Mark Wimer/Joe Bryant - Passing Matchups

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

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

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

Bottom line is that the cheatsheets are the final say.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

Passing Matchups

Quick Index

Great Matchups

None this week.

Good Matchups

Pittsburgh's Passing Attack vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Good Matchup)
St. Louis' Passing Attack vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup)
New England's Passing Attack vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)
Indianapolis' Passing Attack vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup)
Minnesota's Passing Attack vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Good Matchup)
Philadelphia's Passing Attack vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup)

Neutral Matchups

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

Tough Matchups

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

Bad Matchups

None this week.

Pittsburgh's Passing Attack vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Good Matchup)

Ben Roethlisberger played one of his worst games of the season vs. the Jets back in week 14 (a 17-6 Pittsburgh Victory) with only 9 completions on 19 attempts, for 144 yards passing, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions. Jerome Bettis hit for a surprise TD pass (to TE Jerame Tuman, 1/10/1) during the game, but it was a frustrating game for the receiving corps otherwise - Hines Ward led the team with 6 targets for 2/38/0 (Lee Mays led the team in yardage with 1/46/0).

The Steelers have good news on the injury front after their bye week - Roethlisberger has recovered from his rib injury and participated in all practices last week, while WR Plaxico Burress (sidelined for the week 14 game) is no longer on the injury report - his hamstring injury has healed at this point, evidently. To close the season, Roethlisberger tossed 14/21 for 221 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception vs. Baltimore in week 16 (he sat out the season finale with sore ribs) - Baltimore ended the season tied for least-scored-upon secondary, but Roethlisberger handled them with relative ease. Plaxico Burress snagged all 3 passes that came his way in week 16, for 3/97/1. Jerame Tuman grabbed the other score, with 3/26/1. The Steelers' tandem of Burress/Randle-El/Ward accounted for 9/173/1 of Roethlisberger's 221 yards (3/55/0 for Randle-El; 3/21/0 for Ward). The team looked like a well-oiled machine before their lay-off.

Drew Brees picked apart the Jets' secondary last week, hitting 31/42 for 319 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception. The Jets were 14th in the NFL last season, giving up an average of 207 passing yards per game, with 21 passing scores surrendered in 16 games. They averaged 233 passing yards and 1.6 TDs given up per contest during the final 4 weeks of the regular season - the secondary has been steadily losing traction, as you can see. They are not playing particularly well coming into this game.

The Steeler's unit is in fine shape, while the Jets' pass-rushing DE John Abraham looks pretty iffy to play this week (despite being listed as questionable, the team acts like Abraham's injured knee is in a very delicate condition). According to coach Edwards: "He doesn't have to have surgery on it. What we don't want to do is have a setback on it where he has to have surgery. He has a significant injury."

The forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 25F with a low of 15F and a 30% chance of precipitation. If snow falls heavily during game-time, footing, visibility and ball-handling will all become more troublesome than usual.

The Steelers have a very talented trio of wide receivers and a well-rested QB who has handled all the pressure the NFL could throw at a youngster without losing a game to date. The Jets secondary confounded Roethlisberger the first time he saw them, but they've gone south since that game - we see this as a good matchup for the home team, despite Roethlisberger's woes the first time he saw the Jets.

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

Way back in week 2, these teams met (the game was decided in favor of Atlanta, 34-17) - Marc Bulger amassed 24/31 for 285 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the course of the contest, tossing 13 passes to Isaac Bruce (8/102/0) and 9 to Torry Holt (9/121/1). The Ram WRs were far-and-away the most targeted players in the early-season contest, with only 5 targets for 5/21/0 going to Marshall Faulk (WR Dane Looker saw 3 balls for 2/41/0 during the game).

Since September, it's been and up-and-down season for the Rams, who come into this game on an up note, having defeated NFC West rival Seattle last week on the strength of 18/32 for 313 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception thrown by Marc Bulger. Torry Holt (8 targets for 6/108/1) and Kevin Curtis (8 for 4/107/0) led the Rams' charge last week, while Isaac Bruce fought through tight coverage to snag 3/40/0 on 8 chances. Shaun McDonald (1/31/0 on 3 targets) and TE Cam Cleeland (1 for 1/17/1) also contributed in their limited chances. The Rams utilized a plethora of targets during the game, but the focus of the offense was on the trio of Holt/Curtis/Bruce. As those 3 led the team in targets over the final 3 weeks of regular season (Holt 30 for 20/286/2; Curtis 15 for 9/138/0; Bruce 28 for 17/223/2) it was no surprise to see them headlining in the Wild Card round. Given coach Martz's love of the passing game, it would be no surprise to see another 20+ passes directed at the tandem again this week.

