Giants RB Derrick Ward topped 1,000 yards rushing for the season in Sunday’s game against the Vikings, giving New York the fourth pair of running backs to break the barrier during the same season in NFL history.

Running back Frank Gore returns and will start for the 49ers.

Ray Rice is out again, meaning that Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee will share carries. Hey, it worked out last week against Dallas. Receiver Derrick Mason did not practice this week, but is active and will start. Safety Ed Reed, as expected, will start.

The howling winds in Buffalo are something that you need to see in person to understand how awesome they are. A point that was illustrated on Stephen Gostkowski‘s ill-fated 26-yard field goal attempt.

Colts WR Marvin Harrison has seven receptions for 31 yards against the Titans, moving him past Cris Carter into sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time receptions list. Harrison (1,102) now trails only Jerry Rice (1,549).

It was a short, short day for Peyton Manning in Week 17, who was pulled after one drive in Indianapolis’ game against Tennessee.

Carolina is not going to have an easy time stopping the run today, even though the Saints have deactivated running back Pierre Thomas. Panthers defensive tackles Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu were both deactivated, leaving Carolina short-handed against the run.

DT Nick Hayden, a 2008 sixth-round pick from Wisconsin, should make his first NFL start for the Panthers.

A lot of defensive starters will be held out today. But don’t expect Jeff Fisher or Tony Dungy to play their offensive starters very long. That could mean a Jim Sorgi sighting!

The big injury news came earlier this week when safety Mike Brown was placed on IR.

High winds and an inactive Richard Seymour makes Fred Jackson a solid start in Marshawn Lynch‘s absence.

I’ve been to Ralph Wilson Stadium many times, including during its earliest days as Rich Stadium. I can’t recall windier conditions than today.

Nnamdi Asomugha is a huge loss for IDP players, but his injury is a huge boost for Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant.

Receivers Michael Jenkins and Brian Finneran were questionable this week, but will be ready to go against St. Louis. All Falcons skill players have tremendous matchups this week.

Cornerback Charles Woodson is ready to go, and could make it a long afternoon for receiver Calvin Johnson.

Carson Palmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson were all likely drafted in the first three rounds, but end disappointing seasons on the inactive list. Houshmandzadeh is a surprise as he was listed as probable, but you can never tell with back injuries. Chris Henry has caught touchdowns in consecutive weeks and could be a huge pickup.