Mark Wimer/Joe Bryant - Passing Matchups

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

Also note, just because a player has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your league. If Randy Moss 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. In the same way, if the worst WR on your roster has a "great" matchup, that doesn't necessarily mean you start him, it just means he'll likely fare better this week than he normally would.

Bottom line, the cheatsheets are the final word.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

As we begin the year's regular season Matchups, a couple of additional notes are in order. First of all, due to the early Thursday game, the injury information is clearly not as firm as we'd like it but we're working information we have.

Secondly, defenses play vanilla schemes and a lot of back-up talent during preseason, so looking at statistics from these games in aggregate isn't very informative regarding the starting lineups' performance. For that reason, we will use the final 2003 defensive statistics (where appropriate) and look at week 3 preseason games (when most teams play their starters for at least half the game) to give us an indication of how the respective units are shaping up heading into 2004.

St. Louis' Passing Attack vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup)

Mike Martz's offense faces a newly-minted defensive coordinator - Clancy Pendergast, a longtime NFL assistant (LB coach in Cleveland during 2003). As our Jason Wood pointed out in his coaching carousel article, "Unfortunately for Cardinals' fans, Green has never put much emphasis on defense, and Clancy Pendergast isn't going to be confused for a defensive guru anytime soon."

That's good news for the owners of Marc Bulger, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, who lead one of the NFL's most explosive passing games against the Cardinals in week 1. Holt in particular was hot in preseason, torching the Redskins for 7/143/1 in his time during the week 3 exhibition. We think that the Rams will be solid through the air this year, and project Bulger to finish the season as the 12th best fantasy QB in the land when it is all said and done.

The Cardinals are hurting in their secondary, with S Dexter Jackson placed on the PUP list and unavailable to start 2004, and Ifeanyi Ohalete missing time due to an ankle injury. They were subpar in this department in 2003, allowing an average of 224.3 passing yards per game (29th in the NFL) and 29 passing scores in 16 games. They did hold Rich Gannon and company in check in the week 3 exhibition game, 12/21 for 161 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions, so the unit is doing some good things to begin 2004.

St. Louis comes into the game in good health.

This game is being played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather won't be a factor.

The Rams are lethal, especially in the friendly confines of their home dome, and the Cardinals are usually unimpressive in this phase of the game. Advantage, St. Louis.

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

New England's Tom Brady has hummed through preseason and he is hitting on all cylinders. The guy has looked basically automatic in his time on the field, going 18/27 for 217 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception against the 2003 NFC champs during the week 3 exhibition game. We think Brady is going to enjoy a solid 2004 campaign, and project him to land solidly in the top 10 among fantasy QBs at the end of the year (#7 in FP).

The Indianapolis defense was pretty stout against the pass in 2003, allowing a mere 175.6 passing yards per game on average (#5 in the NFL). They were solid against the Bills in the week 3 preseason game, containing Drew Bledsoe and company to 18/33 for 203 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions. The secondary is one of the solid units on the Colts' squad.

Several of the Colts' key DBs are dinged up coming into the opener, with SS Mike Doss nursing a sore shoulder and a tweaked Achilles; LCB Nick Harper dealing with a sore shoulder, and backup CB Joseph Jefferson out until early October with an injured knee. WR David Givens has a leg injury that hampered him during preseason, and WR Troy Brown is nursing a minor leg injury coming into regular season. TE Zeron Flemister is on IR and out for the season (foot).

The forecast for Thursday calls for a high of 75F and a low of 61F at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA - but the real story is going to be if and how hard it rains at game time. The early forecasts calls for a 60% chance of rain, but with the remnants of a giant hurricane hovering in central Georgia and penetrating inland, it's really anybody's guess what conditions will be like at game time. Keep an eye on the forecast as game time approaches - the field could be waterlogged and slick come Thursday night.

Brady and company are really hot coming into this game, while the solid Colts' unit is dinged up and visiting Foxboro. Remember, the weather is a definite X factor - we give Brady and company just a slight edge coming into the game.

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

Chad Pennington just signed a huge contract extension, and is ready to rock and roll into the 2004 season at the helm of the Jets. During preseason, he has had only limited opportunities to work with some of his receivers (Santana Moss missed time due to hamstring problems, and Wayne Chrebet is fighting through a groin injury), so the regular season opener will be a time for the lineup to start to find a rhythm. Imported free agent WR Justin McCareins has been solid during the exhibition season, and should help free up the other receivers as he is a solid threat across from Moss. We think that Pennington is due for a fine season, and project him to put up 3,600+ passing yards and 22 TDs during 2004 (14 interceptions) good for 10th among all fantasy QBs.

Pennington and company welcome the Bengals to town to inaugurate the season. Cincinnati continues to be a work in progress, and fielded a pass D that ranked 24th in the NFL last season, allowing 212.6 passing yards per game on average (23 pass TDs given up in 16 games). This year, during the week 3 exhibition game, rookie QB Matt Schaub and the Falcons torched the secondary for 18/25 for 258 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions - it's fair to say that the Bengal's pass D isn't where they'd like to be just yet.

Bengal's SS Rogers Beckett is said to be day-to-day with a head injury coming into this game.

The forecast for Giants' Stadium calls for a high of 79F and a low of 60F, with a 30% chance of rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Pennington and his compatriots can mount an aggressive attack when everyone is on the same page, and the Bengals just aren't too good at pass defense - the edge goes to the home team Jets in this matchup.

Buffalo's Passing Attack vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup)

Bill's head coach Mike Mularkey brought along his QB coach from Pittsburgh, Tom Clements, and installed him as the offensive coordinator - they are trying to resuscitate the Bill's passing attack,

Last season is one Drew Bledsoe would like to forget. 274/471 for 2860 yards, 11 TDs and 12 interceptions does not make for happy fantasy owners, either. The great news is that 1).The Bills have a new offense and 2). top WR threat Eric Moulds is actually healthy this season. Both of these facts should help immensely. In preseason action week 3, Bledsoe looked solid, tossing 11/19 for 117 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions before giving way to the backups. It's an encouraging way to enter regular season, anyway.

Jacksonville was in the middle of the NFL pack in pass D last year, allowing an average of 203.2 passing yards per game (18th in the NFL) and giving away 23 passing scores in 16 games. In an encouraging sign during their week 3 exhibition vs. Green Bay, the Jags corralled Brett Favre (9/14 for 127 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions), ending the day allowing 18/34 for 207 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions to the Packers' powerful pass attack. That's a good way to commence a new year's slate of 16 games.

