Passing Matchups

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:

Cincinnati: Jon Kitna / Chad Johnson / Peter Warrick are on bye.
Detroit: Joey Harrington / Az-Zahir Hakim / Mikhail Ricks are on bye.
Minnesota: Gus Frerotte / Daunte Culpepper / Randy Moss are on bye.
San Diego: Drew Brees / David Boston are on bye.

Baltimore's Passing Attack vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup)

Kyle Boller has done exactly what you would expect from a rookie QB - struggled in his first few starts. 27/47 for 238 yards, 1 TD and 4 Int. in his last 2 games just about sums it up. Todd Heap, Travis Traylor and Jamal Lewis all caught 4 balls in his last game (for 48, 30, and 44 yards each, respectively). Boller and company just aren't generating a lot in the way of fantasy points.

Arizona, on the other hand, fields an extremely generous pass defense - they are 26th in the NFL allowing 233.8 passing yards per game this season, and are tied for dead last in TDs allowed, with 11 so far. Quincy Carter bombed them for 20/31 for 277 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. last week.

Baltimore is healthy coming into the game, as is Arizona's secondary.

The forecast for Sun Devil Stadium calls for a high of 91F and a low of 73F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rains come, ball-handling could be an issue and the field will slow down as the playing surface gets soggy.

Baltimore hasn't done much so far in 2003, and we have a hard time getting excited about their passing game, but if there is a weekend for Boller to shine this is it.

Miami's Passing Attack vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Great Matchup)

Miami's aerial unit went into Giants Stadium last week to face the NFL's most generous pass defense in terms of yardage allowed, and came out of the game with only 14/26 for 167 yards, 0 TDs and 0 Int. They won the game, but it was far from the fantasy bonanza that McMichael, Chambers and Fiedler owners had envisioned. In fact, Chambers saw the most passes on the day (7), but only managed 3 catches for 19 yards. Nobody else caught more than 2 balls, with McMichael making the most of his opportunities with 2/57/0. Jay Fiedler has an anemic 30/54 for 321 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. in his last 2 games, so the Dolphins' unit is far from hot right now.

Jacksonville's defense finally found a way to win a game, but they gave up way too much real estate to Drew Bree's short-handed club - 24/41 for 296 yards, 3 TDs and 0 Int. David Boston shredded the Jags' secondary for 14/181/2 - they had no answers for him. For the season, the Jaguars are the 27th ranked secondary, allowing 234 passing yards per game on average, and a league-worst 11 passing scores so far.

Both teams come into this game in relatively good health, although the Jaguar's backup DB Kiwaukee Thomas continues to struggle with a groin injury (doubtful), CB Jason Craft also has a sore groin (questionable) while CB James Trapp is probable to play despite his sore ankle. QB's Jay Fiedler (toe) and Brian Griese (toe) are both probable this week.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 82F and a low of 64F, with a 10% chance for rain. That's good football weather, if the forecast holds up.

Fiedler hasn't been much of anything lately, but the Jaguars' secondary is so soft that even he should manage a decent fantasy game this week. He still may not be a starter for you given your other options, but if you're thinking of starting Fiedler, his chances don't get much better than they do this weekend. A big edge flows to the Dolphins in this game.

Cleveland's Passing Attack vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup)

Tim Couch is turning the tables on his rival, Kelly Holcomb, and taking his turn under center to show up Holcomb. Butch Davis has said that Couch is the probable starter vs. Oakland this week; and that he may stay in until Holcomb's fractured leg is fully recovered. Reading between the lines, we think that the implication was that Couch could win his job back outright. In his last two games, Couch has looked really good, putting up 43/61 for 488 yards, 4 TDs and 2 Int.'s with 6/14/1 rushing (good for 10th among all fantasy QB's over the past 3 weeks). Dennis Northcutt (7 targets) Kevin Johnson (5 targets) and Quincy Morgan (4 targets) have all benefited from Couch's return - Northcutt went for 5/58/0 on his chances, Johnson 3/20/1 and Morgan was 4/51/0 last week. Couch's completion percentage of 80% last week was a career-best (20/25 for 208, 2 TDs and 1 Int.).

Oakland's defense wilted to the previously-inept Bears attack in the 4th quarter last week, giving up long completions to Marty Booker (28 yards + a 14 yard TD pass) and Dez White (29 yard reception to set up the winning field goal) in crucial situations. This season the Raiders are 19th in the league allowing 218 passing yards per game, and have given away 8 TDs so far in 2003. Charles Woodson was an IDP monster in this game, with 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 2 Int., 1 fumble recovery and 2 passes defensed (3rd among fantasy DB's last week).

Aside from Holcomb's fractured leg, both teams are in relatively good health at this point in the season, although S Rod Woodson is listed as questionable due to his sore knee.

The forecast for Cleveland Browns Stadium calls for a high of 59F and a low of 46F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard, the football will get slick and the field could be treacherous come game time.

Oakland couldn't stop the Bears - how will they fare vs. Couch, Morgan, Northcutt and company? Not too good, we think - advantage, Cleveland.

Dallas' Passing Attack vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Good Matchup)

Quincy Carter just continues to quietly pile up fantasy points - over his past two games, he has 31/54 for 442 yards, 3 TDs and 2 Int. (4/9/0 rushing) - it isn't a fantasy points bonanza yet, but he definitely is developing a rapport with Terry Glenn (27 targets for 15/2TDs/1), and is entering a comfort zone with Joey Galloway (33 targets for 18/376/1) and Antonio Bryant (19 targets for 11/209/1). That is a very solid 1-2-3 combination of talent to throw at opposing defenses.

