Nfl Week 3
- Thread starter YesSir
- Start date
16-13 +6.10 units (based on 1 and 2 unit plays)
Props 1-3 -.63
Games that I post the night before, usually will use stats prior to that night's games. I do take into effect(in my thougth process) what transpired that night.
onto some thoughts....
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SteelBucsFan
Chicken Thief
will be looking @
SF +9
BUFF ? +15.5 ...
BEARS -3.5
LOCKED IN
indy -5.5 ...already down to 5 :down2:
SF +9
BUFF ? +15.5 ...
BEARS -3.5
LOCKED IN
indy -5.5 ...already down to 5 :down2:
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frankiegotti
Power Boat Enthusiast
interesting call on that pittsburgh over 38, would you mind explaining if you could? I like pitt in this matchup, although SF is tough to judge with so many transformations in different areas of the SF offense and defense.
GL
GL
frankiegotti
Power Boat Enthusiast
alright, thanks, i appreciate it.
daveniner
Pretty much a regular
The Niner offense has started slowly, so far. I don't know if they can run, on Pitt. If they can't, they will have another frustrating performance.
I think the Niner's D will be alright, against their offense. Time of possession would be my main concern, for the 49er's defense. I don't think Pitt. has as many playmakers as the Rams. But, if they control the clock, they might be able to wear the defense down.
On the other side, SF dropped a couple of EZ picks (against the Rams). Willis and Lawson dropped balls that hit their hands. Both happened when the Ram's were inside the red-zone.
The 49ers might be able to hang with the Steelers, if they can make the play on those possible turnovers. We know that "Big Ben" is susceptible.
Another concern would be Smith's fumbles. You know that Pitt. has seen this, on film. Smith can't continue to turn the ball over, if they have any hopes to continue this win streak.
I think the Niner's D will be alright, against their offense. Time of possession would be my main concern, for the 49er's defense. I don't think Pitt. has as many playmakers as the Rams. But, if they control the clock, they might be able to wear the defense down.
On the other side, SF dropped a couple of EZ picks (against the Rams). Willis and Lawson dropped balls that hit their hands. Both happened when the Ram's were inside the red-zone.
The 49ers might be able to hang with the Steelers, if they can make the play on those possible turnovers. We know that "Big Ben" is susceptible.
Another concern would be Smith's fumbles. You know that Pitt. has seen this, on film. Smith can't continue to turn the ball over, if they have any hopes to continue this win streak.
Frankie- I have a lot of faith in this SF offense. I know they have struggled the first two weeks but I think they get it going here. Alex Smith and Ben Rothlesburger are but good young quarterbacks. But the thing is they are young and will make mistakes. I think this could work to the overs advantage here. I think Pitts will definitely be able to put points on the board here. Pittsburgh trusts Big Ben now and will let him throw the ball. Alex Smith has been a little stinky or "nonexistent" in weeks 1 and 2....I see him having a good game here. SF has a pretty good offensive line that will give AS more time to look for open receivers. If Pitts mixes things up (which i am assuming they will do), Alex could make some big mistakes...
here is a little insider i found
Rushing: Gore is one of the very best running backs in the league today. He is compact, powerful, has outstanding vision and the burst to accelerate through the hole. He runs low with fantastic balance and has the speed and quickness to break long runs. Gore didn't dominate in Week 1, but was better a week ago and should be starting to hit his stride. However, running room is going to be difficult to come by in Pittsburgh.
The 49ers will test the Steelers' defense by running left. LT Jonas Jennings and future Hall of Fame LG Larry Allen comprise a massive and powerful left side of the offensive line. RDE Brett Keisel is a fine player who is very athletic, but his ability to hold the point of attack will be challenged this week. NT Casey Hampton is sure to cause San Francisco's inside-rushing attack a lot of problems. He is an anchor in the middle of the field who makes the entire Steelers defense work. San Francisco will try to set up the pass with its rushing attack, but it will not be easy this week.
Passing: Alex Smith is an intelligent, mobile quarterback who can be effective on the move. San Francisco likes to roll him out, often after a play-action fake. He is a good decision-maker for a young quarterback, but doesn't have a powerful right arm to fit the ball into tight windows. He attempted just 17 passes in the 49ers' win last week, but was efficient without turning the ball over.
The Steelers defense has allowed some big games from opposing tight ends over the past few seasons and San Francisco must utilize the great talents that TE Vernon Davis brings to the table. He caught just two passes last week, which will not cut it in Pittsburgh. Davis has adequate size, but a fantastic athletic build that makes him extremely fast for a TE. He also drips with big-play ability, particularly after the catch.
When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: Parker isn't huge, but he is powerful for his size and never shies away from contact. Of course, Parker's best asset is his blazing speed because he only needs a small crease to break a big play. Pittsburgh's wide receivers help by doing an exceptional job of sealing the edge and springing Parker. The Steelers will also bring RB Najeh Davenport in to lighten Parker's load and provide a bigger, physical runner who catches the ball well. This pair accounted for 172 rushing yards last week and provided a much-needed balance to Pittsburgh's potent passing game.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is very fond of using one running back with either two or three tight ends and tends to run and pass out of these personnel groupings. The tight ends will often line up in bunch sets and also have the ability to go in motion and split out wide. TE Heath Miller is usually the one who motions to a receiver position, but no matter which TE motions out they make the offense very big with a lot of versatility because all the Steelers' TEs are in the 6-foot-5 range. Pittsburgh doesn't spread the field horizontally with their personnel groupings, but instead they often keep their receivers and tight ends closer to the ball to provide favorable blocking angles in the running game to get Parker to daylight.
The 49ers' 3-4 scheme is designed to funnel everything to the inside linebackers, particularly talented rookie Patrick Willis. There should be interesting battles between San Francisco's linebackers and Pittsburgh's tight ends in the run game.
Passing: Over the course of Ben Roethlisberger's career, the Steelers are 18-0 in games when he throws the ball 21 times or less and 2-8 in games where he throws the ball 31 times or more. That was then and this is now. Pittsburgh is going to throw the ball often and this coaching staff has full confidence in Roethlisberger.
San Francisco has a very good set of starting cornerbacks in Nate Clements and Walt Harris, who allow the 49ers to be aggressive with their blitz packages without fear of giving up the big play. Pittsburgh will use a lot of three wide receiver sets, which should give Roethlisberger more options than continually throwing in Clements' or Harris' direction. San Francisco's nickel back is Shawntae Spencer, who has struggled and can be exploited. SS Michael Lewis is a physical player, but he is better against the run than the pass. Therefore, Pittsburgh's tight ends should have a prominent role as pass catchers in this contest. Miller has the edge in a matchup against Lewis or against San Francisco's bigger outside linebackers. In the red zone, Pittsburgh will look to their tight ends and utilize the great size they bring in close quarters.
