Bottom line, the cheatsheets are the final word.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

Week 10 Rushing Matchups

By Mark Wimer with Joe Bryant

Bye Weeks

Denver: Clinton Portis is on bye.
New England: Kevin Faulk/Antowain Smith are on bye.
New Orleans: Deuce McAllister is on bye.
San Francisco: Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow are on bye.

Minnesota's Michael Bennett / Moe Williams / Onterrio Smith vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup)

Last week, Michael Bennett ran well in his limited appearance (8/43/0 rushing and 3/15/0 receiving), while Moe Williams had good luck, too (12/63/0 rushing and 4/26/0 receiving). Onterrio Smith was relegated to kickoff return duty (7/136/0), and failed to rack up any running back statistics in the game. As Bennett works more and more into the starters' role, expect his number of carries to increase, Williams' to decrease - and Smith to be limited to occasional touches and special teams work.

This week, the Vikings face a soft San Diego team that ranks 25th in the NFL allowing an average of 128.8 rushing yards per game, with 8 rushing scores surrendered so far in 2003. The Chargers were battered by Anthony Thomas last week (31/111/2 rushing), but contained the struggling Dolphins' attack 2 weeks ago (23/69/0 for Ricky Williams in that game). Adrian Dingle was the 6th best fantasy DL last week, with 6 solo tackles and 1 sack to his credit - the RDE did his job, at least.

DT Jamal Williams strained his calf in the game last week (questionable). Minnesota's starting LT Bryant McKinnie injured an ankle in the Green Bay game (questionable).

The forecast for Qualcomm Stadium calls for a high of 68 F and a low of 52F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get sloppy and slow (and make ball handling an issue).

The Vikings average 4.5 yards per carry in 2003 - no matter who is carrying the ball, their OL pries open large holes to run through. The Chargers aren't stopping anybody right now. Advantage, Minnesota.

New York Giant's Tiki Barber vs. The Atlanta Defense (Great Matchup)

The Giants have managed to even their record at 4-4, and a lot of the credit goes to Tiki Barber. In his past 3 games he has been a steady producer - 60/231/1 rushing and 14/113/0 receiving - with 21/77/0 and 4/32/0 last week in the OT win over the Jets. The big flaw in Barber's game from the fantasy perspective is his lack of scoring (2 TDs in 8 games). And Dorsey Levens is a worry. His green OL is finally finding a rhythm, which helps Barber find some room to roam.

Atlanta, as their head coach pointed out a few weeks ago, can't stop anybody right now. The Falcons allowed 28/128/1 to Philadelphia (sans Brian Westbrook) last week, and in week 7 New Orleans victimized them for 36/165/3 - it shouldn't surprise you to hear that the Falcons rank 30th in the league allowing an average of 147 rushing yards per game, and are dead last in the league in TDs allowed, with 13 so far in 2003. They, quite frankly, stink, and no improvement is in sight.

Backup DL Travis Hall sprained his neck in the last game (doubtful), and DE Brady Smith has an ankle problem (doubtful). DT Edward Jasper is questionable with a rib injury. The Giants come into this one in relatively good health.

A cool day to play football is on tap at Giants' Stadium - the forecast calls for a high of 47 F and a low of 31F with a 10% chance for precipitation.

We worry a little about Dorsey Levens but Barber won't see a more attractive matchup all season. Advantage, Giants.

New York Jets' Curtis Martin/LaMont Jordan vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup)

Curtis Martin has gained more than 100 yards rushing in each of his past two games, and is finally looking like the back we expected out of the gates in 2003. With Martin's re-emergence, LaMont Jordan has a much-reduced role (6/12/0 last week, and 3/6/0 two weeks ago) - it's Martin's team again, at this point in the season. In his last three games, Martin has notched 65/306/0 rushing and 6/9/0 receiving, making him the 25th best fantasy RB in that span of time.

Oakland is pathetic at defending the run this season, 31st in the league allowing 153.1 rushing yards per game on average, with a whopping 10 rushing TDs allowed so far (31st in the league). Only the Falcons are worse as far as rushing scores allowed. The vaunted Lion's RBBC put up 33/112/1 against the Raiders last week, while the hit them for 31/125/2 two weeks ago. The Raiders' defensive front is more like a turnstile than a wall in 2003.

The Jets come into the game with relatively good health, while the Raiders list both starting DT's - John Parella (groin, out) and Dana Stubblefield (ankle, doubtful), as well as backup DL Sam Williams (knee, doubtful) - on the early injury report. The Raiders have trouble with the interior of their DL, obviously.

The forecast for Network Associates Stadium calls for a high of 59 F and a low of 50F, with a 50% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard around game time, the field will get sloppy and slow, and ball handling will become more of an issue.

The Jets have finally got Martin going in the right direction, while the Raiders are going nowhere but down really fast. The advantage flows to the Jets in this matchup.

Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The Washington Defense (Great Matchup)

Shaun Alexander had a rough time against the Steelers last week (20/48/1 rushing - a 2.4 ypc average - and 3/19/0 receiving), but his TD saved his owners from a poor outing, fantasy-wise. Maurice Morris has done some nice things with the ball in relief duty lately (3/47/0 last week, 3/24/0 the week before) - it doesn't look like he'll steal a lot of touches from Alexander just yet, but be aware that Alexander needs to do better than 20/48 to keep Morris on the bench most of the time. In his last 3 games, Alexander has put up 61/235/3 rushing and 14/92/1 receiving (6th best fantasy back in that span).

