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Football - EFS
NFL Games of the Week- Week 5
Two Inter-Divisional games one NFC East matchup.
Game 1: Sea vs NYG
Seattle Offense (JG)
The long awaited return of receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch is finally upon us and not a second
to soon. Hasselbeck will need them this week against a top notch Giants defense. Seattle has not been
able to stretch the field at all, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in almost every significant passing category.
Facing the G-men and their ferocious pass rush will make it very difficult for the Seahawks to improve their
standing in any of these categories, so the running game will have to continue to perform at a very high rate.
Julius Jones has been outstanding thus far and TJ Duckett has been effective in goal line situations, rushing
for three touchdowns in three games. The Giants run defense has been almost as good as their pass D so this will be a very challenging week for Holmgren and his boys.
Seattle Defense (JG)
The struggles of the offense were to be expected with all of the injuries to their receivers but the terrible play
of the Hawk defense has to be a huge dissappointment for their fans. They have been scorched for 26.7 points
per game and Giants currently rank 6th in scoring offense at 27.7. The real achilles of the Hawk defense has
been the pass defense, allowing 12 plays of over 20 yards and 7.9 yards per pass attempt. Patrick Kerney and
his fellow linemates will have to turn it up a notch against an excellent Giant offensive line and a very potent,
balanced Manning led offense. New York is a bit shorthanded in their pass attack this week with Plaxico still out. The three headed monster of Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw will get their number called for the Giants very often against a very solid Seahawks rush defense, though they have not faced a rush attack that will smash your face in like the Giants possess. It will be a long, painful day in the Meadowlands for LofaTatupu.
Seattle Special Teams (JG)
Olindo Mare has been perfect so far but a day in Giants stadium with its swirling winds can change all of this
in a hurry. Josh Wilson is a solid returner but will not strike fear in any return defense. He will get you your 25
yards and head for the bench. Michael Bumpus is listed as the punt returner at the moment but not sure what his status will be when they have to activate Engram and Branch. He has done a good job on punts so far,
averaging over nine yards a return. Do not see any game changers in this group, at least not enough to swing
any momemtum in this game.
Fantasy Spin (JG)
I am not very excited about anyone on the Hawks offense this week, but rookie John Carlson has been a nice
early season contributor. He has not been in the endzone as of yet, so I will look for him to get his first NFL
score this week. If you are a little thin at receiver and you have Branch he could be a solid third receiver this
week. I will stay away from all defensive Hawk lineman this week with the exception of Kerney. Manning has been protected quite well. The Hawks linebackers will have plenty of tackle opportunities with Giants run and
short passing style.
Prediction (JG)
Seattle - 13
New York - 34
New York Giants (TC)
The Giants are coming off their BYE week, and are part of probably the best Division in NFC.
Giants Offense
QB Eli Manning is continuing his development after his comingout party in Playoffs last year. Unfortunately he will be missing his best WR, since Plaxico Burrus is suspended by the Giants for this game. This could mean more reliance on RB Jacobs and Ward, and even Bradshaw. Historically, the Seahawks have been susceptible to the run. WR S Smith may play more, taking Burress's spot, and team with WR Toomer and TE Boss to be the focus of the running game. Quietly the Giants offensive line has evolved over the past few years to the point where it is one of the best in the NFL.
Giants Defense
As usual the key to this team is the play of its DE's particularly J Tuck and whomever his bookend is. The DT's are playing very well so far too. Pressure on Hasselbeck will be key since the Seahawks WR corps is very banged up. So far, LB A Pierce has had a quiet season, but that is bound to change as the Giants face more teams who will run the ball consistently. The DB's, like C Webster, are playing very well. They miss G Wilson but so far their Safeties have made plays too.
Special Teams: PK J Carney replace Tynes and has been a bit of a revelation.
Fantasy Spin: MUST starters include QB Manning, RB Jacobs (very good matchup) and any of the OLmen. On Defense, start DE Tuck, a DT if in enhanced league, CB Webster and perhaps Pierce depending upon your other LB's.