Roethlisberger is adept at drawing defensive players forward with ball fakes and the Steelers' offense is also very effective with their play-action game, but Pittsburgh will not abandon their running game. San Francisco recorded six sacks last week against a depleted Rams' offensive line and should be able to pressure Roethlisberger pretty effectively.
here is a little insider i found
Rushing: Gore is one of the very best running backs in the league today. He is compact, powerful, has outstanding vision and the burst to accelerate through the hole. He runs low with fantastic balance and has the speed and quickness to break long runs. Gore didn't dominate in Week 1, but was better a week ago and should be starting to hit his stride. However, running room is going to be difficult to come by in Pittsburgh.
The 49ers will test the Steelers' defense by running left. LT Jonas Jennings and future Hall of Fame LG Larry Allen comprise a massive and powerful left side of the offensive line. RDE Brett Keisel is a fine player who is very athletic, but his ability to hold the point of attack will be challenged this week. NT Casey Hampton is sure to cause San Francisco's inside-rushing attack a lot of problems. He is an anchor in the middle of the field who makes the entire Steelers defense work. San Francisco will try to set up the pass with its rushing attack, but it will not be easy this week.
Passing: Alex Smith is an intelligent, mobile quarterback who can be effective on the move. San Francisco likes to roll him out, often after a play-action fake. He is a good decision-maker for a young quarterback, but doesn't have a powerful right arm to fit the ball into tight windows. He attempted just 17 passes in the 49ers' win last week, but was efficient without turning the ball over.
The Steelers defense has allowed some big games from opposing tight ends over the past few seasons and San Francisco must utilize the great talents that TE Vernon Davis brings to the table. He caught just two passes last week, which will not cut it in Pittsburgh. Davis has adequate size, but a fantastic athletic build that makes him extremely fast for a TE. He also drips with big-play ability, particularly after the catch.
When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: Parker isn't huge, but he is powerful for his size and never shies away from contact. Of course, Parker's best asset is his blazing speed because he only needs a small crease to break a big play. Pittsburgh's wide receivers help by doing an exceptional job of sealing the edge and springing Parker. The Steelers will also bring RB Najeh Davenport in to lighten Parker's load and provide a bigger, physical runner who catches the ball well. This pair accounted for 172 rushing yards last week and provided a much-needed balance to Pittsburgh's potent passing game.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is very fond of using one running back with either two or three tight ends and tends to run and pass out of these personnel groupings. The tight ends will often line up in bunch sets and also have the ability to go in motion and split out wide. TE Heath Miller is usually the one who motions to a receiver position, but no matter which TE motions out they make the offense very big with a lot of versatility because all the Steelers' TEs are in the 6-foot-5 range. Pittsburgh doesn't spread the field horizontally with their personnel groupings, but instead they often keep their receivers and tight ends closer to the ball to provide favorable blocking angles in the running game to get Parker to daylight.
The 49ers' 3-4 scheme is designed to funnel everything to the inside linebackers, particularly talented rookie Patrick Willis. There should be interesting battles between San Francisco's linebackers and Pittsburgh's tight ends in the run game.
Passing: Over the course of Ben Roethlisberger's career, the Steelers are 18-0 in games when he throws the ball 21 times or less and 2-8 in games where he throws the ball 31 times or more. That was then and this is now. Pittsburgh is going to throw the ball often and this coaching staff has full confidence in Roethlisberger.
San Francisco has a very good set of starting cornerbacks in Nate Clements and Walt Harris, who allow the 49ers to be aggressive with their blitz packages without fear of giving up the big play. Pittsburgh will use a lot of three wide receiver sets, which should give Roethlisberger more options than continually throwing in Clements' or Harris' direction. San Francisco's nickel back is Shawntae Spencer, who has struggled and can be exploited. SS Michael Lewis is a physical player, but he is better against the run than the pass. Therefore, Pittsburgh's tight ends should have a prominent role as pass catchers in this contest. Miller has the edge in a matchup against Lewis or against San Francisco's bigger outside linebackers. In the red zone, Pittsburgh will look to their tight ends and utilize the great size they bring in close quarters.
Roethlisberger is adept at drawing defensive players forward with ball fakes and the Steelers' offense is also very effective with their play-action game, but Pittsburgh will not abandon their running game. San Francisco recorded six sacks last week against a depleted Rams' offensive line and should be able to pressure Roethlisberger pretty effectively.
<table style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="744"><tbody><tr><td align="center">AccuScore Game Details </td></tr> <tr><td align="center"> San Francisco (409) vs Pittsburgh (410)
23/09/2007 (week 3) </td></tr> </tbody></table>
AccuScore Game Forecast <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="substathead"><td align="center">Team</td><td align="center">Win Percent</td><td align="center">Average Score</td><td align="center">Big Win</td><td align="center">Close Win</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">San Francisco 49ers</td><td>18.3%</td><td>15.1</td><td>3.7%</td><td>8.7%</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Pittsburgh Steelers</td><td>81.6%</td><td>25.9</td><td>55.5%</td><td>12.5%</td></tr> </tbody></table> [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]AccuScore has powered more than 10,000 simulations for every NFL game for ESPN.com, calculating how each team's performance changes in response to game conditions and opponent's abilities. Each game is simulated one play at a time and the game is replayed a minimum of 10,000 times to generate forecasted winning percentages and player statistics, as listed above. For more, visit AccuScore.[/FONT]
AccuScore Composite Index
<iframe src="http://dallas.accuscore.com/game_details.php?gid=36" frameborder="0" height="310" width="744"></iframe>
AccuScore Player Forecast <table style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 744px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(148, 0, 41) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">San Francisco 49ers</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Alex Smith </td><td>75.2 </td><td>190.9 </td><td>0.9 </td><td>1.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Frank Gore </td><td>17.9 </td><td>81.9 </td><td>4.5 </td><td>0.4 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Alex Smith </td><td>3.5 </td><td>13.0 </td><td>3.6 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Maurice Hicks </td><td>2.0 </td><td>7.5 </td><td>3.8 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Darrell Jackson </td><td>3.8 </td><td>53.7 </td><td>14.1 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Vernon Davis </td><td>3.7 </td><td>35.3 </td><td>9.5 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Arnaz Battle </td><td>2.9 </td><td>33.8 </td><td>11.7 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ashley Lelie </td><td>1.8 </td><td>29.3 </td><td>16.3 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">SF </td><td>2.2 </td><td>0.7 </td><td>0.8 </td><td>1.5 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td><td width="10"> </td><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Pittsburgh Steelers</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ben Roethlisberger </td><td>104.0 </td><td>262.9 </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.7 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Willie Parker </td><td>22.4 </td><td>94.2 </td><td>4.2 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Najeh Davenport </td><td>8.2 </td><td>35.3 </td><td>4.3 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ben Roethlisberger </td><td>2.5 </td><td>8.0 </td><td>3.1 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Hines Ward </td><td>4.3 </td><td>64.2 </td><td>14.9 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Santonio Holmes </td><td>3.1 </td><td>55.7 </td><td>18.0 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Heath Miller </td><td>3.9 </td><td>51.1 </td><td>13.1 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Nate Washington </td><td>1.8 </td><td>32.5 </td><td>18.1 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">PIT </td><td>3.3 </td><td>1.0 </td><td>1.1 </td><td>2.1 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
