NFP Friday Forecast

Week 10

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals at Eagles by Jess Root of Revenge of the Birds
Impact Injuries: The Cardinals are still rather banged up. Safety Kerry Rhodes still has his foot in a cast. Kevin Kolb's status is uncertain for Sunday. Tight end Todd Heap should be able to play more this week but Rob Housler likely will not play.
The X-Factor: Non-offensive touchdowns. John Skelton is 3-2 in five career starts, but has led the offense to only four touchdowns. The defense and special teams have scored five TDs in those games. If the Cards are to win with Skelton, points will have to come from places other than the offense.
Don’t be surprised if: Special teams should play a prominent role in the winner. Both teams have elite returners. Patrick Peterson in half a season has returned three punts for touchdowns. Whichever team can neutralize the other's return game will put themselves in a great position for success.
Follow Jess on Twitter: @senorjessroot
For more on the Cards click here

Atlanta Falcons

Saints at Falcons by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Impact Injuries: Strong safety William Moore is battling a quadricep injury and likely will be replaced in the lineup by James Sanders, who started one game (Philadelphia, Sept. 18) at free safety. Left tackle Sam Baker (lower back) will miss his third consecutive game. Will Svitek has taken over for him and has held Detroit’s Kyle Vanden Bosch and Indianapolis’ Dwight Freeney sackless.
The X-Factor: RB Jacquizz Rodgers. The rookie running back is coming off his best performance with 10 carries for 44 yards. The coaches are starting to get comfortable with the little package of dynamite. They’d like to flash some lightning to go with Michael Turner’s thunder runs.
Don’t be surprised if: TE Tony Gonzalez has a big day. The Saints may elect to focus on Roddy White and rookie sensation Julio Jones. If left in one-on-one coverage, Gonzalez will still beat most linebackers and with five touchdowns he’s a force in the redzone. The Saints are the worst redzone defense in the league. The Saints have given up 15 touchdowns in 21 opponent's redzone possessions (71.4 percent).
Follow Darryl on Twitter: @AJCFalcons
For more on the Falcons click here

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens at Seahawks by Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times
Impact Injuries: Offensive guard Ben Grubbs made a strong return against the Steelers after missing six games with a right turf toe injury. Wide receiver Lee Evans has practiced twice this week on a limited basis after missing six games with a left ankle injury. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (knee) and free safety Ed Reed (shoulder) are still expected to play Sunday after not practicing Thursday.
The X-Factor: The Baltimore Ravens are naturally wary of another potential letdown after a pair of setbacks against teams with losing records this season following big victories. It happened against the Tennessee Titans after a rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers to launch the season. And the Ravens were embarrassed at how they played against the Jacksonville Jaguars, falling 12-7 in a nationally televised Monday night game one week after a dramatic triumph over the Houston Texans. Now, they have to avoid that kind of setback against the Seattle Seahawks after sweeping the Steelers with a last-minute touchdown catch by rookie Torrey Smith. The Ravens (6-2) have been installed as seven-point favorite over the Seahawks (2-6), and understandably so. The Seahawks have committed more penalties with 29 over the past three games than points scored with 28 during that span. The Seahawks rank 29th in total offense compared to the Ravens' second-ranked defense. If the Ravens play the way they're capable of, this should be a routine win.
Don’t be surprised if: The Ravens defense shuts down the Seahawks early and late. They have allowed only 13 points in the first quarter, the fewest in the league. They also finish games strong, surrendering just 26 points in the fourth quarter to rank second behind the Atlanta Falcons' 17 fourth-quarter points given up. Meanwhile, wide receiver Anquan Boldin has caught 72 career passes for 916 yards and two touchdowns in 10 previous games against the Seahawks and could be primed for another big game Sunday.
Follow Aaron on Twitter: @RavensInsider
For more on the Ravens click here

Buffalo Bills

Bills at Cowboys by Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News
Impact Injuries: The Bills will be without outside linebacker Chris Kelsay, which hurts the edge of their run defense against a good-running Dallas team. Rookie Chris Hairston is likely to start at left tackle opposite DeMarcus Ware. New kicker Dave Rayner takes over for roughly the next month while Rian Lindell heals a shoulder injury.
The X-Factor: Tony Romo vs. the opportunistic Bills defense. Buffalo leads the league in takeaways with 20. On the road against a talented opponent, the Bills could use a pickoff or two against Romo to pull off an upset.
Don’t be surprised if: The Bills' passing game is hindered by Dallas' strong pass rushers. Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to get rid of the ball quickly, as he usually does. So the Bills will have to run the ball fairly well to have an effective attack.
Follow Mark on Twitter: @gggaughan
For more on the Bills click here

