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 Steve McNair 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:
Atlanta: Kurt Kittner/Peerless Price/Alge Crumpler/Brian Finneran are on bye this week.
Green Bay: Brett Favre/Donald Driver/Bubba Franks/Robert are on bye this week.
Oakland: Rich Gannon/Jerry Porter/Jerry Rice/Tim Brown/Doug Jolley are on bye this week.
Washington: Patrick Ramsey/Laveranues Coles/Rod Gardner/Darnerien McCants are on bye this week.

Indianapolis’ Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Great Matchup)

Peyton Manning threw for 23/34 yielding 293 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the OT loss to Carolina the last time he played, and entered the bye week on a hot streak (he has 57/81 for 679 yards, 3 TD’s and 2 Int. in his last 2 games). Marvin Harrison had racked up 19/295/2 in those two games, while second-fiddle Reggie Wayne had 8/130/1. The fireworks are back in the Colt’s aerial assault.

Houston was punctured by Vinny Testaverde last weekend to the tune of 15/29 for 182 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions – not a bad outing, but bad enough to lose the game. In week 6, in case you haven’t heard, Steve McNair flayed them alive for 421 yards and 3 scores (0 interceptions). So far this season, Houston is the 29^th ranked pass defense in the league, allowing 249.8 passing yards per game (and 11 TD’s, tied for 3^rd worst in the NFL).

Indianapolis comes off the bye week in good health (TE Dallas Clark is probable to play despite his sore foot), while Houston is sorely missing CB Aaron Glenn (questionable), and CB’s Jason Bell (knee) and Kenny Wright (head) are dinged up – both are probable to play.

This game is being played in the RCA Dome, so weather isn’t a factor.

Indianapolis should enjoy padding their stats this weekend against the out-gunned Texans.

Jacksonville’s Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Great Matchup)

Byron Leftwich threw for 24/42 yielding 256 yards, 0 TD’s and 3 interceptions vs. Miami in week 6, leading his team to defeat 24-10. Still, he has also thrown for 2 TDs and rushed for a score in the week 5 matchup vs. San Diego, so he hasn’t been a total fantasy loss recently. Jimmy Smith has already seen 25 targets for 14 catches worth 202 yards since his return (0 scores so far), while Troy Edwards and Matthew Hatchette each have 2 TDs so far this season. All in all, Leftwich is playing better than your average rookie QB.

In week 7 Jake Delhomme lit up the Titans for 31/49 yielding 362 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions (Tennessee gave up a lot of short passes to him due to their big lead), while in week 6 David Carr hit them up for 25/42 and 371 yards, 2 TD’s and 3 interceptions. It should be troubling to Titans fans to see two 350+ yard games in a row against their squad (even though they are undefeated). It should make owners of Jaguars smile, though. For the season, Tennessee ranks 31^st in the league allowing an average of 254.4 passing yards a game, and they have allowed 9 passing scores so far, too. This unit just isn’t too good.

Starting CB Samari Rolle remains sidelined due to his elbow injury, as is S Donnie Nickey (foot, out). Jacksonville is fresh off a bye week and in good health, although Mark Brunell remains out due to his elbow injury, and backup WR Jimmy Redmond is doubtful to play due to a sore foot.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 79F and a low of 64F with a 30% chance of precipitation – if the rain comes down hard at game time, look for slick conditions to cause problems with footing – and for the football to get slippery in the muck.

Look for Leftwich and company to get plenty of chances against the bottom-feeding Titans’ pass defense. We have a hard time getting too confident in a rookie quarterback, but if Leftwich is a guy you’ve been considering, this looks like a good spot for him.

San Francisco’s Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup)

Jeff Garcia rocked the Buccaneer’s world last week, throwing for 15/29 for 253 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception as his team blew out the world champs 24-7 (with 475 total yards of offense). The Terrell Owens that fantasy owners expect each week showed up for work last week (12 targets for 6/152/1), while Tai Streets helped out (8 for 3/34/1). Garcia may be getting hot again – he has thrown 46/83 for 613 yards, 4 TD’s and only 2 interceptions in his last 3 games (9^th in FP per game among QB’s during that span). And it could have been even better as Owens dropped two potential TD passes.

In week 6, Baltimore’s Kyle Boller only managed 9/18 for 75 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 interceptions vs. Arizona, while in week 5, Quincy Carter lit up the Cardinals for 20/31 yielding 277 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception. Arizona’s secondary and pass rush are last in some key areas this season: they are last in sacks, with 3; last in interceptions, with 3; tied for 3^rd worst in the NFL with 11 passing scores allowed, and rank 18^th in the league giving away 208.8 passing yards per game. That’s what we call a horrible pass defense (in technical terms).

Arizona is in good health among their secondary, coming off the bye week. San Francisco’s injury report includes TE Eric Johnson (out), while WR’s Terrell Owens (groin), Tai Streets (quadriceps) and Arnaz Battle (toe) are all probable to play.

The current forecast for Sun Devil Stadium calls for a high of 86F and a low of 64F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It sounds like a fine day to play a game of football is on tap.

San Francisco should have a field day against the Cardinals.

Tennessee’s Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Great Matchup)

Steve McNair cooled his jets somewhat last week, throwing for 12/22 yielding 190 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. Carolina. Drew Bennett caught 4/97/1 (6 targets), while boom-or-bust WR Derrick Mason busted for 2/39/0 (2 targets). It was a soft landing for the offense though, as they walked away with a “W”. Over the past 3 weeks, there has been no hotter FF property than Steve McNair (53/94 for 1002 yards, 4 TD’s and 1 Int., with 23/50/3 rushing on top).

