Two Weeks Left in an Extraordinary NFL 2008 Regular Season

Jake Delhomme, John Fox & Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers

With 2 weeks left in the regular season, NFL teams find themselves in must-win situations.

For the NFC & AFC Top seeds, it's about home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

And thanks to the schedule makers, it's Panthers at Giants and Steelers at Titans this week.

For the other teams still in the playoff hunt, it's a matter of survival and about punching their ticket for the playoffs. As such, the goal is simple: keep winning, control your own playoff destiny and hope not to have to rely on other teams losing.

But before diving into the guts of Week 16 Analysis, Previews and Productions, let's pause a moment and pay tribute to the NFL's schedule-makers.

Ok ...

It's now down a two-game season.

"Time is running out," says Denver Broncos cornerback Dre' Bly. "We need to take care of business as fast as possible."

This speaks volume for all 15 NFL teams still in contention for eight remaining playoff spots.

Twelve out of the 16 games this week have an impact on the playoffs

One of the biggest games this weekend is the Carolina Panthers at New York Giants matchup on Sunday night (8:15 PM ET). These teams have identical 11-3 records and are the best in the NFC.

"That's the NFL," says Panthers quarterback JAKE DELHOMME. "That's what you want. You live to play in these situations."

Key NFL 2008 Week 16 Matchups:

Carolina Panthers (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)

NFC Leaders Battle It Our for Home Field Supremacy

The NFC's top playoff seed is at stake this Sunday night when the Carolina Panthers visit the New York Giants. The Giants and Panthers have identical 11-3 records, but appear to be going in different directions.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (12-2)

The Battle for the AFC King of the Hill

The top two seeds in the AFC meet this Sunday, as the AFC South Champion Tennessee Titans (12-2) host the AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3). While both teams have clinched a first-round playoffs bye, this Sunday game will likely determine which team gains homefield advantage in the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)

Ravens vs. Cowboys: Identical Records & Playoff Aspirations

The game features a matchup of teams with identical 9-5 records fighting for a Wildcard playoff berth in their respective conferences. The Ravens come off a deflating 13-9 loss to the Steelers while the Cowboys head into the game after a convincing 20-8 victory against the New York Giants.

Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-5)

Falcons are No Match for Vikings at Metrodome

The Vikings can clinch the NFC North this week, while the Falcons have a chance to earn a Wildcard spot this week. However, the Falcons are simply not built for the road this season proving that not all 9-5 records are equal.

New York Jets (9-5) at Seattle Seahawks (3-11)

4th Time Better Be the Charm for the Jets Out West

The Jets head to the west coast for the 4th time this season to face the Seahawks in Mike Holmgren's last home game as Seattle's head coach. With the Dolphins and Patriots also sporting 9-5 records, this week's matchup is significant. The Jets cannot afford to look ahead to the season finale against the Dolphins.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7)

Eagles Aim for 4th in a Row at Redskins Expense

The Eagles look to win their fourth straight game as they travel to Washington to take on the Redskins. The Washington Redskins (7-7) downward spiral continued last week in Cincinnati as Washington suffered its third straight loss and defeats in five of their last six games.

Indianapolis Colts (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)

Thursday Night Battle Between Colts & Jags Still Meaningful

Although not the case this season, the matchup between these two division rivals is still meaningful. A victory this Thursday night ensures the Colts an AFC Wildcard berth. The Jaguars (5-9) host the hottest team in the NFL. After their mediocre 3-4 start to the season, the Colts have won seven in a row to improve their record to 10-4.

In Other NFL 2008 Week 16 Games:

GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-9) at CHICAGO BEARS (8-6)

"Most teams that get 10 wins get into the playoffs," says Chicago head coach LOVIE SMITH. "That's the best we can do."

The scenarios for a playoff berth are tough for the Bears.

But they look like they have hit their stride at just the right time. They have won two in a row and three of their past four. In those four, the Bears have gotten a jump on their opponents by outscoring them in the first quarter, 38-3.

