Mark Wimer/Joe Bryant - Rushing Matchups

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

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

Bottom line is that the cheatsheets are the final say.

Let's jump to it.

Joe

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Joe Bryant
Owner - www.Footballguys.com

Bye Weeks

Houston's Domanick Davis/Jonathan Wells
Pittsburgh's Duce Staley/Jerome Bettis
San Francisco's Kevan Barlow
Washington's Clinton Portis

Denver's Reuben Droughns vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup)

Droughns has seized the top job in Denver with two outstanding performances, and it looks like Quentin Griffin is relegated to third-down/change of pace duty as of week 7. Very few people saw this situation as likely during the preseason, but that's why they play the games, folks - the NFL is rarely predictable from year to year. Just ask the Carolina Panthers. Anyway, Droughns has been outstanding as a fantasy back (78/399/1 rushing and 10/53/1 receiving in his chances to date) - he was the #2 fantasy back in the land last week, with 38/176/1 rushing and 1/4/0 receiving on the day. Impressive.

Cincinnati's defense is anything but impressive this season. They are dead last in the NFL averaging 160.4 rushing yards allowed per game (5 scores), and average 186 yards and 1.3 rushing scores allowed per week over the past 4 weeks. The Browns slapped down 46/139/0 on them last week. Nobody is scared to run the ball at these guys. Kevin Hardy played well at LB, though, with 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, and 1 sack last week.

G Dan Neil is probable for the Broncos (abdomen). LBs Landon Johnson (concussion) and Marcus Wilkins (neck) are probable to go for Cincinnati, as is DE Duane Clemons (chest). DE Carl Powell has a sore knee (probable).

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

Droughns is hot, while Cincinnati is not - advantage, Broncos.

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Carolina Defense (Great Matchup)

LaDainian Tomlinson - 126/535/5 rushing, 19/189/0 receiving to date. 23/64/1 and 4/16/0 against the hard-nosed Falcons last week - he makes fantasy points for his owners consistently, week after week (currently the 7th best fantasy RB in the land, averaging 17.38 fantasy points per week). Start him if you've got him.

Carolina gave up 20/81/2 to the Eagles last week. They average far more yards than that most weeks, surrendering an average of 143.4 per game this year (with 7 TDs given away to date). Over the past 4 weeks, they average 152 yards and 1.3 TDs per game allowed. This is just not the dominant defensive front we expected to see in 2004.

Carolina had a scare last week when Mike Rucker (rib, probable) suffered irregular heartbeat, but tests showed no structural problems. They list LB Vinny Ciurciu (knee) and LB Mark Fields (back) as questionable, as is DT Omari Jordan (ankle). San Diego says C Nick Hardwick is probable to play, as are RBs Jesse Chatman (toe) and Tomlinson (groin).

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

Tomlinson is an elite running back, while the Panthers are a highly suspect run defense. Advantage, San Diego.

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

The Browns welcome the unbeaten Eagles to town this week - Brian Westbrook comes in off a steady 13/64/1 rushing and 4/26/0 receiving effort vs. the Panthers last week (Dorsey Levens got in the act last week, with 4/11/1 rushing, too). He has been racking up the yardage for many weeks, so it was nice for his owners that he added a TD to the mix this past week. Right now, Westbrook is the 13th best fantasy RB in the land with 78/411/1 rushing and 28/232/0 receiving to his credit.

Cleveland's rush D gives away a lot of points. With 8 TDs surrendered to date, they are tied for 3rd-most rushing scores allowed in the NFL (they average 105.2 yards in this phase, 13th in the NFL). 104 yards and 1.8 TDs is the clip they've allowed over the past 4 weeks, with 18/58/0 being last week's total vs. The Bengals. The rushing yardage was depressed last week because the Browns won by a large margin, so Cincinnati was throwing the ball a lot. This just isn't a very stout defensive front.

Cleveland lists LB Barry Gardener as out (groin). Philadelphia RB Josh Parry is probable to play (knee).

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

The Eagles should have a great game against the soft Browns.

New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup)

New Orleans' Deuce McAllister is returning to form, and he had a solid outing last week against the Vikings (18/78/2 rushing and 3/15/0 receiving). The Saints average 4.3 yards per carry this season - the OL is doing their job admirably. As long as his sore ankle doesn't flare up, there is no reason to expect him to regress this week.

