Bottom line is that the cheatsheets are the final say.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

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Joe Bryant
Owner - www.Footballguys.com

Bye Weeks

Houston's David Carr/Andre Johnson
Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger/Plaxico Burress/Hines Ward
San Francisco's Tim Rattay/Brandon Lloyd/Eric Johnson
Washington's Mark Brunell/Laveranues Coles/Rod Gardner

New York Giants' Passing Attack vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup)

Kurt Warner has settled in nicely in New York, and he went into the bye-week on a good note - 18/33 for 217 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. He's 22nd on the fantasy QB board, though, largely due to a limited amount of TD passes (95/147 for 1125 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception in 5 games) - don't look for explosive performances from Warner in this system. Amani Toomer is 45th among fantasy WRs with 24/321/0 to date; Jeremy Shockey is 8th among fantasy TEs with 22/234/2 so far.

Detroit was abused by Green Bay last week, allowing 26/39 for 277 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions to Brett Favre and Ahman Green - nothing went right for the Lions' pass defense in week 6. They average 258.6 passing yards allowed per game (28th in the NFL) this season, and have given up 7 scores - the Lions are consistently soft any way you look at it. The one thing they do well is rush the passer (16 sacks to date, tied for 5th in the NFL) - the Giants are tied for 7th most sacks allowed this season (16) - Warner owners should be aware of this concern.

The Giants come into the game largely healthy (and rested after a bye), while Detroit has been doing without CB Andre Goodman (questionable) and also lists CB Fernando Bryant (groin, questionable).

The forecast for Giants Stadium calls for a high of 61F and a low of 49F with a 30% chance of rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field could get sloppy and the ball wet - not optimum conditions for scoring.

The Giants have a huge edge in this matchup, and home-field advantage to boot. They need to pay attention to protecting the QB from the hard-rushing Lions, though.

Jacksonville's Passing Attack vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Great Matchup)

Byron Leftwich is getting stronger as the weeks go by - last week, he was the #2 fantasy QB in the land, with 24/36 for 298 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions, with 3/25/1 rushing on top of the passing stats - that's a top fantasy outing, folks. The Jaguars look like Leftwich's team at this point - he's the focal point of the offense. Unsurprisingly, what's good for Leftwich is good for Jimmy Smith, who led the team with 9 targets for 7/91/0 receiving last week - Fred Taylor (7 for 3/71/1) and Cortez Hankton (3 for 3/28/1) caught the TDs.

Indianapolis pass defense is very, very poor this season, allowing an average of 293.6 passing yards per game and a total of 9 TDs to date. They coughed up 245 yards and a TD to the struggling Kerry Collins two weeks ago (but they also intercepted him 3 times). Over the past 4 weeks, the team averages 304 passing yards allowed and 2 TDs per contest. They are not a defensive unit that inspires fear in their opponents.

TE Kyle Brady came back from his finger problems last week for the Jags (5 targets for 3/18/0), while fellow TE George Wrighster continues to battle a bad back (questionable). Leftwich is questionable due to his ankle, as is WR Jermaine Lewis (concussion, questionable). Indianapolis' secondary is limping even after the bye week, and lists CB Nick Harper as questionable due to a sore elbow, while all these other guys are probable: S Mike Doss (hamstring), CB Joseph Jefferson (knee); S Bob Sanders (foot).

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

Leftwich won't see a more favorable matchup than this for many weeks. Advantage, Jacksonville.

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

Steve McNair had a very rough game against the Texans last week, with 19/41 for 210 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions - it was not his best game, by a long shot. Chris Brown got taken out by a hard hit before the half, and the team had only 9 rushes in his absence (4/33/0 by McNair) - the offense was taken out of their game by the injury. McNair hasn't been powering fantasy offenses much this season, with 84/146 for 905 yards, 4 TDs and 6 interceptions to his credit so far (18/100/1 rushing) - he's 25th in fantasy points per game among QBs, averaging 14.28. However, Derrick Mason and Drew Bennett are top 30 WRs, largely due to the fact that Tennessee is thin at WR and TE thanks to injuries/illnesses - those 2 players have accounted for 67 targets between the 2 of them (34 for 16/215/1 for Bennett (27th fantasy WR this season, averaging 8.25 FP per game) and 33 for 21/231/2 for Mason (18th fantasy WR this season, averaging 9.1 FP per game)) over the last 3 weeks.

Minnesota's pass D is weak, allowing an average of 280.2 passing yards per game (only Indianapolis is softer this season) - they have given up 7 passing scores to date. Last week, Aaron Brooks slapped down 22/39 for 249 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception on them - most teams move the ball easily on the Vikings' secondary.

Tyrone Calico (knee) and TE Shad Meier (appendix) are out. TE Erron Kinney (calf) and QB McNair (chest) are questionable to play.

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

Tennessee has a good chance to get back on track against the generous Vikings.

