w + THE BLADE: TOLEDO, OHIO t SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2007 NFL SECTION D, PAGE 9 + SAINTS at BEARS t Time: 1 p.m. NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE t Last meeting: Bears won NFC East championship game at Chicago WLTPctPFPA Browns to tune in Colts game x-New England 16 0 0 1.000 589 274 39-14 on Jan. 21, 2007. Buffalo 7 8 0 .467 243 337 t Key stat: Saints have scored N.Y. Jets 3 12 0 .200 255 345 Miami 1 14 0 .067 242 399 at least 23 points in last fi ve South games (3-2). WLTPctPFPA Cleveland plays 49ERS at BROWNS y-Indianapolis 13 2 0 .867 440 246 t Fantasy factor: Saints’ Drew z-Jacksonville 11 4 0 .733 383 262 t Time: 1 p.m. Brees on roll with 10 TD passes Tennessee 9 6 0 .600 285 287 t TV: No local broadcast. Houston 7 8 0 .467 337 356 wait and see and two INTs in last fi ve games. North t Last meeting: Browns WLTPctPFPA getting 3.2 yards y-Pittsburgh 10 5 0 .667 372 242 ASSOCIATED PRESS won 13-12 at San Francisco per carry with three rushing TDs Cleveland 9 6 0 .600 382 375 CLEVELAND — They’ll play, on Sept. 21, 2003. for Bears. Cincinnati 6 9 0 .400 342 360 t Key stat: Browns going Baltimore 4 11 0 .267 248 363 then they’ll watch on TV — and t The buzz: Saints will take West for seventh straight home fi eld knowing they have shot at WLTPctPFPA maybe pray. win. y-San Diego 10 5 0 .667 382 267 The have playoffs with win and losses by Denver 6 9 0 .400 298 390 t Fantasy factor: Shaun Oakland 4 11 0 .267 266 368 a busier-than-usual game day Vikings and Redskins. If weather Kansas City 4 11 0 .267 216 322 Hill has won last two starts allows it, Brees will pass Saints NATIONAL CONFERENCE ahead. for 49ers, throwing four TD East It could be their last one to- to victory. WLTPctPFPA passes vs. one INT. Jamal x-Dallas 13 2 0 .867 449 298 gether for awhile. Lewis averaging 4.3 yards z-N.Y. Giants 10 6 0 .625 373 351 Fumbling away a win at Cin- SEAHAWKS at FALCONS Washington 8 7 0 .533 307 304 per carry for Browns with Philadelphia 7 8 0 .467 319 291 cinnati last week has left the nine rushing TDs. t Time: 1 p.m. South Browns, arguably the NFL’s big- t The buzz: One of NFL’s t Last meeting: Seahawks won WLTPctPFPA y-Tampa Bay 9 6 0 .600 311 239 gest surprise of 2007, in a vulner- surprise teams, Browns can 21-18 at Seattle on Sept. 18, New Orleans 7 8 0 .467 354 355 Carolina 6 9 0 .400 236 324 able position heading into their stay in playoff race with 2005. Atlanta 3 12 0 .200 215 373 win, get in with Titans’ loss t Key stat: Falcons 2-5 at home, North season fi nale at home against WLTPctPFPA the . to Colts. Playing at home, beating only Texans and 49ers. y-Green Bay 12 3 0 .800 401 278 Browns won’t be denied. t Fantasy factor: Seahawks’ Minnesota 8 7 0 .533 346 289 Even if they win, the Browns Detroit 7 8 0 .467 333 410 averaging 117 Chicago 6 9 0 .400 301 323 (9-6) need Tennessee (9-6) to yards in last three meetings with West lose at Indianapolis tonight in tExtend Cleveland’s home WLTPctPFPA four TDs. has y-Seattle 10 5 0 .667 352 247 order to make the AFC playoffs winning streak to seven games. tossed six TD passes vs. fi ve Arizona 7 8 0 .467 356 380 for the fi rst time since 2002 and t San Francisco 5 10 0 .333 212 344 Make the Browns 7-1 at INTs for Falcons. St. Louis 3 12 0 .200 244 390 for only the second time since home for the fi rst time in fran- t x-clinched conference The buzz: Falcons ending y-clinched division their 1999 expansion revival. chise history. miserable season; Seahawks try- z-clinched wild card Cleveland can also lose and tGive the Browns their fi rst ing to stay healthy and fresh for THURSDAY Pittsburgh 41, St. Louis 24 still make the postseason as a 10-win season since ’99. playoffs. SATURDAY t Dallas 20, Carolina 13 wild card, but that will require a Further validate a surprising SUNDAY tie by the Titans and Colts. season no one imagined pos- Detroit 25, Kansas City 20 JAGUARS at TEXANS Chicago 35, Green Bay 7 That’s a long shot, but so sible, especially not after a 34-7 t 1 p.m. Indianapolis 38, Houston 