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-4) AT DENVER BRONCOS (4-3)
The Dolphins lead the series against the Denver Broncos 10-3-1 and have won 7 of the past 8 games.
The two teams last played each on 9/11/2005 in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Broncos 34 - 10 as
Miami quarterback Gus Frerotte passed for 275 yards & 2 touchdowns, including a 60-yarder to WR Marty Booker.
Dolphins WR Chris Chambers added a 60-yard TD run.
Last week the Dolphins defeated the Bills at home while the Broncos did not play (NFL 2008 Week 7: L 41-7
at Patriots).
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-4)
The Miami Dolphins have won 3 of past 4 at Denver Dolphins Offense aims for 350+ total yards
in 6 games in row In past 5, quarterback CHAD PENNINGTON has completed 104 of 139 passes (74.8 pct.)
for 1,347 yards with 5 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 110.8 passer rating. Including playoffs Pennington’s teams
are 20-7 (.741) when has 100+ passer rating. Pennington posted 1st 300-yard passing game as Dolphin last week
& team’s have 5-1 (.833) record when has 300 or more yards. Running back RONNIE BROWN is averaging 71.6 rush
yards per game in past 5 & has 8 touchdowns (7 rush, 1 passing) in past 6 running back RICKY WILLIAMS
posted 2 touchdowns in 1 career meeting against Den. (10/13/02) WR TED GINN totaled career-high 175
receiving yards (25.0 avg.) last week & tied career-best with 7 receptions In 2008, TE ANTHONY
FASANO averages 13.2 yards per catch (19 receptions, 251 yards) LB JOEY PORTER leads NFL with
10.5 sacks & has 9.5 sacks in past 5 games S YEREMIAH BELL leads team with 55 tackles CB WILL ALLEN had 1st an interception of 2008 last week
DENVER BRONCOS (4-3)
The Denver Broncos need 1 win to reach 400 NFL franchise victories Broncos have a 15-4
(.789) record after bye week In 4 games at home during NFL 2008 season, quarterback JAY CUTLER has
completed 101 of 155 passes (65.2 pct.) for 1,033 yards with 9 touchdowns vs. 3 interceptions & 95.4 passer
rating. Club is 7-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating running back MICHAEL PITTMAN is averaging
98.5 rush yards per game in past 2 (197 total). For the NFL 2008 season, running back SELVIN YOUNG is averaging 5.7 yards per carry (47 attempts. 266 yards) WR BRANDON MARSHALL is averaging 99.7 receiving yards per game in 2008 & averaging 111 receiving yards per game at home this season. Marshall (49 receptions, 598 yards) & rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (39 receptions, 392 yards) have combined for 88 receptions for 990 yards TE TONY SCHEFFLER is averaging 16.2 yards per catch (16 receptions, 259 yards) in 2008 CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE’ BLY (38) rank 1st & 2nd among CBs for most interceptions since ’99 DE ELVIS DUMERVIL posted season-high 2 sacks in last game LB NATE WEBSTER aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack.
DALLAS COWBOYS (5-3) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (6-1)
The Cowboys lead the series 54-35-2 and have won the past 3 regular season meetings.
Their last regular season meeting occurred on 10/11/2007 at Giants Stadium. The Cowboys won 31 to 20 behind
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo who threw for 247 yards & 4 touchdowns, including 125 yards & 2 touchdowns
to WR Terrell Owens. The Cowboys defense sacked Eli Manning 5 times in the win.
Last week both teams won. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers at home 13-9 while the Giants defeated
the Steelers in Pittsburgh 21-14.