Minnesota's Passing Attack vs. The Tennessee Defense (Great Matchup)

Nobody is a hotter QB than Daunte Culpepper right now (18 TDs and 3 interceptions in only 5 games) - he is on pace to blow by Dan Marino's record of 48 TDs in a season (1984) All you can say is "Wow". With Culpepper going at that pace, you know that Randy Moss is off the charts (#1 fantasy WR with 26/394/8 receiving to date). Marcus Robinson is 11th right now (18/250/5), Nate Burleson is 32nd (19/322/1). Jermaine Wiggins is the #4 fantasy TE to date (15/139/2) in fantasy points per game, and he's missed 2 games due to a broken hand. This group is smoking right now. 26/37 for 425 yards, 5 TDs and 2 interceptions vs the Saints last week - that's how hot Culpepper is coming into this game.

Tennessee is not hot, having just coughed up 16/26 for 266 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to David Carr last week. They average 234.3 passing yards allowed per game to date, and have given up 11 TDs in this phase (3rd most in the NFL right now). Over the past 4 weeks, the averages are 241 yards and 2.0 TDs per game. They have to be dreading this visit to the Metrodome. CB Andre Woolfolk had a good IDP outing last week, with 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed last week (8th in the NFL among DBs).

Minnesota's Randy Moss has a hamstring injury, and his status for the game on Sunday won't be determined until Friday (after this has been posted on the website) - Moss owners need to pay attention to the late-week injury reports. The Titans are down S Lance Schulters (foot, out).

This game is to be played indoors, so weather won't be a factor.

Minnesota looks poised to dominate this phase of the game - they have a huge edge on the Titan's secondary.

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

Jake Plummer has been a great fantasy starter in recent weeks, with 11/20 for 190 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception to his credit in his most recent outing (7th best fantasy QB last week). 107/184 for 1328 yards, 10 TDs and 5 interceptions (25/99/0 rushing so far) has pushed Plummer into the top 10 among fantasy QBs, and he's averaging 18.55 fantasy points per game. Over the past 3 weeks, Ashley Lelie has begun to reward his fantasy owners, with 13 targets yielding 5/100/2, and Jeb Putzier has racked up 9 targets for 5/94/1 to lead the receivers in fantasy scoring. Rod Smith has seen 18 balls for 9/116/0 during recent weeks.

Cincinnati's defense got exposed last week, as Cleveland's Jeff Garcia hit 16/23 for 310 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions. The Bengals have usually been made of sterner stuff, averaging 204.8 passing yards allowed per game this season, with 9 scores surrendered to date, but they just didn't have any answers against the Browns last week. In fact, they average 201 yards and 2 passing scores allowed per game over the last 4 weeks, so this is a unit that is very giving right now. IDP owners liked what they got out of Tory James (5 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 passes defensed) and Kevin Kaesviharn (8 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 fumble recovery returned for a TD) as both were in the top ten fantasy DBs last week.

Denver comes into the game in good health on their unit (TE Patrick Hape (knee) and WRs Triandos Luke (thigh) and Darius Watts (shoulder) are all probable), while the Bengals are pretty banged up in the secondary - S Rogers Beckett is out due to concussion woes, while CBs Rashad Bauman (Achilles, doubtful) and Terrell Roberts (illness, probable) are listed on Wednesday's injury report.

The forecast for Paul Brown Stadium calls for a high of 68F and a low of 42F, with a 10% chance of rain on Monday night. It should be a nice, cool evening to play some football.

The limping Bengals are probably in for a long night against the Broncos - advantage, Denver.

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

The Colts' passing attack is elite. Peyton Manning threw for 16/26 for 198 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception in their most recent outing, vs. Oakland. He is second only to nuclear-hot Daunte Culpepper, averaging 24.18 fantasy points per game (104/157 for 14 TDs and only 3 interceptions to date). Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley and Marvin Harrison are ALL in the top 20 among fantasy receivers this season (6th, 12th, and 17th, respectively). Marcus Pollard (8/56/2) and Dallas Clark (2/68/1) have both made big plays for Manning when necessary. It's all good in this phase of the game for the Colts. All 3 WRs should be in your starting lineup, and Pollard probably should be considered in TE required leagues, too (12th best fantasy TE to date). Manning hardly ever gets sacked, with a mere 3 to date (tied for least in the NFL).

Jacksonville's pass defense got shredded by the Chiefs last week (23/33 for 315 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception). They are usually a lot better than that (averaging 205 passing yards per game for the season, with 7 TDs surrendered to date) - that very strong performance by the Chiefs looks more like an aberration than a trend at this point.

S Donovin Darius is listed by Jacksonville (ankle, probable) while WR Troy Walters remains out (broken arm), WR Brad Pyatt is questionable (ankle), and TE Marcus Pollard (knee) and WR Brandon Stokley (hip) are probable to play this weekend.

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

Indianapolis is an elite unit, while the Jags present a mid-level pass defense most weeks (and they are back on their heels coming into the game) - advantage, Indianapolis.

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

New Orleans ran with the high-octane Vikings for most of the game last week, and Aaron Brooks had an excellent fantasy outing (22/38 for 249 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception, with 3/25/1 rushing) - it just wasn't enough to put away the streaking Vikings, though. Donte Stallworth did a horrible job catching the ball, converting 13 chances into 4/34/0. That won't do the job in the NFL, or in fantasy terms. Joe Horn managed 7/65/1 on 9 looks as the most productive receiver on the team (as usual). Jerome Pathon was very good last week, with 5 targets for 4/92/0 - we think that he'll see more action if Stallworth continues to not tuck the ball away.

