BEST PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Brandon Marshall, Broncos WR, vs. Patriots secondary Normally, all eyes are on Patriots WR Randy Moss on Monday nights. But Marshall, the league's leading receiver and next great one if he stays out of trouble, faces a New England secondary that gave up pass plays of 48, 49 and 59 yards and committed a 32-yard pass interference penalty in the end zone in last week's loss to San Diego.
COACHING MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron vs. Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano Cameron was head coach of the Dolphins for one season. One miserable 1-15 season in which the only thing between him and the league's first 0-16 mark was a win over the Ravens. That was a year ago. Sparano took over this season and has already doubled Cameron's win total.
HERO OF THE WEEK
Eli Manning, QB, Giants Monday's 35-14 loss in Cleveland marked the fifth time Manning has thrown three or more interceptions in a game. The previous four times it happened, Manning played better and won the following week. He faces double-digit underdog San Francisco at home today.
FANTASY PICKS
Looking at longshots LenDale White might get a couple of shorties today against soft KC. ... The Jets rush defense, while highly rated, still gives up a short rushing TD or three (Week 4) nearly every game. Start your favorite Raiders RB and take advantage. ... Seattle's a mess. Stay away from whomever the Seahawks start in Tampa. ... We could see Brad Johnson throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns today. ... And don't be tempted by Cedric Benson or Shaun Alexander. (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
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.
Vikings
Tackles are solid, but Vikings' offensive line still has big needs
Part 1 of a series: Three names to know, one sleeper and when the Vikings are likely to address their offensive line issues kick off our look at the 2024 draft.