Oakland plays soft vs. The run, allowing an average of 138 rushing yards per game this year (6 scores surrendered to date), and they've been even softer lately (165 rushing yards per game over the past 4 weeks, with .8 TDs per outing on average). That's an awful lot of real-estate, folks. Denver kicked them around for 51/254/1 last week - in the Raider's own house, by the way. That had to hurt the Raider faithful.

Oakland currently lists LB Travian Smith as doubtful (knee) to play.

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

Deuce McAllister has great prospects this week.

Oakland's Amos Zereoue vs. The New Orleans Defense (Great Matchup)

Oakland got pounded 31-3 by the Broncos last week, so there wasn't a whole lot of rushing going on as the team chased Denver. What little of it there was, Amos Zereoue handled the ball (15/34/0) - the team managed 16/31/0 on the day. No TDs were scored in any phase. Zereoue added 4/17/0 receiving - he was a fantasy nonentity last week. If Tyrone Wheatley's shoulder will allow him to play - no sure thing, there, as he's listed as doubtful this week - we expect to see more of the big guy pounding the football.

New Orleans gave away almost 2 full football fields in rushing yardage to the Vikings last week (28/188/0). They are 31st in the league averaging 151.2 rushing yards allowed per game, with a league-worst 9 TDs allowed. Over the past 4 weeks, they've been a little better, averaging 140 yards and 1.0 TDs per game, but only relative to how poorly they've played earlier this season. They are more of a welcome mat than a rush defense.

Oakland lists G Ron Stone (knee) as doubtful, and T Barry Sims is questionable (foot) as is RB Justin Fargas (toe). DE Darren Howard is out for New Orleans (knee), while LB Derrick Rodgers is questionable (ribs).

The Raiders have been struggling but this is a great week to be an Oakland RB - stay tuned to find out who should go for the Raiders on Sunday.

St. Louis' Marshall Faulk/Steven Jackson vs. The Miami Defense (Good Matchup)

The Faulk plan is a thing of the past in St. Louis - nowadays, it's the Faulk/Jackson plan, and there is no reason to think that the sharing of the workload is going to change. Jackson is too talented not to get on the field, which is going to eat into Marshall Faulk's opportunities to score fantasy points (and vice versa). Combining the influence of Jackson with coach Martz's passing mania makes us think that Marshall Faulk is likely to decline in fantasy point production as the season goes along. Time is catching up with the former fantasy superstar. Still, he's not chopped liver in fantasy terms, with 15/40/1 rushing and 3/29/0 receiving (Jackson had almost as many touches last week, with 13/48/0 rushing and 3/30/0 receiving).

Miami's defense has been sliding in this phase averaging 134 yards and .5 TDs allowed per game over the past 4 weeks (allowing 135.2 yards on average and 2 scores this season). The Bills had 31/137/0 against the Dolphins last week. They are not horrible, but the Dolphins aren't shutting people down in this phase of the game. Zach Thomas did his best at LB, though, with 8 solo tackles, 6 assists, and a pass defensed to land in the top ten among IDP LBs.

Miami lists DE David Bowens (knee), DT Tim Bowens (back) and LB Junior Seau (quadriceps) as probable to play on Sunday. G Adam Timmerman is probable to play for the Rams despite a sore knee.

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

The Rams' tandem should have a decent game in Miami this week.

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

Chris Brown is listed as questionable on the Wednesday injury report, but that is not unusual for the Titans, who only use "out" and "questionable" the vast majority of the time. Brown missed practice on Wednesday - keep an eye on his status in that section of the injury report as the weekend approaches. The initial reports on his shoulder injury indicated he should be able to play this week. His fantasy owners hope so, because Brown has been great so far in 2004, with 120/608/4 rushing and 11/87/0 receiving, despite missing parts of 2 games. Tennessee is third in the NFL averaging 4.8 rushing yards per carry as a team.

Minnesota's defense is very giving in 2004, allowing 8 TDs and an average of 103.8 rushing yards per game. Over the last 4 weeks, the Vikings have coughed up 119 rushing yards and 2.0 TDs per game - not very good. Deuce McAllister and company racked up 23/159/3 on this team last week - they are heading in the wrong direction.

LBs Chris Claiborne (calf) and E.J. Henderson (knee) are questionable to play, while LB Raonall Smith is probable despite a concussion suffered last week. The LB corps is banged up right now, as you can see. Tennessee also lists T Fred Miller (ankle) and G Benji Olson as questionable (groin) - he missed the last game.