Carolina Panthers

Titans at Panthers by Greg Jones of Examiner.com
Impact Injuries: The Carolina Panthers placed weakside linebacker Thomas Williams on season-ending injured reserve due to a neck injury. He suffered the injury about two weeks ago against the Minnesota Vikings. Williams, who bounced around the league before landing in Carolina, was playing well in Carolina’s nickel package. The backup linebacker had 13 tackles and defended two passes in seven games. The Panthers should have backup cornerback Darius Butler (personal) and backup safety Jordan Pugh (concussion) back against the Tennessee Titans (4-4) on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Pugh missed the last two games, and Butler missed the Vikings game due to a personal reason.
The X-Factor: The Panthers must eschew negative plays during critical moments if they are going to defeat the Titans. Carolina (2-6) has shown the ability to make big plays due to having playmakers like Cam Newton, Charles “Big Money” Johnson, Chris Gamble, Greg Hardy, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. But the Panthers have played inconsistently when they have had opportunities to win games. Carolina has had everything go wrong from penalties and poor special teams play, to terrible run defen se at crunch time. The Panthers will continue to lose close games until they figure out how to play well during tight games.
Don’t be surprised if: If Chris Johnson has a big game against Carolina. Johnson has had some struggles this season, but he is still one of the best running backs in the league. The Panthers running defense has improved in recent weeks, but Carolina still has a long way to go before that portion of their run defense catches up with their pass defense.
Follow Greg on Twitter: @gjjones_sports
For more on the Panthers click here

Chicago Bears

Lions at Bears by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune
Impact Injuries: There is concern that wide receiver Devin Hester will not be available with a sprained left ankle. Hester rolled the ankle in the fourth quarter of Monday’s victory at Philadelphia, so he’s got a short week to heal up and he was not seen at practice Thursday. It’s not expected to be a serious injury, but some suggest Hester is like a fine thoroughbred and he needs to be perfect to run. Defensive end Julius Peppers is once again battling a minor knee issue but will be tough to keep off the field. Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina also has a knee issue but it’s not serious. First-round draft pick Gabe Carimi has suffered a bit of a setback in his bid to return from a right knee injury. It’s going to be a while before he’s back in the mix unless there is an injury on the line.
The X-Factor: The Bears’ season hit a low point when they lost at Detroit on Oct. 10, the first “Monday Night Football” game for the Lions in a decade. The loss dropped the team to 2-3 and there were serious questions whether or not the team could pull out of its funk, especially considering Lovie Smith’s once vaunted defense was at the heart of the problem. But the team has responded and the Bears have now won three straight to pull to 5-3 and put them within a game of the Lions (6-2). A victory at Soldier Field pulls the Bears into a tie for second place in the NFC North, and puts them in position to battle for the fifth playoff spot in the NFC – the top wild card – because no one expects the Packers to falter atop the NFC North. So, the Bears have plenty of motivation and momentum at a critical spot in their schedule before they play four consecutive AFC West opponents. Enough to beat the powerful Lions? It just might be. The Bears’ struggles last time the teams faced were on the offensive line and those issues have been straightened out in recent weeks with Lance Louis playing well at right tackle and converted center Chris Spencer fitting in nicely at right guard.
Don’t be surprised if: Lions defensive end Cliff Avril has a big game. He has four sacks in his last two games against the Bears as he’s been able to excel with Chicago focusing on Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh. The Bears have improved their pass protection in recent weeks and have surrendered only 10 sacks in the last six games after giving up 11 in the first two of the season.
Follow Brad on Twitter: @BradBiggs
For more on the Bears click here

Cincinnati Bengals

Steelers at Bengals by Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer
Impact Injuries: DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring) has not practiced this week since being injured late in last Sunday's win at Tennessee. LB Rey Maualuga (ankle), TE Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) and CB Adam Jones (hamstring) have returned to practice but have been limited.
The X-Factor: Can a Bengals defensive line that has had a consistent pass rush be able to put pressure and take down Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger? Cincinnati has four defensive linemen who have three sacks or more and Dunlap, who led the team with 9.5 last season, has three in the past two games. If they can take down Roethlisberger, that should help a Bengals secondary that has given up big pass plays the last two games.
Don’t be surprised if: Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden moves WR A.J. Green around a lot. He did that last week against Tennessee and Green had a couple key receptions when he lined up in the slot. Green had a three-game touchdown streak snapped last week but he did draw plenty of double teams which allowed Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson to get touchdowns.
Follow Joe on Twitter: @joereedy
For more in the Bengals click here

