FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

January 3rd, 2011, Monday

On the Cover

The Sheriff Is Back Again

Manning and the Colts Reach the Dance

It wasn’t by design, but the Colts made it back to the NFL post season for an NFL record ninth straight time with the 23-20 win over the Titans on Sunday. The Colts have had their ups and downs along with quarterback Peyton Manning who struggled through one of his most turnover prone seasons (18 turnovers in 2010).

Manning carries a lot of weight on the field for the Colts offense, whether they succeed or fail, but no one can argue that this has been one of his most challenging seasons with the flurry of injuries that have hit the offense. The Colts have seen players like Anthony Gonzales, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark fall by the way side to injury, but Manning continues to pull the trigger and bring others like Pierre Garcon (67 receptions), Blair White (five touchdowns), and Jacob Tamme (67 receptions) to the forefront; even names like Dominic Rhodes have resurfaced.

The 2010 season has not been the best for Manning and the Colts (10-6), but once again they have secured a spot in the Big Dance with their seventh AFC South title in eight seasons. Unfortunately for the rest of the AFC, they will have to worry about Peyton Manning this post season.

The Sheriff (Manning) has struggled this season some with ball security, but the post season is a whole other ball game. Last season in two home games Peyton was sharp completing 67 percent of his passes while throwing five touchdowns with one interception; including a three touchdown an 377 passing yard effort against the New York Jets (their opponents this coming Saturday).

The Jets will be in town (Lucas Oil Stadium) on Saturday and with the Sheriff on duty they had better be ready or it could be another round-up for Manning and company as they try to get back to the Big Show once again.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 23rd, 2010 Thursday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

Larry Fitzgerald has been a kind of quiet fantasy receiver this season (he really misses Kurt Warner), but over his past three games he has started making noise. Fitzgerald has been getting plenty of work recently and ranks in the top five among receivers with 32 targets and 19 receptions over the past three weeks. The Cardinal’s top receiver also has 258 yards receiving over the course of three games, but has not scored a touchdown in his last four games.

All that could change this Sunday when the Cowboys come to town. Fitzgerald will be lining up against the leagues 28th ranked pass defense that was just torched by quarterback Rex Grossman. Fitzgerald has only scored five times this season, but could be in line for a couple of end-zone appearances this weekend against the Cowboys’ secondary. The Cowboys’ have allowed 31 passing touchdowns this season, including four last weekend to the Redskins.

Fitzgerald’s numbers this season don’t jump off the page, but he is averaging nearly 11 targets per game this season and is on pace to pull down 90 passes and over 1,100 yards. He has lost a little value with the changes at quarterback this season in Arizona, but Fitzgerald still has the hands we trust.

Radar Watch

In My sites

My Fantasy Notes:

The Colts took another hit on the offensive side of the ball this past week with the loss of wide receiver Austin Collie (concussion) to the injured reserve. With Collie out Peyton Manning will have to look more to some of his other weapons; and one such worth watching could be wide receiver Pierre Garcon.

Garcon had a quiet afternoon last weekend with five catches for 44 yards, but that was with a healthy Collie in the lineup for a half. In the two games rior to Collie’s return Garcon was the one with the hot hand; 15 targets, 14 receptions, and three touchdowns. This weekend the Colts travel to Oakland to face the Raiders 5th ranked pass defense. Garcon (4 touchdowns this season) has remained a constant in the Colts passing game and could be primed to score against a defense that has allowed 26 touchdowns this season.

In Houston the Texan’s have a beast of a receiver in Andre Johnson, but traveling to Denver he will likely matchup against cornerback Champ Bailey. This season Bailey has been a beast at the corner spot shutting down receivers like Dwayne Bowe, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Mike Sims-Walker. With Johnson always drawing attention 4th year receiver Jacoby Jones has been seeing more action his direction.

In his last two games Jones has been targeted 18 times. He has also scored in two of his last three games; the Broncos’ secondary has allowed 25 touchdowns this season. Jones has not had a big game this season, but he’s worth watching on Sunday; he could be very productive against the Broncos’ 22nd ranked pass defense.