Buffalo has two injured backup QBs (JP Losman, broken leg; Travis Brown, knee) who are sidelined indefinitely. Jacksonville's secondary enters the game in good shape.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 72F and a low of 53F with a 20% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Bledsoe and company will be tested by the Jaguars' D - we think they have the talent to look pretty good in their home opener. Home field advantage swings the edge to the Bills in this matchup.

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

Denver will be welcomed to Arrowhead stadium by the Chiefs and their new defensive coordinator/old head coach Gunther Cunningham, who is attempting to revitalize the flaccid KC Defense.

Denver is trying to jump-start their passing attack, so it will be interesting to see which unit is more on the ball. Ashley Lelie has been really quiet during preseason, and there is little evidence that he is secure in his #2 role across from Rod Smith. Darius Watts may mount a serious challenge for #2 if Lelie doesn't get a fire lit early on in the regular season. Plummer hasn't looked dominant during preseason, going 12/22 for 159 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception in his extended appearance against the Texans. He's been uninspiring enough to slip into the very bottom of the fantasy top 20 among QBs (19th), currently projected to pass for only 2,800+ yards, with 19 TDs and 16 interceptions. Last season, he only passed for 220 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions against the Chiefs in week 5, followed up by 238 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions in the week 14 contest. Decent, but not exciting. Surprise winner of the TE derby, Jeb Putzier, should see some significant action in his role as Shannon Sharpe's replacement.

The Chiefs' biggest vulnerability in 2003 was their weak D, and they ranked 20th in the NFL allowing 210.2 passing yards per game, on average (19 TDs surrendered). The Browns slapped down 18/39 for 212 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions on them in week 3 of the preseason, so it appears that the Chiefs haven't improved measurably during the offseason.

Both teams come into the game tolerably healthy.

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 81F and a low of 56F with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Denver looks disordered coming into 2004, and the Chiefs have a lot to prove on D. This looks like a neutral matchup between two units searching for answers.

Philadelphia's Passing Attack vs. The New York Giants Defense (Good Matchup)

The Giants are sporting a new defense coordinated by Tim Lewis, who was Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator during the past few years. He inherits a D that ranked 25th in total yards allowed per game during 2003.

Donovan McNabb had an up-and-down season against the Giants last year, pitching a sorry 9/23 for 64 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception against them in week 7 last year, but dissecting them for 24/30 for 314 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions in week 11. Overall, McNabb was a fantasy disappointment in 2004, starting very slowly before regaining his top form late in the season, and ending up 13th among all fantasy QBs. This season, we expect him to avoid the faltering beginning of the season, thanks to his new, bona-fide stud #1 WR Terrell Owens, and see McNabb as the #3 fantasy QB over the 2004 season. He has been O.K. in preseason (8/19 for 105 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. Pittsburgh in the week 3 exhibition), but needs to complete more passes if he is to live up the fantasy expectations owners have of him.

The Giants played poor pass D last season, allowing an average of 213 passing yards per game, and gave away 25 passing TDs in the bargain. They smothered the Jets in week 3 of the preseason, allowing a mere 9/21 for 99 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions during the game, so it looks like the secondary is heading in the right direction.

The Eagles come into the game mostly healthy, though Owens recently had an abdominal strain that cost him a practice. The Giants' unit is healthy.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 80F and a low of 60F with a 30% chance for rain. Keep an eye on the forecast as Sunday approaches to judge how heavy the rains may be - it could get sloppy.

Philly begins their quest for the Super-Bowl against this division rival, and they should have the upper hand in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field.

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

The Steelers will face an Oakland defense crafted by Rob Ryan, son of the legendary Buddy Ryan, a first time defensive coordinator who was the Patriots' LB coach during both Super-Bowl seasons.

Pittsburgh managed to get all the main components into training camp (eventually), and have Tommy Maddox back at the helm for this season as the starting QB. Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress are the top options in the passing attack, with Antwaan Randle-El looking for opportunities to contribute as well. It's a very solid lineup to throw into battle. Maddox was a serviceable #2 fantasy QB last year (16th overall), and we project him to finish in the #2 QB range again this season (#23 overall). Maddox has looked adequate in his playing time during preseason, with 4/6 for 53 yards, 0 TD' s and 0 interceptions during his brief week 3 exhibition appearance.

Oakland's pass D was substandard last year, ranking 22nd in the NFL allowing an average of 212.1 passing yards per contest (21 TDs surrendered). Josh McCown and company shredded them for 25/22 for 284 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions during the week 3 exhibition, so the Raiders have yet to turn things around in this phase.

Neither team has major worries in the injury department right now.

The forecast for Heinz field calls for a high of 77F and a low of 55F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That's fine football weather in our book.

An above average pass offense playing in their home opener vs. a substandard pass D = advantage, Pittsburgh in our book.

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

San Diego brought in Wade Phillips to head their defense in an attempt to resurrect their once-proud days (the team was 27th in total D during 2003). As Phillips headed up Atlanta's disastrous 2003 defensive campaign (32nd in the NFL), it remains to be seen what he can do to help.

David Carr is looking to improve on his shortened sophomore season (167/295 for 2013 yards, 9 TDs and 13 interceptions in 12 games), and he has some serious weapons at his disposal this year. Domanick Davis is a dual-threat back, and Andre Johnson looks like he could become an elite NFL receiver. Corey Bradford is an explosive deep threat, while Billy Miller and Mark Bruener are veteran "security blankets" at TE. We project Carr to end up in the top 15 of fantasy QBs by seasons' end (15th, with 3000+ passing yards, 18 TDs and 14 interceptions), and Johnson to land just outside the top 10 WRs at #11 (1106 yards and 7 TDs).

San Diego's pass defense was a joke last year, allowing an astronomical and league-worst 36 passing TDs (and averaging 210.9 yards given away each week, 21st in the league). The team hopes to improve significantly, and showed some signs of improvement in their week 3 preseason tune-up when they only allowed 1 passing TD (27/44 for 269 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception by the tandem of Matt Hasselbeck and Trent Dilfer). There is clearly still a long way to go, though.

Both teams enjoy reasonably good health to open the season, but TE Billy Miller has struggled with a bad back for much of training camp.

The forecast for Reliant Stadium in Houston calls for a high of 90F and a low of 67F, with a 0% chance of precipitation. It sounds like the retractable roof will be open this week.

