January 20th, 2009 - 11:05pm PST
Watercooler Chat
Where these games could go....
The Vikings bring with them the number two ranked run defense in the league and will surely make it difficult for Brees and company to establish any kind of a ground game on Sunday. Stopping the run will be a key for Minnesota's secondary, which could be vulnerable against a Drew Brees with time to throw. Last week the boys (Edwards, Allen, Williams, & Williams) did a great job slowing down the Cowboys run game (92 yards rushing). Once the Cowboys were forced to throw, Allen and company broke loose recording six sacks. This is what the Vikes will be looking to do on Sunday. Force Brees into obvious passing situations and go get the quarterback.
Staying with the NFC picture, on offense it will be a different story for the Vikings this week. They have perhaps one of the very best if not the best running back in the game today in Adrian Peterson. The Saints have shown to be vulnerable against the run ranked 21st and allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Peterson has yet to be a big factor in the playoffs, but this Sunday could be a different story for the former NFL rushing champion. All-day has only two 100-yard rushing games this season, could see another heavy work-load (26 carries last week). You can bet it Peterson tops 25 carries on Sunday, he's going to have a big day on the ground.
Wayne says...
Never without an opinion, but maybe not much of a brain Wayne offers his thoughts on this weekend's matchups....
The Saints have managed to trounce on most of their opponents this season, but clearly last weekend they faced a much inferior defense that just didn't have the playmakers to match up. That won't be the case this weekend. The Vikings have the ability to turn the Saints offense into one dimensional. Passing on first down will be key for the Saints to keep a balanced attack with short yardage on 2nd and 3rd downs. This will allow effective play-action to keep the Vikings defense on their heels.
The Colts don't care how you play defense against their quarterback, he's going to check at the line and constantly pre-read the defense. The two biggest keys for the Jets will be execution on defense and running the ball of offense. Manning is going to go through his pre-snap reads, whatever the defense dials up they must execute and they must get in Manning's face. On offense the Jets have to run effective, move the chains, eat the clock, and they must stay out of third and long.
Player Watch for the Title tilts...
Once again here a few players of note that fantasy owners should consider riding or hiding for the coming weekend of games. Keep these players on your watch list, you just may want to give them a hard look come Sunday;
(Start) Brett Favre
The Vikings quarterback is playing real well with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Saints exploited the Cards defense last week and forced them to play catch-up, that’s not likely to happen this week. As long as its competitive, Favre will be able to mix the pass with the run; start him.
(Start) Shonn Greene
The Colts struggle with the run and if the Jets keep this one close Shonn Greene is going to see a lot of work. What the rookie has shown this post season is his ability to run with power and make big plays. Greene already has a 39 yard and a 53 yard touchdown run in the post season; start him.
(Sit) Pierre Thomas
Thomas is not quite 100 percent running with sore ribs. Last week against the Cardinals he was limited to 13 carries, partly due to the big lead the Saints built, but the ribs have to be a concern. Thomas scampered his way to 52 yards, but he's not likely to be as productive on the ground this week; sit him.
(Start) Percy Harvin
The Vikings took advantage of their lanky and tall receiver Sidney Rice against the Cowboys smaller corners. The Saints will have to compensate for their undersized corners likely with safety Darren Sharper over the top and that could leave Percy Harvin with a lot of single coverage. Harvin is a Favre favorite and a playmaker, so expect him to be involved; start him.
(Sit) Braylon Edwards
The Jets haven't much of a pass game and with the emphasis being on the run this Sunday nothing is likely to change. Although Edwards could present some downfield challenges he's only caught four passes for 56 yards in two games.
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