The Cowboys mauled the Redskins for 40/208/2 last week, with 6 different ball carriers exposing the soft under-belly of the defensive line. Against the Bills in week 7, the team surrendered almost as much yardage and as many TDs - 39/196/2. The Redskins' defensive front is in a tailspin. The team ranks 26th in the NFL allowing an average of 129.1 yards rushing per game, with 8 rushing TDs allowed in 2003 - but they are playing significantly worse than their average indicates coming into this game.

Washington's LB LaVar Arrington is playing through knee and wrist injuries (probable), and was so sore after the loss to Dallas that he needed help undressing and dressing after the game. DE Bruce Smith has a hand injury (probable), while DT martin Chase (calf) and DT Jermaine Haley (hand/shoulder) are questionable to play. Seattle is in good shape, health-wise.

The forecast for Fed-Ex Field calls for a high of 47 F and a low of 30F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That is great football weather - if the forecast holds up.

The Redskins are horrible in this phase right now, and coach Holmgren and company will take advantage of the weakness on Sunday. A big edge flows to Seattle in this matchup.

Arizona's Marcel Shipp vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup)

Don't look now, but Marcel Shipp is in the top 10 among fantasy RB in FP per game over the last 3 weeks (9th). He has gained 306 yards on 64 carries (4.8 ypc average) and caught 4/28/0 in that span. Not surprisingly, the Cardinals have won their last two games, largely due to Shipp's efforts. Last week, Shipp was 29/141/0 rushing and 2/24/0 receiving in the victory over the Bengals. Now, if he would just start finding the end-zone, his owners would really be set.

Pittsburgh is sinking fast, and part of the reason is their rush defense. The team ranks 4th in the league in yards allowed, averaging 91.5 per game, but have coughed up 9 rushing scores so far in 2003 (near the bottom of the league). Last week, Shaun Alexander and company managed 25/98/1 rushing (there was one 43-yard rush by Maurice Morris that accounted for nearly half of the total). Arlen Harris put up 34/81/3 against the Steelers two games back - they are vulnerable to rushers in the red-zone right now.

Backup LB Clint Kriewaldt missed the last game due to his bad hamstring (questionable). The Arizona OL is in good shape (they are still waiting on Emmitt Smith to heal up his shoulder-blade). RB James Hodgkins has a sore ankle (probable).

The forecast for Heinz field calls for a high of 40 F and a low of 25F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. A clear, cool day is coming up - excellent football weather, if a little chilly.

Arizona has Shipp going at top-speed, while the Steelers have bled a lot of points (but not a ton of yards) in this phase lately. This looks like a good, but not great, matchup for Shipp.

Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup)

Jamal Lewis finally slowed down a bit last week, 21/68/0 rushing and 2/15/0 receiving in the game vs. Jacksonville. He's still a top-15 fantasy back over the past 3 weeks (72/303/1 rushing and 6/51/0 receiving), but he hasn't had to totally carry the team in recent weeks as Boller and Heap seem to be finding a comfort zone in the passing game, with some support from Taylor and backup TE Terry Jones. The Ravens lead the league with 1372 yards rushing, and are second in ypc average at 5.2 a run.

Saint Louis was lit up by Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow last week, to the tune of 31/156/0 rushing (with 1/12/0 receiving for Hearst and 3/31/0 for Barlow) - they didn't do much more than slow the 49ers backs down a little (although the long run of the afternoon was only 14 yards). Two weeks ago, the Rams had better luck against the Steelers, holding Jerome Bettis to 12/42/0 (18/94/0 to the team, thanks to a couple of successful end-arounds by Antwaan Randle-El). This season, the Rams rank as the 14th rush defense in the NFL, allowing 109.6 yards per game on average, but have given away only 4 rushing scores all year (2nd best in the NFL). Pisa Tinoisamoa was the 6th best fantasy LB in the land last week, with 7 tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed.

Baltimore enjoys good health on its' unit (Jamal Lewis is probable with a sore shoulder), while the Rams have been going without LB Tommy Polley (elbow injury, questionable) and starting DE Leonard Little (chest, doubtful) and starting DT Damione Lewis (ankle, doubtful) - as you can see, the Rams had trouble with the 49ers backs in the absence of these 3 key players.

This game is being played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather isn't an issue.

Jamal Lewis is one of the top running backs in the NFL, while St. Louis is struggling with an injury epidemic at the moment. Advantage, Baltimore.

Carolina's Stephen Davis / DeShaun Foster vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

Stephen Davis pounded Tampa the last time these teams met (in Tampa, BTW) - Davis rushed 33 times for 142 yards and 0 TDs that day, in week 2. It was just another day at the office, despite the "World Champs" title that the Bucs can throw around this year. Davis was over 5.0 ypc last week vs. the Texans, with 30/153/0 on the day. He headlines the 2nd-most prolific rushing attack in the NFL, with 277/1301 yards (a 4.7 ypc average) as a team in 2003.

Since the Super Bowl, the Buccaneers defense has looked stellar one week, and weak the next - they are just not finding any consistent intensity, even for divisional games like the one last week vs. New Orleans (who have now beat the "World Champs" 3 straight games). They are not playing like champions right now, and their season average illustrates this - the Buccaneers average 107.4 rushing yards allowed per game (12th in the NFL), with 5 rushing scores surrendered so far. Last week, Deuce McAllister and company ran for 28/124/0; while 22/60/0 was the total for Troy Hambrick's Cowboys the week before. Simeon Rice was the 7th best fantasy DL last week, with 4 solo tackles, 1 sack and 2 passes defensed.

Tampa's starting LB Ryan Nece injured an ankle in the game last week - he's listed as questionable. Carolina is in good shape on their OL, but Stephen Davis showed up at practice on Wednesday with a sore ankle and was held out of practice. Right now, he's considered questionable for the game vs. Tampa. We will keep you updated on this situation as the weekend approaches.