Target Leaders from Week 13 through 15

(unofficial numbers)

1.Roddy White, ATl (43 targets)
2.Reggie Wayne, IND (36 targets)
3.Andre Johnson, HOU (35 targets)
4.Larry Fitzgeralds, ARI (32 targets)
5.Santonio Holmes, NYJ (30 targets)
6.Santana Moss, WAS (30 targets)
7.Mike Williams, TB (30 targets)
8.Davone Bess, MIA (29 targets)
9.Marques Colston, NO (28 targets)
10.Mike Wallace, PIT (26 targets)
11.Kevin Walter, HOU (26 targets)
12.Wes Welker, NE (26 targets)

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 19th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Today’s injury notes

The Saints look like they will be without running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) today against the Ravens. Ivory was on the field earlier, but only run a bit and not all-out according to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols.

According to the Daily News beat writer Ralph Vacchiano, the Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (questionable) was on the field earlier catching passes from quarterback Eli Manning. It sounds like Manningham will be available today against the Eagles.

Adam Schefter is tweeting that wide receiver DeSean Jackson and defensive back Assante Samuel, both will be active and starting today against the Giants.

In the Chiefs-Rams matchup, quarterback Matt Cassel is active, but according to Schefter there’s been no confirmation that he starts. This could just be a formality; if he can play why wouldn’t he start? Chris Mortensen is also noting a KC source saying “if I were a betting may; I’d say he starts.”

Other notable injury updates include; wide receiver Terrell Owens, wide receiver Austin Collie, tight end Jacob Tamme, quarterback David Garrard, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew are all active today and expected to start/play.

Today’s Matchup

If you have Peyton Manning in your lineup today, expect a huge outing from the Colt’s passer. He faces the leagues 28th ranked passing defense and will undoubtedly be putting the ball in the air a lot. This season Manning is averaging nearly 44 passes per game; don’t expect much less than that today.

The Texan’s quarterback Matt Schaub is coming off a monster game last Monday night against the Ravens. Today he draws the Titan’s 26th ranked pass defense that has allowed 16 touchdowns this season. Schaub will be definitely looking for his favorite target today, Andre Johnson. The last time they faced the Titans, neither produced big games, but both were solid which should be the same result today.

The Falcons are rolling along in the NFC and today they will try to continue their success against the leagues 20th ranked run defense. Michael Turner (1,174 yards rushing in 2010) has 11 rushing touchdowns this season and has ran for over 100 yards in a game seven times this season. He’ll see his fair share of work today and could post his eighth 100-yard game today in Seattle.

By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

October 20th, 2010, Wednesday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

The first six weeks of the 2010 season have shown us a lot, but there’s more to be seen when we take a closer look. Some new names on the list this year that look to be mainstays include Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), and Austin Collie (Colts). These guys have shown consistency thus far and look to be legitimate plays on a weekly basis.

Despite a quiet Sunday Nicks has risen this season as the Giants primary go-to scoring threat racking up six touchdowns this season. His sub-par Sunday still included seven targets indicating that there are going to be more good days than bad. Lloyd experience a similar dip in production with just four catches for 74 yards, but his 10 targets are a definite signal to owners he needs to stay in your line-up. Austin Collie (nine targets) figured to see his numbers slide some with the return of Pierre Garcon, but such was not case Sunday against the Redskins. Collie caught seven passes with a score on Sunday and with an injury to tight end Dallas Clark, he will likely remain a productive option in the Colts passing game.

The Usual Suspects…

The Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall led all receivers this past week with 17 targets and as a result had one of his most productive weeks with 10 receptions for 127 yards. Joining the club this past week included the Texan’s Andre Johnson (138 yards, one touchdown) who was targeted 13 times. The Lions Calvin Johnson (146 yards, one touchdown) and the Packers Greg Jennings (133 yards, one touchdown) had big days last week on seven targets each. These are just a mention of some of the weekly options that should never see your bench.

A couple of pass catchers that will be making frequent stops on our list include the Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (36 targets this season) and the Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (47 targets). Maclin saw seven balls throw in his direction and caught all seven for 159 yards and two scores. Pettigrew was not as productive, but he did haul in seven passes for 61 yards.

