After taking on the challenge of the early games yesterday, it's time to explore the games that will take place in the afternoon. This week, it actually seems like we'll get a few more stars playing in these afternoon games, but most of the country won't get to see one of them thanks to the NFL's stupid doubleheader rules. If someone can explain those to me, I'm all ears.
Why is it that on most weekends, only one network can show a doubleheader? Am I missing something? Insight on this is welcome!
On to the games:
Jacksonville at Denver
Who to Start: Maurice Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor, David Garrard, Matt Jones
Who to Sit: Denver running backs, Tony Scheffler (injured), Eddie Royal (injured)
What to Expect: At this point, the entire league has shown that you can run on Denver. Expect the Jags to do the same thing. The Denver pass defense is just as bad, ranked 30th in the NFL.
Jones-Drew and Taylor should be in for solid games. Expect both to find the end zone at least once, with Jones-Drew having the better overall game. Look for him to crack 120 total yards, with Taylor adding another 80. I'm not as sold on the Denver running game. It's not that I don't think they could play well, but I still don't know which one it will be. Best to avoid this situation.
I like Garrard to keep throwing the ball well and Matt Jones should be the primary beneficiary in this case. Look for Garrard to set the pace with 220 yards passing and two touchdowns. Yes, I think this is going to be a high-scoring affair. Jones should haul in 75 yards and a touchdown.
If Mike Walker is available, he'll get the second score and 60 yards as well. Otherwise, it goes to Marcedes Lewis.
Jay Cutler should be just fine, so long as continues to not force the ball in to Brandon Marshall. Cutler should be able to do some damage against this Jacksonville defense. I think he throws for three touchdowns, and two go to Brandon Marshall. Who gets the third? Read our sleeper pickup for this game below. Marshall should be solid for well over 100 yards, especially with the injuries in the Denver offense.
Sleeper Pickup: Brandon Stokley. Oh yeah; we're going retro. He looked good last week, catching Denver's only touchdown pass. Look for him to be effective this week as well, grabbing a touchdown and 70 yards.
Philadelphia at San Francisco
Who to Start: Correll Buckhalter, DeSean Jackson, Isaac Bruce, Hank Baskett
Who to Sit: J.T. O'Sullivan, Vernon Davis, Bryant Johnson, Reggie Brown
What to Expect: Expect a lot of Frank Gore, if you're on the 49ers side to the ball, and a lot of pressure on J.T. O'Sullivan from the 11th ranked pass defense.
What to Expect: Expect a lot of Frank Gore, if you're on the 49ers side to the ball, and a lot of pressure on J.T. O'Sullivan from the 11th ranked pass defense.
Gore is the man. Start him. That's about all there is to it on this one. He'll score twice and combine for around 140 yards between air and ground. He's all the 49ers have going for them, so they'll need him if they want to even keep this close.
Here's our opinion on Brian Westbrook. After reading all the reports as to what it took to get him back in the game last week (painkiller injections), and his lack of practice participation this week, we're going to recommend benching him. We could be dead wrong, but if you have other options, this is the week to use them. Buckhalter should see enough action to warrant him as a flex play.
In the passing game, the only piece you want to start on the 49ers side is Isaac Bruce. The veteran receiver just knows how to get open. He'll be good for a touchdown and 80 yards. The rest of them; leave them alone.
On the Philly side, our bet is that Reggie Brown plays, despite missing practice with a groin injury part of this week. If he starts, he should be started in all formats. I like McNabb to rebound this week with over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The 49ers give up plenty of yards through the air, and the Eagles will have to take full advantage without a healthy Westbrook.
Update: Reggie Brown has been ruled out of this game. Upgrade Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis. Baskett will be the better play, as he takes on a similar role to what Brown does for the Eagles. Brian Westbrook will not play either, so Buckhalter should be active in all formats. No word on the availability of Kevin Curtis. All items courtesy of web reports.
Sleeper Pickup: Delanie Walker. He's not quite there yet, but he's stealing touches away from an incredibly ineffective Vernon Davis. Walker has five catches in the last three weeks, so he is getting the respect from O'Sullivan.
Sleeper Pickup: Delanie Walker. He's not quite there yet, but he's stealing touches away from an incredibly ineffective Vernon Davis. Walker has five catches in the last three weeks, so he is getting the respect from O'Sullivan.
Green Bay at Seattle
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