Philadelphia's secondary is absolutely gutted by injury at this point in the season - starting FS Brian Dawkins remains out with a foot injury, while starting CB's Troy Vincent (hamstring - probable) and Bobby Taylor (foot - questionable) both missed last week's game. The team hopes that Vincent and Taylor can come back for this game. In the meanwhile, the backup cast has struggled - the Eagles are 31st in the league allowing 257.5 passing yards per game on average, and have coughed up 7 scores this year. SS Michael Lewis led the secondary with 4 solo tackles and 1 assist last week.

Dallas' backup TE Jason Whitten is out for some time with a broken jaw, and reserve TE James Whalen has a leg injury (questionable). The team decided to bring back veteran TE Tony McGee to bolster their TE corps in the face of these injuries.

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 78F and a low of 57F, with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Dallas has a developing pass attack, while the Eagles are struggling to get healthy, with top guys who may still be limited by injury even if they do play. Advantage, Dallas.

Denver's Passing Attack vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup)

Jake Plummer, the 3rd best fantasy football QB over the past 3 weeks, has thrown for 59/93 for 695 yards, 5 TDs and 0 Int. with 14/110/1 rushing in addition. Ashley Lelie is the 4th best fantasy WR in that span, hauling in 10/220/2, while TE Shannon Sharpe is tops in the league, with 11/132/2 in the past 3 games. Guess Denver is firing on all cylinders, huh?

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has given up 30+ points in the past two games. Strangely, they are the top pass defense in the NFL in terms of passing yardage allowed this season, only 149.8 yards per game, and yet the team has coughed up 8 passing scores (near the bottom of the league). Part of the recent scoring explosion is due to Tommy Maddox tossing Int.'s that are returned for TDs - the defense can't do anything about those points. 8 passing scores allowed is not good by any yardstick, though.

Jake Plummer did suffer a minor shoulder separation two weeks ago, and is listed as questionable on the early injury report. His fate for this weekend will likely be determined Friday. TE Shannon Sharpe's knee is sore (questionable), while WR Ed McCaffrey is probable to play despite a sore knee. Pittsburgh is ready to play and healthy.

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 73F and a low of 49F, with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a fine day for a football game.

Denver has a top-flight offense, while the Steelers are giving up a lot of passing scores to date in 2003. Advantage, Denver.

Green Bay's Passing Attack vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup)

Brett Favre hasn't piled up a bunch of yards lately - throwing for 63/88 yielding 609 yards, but he has racked up 6 TDs , with only 2 Int. over the past three weeks. That's good enough for 7th among all fantasy QB's - and he is just now getting his receiving corps back to full strength. Go-to guy Donald Driver is back to his pre-injury form, snagging 7 balls out of 8 chances for 72 yards and a TD last week. Javon Walker fared less well, only making 2 grabs for 14 yards out of 6 looks, while FB William Henderson accounted for the second TD last week, catching 3/28 on 3 opportunities. Robert Ferguson was a non-entity last week, seeing 2 balls for 1/5/0. Favre ended the day with a respectable 19/25 for 185 yards, 2 TDs and 0 Int. The last time he played the Chiefs, Favre threw for 310 yards and 2 TDs.

Kansas City managed to limit Jake Plummer and company to 20/38 for 221 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. (although they were tricked by a Rod Smith throw for 72 yards that went to Clinton Portis). In the end it was enough for a slender 24-23 victory. For the season, the Chiefs are 20th in the league, allowing an average of 222.8 passing yards per game, with 6 scores surrendered in this phase of the game.

Green Bay still lists Robert Ferguson on the injury report (), while Kansas City continues to wait on former starting CB William Bartee to rehab his sore ankle.

The forecast for Lambeau Field calls for a high of 52F and a low of 37F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. In the chill of autumn, wet conditions would lead to slick footballs and possibly treacherous footing, depending on how hard the precipitation falls and whether it is rain or sleet.

Green Bay has a potent offense, while Kansas City deploys a mediocre secondary - we give the nod to Favre at home in Lambeau, where he almost always plays excellently.

Indianapolis' Passing Attack vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup)

Peyton Manning is a top fantasy QB over the past 3 weeks, with 75/105 for 916 yards, 10 TDs, 2 Int. (and 4 rushes for -2 yards). Marvin Harrison is the #1 fantasy wide receiver over the past 3 weeks, with 21/365/5. Reggie Wayne is the #5 fantasy wide receiver over the past 3 weeks, with 17/226/2. Dallas Clark is the 13th best fantasy TE in the land, with 10/50/1 over the past 3 weeks. Can you say "hot"? Start 'em if you've got 'em.

Carolina's pass defense: 21st in the NFL, allowing an average of 226.3 passing yards per contest, but only surrendering 4 passing scores for the season. Last week, Aaron Brooks and company eked out 16/31 for 189 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. LCB Terry Cousin led the secondary with 6 solo tackles and 1 assist.

Indianapolis is basically healthy in this phase, as is Carolina's defense. Injuries don't impact this matchup much.

The game is in the RCA dome, so weather isn't a factor.

Manning and company are on a huge roll, and play at home. Carolina is solid in this phase, but not outstanding. Advantage, Indianapolis.

