Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay
Green Bay’s pass defense ranks ninth, allowing 184 passing yards per game. Their rush defense ranks ninth, allowing 99 rushing yards per game. Tampa Bay’s pass defense ranks No. 15, giving up 214 yards per game. Their rushing defense ranks No. 30, giving up 162 rushing yards per game.
Key Injuries:
GB: QB Aaron Rodgers (foot), WR Donald Driver (neck), WR Jordy Nelson (knee), TE Jermichael Finley (knee), C Jason Spitz (back), SS Derrick Martin (concussion), CB Charles Woodson (hip)
TB: WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (wrist), LG Jeremy Zuttah (shoulder), CB Aqib Talib (ankle)
Snapshot of Packers
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers continues to have an impressive year, ranking in the league’s Top 10 in passing TDs and yards. He faces an improving Tampa Bay secondary, but is prone to give up big plays.
The Buccaneer’s run defense has been bad this year as well, meaning that the Packers will likely try to spread the ball around, especially to RB Ryan Grant. Grant has been disappointing, but the league’s 30th-ranked run defense should lead him to a breakout game.
When Rodgers drops back, WRs Donald Driver and Greg Jennings will be his top targets. Although the Tampa Bay secondary has improved with the return of S Tanard Jackson, if the Packers are able to run the ball, it will open up the passing game for Green Bay.
Rodgers has missed practice because of a foot injury, but is not expected to be in danger of missing the game.
Snapshot of Buccaneers
Rookie QB Josh Freeman makes his first NFL start this week, making TE Kellen Winslow the only Buccaneer worth starting.
The Tampa Bay rushing attack has been abandoned as the team has been down early in many games, forcing the team to pass. Don’t expect much out of RBs Derrick Ward or Cadillac Williams.
With Freeman under center, he will likely focus on Winslow early and often, especially if the Packers bring pressure. WR Antonio Bryant looks as though he will start, but don’t expect much out of him just yet, considering he’s coming off of a knee injury.
Green Light
QB Aaron Rodgers – faces a shaky pass defense and will benefit from a strong rushing game
RB Ryan Grant – has a great matchup against a terrible run defense, should see plenty of carries
TE Kellen Winslow – should see plenty of passes thrown his way by the rookie QB
Packers DEF – a must-start against a rookie QB.
Red Light
RBs Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward – there’s no commitment to the passing game in Tampa Bay
WR Antonio Bryant – coming off of an injury, don’t expect much out of him yet
Baltimore vs. Cincinnati
The Ravens pass defense ranks No. 19, allowing 226 passing yards per game. Their rush defense ranks fourth, allowing 87.5 rushing yards per game. The Bengals pass defense ranks No. 30, giving up 253 yards per game. Their rushing defense ranks fifth, allowing 88 rushing yards per game.
Key Injuries:
BAL: RB Le’Ron McClain (shoulder), TE Todd Heap (ankle), DE Haloti Ngata (ankle), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)
CIN: FB Jeremi Johnson (knee), T Andre Smith (foot)
Snapshot of Ravens
The Ravens offense has been surprisingly balanced this season, ranking 10th in both rushing and passing yards. Look for them to buck that trend this week as they face the No. 30 pass defense.
QB Joe Flacco has thrown at least one TD in seven straight games and is in line for a big game. Even though the Ravens will likely have a hard time rushing the ball, RB Ray Rice remains a solid starter. He leads the team in receptions and has been the team’s most consistent pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Note Rice has scored 20 points or more in four straight games in point-per-reception (PPR) formats.
TE Todd Heap should be good spot starters this week as well, considering he is one of Flacco’s top options behind Rice. He has been battling an ankle injury, but should be able to start this week.
Snapshot of Bengals
Although RB Cedric Benson has had an impressive season, he now faces one of the toughest run defenses in the league. Don’t be surprised to see the Bengals go to the air early and often this week.
QB Carson Palmer has put together a great year and will likely take advantage of a disappointing Ravens pass defense. Look for WRs Chad Ochocinco and Andre Caldwell to break off big plays this week.
Although he rushed for over 100 yards in their last meeting, it’s hard to see Benson duplicating that feat this week. The Ravens defense has been impressive recently and will likely want to force Palmer to beat them with his arm.
Green Light
QB Joe Flacco – has a favorable matchup against a weak pass defense
QB Carson Palmer – the Bengals will go to the air after struggling to run the ball
RB Ray Rice – likely won’t rush for many yards, but will still be a big part of the passing game
Red Light
RB Cedric Benson – faces a very tough rush defense and will likely struggle for yards
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Article first appeared Nov. 6, 2009