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Week 17 Games
New Orleans vs Carolina
New Orleans Overview (RG):
The Saints have been perennial disappointments over the last three
years and this year looked to be shaping up the same. However, they do find themselves in the playoff hunt and a win against Carolina could secure
them a spot. As per usual, the Saint’s offense has been very unpredictable.
The team is averaging just less than 325 yards per game and 21.8 points per
game while the defense is giving up a walloping 388.1 yards and 25.8 points
on average.
Last week McCallister finally got rolling last week as he rushed for 128 yards against a fairly solid Atlanta defense. Carolina is just average against the run so expect New Orleans to feature a heavy dose of the Deuce. If New Orleans can control the ball on the ground and set up the play action pass for Brooks then look for this to be a close game. But, if Carolina forces the Saint’s to beat them through the air, expect the talented but erratic Brooks to quite literally throw the game away with a couple of huge mistakes.
On the defensive side of the ball, look for the Saints defense to struggle to control both Nick Goings and Mushin Muhammed. I expect both to have very solid games, the Saints have a lot of potential on their defense but
have never quite seemed to put it all together (sounds a lot like the
offense).
Players to Watch:
Aaron Brooks: This could be a pivotal game for Aaron Brooks, if he
steps up and proves neighsayers wrong by delivering a win then the Saints may
finally have the quarterback they expect. If Brooks lays an egg this week,
look for the Saints to start searching for a more dependable QB.
Donte Stallworth: The kid has finally shown some consistency over the
last several weeks, if he can keep it up maybe he can sucker some more
fantasy owners into wasting a high draft pick on him next year too.
Prediction:
Carolina will out execute New Orleans this weekend as Brooks’ former backup leads the Panthers to their second straight playoff birth.
New Orleans - 28
Carolina - 35
Carolina Overview (TC)
Carolina Offense: QB Jake Delhomme has had the hot hand the past few weeks, even though he has a broken finger on that hand. In addition, FB-now RB N Goings has been on a roll, garnering 100 yds per game now for several weeks. And WR M Muhammad has found the end zone very frequently too. Those 3 players form the corps of the Panthers offense these days-a far cry from what expectations were at beginning of season? Maybe not, at least as far as Delhomme and Muhammad are concerned. After a 1-7 start the Panthers need a win this week to keep their Playoff aspirations alive. They are 6-1 the last 7 weeks, but have a tough opponent in Division rival Saints. Needless to say the Panther OL has been playing very well these past 7 weeks also.
Carolina Defense: injury riddled the first half of the season, these guys are now generating turnovers each game and turning them into touchdowns or improved field position at a minimum.
Players to Watch: On offense, QB Delhomme, RB Goings, WR Muhammad and the entire OL. On defense- DE Peppers, MLB Morgan.
Tom’s Prediction: watch for Panthers to continue their march to playoffs with a win over Saints. Panther defense will wreak havoc on Saints QB Brooks, forcing several INT’s.
Saints 17
Panthers 26
Indianapolis vs. Denver
Indianapolis Overview (RG):
The Colts really don’t have anything to play for so expect to see a lot
of backups in the game come halftime. The team will play with starters
for at least part of the game to try and avoid losing momentum going into the
playoffs. But key players like Edge, Harrison and Manning will be on
the bench before the second quarter is over. Look for the Colts to use a
heavy dose of running back Dominic Rhodes against a very stout Denver run
defense. Additionally, I expect one of the three Colts receivers to break free deep against the Denver secondary for Manning’s 50th TD connection.
On defense, the Colts have been performing surprisingly well, so don’t expect another shootout like last year’s regular season game.
Players to Watch:
Peyton Manning: He’s simply incredible, watch him throw his 50th TD pass this year and then celebrate on the sideline for the remainder of the game.
Dominic Rhodes: He’s performed well in spot duty over the past several years. Use this a gauge of how he might do as a feature back elsewhere. A good performance and it may be hard for Indy to keep this guy.
Prediction:
Indianapolis doesn’t have much to play for here, while Denver is fighting to make the playoffs. Expect Denver to deliver.
Indianapolis - 21
Denver - 28
Denver Broncos (TC)
Broncos Offense: QB J Plummer reversed his poor play last week with a convincing performance. Meanwhile, RB R Droughns is back to his 100 yd per game production and WR J Smith keeps setting records. WR A Lelie has begun to fulfill some of his promise, but still is absent too often. RB G Hearst is now on IR. Rookie T Bell may have an injured shoulder that will limit his carries, so look for Droughns to be the man this week. As usual the Broncos OL is a must start.
Broncos Defense: still waiting for DE T Pryce to return-will it be this week? Meanwhile DE Hayward is having his best season. Rookie LB DJ Williams has teamed with A Wilson to form a formidable LB corps. CB Herndon and C Bailey are both having excellent seasons. They will be sorely tested this week-as long as QB P Manning is playing for Indy...
Players to watch: Bailey and Herndon will be picked on by Manning. Hayward will be hard pressed to sack Manning. A Wilson and DJ Williams will make lots of plays. The Broncos offense should control this game after the 1st quarter they should pile up the points to win.
Tom’s Prediction: assuming Manning only plays the 1st quarter, the Broncos should win this game.
Indy 17
Denver 24
Atlanta vs Seattle
Seattle Overview (RG):
Luckily for Seattle, they can clench a playoff spot prior to even stepping on the field against Atlanta. Expect that to happen as Mike Martz goes pass wacky against the Jets and the Rams lose in the morning game. If the Rams do somehow manage to beat the Jets then tune in to watch the Seattle ship sink like the Titanic. Bottom line, if the game means something, these guys will find a way to lose. Currently, I have them tied with New Orleans on my list as the most underachieving team in the NFL.
Expect Atlanta to be resting its starters, which should give you a chance to see Matt Schaub run the WCO better than star QB Michael Vick. Schaub has a lot of moxie for a rookie backup so don’t expect him to fold easily.
If the Seahawks have clenched, expect them to be playing their backups as well. But if thy have something to play for, look for a heavy does of Shaun Alexander and the usual results (2 TDs 100 yards).
Players to Watch:
Matt Schaub (yeah I know he’s Atlanta’s guy): He was schooled in the WCO at Virginia and played great in the preseason. Should be fun to see how he does in a full game.
Shaun Alexander (if he plays): Will be going for the NFL rushing title.
Prediction:
Seattle and Atlanta will both have nothing to play for after Mike Martz blows the Rams hope of reaching the playoffs. Look for this one to be low scoring and Seattle to win because the game won't matter.
Atlanta – 14
Seattle - 24
Atlanta Overview (TC)
Atlanta Offense: It seems that QB M Vick will start this week, no word on how long he will play though, probably about the 1st quarter and that’s it. All the other starters will probably not play very long either, so expect W Dunn to play a limited number of snaps. TE A Crumpler is returning from injury, and may not play at all. QB M Schaub should see lots of action, and is certainly capable of marching Atlanta offense to several scores.
Atlanta Defense: a huge resurgence this year reflects the return to a 4-3 defense in which the smallish Atlanta DL can use their quickness to pressure the passer. LB K Brooking is really starting to return to form, but MLB Draft has been lost all season. The Falcon defensive backfield has been responsible for numerous timely INT’s so look for some of those today.
Players to watch: there wont be many, mostly on defense-Brooking, the DE and DT Coleman.
Tom’s Prediciton: a real ho hum game.....
Atlanta 14
Seattle 17
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