Washington @ Atlanta
The Redskins run defense has allowed 118.6 yards per game and three TDs, while the secondary has given up 164.9 yards per game and six TDs. The Falcons run defense has allowed 121.7 yards per game and five TDs, while the secondary has given up 256.4 yards per game and 10 TDs.
Key Injuries
WAS: TE Chris Cooley (ankle)
ATL: WR Roddy White (knee), DE John Abraham (foot), LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle)
Snapshot of Redskins
QB Jason Campbell was productive in his last start, completing 29-of-43 passes for 284 yards, two TDs and an INT against the Eagles. However, he has limited weapons with TE Chris Cooley (ankle) sidelined and is not a good start despite a favorable matchup.
RB Clinton Portis has not taken advantage of five easy matchups in seven starts. He scored twice against the Carolina Panthers, but has been held scoreless in his other starts. The Falcons rank 23rd against the run, allowing 4.5 yards per carry, but Portis does not appear to have the burst needed to take full advantage. He’s a reasonable RB2 play, but don’t expect any more than that.
WR Santana Moss has scored just twice this season, but is worth consideration. The Falcons rank 31st against the pass and Moss is the only reliable option for Campbell. He caught seven passes for 123 yards and a TD in the last meeting in 2006 and should see plenty of targets this week.
The remainder of the WR corps cannot be trusted and should not be in your lineup, but TE Fred Davis is worth a spot start. He caught eight passes for 78 yards and a TD in his last game and starts with Cooley out.
Snapshot of Falcons
QB Matt Ryan was forced into errors last week, but boasts a 10-1 record at home. He averages 211.3 passing yards with seven TDs and three INTs in three home starts. The Redskins rank second against the pass, so temper expectations with the Falcons likely winning comfortably and controlling the game on the ground.
RB Michael Turner finally produced last year’s form in last week’s matchup with the Saints, exploding for 151 yards and a TD on 20 carries. Although he has struggled at times, Turner has eight TDs in his past six starts and is always a threat to find the end zone. He’s an excellent play this week.
WR Roddy White posted his second 100-yard game of the season last week and has six TDs in his past six starts, but don’t count on another 100-yard game. His opportunities will be limited if the Falcons have success running the ball.
TE Tony Gonzalez is the only other member of the receiving corps worth starting. He has scored in all three home games and caught six passes for 89 yards last week. He remains one of the top plays at the position.
Coach Mike Smith has hinted that K Jason Elam may be replaced on long field goal attempts by punter Michael Koenen after Elam missed two kicks last week. Keep that in mind if you are looking for a bye week kicker.
Green Light
RB Michael Turner – should be good for 100 yards and a TD
WR Santana Moss – could be targeted often if the Redskins fall behind
WR Roddy White – not the best matchup, but you have to start him
TE Tony Gonzalez – reliable and has scored in every home game this season
TE Fred Davis – Campbell’s second read with Cooley out
Red Light
QB Matt Ryan – he’s struggling in recent weeks
QB Jason Campbell – shouldn’t come near starting lineups
WR Michael Jenkins – unlikely to see many opportunities
Houston @ Indianapolis
The Texans run defense has allowed 113.2 yards per game and 11 TDs, while the secondary has given up 213.2 yards per game and nine TDs. The Colts run defense has allowed 112 yards per game and five TDs, while the secondary has given up 180.1 yards per game and three TDs.
Key Injuries
HOU: DE Mario Williams (shoulder)
IND: WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), K Adam Vinatieri (right knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Marlin Jackson (knee), S Bob Sanders (elbow)
Snapshot of Texans
QB Matt Schaub leads the league with 2,342 passing yards and is tied for the lead with 16 passing TDs. The Colts are strong against the pass, ranking seventh in yards allowed and leading the league with just three TDs conceded. Despite the tough matchup, Schaub should have a productive week against a depleted secondary.
WR Andre Johnson leads the league with 697 receiving yards and proved last week that he is healthy. In two meetings last year, he caught 13 passes for 186 yards and a TD. Expect him to see more targets than usual with TE Owen Daniels out.
WR Kevin Walter has failed to reach 50 receiving yards in his past five games after a productive debut in Week 3, but should also see more targets going forward.
The running game excelled last week, but faces a tougher test against an improving Colts defense. Steve Slaton was benched after fumbling, allowing Ryan Moats the opportunity to post 126 yards and three TDs against the weak Bills’ defense. Coach Gary Kubiak has suggested that both backs, along with Chris Brown, will be involved going forward. Steer clear of this situation for now.
Snapshot of Colts
The Colts have won 16 consecutive regular season games and are 13-1 against the Texans. That’s a lot for the Texans to overcome if they are to advance to 6-3 for the first time in their history.
QB Peyton Manning has six 300-yard games in seven starts and completed 30-of-46 passes for 320 yards and two TDs in the last meeting. He has thrown 20 TD passes in seven home meetings with the Texans. With the league’s top two passers in opposition this game should be a shootout and Manning should post big numbers.
In the last meeting, RB Joseph Addai ran for 105 yards and a TD and caught four passes for 48 yards and a TD. It was his only 100-yard game of 2008. Addai has scored in the past four meetings and the Texans have allowed 11 rushing TDs on the season. With Donald Brown likely limited, Addai is a strong play.
WR Reggie Wayne was targeted 20 times last week, catching 12 passes for 147 yards and a TD. He has scored in five straight games and caught 14 passes for 187 yards and a TD in last year’s two meetings. Expect similar success this week.
WRs Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have both earned a role in the offense with Anthony Gonzalez sidelined. Garcon is often targeted deep, while Collie has seen more red zone targets than Wayne thus far. Both are good emergency plays.
TE Dallas Clark is on pace for 105 receptions, 1,335 yards and seven TDs. He has seven career-TDs against the Texans, so expect his productive streak to continue.
Green Light
QB Peyton Manning – should extend one of the hottest streaks of his career
QB Matt Schaub – will need to throw often
RB Joseph Addai – has scored in the past four meetings
WR Reggie Wayne – 20 targets last week
WR Andre Johnson – Schaub’s clear No. 1 and Daniels is out
TE Dallas Clark – the most dangerous TE in the league this year
Red Light
RB Steve Slaton – bench him unless the situation becomes clearer
RB Ryan Moats – don’t expect a repeat of last week
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Article first appeared Nov. 6, 2009