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SEAHAWKS-PACKERS
Seattle and Green Bay both live and die with their passing game.
Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) was unable to go last weekend but he is improving and the team is optimistic he’ll play in Green Bay. Branch did some light running on Tuesday and did more work Wednesday including team drills. Barring a setback, Branch should be able to get more 11-on-11 drills in later this week. If he does, we look for him to start this weekend.
While the Seahawks will sporadically run the ball, they will have more success when forcing Green Bay into five-DB (nickel) coverage. With
DJ Hackett, Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson on the field, the Packers DB depth will be tested.
Like the Seahawks, the Packers have a deep cast of receiving weapons including Donald Driver, Greg Jennings (groin), rookie
James Jones (hamstring) and Koren Robinson (knee).
While Jennings, Jones and Robinson were limited Wednesday they should all be able to do more Thursday.
QB Brett Favre will need to get the ball out in a hurry against the Seahawks sack-happy defense. Last week the Redskins really struggled protecting their QB and that cost them the game.
In the end, with an edge at QB and perhaps RB, look for the more rested Packers (7-1 at home) to get the win in front of their hometown crowd.
JAGUARS-PATRIOTS
At this critical juncture in the season, RB Fred Taylor needs to step up if the Jaguars hope to win this weekend. Against the Steelers, Taylor only managed 48-yards on 16 carries - 3 yards per carry won’t cut it against the Patriots.
On offense, the Jaguars game plan is clear -- run Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew most of the game and setup
David Garrard via the play-action pass.
The problem is the Jaguars secondary is hurting and they lack depth. Naturally, Tom Brady, Wes Welker and
Randy Moss will be ready to pick them apart. In turn, New England should be able to score early and at some point that will force Jacksonville away for their 70% run selection.
While Wes Welker (team decision) and TE Kyle Brady (team decision) were both limited at practice Wednesday they should be ready Saturday night.
GIANTS-COWBOYS
Despite their high-flying offense this year, the Cowboys have seen better times.
Since QB Tony Romo hurt his thumb, he’s come down to earth. Add in WR Terrell Owens (ankle) isn’t 100% and Dallas certainly looks a little more beatable than they did three weeks ago.
Owens was with the team Monday at a walkthrough but did not practice Wednesday. For now, the buzz from Dallas, including Coach Phillips, all indicates
T.O. will be a game time call. Even if he starts, it might be unfair to assume he’ll be more than 80%.
Cowboys WR Terry Glenn (knee) took reps Wednesday and figures to play against the Giants.
Amazingly, the Giants are 7-1 on road this year. However Dallas has already beat the Giants twice this season.
If the Giants end up winning this weekend, their running game (Brandon Jacobs and
Ahmad Bradshaw) will carry the day. Keep in mind, while the Giants can score, they don’t want to get into a shoot out with Dallas.
For his part, Giants WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) did not practice Wednesday but should be ready to start Sunday.
Bottom line? With an edge at QB, WR and special teams, Dallas should come away with the victory.
CHARGERS-COLTS
Colts WR Marvin Harrison (knee) looked good Monday and he took a full practice Wednesday. Barring a setback, Harrison is expected to start Sunday against the Chargers.
TE Ben Utecht is coming off a bruised shoulder so he may not be 100% but they did not list him Wednesday so he should be able to play. In the season finale, Brock, defensive end
Robert Mathis, Gonzalez, Harrison, tight end Ben Utecht and offensive tackle
Ryan Diem all missed because of injuries. HC Dungy said all of the above players are expected back Sunday, with the possible exception of
Utecht, who practiced Wednesday with a shoulder injury.
The Chargers defense feeds off the interception but against Peyton Manning we don’t see many INTs coming their way. The Colts have too many weapons and San Diego’s seconday may not be able to keep up.
As fully expected, TE Antonio Gates (toe) sat out drills Wednesday and he remains a long shot for Sunday. The team is preparing to start
Brandon Manumaleuna at TE.
The only good news here is Manumaleuna is a better blocker than Gates and blocking FB
Lorenzo Neal also has a chance of dressing Sunday. If he does, that helps the Chargers running game.
Despite his leg issue, K Nate Kaeding should be able to kick FGs this weekend and Dave Rayner will handle the kickoffs.
Despite their win last week, the Chargers continue to be a team that appears ready to break apart. As soon as they fall behind they start pointing fingers at each other. Then suddenly, if they put a few scores together they’re all smiles and pointing we're #1. Against a team with
Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Joe Addai and Dallas
Clark, the Chargers lack of unity won’t get it done. If Gates sits, the Chargers will very likely have a long ride home Sunday night as the Colts have a huge edge at QB, WR, special teams and coaching.
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