Atlanta's secondary was sub-par this season, giving up an average of 220.4 passing yards per game (22nd in the NFL) with 19 passing scores surrendered in 16 games. They coughed up 195 passing yards and 1.2 passing TDs per contest over the final 4 weeks of regular season, closing the season by surrendering 21/27 for 191 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception to the Seattle Seahawks. The Falcons don't scare their opponents in this phase of the game.

The Falcons' FS Cory Hall spent the bye-week struggling to recover from a concussion (not listed on Wednesday). The Rams list WR Isaac Bruce as probable to play despite groin and hand injuries.

This game is to be played in the Georgia Dome - weather won't be a factor in this matchup.

St. Louis enjoyed good success vs. the Falcons in this phase during regular season, and the Falcons have shown us nothing since then to convince us that they have improved. Advantage, St. Louis.

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

Indianapolis' Peyton Manning opened his assault on the NFL record books with a week 1 game vs. New England - the Colts lost a close decision 27-24, while Manning hit 16/29 for 256 yards, the first 2 of his NFL season-record 49 TD passes, and 1 interception. Marvin Harrison (9 targets for 7/44/1) and Brandon Stokley (5 targets for 4/77/1) snagged the scores in that game (Reggie Wayne only grabbed 1/42/0 despite seeing 7 passes). Of course, the week 1 game was a rematch of the disastrous (for Indianapolis and Manning) AFC Championship game in which Manning tossed 23/47 for 237 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions (Manning recently referred to his performance in that game by commenting "I played like a dog…").

New England closed the season by limiting Ken Dorsey to 18/29 for 189 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions in the final game of the 49'ers "Erickson Era". They've been an injury-riddled, mediocre unit during 2004. Both starting CBs, Tyrone Poole and Ty Law, are on IR, and Troy Brown has been converted from wide receiver to DB in order to help fill the gaps in the secondary. Things are so bad, personnel-wise, that the Patriots signed free agent DB Hank Poteat this week - Poteat was most recently released by the Carolina Panthers during the 2004 pre-season. Poteat played in 41 games over three NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and played in one game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He does have playoff experience - he appeared in two playoff games, starting for the Steelers in the 2002 wild-card game. As a result of the personnel problems, the Patriots slipped to the middle of the NFL pack in pass D this past year, averaging 212.5 passing yards allowed per game (17th in the NFL) with 18 TDs given up in 16 games. They allowed an average of 233 passing yards and 1.6 passing TDs per game during the final 4 regular season games.

The Colts report that pass-rushing DE Robert Mathis is doubtful to play on Sunday due to his injured knee (sprained knee ligament). CBs Jason David (foot), Nick Harper (neck) and S Bob Sanders (hand) are all probable to play for Indianapolis.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 31F with a low of 17F and a 10% chance for precipitation - that's considered nice weather in that part of the world during the month of January.

Indianapolis is playing at NFL-record levels this season, while the Patriots are merely mediocre in this phase of the game. The referees continue to call the illegal contact penalties as the league continues it's "point of emphasis"(which the Colts lobbied for after last years' AFC championship mugging) -advantage, Indianapolis.

New England's Passing Attack vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)

Tom Brady out-passed Peyton Manning in the week 1 contest between New England and Indianapolis, hitting 26/38 for 335 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception during the game - Daniel Graham (10 targets for 7/57/1), Deon Branch (9 targets for 7/86/1) and David Patten (7 targets for 4/86/1) led the team in targets and scored the TDs in that game. In last year's playoff game, the Patriots kicked 5 field goals, had a safety, and Tom Brady threw for a TD (23/37 for 237 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception were Brady's totals passing during that game).

Over the final 3 weeks of regular season, Brady threw 61/91 for 661 yards, 7 TDs and 5 interceptions, including a week 17 mark of 22/30 for 226 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception. He targeted WRs Deion Branch (17 for 13/148/2) and David Patten (14 for 5/63/0) the most in the closing weeks of regular season, while TE Daniel Graham continues to be a red-zone threat (8 targets for 5/54/2). Graham missed the season finale, but fellow TE's Jed Weaver (4/62/0) and Christian Fauria (3/37/0) saw a lot of action in his absence - the two led the team in yardage during week 17.

