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Joe

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Joe Bryant
Owner www.footballguys.com

Carolina's Stephen Davis vs. The Atlanta Defense (Great Matchup)

Stephen Davis and company showed us what they can do, against one of the best defenses in the NFL, by beating up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 40/171/0 two weeks ago. Davis racked up 33/142/0 with a 4.3 ypc average - guess you could say his OL was up to the task of opening holes for him. In fact, Carolina has averaged 4.4 yards per carry in their first two games, and looked extremely good in this phase. Now, everybody has had a week off to rest up and recuperate before facing their division rivals from Georgia.

The Falcons, meanwhile, are beat up, downtrodden and struggling to defend the run. Tampa Bay's tandem of Alstott and Pittman shoved the ball down their throat last week, and the team totaled 37/132/2 TDs vs. the battered Falcons' defense. For the season, the Falcons rank as the 26th rush D in the NFL, allowing an average of 136.3 yards per game and they have surrendered 5 rushing scores in 3 weeks.

Part of the Falcon's problems is injuries. WLB Sam Rogers is playing on an inflamed and gimpy knee (questionable), and Rogers' backup Will Overstreet has aggravated his surgically repaired left shoulder with a new injury this season. LILB Chris Draft injured his foot last week; starting NT Ed Jasper injured his back and ankle (not listed on the injury report); backup NT/DL Ellis Johnson (in rotation with the starters) injured his shoulder (probable) - all this, and 4 of the DB's are hurting, too. The Falcons are really banged up - the Panthers are fresh.

The forecast for Ericsson Stadium calls for a high of 75 F and a low of 55F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. A beautiful day to play football is in the making.

A fresh, top rushing squad faces a struggling, tired and injured unit in this matchup. Sounds like the Panthers have a huge edge, and they're playing at home to boot.

Dallas' Troy Hambrick / Aveion Cason vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Great Matchup)

There is no doubt that Troy Hambrick is the featured back in this offense - out of 60 team carries so far, Hambrick has carried the ball 37 times - just over 60% of the time. However, he has only averaged 3.1 yards per carry so far, with a long of 12, and hasn't scored a TD yet (he also hasn't fumbled, though). Through two games, he has 37/113/0 rushing and 3/16/0 receiving. Aveion Cason is the change of pace back, and his season so far has been defined by a fine 63 yard TD scamper.

The Jets' defense is pathetic in this phase of the game. They are 31st in the league, allowing 164.7 yards per game (with 3 rushing TDs allowed so far). Last week, the Patriots showed that a quick, outside rusher like Kevin Faulk (17/79 for a 4.6 ypc average) or a between-the-tackles banger like Antowain Smith (13/55 for a 4.2 ypc average) can each enjoy a solid day grinding down Gang Green.

Dallas is coming off their bye week, so everyone should be in good health. The Jets may be without starting RDE John Abraham (hamstring - probable) this week, and have been doing without reserve LB Jason Glenn (ankle - questionable) for some time now.

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 74 F and a low of 56F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get slick and mucky, affecting offensive production generally.

The Jets are a vulnerable defense, and the Cowboys bring Hambrick and Cason to the table - they should equal or surpass the production that Faulk and Smith enjoyed last week.

Denver's Clinton Portis / Mike Anderson vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup)

Clinton Portis has only played in portions of his last two games, and yet he is the 6th ranked fantasy back in the land, with 46/291/2 rushing and 6/39/0 receiving. That is some explosive potential the Broncos have to utilize in the mountains. When Portis is unavailable, the Broncos hardly miss a step when they insert Mike Anderson, a starting-caliber RB in his own right. There was some concern over Anderson's knee injury, suffered late in the game, but an MRI showed that he is fine and Anderson reports he will play as usual on Sunday. As a team, the Broncos have put up 112 rushes for 571 yards and a 5.1 yards-per-carry average over the first three weeks. That is flat-out awesome (2nd only to Jamal Lewis and the Ravens).

As of the time we're writing this (Thursday late afternoon) we're not feeling real confident about Portis' chances. Although that can certainly change. If Portis can't go, it will likely be Mike Anderson seeing the bulk of the work. We'll of course be staying on top of this one right up to game time for you.

Detroit, meanwhile, has been doing their best imitation of a door-mat, allowing an average of 140.7 rushing yards per game in the early going, with 3 rushing scores surrendered so far. Last week, they were trampled by Moe Williams and the Vikings for 22/127/2 TDs, which yields an astronomical 5.8 yards-per-carry surrendered. If you are a Lions fan, that should make you sweat bullets.

Detroit is missing reserve LB James Davis, due to his rib injury. Denver enjoys relative good health, with no major injury problems to report, although Portis struggled with his bruised sternum last week. Portis is listed as questionable, although some in Denver are speculating that he may actually be suffering from cracked ribs. Keep an eye (or both eyes) on the situation if you are a Portis/Anderson owner.

The forecast for Mile High Stadium predicts a high of 74 F and a low of 48F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. It would be hard to find a better day for a football game, really.

Denver has an overwhelming rushing attack, and the Lions have an underwhelming defensive front. That sounds like an offensive slam-dunk to us. If only you knew for sure which player would get the carries.

Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup)

Ahman Green did not play well last week vs. the Cardinals. Whether it was the blast-furnace heat that made his hands sweaty and slippery, or just another instance of his fumblitis, one thing he did do was lose the handle on 2 balls (1 lost). He didn't manage to score, and only averaged 2.5 yards-per-carry on 21/53/0 worth of work. Basically, it was a horrible game for Green. The Packers as a team are currently 10th in the league with 77/328 rushing, which calculates to 4.3 yards-per-carry average - those statistics make last week's disaster look like an exception, rather than a rule (at this point).

