When the 2007 NFL schedule was set and ESPN got their Monday Night Football pairings, you could imagine the executives being relatively happy about the Giants-Falcons matchup: Eli Manning vs. Michael Vick would be easy to promo. That was before we learned of doggie rape stands and electrocutions. Now this has to rank as one of the worst matchups of recent memory for ESPN.
When the Dolphins have the ball:Ronnie Brown will run the ball, Ronnie Brown will catch the ball, and heck, Ronnie Brown might even throw the ball. Cam Cameron has been using Ronnie Brown much in the same way he used LaDainian Tomlinson when he was with San Diego. As fantasy owners could tell you, Brown's averaging a combined 142 yards per game, and has scored five touchdowns on the season. Considering Cleo Lemon will be making his first career start at quarterback, they'll likely give the ball to Brown as much as possible.
When the Browns have the ball: They'll try to establish the run against the Dolphins, who like themselves, have one of the worst rush defenses in the league. With Jamal Lewis questionable, Jason Wright could see a lot of action. The Browns will probably fall back on their passing game, which has averaged 250 yards a contest with Derek Anderson as quarterback.
When the Redskins have the ball: Apparently, having a mobile, strong-armed quarterback is actually beneficial for an offense. Jason Campbell, in his first year as starter, is coming of NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors (he finished 23 for 29, passing for 248 yards and two touchdowns). According to Football Outsiders, the passing offense ranks eighth, even if Ladell Betts and Clinton Portis have yet to get going in the running game. (The patchwork offensive line might have something to do with that.)
When the Packers have the ball: Well, it's not original, but it still holds: how Brett Favre goes, so go the Packers. Last week, Favre had some key turnovers, and Brian Griese turned them into points for the Bears. The Redskins defense is much better than Chicago's, so Favre will have to minimize his mistakes (like he's done for most of the season), and Green Bay will need to run the ball effectively.
When the Chargers have the ball: They'll run, run, run, and run it some more. They were successful against Denver throwing just 18 passes in a 41-3 win, electing to run it 37 times. LaDainian Tomlinson didn't have his A-game going, but he continued to have success catching the ball out of the backfield. Rivers will also get the ball in the hands of Antonio Gates, who's averaging just about 100 yards per game.
2007 Record: New Orleans Saints: 0-4 (4th in NFC South) Seattle Seahawks: 3-2 (2nd in NFC West)
Last Week: Panthers 16, Saints 13 Steelers 21, Seahawks 0
When the Saints have the ball: They've gotta figure out a way to get this offense going. Replacing Devery Henderson with Lance Moore should bring some consistency in the passing game, and the offensive line showed marked improvement last week against Carolina (despite the efforts of left tackle Jammal Brown). That should be a formula for a breakout of sorts. But even with better protection last week, Drew Brees looked off. He looks like a guy shaken by the pressure he faced early in the season and frustrated with abundance of drops from his receivers, someone who feels he has to win by himself and tries too hard. He needs others to step up so that he can get comfortable in the pocket and play like the 2006 Brees.
2007 Record: St. Louis Rams: 0-5 (4th in NFC West) Baltimore Ravens: 3-2 (2nd in AFC North) Last Week: Cardinals 34, Rams 31 Ravens 9, 49ers 7
When the Rams have the ball: Marc Bulger is the superior quarterback, but Gus Frerotte has one thing on him -- knowledge of Scott Linehan's no-huddle offense. Linehan utilized it often with the Vikings and Dolphins, but in a little over a season Bulger has yet to fully grasp it, restricting the ability to use it. With Frerotte at the helm, however, the Rams can open the playbook. Injuries continue to mount, as the team will be shorthanded at receiver, but new slot receiver Marques Hagans and Frerotte have chemistry, and the team moved the ball much better last week than they have at any point with Bulger under center this season. With the Ravens only allowing 66 yards on the ground per week, and Steven Jackson still out, the no-huddle will be a good way to keep the Ravens on their toes.
2007 Record: Carolina Panthers: 3-2 (2nd in NFC South) Arizona Cardinals: 3-2 (1st in NFC West)
Last Week: Panthers 16, Saints 13 Cardinals 34, Rams 31
When the Panthers have the ball: The gloves. The key is in the gloves. The entire offense will have to perform much better than they did last week at New Orleans, where they were lucky to have a win handed to them. David Carr was lucky to face a Saints defense with just one sack on the season, but the Cardinals are much more aggressive. They're seventh in terms of sacks with 14, and Carr, as is practically common knowledge, holds onto the ball longer than Omar Epps in The Program. Then again, Carr has missed two practices this week and Vinny Testaverde, he of three days worth of experience with the Panthers, is his probable replacement. Maybe the Panthers should just run the wishbone.
When the Eagles have the ball: When last we saw the Eagles they were being sacked a dozen times by the New York Giants. That's unlikely to happen against the other New York 11 since they have mustered three whole sacks in five games. Making it even less likely is the miserable run defense the Jets employ which should find the Eagles using Brian Westbrook a lot more than they did on their last trip to the Meadowlands. For all the focus on Donovan McNabb, Westbrook is the most dangerous weapon at Andy Reid's disposal and he'd be wise to use him at every opportunity. The pressure is on Dewayne Robertson to be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, something he's failed to do each week this season. If he fails again, Westbrook will run wild.
When the Patriots have the ball: No Laurence Maroney? No problem. The Patriots own the #3 rushing offense in the NFL despite not having their top back for the last two games. Dallas is a good run defending team up the gut, but can be had in cutback lanes. Look for Maroney and Sammy Morris to look outside for cutback lanes against Dallas' 3-4 scheme. This could be available because the Cowboys will have to find a way to deal with Tom Brady's unconcious play. Dude's completed nearly 3 out of every 4 passes he throws and is the NFL's top rated passer. Dallas doesn't like to play zone coverages, so look for one-on-one matchups for Randy Moss. The man to watch out for is Wes Welker, who could fill in the holes left by blitzing Cowboy linebackers. New England did this against San Diego earlier this year ... and destroyed them. Psst. Head coach Wade Phillips installed that defense, too.
When the Vikings have the ball: Brad Childress still hasn't decided on a starting quarterback between Tarvaris Jackson and Kelly Holcomb. Whichever man gets the call, the key to success will come on the ground. The Bears gave up 121 yards on the ground against the anemic Packer backs last week. The Vikings come much stronger with the troika of Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor and Mewelde Moore and will ride the threesome as far is it takes them. The Bears couldn't load the box with an extra man against the Packers because of Brett Favre but with Darwin Walker out and the Vikings reliant on the run they may have to come up with a new scheme. Even if they do, Minnesota must keep running the ball because 12 sacks allowed and six interceptions speak to how much bad happens when they do put the ball in the air.
To get you ready for week 6, FanHouse is previewing all 14 NFL games. Here is the New York Giants/Atlanta Falcons preview.
To get you ready for week 6, 
To get you ready for week 6, 
To get you ready for Week 6, 
To get you ready for Week 6, 
To get you ready for Week 6, 
To get you ready for Week 6, 
To get you ready for week 6, 
To get you ready for week 6, 