DALLAS COWBOYS (5-3)
As starter, quarterback BRAD JOHNSON is 3-0 at New York Giants, completing 52 of 79 (65.8 pct.) for 664
yards with 5 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for 113.1 passer rating When running back MARION BARBER
has 11+ carries, Cowboys are 24-3 (.889). Has 35 touchdowns (29 rush, 6 rec.) in past 39 In past 2
vs. New York Giants, WR TERRELL OWENS has 9 catches for 212 yards (23.6 avg.) & 4 touchdowns, including 50-yard
TD. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with 2+ touchdowns vs. New York Giants. Had 2nd longest career TD (79 yards)
vs. New York Giants (11/30/98 with SF). TE JASON WITTEN has 259 catches & 4,185 yards since 2004, most by TE in
NFC. Tied for NFL lead with 20 receptions on 3rd down (222 yards, 11.1 avg.). Last week, WR ROY WILLIAMS
recorded 1st TD with Dallas Defense registered 5 sacks in last meeting. LB DE MARCUS WARE has
13.0 sacks in past 11. Leads NFC with 9.0 sacks LB GREG ELLIS has 15.5 sacks in past 21 & 6.5
in past 8 vs. Giants, including 1 in last meeting. S KEN HAMLIN has 3 interceptions in past 3 vs. New York
Giants, including 2 on 9/24/06 (with the Seattle Seahawks.), tying career high
NEW YORK GIANTS (6-1)
In their past 4 games vs. the Dallas Cowboys (including postseason), quarterback ELI MANNING has completed
87 of 129 (67.4 pct.) for 981 yards with 9 touchdowns vs. 3 interceptions for 103.5 passer rating. Tied career
high with 4 TD passes on 9/9/07 When running back BRANDON JACOBS has 100+ yards, Giants are 6-1
(.857). When Jacobs has 10+ attempts. (including playoffs), Giants are 20-4 (.833). Has rushed for 6
touchdowns in past 5 Club leads NFL in rushing yards per game (157.3). In past 2 vs. Dallas
Cowboys, WR PLAXICO BURRESS has 12 receptions for 168 yards (14.0 avg.) & career-high 3 touchdowns in
9/9/07 game DE JUSTIN TUCK has 8.0 sacks in past 8 games (including Super Bowl XLII), including
1 last week at Steelers. When Tuck has 1.0+ sack, Giants are 10-3 (.769). Aims for 3rd consecutive game
with 1+ sack. DT FRED ROBBINS has 5.5 sacks in past 6. Giants have won 13 of past 15 when DE MATHIAS
KIWANUKA plays. Kiwanuka registered career-high 3 sacks last week. Rookie S KENNY PHILLIPS had 1st
career an interception last week.
ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-5)
The Oakland Raiders lead the series 7 - 4 and have won 3 of the past 4 games. The two teams last played
each other on December 12, 2004 in Atlanta. The Falcons won 35 to 10.
Atlanta Falcons running back T.J. Duckett rushed for 65 yards & scored a career-high 4 touchdowns. Falcons
running back Warrick Dunn added 103 rushing yards.
Last week both teams lost on the road. The Falcons lost 27-14 to the Eagles. The Raiders lost to the Ravens by a score
of 29 to 10.
ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3)
Rookie quarterback MATT RYAN makes 2nd career start vs. AFC. Completed 12 of 18 (66.7 pct.) passes for
192 yards with 1 TD vs. 0 interceptions for 120.6 passer rating vs. KC (9/21/08). Ryan tied career high with 2
TD passes last week running back MICHAEL TURNER stands 3rd in NFC with 655 rushing yards. Averaging
93.6 yards per game. When Turner has 8+ carries, his teams are 15-3 (.833) RB-KR JERIOUS NORWOOD has
4 career rush touchdowns & 3 have been 67+ yards WR RODDY WHITE has 37 catches for 566 yards (113.2
per game) & 5 touchdowns in past 5. Aims for 4th consecutive game with 1+ TD DE JOHN ABRAHAM has
17.0 sacks in past 22. Second in NFC with 7 sacks. Has 74.5 sacks since 2000, tied for 6th-most in NFL.
Has 4 sacks in 3 career games vs. Oak. & aims to register 1+ sack in 4 games. DE JAMAAL ANDERSON aims for
3rd consecutive game with sack. Rookie LB CURTIS LOFTON registered 1st career sack last week K
JASON ELAM ranks 5th in NFL history with 411 FGs. Has 38 FGs of 50+ yards, 2nd in NFL history
OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-5)
In 4 career starts at home, Raiders quarterback JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 79 of 124 pases (63.7
pct.) for 884 yards with 5 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 91.6 passer rating running back JUSTIN
FARGAS is averaging 98.5 rush yards (591 total) with 3 touchdowns in past 6 at home. Rookie running back DARREN
MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) averages 5.1 rush yards per carry (67 attempts., 341 yards) Rookie WR CHAZ SCHILENS (7th round, No. 226) had career-high 3 rec. for 76 yards (25.3 avg.) last week. In 2008, WR-KR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS averages 21.3 yards per catch (8 rec. for 76 yards (25.3 avg.) last week. In 2008, TE ZACH MILLER averages 15.6 yards per catch (20 receptions, 312 yards) Since ’07, LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) ranks 1st & KIRK MORRISON (5) ties for 2nd in NFL for most interceptions among LBs Since 2005, CB DE ANGELO HALL is 3rd in NFL with 18 interceptions. Selected No. 8 in 2004 by Falcons, Hall played 4 season with the Atlanta Falcons
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-3) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-5)
The Eagle lead the series 6-5 although the Seahawks have won the past 2 games. The teams played each last
season in Philadelphia on 12/2/2007. The Seahawks won 28 to 24 as Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu intercepted 3 passes
& running back Maurice Morris rushed for the eventual game-winning 45-yard TD in the 3rd quarter of that game.