The Colts jumped on top of the Broncos (they led 35-3 at half-time), and stymied Jake Plummer for the first 30 minutes of game play. Ultimately, the Colts gave up 24/34 for 284 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception to Plummer last week, but they controlled the game from start to finish. The Colts' defense has not been particularly effective during 2004-05, allowing an average of 243.3 passing yards per game during regular season (29th in the NFL), with 26 passing scores allowed in 16 games. They coughed up 213 passing yards and 2.0 passing TDs per contest over the final 4 weeks of the season - the Indianapolis secondary doesn't dominate their opponents.

The Patriots have no new injuries of note to report, while TEs Dallas Clark (back) and Marcus Pollard (ankle) are probable to go for Indianapolis.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 31F with a low of 17F and a 10% chance for precipitation - that's considered nice weather in that part of the world during the month of January.

Brady and company have a lot of talent and enjoyed solid successes in their last 2 outings vs. Indianapolis - there is no reason to expect something different this week.

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

Daunte Culpepper threw almost 50 passes the last time Minnesota faced Philadelphia (in week 2), hitting 37/47 for 343 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception during the game (Randy Moss hauled in the TD, with 8/69/1 - Jermaine Wiggins (8/65/0) and Onterrio Smith (8/56/0) both hauled in 8 receptions as well, while Nate Burleson managed 5/67/0. All told, 8 Vikings caught at least 1 pass from Culpepper during the early-season game.

The Vikings come into this game on a roll - Culpepper tossed 68/102 for 988 yards, 8 TDs and 1 interception in the final 3 regular season games, and followed that up with 19/29 for 284 yards, 4 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. the hated Packers last week in the wild-card round. Randy Moss led the receiving corps with 8 targets for 4/70/2 (but his ankle was tweaked and he ended up the day gimpy and on the sidelines), while Nate Burleson grabbed 4/60/1 on 6 targets. RB Moe Williams (now injured with a severely sprained ankle) snagged 2/72/1 on 2 targets. The ankle injury to Moss is worrisome, but the Vikings have proven they can be productive in this phase of the game with or without Moss during the regular season.

Philadelphia hasn't played a meaningful game in over a month, and rested a lot of their starters during the final 2-3 weeks of regular season. The team was an above-average unit during regular season, allowing 200.8 passing yards per game over 16 contests, with a total of 16 passing scores given up in 16 games. They were right around that pace during the final 4 weeks, averaging 190.0 passing yards and 1.0 passing TDs given up per contest. The Eagles field a good, but not elite, secondary.

The Vikings list Moss as probable to play, despite the fact that he sat out of Wednesday's practice due to his injured ankle. Kelly Campbell is probable to play despite his separated right shoulder. Ss Brian Dawkins (illness) and Quintin Mikell (shoulder) are both probable to play for the Eagles.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 32F and a low of 20F with a 0% chance for precipitation. Weather won't be more of a factor than usual for this time of year for this matchup if the forecast holds up.

The Viking's offense is explosive and has a lot of momentum coming into this game - Culpepper is one of the hottest players in the playoffs. The Eagles have sat around a lot during the last 30 days - advantage, Minnesota.

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

Way back in week 2 of the regular season, Donovan McNabb was a one-man wrecking crew vs. Minnesota, with 19/28 for 245 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions (with 3/24/1 rushing) - of course, back then he had a healthy Terrell Owens to catch the ball (4/79/1). TE L.J. Smith snagged the other TD that day, with 3/26/1.

Since Terrell Owens went down to injury, the Eagles have crawled into their nest and refused to come out to test their wings. We haven't seen McNabb throw a pass that mattered for over a month, and other key starters have been bench-warmers too (RB Brian Westbrook, WR Todd Pinkston). The final 2 games have been quarterbacked by Koy Detmer and Jeff Blake, with only a brief 3/3 for 36 yards, 1 TD cameo by McNabb vs. St. Louis. McNabb finished the season with 300/470 for 3875 yards, 31 TDs and only 8 interceptions (with 42/221/3) - he had a super season, but his limited playing time during the season's final games, combined with the loss of Owens, has some observers worried that McNabb will be rusty and out of synch to start this game.

Minnesota's defense abused Brett Favre last week, intercepting him 4 times while allowing only 22/33 for 216 yards and 1 passing TD. They are usually much more giving in this phase of the game - the Vikings averaged 243 passing yards allowed per game during 2004, with 30 TDs given away in 16 games. They closed the regular season averaging 276 passing yards and 2.6 passing TDs given away per game during the final 4 weeks.

