1. Plaxico Burress vs. Cleveland. Plax’s comments, for better or worse, really pinned him as the bad guy this week and he’s taken a lot of heat in both the New York, and National media. However, inside the Giants’ locker room, it’s really been a non-issue and both the team and receiver are ready to move on. In a game that the Giants should begin by pounding the ball and establishing the ground game with Jacobs and Co., I see the Browns being forced to bring a safety up to help out leaving their corners alone on an island. Once this happens, if the Giants can control the line of scrimmage, which they should be able to do, look for Manning and Plax to become reacquainted early and often and I see #17 reeling in 8 or 9 catches for a 100 and a TD.
2. Greg Jennings vs. Seattle. If there’s one thing Seattle’s done well thus far, it’s give up a lot of points. GB comes in reeling a bit after three consecutive losses, but Jennings has produced in spite of those results. He and Rodgers have really developed a strong rapport and I see them putting up solid numbers through the air in this one. GB’s inability to run this year has hurt the play action, but has helped the overall passing numbers because they’re constantly being put into situations where they need to throw. In what should be a high scoring affair, look for Jennings to abuse CB Trufant or Kelly Jennings and put the ball in the end zone with at least 100 yards through the air.
3. DeSean Jackson vs. San Fransisco. If you’ve seen the back of #22 Nate Clements a lot this year, raise your hand? Me too. Mike Nolan’s “bend don’t break” defense isn’t having its desired effect as guys are getting deep on this secondary and SF currently leads the league in allowing plays of 40 yards or more. The confident rookie should do very nicely in this game as he’s coming back to his hometown by the bay, the Eagles are very mad about losing their last two games and are looking to make a statement, and McNabb usually has good games against lesser opponents, so all this leads up to some long plays for the rookie and more than likely a deep ball into the end zone.
Sleepers:
1. Steve Smith vs. Tampa Bay. The Bucs have one of the league’s best defenses, and in particular, pass defenses, but Smith historically puts on his best performance when facing his hated division rival. In a season where Carolina has seen its running game revived with Williams and rookie Stewart, the Panthers have had much success through the air and that’ll continue for Smith in this lower scoring affair. Look for him to put up 70 yards and a TD.
2. Vincent Jackson vs. New England. Although the Bolts are playing poorly right now, their problem has primarily been on the ground, and creating holes for Tomlinson, but I think this week, even if it’s just for a week, it all comes together. The hated rival Patriots come to town in a game with much less significance than the past two playoff losses, and with a much different look now that Brady is out for the year. I think the Chargers will show no mercy in this one if they get a lead and into a groove and with the Patriots focusing on containing Ladainian, I think Rivers will have a lot of success through the air. New England’s also without the services of Asante Samuel who left for Philly and have been vulnerable to the pass (58-year old Isaac Bruce score two TDs on them), so look for a strong day out of Jackson.