The Texans have improved their subpar pass offense more than the Chargers have improved their subpar pass defense, and Houston has home-field advantage in addition. The Texans have an edge in this game.

New Orleans' Passing Attack vs. The Seattle Defense (Good Matchup)

The Saints have stumbled somewhat during the preseason in this phase - Aaron Brooks was in and out of the lineup with a quadriceps injury, and neither Todd Bouman or J.T. O'Sullivan played exceptionally well in Brooks' absence. Luckily, Brooks is well-schooled in the teams' offense and coach Haslett doesn't anticipate problems heading into the season opener. We think Brooks is a top-ten fantasy QB (ranking 8th in our final preseason projections with 3,300+ passing yards, 24 TDs and 14 interceptions on our ledger). Joe Horn remains the "man" in this attack, with Donte Stallworth poised to break out as the #2 WR there.

Seattle didn't play well in this phase of the game during 2003, giving up 217.5 passing yards per game on average (27th in the NFL) and 24 scores in 16 games. They did manage to grab 3 interceptions from the lowly Chargers during the week 3 exhibition (15/31 for 211 yards, 0 TDs and 3 interceptions was the S.D. team effort in that contest) - the secondary has done some good things in the 2004 tune-up.

Aside from Brooks' sore quadriceps, the Saints are in reasonably good health. Seattle comes into this one in good health as well.

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

An upper echelon passing attack faces a lower-tier secondary in this matchup - advantage, New Orleans.

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

Tampa has a new slate of personnel running after Brad Johnson's passes this year, with Joey Galloway in the #1 role, while veteran Tim Brown and rookie Michael Clayton form the "other" WRs on the field during the majority of sets. Keenan McCardell continues his stubborn holdout and won't be in the picture, it appears. Johnson has been steady as usual during his preseason appearances, and should play adequately again in 2004 (we project him to finish 22nd among fantasy QBs, with 3200+ yards, 17 TDs and 14 interceptions in 2004).

Washington brings their pass D to the table after a mediocre 2003 campaign (14th in the NFL, allowing 199.7 yards per game and 23 scores). Gregg Williams, a defensive coach at Tennessee before his ill-fated stint as head coach in Buffalo, is now in charge of the Redskins' talented but underachieving bunch, but the team stumbled against the high-octane Rams in week 3 of preseason, allowing 17/31 for 289 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception. Obviously, there is still a long way to go in this rebuilding project although new faces Shawn Springs and Sean Taylor should help.

Galloway is nursing a sore groin to start 2004, and Joe Jurevicius is on the PUP to start the season (back). Backup Edell Sheppard is on IR (foot). Washington's DBs are good to go.

The forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 83F and a low of 58F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That's a nice day to play football in our book.

A workmanlike passing attack faces off against a rebuilding pass D in this matchup - slight advantage, Tampa Bay.

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

Steve McNair is as talented as ever, and he brings in a good crew of receivers to this game (made a little poorer by the absence of the emerging Tyrone Calico (both knees sprained)). McNair had an awesome 2003 campaign, and we project him to pick up where he left off (5th best fantasy QB in the land, throwing for 3400+ yards, 22 TDs and 14 interceptions), which should propel Derrick Mason back into the top ten among WRs (7th, with 1148 receiving yards and 8 TDs projected). Drew Bennett will get his, too, and end up in the top 40 (805 receiving yards and 5 scores).

Miami plays a bend-but-don't break style of pass D, allowing an average of 208.4 passing yards per game (19th in the NFL) but only 12 passing scores (2nd in the NFL) last season. They have been tough in the redzone again this year in their preseason tune-ups, giving 24/33 for 261 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions to the Bucs in the week 3 contest, for example.

Two reserve safeties are out for the season for Miami (Shawn Wooden, back; Chris Akins, knee). Tennessee has Calico sidelined by his double-knee sprains, and Drew Bennett missed the final 2 preseason games with sore ribs.

The forecast for Pro Player Stadium calls for a high of 91F and a low of 77F, with a 40% chance of precipitation. If the rains come down hard around game time, the field could get sloppy and slow.

Tennessee brings a top 10 pass offense to town, and while the Dolphins have a solid D, they need some help in the form of possession time on offense, something we don't expect to see a whole lot of given the disarray on offense. Advantage, Tennessee.

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

Jake Delhomme has continued to prove he's the real deal during preseason, jamming the ball past New England's tough D in this long week 3 appearance, notching 18/31 for 201 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions during part of the game. Muhsin Muhammad is playing well, and Steve Smith has looked brilliant at points - the Panthers' aerial assault is healthy and has depth with crafty Ricky Proehl and young talent Keary Colbert also in the stable. We expect Delhomme to appear in the top 15 of fantasy QBs this season and Smith to break into the top ten at WR with 1092 yards and 8 TDs.

The Packers' pass D is a substandard unit which allowed 212.5 passing yards per game last season and 18 scores. The best CB on the squad, Mike McKenzie, is not reporting due to a contract squabble so the team begins 2004 diminished due to his absence. The Packers did smother the Jags in the week 3 preseason tune-up (17/27 for 153 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in the game), so they are finding ways to make do with McKenzie at home.

Steve Smith had a nagging hamstring injury that he is fighting through to start 2004, but he looks good to go. The Packers' LCB Michael Hawthorne has a sore back (day-to-day), and backup DBs Chris Watson (hamstring) is also dinged up. Chris Johnson, another backup DB, is on the PUP due to a leg injury.

The forecast for Bank of America Stadium calls for a high of 82F and a low of 62F, with a 40% chance of precipitation. If the rains come down hard around game time, the field could get sloppy and slow.

As long as Smith can go on MNF, the Panthers have more talent to put on the field than the Packers - the edge in this one goes to the home-team Panthers.

Atlanta's Passing Attack vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Falcons have a new-look west-coast offense, led by new head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp (the 49ers offensive coordinator in 3 prior seasons). The new Falcons' offense faces the new defensive coordinator for San Francisco, Willy Robinson (most recently the Steelers' secondary coach).

The big problem with the new WCO is that Michael Vick has been very limited during training camp with a sore hamstring, and he just hasn't had very much time/practice repetitions to absorb the system. He looked terrible in the preseason finale against the Redskins (0/3 for 0 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception with 1 fumble lost to boot), and was confused when the opposition put pressure on him with blitzes. To compound the issue, starters Peerless Price, Alge Crumpler and Warrick Dunn are missing practice to begin this week with minor injuries, further limiting the time left to Vick to try and get acclimated to the system. This new offense could get ugly for Vick really quick.