The Eagles list Terrell Owens as out (ankle), while fellow WR Todd Pinkston (knee) and TEs Chad Lewis (triceps) and L.J. Smith (back) are listed as probable to play. SS Corey Chavous is doubtful to play (he almost certainly won't, considering he has a bone broken right above the elbow).

Minnesota's secondary elevated their game last week, and shut down a powerful offense on the offense's home field - can they do it again this week vs. the Eagle's T.O.-less attack? Time will tell, but we think McNabb and company still enjoy an edge over the suspect Vikings. Advantage, Philadelphia.

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

Michael Vick only attempted 19 passes the last time the Falcons faced the Rams (in week 2 of the regular season) - he hit 14 completions for 179 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions on a day when the Falcons rushed for 38/242/2 as a team (12/109/0 were due to Vick's legs). FB Justin Griffith (now on IR with a broken left ankle) accounted for the lion's share of the receiving yards, with 4/78/1 to his credit during the game.

The Falcons are a run-oriented offense - they led the league in rushing yards from scrimmage, with 2672 to their credit in 16 games (200+ yards more than second-place Pittsburgh), while finishing 30th in the league in passing yards with 2691 over 16 games (they also threw only 15 TDs, the least among the playoff teams, and only 2 more than Kyle Boller's Ravens managed). Vick's best game in this phase during 2004 came against Denver in week 8, when he threw for 18/24 for 252 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions (with 12/115/0 rushing). In the course of his final 4 games, the most completions Vick threw in a game was 13 (twice), with a high of 154 passing yards (11/28 for 154 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions vs. Carolina). His favorite target (and the team's leading receiver, with 48/774/6), Alge Crumpler, has a torn PCL in his knee, which he will attempt to play through this week. There just isn't a lot of "juice" in this phase of the Atlanta attack.

27/43 for 341 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception was the final tally for Matt Hasselbeck vs. the Rams last week, and if his receivers could hang onto the ball on a regular basis he could have easily broken 400 yards passing and added another, game-tying score to those totals. The Rams didn't do much to stop the Seahawks last week (the Seahawks stopped themselves). The Rams allowed an average of 198.4 passing yards per game last year (11th in the NFL), with 24 passing TDs given away in 16 games. During the final 4 weeks of the regular season, the Rams were stronger than usual, limiting teams to 155 passing yards and 1.0 thrown TDs per game on average - but they regressed last week, as we saw above. They are a mediocre bunch of pass defenders, at best.

The Falcons do not list Crumpler on the Wednesday injury report. The Rams' secondary is in good health as well - injuries aren't a big factor for either squad .

This game is to be played in the Georgia Dome - weather won't be a factor in this matchup.

The Falcons' low-octane attack faces off against a so-so secondary in this matchup - neither has a clear advantage over the other (unless Crumpler is out - then this becomes a tough matchup for the Falcons).

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

The Jets struggled vs. Pittsburgh the last time they visited Heinz Field (New York lost 6-17 in week 14) - Chad Pennington managed 17/31 for 189 yards, 0 TDs and 3 interceptions during his miserable outing that week. WRs Justin McCareins (8 targets for 4/78/0) and Santana Moss (8 targets for 3/37/0) were his favorite receivers during the last confrontation vs. Pittsburgh.

Last week, vs. the generous San Diego secondary, Chad Pennington hit 23/33 for 279 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions. Justin McCareins led the team in receptions, with 8/87/0 (he was targeted 15 times during the game, three times more than anyone else), while Santana Moss was second on the team with 4/100/1 (despite a sore hamstring that was injured in practice last Wednesday) - Moss caught every ball that Pennington tossed his way. The other TD was hauled in by Anthony Becht (2 targets for 1/13/1) as Pennington burned the Chargers on a blitz while the Jets were in the red-zone. Pennington's sore shoulder didn't seem to bother him much at all last week…

Pittsburgh comes into this game off a bye week, which has improved the secondary's personnel mix (CB Deshea Townsend, who suffered a broken hand in the closing weeks of regular season, is listed as probable to play in this game despite his injured mitt). They were the league's 4th-ranked pass defense during 2004, allowing an average of 177.2 passing yards per game (Pittsburgh allowed the least yards per game and the least passing scores (14) among all 12 playoff teams) - the 14 passing scores they surrendered during regular season tied them for least-scored-upon pass defense (Baltimore was the other team). Over the final 4 weeks of the regular season, the defense averaged 196 passing yards allowed per game, with .6 thrown TDs allowed per contest. The Steeler's defense is ferocious in both phases of the game, folks.