Oakland's secondary was shredded last week by the Broncos - Jake Plummer only needed 11 completions to rack up 190 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 interception. Ouch. The Raiders are typically very giving as far as points go, with 10 TDs surrendered to date (averaging 201.5 passing yards allowed per week so far). In fact, they average 2.3 passing TDs per game over the past 4 weeks (225 yards per game). SS Marques Anderson was a top IDP performer last week, with 14 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed, but he can't do the job all by himself.

New Orleans lists WRs Talman Gardner (ankle) and Donte Stallworth (rib) as questionable. Oakland's unit is in good shape.

The forecast for Network Associates Coliseum in calls for a high of 65F and a low of 53F with a 30% chance for precipitation - that sounds like good football weather, unless the rain comes down hard at game time.

The Saints are a solid unit, while the Raiders are soft - advantage, New Orleans.

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

Jake Delhomme had a very poor outing last week - 24/42 for 205 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions - vs. a charged-up Eagles' defense looking for payback (which they got). Keary Colbert only converted 2 of his 7 targets for a mere 39 yards. Muhsin Muhammad managed 6/48/1 on 8 chances - he was the team's top fantasy performer (20th fantasy WR in the land last week). There just wasn't much to brag about after the game.

San Diego usually makes their opposition look pretty good, ranking 30th in the NFL averaging 263 passing yards allowed per game (with 9 scores given up to date). 12/21 for 218 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception was Michael Vick's passing statistics vs. the Chargers when all was said and done last week. They held him down for most of the game, but crumbled in the 4th quarter. Most teams enjoy good success throwing the ball vs. The Chargers in 2004.

Steve Smith remains sidelined by his broken leg. The Chargers are good to go.

This game is to be played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte - the forecast calls for a high of 76F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field and ball could get slick and harder to handle.

Carolina struggled last week, but things should be better for Panther owners this week.

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

Brett Favre continues to be a model of the archetypal NFL QB - tough, resilient, productive. He's 9th in fantasy points per game this season (18.65 fantasy points per game) with 130/208 for 1460 yards, 11 TDs and 6 interceptions. The receiving corps is deep, with Javon Walker, Robert Ferguson, and Donald Driver all making strong contributions at various points this year. Injury concerns have cropped up lately among the trio, though, as Walker is nursing a sore shoulder and tender ribs, while Ferguson missed the last game due to knee and ankle woes. Driver filled in for Ferguson admirably, with 12 targets for 9/110/2 last week - Favre is a fantasy points machine, folks. He is also well protected (the team has allowed only 3 sacks this year, tied for 1st in the NFL).

Dallas' pass defense is ranked highly in terms of yards allowed (9th in the NFL, giving up 203.6 passing yards per game this year), but they are uncommonly generous in the scoring column, with 10 TDs surrendered to date. Over the past 4 weeks, They have been a little tougher, with an average of 189 passing yards allowed per game, and only 1.0 passing scores per contest. Ben Roethlisberger victimized them for 21/25 for 193 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions last week, though - it's fair to say that Dallas isn't consistently strong in this phase of the game. Terence Newman was picked on last week, but that made him a top IDP performer (11 solo tackles and 1 assist, 7th among all IDP DBs).

Dallas is in good health, while Green Bay lists Walker (shoulder, probable) and Ferguson (knee/ankle, questionable).

The forecast for Lambeau Field calls for a high of 60F and a low of 35F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a clear, crisp autumn day - great football weather, in our book.

Favre is pretty hot right now (25/38 for 257 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions last week), while Dallas is not playing well lately. Advantage, Green Bay.

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

Brian Griese looks like he is back at the top of his game. If not for some fumble-fingered teammates, he very well may have led the Buccaneers to an upset of the Rams last week. 27/40 for 286 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception was a fine outing. Michael Clayton did an awesome job, with 13 targets for 8/142/0 to his credit (the next-most-targeted players was Charles Lee, with 6 for 3/31/0) - it looks like the Griese to Clayton tandem is clicking.

Mark Brunell managed a mere 8/22 for 95 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception against the Bears last week, as the team welcomed back IDP star CB Jerry Azumah (2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception run back for a TD and 1 pass defensed, 5th best fantasy DB last week). The team averages 219.6 passing yards allowed per game (20th in the NFL to date), and has given up 6 scores to date - the Washington game was a strong performance. Usually this unit is pretty giving.

CB Charles Tillman continues to be sidelined for the Bears (knee, out), and S Bobby Gray is out, too (groin). Tampa is still waiting on Joe Jurevicius to play this season, and traded away Keenan McCardell on Tuesday. Joey Galloway is out (groin), Charles Lee is doubtful (knee) and QB Chris Simms is questionable (left shoulder).

The forecast for Raymond James Stadium calls for a high of 83F and a low of 67F with a 0% chance of rain - it should be a great day for a football game.

Tampa's attack appears to be on the rise, while the Bears have been fairly soft most games - this looks like an appealing matchup to us.