The forecast for Ericsson Stadium calls for a high of 57 F and a low of 35F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. Perfect football weather, in other words.

Davis is amazingly consistent this season, and is good for 30+ carries and 100+ yards in almost every game. Don't look for that to change in his own house, against a team that has been proven to be vulnerable to top-shelf running backs. But definitely keep an eye on his status as the week progresses.

Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup)

Chicago got Anthony Thomas back in the lineup last week, just in time to pummel the hapless Chargers for 31/111/2 on the way to the teams' second straight victory. 3rd-stringer Brock Forsey scored against the Lions two weeks ago, so it looks like Thomas has a good shot at continuing to build on his momentum from the Chargers game this week. Chicago is averaging 4.3 yards per carry as a team this season (219/936 yards), so the OL definitely is knocking the opposition back on their heels after the snap.

Detroit finished off the Raider's season last week, and limited their stable of backs to 26/94/1 on the way to a 23-13 victory. They played the Bears (sans A-Train) 2 weeks ago, and coughed up 26/68/1 to 3rd-stringer Brock Forsey and company. For the season, the Lions allow an average of 117.4 rushing yards per contest, and have surrendered 7 rushing scores so far. Their DL was packed with fantasy production last week - Shaun Rogers (4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack and 1 pass defensed); James Hall (5 solo tackles, 1 sack) and Kalimba Edwards (4 solo tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defensed) helped make the day miserable for Tuiasosopo and Mirer (8th-10th on the IDP DL board last week).

Adrian Peterson is still hurting - he's questionable, as is C Olin Kreutz (ankle). Detroit lists DE Robert Porcher (hip, questionable) and LB Barret Green (toe, probable).

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

Chicago has a potent running game going this year, while the Lions play pretty mediocre rush defense. Advantage, Chicago.

Dallas' Troy Hambrick vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup)

Troy Hambrick and company bounced back from their pathetic effort vs. the Buccaneers two weeks ago to post 40/208/2 against division-rival Washington last week (Hambrick rushed for 21/100/2 in the win). This season, Dallas is slightly off the pace in terms of yards per carry (3.9), but has still gained 1076 yards rushing (on 278 carries). Hambrick has put up 56/199/3 rushing and 3/26/0 receiving in his last 3 games, good for 16th among all fantasy RB's in terms of FP per game during that span. Hambrick will have to get his fumbles under control or he won't see the field. Said Bill Parcells, "No running back is worth fumbles. Gale Sayers isn't worth fumbles."

Buffalo headed into the bye week with an embarrassing loss to Kansas City's club (24/100/3 rushing as a team), only one week after crushing the Redskins (22/56/0 rushing). As a team, their usual performance lies closer to the KC game, at least in terms of yards allowed (an average of 110.8 per contest in 2003, 15th in the NFL). However, they had only allowed 3 rushing scores all season until Priest Holmes came along and jammed 3 into the end-zone week 8.

Dallas' is having some injury problems with their OL - LG Larry Allen missed part of the game last week with a hyper-extended left knee (not listed on the injury report), starting LT Flozell Adams injured his right shoulder (not listed), and starting RT Ryan Young missed the game last week due to his knee injury (questionable). RB Richie Anderson has a sore back (probable). Buffalo is coming off their bye hale and hearty, although DT Ron Edwards is doubtful due to a shoulder injury.

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 63 F and a low of 48F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. It sounds like great football weather is on tap in Texas this weekend.

Hambrick and company tend to do fairly well against other mediocre squads - which is what the Bills are in this phase. Advantage, Dallas.

Green Bay's Ahman Green / Najeh Davenport vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Good Matchup)

Ahman Green has been on fire lately, with 41/172/0 rushing and 11/114/2 receiving in his last two outings. Not only is Green getting the job done, but backup Najeh Davenport has gotten off the couch for 11/117/1 rushing and 2/16/0 receiving in the last few weeks - he has hit some big gainers (76 and 22 yard scampers in the last two games). As a team, the Packers lead the NFL with 5.3 yards per carry, and they are 5th with 1234 total yards rushing this season.

Philadelphia has been soft against the rush lately, allowing the woeful Falcons to put up 28/131/1 rushing last week, and giving away 24/125/1 to Curtis Martin and company the week before. The Eagles' season average is 97.1 rushing yards allowed per contest (with 5 rushing scores), but they have not lived up to that standard in recent weeks.

DL Jerome McDougle continues to miss games due to his ever-present ankle injury (probable). Green Bay's unit is in good shape coming into the game, listing T Mark Tauscher (knee, probable) as the sole entry on the injury report.

This game is being played at Lambeau Field, starting 8 p.m. local time - think it will be cold after the sun has gone down? Yep - the forecast for Green Bay calls for a high of 37 F and a low of 32F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the sleet/snow comes down thickly, it could cause problems with footing (even though the field is heated) and make ball handling an issue.

Green and Davenport are a potent 1-2 punch, while the Eagles have been allowing mediocre-to-poor units generous rushing totals in recent weeks. Advantage, Green Bay.

Houston's Domanick Davis / Stacey Mack vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup)

Domanick Davis was on his way to another 100+ yard game when his left pectoral muscle got injured. Enter Stacey Mack for the rest of the game (15/26/1), who did what he does best - gain 2 yards in a cloud of dust, with the occasional TD sprinkled in to the mix. Davis (12/74/0 with a long of 23 before the injury) has vowed to be on the field for this game against the Bengals. His fantasy owners devoutly hope he can go, because the youngster is the 7th best fantasy RB in the land over the past 3 weeks, with 64/312/2 rushing and 17/94/0 receiving in that span.

