Here are a few trends to think about before tuning into the games on Sunday:
After getting off to a slow start, Jamal Lewis has been a pretty good running back as of late. In the last four games he is averaging 82 yards and scored three times. But that trend may end on Sunday against his former team, the Ravens. In two games last season Lewis ran pretty well against Baltimore with 64 yards in one game and 92 in the other, and scoring in each. But earlier this year the improved Ravens D held him to just 56 yards and it is doubtful he'll do much better this time around. The Ravens give up just 64 yards on the ground per game and have allowed just one rushing touchdown this season.
While the Bills' success has been a pleasant surprise for many this season, the same can't be said for the play of their stud running back Marshawn Lynch. In his rookie season last year, Lynch averaged 21.5 carries per game and was given the ball at least 18 times in each start. This year he is averaging just 17.6 carries and just 64.1 yards per game. Sure, his touchdowns are way up - six so far this year compared to seven all of last year. But touchdowns can be hit or miss and the fact is, Lynch is not gettting the same opportunities. In the last two games Fred Jackson has gotten the ball 19 times. There may not be a battle for running back in Buffalo but it seems as if Jackson will continue to take carries away from Lynch. Regardless, the Bills could have a tough time running the ball against a Jets D that allows just 82.6 yards per game.
The Rams are back. Okay, they aren't the Greatest Show on Turf anymore, but they are playing competitive football, especailly on offense. One of the guys that has stepped it up has been rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery. In the last three games Avery has 14 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns. In that same span Torry Holt had just 11 catches for 102 yards and did not score. It would appear that teams are doubling up on the veteran and the rookie is taking advantage of it. Expect both to do well against an Arizona defense that has allowed 14 receiving touchdowns this season - the most in the NFL.
The Dolphins have been another surprise team this season. They have a solid defense and two veteran backs leading the charge. But lately it has been the arm of Chad Pennington leading the team. In the last three weeks he has had games of 284, 295 and 314 yards. He has not thrown for 300 yards in back-to-back games since the beginning of the 2006 season but he should be able to match that feat this week against a Broncos team that is ranked 28th against the pass.
Quick Hits:
Jason Campbell has not thrown an interception this year. The Steelers have not intercepted a pass in thier last four games.
Joey Porter leads the league with 10.5 sacks. Jay Cutler has only been sacked four times this season.
Terrell Owens scored five times in three games against the Giants last year. He has found the endzone in six of his last seven games against New York.
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