NFL WEEKLY STORYLINES

October 6th, 2008 11:37pm PST



Week 6...
NFL Weekly Storylines

AFC

The Titans remain unbeaten....
With a little help on Sunday from the stripes, the Titans were able to remain undefeated. In the final minutes of Sunday's tilt with the Ravens, the Titans and quarterback Kerry Collins were the beneficiaries of a questionable roughing the quarterback penalty call that kept the eventual game winning drive alive. The offense struggled a bit in week 5 totaling only 210 net yards against a very good Raven defense. Fortunately the Titans boast a strong defense of their own that kept this affair close all afternoon, close enough for Collins and company to secure the win.
fantasy impact: The offense looked very out of sync, partly due to a disruptive Raven defense and the inconsistencies that come with quarterback Kerry Collins. It didn't help that Collins' favorite target, WR Justin Gage was out of the line-up. The Titans are primarily a running team and will struggle from time to time with the pass against good defenses. One note worth taking from Sunday's win, was the re-emergence of the TE position in the passing game; 9 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.

The Phins stun the Chargers...
As is always the case in the NFL, traveling from coast to coast is tough for any team. Just ask the Chargers, who were stunned Sunday afternoon losing to the Miami Dolphins (1-15 last season). Of course this Dolphins team does not seem to resemble that team from a year ago. With new leadership in the front office and on the field, this Dolphins team appears set to begin a new era of winning. Led by RB Ronnie Brown and the "Wildcat" formation, the Dolphins are now 2-2 in the East and appear to be a contender with impressive wins over the Chargers and the Patriots.
fantasy impact: The Dolphins are certainly looking like contenders in the East, but it's early and the jury is still out. What is evident is the play of RB Ronnie Brown. Over the past two weeks, Brown has clearly seperated himself from the running back competiton. RB Ricky Williams will still demand some touches on Sunday, but Brown with his 238 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in his last two games has made a strong case to be the teams primary ball-carrier.

The Bills lose Edwards, then lose...
Just as the team's really starting to emerge as a potential power in the AFC, they lose their commander on the field and revert to playing more like the teams from their past of mediocrity. It took QB JP Losman and the Bills just two plays to feel the effects of missing their offensive leader Trent Edwards, when they turned the ball over. Sunday was clearly a game that you'd have to chalk up as "one that just got away." The Cards got up on the Bills in the first half and just never looked back. The Bills defense really struggled with the Cardinals passing game and were never able to apply any real pressure on QB Kurt Warner.
fantasy impact: The biggest concern for the Bills and fantasy owners is the health of QB Trent Edwards. While Edwards is considered nothing more than a mid-round QB 2 in fantasy leagues, his presence or absence will have a direct effect on the production of WR Lee Evans and RB Marshawn Lynch. Don't be misled by Losman's 87 yard pass to Evans, the two were only able to hook up one more time for 13 yards the rest of the afternoon. Fantasy owners should check on Edwards' status later in the week.

The Broncos defense finally shows up....
It tooks four weeks of painful watching for Broncos fans, but finally in week 5, the team's defense decided to show up for 60 minutes and the Bronco's improved to 4-1. The defense was not dominant by any stretch, again getting snake bit by the run (139 yards allowed, 6.3 yds/carry). Perhaps the biggest note for fantasy owners in team defense leagues, while the Bucs are not high flying (25 points per game), they were held to 13 points on Sunday (12 less than their average). The Broncos defense also cut out the big play, allowing only one big run for 38 yards and one pass play for 17 yards. There will be bigger tests for this defense down the road, but it's a good sign for a team 4-1.
fantasy impact: The Broncos defense seems to be lacking that big time dominant player that can change the momentum of a game with single play, but there are a couple of notable IDPs fantasy owners need to know about. Likely drafted in most IDP leagues LB DJ Williams plays along side a pair of good linebackers, Boss Bailey (27 solo tackles) and Nate Webster (28 solo tackles).

