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

Cleveland's Jeff Garcia/Andre Davis
St. Louis' Marc Bulger/Isaac Bruce/Torry Holt
New Orleans' Aaron Brooks/Joe Horn
Tampa Bay's Brian Griese/Michael Clayton

San Diego's Passing Attack vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup)

Drew Brees had a workmanlike outing vs. the Panthers last week - Carolina didn't manage a TD the entire game, so Brees didn't need to throw the ball a ton. 21/32 for 196 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions was the mark Brees set in the game. He leaned heavily on new WR Keenan McCardell (8 targets for 5/65/0) and TE Antonio Gates (8 for 7/61/0) last week - McCardell did well in his role as replacement for the injured Reche Caldwell.

Oakland gave up 23/39 for 282 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to the Saints last week - they didn't do much to hinder the New Orleans' crew, and had no answer for Joe Horn (9/123/0 on the day). The Raiders have allowed a lot of scoring in this phase of the game this year (11 TDs to date, tied for 4th-most in the NFL) while averaging 212.7 passing yards given up each week. Over the past 3 weeks, they are close to their average at 219.3 passing yards allowed per contest, and they have bled a lot of points (11 TDs rushing and receiving, 2nd-most in the NFL during that span). Oakland just doesn't live up to their scary reputation this season.

Oakland's top CB is likely to miss this game - Charles Woodson is doubtful due to a hip injury he suffered in the game. WR Tim Dwight has a sore toe (probable).

The forecast for Qualcomm Stadium calls for a high of 65F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance for precipitation. A typically beautiful Southern California day is on tap, in other words.

The Chargers should have a strong day against the flaccid Oakland defense.

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

20/27 for 269 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions - Trent Green had a hard luck game with good yardage but just missed TDs. Instead, he watched his RBs carve up the Falcons for an NFL record 8 rushing scores. A couple of TDs would have been nice, but you can't get everything you want every week. A 74% completion percentage is pretty stout in this league, even if it's not worth any fantasy points. Eddie Kennison (11 targets for 6/113/0), Tony Gonzalez (12 for 8/100/1) and Johnnie Morton (13 for 11/159/0) have been the top 3-most targeted receivers on the team over the past 3 weeks (Holmes has 8 for 7/88/1 in his usual dual-threat role).

Indianapolis' defense - what other polite insults can we heap on this bunch? Turnstiles, matador impersonators, welcome mats - it's all been written already. They average 293.3 passing yards allowed per game this season, while being tied for 3rd-most TDs allowed in this phase (11). Over their past two games, they've managed to get the average down to 250 per outing, but Byron Leftwich smacked this unit around for 23/30 for 300 yards, 2 TDs and only 1 interception last week - the Colts are consistently horrible at defending the pass, friends.

Indy lists S Cory Bird (knee/calf, questionable) and CBs Nick Harper (shoulder, questionable) and Joseph Jefferson (knee, probable). TE Kris Wilson remains sidelined for the Chiefs.

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 67F and a low of 46F with a 20% chance of precipitation.

The Chiefs' receivers should have a fun day sliding past the welcoming turnstile-style DBs that staff the Colts' secondary.

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

Byron Leftwich enjoyed himself last week, tossing a leisurely 23/30 for 300 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception against the hapless Colts' secondary. He's been blistering hot for weeks now, with 83/120 for 955 yards, 5 TDs and 3 interceptions (8/38/2 rushing during that span) - only Daunte Culpepper has more fantasy points at the QB position during those 3 weeks. Like we said - hot. 20/317/1 to Jimmy Smith during that streak slots Smith as the 10th-best fantasy WR over the last 3 weeks. And now Fred Taylor is starting to come on in the ground game - it's all good on the Jags' O right now.

Houston's pass defense abused Steve McNair before the bye week (19/41 for 210 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions), but has been mediocre overall in the recent going (592 passing yards allowed in their past 2 games). The team is currently 26th in the NFL allowing an average of 231.3 passing yards per game, and have coughed up a league-worst 14 passing scores to date. The Tennessee game was an aberration, not a trend, in our opinion. One solid game does not mean that the Texans are suddenly able to stop the bleeding.

Houston comes off the bye relatively healthy (S Glenn Earl has a sore hip, questionable; S Jason Simmons has a head injury, questionable, and CB Aaron Glenn has a sore hip (probable)), while the Jags list TE George Wrighster (back, doubtful) and WR Jermaine Lewis (concussion, probable).

The forecast for Reliant Stadium calls for a high of 84F and a low of 71F, with a 30% chance of precipitation - if the weather looks nasty before game time, the retractable roof will be closed, so field conditions should be great in any case.

The Jags are on a roll, while the Texans are not good at defending the pass. What's bad for Houston is good for Jacksonville.

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

David Carr is in the top 5 among all fantasy QBs in terms of fantasy points per game over the past 3 weeks (2 games for 43/69 for 638 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception, averaging 24.5 fantasy points per game). Derrick Armstrong is the surprise #2 fantasy WR on the team right now, with 11 targets for 9/138/1 to his credit (Andre Johnson remains the dominant fantasy WR on the team, with 26 targets for 16/236/2 in the last 2 games). Johnson leads the AFC with 591 receiving yards so far. Neither TE has done much lately, with Mark Bruener seeing 3 targets for 1/27/0, while Billy Miller looks almost forgotten (3 for 1/9/0). If you play in a TE required league, you better look elsewhere for your starting TE.