Seattle's Passing Attack vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup)

Seattle came out of the bye-week cold, as was made obvious in their 35-13 defeat in Green Bay. Hasselbeck was 23/39 for 225 yards, 0 TD and 1 Int. on the day, while Daryl Jackson only managed to convert 4 of 10 targets for 58 yards (0 TDs). Koren Robinson was better, turning 13 chances into 8/76/0, but it wasn't enough to pull out the game for the Seahawks. Over his last 2 games, Hasselbeck has thrown for 45/78 for 481 yards, 2 TD and 2 Int., so he was much better before the break than after it.

San Francisco, meanwhile, was bombed 2 weeks ago by Gus Frerotte and Randy Moss, and then bounced back to squash the Detroit Lions (Harrington threw for only 13/35 for 200 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. in the loss). FS Zack Bronson led the secondary with 5 solo tackles last week. For the season, the 49ers are the 8th ranked pass defense in yards allowed, at 187 per game, but tied for next to last in scoring allowed, with 10 passing TDs surrendered so far in 2003.

The 49ers starting CB Jason Webster remains sidelined with his injured knee. S Zack Bronson is probable to play through a sore shoulder. Seattle's unit is good to go on Sunday (unless Koren Robinson oversleeps and misses another team meeting between now and then).

The forecast for Seahawk's Stadium calls for a high of 63F and a low of 52F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rains come, ball-handling could be an issue and the field could get slick (depending on how hard it rains).

San Francisco tends to give up TDs in bunches to good passing attacks, and until last week, the Seahawks sure looked like a high-octane offense. We give the edge to the home-team in this matchup.

St. Louis' Passing Attack vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup)

Marc Bulger came into the bye week hot, having just led his team to a 37-13 trouncing of the lowly Cardinals (28/42 for 272 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. (with 4/-1/1 rushing on the day). Torry Holt was hot vs. Arizona, converting 16 targets into 12/133/1, while Isaac Bruce saw 12 balls for 4/58/0 on that day. Dane Looker, in the #3 role, had 5 balls come his way, of which he snagged 4/27/1. In his last two games, Bulger has accumulated 49/76 for 498 yards, 3 TDs and 3 Int - he's been pretty solid.

Atlanta's defense, on the other hand, gave up 2 TDs and 1 Int. to Gus Frerotte last week. For the season, the Falcons rank as the 23rd secondary in the NFL, allowing an average of 229.8 passing yards per game - and they have given up 8 passing scores so far in 2003. They just aren't very good.

Atlanta has struggled with injuries in their secondary, with starting SS Cory Hall out due to a knee injury last week, as were backup DB's Gerald McBurrows (neck) and Kevin McAdam (hamstring) -- doubtful. St. Louis' unit is largely intact.

This game is being held in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather isn't a factor.

The Rams are pretty strong in this phase of the game, and Atlanta's secondary is vulnerable. This looks like a good matchup for Bulger and company.

Tampa Bay's Passing Attack vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup)

Tampa Bay threw the ball all over the place against a tough Indianapolis D, and Keenan McCardell had an explosive outing (4/106/2 TDs, plus a fumble recovery returned for a score). Brad Johnson ended the night 26/39 for 318 yards, 3 TDs and 1 Int. Ken Dilger saw 11 targets (6/63/0), McCardell saw 10, and Keyshawn Johnson was thrown at 6 times during the game (4/62/0). Over the past 2 games, Johnson has thrown 42/63 for 510 yards, 5 TDs and only 1 Int., so he is pretty hot right now.

Washington's pass defense was busy handling the Eagles last week, and did a good job containing Donovan McNabb and company (16/30 for 157 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int.). This season, the Redskins have been strictly mediocre in this phase, allowing 195.2 passing yards per game (12th in the league), but surrendering 8 passing scores so far in 2003. LCB Champ Bailey led the defense with 8 solo tackles.

Tampa Bay is going without Joe Jurevicius (knee - out), Keyshawn Johnson has a sore quadriceps (questionable), and backup WR Karl Williams is probable despite his sore hamstring. while Washington's Champ Bailey continues to play through a wrist injury (probable), and backup CB Rashad Bauman has a sore hamstring (probable).

The forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 72F and a low of 47F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard, ball handling will be more difficult and the field could get slick in spots.

Tampa Bay's attack is firing on all cylinders right now, while the Redskins have elevated their secondary play in recent weeks. Johnson has a hot hand, though, and the Skins have proven vulnerable at points this season - we give Tampa an edge, even though the 'Skins are the home team.

Tennessee's Passing Attack vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup)

Steve McNair is throwing so much we might need to start calling him "Air McNair" again as they did in college. As the Titan's rushing attack declines into the cellar of the NFL (currently 28th, with 131 rushes for 344 yards (a 2.6 ypc average)), McNair suddenly needs to throw the ball a lot. He can do that - last week, he tossed 23/45 for 391 yards - 0 TDs, but only 1 Int. Over the last 3 weeks, McNair is the second-best fantasy QB in the land, with 60/94 for 804 yards, 5 TDs and only 1 Int., not to mention 12/30/2 rushing. Derrick Mason is definitely #1 around here, with 48 targets for 33/347/1 thus far in 2003, but #2 and #3 WR's Justin McCariens (30 targets for 17 receptions yielding 259 yards) and Drew Bennett (27 targets racking up 15 catches for 220 yards) have both outscored Mason with 2 TDs apiece. With Frank Wycheck indefinitely sidelined due to concussions, Erron Kinney has benefited to the tune of 20 targets for 17 receptions (pretty sure-handed, eh?) for 146 yards and a score.

