Running back Jamal Lewis suffered a serious concussion Sunday in Cincinnati and was visiting a specialist on Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The injury may force Lewis into retirement five weeks before he anticipated. He has said this would be his last NFL season.
Source: cleveland.com
Should Jennings get the nod, he faces a decent match up this week vs. the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are currently ranked 21st (1 being the best) defending the run and are on average giving up 118.1 yards per game. They have only surrendered 8 rushing TDs in the 11 games they have played this year, but they also rank 13th (1 being the best) in allowing fantasy points to opposing RB's.
Matt Moore will get the call vs. the Bucs with Jake Delhomme hampered by a broken finger; not because of his league leading 18 interceptions (just to be clear). Apparently the Panthers aren't too comfortable with Moore's abilities, or he would have been the starter weeks ago.
The attached Moore highlights may not provide Panther fans with a lot of comfort, but hopefully they'll enjoy watching a pick free clip.
At least the broken finger allows the Panthers to duck their meager ROI with Jake's five-year deal that agent Rick Smith said is worth $42.5 million with $20 million in guarantees.
Matt Moore vs. Buccaneers
Matt Moore faces a good match up this week vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are currently ranked 11th (1 being the best) defending the pass and are on average giving up 210.5 yards per game. They have already surrendered 24 passing TDs in the 11 games they have played this year and they also rank 4th best in allowing fantasy points to opposing QB's.
In Julius Jones absence, Forsett rushed for 123 yards against Arizona, a defense that ranked No. 3 in the league against the run entering the game and just four weeks ago held the Seahawks to 14 yards rushing, the lowest game total in franchise history.
"I was impressed with what Justin did," coach Jim Mora said. "But that's what we've got to expect out of him. He's a good little player. He's got a big heart." Source: seattletimes.com
Justin Forsett will face another tough match up
Forsett gets the starting nod this week with
Julius Jones still dealing with bleeding in his lungs. The Hawks head into Minnesota to face the Vikings and their 6th best defending the run defense. The Vikings are giving up a season average of only 94.6 rushing yards per game. They have surrendered just 2 rushing TD’s and they also rank 31st in allowing fantasy points to opposing RB's. Only the Steelers are stingier at 32 overall.
The Dolphins won’t know until later this evening or early tomorrow whether running back Ronnie Brown’s right ankle injury will keep him out of Thursday’s game, coach Tony Sparano said today.
If Brown cannot play, Sparano said he feels “completely comfortable” shifting the load to running back Ricky Williams, who has split the carries with Brown this season.
Source: palmbeachpost.com
Inside the Numbers
Williams faces a good match up this Thursday on the road vs. the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers are currently ranked 23rd defending the run and are on average giving up 128.1 yards per game. They have already surrendered 9 rushing TD’s in the games they have played this year and they also rank 9th best in allowing fantasy points to opposing RB's. Update: Brown officially ruled out of Thursday night's game vs. Panthers.
Michael Turner (high ankle sprain), third in the ’08 MVP balloting, could be unavailable at least for Sunday’s game in New York against the Giants. Snelling has no qualms about taking over the lead role if called upon.
“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m prepared for and I think that’s why I’m here,” he said. “We got a great offense and a great line and I’ll be prepared to go.”
Source: atlantafalcons.com
Opportunity Knocks
If Snelling gets the call, he'll face a decent road match up vs. the New York Giants. (As it stands now, and if he's healthy enough, Jerious Norwood (hip) appears to be the starting running back for the Falcons if Michael Turner (ankle) is not available.) The Giants went into their bye week ranked 19th defending the run, were on average giving up 113.1 yards per game and have surrendered 12 rushing TDs in the 8 games they have played. They also rank 11th best in allowing fantasy points to opposing RB's. With Norwood still hampered by a hip flexor, Snelling should see plenty of work.
Related: Falcons re-sign RB Stecker to boost backfield.