NFC

Giants still team to beat.
Whether you want to admit it or not, when this season began the Giants were the team to beat. This is what happens when you win a world championship, everyone targets you, you become the hunted and you are the guy on top until someone knocks you off. At the moment no one has come close and the Giants remain the team to beat and on top at 4-0. The Giants are boasting the top offense right now and one of the leagues best defenses. These are the exact ingredients you need to be the best and the man at the top!
fantasy impact: The Giants are getting it done this year in more ways than one; QB Eli Manning is managing the offense very well and making few mistakes (6 touchdown passes and only 1 pick), the running game is healthy and RB Brandon Jacobs is a monster most weeks, and the defense is playing at a high level and pressuring opposing QBs very well (15 sacks this season).

Delhomme looks strong....
The Panthers quarterback is now playing like he did at the start of the 2007 season. In the past two weeks Jake Delhomme is making crisp throws and throwing with great accurracy, completing 67 percent of his passes (34 of 51). Delhomme has gotten his deep threat back, with the return WR Steve Smith back and has wasted little time taking advantage passing for 530 yards in his last two games. The Panthers are looking like a solid contender in the NFC and Jake Delhomme is playing like this season's comeback player of the year!
fantasy impact: One the biggest moves the Panthers made in the off-season that could prove huge for QB Jake Delhomme and fantasy owners was the resigning of WR Muhsin Muhammad. Muhammad appears to be the perfect compliment to WR Steve Smith. Over the past two weeks Muhammad has caught 11 passes for 218 yards with 2 touchdowns, while Smith has caught 12 passes for 192 yards and a score. Smith was out the first two weeks this season, so as these three get more time under their belts, owners can expect to see bigger numbers down the road!

Campbell continues to show growth....
The Redskins seem to be improving and getting better as team, as their team leader matures each week on the gridiron. For two weeks now, the QB Jason Campbell has led his team to impressive road wins over two very good teams; the Dallas Cowboys and the Philladelphia Eagles. Perhaps the biggest reason for Campbell's success is not what he is doing on the field, but more of what he is not doing. The young quarterback, only in his 4th season and second as an NFL starter is making good decisions, smart throws, and NOT making any mistakes. So far this season in 153 pass attempts and 17 runs, Campbell has yet to committ a turnover.
fantasy impact: Okay, go ahead and note, I have officially hexed this guy with that last note, but it's an impressive stat that had to be shared. Campbell is not making any mistakes right now, but he's hardly lighting it up in the fantasy world. The Redskins are balanced and have a lot of playmakers, so as Campbell grows as a passer (and he will), fantasy owners will want to take note, his numbers will get better. He's got a huge arm and can make the tough throws on the move. Fortunately for HC Jim Zorn, he's not asking his young QB to make the tough plays, nor does he need him to.


Other headlines to follow this week...

• Ocho doesn't kiss star, while Palmer continues to play flat.
• Injuries are big in week 5; Westbrook (ribs), Branch (heel),
• Chiefs QB Croyle to return as starter following bye.
• Rams' McMichael placed on the injured reserve, out for season.
• Chambers hurt and LT reinjures toe in Sunday loss to Dolphins.
• Broncos' Royal suffers ankle injury, could miss couple of weeks.
  
  
  

MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

October 6th, 2008 8:37pm PST




[The Late Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle
Week 6 in the NFL

Two Minute blitz

Top Teams...
The Tennessee Titans and New York Giants appear to be the class of the league so far this season, mixing a balanced offenses with talented dominant defenses. Some could argue that, while the Giants are the defending champions, they are exactly where they should be, but the Titans are a different story altogether, but are they?

Just before the season began, the Giants had lost one of their key components on defense, when DL Osi Umenyiora went down with a season ending knee injury. Osi was one player that most experts felt the Giants would need to defend their world championship. With the Titans, there was early season turbulence with their immature starting quarterback, going down to injury and questioning his own confidence. The chances of coming out of the gate this season in a good shape for both teams did not look like a good prospect. At best they could hope to be 500, but now with the completion of week 5, both teams have resolved a lot of the issues that plagued fans' message boards and each are residing in the Penthouse of their respective conference.

