The Fat Guy Five: Week 15

After a brief lay-off the FGF returns for the stretch run. Let's get to the games.

5. Tampa Bay @ New England: Everyone has been talking about the resurgence of the defending champions. Since losing to the Colts the Patriots have won 4 out of 5 and have all but locked up the AFC East. That is great for them, but people need to take a step back and realize that this is not the same team that has won 3 of the last 4 Super Bowls. Their last four wins have been over Buffalo, Miami, New Orleans, and the New York Jets. That's not exactly a powerhouse lineup. Combine that with the uncertainty of Tom Brady's injury, and the Pats might be in trouble this weekend. Tampa Bay is coming off a huge win over the Carolina Panthers, and they can maintain control of the NFC South with a win. If Chris Simms takes care of the football, the Bucs should be able to come out of New England with a win.
TB 24 NE 17.
4. Dallas @ Washington: Washington stole a game from Dallas back in week 2 when Mark Brunell was able to hit Santana Moss on two long fourth quarter touchdowns. It put the spotlight on Dallas safety Roy Williams who has never been a good cover safety. Now Dallas stands at 8-5 and in second place in the NFC East. Drew Bledsoe is coming off an outstanding performance which helped them beat Kansas City last week. It will be tough for him to repeat that display against a stingy Washington defense. A win against Washington would allow them to keep the pressure on division leading New York. The Redskins are 7-6, but their final three games are within the division which means that they still control their own destiny. This game should be low scoring with both defenses rising to the occasion. I would look for Drew Bledsoe to make a costly 4th quarter turnover and Washington to hold on in the end.
WAS 17 DAL 13.
3. Kansas City @ New York Giants: The Chiefs stand at 8-5 and on the outside looking in in regards to the AFC playoff picture. They need to win out to have a chance at the postseason. This week will be a test as they travel to New York where the weather is supposed to be nasty at best. The Giants are 9-4 and sit atop the NFC East. They have been able to sustain their winning ways despite poor quarterback play as of late. Eli Manning has only 1 TD and 5 INTs in his last two games. He will have a chance to improve on those numbers against a Chiefs defense that ranks 27th in the league. I still think that the Giants are over hyped and that Kansas City will go up there and keep their playoff hopes alive behind another 100 yard outing from Larry Johnson.
KC 30 NYG 21
2. Atlanta @ Chicago: Michael Vick and the Falcons get to travel to cold, windy Chicago this week to face the league's #1 ranked defense. Their playoff hopes will be on the line as Atlanta needs to keep winning. Vick suffered bruised ribs last Monday night against New Orleans, but it is unlikely that those ribs will keep him off the field this weekend. The Bears were brought back to reality last week when the Steelers ran all over their defense in a 21-9 win. Atlanta boasts the league's best running attack, and its three headed monster of Vick, Dunn, and Duckett will face its toughest test. Vick has won in cold weather in big games before as evidenced by his trip to Lambeau Field a couple years ago. The Falcons will keep their playoff hopes alive, and Chicago will continue to struggle giving Minnesota a chance to sneak into the division picture.
ATL 17 CHI 7
1. San Diego @ Indianapolis: The Colts look to continue their run at immortality. They stand at 13-0 with home field already clinched for the playoffs. Head coach Tony Dungy has mentioned that their ultimate goal is a Super Bowl and not an undefeated season. He has also said that it is important to keep a rhythm going into the playoffs. The starters will not get any rest this Sunday, and the Chargers will suffer because of it. San Diego has their backs against the wall after a bad loss at home to Miami last week. They will need to win their remaining games in order to have a chance at a Wild Card birth. Unfortunately, they will not see any mercy this weekend, and as a result their playoff chances will evaporate. Another great coaching job this season Schottenheimer, way to go.
IND 34 SD 21
Last Time: 7-0
Season to date: 11-8.