Update: As I mentioned earlier this week, the eventual decision would not likely have a big affect on the passing numbers or outcome of the game. HC Dan Reeves opted for Kurt Kittner as his losing pitcher this week.

Atlanta Notes

The Falcons flop to 1-7 after their most recent implosion. They are tied for the first draft pick in the 2004 draft.

Quarterbacks: The Falcons should hire insurance investigators to tail Michael Vick and make sure he does not intentionally hurt himself. This is not a good situation by any measurement and last season's Golden Child will return to a smoldering carwreck. Last week, the Falcons pulled Kurt Kittner (11-18, 78) in order to revert back to Doug Johnson (5-10, 86). Johnson played better in the way that losing an arm in a threshing accident is better than losing two.

I am assuming a return to Doug Johnson this week but that could change though the results will likely be no different. HC Dan Reeves has not yet named a starter this week like it was some big strategic move to fool the Giants. If nothing else, it gives him something to say in his press conferences midweek.

Running backs: Warrick Dunn (10-68) and T.J. Duckett (16-55, 1 TD) were playing very well in the first half last week but only shared six carries in the entire second half even though the Falcons led 13-10 at the half and were tied 13-13 going into the fourth quarter. This makes the second game in a row that the two have combined for well over 100 yards and scored and yet still not make a difference on the scoreboard.

Wide Receivers: Peerless Price had six catches for 84 yards last week and was open in the endzone on the play that Kittner threw the interception. Brian Finneran had 49 yards on four catches and this week against the Giants secondary in a game likely filled with trash time opportunities, the two could turn in nice games if the quarterback can get the ball to them.

Tight Ends: Alge Crumpler had one catch for 10 yards last week. After starting the season out hot, he has cooled along with the rest of the passing game.

Match against the defense: The Giants can certainly be ran on by a good back but they have faced very few this season. They did hold Ricky Williams to only 39 yards in a game dedicated to doing just that, but against other runners like Kevin Faulk (14-87), Brian Westbrook (15-67). Moe Williams (11-69) and Curtis Martin (28-108) they have been less than stellar. They have more problems with multiple back attacks like Atlanta than they do when only one runner (Williams, Henry, Faulk) provides the entirety of the running game.

The duo of Duckett and Dunn should combine for over 100 yards with Dunn the most likely to do better.

The passing game is a crapshoot as always with the Falcons. The lack of a good quarterback is negating the opportunity that the Giants secondary usually provides. Chances are best that this will be a rerun of last week.

NY Giants Notes

The Giants rise to 4-4 with their win over the Jets.

Quarterbacks: After torching the Vikings for 375 yards and two scores, Kerry Collins passed for 303 yards and two more scores against the Jets. The Giants are scoring again and with the Falcons coming to town, that will continue.

Running backs: Tiki Barber gained 77 yards on 21 carries last week and added 32 yards on four catches. After starting the season with a heavy load, he now is assisted by Dorsey Levens who had 11 runs for 39 yards last week including the short touchdown. Over the past three weeks, the two have shared carries with a ratio of 60:32 and since they won the last two games, there is no reason to change that plan.

Wide Receivers: Amani Toomer had six catches for 127 yards and one touchdown last week to put him on a pace to break 1300 yards this season. Ike Hilliard had five catches for 55 yards and one score which places him on a trend to score 12 touchdowns this year. Collins never bothered to even throw to another wideout last week.

Tight Ends: Jeremy Shockey added 86 more yards to his season totals last week and leads all tight ends in receptions (45) and yards (489).

Match against the defense: The Giants are clicking now and the Falcons are clunking. Look for all Giant players to do well. There is little chance of them overlooking the Falcons since they have no margin for losing a winnable game. The only question is how much and how many against the Falcons.

* Fantasy point rankings calculated using standard Huddle fantasy points