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Joe

Week 6 Rushing Matchups

By Mark Wimer with Joe Bryant

Bye Weeks

Indianapolis - Edgerrin James / Dominic Rhodes
New York Giants - Tiki Barber
Arizona - Emmitt Smith
Baltimore - Jamal Lewis / Chester Taylor / Musa Smith

New York Jets' Curtis Martin vs. The San Francisco Defense (Great Matchup)

Curtis Martin had been on fire up until running into the tough Bills front 7 last week - he managed 22/77/0 rushing and 6/23/0 receiving to cobble together a 100-yards combined outing, but it wasn't the explosion of fantasy points his spoiled owners have been used to thus far in 2004. 107/502/4 and 19/86/1 puts him firmly atop the fantasy RB charts, averaging 22.2 fantasy points per game - it's hardly time to bench Martin due to one sluggish outing.

San Francisco gave up 29/103/1 to Emmitt Smith and company last week, and averages 107 rushing yards allowed per game this season (14th in the NFL). But they've been easy to score on so far, with 7 TDs allowed to date. 110 yards and 1.3 TDs is their average over the past 4 weeks. No one will mistake them for a stout rush D this year.

The 49ers lost their prize LB Julian Peterson for the season last week, due to a blown Achilles tendon. Derek Smith has been sidelined recently (shin/ankle, doubtful), while the DL is torn up: Andre Carter is out (back) as is Andrew Williams (shin, out). DE Otis Leverette (shoulder) and Brandon Whiting (ankle) are questionable; and DE John Engelberger is probable (abdomen). LB Saleem Rasheed is questionable (knee). For New York, G Pete Kendall (toe) is out, while G Brandon Moore is doubtful (hamstring).

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 62F and a low of 45F, with a 10% chance of precipitation - great football weather, in other words.

The 49ers have injury problems, and are giving in the redzone. Martin is back at the top of his game, and should have a great week.

Minnesota's Mewelde Moore/Moe Williams vs. The New Orleans Defense (Great Matchup)

Mewelde Moore was in the top 10 among fantasy RBs last week, with 20/92/0 rushing and 12/90/0 receiving in relief of the entire rest of the Minnesota RB stable. Not bad for a reserve player, huh? Williams suited up but did not play last week - this week he is listed as probable. Minnesota averages 4.5 yards per carry this season - the big guys up front are doing their part, for sure.

New Orleans is horrible in this phase of the game. They lead the league by far, allowing 9 rushing scores to date, and average 143.8 rushing yards allowed per game. Over the past 4 weeks, they average 138 yards and 1.8 rushing TDs surrendered per game. They did manage to hold the Buccaneers to 26/81/0 last week, but that looks like an aberration and not a trend to us. Charles Grant continues to be a huge IDP DL, with 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble last week.

Minnesota's Matt Birk is expected back at C this week - which is a good thing, since Cory Withrow sprained his knee last week (out). RB Michael Bennett is out (knee) while Moe Williams is probable (calf). LBs Courtney Watson (knee, questionable) and Derrick Rodgers (rib, probable) are on the Saints' list.

This game is to be played in the Superdome, so weather won't be an issue.

Minnesota should have a great day rushing the ball against the soft Saints.

Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook vs. The Carolina Defense (Great Matchup)

Brian Westbrook has been racking up yardage thus far in 2004 - 65/347 rushing and 24/206 receiving - but has yet to find pay-dirt. The lack of TDs is depressing his fantasy value into #2 RB range (14th fantasy RB to date, averaging 13.82 fantasy points per game). In his last outing, vs. Chicago, Westbrook had 23/115/0 rushing and 9/63/0 receiving, so he was white-hot prior to the bye week. Philadelphia is tied for 5th in the NFL averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season.

Carolina is not good at rush defense this season. In fact, they've been terrible, allowing an average of 159 rushing yards per game (31st in the NFL), with 5 TDs surrendered to date. They were stomped for a total of 210 yards by Denver last week, and Denver couldn't beg, borrow or steal a 100 yard rusher for weeks before that game. Over the past 4 weeks, the Carolina D has averaged 161 rushing yards allowed, and 1 TD per game. Not good.

Even worse, the team learned this week that DT Kris Jenkins shoulder injury needs surgery, and he is probably lost for the season. Carolina also lists DT Brentson Buckner (knee, questionable), DT Omari Jordan (ankle, questionable) and DT Kindal Moorehead (knee, probable). LBs Mark Fields (back, questionable) and Vinny Ciurciu (knee, probable) also appear. G Jermane Mayberry (biceps) and T Jon Runyan (arm) are probable for the Eagles.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 62F and a low of 43F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather should not be a factor in this matchup.