A notable mention this week is the Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins who made his first appearance this season last Sunday. Against the Eagles Jenkins was targeted 11 times and caught five passes for 99 yards. Playing opposite Roddy White should weigh in favorable week in and week out making Jenkins a promising option.

Your Target watch….

Last week a couple of forgotten names reappeared in the box scores and made enough noise to be noticed going forward. In New England Deion Branch made a big impact with his return to Foxboro, Dwayne Bowe re-emerged as a fantasy favorite, and Mike Williams turned a few heads with a big day against the Bears.

Deion Branch didn’t waste much time getting re-acquainted with his old quarterback Tom Brady. Just traded earlier in the week Branch was targeted a team high 12 times and finished the day with nine catches, including a touchdown. Now that he is back in Bean town, Branch figures to be a very popular receiving option for Brady and the Patriots offense.

It took several games for Bowe to finally wake, but fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Bowe was targeted nine times on Sunday against the Texans secondary on his way to a productive Sunday. Bowe finished the game with six catches and two scores. As Cassel and the Chiefs passing offense start to roll, Bowe figures to play a big part.

Mike Williams, the former Trojan has emerged as the Seahawks primary and best receiving option through the first six weeks. Last Sunday Williams was targeted 15 times against the Bears and turned in his best game as a pro with career highs in catches and yards. With his 32 targets to lead the team this season, he is certain to have more productive Sundays in the future.

Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Top 20

1. Roddy White, Atl (69 targets)
2. Reggie Wayne, Ind (65 targets)
3. Brandon Lloyd, Den (64 targets)
4. Brandon Marshall, Mia (62 targets)
5. Terrell Owens, Cin (60 targets)
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (57 targets)
7. Danny Amendola, StL (55 targets)
8. Andre Johnson, Hou (55 targets)
9. Calvin Johnson, Det (55 targets)
10. Santana Moss, Was (55 targets)
11. Austin Collie, Ind (54 targets)
12. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (54 targets)
13. Steve Smith, NYG (54 targets)
14. Dallas Clark, Ind (53 targets)
15. Jabar Gaffney, Den (53 targets)
16. Frank Gore, SF (50 targets)
17. Anquan Boldin, Bal (48 targets)
18. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (47 targets)
19. Eddie Royal, Den (47 targets)
20. Miles Austin, Dal (46 targets)
21. Zach Miller, Oak (46 targets)

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

September 30th, 2010, Thursday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

Through the first three weeks of football we have seen some familiar names making plays in the passing game, but what fantasy owners need to be watching besides the headlines are those players quietly and steadily getting ready to break out. Aside from the normal names we see, this past weekend there were a couple of players to suddenly steal some fantasy love; last Sunday against the Falcons it was the re-emergence of Saints receiver Lance Moore with a seven targets and a big day receiving (149 yards receiving and two scores), the Bronco’s receiver Jabar Gaffney suddenly became a very relevant consideration with a big day in Denver (12 receptions with 140 yards receiving) and 14 targets, and the Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams becoming a household name in Big D again with a very productive afternoon (117 yards receiving with two touchdowns) with his steady dose of six targets.

The Usual Suspects…

The usual faces thus far this season topping the list include Roddy White (41 targets) Brandon Marshall (37 targets), and Larry Fitzgerald (34 targets), but one surprise in this mix to watch, both T.O. (33 targets) and Ochocinco (34 targets) seemed to be getting their fair share of touches, so at some point the numbers will have to follow, right?

Some early season starlets…

Through the first three weeks of the 2010 season, 2nd year Colts’ receiver Austin Collie (31 targets) has emerged as Peyton Manning’s go-to receiver. Even when the injured Pierre Garcon returns, it’s hard to imagine number 18 not continuing to look his way. The Niner’s running back Frank Gore has been showcasing his versatility this season and leads all running back with 29 targets and 22 receptions.

Your Target watch….

We can easily see who has done what this season and why, but a few names that might be flying under the radar at the moment that you should keep your eye include; TE-Jermaine Gresham, WR-Michael Crabtree, and TE-Todd Heap.