One thing is for certain, playing Chicago is a good way to get your rushing statistics padded in a hurry. The Bears are, frankly, pathetic at defending the run, allowing an average of 182 yards rushing per game in the first two this season, before catching their breath during a bye last week. They have also coughed up 3 rushing scores in 2 games, so they aren't doing too hot in the red-zone, either.

Chicago is coming off a bye week, so they should be relatively healthy. The Packers are anxiously waiting to see if starting RG Marco Rivera can recover from a viciously-poked right eye - he had double vision after the game, and the eye was swollen almost completely shut (probable). Backup FB Nicholas Luchey has been out for several weeks with a calf injury (questionable). Backup RB's Najeh Davenport (hamstring) and Tony Fisher (groin) are also listed as probable.

The weather at the new Soldier field is expected to range from a high of 59 F to a low of 52F on Monday, with a 30% chance of precipitation. This is the Windy City we're talking about, so it could be cold and miserable if the game is played in a driving rain.

Green is normally a solid back, and the Bears are a disaster at defending the run. A big edge goes to the visitors in this matchup.

Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup)

Jamal Lewis over the first 3 games of the season: 68/496/4 TDs rushing with 4/11/0 receiving. He is the second-best fantasy back in the land, behind only Priest Holmes, and is an absolute monster in yardage-leagues. As a team, the Ravens are the top rushing team in the NFL, with 583 yards on 96 carries, for an astronomical 6.1 yards-per-carry average. The OL and Lewis have elevated their game to support rookie QB Kyle Boller, that's for certain.

Kansas City's off-season moves to upgrade their defense are definitely paying dividends. As of week 3, the Chief's run D is ranked 9th in the NFL, allowing only 77 yards per game on average, and they have yet to give up a rushing TD. Last week the Chiefs allowed 107 yards on the ground to the Houston team, but kept the opposing backs out of the end-zone. They also stripped rookie RB Tony Hollings of the ball, and were led in the victory by LB Scott Fujita who had 6 solo tackles, 2 assists and 1 forced fumble.

Kansas City is down reserve LB Kawika Mitchell due to a bad hamstring (doubtful), while reserve LB Fred Jones is probable to play despite a foot injury. Starting LDT John Browning has a sore toe (probable). Baltimore had to play without starting LG Edwin Mulitalo last week, he has a knee injury (questionable). The backup RB's are all banged up - Harold Morrow is out with an arm injury, rookie Musa Smith is doubtful with a knee problem, and Chester Taylor has a sore hand (probable).

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 71 F and a low of 56F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get sloppy and slow.

Lewis and his team-mates are a top rushing team, while KC plays solid rush defense. Home field advantage gives Lewis and company a slight edge - but only a slight edge.

Cincinnati's Corey Dillon / Brandon Bennett vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup)

Corey Dillon has looked fairly strong - when he has been on the field. Three games into the season, he's been knocked out of one game with a hyper-extended knee and then the next game with a pulled groin. When he goes out of the game, the team takes a huge step back with backup Brandon Bennett - the wheels just sort of come off the whole Bengals attack in Dillon's absence. Over the first three games of the season, the Bengals sport the 21st ranked rushing attack in the NFL, with 237 yards on 77 attempts (a 3.1 ypc average) - not too good.

Cleveland eked out a win last week vs. the 49ers, and they did it with some stout rush defense (the RB's were 16/32/0 carrying the ball that day). But even with the strong performance vs. San Francisco, the Browns are 30th in the NFL allowing 161.7 rushing yards per game on average (2 rushing scores surrendered so far) - this is not a top defensive front. LB Andra Davis led the way last week with 8 solo tackles and 2 assists.

Cincinnati lists Dillon as probable to play, and may have reserve RB Rudi Johnson (thigh - probable). Cleveland's defensive front is in relatively good shape heading into the game.

The forecast for Cleveland calls for a high of 60 F and a low of 53F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If it does rain hard, the field could get sloppy and slow.

If Dillon is in good shape for this game, he has a chance to enjoy a productive day against the soft Browns' D. Assuming Dillon can play, we give the edge to Cincinnati in this matchup. If he can't go, this becomes an even matchup.

Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The New Orleans Defense (Good Matchup)

The Colts have righted their offensive ship, and are beginning to roll with a 3-0 record. However, Edgerrin James has been up and down over the beginning weeks of the season, with a fine 30/120/1 performance vs. Tennessee's tough defense two weeks ago, but he ground out a less-than-impressive 27/76/0 effort last week against the Jaguars' front seven. For the season, the Colts are 19th in the league with 79/267 rushing - that represents an anemic 3.4 yards-per-carry average.

New Orleans, meanwhile, is getting ripped apart by the opposition, given the remnants of a defense that they are able to field. Venerable Eddie George pounded them for 100 yards and a TD last week. As a team, the Saints rank 21st in the NFL, allowing 110.3 rushing yards per game (3 rushing scores surrendered so far). Derrick Rodgers led the defensive front with 5 solo tackles and 2 assists, but the other top performers last week were a CB (Ashley Ambrose) and a SS (Jay Bellamy) - a lot of penetration is occurring behind the defensive front.

James has a sore back (coach Tony Dungy is saying his chances to play look to be "50-50"). Starting RT Ryan Diem sprained his left ankle last week in the Colt's victory (out), and backup RT Adam Meadows injured a leg (probable). Starting C Jeff Saturday (back) and starting RG Steve Sciullio (foot) are probable to play. New Orleans' reserve LB Cie Grant missed the game on Sunday due to his injured knee (doubtful). LDT Jonathan Sullivan, RDE Darren Howard and LOLB Sedrick Hodge remain out of commission. LB's Roger Knight (arm) and Derrick Rodgers (neck) are probable to play, as is DT Henry Ford (ankle).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not a factor.