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

Minnesota is soft, while the Titans run the ball very well most weeks - advantage, Tennessee. But keep an eye on Brown's status.

New York Jets' Curtis Martin vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup)

Curtis Martin is the #1 fantasy RB in the land this year (132/613/6 rushing, with 22/106/1 receiving). He had 25/111/2 rushing and 3/20/0 receiving vs. The 49ers last week, and blew defenders back into the endzone as he powered in for his scores. Start him if you have him.

New England's rush defense is mediocre this season, ranking 16th in the NFL allowing an average of 111.8 yards per game (with 3 scores allowed to date). Over the last 4 weeks, they've been hard to score on, averaging .3 TDs per game (102 yards per game). 21/102/1 was the total that the Seahawks accumulated last week - it's not easy to blow up on the Patriots.

Both teams come into the game in decent health, with the Jets listing Gs Pete Kendall (foot) and Brandon Moore (hamstring) as probable, as is RB B.J. Askew (shoulder).

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

New England is playing a middle-of-the-road type defense, but doesn't give up many points - Curtis Martin is a one-man wrecking crew. Advantage, New York.

Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup)

Edgerrin James ground up the Oakland D for 32/136/1 rushing (2/19/0 receiving) in week
5, and then enjoyed a week of rest last week. He's been strong all season, with 123/547/5 rushing and 11/93/0 receiving to date (5th best fantasy back in the land, averaging 18.8 fantasy points per game). Considering how lethal the Colts' pass attack is, teams would commit hari-kari if they chose to key on James - he's going to have room to roam more often than not. Start him if you've got him.

The Jaguars held Priest Holmes and company in check on the ground last week, allowing 21/77/0 rushing on the day. That returned the Jags to familiar territory (allowing less than 100 yards rushing in a game), but over the past 4 weeks they've actually been a little soft vs. The run (122 rushing yards and 1.0 TDs per game on average during that span). Top units have had some solid success running the ball on Jacksonville lately. Marcus Stroud was a top IDP performer last week, with 6 solo tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble, and Akinola Ayodele had 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks and a forced fumble to be near the top at LB.

Jacksonville lists no-one in this phase, while Indianapolis has G Rick DeMulling and RB Dominic Rhodes (shoulder) down as probable to play.

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

Indianapolis is definitely a top rushing attack. Advantage, Indianapolis.

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

Warrick Dunn reportedly told his coaches to leave T.J. Duckett in the game last week, showing a lot of support for his teammate. That was a nice thing to do if your name is T.J. Duckett, but it gutted a lot of fantasy squads' chances to win their games. 5/13/0 is just not the stuff of fantasy dreams (Duckett managed 11/45/0 on a day when the running game was off-pace, though Vick scored with 9/35/1 to his credit). Atlanta is starting to look more like a running back by committee as the season goes by, much to the frustration of Dunn owners.

Kansas City is playing tough rush defense at this point in the season, averaging 86 rushing yards and .7 rushing TDs allowed per game, significantly better than their season average of 126.4 yards (5 TDs given up to date). The Jaguars did gouge them for 101 yards on 23 attempts (1 TD) last week, but Fred Taylor was contained to 19/66/0 - they aren't super-stout, but K.C. is actually improving in this area over years past.

The injury report lists a number of Chief defenders - DT Ryan Sims is questionable (hamstring), while LBs Shawn Barber (hand) Monty Beisel (hip flexor) and Scott Fujita (ankle) are all probable to play. Atlanta is healthy.

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

Atlanta had an off week last week, but they are usually very powerful in this phase of the game. The Chiefs are improving, but not dominant - advantage, Atlanta.

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

3 backs and 3 receivers carried the ball for the Cowboys last week, to combine for 21/100/1 - Richie Anderson led the team with 6/54/1, while Eddie George slogged for 10/28/0 on the day - nobody else broke 15 yards, and ReShard Lee actually had -3 yards on his 2 carries. Look for more sharing of the load this week, making fantasy upside hard to come by (Anderson is probably your best bet for fantasy points - he has 1/26/1 passing, 25/140/1 rushing and 11/99/0 receiving thus far, to check in at #31 on the fantasy RB board).

Green Bay's rush defense has been atrociously bad more often than not, allowing an average of 141 yards and 1.3 TDs per game over the past 4 weeks, although last week they throttled the Lions (16/33/0) on a day when the Packers didn't need to respect the pass. They usually play much worse than that game would indicate, though. Some good news for the Packers is that DT Grady Jackson is supposed to be back in the lineup this week - he's been sidelined by a knee injury - so the team is hoping he can solidify the defensive front in the middle (where a lot of the problems have been). We'll see how ready Jackson is to play after several weeks off.