A big part of their offense, of course, has been the NFC's leading rookie rusher MATT FORTÉ (1,115 yards), who tops all NFL rookie rushers in scrimmage yards (1,539) and rushing first downs (55).

But, this is the Bears' biggest rival. The teams have played more -- 175 times -- than any other NFL clubs. The Packers handed Chicago its worst loss of the season on November 16, a 37-3 thrashing. "They did whip up on us pretty good last time," says Bears WR-KR DEVIN HESTER. "We still have that in the back of our heads. We're their rival team, so they're probably going to make sure we don't have a chance of making the playoffs."

The Chicago Bears (8-6) trail the Minnesota Vikings (9-5) by one game in the NFC North. In the race for the NFC North title, the Vikings hold the tie-breakers over the Bears, so Chicago must finish with a better record than Minnesota to win the division crown. Green Bay was eliminated from the NFC playoff picture last Sunday.

This Monday's game between Chicago and Green Bay will be the 177th meeting (including one playoff game) between the two teams. The Bears hold a 90-80-6 advantage in the series.

Earlier this season (11/16/2008), the Packers defeated the Bears 37-3 in Green Bay. In that game, Green Bay RB Ryan Grant ran for 145 yards and one touchdown, while DE Jason Hunter returned a fumble recovery for 54-yard touchdown. Last season in Chicago, the Bears defeated the Packers, 35-7. The Bears blocked 2 punts & registered 2 interceptions. Bears RB Adrian Peterson ran for 102 yards & 1 TD.

Last week, the Bears needed overtime to defeat the Saints at home, 27-24. It was the Bears second consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the Packers lost to the Jaguars 20-16 in Jacksonville. It was the Packers 4th consecutive loss in a row

Expect the Bears to beat the struggling Packers at home quite easily. The score should be the same as last season's final, Bears 35 Packers 7.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-9)

  • - Packers QB AARON RODGERS completed 23 of 30 (76.7) for 227 yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 interception for 105.8 passer rating in only start vs. the Chicago Bears earlier this season. Rodgers needs 2 TDs to join LYNN DICKEY, BRETT FAVRE & DON MAJKOWSKI as only Packers with 3,000+ yards & 25+ TDs a in season
  • - DE AARON KAMPMAN has 37.0 sacks since 2006, 3rd most in NFL. In past 13, S NICK COLLINS (3 INT-TDs) & CB CHARLES WOODSON (2) each have 5 interceptions. Collins had 2 interceptions, including 55-yard INT-TD in 12/31/06 meeting
  • - RB RYAN GRANT aims for 3rd in row vs. the Chicago Bears with 100+ yards & TD. When Grant has 22+ attempts (including playoffs), Packers are 7-0. Has recorded 1st 1,000-yard season of career
  • - WR DONALD DRIVER has reception in 109 games in row, longest streak in team history. WR GREG JENNINGS has 23 career receiving TDs & 10 have been 40+ yards. Had TD in last meeting

CHICAGO BEARS (8-6)

  • - Bears QB KYLE ORTON is 14-2 (.875) as starter at home. When Orton has 100.0+ rating, Bears are 4-0
  • - RB MATT FORTÉ leads NFL rookies with 1,539 scrimmage yards & 75 1st downs. Matt is the only rookie to lead team in both rushing (1,115) & receptions (58). MATT FORTÉ joined Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON & NEAL ANDERSON as only Bears with 1,000 rush yards & 50 catches in season
  • - WR-PR-KR DEVIN HESTER has 17 TDs (7 PR, 5 kick return, 5 receiving), including playoffs. Had 84-yard PR-TD in 9/10/06 meeting
  • - Club ties for NFL lead with 29 takeaways (21 interception, 8 fumble recovery). LB BRIAN URLACHER aims for 4th in row vs. the Green Bay Packers with interception, including 85-yard INT-TD in last home meeting. DT TOMMIE HARRIS has 3.0 sacks in past 4. Bears have won 12 of past 15 when Harris has sack. Bears are 14-5 (.737) when CB CHARLES TILLMAN has interception. DE ADEWALE OGUNLEYE had interception last week, 1st of career. LB LANCE BRIGGS has 2 interceptions vs. the Green Bay Packers, both INT-TDs.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-11-1) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-10)

The series between the two Ohio rivals is currently tied at 35-35.