15 too were the Browns when the Time: N.Y. Giants 38, Buffalo 21 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 1. t Last meeting: Jaguars won Philadelphia 38, New Orleans 23 season kicked off way back in Nose tackle Shaun Smith Cincinnati 19, Cleveland 14 37-17 at Jacksonville on Oct. 14. Jacksonville 49, Oakland 11 September. bristled when asked if not mak- t Key stat: Texans 3-0 at home Arizona 30, Atlanta 27, OT For Browns center Hank ing the postseason would be San Francisco 21, Tampa Bay 19 REUTERS since week off, averaging 27.3 Tennessee 10, N.Y. Jets 6 Fraley, there’s only one certainty a downer for the Browns, who points per game. Seattle 27, Baltimore 6 about an unusual, climactic day went 4-12 in 2006. t New England 28, Miami 7 Cleveland’s says the Browns have no one to blame Fantasy factor: David Garrard Washington 32, Minnesota 21 of this regular season. but themselves for possibly losing a playoff berth last week. “Why would it be a disap- guiding Jaguars to playoffs in MONDAY San Diego 23, Denver 3 “It will be the fi rst time I’ve pointment?” he said “Everyone fi rst full season as starter, throw- LAST NIGHT ever rooted for the Colts,” he keeps saying it would be a dis- ing 18 TD passes vs. three INTs. New England 38, N.Y. Giants 35 ing on Anderson to bounce back Bay, but he took a hard hit on a TODAY said. appointment, but look at us. We Rookie Darius Walker from Notre against the 49ers. scramble against the Buccaneers Seattle at Atlanta, 1 Cleveland fans too will be won nine games so far and we’re Dame averaging 3.7 per carry for Detroit at Green Bay, 1 “I expect to see the same old and was still showing signs from Cincinnati at Miami, 1 pulling for and trying to get our 10th victory. Texans. New Orleans at Chicago, 1 D.A., throw the ball around and the punishing hit earlier this t The buzz: Jaguars locked into Jacksonville at Houston, 1 the rest of Indianapolis’ start- You can’t win every game in this Buffalo at Philadelphia, 1 ers to build a big lead before wing it,” Fraley said. “We had week. business. No. 5 seed in AFC playoffs and Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 a couple bad breaks, a couple If Hill can’t play, the 49ers will won’t be taking many chances. San Francisco at Cleveland, 1 Colts coach begins “We’ve got something to build Dallas at Washington, 4:15 sending in his backups, which turnovers. We had chances to turn to , the 2000 on. It could be a lot worse. We Texans will fi nish on high note at Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 4:15 overcome those turnovers and Heisman Trophy winner and for- home. San Diego at Oakland, 4:15 could happen as early as the fi rst could be 4-12 like we were last Minnesota at Denver, 4:15 get back on top and didn’t take mer Carolina who St. Louis at Arizona, 4:15 quarter. year and everybody would be Kansas City at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 It didn’t have to be this diffi cult advantage of it. is having to cram to learn San upset, talking about ‘Fire the BENGALS at DOLPHINS Tennessee at Indianapolis, 8:15 “Everybody wants to point a Francisco’s playbook. coach, do this and do that.’ But t for the Browns, who would have Time: 1 p.m. fi nger at Derek, but there’s 60 or “Each day I’m here, I become it’s not like that. There are a lot t secured a spot in the postseason Last meeting: Bengals won ing up good season with 24 TD 70 plays a game. We win and lose more comfortable,” Weinke said. of positives and we’ve got to just 16-13 at Cincinnati on Sept. 19, with a win over the Bengals, their passes vs. 15 INTs. down-state rivals. Instead, a 19- as a team, it’s not just one guy “It’s just been a lot of studying keep building on it.” 2004. t The buzz: Cardinals have had, the last two weeks. I prepare t 14 loss has put them in peril. here. It gets pointed out because The Colts can help the Browns Key stat: Dolphins have won by their standards, a good sea- you’re the quarterback. We as a like I’m the starter every week, lay the next stepping stone. nine of last 10 