Minnesota Star Tribune

NFL Week 8: Gameday predictions

By Mark Craig

October 25, 2008 at 10:31PM

gameday predictions

PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Cowboys QB Brad Johnson vs. Buccaneers pass defense

The Cowboys' season is on the brink of collapsing. With starting QB Tony Romo (broken finger) out again, it's up to the 40-year-old Johnson to play much better than his three-pick, three-sack game in last week's disastrous loss in St. Louis. The Bucs give up only 3.7 yards per carry and rank No. 1 in red-zone defense. (MC)

COACHING MATCHUP OF THE WEEK NINERS COACH MIKE SINGLETARY VS. SEAHAWKS COACH MIKE HOLMGREN

Those of us old enough to remember the 1980s know how great a player Singletary was. But this is our first look at him as a head coach since the 49ers fired Mike Nolan on Monday. Holmgren is 1-5 in his final season with Seattle and there is speculation the former 49ers assistant will have interest in the 49ers job after the season. (MC)

HERO OF THE WEEK

PLAXICO BURRESS, WR, GIANTS PICKING A GUY FACING THE STEELERS DEFENSE PROBABLY ISN'T WISE. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT WILL HAVE A TARGET ON HIM AS AN OUTSTANDING PLAYER AND EX-STEELER. PITTSBURGH RANKS NO. 1 IN TOTAL DEFENSE (228.3) AND PASS DEFENSE (158.7). BUT I LIKE ELI MANNING AND THE GIANTS TO DO WHAT THEY NORMALLY DO BEST: WIN ON THE ROAD. I LIKE BURRESS TO PLAY A BIG ROLE IN THIS UPSET. (MC)

FANTASY PICKS

GAMEDAY DECISIONS? BLAH RAMS RB Steven Jackson blew up on the 'Boys last week, but his bruised thigh means he's a dreaded "game-time decision" at New England. Sheesh. Add Antonio Pittman if you must, but don't monitor the Internet this morning ... go to church and don't start either guy. Santonio Holmes' pot bust means the Steelers WR will be benched vs. the Giants. Nate Washington has TD catches in the past two games, so throw him in there. (CM)

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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