Score Prediction:
Seattle 20
NewYork 27
Game 2: Washington vs Philadelphia
Washington Redskins (JG)
Since the week one defeat to the Giants, the Washington offense and the play of it's leader Jason Campbell
has been outstanding, though it was against the three fairly suspect defenses of New Orleans, Arizona and
Dallas. This week will be a bit more challenging on the road against an Eagles defense that is on fire. The
outcome of this game will rest squarely on the shoulders of QB Campbell because they will not be able to run the football against the #1 rush defense in the NFL. Philly allows just 53.8 yards per game on the ground and a miniscule 2.6 yards per rush, both ridiculous stats. The Eagles have been beat a bit in the passing game, allowing 6 touchdown passes and 13 pass plays of over twenty yards. Campbell should be able to get something done if his line keeps him on his feet. He has been protected pretty well but we all know how much
pressure the Eagles can create (17 sacks).
Washington Defense (JG)
Redskins defense has been allowing 223 yards per game through the air and have had very little pass rush,
sacking the opponent only 6 times but the secondary has played outstanding, defending 28 passes and collecting 5 interceptions. The yardage total is bit deceiving because their opponents have chose to attack them through the air, attempting 146 passes which ranks 5th in the NFL. With the potential absence of Westbrook, the Redskins schemes should make things quite interesting for McNabb. Philly is already
lopsided towards the pass on offense and this seems to play right into the hands of Redskin coordinator
Greg Williams. If the Eagles can be effective running the football against a very average Washington rush
defense then this will obviously open things up for McNabb. Look for the Eagles to rush the football a lot
more than their norm.
Washington Special Teams (JG)
Kicker Shaun Suisham has missed three kicks already this year and may have to be on top of his game in a defensive, field postion type game. I think he will have at least three attempts in this game and will miss at least one of them. He will be a difference maker in this game. Rookie punter Durant Brooks has been very good, pinning opponents inside 6 times without a single touchback. Randl El has been a non factor on punt returns so I look for him to get the Skins very favorable field postion at a critical point of this game.
Fantasy Spin (JG)
I do not like the Redskins o-line against the Eagles. This game may be short on yardage and I would expect Campbell to go down at least three times. If I had another choice for QB I would probably not start him this week. His numbers will probably be something like 189 yards 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions. Rather pedestrian. Andre Carter gets a sack this week and probably a big play out of it. London Fletcher is always good but he will probably have to make some plays in pass defense to stand out this week. Reed Doughty gets a lot of tackles this week. Definitely start in enhanced scoring.
Prediction (JG)
Washington - 20
Philly - 23
Philadelphia Eagles (TC)
Eagles Offense
The story recently focuses upon the injuries to QB McNabb and RB Westbrook, plus the return of WR Brown. Westbrook missed last week and apparently is on track to miss this week although he could be the dreade GTD-so stay tuned on that one! McNabb will play but how restricted will he be? RB Buckhalter will replace Westbrook if Westy cant go. The concern at WR is who will play opposite WR Brown? So far its been a carousel, a different WR playing well each week, with little consistency. TE LJ Smith has yet to make an impact this season. Even the OL has been bitten by the injury bug-OG Andrews will miss week 5!
Eagles Defense
We all know the Eagles like to play a pressure defense, up until last week they were not getting a lot of sacks. Things seem to have changed after the Pittsburgh game. DE Cole is now getting to the QB and many of his compatriots are too. LB Bradley is off to a great start, and now it appears that LB O Gaither is fulfilling his promise too. The DB's have been up and down, but B Dawkins is still playing very well. CB A Samuel has not been a huge impact in IDP leagues so far.
Special Teams:
PN Sav Rocca and PK D Akers are both off to very good starts.
Fantasy Spin:
MUST starters on Offense include: QB McNabb, RB Westbrook (if healthy- if not consider Buckhalter), and any of the healthy OLmen. On Defense, start DE Cole, LB's Bradley and Gaither and consider the DB's in relation to who else is on your roster.