So is there really any surprise to see both of these teams at the top of their respective conference? Maybe, but when you look at both teams similarities, it's really not that hard. The Titans and Giants are both dominating their opponents on the defensive side of the ball. This season the Giants are ranked 3rd and the Titans 5th in total yards allowed this season. Both defenses have recorded 15 quarterback sacks this season (tied for 3rd in the NFL) and they rank 1st (Titans) and 2nd (Giants) in points allowed.While the Titans lead the NFL with 10 interceptions this season, not to be out done the Giants defense has only allowed 34 first downs by pass this season (tied for 2nd best in the NFL).

Best Players...
With a quarter of the season in the books, it's time to take a look at who is the best football player this season. Is it the Saint's quarterback Drew Brees, the Viking's running back Adrian Peterson, or could it be the Cowboy's Terrell Owens? Looking over what has transpired thus far this season, I would have to say none of the above, in fact TO may be only the second best player on his team. If you're looking for an early season MVP in football, while some may argue (and have a case) that the Packers WR Greg Jennings deserves consideration, I would have to cast my vote for tight end Jason Witten.

What makes Witten so valuable is not just the numbers he puts on the board for fantasy owners and the Cowboys, but what you don't find in the box score. Witten is a ferocious blocker and plays a valuable role in the Cowboys run game and he's also one of the toughest players on the field playing through injuries. This season After week 5 of the season, Witten leads the NFL with 35 receptions for 442 yards and has two scores. One statistic that often gets over looked, Witten also has 23 catches for 1st downs this season. Only Brandon Marshall of the Broncos has more with 24.

On the other side of the ball, could there be any argument what defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth has meant to the Tennessee Titans. Haynesworth has been unstoppable on the inside of the line creating havoc and disruption for opposing offenses. His 5 sacks this season ranks him 5th in the NFL and his 15 solos tackles ranks him tied for 6th among the top 30 NFL pass rushers this season. With Albert leading the charge, the Titans are one of the toughest teams against the pass.


Power Rankings

How they rank...
1. New York Giants (4-0-0)....how can anyone argue a team that is 4-0 and dominating their opponents on both sides of the ball. The Giants offense is ranked number one overall this season in total yards, while their defense is ranked 3rd overall. Eli Manning is continuing to play like a quarterback with a Superbowl ring on his finger, while the entire defense is playing with the spirit of the Lawrence Taylor. A huge bruising power back punishing the opposing defenses and a relentless pass rush swallowing opposing quarterbacks, now that is the definition of The Best!

2. Tennessee Titans (5-0-0)....the Titans are using the same formula that is working for the Giants. The Titans are running the ball this season (7 rushing Tds, 2nd most in NFL) and playing great defense (ranked 5th overall). The Titans have the new Thunder & Lightning with RB LenDale White and RB Chris Johnson, and a formidable defense with names like Bulluck, Haynesworth, and Vanden-Bosch.

3. Washington Redskins (4-1-0)....if they hadn't played the Giants in week one, the Redskins have looked so good the past several weeks beating Dallas and Philly, they could get several votes for the number one spot. The Redskins are filled with a bunch of no names on defense that are playing steady and doing the job, while their offense is filled with many playmakers that can beat you in more than one way; Portis, Moss, Randle-El, Cooley, pick your poison.

4. Dallas Cowboys (4-1-0)....America's team has been entertaining if anything, but after losing to the Redskins last week and holding off the Bengals in week 5, their star has lost a little of its' shine. Tony Romo and the Boys still have lots of weapons on both sides of the ball and in week 9 their clash with the Giants in New York is going to be huge!

5. Carolina Panthers (4-1-0)....without question, quarterback Jake Delhomme has to be the comeback player of the year thus far. The Panthers are running the ball well with their 1-2 punch of Williams and Stewart, but Delhomme has been solid this season. Over the past two week Delhomme has completed 34 of 51 passes (67%) and thrown for 530 yards and tossed 4 touchdowns!

Rounding out the top 10...