San Francisco welcomes the Falcons sporting a pass D that was strictly mediocre in 2003, allowing an average of 202.4 passing yards per game (17th in the NFL) and 25 TDs during the past season. They were lit up by Daunte Culpepper and company in week 3 of the preseason, 31/41 for 323 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception, so there isn't much evidence of improvement at the dawn of the 2004 regular season.

The 49ers SS Tony Parrish (calf) and backup S Dwaine Carpenter (knee) are likely to miss the season opener due to injuries that they are rehabbing.

The forecast for 3Com Park calls for a high of 66F and a low of 57F with a 10% chance of rain. Perfect football weather, in other words.

Vick is struggling to learn the west coast offense, but gets to open against a soft pass D - this looks like a neutral matchup from where we sit.

San Francisco's Passing Attack vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup)

San Francisco promoted Ted Tollner to offensive coordinator when Greg Knapp departed to Atlanta, so the system is not radically different in 2004. Ed Donatell, formerly defensive coordinator in Green Bay, is the new defensive coordinator in Atlanta, and joins head coach Jim Mora (a defensive coordinator with San Francisco from 1999-2003) to try and salvage something from the train-wreck that was the 2003 Falcons' defense (32nd in the league in total D, allowing 381.8 yards per game on average).

The 49ers open the season with a new starting QB, Tim Rattay, who was limited in organized team activities and training camp by a groin injury that was surgically repaired and then forearm problems on his throwing arm. However, he did get some reps in weeks 3 and 4 of the preseason, and is set to begin his campaign as the top 49er QB. Brandon Lloyd is the #1 WR, Cedric Wilson the #2 and Curtis Conway will play in 3 wide sets. Lloyd is the hottest fantasy prospect among the bunch, projecting to top 30 status among all fantasy WRs (939 yards receiving and 5 TDs during 2004). We see Rattay as a work in progress, not really worthy of a roster spot just yet (#27 on our QB board).

The Falcons took a big blow to their pass D architecture when DeAngelo Hall was lost for several weeks with a hip fracture. He was to be a linchpin in the new pass D, designed to better the league-worst 237.5 passing yards allowed per game in 2003. The Bengals were held to 23/43 for 243 yards, 0 TD and 1 interception during the week 3 exhibition, so the Falcons are about where they were most of last season in this phase, as far as we can tell.

Aside from Hall's injury, S Keion Carpenter is lost for the season due to a knee injury, and starting RCB Jason Webster sat out the preseason finale due to a sore groin, but expects to start in the season opener. The 49ers rookie WR Rashaun Woods has recently recovered from a pulled hamstring, but has seen very few reps due to his injury.

The forecast for 3Com Park calls for a high of 66F and a low of 57F with a 10% chance of rain. Perfect football weather, in other words.

The Falcons' pass D is a work in progress, as is the San Francisco pass offense. This one looks like a toss-up from where we sit.

Dallas' Passing Attack vs. The Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Vinny Testaverde and company come into Minnesota and have to face new Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell's schemes on Sunday.

It's old-school days for Bill Parcells and the Cowboys, as yesterday's stars find a new lease on life in Big D. The passing offense in particular is built around players familiar to the coach, with 40-something Vinny Testaverde slinging the football to Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn. Johnson in particular seems to have caught the eye of Testaverde, and the two have hooked up regularly during the preseason In the week 3 exhibition tune-up, Testaverde tore up the Titans' secondary for 17/24 for 240 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. During the game, the Cowboys' QBs hit Johnson 8 times for 81 yards, TE Jason Witten 7 times for 109 yards, and Terry Glenn caught 3/69 during the game. It looks like the Cowboys will have a respectable passing game out of the gates in 2004. However, don't get too excited about this offense just yet - we project Testaverde to finish 29th among all fantasy QBs in 2004 heading into regular season.

The Minnesota Pass D was unimpressive in 2003, allowing an average of 217.3 yards per game (26th in the NFL) with 17 TDs surrendered. However, they added CB Antoine Winfield from Buffalo this past offseason., so that should help bolster the pass D significantly in and of itself. Against the 49ers during the week 3 exhibition game, the secondary allowed 14/24 for 109 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions to the youthful 49ers squad. It looks like the Vikings are heading in the right direction in 2004 in this phase of the game.

Dallas comes into the regular season minus backup WR Randal Williams (right shoulder fracture). Minnesota's DBs have a couple of minor injuries to open the season - RCB Brian Williams has a knee injury to overcome, as does backup S Tyrone Carter (both are considered day-to-day starting into the 2004 regular season).

This game is to be played in the Metrodome, so weather is not a factor.

Dallas has an experienced crew headlining their attack, while the Vikings have an impressive array of talent in the defensive secondary. This looks like a neutral matchup to us.

Minnesota's Passing Attack vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Minnesota has perhaps the most lethal QB/WR duo in the league, with Randy Moss on the receiving end of Daunte Culpepper's passes more often than not. Nate Burleson has worked his way back into the #2 spot in the lineup (Marcus Robinson has been hampered by a sore hammy most of training camp), and Jim Kleinsasser is a capable pass-catching TE. Considering that both Culpepper and Moss are the #1 fantasy prospects at their positions during 2004, it's hard to imagine a scenario (barring injury) where their owners wouldn't start them this year. Culpepper torched the 49ers in the week 3 preseason tune-up, hitting 20/27 for 204 yards and 2 TDs with 0 interceptions in only part of a game. The Vikings offensive juggernaut rolls on as usual to open 2004.

Dallas brings to the table the #1 pass D from 2003, a unit that allowed a mere 164.4 passing yards per game (18 TDs over 16 games). They were decent in their week 3 game vs. Tennessee, holding the Titans and the 2003 co-MVP QB to 18/28 for 212 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions (McNair hit 7/10 for 85 yards in a limited appearance) - not a spectacular performance, but solid. It looks like the Cowboys are going to be tough to pass on again in 2004.

The Cowboys have lost a big cog in their defensive machine, as Darren Woodson opens the season on the PUP (out until week 6 at the earliest). Aside from Robinson's achy hamstring, the Vikings are in decent health coming into this game.

This game is to be played in the Metrodome, so weather is not a factor.

One of the leagues' top passing assaults crosses swords with one of the leagues' elite pass defenses in this matchup - sounds like an exciting, even matchup to us.