Lat week the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Falcons at home 27-14. The Seahawks easily defeated the 49ers in
San Francisco 34-13.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-3)
In only career meeting vs. the Seattle Seahawks (9/23/01), quarterback DONOVAN MCNABB completed 24 of 37
(64.9 pct.) for 283 yards with 2 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for 106.0 passer rating. When McNabb has 100+
rating (including playoffs), Eagles are 37-1 (.974) running back BRIAN WESTBROOK had career-high 167
rushing yards & had 2 touchdowns last week. Is 1 of 7 players in NFL history with 25+ rush (33) & rec. (25)
touchdowns WR DE SEAN JACKSON (2nd round) leads NFL rookies with 505 rec. yards. His 32 receptions
leads NFC rookie WRs & 11.3 punt return average ranks 3rd in NFC. WR KEVIN CURTIS had 6 catches for 111 yards
(18.5 avg.) & TD in last meeting. Has 4 touchdowns in 7 games vs. the Seattle Seahawks & aims for 2nd
consecutive game with TD catch Defense stands 2nd in NFC lead with 23 sacks. DE JUQUA PARKER
has 4.5 sacks in past 5. DE TRENT COLE has 14.0 sacks in past 21. CB ASANTE SAMUEL registered an interception
last week & has 19 interceptions since 2006, most in NFL. CB SHELDON BROWN has an interception in 2 of 3 games
vs. the Seattle Seahawks., including last meeting. S BRIAN DAWKINS is 1 of 5 DBs in NFL history with 20 sacks
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-5)
Last week, quarterback SENECA WALLACE completed 15 of 25 passes (60.0 pct.) for 222 yards with 2
touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for career-high 115.8 rating. Had career-long 62-yard TD pass in game running back JULIUS JONES ran for 100 yards in 10/8/06 (with Dal) game. running back MAURICE MORRIS
had career-long 45-yard TD run in last meeting Rookie TE JOHN CARLSON leads club with 20 receptions
& 214 yards. WR DEION BRANCH won Super Bowl XXXIX MVP (with NE) vs. the Philadelphia Eagles with 11 receptions for 133 yards DE PATRICK KERNEY has 16 sacks in past 15 games. Registered 1 sack & FF in 9/12/05 (with the Atlanta
Falcons) meeting. LB JULIAN PETERSON had sack & an interception in last meeting. Has 3 sacks in 5 games vs.
the Philadelphia Eagles Has 25.5 sacks in 43 games with the Seattle Seahawks. (including playoffs). In 2 career meetings, LB LOFA TATUPU has 4 interceptions, including career-high 3 interceptions in last meeting. Had only career TD (38-yard an interception) in 12/5/05 game.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-4)
The New England Patriots have won 5 of the past 7 and lead the series versus the Indianpolis Colts
42 to 26. The two teams last met in the regular season on 11/4/2007. The Patriots won in Indianapolis
24 to 20. In that game, New England quarterback Tom Brady passed for 3 touchdowns as the Patriots rallied to
defeat Indianapolis in the 1st-ever NFL game featuring 2 teams with at least 7-0 records.