Green Bay lists DT James Lee (knee, questionable) and Jackson (questionable), along with DE R-Kal Truluck (shoulder, probable). Julius Jones is out for Dallas (shoulder).

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

Dallas has a good shot for a strong game against the usually-giving Packer defensive front.

Green Bay's Ahman Green/Najeh Davenport vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup)

Ahman Green turned in an all-purpose outing last week, with 21/81/0 rushing, 3/3/0 receiving, and 1/1 for 20 yards and 1 TD passing. Najeh Davenport was also active, with 10/62/1 rushing as the team continues to use both guys to pound the ball (the team rushed for 39/157/1 as a unit, as Tony Fisher, Nick Luchey and Brett Favre all logged carries). Green is the featured back, but Davenport is getting chances to show what he can do, now that he is healthy again.

Dallas' rush defense is a mixed bag this year, allowing an average of 123.2 yards per game (115 per over the last 4 weeks), but giving up only 2 scores to date (.7 per contest over the last 4 weeks). They aren't shutting people down, but they aren't getting pushed over, either. Pittsburgh managed 29/125/1 against Dallas last week - right on the season average.

Green Bay's fairly healthy, listing RBs Ahman Green (Achilles) and William Henderson (back) as probable. Dallas says Greg Ellis is probable (foot).

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

Expect Green Bay to have a decent but not spectacular day against the Cowboy's defensive front.

Chicago's Thomas Jones vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

Chicago sure is glad to have Thomas Jones. He's the 6th ranked fantasy RB in the land right now, averaging 17.52 fantasy points per game (103/458/4 rushing and 23/178/0 receiving to date), and the team is moving at a clip of 4.5 yards per carry. He is just getting the job done. Last week, when the passing game fell apart, he still gained over 100 yards combined (24/97/0 rushing and 2/22/0 receiving) - the team needs to lean on him while Jonathan Quinn gets his passing game up to snuff - Thomas is going to get the ball a lot.

Tampa Bay's rush defense is subpar this season, allowing an average of 124.5 rushing yards per game (21st in the NFL) and 3 rushing scores to date. Over the past 4 weeks, they have surrendered 131 yards per contest, and .5 TDs. The Bucs just aren't a solid front 7 this year, at least not in comparison to years past. 30/94/1 is the mark that the Rams managed on the ground last week. 2 DL were in the top ten last week, as Greg Spires put up 5 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Anthony McFarland had 3 solo tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

The Bears list G Ruben Brown (knee, questionable) and C Olin Kreutz (elbow, probable). RB Bryan Johnson has a sore knee (questionable). Tampa's DT Ellis Wyms is out (shoulder), while DT Anthony McFarland is probable (groin).

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

Tampa Bay is not stalwart vs. The run any more, and Thomas Jones and the Chicago OL is doing a great job - we see it fairly even.

New York Giants' Tiki Barber vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup)

Tiki Barber was a one-man wrecking crew against Dallas two weeks ago, and led the Giants in rushing (23/122/1) and receiving (5/76/0). He's been blowing the curve all season - the Giants are #1 in the NFL averaging 5.0 yards per carry - and ranks as the 2nd best fantasy RB in the land behind nuclear hot Curtis Martin right now (96/577/4 rushing and 19/240/0 receiving to date). Start him if you've got him.

Detroit's rush D was battered for 39/157/1 by the Packers last week, and they average 1.0 TD allowed per game over the past 4 weeks (103 yards per game over the past 4 weeks, 110 per game this season) - it's not hard to move the ball on the Lions, and scoring comes pretty easy lately, too. Earl Holmes played hard at LB last week, with 8 solo tackles, 6 assists, and a pass defensed - he was in the top ten IDP LBs.

Detroit is still without LB Boss Bailey (knee, out), and lists LB Donte Curry (knee, questionable), DT Dan Wilkinson (arm, questionable) and DT Marcus Bell (shoulder, probable).

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

New York runs with the best in the NFL right now, and they are at home this week. Advantage, New York.