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1-0)....a huge road win continues their rise back up the board.
7. Buffalo Bills (4-1-0)....we could see them start to fall if Edwards is out for a while.
8. Denver Broncos (4-1-0)....finally they're defense shows up to play an entire game.
9. New England Patriots (3-1-0).....they are still the defending AFC Champions.
10. Chicago Bears (3-2-0)....their defense is making plays and Orton looks like an NFL quarterback.

In the mix

As we look over the first quarter of the season, there have been a number of players that have fallen off some of your fantasy stock watches. One player that remains in the mix and that fantasy owners should note, is Bronco's WR Brandon Stokley. With Denver's top wide out stealing a lot of the thunder and the rookie drawing some notable attention Stokley has merely caught 13 passes for 132 yards and a score over the past two weeks. With teams focsuing on Marshall and Royal, Stokley could continue to see more productive days.

Now that he is back on the playing field, Seahawks WR Bobby Engram is clearly back in the mix. On Sunday Engram was targeted 12 times and pulled in 8 passes for 61 yards. It was not a big day for fantasy owners, but a telling sign of what to expect from the Seahawks receiver in weeks to come.

The Cowboys truly have an incredible dilemma they will have to deal with week in and week out, with so many stars on offense, there is only one ball to share. On Sunday, the Cowboys rookie RB Felix Jones made it apparent he wasn't going to make this dilemma less challenging for the coaches. The dynamic shifty back carried the ball only 9 times, but totaled 96 rushing yards including a 33 yard touchdown run! Jones is playing behind Barber, the Cowboy's every-down, but with his talent it will be too difficult to not get Jones in the mix.

When week 5 began, they were many folks talking about trading WR Randy Moss away, sell, sell, sell. Fantasy show after fantasy show (and yes I listen to many) were talking to team owners about dealing away one of the biggest talents in the NFL. Experts were advising such a move, but if you watched any of the pregame shows on Sunday, you might have caught a glimpse of one segment that would have told you holding onto Moss could be wise. Apparently Moss and his quarterback had a sit down during their bye week, and if Sunday's results were any indication, I'd say that must have been one hell-of-a-talk! Moss finished with 5 catches for 111 yards and a 66 yard score. Not only was the Moss we know and love back on Sunday, but fantasy owners better note, he's definitely in the mix now!


4th quarter timeout

fantasy notes from the past week...
If you are a fantasy owner of RB Larry Johnson and you're not holding rookie RB Jamaal Charles on your bench, unless you have a back-up RB2 option, you could be in trouble. If you watched this past weekend's games and caught the Carolina-KC matchup you probably noticed that the Chiefs defense is horrible. The Panthers ran roughshod all over them on Sunday rushing for 205 yards and once the team fell behind by 21 points, it was exit LJ and enter Charles in charge. Unless the Chiefs can find a new defense, fantasy owners could see this become a repeating trend.

So far this season, many fantasy owners will agree that RB Laurence Maroney could be the biggest "bust of the year." Maroney was taken in many fantasy drafts as a high to mid RB2 and so far this season he has disappeared. In four games Maroney has only carried the ball 28 times for 93 yards and has yet to record a single catch or touchdown! Maroney has missed some action this season due to nagging injuries, but when he is on the field, he's performing more like the waterboy, than a fantasy stud. Owners better start "Searching the Scrap Heap" for needed help.

There seems to be a dark cloud looming over the city of Cincinnati. I have not seen or read anything other than the normal reports all you have seen or read about QB Carson Palmer, but if something looks wrong, sounds wrong, and just doesn't add up right, there must be something wrong. Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on the health of Palmer and his elbow/arm. Palmer has only thrown 3 touchdowns through four games, compared to 10 last season. One of the biggest concerns for fantasy owners (and the Bengals) has to be the lack of the "long ball." Palmer's longest completed pass this season is 36 yards (26th in the NFL) which was mostly accomplished by the feet of RB DeDe Dorsey.

Check back again every week for more from my "Monday Morning Huddle."