Jacksonville was tough week 6 vs. Jay Fiedler (14/27 for 147 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 Int.), but laid down for the Chargers week 5 (Drew Brees: 24/41 for 296 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 Int.). The team is 20^th in the league allowing an average of 218.8 passing yards per game, and they have given up 11 passing scores in 2003 (tied for 3^rd-most in the NFL). Generally, teams have an easy time moving the ball and scoring on the Jags’ secondary.

Jacksonville is coming off a bye week, and should be in good health – but CB Jason Craft is still doubtful due to his injured knee. CB Kiwaukee Thomas is questionable due to his lingering groin injury. Tennessee lists TE Frank Wycheck as questionable due to his concussion problems, but he is unlikely to play. WR Drew Bennett has a sore hamstring (questionable).

McNair and the Titans will have lots of opportunities to make good things happen against the toothless Jaguars’ secondary.

Buffalo’s Passing Attack vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup)

Drew Bledsoe found his rhythm again vs. Washington (19/26 for 244 yards, 1 TD and 1 Int.), while Josh Reed finally looked like a viable replacement for Peerless Price with 11 targets for 8/109/1 (and he did it without Eric Moulds across from him, even more impressively). Seven other players caught balls, but none of them went over 40 yards receiving. You can’t really call Bledsoe “hot”, as he has put up only 62/101 for 657 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions in the last 3 games, but it’s fair to say he’s now headed in the right direction – and Moulds is supposed to be back this weekend.

Kansas City smothered Rich Gannon before knocking him out of the game (10/19 for 58 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 Int.), but bent in the face of Marques Tuiasosopo (16/28 for 224 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 Int.), barely preserving their 17-10 victory at the final gun. In week 6, Brett Favre carved them up for 25/36 for 272 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception – but the Chiefs managed to pull out the game in OT. This season, their pass defense is in the bottom third of the league, averaging 232.4 yards per game allowed (8 passing scores). Dexter McCleon was the 9^th best IDP DB last week, with 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed.

Moulds is listed as questionable with his groin injury. Kansas City lists CB Dexter McCleon as questionable with a thigh injury, and S Jerome Woods as probable despite a sore shoulder.

Arrowhead Stadium expects a high of 53F and a low of 34F with a 10% chance of precipitation on Sunday – if the wind kicks up, balls will have a tendency to go off target in the gusty confines of this stadium.

K.C. has a pretty soft secondary, while the Bills are starting to get their game back in this phase. Advantage, Buffalo.

Carolina’s Passing Game vs. The New Orleans Defense (Good Matchup)

There was a sudden passing game explosion last week for the Panthers – in a game that the Panthers fell way behind to start out with due to special team’s miscues. Jake Delhomme threw by far the most passes in a 2003 game, with 31/49 for 362 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 Int. His favorite target was Steve Smith (15 chances), who pulled in 10/151/1. Smith’s numbers represent a career-best for him as a receiver. Ricky Proehl and Muhsin Muhammad both saw 7 opportunities to make a play – Proehl went 2/16/0 and Muhammad managed 2/70/0.

In week 7 the Saints handcuffed newbie Kurt Kittner (9/29 for 115 yards 1 TD and 1 Int.), while in week 6 Kordell Stewart managed 10/21 for 152 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. Obviously, Atlanta (with a new starting QB) and Chicago are hardly the most lethal QBs in the league as far as passing the ball is concerned, so the Saint’s success was to be expected. This year, the Saints rank as the 7^th best pass D in terms of average yards allowed per game (180.4), but they are near the bottom of the league allowing 12 passing scores.

Carolina lists starting WR Muhsin Muhammad as questionable due to a concussion, and backup WR Karl Hankton as questionable with a sore hamstring. The Saints have recently returned to good health in their secondary – injuries aren’t a major factor in this game for the defense.

This game is to be played in the Superdome, so weather won’t be a factor.

Carolina’s Delhomme proved that he can be on target with the ball last week – but don’t expect another 300+ yard game, because the Saints don’t defend the run very well – which will limit Carolina’s urgency as far as throwing the ball is concerned. However, the 12 passing scores already surrendered by New Orleans my go up by 1 or 2 by the time the Panthers are done in this game – advantage, Carolina.

Chicago’s Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup)

Chris Chandler didn’t provide much of a spark vs. Seattle last week, throwing for 19/34 yielding 149 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions on the day – Dez White was a much busier man last week than usual, seeing 13 targets for 6/35/0, while David Terrell had 7 balls come his way (4/34/0). However, it was good enough to keep the ailing Kordell Stewart (pulled quadriceps muscle) on the bench another week – and to give Chandler another shot at tightening his grip on the #1 job. It would help Chandler out a lot if Marty Booker can play this week (questionable).

Detroit has been victimized all season long (13 passing scores allowed to date, worst in the league), and the last two weeks are no exception. In week 7 Dallas compiled 19/27 for 198 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions, while Jeff Garcia hit them up for 15/27 and 192 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception week 5. It’s easy to score on Detroit, and they are generous in the yardage department, too (231.8 passing yards per game, 24^th in the NFL).

As if Detroit didn’t have enough trouble, S Corey Harris (neck), S Terrence Holt (concussion) and CB Jimmy Wyrick all appear on the initial injury report as questionable. Besides Stewart and Booker, Chicago says that TE Desmond Clark (toe) and WR Ahmad Merritt (neck) are questionable to play.