Minnesota's Mewelde Moore vs. The Tennessee Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Michael Bennett's return has been delayed by Mewelde Moore's strong play (36/209/0 rushing and 21/182/0 receiving) - the team isn't going to hurry him back, much to the delight of Moore owners and much to the dismay of Bennett owners. Moe Williams is getting back in the mix, too, with 6/66/0 rushing and 1/13/0 receiving last week (Moore had 15/109/0 rushing and 7/78/0 receiving vs. The soft Saints). Minnesota leads the league in yards per carry, at 5.0. It's all good for the Vikings backs right now.

Tennessee sits in the middle of the NFL pack in this phase (14th allowing an average of 109.7 rushing yards per game, with 6 scores surrendered to date). They gave up 37/98/1 to the Texans last week. Over the past 4 weeks, they average 116 yards and 1.0 TDs allowed per game. They're strictly mediocre. Carlos Hall was a top IDP DL last week, though, with 1 solo tackle, 4 assists, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.

Tennessee has its share of injuries on defense, listing LB Rocky Calmus (back), DTs Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and Jared Clauss (concussion) as - what else - questionable. DE Juqua Thomas has been battling an ankle injury for a while now (questionable). C Corey Withrow is out for the Vikings (knee), while RB Michael Bennett is officially questionable and Williams is probable (calf).

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

The prospects for a solid game are good for the Vikings' backs although the defense is looking to regain it's form.

Miami's Sammy Morris vs. The St. Louis Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Sammy Morris made good things happen last week, with 18/91/0 rushing and 2/28/0 receiving against the Bills' tough defense. It was a strong outing - now, can he repeat the performance this week? Stay tuned to find out - the 4.4 yards-per-carry average the team amassed (25/111/0) is a definite step in the right direction (the Dolphins are worst in the league averaging 3.0 yards per carry so far in 2004).

St. Louis' rush defense stifled the Buccaneers' backs last week, holding them to 22/55/1 rushing on the day. That's much better than their season average of 131.8 rushing yards (6 scores allowed to date). Over the past 4 weeks, have been averaging 112 yards and .8 TDs surrendered per game - they are moving in the right direction in this phase of the game. Tommy Polley was a top IDP LB last week, with 8 solo tackles, 1 sack and a pass defensed.

DT Jimmy Kennedy continues to struggle with his bad back (doubtful). DE Tyoka Jackson is questionable with a sore hamstring, while LBs Trev Faulk (hamstring) and Robert Thomas (ankle) are probable to go for the Rams. T John St. Clair (knee/ankle) and RB Travis Minor (ankle) are questionable to play, while T Vernon Carey (shoulder) G Taylor Whitney (hand) and RB Sammy Morris (ankle) are listed as probable by the Dolphins.

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

Morris has decent prospects against an improving-but-still-mediocre St. Louis defensive front - if his OL continues to do their job.

Arizona's Emmitt Smith vs. The Seattle Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Emmitt Smith has been resurgent in 2004, with 84/353/4 rushing, 3/29/0 receiving, and 1/1 for 21 yards and 1 TD passing to date. Until very recently, he was the only Cardinal scoring TDs - he's been key to this team. He's also the 15th ranked fantasy RB in the land, averaging 13.46 fantasy points per game. Smith is a solid #2 fantasy back right now, and he'll be well-rested this week after a bye. Troy Hambrick has been getting some touches, too, with 10/29/0 rushing and 2/11/1 receiving vs. The 49ers two weeks ago.

Seattle's rush defense caved to the Patriots last week, allowing 33/138/2 to New England. They've been made of sterner stuff most weeks, averaging 95.2 rushing yards per game in 2004 (3 scores allowed). Over the past 4 weeks, they've been surrendering 103 rushing yards and 1 score per game on average. DE Grant Wistrom has been lost for 6-8 weeks due to a knee problem, so that will impact the defensive front this week.

Aside from Wistrom, LB Chad Brown is doubtful due to his broken leg, and Anthony Simmons has a sore shoulder (questionable). DT Rashad Moore has a sore shoulder. RB Josh Scobey is out for the Cards (knee).

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

Smith is running well this season, while the Seahawks are regressing in this phase of the game lately - we see it pretty even here.

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

Fred Taylor finally broke a long one and scored last week (19/66/0 rushing with a long of 14; 3/71/1 receiving with a long of 64), repaying his long-suffering owners with a bunch of fantasy points. This is what they had in mind when they drafted Taylor to anchor the fantasy RB corps. That only makes 2 TDs total this season, though, a major reason why Taylor is currently languishing at #21 among all fantasy RBs this season (11.18 fantasy points per game) - but it was an encouraging sign to see his old explosiveness again. Byron Leftwich ran in the team's only rushing score (3/25/1).

