Passing Matchups

Hi Folks,

Here's our look at the Passing Matchups for this week.

PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup.

Also note, just because a player has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your league. If Peyton Manning is playing the toughest pass defense in the league, that just means he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter unless you're loaded at QB. In the same way, if the worst QB on your roster has a "great" matchup that week, it doesn't necessarily mean he's your starter. It means we think he'll fare better than normal that week.

Bottom line is that the cheatsheets are the final say.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

Bye Weeks

St. Louis: Mark Bulger/Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce are on bye.
New York Jets: Vinny Testaverde/Curtis Conway/Wayne Chrebet/Santana Moss are on bye.
Baltimore: Kyle Boller/Travis Taylor/Todd Heap are on bye.
Houston: David Carr/Andre Johnson/Corey Bradford/Jabar Gaffney/Billy Miller are on bye.

Carolina's Passing Game vs. The New Orleans Defense (Great Matchup)

If you play in a yardage bonus league where QB's need to throw for 250+ yards to get bonus points, Jake Delhomme should be nowhere near your roster. In fact, he is a fairly unappealing fantasy QB in general, given the Panthers' philosophy - he has only attempted 70 passes in 2 ½ games, with 38 completions for 386 yards, 4 TDs and 4 Int. Steve Smith, the top WR in Carolina, has 12/118/1 over 3 weeks - 59th among fantasy receivers through 4 weeks. You get the idea - this team is all about solid defense, field position, and Stephen Davis running the football. In fact, RDT Kris Jenkins was just signed to a long-term extension (through 2008) this week - with almost a $10 million signing bonus.

New Orleans, meanwhile, has been shattered by injuries among their secondary personnel, and that deficiency was ruthlessly exposed by Peyton Manning last week, with his six touchdown throws on Sunday Night. New Orleans leads the NFL with 10 passing TDs allowed in 4 weeks, and ranks 21st in yardage allowed averaging 225 per game. It's very ugly in the Big Easy right now.

Among the players missing from the Saint's defensive backfield - starting LCB Dale Carter broke the ridge around his eye and needed surgery to repair the injury (out); starting FS Tebucky Jones injured his groin last week (doubtful); starting LB Sedrick Hodge has a broken knee-cap (out); reserve LB Cie Grant has missed many games due to a knee injury (doubtful); and the defensive line is missing starting DE Darren Howard (dislocated wrist) and starting DT Jonathan Sullivan (left knee), while starting LDT Kenny Smith sprained his right knee last Sunday (out). New Orleans can't cover the pass, and they can't get a solid pass rush going to pressure the opposing QB. That spells trouble in the NFL. Carolina's unit is healthy, although TE Kris Mangum is nursing a sore ankle (questionable).

The forecast for Ericsson Stadium calls for a high of 73F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Heavy rain would slow down the game and make the footballs slick, causing an increased likelihood of dropped passes/turnovers.

Even though they don't pass much, the Panthers won't see many more inviting matchups in this phase all season than the one this week against the battered Saints.

Jacksonville's Passing Game vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup)

The good news - Jimmy Smith is back with the team, and will move into the starting lineup immediately, giving either Brunell or Leftwich (it looks like Del Rio is leaning towards Leftwich as this is written) a Pro-Bowl caliber player to toss the ball to on Sunday. The bad news is, we don't know how ready Smith is to play an NFL game after a 6 week layoff. Leftwich played the whole game vs. Houston last week, and he did OK, for a rookie. 17/36 for 231 yards, 1 TD and 3 Int. is not earth-shattering, but it wasn't pathetic, either. He looked pretty crisp on his completions, and one of the interceptions was a "Hail Mary" at the half-time buzzer.

San Diego's pass defense is weak. They rank 17th in the NFL yardage-wise, with 217.3 yards per game allowed, but have surrendered 8 receiving scores so far in 2003. Their young corners, Quentin Jammer and Sammy Davis, are not getting the job done on a consistent basis. Last week, veteran Rich Gannon blasted them for 26/48 for 348 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 Int. (LB Donnie Edwards made the Int., and led the team with 6 solo tackles with 1 assist).

Jacksonville's unit lists Brunell (elbow) and reserve WR Micah Ross (ankle) as questionable. CB Sammy Davis is probable despite his sore hip.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 84F and a low of 66F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

Jacksonville and Jimmy Smith have a great shot at a productive new beginning on Sunday.

Minnesota's Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Great Matchup)

Gus Frerotte showed everyone that he still has what it takes to handle an NFL defense last week, when he exploited the very soft San Francisco secondary for 16/21 for 267 yards, 4 TDs and 0 Int. (with 3/-4/0 in the rushing department). Randy Moss had another marquee day, with 8/172/3 - he completely dominated the 49ers secondary. The Vikings run and pass at will right now - their offensive line is doing an excellent job of both run and pass-blocking. This is a truly lethal offense so far in 2003.

Atlanta, on the other hand, has an injury-riddled and ineffective secondary on their hands. Last week, starting SS Cory Hall (among others, detailed below) went down with another knee injury, initially diagnosed as a torn PCL in his right knee. Regardless of which players the Falcons put in to cover the opposition, nobody is getting the job done - they rank 24th in the NFL, allowing an average of 229 passing yards allowed per game, with 6 receiving scores given up. Last week, the low-flying and pedestrian Panthers' aerial attack put up 17/27 for 168 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. - that, from one of the most conservative, run oriented teams in the league. This phase of the game is a huge liability for the Falcons. Even worse, the team has suspended starting RCB Tyrone Williams for a week after a blow-up with the coaching staff.