Houston's pass defense is in the bottom tier of the NFL, allowing an average of 229.5 passing yards per game on average (22nd in the league) and surrendering 7 passing TDs so far. 2 weeks ago, rookie Byron Leftwich hit 17/36 for 231 yards, 1 TD and 3 Int.

Houston is coming off a bye week, but CB Aaron Glenn is still doubtful to play (groin). Tennessee continues to rely on McNair's amazing ability to play hurt, despite his gimpy knee. They also list WR's Darrell Hill (back/calf), Derrick Mason (ankle/thigh) and Jake Schifino (toe) as questionable, as are TE Shad Meier (concussion) and Frank Wycheck (concussion).

The forecast for The Coliseum calls for a high of 71F and a low of 44F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, ball handling will be an issue, and footing could be a problem if the field gets slick.

McNair is playing brilliant football, and has a cast of pass-catchers that allow him to maximize his talents. Houston is a bottom-feeding pass defense that should allow McNair to continue with his passing clinic this week.

Chicago's Passing Attack vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Neutral Matchup)

It took until the fourth quarter last week, but Kordell Stewart finally got some production from his WRs -- Marty Booker went 4/94 (long of 48 yards) with a score on 8 targets last week, while Dez White hauled in 4 balls for 48 yards. It wasn't a spectacular fantasy outing - Stewart put up 13/24 for 160 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. - but the Bears finally won a game.

New Orleans' pass defense is not too good in 2003, ranking 15th in the league allowing 204.8 yards per game on average - but they are tied for next-to-last in the NFL in TDs allowed, with 10 passing scores surrendered so far in 2003. The secondary got a boost last week when CB Dale Carter returned to the lineup (2 solo tackles, 1 assist) - LCB Fred Thomas led the secondary with 8 solo tackles and 1 assist. Jake Delhomme managed only 15/23 for 124 yards, 0 TD and 0 Int. against the Saints.

New Orleans injury situation is still fairly dire, with starting S Tebucky Jones (hip - questionable) and several LB's out due to injury. Chicago's unit is in pretty good shape coming into this game, though Marty Booker's side is sore (probable).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather won't be a factor.

Chicago hasn't done much in this phase in 2003, but got a boost from Booker's play last week. New Orleans is pretty bad at defending the pass, but stiffened last week vs. Carolina. This looks like an even matchup between struggling units to us.

Houston's Passing Attack vs. The Tennessee Defense (Neutral Matchup)

This just in: when you give your QB time to stand in the pocket and throw passes without getting sacked every other down, good things happen. Witness David Carr's game week 4 - 1 sack for 5 yards: 23/36 for 234 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. Andre Johnson is definitely becoming his go-to-guy (12 targets for 8/97/0); while Jabar Gaffney saw 6 chances (3/38/1) and Corey Bradford had 5 shots at the ball (1/9/0). Carr isn't a fantasy football monster yet, but there is promise down in Houston.

Tennessee's defense is playing OK in this phase of the game, averaging 215 passing yards allowed per game (17th in the NFL), with 5 passing scores surrendered so far in 2003. Last week, they held Tom Brady and company to 17/31 for 219 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. (although Brady had 2 close calls to Deion Branch that were plunged in by Patriot backs on the very next play). SS Tank Williams led the secondary with 7 tackles, 1 assist and 1 sack last week.

Tennessee's secondary will be without CB Samari Rolle, out due to an elbow injury. Houston's offense is fresh off a bye week and healthy.

Carr and company are showing signs of maturing into a viable NFL offense, while the Titans play solid, middle-of-the-road pass defense. Sounds like an even matchup to us.

New England's Passing Attack vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Tom Brady has been up and down during the past three weeks, and it shows in his numbers - 57/94 for 689 yards, 3 TDs and 3 Int. during that span (8th among all fantasy QB's). Last week he was more up than down, with 17/31 for 219 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. He just missed two other scoring tosses (to Deion Branch), which ultimately led to short TD plunges by Antowain Smith and Mike Cloud. On the day, Branch saw 7 balls, catching 5/68/0, while Troy Brown snagged a long TD pass of 58 yards and ended the day catching 2 balls on 5 targets for 64 yards and the score. In this game, Branch looked like a nice compliment to Brown and may finally be emerging as the #2 WR the Patriots so desperately need.

The Giants' defense was shelled by Patrick Ramsey week 3 - the 2nd year man threw 23/45 for 348 yards, 2 TD and 1 Int., but they came back last week to limit Jay Fiedler to 14/26 for 167 yards, 0 TD and ) Int. RCB William Peterson led the secondary with 6 solo tackles and 1 assist. This season, the Giants are dead last in the league, allowing an average of 273.5 passing yards per contest, but they have only surrendered 3 passing scores.

New England's David Patten is still struggling with his knee (questionable) , as is TE Daniel Graham (shoulder - questionable). WR's Deion Branch (ankle) and David Givens (chest) also show up as questionable to play, while Brady is listed as probable to play despite his injured arm. The Giants' unit is in relatively good health.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 46F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard, ball handling and footing could become issues on Sunday.

Brady waxes hot and cold lately, but comes into this one starting to jell with his WR's. The Giants' give up a ton of yardage fairly regularly, but were very effective against the Dolphins' unit last week. This looks like a fairly even matchup to us.