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

QB Joey Harrington and company come into Chicago to challenge the Bears under their new, defensively-minded head coach Lovie Smith and his first year defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. The team spent the preseason installing a new-look D in the wake of Dick Jauron's departure.

Harrington has several new weapons in his "toolbox' - Charles Rogers is now healthy and ready to play football, Roy Williams has arrived to pair with Rogers to provide a legitimate #2 threat, and Kevin Jones will put some teeth into the rushing attack, which should make finding an open receiver a lot easier this season. Harrington is a veteran now, well versed in the offense, so its' time to see what he can do with some quality targets at his disposal. We think his development will continue this season, and project him to finish 2004 as the 21st fantasy QB in the land (291/513 for 3,155 yards, 19 TDs and 17 interceptions). This week, Harrington must grapple with NFC North division rival Chicago. Last year, he didn't fare too well in his meetings with Chicago, going 23/40 for 180 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions in week 8, and then 24/38 for 238 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in the second game week 10. However, Harrington didn't have much to work with as far as WRs are concerned in those games.

The Bears were a second-tier type pass D in 2004, allowing 192.6 passing yards per game (13th in the NFL last year) and coughing up 20 TDs. They are working to improve the play here, and denied the Saints the endzone through the air in the week 3 exhibition game (19/35 for 233 yards, 0 TD and 0 interceptions) while the Saints played without starter Aaron Brooks. One element in particular is being sought by the Bears - more sacks (they were last in the league with 18 last year) - thus the addition of Adewale Ogunleye from Miami during preseason

Detroit's' squad is relatively healthy coming into this matchup, while the Bears were dealt a blow when they lost RCB Jerry Azumah (neck injury, out until November) earlier in preseason Two backup CBs, Brock Williams (ankle) and R.W. McQuarters (hamstring) are banged up to start 2004.

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 81F and a low of 55F with a 20% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Detroit has an offense that is youthful and brimming with talent, but lacking in experience at WR. Chicago has a defense in transition that is playing some good ball to open the season - this looks like a neutral matchup to us.

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

New offensive coordinator Terry Shea's system comes into this game without a clear #1 fantasy WR in the absence of traded Marty Booker. The Bears will face Detroit's defense led by new coordinator (and last year's Bears' head coach) Dick Jauron.

Here's the big question in Chicago - who will be the #1 WR for this club? David Terrell has all the tools, but hasn't delivered on his promise, yet. Bobby Wade and Justin Gage show some promise, too, but no one has come to the fore front since the departure of Marty Booker to Miami. While Shea was with head coach Vermeil in K.C. as the QB coach (click here to read an analysis of all the coaching changes this season, including the situation in Chicago, by our Jason Wood), the Chiefs never really had a star WR, but enjoyed success utilizing TE Tony Gonzalez and RB Priest Holmes' pass-catching abilities to augment the nondescript WR corps - will we see a similar scenario in Chicago this year with Rex Grossman spreading the ball around, dumping off to RB Thomas Jones, and not locking onto one particular guy? Time will tell. We think Grossman will be in the lowest tier of fantasy QBs this year (26th), so don't look for explosive performances from the Bears this year.

The Lions' pass D was bad last season, allowing an average of 223.6 passing yards per game (28th in the NFL) and surrendering a total of 26 passing scores last season. In addition to coordinator Dick Jauron, the Lions added FA talent to attempt a fix - CB Fernando Bryant from Jacksonville, and S Brock Marion from Miami being the most visible additions. The result so far (judging by preseason action) is open to conjecture - the week 3 exhibition was against the anemic passing attack of the Baltimore Ravens (15/23 for 190 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception).

Both the FA acquisitions listed above come into regular season banged up - Marion has a bruised right knee (day-to-day) and Bryant suffered a neck stinger in the final game (which have a tendency to recur) and has also been struggling with sore hamstrings. Rod Babers, a backup CB, has a shoulder injury. Chicago's receiving corps is in decent shape coming into the game, excepting the rookie WR Bernard Berrian (PUP, hamstring) and TE Desmond Clarks' tender hamstring.

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 81F and a low of 55F with a 20% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Chicago brings a largely unknown and youthful stable of receivers into this game, while the Lions continue a rebuilding project on D. This looks like a toss-up to us before the fact.

Kansas City's Passing Attack vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Chiefs/Broncos rivalry is always good for exciting games, and this year should be no different. The Chiefs' passing attack has looked pretty good in preseason, with Green tossing the ball to a now-healthy #1 WR Eddie Kennison and all-world TE Tony Gonzalez. In week 3 of preseason, Green went 12/22 for 167 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in a half of action. We expect him to enjoy an exceptional fantasy season in 2004, and project Green to finish 6th among all fantasy QBs with 3,700+ yards passing, 26 TDs and only 15 interceptions. He has historically enjoyed good outings vs. the Broncos, with 15/28 for 128 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in week 5 of 2003, followed by a 34/47 for 397 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions game during week 14.

Denver played solid pass D in 2003, allowing 176.8 passing yards per game (6th in the NFL) and 17 passing scores in 16 games last season. This year, they are playing up to those numbers, holding the Texans' assault to 15/25 for 168 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception during their week 3 exhibition game, which is a good sign for the Broncos as the regular season starts rolling.

Jermaine Chatman, CB Denver, is on IR to open the season (hand), but otherwise they are in good health to open the season. Kennison's wrist injury seems O.K., as does Tony Gonzalez's leg. Johnnie Morton is said to be contemplating starting this week, having rested his tweaked Achilles enough to get it ready for practice. Keep an eye on his progress as game time approaches.

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 81F and a low of 56F with a 10% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Trent Green has a powerful and balanced offense to direct, and he usually enjoys solid outings against the Broncos. The Broncos are no pushover on D, though, and Mile High stadium is a tough place to visit. We see this as a neutral matchup between two upper-echelon units.

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

There's a whole new offensive approach in town, under the guidance of head coach Coughlin and new OC John Hufnagel, a QB guru whose job is to get Eli Manning ready for the NFL.

Headlining the new attack is Kurt Warner, a few seasons removed from his glory days in St. Louis and looking for redemption. The usual suspects will be running routes in 2004, led by Amani Toomer and side kick Ike Hilliard. TE Jeremy Shockey has battled injuries to his foot and hamstring all preseason, but declared early this week that he would be ready for action on Sunday. We'll see on Shockey - watch his status as the week progresses. Warner has done some good things with the ball in his chances during preseason, so one can hope he is regaining his top form at last. Toomer enjoyed solid but unspectacular outings vs. Philly last season (4/54/0 in week 7; 6/57/0 in week 11).

