PIT - Le'Veon Bell ruled out against Ravens
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Field Yates
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) has been ruled out for the team's Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Jan. 3.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nobody should be surprised by this news. Bell did not feel comfortable running this week, and the game against the Ravens is on Saturday. This means undrafted rookie Josh Harris is likely to be the starter for the Steelers. It also indicates the Steelers offense will live and die on the arm of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
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CIN - WR A.J. Green listed as doubtful
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (concussion) is listed as doubtful for the team's Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Jan. 4, after he sat out of practice Friday, Jan. 2.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He has to be cleared by an independent physician before he can resume practicing, and that hasn't happened yet. There's a chance Green could be cleared on Saturday, but that would still likely make him limited on Sunday against the Colts.
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PIT - Steelers 0-3 without Le'Veon Bell
Source: ESPN.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-3 and have averaged 14 points per game when RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) has not been in the lineup in his career.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is not the stat you want to read if you're a Steelers fan.
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DAL - QB Tony Romo probable for playoffs
Source: NFL
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) practiced in full Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Jan. 4.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Romo was on fire in the month of December. The Cowboys are hoping he can continue this trend as they enter the postseason.
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DAL - Probable status for RB DeMarco Murray
Source: NFL
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (hand) practiced in full Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Murray is the engine to the offense, and he'll be asked to carry the load in the playoffs.
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DET - WR Calvin Johnson probable against Cowboys
Source: NFL
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) practiced in full for the second straight day Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Jan. 4.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions need Johnson to go nuts if they want to advance against the Cowboys. The Dallas defense is sound schematically, but it will be tough to match up against Johnson (as it is for everybody).
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IND - TE Dwayne Allen probable for playoff game
Source: NFL
Indianapolis Colts TE Dwayne Allen (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Colts will live and die with Andrew Luck and the passing game. Having Allen at his disposal will help Luck play better. This will also cut into the targets for tight end Coby Fleener.
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IND - WR Reggie Wayne listed as probable
Source: NFL
Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2, but is listed as probable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wayne should be able to go against the Bengals on Sunday. The Colts need all the help they can get in the passing game this week.
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DET - WR Calvin Johnson to face CB Brandon Carr
Source: ESPNDallas.com - Tim MacMahon
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is expected to be covered by Dallas Cowboys CB Brandon Carr in the wild-card playoff game Sunday, Jan. 4. The last time the two faced off last year, Johnson had 14 catches for 329 yards and a touchdown. Carr was often left on an island against Johnson last year, when QB Matthew Stafford threw for 488 yards. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said the Cowboys will make Johnson more of a focal point in their game plan this time around. 'I think we're going to be able to maybe give (Carr) more help than we did,' Marinelli said. 'And I feel like Brandon is a terrific corner and he's up for this challenge, but as a staff we've got to find ways to help him.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Cowboys are going to do their best to slow down Johnson. However, the Lions best bet to win this contest is targeting Johnson early and often.
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GB - QB Aaron Rodgers slowly progressing
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf) said he is slowly progressing from a calf ailment, and he thinks he's on track to start in next week's divisional playoff round.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Packers fans should keep an eye out here. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers isn't likely to practice until next Thursday 'at the earliest.'
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IND - RB Trent Richardson questionable
Source: Colts.com - Kevin Bowen
Indianapolis Colts RB Trent Richardson (illness) is listed as questionable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Jan. 4, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Richardson missed practice Friday, Jan. 2.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We have a feeling Richardson will play on Sunday. He's not been productive this year, so don't expect the Colts to rely on him heavily as they take on the Bengals in the Wild Card round.
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CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams probable
Source: Panthers.com
Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (hand) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams will be back in action, but he's still going to be behind Jonathan Stewart in the pecking order. Those playing daily fantasy should recognize there will be a split amongst RB touches in Carolina when considering Stewart.
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CIN - TE Jermaine Gresham listed as questionable
Source: Bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (back) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as questionable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gresham will have a chance to get out on the practice field on Saturday. If he does, there's a good chance he'll play on Sunday against the Colts.
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BAL - DT Haloti Ngata added to active roster
Source: NFL.com
The Baltimore Ravens activated DT Haloti Ngata from the Reserve/Suspended list Friday, Jan. 2. The team also placed LB Arthur Brown (thigh) on the Reserve/Injured list.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Getting Ngata back is huge for the Ravens defense. He's a disruptive player in the middle who will be fresh for the playoffs coming off this suspension.
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PIT - TE Heath Miller listed as probable
Source: Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Heath Miller (non-injury) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Steelers are going to have to lean heavily on the passing game with star RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) out. Miller is a favorite of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and he makes for an interesting selection for those playing daily fantasy football during the playoffs.