Team Trends and Angles <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(148, 0, 41) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">San Francisco - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>18-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>19-14</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog All</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>16-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Underdog</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under <= 39.5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>16-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>15-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC North</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>0-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>16-10</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-5</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-11</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-8</td><td>2-0</td><td>8-15</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>18-14</td><td>2-0</td><td>12-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs PIT</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 17 or Less</td><td>0-0</td><td>9-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 17 or Less</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Pittsburgh - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>2-0</td><td>19-15</td><td>1-1</td><td>18-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>21-13</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-2</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored All</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-12</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-8</td><td>2-0</td><td>17-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Favorite</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-2</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under <= 39.5</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-10</td><td>1-1</td><td>14-7</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>15-14</td><td>0-1</td><td>15-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Home Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>9-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-7</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. NFC Opponents</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. NFC West</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>2-0</td><td>16-11</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-7</td><td>2-0</td><td>18-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-9</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-7</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-7</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>2-0</td><td>18-15</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>20-13</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs SF</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 25+ PTS</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 17 or Less</td><td>1-0</td><td>8-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>9-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-6</td></tr></tbody></table>
23/09/2007 (week 3) </td></tr> </tbody></table>
AccuScore Game Forecast <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="substathead"><td align="center">Team</td><td align="center">Win Percent</td><td align="center">Average Score</td><td align="center">Big Win</td><td align="center">Close Win</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">San Francisco 49ers</td><td>18.3%</td><td>15.1</td><td>3.7%</td><td>8.7%</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Pittsburgh Steelers</td><td>81.6%</td><td>25.9</td><td>55.5%</td><td>12.5%</td></tr> </tbody></table> [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]AccuScore has powered more than 10,000 simulations for every NFL game for ESPN.com, calculating how each team's performance changes in response to game conditions and opponent's abilities. Each game is simulated one play at a time and the game is replayed a minimum of 10,000 times to generate forecasted winning percentages and player statistics, as listed above. For more, visit AccuScore.[/FONT]
AccuScore Composite Index
<iframe src="http://dallas.accuscore.com/game_details.php?gid=36" frameborder="0" height="310" width="744"></iframe>
AccuScore Player Forecast <table style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 744px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(148, 0, 41) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">San Francisco 49ers</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Alex Smith </td><td>75.2 </td><td>190.9 </td><td>0.9 </td><td>1.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Frank Gore </td><td>17.9 </td><td>81.9 </td><td>4.5 </td><td>0.4 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Alex Smith </td><td>3.5 </td><td>13.0 </td><td>3.6 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Maurice Hicks </td><td>2.0 </td><td>7.5 </td><td>3.8 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Darrell Jackson </td><td>3.8 </td><td>53.7 </td><td>14.1 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Vernon Davis </td><td>3.7 </td><td>35.3 </td><td>9.5 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Arnaz Battle </td><td>2.9 </td><td>33.8 </td><td>11.7 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ashley Lelie </td><td>1.8 </td><td>29.3 </td><td>16.3 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">SF </td><td>2.2 </td><td>0.7 </td><td>0.8 </td><td>1.5 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td><td width="10"> </td><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Pittsburgh Steelers</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ben Roethlisberger </td><td>104.0 </td><td>262.9 </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.7 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Willie Parker </td><td>22.4 </td><td>94.2 </td><td>4.2 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Najeh Davenport </td><td>8.2 </td><td>35.3 </td><td>4.3 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ben Roethlisberger </td><td>2.5 </td><td>8.0 </td><td>3.1 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Hines Ward </td><td>4.3 </td><td>64.2 </td><td>14.9 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Santonio Holmes </td><td>3.1 </td><td>55.7 </td><td>18.0 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Heath Miller </td><td>3.9 </td><td>51.1 </td><td>13.1 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Nate Washington </td><td>1.8 </td><td>32.5 </td><td>18.1 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">PIT </td><td>3.3 </td><td>1.0 </td><td>1.1 </td><td>2.1 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
Team Trends and Angles <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(148, 0, 41) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">San Francisco - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>18-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>19-14</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog All</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>16-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Underdog</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under <= 39.5</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>16-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>15-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC North</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>0-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>16-10</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-18</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-5</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-11</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-8</td><td>2-0</td><td>8-15</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>18-14</td><td>2-0</td><td>12-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs PIT</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 17 or Less</td><td>0-0</td><td>9-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 17 or Less</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Pittsburgh - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>2-0</td><td>19-15</td><td>1-1</td><td>18-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>21-13</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-2</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored All</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-12</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-8</td><td>2-0</td><td>17-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Favorite</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-2</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under <= 39.5</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-10</td><td>1-1</td><td>14-7</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-8</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>15-14</td><td>0-1</td><td>15-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-12</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Home Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>9-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-7</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. NFC Opponents</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. NFC West</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>2-0</td><td>16-11</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-7</td><td>2-0</td><td>18-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-9</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>11-7</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-7</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>2-0</td><td>18-15</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>20-13</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs SF</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 25+ PTS</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 17 or Less</td><td>1-0</td><td>8-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>9-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-6</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="744"><tbody><tr><td align="center">AccuScore Game Details </td></tr> <tr><td align="center"> Indianapolis (397) vs Houston (398)
23/09/2007 (week 3) </td></tr> </tbody></table>
AccuScore Game Forecast <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="substathead"><td align="center">Team</td><td align="center">Win Percent</td><td align="center">Average Score</td><td align="center">Big Win</td><td align="center">Close Win</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Indianapolis Colts</td><td>69.4%</td><td>26.2</td><td>35.3%</td><td>14.9%</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Houston Texans</td><td>30.5%</td><td>20.7</td><td>8.5%</td><td>13.1%</td></tr> </tbody></table> [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]AccuScore has powered more than 10,000 simulations for every NFL game for ESPN.com, calculating how each team's performance changes in response to game conditions and opponent's abilities. Each game is simulated one play at a time and the game is replayed a minimum of 10,000 times to generate forecasted winning percentages and player statistics, as listed above. For more, visit AccuScore.[/FONT]
AccuScore Composite Index
<iframe src="http://dallas.accuscore.com/game_details.php?gid=41" frameborder="0" height="310" width="744"></iframe>