The current forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 53F and a low of 39F with a 60% chance of precipitation – depending on whether rain or sleet falls, and how hard the wind blows, conditions at game time could be miserable. Keep an eye on the forecast as the game approaches.

Chicago is anemic, but Detroit’s D is basically DOA. Advantage, Chicago.

Dallas’ Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

Quincy Carter was great last week vs. Detroit, slinging 18/25 for 190 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions (with 2/13/0 rushing). He and Terry Glenn mauled the Lions (Glenn saw 7 balls, he caught 7/93/3 in the game), while Antonio Bryant hauled in some key grabs (6 targets for 4/67/0). Joey Galloway only saw 2 balls and didn’t manage to make a play last week. Over the last 3 weeks, Carter is the 12^th ranked signal caller in terms of FP per game, with 52/81 for 613 yards, 5 TD’s vs. 2 interceptions to his credit (12/50/0 rushing). He’s been a solid fantasy start 2 out of 3 games.

Things are going from bad to worse for the Bucs, who couldn’t stop either the run (212 yards) or the pass last week – Jeff Garcia was 15/29 for 253 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception in the game on Sunday. In week 6, Patrick Ramsey had a harder time, 21/32 for 211 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions (Derrick Brooks returned 1 interception for a 44 yard return and a TD). Tampa has 11 interceptions this season, tied for 3^rd best in the league and 14 sacks (tied for 12^th). Currently, the Bucs rank 9^th in the league allowing an average of 192 passing yards per game, with 5 scores surrendered so far – but their last two games have been significantly worse than that in terms of passing yards allowed.

Tampa Bay suffered a major blow to their secondary this week when it was announced that starting CB Brian Kelly was lost for the rest of the season with a torn chest muscle that requires surgical repair. The team signed former Steeler Hank Poteat in an attempt to replace Kelly, as his current backup Tim Wansley was victimized by the Colts in their famous fourth-quarter comeback earlier this year. Poteat was released by the Steelers 8/31/03, so it remains to be seen if he has stayed in game shape. S John Lynch is doubtful with a shoulder injury. Dallas’ unit is ready to go.

This game is happening in Raymond James Stadium – the forecast calls for a high of 84F and a low of 68F with a 10% chance of precipitation. That sounds like perfect football weather to us.

Dallas has an improving aerial attack that is beginning to jell, while the Buccaneers have lost a major piece of their secondary puzzle this week, may be without another if Lynch can’t play (or if he does play but is very limited), and have been moving backwards in terms of overall performance recently. Advantage, Dallas.

Miami’s Passing Attack vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup)

Jay Fiedler intends to play on Monday night vs. the Chargers, according to published reports from South Florida. His sprained knee may require a brace (he wore a brace on the knee during his college career, but stopped doing it as a pro), but it won’t keep him out of the game. That’s fairly good news for the Dolphins, because Brian Griese didn’t get a lot of work in pre-season and has been severely limited as far as practice time during the season, thanks to Griese’s toe injury. Fiedler was TE Randy McMichael’s best friend last week (Fiedler threw for 20/35 for 230 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions – of which McMichael caught 8 balls for 102 yards) in the game vs. New England. Fiedler is listed as questionable going on the early injury report.

San Diego has hemorrhaged scores lately, allowing 24/44 for 192 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions to Cleveland week 7, while in week 5 vs. Byron Leftwich they gave up 19/28 for 336 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 interceptions. It’s fair to say their rebuilt secondary is a failure, currently ranking 22^nd in the league allowing 226.3 passing yards per game, tied for 2^nd worst in the NFL giving away 12 passing scores so far, and having only 5 interceptions to their credit so far in 2003. Not too good, folks.

Miami lists WR James McKnight as probable despite an injury to his oblique. San Diego’s CB Quentin Jammer (ankle) and S Vernon Fox (groin) are questionable on the early injury report.

Qualcomm Stadium expects a high of 71F and a low of 58F with a 10% chance of precipitation on Monday – just about perfect weather for a football game.

Look for Fiedler and company to enjoy good success when they throw the ball Monday night.

New Orleans’ Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup)

Aaron Brooks finally returned to top fantasy form vs. Atlanta last week (23/30 for 352 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 Int.), which was good news for Joe Horn owners (8/133/1) – Horn saw 12 passes come his way last week. Donte’ Stallworth caught a 69 yard scoring strike, but pulled up lame at the end of the run, which vaulted Jerome Pathon into the # 2 WR role (6 targets for 5/68/0). At the end of the day the Saints had destroyed Atlanta 45-17.

Over the past 3 weeks, Brooks has been decent, but not spectacular (53/90 for 694 yards with 6 TDs and 1 Int.), but Joe Horn is toward the top of the WR heap (15/219/3, 9^th among all fantasy wideouts).

Carolina has been shelled regularly lately, allowing Steve McNair to complete 13/25 for 240 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 interceptions week 7 – in week 6 Manning threw for 23/34 for 293 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Carolina is actually in the cellar of the league in this department, ranking 26^th in passing yards allowed per game (235.3) and they have given away 7 passing scores so far in 2003.

Carolina lists S Mike Minter as questionable due to his sore back. New Orleans says that Stallworth is questionable to play on Sunday, while TE Ernie Conwell (shoulder) and WR Michael Lewis (groin) are probable to play.

This game is to be played in the Superdome, so weather won’t be a factor.

Carolina isn’t very intimidating in this phase of the game, and New Orleans is finally hitting their stride in the passing game. The edge flows to New Orleans in this matchup.