Philadelphia had a mediocre pass D in 2003, ranking 16th in the NFL allowing an average of 202.3 yards per game (17 TDs through the air). The Steelers struggled to throw the ball on this group in the week 3 exhibition, going 12/18 for 131 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception on the day. Perhaps the Eagles can continue to build on that encouraging practice game as the regular season opens.

Reserve WR James McKnight is on IR with a toe injury. FS Brian Dawkins (knee) and CB Matt Ware (leg) are dinged up entering regular season play - both are considered day-to-day.

Warner and company have experience and talent at their disposal, as do the Eagles. Neither has a clear edge in this initial matchup of the season.

Oakland's Passing Attack vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup)

New/old defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is now in his second term as the Steelers' defensive coordinator and they are lurking in Heinz field waiting for the rebuilt Raiders' offense.

Rich Gannon has survived the challenge of Kerry Collins (for now), and looks like he is rounding back into form after losing much of last season to a bum shoulder. Tim Brown is gone, meaning Jerry Porter and Jerry Rice will see more balls coming their way in 2004 - this is the year for Porter to establish himself as a star in the NFL. The team will pound the ball with Tyrone Wheatley on the ground and force teams to stay honest on defense, which should open passing lanes for Gannon. So far, the results have been encouraging as Gannon has thrown well in his time on the field. Now we'll see if the Raiders have made it back to form for real.

Pittsburgh was solid but unspectacular against the pass last year, allowing an average of 190.4 yards per game - 11th in the NFL - (20 scores allowed in 16 games). They have some heavy hitters in the secondary (Troy Polamalu, Mike Logan) and have been decent in preseason The team gave up 17/34 for 190 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions to the Eagles during the week 3 exhibition game - they are living up to last years' standard, anyway.

Both units come into the game in relatively good health, with no major problems to report.

The forecast for Heinz field calls for a high of 77F and a low of 55F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That's fine football weather in our book.

Gannon and company were the league's most lethal offense two seasons ago, but collapsed badly in 2003. Their road back from the nightmare goes through a respectable pass D in the Steelers' home field - this looks like an even matchup to us.

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

Despite spending a big pile of money and a first round pick on Phillip Rivers, Drew Brees comes into the season opener as the team's #1 QB (for now, anyway). After a horrible 2003 campaign, Brees has played with consistently solid results during the 2004 preseason Aside from WR Eric Parker, who has established himself as the #1 during the exhibitions, it is unclear who else will lay claim to the #2 position - Reche Caldwell has been a major bust up to this point, Tim Dwight is injured and Kassim Osgood has never been much of anything, to date. The offense on this team still goes through LaDainian Tomlinson, so it's hard to get too excited about anyone else from a fantasy standpoint, at least until they give us reason to believe in them during regular season action.

Houston's D was terrible in this phase last season, allowing 232 passing yards per game on average (31st in the NFL) and 22 scores over 16 games. They have played down to the same level this season, giving the Broncos 18/32 for 293 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in the week 3 exhibition game. They clearly have a ways to go before the Texans can claim respectability in this phase of the game.

As noted above, Tim Dwight has a hamstring problem hampering him to start 2004. San Diego's DBs are good to go for the opener.

The forecast for Reliant Stadium in Houston calls for a high of 90F and a low of 67F, with a 0% chance of precipitation. It sounds like the retractable roof will be open this week.

A poor passing game will probe a soft pass D in this matchup - sounds even to us.

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

Matt Hasselbeck is in charge of one of the league's best aerial attacks. They have 3 solid, veteran WRs in Darrell Jackson, Koren Robinson and Bobby Engram, 2 impressive TEs in Itula Mili and Jerramy Stevens (who seems to be on top of his game, finally) and an elite, pass-catching RB in Shaun Alexander. All the pieces are in place for an explosive season, and that's why Hasselbeck is our #4 fantasy QB in the final preseason projections (3,800 + passing yards, 28 TDs with 15 interceptions).

The dangerous Seahawks bring their weapons to bear against the New Orleans Saints to open the season. New Orleans fielded a top-ten secondary in 2003, allowing only 187.1 passing yards per game on average (8th in the NFL) while surrendering 20 passing scores. They are in form again in 2004, holding Chicago to 14/31 for 170 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in the 3rd preseason tune-up. The Saints know how to defend the pass.

New Orleans' RCB Fred Thomas (foot), backup CB Jason Craft (abdominal) and reserve CB Deveron Harper (hamstring) all enter the regular season with minor injuries (day-to-day). The Seahawks are in good health to open 2004.

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

An elite offense visits a top defense in the D's house - sounds like a neutral matchup to us.

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

It was announced this week that the Dolphins are going to stick with oft-challenged Jay Fiedler as the starting QB, at least for now. It's a dubious honor, as the Dolphins' offense is a shambles. There is no discernible rushing attack, and that allows teams to key on the passing game and dare the Dolphins to beat them with the run (which they don't seem equipped to do). Chris Chambers, Marty Booker and Randy McMichael are some good to great players, but its' going to be tough to get them the ball - especially as Booker is new to the team and Fiedler has (once again) the disadvantage of having split reps with his backup for much of the preseason This is an ugly situation, folks.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, Tennessee doesn't have a good pass D. They allowed 225.4 passing yards per game last season (30th in the NFL), and don't shut people down often. Vinny Testaverde put up 17/24 for 240 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception against them during only part of the week 3 exhibition game, so the Titans are in the same place they were last season - not terribly good on pass D.

Marty Booker has struggled with a sore hamstring at points during preseason Samari Rolle, CB Tennessee, has a sore ankle, and two reserve DBs Thomas Wright (ankle) and Tony Beckham (knee) enter 2004 sidelined by injury.

The forecast for Pro Player Stadium calls for a high of 91F and a low of 77F, with a 40% chance of precipitation. If the rains come down hard around game time, the field could get sloppy and slow.

The Dolphins disarray makes their players a hazardous pick to start for fantasy squads, but this is a decent matchup for them. We call it even between the limping Miami team and the soft Tennessee secondary.