The erratic Colt's rushing attack has an opportunity to get moving in the right direction again against the injury-riddled and soft Saints' front.

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

Fred Taylor continues to be the lone bright spot for a downward spiraling offense - he had a season-best 17/126/0 rushing performance last week (3/11/0 receiving), which averages out to 7.4 yards-per-carry (with a long of 42). He remains a threat to break the long-gainer every time he touches the ball. However, the Jags as a team aren't penetrating to the red-zone very often, and he has yet to sniff pay-dirt in 2003. Overall, the Jaguars rank 11th in the NFL this season with 322 yards rushing on 75 carries for a healthy 4.3 ypc average.

Houston's defense got humiliated by Priest Holmes and the Chiefs last week (35/168/3 TDs on the ground, with a 4.8 ypc average). The D just couldn't stand up to the Chiefs' excellent line and their top-shelf RB. For the season, the Texans are 22nd in the league, allowing an average of 121.3 rushing yards per game, with 4 rushing scores surrendered so far in 2003. FS Matt Stevens led the Texans in the loss, with 9 solo tackles, 2 assists and 1 Int. returned for 12 yards, but it was not enough to slow down the Chief's juggernaut.

Jacksonville's rushing attack enters the game in good health, although they are still waiting on reserve RB Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala to play (hamstring - questionable) while the Texans list reserve LB Antwan Peek (sprained right knee - probable); LB Charlie Clemons (chest - probable); DE Gary Walker (shoulder - probable) and LB Jay Foreman (shoulder - probable). Injuries don't have much bearing on this matchup.

The weather forecast for Reliant Stadium calls for a high of 82 F and a low of 64F, with a 10% chance of precipitation - it should be a great day to play football.

Houston's defense is only mediocre in this phase, and has had a hard time handling top backs this season (Deuce McAllister and Holmes both tore them up) - Taylor certainly qualifies as a top back. Advantage, Jaguars.

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

Priest Holmes over the first 3 games of the season: 62 rushes for 296 yards with 7 TDs rushing with 13 receptions for 171 yards. He is the top fantasy back in the country, bar none. As a team, the Chiefs have racked up 457 yards on 102 carries for 4.5 ypc average - 4th best in the NFL. They may have the best run-blocking OL in the NFL. In his past 33 games as the Chiefs' starter, Holmes has racked up 17 100+ yard rushing games.

Baltimore's defense aspires to the glory days of their Super-Bowl season, but they are not there yet. Currently, the unit ranks 15th in the NFL, allowing an average of 93.3 yards rushing per game, with 2 rushing TDs given up this year. LaDainian Tomlinson, who had been struggling up until last week, gained over 100 yards on the Ravens (a 4.5 ypc average, too), and scored a TD last week. LB Ray Lewis led the losing effort, with 10 solo tackles and 1 assist.

Both units come into the game relatively healthy.

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 71 F and a low of 56F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get sloppy and slow.

Holmes and his line are a dominant force, while the Ravens are a work in progress. Advantage, Kansas City.

Oakland's Charlie Garner / Tyrone Wheatley / Justin Fargas / Zack Crockett vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup)

"Things" just aren't going right for the Raiders right now. Charlie Garner, who was almost untouchable before 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage last year, has struggled mightily recently, as evidenced by the awful 4/9/0 and 1/-2/0 performance he put up in Denver. Justin Fargas didn't fare much better (4/9/0 rushing), but the very fact that he was in the game points out Garner's troubles. Tyrone Wheatley was the most effective back on Monday (5/16/0 rushing and 1/15/0 receiving), and now Coach Callahan is talking about going back to "smash-mouth, bloody some lips" football - is this a sign that Wheatley is about to be in the mix a lot more? This has the definite smell of a RBBC from the nether regions to it, folks…

San Diego dismantled their defense in the off-season, and it has done them no good whatsoever. They are currently 29th in the NFL allowing 160 yards rushing per game, on average, with 4 rushing scores surrendered so far. Jamal Lewis and company averaged 4.8 yards per carry last week, en route to a 32/152/1 team performance. The unit as a whole wore down in the face of Lewis' relentless assault, and ended up breaking down in the 24-10 loss. LB Donnie Edwards did his best to stem the tide with 8 solo tackles and 1 assist, but it just wasn't enough.

Oakland lists backup FB Chris Hetherington as questionable due to a bad hamstring, as is reserve RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle). Offensive linemen G Mo Collins (knee), C Adam Treu (hamstring) and T Lincoln Kennedy (calf) are also listed as questionable. DE Marcellus Wiley shows up with his nagging hamstring problem (questionable).

The forecast for Network Associates Stadium calls for a high of 73 F and a low of 55F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a beautiful day for football.

Whoever carries the ball for Oakland should have a good shot at success against the struggling Chargers - but will anybody be featured in the attack?

Washington's Trung Canidate / Ladell Betts vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup)

The Redskins' RBBC continues to be effective, with Trung Canidate racking up 9/46/0 rushing last week, while Ladell Betts rang up 8/39/0 rushing with 3/57/0 receiving. A troubling trend (from the perspective of Canidate and Betts owners) is that FB Rock Cartwright made another appearance in the red-zone - his only carry of the game came from the 5 yard line (1/-3/0 rushing, 2/30/0 receiving on the day) - it looks like coach Spurrier wants to use Cartwright in a Zack Crockett-like role around the goal line. As a team, the Redskins are 6th in the NFL through 3 weeks, with 409 yards on 87 carries for a robust 4.7 ypc average - don't look for Spurrier to change his approach while the team is succeeding with a RBBC.