New Orleans' Passing Attack vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup)

New Orleans' Aaron Brooks isn't doing too hot lately - over the past three weeks, he is the 19th ranked fantasy QB, with 47/82 for 540 yards, 2 TDs and 3 Int., and only 10/47/0 rushing. Joe Horn leads the team in targets this season (44 for 29/323/2), TE Ernie Conwell is second with 32 for 19/219/1 (that's good for 2nd most yardage among NFL tight ends), while WR Donte Stallworth is 3rd with 28 chances for 14/197/1 in production. Last week, Horn was the only strong fantasy start in the bunch (4/56/1), although Conwell did see 4/44/0.

Chicago's pass defense is mediocre, allowing an average of 199.5 yards per game and 7 scores so far in 2003. Last week, they certainly frustrated Rich Gannon and company, holding him to 16/34 for 183 yards, 0 TD and 2 Int.'s. LCB R.W. McQuarters led the secondary with 4 solo tackles and 2 assists (he also snagged an interception that he returned for 43 yards).

Chicago's backup DB Cameron Worrell missed last week due to a knee injury, but is not on the injury report. New Orleans' unit is healthy.

This game is being played in a dome, so weather won't be a factor.

New Orleans has been pretty anemic in this phase lately, while the Bears enter the game with a huge boost from their win over Oakland. Home-field advantage helps the Saints level the playing field - we call it an even matchup.

New York Giants' Passing Attack vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Last week, Kerry Collins ran into interception trouble vs. the Miami Dolphins' fine secondary, and ended the day 31/43 for 276 yards, 0 TD and 3 Int. Jeremy Shockey caught every ball thrown his way, going 11/110/0 (and he is 2nd among all NFL TE's with 21 receptions this season), while Amani Toomer had less luck, targeted 8 times for 3 catches worth 38 yards. Ike Hilliard was OK, 12 targets yielding 8/73/0. Collins was cold coming off his bye week - heading into the rest period, Collins hit 24/39 for 276 yards, 3 TDs and 0 Int. in week 3 vs. Washington.

The Patriots have given up quite a bit of yardage each game in this phase - they rank 24th in the NFL allowing an average of 230.6 yards per game, but have only given up 2 passing scores all season. Last week, they got into a shoot-out with Steve McNair, who passed for 23/34 for 391 yards, but 0 TDs with 1 Int. SS Rodney Harrison led the team with 9 solo tackles and 2 assists on the day. The Patriots are tied for the AFC lead in sacks, with 14 as a team (10 players have at least 1 sack).

Both units come into the matchup fairly healthy, although the Patriots' secondary will need to help out the depleted LB corps (definitely down Ted Johnson, and they may be without Mike Vrable and Willie McGinest). Starting CB Ty Law has a sore ankle (questionable).

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 46F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard, ball handling and footing could become issues on Sunday.

The Giants have a very talented corps to throw at the Patriots. The Patriots, meanwhile, come into the game slightly breathless after McNair's aerial bombardment last week. Home-field advantage helps even the odds - looks like a close call to us.

Washington's Passing Attack vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Patrick Ramsey is playing very well over the past 3 weeks, ranking 6th among all fantasy QB's with 58/117 for 766 yards, 3 TDs and 3 Int. during that span. He has 3 quality options in Darnerien McCants (actually leading the team over the past 3 weeks with 8/146/2), Laveranues Coles (17/227/0) and Rod Gardner (8/69/1). Last week, Ramsey was a little off, throwing 25/50 for 271 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int., but he added a rushing score (3/8/1), so he was still a quality fantasy start. The 50 passes marked a career high for Ramsey. McCants was 4/79 and reeled in the score, Coles went for 5/60/0 and Gardner was 3/25/0.

Tampa Bay looked like they had the Colts on ice through 3 quarters, and then suddenly got blown out by a tempest originating in Peyton Manning's throwing arm - he finished the night with 34/47 for 386 yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int. and the win. SS John Lynch led the secondary with 4 solo tackles and 6 assists, closely followed by RCB Ronde Barber's 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, and 1 Int. returned for a TD (his 6th career Int. return for a TD).

Tampa's unit lists CB Brian Kelly as doubtful (chest), while S Jermaine Phillips is probable to play through his sore hamstring. The Redskins are in good shape - Ramsey is probable to play despite his sore shoulder.

Tampa Bay remains a top 10 pass defense, and they have only allowed 2 passing scores all season, but they have definitely been knocked back on their heels coming into this game. Washington lost a close one to Philly, and Ramsey didn't have his best stuff last week. This looks like a neutral matchup from where we sit.

Atlanta's Passing Attack vs. The St. Louis Defense (Tough Matchup)

Doug Johnson and the Falcons came out against Minnesota and played 30 solid minutes of football - but dropped the ball in the third quarter and ended up losing the shootout 39-26. Peerless Price finally came to life, with 12/168/1 (17 targets), with 6 catches for 10+ yards and 2 for 20+, with a long of 47. Alge Crumpler and Warrick Dunn were the second-most thrown at players, with 6 chances each (Crumpler converted 4/31/0, 6/83/0 for Dunn). Johnson ended the day 28/40 for 352 yards, with 2 TDs and 2 Int., good for 6th among all fantasy QB's last week.

St. Louis cooled their heels on bye last week, coming off of a 37-13 drubbing of Jeff Blake and company. For the season, the Rams are the 10th ranked secondary in the NFL, allowing only 193.5 passing yards per game on average, and have only surrendered 4 passing scores to date.