In their first encounter this season (9/28/2008), the Browns defeated the Bengals 20-12 in Cincinnati. In that game the Browns, defense forced 5 turnovers (3 interception, 2 fumble recoveries) & limited Cincinnati to 211 total net yards. Browns RB Jamal Lewis rushed for 79 yards & 1 TD.

Last week the Bengals defeated the Redskins at home, 20-13. The Browns lost to the Eagles on the road, 30-10.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-11-1)

  • - Bengals QB RYAN FITZPATRICK has TD pass in 3 of past 4 against AFC North teams. Fitzpatrick posted a season-high 89.6 passer rating last week in the Bengals victory over the Redskins. Fitzpatrick has career-high 265 rush yards in 2008
  • - For his career, RB CEDRIC BENSON averages 76.0 rush yards per game when he has 20+ carries & his teams are 5-0-1. Benson totaled 161 yards last week (73 rush, 88 receiving)
  • - Since 2007, WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH ranks 2nd in NFL with 204 receptions (WES WELKER, 214). Houshmandzadeh (92) needs 8 receptions to reach 100 receptions in consecutive seasons & needs 96 receiving yards to reach 1,000 yards in 3 seasons in row. Houshmandzadeh has 7 career TD receptions against Browns (most vs. any opponent). WR CHAD JOHNSON aims for 106th consecutive game with reception. Johnson is averaging 166 receiving yards per game in past 2 at Cleveland & aims for 3rd consecutive game with 100 or more yards at Browns (123, 209)
  • - Since 2003, team is 22-6-1 (.776) when defense has 2+ interceptions
  • - LB DHANI JONES leads team with 139 tackles

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-10)

  • - Browns QB KEN DORSEY will make his first start at home with Browns
  • - Cleveland is 5-0 when RB JAMAL LEWIS has 25 or more rushing attempts Lewis (832) needs 168 yards to become 1st Brown since MIKE PRUITT to gain 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. RB JEROME HARRISON averages 6.1 yards per carry (74 attempts, 448 yards) for his career
  • - In past 3 against Bengals, WR BRAYLON EDWARDS has 5 TDs & has totaled 19 receptions for 220 yards (11.6 average). Edwards aims for 57th consecutive game with reception. WR DONTE' STALLWORTH (294) needs 6 receptions to reach 300 for career. In 2 career games vs. the Bengals, Stallworth has 10 receptions for 160 yards (16.0 average)
  • - The Bengals defense is tied with the Ravens for the most 22 interceptions this season & has 12 interceptions over past 5 games
  • - S SEAN JONES has 3 interceptions in past 4 games
  • - CB BRANDON MC DONALD has career-high 5 interceptions in 2008 & posted career-best 2 interceptions, including 24-yard INT-TD return last week in the Bengals win over the Redskins

HOUSTON TEXANS (7-7) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-11)

The Houston Texans lead the series 3-0. The two teams met last season in Oakland (11/4/2007) as the Texans defeated the Raiders, 24-17.

In that game, Texans RB Ron Dayne rushed for 122 yards with 14-yard TD as the Texans jumped to 17-0 lead before surviving a late Oakland Raiders rally.