Cincinnati hasn't been stellar in this phase of the game lately, allowing 24/121/0 vs. Seattle in week 8; and 37/161/0 to Arizona last week. The Bengals average 125.9 rushing yards allowed per game (23rd in the NFL) and have surrendered 7 rushing scores this season. They are pretty much playing down to that lowly standard in recent weeks.

Cincinnati's defensive front is in good shape, while the Texans list Davis and Mack as probable to play despite their injuries (chest and knee, respectively).

The forecast for Paul Brown Stadium calls for a high of 46 F and a low of 27F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather in our book.

Davis and Mack comprise a very potent rushing attack, while the Bengals are sub-par at run defense. Advantage, Texans.

Jacksonville's Fred Taylor vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)

Fred Taylor exploded against the Colts back in week 3, with 17/126/0 rushing (a 7.4 ypc average) and he added 3/11/0 through the air, as well. Taylor had a long run of 42 yards that day. Since then, though, big-gainers have been rare for Taylor, and the team is averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry this season (208/800 yards, a 3.8 ypc average).Baltimore contained Taylor last week - 22/78/0 rushing and 6/30/0 receiving - and 10 carries went to backups LaBrandon Toefield (6/28/0) and Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala (4/24/0). Over the last 2 games, Taylor has put up 31/126/0 rushing and 10/51/0 receiving - TDs are pretty scarce in Jacksonville right now, at least among the RB's.

The Colts smothered the Dolphins to the tune of 14/47/1 in week 9, but surrendered 28/131/2 to Domanick Davis and company during the prior game. The unit ranks 21st in the league this season in yards allowed (120.5), but has only surrendered 5 rushing scores this year. However, 3 of those scores came in recent weeks, so there is a weakness in the defensive front right now. Last week, Dwight Freeney was an IDP madman, with 5 solo tackles, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles (2nd among all fantasy DL).

Montae Reagor has been sidelined for the Colts lately (chest, doubtful), reserve LB Jim Nelson is out (collarbone). The Jaguar's unit comes into the game in good health.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 75 F and a low of 57F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field will get sloppy and ball-handling could become an issue in this one.

Taylor knows how to get it done against the Colts, and they are not at the top of their game right now, despite what they did to Ricky Williams last week. We give the home-team the nod in this matchup.

Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup)

In 2003, the Chiefs have rushed 235 times for 1027 yards, yielding a very respectable 4.4 ypc average. Holmes had 15/83/3 rushing and 3/26/0 receiving against the hapless Bills in week 8, and a powerful 27/123/1 in week 7 vs. Oakland. He is the premier running back in fantasy football, and needs to be in your starting lineup each and every week, no matter which team he is playing.

Cleveland's rush defense is not the best in the league - they average 129.6 yards allowed per game, 28th in the NFL - but they are tough to score on in this phase, with only 4 rushing scores allowed all season. 30/94/0 is what the Patriots managed to scrape together in week 8, while LaDainian Tomlinson (26/200/1) and company put up 36/228/1 against the Browns in week 7. The Tomlinson explosion indicates atypically bad play for the Browns. They simply got dominated by a great back that week. Is Priest Holmes a great back? Uh-oh, Browns fans, we may have a problem here.

Both teams are coming off their bye week, which means injuries aren't a big factor in this matchup. LB Sherrod Coates is probable for the Browns (ankle).

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 54 F and a low of 40F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather, if the forecast holds up.

The Browns give up lots of yards, and have proven to be vulnerable to a big, powerful back in the recent past. This week, the Chiefs are going for the first 9-0 start in the teams' storied history - they should get there on the back of Priest Holmes. Ready for a nightmare, coach Davis?

Oakland's Charlie Garner / Justin Fargas / Tyrone Wheatley vs. New York Jets Defense (Good Matchup)

With their #1 and #2 QB's down, and Rick Mirer under center now, the Raiders are going to have to rely on their running backs more than usual. Last week, that meant that Charlie Garner saw 15/66/1 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving (Tyrone Wheatley had 4/11/0 rushing and 1/4/0 receiving as the next-most active RB last week). The Raiders average 4.3 yards per carry this season, right in the middle of the NFL pack (168/730 yards as a team). Garner has 25/98/1 rushing and 9/77/0 receiving in his last two games, good for #20 among all fantasy backs in FP scored per game.

In their last game against the Giants, the Jets held Tiki Barber and company to 33/115/1 (a 3.5 ypc average in a game that went almost 5 quarters). In week 8, vs. the Eagles, they were bull-dozed for 34/192/2 by the Philadelphia RBBC. For yards allowed, the Jets sport the worst rush defense in the league, allowing an average of 153.4 yards per game (with 9 rushing scores surrendered) - they have played down to that standard in recent weeks, as you can see.

The Jets did receive good news this week about their defensive front - DT Josh Evans was re-instated after missing 9 games for a drug-related suspension. ``It was very difficult considering I felt like I could help them,'' Evans said. ``Not being able to go to war with your friends, it really bothers you. It's like my hands are tied. I had to sit back and watch. It was very painful, very, very hard for me.'' (11/04/03 AP article by Andrea Szulszteyn) How quickly Evans makes an impact will be determined by his conditioning and his readiness to execute the defensive game plan. LB Mo Lewis is probable to play through his sore back this week.

The Raiders list almost their whole OL on the injury report: Backup C Matt Stinchcomb has a bad shoulder (doubtful); G Mo Collins (knee), T Lincoln Kennedy (calf) and G Frank Middleton (quadriceps) are questionable; and G Brad Badger (shoulder) and T Langston Walker (foot) are probable.

The forecast for Network Associates Stadium calls for a high of 59 F and a low of 50F, with a 50% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard around game time, the field will get sloppy and slow, and ball handling will become more of an issue.

