EXTREME
FANATIC
DIE-HARD
PATRIOT

Back to On the Rampage

Four AFC and four NFC teams will face off this weekend in their race to Super Bowl XXXIX (that’s 39 for those of you unfamiliar with Roman Numerals).  This weekend should prove to be just as boring as our last Sunday without the Pats (albeit without the terror-stricken Monday Night that followed).  Below is my quick run-down of the teams playing and whom I’m picking to win. 

THE AFC 

Saturday:  N.Y. JETS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 

NY Offense/SD Defense

Wayne Chrebet is not scheduled to suit up because of his concussion, and Chad Pennington’s rotator cuff is still pretty sore, so the Jets will most likely depend heavily on Curtis Martin and the running game.  Sand Diego, however, is better in rush defense than against the pass, so expect the Jets to have a pretty difficult time getting into the red zone.

EDGE:  CHARGERS   

SD Offense/NY Defense

Keenan McCardell is probable for the game, a step up from earlier this week, so the Chargers are in better condition to utilize their passing game, especially if they depend on their strong side.  One of the Jets starters, Right Defensive End John Abraham, is probable with a knee injury, leaving the Chargers strong side with an advantage.

EDGE:  CHARGERS 

OUTCOME:  Chargers will win if coaching and play-calling can take advantage of the few injuries the Jets have, while continuing to focus on their strengths in rush defense and connecting with receivers. 

Sunday:  DENVER BRONCOS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 

DN Offense/IN Defense

Dan Neil is out for the game, leaving relatively untested Cooper Carlisle in the Right Guard position to protect Jake Plummer.  Given his interception/touchdown ratio, Plummer may be hurried or rushed by the Colts.  Indy, however, has a decimated secondary, with 5 starters injured.  If Plummer can maintain good timing and connect with open receivers, the Broncos have a shot at the red zone.  He just needs to remain focused and connect with his receivers.

EDGE:  BRONCOS (BARELY) 

IN Offense/DN Defense

Indy has also been decimated on their strong side, with Dallas Clark, Marcus Pollard, and Ben Hartstock out at the TE position.  Dallas Clark is listed as probable, but with a head injury will not be up to par for this game.  With one of the two WR on the strong side, Brandon Stokley, listed as probable with a foot injury, Peyton will most likely be forced to depend on his weak side and the rushing game.  This dependency will hamper Indy’s ability to reach the red zone, as the strong side scored more times than the weak side and rushers combined (33 vs. 25 TDs, respectively).  Broncos have some minor injuries in the FS and Right CB positions, though, that could hamstring them if additional players are injured during the game.

EDGE:  BRONCOS (BARELY) 

OUTCOME:  Broncos will win if they utilize the nickel and dime, and other defensive schemes that put serious pressure on the receivers.  Keeping the receivers out of play can force Peyton out of his comfort zone. 

THE NFC 

I think you should ask me next week…it was difficult enough for me to analyze the AFC games.  I’m thinking a couple 4PM naps sound pretty good right about now.  (YAWN)

Top of Page