Injury and Weather Report for Championship Sunday

The significant injuries this week affect primarily the Chargers and their big stars on offense:

San Diego QB Philip Rivers is listed as doubtful for today’s game, but did get some limited practice in on Friday. He’ll be a game-time decision, and Billy Volek will go if Rivers can’t. Even if Rivers starts, there’s a good chance he won’t finish, in my opinion.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been practicing all week and he says he’s feeling good. He’s on track to start and should be about 75% of his usual effectiveness. I have a sinking feeling, however, that Michael Turner and Darren Sproles will be more involved than usual and that one or both of these guys may bust off a big play, especially in the passing game.

San Diego TE Antonio Gates is officially listed as doubtful for this game and he did not practice on Friday. He will be limited again this week, and I would not expect him to do much.

Weather for Championship Games

The bottom line is that it will be cold – very cold – in both Green Bay and Foxboro, but sub-freezing temperatures for sure in Green Bay. Weather.com reports that both locales will see winds from 10-20 mph, making wind chill a factor and passing more difficult. At least there won’t be any snow or rain projected, at least from the reports I’ve seen.

As a result, I like the running game in the Green Bay-New York a little more than the passing game (e.g. start Ryan Grant and Brandon Jacobs) while the Patriots, despite the weather, should still be putting up the ball a fair share. The Chargers will probably be behind late, so I like Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers to be quite active in that game.

Good luck all!