Last week the Patriots defeated the Rams at home 23-16 while the Colts lost to the Titans on the road on Monday
Night Football 31-21.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-2)
Including postseason games, the Patriots are 8-4 (.667) under head coach BILL BELICHICK against the
Colts Since ’01, Patriots are 22-6 (.916) in November In past 2 games, quarterback MATT
CASSEL has completed 39 of 57 passes (68.4 pct.) for 452 yards with 4 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 100.9
passer rating running back KEVIN FAULK totaled 107 scrimmage yards last week (60 rushing, 47
receiving) with 1 TD rec. Rookie running back BEN JARVUS GREEN-ELLIS (undrafted free agent) aims for 3rd
consecutive game with rush TD In last meeting against Colts, WR RANDY MOSS totaled 9 receptions
for 145 receiving yards (16.1 avg.) with 1 TD. Including postseason, WR WES WELKER aims for 12th
consecutive game with 6 or more receptions & ranks 2nd in NFL with 161 rec. since ’07 (T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH,
166 rec.). Welker can become 2nd player in NFL history with at least 6 catches in team’s 1st 8 games (JIMMY
SMITH in 2001) DE RICHARD SEYMOUR & LB ADALIUS THOMAS have 2.5 sacks apiece in past 2 CB-KR ELLIS HOBBS leads NFL with 30.3 KR avg
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-4)
Since 2005 (including playoffs), quarterback PEYTON MANNING has 3-1 record (.750) against Patriots & has completed 91 of 147 passes (61.9 pct.) for 1,221 yards with 7 touchdowns vs. 4 interceptions & 92.8 passer rating. Since ’04, Colts are 38-7 (.844) when Manning has 2 or more touchdowns. running back DOMINIC RHODES is averaging 72 rush yards per game in past 3 (216 total). running back JOSEPH ADDAI totaled 226 yards (112 rushing, 114 receiving) in last meeting against NE In past 3 against NE, WR REGGIE WAYNE is averaging 92 receiving yards per game (276 total). For career, WR MARVIN HARRISON has 7 100-yard receiving games against Patriots & aims for 6th consecutive game with TD reception vs. NE TE DALLAS CLARK tied career high with 2 TD receptions last week Including postseason, Colts are 13-2 (.867) when DE DWIGHT FREENEY records 2 or more sacks DE ROBERT MATHIS posted 2 sacks in last meeting against Patriots.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-2) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6-2)
The Redskins lead the series 42-30-3 while the Steelers have won the past 3. The Steelers and Redskins last played
each other 11/28/2004 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16 to 7 as
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis rushed for 100 yards & 1 TD & Jeff Reed added 3 FGs as
the Steelers won their 9th consecutive game.
Last week the Steelers lost to the Giants at home 21-14. The Washington Redskins beat the winless Lions
25 to 17 in Detroit.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-2)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-0 on Monday Night Football under head coach MIKE TOMLIN. Aims for 4th
consecutive win vs. Washington Redskins quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER is 13-4 (.765) vs. NFC & has
completed 234 of 382 passes (61.3 pct.) for 3,296 yards with 23 touchdowns vs. 13 interceptions & 95.0 passer
rating. Including playoffs, team is 29-2 (.935), when Roethlisberger has 100+ passer rating Since
2006, running back WILLIE PARKER averages 82.7 rush yards per game vs. NFC. running back MEWELDE MOORE is
averaging 101 rush yards per game in past 3 with 3 touchdowns In past 4 vs. NFC on road, WR HINES
WARD averages 80.8 rec. yards per game (323 total). WR NATE WASHINGTON posted 65-yard TD rec. last week & is
averaging 18.1 yds per catch in 2008 (16 rec., 290 yards). Washington aims for 4th game in row with TD TE HEATH MILLER has totaled 7 rec. for 115 yards (16.4 avg.) in past 2 vs. NFC LB LA MARR
WOODLEY has 6.5 sacks in past 5 LB JAMES HARRISON has 5.5 sacks in past 4 & ranks 3rd in NFL with
8.5. Harrison has 7 sacks in past 3 on Monday Night Football
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6-2)
Redskins quarterback JASON CAMPBELL has not thrown an interception this season in 230 attempts. In past 4 home games, Campbell has completed 78 of 115 (67.8 pct.) for 886 yards with 4 touchdowns vs. 0 interceptions for 102.3 passer rating In past 5 games, running back CLINTON PORTIS has 696 rush yards (139.2 per game) & 4 touchdowns. Had 126 yards last week to become 2nd player in NFL history with 2 streaks of 5 consecutive games of 120+ yards (O.J. SIMPSON). When Portis has 100+ yards, his teams are 32-10 (.762). When Portis rushes for 2+ touchdowns, his clubs are 14-5 (.737) WR SANTANA MOSS had 9 rec. for 140 yards (15.6 avg.) last week, including 50-yard TD rec. & 80-yard PR-TD WR-PR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL holds Pit. (2002-05) record for longest PR-TD (84 yards) & PR-TDs (4) & is 2nd in PR yards (1,594). Including playoffs, has 26 touchdowns (14 rec., 6 PR, 5 pass, 1 KR) LB-DE JASON TAYLOR leads active players with 118 sacks. Aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack vs. hometown team (Woodland Hills H.S., PA).
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RELATED: NFL 2008 Week 9
"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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