Jacksonville managed to stem the Indianapolis tide last week, but they didn't slow Manning and company much (27/39 for 368 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions). They average 280.6 passing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks, much more than their season average of 227.0 - the Jags are generous with TDs most weeks, having surrendered 10 passing scores to the opposition to date. Donovin Darius cracked the top ten IDP DBs last week, racking up 6 solo tackles, 2 assists, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Houston says that Corey Bradford is questionable to play (groin). Jacksonville has a clean bill of health.

The forecast for Reliant Stadium calls for a high of 84F and a low of 71F, with a 30% chance of precipitation - if the weather looks nasty before game time, the retractable roof will be closed, so field conditions should be great in any case.

Houston is hot right now, while the Jaguars' secondary is not. Advantage, Houston.

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

Kurt Warner continues his decent play in New York, despite an offensive line that has allowed 22 sacks so far in 2004 (4th most in the NFL). He isn't a fantasy goldmine, though, ranking 19th among signal callers this season (118/181 for 1395 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions, with 7/19/1 rushing) and 16th over the past 3 weeks (41/67 for 487 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in 2 games with 1/-1/0 rushing in 2 games). He's playing pretty well, but the scarcity of TDs in the New York system is depressing his fantasy value (and the value of WRs Amani Toomer (44th with 26/371/0) and Ike Hilliard (69th with 22/231/0) - neither guy has hit pay dirt so far in 2004. TE Jeremy Shockey ranks 8th among all TEs with 24/259/2 to his credit - not horrible, but definitely not top 3, either. Last week, Warner threw for 23/34 for 270 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception - but his top receiver was RB Tiki Barber (10 targets for 7/102/1) - Amani Toomer was second but only managed 2/50/0 on his 6 chances.

Minnesota scores a lot of points on offense, and that's good news because their defense is soft. The team ranks 30th in the NFL this season, giving up an average of 264.8 passing yards per game (with 7 scores surrendered to date). Over their last 3 games, the team averages 257.3 net passing yards allowed per game. However, last week they elevated their game, allowing only 20/42 for 198 yards, 0 TDs and 3 interceptions to the Titans - it was a step in the right direction, anyway. Antoine Winfield was a top IDP DB last week, with 6 solo tackles, 1 interception and 2 passes defensed.

Both teams have a short injury report - New York says Toomer is questionable (hamstring).

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

New York has a steady but unspectacular attack this season - meanwhile, Minnesota gives away a lot of real-estate and they are fairly generous regarding TDs allowed, too. This looks like a good matchup for Warner and company, but don't expect a sudden explosion of scoring and you won't be disappointed.

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

Here's the question Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper owners everywhere want to know - will Moss actually play this week, or will the hamstring get aggravated enough to ruin another week of fantasy production? That's a question that is going to be hard to answer before game-time, as the best way to heal a sore hamstring is to rest it - in other words, the Vikings are likely limit his practice participation until late in the week. Without Moss in the lineup, the team emphasized the running game (coach Tice reportedly promised 3 rushing scores to the RBs last week) - Culpepper posted his "slowest" game of the year with 24/30 for 183 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. The soft Titans' secondary. Nate Burleson led the team in targets in Moss's absence, with 9 for 6/53/0, while Jermaine Wiggins (6/36/0) and Marcus Robinson (3/33/1) both caught every ball that came their way.

18/22 for 230 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions were given away to the Detroit Lions by the Giants' secondary last week - it was not a solid performance. They have averaged 161 passing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks (2 games), and currently rank 11th in the NFL giving up an average of 205 yards per game this season (11 scores surrendered to date, though). This is a strictly mediocre secondary, folks.

The Vikings list Moss as questionable to play as of Wednesday (coach Tice said after last week's game that Moss won't be 100% for at least 3 weeks). CB Frank Walker sprained his ankle in last week's game (questionable). Injuries are a big factor for the Vikings as Moss is a big part of their game plan. Culpepper owners should keep an eye on Moss's progress this week.

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

The Giants are just an average bunch in this phase of the game - Culpepper came back to earth last week, but with or without Moss he has a lot of solid targets to throw to, and he should enjoy a good outing vs. The Giants' secondary.

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

Kerry Collins started to get his feet under him last week, and finally had the sort of game a lot of fantasy owners were expecting to see from him (26/45 for 350 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception) - it was an encouraging sight for those who have suffered through his slow start after taking the helm from Rich Gannon. Jerry Porter (12 targets for 6/113/1), Doug Gabriel (8 for 4/59/0) and Doug Jolley (7 for 4/72/1) were his top 3 targets during the strong showing. Now, we get to see if Collins can keep the ball moving in consecutive weeks (he has put up 69/120 for 731 yards, 3 TDs and 5 interceptions in his last 3 outings, so we're not jumping on the Collins bandwagon just yet).

San Diego is playing fairly soft in this phase of the game this season, allowing an average of 257.2 passing yards per game (28th in the NFL) and a total of 9 passing scores so far. They've been a little better lately, averaging 234 passing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks (3 games). Last week, the Panthers were frustrated by the Chargers, though, managing to only hit 17/36 for 155 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception (Carolina was down to their reserve RB in that game, though, making defense a tad easier than usual). Most weeks, the Chargers are more giving than they were in the last game. Terrance Kiel was a top IDP DB last week, with 8 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception and 3 passes defensed.

The Chargers list DB Drayton Florence (knee, questionable) on the Wednesday injury report. The Raiders have lost WR Carlos Francis (knee, out), and WRs Ronald Curry and Doug Gabriel both have tender hamstrings (questionable).

The forecast for Qualcomm Stadium calls for a high of 65F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance for precipitation. A typically beautiful Southern California day is on tap, in other words.

