PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK: Pats WR Wes Welker vs. Cards CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Welker (102 catches) earned his first Pro Bowl berth. Rodgers-Cromartie, a rookie, could end up on Welker in the slot. That's a tough assignment. Welker leads the NFL in yards after the catch (689). While Arizona has clinched its division, the Patriots need to keep winning and get some help to make the playoffs.
COACHING MATCHUP OF THE WEEK: Panthers' John Fox vs. Giants' Tom Coughlin
The winner clinches home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Panthers have won three in a row behind a powerful run game. The Giants will try to match that strength with the expected return of massive back Brandon Jacobs. Carolina has never earned a No. 1 playoff seed in its 14-year existence. They were on the road for all three of their NFC title games, winning the one in 2003.
HERO OF THE DAY: Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
I'll take the Steve Smith from Carolina in this matchup with the Giants. This Smith ranks third in receiving yards (1,240) despite missing the first two games. He has 70 catches, a 17.7-yard average and six TDs. The Giants might be so focused on stopping the Panthers' RBs that Smith could break free a few times.
FANTASY PICKS: The sitting king?
LaDainian Tomlinson? You're benching LT? On Fantasy Bowl week? Yes, is the answer, if you have alternatives you can trust. We hate the Chargers' chances Sunday at Tampa against a Bucs defense that suddenly has something to prove. But even with two bad outings in a row, the Bucs have yet to allow a rushing TD at home. LT hasn't rushed for 100 yards since October, and his line is banged up. He's a top-15 RB starter, but that's based on his rep. Swallow hard and stick a Pierre Thomas or a Steve Slaton or a DeAngelo Williams in your lineup. It might be the risky move that wins you the whole shebang. (Chris Carr)
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Mark Craig
Vikings
Mark Craig's first-round mock draft: How will Vikings grab a QB?
Our NFL Insider goes out on a limb and predicts offensive players will dominate the 2024 draft. First, the Bears will select QB Caleb Williams. When will the Vikings find their quarterback of the future?
Sports
Former Totino-Grace star set to follow father as first-round pick
Joe Alt, an offensive tackle out of Totino-Grace and Notre Dame, is expected to be a top-10 NFL draft pick. His father was a first-round selection 40 years ago.
Vikings
How interest in the mock drafts we love so much went from zero to infinity
The mock drafts of today are 50-plus years in the making, paved by draftniks such as Joel Buchsbaum and Mel Kiper Jr.
Vikings
Flores channels 'inner Zimmer,' makes pitch for another cornerback
Not everybody is fixated on which quarterback the Vikings should take in the draft.
Brian Flores, the team's defensive coordinator, thinks "you can never have enough" cornerbacks.
Vikings
O'Connell has spent life around QBs. Can that help Vikings draft one?
Kevin O'Connell has been an NFL quarterback, played with Tom Brady and coached the position. The Vikings head coach shared things he wants to see in a quarterback.