Dallas Cowboys

Bills at Cowboys by Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram
Impact Injuries: Running back Felix Jones is expected to miss his third consecutive game with a high left ankle sprain. Cornerback Mike Jenkins will miss his second game in a row with a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by nickel back Orlando Scandrick. Receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) is out 2-4 weeks, and Laurent Robinson will take his place. Punter Mat McBriar (left foot) has punted in practice this week, but the Cowboys have kept rookie Chris Jones on their 53-player roster just in case McBriar can’t go.
The X-Factor: Linebacker Sean Lee dislocated his left wrist in the first quarter against the Eagles two weeks ago. In his absence, the Cowboys have given up back-to-back, 100-yard rushers. They play the league’s third-leading rusher this week in Fred Jackson, who returns to his hometown of Arlington. Lee, who leads the team with 73 tackles, will try to play this week with a cast.
Don’t be surprised if: DeMarco Murray, starting in place of Jones, has another big game. In Jones’ absence, Murray has run for 466 yards. It is the best three-game stretch in team history. Emmitt Smith’s best three-game run was 446 yards in 1993. Murray now ranks 13th in the league with 539 yards on 80 carries. Jones has 253 yards on 63 carries.
Follow Charean on Twitter: @NFLCharean
For more in the ‘Boys click here

Denver Broncos

Broncos at Chiefs by Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post
Impact Injuries: The Broncos will likely be without special teams captain and nickel linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who injured his left knee against Oakland. Woodyard was wearing a full-leg brace in the locker room on Wednesday. It is still unclear how the Broncos would align their nickel package should Woodyard be unable to play.
The X-Factor: Running back Willis McGahee is averaging over 100 rushing yards in his six starts, including a season-high 163 yards and two touchdowns last week against Oakland. McGahee has been picking up the tough yards between the tackles and showed breakaway speed in beating the Oakland secondary to the end zone, skills many in the NFL thought the 30-year-old back didn't possess. The Broncos have run well against the Chiefs in recent matchups (383 yards in the two games last year), and the Broncos need McGahee to be dominant on the ground again to take pressure of Tim Tebow and the passing game.
Don’t be surprised if: The best matchup of the day is between Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. Bailey, who had his first two interceptions of the season last week to make it an even 50 for his career, held Bowe without a catch last December at Arrowhead.
Follow Lindsay on Twitter: @PostBroncos
For more on the Broncos click here

Detroit Lions

Lions at Bears by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press
Impact Injuries: Jahvid Best won’t play for a third straight game because of a concussion, and there’s no timetable for his return. Maurice Morris is averaging 4.9 yards a carry as starter in Best’s absence. Backup defensive tackle Sammie Hill hasn’t practiced all week because of an ankle injury. Rookie Nick Fairley, who did not play against Denver before the bye, will see significant time as the third tackle.
The X-Factor: The kicking game. Stopping Devin Hester is never easy, but the Lions will face the NFL’s most dangerous return man with injury questions at both kicker and punter. Jason Hanson suffered a left knee injury that required stitches during the bye week, and punter Ryan Donahue strained his right quad filling in for Hanson at practice Wednesday. Hanson returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, but the Lions auditioned kickers and punters in case either can’t go. The Lions did get one bit of good news for their struggling coverage units: special-teams stalwart Rashied Davis is back and appears ready to play against his old team.
Don’t be surprised if: The winner of this game earns a wild-card bid. The Lions, who haven’t reached the postseason since 1999, can gain substantial ground (and tie-breaking privileges) over the Bears if they sweep the season series Sunday to improve to 7-2. If they lose, the Lions and Bears will be tied atop a jumbled playoff race (perhaps with the Falcons, who lost to the Bears and beat Detroit earlier this year). No matter what happens, the Lions have a difficult final seven games in which they play just two teams with losing records and the undefeated Packers twice.
Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveBirkett and @freeplions
For more on the Lions click here