Garner and company have a solid opportunity to make good things happen against the cellar-dwelling Jets' defense, if their OL can hold up.

Philadelphia's Correll Buckhalter / Brian Westbrook / Duce Staley vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

The dreaded RBBC is alive and well in Philadelphia, according to coach Andy Reid: "I think it's a great situation to have," Reid said, when asked about having to make tough decisions about playing time at running back. "They're both going to carry the football, as will Duce. Things won't change there.". "Correll is playing good football. He's a unique combination of speed and strength. We trust his speed to get himself around the perimeter." (11/04/03 Philadelphia Inquirer article by Ashley McGeachy Fox)

In week 9, Correll Buckhalter continued to produce well in the absence of Brian Westbrook (23/92/0 rushing, with 1/18/0 receiving). Duce Staley remains a role player, seeing 3/14/1 rushing and 4/38/0 receiving on the day. How many touches Buckhalter is likely to get with Westbrook back in the mix is open to question - it's clear that Staley is the 3rd option this year, though.

Green Bay has been below average against the rush in the past few weeks, allowing 131 yards rushing to the Rams and 125 yards to the Vikings (both teams had 1 score) in the last two weeks - the Rams averaged 4.9 yards per carry, while the Vikings moved the ball at 5.0 per rush. That's not very stout rush defense, and worse than the team's average of 117.3 rushing yards per game (18th in the NFL). The Packers allow roughly 1 rushing score a game, with 7 given away so far in 2003.

Philadelphia lists Westbrook as doubtful to play this weekend (ankle), and G John Welbourn has a sore knee (probable) while the Packers are in good shape.

This game is being played at Lambeau Field, starting 8 p.m. local time - think it will be cold after the sun has gone down? Yep - the forecast for Green Bay calls for a high of 37 F and a low of 32F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the sleet/snow comes down thickly, it could cause problems with footing (even though the field is heated) and make ball handling an issue.

The Eagles move the ball well (3rd in the NFL averaging 5.0 yards per carry) no matter who lines up in the backfield, while the Packers are playing only average rush D in 2003. Advantage, Philadelphia.

Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson / Corey Dillon vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Rudi Johnson took over for an ailing Corey Dillon last week (7/5/0), and managed to put up 8/34/1 rushing in a see-saw battle with the Cardinals. Over the last 3 games, Johnson has had the biggest fantasy impact, with 38/140/2 rushing and 2/16/0 receiving (28th in the league). This week, whichever player lines up behind Kitna, will run behind an OL that is generating just 3.2 ypc average in 2003 (214/684), 31st in the league.

Houston just enjoyed a big win over Carolina, but it wasn't thanks to their rush defense, which the Panthers steam-rolled for 35/174/0 on the day. 2 weeks ago, the Colts had 27/122/0 running the ball - the Texans just aren't stopping people very well in this phase. They rank 22nd in the land at 122.1 rushing yards allowed per game, and have coughed up 7 scores so far in 2003. Those statistics paint a pretty accurate picture of the unit's play in recent weeks.

Some key defensive players have been sidelined for the Texans - starting DE Gary Walker (toe, doubtful), starting LB Charlie Clemons (ankle, questionable) are both central to the rush defense. Cincinnati is waiting for Dillon's groin to get healthy (questionable), but meanwhile Rudi Johnson has filled in admirably. Backup OL Matt O'Dwyer missed the game last week for the Bengals (probable).

The forecast for Paul Brown Stadium calls for a high of 46 F and a low of 27F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather in our book.

Cincinnati has injury issues and has struggled to run the ball effectively from week to week. Houston has injury issues and gives up a ton of yards this season. The matchup sounds ugly but even to us.

Cleveland's James Jackson vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup)

A .16 blood alcohol level and a 3.2 gram bag of marijuana was all it took for William Green to get clipped for DUI during the Cleveland bye week - which was promptly followed by his one-game suspension for said misbehavior. Hello, James Jackson, welcome back to the starting lineup. 25/115/0 (a 4.6 ypc average) is what Jackson has managed so far in 2003, with 15/71/0 rushing and 2/4/0 receiving in week 8 vs. New England. In his season as the teams' starter (2001), he was significantly worse than that (195/554/2, a 2.8 ypc average). The Browns as a team have rushed for 200/758 yards (a 3.8 ypc average) this season.

Kansas City has a mediocre rush defense which ranks 24th in the NFL allowing an average of 128.1 rushing yards per game, but they have only given away 5 rushing scores all season (3rd - least in the NFL thus far in 2003). Garner and company managed 25/100/1 in week 7, while Travis Henry and company inflicted 26/133/0 against this team week 8.

Both teams are coming off their bye week, but Cleveland's OL remains banged up, with T Barry Stokes doubtful (ankle); T Chad Beasley (toe), G Shaun O'Hara (knee) and C Jeff Faine (knee) all listed as questionable. K.C. says LB's Mike Maslowski (knee) and Fred Jones (foot) are questionable, while DT John Browning is probable (shoulder).

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 54 F and a low of 40F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather, if the forecast holds up.

Mediocrity vs. mediocrity = an even matchup in our book.

Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Back in week 3, the Jaguars held Edgerrin James in check, allowing 27/76/0 rushing and 3/28/0 receiving to the Colt's star running back. Last week, James put up 26/89/1 rushing and 5/19/0 receiving in the win over Miami - pretty good, considering how tough the Dolphin's defensive front is. In his last two games, James has 49/193/1 rushing and 6/24/0 receiving (13th among fantasy RB in FP per game).