Starting S Cory Hall (knee), backup S's Gerald McBurrows (neck) and Kevin McAdam (hamstring) and LB's Sam Rogers (knee) and Will Overstreet (shoulder) are all doubtful to play. Backup CB Tod McBride is questionable with his injured thumb. D'Wayne Bates remains questionable to play due to his foot injury, Culpepper is questionable with his bad back, while TE Jim Kleinsasser (stomach) and WR Randy Moss (back) are probable to play.

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is no factor.

Minnesota has one of the best pass offenses in the NFL, and Atlanta is a bottom-tier pass defense almost stripped of starting-caliber talent. A huge edge flows to the visitors, regardless of whether Daunte Culpepper or Gus Frerotte is slinging the pigskin - the early word is that Frerotte is going to start this week.

Oakland's Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup)

Oakland's offensive team has been out of sync all season, but finally began to find their rhythm last week against the Charger's bad secondary - Rich Gannon had a very good day throwing for 26/43 for 348 yards with 3 TDs and 1 Int. while both Rice (7/118/0) and Brown (6/110/1) woke up for strong performances - TE Doug Jolley chipped in 7/55/1 while Alvis Whitted hauled in 3/44/1 in a support role. It was perhaps the best game of 2003 for this unit.

The Bears continue to embarrass themselves every time they step on the field. They currently rank 15th in the NFL allowing 205+ passing yards per game on average, but have coughed up 7 touchdowns in only 3 games. Bear-hunter extraordinaire Brett Favre got another trophy for his den last week, with 21/30 for 179 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 Int. on the day. SS Mike Green led the secondary with 10 solo tackles, but it was all in vain.

Oakland is still waiting on Jerry Porter (hernia - doubtful). Backup TE O.J. Santiago is questionable with a sore hammy. S Cameron Morrell is listed as questionable by the Bears due to his knee injury.

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 56F and a low of 45F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That sounds like great football weather to us.

Oakland should continue to improve their performance this week at the expense of the hapless Bears.

Dallas' Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Good Matchup)

Dallas didn't really need much of a passing game against the Jets (who couldn't stop octogenarian running backs at this stage of the season, let alone actual NFL talent) - so Quincy Carter had a quiet outing, going 11/23 for 165 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. vs. the Jets last week. Joey Galloway was his #1 target (5/100/0), but Antonio Bryant got the TD (1/13/1). Terry Glenn disappeared from the box score in week 4. This year, Carter is the 25th ranked fantasy QB through 4 games, with 51/95 for 754 yards, 2 TDs, 3 Int. and 14/26/1 rushing.

Arizona has Dexter Jackson (1 Int. in each of past 2 games), who led all DB's last week with 10 tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed - but they still allow 225.3 passing yards per game on average (22nd in the NFL). The Cardinals have given up 9 passing scores in 2003. Basically, they are not too good at defending the pass - especially last week when Marc Bulger lit them up for 28/42 for 272 with 2 TDs and 1 Int.

Both units are basically healthy coming into the game.

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 80F and a low of 62F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get slick and the ball will be slick, making ball handling an issue.

Carter and the Cowboys can bring it in the passing game when they need to, and the Cardinals are vulnerable in this phase of the game. Look for Carter, Galloway and Bryant to enjoy a productive outing vs. the bottom-tier Cardinals' defense.

Detroit's Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup)

Joey Harrington is going through growing pains in Detroit, but led his club to a near-miss loss vs. the Broncos last week, throwing for 15/33 for 149 yards, 2 TDs and 0 Int. He was clearly helped out by the credible threat of a running game that Shawn Bryson provided, and hooked up with Charles Rogers for 5/72/1, and hit Scotty Anderson on a 43 yard TD strike as well. One troublesome note to arise out of the game - Rogers was targeted 16 times in the game, and only snagged 5 balls, while Az-Zahir Hakim saw 6 balls and only caught 2/9/0. The team has to do a better job of connecting, as they just aren't making enough plays on the balls that come their way.

San Francisco's secondary was humiliated by Minnesota's Gus Frerotte and Randy Moss - the undersized DB's (Mike Rumph, in particular), were victimized all day long by Moss (8/172/3) and Frerotte hooked up for 4 TDs on the day. They had no answers for tall, leaping WR's - Charles Rogers owners, are you listening? This season, the 49ers rank 7th in the league in terms of yardage allowed, averaging only 178.5 - but they have given away a whopping 9 passing scores in 4 games. Soft, soft, soft.

CB Jason Webster is out for the 49ers, S Tony Parrish (knee) and CB Ahmed Plummer (back) are both probable. WR's Eddie Drummond (knee, out) and Shawn Jefferson (ribs, questionable) are on the Lion's injury report.

The forecast for 3COM Park calls for a high of 66F and a low of 55F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day for some football.

Harrington and Rogers have the potential for a nice day against the weak 49ers defenders.