Green Bay Packers

Vikings at Packers by Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette
Impact Injuries: The X-Factor: Desmond Bishop. It may be a sign of just how ineffective the Packers’ pass rush has been, but the inside linebacker leads the team with four sacks. Inside backers don’t usually lead 3-4 defenses in sacks. Still, one thing that was apparent during the first half of the season was how effective Bishop was as a blitzer. Given only one or two opportunities a game, Bishop’s success rate was high. Perhaps defensive coordinator Dom Capers will dial up a few more blitzes for Bishop.
Don’t be surprised if: The Packers handle Vikings defensive end Jared Allen better this time around. Three weeks ago at the Metrodome, Allen recorded a pair of sacks and generally gave left tackle Marshall Newhouse fits. Newhouse should fare better without the crowd noise and on the slower track at Lambeau Field.
Follow Rob on Twitter: @RobDemovsky
For more on the Pack click here

Houston Texans

Texans at Buccaneers by Steph Stradley of the Houston Chronicle
Impact Injuries: Andre Johnson has not practiced this week but has been running and says he feels close to 100%. Once again, Gary Kubiak says that Johnson is day to day, but it is likely the Texans, in an abundance of caution, will hold him out until after the bye week which follows the game against the Bucs.
The X-Factor: Albert Haynesworth joining the Bucs. Haynesworth is returning to a one-gap defensive tackle responsibility more similar to his old role with the Titans and may participate in limited snaps due to injuries on the Bucs defensive line. When with the Titans, Haynesworth often disrupted the Texans offense. At the time, he professed his belief that Sage Rosenfels was a better quarterback than Schaub after the Titans repeatedly knocked Schaub out of games. Given that the Bucs were the only team to claim Haynesworth on waivers, can he return to his Titans form or is he all out of excuses?
Don’t be surprised if: The Texans have issues with QB Josh Freeman moving the chains on the run. So far this year, they have not faced a quarterback with the size and mobility of Freeman. The Texans defense, though ranked highly, is still getting used to different game situations and offenses. In the past, they had difficulty with mobile quarterbacks but so far under the direction of Wade Phillips, the Texans defense barely resembles the poor defenses of years' past.
Follow Steph on Twitter: @StephStradley
For more on the Texans click here

Indianapolis Colts

Jaguars at Colts by Brad Wells of StampedeBlue.com
Impact Injuries: Running back Joseph Addai and punt returner Blair White have been reoccurring names in this area all year. Now, add tight ends Dallas Clark and Brody Eldridge. Both are out indefinitely, with Clark's leg injury likely to end his 2011 season. Clark ended up on I.R. last year with a wrist injury, and it's been suggested that lingering issues from that injury were contributing to him dropping so many passes this year.
The X-Factor: The Colts offensive line is now (somewhat) healthy, and they might be able to do some things in their running game to help protect the rapidly regressing Curtis Painter, who has not thrown a touchdown pass in three straight games. Key to this strategy is limiting turnovers. Last week against the Falcons, Delone Carter fumbled on the second play of the game. The Falcons recovered, and it eventually lead to an Atlanta touchdown and an early 7-0 lead. The ballgame ended for the Colts right then and there. The Colts do not have the ability to climb out of any type of hole. Turnovers are killers for this depleted and talent-starved team. They must limit them to have any small chance.
Don&rsquo ;t be surprised if: The score could be low and the play could get ugly in this game. Though some in Indianapolis have tagged this game as the Colts 'Super Bowl' this year, mainly because this looks like the only game left on the schedule Indy can win, the reality is the Jaguars are playing good defense. Also, Blaine Gabbert has shown promise, and though his wide receivers aren't anything great, they should be able to get open against Indy's awful secondary. The only hope the Colts have to win is to run the ball and keep things close. If Gabbert's receivers get open, and the rookie can deliver the ball, it will be a long day for Indy. Notice how I barely mentioned Maurice Jones-Drew in this write-up. If the Colts can't stop him, oh my. It could get really ugly.
Follow Brad on Twitter: @StampedeBlue
For more on the Colts click here

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars at Colts by Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union
Impact Injuries: Offensive lineman Eben Britton was declared out for Sunday’s game and will have missed the past four games. Fullback Brock Bolen hasn’t practiced this week and could be out Sunday.
The X-Factor:</em> Both teams are desperate for a win with the Colts winless and the Jaguars at 2-6. The Jaguars still think they have a chance at turning their season around, but they know those chances are dwindling.
Don’t be surprised if: The game is low-scoring. The Jaguars have the 32nd-ranked offense in the NFL and the Colts have the 31st-ranked offense. To make matters worse for Indianapolis’s offense, they’ll be facing the fifth-best defense in the NFL.
Follow Tania on Twitter: @taniaganguli
For more on the Jags click here