Westbrook and company should have impressive totals against the soft Panthers this week.

Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson vs. The Cleveland Defense (Great Matchup)

Rudi Johnson had a strong game against division-rival Pittsburgh, with 24/123/1 rushing in week 4. He's been a good fantasy RB this season, ranking 19th in the league with 93/358/2 rushing and 1/4/0 receiving to date - he's a solid #2 RB for most any squad. The team averages 4.1 yards a carry - the OL is doing an adequate job run-blocking.

Cleveland was trampled by the Steelers rushing attack last week, to the tune of 43/170/3 - it was an embarrassing performance by the run D. The team is very generous in the redzone., with 8 rushing scores allowed to date, and averages 114.6 rushing yards surrendered per game. Over the last 4 weeks, the picture is even bleaker, with an average of 121 rushing yards allowed per game, and 2 scores per game. Not good at all.

Cincinnati has been doing without C Rich Braham (knee, questionable), while Cleveland is banged up at LB (Barry Gardner, groin doubtful) and DT Gerard Warren has been missing time (pectoral, questionable).

The forecast for Cleveland Brown's Stadium calls for a high of 59F and a low of 49F with a 10% chance for rain. Just about perfect football weather, in other words.

Rudi Johnson should have a great game against the soft Browns.

Cleveland's Lee Suggs/William Green vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup)

Lee Suggs had a bad game against the Steelers last week, with 11/30/0 rushing and 3/20/0 receiving. Even on an off day, though, William Green did not supplant Suggs in the lineup (3/27/0 rushing and 1/3/0 receiving). We expect to see Suggs continue to be the featured back this week. Cleveland averages 4.1 yards per carry this season, so we think the bad game was an aberration, and not a trend.

Cincinnati gave up 25/123/0 to Duce Staley in week 4 (165 yards and 2 TDs to the Steelers as a team), which is right on their embarrassing and league-worst average of 165.8 rushing yards allowed per game (5 scores given away to date). Cincinnati's defense does not scare anybody.

Cleveland lists T Ryan Tucker (quadriceps, questionable ), while Cincy has DE Carl Powell (knee, questionable) and DT Matthias Askew (knee, probable) and DE Duane Clemons (pectoral, probable) on the injury report.

The forecast for Cleveland Brown's Stadium calls for a high of 59F and a low of 49F with a 10% chance for rain. Just about perfect football weather, in other words.

The Bengals are super-soft and squishy in this phase - Lee Suggs has a great chance for a breakout game this week.

Detroit's Artose Pinner/Shawn Bryson vs. The Green Bay Defense (Great Matchup)

Detroit ground out 33/101/1 against the Falcons last week, with Artose Pinner seeing the majority of the touches (23/68/1 rushing, with 1/11/0 receiving) while Shawn Bryson chipped in with 5/31/0 rushing and 3/13/0 receiving - the team effort led to another W in the win column. Expect to see a similar sharing of the load this week against Green Bay - but both guys will probably have more touches. Why?

Tennessee detonated for 44/224/3 against the Packers last week - they are playing horrible run D in Wisconsin this year, folks. The Packers are little more than a speed bump to opposing rushers, allowing an average of 149.8 yards rushing on average, and 6 rushing scores to date. Over the past four weeks, the average rushing yards per game is 178, and 1.5 rushing scores surrendered. There is no excuse for that level of performance, but the fact is that the Packers are getting worse at run defense, rather than better.

Green Bay is playing without NT Grady Jackson (knee, out) and also lists DT James Lee as out (knee). LB Nail Diggs has a sore neck (probable) and Hannibal Navies a sore shoulder (probable). Clearly, the injuries have gutted their defensive front, especially the interior of the line. FB Corey Schlesinger (hamstring) is doubtful, while RB Kevin Jones is questionable due to his sprained knee/ankle.

This game will be played indoors at Ford Field, so weather is not a factor.

Artose Pinner owners should be seriously considering him this week - Green Bay is awful at defending against the run.

Houston's Domanick Davis vs. The Tennessee Defense (Good Matchup)

Domanick Davis had an unimpressive return to the Texans' lineup, with a mere 14/31/1 rushing (the TD saved him from fantasy oblivion last week) and 4/31/0 receiving. The Texans leaned heavily on the passing game last week, chasing the high-octane Vikings. The team has an unimpressive yards per carry average: 3.5, which ranks 28th in the NFL. Obviously, the OL is not creating enough space for the RBs at this point in the season.