AccuScore Player Forecast <table style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 744px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 65, 126) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Indianapolis Colts</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Peyton Manning </td><td>106.3 </td><td>280.8 </td><td>2.0 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Joseph Addai </td><td>20.2 </td><td>88.9 </td><td>4.4 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Kenton Keith </td><td>5.1 </td><td>17.5 </td><td>3.4 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Peyton Manning </td><td>2.6 </td><td>4.6 </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Marvin Harrison </td><td>5.9 </td><td>86.5 </td><td>14.7 </td><td>0.8 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Reggie Wayne </td><td>5.5 </td><td>84.9 </td><td>15.4 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Dallas Clark </td><td>3.2 </td><td>42.4 </td><td>13.3 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Anthony Gonzalez </td><td>2.8 </td><td>33.8 </td><td>12.1 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">IND </td><td>1.4 </td><td>1.0 </td><td>0.9 </td><td>1.9 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td><td width="10"> </td><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 19, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Houston Texans</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Matt Schaub </td><td>93.4 </td><td>239.5 </td><td>1.5 </td><td>1.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ahman Green </td><td>14.6 </td><td>66.0 </td><td>4.5 </td><td>0.4 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ron Dayne </td><td>10.6 </td><td>44.8 </td><td>4.2 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Matt Schaub </td><td>1.1 </td><td>5.2 </td><td>4.9 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Owen Daniels </td><td>4.4 </td><td>51.9 </td><td>11.8 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Kevin Walter </td><td>3.3 </td><td>39.2 </td><td>11.9 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Jacoby Jones </td><td>2.4 </td><td>35.1 </td><td>14.6 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ahman Green </td><td>3.2 </td><td>25.6 </td><td>8.0 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">HOU </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.6 </td><td>0.7 </td><td>1.3 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
Team Trends and Angles <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 65, 126) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Indianapolis - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>1-1</td><td>18-16</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-20</td><td>2-0</td><td>28-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Games</td><td>0-1</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>8-9</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-1</td><td>7-9</td><td>0-2</td><td>7-9</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored All</td><td>1-1</td><td>16-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>13-18</td><td>2-0</td><td>26-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Favorite</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under 47.5+</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-10</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-2</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-16</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-17</td><td>1-0</td><td>23-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-9</td><td>0-0</td><td>13-2</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-14</td><td>1-0</td><td>21-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC South</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>6-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-5</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-4</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-14</td><td>1-0</td><td>21-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-9</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>18-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Not Covering Spread</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-18</td><td>2-0</td><td>26-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs HOU</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-3</td></tr> <tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 19, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Houston - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>2-0</td><td>16-18</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-16</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-24</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-10</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-8</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog All</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-19</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Underdog</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under 47.5+</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>14-15</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-11</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-20</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-7</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>8-17</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC South</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>2-0</td><td>12-12</td><td>1-1</td><td>13-10</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-14</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>3-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-3</td><td>1-0</td><td>2-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>3-16</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-16</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs IND</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 25+ PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-5</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="3">Head 2 Head (since 2001)</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr> <tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td>SU</td><td>9-1-0</td><td>1-9-0</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td>ATS</td><td>5-5-0</td><td>5-5-0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td>ATS @HOU</td><td>2-3-0</td><td>3-2-0</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td>ATS: favored</td><td>5-5-0</td><td>--</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td>ATS: underdog</td><td>--</td><td>5-5-0</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="2">2006 TRENDS (Regular Season)</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts are 7-7 ATS.</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts have not played away.</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts have not been the underdog.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans are 6-9 ATS.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans have not played at home.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans have not been the favorite.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Why To Watch
Who would have thought that the Houston Texans would start the season at 2-0? Head coach Gary Kubiak and the players in the Texans' locker room for starters. Kubiak has done a tremendous job, so far, in preparing his team against the two opponents they've faced. He has made sure that offensive coordinator Mike Sherman gets the ball to the playmakers and that this young defense is gelling together and forming an identity of being physical and fast players who swarm to the ball. This week will be no different in preparing for the defending NFL champion Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts will be a huge test for the Texans this early in the season. The Colts have an explosive offense, which everyone knows about and a defense that is still riding high from last years playoffs. Two terrific coaches in Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Kubiak will face each other this Sunday.
When the Colts have the ball
Rushing: The Colts offense uses the passing attack to set up RB Joseph Addai's ground game. It was an effective and productive concept in Week 1, however it will be something that catches up with Indianapolis in a negative way. The Colts still need to establish a consistent running game despite having Pro-Bowl talent on the passing side. Addai had a good opening week against the Saints, but had an average day against Tennessee, which made an impact on the outcome of the game in regards to the score.
On the other side of the ball, the Texans shut down the Panthers' run game, which was one of the determining factors in their win. Houston ILB DeMeco Ryans is a force against any rushing attack and the entire defensive line is playing well as a unit. Plus, both defensive ends, Mario Williams and Anthony Weaver have done well in setting the edge against outside runs and defensive tackles Amobi Okoye and Travis Johnson have played stout by taking on double teams and not giving up much ground, which helps Ryans make plays closer to the line of scrimmage.
Passing: QB Peyton Manning is still one of the best passing threats in the NFL who has a variety of weapons to choose from. The Colts do a great job of distributing the football to all of the skill positions on offense.
TE's Dallas Clark and Ben Utecht had a huge role in the way offensive coordinator Tom Moore game planned against the Tennessee Titans last weekend and, more than likely, they will be used every week to add another threat to the passing game. Moore uses Clark to stretch the opposing defenses vertically while Utecht runs the shorter routes and provides Manning an outlet receiver when he is under pressure
The Texans' secondary has done a terrific job so far for defensive coordinator Richard Smith. Except for their poor tackling against Carolina's WR Steve Smith in Week 2. Richard Smith may have to do a tackling drill in practice this week to try and prevent the poor tackling from happening against the Colts. But other than that, the Texans should be in good shape and have done a good job in disguising coverage by giving opponents a two-deep look in pre-snap and then ether rolling the safeties down or playing quarters-coverage. Richard Smith has also done a good job of getting the linebackers to understand their areas of responsibilities in pass-coverage, which is a sign of a maturing defense.
When the Texans have the ball
Rushing: The Texans did a great job of involving Ahman Green and Ron Dayne in their win against the Carolina Panthers last week. That may be a game plan that offensive coordinator Mike Sherman tries to incorporate every week to keep the tempo of the game in Houston's favor.
Green gives the Texans extra gains after the initial hit along with a relentless style of running. The tackles, Ephraim Salaam and Eric Winston have done a solid job of getting movement past the line of scrimmage and the offensive line has been a major factor with the positive running performances for the Texans the last two weekends.