New England's rush defense held the anemic Jets in check, even with the loss of NT Ted Washington during the game (and LB's Roosevelt Colvin and LB Ted Johnson before the game…) Curtis Martin had his "best" game of the season with 15/53/0 rushing and 3/34/0 receiving on the day. For the season, the New England ranks 14th in the NFL, with an average of 90.7 yards per game allowed on the ground (3 rushing scores surrendered so far).

New England's defense has been ripped to shreds by injury, with starting LB Ted Johnson out indefinitely with a foot injury, and imported LB Roosevelt Colvin on IR with a broken hip. NT Ted Washington also broke a bone (in his leg), and is out indefinitely. Starting ROLB Mike Vrabel is doubtful with an arm injury, as well. The defensive front in New England has major injury challenges heading into the middle of the year. Washington's offensive line and offensive backfield is in good health right now, excepting G Dave Fiore's tweaked knee (questionable).

The weather forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 72 F and a low of 52F, with a 30% chance of precipitation - if the rains do come, the game would be slower than normal on a wet field.

The Redskins' attack is on a roll, and the Patriots' defense is riddled by injury. Look for the good times to continue for Spurrier's squad on Sunday.

Arizona's Emmitt Smith vs. The St. Louis Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Emmitt Smith is definitely getting the ball often as the featured back in Arizona - 20 carries and 2 receptions last week - but the OL isn't giving him much room to work. Smith gained 50 rushing yards (16 yards receiving) over those 20 carries, and his long run on the day was 11 yards - not much in the way of big plays here. Part of the problem was the absence of starting RG Leonard Davis, who is battling an ankle injury. Still, one looks for more production than 2.5 yards per carry. For the season, the Cardinals have put up 75 rushes for 269 yards, a 3.6 ypc average - significantly lower than the 4.0 ypc benchmark, which indicates problems running the ball. Smith was generally effective picking up 3rd down conversions last week in short-yardage situations - but the explosiveness that fantasy owners are looking for just isn't in evidence right now.

St. Louis' defense isn't getting the job done in either phase of the game so far this year. They allowed 96 yards rushing to the Seahawks last week on 22 carries - an average of 4.4 yards per carry. Through 3 weeks, the team ranks 24th vs. the run, allowing an average of 131 yards per game (with 2 rushing scores allowed to date). Shaun Alexander had a long of 16 yards against them, and Matt Hasselbeck was effective scrambling out of the pocket (5/28) last week. SS Adam Archuleta led the team with 6 solo tackles and 3 assists.

Aside from Davis' bum ankle (questionable), backup C Jason Starkey is nursing a shoulder injury (questionable). Backup LB Scott Shanle is out due to his bad hamstring, as is DE Courtland Bullard (hamstring).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not a factor.

Two mediocre units match up against each other in this game - neither looks like it will dominate the other.

Buffalo's Travis Henry / Joe Burns vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Travis Henry came into the game last week with 3 TDs but only 26 yards to his credit from week 2, and left with 5/7/0 and some very sore and bruised ribs. His availability to play this week is unclear as of this writing. Henry's backup, Sammy Morris, couldn't play last week due to a toe injury, and is out this week too (due to a surgery performed on Monday to repair a hernia) so the ball-carrying duties fell to Joe Burns (6/22/0 rushing with 1/6/0 receiving). It doesn't look too good for whoever gets the call, as the OL is not doing its' job run blocking right now - the Bills are 30th in the league with only 191 yards rushing on 79 carries for a pathetic 2.4 yards per carry average. There just hasn't been much running room for the backs.

Philadelphia's defensive front is still very banged up, but they have been surprisingly effective in this phase of the game (partly because their pass defense has been terrible, so teams don't bother to run against them much so far) - they currently rank 8th in the NFL allowing only 76 yards rushing per game with 0 rushing scores surrendered so far. The Eagles were on bye last week, so they hope to be in better shape now than they were weeks 1 and 2.

Besides Henry (questionable) and Morris' (out) troubles, the Bills are fairly healthy on the OL. Reserve RB Phil Crosby cracked a bone in his leg (doubtful) during the Miami game, leaving only Burns and FB Sam Gash as the healthy RB's on the active roster right now. Philly is listing DE Jerome McDougle as doubtful due to his ankle injury, while DE Brandon Whiting is questionable with his bad hamstring. LB Carlos Emmons is probable to play despite his sore foot.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 64 F and a low of 47F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rains come, the field could get sloppy and slow.

A struggling rushing attack that may field a #3 RB faces what is usually a stout Eagles' unit (but a team that has been torn apart by injuries). This is an ugly matchup with neither team looking particularly strong - we call it a toss up.

Cleveland's William Green vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Neutral Matchup)

William Green just isn't getting any help from his OL. They are doing a very poor job of run-blocking (and have been since pre-season), with no light at the end of the tunnel for Green, so far. He's managed 53/187/0 with 4/26/0 so far in 2003 - last week he put up 15/47/0 vs. the San Francisco D. There just isn't much to get excited about in Cleveland right now.

Cincinnati's defense was bowled over by the Steelers' 1-2 punch of Zereoue and Bettis last week, allowing a total of 38/138/1 to Pittsburgh as a team. This season, the Bengals average 152 rushing yards allowed per game and have coughed up 4 rushing scores so far. WLB Brian Simmons led the defensive front last week with 8 tackles and 1 assist. The Bengals in general were unable to stop the Steelers' rushers in short-yardage situations.

Cincinnati's reserve LB Riall Johnson has been unable to get on the field in recent weeks due to his injured calf (out), and backup DL Oliver Gibson left the game last week with a left arm injury (not listed). Starting LB Brian Simmons is probable to play through his sore shoulder. Cleveland's offensive line is healthy, at least.

The forecast for Cleveland calls for a high of 60 F and a low of 53F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If it does rain hard, the field could get sloppy and slow.