Indianapolis has a strong run D, statistically speaking, allowing an average of 91.8 rushing yards per game (with 3 scores given up to date), but teams can throw on them at will (an average of 304 passing yards and 2.0 passing TDs allowed per game over the past 4 weeks), so don't be too impressed. A double-threat back like Taylor should have a good day against this unit. They have averaged only 75 rushing yards and .3 rushing TDs allowed over the past 4 weeks, though, so running room can be hard to find vs. The Colts. Oakland only managed 53 yards and 1 TD vs. this group in week 5.

Indianapolis lists LB Cato June (shoulder DE Robert Mathis (groin) as both probable to play. Jacksonville says G Vincent Manuawi (knee) is questionable, while RBs Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (shoulder) and LaBrandon Toefield (knee) are probable to play.

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

Taylor should enjoy a fine outing, but his yards are more likely to come through the air than on the ground - we call this a neutral rushing matchup (but remember that soft pass D).

New England's Corey Dillon vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Patriots saw Corey Dillon crash into the endzone twice last week (23/105/2) and put up 33/138/2 as a team against the Seahawks defense, who are in the top ten vs. The run this season. It was a very good performance for the New England faithful to enjoy. Dillon is nearing top-ten fantasy RB status as the TDs start to mount (he has 107/522/3 rushing and 6/28/0 receiving this season, and is the 12th best fantasy RB in the land right now) - he looks very comfortable running the ball right now.

The 49ers managed 27/99/1 rushing vs. The Jets last week, which is a little more than they usually surrender in recent weeks (an average of 92 yards and .3 TDs per game over the last 4 weeks). They are 8th in the NFL vs. The rush this season, allowing an average of 100 yards per game, and 4 rushing scores to date. This is a solid defensive front. John Abraham (4 solo tackles, 1 sack, and a pass defensed) and Shaun Ellis (4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble) were both top-ten IDP DLs last week.

New England lists RB Patrick Pass as questionable (thigh). T Tom Ashworth has a sore back (questionable). RB Rabih Abdullah has a sore forearm (probable). LB Sam Cowart is questionable for the Jets (knee).

Two upper echelon units lock horns in this one - neither has a clear upper hand.

Carolina's Stephen Davis vs. The San Diego Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Stephen Davis had a lackluster return to the field last week against the motivated Eagles' defense (15/66/0 rushing, 1/10/0 receiving). The team ground out 31/158/0 rushing, a 5.1 yards-per-carry average - there was definitely room to roam - but nobody got a huge share of that pie (Brad Hoover had 11/63/0 on the day). We'll see if Davis sees more of the carries this week, now that he's back in the saddle for Carolina.

San Diego gave up 25/93/1 to the Falcons last week, and average 85.7 yards allowed per game this season - they don't give up a ton of yards. However, they have surrendered 7 scores in this phase of the game, averaging .8 TDs and 71 rushing yards allowed per contest over the past 4 weeks - they aren't shutting people out of the endzone right now. LB Steve Foley was a top IDP player last week, with 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks and a pass defensed.

Davis is said to be questionable right now (knee), while RBs Rod Smart (knee) and DeShaun Foster (shoulder) are out. G Tutan Reyes is questionable (ankle). Foley is probable for San Diego (hip flexor).

Carolina will have to fight for yards, but prospects for rushing TDs look pretty good - this is a neutral matchup in our eyes.

Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Tampa Bay had a hard time rushing the ball against the Rams last week, scraping together 22/55/1 as a team on the day. Mike Alstott punched in the score (5/17/1), while Michael Pittman eked out 13/37/0 rushing and 4/16/0 receiving - not much to brag about, in fantasy terms. The team is 29th in the NFL averaging a mere 3.5 yards per carry this season - the OL just isn't helping out the RBs very much.

Clinton Portis and company rocked the Bears for 47/218/0 rushing last week - they ran the ball at will. It was a lot of yards (the Bears give up an average of 139.6 rushing yards per game this year, with an average of 155 per game over the past 4 weeks) - however, the Bears are tough to score on in this phase, with only 1 TD allowed in this phase to date. Don't look for a bunch of TDs from Pittman and Alstott against the Bears, given their OL woes. Brian Urlacher was a top IDP LB last week, with 9 solo tackles, 3 assists and a sack.