Miami's Passing Game vs. The New York Giants (Good Matchup)

Miami comes into this game off a bye week, so they should be well rested. In week 3, Fiedler and company were just good enough to defeat the Bills - Fiedler threw for a pedestrian 16/28 for 158 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. Chris Chambers continues to be the focus of the passing attack, with 3 TDs in 2 games (Fiedler's only thrown 5 so far ). TE Randy McMichael has seen 8/94/1 in 3 games, so he is in the mix right now, as well (he led the team with 4/57/0 week 3).

The Giants are embarrassing themselves in this phase of the game, allowing a league-worst 314.3 passing yards per game this season - 57 yards per game more than the 31st ranked team, Philadelphia (although they have only allowed 3 scoring tosses so far in 2003). Patrick Ramsey shelled them for 348 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. back in week 3.

Both teams come into the game after a bye week, so injuries aren't a big factor in this matchup. CB William Peterson has a sore calf (probable).

The forecast for Giants' Stadium calls for a high of 65F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, both the field and the ball could become slick, slowing down play and increasing the likelihood of turnovers.

Miami is playing very conservatively in this phase, but New York is soft enough that Fiedler and company will find success when the coaching staff calls passing plays.

New York Giants' Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Good Matchup)

Kerry Collins is having a great opening month in 2003, with 59/116 for 743 yards, 6 TDs and only 2 Int. so far. That's his best start during the course of his career. Amani Toomer is thriving, with 13/305/2 (a 23.3 yards per catch average), while Ike Hilliard is also in the top 20 among fantasy receivers (17/175/3 in only 3 games). Jeremy Shockey is also finally finding his "good hands", and has 10/109/1 so far (10th among TE's - but most have 4 games to their credit, while Shockey has only 3). It's more feast than famine among the Giants right now.

Miami woke up from their early-season nightmare in week 3, and played as we have come to expect their secondary to play - Drew Bledsoe was 10/25 for 98 yards, 0 TD and 2 Int. in their divisional duel week 3. Still, the Dolphins are in the cellar of the NFL in terms of yardage allowed per game - 236.3 on average (27th ranking) - but they have only given up 2 passing scores.

Both teams enter the game after a bye week, so the injury concerns are minimal: S Shawn Wooden is probable to play despite his sore hamstring. WR's Ike Hilliard (foot) and Willie Ponder (hip) are both also probable to play.

Collins' team is hot, while the Dolphins are showing signs of regaining their elite form. Another top-shelf performance will prove the Dolphins are back to form, but right now it appears that New York has a slight edge in this matchup, at home.

San Diego's Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup)

San Diego pulled all the stops out last week in a desperate bid to win a game this year, but just fell short of the Raiders 34-31. Part of the problem has been injuries and suspensions among the WR corps - last week, unknown Dondre Gilliam led the team with 4/67/0 because Tim Dwight and Reche Caldwell are both sidelined with injuries, while David Boston was grounded at home for violating team rules and wasn't at the game. TE Stephen Alexander and Josh Norman were both out due to injuries, too. Even with all that adversity, Drew Brees put up 21/31 for 187 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. - not great, but not bad with a bare WR cupboard. Eric Parker has dropped off the map after catching a score in week 1 and 2 - he had 1/10/0 receiving (with 3/21/0 rushing) on the day. Boston will be back this week, if he can play by the team rules as practices and meetings go by.

Jacksonville's defense is just not very strong in this phase of the game, surrendering an average of 223.3 passing yards per game (20th in the NFL) and surrendering 8 passing scores, to date. Last week, Houston beat them - Carr was a workmanlike 23/36 for 234 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. during the game. He was on target most of the game, and the Jacksonville pass rush didn't manage to disrupt his game much (only 1 sack).LB's Mike Peterson and Akinola Ayodele led the team effort with 6 solo tackles and 5 assists each.

Alexander, Norman and Caldwell are all out this week. Dwight is questionable due to his sore knee. Reserve DB Kiwaukee Thomas is doubtful for Jacksonville. S Donovan Darius is probable despite a sore shoulder.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 84F and a low of 66F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

San Diego has a good shot at a productive day vs. the underachieving Jaguars' secondary.

San Francisco's Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup)

The wheels came off, the engine fell out, and Terrell Owens ran away from the wreckage of the 49ers passing attack screaming last week. Garcia was horrible (11/23 for 108 yards, 0 TDs and 3 Int.) and ended the day watching Tim Rattay play (12/18 for 146 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int.). Garcia was high, low, behind and in front of his receivers all day, regardless of whether the Vikings' rush was getting to him (which it often did). It doesn't get much uglier over 60 minutes of football than this.

Detroit, meanwhile, felt their depleted DB corps as Jake Plummer and the Broncos surgically sliced and diced their secondary to pieces. 25/34 for 277 yards, 2 TDs and 0 Int. was the damage once the carnage ended. Dre' Bly led the team with 7 solo tackles and 2 assists, but he just can't cover both corners at once (unfortunately). For the season, the Lions are 30th in the NFL allowing 252.8 passing yards per game on average, and they have coughed up 8 passing TDs so far.

San Francisco TE Eric Johnson remains out with his healing collarbone. QB Garcia, WR Owens and backup WR Cedric Wilson are all probable to play through their injuries (groin, Achilles, and quadriceps, respectively).

The forecast for 3COM Park calls for a high of 66F and a low of 55F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day for some football.