The Colts defense has continued to play at a high level since last year's playoffs. Linebackers Gary Brackett and Rob Morris are very active and play down hill against the opponent's run game, which will continue to be the goal for defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. Meeks also uses safety Bob Sanders all over the field including in pass-rushing situations because Sanders has a knack for rushing the quarterback and registered 2.5 sacks for Indianapolis against Tennessee last weekend.
Passing: Houston QB Matt Schaub is managing the game well for Houston and completing the high-percentage passes which are needed to win games. WR Andre Johnson is doubtful this week due to injury, so TE Owen Daniels, who does a good job of running routes and getting open, will have a bigger role angainst Indy. Also look for WR Jacoby Jones to take Johnson's role on the offense since his style of play is closer to Johnson rather than WR Kevin Walter. Sherman will also use fullback Vonta Leach in outlet passes and angle routes as an added threat to the passing game. Indianapolis caught a big break with the likely absence of Johnson in this week's lineup. This will be a big week for the Texans to see if they can overcome the Colts defense without their star WR.
Colts safety Bob Sanders along with both corners Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have to be very conscious of Jones, Walter and Daniels to help their team win on Sunday. The defensive line of the Colts is designed to cause pressure and get upfield at all times, which can be trouble for the Texans. If Indy's defensive line stays in its proper rush lanes/gaps, Schaub will have to get rid of the ball quicker than he wants to on play-action passes.
<table><tbody><tr><td>
</td><td>Special Teams</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
This game may depend on which team is the most productive in all phases of special teams. The edge on special teams goes to the Texans in the return units and in the coverage units. Kickoff-returner Jerome Mathis has the ability to give Houston's offense exceptional field position.
Indianapolis' Adam Vinatieri is the best field goal kicker in the NFL and believe it or not the way the Texans are playing lately, it may come down to him for a game-winning field goal. Vinatieri is also effective in disguising his kickoffs, which can affect Houston's returns.
23/09/2007 (week 3) </td></tr> </tbody></table>
AccuScore Game Forecast <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="substathead"><td align="center">Team</td><td align="center">Win Percent</td><td align="center">Average Score</td><td align="center">Big Win</td><td align="center">Close Win</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Indianapolis Colts</td><td>69.4%</td><td>26.2</td><td>35.3%</td><td>14.9%</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Houston Texans</td><td>30.5%</td><td>20.7</td><td>8.5%</td><td>13.1%</td></tr> </tbody></table> [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]AccuScore has powered more than 10,000 simulations for every NFL game for ESPN.com, calculating how each team's performance changes in response to game conditions and opponent's abilities. Each game is simulated one play at a time and the game is replayed a minimum of 10,000 times to generate forecasted winning percentages and player statistics, as listed above. For more, visit AccuScore.[/FONT]
AccuScore Composite Index
<iframe src="http://dallas.accuscore.com/game_details.php?gid=41" frameborder="0" height="310" width="744"></iframe>
AccuScore Player Forecast <table style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 744px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 65, 126) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Indianapolis Colts</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Peyton Manning </td><td>106.3 </td><td>280.8 </td><td>2.0 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Joseph Addai </td><td>20.2 </td><td>88.9 </td><td>4.4 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Kenton Keith </td><td>5.1 </td><td>17.5 </td><td>3.4 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Peyton Manning </td><td>2.6 </td><td>4.6 </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Marvin Harrison </td><td>5.9 </td><td>86.5 </td><td>14.7 </td><td>0.8 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Reggie Wayne </td><td>5.5 </td><td>84.9 </td><td>15.4 </td><td>0.6 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Dallas Clark </td><td>3.2 </td><td>42.4 </td><td>13.3 </td><td>0.3 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Anthony Gonzalez </td><td>2.8 </td><td>33.8 </td><td>12.1 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">IND </td><td>1.4 </td><td>1.0 </td><td>0.9 </td><td>1.9 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td><td width="10"> </td><td style="border: 0px none ; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 19, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5" align="center">Houston Texans</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">PASSING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">QBR</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">TD</td><td align="center">INT</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Matt Schaub </td><td>93.4 </td><td>239.5 </td><td>1.5 </td><td>1.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RUSHING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">RUSH</td><td align="center">YDS</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">TD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ahman Green </td><td>14.6 </td><td>66.0 </td><td>4.5 </td><td>0.4 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ron Dayne </td><td>10.6 </td><td>44.8 </td><td>4.2 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Matt Schaub </td><td>1.1 </td><td>5.2 </td><td>4.9 </td><td>0.0 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">RECEIVING</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">REC</td><td align="center">RECYD</td><td align="center">YPC</td><td align="center">RECTD</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Owen Daniels </td><td>4.4 </td><td>51.9 </td><td>11.8 </td><td>0.5 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Kevin Walter </td><td>3.3 </td><td>39.2 </td><td>11.9 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Jacoby Jones </td><td>2.4 </td><td>35.1 </td><td>14.6 </td><td>0.2 </td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Ahman Green </td><td>3.2 </td><td>25.6 </td><td>8.0 </td><td>0.1 </td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td colspan="5" align="center">DEFENSE</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Player</td><td align="center">SACK</td><td align="center">INT</td><td align="center">FUMR</td><td align="center">TO</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">HOU </td><td>1.8 </td><td>0.6 </td><td>0.7 </td><td>1.3 </td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>
Team Trends and Angles <table class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 65, 126) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Indianapolis - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>1-1</td><td>18-16</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-20</td><td>2-0</td><td>28-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Games</td><td>0-1</td><td>9-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>8-9</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-1</td><td>7-9</td><td>0-2</td><td>7-9</td><td>2-0</td><td>13-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Favored All</td><td>1-1</td><td>16-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>13-18</td><td>2-0</td><td>26-5</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Road Favorite</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-7</td><td>0-1</td><td>7-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under 47.5+</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-4</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-10</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-2</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-16</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-17</td><td>1-0</td><td>23-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-8</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-9</td><td>0-0</td><td>13-2</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-13</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-14</td><td>1-0</td><td>21-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC South</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-8</td><td>0-1</td><td>6-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>10-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>0-1</td><td>4-5</td><td>0-1</td><td>5-4</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>11-14</td><td>1-0</td><td>21-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>0-1</td><td>13-9</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-12</td><td>1-0</td><td>18-4</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Not Covering Spread</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-15</td><td>0-2</td><td>14-18</td><td>2-0</td><td>26-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs HOU</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-0</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>7-3</td></tr> <tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(0, 19, 63) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7" align="center">Houston - Recent ATS Trends</td></tr> <tr class="substathead"><td width="25%"> </td><td colspan="2" align="center">Against the spread</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Over/Under</td><td