Tampa lists RB Greg Comella as questionable (chest). DT Alfonso Boone (knee, questionable) and DE Adewale Ogunleye (calf, questionable) are listed for Chicago.

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

The Buccaneers have a weak attack, while the Bears are bend-but-don't break in this phase - it looks fairly even to us from where we stand.

Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Priest Holmes is clicking right along this year, with 19/75/0 rushing and 4/47/1 receiving in his most recent game. He is almost a lock for 100+ yards combined and a score week in and week out - KC averages 4.5 yards per carry this year. Start him if you've got him.

The Atlanta defense is top in the NFL, allowing just 74.5 rushing yards per game in this phase so far in 2004, with 4 scores surrendered to date. Over the past 4 weeks, they gave up 81 rushing yards and .8 rushing TDs per contest - this is a stern rush defense, folks. The Chargers managed 31/95/1 last week, and they have LaDainian Tomlinson (23/64/1 to his credit last week). That's some stout rush D.

Atlanta says that DT Roderick Coleman is out (knee). LB Chris Draft (toe) and DL Travis Hall (shoulder), Antwan Lake (ankle) and Chad Lavalais (hand) are all questionable to play. Holmes is probable despite a sore elbow.

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

Holmes and company vs. Atlanta is a clash of top units, with neither holding a clear edge over the other.

Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The Arizona Defense (Tough Matchup)

Shaun Alexander battled for 16/77/1 rushing and 2/30/0 receiving against the Patriots last week. He is the 4th ranked fantasy back in the land right now, with a total of 103/459/6 rushing and 9/87/2 receiving so far in 2004. He's been a big part of every game this season, and there is no reason to expect that to change any time soon.

Arizona is very hard-nosed in the redzone, allowing 0 rushing TDs to date (but averaging 128 yards allowed on the ground per game). Over the last 4 weeks, they've been even sterner, averaging only 97 yards and 0 scores allowed per game. The 49ers managed a mere 57 yards and 0 scores vs. The Cards in their latest game - they play stout rush defense in the desert.

Seattle lists T Chris Terry (shoulder, questionable) and G Sean Locklear (illness, probable) on Wednesday's injury report. Arizona, coming off a bye, says LB James Darling (calf) and DT Ross Kolodziej (ankle) are probable to play.

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

Alexander is an elite back and a sure starter in most leagues, but Arizona isn't very generous in this phase. This looks like a tough matchup to us.

Buffalo's Willis McGahee/Travis Henry vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup)

Willis McGahee led the Bills to 26/111/0 rushing and caught 3/31/0 receiving to boot last week, and the team finally won a game. Word this week is that Travis Henry is going to be the starter again - but if his injured foot slows him even a little, you have to think that the Bills will throw out a quick hook with such a capable backup standing on the sidelines. Henry has just not been productive this season, folks (80/273/0 rushing and 6/29/0 receiving) - start him at your own peril. On the other hand, nothing tends to motivate a veteran player than being pushed by a younger talent - we may see some giddy-up in Henry's step - time will tell.

Baltimore is no welcome mat in this phase of the game, allowing an average of only 103.4 rushing yards and 3 scores to date. Over the past 4 weeks, the team has averaged 113 yards allowed and .7 scores - they are slightly off pace, but still tough. In their most recent outing, the Redskins could only muster 26/52/0 against this front 7 - they are on top of their game right now, and coming off a bye week.

Buffalo lists Henry as questionable to play, C Trey Teague is doubtful (knee) and T Jonas Jennings (ankle) is probable. Baltimore has a clean bill of health along the defensive front, with no new injuries to report.

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

The Bills have not been impressive with Henry carrying the ball, but McGahee gave them a spark last week. Baltimore is stern in this phase of the game - we call it a tough matchup for the Bills, no matter who carries the ball.

Baltimore's Chester Taylor/Musa Smith vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup)

Jamal Lewis is serving his league suspension right now, so the team will be forced to turn to Chester Taylor and Musa Smith in some combination this week. Taylor has shown some good moves in limited chances this season - 28/164/0 to date, a 5.9 ypc average - (he and Smith ran a lot during preseason) and is likely to carry the load in Lewis' absence. In good news for the Ravens' OL, C Mike Flynn is expected back in the lineup this week, which will help make the OL even better than it already is if he can go (doubtful on Wednesday, though). Don't discount the Ravens rushing prospects, even with Lewis on unpaid vacation.