The 49ers melted down last week, but the Lions' secondary is a smoking heap of charred embers from being torched so often in 2003. Advantage, San Francisco.

Seattle's Passing Game vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck has found his rhythm in coach Holmgren's offense, and has excelled through 3 games, with 42/81 for 568 yards and 6 TDs with only 1 Int. in the early part of the season. His favorite targets are Darrell Jackson (22 targets with 8 receptions for 236 yards and 3 TDs) and Koren Robinson (21 targets with 11 receptions for 170 yards and 2 TDs). Remember, Robinson has one less game under his belt this year than Jackson, thanks to his infamous "sidelines suspension". The Seahawks went into the bye week one of the hottest offenses in the NFL.

Green Bay, meanwhile, has just completed a satisfying Monday night whipping of the impotent Chicago Bears - Kordell Stewart threw for 201 yards and 2 Int. vs. the Packers last week, and the secondary blanketed the Bears' wide receivers (no WR went over 50 yards receiving last week). For the season, the Packers are the 18th ranked pass defense in the league, allowing 218.3 yards per contest on average - but they have only surrendered 4 passing scores so far. FS Darren Sharper led the way in the secondary last week with 6 solo tackles.

Seattle comes in off a bye, and is largely healthy, with no injuries of note. The Pack lists starting SS Antuan Edwards (ankle) and starting FS Darren Sharper (foot) as probable to play.

The forecast for Lambeau Field calls for a high of 49F and a low of 42F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, it could get cold and miserable on the field - footing could be an issue, even on the heated turf (natural Kentucky bluegrass).

The Packers are playing bend-but-don't-break defense vs. the pass, while the Seahawks are sporting one of the best passing attacks around right now. This looks like a good matchup for Hasselbeck and company.

Washington's Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Good Matchup)

Washington's Patrick Ramsey and company cooled off last week (10/22 for 147 yards, 0 TD and 0 Int.) as, in a sure sign of the apocalypse, Steve Spurrier's team ran the ball more often than they threw it (29 vs 22). Never fear, Coles and Gardner owners - they still saw the lion's share of the passes (8 targets for 5/62/0 for Coles; 7 targets for 3/28/0 for Gardner) - there just wasn't the usual fantasy bonanza from the duo last week. As Ramsey has thrown 129 balls for 75 completions netting 1036 yards, 5 TDs and 2 Int. in the first 4 weeks, he's off to a great start.

Philadelphia's battered secondary managed to do some good things vs. Drew Bledsoe and company - like keeping them out of the end-zone more than once - even though they gave up a ton of yards (27/43 for 296 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int.) on Sunday. Still, the Eagles are a suspect unit, ranking 31st in the NFL allowing 257.3 yards per game on average, with 6 receiving scores given up in 2003.

Washington is good to go in this phase. Starting CB's Troy Vincent (hamstring) and Bobby Taylor (foot) are questionable to play. CB Sheldon Browne is probable (ankle), while starting FS Brian Dawkins (foot) is out.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 68F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, slick footballs would make for ball-handling issues during the game. How the new grass field (no more seams!) will behave in foul weather is an unknown at this point.

Ramsey and company have been firing on all cylinders this season - there is no reason to think they won't exploit the obvious weakness of the Eagles' secondary on Sunday.

Arizona's Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Arizona passing game returned to earth last week, as the Rams crushed the Cardinals 37-13. Starter Jeff Blake was 10/17 for 88 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions on a day where only Anquan Boldin was worth a fantasy roster spot, with 7/86/0. Otherwise, the Cardinals basically stunk up the joint on Sunday. This season, Boldin has been rewriting the rookie record books (30/464/2 - second best fantasy WR in the first quarter of the season), and Blake has been decent at points (65/108 for 779 yards, 4 TD and 4 Int. with 7/19/1 rushing) - but last week wasn't their week to shine.

Dallas went back to the Meadowlands and defeated another NY team, this time the Jets, 17-6. Vinny Testaverde was 21/29 for 219 yards with 0 TDs and 0 Int. vs. the Cowboys last week. FS Roy Williams led the secondary with 5 solo tackles and a forced fumble last Sunday. For the season, the Cowboys are the 26th ranked passing defense in the NFL allowing 231.7 yards per game on average, with 5 passing TDs surrendered in 3 games.

WR Jason McAddley is out with a hamstring problem, Blake and reserve WR Kevin Kasper are probable to play. CB Derek Ross's knee is hampering him (questionable).

Arizona comes into the game basically stone-cold, while the Cowboys had a good outing in week 4. However, the soft Dallas secondary should give enough room for Blake and company to do some good things on Sunday.

Denver's Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Denver's Jake Plummer has silenced the critics in the Mile High city, currently ranking 3rd among fantasy QB's with 60/93 for 683 yards, 7 TDs and 5 Int. with 8/51/0 rushing to boot - and he's done the above while missing part of a game with a slightly separated shoulder. Last week vs. Detroit he went 25/34 for 277, with 2 TDs and 0 Int. Ashley Lelie is emerging as his go-to guy, with 7 targets for 4/76/1 last weekend - Shannon Sharpe is also a key in the Denver passing game, targeted 9 times for 7/74/1 last week. Rod Smith caught all 5 balls thrown his way for 61 yards after being ejected from the Raiders game 2 weeks ago.