THE SUNDAY NIGHT NFL REPORT

October 5th, 2008 10:37pm PST

Week 5...
NFL Injury News

The Bills starting QB Trent Edwards was knocked out of his week 5 game against the Cardinals on Sunday. Edwards was carted off the field and later it was reported he suffered a concussion. No additional information is available at this time.

The Seahawks WR Deion Branch suffered an apparent heal injury on Sunday. Branch did not play in the second half and the injury appears to be a day-to-day situation.

The Giants WR Domenik Hixon suffered a mild concussion on Sunday in the first half of his game with the Seahawks. Hixon was ruled out for the second half and no further information has been released.

The Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck suffered and an apparent knee injury on Sunday and did not finish the game. Hasselbeck was injured early and continued, but was taken out in the third quarter. It is not know if his exit was a result of the injury of the fact the team was getting blown out, so no need to risk further injury.

The Chargers WR Chris Chambers suffered a lower leg injury on Sunday. He was taken off the field to have X-rays taken and the severity of his injury is not known.

The Buccaneers QB Brian Griese was injured Sunday during the team's week 5 game. Griese was shaken up during the third quarter and apparently suffered an injury to his elbow. Jeff Garcia finished the game in his place.

The Panthers WR DJ Hackett suffered a knee injury during the team's week 5 game according to CBS Sports.com. There is no further information available at this time.

The Lions QB Jon Kitna suffered back spasms during the team's week 5 game. Kitna was replaced by back up QB Dan Orlovsky, but it is not know if Kitna was pulled in favor or left as a result of his injury. Orlovsky was also injured in the same game. He suffered a high ankle sprain and the severity of his injury is not known.

The Eagles RB Brian Westbrook was injured during the team's week 5 game. He suffered a rib contusion and the extent of the injury is not known.

The Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal left Sunday's game early with an ankle injury. No additional information is available at this time.

THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT

FSH: THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT WEEK 5
October 5th, 2008 8:30am PST




THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT


If you're looking for more last minute information to help you make those last second critical descisionS, make sure you are here and check out the Sunday Morning Report.


This Week at a glance...

If you followed this weeks injury news, you heard Arizona Cardinal WR Anquan Boldin is OUT for Week 5, following his surgical procedure to repair his fractured sinus. His timeline to return is not known, but the team is hopeful Boldin can be back for Week 6. Cardinals third receiver Steve Breatson will move into the starting position in Boldin's absence.

With both RB Willie Parker sidelined with a knee injury and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall OUT for the season, back up runner Mewelde Moore will make the start tonight against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers also added free-agent RB Najeh Davenport earlier in the week and he could be active today.

In the Meadowland the Giants will be without their normal stating receiver Plaxico Burress (suspension), but the visiting Seahawks will have a pair of familiar faces returning to the line up today. WR Deion Branch back from a severe knee injury, will make the start today and receiver Bobby Engram is back to fill the slot position. Both receivers are expected to play half of the teams offensive snaps today.

The Cincinnati Bengals looking for help on the offense signed RB Cedric Benson this week and have activated WR Chris Henry as of yesterday. The team released RB Kenny Watson to make room for Henry, so it's likely that Henry will be on the field Sunday. Benson is expected to be active, but it is not known if he will play.
The Buccaneers will be missing their top receiving target from a year ago with WR Joey Galloway still sidelined with a foot injury. Galloway was ruled out on Friday and did not make the trip with the team. WR Antonio Bryant will make the start in his place against the Broncos.

Noteable Game-time plays today...

If you are an owner of RB Brian Westbrook, you will want to keep your eye on the last minute reports leading up to kick-off. It is likely it will not be announced untill just before kick-off as to whether the Eagles running back will go. If Westbrook is out, RB Correll Buckhalter will step into the starting position with the RB Lorenzo Booker sharing some carries. the Eagles play at 1pm ET (10am PST).

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be a gametime decision today, although a number of reports floating around did indicate there's a good shot that he will play today. Owners will have to check for the latest updates just before kick-off at 1pm ET (10am PST).

