|
Start 'Em:
LaDainian Tomlinson v. CAR
LT will run and run often on a Carolina defense whose fortunes
may lie in the hands of Julius Peppers. I’ll take LT and a season
that will only be defined by a trip to the Superbowl.
Brian Westbrook v. STL
Westy probably has the best chance to supplant LT this season
as top dog. The Rams are sturdy against the run, but the Villanova
grad is coming off a career best year and shows no signs of slowing
down. Also, McNabb is still healthy as of this sentence.
Adrian
Peterson @ GB
The Packers have been kind to Purple Jesus, allowing him well
north of four yards a carry in their two meetings last season.
I don’t see that changing.
Willie Parker v. HOU
Caught in the gears of the Mendenhall bandwagon is one William
Everette Parker, a fleet, powerful back who will find success
against Houston’s 4-3. Don’t worry about the TDs.
Marion Barber @ CLE
Apologies to Zack
de la Rocha, but if anger is a gift, then Marion Barber is
Santa Claus. The dude runs like someone just kicked his mother.
He won’t make it through the season, but woe to anyone who faces
him on the field between now and then. This week it’s the sucktastic
Browns D.
Marshawn Lynch v. SEA
Tough grunt of a RB faces latte-sipping nancy boys from the geekiest
burg in the U.S. (due to the proximity of Microsoft galactic headquarters;
if you’re interested, Bangalore, India is the world’s geekiest
burg)…would it be that that were true? Actually, the Hawks have
a strong LB corps, headed by the unfortunately named Lofa Tatupu.
No, this ranking comes from a feeling that the Bills might be
much improved on offense this year, opening lanes for Mr. Lynch.
Thomas Jones @ MIA
Jones has the benefit of a great line (on paper) and a threat
at QB. If he doesn’t put up a century and a TD against the Fins,
pick up Leon Washington.
Frank Gore v. ARI
What can Mike Martz do for Frank Gore? The consensus shades to
the positive, but the Cardinals D is on the rise. Look for Gore
to do some damage catching.
Brandon Jacobs v. WAS
Pituitary marvel BJ falls at least five yards forward every time
touches the ball. The Skins aren’t big enough to stop him.
Laurence Maroney v. KC
Going out on a limb here, but I think this could be a good game
for Maroney. The man runs hard and the Hooded Monk might be looking
to come at the Chiefs with the run early and often.
Bench 'Em:
Willis McGahee v. BUF
Bum with a bum knee.
Edgerrin James @ SF
The Niners line will contain a man whose time has come and gone.
LenDale White v. JAX
If the Titans can produce on the ground against Mike Peterson
and Company, it will be rookie speed merchant Chris Johnson doing
the damage.
Matt Forte @ IND
Less an indictment of the rookie than a condemnation of the Ursine
offense. Oh yeah, and Indy has a defense.
Ahman Green @ PIT
High-stepping yardage machine now just a plodder with but a hangnail
between him and IR.
Wide Receivers
|