Score Prediction:
Washington 24
Philadelphia 30
Game 3: Minnesota vs New Orleans
Minnesota Vikings (JG)
Minnesota Offense (JG)
Adrian Peterson has had a good week. His hamstring is feeling better, he is looking forward to more touches and
the best thing of all is he gets to carry the rock against the New Orleans Saints defense. Life is good!! Heck, even
Gus Frerotte must be looking forward to this week. The Saints allow 5.9 yards per play(27th), 7.2 yards per pass
attempt(18th) and 5.2 yards per carry(29th). Frerotte has been able to stretch the field a bit more than Travaris but
he has not been able to get the ball into the endzone any more frequently. Frerotte has made Bernard Berrian a
factor in their offense and he will get plenty of opportunity against a secondary being torched for 250 yards per week. This will be the Vikings best offensive performance of the year.
Minnesota Defense (JG)
No Colston? No problem. No Shockey? No problem. It does not matter who Brees is throwing it to, he just gets it done. Probably the most underated player in the NFL. He will have to be great again this week because Bush and McAllister will be removed from the game from a running stand point, although they may be effectine in first and goal situations. Minnesota has allowed 6 rushing touchdowns. The Vikes have not been able to create much pressure on qb's this year. While creating pressure on Brees will be a priority it will not be a reality. He has been sacked just
fours times this year. The defensive front will do their job but will their secondary be able to cover all of the weapons
that the Saints will deploy. Lance Moore has emerged as a chain mover and Robert Meachem has been a long ball threat averaging 40.8 yards per catch and scoring 2 touchdowns. I do not like the chances for the Vikes.
Looks like a track meet this Sunday at the Superdome.
Vikings Special Teams (JG)
Chris Kluwe is 4th in the league in punt average(48.4) but the Vikes have not been very proficient on his punts. They have allowed over 15 yards per punt return and a touchdown. The Saints have the ability to take advantage of this weakness with the very explosive Reggie Bush fielding punts. In a dome, with opportunity, Ryan Longwell will
be great as always.
Fantasy Spin (JG)
As mentioned above, I like Bernard Berrian this week for big yardage and a score or two. I also like Gus Frerotte
against a very suspect Saints secondary. If I have a Viking O-lineman he is an automatic start. Defensive dark horse will be Darren Sharper. I also like Kevin Williams to have his premier game of the year. Bobby Wade may be worth a 2nd look as a third receiver.
Prediction (JG)
Minnesota - 31
New Orleans - 28
New Orleans Saints (TC)
Saints Offense
This prolific offense is lead by the mad bomber QB Drew Brees. Brees throws the ball a lot, but his targets are falling by the wayside due to injury. RB Reggie Bush is a prime target as is his WR corps. Unfortunately his top 2 WR are injured- M Colston and D Patten, plus TE Shockey is out too. That leaves WR like D Henderson and L Moore to fill in. They did that very well last week. In addition TE B Miller was resigned and is starting. RB Deuce McAlister made his first start of season last week and played very well. This displaces P Thomas to RB3. The Saints OL are relatively healthy now.
Saints Special Teams:
PK Martin Grammatica has been very good so far. PN Steve Weatherford has not been as good as he was last year, so improvement might be expected.
Saints Defense
Historically this has been a porous unit but it has been know for its DE's too. This squad will have to stop A Peterson and pressure whomever is the Vikings QB in order to win this game. That became more difficult with the meniscus injury DT S Ellis suffered thursday. This means the Saints are down to 3 healthy DT's, so look for Peterson to wear them out and put up big numbers in 4th Quarter. Pressure from the DE's and good DT play is required. Reports on LB J Vilma's play vary quite a bit, he too will be key to stopping Peterson. The Defensive Backfield has been banged up so this could offer some passing opportunities to the Vikings QB and WR's.
Fantasy Spin:
On Offense, start QB Brees, RB Bush, and perhaps WR Moore. On Defense, start any of the Saints DE's (W Smith, whomever will start opposite him), LB Vilma, and S Harper. Consider a DT if playing in enhanced leagues.
Score Prediction:
Minnesota 30
New Orleans 33
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