HOUSTON TEXANS (7-7)

  • - The Texans are playing for their 4th consecutive win against the Raiders
  • - Rookie RB STEVE SLATON (3rd round, No. 89) ranks 3rd in AFC with 1,124 rush yards (4.9 average) on 230 attempts & 8 TDs. Slaton aims for 4th consecutive game with 100 or more rush yards (130, 104, 100). Slaton (1,124) needs 65 rush yards to surpass DOMANICK WILLIAMS (1,188 in 2004) for most rush yards by RB in franchise history
  • - In past 2, QB MATT SCHAUB has completed 51 of 81 passes (63.0 pct.) for 698 yards with 3 TDs vs. 1 interception & 97.7 passer rating
  • - Texans' 319 points rank 2nd in franchise history (379 in 2007)
  • - In 2 career games against Raiders, Pro Bowl starter WR ANDRE JOHNSON averages 17.7 yards per catch (7 receiving, 124 yards). Johnson recorded career-high 207 receiving yards last week. Johnson (103) needs 1 receiving to surpass career-high (103 in 2006; Texans record). WR KEVIN WALTER leads team with career-high 8 TD receptions & needs 1 TD receiving to surpass Johnson's franchise record of 8 in 2007
  • - Since 2007, DE MARIO WILLIAMS ranks 1st in AFC with 25 sacks

OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-11)

  • - In 6 starts at home in 2008, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL has completed 89 of 171 passes (52.0 pct.) for 1,065 yards with 6 TDs vs. 3 interceptions & 75.8 passer rating
  • - RB JUSTIN FARGAS averages 77.3 rush yards per game in past 4 (239 total). Fargas posted 23 attempts for 104 rush yards (4.5 average) in last meeting against the Texans & aims for 3rd consecutive game with TD vs. Texans. Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) totaled 114 yards last week (46 rush, 68 receiving)
  • - WR JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS averages 19.8 yards per catch (13 receptions, 258 yards) in 2008. Higgins is tied for 2nd in NFL with 2 PR-TDs & ranks 3rd in AFC with 11.1 PR avg
  • - TE ZACH MILLER averages 13.5 yards per catch & has career-highs in receptions (50) & receiving yards (674)
  • - Since 2007, LB THOMAS HOWARD (7) is tied for 1st in NFL for most interceptions among LBs (BRIAN URLACHER)
  • - DE KALIMBA EDWARDS (5) needs 2 sacks to tie career high (7 w/Det. in 2005)
  • - Rookie DE TREVOR SCOTT (6th round, Buffalo) leads NFL rookies with 5 sacks
  • - In past 2, KR-CB JUSTIN MILLER is averaging 30.2 yards per kick return (12 kick return, 362 yards) with 2 KR-TDs in consecutive games (92, 91).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-7) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-14)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-7)

  • - The Saints lead the NFL in total offense this season averaging 401.6 yards per game.
  • - Since joining the Saints in 2006, QB DREW BREES has passed for 13,173 yards, most in the NFL. Brees leads the NFL this season with 4,332 yards. Drew Brees has 8 300-yard games. In starts with 10 or more passing attempts, when Brees has 100.0+ rating, his teams are 28-5 (.848). Brees needs 92 yards for new career high (4,423 in 2007). Drew Brees was recently selected to the NFC Pro Bowl Roster.
  • - WR MARQUES COLSTON had 6 catches for 84 yards & 1 TD last week. Averaging 17.4 yards per catch (31 catches, 538 yards). WR LANCE MOORE has 6 TDs in past 7. Has career-high 67 catches, 801 yards & 8 TDs
  • - LB SCOTT FUJITA had interception last week. LB JONATHAN VILMA had fumble recovery that set up TD last week. CB JASON DAVID has 3 interceptions in past 4. Rookie DT SEDRICK ELLIS had sack last week & has 2.0 sacks in past 4. S JOSH BULLOCKS had interception last week
  • - RB REGGIE BUSH has 26 career TDs, including playoffs (13 rush, 9 receiving 4 PR)
  • - Running back PIERRE THOMAS aims for 6th game in a row with a TD. Thomas has 8 TDs over his past 5 games (5 rushing, 3 receiving). In his past 5 games, Thomas has 574 scrimmage yards (114.8 per game).