Oakland is building up a head of steam and should keep things rolling against their division rivals this week. Advantage, Raiders.

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

131/196 for 1689 yards, 17 TDs and 3 interceptions - what more does a fantasy owner want out of his starting QB? Manning is on fire, he has awesome weapons all around him - Marvin Harrison, Brandon Stokley, Reggie Wayne, Marcus Pollard, Dallas Clark - all of whom are probably starting for their respective fantasy owners in your league. Considering how weak the Colts' D is, there is no reason to suspect that the Colts will slow down in this phase on any given Sunday - start them if you've got them.

Kansas City remembered how to win in their home stadium last week, drilling the Falcons by 46 points. Michael Vick didn't know which way was up by the end of the game, and finished with 7/21 for 119 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions. The Chiefs rank 8th in the NFL allowing 187.2 passing yards per game this season (9 TDs to date, though) - over the past 4 weeks, they've given away an average of 190 yards passing in 2 games - they are right on pace as far as yards allowed.

Indianapolis says that Troy Walters is out (forearm), while fellow WR Brad Pyatt is listed as questionable due to his sore ankle, and WR Marvin Harrison has a sore shoulder (probable), along with WR Brandon Stokley (thigh/shoulder, probable). CB Julian Battle (Achilles, not listed) missed the last game for the Chiefs, who also list CB Dexter McCleon (hamstring, questionable).

The forecast for Arrowhead Stadium calls for a high of 67F and a low of 46F with a 20% chance of precipitation.

Indianapolis is a juggernaut in this phase of the game, while the Chiefs are known to bleed TDs (but not huge chunks of yards). Advantage, Colts.

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

Cincinnati's Carson Palmer (and Chad "Pepto Bismol" Johnson) took a game from the mighty Broncos last week with an effective and steady barrage of passes (12/21 for 198 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception - of which Johnson saw 11 targets for 7/149/1 on the night). It was pretty much just these two guys sticking it to the Broncos on Monday night, as you can see. Even with the good result, though, Palmer remains in the lowest echelon of fantasy QBs over the past 3 weeks (32/57 for 346 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions in 2 games, 31st overall). It was good to see Johnson bounce back from his Cleveland embarrassment.

Tennessee is the shell of its former self at this point in the season. They allow an average of 223.9 passing yards per game, and have given away 12 passing scores to date (2nd most in the NFL to date). Over the past 3 weeks, they average 270 yards allowed, and have given up a total of 7 scores in 3 games. The Moss-less Vikings managed 24/30 for 183 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions on these guys last week. Tennessee just can't do much right in this phase of the game.

S Lance Schulters continues to struggle with a bad foot, and is out for this game. 3 Cincinnati WRs are listed: Peter Warrick (shin, questionable), Kelley Washington (ankle, questionable) and Chad Johnson (knee, probable).

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 73F and a low of 61F with a 40% chance for precipitation. If the rains come down hard around game-time, the field and the football could get slick, causing footing and ball-handling issues.

Cincinnati started to get their mojo going last week, and the Titans just aren't too tough this year. Advantage, Cincinnati.

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

Over the past 3 weeks, Keary Colbert has emerged as the top Panther WR, with 24 targets for 13/225/1 receiving to his credit (Muhsin Muhammad is second with 19 targets for 10/85/1; Ricky Proehl is third with 13 for 5/52/0). Jake Delhomme has not been very productive during that span, though, ranking 27th in the NFL in fantasy points per game (12.10 on average) by tossing 54/98 for 533 yards, 2 TDs and 5 interceptions - the team is down to their deep reserves at RB (Brad Hoover, in for Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster, who are both injured - Foster is done for the season), and teams just don't have to respect the Panther's running game like they used to - it is showing in this phase of the game.

Seattle is officially "reeling", having dropped 2 divisional games in the last 2 weeks - they rank as the 12th pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 207.2 passing yards per game this season (6 scores to date) - but they have coughed up 243.3 passing yards per game over the past 3 games, with 9 scores allowed in that span (rushing and receiving). 22/36 for 212 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception allowed to the Cardinals last week. The entire defense is back on their heels coming into this matchup. Ken Lucas was a top IDP DB last week, with 6 solo tackles, 1 interception and 2 passes defensed - but he can't do the job all by himself.

Carolina put Steve Smith on IR this week so he's done for the year. Seattle's secondary is in good health, if nothing else, listing only CB Marcus Trufant this week (shoulder, questionable).

The forecast for Qwest Stadium calls for a high of 53F and a low of 40F with a 40% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard at game-time, the field and football could become slick, causing footing and ball-handling issues.

This looks like a good chance for Delhomme and company to get back on track - if Delhomme can protect the ball better.

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

Jake Plummer had an off night vs. The revved-up Bengals, managing 23/40 for 221 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions in the face of a vocal and hostile Cincy crowd (the largest to attend a game there in at least a decade). Ashley Lelie and Rod Smith split most of the targets between them (12 for 6/82/0 to Lelie; 11 for 5/50/1 to Smith). TE Jeb Putzier was a forgotten man in the game (1 for 0/0/0). Plummer has been pretty flat in fantasy terms the last 3 weeks, with 51/89 for 637 yards, 6 TDs and 5 interceptions in 3 games (25th in fantasy points per game, with 13.37 on average).

Atlanta's pass defenders got to watch the Chiefs trample their defensive front all day long last week (8 rushing scores allowed) - they still coughed up 20/27 for 269 yards (0 scores or interceptions) on the day, though. The Falcons are the 23rd ranked pass defense in yards allowed this season (an average of 229.4 per game), but have surrendered only 5 passing scores to date. They average 206 passing yards allowed per game in the last 3 weeks - not great, but not horrible, either.