Seattle’s Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup)

Matt Hasselbeck didn’t have to do a whole lot in the passing game last week, as Shaun Alexander bull-dozed the Bears for 2 rushing scores – still, Hasselbeck and company managed 19/27 for 215 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Bobby Engram got a special “playing the old team” featured role in the passing offense, and caught 6 of the 9 balls that came his way for 73 yards and a score. Koren Robinson saw 7 balls (3/58/0) and Darrell Jackson 5 (2/31/0). Hasselbeck has been fairly cold in fantasy terms lately, with 59/93 for 647 yards, 2 TD’s and 3 interceptions in the last 3 games.

In week 7 Kyle Boller (who had been averaging under 100 yards passing per game) exploded for 15/27 and 302 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception vs. Cincinnati. Week 5 Drew Bledsoe dissected them for 19/35 and 211 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. Clearly, the secondary hasn’t been getting the job done in recent games. The Bengals are currently 13^th in the league allowing 196.3 yards passing per game, with 6 passing scores surrendered in 2003.

Seattle is listing TE Ryan Hannam as out, while WR’s Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Darrell Jackson (foot) are questionable. Cincinnati lists S Rogers Beckett as probable despite his sore thigh.

The current forecast for Paul Brown Stadium calls for a high of 65F and a low of 47F with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field could get sloppy and ball-handling becomes a bigger issue.

Hasselbeck and the Seahawks have been pretty quiet lately, but they should have an opportunity to shine against the mediocre Bengals.

St. Louis’ Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup)

Marc Bulger rocked Green Bay last week to the tune of 22/34 for 237 yards, 3 TD’s and 2 interceptions – Isaac Bruce was 9/129/0 (13 targets), Holt had 4/67/2 (8 targets), while Dane Looker cleaned up with 2/31/1 (6 targets). Bulger has been a strong fantasy start in each of his last two outings, compiling 45/68 for 599 yards, 5 TD’s and 4 interceptions, with 6/30/1 rushing in addition to his throwing stats. That puts him at #2 among all fantasy QB’s in FP per game over the last 3 weeks.

Pittsburgh gave up 17/28 for 172 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions to Steve Beuerlein week 6, while in week 5 Cleveland threw for 20/25 and 208 yards, with 2 TD’s and 1 interception. They currently rank as the league’s 2^nd best pass D in terms of yards allowed per game (152.3), but they are vulnerable in the red-zone (10 passing scores given away so far).

Pittsburgh lists S Mike Logan as probable to play through his groin injury. Torry Holt (ankle) and backup WR Kevin Curtis (leg) are probable to play, while WR Mike Furrey is questionable to return from appendix surgery.

The current forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 60F and a low of 49F with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field will get soggy and the ball will be harder to handle. Wind could also be a factor if conditions are stormy.

Bulger and the Rams are hard to handle, and the Steelers give away a lot of scores each week – advantage, St. Louis.

Arizona’s Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Jeff Blake played well week 6 vs. Baltimore: 22/36 for 247 yards, 2 TDs and 3 interceptions isn’t a perfect day under center, but at least he made some good things happen. Anquan Boldin has had 9/128/0 in the two most recent games, and continues to be plan A and plan B in the Cardinals’ passing offense. TE Freddie Jones has matched Boldin’s number of TD’s (2), but has seen roughly half as many balls this season (36 vs. 66 for Boldin).

Last week, Tampa only managed 25/41 for 265 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions against the 49ers (CB’s Mike Rumph and Ahmed Plummer both had interceptions in the game, along with LB Julian Peterson). We have pummeled Rumph because of poor play for some time, as our readers know, but this last week he actually played like a capable pro cornerback – hopefully (for Niner’s fans), he can build upon that performance. Rumph was actually the 10^th best IDP DB last week, with 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception and 2 passes defensed.

In week 6, Matt Hasselbeck threw for 17/27 and 207 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception vs. the team. This year, the Niners allow 197 passing yards per game on average, but are next to last in the league surrendering 12 passing scores so far.

San Francisco is still waiting for CB Jason Webster to get back into game shape. CB Ahmed Plummer is probable despite his tweaked knee. Arizona lists Bryant Johnson (shoulder, probable), Bryan Gilmore (ankle, probable) and Jason McAddley (hamstring, out) on their injury report.

The current forecast for Sun Devil Stadium calls for a high of 86F and a low of 64F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It sounds like a fine day to play a game of football is on tap.

Blake actually has some real weapons to deploy against the 49ers, and they are vulnerable to passing scores. Look for Arizona and San Francisco to fight hard in what looks like an even matchup to us.

Cincinnati’s Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Jon Kitna had a field day against the Ravens’ secondary last week, with 16/27 for 274 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions. While one of the scores was due partly to luck and partly to Chad Johnson’s fine concentration on a carom, Kitna looked very solid and comfortable last weekend. Johnson saw 9 balls (5/130/1), while his team-mate Peter Warrick chipped in with 4/43/1 on 7 chances last week. TE Matt Schobel caught both balls thrown to him, one of which went for a score. Kitna has thrown for 42/71 and 499 yards, with 3 TD’s and only 1 interception in his last two games – not super, but not bad, either.

Seattle was hard on Chicago last week (19/34 for 149 yards, 0 TD’s and 2 Int.), and Marcus Trufant was awesome as an IDP DB – 6 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 Int. and 3 passes defensed, good for 2^nd among all fantasy DB’s last week. Jeff Garcia only managed 16/27 for 168 yards, 0 TD and 0 interceptions week 6 – the Seahawks are playing stout in this phase right now. This season, the team is ranked 8^th in the NFL allowing a mere 188.8 passing yards per game, and have only given away 4 passing scores so far. That’s a tough pass D up there in the Pacific Northwest.