The Bengals are hopeful that quarterback Carson Palmer will be able to make the start today, but he will be a gametime decision. Fantasy owners need to check for last minute updates prior to kickoff. If Palmer can't go, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start, but he should not be used on any fantasy rosters this week.

The Otherside of the ball...

Check here each week for weekly key IDP injuries.
The Packers will have the services of linebacker AJ Hawk today against the Falcons. The Vikings linebacker EJ Henderson is not expected to play Monday night. The Bears could be with out defensive back Nathan Vasher today, while DB Charles Tillman sounds like he will play. The Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain is likely to play today against the Panthers, while linebacker Donnie Edwards is OUT. The Bills DB Terrence McGee was downgraded and will be OUT today. The Redskins corner Shawn Springs is questionable and could be game-time.

Check "Sunday Morning Game-Time" for the last minutes starts and sits for today's games.


Two Minute Drill!

Fill the Void:
If you are in a deep league or PPR league needing help at the RB position, a possible fill in this week (if available in your league) could be the Buc's Warrick Dunn. Even in a time share role, the veteran running back has been productive with catching passes and running the ball. Dunn has ran for 197 yards and has caught 10 passes for 82 yards, with a touchdown.

With the Broncos leaning heavy on a pass-happy camp this season, for owners in deep leagues or PPRs, last week Brandon Stokley emerged as a possible fill in or flex option with his 7 catch 80 yard performance on the road against the Chiefs.

The Giants are without WR Plaxico Burress this week, opening to door of opportunity for other players to step up and make plays. A possible servcieable option for the week, is WR Steve Smith. In week 3 the Giants wide out was productive with 7 catches for 60 yards.



Three and Out (RBs & WRs):
Three receiver I like in week 5 and one that I would

Wide Receivers...

(1st Down) WR-Brandon Marshall (Den)....the Broncos talented receiver "Optimus Prime" should have a huge day on Sunday matching up with the Buccaneers smaller corners. Marshall is the highest targeted receiver in the league and there is no chance this changes today. Play him, he will be busy all afternoon.

(2nd Down) WR-Andre Johnson (Hou)....the Texans offense is starting to warm-up, but this unit won't get off the ground unless they get their big stud receiver involved. Johnson has yet to find the end-zone this season, but today he could make multiple trips. A solid play against the Colts defense today, start him.

(3rd Down) WR-Lee Evans (Buf)...if you watched film from last week's shoot out between the Cardinals and the Jets, you have to be salivating if you own Evans. The Cards were burned for six touchdowns and all Evens does is catch the deep ball. I expect to see him make at least one trip to the house today, start him.

(OUT-sit him) WR-Ike Hilliard (TB)....with Galloway OUT and Bryant in, it sounds like Hilliard with draw Broncos corner Champ Bailey in coverage today. That's not a good matchup if you own Hilliard, could be a wiser move to sit him today, if you have other options.

THE ATL REPORT

FSH: THE ATL REPORT
October, 4th, 2008 11:43pm PST

THIS WEEK AROUND THE LEAGUE



NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE


ARIZONA
The Cardinals will be without WR Anquan Boldin on Sunday. Boldin underwent surgery to repair his fractured sinus and the team is hopeful he can return by Week 6. The teams number three receiver Steve Breaston will move into the starting position this Sunday against the Bills.

ATLANTA
The Falcons RB Michael Turner leads the NFL in rushing with 422 yards this season. This week the Falcon's rusher will have a favorable matchup on the road to facing the NFL's 26th ranked run defense (Green Bay). The Packers are allowing 157.8 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards/carry this season.

CAROLINA
Last week Panther's quarterback Jake Delhomme had his best passing day of the season completing 20 of 29 passes for 294 yards with two touchdowns. For the season, Delhomme has completed 60% of his passes and thrown 3 touchdowns to only one pick. On Sunday he faces the Chiefs 14th ranked pass defense that has recorded only 3 sacks this season (tied for 29th).

CHICAGO
With WR Brandon Lloyd ruled OUT for Sunday and WR Marty Booker likely a game-time decision, the Bears WR/KR specialist Devin Hester could be elevated into the starting line-up and play a more prominent role in the offense.