Tennessee slammed the door on Ahman Green last week, allowing a mere 10/33/0 to the Packers' star. The team averages 112 rushing yards allowed per game this season, with 5 scores given away - the game was a standout performance, no doubt. Over the past 4 weeks, the Titans have averaged 124 yards allowed and 1.3 TDs - the Green Bay shutdown looks like an aberration, and not a trend.

Houston lists FB Moran Norris (ankle, questionable), T Todd Wade (ankle, doubtful) and C Todd Washington (shoulder, probable). LBs Rocky Boiman (knee), Robert Reynolds (hip) and Rocky Calmus (back) are all questionable to play, as are DLs Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and Juqua Thomas (ankle).

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 69F and a low of 56F with a 0% chance for precipitation - perfect football weather, in other words.

Davis should find room to roam against the usually-giving Titans this week. Advantage, Houston.

Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup)

Michael Pittman did so-so in the face of the soft Saints last week, with 15/51/0 rushing and 5/29/0 receiving - as expected, the Saints keyed on the run and dared the Buc's young starter to throw. Simms is out with a strained shoulder and Brian Griese gets the start this week, so St. Louis will likely focus on the run as well. Since his return from suspension, Pittman is the 31st ranked fantasy back in the land, averaging 7.6 fantasy points per game.

St. Louis sports the 29th rushing D in the land, allowing an average of 147.2 rushing yards allowed per game and 5 TDs to date. Over the past 4 weeks, the average is 159 yards and 1.0 TDs per game - they just haven't been tough to run on this year. Shaun Alexander abused them for 23/150/1 (Seattle had 30/187/1 as a team).

St. Louis lists LB Trev Faulk (hamstring), DE Tyoka Jackson (hamstring, doubtful) and DT Jimmy Kennedy (foot, out). G. Matt Stinchcomb has a sore chest (probable).

This game is to be played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather is not an issue.

Pittman has a good shot at a decent game against the soft Rams.

Tennessee's Chris Brown vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup)

5 games, 4 100+ yard performances. Long runs, TDs (4). 107/556/4 rushing and 10/82/0 receiving in 5 games. What more do you want as a fantasy owner? Brown's lived up to everything Titans fans (and Brown owners) expected thus far.

Houston allowed 26/122/0 to the Viking's reserve RB and Daunte Culpepper last week - they haven't been shutting anybody down this season. The team averages 131.4 rushing yards allowed per game (25th in the NFL) and has surrendered 3 rushing scores to date. Over the past 4 weeks, they have stuck close to their season average, allowing 134 rushing yards and .5 TDs per outing. However, they have good IDP LBs on this team, with Jay Foreman (9 solo tackles, 4 assists) and Jamie Sharper (7 solo tackles, 6 assists) showing up in the top ten this week (8th and 10th, respectively). Robaire Smith was the 10th best DL last week, with 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, and a sack.

Tennessee lists Chris Brown (ankle, questionable) and G Benji Olson (groin, questionable), but remember that the Titans ignore NFL rules and exclusively use "questionable" for any injury that won't keep a player out. DE Gary Walker (groin) and LB Kailee Wong (back) are listed as probable.

The forecast for the Coliseum calls for a high of 69F and a low of 56F with a 0% chance for precipitation - perfect football weather, in other words.

We'll keep an eye on his status throughout the week for you but if he's good to go, Brown likely deserves a spot in your starting lineup.

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

Here is the measure of Priest Holmes' talent: 33/125/2 rushing vs. Baltimore two weeks ago, gained by running straight at Ray Lewis. Very, very impressive, folks. 107/476/6 rushing in only 4 games is the total so far in 2004. Start him if you've got him.

Jacksonville's once-stalwart run defense has broken down in the weeks since Chris Brown of Tennessee rushed for more than 100 yards against them. Over the past 4 weeks, the Jags have averaged 130 rushing yards and 1 TD allowed per week. They have dropped to 20th in the NFL, allowing an average of 122.6 rushing yards per game (4 scores total). Mike Peterson was a top IDP LB last week, with 7 solo tackles and 6 assists.

Kansas City comes into the game off a bye, and lists RB Priest Holmes (elbow, probable). Jacksonville has DE Lionel Barnes (shoulder, questionable) on their report.

The forecast for Alltel Stadium calls for a high of 81F and a low of 65F, with a 0% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play a game of football.

Jacksonville is no longer an elite rush defense, while Priest Holmes is an elite running back. Advantage, Kansas City.