Jermaine Gresham only has one touchdown and 99 yards receiving through the first three weeks, but quarterback Carson Palmer is looking his way too often for his numbers to stay dormant. With 21 targets, he’s going to see plenty of opportunity going forward to start making more of a difference.

The Niner’s offense is in flux at the moment, but Singletary will soon grab hold of the reigns and get this ship righted. Through the team’s first three games wide receiver Michael Crabtree has only six catches, but 19 targets. If this passing game is going to get off the ground, Crabtree will be a big part going forward.

With all the focus and attention centered on wide receiver Anquan Boldin, quietly tight end Todd Heap is one of his best pass receiving seasons of his career. He is currently on pace to put up close to career numbers in receptions and yards. With 22 targets already in this young season, he looks like a great bet to do just that.

Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Top 20

1. Roddy White, ATL (41 targets)
2. Brandon Marshall, MIA (37 targets)
3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (34 targets)
4. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (34 targets)
5. Terrell Owens, CIN (33 targets)
6. Austin Collie, IND (31 targets)
7. Santana Moss, WAS (30 targets)
8. Miles Austin, DAL (29 targets)
9. Anquan Boldin, BAL (29 targets)
10. Frank Gore, SFO (29 targets)
11. Andre Johnson, HOU (29 targets)
12. Steve Smith, NYG (29 targets)
13. Calvin Johnson, DET (28 targets)
14. Dallas Clark, IND (27 targets)
15. Mark Clayton, STL (27 targets)
16. Malcom Floyd, SDC (26 targets)
17. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (26 targets)
18. Antonio Gates, SDC (26 targets)
19. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK (26 targets)
20. Reggie Wayne, IND (26targets)
    
    
    
    

    
    
    

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

September 26th, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

My Quarterbacks:

In most leagues I didn’t mess around with guessing who could be big this season or where the sleepers might come from, I shot straight for the top and grabbed one of today’s best gunslingers in the pocket. Almost across the board, my top quarterback pick this season is the Packer’s Aaron Rodgers. He has had a couple of solid campaigns and I am looking for bigger numbers in 2010. He doesn’t play until Monday night, but I have no concerns with Rodgers and the Packer’s offense matching up against the number one run defense. With the weapons Rodgers has he will undoubtedly take advantage of the leagues 25th ranked pass defense (Bears). In one of my other leagues I also have Drew Brees under center. It’s not been his most productive start this season, but today without a healthy Reggie Bush to help anchor the run game I expect the Saints to air it out.

My Running Backs:

What is likely the norm in many fantasy leagues I have a slight overage and a few choices to make in the backfield. In one of my PPR league the Bear’s running Matt Forte (12 receptions in 2010) has been anchoring my backfield and this week he looks solid play against the Packer’s 24th ranked run defense. Another pick for week three is the Bill’s running back Marshawn Lynch. The Bills square off with the Patriots (ranked 26th against the run) today and with a change at quarterback, I would expect to see the run game become today’s focus. In a couple of leagues out of necessity I will be starting the Charger’s Mike Tolbert (not recommended). He’s been a nice surprise for the Chargers with two rushing touchdowns this season, but could struggle some today against the Seahawks run defense that allows only 2 yards per carry. The Raiders have a good matchup this week against the Cardinals (ranked 31st against the run), so I will be starting Darren McFadden who is on a tear averaging 150 yards of offense per game.

My Wide Receivers

This is one position where I was lucky enough to have some great choices and this week it will be like a child standing at the counter in a candy store. With Mike Vick in and out of the pocket all day I like my chances with wideout Jeremy Maclin (two straight games with a score). Mike Sim-Walker started slow this season with no catches in week one and a quiet first half last week. Last Sunday against the Chargers Sims-Walker finished strong with more than 100 yards receiving and a score. The Eagles have a few soft spots in the secondary, so this Jaguar could run free. Without both of their starting corners healthy, the Bronco’s secondary is going to have a lot of trouble containing Peyton Manning and company today. One recipient who should benefit greatly will be wide receiver Austin Collie. I like his chances for another big day and at least a score. I have too much depth to get him in the lineup today, but a receiver of note that I like is the Cowboy’s Dez Bryant. The Texans secondary has been torched this season and this kid looked very good a week ago.