Cleveland's rushing game is anemic, and Cincinnati's rushing defense is soft. Sounds like an even matchup to us.

Minnesota's Moe Williams vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Moe Williams has done a great job filling in for Michael Bennett - 56/283/1 rushing and 10/104/0 receiving over the first 3 games. Last week, he gained 95 yards rushing on only 13 carries (7.3 yards per carry) and added 54 yards on 6 receptions. The OL is really getting the job done up in Minnesota, 3rd in the NFL through 3 weeks with 483 yards on 97 carries - a stellar 5.0 ypc average.

San Francisco's defense is very stout vs. the run this season. They rank 3rd in the NFL so far with only 64.7 yards per game allowed on the ground, on average (with only 1 rushing TD surrendered so far). Last week, the 49ers crushed the Browns' attack, holding the team to 19/51/0 (William Green put up a paltry 15/47/0 on the day). LB Jamie Winborn led the defensive front with 7 solo tackles in the defensive effort.

San Francisco's starting RDE Andre Carter injured his back last week, but is probable to start again this week. Minnesota's backup RB Doug Chapman is still struggling to return from a sprained ankle (probable).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not a factor.

Two top units match up in this game, and neither looks like it is in a position to dominate the other.

New England's Kevin Faulk / Antowain Smith vs. The Washington Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Patriots' attack looked pretty good last week vs. the Jets' soft unit, slapping down 36/147/1 (a 4.1 yards-per-carry average), and both Kevin Faulk (17/79/0) and Antowain Smith (13/55/0) were over the 4.0 yards-per-carry mark (4.6 and 4.2, respectively). This season, the Patriots are 13th in the league, with 314 yards on 87 carries (for a 3.6 ypc average), so their success last week might be more due to the Jets' ineptitude on defense than on a suddenly robust rushing attack. However, it is still a good sign that they could move the ball on a defense that they should have been able to beat up.

Washington's rush defense is right in the middle of the NFL pack this season, allowing an average of 95 yards per game in the early going (16th in the NFL), and 3 rushing scores in 3 games. Although Washington's defense is not on a roll in this phase of the game as Tiki Barber sliced, diced and fried up their defense for 126 yards on 28 carries (4.5 ypc average), and added 4/18/0 through the air last week. DE Bruce Smith looked particularly vulnerable to the Giants' attack in the game last Sunday.

New England's starting LG Mike Compton missed the game last week due to his injured foot, but isn't on the injury report. C Damien Woody is questionable due to a knee problem, as is starting RT Adrian Klemm (ankle) Washington's defense emerged from last week's game without any significant new injuries.

The weather forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 72 F and a low of 52F, with a 30% chance of precipitation - if the rains do come, the game would naturally be slower than normal on a wet field.

The Patriots' mediocre unit squares off against a struggling and middle-of-the-road defense in this game. Neither looks like it is in a position to dominate the other.

New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Tennessee exposed the Saints' attack last week as they threw a wet blanket over Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, while also absolutely stuffing Deuce McAllister. McAllister finished the first half with 5/-9/0, and ended the day with 11 rushes for 8 yards (0 scores) with 3/23/0 receiving. Talk about an embarrassing game - the Saints' rushing attack was crushed like a worm. For the season, the Saints rank as the 23rd rushing attack in the NFL, piling up 229 yards on 68 carries, for a 3.4 ypc average. There is reason to worry if you are a McAllister owner, that's for certain.

The Indianapolis defense, on the other hand, has been fairly generous in the yardage department this season, ranking 18th in the NFL while allowing 101 rushing yards per game so far. However, they have yet to surrender a rushing score in 2003. Fred Taylor blew past the Colts' defenders for 126 yards on 17 carries (an awesome 7.4 ypc average), with a long of 42 - the Colts gave some big holes to Taylor. ROLB David Thornton led the defense with 8 solo tackles, 2 assists, and 1 sack for 2 yards.

Starting LDE Dwight Freeney missed the game last week due to his abdominal and knee injuries (he's doubtful this week), while DT's Brandon Hicks (knee) and Montae Reagor (back) are both probable to play. The Saints' rushing unit enjoys relative good health.

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not an issue.

The Saints stumbled last week, but McAllister has been solid in their other two games - it looks more like an aberration than a trend at this point. Indianapolis is hard to score on, but they do surrender chunks of real-estate on a regular basis. This looks like an even matchup before the fact.

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

San Diego's Tomlinson has struggled in the early going this year, and just began to get on track last week when he put together 23/105/1 TD (a 4.6 ypc average) and 8/51/0 receiving. However, he also saw the right side of his OL, RT Vaughn Parker (knee) and RG Soloman Page (ankle - questionable) go down to injury. With Toniu Fonoti already on IR, the depth along the OL is a big concern if Page can't play on Sunday, now that Parker is out for the season with torn ligaments (ACL and MCL - surgery performed Tuesday) in his knee. For the season, San Diego has the 12th ranked rushing attack in the NFL, with 317 yards on 66 carries for a 4.8 ypc average - the big guys are doing something right upfront, anyway.

Oakland is reeling after the Broncos paddled them on Monday night 31-10 - even without Clinton Portis' services for most of the evening, the Broncos shoved the pigskin down the Raider's throats going 39/190/2 (a 4.9 ypc average as a team). For the season, the Raiders are 25th in the NFL defending the run, allowing 131.7 yards per game on average, with 3 rushing scores given up so far. Rod Woodson led the Raiders with 8 solo tackles and 1 assist, a symptom of how regularly the Broncos were roaming around far beyond the line of scrimmage.