Kansas City's defense crushed rookie Kyle Boller last week, 15/26 for 140 yards, 0 TDs and 3 Int. S Greg Wesley had 8 solo tackles with 1 assist, 1 Int and 1 pass defensed while mate CB Dexter McCleon had 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 Int. and 3 passes defensed - these two really made it tough on Boller. For the season, the Chiefs rank as the 13th best pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 205.3 passing yards per game, and have surrendered 5 passing scores so far. They lead the AFC in Int. with 11 to date.

Plummer, Sharpe and Ed McCaffrey are all listed as probable to play through assorted minor injuries (knee, knee, and thigh, respectively. KC's former starting CB William Bartee is questionable due to the injured ankle that has kept him out all year.

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 68F and a low of 48F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

Denver has an emerging star in Lelie, a quarterback who is playing with increasing confidence in Plummer, and a crafty veteran TE to exploit the soft spots in opposing secondaries. The Chiefs' are an improving defense with home-field advantage. We call it a neutral matchup.

Green Bay's Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Brett Favre and the Packers enjoyed a laugher vs. the Bears last Monday, with 21/30 for 170 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception pitched by Brett Favre during the game. Donald Driver looked recuperated from his neck injury with 4/50/0, while William Henderson, Javon Walker and Bubba Franks all caught multiple passes and 1 TD each. Walker leads the team with 26 targets from Favre so far in 2003, with Green, Franks, Ferguson all at 19 and Driver thrown to 18 times in his limited appearances. For the season, Favre is the 16th ranked fantasy signal caller with 84/132 for 804 yards, 7 TDs and 7 Int. through 4 games.

Seattle isn't a doormat defense anymore, but they have yet to join the leagues' elite - currently, they rank 22nd in the NFL allowing 227.3 passing yards per game (but they are hard to score on, limiting the opposition to 2 passing scores in 3 games this season). Seattle's safety Reggie Tongue is tied for 4th in the NFL with 3 Int, and has 5 in his past 5 games dating back to last year.

Green Bay's reserve TE David Martin is probable to go despite his bad ankle. Seattle's CB Shawn Springs remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury. LB Orlando Huff has a sore ankle (questionable).

Favre is just now getting his best playmaker (Driver) on the field at WR, and is coming into the game hot. Seattle is tough to score on though - we'll call it an even matchup.

Philadelphia's Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Donovan McNabb and company didn't overwhelm anyone with the passing game last week - 18/29 for 172 yards, with 0 TDs and 0 Int. - but he did finally seem to find a comfort zone throwing the ball. It helped that the RBBC managed to generate some run support, but McNabb looked much better delivering the ball on Sunday than he has for some time. Todd Pinkston led the day with 6/60/0 (9 targets) while James Thrash caught 3 for 47 yards (6 targets) and Freddy Mitchell snagged 3/26/0 (5 targets). It wasn't a fantasy bonanza, but it does give long-suffering McNabb owners a glimmer of hope.

Washington, meanwhile, was busily eking out a 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots - they managed to intercept Brady 3 times (season-high), but gave up a lot of real-estate (289 yards) and 2 TDs as well. For the season, Washington ranks 16th in the NFL, allowing 209 yards per game on average, with 7 passing scores allowed to date. Tough-guy kudos to Champ Bailey, playing through a painful wrist injury to notch 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception - he led the secondary on the day.

Philadelphia lists McNabb as probable to play despite his minor thumb injury. Washington says Champ Bailey is probable to play, while CB Rashad Bauman has a sore hamstring (questionable).

Philadelphia is still finding their way, while the Redskins are solidly in the middle of the NFL pack in this phase of the game. This looks like a neutral matchup at this stage of the season.

Pittsburgh's Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Pittsburgh's Achilles heel came back to hurt them last week - Tommy Maddox has more interceptions than TDs at this point in the season, and they keep happening in critical situations. Last week, Rocky Boiman put the game on ice by returning a Maddox interception 61 yards for the only score of the 4th quarter. Maddox is racking up a ton of yards this season (1168 in 4 games) and had over 300 vs. Tennessee (332), but he didn't hook up for a TD last week and he threw 2 Int. Plaxico Burress saw 14 targets last week, but only snagged 4 of them for 64 yards - unacceptable. Hines Ward also saw 14 balls, and caught 10 for 85 yards - very good. This year, Burress has 22 receptions on 43 looks, while Ward has 33 on 47 chances.

Cleveland's pass defense was stalwart through 3 weeks (0 scores allowed), but stumbled against division-rival Cincinnati - Kitna threw 3 TDs and accounted for 215 yards through the air last week. For the season, the Browns rank 4th in the NFL allowing only 164.8 passing yards per game, and have given up only 3 passing scores all year. They are a pretty tough bunch of customers. S Robert Griffith led the secondary with 6 solo tackles on the day.

Cleveland's backup DB Michael Lehan is questionable to play due to a bad hamstring. Pittsburgh's WR Plaxico Burress (hip, questionable) and TE Jay Riemersma (shoulder, questionable) are on the injury report.

The forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 60F and a low of 48F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, slick footballs would make for ball-handling issues during the game, and the field could get tricky to make cuts on.

Pittsburgh has a high-octane attack, but turns over the ball a bunch. Cleveland has a stout secondary that stumbled last week. Home field advantage helps out in this one, and we figure it levels the playing field.

