FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEKLY FEATURES

JAX (8-7) vs OAK (6-9)

Game Prediction: JAX 27, OAK 14

While both these teams come off sour losses, the Jags getting shutout by the visiting Texans should fire up the troops for a game they have to win to reach the playoffs.

Update: Fred Taylor still has not practiced this week due to his sprained knee and is very questionable to play. I am removing him from the projections and inserting Greg Jones as the more likely runner. He will be aided by Labrandon Toefield as well.

Pre-Game Notes - JAX

The Jaguars will get into the playoffs only with a win here, plus a loss by Denver and Baltimore.

Quarterback: Byron Leftwich passed medical tests on Monday which should allow him to play this weekend in a critical game. He was only slightly concussed reportedly and I am assuming that he will be playing.

Running Backs: Fred Taylor sat out last week with a sprained knee ligament but he may be able to play depending on practice Wednesday and Thursday. Greg Jones was ineffective last week since he only had nine carries for 38 yards and the Jags need Taylor to keep the sticks moving.

Wide Receivers: Jimmy Smith had been on a good roll for the last few weeks until the implosion last Sunday. He's been good for at least 80 yards a game or more when Leftwich is healthy. Troy Edwards remains only a bit player in most games.

Tight Ends: Not one score since week three.

Match Against the Defense: The Raiders have allowed at least 31 points in each of the last four games and two scores with good yardage is a lock for Leftwich if he is healthy. Taylor could also run well if he is healthy. The opportunity is all there, the only question is how healthy the important starters are for Jacksonville. They have to win this game - they will play if at all possible.

Pre-Game Notes - OAK

The Raiders come off a one point loss to the Chiefs and now realize there is no running game at all this season. This final week will be auditions for the wideouts for next season.

Running Backs: The Raiders are using a mixture of four different runners and never allowing any to have enough carries to carry any fantasy value. Zack Crockett has scored in two of the last three games but has never rushed for more than 32 yards in any game this year.

Wide Receivers: Jerry Porter is likely playing out his final days as a Raider but he is making it count. He has eight scores in the last five games with two 100 yard efforts. Alvis Whitted scored last week on his only catch and the #3 Doug Gabriel only had one catch as well for 11 yards.

Tight Ends: Teyo Johnson had 52 yards last week and 49 yards and a score the previous game. He's making some noise, finally, late in the season to secure a role in 2005.

Match Against the Defense: The Jaguars rush defense is plenty good enough to stop what little the Raiders may try to do and it will be up to Collins. He'll be facing a secondary that has shut down most opponents to only one score and never more than two in the last seven games. Really all the Raiders have is Porter to cover and the Jaguars have enough to accomplish that. This game turns if the Jags are not healthy, otherwise the Raiders will be challenged to mount much offense.