CB Aaron Beasley (foot, questionable) and S Cory Hall (foot, questionable) both missed last week's game - injuries are having an impact on this unit. Denver comes into the game healthy, by and large, although TE Patrick Hape has a sore neck (probable) and WR Darius Watts a sore shoulder (probable).

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 52F and a low of 31F with a 30% chance of precipitation. At this time of year, precipitation could be rain, snow or sleet - field conditions might be less than optimum at game time.

Plummer has been unimpressive lately, but he has a good chance to make things happen against the lackluster and beat-up Falcon's DBs this week.

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

Joey Harrington atoned for his poor week 6 outing with a strong game last week (18/22 for 230 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions) to rank 9th among all fantasy signal callers last week in fantasy points (19.3). The 81.8 completion percentage was his best ever to date. He spread the ball around throwing to 8 different receivers, but called Roy Williams' number the most (6 targets for 4/67/1) - Reggie Swinton caught every ball that came his way to amass 3/32/1 last week; and Stephen Alexander snagged all 5 of his looks (5/52/0). The Lions looked pretty good playing pitch-and-catch last week.

Dallas does not look good at all this season, and they have given up the second-most passing scores in the NFL to date (13), while averaging 213 passing yards allowed per game (16th in the NFL). Terrence Newman in particular looks bad, and has been frequently burned in the last few games. In the past 3 games, the team averages 214.3 passing yards allowed, with 10 total scores surrendered (rushing and receiving). That's not too good, folks.

Dallas comes into the game with no injury complaints, while the Lions list WR Az-Zahir Hakim as questionable due to his sore ankle and WR Roy Williams as questionable (ankle). TE Casey Fitzsimmons has a sore knee (not listed).

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 80F and a low of 63F with a 30% chance for precipitation. The rains could cause problems on the field regarding footing and ball-handling if they come down hard at game-time.

The Lions are on the rise in this phase, while the Cowboys are plummeting down the defensive rankings. Advantage, Detroit.

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

New England's Tom Brady has 104/172 for 1387 yards, 11 TDs and 5 interceptions to his credit after roughly 1/3 of the season - and he's #12 among all fantasy QBs in fantasy points per game. On this pace, he projects to 3698 passing yards, 29 TDs and 13 interceptions. Did we mention that Brady has done the above without his top 2 receivers, Deion Branch and Troy Brown (57 and 40 receptions last season, respectively), both sidelined by injuries virtually the entire season? Brady is solid, as is new #1 and #2 WRs David Givens (41 targets for 24/441/1) and David Patten (41 for 20/357/4). Let's not forget TE Daniel Graham, who is an absolute monster in the redzone (26 targets for 18/180/5 to date) - he leads the team in TD receptions (28% of his catches have gone for TDs so far).

Pittsburgh's defense is no slouch in this phase of the game, allowing only 183.6 passing yards per game on average, and a mere 5 TDs to date. They've been a little worse lately, surrendering 223 passing yards per game over their last 2 contests. The Cowboys managed 23/36 for 284 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions in their most recent game back in week 6.

New England lists Branch as doubtful due to his bad knee. Brown is questionable to play due to his shoulder injury. Brady and QB Jim Miller are both probable despite sore shoulders. Pittsburgh lost S Mike Logan for the season due to a knee injury before the bye, and Chad Scott is out 4-6 weeks - the secondary has been battered in recent games.

The forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 68F and a low of 52F with a 20% chance of precipitation. Just about ideal football weather, in other words.

New England is a fine squad with multiple weapons, but the Steelers aren't going to lay down for them at home, despite their injury problems. This is a fairly even matchup in our eyes.

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

23/35 for 308 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions made for a strong fantasy outing on the part of Vinny Testaverde last week. However, he got terrible news this week as his 3rd favorite target this season (37 targets for 24/380/2), Terry Glenn, is out for several weeks due to a serious foot injury. New Cowboy Quincy Morgan did a good job in his first game (5 targets for 4/76/0), but ended up limping off the field with a hamstring injury. It looks like Keyshawn Johnson and Jason Witten will need to carry the load - they are Testaverde's top 2 targets this season (50 and 42, respectively) - Johnson had 8 targets for 5/73/0 last week, while Witten saw 10 for 8/112/1 - and that was with Morgan and Glenn in the game.

23/34 for 270 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception were the totals for Kurt Warner and company last week vs. The Detroit secondary. Not too stout, as usual - the team ranks 29th in the NFL allowing an average of 257.2 passing yards per game, with 8 scores surrendered to date. Over the past 3 weeks, the Lions have allowed an average of 237.3 per contest, so they are improving a little. Also, the Lions have 12 sacks in 3 games, tops in the NFL over that span (they are second this season with 22 to their credit) - Dallas has only given away 12 sacks all year, though (tie-21st least in the NFL).

CB Fernando Bryant (groin, questionable this week) missed the game last week for the Lions. Dallas' injury woes are discussed above - Glenn is listed as out, while Morgan is said to be questionable to play.

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 80F and a low of 63F with a 30% chance for precipitation. The rains could cause problems on the field regarding footing and ball-handling if they come down hard at game-time.

Detroit's secondary is soft and limping, while the Cowboys are just plain limping - this sounds like an even matchup between injury-challenged units to us.