DETROIT LIONS (0-14)

  • - Lions QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER is 4-1 (.800) in career vs. the Saints (including playoffs) & has completed 113 of 167 (67.7 pct.) for 1,671 yards with 15 TDs vs. 3 interceptions for 122.6 rating. Including playoffs, when Culpepper has 120.0+ rating, his teams are 18-3 (.857). QB DAN ORLOVSKY had 96.8 rating last week
  • - Rookie RB KEVIN SMITH leads team with 773 rush yards & 6 rush TDs. Is 1 of 4 rookies to lead club in both rushing & rush TDs. Can become 6th rookie in franchise history to lead club in both
  • - WR CALVIN JOHNSON has TD in 8 of past 10. Leads club with 65 receptions, 1,165 yards (17.9 average) & 10 TDs. Aims to join HERMAN MOORE (1995) as only Lions to record 70 catches, 1,200 yards & 10 TDs in season. Ties for 1st with 7 catches of 40+ yards
  • - Rookie DE CLIFF AVRIL has 3.0 sacks, 2 FFs & 1 fumble recovery in past 4. Ties for NFC rookie lead with 4.0 sacks
  • - K JASON HANSON is 8 of 8 from 50+ yards this year, tied for most 50+ yard FGs in season in NFL history & only player to make 6+ without miss. Has 41 career FGs of 50+ yards, most in NFL history.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (9-5) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-12)

MIAMI DOLPHINS (9-5)

  • - The Dolphins are winners of 7 of their past 8 games & aim for their 4th consecutive road win as the Dolphins are in 3-way tie atop the AFC East with the Jets & Patriots
  • - QB CHAD PENNINGTON (3,218) needs 135 passing yards to surpass career-high of 3,352 passing yards in 2006 with Jets & become the 1st Dolphins QB since DAN MARINO in 1997 (3,780) to throw for over 3,500 passing yards. Pennington is 2nd in the AFC this season with 95.1 passer rating. Including playoffs, his teams are 22-7 (.759) when he has 100+ passer rating.
  • - RB RONNIE BROWN averages 5.6 yards per carry against the Chiefs (33 attempts, 184 yards)
  • - Rookie WR DAVONE BESS has 70 or more receiving yards in 3 of past 4
  • - In 2008, TE ANTHONY FASANO has career-high 4 TD receptions. Rookie TE JOEY HAYNOS (undrafted FA) recorded 1st career TD last week
  • - The Dolphins defense has not allowed a touchdown in last 3 consecutive games
  • - LB JOEY PORTER has 16.5 sacks in past 12 & leads AFC with 17.5 sacks
  • - S YEREMIAH BELL (6) needs 0.5 sack to surpass LIFFORT HOBLEY (6) for most career sacks by Dolphins DB
  • - CB NATHAN JONES had career-best 2 sacks last week

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-12)

  • - In past 8 games, Chiefs QB TYLER THIGPEN has completed 153 of 253 passes (60.5 pct.) for 1,705 yards with 13 TDs vs. 5 interceptions & 89.5 passer rating. In 2008, Thigpen has totaled 325 rush yards (6.0 average) on 54 attempts
  • - In 2 career meetings against Dolphins, RB LARRY JOHNSON averages 84 rush yards per game (168 total)
  • - TE TONY GONZALEZ extended his reception streak to 129 last week. His streak is the second-most in NFL history among TEs (OZZIE NEWSOME, 150). Gonzalez leads NFL TEs in receptions (84), receiving yards (941) & TDs (8). Gonzalez needs 59 receiving yards for 4th season with 1,000 yards
  • - WR DWAYNE BOWE has career-high 73 receptions in 2008. Bowe (891) needs 109 receiving yards to become 1st Chiefs WR to reach 1,000 yards since EDDIE KENNISON in 2005 (1,102)
  • - S JARRAD PAGE needs 1 interception to surpass career-high (3 in 2006 & 2007)
  • - CB PATRICK SURTAIN (1998-2004) spent 7 seasons with Dolphins. Surtain posted 1st interception of season last week
  • - DE TAMBA HALI had season-best 2 sacks last week.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-6) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-5)

ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-6)

  • - The Cardinals average 27.6 points per game which is second-best in the NFL
  • - Pro Bowl starter KURT WARNER has 766 yards (383.0 per game) in 2 career starts vs. the Patriots (including Super Bowl XXXVI with the Saint Louis Rams ). In starts with 15 or more attempts & 100.0+ rating (including playoffs), Kurt Warner's teams are 35-3 (.921)
  • - RB TIM HIGHTOWER leads NFL rookies with 10 rushing TDs & set Cardinals club rookie record
  • - WR ANQUAN BOLDIN aims for 3rd in row vs. AFC with 100+ yards & 1+ TD. Has 259 yards (129.5 per game) & 4 TDs in past 2 vs. AFC. WR LARRY FITZGERALD has 39 catches for 540 yards (108.0 per game) & 3 TDs in past 5 vs. AFC. WR STEVE BREASTON has 909 yards & needs 91 yards to reach 1,000. The Cardinals are on pace to be 5th team in NFL history with 3 1,000-yard receivers in season
  • - S ADRIAN WILSON is 1 of 4 active Ss with 15+ interceptions (18) & 15+ sacks (18.5). Rookie CB DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE has 3 interceptions in past 5, including 99-yard INT-TD. Blocked FG last week that CB ROD HOOD picked up & returned 68 yards for TD. DE BERTRAND BERRY had sack in last meeting & has 3.0 sacks in past 3 vs. the Patriots
  • - Cardinals are the first team in AFC-NFC Pro Bowl history with the starting quarterback and both starting wide receivers are from the same team.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-5)

  • - The Patriots look for their 11th consecutive December win. The Patriots sport a 22-2 (.916) December record since 2003
  • - The patriots aim for their 15th consecutive regular season win vs. an NFC opponent & their 5th in row vs. the Cardinals
  • - In past 2 games, QB MATT CASSEL has completed 44 of 74 passes (59.5 pct.) for 486 yards with 5 TDs vs. 1 interception & 95.9 passer rating
  • - RB SAMMY MORRIS aims for 4th consecutive game with rush TD. RB LA MONT JORDAN averages 5.5 rush yards per carry in 2008 (40 attempts, 221 yards)
  • - In 3 career games vs. Cardinals, WR RANDY MOSS averages 96.3 receiving yards per game & aims for 4th consecutive game with TD reception. Since 2007, Moss leads NFL with 33 TD receptions
  • - In past 6, WR WES WELKER (Pro Bowl selection) averages 94.6 receiving yards per game. Since 2007, Welker leads NFL with 214 receiving.
  • - DE RICHARD SEYMOUR (7.5) needs 1 sack to surpass career-high (8 in 2003)
  • - Rookie LB JEROD MAYO leads team with 123 tackles
  • - CB-KR ELLIS HOBBS ranks 3rd in NFL & 2nd in AFC with 28.8 kick return average Hobbs (3 KR-TDs) tied RAYMOND CLAYBORN last week for most KR-TDs in Patriots history.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-9) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-12)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-9)