Jacksonville allowed 30/103/1 to the Ravens last week (pretty good, considering Jamal Lewis only managed 21/68/0 rushing), but knuckled under to the Tennessee tandem of George/Holcombe 38/133/2 two games ago. The team ranks as the 7th best rushing D in terms of yards allowed per game (93.0), but have allowed 9 rushing scores in 2003 (near the bottom of the NFL).

Starting LB Keith Mitchell (neck) has yet to make to back on the field since his injury, but isn't on the injury report, while reserve DL Lionel Barnes (calf, out) couldn't play either. Reserve OL Adam Meadows couldn't play last week due to a knee injury (questionable), and backup RB's James Mungro (knee, questionable) and Ricky Williams (ankle, probable) missed that game too. OT Tarik Glenn (knee) is questionable, while T Ryan Diem (abdomen), and RB Dominic Rhodes (knee) are probable to play.

The forecast for ALLTEL Stadium calls for a high of 75 F and a low of 57F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field will get sloppy and ball-handling could become an issue in this one.

James and the Colts are gearing up for a play-off run, while the Jaguars are going nowhere fast. We'll give the slight advantage to Indianapolis, but see it pretty neutral.

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup)

LaDainian Tomlinson keeps battling on, despite a woeful passing attack that is not giving him any help in opening up running lanes. Last week, he put up 16/61/1 rushing and 4/21/0 receiving on a day when the team's QB's only managed 119 yards and 1 interception between the both of them. Over the last three weeks, he is the 4th best fantasy back in the land, amassing 66/323/3 rushing and 18/122/0 receiving - he is the lone bright spot on the pathetic Chargers' squad.

This week, Tomlinson faces a defense that has surrendered 34/261/0 rushing to the Packers last week, and 28/83/1 to the Giants two weeks ago. The Green Bay performance was atypically bad, as the Vikings average 118.8 yards allowed per game this season, with 6 rushing scores given away to date.

Starting C Jason Ball (ankle) and starting OG Solomon Page (ankle) missed last weeks' game for the Chargers - both are questionable this week. Minnesota's unit is in good health, with only reserve LB Raonall Smith (questionable) on the injury report with a sore hamstring.

The forecast for Qualcomm Stadium calls for a high of 68 F and a low of 52F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get sloppy and slow (and make ball handling an issue).

Tomlinson is a great back, but his OL is challenged with injury issues right now. The Vikings are up and down in this phase. We have a hard time imagining a team where Tomlinson wouldn't start this week, but we see the matchup as pretty even heading into the contest.

Washington's Trung Canidate / Rock Cartwright vs. The Seattle Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Injuries are hitting the Redskins' backfield hard: they could be without center Larry Moore, who was wearing a protective boot yesterday on his sprained right foot -Lennie Friedman is likely to replace Moore. Chad Morton (sprained ankle) and Sultan McCullough (broken hand) will probably join fellow running back Ladell Betts (fractured forearm) on the sidelines this week. Trung Canidate, who has missed two games because of a sprained ankle, is expected to return to the lineup this week. Club officials plan to work out several free agent running backs, including J.R. Redmond in the early part of the week. As a team this season, the Redskins have amassed 199/793 yards, a respectable 4.0 per carry average - but they have struggled lately.

Seattle has been up and down against the run lately, with 30/105/0 allowed to the Steelers last week, but 33/180/1 surrendered to the Bengals two weeks ago. This season, the Seahawks rank 17th in average yards allowed per game in this phase (115.9), and have coughed up a generous 8 rushing scores so far. Chad Brown had a big IDP day among LB's last week (6 solo tackles and 2 sacks, 5th among all fantasy LB's).

Washington's starting G Dave Fiore missed a couple of games due to his bum knee and was placed on IR. Seattle's starting DT Norman Hand injured his biceps tendon last week, and even if he does play (doubtful), the injury will limit his ability to play effectively. Reserve LB Tracey White is sidelined with a foot injury, while LB Chad Brown (foot) is probable to play.

The forecast for Fed-Ex Field calls for a high of 47 F and a low of 30F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That is great football weather - if the forecast holds up.

Trung Canidate has missed a few games, so he will probably need some time to get the kinks worked out. Seattle is mediocre at defending the run. Both teams have injury issues on their respective squads - sounds like an even matchup to us.

Atlanta's T.J. Duckett / Warrick Dunn vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Tough Matchup)

T. J. Duckett finally punched in a score last week, rushing for 16/55/1 and catching 1/6/0 - it wasn't a dominating performance, but it was better than usual for him this season. Warrick Dunn rushed 10/68/0 and caught 2/10/0 vs. Philadelphia, continuing to make the most of limited chances as the change-of-pace back. Over the past 3 weeks (in 2 games) Dunn is the 22nd best fantasy back in terms of FP scored (16/150/1 rushing and 4/18/0 receiving) while Duckett is 31st (30/97/1 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving). The bad news is, Michael Vick won't be back until early December - scoring chances will likely continue to be scarce in November unless Doug Johnson suddenly re-discovers his top form.

The Giants have been consistently generous with yardage in this phase of the game in recent weeks: 38/132/0 week 9 vs. Jets, and 28/137/0 week 8 vs. Minnesota. The Team is the 16th ranked rushing D in the NFL right now, averaging 111.3 yards allowed per game, with only 5 rushing scores surrendered so far in 2003 (tied for 3rd-least in the NFL). Brandon Short (10 solo tackles, 4 assists, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass defensed) and Michael Barrow (10 solo tackles, 6 assists) were both IDP monsters last week among fantasy LB - Short was #1, while Barrow was #4. The Giants play bend-but-don't-break in this phase, but have been really generous with yardage in recent weeks.