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

Michael Vick caught fire late in the game vs. San Diego, and put up the kind of fantasy points that his owners have hoped for all season (27.4 fantasy points last week, #4 fantasy QB in the land). He hit 12/21 for 218 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception (with 9/35/1 rushing) - Alge Crumpler led receivers on the team in fantasy points with 4 targets for 4 receptions, 54 yards and 1 TD. Peerless Price had the most chances last week, with 6 targets for 2/67/0. Dez White snagged the other TD (4 for 1/32/1). Over the past 3 weeks, Crumpler (17 targets for 10/163/1) and Price (16 for 9/173/0) are the most-thrown-to Falcons - that should continue in weeks to come. Atlanta has allowed too many sacks this season (20 to date, tied for 1st in the NFL) - that is not how you keep Michael Vick healthy.

K.C. has crept into the top 10 among pass defenses this season, currently averaging 204 passing yards allowed per contest (9 TDs given up to date). Byron Leftwich lit them up for 24/36 for 298 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception last week, though - this bunch of defenders is fairly suspect in the passing phase, despite their stingy yards-allowed average, and they are reeling after the Jaguars' attack manhandled them.

The Falcons come into the game banged up, with TE Eric Beverly out (shoulder) and WRs Brian Finneran (foot) and Peerless Price (hamstring) questionable, while KC lists CB Julian Battles (Achilles, probable).

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 48F with a 10% chance of rain. A good day for a football game is coming down the pike.

This is a good matchup for Vick and his compatriots.

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

New England's Tom Brady has only 6 more passing yards than this week's opposing QB (1157 vs. 1151 for Pennington), but ranks 13 slots higher in fantasy points per week (8th with an average of 18.8 per contest) thanks to a total of 10 TDs vs. only 5 interceptions. Brady throws to TE Daniel Graham in the redzone (23 targets for 16/159/5 on the season, 3rd best fantasy TE), while the Jets hand off to Curtis Martin (in a nutshell). The second-highest scoring Patriot receiver is David Patten (33 for 17/324/3). David Givens leads the team in targets to date (35 for 19/334/1). Last week (one week after spooking Brady owners with a mere 76 passing yards), the Patriots' QB had 19/30 for 231 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception - a very workmanlike performance, ranking 16th among all fantasy QBs last week. New England is tied with their opponent as the second-least sacked team in the league, allowing only 6 to date.

The Jets' pass D is mediocre, averaging 218.8 passing yards allowed per game (19th in the NFL) - they have given away 6 scores to date. The high-flying 49ers attack managed 18/28 for 286 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception vs. The Jets last week - the Jets are off their usual hard-nosed pace coming into this game.

New England lists WRs P.K. Sam (groin, IR), Deion Branch (knee, doubtful) and Troy Brown (shoulder, questionable), and also notes that Tom Brady is probable due to a sore shoulder, as is backup Jim Miller. The Jets say CB Derrick Strait (foot) and S Rashad Washington (foot) are out.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 59F and a low of 43F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the ball and the field could get slick and that would impact both offenses.

Tom Brady is almost surgical in his passing attack, while the Jets are only middling in this phase of the game - advantage, New England.

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

Vinny Testaverde has cooled off in recent games - the Dallas offense averages 18/30 for 221 yards, 1.3 TDs per game over the past 4 weeks - but he got the engine going last week by throwing to Terry Glenn a lot (10 targets for 7/120/0) and he hit Keyshawn Johnson often (10 for 6/61/1). In addition, the team added and subtracted talented receivers this week (trading Antonio Bryant to Cleveland for Quincy Morgan). How the arrival of Morgan plays out will be interesting to see - but right now Glenn and Johnson are the hot Cowboy receivers.

Green Bay's defense is not strong in any phase, and they have allowed an average of 210.3 passing yards per game (15th in the NFL). Detroit, with one Roy Williams tied behind their back (and Charles Rogers on IR) only managed 101 passing yards, 1 TD and 1 interception last week - but that was a function of their battered receiving corps more than a sudden Packer resurgence. In fact, the Packers have allowed the second-most passing scores in the NFL this season (13 to date) - they just aren't tough. Over the past 4 weeks, they average 219 yards and 2.5 TDs allowed per game. They don't put much pressure on the opposing QBs, either, ranking 30th in the NFL with only 8 sacks so far this year.

Dallas is in good health, while Green Bay lists CB Al Harris (toe) and S Darren Sharper (shin) as probable to play.

The forecast for Lambeau Field calls for a high of 60F and a low of 35F with a 10% chance of precipitation. It should be a clear, crisp autumn day - great football weather, in our book.

Testaverde needs a great game to quiet the critics and the Cowboys have good prospects for success this week.

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

Mike Martz's faith in his passing attack has to be at new highs, as Marc Bulger has been excellent in the last two games (18/30 for 264 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception last week; 24/42 for 325 yards, 3 TDs and 3 interceptions two weeks ago). That probably means that Bulger and company will continue to hum along at their current frenetic pace, as Martz just loves to throw the ball around the field - with Isaac Bruce (23 targets for 14/189/0 over the past 3 weeks), Torry Holt (24 for 14/205/2), Shaun McDonald (10 for 6/112/2), and Kevin Curtis (9 for 6/99/1) all playing well at WR, why wouldn't he? There is some concern for Isaac Bruce owners as he was very quiet last week though.

Miami's pass defense has been pretty stout this season, averaging 122.7 yards allowed per game (1st in the NFL) and they have only given up 5 scores to date. Last week, Drew Bledsoe managed 15/28 for 212 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions against this bunch - not a huge game, but more than the Dolphins are usually allowing.