Tennessee's Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Steve McNair played an almost flawless game at QB last week - in the total absence of a credible running attack, may we add. His numbers weren't stellar - but 15/16 for 161 yards, 3 TDs and 0 Int. was an amazing performance when his team managed only 40 yards rushing on the day. McNair is also the 2nd ranked fantasy QB through 4 weeks, with 77/111 for 820 yards, 8 TDs and only 1 Int. (8/31/0 rushing). About the only blemish on his season has been 3 lost fumbles. Derrick Mason has disappeared lately, hauling in only 1/4/0 last week - but Erron Kinney (4/19/1) has filled in admirably for the sidelined Frank Wycheck, and Drew Bennett (2/52/1) and Justin McCareins (5/81/1) have made the opposition pay for concentrating on Mason.

New England's passing defense is recovering from the loss of Lawyer Milloy, and currently ranks 12th in the NFL allowing 195.3 yards per game, with just 2 passing scores allowed thus far. Last week, the high-flying Redskins were brought down to earth (10/22 for 147 yards, 0 TD and 0 Int.). SS Rodney Harrison led the secondary with 6 solo tackles in the game. The Patriots lead the AFC with 12 sacks so far in 2003.

No surprise here, Tennessee lists everyone as questionable on their injury report, including Wycheck. New England says CB Ty Law is questionable to play due to a sore ankle.

Gillette Stadium expects a high of 64F with a low of 46F on Sunday, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rains come, slick footballs could cause problems in the passing game.

McNair is playing exceptionally efficient football in this phase of the game, while New England is tough to score on, but fairly giving in terms of yardage. Home field advantage and the prospect of rain helps even the odds - we'll call it even.

Buffalo's Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup)

Drew Bledsoe and company are undergoing a power-outage of late - 27/43 for 296 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. isn't a bad day, by any measuring stick, but until the 4th quarter last week when Bobby Shaw snagged that lone TD pass, the Bills offense had gone 129 minutes of play without an offensive TD - ouch. For the season, Bledsoe is the 8th ranked fantasy QB with 73/121 for 938 yards, 4 TDs and 3 Int., with 7/9/1 rushing. Eric Moulds was the most prolific receiver last week, with 8/114/0, while Shaw caught 8/92/1. Josh Reed was an ineffective 1/8/0, but had to leave the game with a bruised back, opening the door for Shaw's big game.

Cincinnati harassed Tim Couch all day last week, with 15 hurries, 11 knockdowns and 2 sacks vs. the Browns' inept OL. For the season, the Bengals are the 8th best pass D in the land, allowing 180 yards per game on average and only surrendering 3 passing scores so far. LCB Jeff Burris led the secondary with 6 solo tackles last week.

Both units are healthy.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 55F and a low of 41F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rains do come, the field could get sloppy and the ball will be slick - slowing down play and increasing the likelihood of turnovers.

Buffalo has been struggling to make things happen in this phase of the game, and the Bengals play stout pass D. This looks like a tough matchup for Bledsoe and company, despite Bledsoe's 4-1 career mark vs. the Bengals.

Chicago's Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Tough Matchup)

Hey, give Kordell Stewart some credit - he threw for more than 200 yards last week (201, actually). However, he didn't throw a touchdown, he tossed 2 interceptions, and there was not a single Bear wide receiver over the 50 yard-receiving barrier. TE Desmond Clark did snag 6/63 on the day - the lone bright spot in this phase last week. The Bears are bad, bad, bad at the passing game - 52/99 for 433 yards with 2 TDs with 5 Int. so far. Dez White is the "top" WR on this squad, ranking 76th among fantasy WR's in 2003 so far, with 8/121/0. Some observers are (unfavorably) comparing the 2003 Bears' attack with the college wishbone.

Oakland's defense hasn't been very good vs. the pass - last week, the patchwork receiving corps of the Chargers put up 22/32 for 208 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int (actually, Drew Brees caught one of the TDs from LaDainian Tomlinson - but, when an unknown named Dondre Gilliam leads your team in receiving (4/67/0), it's time to get out the trick plays). In fact, the Oakland squad is 28th in the NFL allowing an average of 236.5 passing yards per game, with 7 receiving scores given up thus far.

Chicago's unit is healthy; Oakland lists starting S Rod Woodson as questionable (knee), as is S Derrick Gibson (shoulder).

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 56F and a low of 45F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That sounds like great football weather to us.

Oakland's pass defense is bad, but Chicago's attack is even worse. Advantage, Oakland.

Cincinnati's Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup)

Jon Kitna had a great game last week, slapping the Browns around with 23/31 for 215 yards, 3 TDs and 0 Int. He has shown steady improvement this season, and currently ranks as the 6th best fantasy QB in the land, with 84/133 939 6 TDs and 5 Int. so far. In his past 7 quarters of play, Kitna has tossed 4 TDs and 0 interceptions. This isn't the lame passing game we're used to from years past anymore. Chad Johnson is a bona-fide go-to guy (21/370/3 - 4th among all fantasy WR so far) and Peter Warrick is fulfilling his potential at last (22/202/2 - 23rd in the league). These guys are better than any Bengals' aerial attack in recent years.