Neither team has significant injuries to report heading into the contest, although Cincinnati’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s chronic hamstring injury has him listed as out on the initial injury report.

Cincinnati has got it going on in the passing game, but Seattle is very tough to pass on – we call it a neutral matchup.

Denver’s Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Neutral Matchup)

As a team, the Broncos put up 21/37 and 223 yards, with 1 TD and 3 interceptions vs. Minnesota last week, but Steve Beuerlein’s broke the pinkie finger on his throwing hand – that has put Beuerlein on the IR and Danny Kanell in the driver’s seat for this game (12/18 for 104 yards, 1 TD and 0 Int. last week in relief of Beuerlein). 438/854 with a 51.3% completion percentage for 4687 yards, 29 TD’s and 29 Int. are Kanell’s career numbers (he last started a NFL game in 2000, when he was with the Atlanta Falcons). Who will back up Kanell is still being decided – currently, Rod Smith is the teams remaining healthy “QB”.

In week 7 vs. Jon Kitna, the Ravens were rocked for 16/27 yielding 274 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions. Jeff Blake turned in 22/36 for 247 yards, 2 TD’s and 3 interceptions vs. the Ravens in week 6. LCB Chris McAllister had 2 interceptions, one returned for a TD in that game; SS Ed Reed snagged the other interception. The Ravens are in the middle of the NFL pack as far as yards allowed per game in this phase (17^th – 205.5), and they have coughed up a generous 10 passing scores this year, as well.

Denver has placed Beuerlein on IR due to his injured finger, so he’s done for the season. Ed McCaffrey (knee) is questionable to play this week, as is WR Chris Cole (ankle), while Shannon Sharpe (knee) and TE Patrick Hape (concussion) are probable to go. Baltimore looks pretty healthy coming into this one, with CB Tommy Knight questionable (leg) while S Gary Baxter (knee) is probable to play.

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 55F with a 10% chance of precipitation – in a nutshell, great football weather.

Danny Kanell has experience as a starter in the NFL (but it was a while ago) – don’t expect more than a 50% completion percentage, and perhaps 1 or 2 TD’s with 1 or 2 interceptions this week, even though the Ravens are pretty soft in this phase.

Houston’s Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup)

David Carr had a workman-like outing last week, 15/23 for 170 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions, while his running back tandem racked up 36/169/2 vs. the Jets. It wasn’t quite enough to win, though, and the Texans added another notch in the “L” column. RB Domanick Davis caught 9 of the 10 balls that came his way (for 70 yards), and Andre Johnson was the favorite WR target, with 6 balls for 3/71/0. TE Billy Miller was the only other major factor, with 4 targets for 2/41/0.

Indianapolis allowed 12/20 for 181 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to Jake Delhomme in the loss week 6, while Brad Johnson spanked them for 26/39 yielding 318 yards, 3 TD’s and 1 interception in the game week 5. For the season, Indy is the 10^th ranked pass D in the league, allowing 192.8 passing yards per game, and they have given up 7 scores so far in 2003.

Indianapolis had a week to rest up, but still lists CB’s Cliff Crosby (groin) and Joseph Jefferson (pelvis) as questionable, while CB Walt Harris is probable despite his sore knee. Houston says that their unit is healthy at this point in the season.

This game is being played in the RCA Dome, so weather isn’t a factor.

Carr has his ups and downs this season, while Indianapolis is a mediocre pass D. This looks like an even matchup to us, with neither team clearly dominant over the other.

Minnesota’s Passing Game vs. The New York Giants’ Defense (Neutral Matchup)

In week 7 Daunte Culpepper returned to action with a bang, going 19/26 for 277 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 interceptions (2/1/0 rushing). Randy Moss was Mr. Go-To-Guy, with 12 targets for 10 receptions and 151 yards. Kelly Campbell caught a deep 47-yarder for a score in the game. It certainly appears that Culpepper has not missed a beat.

The Giants dominated Donovan McNabb last week, holding him to 9/23 for 64 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception, and smothered Tom Brady in week 6, (8/21 for 112 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 interceptions). The Giants rank 3^rd in the league with 20 sacks, but have only garnered 4 interceptions this season. They are the 16^th ranked pass defense in terms of yards allowed per game (205.3), but have given away a miserly 3 passing scores all year. In a nutshell, they’re pretty good.

CB William Peterson remains on the sidelines for the Giants this week, while Minnesota lists D’Wayne Bates as probable to play, as is WR Kelly Campbell (calf).

This game is to be played in the Metrodome, so weather won’t be a factor.

The Giants are tough as nails, while the Vikings are very explosive. Sounds like an even matchup to us.

Tampa Bay’s Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Brad Johnson lost the fantasy magic week 7 vs. San Francisco, throwing 21/34 for 241 yards, but only 1 TD vs. 3 interceptions. Keyshawn Johnson had a dismal showing (3 targets for 1/4/0), and the only guy to make a big play all day was Keenan McCardell (8 targets for 3/119/1, with a 75 yard TD catch. Over the past 3 weeks, Johnson has been pretty hot (69/103 for 827 yards, 8 TD’s and 4 Int.), but he may be coming back down to earth.