colspan="2" align="center">Straight Up</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td> </td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td><td align="center">2007</td><td align="center">2005-2007</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"><td align="center">Description</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">O-U</td><td align="center">W-L</td><td align="center">W-L</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">All Games</td><td>2-0</td><td>16-18</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-16</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-24</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-10</td><td>0-1</td><td>10-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog by 3.5 to 9.5</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-7</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-8</td><td>1-0</td><td>4-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Underdog All</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>7-19</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Home Underdog</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">Over/Under 47.5+</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-1</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>0-1</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After 1 Week Off</td><td>1-0</td><td>14-15</td><td>1-0</td><td>17-11</td><td>1-0</td><td>9-20</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After a Road Game</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-7</td><td>0-0</td><td>10-5</td><td>0-0</td><td>5-10</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC Opponents</td><td>1-0</td><td>13-12</td><td>0-1</td><td>12-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>8-17</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs. AFC South</td><td>0-0</td><td>6-6</td><td>0-0</td><td>8-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-9</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">On Grass</td><td>2-0</td><td>12-12</td><td>1-1</td><td>13-10</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-14</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Win</td><td>1-0</td><td>3-5</td><td>1-0</td><td>5-3</td><td>1-0</td><td>2-6</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs Team with .500+ Record in Previous 6 Games</td><td>1-0</td><td>6-13</td><td>1-0</td><td>12-6</td><td>1-0</td><td>3-16</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Covering Spread</td><td>2-0</td><td>15-16</td><td>1-1</td><td>17-13</td><td>2-0</td><td>10-21</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">vs IND</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>4-0</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Scoring 25+ PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-3</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow"><td class="sortcell">After Allowing 18-24 PTS</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-4</td><td>0-0</td><td>3-3</td><td>0-0</td><td>1-5</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="3">Head 2 Head (since 2001)</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td>
</td><td>
<table class="tablehead" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="2">2006 TRENDS (Regular Season)</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts are 7-7 ATS.</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts have not played away.</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>The Colts have not been the underdog.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans are 6-9 ATS.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans have not played at home.</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>The Texans have not been the favorite.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Why To Watch
Who would have thought that the Houston Texans would start the season at 2-0? Head coach Gary Kubiak and the players in the Texans' locker room for starters. Kubiak has done a tremendous job, so far, in preparing his team against the two opponents they've faced. He has made sure that offensive coordinator Mike Sherman gets the ball to the playmakers and that this young defense is gelling together and forming an identity of being physical and fast players who swarm to the ball. This week will be no different in preparing for the defending NFL champion Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts will be a huge test for the Texans this early in the season. The Colts have an explosive offense, which everyone knows about and a defense that is still riding high from last years playoffs. Two terrific coaches in Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Kubiak will face each other this Sunday.
Rushing: The Colts offense uses the passing attack to set up RB Joseph Addai's ground game. It was an effective and productive concept in Week 1, however it will be something that catches up with Indianapolis in a negative way. The Colts still need to establish a consistent running game despite having Pro-Bowl talent on the passing side. Addai had a good opening week against the Saints, but had an average day against Tennessee, which made an impact on the outcome of the game in regards to the score.
On the other side of the ball, the Texans shut down the Panthers' run game, which was one of the determining factors in their win. Houston ILB DeMeco Ryans is a force against any rushing attack and the entire defensive line is playing well as a unit. Plus, both defensive ends, Mario Williams and Anthony Weaver have done well in setting the edge against outside runs and defensive tackles Amobi Okoye and Travis Johnson have played stout by taking on double teams and not giving up much ground, which helps Ryans make plays closer to the line of scrimmage.
Passing: QB Peyton Manning is still one of the best passing threats in the NFL who has a variety of weapons to choose from. The Colts do a great job of distributing the football to all of the skill positions on offense.
TE's Dallas Clark and Ben Utecht had a huge role in the way offensive coordinator Tom Moore game planned against the Tennessee Titans last weekend and, more than likely, they will be used every week to add another threat to the passing game. Moore uses Clark to stretch the opposing defenses vertically while Utecht runs the shorter routes and provides Manning an outlet receiver when he is under pressure
The Texans' secondary has done a terrific job so far for defensive coordinator Richard Smith. Except for their poor tackling against Carolina's WR Steve Smith in Week 2. Richard Smith may have to do a tackling drill in practice this week to try and prevent the poor tackling from happening against the Colts. But other than that, the Texans should be in good shape and have done a good job in disguising coverage by giving opponents a two-deep look in pre-snap and then ether rolling the safeties down or playing quarters-coverage. Richard Smith has also done a good job of getting the linebackers to understand their areas of responsibilities in pass-coverage, which is a sign of a maturing defense.
Rushing: The Texans did a great job of involving Ahman Green and Ron Dayne in their win against the Carolina Panthers last week. That may be a game plan that offensive coordinator Mike Sherman tries to incorporate every week to keep the tempo of the game in Houston's favor.
Green gives the Texans extra gains after the initial hit along with a relentless style of running. The tackles, Ephraim Salaam and Eric Winston have done a solid job of getting movement past the line of scrimmage and the offensive line has been a major factor with the positive running performances for the Texans the last two weekends.
The Colts defense has continued to play at a high level since last year's playoffs. Linebackers Gary Brackett and Rob Morris are very active and play down hill against the opponent's run game, which will continue to be the goal for defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. Meeks also uses safety Bob Sanders all over the field including in pass-rushing situations because Sanders has a knack for rushing the quarterback and registered 2.5 sacks for Indianapolis against Tennessee last weekend.
Passing: Houston QB Matt Schaub is managing the game well for Houston and completing the high-percentage passes which are needed to win games. WR Andre Johnson is doubtful this week due to injury, so TE Owen Daniels, who does a good job of running routes and getting open, will have a bigger role angainst Indy. Also look for WR Jacoby Jones to take Johnson's role on the offense since his style of play is closer to Johnson rather than WR Kevin Walter. Sherman will also use fullback Vonta Leach in outlet passes and angle routes as an added threat to the passing game. Indianapolis caught a big break with the likely absence of Johnson in this week's lineup. This will be a big week for the Texans to see if they can overcome the Colts defense without their star WR.
Colts safety Bob Sanders along with both corners Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have to be very conscious of Jones, Walter and Daniels to help their team win on Sunday. The defensive line of the Colts is designed to cause pressure and get upfield at all times, which can be trouble for the Texans. If Indy's defensive line stays in its proper rush lanes/gaps, Schaub will have to get rid of the ball quicker than he wants to on play-action passes.
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This game may depend on which team is the most productive in all phases of special teams. The edge on special teams goes to the Texans in the return units and in the coverage units. Kickoff-returner Jerome Mathis has the ability to give Houston's offense exceptional field position.