Buffalo, meanwhile, has continued to play tough pass defense despite their offensive woes, with an average of 157.8 passing yards allowed per game (3rd in the NFL) and only 2 passing scores surrendered in the first quarter of the season. Last week, McNabb went 18/29 for 172 with 0 TDs and 0 Int. vs. the Bills. FS Pierson Prioleau led the secondary with 7 solo tackles and 2 assists in the loss.

Backup WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh looks like he could get in the game, finally (hamstring, questionable). Buffalo's unit is healthy.

Kitna and company are getting better, but they have struggled at times when Corey Dillon is out of the line up (as he will be this week). Buffalo isn't winning a bunch of games, but it's not their pass D that is the weak link. This looks like a tough matchup for the Bengals.

Indianapolis' Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Tough Matchup)

Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison totally embarrassed the New Orleans' Saints last week, clobbering them for 3 TDs between the two players, with Manning tacking on 3 more scores to RB's Ricky Williams and Dominic Rhodes and TE Dallas Clark. Manning ended the day 20/25 for 314 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 Int. Now that's a fantasy game-breaker in any league. It was the second straight strong fantasy outing for Manning, who started slow weeks one and two but has it going now.

Tampa Bay's defense is rested due to a bye week, and second to none in this phase of the game. Through 3 games, they average 106 passing yards allowed per game, and have not allowed a single passing score in 2003. That's all we need to say.

Tampa is good to go in this game. Indianapolis lists WR Brandon Stokley as questionable due to his eternally-pulled hamstring.

The weather for Raymond James Stadium is expected to be warm, a high of 81F and a low of 70F on Monday, with a 30% chance of rain. If rain comes down hard, ball-handling could become an issue in this phase of the game.

Manning, Harrison and company are really good. Tampa Bay is superlative. Make no mistake that I don't see how you could keep Manning or Harrison on the bench with the way they played last week. We're just saying it's a tough matchup for the Colts.

Kansas City's Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Tough Matchup)

Trent Green was adequate in last week's win over Baltimore, throwing for 17/28 yielding 159 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. on the day. Johnnie Morton saw the most balls (7 targets for 5 receptions worth 73 yards) while Tony Gonzalez snagged a TD and 13 yards on his 3 catches (4 targets). It wasn't a spectacular day, but neither was it a disaster. Green is currently the 24th ranked fantasy QB in 2003, with 69/109 for 828 yards, 4 TDs with 5 Int., and 11/18/0 rushing.

Denver's defense is powered by their stellar trio of LB's - Ian Gold, Al Wilson and John Mobley. Last week, Wilson and Gold tied for the most total tackles on the team (8) in the win over Detroit. For the season, the Broncos are 9th in the NFL vs. the pass, allowing 180.5 yards per game (with 4 scoring passes given up to date).

Denver's starting S Kennoy Kennedy is questionable with a sore ankle. S Sam Brandon is probable to play despite his thigh injury. KC is good to go.

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 68F and a low of 48F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

Kansas City's aerial assault is a complement to "Holmes right, Holmes left, Holmes up the center", while Denver plays stout pass defense. Expect KC to put up modest numbers in the matchup on Sunday.

Cleveland's Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Tough Matchup)

Tim Couch did a credible job on Sunday, considered how pathetically bad his OL played (15 hurries, 11 knockdowns, 2 sacks on the day), but didn't manage to deliver a W. He threw for 23/36 for 280 yards, 2 TD and 1 Int., and Quincy Morgan came to life with Couch under center - 3/92/1 with 6 targets. Kevin Johnson was thrown to the most, with 8 targets for 4/48/0, and Jamel White caught the other TD (6 targets for 4/20/1).

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, had no answers for a Titan offense that couldn't run the ball worth beans, and Steve McNair was almost perfect on the day, 15/16 for 161 yards, 3 TDs and 0 Int. Not too good, fellow fantasy football fanatics. On the season though, the Steelers are the 2nd ranked passing D in terms of yards allowed (137.3 on average) but have coughed up 6 scores in 4 games.

QB Kelly Holcomb is questionable to play due to his fractured leg, as is TE Aaron Shea (shoulder). WR Dennis Northcutt's sore chest is better (probable).

Cleveland has OL problems, but Couch threw the ball pretty effectively despite the pressure. Pittsburgh usually plays tough in this phase, but were exposed by McNair and company last week - this still looks like a tough matchup for the visiting team, though.

New England's Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Tough Matchup)

Tom Brady has struggled in recent weeks, and currently ranks as the 14th fantasy QB in the league, with 84/136 for 848 yards, 5 TDs and 7 Int. Last week, he was underwhelming in the loss to Washington, with 25/38 for 289 yards, 2 TDs but 3 killer interceptions. - including the bad decision to test Champ Bailey late in the second quarter. Most of his yardage (198) came in the second half when Washington settled into a softer pass defense to protect their lead. Troy Brown saw 7 balls but only gained 60 yards - David Givens (4/57/1) outplayed Deion Branch (3/38/0) in relief of injured starter David Patten.