  • - QB SHAUN HILL has posted passer rating of 95.0+ in 7 of 10 career games, including 4 of his past 5 games. Hill has a 5-3 (.625) record as starter. In his only start vs. the Saint Louis Rams, Hill had a career-high 142.3 rating, completing 15 of 20 (75.0 pct.) for 213 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 interceptions
  • - The 49ers have 48 pass plays of 20 or more yards, 2nd most in the NFC this season
  • - Since start of 2006, RB FRANK GORE has 5,063 scrimmage yards (3,775 rush, 1,288 receiving), 2nd most in NFC. Gore has 8 rushing TDs in past 6 vs. the Saint Louis Rams including 106 rushing yards & 2 TDs in their last meeting earlier this NFL 2008 season.
  • - WR ISAAC BRUCE has 14,875 receiving yards, most among active players. Played 14 seasons with Rams & is franchise leader in receptions (942), receiving yards (14,109) & receiving TDs (84). TE VERNON DAVIS had TD catch in last meeting
  • - LB TAKEO SPIKES has 3 interceptions this season, tied for most among LBs. CBs NATE CLEMENTS & WALT HARRIS each had interception in last meeting. DT AUBRAYO FRANKLIN had sack last week. Defense is tied for 3rd in NFC with 45.8 TD pct. in red zone (22 TDs, 48 possessions)
  • ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-12)

    • - In last home start vs. the 49ers, QB MARC BULGER passed for 368 yards. Bulger is 3-1 in his career at home playing the 49ers with 94.4 passer rating
    • - S OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE has 2 interceptions & 1 forced fumbles in past 4 meetings. Has 4 interceptions, 4 FFs & 1 fumble recovery (75-yard TD) in past 11. Has 12 interceptions since start of 2007, tied for most in NFL. Has forced fumbles in 3 of past 5. Rookie DE CHRIS LONG is tied for NFC rookie lead with 4.0 sacks. CB JASON CRAFT had career-high 2.0 sacks in last meeting. DE LEONARD LITTLE has 8.0 sacks & 5 FFs in past 10 meetings. DT CLIFTON RYAN had career-high 2.0 sacks vs. the 49ers (9/16/07).
    • - When RB STEVEN JACKSON has 22+ attempts, Rams are 16-7 (.696). In those 23, Jackson has rushed for 2,583 yards (112.3 per game) & 18 TDs. In past 4 meetings, Jackson has 524 scrimmage yards (131.0 per game)
    • - Since 2000, WR TORRY HOLT leads NFL with 807 receptions & 11,727 yards. Has 7 receiving TDs in past 11 meetings. WR DONNIE AVERY is 2nd among NFC rookie WRs with 43 receptions & 578 yards. Averages 13.4 yards per catch. Had career-high 9 receptions (93 yards) in last meeting

    SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-8) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-5)

    SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-8)

    • - The San Diego Chargers are undefeated at Tampa Bay with a 4-0 record as the Chargers aim for their 13th consecutive December win.
    • - RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON (123) needs 1 rush TD to surpass MARCUS ALLEN (123) for 2nd-most in NFL history. In 1 career meeting against the Buccaneers, Tomlinson posted 25 attempts for 131 rush yards (5.2 average) with 1 TD. Tomlinson has 10 career 100-yard rush games against NFC opponents. For career, Tomlinson averages 103.9 rush yards per game in December
    • - Pro Bowler TE ANTONIO GATES ranks 2nd among NFL TEs with 6 TDs (TONY GONZALEZ, 8) in 2008
    • - QB PHILIP RIVERS leads the NFL with 101.4 passer rating. Rivers (28) needs 3 TD passes to surpass DAN FOUTS (30 in 1980) for 2nd-most TDs in franchise history in single season
    • - WR VINCENT JACKSON is averaging 118.5 receiving yards per game in past 2 (237 total). Jackson averages 18.8 yards per catch (50 receptions, 940 yards) in 2008
    • - Since 2007, CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE is tied for 1st in NFL with 12 interceptions (OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE, ED REED)
    • - LB STEPHEN COOPER has 3 interceptions in past 2 games

    TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-5)