Wayne Chrebet (who missed last week's game due to the after-effects of a concussion) is not listed on Wednesday, although QB Chad Pennington is (illness, probable). CBs Deshea Townsend (hand) and Ricardo Colclough (shoulder) are probable to play.

The Steelers are very tough in this phase of the game, and they stymied Pennington and company earlier this year. This looks like a tough matchup for the Jets' squad.

Rushing Matchups

Quick Index

Great Matchups

Atlanta's Michael Vick/Warrick Dunn/T. J. Duckett vs. The St. Louis Defense (Great Matchup)

Good Matchups

New England's Corey Dillon vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)
Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup)

Neutral Matchups

Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis/Duce Staley vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Neutral Matchup)
St. Louis' Steven Jackson/Marshall Faulk vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup)
Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup)
Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Onterrio Smith vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Tough Matchups

New York Jets' Curtis Martin/Lamont Jordan vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Tough Matchup)

Bad Matchups

None this week.

Atlanta's Michael Vick/Warrick Dunn/T. J. Duckett vs. The St. Louis Defense (Great Matchup)

The Falcons spanked the Rams 34-17 during their early-season contest (week 2 of the regular season) - Atlanta dominated the game through their powerful rushing tandem, generating 38/242/2 on the ground. Vick had 12/109/0 rushing; Duckett added 9/52/0 on the ground; Dunn scored twice while contributing 14 rushes for 43 yards. The Falcons put together a powerful team effort in the first game vs. St. Louis.

Can the Falcons be as dominant again on Saturday evening? St. Louis came into the playoffs with the worst rush defense among of the 12 teams that advanced (ranking 29th in the NFL allowing an average of 136.2 rushing yards per game during regular season, with 13 scores allowed on the ground during 16 games). They averaged 115 rushing yards allowed and .6 TDs surrendered per game over the final 4 games of the regular season, but followed up their late-season mediocrity with a strong performance vs. Shaun Alexander (who owned St. Louis earlier this season) limiting Alexander to 15/40/0 and holding the Seahawks to 20/81/0. Most of the time, the Rams aren't very solid in this phase of the game - we're not convinced that they've suddenly become a top-tier rush defense.

The Falcons played Michael Vick and T. J. Duckett sparingly in the season finale (3/13/0 rushing for Vick, 8/52/0 rushing for Duckett (with 1/11/0 receiving)), while Warrick Dunn carried the load with 25/132/0 rushing and 3/19/0 receiving in the close loss to Seattle. The Falcon's OL led the NFL in average yards per carry during 2004, generating 5.1 yards per rush as a team - the Falcon's attack is quite lethal in this phase of the game. The tandem of Dunn/Duckett/Vick generated the most rushing yards of any NFL team this season - 2672 yards total, more than 200 yards rushing more than second-place Pittsburgh, who ground out 2464 rushing yards (but needed 618 carries to do so - the Falcons rushed 524 times this year). The Falcons are the pre-eminent rushing team in the NFL right now, folks.

The Falcons report a clean bill of health. DE Tyoka Jackson missed last week's playoff game for St. Louis (ankle, questionable) and fellow DE Leonard Little was limited due to his groin injury (not listed). DT Jimmy Kennedy has a sore foot (probable). The Rams' defensive front is banged up and they may be under-strength when the game starts.

This game is to be played in the Georgia Dome - weather won't be a factor in this matchup.

St. Louis has been vulnerable in this phase more often than not, and the Falcons absolutely trampled them earlier this season - the home team has a decisive edge in this phase of the game.

New England's Corey Dillon vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)

During the week 1 game vs. Indianapolis, Dillon put up 15/86/0 rushing - he came on as the season went along, and finished with career highs in rushing yards for a season, and TDs scored in a season (345/1635/12 rushing, with 15/103/1 receiving). He enjoyed an explosive performance in the season finale (14/116/1 rushing with 1/18/0 receiving) - Dillon comes into this game on a roll.

21/78/1 was the total that the Bronco's backs managed to gain vs. the Colts' defense last week in this phase (the Broncos were down 35-3 at half-time, limiting Denver's opportunities to run the ball). The Indianapolis defense averaged 146 rushing yards allowed per game during the final 4 games of regular season (with .6 TDs surrendered per contest during that span). They were 24th in the NFL over 16 games, allowing an average of 127.3 rushing yards per game (with 12 TDs given up in 16 games in this phase). At best, the Colts' defensive front is mediocre - many weeks, they've been sub-par.