The Falcons got bad news about their starting LT Bob Whitfield (broken right leg and ligament damage) - he's gone for the season. Starting RG Kynan Forney strained his quadriceps last week (questionable). The Giants went without DT Cornelius Griffin last week (ankle, questionable). DT Keith Hamilton (ankle), DE Kenny Holmes (knee) and DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle) are all probable to play. The loss of Whitfield is a big blow to the already-shaky Falcons' offense.

A cool day to play football is on tap at Giants' Stadium - the forecast calls for a high of 47 F and a low of 31F with a 10% chance for precipitation

The Falcons have major problems on offense, while the Giants are playing below their mediocre season average (yardage allowed) in recent weeks - but Atlanta's problems are bigger than the Giants. This is going to be a tough game for the Falcon's backs. If you play in a basic scoring league, consider it a bad matchup.

Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Bills managed 26/133/0 rushing as a team in week 8 vs. Kansas City, with Henry getting the lion's share of the work (22/124/0 rushing, with 2/0/0 receiving). Sammy Morris got back into his support role with 3/9/0 and 1/7/0, respectively. Over his past two games before the bye, Henry was a hot commodity with 53/291/2 rushing and 3/13/0 receiving (3rd-best RB in FP per game during the last 3 weeks). The one problem that Henry and the Bills have struggled with all season is average yards per carry, currently notched at a lowly 3.3 per attempt (28th in the NFL).

Dallas has been up and down in this phase of the game a bit lately, allowing 35/138/0 to the Buccaneers two weeks ago, only to bounce back against the limping Redskins last week (16/89/0). The Cowboys are the 3rd-ranked rush defense this season, allowing only 83.3 yards per game on average, with a league-leading 3 TDs allowed so far. They have not allowed a running back to go over 100 yards rushing in 13 straight games. They are one tough rush D every weekend, especially in terms of scores allowed.

Dallas' defensive front is in good health, and the Bills come into this game off a bye week with only T Jonas Jennings (hip, questionable) on the report - injuries aren't a major factor in this matchup.

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 63 F and a low of 48F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. It sounds like great football weather is on tap in Texas this weekend.

Henry had a head of steam up going into the bye week, but Dallas is one of the top rush D's in the league, playing at home. This one will be a tall order for Henry and his under-whelming run-blockers on the OL.

Detroit's Olandis Gary/Shawn Bryson vs. The Chicago Defense (Tough Matchup)

Detroit had fun destroying the plummeting Raiders last week, with 33/112/1 rushing as a team (Gary had 15/46/1; Bryson had 12/53/0) - it's still a RBBC from the nether regions, as far as fantasy football owners are concerned, though - there just isn't any way to predict which guy will enjoy decent success from week to week. The team averages a meager 3.7 ypc this year, with 188/702 yards - neither back has been very productive week-to-week.

Chicago held this same lineup to 23/86/0 two weeks ago, and followed that up by limiting the San Diego stable to 19/80/1 last week. The Bears are doing well in this phase recently. This year, the team is the 29th ranked rush D, allowing 135.5 rushing yards per game, with 9 rushing scores allowed so far in 2003 - but the Bears have been significantly better than that in recent weeks.

Chicago continues to wait on starting DT Keith Traylor (knee, questionable). Detroit's unit is in relatively good health.

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

Don't look for the Lions to improve much over their totals from 2 weeks back - this is a tough matchup for Gary and Bryson.

St. Louis' Marshall Faulk / Lamar Gordon / Arlen Harris vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup)

Coach Mike Martz said Faulk would be working with the first unit. The past two weeks he has worked much of the time with the scout team to allow him to get his timing back. "This is the week the doctors had always projected for Marshall," Martz said. "They said six weeks, and we've tried to stay to that and avoid the temptation to play him before that, although he's wanted to play." (11/04/03 AP Article) Even though Faulk is working with the first team, it's unclear at this point in the week how many touches Faulk will be given in the game vs. Baltimore. After Harris' poor showing vs. division-rival San Francisco (8/9/0 with 3/34/0 receiving), you'd think that Faulk would get a lot of action. However, one note of caution - Martz and company only called 8 rushing plays last week, vs. 42 passing plays - if the coaching staff goes back to their early-season pattern, Faulk will be hard-pressed to see 20 carries on Sunday.

Baltimore's defense continues to sit near the top of the NFL charts - now they are the 10th-ranked rush D in the league allowing an average of 99.5 yards per game on average, with a league-leading 3 rushing scores surrendered this year. Jacksonville managed to put up 33/134/0 against them last week, and Denver scraped together 27/104/0 the week before, so they have been a little more generous with yardage in recent weeks - but just as tough to score on. Anthony Weaver was the 3rd best fantasy DL last week, with 4 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass defensed. Ray Lewis was #2 among all fantasy LB with 12 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed.

Lamar Gordon is listed as (questionable) to play by St. Louis, and Faulk is (probable). Baltimore is basically healthy, although NT Kelly Gragg had to have stitches in his lip last week.

This game is being played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather isn't an issue.

Against the top-shelf Ravens, don't expect miracles from Marshall Faulk this week. He should find some room to roam, but TDs may be scarce.

Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman vs. The Carolina Defense (Tough Matchup)

Michael Pittman was underwhelming in his first game against Carolina, with 10/38/0 rushing and 6/43/0 receiving back in week 2. Of course, back then he was sharing snaps with Mike Alstott and Thomas Jones (not happening anymore), among others. Last week, against New Orleans, he had an off day running the ball, with 16/48/0 rushing (3.0 ypc average) but 6/49/1 receiving - almost 100 yards combined, which is a pretty decent fantasy game overall.