Besides the linemen listed above, LT Damion McIntosh bruised his chest last week (not listed), and starting TE Stephen Alexander (questionable) and backup TE Josh Norman (out this week) both missed the game, so there isn't a lot of help at TE to make up a lack of offensive linemen. Oakland's defensive front enjoys decent health at this point in the season, but several guys are nicked up - DE Trace Armstrong (ribs), LB Bill Romanowski (concussion), DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle) are all listed as questionable on the early injury report. The Chargers will also be without WR David Boston who was suspended for one game.

The forecast for Network Associates Stadium calls for a high of 73 F and a low of 55F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a beautiful day for football.

Oakland's defense is back on its heels, and LaDainian Tomlinson is showing signs of returning to his old self. If Page makes it back to play, this is a neutral matchup for Tomlinson. If he doesn't, the entire right side of the line will be made up of backup players - which could be a problem.

St. Louis' Lamar Gordon vs. The Arizona Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Marshall Faulk is out for 4-6 weeks with a broken hand and, also, a surprise knee surgery to repair torn cartilage. Lamar Gordon is the guy who will have to carry the load in Faulk's absence. Last season, in a similar situation, Gordon averaged well under 4.0 yards per carry - 65/228/1 TD (a 3.5 ypc average), while adding 30/278/2 TDs through the air. He was 8/23/0 rushing with 22 receiving yards vs. Arizona in week 15 last season. In relief of Marshall Faulk last week, Gordon put up 8/41/0 rushing and 4/25/0 receiving, and looked pretty strong in so doing. Gordon may be more ready to face NFL caliber defenses now that he is in his second season, but we really just don't know how well he'll do in the featured role as of this week.

Arizona's defense smothered Ahman Green last week, limiting him to 21/53/0 rushing and 6/43/0 receiving. They also caused Green to cough up the ball twice. As a team, the Packers only managed 66 yards rushing on the day (on 23 carries, a 2.9 ypc average). For the season, Arizona is 11th in the NFL, allowing only 87.3 rushing yards per game on average, and only 2 rushing scores so far. LB Raynoch Thompson once again led the defensive effort, with 8 solo tackles.

Aside from the loss of Faulk, the Rams come into the game in relatively good health in this phase of the game - backup OL David Loverne remains out due to his elbow. Arizona's DL is hurting - starting LDT Wendell Bryant injured his ankle last week (questionable), and reserve DL Kenny King missed the game due to an injured toe (out).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not a factor.

Gordon and the mediocre Rams' rushing attack runs into a slightly-banged-up but stout Cardinal's defensive front. Home field advantage helps level the playing field in this one - we'll call it a neutral matchup.

Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Tennessee's Eddie George finally came up with a 100-yard rushing performance last week, putting up 29/100/1 rushing with 1/4/0 receiving vs. the injury-gutted New Orleans' defense. Again, he failed to go over 4.0 yards per carry (heck, he didn't get over 3.5 yards per carry), and was pulled at the goal-line twice in favor of Robert Holcombe (McNair threw for TDs on both occasions). As a team, the Titans were 35/105/1 on the ground (a 3.0 ypc average). While it was a vintage performance by George, it came against a wounded defense, and it was hardly a dominating day (George's long rush was 16 yards).

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, put the clamps on the Bengals (after knocking Corey Dillon out of the game before half-time), allowing only 57 yards on 16 carries (3.6 ypc) and denying the Bengals the end-zone. This year, the Steelers are the 18th in the NFL allowing an average of 101 rushing yards per game, with 4 rushing scores allowed. LB James Farrior led the defense with 4 solo tackles and 1 assist, while fellow LB Kendrell Bell had an excellent IDP day with 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 2 sacks for 17 yards.

Tennessee's reserve RB Chris Brown continues to miss games with his hamstring injury - regardless of how ready to play he may be this week, you can bet that he'll be listed as questionable on the Titan's injury report. OG Benji Olson is also questionable to play due to a knee injury. Pittsburgh's defensive front is ready to play, with no new injuries of note.

The weather forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 63 F and a low of 49F, with a 20% chance of precipitation - sounds like an excellent day for a football game to us.

Tennessee has a mediocre rushing attack, which is on a bit of an upswing. Pittsburgh has a mediocre rush defense, which is on a mini-roll coming into the game. That sounds like a neutral matchup to us.

Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The Green Bay Defense (Tough Matchup)

Not much is going right on offense in the Windy City, and the statistics prove it. Chicago is dead last in the NFL with 135 yards rushing on 37 carries (a 3.6 ypc average) so far this year. Granted, they have played one less game than most other teams, but so has Carolina (#15) and Dallas (#20). Anthony Thomas has 16 rushing attempts in 2 games, for 68 yards and 0 scores, while Kordell Stewart, the QB, is second on the team with 12/46/0 (with one fumble). Things look ugly in this phase of the game right now.

Green Bay's defense has been on a see-saw in this phase of the game - they held Arizona to 81 yards rushing last week, but were blasted by Minnesota for 154 week one. Overall, they rank 17th in the league right now, allowing 97 yards rushing per game on average (only 1 rushing score surrendered so far, though).

Part of the problem in Chicago is the depleted OL - Rex Tucker is on IR, and Marc Colombo just can't seem to get back on the field. The team was rushing to force-feed FA acquisition Corbin Lacina the playbook in weeks one and two - well see how much he picked up over the bye week. G Chris Villarial is doubtful due to his knee injury. Green Bay's reserve DL Aaron Kampman missed the game last week due to his injured ankle (probable). DT Cletidus Hunt is probable to play this week as well.

The weather at the new Soldier field is expected to range from a high of 59 F to a low of 52F on Monday, with a 30% chance of precipitation. This is the Windy City we're talking about, so it could be cold and miserable if the game is played in a driving rain.

