Orlando’s Sports Leader – 740 The Team – Orlando, FL

Kyle Boller vs. Indianapolis:  Ravens are likely to run the ball with Jamal Lewis as a way to eat the clock, and play �keep away,� from Peyton Manning.  However, should Manning get the Colts out to a 14-point lead, the Ravens will have no choice but to throw the football.  Boller is developing good on-field timing with rookie WR Clarence Moore, and TE Todd Heap.  He�s also coming off a four touchdown performance against the N.Y. Giants.

 

A.J. Feeley vs. New England: The Patriots have no fewer than five DBs on this week�s injury list.  All are listed as �questionable� or �doubtful.�  Feeley may be able to exploit this banged up secondary with the likes of WRs Chris Chambers, Marty Booker and TE Randy McMichael.

 

Jake Plummer vs. Kansas City:  The Chiefs are coming off a Monday night win.  They are all but eliminated from the playoff picture.  Denver, on the other hand, must continue to win, and get some help, in order to nose out Baltimore for the last AFC playoff spot.  The Chiefs are last in the NFL in pass defense � giving up 270 yards per outing.

 

Daunte Culpepper vs. Detroit:  The combination of Culpepper-to-Moss has given the Detroit Lions nightmares for the past few years.  It looks like there will continue to be some sleepless nights in the Motor City.  The Vikings, once again, have been their own worst enemy.  They�ve allowed teams that they should beat to get the best of them.  They no longer have the luxury of allowing a game to slip away to an opponent.

 

Brett Favre vs. Jacksonville: The Jaguars offer no defensive pass rushing pressure.  This should provide Brett Favre with the opportunity to pick apart the Jags� secondary.  The Packers are hoping to limp into the playoffs after the beating they took recently at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Warrick Dunn vs. Carolina: Injuries to Atlanta�s running backs (T.J. Duckett � knee and Justin Griffith � broken ankle) have thinned the herd of available pigskin carriers.  Warrick Dunn is probably healthier now than he has ever been at this point in the NFL season.  The Panthers will provide a stiff run-defense, but the shifty back should register a nice performance with a chance to score.

 

Michael Pittman vs. New Orleans:  The injuries continue to mount for the Saints linebacking corps.  The NFL�s 32nd ranked run-defense can ill afford further embarrassment, but it looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be capable of doing just that.

 

Jamal Lewis vs. Indianapolis:  Baltimore must continue to win, in order to have any chance of reaching the playoffs as a wild card entrant in the AFC.  They must stop the offensive juggernaut that Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offense has become.  In order to do this, the Ravens should feed RB Jamal Lewis with 30 or more carries in order to keep the record chasing Colts QB on the bench.

 

Corey Dillon vs. Miami: The Dolphins, under interim head coach, Jim Bates are giving up 138+ rushing yards per game � that ranks a lowly 29th in the league.  The Patriots need to control the clock, and keep their injury-riddled secondary off the field, so they should give Corey Dillon lots of carries.

 

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Cleveland: The Browns are a mess!  They are allowing over 145 rushing yards per week � good for 31st in the NFL.  The Chargers are close to clinching the AFC West.  The Browns are missing MLB Andra Davis, who was placed on IR earlier in the month.

 

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Chambers/Booker/McMichael  vs. New England:  The Dolphins have absolutely nothing to lose.  They have been eliminated from the playoff race.  They are likely playing for jobs next season, with a new coaching staff likely to be in place.  The Pats are undermanned in the defensive secondary, so poor coverage and communication may offer Miami some big play opportunities.

 

Smith/Lelie/Watts/ vs. Kansas City:  Tennessee�s QB Billy Volek put up 426 passing yards on Monday Night Football this past week.  You can bet these players were watching that swiss cheese of a pass defense surrender yardage in big play fashion.

 

Walker/Driver/Ferguson/Franks vs. Jacksonville:  The Jaguars are unable to mount much in the way of a consistent and impactful pass rush.  Brett Favre should be able to sit back in the pocket and pick apart the Jacksonville secondary.

 

Moss/McCareins/Becht vs. Seattle:  Seattle�s defense is banged up at nearly every position.  Both the defensive line and linebacking corps are down to the third-string.  The secondary is missing two starters.  The Jets are capable of surgically dissecting the Seahawks, continuing with coach Herman Edwards� quest for a playoff berth.

 

Moss/Robinson/Burleson/Campbell/Wiggins vs. Detroit: This passing game may be all about Daunte Culpepper to Randy Moss.  Moss has historically torched the Lions secondary.  It looks no different this week.

 

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Ryan Longwell vs. Jacksonville  The Jaguars� defense can get pretty tough in the �red zone.�  They will make it difficult for Brett Favre and the Packers to score.  Look for a stalled drive or two to result in Longwell converting some field goal attempts.

 

Shayne Graham vs. Buffalo:  Graham�s been a big surprise this season, and he�s playing like one of the NFL�s elite kickers.  The switch from QB Carson Palmer to Jon Kitna may result in a reduction in touchdowns, and an increase in field goal opportunities.

 

Mike Vanderjagt vs. Baltimore:  The Ravens will do everything they can on defense to limit the number of touchdown passes thrown by QB Peyton Manning.  The Ravens continue to pursue a playoff position, so look for a greater number of defensive stands against the Colts that will lead to field goal opportunities.

 

Matt Stover vs. Indianapolis:  Baltimore must convert every point-generating opportunity.  This should translate into a number of field goal attempts by journeyman Matt Stover.

 

Adam Vinatieri vs. Miami:  One of the NFL�s premier kickers, on one of the NFL�s premier teams should enjoy a very successful appearance on Monday Night Football.

 

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Buffalo vs. Cincinnati: The Bengals have a QB change with Kitna taking the controls from the injured Carson Palmer.  The Bills are extremely tough in the �red zone,� as they lead the NFL in the fewest number of rushing TDs allowed (4).

 

Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Giants:  Whether the Giants decide to start veteran QB Kurt Warner or rookie Eli Manning, either quarterback would struggle against the fierce pass-rush of the Steelers.

 

Miami vs. New England:  The Dolphins have a chance to add some respectability to its shaky image during this Monday Night contest.  The Dolphins know their fellow NFL players are watching this game, and they are playing the World Champions, so nothing less than their top performance will do.

 

San Diego vs. Cleveland:  The Browns have only one healthy QB on the active roster � rookie Luke McCown.  Expect the Chargers to pin their collective ears back, and rattle the youngster.  This win may clinch a playoff berth for the Chargers.

 

New England vs. Miami:  Head coach Bill Belichick finds a way to win a close game.  The Patriots are undermanned in the secondary, so look for some unusual personnel groupings.  The Patriots should be able to handle the weak Dolphins� offense.