Author: Tyler Dilalla


QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith vs. Detroit
After a hot three game streak (256.3 yards/game, 7 TD and 1 INT), Smith struggled facing blitz heavy defenses the next two weeks (160.5 yards/game, 3 TD and 5 INT). The 49ers are out of the playoff hunt but are looking to end the season strong against the Lions and Rams and expect a bounce back performance against the Lions defense which ranks dead last in passing yards and touchdowns allowed.


RUNNING BACK

Jerome Harrison vs. Oakland
He beat Jim Brown’s franchise record. Anyone who breaks a Jim Brown record deserves a start. Props to anyone who actually started Harrison, you must have gotten a text from Magini before the coin toss about who was actually starting. But this is still Magini and Harrison still might not be the starter against the Raiders.

Michael Bush at Cleveland
On the other side, Bush also had a career game last week against a better defense in a city just as cold as Cleveland. I doubt there will be much passing in this game so expect a lot of ground work. Whichever front line can get the better push is going to get the “W.”

Jason Snelling vs. Buffalo
The Bills’ defense is completely depleted and rank last in rushing yards allowed. Turner and Norwood both got injured again last week and Snelling is the only healthy running back on the team. Look for Snelling to pound his way through the middle of the injured Bills defense.


WIDE RECEIVER

Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem vs. Tampa Bay
So the perfect season is gone and it is time to focus on the playoffs. If the game is over by the third quarter (which you can assume because it is Tampa), expect more bench players filling in the main roles. I don’t see Colston in the game very long so Henderson, Moore, and Meachem will all get more looks.

Mike Wallace vs. Baltimore
This is the biggest game of the year for the Steelers and Wallace has been vital for every win. He has 400 yards and 5 touchdowns when the Steelers win (200 yards and 0 touchdowns in losses). Wallace has to be in the offense if the Steelers want to be victorious.


TIGHT END

David Thomas vs. Tampa Bay
Jeremy Shockey was out last week and he should be out again this week. Thomas had 8 receptions for 77 yards. He had 4 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown last time he faced the Bucs (his only touchdown). He is a safe pick up for this week.


DEFENSE

Dallas at Washington
The Cowboys are on their high horse beating the once unbeaten Saints last week by disrupting the offense and getting pressure on Brees. The Monday Night Game was a short summary of a terrible year, and the last for Zorn, for the Redskins. The Cowboys will look to keep the #1 spot in the NFC East and the defense should easily take care of the Skins this week.


KICKER

Shayne Graham vs. Kansas City
3 out of 4 weeks, Graham has kicked three field goals and hasn’t missed one in five weeks. The Chiefs defense is just awful, especially allowing the Browns to run all over them. The Bengals will not have a problem against the Chiefs.