The Patriots list Dillon's backup, Kevin Faulk, as questionable (knee). DE Robert Mathis (knee, doubtful); DT Josh Williams (shoulder, questionable); LB Gilbert Gardner (shoulder, questionable); LBs Rob Morris (neck), Cato June (knee), and David Thornton (groin) are all probable for the game.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 31F with a low of 17F and a 10% chance for precipitation - that's considered nice weather in that part of the world during the month of January.

Dillon is running with the throttle wide open coming into this game, while the Colts' defensive front is suspect - advantage, New England.

Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup)

Brian Westbrook gained 138 yards combined vs. Minnesota back in week 2 (12/69/0 rushing with 5/69/0 receiving) - the Eagles racked up 17/91/1 as a team in that game (Donovan McNabb scored with 3/24/1 on the ground). He's been very effective when the team isn't resting him, totaling 177/812/3 rushing and 73/703/6 receiving in the course of 13 games this year. However, Westbrook hasn't played in a month (his last game was 12/19/04 vs. Dallas, when he rushed for 12/48/0 and caught 8/78/0), so we have no idea how "sharp" he is likely to be coming into this game. Philadelphia tied for 8th in the NFL averaging 4.4 yards per carry as a team this season. Dorsey Levens saw a good bit of work in the closing weeks of the regular season, with 12/43/1 rushing vs. Dallas and 10/44/0 vs. St. Louis (he had 1 reception in each game as well), before sitting out the season finale vs. Cincinnati. Neither player could be described as having "momentum" as they gear up for the playoff game.

29/105/1 represented the Packer's team effort in this phase vs. the Viking's defensive front last week. The Vikings averaged 123 rushing yards allowed per game during the final 4 weeks of the regular season, with .6 TDs given up per contest - Minnesota averaged 125.4 rushing yards allowed per game during the regular season (with 15 total scores surrendered during the season). The Viking's defensive front hasn't been impressive for the most part during this campaign.

The Eagles come into the game in fine shape, although G Jermane Mayberry continues to struggle with his injured triceps (probable) - LB Mike Nattiel (hyper-extended right knee) is probable to play for Minnesota.

The Eagle's offense has shown the ability to move the ball in this phase of the game during 2004, while Minnesota hasn't been particularly adept at stopping the opposing rushers. However, how the Eagle's long layoff since playing their "A" team will impact on their ability to capitalize on the Viking's weakness is an open question.

Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Onterrio Smith vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Michael Bennett was sidelined by injury to start the 2004 regular season, and Onterrio Smith didn't have much luck vs. Philadelphia during the Viking's 16 - 27 week 2 loss, scraping up 10/28/0 on the ground (with 8/56/0 receiving). Daunte Culpepper led the team's rushing effort, contributing 8/41/0 to the team's total of 19/78/0 during the game.

Last week, the Vikings' running backs were less-than-impressive vs. Green Bay, with a total of 26/123/0 as a team - but QB Daunte Culpepper accounted for almost half of the yards, with 6/54/0, while Onterrio Smith had 11/38/0 and Michael Bennett rushed for 9/31/0. The most effective of the Viking's running backs in the first playoff game, Moe Williams (2/72/1 receiving), suffered a severely sprained ankle and is most likely out of the picture for a game or two, if not all of the post-season (doubtful this week). Bennett scraped up 8/19/0 0 rushing and 3/24/0 receiving in the season finale vs. Washington (Smith totaled 5/5/0 rushing and 4/43/0 receiving in the week 17 loss to Washington). Neither of the Viking's top 2 remaining backs has been particularly sharp in the past 2 games.

The Eagles' rush defense was strictly average this season, allowing an average of 118.9 yards per game in this phase during regular season (13 rushing TDs surrendered in 16 games). They were on pace during the closing weeks of the regular season, surrendering an average of 115 rushing yards per game over the final 4 weeks of play, and averaged 1.2 rushing TDs surrendered per contest. The Eagles rested a lot of their defensive starters during the closing weeks of the season, so it's hard to gauge how prepared the squad is to play this game.

The Eagles list LB Mark Simoneau as doubtful thanks to a sprained ankle suffered in the season finale. DT Hollis Thomas (elbow) and DE Derrick Burgess (sternal separation) - both are probable as of Wednesday - are expected to play after rehabbing their injuries during the Eagles' weeks-long loaf that closed regular season. LBs Ike Reese (knee) and Nate Wayne (hamstring) are also listed as probable for the game.