The Panthers have been up and down in this phase lately, allowing 30/118/1 to the Texans last week, but holding the Saints' attack scoreless with 29/104/0 the week before. The team is the 13th ranked rushing D in the land with 108.3 rushing yards per game allowed, but have only surrendered 4 rushing scores all year (2nd-best in the league).

Pittman's OL has missed Roman Oben in recent weeks, but he's not on the injury report. G Jason Whittle (shoulder) and T-G Cornell Green (ankle) are probable to play, as is Michael Pittman (calf). Carolina's starting MLB Dan Morgan (concussion, probable), backup LB Mike Caldwell (hamstring, not listed) and backup DL Kemp Rasmussen (neck, probable) missed the game last week. DE Mike Rucker has a sore ankle (questionable).

The forecast for Ericsson Stadium calls for a high of 57 F and a low of 35F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. Perfect football weather, in other words.

Pittman is solid-but-unspectacular this year, while the Panthers are top-shelf. The home-team has the advantage in this matchup.

Tennessee's Eddie George / Robert Holcombe vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup)

Two weeks ago, the tandem of George and Holcombe amassed 38/133/2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, to mark the most productive fantasy outing of the season for Eddie George (27/88/2 rushing and 3/13/0 receiving). George has only 1 other TD all season, and currently ranks as the 20th best fantasy RB this year in total FP. Holcombe has definitely been eating into George's production as the Titans try and nurse George through one more season by reducing his work load (154/443/3 rushing (a 2.9 ypc average) .

Miami has been tough to run on all season, ranking 2nd in the league with an average of 79 rushing yards allowed per game. They have only allowed 4 rushing scores all season (2nd-best in the NFL), and have not allowed any back to gain 100+ yards in a game this season. In the game vs. Indianapolis, Edgerrin James and company did much better than the season average would indicate, with 35/115/1 rushing. 2 games ago, LaDainian Tomlinson and friends put up 31/104/1 against the Dolphins (Tomlinson only had 24/62/1 rushing in that game, though). In the recent past, a chink in the Dolphin's armor has appeared, but they are still tough to run on. Zach Thomas was an IDP madman with 12 solo tackles and 7 assists last week (2nd-best fantasy LB last week), while Adewale Ogunleye came up big for his owners (4 solo tackles, 3 assists and 2 sacks) - it was the 4th best DL performance last week.

Tennessee lists RB Chris Brown (hamstring) and G Benji Olsen (hamstring) as questionable. DT Larry Chester (hamstring, questionable) and DT Tim Bowens (neck, probable) join LB's Zach Thomas (groin, questionable) and Tommy Hendricks (neck, probable) on the injury report.

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 56 F and a low of 36F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather, folks.

Miami is very tough to run against, and the Titan's underwhelming attack faces an uphill battle in this matchup.

Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The Tennessee Defense (Bad Matchup)

Where have the aliens taken the real Ricky Williams? Surely, this guy is a pod-person counterfeit (13/36/1 vs. the Colts and 23/69/0 vs. the Chargers?) - how else can we explain his plummeting fantasy value? 63/199/1 rushing and 11/58/0 receiving over the last 3 games is not exactly the kind of numbers his owners expected when they spent a high first-round selection to retain William's services. Sure, starting OT Mark Dixon is gone for the season with an ankle injury, but that just isn't enough explanation for this sudden power-outage.

Tennessee has been stuffing opposing backs all season long, ranking first in the NFL with only 75.4 rushing yards per game allowed, and they are near the top with only 5 rushing scores surrendered (tied for 3rd-least). 11/54/0 is what the Jags managed in week 8, while the Panthers were shell-shocked into their worst rushing performance of the year against Tennessee in week 7 (17/44/0 as a team). The Titans just jump on top of the opposition from the start and take people out of their running game.

Aside from Dixon, RB Rob Konrad is questionable (shoulder/knee), RB Ricky Williams is probable (leg) as is backup Travis Minor (shoulder). Tennessee is in good shape in this phase of the game.

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 56 F and a low of 36F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. That's nice football weather, folks.

Williams and company haven't been moving the ball well in this phase of the game, while the Titans have been stopping some of the best backs in the league cold in recent weeks. Advantage, Titans.

Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis / Amos Zereoue vs. The Arizona Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jerome Bettis just hasn't gotten back to peak performance since being anointed the starter in Pittsburgh. Last week, he averaged 2.9 yards per carry in the course of a 17/50/0 rushing performance (Zereoue had 7/32/0 rushing and 3/18/0 receiving in the change-of-pace role). The Steelers are tied for 28th in the NFL this year in average yards per carry - 3.3 - and have only managed 209/699 rushing as a team all season (in contrast, top-ranked Green Bay has a 5.3 ypc average, with 232/1234 yards (5th best in total yards)). In his last two games, Bettis has 29/92/0 rushing (52nd-ranked fantasy RB in the past 3 weeks in FP per game). There just isn't much to shout about on this squad right now.

Arizona's rush defense throttled the Bengals last week (19/47/1) and surprised the 49ers running backs two weeks ago (23/62/0 for Hearst/Barlow - Garcia had 4/44/1). They are playing above their season average of 107.3 rushing yards allowed per game at the moment, and have allowed 6 rushing scores so far in 2003. This is a pretty stout defensive unit.

Pittsburgh is missing the services of OT Marvel Smith (shoulder/neck, out) while backup LB Gerald Hayes (shoulder, out) and backup DL Derrick Ransom (ankle, questionable) were out for the Cardinals last week.

The forecast for Heinz field calls for a high of 40 F and a low of 25F, with a 10% chance for precipitation. A clear, cool day is coming up - excellent football weather, if a little chilly.

Arizona's rush defense has been getting tougher as the year moves along, while the Steelers just can't seem to get it going on the ground. Advantage, Cardinals.