Denver's Quentin Griffin/Reuben Droughns vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup)

Quentin Griffin was held out of the last game due to a sore ankle, which he described as 95% healed as of game time last week. In his absence, Reuben Droughns tore apart the soft Panthers (30/193/0), which has started calls in the Denver media for Droughns to supplant Griffin in the lineup. Don't bet on that, as coach Shanahan seems to still be in Griffin's corner. However, the good news for all Bronco's backs is that the OL remembered how to run-block last week, after several games where there were no decent holes for anybody to run through.

Oakland's run D is not very strong this season, allowing an average of 114.8 rushing yards per game and 5 scores to date. Over the past 4 weeks, the Raiders average 118 yards allowed and .5 TDs per game - it hasn't been easy to score on them in recent games.

Oakland's LB Sam Williams is still sidelined by his bad shoulder (doubtful), and Travian Smith has a knee injury (doubtful). RB Quentin Griffin is probable with a sore ankle. As of Thursday afternoon, it's still too early to tell who will run the ball for Denver.

The forecast for Network Associates Coliseum calls for a high of 68F and a low of 56F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a factor in this game.

Denver should have a decent game at their division rival's house. Advantage, Denver.

Atlanta's Warrick Dunn/T.J. Duckett vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup)

Warrick Dunn continues to find the end zone on a regular basis, with 18/44/1 rushing and 5/31/0 receiving last week, despite a sore hamstring. T.J. Duckett didn't get an opportunity to contribute last week. This season, Dunn is the 11th ranked fantasy RB so far, with 87/343/6 rushing and 8/52/0 receiving to his credit (15.1 fantasy points per game, on average). Atlanta is tied for 2nd in the NFL averaging 4.9 yards per carry - the low ypc last week against Detroit looks more like an aberration than a trend to us.

Jacksonville scored twice vs. San Diego last week, and managed 18/80 rushing in the bargain. The Chargers rank 3rd in the NFL with 84.2 rushing yards allowed per game on average - however, they have surrendered 6 TDs to date. They average 78 yards and 1 TD allowed per game over the past 4 weeks. Donnie Edwards (2nd IDP LB last week) put up 12 solo tackles, 3 assists and a pass defensed last week, and fellow LB Steve Foley had 5 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery (8th LB).

Dunn is not listed on the injury report. DE DeQuincy Scott (knee, questionable) is listed for San Diego.

This game is being played at the Georgia Dome, so weather won't be a factor.

Dunn and Duckett are a powerful combination, and Dunn should probably be in your lineup unless you are absolutely loaded at RB. This looks like a decent matchup for the Falcons, but don't look for a ton of yardage.

Pittsburgh's Duce Staley/Jerome Bettis vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup)

Duce Staley finally scored a TD last week, 21/117/1 rushing was his stat line at the end of the day. Not surprisingly, Jerome Bettis plunged in yet another TD on 14/34/1 worth of work - that makes 6 plunges for scores this season. Staley is the 22nd ranked fantasy RB in fantasy points per game, Bettis is the 28th so far in 2004. Pittsburgh averages a subpar 3.8 yards per carry as a team - there has been a lack of big holes to run through to date.

Dallas' rush D has been tough to score on all year (only 1 rush TD surrendered to date), but they give up a lot of real estate (122.8 rushing yards per game, 21st in the NFL). Tiki Barber scored the lone TD last week, with 23/122/1 rushing against the Cowboys. 118 yards and .3 TDs per game is what the Cowboys have averaged in the last 4 weeks. Greg Ellis was a top IDP DL last week, with 7 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 passes defensed.

Dallas' DE Eric Ogbogu missed the game last week due to his injury (not listed). C Jeff Hartings has a sore knee (probable), and Staley a sore groin (probable).

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 85F and a low of 65F with 0% chance of precipitation. Sounds like a nice weekend is on tap down in Texas.

Dallas is not playing well in this phase right now, while the Steelers have an effective 1-2 punch going with Staley and Bettis. Advantage, Pittsburgh.

Dallas' RBBC vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup)

30/166/0 was the total of the Cowboys' efforts in this phase of the game last week - Eddie George had his best afternoon of the season, with 15/75/0 to lead the club, while Richie Anderson chipped in with 9/56/0 and ReShard Lee had 4/28/0. It was a quality outing for the committee. Eddie George is the 29th ranked fantasy back to date, with 52/181/2 rushing and 2/17/0 receiving this season. He's a decent bye-week fill in guy / #3 RB on your team.

Pittsburgh brings the 13th ranked rush D to the table, with an average of 104 rushing yards allowed per game. They have coughed up 7 scores to date, though. 20/98/0 was the total for the Browns' backs last week. Over the last 4 games, they have averaged 115 yards and .8 TDs allowed - they've clamped down on scoring in the past few games.