Dallas, meanwhile, has been a wet blanket on the last two teams they’ve played – in week 7 vs. Detroit Harrington and McMahon managed a mere 10/33 for 81 yards, 0 TD’s and 3 interceptions (Mario Edwards had 1 Int. return for 27 yards and a TD). Week 6, Donovan McNabb eked out 11/26 for 126 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions – they’ve been playing the pass tough recently. Of course, Detroit is Rogers-less and McNabb can’t grip a football properly, but the Cowboys have been stout regardless. This season, they are the 5^th ranked pass defense allowing only 167.2 yards per game on average (7 passing scores given up so far). One thing Dallas isn’t doing well is sacking the opposing QB – they have only 10 so far (tied for 26^th in the NFL).

Tampa is still waiting on Joe Jurevicius to get healthy (doubtful). TE Ken Dilger is probable to play despite his sore foot. Dallas is in good shape coming into this game.

This game is happening in Raymond James Stadium – the forecast calls for a high of 84F and a low of 68F with a 10% chance of precipitation. That sounds like perfect football weather to us.

Tampa Bay had been going strong up until last week – Dallas has been tough in this phase all season long. Given that Tampa is playing at their home field, this one looks like an even matchup to us, assuming Johnson gets back on track in practice this week.

Baltimore’s Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Tough Matchup)

Where has this Kyle Boller (15/27 for 302 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 Int.) been hiding all season? Travis Taylor (4/138/2) and Todd Heap (7/129/0) had fallen off the radar screen until this game – the only question now is, can Boller keep it up, or was this game a fluke? Like all rookies, you expect him to go through ups and downs – guess his upside can be pretty good, huh? Until he gives us a repeat performance, we remain fairly unexcited about Taylor and Heap’s prospects for another big day, though.

Denver was shelled week 7 by Daunte Culpepper (19/26 for 277 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 Int.), but they shut down Tommy Maddox and company week 6 (19/30 for 182 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 Int.). So far this season, the Broncos are tied for 4^th in quarterback sacks, with 19 (only 5 Int. though), and are the only team with 3 players above 4.5 sacks (DE Bert Berry has 6, DE Trevor Pryce has 5, and DE Reggie Hayward has 4.5).They rank 6^th in passing yards allowed per game (178.4). However, the Broncos are fairly generous in the points department, giving away 8 passing scores to date. They are still struggling to adjust to the loss of LB Ian Gold, which may explain part of Culpepper’s success last week.

This week, Denver lists S Nick Ferguson (knee) and S Kenoy Kennedy (ankle) as probable to play. Baltimore lists QB Kyle Boller as questionable with a sore shoulder, and WR’s Ron Johnson (knee) and Marcus Robinson (leg) as probable to play.

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 55F with a 10% chance of precipitation – in a nutshell, great football weather.

Boller and his team-mates in the aerial unit still have a lot to prove – it will be a good test for them to play this solid Denver defense.

Cleveland’s Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Tough Matchup)

Controversy in Cleveland (again): Couch was horrible in the loss to San Diego last week – 13/24 for 102 yards, 0 TD’s and 2 interceptions. Kelly Holcomb was almost the hero, throwing for 11/19 for 90 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 interceptions. Given that San Diego has one of the worst secondaries in the NFL, Couch should have done much better than he did. As of this writing, it appears that Holcomb is back under center, while Couch will be grabbing a piece of the bench (again). Although an official announcement likely won’t come until Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland WR’s are languishing at 30^th (Dennis Northcutt), 54^th (Kevin Johnson) and 77^th (Quincy Morgan) on the WR FP board over the last 3 games. Kevin Johnson is (somehow) tied for 4^th in the AFC with 35 catches this season, though. There isn’t much going on here, fantasy-wise, folks.

In week 7 vs. Jay Fiedler, the Patriots allowed 20/35 for 230 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions. In week 6 vs. Kerry Collins they utterly frustrated the Giants 35/59 for 314 yards, 0 TD’s and 4 interceptions. That’s a lot of interceptions lately (the Patriots have 11 this season, tied for 3^rd in the NFL). As a team, the Patriots are the 27^th ranked pass D in terms of yards allowed per game (236.7), but they are tied for 1^st with only 3 passing scores surrendered. Rodney Harrison was an IDP fantasy phenom last week, with 10 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass defensed.

Starting LCB Ty Law missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, and reserve DB Je’Rod Cherry was out due to his bad knee. Both are listed as questionable this week. Tim Couch turned his ankle last week, but is not on the initial injury report.

This game will be played in Gillette Stadium – the forecast calls for a high of 62F and a low of 47F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day for a football game.

The Patriots field a stout pass defense, while the Browns continue to muddle along, mired in mediocrity. Advantage, New England.

Detroit’s Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Tough Matchup)

Joey Harrington (5/13 30 0 2) and Mike McMahon (5/20 50 0 1) played terribly vs. Dallas last week – the loss of Charles Rogers was clearly keenly felt as Az-Zahir Hakim (1/4/0 receiving) and Bill Schroeder (1/26/0) each only managed to grab one pass during 60 minutes of football. Those statistics paint a truthful, if bleak, picture of the current state of the Detroit offense. Harrington is to get the start again this week, but the quick hook is hanging over his head.

Chicago played Seattle tough in this phase last week, allowing only 19/27 for 215 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. In week 6 Aaron Brooks and company hit them for 14/29 yielding 159 yards, 2 scores and 0 interceptions. Part of Chicago’s problem is an anemic pass rush (only 6 sacks in 2003, 31^st in the league), coupled with poor play in the red-zone – the Bears have allowed 10 passing scores this season (while holding opponents to 194.3 yards per game (12^th in the NFL in that department)).