meetings. “We had an opportunity to son, even after losing QB Matt team lost that game.” because in this game, you never Following today’s game, Fraley t Fantasy factor: Bengals’ Ken- close the playoffs out and get the Leinart. This is kind of team that At least the Browns have a know. When you’re not playing plans to do a little tailgating with ny Watson averaging 4.4 yards plays hard on last day of season. wild card, but we didn’t handle per carry. Marty Booker has 49 our business,” Browns running healthy quarterback — or two. the game or it’s taken from you, family and friends before head- catches but only 11.2-yard aver- back Jamal Lewis said. “We have The 49ers (5-10) enter the fi nale you appreciate it that much ing home to watch the Titans- age and one TD for Dolphins. VIKINGS at BRONCOS no one to blame but ourselves.” of their fi fth straight losing sea- more when you get another Colts game. t t Time: 4:15 p.m. son with major QB issues. chance.” Whether he goes back to work The buzz: Bengals were one t Much of the postgame criti- of NFL’s disappointments this Last meeting: Vikings won 28- Shaun Hill, a longtime backup Another chance, the Browns or packs his helmet away for 20 at Minnesota on Oct. 19, 2003. cism was directed at quarterback season and Dolphins have shown would love one. the winter is in someone else’s t Key stat: Vikings have won Derek Anderson, the 24-year-old who didn’t throw his fi rst pass in some heart at times. And now, last two road games (Giants, gunslinger who had been bril- an NFL game until earlier this But although they blew one hands. Bill Parcells is looking over their 49ers). liant before throwing a season- month, missed some practice last week, they can still fi nish “It’s a little weird,” he said. shoulder pads. t Fantasy factor: Vikings rookie high four in the time with back spasms. Hill has the season — playoff bid or not “We’ll just hope we’re coming in Adrian Peterson averaging 5.7 biggest game of his career. led the 49ers to consecutive — on a high note. Monday preparing to go to Pitts- BILLS at EAGLES per carry, has rushed for 12 The Browns though are count- wins over Cincinnati and Tampa A win would: burgh or San Diego.” t TDs. Jay Cutler winding down Time: 1 p.m. solid second season with 18 TD t Last meeting: Eagles won 23- passes vs. 14 INTs for Broncos. 13 at Buffalo on Sept. 28, 2003. t The buzz: Vikings are in play- t Key stat: Eagles have won two offs with win and Redskins loss, straight (Cowboys and Saints on while Broncos are playing out Lions, cold weather to test Packers road). rare bad season. t Fantasy factor: Lee Evans ASSOCIATED PRESS I’ve seen them display profes- has 54 catches, fi ve TDs for Bills. CHARGERS at RAIDERS GREEN BAY, Wis. — Remem- LIONS at PACKERS sional pride, that’s going to Eagles’ Brian Westbrook has t rushed for seven TDs, caught fi ve Time: 4:15 p.m. ber the Green Bay Packers of t Time: 1 p.m. earn a check, and get paid very t TD passes. Last meeting: Chargers won old, masters of the tundra- t TV: 36, 2 well. I bring it to their attention, t The buzz: Nothing but pride at 28-14 at San Diego on Oct. 14. churning power sweep, cham- t Last meeting: Packers I make sure they know what I’m stake here, but Eagles are fi nish- t Key stat: Chargers have won pions of the Ice Bowl? won 37-26 at Detroit on Nov. looking for and what I expect. ing stronger. Bills have lost two in last eight meetings. Judging by last weekend, 22. We’ve had a solid season, we t a row, to Browns and Giants. Fantasy factor: LaDainian those days are long gone. t Key stat: Packers have just have to go out and fi n- Tomlinson just keeps on running, Going into today’s regular- won six of last seven meet- ish the season, fi nish what we PANTHERS at BUCS leading league with 1,418 yards season fi nale against Detroit at ings. started.” and 15 rushing TDs. Ronald Cur- t Fantasy factor: Lions’ t Time: 1 p.m. ry leads Raiders with 54 catches, Lambeau Field, the new-look Once considered a legiti- t Packers (12-3) still need to T.J. Duckett coming