The Patriots stayed perfect on their march to be the best of all-time, knocking off the Jets 20-10. In the much hyped rematch of the Bill Belichick/Eric Mangini SpyGate Controversy, New England were unable to showcase their typical dominance because of 40 mph winds in chilly Foxboro. However, they are just wins against the Dolphins and Giants to become the second team in NFL history to every have a perfect regular season, joining the fabled ’72 Dolphins. Miami came away with their first victory of the season defeating the Ravens in OT.
The Giants lost Pro Bowler Jeremy Shockey, the Raiders lost 1,000-yard back Justin Fargas and the Niners now have some hope at the quarterback position. If you are still in the running for your league's championship, consider this your must-read primer. We’ll discuss all the new injuries from this past week of action, a few free agent possibilities and preview Week 16’s schedule – including more Thursday and Saturday pigskin action. Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will get you up to speed now.
Quarterbacks
Free Agent Possibilities
Cleo Lemon, MIA 23-for-39, 315 yards, TD, 12 yards rushing
Shaun Hill, SF 21-for-28, 197 yards, TD, 12 yards rushing, rushing TD
Sage Rosenfels, HOU 16-for-27, 200 yards, TD, INT, rushing TD
Brodie Croyle, KC 25-for-43, 217 yards, two TD, two INT
Kyle Boller, BAL 10-for-19, 159 yards, TD, INT, 11 yards rushing
JaMarcus Russell, OAK 2-for-5, 10 yards
Kyle Orton, CHI 22-for-38, 184 yards, INT
Todd Collins, WAS 8-for-25, 166 yards
Chad Pennington, NYJ 25-for-38, 186 yards
Matt Moore, CAR 19-for-27, 208 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Tony Romo endured his worst game of the season in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. While getting national headlines with his new girlfriend who was at the game, Romo went just 13-for-36 for 214 yards, no TDs and three INTs. I don’t feel bad for him though – he gets to go home to this. The poor outing also had to do with a thumb injury though. X-rays came back negative and it’s considered just a sprain. He did some drills on Tuesday, but was only able to lob the ball. The Boys play Carolina on Saturday night so we’ll likely know his status by Thursday. Expect him to suit up and bounce back, but Brad Johnson could get a surprise nod if he sits … Vinny Testaverde returned to practice Tuesday, but the Panthers will start Matt Moore, off a surprise win against Seattle last week … The Raiders are expected to start Josh McCown again in Week 16, but rookie No. 1 selection JaMarcus Russell could get his first start in the finale … There’s some speculation that Matt Schaub (shoulder) will need surgery. With the Texans out of postseason contention, it would be wise to just play Rosenfels.
Kellen Clemens sustained a cracked rib in Sunday’s loss to New England and is scheduled to undergo an MRI early this week. Chad Pennington relieved him and threw for 186 yards in the swirling winds, and will likely get the starting nod again in Week 16 against Tennessee. Brad Smith played a couple series at QB and showed some flashes of brilliance. He’ll likely see playing time at virtually every skill position once again this week … The Redskins remain hopeful that Jason Campbell (knee) will be able to return for the playoffs, if they are able to comeback and get a playoff berth. Todd Collins has done an admirable job the past two weeks, going 2-0 in primetime games … The Ravens expect to have Kyle Boller at quarterback this week against the Seahawks. He left last week’s loss to formally winless Miami and was replaced by former Ohio State legend Troy Smith.
Running Backs
Free Agent Possibilities
Darren Sproles, SD 25 rushes, 122 yards, two TD, rec, 13 yards
Aaron Stecker, NO 22 rushes, 95 yards, two TD, six rec, 46 yards, FL
DeAngelo Williams, CAR 15 rushes, 61 yards, TD, two rec, 11 yards
Lorenzo Booker, MIA 17 yards rushing, six rec, 60 yards
Ron Dayne, HOU 11 rushes, 67 yards, TD
Samkon Gado, MIA 18 rushes, 43 yards, TD, two rec, six yards
Michael Pittman, TB 13 rushes, 50 yards, three rec, 20 yards
Jerious Norwood, ATL nine rushes, 73 yards
Leon Washington, NYJ four rushes, 57 yards, three rec, nine yards
Darius Walker, HOU 13 rushes, 66 yards
Fred Jackson, BUF seven rushes, 16 yards, three rec, 36 yards
Michael Bennett, TB nine rushes, 63 yards
Dominic Rhodes, OAK seven rushes, 41 yards, two rec, nine yards
Kevin Faulk, NE 20 yards rushing, three rec, 19 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Justin Fargas will miss the final two games of the season after he sprained his right MCL. He definitely put himself into the leading position to be the Raiders starting halfback heading into 2008 though. He finished with a career-best 1,009 yards rushing, a 4.5 average and four TDs. In his absence, LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes will be competing this week for the RB duties. Rhodes came through with a season-best 41 yards rushing in his replace last week and appears to have a slight edge in starting at this point … Titans RB Chris Henry has served his four-game suspension and is eligible to return this week. With LenDale White and Chris Brown seeing the backfield duties the past month, Henry might not have much of a role.