Miami says S Antuan Edwards is doubtful due to a groin injury. The Rams are healthy.

The forecast for ProPlayer Stadium calls for a high of 83F and a low of 67F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a factor in this game.

The Rams are a high-flying bunch, but the Dolphins are hard to dominate in this phase - this looks like an even matchup between two top units.

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

Arizona's Josh McCown finally started to live up to the promise many saw in him during preseason, throwing 19/34 for 231 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 interception vs. The 49ers two weeks ago. The 3 TDs represented his first passing scores of the season - Larry Fitzgerald (6 targets for 5/94/1), Troy Hambrick (2 for 2/11/1) and Freddie Jones (5 for 2/20/1) were the lucky recipients of the points. Can McCown keep up his strong production this week? Stay tuned.

Seattle allowed 19/30 for 231 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to Tom Brady last week. They have averaged 210.8 passing yards per game thus far in 2004 (with only 5 scores given up to date), which ranks dead average in the NFL at 16th as far as passing yards allowed is concerned.

Seattle lists no one injured in the secondary, but they lost a top pass-rusher when Grant Wistrom was declared out for 6-8 weeks with a broken knee cap. WR Anquan Boldin remains out (knee), while WR Nate Poole has a sore ankle (questionable).

The forecast for Sun Devil Stadium calls for a high of 80F and a low of 61F with a 10% chance for precipitation - a fine day for a game of football is on tap in the desert.

Arizona is starting to get their offense revved up, while the Seahawks are playing fairly soft of late in this phase of the game - advantage, Arizona.

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

Miami's QBs are having trouble staying healthy, and it's partly due to their OL, which has allowed a league-high 20 sacks. That's just not good for your offense. There is some hope for the offense as a whole, as Sammy Morris managed to get the job done rushing the ball last week (18/91/0) - if he can continue that, Fiedler may find the going a little easier. He eked out 12/23 for 136 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception last week against Buffalo (Randy McMichael led the team with 3/34/0, while Derrius Thompson caught the rare TD going 1/24/1 on the day) - basically, fantasy points are hard to come by on this unit. You should probably look elsewhere for your fantasy starters right now, although McMichael is in the upper echelon of fantasy TEs with 31/370/1 to his credit this year (7th in the NFL among fantasy TEs) - but even he hasn't seen much in the way of pay-dirt this year.

St. Louis has been playing fairly soft in this phase of the game during 2004, with an average of 233.7 passing yards allowed per game (8 TDs surrendered to date). Brian Griese singed the secondary for 27/40 for 286 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception, and if his teammates could have held onto the ball, he looked poised to do more damage than that - the Rams weren't shutting down the Tampa receivers at all on Monday night. CB Jerametrius Butler was 3rd among fantasy DBs last week with 8 solo tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 3 passes defensed.

Miami says that Fiedler is probable to play despite his rib injuries, and also list WR Wes Welker as probable (toe). The Rams list CB Travis Fisher as questionable with a sore forearm.

The forecast for ProPlayer Stadium calls for a high of 83F and a low of 67F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a factor in this game.

Miami has been struggling in this phase, as have the Rams - this looks like an even matchup to us.

Philadelphia's Passing Attack vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Donovan McNabb has fallen off his torrid pace in recent weeks, and it showed last week when he threw for 14/26 for 209 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception against the Carolina Panthers. It's hardly time to panic, though, as he is still the #3 fantasy QB in the land, averaging 23.84 fantasy points per game (112/170 for 1377 yards, 9 TDs and only 2 interceptions to date). As we pointed out last week, the Panther's soft run defense made a slow fantasy outing likely (the Eagles punched in 2 scores on the ground). Terrell Owens leads the team with 42 targets for 30/487/6 and is the clear fantasy star on this squad of receivers. The other scoring threat to date has been TE L.J. Smith, with 16 for 10/150/2.

Cleveland's pass defense is middling when it comes to yards allowed (averaging 218.2 per contest), but stiff in the redzone, with only 3 scores surrendered to date (tied for 1st in the NFL). Carson Palmer managed 20/36 for 148 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception against this bunch last week - they are definitely putting the clamps on opposing receivers so far. Over the past 4 weeks, the team averages 207 yards and .5 TDs per game. Chad Johnson couldn't seem to wiggle free on most downs last week, despite the now-infamous Pepto-Bismol prank he played on the Cleveland defense (or perhaps because of it).

Philadelphia says that they are good to go in the injury department, as is Cleveland.

The forecast calls for a gorgeous autumn day (65F for a high, 50F for a low, with a 10% chance for rain). Weather shouldn't be a factor in the game if the forecast holds up.

Philadelphia has a powerful offense - Cleveland fields a solid pass defense. That sounds about even to us.

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

Joey Harrington had an off week last week - only 12/23 for 101 yards passing, 1 TD and 1 interception - but his #1 target was standing on the sidelines rather than chasing Harrington passes. Obviously, Harrington owners need to pay special attention to Roy William's status as game time approaches this week. The team was unable to do much (even playing the ultra-generous Green Bay D) without Williams in the mix. In William's absence, Az-Zahir Hakim was the #1 receiver on the team, with 7 targets for 4/49/1 - something to remember if Hakim is on your squad.