Detroit wishes Charles Rogers weren’t standing on the sidelines, but he is out, as is WR/KR Eddie Drummond. Harrington is probable despite his sore finger. Chicago lists

Detroit looks heinous in this phase of the game right now, while the Bears are merely ugly. Detroit is worse than Chicago right now, so the advantage goes to the Bears.

Kansas City’s Passing Attack vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup)

Trent Green went back to his pedestrian numbers last week, with 11/22 for 206 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception vs. the Oakland Raiders – of course, the Raiders have the worst rush defense in the league, so his modest numbers in the passing game came as no surprise. Tony Gonzalez led the way with 5 targets and 3 receptions for 87 yards; Holmes was second on the team with 6 targets for 5 receptions and 59 yards. Neither starting WR was a factor in the game – Kennison had 1/43/0, Morton 2/19/0.

Buffalo is limiting yardage in this phase: week 7 vs. Washington they gave up 10/29 for 119 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions, while week 6 Vinny Testaverde threw for 11/17 and only 130 yards, but 3 TD’s with 0 interceptions. The Bills rank 3^rd in the league with 153.1 passing yards per game allowed, and have surrendered 6 passing scores so far in 2003. Their excellent duo of CB’s, Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements – along with SS Lawyer Milloy and FS Izell Reese – have been getting the job done all year long.

KC lists Marc Boerigter (toe) and Johnnie Morton (ankle) as probable to play. Buffalo is healthy in this phase.

Green and company face a stiff challenge when the Bills arrive in town – this is a tough matchup.

New England’s Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup)

Tom Brady played well week 7 vs. Miami (24/34 for 283 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 Int.). Troy Brown was the main beneficiary of his resurgence, with 7 targets for 6/131/1 – Deion Branch was thrown to more (11 times) but only pulled in 6 for 62 yards, while David Givens turned 6 chances into 4/36/1. Brady is the 21^st ranked fantasy QB over the last 3 weeks, with 49/86 for 614 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions.

Cleveland looks good on paper due to the week 7 game vs. Drew Brees (9/18 for 74 yards, 0 TD and 1 Int.), but you have to realize the Chargers amassed 228 yards rushing as a team – there was no need to throw. In week 6 Rich Gannon tossed 21/33 for 165 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions against the Browns. This year, the Browns are the top ranked secondary in the NFL, allowing only 147.6 passing yards per game, and they have given up only 4 passing scores all season.

Both teams come into the game in relatively good health, with Tom Brady showing up as probable to play through a sore arm, while WR’s Deion Branch (ankle) and David Patten (knee) along with TE Daniel Graham (shoulder) are listed as questionable. Cleveland is not listing any secondary players on the initial injury report.

This game will be played in Gillette Stadium – the forecast calls for a high of 62F and a low of 47F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day for a football game.

Up until last week, Brady has been posting unimpressive statistics – look for him to go back to less-than-explosive form against the stout Cleveland pass defense.

New York Jets’ Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup)

Vinny Testaverde will start this game but he’ll be heading back to the bench in style, riding the wave of two consecutive wins after a miserable beginning in 2003. Coach Herm Edwards has indicated that Pennington will be worked into this game and how much he plays will be determined by how well he handles things. He’ll be the starter in week 9. The question becomes: just how rusty will Pennington be? Can he rekindle the magic with Curtis Conway that seemed to be developing during pre-season? Is his arm back up to full strength; can the wrist handle 60 minutes of NFL action; is his timing off or on? As you can see, there are more questions than answers about the Jets’ pass attack this week.

Philadelphia frustrated Kerry Collins last week – they allowed 22/36 for 174 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions, but kept him off balance and out-of-sync for much of the game. Quincy Carter also fared poorly against the Eagles week 6 (14/25 for 146 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 Int.) – and now the Eagles have both starting CB’s back to relative health (Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor). Early injury problems contribute to the Eagles’ lowly 23^rd ranking at this point in the season (227 yards per game allowed on average), but that statistic does not reflect how the team is currently playing. The Eagles aren’t generating much of a pass rush, though (10 sacks, tied for 26^th in the NFL), and have only 4 interceptions this season, so there is definitely room for improvement.

S Brian Dawkins remains sidelined with his foot injury, CB Roderick Hood is doubtful with a bad hammy, and Bobby Taylor is probable to play despite his sore foot. S’s Quintin Mikell (hamstring) and Michael Lewis (quadriceps) are both probable to play. Wayne Chrebet struggles with his bad back (questionable).

Lincoln Financial Field expects a high of 64F and a low of 52F with a 10% chance of precipitation on Sunday – it should be a fine day for football.

The Jets will be working to get Pennington back into the flow of things, while the Eagles are jelling into the strong unit we remember from past seasons. Advantage, Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh’s Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Tough Matchup)

The good news is: Tommy Maddox didn’t throw any interceptions in his last game. The bad news is: he didn’t throw any TD’s, either. 19/30 for 182 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 interceptions are what he put up against Denver – hardly a fantasy gold-mine. Hines Ward has caught 10 balls for 136 yards during the last 2 games (and is tied for the AFC lead with 41 grabs in 2003), while Plaxico Burress has been quiet (6/79/0 in 2 games). There isn’t much in the way of fantasy points flowing from the Steelers right now.

St. Louis allowed Brett Favre and company to compile 23/32 for 268 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception last week, but stuffed Atlanta week 6 (12/28 for 155 yards, 0 TD’s and 2 interceptions). They have been pretty tough all season long, allowing an average of 194.3 passing yards per game, on average (tied for 11^th in the NFL), and have only given away 6 passing scores. Last week, Jerametrius Butler was the 7^th best fantasy DB in the land, with 6 solo tackles and 1 fumble recovery.