DALLAS
The Cowboys are expected to get back to the running game quite a bit more this week. Last Sunday in their loss to the Redskins, RB Marion Barber had only 8 carries while rookie RB Felix Jones did not see any touches. This week against the Bengal's 28th ranked run defense (allowing 164 yds/game) the Boys will undoubtedly focus more on the run and get both Barber and Jones more involved with the offense.

DETROIT
According to the Lions Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto, the team will try to pick up the passing attack in week 5. Colletto is not throwing in the towel, but the team has not been effective on the ground in three games this season and has often found themselves falling behind early. The OC would like to open things up with more multiple receiver sets in hopes of manufacturing points faster.

GREEN BAY
The latest on QB Aaron Rodgers' status for Sunday; it appears that the chances of Rodgers playing Sunday look shaky at best according to Packernews.com. If Rodgers sits, back up rookie quarterback Mat Flynn would get the start.

MINNESOTA
It looks like the Vikings who play the New Orleans Saints on Monday night could be without LB EJ Henderson, who is doubtful and WR Bernard Berrian, who was just added to the injury reports on Friday. The good news is left tackle Bryant McKinnie will return with the team from his four game suspension.

NEW ORLEANS
The Saints, who will be facing the Minnesota Vikings and RB Adrian Peterson on Monday, will be without DT Sedrick Ellis. Ellis has started all four of the team's games so far this season. His absence will be a huge loss to a defense that faces a tough matchup with the Vikings Peterson.

NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants are returning from their bye week with the NFL's 4th ranked defense overall. In three games this season the Giant's defense has recorded 13 sacks (tied 4th in the NFL) and has allowed only 1 rushing touchdown this season (tied for 3rd in NFL).

PHILADELPHIA
The Eagles RB Brian Westbrook returned to practice on Friday and was a full participant. While this is a good sign for Eagles fans, Westbrook remains questionable for Sunday. It appears that this could be a game-time decision with the likelihood of Westbrook actually returning to the field this week. If Westbrook does not make it back, then RB Correll Buckhalter would once again start in his place.

ST. LOUIS
The Rams will enjoy their week off to try and regroup and improve their struggling offense. The Rams offense in total yards ranks 30th overall in the league and their 43 points scored this season ranks last.

SAN FRANCISCO
The Niners new offense has not been a friend to third-year tight end Vernon Davis. In four starts this season, Davis has only recorded 5 catches for 87 yards, and last week against the Saints he had just one catch.

SEATTLE
The Seahawks receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram will return to the field this Sunday against the Giants. According to head coach Mike Holmgren, the hope is both receivers can play half the number of offensive plays called this Sunday.

TAMPA BAY
The Buccaneers WR Galloway continues to struggle with his foot injuries this season. Already ruled out for week 5, Galloway did not make the trip to Denver with the team for Sunday's game. There is timeline for Galloway's expected return.

WASHINGTON
The Redskins already without DE Jason Taylor, could be missing CB Shawn Springs from the line up on Sunday in their tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles. Springs sat out of practice on Friday, but head coach Jim Zorn has not ruled him out for week 5.


AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE


BALTIMORE
Reports out of the Raven's camp indicate that injured running back Willis McGahee could miss Sunday's matchup with the Titans. McGahee is listed as questionable and if he sits, RB LeRon McClain would start with rookie RB Ray Rice rotating at tailback.

BUFFALO
The Bills running back Marshawn Lynch has not had a fantastic start this season running the ball, only gaining 275 yards rushing this season. His 3.5 yards per carry ranks last among the top 15 rushers in the NFL, but his 4 rushing touchdowns have him ranked among the elite.

CINCINNATI
The Bengals have activated WR Chris Henry for this weekend's tilt with the Dallas Cowboys. In order to make room on the roster, the team released RB Kenny Watson. The team also signed free-agent RB Cedric Benson earlier in the week.