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

Javon Walker is on a tear, folks, with 30 targets for 18/350/2 in the last 3 weeks, followed closely by Donald Driver who has seen 28 for 22/312/3 (Robert Ferguson has been limited by injury and has posted 5 for 2/19/0 in that span). Brett Favre is the 9th ranked fantasy QB during that 3 week span, with 72/111 for 853 yards, 6 TDs and 3 interceptions to his credit - the only concern on this unit is that Favre jammed his throwing-arm wrist last week and had problems with swelling/pain after the game. Keep an eye on his status as the game approaches but you know he'll play.

Washington comes into this one off a bye week, after having allowed a mere 10/22 for 65 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception to "Dr." Jonathan Quinn, former Bear's starter back in week 6. The team has averaged only 55 net passing yards allowed per game in their two most recent contests - it's fair to say that they haven't really been tested too much, though, with Quinn and Kyle Boller as the 2 players responsible for those impressive defensive statistics. Brett Favre is no Kyle Boller. The Redskins have been consistently tough, though, averaging only 147.5 passing yards allowed per game to date (3rd in the NFL) and giving up a mere 4 passing scores all told so far.

Washington is well rested and lists only CB Fred Smoot (shoulder, probable). Green Bay says Favre is probable as of Wednesday's report, while Ferguson and Walker are not listed on Wednesday.

The forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 77F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

Green Bay is on fire, while the Redskins have been wet blankets in both of their most recent 2 games - this is an even matchup given that the Redskins will be in their own stomping grounds.

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

Mark Brunell is just not a good fantasy QB in this offense. 8/22 for 95 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception was enough to put a "W" in the win-loss column before the bye week, but it didn't help out his fantasy owners at all. He's the 29th ranked fantasy QB over the past 3 weeks, with 21/51 for 178 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions in 2 games, and falls at 26th on the season so far (86/168 for 912 yards, 5 TDs and 3 interceptions - in contrast, #1 Daunte Culpepper has 159/217 for 1949 yards, 19 TDs and 3 interceptions in the same # of games). Laveranues Coles is his favorite this year, with 65 targets for 31/368/0 receiving, but Rod Gardner is the WR catching TDs so far (49 for 23/342/3). Truth be told, though, with a mere 5 passing scores to spread around, there just isn't much of a pie to split.

Green Bay's pass defense has been awful this year, allowing a league-worst 14 TDs to date, while averaging a subpar 222.6 passing yards per game allowed. In their past 3 games the opposition has racked up 620 net passing yards - the Packers don't do much in the way of sacking the opposing QB either, with only 10 to their credit this season (t-29th in the NFL). Vinny Testaverde hit them for 23/35 for 308 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions last week as his team played catch-up. The Packers just don't hinder many people in this phase of the game.

Washington comes in off a bye and in good health, though TE Fred Baxter has a sore hamstring (probable). Green Bay lists S Darren Sharper as questionable due to his injured left knee, while CB Al Harris is also questionable (knee).

The forecast for FedEx Field calls for a high of 77F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play some football.

The Redskins are not impressive in this phase of the game - but neither are the Packers. It's an even matchup from where we sit - a battle of weak units to determine which one is weaker.

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

Tim Rattay continues his impressive fantasy campaign, with 56/85 for 703 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception passing in his last 2 games (6th among all fantasy QBs averaging 24.35 fantasy points per outing during that span). He went into the bye week off a 18/28 for 286 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception performance vs. The then-undefeated Jets (San Francisco put a scare into the Jets early in that game). Rattay looks confident and deft at the controls of the 49er offense. Eric Johnson (23 targets for 17/186/1) and Brandon Lloyd (21 for 11/149/2) have been his favorite receivers over the past 3 weeks (2 games).

Chicago's defense is vanilla in this phase of the game (13th in the NFL averaging 208.8 yards allowed per game, with 7 passing scores allowed to date) - they are near the middle of the NFL pack. Over the past 3 weeks, the team averages 124 passing yards allowed per game (Brian Griese had 15/23 for 163 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. The Bears last week) - they've been tough to throw on recently. Todd Johnson was a top IDP DB last week, with 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, and a fumble recovery.

San Francisco comes into the game off a bye week and rested. Tim Rattay's nursing a sore forearm but looks to be OK. He's not on the injury report. Chicago is down CB Charles Tillman (knee, out) and did without S Bobby Gray last week too (groin, doubtful).

The forecast for Soldier field calls for a high of 64F and a low of 53F with a 20% chance for precipitation. It should be a great day for a football game in Chicago.

San Francisco has an attack that is gathering steam as Rattay continues to excel, while the Bears have been playing very tough in this phase recently - that sounds about even to us.

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

Drew Bledsoe is in the bottom tier of fantasy QBs this season, with a total of 77.8 fantasy points to his credit so far (23rd in the NFL - 99/173 for 1210 yards, 6 TDs and 7 interceptions thrown to date). Eric Moulds is far-and-away the most thrown-to player on the team, with 56 targets for 37/496/3 to his credit so far - he's the one top-shelf fantasy starter on this unit right now. Last week, Moulds came within spitting distance of 100 yards receiving (6/96/0), but Bledsoe didn't manage to toss any scores vs. Baltimore. He did throw 4 interceptions, though, making it a great day to have Deion Sanders on your IDP squad (2 interceptions, 1 returned for a TD).

Arizona's pass defense has been subpar to date, allowing an average of 230.8 passing yards per game (25th in the NFL), but only 6 scores so far. Over the past 3 weeks, the team has given away an average of 289.5 passing yards per contest, and 3 TDs total (rushing and receiving) - they are bending but not breaking at this point in the season. Buffalo gives up a lot of sacks (24 to date, 2nd most in the NFL), so look for the Cardinals to improve on their total of 15 (13th in the NFL so far) when Sunday is all said and done.