The Giant's pass defense is mediocre this season, averaging 204 yards allowed per game (10th in the NFL) but giving away 9 TDs to date - not too strong. Dallas only managed 15/25 for 126 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception against the squad in their most recent game, though - the Giants were strong in this phase before their bye week, at least (but Dallas racked up 166 yards rushing in that game, so don't be too impressed - the Cowboys didn't need to throw a lot).

Detroit lists Williams as questionable due to his sore ankle, as is fellow WR Az-Zahir Hakim (ankle). New York is coming off a bye, and should be well rested - they list no one on Wednesday's injury report.

The forecast for Giants Stadium calls for a high of 61F and a low of 49F with a 30% chance of rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field could get sloppy and the ball wet - not optimum conditions for scoring.

The success, or lack thereof, of Detroit's attack is dependent upon Williams' presence in the lineup. If he can play, this is a good matchup. If not, we see it as tough for Harrington to do much in terms of fantasy points. On balance, as of midweek, this is a neutral matchup.

Baltimore's Passing Attack vs. The Buffalo Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Kyle Boller is not a fantasy star, with 62/109 for 650 yards, 2 TDs and 5 interceptions to his credit thus far in 2004 (36th-ranked fantasy QB in fantasy points per game, with an average of 9.74). This team is about running the ball and playing defense, with passing a distant 3rd. The Ravens' best healthy wide receiver, Randy Hymes, ranks 42nd in the fantasy WR ranks with 16/226/2 receiving, but he has been strong some weeks in the absence of Todd Heap and Travis Taylor (only 2/34/0 in the most recent game, though). There just isn't much to get excited about here.

Buffalo is in the middle of the NFL pack at defending the pass, allowing an average of 207.8 passing yards per game (14th in the NFL) and 6 scores to date. The limp Miami attack only managed a 12/23 for 136 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception performance last week, though. 6 passing scores in 5 games is not terribly bad as far as pass defense goes.

Buffalo has been doing without CB Troy Vincent (knee, out) lately. S Lawyer Milloy is questionable (forearm) Baltimore comes off a bye week and lists TE Todd Heap (doubtful) and WR Travis Taylor (questionable). Injuries are a factor for both of these squads right now.

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 53F, with a 30% chance of rain. If the precipitation is coming down hard at game-time, the field and ball could get slick, making footing and ball-handling an issue.

Baltimore just isn't a strong fantasy squad in this phase, while the Bills are mediocre in this phase. That sounds ugly but even to us - we call it a toss-up.

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

Oakland's passing attack is struggling with Kerry Collins at the helm. In his chances, Collins has put up 80/140 for 846 yards, 2 TDs and 8 interceptions (2 fumbles lost, too). Jerry Rice is a Seahawk now, so what few yards and TDs there are to be had will be distributed among Jerry Porter (19 targets for 9/90/0 over the past 3 weeks), Doug Gabriel (14 for 4/61/0), and Ronald Curry (22 for 17/166/0), as the most likely targets. However, TE Courtney Anderson is the only receiver to have scored during that 3-week span (10 for 8/109/1).

New Orleans was totally destroyed by Daunte Culpepper last week, torched for 26/37 for 425 yards, 5 TDs and 2 interceptions (with Randy Moss out for the second half of the game). It was an embarrassing defensive performance, to say the least. The Saints are now 29th in the NFL averaging 263 passing yards allowed per week (9 scores to date). Over the past 4 weeks, the average is 286 yards and 2.0 TDs per game. That's pretty poor, folks.

Oakland lost Rich Gannon for the season (officially) this week. WRs Ronald Curry (hamstring) and Doug Gabriel (hamstring) are questionable. New Orleans lists CB Ashley Ambrose as doubtful (knee).

The forecast for Network Associates Coliseum in calls for a high of 65F and a low of 53F with a 30% chance for precipitation - that sounds like good football weather, unless the rain comes down hard at game time.

Both units are weak in this phase, making this an even matchup.

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

The Jets just haven't needed to throw the ball much with Curtis Martin's resurgence, and Santana Moss has been struggling to get on the field due to a bad hamstring. Those circumstances have led to a lackluster fantasy season for Chad Pennington (107/152 for 1151 yards, 5 TDs and 2 interceptions, 21st among fantasy QBs in fantasy points per game to date). Despite the missed time, Moss is still the top Jet WR (47th in fantasy points per game with 11/231/0 on the season) - but that isn't saying much. Moss, Justin McCareins and Wayne Chrebet all have donuts in the TD column to date. Needless to say, fantasy points are very rare in these parts, folks.

New England fields the league's 22nd ranked pass defense in terms of yards allowed (225.8 per game to date in 2004), but have yielded only 4 passing scores so far (tied for second-least in the NFL to date). Matt Hasselbeck threw for 349 yards against the Patriots last week (atypically high), but didn't toss a TD and also threw 2 interceptions during the game. The Patriots have allowed an average of only less than 1 TD per game over the past 4 weeks (but 256 yards, well off the seasonal pace).The Patriots have 19 sacks (3rd most in the NFL) - the Jets aren't too susceptible to pass pressure, though, ranking 2nd (tie) in the NFL with only 6 sacks given up. Eugene Wilson was a top IDP DB last week, with 11 solo tackles, and 1 fumble recovery.