CLEVELAND
Last week the Browns were finally able to secure their first win, but they continue to struggle on offense and head into their bye week as the 2nd worst scoring offense in the NFL (11.5 pts/game). Both the running game (ranked 27th) and the pass (32nd) have been anemic this season, with QB Derek Anderson carrying a lot of weight. Anderson has struggled this season throwing only 3 touchdowns, while being intercepted 6 times.

DENVER
The Broncos WR Brandon Marshall aka "Optimus-Prime," leads all receivers in the NFL with 47 touches this season (in only 3 games played). In those games he's caught 31 passes (tied for NFL lead) for 398 receiving yards (4th in the NFL) and scored three touchdowns (tied for 5th). Prior to the start of the 2008 season, Marshall had set some lofty goals planning on 140 receptions, and he's well on his way.

HOUSTON
Last week QB Matt Schaub finally had a break out game, passing for 307 yards and throwing 3 touchdowns. Heading into Sunday the Texans will like to see their big time receiver Andre Johnson break out and get going early. So far the receiver has been in a little stall with only 15 catches on the year and no touchdowns.

INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts QB Peyton Manning comes off the bye ready to face a team (Texans) that he has averaged nearly 300 yards passing and thrown 10 touchdowns in his last four meetings. In three of those contests he has thrown 3 scores and twice he has passed for over 300 yards, not to mention Indy is 3-1 in those games.

JACKSONVILLE
The Jaguars defense ranked 18th overall will look to get healthy and make plays against a Steeler offense that has struggled to protect their quarterback. In four games this season the Jags have only reached the quarterback 5 times, but will matchup against an offensive line that has allowed 16 sacks.

KANSAS CITY
In his last two starts the Chiefs star RB Larry Johnson has rushed for 319 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. He has started to look more like the LJ we remember from 2006, when he ran for 1,789 yards (2nd in the NFL behind LT). This week the Chiefs will be on the road to face the Carolina Panthers, ranked 19th against the run.

MIAMI
Through three weeks of action RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown have split the load in the backfield. Williams has 37 carries for 150 yards rushing, while Brown has carried the ball 34 times for 161 yards. In the passing game, Brown has caught 6 passes for 56 yards, and Williams has caught 7 passes for 37 yards. The big difference between the two backs, Brown has 5 rushing touchdowns and Williams none.

OAKLAND
The Raiders head into their bye week with one of the leagues worst passing offenses (ranked 27th). The good news for the Raider nation is in week 4 QB Jamarcus Russell finally played well throwing the ball for 277 yards and a score. With the week of rest, the Raiders 5th ranked rushing offense (led by McFadden, Bush, & Fargas) will be able to get healthy and resume its productive ways.

PITTSBURGH
The Steelers are without RB Willie Parker this Sunday and with rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall just being added to the injured reserve, back-up runner Mewelde Moore will make the start against the Jaguars. Recently signed RB Najeh Davenport could also see action on Sunday.

NEW ENGLAND
The Patriots return to action this week and both QB Matt Cassell and WR Randy Moss hope to find some semblance of chemistry. In their first two full games together, the two have only hooked up 6 times for 47 yards with no touchdowns. Facing the Niners 19th ranked pass defense on Sunday, these two will look to change their luck.

NEW YORK JETS
Following his career day passing last Sunday when he threw six touchdowns, the Jets quarterback Brett Favre sits atop the NFL's passing elite with a 110.8 passer rating (best in NFL). Favre has completed 70% of his passes this season (2nd in the league), and he also leads all passers with 12 touchdowns.

SAN DIEGO
The Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers is having one of his best starts of his career. Through the teams first four games, Rivers has thrown for 1,024 yards and tossed 10 touchdowns (2nd in NFL). Rivers' passer rating of 109.8 ranks 2nd and his 9.3 yards per pass is best in the league.

TENNESSEE
The Titans pass defense has recorded 15 sacks (tied for 2nd in NFL) and 8 interceptions (tied for most) this season. They are lead by DL Albert Haynesworth who has 5 sacks and DB Cortland Finnegan who has 4 picks through 4 games.


Check back every Saturday for the weekly ATL Report!