Kurt Warner vs. Atl. � Head Coach Mike Martz is likely to keep the accelerator to the floor for the first half. After that � it wouldn�t surprise me to see back-up Jamie Martin gets some �reps.� Atlanta�s weak spot in the secondary is the safety position where the Rams� team speed puts this group at a disadvantage.
John Kitna vs. Tenn. � Cincy is thin at QB, so Kitna should play the entire game. Tennessee�s strength on defense is vs. the run. Look for Kitna to spread the ball around to a host of receivers � piling up yardage along the way.
Quincy Carter vs. Det. � The Cowboys have a vertical passing game due to the speed of Joey Galloway and �Rocket� Ismail. Carter can use Minnesota QB Daunte Culpepper�s approach with Randy Moss � �just chuck it!�
Brett Favre vs. N.Y. Giants � The Giants have a stout run defense. However, the secondary will be manned with a pair of rookie CBs in Will Allen and William Peterson. Look for Brett Favre to give the rookies some seasoning.
Running Backs:
Curtis Martin vs. Oak. � The Jets let the Bills slip by them in Week 16. They�ve lost some control of their playoff destiny. Look for Martin to run the ball up the middle against a team that has been susceptible to run � and perhaps even more so with the suspension of DT Darrell Russell.
Eddie George vs. Cinn. � George has had a dismal season. He recorded his first 100+ yard rushing game last week. He needs 111 rushing yards to reach a 1,000 season. He has a chance to reach his goal.
Terrell Davis vs. Ind. � The Broncos passing game continues to falter (all except for Rod Smith), and the Colts are giving up too much yardage on the ground. Indy ranks 28th in the NFL against the rush � allowing more than 133 yards per game, on average.
Antowain Smith vs. Car. � The Patriots coming off of a bye week should be rested and ready to attack the NFL�s worst run defense � the Carolina Panthers. Smith should get the bulk of the carries as the Patriots attempt to improve their playoff fortune by winning the AFC East title.
Shaun Alexander vs. K.C. � Seattle must win, and they need help to get into the playoffs. Head Coach Mike Holmgren has already tabbed QB Trent Dilfer to start. Dilfer�s experience should help the Seahawks� cause, but he�s getting the call not to win the game, but to avoid losing it. Shaun Alexander�s role is to win the game on the ground.
Receivers:
Marty Booker & David Terrell vs. Jax. � The Jaquars are limping into Week 17 minus three cornerbacks. They�ll likely have to forage for help on their practice squad just to finish the season. The Bears should be able to balance their attack with power running by Anthony Thomas while exploiting Jacksonville�s injury-riddle secondary by air.
Jimmy Smith & Keenan McCardell vs. Chi. � Mark Brunell and company will have to answer the call against the Bears. They have to do so by air, since the Bears run defense is ranked #2 in the NFL.
Darney Scott/Peter Warrick/Chad Johnson vs. Tenn. � Cincy�s passing game features some nice receivers � too bad the QB play has been spotty all season. This is a game where the Bengals would be better served to attack a suspect Titans� secondary as opposed to attempting to find running room against the NFL�s #5 rush defense.
Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce/Az Hakim & Ricky Proehl vs. Atl. � The Falcons� corners match-up well against the Rams� wide-outs � it�s the safeties, nickel and dime packages where speed and experience will spin the Falcons� secondary like a top.
Terrell Owens/J.J. Stokes & Eric Johnson vs. N.O. � The Saints are hurting in the secondary. The 49ers can exploit this area of the defense � if they choose to, but the danger is the possibility of Coach Mariucci resting some of his troops before the playoffs. Caution here.
Placekickers:
David Akers vs. T.B. � This should be a �milk-toast� offensive day as each team puts up a minimal offensive package to get through Week 17, before they potentially meet again in the playoffs a week later. This feels like a field goal day.
Doug Brien vs. Phil. � �ditto above.�
Todd Peterson vs. Sea. � Former Seattle Seahawk placekicker, Todd Peterson, meets Mike Holmgren � the guy who cut him. The Seahawks must win this game and get some help to get into the playoffs. Look for Peterson to do everything he can to spoil their party.
Rian Lindell vs. K.C. � Lindell may be playing for his job in 2002. He�s been a little shaky this season � 20-for-31 on field goal attempts. He had better find the uprights in this one.
Phil Dawson vs. Pitt. � Cleveland has plenty of grit. They�re building for next season under Head Coach �Butch� Davis. The Browns should play this rivalry game very tough because it will be a good benchmark going into the off-season. The Steelers should limit the Browns scoring opportunities, so I look for a field goal contest.
Defenses:
Dallas vs. Det. � Surprisingly, Dallas has the NFL�s #1 passing defense. Little-used back-up QB Ty Detmer may have trouble with this group, so interceptions wouldn�t be a surprise.
Denver vs. Ind. � Denver�s Pro Bowl CB, Deltha O�Neal will get an opportunity to bait Colts� QB Peyton Manning into letting one fly into �harms way.� The Broncos have improved their total defense, but more progress is required in 2002.
Pittsburgh vs. Clev. � The Steelers run defense (#1 in the NFL) should shutdown reserve RB Jamel White. This should force Browns QB Tim Couch to the air. I anticipate lots of blitzing and some errant and hurried throws � many which can be picked-off.
New England vs. Car. � The Patriots must keep the pressure on the troublesome Panthers, who continue to lose � but give their opponents all they can handle. I believe the Patriots want to go into the playoffs on an up note, so look for lots of �ballhawking� in this season finale.
Baltimore vs. Minn. � Third-string QB Spergon Wynn gets the call for the final Monday Night Football Game against one of the NFL�s more spirited defenses � the Baltimore Ravens. Can you say �turnover!?!�
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Dan Healy’s Fantasy Update For Games of 1/6-1/7 Quarterbacks: Peyton Manning vs. Den. � Manning is once again indoors and facing a secondary with very little to reason to play hard. Denver�s 16th in the NFL in passing yards allowed � 224.7 per game. |
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