Buffalo's QB J.P. Losman is continuing to rehab his broken leg, and is doubtful. WR Drew Haddad is questionable (hamstring). The Cardinals list CB David Macklin (groin) and S Adrian Wilson (knee) as probable.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 61F with a low of 46F and a 20% chance for rain - that sounds like great weather to us.

The Cardinals are giving in the yardage department lately, but not too free with TDs, while the Bills are having trouble doing much of anything - that sounds ugly but about even to us.

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

Donovan McNabb has been up and down in this phase of the game lately, with a great game last week (28/43 for 376 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception) after a poor showing in week 6 (14/26 for 209, 0 TDs and 1 interception). Terrell Owens continues to be dominant among fantasy WRs, with 8/232/2 to his credit in the last 3 weeks, and Todd Pinkston did a nice job for his owners in last week's game (10 targets for 6/100/0). The Eagles continue to be a very powerful unit, and score a lot of fantasy points most weeks.

However, Baltimore does not field a pushover secondary, currently ranking 9th in the NFL allowing an average of 188.5 passing yards per game, and tied for 3rd-least passing scores given up to date (5 this season). The Ravens are 5th in the NFL with 18 sacks, and have allowed an average of only 120 yards passing and .5 TDs (1 total) in their last 2 games. The unit had 4 interceptions last week, 1 returned for a TD by Deion Sanders. Gary Baxter was a top IDP DB, with 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 1 pass defensed.

Both teams enjoy good health at this point in the season, although the Eagles list reserve WR Greg Lewis (quadriceps) as questionable.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 74F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance of rain - that's great football weather.

Two top units face off in this one - neither looks like they are at the top of the pecking order before the fact.

Miami's Passing Attack vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Miami beat the St. Louis Rams by 17 points last week. Jay Fiedler played well (13/17 for 203 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions). Chris Chambers leaped past the 100 yards receiving mark (3/128/1, with a long catch of 71 yards). No, you have not entered the "Twilight Zone", but given how desperately the Dolphins' offense has struggled to start 2004, seeing the above sentences does seem a little surreal. On that particular Sunday, the offense seemed to finally gel. Part of the reason is that Sammy Morris has provided the team with a legitimate threat to run the ball (23/83/1), and Travis Minor gave the team a spark on the ground in his return, too (3/21/1) - the Dolphins may actually have patched up their offense, folks. They are still the most-sacked team in the league, though, with 26 hung on them to date (6 sacks surrendered to the Rams last week), so Fiedler is really feeling the heat on most plays - he's hanging in there, though.

The Jets are in the middle of the NFL pack as regards to pass defense, averaging 217.3 passing yards allowed per game (18th in the NFL), with 7 passing scores given away to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they average 218 passing yards per game (3 games) - right on pace. Tom Brady tossed 20/29 for 230 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions last week. The Jets aren't great in this phase - nor are they terrible. 18/33 for 206 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception is what Fiedler managed against them back in week 4 (back when the Dolphins were in complete disarray).

The Jets have been playing without CB Derrick Strait (foot, questionable) and S Rashad Washington (foot, questionable). Miami says Jay Fiedler is probable to play despite his injured ribs, as is WR Wes Welker (toe).

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 66F with a low of 50F and a 10% chance for rain. It sounds like a great autumn evening to play a game of football is waiting around the corner.

Miami is starting to come out of their early-season swoon, while the Jets play average pass defense. We view it as a fairly even matchup.

Chicago's Passing Attack vs. The San Francisco Defense (Tough Matchup)

What can you say about this offense? Two QBs gave it a go last week, with Craig Krenzel coming in for an ineffective Jonathan Quinn, and neither guy got much done (Chicagoans had been complaining about Quinn's low average yards per pass, until they saw Krenzel's 3.63 mark after the game) - all told, the team managed 14/28 for 116 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception. The situation is so bad that the Bears are flirting with Tim "Dead Arm" Couch as a "solution" to their problems. Ugh. In other bad news, erratic David Terrell was off-again with 4 targets for 0/0/0 - Justin Gage led the team with 6 for 4/43/0 on the day.

San Francisco's pass defense is nothing special this year, averaging 14th in the NFL at 211.7 passing yards allowed per game, with 10 passing score surrendered to date. Over the past 3 weeks (2 games), they have given up 219.5 passing yards per contest, with 20/30 for 222 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions being the mark that Chad Pennington and company posted before the bye. They are average at defending the pass this season in San Francisco.

San Francisco comes in off a bye week, and only lists CB Ahmed Plummer (neck, questionable). Chicago has no new injury problems (but boy do they wish that Grossman wasn't on IR!).

The forecast for Soldier field calls for a high of 64F and a low of 53F with a 20% chance for precipitation. It should be a great day for a football game in Chicago.

Chicago stinks in this phase of the game - the 49ers are average. Average is enough to make things tough on Krenzel and Quinn - advantage San Francisco.

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

Ben Roethlisberger has been nothing short of outstanding this season - in the real NFL. Now, he's starting to show signs of becoming a solid fantasy QB, sneaking into the top 10 among all fantasy QBs over the past 3 weeks (2 games for Roethlisberger - with an over 80% completion percentage, by the way), throwing for 37/46 for 424 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception, and 8/21/1 rushing - an average of 20.20 fantasy points per game. Keep your seat, Tommy Maddox.