Crumpler injured his ankle in the game on Sunday, and Price had a sore arch after the game (Crumpler isn't listed, but Price is questionable on the early injury report). #2 WR Brian Finneran is still nursing his broken hand back to health (questionable). For St. Louis' unit, S Shane Walton (back) is out. Jason Sehorn is questionable to come back from his foot injury (finally).

This game is being held in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather isn't a factor.

Atlanta's squad showed us last week they still have some fight left in them, despite their rough season. St. Louis is playing pretty tough in this phase of the game, though, and this one is at their house. This looks like a tough challenge for the Falcons on Monday night.

Buffalo's Passing Attack vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Tough Matchup)

Buffalo's Drew Bledsoe is playing fairly steady football right now, with games of 19/35 for 211 yards, 1 score and 0 Int. last week vs. Cincinnati, and 27/43 for 296 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. two weeks ago vs. Philadelphia. With Travis Henry back in the lineup, the Bills managed to pull out a win vs. Cincinnati - Eric Moulds saw the lions' share of targets week 5, with 16 which he converted into 10/107/0. Josh Reed and Bobby Shaw both saw 4 looks (1/20/0 and 3/26/0 respectively). One huge problem for Buffalo has emerged at mid-week: star WR Eric Moulds is doubtful to play Sunday, thanks to his groin injury.

The Jets' passing defense is fairly high-ranked this year, allowing only 165.3 passing yards per game (3rd in the NFL), and only surrendering 3 passing scores all year. Of course, the Jets are dead last at defending the run, which may explain why their secondary doesn't get thrown at a whole lot. The team is coming off a bye, which means they should be fresh, at least.

Buffalo will hold their breath that Moulds can get better quickly, while the Jets come into the game without any significant new injuries to report, although CB Donnie Abraham remains sidelined (shoulder).

The forecast for Giants' Stadium calls for a high of 70F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rains come down hard, the ball will be slick, as will portions of the field, making for an increased chance of problems with ball-handling.

Buffalo is in real trouble if Moulds can't play on Sunday. Given that he is listed as doubtful, we call this a tough matchup for Bledsoe and his depleted WR stable.

Carolina's Passing Attack vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough Matchup)

Jake Delhomme is not asked to throw much, nor does the Carolina coaching staff want him to throw very often. This team is all about tough defense, field position, and Stephen Davis pounding the football. Look at Delhomme's statistics over the past two games: 32/50 for 292 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. Those just aren't going to put your franchise over the top. Muhsin Muhammad has seen 32 balls, for 14/182/2 so far in 2003, while Steve Smith has had 26 opportunities which he converted to 14/143/1. All Ricky Proehl does is catch touchdowns (13 targets for 9 receptions yielding 60 yards and 2 scores this season).

Indianapolis' proud secondary was humbled by Brad Johnson and company on Monday Night Football (26/39 for 318 yards, 3 TD and 1 Int.), but Peyton Manning and company pulled off a miracle finish to win 38-35. The Colts' pass defense plummeted into the second tier of NFL secondaries as a result, with 201 passing yards allowed per game on average, and 6 total passing scores so far in 2003. SS Michael Doss was the IDP DB of the week, with 7 solo tackles, 4 assists, 1 interception (which he promptly fumbled back for a TD, though) and 2 passes defensed.

Carolina's unit is in fine health. The Colts are down backup CB Joseph Jefferson (pelvis - out), starting S Idrees Bashir is questionable with a sore ankle, and CB Donald Strickland has a groin injury (questionable). CB Nicholas Harper (shoulder) and CB Walt Harris (knee) are probable to play.

The game is in the RCA dome, so weather isn't a factor.

Carolina has a humble, take-what-you-give-us passing attack, while the wounded Colts defense will be looking to prove themselves this week. It looks like a tough matchup for the Panther's aerial unit to us.

Jacksonville's Passing Attack vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup)

Byron Leftwich is the real deal, folks. 19/28 for 336 yards, 2 TDs and 0 Int. is a great game for a rookie, even if it was at the expense of the ultra-soft Chargers. In Jimmy Smith's first game back, he was option 1A and 1B for Leftwich, who targeted Smith 12 times for 8/137/0 worth of completions. The next-most targeted players were Troy Edwards (5 for 3/39/1) and Fred Taylor (5 for 4/74/1) - think Jimmy Smith opened up the field for the other guys?

Miami's secondary came out against the Giants and proved that they have regained their elite form, picking Collins off 3 times and holding the Giants' tandem of WR's scoreless, as well as keeping Jeremy Shockey out of the end-zone, despite 11 catches worth 110 yards of real estate. LCB Patrick Surtain had 2 of the Int. (along with 2 tackles, 1 assist and 2 passes defensed) - he is tied for the NFL lead with 4 Int.; FS Brock Marion snagged the other one. They are still at the bottom of the league in terms of yards allowed per game (245.5 per game, 30th in the league), but are tied for tops in the league with only 2 passing TDs allowed.

Both units enjoy relatively good health, with Brunell still bothered by his elbow (questionable), while Miami's S Brock Marion is probable to play through his tweaked ankle/knee. S Shawn Wooden is questionable due to his sore ankle.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 82F and a low of 64F, with a 10% chance for rain. That's good football weather, if the forecast holds up.