The Saints had some good news heading into their must-win in Week 16 against Philadelphia. Coach Sean Payton said he believed Reggie Bush would be able to return from his knee injury. Aaron Stecker, who has rushed for 195 yards the past two weeks, will start and likely still see extensive playing time regardless … Jerious Norwood rambled for 73 yards this week and raised his average per carry to 6.4 yards. He left with a leg injury, but is expected to be available this week against the Cardinals. With Bobby Petrino jumping ship, maybe the Falcons will finally start giving the second-year RB more touches. Warrick Dunn has 635 yards on 204 rushes, while Norwood has 536 on just 84 carries.
Wide Receivers
Free Agent Possibilities
Anthony Gonzalez, IND seven rec, 86 yards, TD
Greg Camarillo, MIA three rec, 109 yards, TD
Roydell Williams, TEN four rec, 94 yards, two TD
Dennis Northcut, JAC four rec, 81 yards, TD
Reggie Brown, PHI four rec, 35 yards, TD
David Patten, NO four rec, 71 yards, TD, FL
Marty Booker, MIA eight rec, 88 yards
Chris Henry, CIN 52-yard TD rec
Darrell Jackson, SF eight rec, 86 yards
Mike Furrey, DET seven rec, 80 yards
Bobby Wade, MIN six rec, 70 yards
Brandon Middleton, DET four rec, 32 yards, TD
Samie Parker, KC three rec, 33 yards, TD
Drew Bennett, STL five rec, 65 yards
Sinorice Moss, NYG five rec, 53 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Laveranues Coles aggravated his left ankle on Saturday when the team’s trainer had his table accidentally collapse on his foot. The veteran tried to play in pain on Monday, but had to be removed in the first quarter. His status for Week 16 remains in doubt … Brandon Stokley (knee) is questionable for Week 16 after sitting out last week’s contest. With Denver playing on Monday Night Football, he’s not a great gamble in this must-win week … D.J. Hackett (ankle) is expected to return to practice for the Seahawks and there appears to be a slim chance he could return this week. Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are more reliable options in Seattle’s pass attack though.
The Cardinals are expected to have Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald available for the final two weeks, but don’t be surprised if they miss a lot of practice time. Roy Williams (knee) is officially out for the season now for the Lions. With their elimination last week, he has no reason to come back this season now. His namesake Safety Roy Williams was slapped with a one-game suspension for his horse-collar tackle on Donovan McNabb … Marvin Harrison (knee) was officially ruled out for Week 16 against the Texans, but don’t be surprised if he’s back for the playoffs. Indianapolis has clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, so the All-Pro receiver could get another month of rest before he’s needed again.
As if Dallas’ passing attack needed more firepower, there’s a chance they could get Terry Glenn back this week. The veteran plans on having his knee drained this week and might be able to suit up for the first time this season on Saturday against the Panthers … The Titans placed WR Brandon Jones (groin) on injured reserve, ending his season … Nate Washington left last week’s contest with a knee injury and his status for this week remains unclear. The Steelers passing game does have an excellent matchup playing in St. Louis on Thursday though.
Tight Ends
Free Agent Possibilities
Chris Baker, NYJ eight rec, 66 yards, FL
Kevin Boss, NYG two rec, 31 yards, TD
Kris Wilson, KC three rec, 18 yards, TD
Anthony Becht, TB two rec, 10 yards, TD
Ben Patrick ARI two rec, 17 yards, TD
Ben Utecht, IND three rec 42 yards
Dante Rosario, CAR 54-yard rec
Billy Miller, NO three rec, 39 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
The Giants lost their temperamental star TE Jeremy Shockey this week because of a fractured fibula and a severely injured ankle. He went down in Sunday night’s division defeat against Washington and will be replaced by Kevin Boss. He hauled in Eli Manning’s lone TD pass and could have some value if you need to replace Shockey in your lineup … Todd Heap (hamstring) will miss Week 16, his eighth DNP in the past 10 contests … L.J. Smith (knee, ribs) is considered doubtful for Week 16. With No. 2 TE Matt Schobel likely out as well due to a concussion, Brent Celek could get a start at TE this week.
Week 16 Schedule
Thursday, Dec. 20 8:00pm ET
Pittsburgh @ St. Louis
Saturday, Dec. 22 8:00pm ET
Dallas @ Carolina
Sunday, Dec. 23 1:00pm ET
Green Bay @ Chicago
Cleveland @ Cincinnati
Kansas City @ Detroit
Houston @ Indianapolis
New York Giants @ Buffalo
Oakland @ Jacksonville
Philadelphia @ New Orleans
4:05pm ET and 4:15pm ET
Atlanta @ Arizona
Tampa Bay @ San Francisco
Miami @ New England
Baltimore @ Seattle
New York Jets @ Tennessee
8:15pm ET
Washington @ Minnesota
Monday, Dec. 24 8:00pm ET
Denver @ San Diego