Indianapolis' Adam Vinatieri is the best field goal kicker in the NFL and believe it or not the way the Texans are playing lately, it may come down to him for a game-winning field goal. Vinatieri is also effective in disguising his kickoffs, which can affect Houston's returns.
daveniner
Pretty much a regular
The 49ers two victories haven’t come easy and they haven’t looked all that pretty but in a league where wins are hard to come by, it sure beats the alternative. The 49ers have a long way to go with much room for improvement but they are off to their best start since 1998, and will continue to build upon these early performances.
“I don’t know what’s better – to go out and have two lopsided victories in the first two weeks or to go have two like we’ve had and have victories,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “I think I’d take my chances on the two we’ve had because I think that builds character. I think that is more important than just kicking the heck out of somebody. When you get there, you know you are there. We are not a kick the heck out of somebody yet.”
San Francisco faces its first AFC opponent this Sunday when they travel for the second week in a row, this time to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After more than a decade under Bill Cowher’s direction, the Steelers seem to have adjusted quickly to Mike Tomlin’s leadership with two resounding victories over the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills. In the back-to-back wins Pittsburgh has outscored their opponents 60-10.
A large step by the 49ers offense needs to be taken quickly to combat on an even playing level against a Dick LeBeau 3-4 defense that ranks second in the NFL in total defense after two games.
The Steelers secondary led by Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu has been downright stingy, giving up 148 yards passing per game, good for third best in the NFL. Cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor have both notched an interception each on the season, as well as showing up in run support. Free safety Ryan Clark is the team’s starter but the Steelers have been rotating Anthony Smith in at that position much like the 49ers did last season with Mark Roman and Tony Parrish.
In defending the run, the Steelers have allowed only 74 average yards per game with 11-year veteran James Farrior leading the team in tackles, as he’s done for the last three out of four seasons.
The Steelers linebacking corps received a scare Sunday afternoon when starting outside linebacker James Harrison left the field on a stretcher with a neck injury. Harrison, who is second on their team with ten total tackles and two sacks returned to the sidelines in the second half, but his condition will not be updated until later in the week.
Harrison moved into the starting role this off-season when Joey Porter left Pittsburgh to join the Miami Dolphins. Clark Haggans moved over to the right side to replace Harrison in the game with rookie LaMarr Woodley, a second-round draft pick sliding into Haggans spot at left outside backer.
The Steelers have a steady and reliable group in their front three in starters Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel. The three own 19 years of experience among them and are an integral part of the Steelers success up front.
Offensively, the Steelers have steamrolled their opponents, ranking 2nd in rushing with an average of 195 yards per game. Willie Parker made his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and has been the team’s workhorse the last two weeks with a 109 and a 126-yard performance.
Parker runs behind a well-oiled offensive line. The team picked up a new center in Sean Mahan from the Bucs and then benched Max Starks in favor of second-year right tackle Willie Colon. The two new starters join an experienced bunch in left tackle Marvel Smith, Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, and right guard Kendall Simmons. The group is well-versed in facing a 3-4 defense, meaning the 49ers front seven will have their work cut out for them in preventing the run and in getting to the quarterback. The 49ers defense totaled six sacks on Marc Bulger last week, but the Steelers have allowed only two sacks for a total loss of 8 yards so far this season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=200 align=left border=3><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>49ERS</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>Rank</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc00>STEELERS</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc00>Rank</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>Total Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>32</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Total Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>6</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Passing Offense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>31</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Passing Offense </TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>22</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>Rushing Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>23</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Rushing Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>2</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Total Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Total Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>3</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Run Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Run Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>5</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Pass Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Pass Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>3</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>KOR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>24</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>KOR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>10</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>PR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>12T</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>PR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>24T</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>KO Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>5</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>KO Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>24</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>PR Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>4</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>PR Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The Steelers rank 22nd in their passing attack, mostly because they’ve controlled the clock with the run game. Roethlisberger threw for only 161 yards against Cleveland but enjoyed a QB Rating of 114.3 with four touchdowns and zero picks. He put up 242 yards through the air against Buffalo, with one touchdown and one interception while spreading the ball to nine different targets.
His primary targets at receiver are still Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, with Holmes more of the deep threat, but the Steelers have also come out in several two tight end sets. Heath Miller leads the tight end group with 6 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, but rookie Matt Spaeth has also come up big with 3 catches for 15 yards including two touchdown catches in the red zone.
The Steelers have struggled somewhat in the red zone. In ten trips inside the 20, they’ve had to rely on kicker Jeff Reed six times. Reed, a 6th-year veteran, has been perfect on all six with a long of 39 on the season.
At punter, the Steelers feature rookie Daniel Sepulveda, a fourth-round draft pick out of Baylor. The 49ers had Sepulveda on their squad at the Senior Bowl and liked his powerful leg. Sepulveda only had one punt against the Bills but on the year, he’s got seven for a 37.7 average with five pinned inside the 20.
The Steelers also have a new return-man in Allen Rossum, who they acquired via trade with the Atlanta Falcons right at the recent 53-man cutdown date. A ten-year veteran, Rossum made an appearance in the 2005 Pro Bowl as a returner.
The 49ers will expect another solid performance by their coverage units to contain Rossum in the return area. On the year, the 49ers have allowed an 18.9 kickoff return average and a 1.5 average on punt returns.
The Steelers cover units did allow a 63-yard kickoff return by the Bills, an explosive play the 49ers return team will look to duplicate.
The 49ers won their last contest against Pittsburgh in 2003 on a Monday night game at home 30-14. The 49ers lead the series between these two teams 10-8.
With the 49ers having won their last three road games, dating back to last year’s Thursday night win over the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco has proven they are a team that can win on the road despite a hostile environment. In fact, with a 2-0 start to sit atop the NFC West division, this 2007 Mike Nolan team has proven early on that it can win period.
A win is a win, but going forward Nolan does expect his team to improve and come up with more convincing wins for the 49ers Faithful.
Said Nolan of the criticism is 2-0 team has received, “The first thing that comes to mind is expectations. Now they are expecting you to win, so now they are talking about how did you win. Now that we are talking about how we won, we are moving in the right direction. That tells me that expectations are changing. That’s really what means the most to me. If we’re starting to talk about what kind of win it was, bring it on. Let’s keep talking about it.”
Most of all, let’s keep winning.
“I don’t know what’s better – to go out and have two lopsided victories in the first two weeks or to go have two like we’ve had and have victories,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “I think I’d take my chances on the two we’ve had because I think that builds character. I think that is more important than just kicking the heck out of somebody. When you get there, you know you are there. We are not a kick the heck out of somebody yet.”