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

September 23rd, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

After two weeks of survival play my fantasy football team is currently sitting 12th in a 35-team celebrity/expert league, which is not too bad if you ask me; but we can do better. If you are not familiar with the survivor concept, allow me to enlighten you. Every week you draft a line-up of football players for your fantasy team, using your knowledge and fantasy skill. The catch in this unique challenge is, once you have exercised the services of any particular player that player is no longer available for the duration of the fantasy football season. It’s fantasy football with a demented twist adding real spice and flavor to an already tasty dish.

As I mentioned my team is currently in 12th and it is now time to make my weekly selections for the week three match-ups;

QB Tony Romo: The Cowboys quarterback ranked second in passing yards this season would be getting more print if the Boys had at least one win. Win or lose on Sunday Romo will be out of the shotgun squaring up with the NFL's number one ranked offense the Houston Texans. Fortunately for Romo and the Cowboys, the Texans pass defense is ranked last in the NFL. I expect a big day from the Cowboy's gunslinger on Sunday.

RB-Knowshon Moreno: The Broncos are going to have little chance keep pace with Manning and company on Sunday, but if they do have a shot it will rely heavily on their short passing game and more importantly their ground game. The key will be running back Knowshon Moreno (averaging nearly 20 carries per game) matching up against a Colts run defense that is allowing nearly 190 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry. I am looking for the century mark from the kid with at least one score.

RB-Darren McFadden: It is very likely that D-Mac could have a few more big games down the road this season, but this is a match-up that is ripe for the taking. McFadden has broken out this season with a 5.0 yard per carry average on 48 carries and he may not quite top 20 carries on Sunday with Michael Bush returning, but he may not need that many to take advantage of the Cardinals 31st ranked run defense that is allowing over 150 yards per game on the ground and 4.4 yards per carry; look for D-Mac to hit triple digits and bust a long one for pay-dirt.

WR-Austin Collie: I would actually like to insert Reggie Wayne here, but something tells me he will have his day later in the year. On Sunday against the Broncos who will likely be missing their starting corners, expect Manning and the Colts passing game to take full advantage. It will really be about picking your poison and I would expect the Bronco's defense to key on double covering Wayne as often as they can leaving Collie (with Garcon on the shelf) on an island of single coverage most of the day. Collie has been the hot hand and I would expect that to continue. He may not pull down the big numbers of yardage, but I would expect him to snag a few passes and find himself dancing in the end-zone at some point on Sunday.

WR-Dez Bryant: There's no question that the Cowboys-Texans matchup this Sunday has all the billings of a regular Texas-style shootout. One of the key players that the Texans defense will be watching closely will be Romo's favorite target Miles Austin (targeted 26 times this season). While the defense is busy with Miles, look for the rookie (Bryant) to re-emerge big in the Boys passing attack. Two weeks ago Bryant caught eight passes, on Sunday he could be in for another busy day!

TE-Brent Celek: Last week against the Chargers, the Jaguars secondary had all kinds of problems covering the tightend position in the red-zone. The result was two scores for Antonio Gates. I am not expecting as many frequent trips to paydirt for Celek, but with Mike Vick under center and his ability to get the ball downfiled, Celek is golden to break out on Sunday.

PK-Lawrence Tynes: The Titan's run defense has not been dominant this season, so the Giants could have some success moving the ball. The Titan's however have been pretty stingy when it comes to allowing touchdowns and have forced opponents to kick six field goals. I like the Giants to get into the red-zone, but I don't see their luck being much different. They may get in for a score, but I am looking for at least three field goals from Tynes.

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

February 23rd, 2010 11:07pm PST

More From the Huddle

Fantasy Radar

Like (Knowshon) Moreno and (LeSean) McCoy, there are several rookies that could make the leap to the forefront of fantasy football in 2010. While Moreno and McCoy are not locks, they have a stronghold to be featured backs this coming season and make a serious impact in fantasy.