New York lists Moss as probable to play this week (he missed the game last week). New England says that CB Tyrone Poole is questionable (knee).

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a high of 59F and a low of 43F, with a 30% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the ball and the field could get slick and that would impact both offenses.

The Jets have weapons but just don't throw to them in the redzone to date, while the Patriots are a stingy pass defense - this looks like a tough week to own Jets' receivers.

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

Jeff Garcia was on target last week, turning in a top-5 fantasy performance (3rd in the NFL with 16/23 for 310 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions passing). He tied the record for longest TD pass (99 yards to Andre' Davis) - it was all good for the Browns in this phase last week. One concern, though, is that Andre' Davis hurt his big toe last week. The Browns traded for Antonio Bryant with Dallas (giving up Quincy Morgan). Will Bryant develop into a top target for Garcia? We think it's certainly possible, depending on how quickly he can get comfortable with his new teammates It will be interesting to see how good a fit Bryant is this Sunday.

Philadelphia has an aggressive pass defense that pressures opposing QBs mercilessly (20 sacks to date, tops in the NFL). They are 23rd in yards allowed (averaging 226.4 per contest), but have only surrendered 5 scores so far. Jake Delhomme had a miserable game against this bunch last week, with 24/42 for 205 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions (one of which was returned for a TD by CB Lito Sheppard). They are a tough team to play.

Cleveland lists Davis as questionable to play. CBs Roderick Hood (Achilles) and Dexter Wynn (hamstring) are probable for the Eagles.

The forecast calls for a gorgeous autumn day (65F for a high, 50F for a low, with a 10% chance for rain). Weather shouldn't be a factor in the game if the forecast holds up.

Cleveland faces a stern test at home this week.

San Diego's Passing Attack vs. The Carolina Defense (Tough Matchup)

San Diego's passing attack took a blow this week when the team learned that Reche Caldwell has been lost for the season due to a torn ligament in his right knee. Caldwell was second on the team with 29 targets for 18/310/3 receiving (TE Antonio Gates leads the team with 51 targets for 37/422/3 - he's also the 2nd best fantasy TE around, with an average of 10.03 fantasy points per game this year). Tampa Bay traded their holdout WR Keenan McCardell to San Diego on Tuesday, but how close McCardell is to game-shape after such a long hiatus from the field remains to be seen. Largely in Caldwell's absence last week (he saw 1 target for 1/9/0 in the game), Eric Parker saw 7 balls for 6/76/1 receiving while Gates was most-thrown-to with 8 targets for 6/80/0. Drew Brees continued his solid play with 23/31 for 227 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the close loss to Atlanta.

Carolina looks like a shambles on defense this season overall, but they are actually pretty tough vs. The pass, holding Donovan McNabb and company to 14/26 for 209 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception on the day. The team averages only 174.6 passing yards allowed per game, with a mere 3 passing scores surrendered to date. Some, but not all, of that stinginess is due to their extreme softness vs. The run (30th in the NFL at 143.4 rushing yards allowed per game), but in fantasy all you need to know is that the Panthers aren't giving up a lot of yards or scores in this phase of the game for whatever reason. Over the past 4 weeks, they average only .7 TDs and 191 yards given up.

Aside from Caldwell, the Chargers list WR Tim Dwight (toe, probable). The Panthers say S Colin Branch is probable (thumb).

This game is to be played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte - the forecast calls for a high of 76F and a low of 51F, with a 30% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field and ball could get slick and harder to handle.

Carolina is tough to pass on, while the Chargers are going to be adjusting to life without Reche Caldwell this week - this looks like a difficult matchup for Brees and company.

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

Seattle has dropped two games in a row, and it's largely due to the dropsies on the part of Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson. Robinson just hasn't been getting a handle on the ball (perhaps he's distracted by talk of his looming suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy - no official word yet on when or if that will happen). He turned 13 chances into 9/150/0 last week, but should have had an even bigger day. Darrell Jackson was even worse, with a mere 2 receptions on 11 chances for 40 yards. Pretty poor. The team has traded for the legendary Jerry Rice this week, and he came to the team only after assurances that Rice will see the ball a good bit - it remains to be seen if that means more or less success for the other receivers on the team, but they will likely see less chances due to Rice's arrival. Matt Hasselbeck couldn't find the endzone last week, tossing 27/50 for 349 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions vs. The Patriots.

Arizona was shelled by Tim Rattay and company in their latest outing (38/57 for 417 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions). The team is usually much better than that, averaging 239.4 passing yards allowed per contest (27th in the NFL, now) but surrendering only 5 TDs to date. They average only .7 passing TDs allowed per game over the past 4 weeks, and 239 yards. 400+ yards allowed is definitely an aberration for this team.

Arizona comes into the game off a bye week, but lists CB Duane Starks (shoulder, probable). Bobby Engram has a sprained ankle and probably won't be able to play for Seattle (questionable).

The forecast for Sun Devil Stadium calls for a high of 80F and a low of 61F with a 10% chance for precipitation - a fine day for a game of football is on tap in the desert.

The Seahawks are struggling to score in this phase of the game lately, and Arizona isn't very giving when it comes to points most weeks. This looks like a tough matchup for the reeling Seahawks.