off mate playoff contender at 6-2, Last meeting: Bucs won 20-7 four for TDs. 102-yard game. at Carolina on Sept. 30. t The buzz: Chargers have AFC prove that their young players Detroit lost six straight before t threw three of his 26 TD beating Kansas City last Sun- Key stat: Bucs going for per- West locked up but can taste and precision passing offense passes in last month’s win fect 6-0 mark in NFC South. after last year’s won’t fold when the weather over Lions. day. Now the Lions are playing t Fantasy factor: Steve Smith playoff failure. They’ll take care of turns cold. t The buzz: Favre likely without two injured stars on has 82 catches, seven TDs for business quickly. “We’re the Green Bay Pack- won’t play much as NFC’s offense: wide receiver Roy Wil- Panthers. Ike Hilliard has 62 ers,” coach Mike McCarthy No. 2 seed gets warm for liams and Kevin catches, one TD for Bucs. said. “Everybody talks about playoffs. Lions end yet an- Jones. t CHIEFS at JETS The buzz: Bucs likely to rest t Time: 4:15 p.m. coming to Lambeau in January, other disappointing season, “It’s brutal, no question some regulars in preparation for t Last meeting: Chiefs won 27-7 and do not want to play there. collapsing after 6-2 start. about it,” Marinelli said. “Get playoffs as Panthers try to fi nish at Kansas City on Sept. 11, 2005. We’re supposed to like that off to a 6-2 start, but you learn on positive note. t Key stat: Chiefs have lost REUTERS you can’t take anything for eight straight, Jets three straight. weather, and we did not look game and play to win just like t Fantasy factor: Chiefs TE like we liked it very much this Even though Brett Favre wants we have every week,” McCarthy granted. Every week is tougher STEELERS at RAVENS past Sunday.” — all of a sudden you’re playing t quietly having to play today, he probably will said. “But at some point, and I Time: 4:15 p.m. big year with 92 catches, fi ve After the Packers were thrown teams and instead of looking at t be pulled in order to preserve don’t know what point that will TV: 11 for TDs. Thomas Jones getting the old Lions, they’re looking t off by an extreme combination the veteran QB for the playoffs. be, we’ll probably try to take Last meeting: Steelers won just 3.6 yards per carry with one of cold and wind in a 35-7 loss at you and preparing for you 38-7 at Pittsburgh on Nov. 5. rushing TD. some players out.” at Chicago, McCarthy briefl y Favre included? differently, and you’ve got to t Key stat: Ravens have won t The buzz: Two of most disap- on track,” Favre said. “I know considered teaching the team “Yeah, Brett would be one of match that intensity.” last fi ve at home vs. Steelers. pointing teams meet, because we have a break after that and schedule says they have to. a lesson by making the starters those players that would come Left out of the playoffs, the t Fantasy factor: Steelers’ Ben we’ll see what happens in the The Pick: Jets 13, Chiefs 10. play four quarters against the out,” McCarthy said. Lions are turning to other Roethlisberger winding down big playoffs. But you only get to Lions (7-8). Linebacker Nick Barnett said sources of motivation. season with 32 TD passes and play so many games and to only 11 INTs, but is nursing sore McCarthy has since cooled the Packers won’t be taking to- For the defense, there’s a TITANS at COLTS me, I love to play. I’d hate to ankle and shoulder and likely will t off and now plans to rest players day off. chance to keep Packers running Time: 8:15 p.m. go out and practice and study sit out fi nale. Ravens’ Derrick t at some point today, balancing “Don’t expect a letup,” Bar- back Ryan Grant under 1,000 TVe: 24 and then not play. I may be Mason has 97 catches, fi ve TDs. t the need to regain momentum nett said. “I don’t expect that, yards rushing — a major goal t Last meeting: Colts won 22- different than most guys, but I The buzz: Steelers have won 20 at Tennessee on Sept, 16. for the playoffs with avoiding especially after last week. I for the Packers’ offensive line. would much rather play. To me, AFC