    • - CB RONDE BARBER had interception in only meeting vs. the San Diego Chargers. Has 11 career defensive TDs (fumble recovery & interception), most among active players & 3rd all-time. DE KEVIN CARTER has 104.5 career sacks & is 1 of 2 active players with 100.0+ sacks. Rookie CB AQIB TALIB leads NFL rookies with 4 interceptions. Club ties for NFL lead with 29 takeaways (21 interception, 8 fumble recovery).
    • - RB WARRICK DUNN became 6th player in NFL history with 10,000+ rush yards (10,910) & 500+ receptions (504). Rookie RB-KR-PR CLIFTON SMITH aims to become 3rd player in NFL history to lead in both categories
    • - Tampa Bay QB JEFF GARCIA aims for 3rd game in row vs. the San Diego Chargers with 300+ yards & 2+ TDs. Garcia has 660 yards & 4 TDs vs. 1 interception for 98.8 passer rating in 2 career meetings. When Garcia has 95.0+ rating as starter (including playoffs), his teams are 36-13 (.735). QB BRIAN GRIESE passed for 269 yards last week & completed 70.3 pct. (26 of 37)
    • - WR ANTONIO BRYANT had 8 catches for 108 yards & 1 TD last week. Has 17 catches for 308 yards (154.0 per game) & 3 TDs in past 2. Aims for 4th in row with TD catch

    BUFFALO BILLS (6-8) AT DENVER BRONCOS (8-6)

    BUFFALO BILLS (6-8)

    • - Despite the Bills disappointing season after a 5-1 start, Bills RB MARSHAWN LYNCH is averaging 98.8 rush yards per game in past 5 (490 total). Lynch (1,002) needs 114 yards to surpass career-high of 1,115 in 2007. In 1 career game vs. the Broncos, Lynch posted 19 attempts for 90 yards (4.7 average) with TD. Lynch (47) & RB FRED JACKSON (33) have totaled 80 receiving in 2008
    • - QB TRENT EDWARDS leads AFC with 108.6 passer rating in 4th quarter. The Bills are 9-1 (.900) when Edwards has 80+ passer rating. QB J.P. LOSMAN (6,211) needs 76 passing to surpass DENNIS SHAW for 6th most in Bills history
    • - WR LEE EVANS (935) needs 65 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for 2nd time in career (1,292 in 2006). Evans has receiving in 76 of 78 career games. Rookie WR STEVE JOHNSON (7th rd., Kentucky) posted 1st career TD receiving last week
    • - Rookie CB-KR LEODIS MC KELVIN (1st rd., No.11) ranks 1st in AFC & 2nd in NFL with 29.3 kick return average McKelvin (1,376 kick return yds.) needs 16 kick return yards to surpass TERRENCE MC GEE (1,391 in 2005) for most in single-season in Bills history

    DENVER BRONCOS (8-6)

    • - The Broncos have won 5 in a row versus the Bills
    • - Pro Bowl selection QB JAY CUTLER (3,851) needs 239 passing yards to surpass JAKE PLUMMER (4,089 in 2004) for lead in Broncos franchise history. Cutler (24) needs 4 TDs to surpass JAKE PLUMMER (27 in 2004) & JOHN ELWAY (27 in 1997) for most TDs in season in the Broncos history. Club is 10-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating. For career, Cutler has 91.4 passer rating at home
    • - In past 2, RB TATUM BELL averages 5.3 yards per carry (18 attempts, 95 yards)
    • - WR BRANDON MARSHALL (88) needs 12 receptions to become 9th player in NFL history with 100 or more receptions in consecutive seasons (102 in 2007). Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (2nd round, No. 42) leads NFL rookies with 75 receiving WRs Marshall (88 receiving, 1,081 yards) & Royal (75 receiving, 847 yards) have totaled 163 receiving for 1,928 yards
    • - TE TONY SCHEFFLER (514) needs 36 receiving yards to set new career-high (549 in 2007)
    • - CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE' BLY (40) rank 1st & 2nd among CBs for most interceptions since 1999
    • - Rookie S JOSH BARRETT (7th rd., Arizona St.) posted 1st career interception last week.

Arizona Cardinals Regular Season Review - NFL 2008