The Vikings haven't been in rhythm in this phase of the game lately, while the Eagles have laid off playing "for real" since mid-December - and Philadelphia was never top-shelf in this phase to begin with. This looks like a neutral matchup from where we sit.

Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis/Duce Staley vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Pittsburgh threw both of their backs at the Jets' 5th ranked rush defense during the Steelers' week 14 victory - also played in Heinz Field - Duce Staley had 16/51/0 rushing (2 for 30 receiving), while Bettis threw down 10/57/1 on the ground during the Steelers' 17-6 victory. Staley continues to struggle with his hamstring injury, which has robbed him of some of his acceleration (according to Staley) - coach Cowher has not decided which back will start on Saturday, but has stated that both players will get the ball during the game.

Considering that Bettis led the team in rushing during the second half of the season, while Staley struggled due to his bad hamstring, we expect to see Bettis in the featured role on Saturday. Bettis had 64 yards on 37 carries in the first seven games but then ran for 877 yards in his next eight appearances before sitting out the season finale with a sore ankle. Staley, meanwhile, missed 6 of the final 9 games of the season due to his injury, and was less effective vs. New York during their recent contest. Only Staley appeared in the season finale vs. Buffalo, and it was a cameo with only 8 carries for 21 yards before he took a seat on the bench.

The Jets allowed 33/100/0 to the Chargers last week (limiting LaDainian Tomlinson to 26/80/0) - they came into the game playing well (averaging 90 rushing yards per game over the final 4 games of the regular season, with .6 rushing TDs allowed), and continued to be hard-nosed in the Wild-Card round. That's not surprising, considering that the Jets were the 5th best rush defense in the NFL this past season, as noted above, (averaging only 97.9 rushing yards allowed per game) with a total of 8 rushing scores allowed in 16 games. The Jets defenders are playing very stoutly vs. the run coming into this contest.

The Steeler's injury report defines all of the following players as probable; Bettis (ankle), Staley (hamstring), and backup RB Verron Haynes (knee). The Jets list includes DE John Abraham (knee, listed as probable, but reports out of New York sound pessimistic about Abraham's availability for the game) and backup LB Kenyatta Wright (ankle/foot, probable). DT Dewayne Robertson (thigh) is also on the list as probable.

Bettis and Staley are a powerful 1-2 combination, but the Jets are at the top of their game in this phase right now and neither Steeler back was dominant in the recent contest between these teams. This looks like a neutral matchup between top units beforehand.

St. Louis' Steven Jackson/Marshall Faulk vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup)

15/30/1 were the team's rushing totals during the Ram's week 2 loss vs. Atlanta - Marshall Faulk crept to 12/20/1 on the ground, while Steven Jackson chipped in 3/10/1. It's fair to say the Rams' backs had a forgettable afternoon vs. Atlanta (Faulk added 5/21/0 receiving on the day - his 41 total yards from scrimmage didn't help his team's cause much).

Last week, Mike Martz saw Jackson go down to a painful rib injury (Jackson was ineffective after the injury was incurred, with 10/36/0), while Faulk was effective in his limited chances to run the ball (13/55/1 rushing, with 2/12/0 receiving in addition). The Rams rushed for 27/102/1 as a team last week in the outdoors Qwest Stadium venue. This week, they get to play on the artificial turf in the climate-controlled Georgia Dome, which is the sort of venue where the Rams' offense excels. However, the unpredictability of Martz's play calling vis-à-vis his running backs is always the wild-card when analyzing the Rams' backs prospects - as we said last week, only people with functioning crystal balls can tell you when he'll feed the ball to the backs, and when he'll ignore them.

Seattle mustered 21/83/2 rushing vs. the Falcons during the season finale - they were the NFL's 8th ranked rush defense during 2004, allowing an average of 105.1 rushing yards per game. However, the Falcons are very soft in this phase of the game around the goal-line, surrendering 20 rushing scores in 16 games, which was the third-most in the NFL last year. They coughed up 113 rushing yards and 1.4 TDs per contest over the final 4 weeks of the regular season - the Falcons have the worst rush defense among the teams remaining in the playoffs, at least as far as scores allowed is concerned.

The Rams' G Tom Nutten continues to play through a bad knee (torn MCL and other sprains in the knee), while wearing a brace, but he is in constant pain and could leave the field at any time (probable on Wednesday's injury report). Jackson is described as probable to play (ribs), while Arlen Harris is questionable (hamstring). G Adam Timmerman has a sore knee (probable). The Falcon's defense comes into the game in good shape,

This game is to be played in the Georgia Dome - weather won't be a factor in this matchup.