Green Bay's Passing Attack vs. The Carolina Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Brett Favre is a fine quarterback surrounded with exceptional weapons - a great pass-catching RB in Ahman Green, 3 solid WRs in Javon Walker, Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson, and TE Bubba Franks. He can pick and choose his places, and has the accuracy and arm strength to deliver the ball anywhere on the field. He should easily cross the 3300 yard mark in 2004, with 28 TDs and 19 interceptions (11th fantasy QB on our final preseason projections). The Packers' offense is a machine.

Carolina sports a top-ten D that ranked 9th vs. The pass in 2003, allowing an average of 187.7 yards per game and 19 scores in 16 games. They were punctured by Tom Brady in the week 3 exhibition game (18/27 for 217 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in only part of a game) - it remains to be seen if the Panthers can play up to their 2003 levels this season.

Two reserve DBs are out for the Panthers at the start of 2004 - Hank Poteat is out indefinitely with a thumb injury, and Damien Richardson is on IR with a neck problem. After some early preseason injury challenges, the principles for Green Bay are all in good health for the opening of regular season.

Green Bay is a top squad, while the Panthers have home-field advantage and the confidence from being last years' NFC champs. This looks like a neutral matchup for MNF to us.

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

This game is a rematch of the AFC championship game, when Manning endured a tough performance, going 23/47 for 237 yards, 1 TD and most memorably, 4 interceptions to lose a trip to the Super-Bowl. With the interceptions, he had a rough time against these guys in their last meeting. However, the disaster was so atypical of Manning's usual play that we just can't see a repeat to open the regular season on ABC's special Thursday night season kickoff broadcast. The stars always strive to elevate their game when the whole nation is watching, and this game should be no exception.

The Patriots had a bend-but-don't break pass D last year, giving up 202 passing yards per game on average (15th in the NFL) but only surrendering 11 pass TDs all season (the fewest passing TDs allowed in the league last year). However, they have been stumbling in their preseason contests during 2004, and the Carolina Panthers slapped down 25/43 for 288 yards and 2 TDs with 0 interceptions on the Patriots in their week 3 exhibition game. The Patriots went 1-3 in preseason action, (but all the starters sat during the week 4 contest because of the early Thursday game this week). Still, the team's lack of success during the preseason is worth noting.

Backup QB Joe Hamilton has sore ribs coming into the Colts' opener, and two of their backup WRs, Brad Pyatt (thigh) and Troy Walters (broken arm) are out. The Patriots are without backup S Guss Scott, who is on IR due to a knee injury.

The forecast for Thursday calls for a high of 75F and a low of 61F at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA - but the real story is going to be if and how hard it rains at game time. The early forecasts calls for a 60% chance of rain, but with the remnants of a hurricane hovering in central Georgia and penetrating inland northwards, it's really anybody's guess what conditions will be like at game time. Keep an eye on the forecast as game time approaches - the field could be waterlogged and slick come Thursday night.

Manning and the Colts have a high-flying offense, but playing against the Patriots at Foxboro and in probably less-than-ideal weather conditions is going to make this a tough matchup for Indianapolis.

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

This matchup features an offense under new head coach Dennis Green and new offensive coordinator Alex Wood clashing with a newly-arrived defensive coordinator in St. Louis (Larry Marmie, replacing Lovie Smith who is now Chicago's head coach). Injuries are also a huge factor in this matchup.

Josh McCown has a lot of talent, but is lacking in players to go after the ball for him right now. Anquan Boldin is waiting for his surgically repaired knee to heal, and #2 and #3 WRs Larry Fitzgerald (ankle) and Bryant Johnson (foot injury) haven't played in the preseason at all. The OL is leaking pass rushers like a sieve, to top off the list of challenges facing McCown in this phase of the game. In the week 3 exhibition against Oakland, for example, McCown and company got sacked 4 times, and McCown fumbled twice, losing the ball once. He's going to feel pressure unless and until the OL proves they can slow down the opposition on their way to the QB.

St. Louis, on the other hand, sported a second-tier pass D in 2003, allowing an average of 192 passing yards per game, with 23 pass TDs surrendered last season. They were stout against Washington in week 3 of the preseason, allowing a total of 143 net yards passing and no TDs, so the Rams are moving in the right direction to begin 2004.

The Rams will play 2004 without CB Travis Fisher (arm injury), and DeJuan Groce enters the regular season nursing a sore knee (day-to-day).

This game is being played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather won't be a factor.

The Cardinals' offense is beset by challenges to start the regular season, and the Rams are playing pretty well coming into the games that count. Advantage, St. Louis.

Baltimore's Passing Attack vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup)

Kyle Boller isn't expected to win games with his arm. The Ravens just ask him not to lose the games, so his fantasy numbers aren't impressive most weeks in such a conservative passing attack. His best receiver, TE Todd Heap, has been nursing a bruised shoulder that cost Heap the last two preseason tune-ups. The most experienced Baltimore WR, Travis Taylor, has also been sidelined with a groin injury, so it's a good thing that the Ravens don't rely on Boller to win their games for them. He put up 9/14 for 93 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions during part of the week 3 contest vs. Detroit, for example.

Cleveland's pass D was pretty stout in 2003, allowing a mere 177.9 passing yards per contest and 13 total TDs all season (of course, the team was soft against the run, so teams didn't need to throw at them all that often). During their week 3 preseason game against Kansas City, the Chiefs slapped down 27/40 for 313 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions so the Browns haven't been meeting their 2003 standard at points during preseason

As detailed above, the Ravens are banged up coming into this game. Meanwhile, the Browns' DBs are in pretty sound health, with no major complaints to report.

The forecast for Cleveland Browns' Stadium calls for a high of 78F and a low of 62F, with a 20% chance of rain. It should be a great day to play football, assuming the remnants of Hurricane Frances has blown itself out by next Sunday (as is most likely).

Baltimore doesn't throw very often, and they have limited options to employ when they do want to pass. The Browns aren't coming into this game smoking hot on pass D, but they have home-field advantage so we give them the edge in this matchup.

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

The Bengals bring their team in to face the Jets and their new defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, who arrived in the offseason. from Baltimore (where he coached the Ravens' secondary).

The big story in Cincinnati is the development of new starting quarterback Carson Palmer. He has an array of solid receivers around him (Chad Johnson headlining, with Peter Warrick and Kelly Washington returning to full health and ready to contribute during regular season) and a respectable running game to keep opposing defenses honest - the stage is set for Palmer to succeed. Now, the hard part is up to him. Against the Atlanta Falcons during week 3 of the preseason, Palmer posted a modest outing, throwing 12/26 for 171 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception. We think Palmer will have his ups and downs during the 2004 season, and project him to finish 17th among all fantasy QBs when it's all said and done this year.