New England's pass D is stingy with points - they have allowed only 4 passing scores all season (they rank 17th with an average of 215.2 passing yards allowed per game). Over the past 3 weeks, they've averaged 243.7 passing yards allowed per game, but have only coughed up 3 TDs (either rushing or receiving) - it's just not easy to score points on this defense. Just ask the Jets, who eked out 19/30 for 162 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. The Patriots last week.

Pittsburgh is in pretty good shape, health-wise (Maddox is still sidelined with a bum elbow), with only Lee Mays hurting (toe, questionable). New England lists CB Tyrone Poole (knee, questionable) - he missed the game last week.

The forecast for Heinz Field calls for a high of 68F and a low of 52F with a 20% chance of precipitation. Just about ideal football weather, in other words.

This game will be a stern test for the streaking Roethlisberger.

New York Jet's Passing Attack vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup)

Chad Pennington continues to plod along in the passing phase of the game - 19/30 for 162 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions was the latest stat line, against New England last week. He's 18th among fantasy QBs over the past 3 weeks, with 70/102 for 688 yards, with only 1 TD and 1 interception thrown in 3 games. That's some lackluster QB play from the fantasy perspective. Santana Moss clearly wasn't 100% last week (1/12/0) - his hamstring is still slowing him quite a bit. The one encouraging thing to come out of last week's game was the emergence of WR Justin McCareins (9 targets for 6/85/0) - Pennington is finally at least looking the WR's way.

Miami's pass D has been outstanding all year long. Last week, Marc Bulger put up decent numbers (23/39 for 295 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception on the day) but they shut down Torry Holt completely (1/4/0). No wonder these guys are the top-ranked secondary in the NFL, allowing a mere 143.6 passing yards per game on average (204.6 passing yards per game over the last 3 weeks). The team has allowed only 6 passing scores to date. The last time the Dolphins played the Jets, back in week 4, Chad Pennington managed 14/24 for 143 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception - exactly on pace for this tough defense.

Both teams come into the game a little banged up, with the Jets not listing Moss's injured hamstring (it sure seemed to bother him last week), while the Dolphins say S Antuan Edwards (groin ) is questionable to play this week. CB Jimmy Wyrick is probable to go despite a sore elbow.

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 66F with a low of 50F and a 10% chance for rain. It sounds like a great autumn evening to play a game of football is waiting around the corner.

Miami is ferocious in this phase of the game, and Pennington had a rotten game against them last time around - this looks like a tough game for the Jets' under performing receiving corps.

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

Seattle's passing attack is sputtering and clanking like an engine without oil right now. 61/126 for 760 yards, 3 TDs and 6 interceptions for Matt Hasselbeck over the last 3 weeks. A pathetic 14/41 for 195 yards, 1 TD and 4 interceptions vs. Arizona last week was what the team managed (15 targets for 8/117/1 for Darrell Jackson; 8 for 2/32/0 for Koren "hands of stone" Robinson; 7 targets for 1/10/0 credited to Jerry "I won't retire" Rice). This is an ugly unit right now, folks. It's very disappointing for fantasy owners of the Seahawks' receivers in general.

Carolina's defense held Drew Brees to a pedestrian 21/32 for 196 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions last week, and they are the 5th best secondary in the NFL this season (averaging 176.8 yards allowed per contest, with only 3 passing scores surrendered). Over the past 3 weeks, the unit averages 204.7 passing yards given up - they are slightly off their strong pace right now. One thing that the Panthers aren't doing is pressuring the passer much (they have only managed 8 sacks this season, lowest in the NFL)

There has been much speculation, but no official word, on whether Koren Robinson will receive a 4-game, drug-related suspension. Stay tuned to see if anything happens there. Fellow WR Bobby Engram missed last week's game (ankle, out). QB Matt Hasselbeck has a sore heel (probable). Carolina FS Travares Tillman is injured (forearm, questionable), as is FS Colin Branch (surgically repaired thumb, not listed). Both teams have personnel issues coming into the game.

The forecast for Qwest Stadium calls for a high of 53F and a low of 40F with a 40% chance for rain. If the rain comes down hard at game-time, the field and football could become slick, causing footing and ball-handling issues.

Seattle is struggling mightily right now, while the Panthers play stout pass D week in and week out. Advantage, Carolina.

Tennessee's Passing Attack vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup)

Steve McNair re-injured his chest last week, and the Titans turned to Billy Volek (17/36 for 190 yards, 0 TDs and 3 interceptions in relief of McNair last week). Volek has been around the team for many years now, and has been up-and-down in his relief appearances at various points. Last week, he was definitely down. Part of the problem is that his receiving corps is very banged up, with TEs Erron Kinney (calf, ) and Shad Meier (abdominal surgery, ) both out, and #3 WR Tyrone Calico done for the season (knee reconstruction). #2 WR Drew Bennett has a bad calf and was very limited last week (5 targets for 1/18/0). Only Derrick Mason continues to make plays (and a fantasy impact) - he caught 8/85/0 on 10 chances last week.

23/40 for 221 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions was Jake Plummer's stat sheet after facing the Bengals on Monday Night Football. They usually aren't so stout, though, giving away a total of 10 passing scores to date (ranking 10th in the NFL averaging 203.2 passing yards surrendered each game). Over the past 3 weeks, the team averages 252.5 passing yards allowed per game in 2 games. They are also among the league's worst at sacking the opposing QB, with a mere 10 to their credit so far this season (t-29th in the NFL).