Dallas is in good health in this phase of the game. Pittsburgh has been without LB Kendrell Bell all season (hernia, out). RB Julius Jones is out (shoulder).

The forecast for Texas Stadium calls for a high of 85F and a low of 65F with 0% chance of precipitation. Sounds like a nice weekend is on tap down in Texas.

Pittsburgh has toughened in this phase recently, while the Cowboys are showing signs of improvement. This is a neutral matchup from where we sit.

Oakland's Amos Zereoue vs. The Denver Defense (Good Matchup)

Amos Zereoue has been the only semi bright spot in the last 2 games for the Raider's offense, racking up 10/41/0 rushing and 7/53/0 receiving in the latest loss (35-14 to Indianapolis). He's made the most of his touches, but the running game was abandoned last week after falling behind to the Colts early in the contest. Oakland is in the top ten of the NFL in terms of yards per carry (averaging 4.6 yards per carry, 8th in the NFL) - they can make good things happen on the ground when they have that opportunity.

25/64/1 was the total of the Panthers' efforts last week after their #2 RB went out due to a broken clavicle - the lead rusher was FB Nick Goings with 12/22/0. Denver is 10th in the NFL allowing an average of 98.6 rushing yards per contest, but they can be scored on relatively easily (they have allowed 5 rushing scores to date). Over the past 4 weeks, the Broncos average 82 rushing yards allowed, and .5 TDs per game.

Oakland lists Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder, doubtful) and Justin Fargas (toe, questionable), along with G Ron Stone (knee, doubtful). Denver lists DE Trevor Pryce as out (back) while LB Patrick Chukwurah (quadriceps, questionable) and DT Monsanto Pope (wrist, probable).

The forecast for Network Associates Coliseum calls for a high of 68F and a low of 56F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a factor in this game.

Zereoue and company have a neutral matchup against the middling Bronco defense.

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

LaDainian Tomlinson returned to his dominant form last week, with 19/56/1 rushing and 4/78/0 receiving before a sore groin caused him to stand on the sidelines. Backup Jesse Chatman was outstanding in relief, with 11/103/1 to his credit - it's all good in this phase of the game for the Chargers right now. San Diego averages 4.7 yards per carry this season - the OL is doing their job, that's for sure.

Atlanta leads the league in rush D, with an average of only 70.4 rushing yards allowed per game (3 scores allowed to date). Over the past 4 weeks, the Falcons have given away 65 rushing yards and .8 scores per game. Pretty stout. Detroit dented the Falcons front last week, with 33/101/1, but they didn't dominate the Falcons with a 3.1 ypc average.

San Diego lists Tomlinson as probable, while Jesse Chatman (toe, questionable) and C Nick Hardwick (knee, doubtful). LBs Chris Draft (toe, questionable) and Keith Brooking (hamstring, probable). DEs Travis Hall (shoulder) and Antwan Lake (ankle) are questionable.

This game is being played at the Georgia Dome, so weather won't be a factor.

Two elite units meet in this matchup - this looks pretty even to us.

Jacksonville's Fred Taylor vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Remember the old Wendy's commercials that asked "Where's the Beef?". People are asking "Where's the rushing attack?" in Jacksonville these days. Fred Taylor averages less than 70 yards rushing per game right now, and it appears he has lost his goalline duties to Fuamatu-Ma'afala - not good for Taylor owners, not good at all. His season total so far: 82/328/1 rushing and 11/86/0 receiving, 26th in fantasy points per game (9.48 per game).

Kansas City is a generous rush D, allowing an average of 132.8 rushing yards per game this season (26th in the NFL) and 4 scores so far. Over the past 4 weeks, they average 113 yards allowed and .7 scores per game - that's moving in the right direction, but is by no means stout. 20/80/1 was the total that Baltimore managed in the most recent game KC played - they did contain Jamal Lewis that afternoon.

LaBrandon Toefield has a sore knee (questionable), and RB Greg Jones has a sore abdomen (probable). DT Ryan Sims (hamstring, doubtful), DE Jared Allen (knee, probable), LB Scott Fujita (ankle, questionable) and DE Jimmy Wilkerson (knee, probable) are listed by K.C.

The forecast for Alltel Stadium calls for a high of 81F and a low of 65F, with a 0% chance of precipitation. It should be a great day to play a game of football.

Jacksonville is struggling in this phase of the game, but the Chiefs aren't particularly hard to run on most weeks - we call it an even matchup.

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

Coach Haslett played his cards close to his vest last week, and started Deuce McAllister. McAllister was effective but clearly not 100%, managing 21/102/0 rushing in his return to the lineup - his cutting was just not up to his usual stellar levels, but he had good straight ahead speed. We'll see how the ankle reacts to a full week of practice this week.