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PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger probable
Source: Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (non-injury) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The weather may not be great in Pittsburgh on Saturday night. No matter, the Steelers have no choice but to air it out since Le'Veon Bell (knee) has been ruled out.
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CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart to remain lead back
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Jonathan Jones
Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is expected to start and see most of the carries over RB DeAngelo Williams in the team's Wild Card game against the Arizona Cardinals Saturday, Jan. 3. Stewart has the second most rushing yards (486) in the league in the last five games, and Williams was a liability in the passing game with an injured right hand. However, Williams is 'ready to roll' this week, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stewart has upside for fantasy owners playing daily games during the playoffs. However, Williams may cut enough into his touches to hold his production down compared to what it's been over the last five weeks.
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IND - Indy to rely on passing game
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Stephen Holder
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck and the passing game is expected to be leaned on even more in the team's Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Jan. 4, according to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. 'Our emphasis is to just try and score every time we touch the football,' Hamilton said. 'If that's (by) running the football, that's great. Ideally we want to have balance in our offense. But at this point, we have to accentuate our strengths and do what we do best and find ways to score.' Indianapolis led the league in passing this year with a league-high 4,894 passing yards (306 per game). Luck led the NFL with 40 touchdown passes. The Colts rank 22nd in rushing yards per game this year (100.8) and 25th in yards per carry (3.9).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
In other news; water is wet. Trent Richardson and Dan "not so Boom" Herron don't give you much confidence. Both are below average backs who fail to produce at a high level. Does Andrew Luck have to do everything in the playoffs? Yes...yes, he does.
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PIT - S Troy Polamalu expected to start
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Mark Kaboly
Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (knee) is expected to start at strong safety in the wild-card playoff game, but it is not known if he will lose some playing time to SS Will Allen.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Getting Polamalu back is nothing but a good thing for the Steelers defense. Their pass defense has struggled this year, so any help against the Ravens on Saturday is welcome.
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DET - DT Nick Fairley not cleared
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley (knee) was not cleared for team drills Friday, Jan. 2. Fairley only participated in individual drills.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fairley is hopeful that he can play, but it seems like he's a longshot. We'll see if he can be cleared by the time Sunday's game against the Cowboys rolls around.
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Source: footballguys.com
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Field Yates
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) has been ruled out for the team's Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Jan. 3.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nobody should be surprised by this news. Bell did not feel comfortable running this week, and the game against the Ravens is on Saturday. This means undrafted rookie Josh Harris is likely to be the starter for the Steelers. It also indicates the Steelers offense will live and die on the arm of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
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CIN - WR A.J. Green listed as doubtful
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (concussion) is listed as doubtful for the team's Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Jan. 4, after he sat out of practice Friday, Jan. 2.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He has to be cleared by an independent physician before he can resume practicing, and that hasn't happened yet. There's a chance Green could be cleared on Saturday, but that would still likely make him limited on Sunday against the Colts.
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PIT - Steelers 0-3 without Le'Veon Bell
Source: ESPN.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-3 and have averaged 14 points per game when RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) has not been in the lineup in his career.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is not the stat you want to read if you're a Steelers fan.
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DAL - QB Tony Romo probable for playoffs
Source: NFL
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) practiced in full Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Jan. 4.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Romo was on fire in the month of December. The Cowboys are hoping he can continue this trend as they enter the postseason.
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DAL - Probable status for RB DeMarco Murray
Source: NFL
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (hand) practiced in full Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Murray is the engine to the offense, and he'll be asked to carry the load in the playoffs.
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DET - WR Calvin Johnson probable against Cowboys
Source: NFL
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) practiced in full for the second straight day Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Jan. 4.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions need Johnson to go nuts if they want to advance against the Cowboys. The Dallas defense is sound schematically, but it will be tough to match up against Johnson (as it is for everybody).
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IND - TE Dwayne Allen probable for playoff game
Source: NFL
Indianapolis Colts TE Dwayne Allen (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Colts will live and die with Andrew Luck and the passing game. Having Allen at his disposal will help Luck play better. This will also cut into the targets for tight end Coby Fleener.
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IND - WR Reggie Wayne listed as probable
Source: NFL
Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2, but is listed as probable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wayne should be able to go against the Bengals on Sunday. The Colts need all the help they can get in the passing game this week.
