Posted by Rob in Defenses,Fantasy Advice,Kickers,Projections,Quarterbacks,Running Backs,Tight Ends,Wide Receivers on Dec 16th 2009 and last modified on Dec 17th 2009. (Print This)
The Colts will look to remain perfect.
Thursday night looks like a classic mismatch at first glance. Many NFL fans will instantly think the Colts win in a blowout. Looking further into the numbers, Fantasy Football Brothers thinks there is one team that is great at one thing and another that is pretty well balanced offensively. That doesn’t mean they don’t have certain deficiencies that can’t be exploited though.
The Indianapolis Colts come into this game with the number one passing offense in the NFL. It’s no secret, Peyton Manning and his wide receivers of Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie are special. That goes without even mentioning one of the leagues top pass catching tight ends in Dallas Clark. Sprinkle in Joseph Addai catching balls out of the backfield and they are nearly unstoppable. With that said, the Colts are ranked 28th in the league in rushing. They are somewhat one dimensional offensively, but it has yet to bite them as they sit at 13-0 on the season.
Sims-Walker looks to get back on track.
The Jacksonville Jaguars enter this game as the more balanced offensive team, as evidenced by being ranked 8th in rushing and 18th in passing. They also sport a 5-2 record at home. Maurice Jones-Drew comes into this game struggling and he hasn’t been over the century mark in the last four games. Add in the fact that his reception numbers are slowly dwindling and fantasy owners are wondering if he is injured. The Jaguars must get him back on track if they are to have a chance in this game. David Garrard struggled last week and he has been up and down throughout the season. Mike Sims-Walker has simply disappeared the last three games, as with Jones-Drew, they must get Sims-Walker going if they have any chance against the Colts.
If there is something these two teams have in common it is the play of the defenses. The Colts are 20th against the pass and 18th against the rush. Look further though and you’ll see that they only give up 17 points a game, tied for second in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. Why is it that this defense isn’t more talked about? The Jacksonville Jaguars achilles heel is their pass defense, ranked a paltry 28th in the league. They must come to play with Peyton and Co. coming to town. The rush defense is ranked 15th in the league and the Jaguars give up 22 points a game. For a Jack Del Rio coached team that is not too good for a coach that prides himself in his defense.
Have a sit/start, or waiver wire question? – Send it in. The Brotherhood answers ALL questions FREE of charge. Be sure to add us to your favorites, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD!
Here are the Stat Projections for the game:
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (8:20 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2009)
Game Projections for Indianapolis Colts:
QB-Peyton Manning—-20 com./30 att.—-237 yards—-2 TD’s—-0 INT’s
RB-Joseph Addai—-14 ru.—-52 yards—-1 TD—-1 rec.—-7 yards—-0 rec. TD’s
WR-Reggie Wayne—-5 rec.—-65 yards—-0 TD’s
WR-Pierre Garcon—-4 rec.—-61 yards—-1 TD
WR-Austin Collie—-4 rec.—-40 yards—-0 TD’s
TE-Dallas Clark—-6 rec.—-64 yards—-1 TD
K-Matt Stover—-8 points
D/ST- (6) points
Game Projections for Jacksonville Jaguars:
QB-David Garrard—-18 com./32 att.—-194 yards—-1 TD—-1 INT
RB-Maurice Jones-Drew—-20 ru.—-83 yards—-1 TD—-4 rec.—-35 yards—-0 rec. TD’s
WR-Mike Sims-Walker—-4 rec.—-56 yards—-0 TD’s
WR-Torry Holt—-5 rec.—-50 yards—-0 TD’s
TE-Marcedes Lewis—-3 rec.—-36 yards—-1 TD
K-Josh Scobee—-7 points
D/ST- (2) points
Enjoy the ball game. Fantasy Football Brothers.