Minnesota held Houston to 17/51/1 last week, and currently averages 90 yards allowed per game during 2004 (5 scores given up). They are allowing 96 yards rushing and 1.3 scores on the ground over the last 4 weeks - this is a decent but not stellar unit.

New Orleans says Deuce McAllister (ankle, probable) is good to go, while LB E.J. Henderson (knee, doubtful) is listed for Minnesota.

This game is to be played in the Superdome, so weather won't be an issue.

Deuce McAllister is a great back, but didn't look 100% last week. Minnesota has an above-average unit, but they give up TDs fairly often. This looks like an even matchup to us.

Buffalo's Travis Henry/Willis McGahee vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Travis Henry has not scored a TD in 7 games dating back to last year, and was ineffective in his last game vs. New York (12/33/0) before exiting due to a foot injury. Willis McGahee gained 8/42/0 and snagged a pass in relief of Henry (1/2/0). He looks much more "live" behind the Buffalo OL than Henry has lately. Is a change imminent?

Miami's rush D is a mixed bag, allowing an average of 134.6 rushing yards per game, but only 2 scores to date. Over the past 4 weeks, they've averaged 123 yards and .5 TDs allowed per game. 38/135/1 was the total that the Patriots slapped down on the Dolphins last week. They just aren't stout in this phase of the game.

Buffalo says that Henry is questionable to play this week. C Trey Teague (knee, out) and T Jonas Jennings (ankle, questionable). DT Tim Bowens (back) is questionable, and LBs Brendon Ayanbadejo (hip) and Morlon Greenwood (hamstring) are probable to play.

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 51F with a low of 41F and a 30% chance of rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field could get sloppy and the ball slick.

Buffalo is struggling, Miami is struggling - this is one ugly but even matchup, in our opinion.

Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Shaun Alexander did his part last week, with 23/150/1 and 1/4/0 receiving against the Rams. His line averages a solid 4.0 yards per carry this season - he's in a good place for an NFL running back to be. Alexander has a league leading 7 TDs at this point of the season. 87/382/5 rushing and 7/57/2 receiving so far in 2004 puts him at #2 among all fantasy RBs in fantasy points per game (21.48) - start him if you've got him.

New England is average at run D this year, with 114.3 rushing yards per game on average (but only 2 scores surrendered to date). The toothless Dolphins only managed 26/67/0 against the Patriots last week, but that is more a function of their ineptitude than New England's dominance. Over the past 4 weeks, the Patriots average 85 rushing yards allowed per game, and .3 TDs per contest. Vince Wilfork was the 6th best IDP DL last week, with 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack and a pass defensed.

Seattle is in good health, as is New England.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a beautiful day, with 60F for a high and 40F for a low, with a 0% chance for rain.

Alexander is a top back, while New England is tough to score on - in the defense's house, we call this an even matchup.

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

Marshall Faulk had an off game against the Seahawks last week, with 15/51/0 rushing and 1/4/0 receiving. Backup Steven Jackson went 5/64/0 rushing and added 2/11/0 receiving - he looks poised to start eating into Faulk's fantasy production. If he's still available and you are a Faulk owner, we'd suggest acquiring Jackson as a backup. Faulk is currently the 20th ranked fantasy RB in the land with 84/364/2 rushing and 17/113/0 receiving this season (an average of 11.94 fantasy points per game).

29/145/0 was the total that Deuce McAllister and company mustered vs. the Bucs' D last week. They have averaged 130.6 rushing yards allowed per game this season (24th in the NFL) and over the past 4 weeks they allow an average of 121 yards and .3 TDs per game. They just don't shut people down in this phase of the game anymore, but they're still tough to score on.

St. Louis lists G Chris Dishman as questionable (knee). LB Shelton Quarles (quadriceps) and DE Simeon Rice (migraine) are both probable to play.

This game is to be played in the Edward Jones Dome, so weather is not an issue.

Faulk and Jackson should have good luck against Tampa, but don't expect a ton of TDs and you won't be disappointed.

Washington's Clinton Portis vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Clinton Portis is having trouble finding room to roam in Washington this season. The Redskins average a mere 3.5 yards per carry as a team, tied for 28th in the league with the Bills and Houston - and the problems show in Portis' fantasy points per game (14.28, 13th in the NFL to date). The problems were especially apparent last week vs. The Ravens, when Portis eked out 25/53/0 rushing and 4/16/0 receiving, for a very disappointing fantasy outing.