Kansas City Chiefs

Broncos at Chiefs by Joel Thorman of ArrowheadPride.com
Impact Injuries: Once again, the Chiefs are pretty healthy heading into the weekend. Jon McGraw, who replaced the injured Eric Berry, was absent last week and the Chiefs were exposed in the secondary as a result. McGraw isn't the best player on the Chiefs defense but the depth behind him (which is the third string) presents a drop off. McGraw has been limited in practice and right now his status would be questionable for Sunday's game.
The X-Factor: Tim Tebow. Who else could we pick here? Tebow and his ability to run the Broncos offense is the x-factor in this game. The Chiefs have the benefit of seeing some tape on the read option that the Broncos have run the last few weeks. Oakland looked confused at time against Denver's offense last week but, with a better idea of what's coming, Romeo Crennel's defense will be better prepared. The ability of the Chiefs defense to stop Tebow and Willie McGahee on the ground, and force the Broncos to pass, is the key to this game.
Don’t be surprised if: The Chiefs win in a blowout. Or lose in a blowout. The 4-4 Chiefs are one of the biggest mysteries this season because, of their four losses, three of them have been by 28 points or more. It's unusual to see a team lose like that and return to win four in a row, including key games against division rivals Oakland and San Diego. KC is the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team so don't be surprised if you're surprised in this game.
Follow Joel on Twitter: @ArrowheadPride
For more on the Chiefs click here

Miami Dolphins

Redskins at Dolphins by Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post
Impact Injuries: The Dolphins are surprisingly healthy for Week 10. All 53 players were listed as full participation at Thursday's practice, though a few players have injuries to monitor -- CB Vontae Davis (hamstring), CB Nolan Carroll (hamstring) and RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring). Davis should be back in the starting lineup after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury and one-game suspension.
The X-Factor: Running back Reggie Bush. The Dolphins have scored six touchdowns in their past two games, and Bush's emergence is a big reason why. He has 262 total yards in the Dolphins' last two games, and while Bush is responsible for only one touchdown, he has picked up yards in chunks. Against Kansas City, Bush had runs of 17, 18 and 28 yards and a catch of 27 yards. Against the Giants, runs of 35 and 28 yards. If he can keep making big plays, the Dolphins should score enough points to beat the Redskins.
Don’t be surprised if: The Dolphins finally win at home. It has been seven games and almost exactly a year -- Nov. 14, 2010 -- since the Dolphins' last home win, and the Dolphins have lost 12 of their
last 13 at Sun Life Stadium. But the punchless Redskins -- averaging 11 points over their last four games -- with familiar quarterback John Beck are just what the Dolphins need to end those awful home streaks. Expect another solid game from the defense and just enough offense for the Dolphins to pull out the victory.
Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenVolinPBP
For more on the Phins click here

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings at Packers by Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press
Impact Injuries: The Vikings healed up during the bye week, left with one starter in question for Monday. Right guard Anthony Herrera has damage in the lateral collateral ligament of his left knee and will remain doubtful for the Packers game unless he makes strides in practice.
The X-Factor: CB/PR Marcus Sherels. A practice squad fixture a year ago, Sherels has emerged as a valuable punt and kickoff returner for the Vikings. Sherels ranks 11th in the NFL with 10.6 yards per punt return, and he ignited the Vikings with a 78-yard kickoff return on Oct. 30 against the Panthers.
Don’t be surprised if: The Vikings get creative in their blitz packages, possibly sending cornerback Antoine Winfield off the edge, in an effort to fluster Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is picking apart defenses who sit back in coverage and don't apply pressure. Well, Rodgers is picking apart all defenses. But the Vikings can disguise a few blitzes from the secondary to keep Rodgers honest.
Follow Jeremy on Twitter: @VikingsNow
Fore more on the Vikes click here

New England Patriots

Patriots at Jets by Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald
Impact Injuries: The Patriots linebacker corps was hit hard by injuries this week, but it’s Brandon Spikes’ MCL sprain more than Gary Guyton’s stinger that is worrisome. Spikes had come on strong the past few games, emerging as a dominant force against the run. Yet if he can’t go, it may

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