Buffalo's run D is not bad at all this year, averaging 90.2 yards allowed per game - and they have given away only 1 score to date. Over the last 4 weeks, they average 98 rushing yards allowed and .3 TDs per contest - that's stout. The Dolphin's motley crew did manage 25/111/0 in the most recent game - the Bills are slightly off pace coming into this game, but they are still very hard to score on. Buffalo's DL Was outstanding in IDP circles last week, with 2 top-ten players; Aaron Schobel had 5 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, while Ron Edwards had 4 solo tackles and 2 sacks.

Buffalo is healthy in this phase, while RB Ovie Mughelli (hamstring) is questionable for Baltimore.

This matchup will be a stern test of the Ravens' backup talent. Advantage, Buffalo.

Detroit's RBBC vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Tough Matchup)

Detroit had a bad game vs. The Packers last week, with Roy Williams sidelined and way behind on the scoreboard, there was very limited success running the ball. 16/33/0 rushing as a team tells you what you need to know about last week. Kevin Jones worked his way back on the field, but with little chance to make things happen (2/5/0) it was hard to evaluate how close he is to 100%. If he has a strong week of practice, Jones will be back headlining, but right now we're assuming that it will be another group effort for Detroit this week - meaning there won't be a lot of fantasy points for any one of the individual backs.

The Giants bring a hard-nosed defensive front to the dance (0 scores allowed in this phase to date), but they do give away yardage in bunches (a season average of 124 per game; an average of 124 per game over the past 4 weeks). They surrendered 166 to the Cowboys in their most recent game. In yardage leagues, you can generate some fantasy points vs. This unit, but in basic scoring you will be hard pressed to find points from Detroit this week.

The Giants are coming off a bye week and are generally healthy, listing only DTs Kendrick Allen (calf) and Fred Robbins (shoulder) as questionable. RB Corey Schlesinger is doubtful (hamstring) while T Stockar McDougle (groin) is probable for Detroit.

Detroit had a rocky game last week, and are likely to struggle for scores against the Giants this week - that sounds like a tough matchup to us.

Cleveland's William Green/Lee Suggs vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup)

A "two-headed monster" is what we've got in Cleveland in this phase of the game. One week, it looks like Suggs has claimed the top job, then the next William Green sees the majority of the carries (although Suggs was very productive in the passing game last week, with 6 targets for 5/100/1 receiving - he led the team in receptions and yardage gained). At least it's not a three back committee, as James Jackson has been inactive most weeks. Green had 25/115/0 rushing last week, Suggs managed only 13/19/0. Two weeks ago, Suggs had 11/30/0 and Green 3/27/0 rushing. For the season, Green has 88/367/0 rushing and 7/32/0 receiving (35th fantasy RB in the land), while Suggs has 46/131/1 rushing and 9/126/1 receiving (17th fantasy RB in the land).

The Eagles gave up 31/158/0 to the Panthers on the ground last week. They are 9th in the NFL this season, allowing an average of 103 yards per game, with only 2 scores allowed so far. Over the past 4 weeks, the averages are 89 rushing yards per game and 0 scores allowed, so they've been very stingy with fantasy points most weeks.

Cleveland lists G Kelvin Garmon as questionable with a sore quadriceps. LBs Mark Simoneau (foot, questionable) and Jason Short (ankle, probable) are on Philadelphia's report.

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

This looks like a tough matchup for Cleveland's tandem.

Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup)

Rudi Johnson had limited opportunity to run the ball last week, as the Bengals chased the Browns from way behind most of the day (16/57/0 rushing with 1/0/0 receiving). It was a forgettable fantasy appearance for Johnson owners. He's slid out of the top 24 fantasy backs right now (109/415/2 rushing and 2/4/0 receiving) as the team struggles on offense under the guidance of their new QB Carson Palmer - the situation isn't conducive to big fantasy points right now.

Denver's defense ranks in the top 5 this year, giving up 87.3 rushing yards per game (5 scores so far). Over the past 4 weeks, that number goes down to average 73 yards per game and .5 scores per outing - they are getting tougher to score on as the season moves along. 16/31/0 was the amount that the Raiders managed last week - fantasy points are hard to come by when most backs play Denver.

DE Trevor Pryce continues to be sidelined (back, out), while LB Patrick Chukwurah (thigh) is questionable for Denver. Cincinnati lists no injuries in this phase of the game.

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

Johnson is struggling along with the rest of the Bengals offense right now - Denver is shutting most backs down. This is a bad matchup for the Bengals.