Chicago has been tough to score on this year (only 1 rushing score allowed), but they give up a lot of real estate, and are ranked 19th in the league averaging 120 rushing yards allowed per game. Over the past 4 weeks, they average 133 yards and .3 TDs given up per game - the team is moving in the wrong direction in this phase.

Part of the problem in Chicago has been the absence of MLB Brian Urlacher (hamstring, probable this week). Also listed is DT Alfonso Boone (knee, questionable).G Ray Brown (hamstring, probable) and T Kenyatta Jones (ankle, probable) are listed, as is RB Chad Morton (knee, probable).

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 60F with a low of 45F and a 30% chance for rain. If the rains come down hard at game time, the field could get slick and ball handling could become an issue.

Both units come into the game with issues - we think this is a pretty even matchup before the fact.

Chicago's Thomas Jones vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup)

Thomas Jones has been on a fantasy tear to open 2004, and currently ranks as the 5th best fantasy RB in fantasy points per game after 4 contests. 79/361/4 rushing and 21/156/0 receiving has been a windfall for his owners, and vastly outperforms where most observers expected this back to be during 2004. Chicago averages 4.5 yards per carry this season - it's all good in this phase of the game right now.

Washington's rush D was blown up for 43/156/0 by the Ravens last week, and currently ranks 2nd in the NFL allowing an average of 78.8 rushing yards per contest so far in 2004. They have surrendered only 2 rushing scores to date - we think Jamal Lewis and company's success was an aberration and not the start of a trend. However, the team is suffering some without LB LaVar Arrington in the lineup (knee, questionable) and Michael Barrow is also out due to knee problems. LB Antonio Pierce was a top IDP LB last week, with 8 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 1 sack.

G Rex Tucker's elbow is still a problem, even after the bye, and he is listed as questionable. G Reuben Brown (knee) and C Olin Kreutz (elbow) are also probable. DE Phillip Daniels is out (groin), DT Joe Salave'a has a sore calf (questionable), and DE Ron Warner (ankle, probable).

The forecast for Soldier Field calls for a high of 60F with a low of 45F and a 30% chance for rain. If the rains come down hard at game time, the field could get slick and ball handling could become an issue.

Thomas Jones faces a tough fight vs. The Redskins this week, even with the Redskins down their top LBs.

New England's Corey Dillon/Kevin Faulk vs. The Seattle Defense (Tough Matchup)

Corey Dillon was injured at the end of the game last week, and was held out for precautionary reasons (ankle, questionable). Kevin Faulk returned to the mix last week, but only put up 1 rush for 1 yard, and 1 catch for 14 yards. Dillon had a good game going before the injury, with 18/94/0 rushing - the score went to Rabih Abdullah after Dillon's injury (5/4/1). For the season, Dillon is the 18th ranked fantasy RB in the land, with 84/417/1 rushing and 4/22/0 receiving - the lack of TDs has depressed his fantasy value into #2 RB range, and the TEs and WRs look like the primary redzone. options on this team - don't expect Dillon to suddenly start scoring multiple TDs in the second quarter of the season.

24/124/1 was the total for St. Louis last week - Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson did a good job against the Seahawks. The Seahawks as a team average 84.5 rushing yards allowed per game, and have given away only the 1 TD to date - they've been very stout until last week's meltdown to St. Louis. Over the past 4 weeks, the team averages 88 rushing yards and .3 TDs per game. Chike Okeafor was the 9th best IDP DL last week, with 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 2 sacks.

Aside from Dillon, the Patriots are in good shape. LB Anthony Simmons (shoulder, probable) LB Chad Brown (leg, out) and DT Cedric Woodward (toe, questionable) are hurting on Seattle's side.

The forecast for Gillette Stadium calls for a beautiful day, with 60F for a high and 40F for a low, with a 0% chance for rain.

New England is decent at running the football, while Seattle is very hard-nosed most weeks. This looks like a tough matchup for Dillon and company.

San Francisco's Kevan Barlow vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Tough Matchup)

Kevan Barlow was pretty down after his last game, commenting that he was disappointed he couldn't do better running behind the league's best FB (Fred Beasley). Barlow's fantasy owners would agree, seeing as his 14/34/0 rushing and 3/23/0 receiving put him at #33 among all fantasy RBs last week. 78/288/2 and 14/109/0 receiving so far in 2004 slots Barlow at #24 among all fantasy RBs - he's a borderline #2 RB right now.

The Jets are pretty tough in this phase, with only 3 scores and 100.3 rushing yards allowed per week on average. They have been on target recently, at 96 rushing yards and .7 TDs allowed per game over the past 4 weeks. 22/80/0 was the total that Buffalo managed against the Jets last week. John Abraham was a top IDP DL last week, with 6 solo tackles and 3 sacks to his credit (#2 DL).