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DET - WR Calvin Johnson to face CB Brandon Carr
Source: ESPNDallas.com - Tim MacMahon
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is expected to be covered by Dallas Cowboys CB Brandon Carr in the wild-card playoff game Sunday, Jan. 4. The last time the two faced off last year, Johnson had 14 catches for 329 yards and a touchdown. Carr was often left on an island against Johnson last year, when QB Matthew Stafford threw for 488 yards. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said the Cowboys will make Johnson more of a focal point in their game plan this time around. 'I think we're going to be able to maybe give (Carr) more help than we did,' Marinelli said. 'And I feel like Brandon is a terrific corner and he's up for this challenge, but as a staff we've got to find ways to help him.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Cowboys are going to do their best to slow down Johnson. However, the Lions best bet to win this contest is targeting Johnson early and often.
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GB - QB Aaron Rodgers slowly progressing
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf) said he is slowly progressing from a calf ailment, and he thinks he's on track to start in next week's divisional playoff round.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Packers fans should keep an eye out here. Head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers isn't likely to practice until next Thursday 'at the earliest.'
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IND - RB Trent Richardson questionable
Source: Colts.com - Kevin Bowen
Indianapolis Colts RB Trent Richardson (illness) is listed as questionable for the team's wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Jan. 4, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Richardson missed practice Friday, Jan. 2.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We have a feeling Richardson will play on Sunday. He's not been productive this year, so don't expect the Colts to rely on him heavily as they take on the Bengals in the Wild Card round.
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CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams probable
Source: Panthers.com
Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (hand) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is probable for the team's wild-card playoff.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams will be back in action, but he's still going to be behind Jonathan Stewart in the pecking order. Those playing daily fantasy should recognize there will be a split amongst RB touches in Carolina when considering Stewart.
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CIN - TE Jermaine Gresham listed as questionable
Source: Bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (back) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as questionable for the wild-card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gresham will have a chance to get out on the practice field on Saturday. If he does, there's a good chance he'll play on Sunday against the Colts.
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BAL - DT Haloti Ngata added to active roster
Source: NFL.com
The Baltimore Ravens activated DT Haloti Ngata from the Reserve/Suspended list Friday, Jan. 2. The team also placed LB Arthur Brown (thigh) on the Reserve/Injured list.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Getting Ngata back is huge for the Ravens defense. He's a disruptive player in the middle who will be fresh for the playoffs coming off this suspension.
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PIT - TE Heath Miller listed as probable
Source: Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Heath Miller (non-injury) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Steelers are going to have to lean heavily on the passing game with star RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) out. Miller is a favorite of QB Ben Roethlisberger, and he makes for an interesting selection for those playing daily fantasy football during the playoffs.
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PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger probable
Source: Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (non-injury) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The weather may not be great in Pittsburgh on Saturday night. No matter, the Steelers have no choice but to air it out since Le'Veon Bell (knee) has been ruled out.
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CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart to remain lead back
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Jonathan Jones
Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is expected to start and see most of the carries over RB DeAngelo Williams in the team's Wild Card game against the Arizona Cardinals Saturday, Jan. 3. Stewart has the second most rushing yards (486) in the league in the last five games, and Williams was a liability in the passing game with an injured right hand. However, Williams is 'ready to roll' this week, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stewart has upside for fantasy owners playing daily games during the playoffs. However, Williams may cut enough into his touches to hold his production down compared to what it's been over the last five weeks.
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IND - Indy to rely on passing game
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Stephen Holder
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck and the passing game is expected to be leaned on even more in the team's Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Jan. 4, according to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. 'Our emphasis is to just try and score every time we touch the football,' Hamilton said. 'If that's (by) running the football, that's great. Ideally we want to have balance in our offense. But at this point, we have to accentuate our strengths and do what we do best and find ways to score.' Indianapolis led the league in passing this year with a league-high 4,894 passing yards (306 per game). Luck led the NFL with 40 touchdown passes. The Colts rank 22nd in rushing yards per game this year (100.8) and 25th in yards per carry (3.9).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
In other news; water is wet. Trent Richardson and Dan "not so Boom" Herron don't give you much confidence. Both are below average backs who fail to produce at a high level. Does Andrew Luck have to do everything in the playoffs? Yes...yes, he does.
Back to Top
PIT - S Troy Polamalu expected to start
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Mark Kaboly
Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (knee) is expected to start at strong safety in the wild-card playoff game, but it is not known if he will lose some playing time to SS Will Allen.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Getting Polamalu back is nothing but a good thing for the Steelers defense. Their pass defense has struggled this year, so any help against the Ravens on Saturday is welcome.
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DET - DT Nick Fairley not cleared
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley (knee) was not cleared for team drills Friday, Jan. 2. Fairley only participated in individual drills.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fairley is hopeful that he can play, but it seems like he's a longshot. We'll see if he can be cleared by the time Sunday's game against the Cowboys rolls around.
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Source: footballguys.com