Leftwich is growing in confidence and obviously has great talent, but he hasn't ever seen a secondary of this caliber before. We think the veteran Dolphins will make it tough on the rookie on Sunday.

Kansas City's Passing Attack vs. The Green Bay Defense (Tough Matchup)

Trent Green didn't light up the Denver skyline with fireworks last Sunday, but he was quietly efficient, throwing for 15/28 for 128 yards, 2 TDs and 1 Int. Eddie Kennison was targeted the most (with 7 for 3/19/1), but Tony Gonzalez did the most with his 4 opportunities (3/46/1), while Donte Hall and Priest Holmes also saw 4 balls (3/17/0 for Hall and 4/14/0 for Holmes). Over the past 3 weeks, Green is the 17th ranked fantasy QB, with 48/84 for 549 yards, 4 TDs and 3 Int. (10/20/0 rushing). As we have said before, this team is all about Priest Holmes running the ball (and Dante Hall returning kicks, we'll add this week).

Green Bay enjoyed crushing ex-coach Holmgren and his Seahawks last week 35-13, while holding Matt Hasselbeck to 23/39 for 225 yards, 0 TD and 1 Int. RCB Al Harris led the secondary with 5 solo tackles and 1 assist, while SS Marques Anderson was the 2nd-best fantasy DB last week, with 5 solo tackles, 1 fumble recovery and 2 passes defensed. For the season, the Packers' secondary is the 18th ranked unit (in terms of yardage allowed, averaging 217.6 passing yards per game) but have been relatively stingy with only 4 passing scores allowed.

Green Bay's starting SS Antuan Edwards missed the game last week, due to his injured ankle. Kansas City's unit is in great shape coming into the game, with backup TE Jason Dunn (knee - probable) and WR Dante Hall (shoulder - probable) as the only members on the injury list in this phase.

Green plays in a conservative attack - Green Bay plays solid pass defense. Sounds like a tough matchup for Green to us.

New York Jets' Passing Attack vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup)

Vinny Testaverde has been playing adequately over his last two games, with 46/72 for 483 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int. In his last start, week 4, Dallas limited him to 21/29 for 219 yards, 0 TD and 0 Int. He is protecting the ball, and taking what the opposing defenses give him - but, that doesn't add up to much in the way of fantasy points, unfortunately. Wayne Chrebet leads all NYJ receivers during the past two weeks, with 8/92/1. Santana Moss led all receivers week 4 with 5/65/0. There just isn't a lot of fantasy production happening on this unit right now.

Buffalo's pass defense ranks 4th in the league, allowing only 168.8 yards per game, and is tied for first in TDs allowed (2). Last week, LCB Antoine Winfield was the 5th best fantasy DB in the land with 11 tackles and 1 assist in the game vs. Cincinnati. Buffalo held Kitna and company to 26/44 for 225 yards, 0 TD and 1 Int. (RDE Aaron Schobel came down with the errant pass).

The Jets are a healthy bunch (excepting Chad Pennington, upgraded to doubtful this week - he won't play, though), as is the Buffalo secondary. Injuries aren't a major factor in this matchup.

The Jets are a lack-luster attack, and the Bills (with CB's Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements) are one of the league's best pass defenses. The visitors have the edge in this matchup.

Philadelphia's Passing Attack vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup)

Philadelphia put together a 2-game win streak last week, squeaking by Washington 27-25. It wasn't due to the brilliance of their passing game - McNabb and company were a pedestrian 16/30 for 157 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. on the day. The top receiver on the day was TE L.J. Smith, with 4 receptions for 39 yards - the starting tandem of WR's managed 2 catches each, with Thrash "racking up" 26 yards while Pinkston "amassed" 22 yards. Thrash saw 5 passes on the day, while Pinkston had a chance at 4, so they just didn't get much of a chance to produce. McNabb is a stone-cold 29th among all fantasy QB's over the past 3 weeks (he has only played 2 games, remember) - 34/59 for 329 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. with 15/65/0 rushing isn't going to get any fantasy owner's "thumbs up".

Dallas, meanwhile, was dismantling Jeff Blake and company for a 24-7 victory (including 2 safeties to end the game). Blake was 14/28 for 121 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int. This season, the Cowboys are solidly in the middle of the NFL pack in this phase of the game, with 203.5 passing yards per game allowed (14th-ranked) and 6 passing scores allowed so far. LCB Terence Newman led the secondary with 5 solo tackles. FS Roy Williams snagged one of the Int., SLB Al Singleton the other.

Philadelphia's unit lists Donovan McNabb as probable to play despite his sore thumb (injured two games ago), and TE L.J. Smith has sore ribs (probable). The Cowboys continue to wait on backup DB Derek Ross (knee injury - not listed this week).

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 78F and a low of 57F, with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Philadelphia has yet to get on track in the passing game, while Dallas plays solid if unspectacular pass defense. Advantage, Dallas.

Pittsburgh's Passing Attack vs. The Denver Defense (Tough Matchup)

Word out of Pittsburgh this week is that Coach Cowher wants Tommy Maddox to learn from what Peyton Manning did in the Monday Night Football comeback - after throwing an Int. returned for a TD, Manning rallied the Colts to score 24 unanswered points and notch a win in OT. Throwing Int.'s that are returned for TDs have become very familiar in Pittsburgh this year, with Maddox tossing 3 that came back for TDs, and a fourth that might as well have been a TD.