Green Bay sports a mediocre defense, while the Bears have a bad rushing attack at this point of the season. The visitors get the nod in this matchup, despite home-field advantage flowing to the Bears for the first time in 18 games, dating back to last year's "gypsy" existence.

Houston's Stacey Mack vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Tough Matchup)

Stacey Mack had a very, well, Stacey Mack-like outing last week - 13/39/0 rushing (a long of 13) with 6/43/0 receiving - he's not flashy, but he can grind out the tough yards. Rookie Tony Hollings got into the act with a strong showing as the change-of-pace back since Domanick Davis was out with an injured hip, and showed some flashes (7/41/0 with a long of 15 (a 5.9 ypc average)). Overall, the Texans were 26/107/0 on the day, an average of 4.1 ypc. Not fantastic, but not terrible, either.

Jacksonville's defense had its hands full last week, but played well in the rushing phase, containing Edgerrin James and limiting him to 27/76/0 (a lowly 2.8 yards-per-carry average) on the ground, with 3/28/0 receiving. For the season, the Jags are 10th in the NFL allowing only 79.3 rushing yards per game, on average, with 3 TDs surrendered so far in this phase. LB Akinola Ayodele was once again all over the field, with 6 solo tackles and 5 assists.

Besides Davis' injury (he's probable to play this week), the Texans missed starting LG Milford Brown due to an injured knee (questionable), and backup LG Todd Washington dinged up his ankle in the closing minutes of the loss. Jacksonville's defensive front suffered from the lack of starting SLB Keith Mitchell (neck - questionable) and reserve LB Eric Westmoreland (knee - questionable).

The weather forecast for Reliant Stadium calls for a high of 82 F and a low of 64F, with a 10% chance of precipitation - it should be a great day to play football.

Mack and the Texans have a middle-of-the-road attack with a slightly-banged-up OL, while the Jaguars are playing top-10 rush defense. The visitors have the edge in this matchup.

Philadelphia's Duce Staley / Correll Buckhalter vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup)

How anemic is the Eagles' stable of running backs? Duce Staley has "amassed" 12/31/1 in 2 games, while Correll Buckhalter has a shining 1/0/0. Change of pace back Brian Westbrook is 8/34/0 rushing so far. As a team, the Eagles rank 25th in the NFL with 221 yards on 32 carries (for a deceptive 6.9 yards per carry average) - but the running backs are only responsible for 29% of the team's yardage. Lets' just say the backs aren't getting the job done and leave it at that.

Buffalo was on a roll until they clashed with the dread-locked steamroller also known as Ricky Williams - Williams abused the Bills for 42/153/1 TD rushing last week. Over the first 3 weeks of the season, the Bills are 23rd in the NFL, allowing an average of 122 rushing yards per game so far, although they have only coughed up 2 rushing TDs in 3 games. SS Lawyer Milloy had 7 solo tackles and 4 assists to lead the Bill's defenders, a symptom of Williams' success moving the ball beyond the line of scrimmage.

Philadelphia is coming off a bye week, and should be in good shape along the OL. Buffalo reported no significant new injuries after their loss.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 64 F and a low of 47F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rains come, the field could get sloppy and slow.

Even considering how poorly the Bills played last week, the Eagles' attack is playing even worse - we give the nod to the home team in this matchup.

Pittsburgh's Amos Zereoue / Jerome Bettis vs. The Tennessee Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Steelers as a team had a pretty good day rushing the ball vs. Cincinnati - 38/138/1 TD as a team (a 3.6 ypc average), and controlled the clock as a result (~37 minutes to ~23 for the Bengals.) However, the specter of a RBBC reared its ugly head, as Amos Zereoue (16/69/0 rushing, 1/29/0 receiving) watched Jerome Bettis see a lot of time (16/59/1) and score the teams' rushing TD. Both backs looked strong rushing behind solid OL play last week. As a team, the Steelers have struggled in this phase, 88 rushes for 286 yards and a 3.3 ypc average over the first three weeks. Zereoue is still the starter, but watch and see how much "vulturing" Bettis does in the next few games.

Tennessee really put a vice on Deuce McAllister last week, holding him to 5/-9 in the first half before he managed to put the yardage numbers into the positive column (he finished 11/8/0). The Saints simply had nowhere to run, period - as a team they were 15/23/0 (a 1.5 ypc average).For the season, the Titans are the top ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 61.3 rushing yards per game on average, with only 1 rushing score allowed. That's some wall they've built in Tennessee - LB Keith Bulluck led the charge last week with 6 solo tackles and 1 sack for 9 yards, with a forced fumble in the bargain.

Tennessee's starting RDT Albert Haynesworth missed the game last week due to his sprained left elbow. You can bet he'll be listed as questionable on the Titan's injury report this week, no matter how ready he is (or is not) to play. Reserve RB Verron Hayes is questionable to play due to a knee injury. Pittsburgh's line is essentially healthy, excepting C Jeff Harting's chronically sore knee. Starting LT Marvel Smith has a sore shoulder (probable).

The weather forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 63 F and a low of 49F, with a 20% chance of precipitation - sounds like an excellent day for a football game to us.

Pittsburgh's rushing attack is showing signs of life, but they have a very tough Titans' unit to play this weekend. Advantage, Tennessee.

San Francisco's Garrison Hearst / Kevan Barlow vs. The Minnesota Defense (Tough Matchup)

Last week the wheels came off the San Francisco rushing attack. All 5 players who started on the OL were on the injury report, and the teams' tandem of Hearst and Barlow split a paltry 16 carries between them in the course of the game (9/18/0 for Hearst, 7/14/0 for Barlow). A 2.0 ypc average from your starting RB tandem is not going to cut it in the NFL (or in fantasy football leagues, either). As a team, the 49ers put up 24/75/0 (Garcia had 5/40, by far the best rusher on this Sunday). Over the first three weeks, the 49ers rank as the 7th best rushing attack in the NFL with 385 yards and a 4.2 ypc average, so last week looks more like an aberration than a trend at this point in time. Still, that is small comfort to Hearst/Barlow owners.

