Falcons: Weekly Analysis (Big opportunity here)

[ThomasJoe]

Here's my 2 cents worth. Toast you may be making the wrong move here at the right time. Having said that let all be aware that the early play on this game is more on Minn than Atlanta which I see as clear sign to stay away from this game. I do, however, like fading Minn, I don't think they have a good coach, I don't think he motivates them as they have clearly underachieved lately. Their record without Randy Moss in the lineup is far below thier average and this team could be on the way to the cellar. If you remember Moss revived that team several years ago. anyway GL

[jedinite]

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ATL -1 at home is a ridiculous line. Sorry, but no way that is reasonable given what we've seen this year.

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I appreciate the response, and like I said earlier I won't be able to finish my usual amount of research until tomorrow, so I can't retort quite yet.

My initial lines certainly aren't always golden, its just a tool I use to help myself identify games to research further - i usually never reveal them and I shouldn't have here because its not really relevant how I ID'd the game in the first place.

I know DeAngelo Hall and Jason Webster practiced Wednesday but they're still not 100%.

Vikings free safety Darren Sharper being questionable doesn't hurt them nearly as bad as most people think, in my opinion. Chavous is a great player at strong safety, and the Vikings are looking at going to four linebackers using 3rd year LB Dontarrious Thomas (out of Auburn) who is extremely quick and will help dramatically against the run compared to having Sharper. Thats assuming OLB E.J. Henderson (probable) is healthy, otherwise Thomas will be playing for him. I'm also actually considering Erasmus James (stud 1st round pick from Wisconsin) probably starting at DE as a good thing - he's much quicker despite his lack of experience and I think he could step up and be an x-factor for the Vikes defense.

I'm not trying to insult you, your team, your pick, or anything else by posting my feedback - was just trying to give you some more information to consider and spark a discussion.

Everything I've seen so far, I still like them to cover six.

[mmbt0ne]

BUMP with some more information. Straight of the ESPN website:

With their secondary already weakened by injuries, the Minnesota Vikings' defense has now taken a hit upfront, as starting right defensive end Kenechi Udeze will have surgery next week on his left knee.

The second-year veteran, a first-round choice in the 2004 draft, will not play in Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Falcons. He joins a burgeoning list of Vikings defenders who have either been ruled out already or who are unlikely to play.

Nickel cornerback Brian Williams (knee) has been ruled out. Two other key players, starting free safety Darren Sharper (knee) and third-down pass rush specialist/defensive end Lance Johnstone (pectoral) are listed as "doubtful" on the injury report but neither is expected to play.