San Francisco faces its first AFC opponent this Sunday when they travel for the second week in a row, this time to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After more than a decade under Bill Cowher’s direction, the Steelers seem to have adjusted quickly to Mike Tomlin’s leadership with two resounding victories over the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills. In the back-to-back wins Pittsburgh has outscored their opponents 60-10.
A large step by the 49ers offense needs to be taken quickly to combat on an even playing level against a Dick LeBeau 3-4 defense that ranks second in the NFL in total defense after two games.
The Steelers secondary led by Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu has been downright stingy, giving up 148 yards passing per game, good for third best in the NFL. Cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor have both notched an interception each on the season, as well as showing up in run support. Free safety Ryan Clark is the team’s starter but the Steelers have been rotating Anthony Smith in at that position much like the 49ers did last season with Mark Roman and Tony Parrish.
In defending the run, the Steelers have allowed only 74 average yards per game with 11-year veteran James Farrior leading the team in tackles, as he’s done for the last three out of four seasons.
The Steelers linebacking corps received a scare Sunday afternoon when starting outside linebacker James Harrison left the field on a stretcher with a neck injury. Harrison, who is second on their team with ten total tackles and two sacks returned to the sidelines in the second half, but his condition will not be updated until later in the week.
Harrison moved into the starting role this off-season when Joey Porter left Pittsburgh to join the Miami Dolphins. Clark Haggans moved over to the right side to replace Harrison in the game with rookie LaMarr Woodley, a second-round draft pick sliding into Haggans spot at left outside backer.
The Steelers have a steady and reliable group in their front three in starters Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel. The three own 19 years of experience among them and are an integral part of the Steelers success up front.
Offensively, the Steelers have steamrolled their opponents, ranking 2nd in rushing with an average of 195 yards per game. Willie Parker made his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and has been the team’s workhorse the last two weeks with a 109 and a 126-yard performance.
Parker runs behind a well-oiled offensive line. The team picked up a new center in Sean Mahan from the Bucs and then benched Max Starks in favor of second-year right tackle Willie Colon. The two new starters join an experienced bunch in left tackle Marvel Smith, Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, and right guard Kendall Simmons. The group is well-versed in facing a 3-4 defense, meaning the 49ers front seven will have their work cut out for them in preventing the run and in getting to the quarterback. The 49ers defense totaled six sacks on Marc Bulger last week, but the Steelers have allowed only two sacks for a total loss of 8 yards so far this season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=200 align=left border=3><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>49ERS</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>Rank</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc00>STEELERS</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc00>Rank</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>Total Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>32</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Total Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>6</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Passing Offense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>31</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Passing Offense </TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>22</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>Rushing Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#993333>23</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>Rushing Offense</TD><TD noWrap bgColor=#ffcc33>2</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Total Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Total Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>3</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Run Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Run Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>5</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>Pass Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>17</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>Pass Defense</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>3</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>KOR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>24</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>KOR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>10</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>PR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>12T</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>PR Average</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>24T</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>KO Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>5</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>KO Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>24</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#993333>PR Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#993333>4</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>PR Coverage</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The Steelers rank 22nd in their passing attack, mostly because they’ve controlled the clock with the run game. Roethlisberger threw for only 161 yards against Cleveland but enjoyed a QB Rating of 114.3 with four touchdowns and zero picks. He put up 242 yards through the air against Buffalo, with one touchdown and one interception while spreading the ball to nine different targets.
His primary targets at receiver are still Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, with Holmes more of the deep threat, but the Steelers have also come out in several two tight end sets. Heath Miller leads the tight end group with 6 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, but rookie Matt Spaeth has also come up big with 3 catches for 15 yards including two touchdown catches in the red zone.
The Steelers have struggled somewhat in the red zone. In ten trips inside the 20, they’ve had to rely on kicker Jeff Reed six times. Reed, a 6th-year veteran, has been perfect on all six with a long of 39 on the season.
At punter, the Steelers feature rookie Daniel Sepulveda, a fourth-round draft pick out of Baylor. The 49ers had Sepulveda on their squad at the Senior Bowl and liked his powerful leg. Sepulveda only had one punt against the Bills but on the year, he’s got seven for a 37.7 average with five pinned inside the 20.
The Steelers also have a new return-man in Allen Rossum, who they acquired via trade with the Atlanta Falcons right at the recent 53-man cutdown date. A ten-year veteran, Rossum made an appearance in the 2005 Pro Bowl as a returner.
The 49ers will expect another solid performance by their coverage units to contain Rossum in the return area. On the year, the 49ers have allowed an 18.9 kickoff return average and a 1.5 average on punt returns.
The Steelers cover units did allow a 63-yard kickoff return by the Bills, an explosive play the 49ers return team will look to duplicate.
The 49ers won their last contest against Pittsburgh in 2003 on a Monday night game at home 30-14. The 49ers lead the series between these two teams 10-8.
With the 49ers having won their last three road games, dating back to last year’s Thursday night win over the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco has proven they are a team that can win on the road despite a hostile environment. In fact, with a 2-0 start to sit atop the NFC West division, this 2007 Mike Nolan team has proven early on that it can win period.
A win is a win, but going forward Nolan does expect his team to improve and come up with more convincing wins for the 49ers Faithful.
Said Nolan of the criticism is 2-0 team has received, “The first thing that comes to mind is expectations. Now they are expecting you to win, so now they are talking about how did you win. Now that we are talking about how we won, we are moving in the right direction. That tells me that expectations are changing. That’s really what means the most to me. If we’re starting to talk about what kind of win it was, bring it on. Let’s keep talking about it.”
Most of all, let’s keep winning.
SF/PITT OVER 38 (2.2-2)
Denver -2.5 (1.2-1)
Washington -3. (1.2-1)
Miami/KC OVER 33.5 (1.1-1)
Denver/Jags OVER 35.5
NYJ -2.5 (2.4-2)
Chicago -2.5 (1.2-1)
KC -2.5 (1.2-1)
Indy -6.5 (1.1-1)
Browns + 9/ ATL +10 (1.2-1)
Balty -1 Philly PK (1.2-1)
Indy PK/ Cinci + 9 (1.2-1)
Denver -2.5 (1.2-1)
Washington -3. (1.2-1)
Miami/KC OVER 33.5 (1.1-1)
Denver/Jags OVER 35.5
NYJ -2.5 (2.4-2)
Chicago -2.5 (1.2-1)
KC -2.5 (1.2-1)
Indy -6.5 (1.1-1)
Browns + 9/ ATL +10 (1.2-1)
Balty -1 Philly PK (1.2-1)
Indy PK/ Cinci + 9 (1.2-1)
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frankiegotti
Power Boat Enthusiast
49ers are 31 out of 32 teams in passing offense and 23rd in rushing offense. Not dead last but at the lower echleon of offense statistics.
