Football - EFS
NFL Games of the Week- week 13
By Jeff Gagnon and Thomas Cool
Dec 1, 2007, 16:11

NFL Games of the Week - Week 13

Game 1: New York Giants vs Chicago Bears

New York Giants (TC)

New York Offense

The Giants have been battling injuries all season and last week they had their worst game of the season, with QB Eli Manning throwing 4 INT's, three of which were returned for TD's by Minnesota. Manning has to improve this week or the Bears will feast on his throws too. Unfortunately, his starting RB is out this week with a bad hamstring. So D Ward returns from a bum ankle to start in his place. R Droughns will serve as backup. TE J Shockey has been inconsistent this season, which mirrors the Giants season. At WR, P Burress has battled leg injuries all year, only practicing on game days. A Toomer has taken up the slack to some extent, and is having a very good season. The Giants OL has played very well, but they will need to play much better to keep the Bears DL off Manning.

New York Defense

Injuries have hit the DL very hard, with M Kiwanuka out for the year with a broken fibula. That hurts the pass rush. Look for Strahan and O Umeniyora to pressure Grossman. LB A Pierce has battled injuries the past couple of weeks so his production is down. S Gibril Wilson is doubtful for this game, which won't help either. Plus the Giants are making changes at CB for this game.

New York Special Teams

PK L Tynes has been erratic and PN J Feagles is going strong at an old age.

EFSlant:

Start TE Shockey and the OL-but watch the weather, if its bad then don't start Shockey. On defense, start the DE's and perhaps MLB Pierce, but check his injury status before gametime.

Prediction: The weather is supposed to be bad-a combination of snow and sleet to freezing rain. so don't expect a lot of points in this game.

New York Giants 10
Chicago Bears 13

Chicago Bears (JG)

Game 2: Seattle Seahawks vs Philadelphia Eagles

Seatlle Seahawks (TC)

Seattle Offense

QB Matt Hasselbeck is nursing sore ribs, but played remarkably well last week. He will need a repeat performance for this team to win on the road in Philly. RB M Morris has done very well replacing S Alexander the past couple weeks. But Alexander is supposedly ready to return! At WR D Branch has missed most of the season, leading to an outstanding year for B Engram. WR N Burleson has had his moments on offense and returning kicks. WR DJ Hackett cannot stay on the field due to injuries. The TE for this team is almost a black hole.....The OL has been playing well lately.

Seattle Defense

Young DE D Tapp has burst on the scene this year to become a force on the DL. DT R Bernard is one of the DT that actually rushes the passer. The MLB L Tatupu is unsung but one of the very best. OLB Peterson is a sack artist. The Defensive secondary is lead by M Trufant who is having a stellar season.

Seattle Special Teams

PK Josh Brown has become one of the best in the NFL. PN Plackemeier is inconsistent.

EFSlant: The weather is supposed to be bad, so QB and WR cannot be counted on for much scoring. I would not start anyone on offense unless you had to-if the weather is not bad you could take a chance on Hasselbeck. On defense, start DE Tapp, DT Bernard (in enhanced leagues), plus LB's Tatupu and Peterson.

Prediction:

Seattle Seahawks 13
Philadelphia Eagles 12

Philadelphia Eagles (JG)

Game 3: Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars (TC)

Jacksonville Offense

QB David Garrard has had a very productive couple of weeks since his return from injury. He is mobile and can evade the pass rush. Additionally, he has two weapons that can control the run game and keep the Colts off the field- RB Taylor and M Jones-Drew. The TE is M Lewis, who has actually improved noticeably this seaosn. The WR corps is not reknown but WR Reggie Williams is having the best season of his career. Most of these WR's are big, possession types, not burners. The OL has been playing better as of late.

Jacksonville Defense

The Jaguars have the defense to give the Colts fits. Their DL is active and the LB corps is too. Rookie J Durant had a very good game last week, but can he repeat it against the Colts? The secondary is fast and hits hard. The game will be won by this group if they can keep the Colts from scoring more than 21 points.

Jacksonville Special Teams

PK J Scobee is back. Punter

EFSlant: On offense, start RB Taylor and MJD too. Perhaps the OL as OL5-particularly today with so many games outdoors in the north! On defense, start the DL for Jags, perhaps LB Durant, and any of their DB's.

Prediction:

Jacksonville is setup as the prime team to beat the Colts-they run the ball very effectively and pass judiciously.

Jacksonville 23
Indianapolis 24

Indianapolis Colts (JG)

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