Others that may strike some serious interest coming fantasy time should include the Titan's wide receiver Kenny Britt. In his rookie campaign Britt caught 42 passes and showed some bog play potential with four pass plays of 40 yards or more. With an entire offseason to work with quarterback Vince young, Britt figures to improve next season and could be challenge for the number one spot. He'll be a starter and should warrant at least a nice high number three fantasy wide receiver rating.

Taking a deeper look at the receivers, after a nice post season run in Indianapolis rookie Austin Collie looks ready to challenge for a starting role in 2009. Collie led all rookies (tied with Percy Harvin) with 60 receptions this past season and also scored seven times. Playing with Manning under center Collie will be a solid fantasy option and could rank much higher if he wins the starting gig opposite Reggie Wayne.

Much like Collie, the Vikings receiver Percy Harvin made a big impression in 2009. The Vikings rookie caught 60 balls and ranked 3rd among all rookies with 12 pass plays of 20 yards or more this past season. Whether it's Favre returning or Sage Rosenfels under center, Harvin is going to offer great value in fantasy this coming season. He's already proven to be a playmaker and figures to only get better.

There are going to be more 2009 rookies that fantasy owners will need to take a hard look at this summer, as we move past the Combine and closer to the 2010 NFL Draft I will continue to offer my thoughts on many of this season's potential Sophomore Sensations!

By David Ortega

Check for more notes, thoughts, and football banter "From the Huddle"

FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 26th, 2009 10:45pm PST

Football Diary

Dear Diary

Championship Weekend

For many fantasy leagues this is the biggest weekend of the fantasy season; Championship Weekend. There is no more tomorrow and no room for error. Fantasy owners will need to check those critical matchups for this weekend as well as check the injury reports; you have to know who's in and who's out.

With one obstacle left to hurdle, this is not the weekend to get careless. A couple of quick injury notes;

Sit (injured)

DeAngelo Williams (ankle)

Devin Hester (not expected to play)

Pierre Garcon (out for Sunday)

Michael Turner (did not practice)

Justin Fargas (doubtful for Sunday)

Leonard Little (unlikely to play)

Start

Jonathan Stewart (expected to start)

Larry Fitzgerald (practiced Friday)

Austin Collie (Garcon is out)

Albert Haynesworth (will start)

Fantasy Notes:

The Niners running back Frank Gore has been the hot foot the last couple of weeks. In his last two starts Gore has ran for 274 yards on the ground and added five receptions and a touchdown. He should find plenty of holes on Sunday against the Lions 24th ranked run defense.

The Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has had a great 2009 campaign for fantasy owners with 13 total touchdowns this season. In his past two games Williams has managed to find pay-dirt while averaging over 100-yards of offense. He should be another solid start this Sunday against the Texans run defense (ranked 17th) that allows over four yards per carry and has surrendered 14 touchdowns on the ground.

The big news in Indy is the absence of Pierre Garcon this weekend. With the Jets cover corner Darrelle Revis likely to blanket Reggie Wayne, Garcon figured to be a good play on Sunday. Now all of that will fall to rookie wide receiver Austin Collie who has managed to score in three straight games; Sunday could be four.

10 Things on My

Sunday Watch-List

1. With a new quarterback under center and the 30th ranked pass defense, can wide receiver Terrell Owens have a big day?

2. Can Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles make it three straight 100-yard games; he faces the Bengals 3rd ranked run defense.

3. Who will run for more yards on Sunday, the Raiders Michael Bush or the Browns Jerome Harrison?

4. The Packers Aaron Rodgers has been hot and cold the past couples of weeks; can he get warmed up this week in Lambeau against the Seahawks 29th ranked pass defense.

5. The Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has been on fire the past couple of weeks; can he keep the torch burning against the Dolphins 23rd ranked pass defense.

6. Can the Ravens 6th ranked pass defense slow down the big arm of the Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

7. With DeAngelo Williams sidelined, can Jonathan Stewart follow up his second start this season with another 100-yard effort?

8. With the playoffs approaching, can Kurt Warner and the Cardinals passing game get back in sync; he has not passed for over 300 yards in five games.

9. Will the Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis shutdown the Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne?

10. Can the Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo keep the Cowboys on the right track and notch a second win in December?

Check back every week for more "Football Diary"