North and this won’t be like t Key stat: Colts have won eight injuries in an otherwise mean- expect to go out there and Grant took over as the Pack- many of their tough games with it’s fun.” of last nine meetings. ingless game. make up for the mistakes that ers’ top running back in the Ravens, who have lost nine in Last week’s loss handed t Fantasy factor: Titans winning But McCarthy still is not we made, and go out and play seventh game of the season, row. home-fi eld advantage to Dal- despite tough season from Vince comfortable with the way his hard.” and needs 101 yards today to las, but the Packers still are Young (nine TD passes vs. 17 team responded to adversity The Lions have far less to hit 1,000 for the season. assured of a fi rst-round bye COWBOYS at REDSKINS INTs). Colts backup QB Jim Sorgi against the Bears. And neither play for, but coach Rod Mari- “We’re defi nitely going to t and at least one playoff game Time: 4:15 p.m. likely to see plenty of action. is Brett Favre, who struggled nelli said he doesn’t expect his make sure it doesn’t happen,” t t at home. McCarthy said he’ll Last meeting: Cowboys won The buzz: Titans will grab fi nal as much as anyone with last players to have their suitcases Lions linebacker Ernie Sims 28-23 at Dallas on Nov. 18. make decisions on resting his AFC playoff spot with win, and Sunday’s weather and would packed prematurely. said. “We feel like it’s all on our t Key stat: Redskins have won starters based on how the team Colts might rest regulars since just as soon play a full game “I’ve seen it both ways,” shoulders for him not to get three straight by 10.3 points per responds in practice and dur- they’re locked into AFC’s No. 2 against the Lions. Marinelli said. “I’ve seen guys that 1,000 yards. Whatever it game. seed. ing the game. “I’d like to get us back on who’ve had ’em packed, and takes, that’s what we’re going to t Fantasy factor: Tight ends will “We’re going to start the put on show — Cowboys’ Jason — Chicago Tribune track, I’d like to get myself back have to do.” Witten has 94 catches, seven for TDs; Redskins’ Chris Cooley has 61 catches, eight for TDs. Will E. Wynn nus-9) over Dallas: The you already didn’t know, COMPANIONS t The buzz: Redskins will be in (For entertainment Redskins have rallied around Will E. is a Steelers fan. But ESCORTS Now Hiring playoffs with win and Cowboys purposes only) their coach. Win one for the who isn’t? Steelers for 100 INCALL / OUTCALL Gibbster? Redskins for 100 are all set as NFC’s No. 1 seed. Not that the NFL is ever units. MON-SAT 10AM-2AM • SUN NOON-2AM units. tCLEVELAND (minus-11 easy to pick, but today is t 419-514-8453 extra hard. Many teams have Minnesota (minus-3) ½) over San Francisco: The RAMS at CARDINALS over DENVER: The Vikes sort Ask about our Specials t Time: 4:15 p.m. nothing to play for, but the Browns have come too far to t of have a chance to make the lose today. Browns for 200 Last meeting: Cards won 34- schedule says they have to playoffs? Right? Vikings for 31 at St. Louis on Oct. 7. play, anyway. units. YOKO SPA t 100 units. t Key stat: Cards have scored at And Will E. doesn’t have a t Yesterday: 1-0 (plus-500 UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT and NEW GIRLS least 20 points in seven straight ARIZONA (minus-6) 9 A.M.-3:00 A.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK choice, either. over St. Louis: units) games for fi rst time since 1983- tSeason: 42-35-3 10095 Airport 1/2 mi. East of Airport 84. So, he’s just going to sit has something to prove to back and enjoy the games. tUnit total: Started sea- – Sauna, Shower, Massages – t Fantasy factor: Rams’ Steven the Cards — and the Rams. $ Jackson has 286 yards from Say, do they still make Zagnut Cardinals for 100 units. son with 1,000 mythical units, 10 OFF scrimmage in last two meetings. candy bars? tPittsburgh (minus-3) up to 1,750 units (419) 865-9699 + Cardinals’ Kurt Warner fi nish- tWASHINGTON (mi- over BALTIMORE: In case * Home team in caps +

123007_RP5_SUN__D9 1 12/29/2007, 11:53:00 PM