Cincinnati has finally got their secondary back to halfway decent health, but still lists CB Rashad Bauman as doubtful (Achilles). S Rogers Beckett is questionable due to his second concussion of the season, while CB Reggie Myles is probable (toe). Tennessee says that Kinney and Meier are "questionable" to play, while Calico is out. McNair is officially listed as questionable.

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 73F and a low of 61F with a 40% chance for precipitation. If the rains come down hard around game-time, the field and the football could get slick, causing footing and ball-handling issues.

The Titan's cupboard is bare in this phase of the game, while Cincinnati is starting to play fairly well - advantage, Bengals.

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

Believe it or not, Josh McCown and the Cardinal's passing offense are getting hot. After a very slow start to the regular season, in his last 2 games McCown has 41/70 for 443 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions (11th in fantasy points per game among QBs during the past 3 weeks, at 18.8 FP per game). Surprisingly, his favorite target during that run has not been Larry Fitzgerald (12 for 9/167/2), but rather Bryant Johnson (21 targets for 10/99/0) - Fitzgerald is still the more valuable fantasy WR, though. Johnson matched his career high last week with 7 catches (54 yards). Freddie Jones is third during that 3 week span, with 11 targets for 6/55/1 during the 2 games played.

Buffalo's pass defense has been characteristically tough over their past 3 games, allowing a mere 459 yards passing in that span - and average of 153 passing yards per contest - and generating 11 sacks in 3 games. They currently sit at 6th in the NFL allowing an average of 183.2 passing yards per game this season, with 6 total passing scores to date. The Bill's secondary is on top of its' game. The strong tendency of this team to pressure the opposing passer is likely to pay off this week, as the Cardinals are currently 5th in the NFL in sacks allowed (20 to date). The Bills will get after McCown on Sunday.

Anquan Boldin has said in the past that he has targeted this game for his return from knee surgery - keep an eye on Boldin's status as the week progresses. He's listed as questionable as of Wednesday. If he returns in top form just as McCown is getting hot - watch to see what might happen with this Cardinal's offense. Buffalo has done without CB Troy Vincent for many weeks now (knee, doubtful). CB Terrence McGee is questionable to play (foot).

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 61F with a low of 46F and a 20% chance for rain - that sounds like great weather to us.

McCown and company are on a roll, but the Bills are always tough and they have home-field advantage. This looks like a tough matchup for the Cardinal's attack.

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

7/21 for 119 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions - that's what Michael Vick managed to do against the Chiefs last week. The new Atlanta passing offense remains very much a work in progress, folks. Alge Crumpler led the team in receptions, with 3/27/0, while Warrick Dunn led in yards with 2/72/0 - it was a forgettable afternoon in this phase of the attack. Vick currently ranks as the 13th overall fantasy QB (largely on the strength of 54/348/1 rushing), having passed for 848/150 for 1138 yards, 4 TDs and 6 interceptions in 7 games (162.6 and .57 TDs per game, on average). One of Vick's problems is that he's getting too little time to read the defense - the Falcons have allowed the 2nd-most sacks to date (24), and he's constantly under pressure from the defense.

Denver is the 2nd ranked pass defense in the land to date, allowing an average of 144.7 passing yards per game, with only 4 scores surrendered to date (2nd-best in the NFL). Chad Johnson did make Champ Bailey look bad on a few plays Monday night, but the Broncos are still a top secondary, regardless. 12/21 for 198 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception is what they gave up to Palmer last Monday, and they average 155 yards passing allowed per game in the past 3 weeks - it's not easy to move the ball on this unit. However, the Bengals did give Bailey a chance to be in the top ten among IDP DBs last week (most weeks teams just don't throw at him very much) - Bailey posted 7 solo tackles, an assist, and interception and a pass defensed last Monday.

Both units enjoy decent health in this phase of the game, although the Falcon's backup TE Eric Beverly continues to miss games (shoulder, out). CB Lenny Walls is questionable to play due to his shoulder injury (its been an issue all season), and CB Willie Middlebrooks is probable to play (hamstring). S Nick Ferguson has a sore elbow (probable).

The forecast for Mile High Stadium calls for a high of 52F and a low of 31F with a 30% chance of precipitation. At this time of year, precipitation could be rain, snow or sleet - field conditions might be less than optimum at game time.

Vick is struggling to make things happen through the air, and the Broncos won't make it easy on him in their house. This is a bad matchup for Atlanta.

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

Kyle Boller, 2004: 72/128 for 736 yards, 2 TDs and 5 interceptions in 6 games. 30th fantasy QB in the land, with a total of 53.5 FP to date. This is not a good passing attack to be invested in, folks. 10/19 for 89 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions last week, and he got his #1 WR, Travis Taylor, back on the field for the first time in a month of Sundays (2/52/0 for Taylor). Ugh.

Philadelphia sports the 21st ranked pass defense in the land, in terms of yards allowed per game this season, averaging 226.8 yards each week. However, they lead the league in sacks, with 23, and over the past 3 weeks (2 games), have allowed an average of 207.5 passing yards per contest. This is a stout unit by most accounts, folks. Two Eagle DBs were in the top ten in IDP ranks last week - Lito Sheppard had 10 solo tackles, an interception and a pass defensed, while Brian Dawkins put up 8 solo tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble.

The Eagle's CB Dexter Wynn has been struggling with a bad hamstring lately (probable), and CB Lito Sheppard has a sore neck (probable). Todd Heap continues to miss games for the Ravens due to his bum ankle (questionable this week). WR Devard Darling has a sore heel (questionable)

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 74F and a low of 51F with a 20% chance of rain - that's great football weather.

The Eagles have more than enough talent to handle Boller.