Minnesota is strong out of the blocks this season, sporting a 3-0 record, all wins over divisional foes. Part of the team's success is due to its strong rush defense, currently ranked 6th in the NFL allowing only 73 rushing yards per game on average, with 3 rushing scores allowed. Last week, the Vikings crushed the hapless Lions' attack, allowing only 77 yards rushing to the entire team. FS Brian Russell led the team in tackles (4 solo tackles, 5 assists), but that was because the Lions basically had to abandon the running game after the first quarter in the face of the Viking's dominance.

Besides the 5 starters on the offensive line that made the injury report last week, normal starters LG Eric Heitmann and LT Derrick Deese missed the game in week 3 with ankle injuries. This week, starting LG Eric Heitmann is doubtful with an ankle injury; starting LT Derrick Deese is questionable with a sore ankle; starting RT Scott Gragg (ankle), starting C Jeremy Newberry (ankle) and starting RG Ron Stone (ankle) are all probable to play. Two backup defensive players suffered minor injuries last week in the Viking's game: DL Billy Lyon (calf - questionable) and LB Nick Rogers (bruised gluteus muscle - probable).

This game is being played in a dome, so weather is not a factor.

The 49ers stumbled last week, and have some injury concerns along their OL, while the Vikings are playing strong in this phase and have a relatively healthy defensive front. Given the home-field advantage, this looks like a tough matchup for the visitors - advantage, Minnesota.

Atlanta's Warrick Dunn vs. The Carolina Defense (Bad Matchup)

Last week, Warrick Dunn and the Falcons were shut down by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not one of the stable of backs gained more than 2.0 yards per carry - Dunn managed 9 yards on 7 carries (with 4 receptions for 20 yards). As a team, the Falcons put up 19 rushes for 29 yards and 1 TD (a option scramble by Woodrow Dantzler). For the season, the Falcons rank 24th in the NFL, with 71 carries for 226 yards - a 3.2 ypc average. That's not too good, folks.

Even worse, this week the Falcons play a defense that might be as tough to run on as the Buccaneers. Currently, the Panthers are 4th in the league, allowing only 67.5 rushing yards per game. They have given up 1 rushing score in 2 games, and come into this one well-rested after an early bye week.

The Panthers are healed up and healthy after the bye (starting MLB Dan Morgan is probable with a tweaked hamstring, while LB Mike Caldwell is questionable with a knee injury). The Falcons are nicked up - no major injuries to report though - G Travis Claridge is dealing with a sore shoulder (probable).

The forecast for Ericsson Stadium calls for a high of 75 F and a low of 55F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. A beautiful day to play football is in the making.

Dunn and company are struggling to find a rhythm after their pummeling by Tampa Bay, and the Panthers will be in their own lair, with a top-5 rush defense, lurking in wait. Advantage, Carolina.

Detroit's Shawn Bryson / Olandis Gary vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup)

Detroit is doing the best they can with the personnel they have - but the offense in general is sputtering (the passing game is struggling, big-time), which makes it easy to force the Lions into a one-dimensional game plan. In his limited opportunities, Shawn Bryson managed 17/49/1, with 3/19/0 receiving - the Lions as a team put up 77 yards total. Olandis Gary was the change of pace back last week, with 5/8/0 rushing and 1/13/0 receiving. There just isn't much the backs can do, when the OL is not blocking well - the Lions as a team have rushed for 199 yards on 66 carries this season, for a 3.0 ypc average - there is little to no surge up front, obviously.

Denver, meanwhile, has been stifling the opposing rushers this season. Through 3 games they rank as the 5th best rushing defense in the league, allowing 70.3 yards per game on the ground, and only 1 rushing score to date. Last week, they humiliated Oakland's backs, holding them to 16/39/1 for the day. Al Wilson led the front seven with 4 solo tackles and 1 assist. Overall, the entire defense stymied the Raiders all night long.

Detroit's starting RG Ray Brown injured his chest last week, and is questionable to play this week. Denver came out of the Monday Night matchup basically unscathed, and may finally get DT Daryl Gardener back in the lineup (hand - questionable).

The forecast for Mile High Stadium predicts a high of 74 F and a low of 48F, with a 10% chance of precipitation. It would be hard to find a better day for a football game, really.

Detroit has a underwhelming rushing attack, and the Broncos have an overwhelming rush defense. Sounds like a defensive slam dunk to us.

New York Jets' Curtis Martin vs. The Dallas Defense (Bad Matchup)

Two weeks ago, Herman Edwards told Paul Hackett to quit running the ball in the game vs. Miami. Last week, they used the passing game to finally pry open some sort of running lanes for Curtis Martin, and he responded with a season-best effort - of 15/53/0 rushing. That pretty much sums up how poorly the Jets are playing in this phase of the game (Martin did add 4/34/0 receiving, so he wasn't totally worthless as a fantasy RB). For the season, the Jets are 31st in the NFL with 143 yards on 50 carries (a 2.9 ypc average). 'Nuff said.

Dallas was off last week, and comes into week 4 sporting the 7th ranked rushing D in the NFL, allowing only 75.5 yards per game on average, with 1 rushing score allowed so far this year.

The Cowboys are rested and recuperated after their bye week. New York has no new injuries of note.

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 74 F and a low of 56F, with a 30% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down hard, the field could get slick and mucky, affecting offensive production generally.

A bottom-feeding rushing attack faces off against a top-10 defense in this contest. That sounds like a bad matchup for Martin and company to us.