The Rams didn't manage much vs. the Falcons in their first contest - since then, the Falcons have been less-than-impressive in this phase of the game, especially when the opposition is in the red-zone. This looks like a neutral matchup between so-so units from where we sit.

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

During the 2003 playoff showdown vs. the Patriots, Edgerrin James threw down 19/78/1 rushing with 2/13/0 receiving. He's returned to top form in 2004, with 334/1548/9 rushing and 51/483/0 receiving in 15 games plus a cameo - during this year's rematch of the AFC Conference championship game in week 1, James had 30/142/0 rushing and 3/29/0 receiving (Dominic Rhodes had 10/42/1, and the Colts totaled 42/202/1 vs. New England. James appears to be in a good position for this game.

James ran for 18/63/1 and added 2/11/0 receiving in the Colt's first-round rout of the Broncos (the team gained 24/76/3 as Dominic Rhodes (5/12/1) and Peyton Manning (1/1/1) also scored). The Colts averaged 4.3 yards per carry en route to amassing 1852 rushing yards this year, 15th in the NFL (Peyton Manning tore up the league through the air, placing the rushing game in a support role). James is the "man" for the Colts in this phase - he accounted for 83.5% of the team's rushing yardage during regular season.

New England closed the regular season averaging 88 rushing yards and .8 rushing scores surrendered per contest over the final 4 games, including their season finale (35/135/0 allowed to San Francisco's limp offense). The Patriots were 6th in the NFL this season, allowing an average of 98.3 rushing yards and a total of only 9 rushing TDs - the 49ers' total is highly atypical for New England (the meaningless non-conference game in week 17 doesn't tell us much about the Patriots' defenders). New England's rush defense is among the NFL's elite squads this year.

The Patriots list DE Richard Seymour as questionable to play this week due to his bum knee. LBs Matt Chatham (knee) and Eric Alexander (ankle) are both questionable and missed part of practice on Wednesday. The Colts come into the game in fine shape, listing only James Mungro (toe, probable).

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 31F with a low of 17F and a 10% chance for precipitation - that's considered nice weather in that part of the world during the month of January.

The Colts have the league's premier offense with one of the best RBs available, while the Patriots deploy a solid rush defense. However, the Patriots had some trouble containing James the first time they faced him this season - we see this matchup as fairly even despite the week 1 precedent, considering that home-field advantage lies with the Patriots.

New York Jets' Curtis Martin/Lamont Jordan vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Tough Matchup)

Back in week 14, the Jets traveled to Heinz Field and left with a 17-6 defeat under their belt. The team managed 32/107/0 rushing vs. the Steelers, with Martin garnering 24/72/0 on the ground (3/35/0 through the air). LaMont Jordan managed 3/10/0 rushing - neither back enjoyed much success against the league's top-ranked rush defense (the Steelers allowed an average of 81.2 rushing yards per game and a total of 8 rushing scores this past season).

Last week, vs. San Diego's 3rd ranked rush defense, the Jets put up 28/126/0 (a 4.5 yards per carry average) as a team; 18/66/0 rushing for Martin - with 4/47/0 receiving, while Jordan galloped to 7/50/0 and added 3/18/0 receiving. Martin closed the regular season with 65/320/2 rushing and 7/66/0 receiving over the final 3 weeks, and is the focus of the Jets' attack (Jordan had 24/113/0 rushing and 6/35/0 receiving in that same span).

Pittsburgh closed the regular season by defeating the Bills while playing their backups and reserves (allowing 21/96/2 rushing to Willis McGahee and company). The Steelers fielded the #1 rush defense in the NFL during regular season, with an average of 81.2 rushing yards allowed per game (and only 8 rushing scores allowed in 16 games). They surrendered an average of 94 yards and .8 TDs per contest over the final 4 weeks of the season, but those numbers were skewed by the final "exhibition-style" game - coming into the season finale, the "A" team averaged only 85 rushing yards and .4 TDs allowed per game from weeks 13-16. The Steelers resurrected their "Steel Curtain" defensive front in 2004.

The Jets squad reports no new injuries of note, while the Steelers list LBs Kendrell Bell (groin), Clark Haggans (groin) and James Harrison (groin) as probable to play in the game.

Curtis Martin and company found the going tough against the Steelers back in week 14, and Pittsburgh comes into this game in better health than they were to close the season - this looks like a tough matchup for the 2004 rushing champ and his team-mates.