Pittsburgh is coming off a bye week, hale, hearty and rested. St. Louis is still waiting for S Jason Sehorn to make an appearance on the field (questionable), and lists S Adam Archuleta (ankle), CB Travis Fisher (groin) and CB Kevin Garrett (hamstring) as questionable – if 3 or 4 of those guys can’t go, the Rams’ pass D gets worse in a hurry.

Pittsburgh is struggling right now, and the Rams won’t make it easy on Maddox and company. This looks like a tough matchup for the Steelers, but watch the status on the Rams’ DB’s as game time approaches.

San Diego’s Passing Attack vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup)

Drew Brees didn’t need to throw the ball much last week (LaDainian Tomlinson gained 200 yards rushing vs. Cleveland), and finished the day with a fantasy-poor 9/18 74 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception. Ouch. Boston and Parker combined for 4/32/0 on the day – there weren’t many fantasy points to go around in this phase last week. Boston saw 5 passes, while Parker had 3 balls come his way during the game – there just aren’t many opportunities to make plays when so few passes are in the air. Brees is the 18^th ranked fantasy QB over the last 3 weeks, with 33/59 for 370 yards, 3 TD’s and 1 interception in his last 2 games.

In week 7 Tom Brady lit up the Dolphins for 24/34 yielding 283 yards, 2 scores and 0 interceptions. Week 6 Jacksonville’s Byron Leftwich struggled, throwing 24/42 for 256 yards, 0 TD’s and 3 interceptions that day. This season, the Dolphins are 29^th in the league allowing an average of 249.8 passing yards per game (they’ve been a little worse than that recently), but they are near the top of the league in TD’s allowed, with only 4 given away to date. They also have 10 interceptions as a team, in the top 5 among NFL teams.

San Diego continues to wait on TE Stephen Alexander (groin – out) and WR Reche Caldwell (wrist, questionable) to get better, while Miami lists

Qualcomm Stadium expects a high of 71F and a low of 58F with a 10% chance of precipitation on Monday – just about perfect weather for a football game.

Brees and company will probably put up some decent yardage totals on Monday Night Football, but don’t look for TD’s in bunches. We’ll call it a tough matchup due to the difficulty most teams have throwing TD’s against the ball-hawking Dolphins’ secondary.

New York Giant’s Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Bad Matchup)

To say that Kerry Collins and the Giants are struggling right now is a little bit like saying that Dalmatians have spots – it is obvious to everyone that this is true. The problem is also apparent – his line is green as grass in the center (LG, RG and C), and just lost another veteran, Rich Seubert, for the season. Defensive players are constantly in Collins’ face, forcing lots of thrown away or off-target passes. In week 7 Collins put up 22/36 for 174 yards, 1 TD and (miraculously) 0 interceptions – but he was off-target a lot and wasn’t able to utilize his WR’s much at all (5 targets for 1/11/0 for Hilliard, 9 for 4/54/0 for Toomer). Things are tough in this phase right now.

In week 7 vs. Denver, Minnesota held Beuerlein / Kanell to 21/37 for 223 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions. Brian Russell had 1 INT for 3 yards, and his 6 interceptions this season leads NFL – he has 6 straight games with a pick. Lance Johnstone had 1 interception returned 33 yards for a TD, too. In week 5 vs. Doug Johnson the Vikings allowed 28/40 for 352 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions. Minnesota’s secondary leads the league with 16 interceptions this season, and sports a solid pass-rush to top things off (17 sacks so far in 2003, tied for 7^th in the league).

Both squads come into the game relatively healthy, although Jeremy Shockey continues to have problems with his injured foot (probable). Reserve WR Willie Ponder is doubtful due to his hip injury. Minnesota’s squad is in good shape.

This game is to be played in the Metrodome, so weather won’t be a factor.

With the Giants’ OL in a shambles, and given the quality pass rush that the Vikings bring to the table combined with their ball-hawking secondary, this looks like a very tough matchup for the struggling Giants.

Philadelphia’s Passing Game vs. The New York Jets’ Defense (Bad Matchup)

As of this writing, it is unclear if the Eagles intend to play Donovan McNabb or Koy Detmer this weekend. McNabb’s performance last week argues for such a move (9/23 for 64 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception (3/-1/0 rushing). But coach Andy Reid seems pretty intent on only replacing McNabb if he’s injured. And right now, it looks like the thumb is good enough for McNabb to go. If McNabb can’t go, Koy Detmer plays adequately when he gets a chance to (131/253 for a 51.8 career completion percentage, and it’s hard to envision him being worse than McNabb has been.

David Carr managed 15/23 for 170 yards, 0 TD’s and 0 interceptions vs. the Jets last week, while Drew Bledsoe only compiled 22/40 202 0 1 (Alex Van Pelt added another interception on the day) in the Bills’ blowout 30-3 loss to the Jets week 6. For the season, the Jets are the 4^th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing only 159.3 passing yards per game and a mere 3 passing scores.

Besides McNabb’s bad thumb, the Eagles list Todd Pinkston as probable despite his sore knee. CB Donnie Abraham and S Jon McGraw are out, while CB Jamie Henderson is questionable to play.

Lincoln Financial Field expects a high of 64F and a low of 52F with a 10% chance of precipitation on Sunday – it should be a fine day for football.

The Eagles are really struggling – it’ll be tough for them to get well against the Jets’ top-notch unit.