Backup FB Jasen Isom was lost to IR due to a blown Achilles last week. C Jeremy Newberry is out (knee). LB Sam Cowart (knee, out) and Eric Barton (ankle, probable) are listed for the Jets.

The forecast for New York calls for a high of 62F and a low of 45F, with a 10% chance of precipitation - great football weather, in other words.

Barlow will have a tough time making good things happen against the streaking Jets.

Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Detroit Defense (Tough Matchup)

Ahman Green has re-contracted fumbilitis, and that is not a good thing for his fantasy owners. He has been shoved to the side in recent games (only 10/33/0 rushing and 2/5/0 receiving last week) because the pathetic Green Bay defense is giving away points in bunches. The team has had to abandon the running game and throw like mad to try and catch up (most recently, Tennessee pounded them 48-27). The team averages a subpar 3.9 yards per carry this year (tied for 20th in the NFL).

Detroit has a decent run D, averaging 98.3 rushing yards allowed per game (9th in the NFL), but they can be scored upon (4 TDs allowed to date). Atlanta was contained to that level of production last week (27/94/1), and they had been averaging over 5 yards per carry prior to the Detroit game - the Lions' D is for real this year, folks. In their last 4 games, the Lions have averaged 88 rushing yards and .7 rushing scores allowed. Alex Lewis was the #4 IDP LB last week, with 5 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed. Shaun Rogers was the #7 IDP DL last week, with 4 solo tackles and 2 sacks.

Green Bay's Ahman Green has a sore Achilles (probable). Detroit lists LB Boss Bailey (knee, out) and LB Earl Holmes (Achilles, probable).

This game will be played indoors at Ford Field, so weather is not a factor.

Green Bay is really struggling in this phase recently, and the Lions won't make things easy on their division rivals.

Carolina's Stephen Davis vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup)

DeShaun Foster is out 6-10 weeks with a broken clavicle, so it's time for Stephen Davis to move back to the top of the RB queue. He's been rehabbing an injured knee recently, and was a late game-time scratch last week, but it looks like he'll be back in the lineup this week. If his injury flares up, then the Panthers would have to use a RBBC with some combination of Rod Smart (also nursing a knee injury), Nick Goings and Brad Hoover. Joey Harris has been signed from the practice squad and he'll likely see action too.

Philadelphia plays stout Run D, with an average of 89.3 yards allowed per game, and only 2 TDs surrendered to date. Over the last 4 weeks, they've been even better, averaging a mere 62 yards allowed per game, and 0 scores per game. That's some tough defensive front, huh? Chicago's Thomas Jones managed 13/32/0 against them in their week 4 contest.

Carolina lists Foster as out, as is RB Rod Smart (knee, out). Davis is listed as questionable on Wednesday. LBs Josh Parry (knee) and Jason Short (ankle) are dinged but probable to play.

The forecast for Lincoln Financial Field calls for a high of 62F and a low of 43F with a 0% chance for rain. Weather should not be a factor in this matchup.

Carolina's OL is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry this season, and that won't improve this week against the ultra-tough Eagles.

Miami's RBBC vs. The Buffalo Defense (Bad Matchup)

Leonard Henry, Brock Forsey, Sammy Morris. Ugh. Frankly, the situation on offense in Miami is so chaotic and unpredictable that its not clear who may end up with the carries on any given Sunday. What is clear is that the team averages 2.6 rushing yards per attempt no matter who is rushing the ball, and that's the worst average in the league by far. Look at all of your other options before inserting a Dolphin back in your lineup. Buyer beware.

Buffalo is in the top 5 among run defenses this season, averaging only 85 yards allowed per game (with only 1 rushing TD surrendered to date). They are ultra-tough. Red-hot Curtis Martin could only gain 22/77/0 rushing on this squad last week - Miami may be hard-pressed to muster 50 yards. Again, look at all of your other options before inserting a Dolphin back in your lineup. London Fletcher was a top IDP DL last week, with 15 solo tackles and 6 assists (#1 overall DL). Buffalo is the toughest redzone. D in the AFC, allowing 4 TDs on 13 chances.

Travis Minor continues to be sidelined by his injured ankle (questionable) and T John St. Clair is doubtful (knee/ankle). G Taylor Whitley is probable (toe).

The forecast for Ralph Wilson Stadium calls for a high of 51F with a low of 41F and a 30% chance of rain. If the rain comes down hard at game time, the field could get sloppy and the ball slick.

Finally, we urge you look at all of your other options before inserting a Dolphin back in your lineup.