Anyway, it doesn't appear that Cowher is going to pull the plug on his $650,000 starter (league minimum, by the way), at least, not this week. Over the past 3 weeks, Tommy Maddox has been, well, bad - 63/105 for 708 yards sounds great, until you tack on "1 TD and 5 Int.". Hines Ward is the 23rd fantasy WR in the land over that span, on the strength of 15/179/1, but Plaxico Burress is sinking fast, with 10/139/0 (57th among fantasy WR). As Maddox goes, so does Burress.

Denver lost a nail-biter last week, 24-23, but it wasn't the secondary's fault (15/28 for 128 yards, 2 TD and 1 Int.) - they held the Chiefs in check all day long. For the season, Denver is the 5th ranked secondary in the land, allowing 170 passing yards per game on average, with 6 passing scores surrendered so far.

Denver's starting S Kenoy Kennedy did not play last week due to his twisted ankle (probable), and S Nick Ferguson is also nursing a sore knee (probable). Pittsburgh is still waiting on starting TE Jay Riemersma to get his injured shoulder back to 100% (questionable).

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 73F and a low of 49F, with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a fine day for a football game.

Maddox is struggling right now, and Denver's pass defense is in the top echelon of the NFL. This looks like a tough matchup to us.

San Francisco's Passing Attack vs. The Seattle Defense (Tough Matchup)

San Francisco pulled their act together last week (after the fiasco vs. Minnesota week 4), and Jeff Garcia led the team to victory over lowly Detroit, throwing for 15/27 for 192 yards, 2 TD and 1 Int. (Garcia also went 11/35/1 rushing on the day). Terrell Owens left the histrionics at home, and reeled in 5/79/1 on 9 targets. 6 other players caught passes, including backup TE Aaron Walker, who scored and a 14 yard flare.

Seattle was handled by Green Bay last week - Brett Favre tossed 19/25 for 185 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. For the season, the Seahawks are 16th ranked in terms of passing yards allowed (214.8 per game), but have only coughed up 4 passing scores so far in 2003. FS Ken Hamlin (7 solo tackles and 4 assists) and SS Reggie Tongue (5 solo tackles and 3 assists) led the secondary on Sunday.

Seattle continues to wait on injured CB Shawn Springs (shoulder - doubtful). CB Marcus Trufant is nursing a knee injury (questionable). San Francisco's starting TE Eric Johnson is out with a broken collarbone. WR Terrell Owens has a sore Achilles (probable).

Garcia has lurched from pretty bad to awful and then to barely adequate play in recent weeks, while the Seahawks looked pretty strong until the tough game at Green Bay. We think the Green Bay loss was an aberration, not a trend, and give Seattle the nod in this matchup.

Arizona's Passing Attack vs. The Baltimore Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jeff Blake has struggled in his last 3 starts, throwing for 44/76 for 482 yards, 2 TDs and 3 Int. (with 5/9/1 rushing). Last week, he and his team-mates were smothered by the stout Dallas secondary (14/28 for 121 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int.). Worse yet, the team lost starting WR Bryant Johnson for a few weeks due to a shoulder sprain. As reserve WR Jason McAddley (torn hamstring - out) and Kevin Kasper (back - not listed this week) can't seem to get back on the field, the loss of Johnson leaves the Cards with only Anquan Boldin, Nate Poole and Bryan Gilmore as healthy wide-outs (the team reached an injury settlement with Larry Foster on Oct. 4th - he's gone). The cupboard is getting bare for Blake and company in Arizona.

Baltimore's pass defense is 9th in the NFL, allowing only 189.8 passing yards per game on average, and surrendering only 5 passing scores this season, so far. Two weeks ago they held Trent Green to 17/28 for 159 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. in the close loss to KC 17-10. As the Ravens are coming off a bye week, they should be full of energy and ready to play.

Baltimore is in good health coming into the game.

Arizona just doesn't have much in the way of players behind Anquan Boldin, making it easy for the opposition to shut down the WR corps. Baltimore is a top pass D, and Arizona is a bottom-tier attack - this is a bad matchup for Blake and company.

Oakland's Passing Attack vs. The Cleveland Defense (Bad Matchup)

What can we say about the fading Raiders that hasn't already been printed or spoken already? Failing to score TDs on the Bears 6 times cost them in the end. Gannon is not finding ways to get the job done. Bottom line here: the Raiders look like they are in serious trouble. Tim Brown only caught 2 of the 6 balls that came his way, Rice only reeled in 3 of 7 - Brown crept for 39 yards, Rice crawled for 51. It's not acceptable, and it is seriously costing fantasy owners who relied on the Raiders for game this season.

Cleveland's pass defense is near the top of the NFL, allowing a miserly 161.6 yards per game on average (2nd in the NFL), and they have only coughed up 3 scores so far in 2003. Last week, they put the clamps on Tommy Maddox and company - Maddox ended up on the bench with 11/24 for 136 yards, 0 TD and 2 Int., while Charlie Batch fared only a little better, 3/6 for 25 yards, 0 TD and 0 Int. RCB Daylon McCutcheon ran one of the Int. in for a 75 yard TD. SS Robert Griffith led the secondary with 5 solo tackles.

Cleveland's backup DB Michael Lehan remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury (questionable). Oakland is waiting for WR Jerry Porter to come back from hernia surgery (doubtful), while backup TE O.J. Santiago is questionable due to a sore hamstring.

Gannon and company couldn't find a way to take advantage of Chicago's mediocre secondary - at Cleveland, they will struggle vs. the Browns' quality players.