Kansas City's Passing Attack vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup)

Trent Green topped the 300-yard mark last week (23/33 for 315 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception), which slotted him at #6 among all fantasy QBs last week (22.8 fantasy points). Tony Gonzalez led all receivers with 9 targets for 6/81/1, while Eddie Kennison was #3 on the team with 6 targets for 3/61/0 in his return to the lineup (Johnnie Morton was #2 with 8 for 7/111/0). Priest Holmes caught the other TD. It was a fine fantasy outing for the entire unit.

Atlanta's defense is giving up a healthy amount of yardage this season (ranking 21st in the NFL allowing 222.8 passing yards per game) in this phase of the game, but they are tough to score on, with only 5 passing TDs allowed to date. Over the past 4 weeks, they average only .5 passing scores and 205 yards allowed. Drew Brees and company managed 227 passing yards, 1 TD and 1 interception last week - right on pace for this unit. Atlanta is great at pressuring the opposing QB this year, and they are tied for 1st in the NFL with 20 sacks to date. KC is middling, with 14 sacks allowed (tie-12th most in the NFL).

KC comes into the game fairly healthy, with TE Tony Gonzalez probable despite a sore foot, although TE Kris Wilson is still sidelined (broken leg). The Falcons hope to have CB DeAngelo Hall (hip, probable) for the first time this year, and expect fellow CB Jason Webster to play, too (knee, probable). CB Aaron Beasley is doubtful (foot). S Cory Hall is questionable to go (foot).

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 48F with a 10% chance of rain. A good day for a football game is coming down the pike.

Atlanta makes things tough on opposing passers, and KC will feel the pressure this weekend. This is a slightly tough matchup for Green and company.

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

Drew Bledsoe played a decent game vs. The Dolphins' tough secondary last week, with 15/28 for 212 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to his credit. In an encouraging development, the team only gave up 1 sack and kept Jason Taylor out of the equation - quite a success, considering that Buffalo is tied for 1st in the NFL with 20 sacks allowed this season. Not surprisingly, Eric Moulds led receivers with 8 targets for 5/99/0, while rarely used TE Mark Campbell (9/88/2 on the season) was second with 7 targets for 4/36/1.

Baltimore's secondary is in the top tier in the NFL, with an average of 189.2 passing yards allowed per game (7th in the NFL), and only 5 scores given away to date. Over the past 4 weeks, the averages are 188 yards and .7 TDs - lock step with the seasonal average. In week 5 (the Raven's last game) Mark Brunell eked out 83 passing yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the face of Baltimore - they are very tough in this phase of the game.

The Ravens come off a bye-week healthy, while the Bills list J.P. Losman as out (broken leg).

The forecast for M&T Bank Stadium calls for a high of 66F and a low of 53F, with a 30% chance of rain. If the precipitation is coming down hard at game-time, the field and ball could get slick, making footing and ball-handling an issue.

Bledsoe and company are starting to do some good things, but don't look for much against the stout Ravens.

Chicago's Passing Attack vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jonathan Quinn followed up a decent game two weeks ago with a stinker this past week - 10/22 for 65 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception meant a horrible fantasy outing for the entire squad in this phase. There just isn't much else to say, except that we believe it can't get much worse for the Bears this week. That isn't saying much, though. Look elsewhere for your fantasy starters this week.

If Quinn's poor showing last week wasn't bad enough, this week he faces Tampa Bay in Tampa. Gulp. The Bus are 4th in the NFL allowing only 158.2 passing yards per game on average, with 7 scores given away to date. St. Louis' high octane attack put up 18/30 for 264 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception on this bunch in an atypical game last Monday - but nobody confuses the Bears for the Rams in this phase of the game.

Both teams enjoy relatively good health, with no new injuries to report.

The forecast for Raymond James Stadium calls for a high of 83F and a low of 67F with a 0% chance of rain - it should be a great day for a football game.

This will be a very tough game for Quinn and company.

Cincinnati's Passing Attack vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup)

Carson Palmer is a work in progress - there's nothing unusual about a young QB struggling to learn the intricacies of quarterbacking a pro team. Last week, he managed 20/36 for 148 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception against the Browns (Chad Johnson's play was a huge letdown, 3/37/0, but he led the team in yards - in all, 9 receivers caught balls that day - Palmer was definitely sharing what little wealth there was last week).

Denver's pass defense is not a thing of beauty this year - they are very stingy in both yards allowed (137.5 per game, 2nd in the NFL), and TDs allowed (only 3, tied for least in the NFL). Over the past 4 weeks, they are right on pace, giving up just 141 passing yards per game and .5 TDs on average. Kerry Collins managed 15/31 for 136 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception last week vs. this hard-nosed secondary. It just isn't easy to throw on the Broncos.

Cincinnati lists Peter Warrick as doubtful due to his bad shin. Denver says that CBs Willie Middlebrooks (hamstring) and Lenny Walls (shoulder) are questionable, while CB Roc Alexander (finger) is probable to play.

The forecast for Paul Brown Stadium calls for a high of 68F and a low of 42F, with a 10% chance of rain on Monday night. It should be a nice, cool evening to play some football.

Cincinnati is in for a long game on Monday night if the Broncos play up to their ability.