Palmer and company open the season against a Jets D that ranked 10th against the pass in 2003, allowing an average of 189.1 passing yards per game (14 passing scores surrendered in 16 games) - the secondary played tolerably well, for the most part. During the week 3 exhibition game this year, the Jets confounded Eli Manning of the Giants (4/14 for 20 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions) and limited the Giants as a team to 16/33 for 178 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions. It looks like the Jets' secondary is going to play well in the opening stages of the 2004 campaign.

Peter Warrick has been brought back into the mix at WR slowly by the coaching staff in 2004, due to a knee injury that he has been rehabilitating, but he did play in the preseason finale and caught 5/32/0 in his appearance. Kelly Washington has a sore ankle which is nagging him coming into regular season. Patrick Johnson has been placed on IR with a hand injury, and TE Reggie Kelly has a bad thumb limiting him - so the Bengals have some injury concerns at this early point of the regular season. The Jets also come into the game nicked up in this phase - LCB Donnie Abraham has a sore knee, FS Jon McGraw is nursing an abdominal injury, and backup CB Ray Mickens has a knee injury - all three are described as day-to-day right now.

The forecast for Giants' Stadium calls for a high of 79F and a low of 60F, with a 30% chance of rain. It should be a great day to play football, assuming the remnant of Hurricane Frances has blown itself out by next Sunday (as is very likely).

Palmer will see how he fares as an NFL starter, and he is just starting to get the crucial game-time experience that will hasten his professional development. Against a better unit like the Jets' secondary, he is likely to exhibit some growing pains. This looks like a tough matchup for the young starter.

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

Everything is different with this squad in 2004 - Spurrier is out, coach Joe Gibbs is back, along with a staff of experienced football minds (Don Breaux is the offensive coordinator). Mark Brunell is the starting QB, supported by all-world RB Clinton Portis.

How well will coach Gibbs' offense play in today's NFL? We're about to find out. Brunell won the QB derby, and has Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner to grab his passes - there is talent aplenty on the field. We figure Brunell to be on the margin of QB #2 production (#25), so he's not a guy to rely on for every-week starts (Coles is the most valuable fantasy WR on the aerial unit, projecting as the 10th best fantasy WR for 2004 (1043 receiving yards and 8 TDs).

Brunell gets a tough early challenge right out of the gate, facing the Tampa Bay defense that ranked 3rd in the NFL last year allowing an average of 169.4 passing yards per contest (16 scores). Tampa limited Miami to 19/38 for 178 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception in their week 3 exhibition, so it appears they are ready to pick up where they left off coming into 2004.

Coles continues to play despite an injured big toe that he refused to have surgically repaired in the offseason. (the doctors told him the surgery could end his career). Tampa's unit is in good health entering 2004.

The forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 83F and a low of 58F, with a 20% chance of precipitation. That's a nice day to play football in our book.

Playing Tampa is always a challenge, and this week won't be any different than any other. This looks like a tough matchup for Brunell and company.

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

New QB Jeff Garcia is surrounded with receiving talent in Cleveland. There are four very good WRs to throw to (Andre Davis, Quincy Morgan, Dennis Northcutt, and Andre King), and one rookie "sensation" with a sensational contract in TE Kellen Winslow II. So Garcia should do well during 2004. We see him as the #13 fantasy QB in the land heading into 2004, making him a very solid QB #2 for most franchises.

The Ravens' team name is almost a another way to say "defense" - they ranked #3 in total D last year, and were the #4 passing D in the NFL allowing only 175.3 passing yards per game. During training camp they added Deion Sanders and his wealth of knowledge to the DB pool (Sanders is to play nickel back), which can only make this unit even stronger. Anyway you look at the Ravens, they are a formidable opponent to face. During week 3 preseason action the Lions and their bevy of talented youngsters scraped together 19/37 for 166 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception against the Ravens. Baltimore is picking up in 2004 where they left off in 2003.

Corey Fuller, a backup CB on Baltimore's team, is day-to-day with a sore knee, and the unit enters 2004 without Dale Carter (blood clots in lung, out for the season) and Fred Weary (quadriceps, out for the season) - Sanders was a welcome addition to build quality depth. Cleveland's unit is in good health entering 2004.

The forecast for Cleveland Browns' Stadium calls for a high of 78F and a low of 62F, with a 20% chance of rain. It should be a great day to play football, assuming the remnant of Hurricane Frances has blown itself out by next Sunday (as is very likely).

Anytime you have to play the Ravens, it's a tough matchup. For the Browns offense, it's likely to be a long day.

Jacksonville's Passing Attack vs. The Buffalo Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jacksonville comes into Buffalo to face holdover defensive coordinator Jerry Grays' unit (2nd ranked NFL defense last season in total yards allowed per game).

Jimmy Smith headlines the Jacksonville aerial assault coming into 2004, and he has looked like his usual dominant self in preseason Across from him, it appears that rookie Reggie Williams has staked a successful claim to the #2 spot, giving 2nd-year man Byron Leftwich a nice set of options downfield. With TE Kyle Brady nursing a surgically repaired finger tendon, the weight will be on these guys' shoulders to open the season. We see Smith as a top 20 WR in 2004 (#17), making him the most valuable fantasy prospect on this squad - Leftwich should be a solid #2 QB for most fantasy teams - we see him as the #16 performer at his position.

Buffalo played great pass D in 2003, ranking 2nd in the NFL with an average of only 169.2 passing yards allowed per game (18 passing scores given up). However, they did lose CB Antoine Winfield to Minnesota in the offseason., a big subtraction from the lineup. They are soldiering on in fine fashion to date, though, holding Peyton Manning and company to 13/25 for 165 yards passing, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions in the week 3 preseason contest.

Aside from Brady's finger woes, the Jags are concerned with Byron Leftwich's sore right thumb (passing hand). If Leftwich can't go or struggles, the Jags may turn to backup David Garrard while he gets the thumb healthy. Buffalo's S Lawyer Milloy has a broken forearm, and his status for week one remains up in the air. He may sit, or he may play with a cast. Terence McGee, backup CB, is day-to-day with a sore leg.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 72F and a low of 53F with a 20% chance for rain. It should be a great day to play football.

Jacksonville hasn't been the hottest passing attack with Leftwich at the helm in preseason, and the Bills know how to play pass D. No matter who is throwing the ball on Sunday, this is a very tough matchup for the Jaguars.