Tennessee frustrated a potent Pittsburgh attack last week, surrendering 31/42 for 331 yards to Tommy Maddox, but denying Ward, Burress and company the end-zone while intercepting Maddox twice. LCB Andre Dyson led the secondary with 8 solo tackles and 1 assist, but RCB Samari Rolle really hampered Plaxico Burress all day long, with 4 solo tackles, 1 assist and an interception returned for 49 yards. LOLB Rocky Boiman also got into the act, with a 61 yard interception return for a TD. All in all, it was a big-time performance by the Titan's pass defense. For the season, the Titans rank 19th in the NFL, allowing 220.5 passing yards per game on average, but have allowed only 4 passing scores in 4 games. The last time these two teams met, the Titans held the Pats to only 120 yards passing.

Tennessee suffered a big blow to their LB corps when Peter Sirmon went down with fractured vertebrae in his back (out 2-4 weeks). WR's David Givens (chest) and David Patten (knee) are both questionable to play, as is TE Daniel Graham (shoulder). If both Givens and Patten are out, the WR stable is looking kind of empty for the Patriots.

Gillette Stadium expects a high of 64F with a low of 46F on Sunday, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rains come, slick footballs could cause problems in the passing game.

New England has trouble playing consistently in this phase lately, while Tennessee is doing a good job containing the oppositions' passing attack. We give the edge to Tennessee in this matchup.

New Orleans' Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Tough Matchup)

New Orleans got torched by Manning and the Colts last week, and Aaron Brooks was definitely part of the problem. 16/28 for 166 yards, 0 TDs and 2 Int. is a miserable day by most standards (after the game was out of reach, Brooks grabbed some bench and watched Todd Bouman go 5/8 for 62 with 1 TD and 0 Int.). None of the wide receivers got over 50 yards on the day, though TE Ernie Conwell rang up 6/88/0. Conwell is 2nd in the NFL with 175 receiving yards and is 3rd in the league with 15 receptions. Against the elite Indianapolis secondary, the Saints had no answers (it was the second straight week the team struggled, too - the Titans choked Brooks down to 15/23 for 185 with 1 TD and 0 Int. - neither Stallworth nor Horn got over 20 yards receiving two weeks ago). The engine is sputtering and the wheels are threatening to come off in New Orleans right now.

The Panthers, meanwhile, throttled the Falcons attack in week 4, allowing a meager 15/23 for 152 yards, 0 TD and notching 1 Int. vs. Doug Johnson. It was a vast improvement over their earlier efforts - the Panthers are currently a sorry 29th in the NFL, allowing 237.8 passing yards per contest, with 3 TDs surrendered so far in 2003. They have not allowed a TD since week 1 vs. Jacksonville, however. FS Deon Grant led the secondary with 9 solo tackles and 3 assists in the rout of Atlanta.

Both units come into the game in good health. Joe Horn's MRI on his knee revealed a bruise but no ligament or cartilage damage, so that's a positive.

New Orleans has really struggled in this phase the past two weeks, while the Panthers are improving (and have been miserly about TDs all season) - Advantage, Carolina.

Tampa Bay's Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough Matchup)

Tampa Bay's passing game is very reliable. Brad Johnson has 77/129 for 769 yards, 5 TDs and 2 Int. through 3 games this year. Keyshawn Johnson has seen the most targets, with 29 for 17/210/0, while 2nd goes to Michael Pittman (26 targets for 17/131/1), and 3rd to Keenan McCardell (22 targets for 13/141/1). The Bucs announced that Pittman is now the featured back in this offense during their bye-week, so look for him to continue to see a lot of balls in the passing mix.

Indianapolis really clamped a vice on Aaron Brooks and company last week, holding him to 16/28 for 166 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions. For the season, Tony Dungy's bunch is the 6th best pass defense, averaging 171.8 yards allowed per game, while surrendering 3 receiving scores all year. That's a great unit they field in Indianapolis.

Joe Jurevicius remains doubtful due to his knee injury. The Colts' secondary is in good shape.

Johnson and company are a solid bunch (if unspectacular), but the Colts are top notch - and they have been very strong in this phase lately. The Colts look like they have an edge over Tampa coming into the game.

Atlanta's Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Bad Matchup)

Doug Johnson and the Falcons just can't seem to get the engine started in 2003. Yes, they have been matched up against some stout defenses the past few weeks (Carolina week 4, Tampa Bay week 3), but we still expected better from Peerless Price than 15/133/0 through 4 games, and 59/105 for 672 yards, 4 TDs and 7 Int. from Doug Johnson. The only bright spot here for fantasy owners is TE Alge Crumpler, the teams' leading threat in the passing game (15/255/2 on the season, #1 fantasy TE in the league). He has had a reception of 18+ yards in 7 of the last 8 games the Falcons have played.

Minnesota's passing D has been adequate for yards, ranking 14th in the NFL allowing an average of 205.5 passing yards per game, but they've only surrendering 3 TD tosses so far. Last week, the Vikings utterly humiliated Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens and company, leaving Owens to fume impotently on the sidelines (5/55/0 - 40th among all fantasy WR's last week).Corey Chavous led the secondary with 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 Int. and 2 passes defensed. DE Lance Johnstone has 3.5 sacks in the last 2 games.

Atlanta is now faced with going into a game without Peerless Price (foot/neck - doubtful), and Brian Finneran is questionable with his healing hand. Minnesota's secondary is in good shape.

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is no factor.

Atlanta can't seem to get in rhythm, their team is injury-riddled, and the Vikings are playing solid defense in this phase of the game. Advantage, Minnesota.