gameday predictions
BEST PLAYER MATCHUPS
Giants RB Brandon Jacobs vs. Ravens LB Ray Lewis Imagine the collisions when a 260-pound Jacobs meets a frothed-up Lewis. The Giants (8-1) are pulling away in the NFC East thanks to the league's top rushing attack (168.9 yards per game). The Ravens are a surprising 6-3 because of the league's top run defense (65.4).
COACHING MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Chicago's Lovie Smith vs. Green Bay's Mike McCarthy Not even Chicago's George Halas won five consecutive games in Green Bay. But that's what Smith will do if his Bears win today. Bud Grant beat the Packers seven times in a row on the road. He won at Lambeau from 1971-75, at Milwaukee in 1976 and Lambeau in 1977.
HERO OF THE WEEK
Peyton Manning, Colts QB Yeah, Manning received a scare at Houston earlier this season. Trailing by 10 with four minutes left, they took advantage of three Sage Rosenfels turnovers to post the victory. Don't expect today's game to be as close. The Colts are playing better, and Manning is 12-1 with 27 touchdowns and five interceptions vs. the Texans. (MC)
FANTASY REALITY
Does your league subtract points for turnovers? It should. Take our guy Gus. Frerotte has seven TD passes in his past three starts. In a nonpenalizing league he's been a reliable starter for a month. But in a league that subtracts points for interceptions, Frerotte and his eight INTs in those same three weeks are a huge risk. Last week: 150 passing yards and two TDs. Decent points in a penalty-free league. But those three INTS were a much bigger factor, and your fantasy scoring should reflect that. Fumbles and interceptions are part of the game, and they should be part of your scoring system as well. (Chris Carr)
