2002 Forecaster record to date:� 96 wins against 63 losses and 1 tie.

This feature is the sole opinion of Chris Smith and it may not correspond to the rankings / projections of the Footballguys.com website.

San Diego Chargers 7-3 at Miami Dolphins 6-4

Game Forecast

Entering the final six games of the season, fourteen out of a possible sixteen teams in the AFC have playoff dreams still alive.� Never before has the race for the playoffs been so tight and only the Texans and the Bengals are completely out of the running.� Two divisional leaders hook up in Miami this weekend but both have the other teams in the division breathing down their necks.� Both the Chargers and the Dolphins had huge wins last week to get back on track after a poor few games.� Ray Lucas finally put together a decent game with no turnovers and Ricky Williams got back on track with 102 rushing yards and 2 scores. Williams will have a tough time running this week against the strong Chargers defense.� The Dolphins only need a little offense on a given day because of the dominance on the defensive side of the ball.� The defense was brilliant against the Ravens last week and shut down everything the team tried to accomplish.� The team will try and shut down Ladainian Tomlinson and will likely have some success stopping Curtis Conway by matching him up with Sam Madison.� That means the Chargers will have to find a secondary target such as Tim Dwight or Stephen Alexander to be effective on the road against a tough defense.

The Chargers have had a very successful season to date.� Drew Brees hasn�t been brilliant but has put up very solid numbers for a first year starting quarterback and has the team�s confidence.� He will be in tough though this weekend against one of the top pass defenses in the NFL.� The Chargers key to success lies with Ladainian Tomlinson and the ground game.� The Dolphins play reasonably well against the run but can be beaten in the middle by a powerful, straight ahead ground attack and that could play into the Chargers strength.

Must Starts: Ricky Williams, Ladainian Tomlinson, Randy McMichael

Possible Starts: Ray Lucas, Chris Chambers, Curtis Conway, Stephen Alexander

Only in a Pinch: Drew Brees, James McKnight, Tim Dwight

Fantasy related Injuries � Cris Carter � out; Jay Fiedler - out

Final Thoughts:� Interesting game that could swing either way.� With Ray Lucas having a bit of confidence, the Dolphins should find a way to pull off the win at home.� Look for both Tomlinson and Williams to end up with similar numbers by the end of the game.� Both should eclipse 80 rushing yards and have a score.

Predicted Score: Chargers 17 at Dolphins 19

Minnesota Vikings 3-7 at New England Patriots 5-5

Game Forecast

The Patriots have been very inconsistent all season.� It appears to me that they play at their best when they get Kevin Faulk involved in the offensive side of the ball and don�t do nearly as well when he doesn�t get touches on the field.� The team is making a mistake by not getting the ball into his hands 12-15 times per contest.� He can make things happen and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, something that Antowain Smith isn�t known for.� Faulk reminds me a lot of Tiki Barber and deserves to get more chances in this offense.� Tom Brady has had a great season to date but three times in the past five contests has failed to throw for more than 200 yards.� Teams now know to play back against this team and force the Patriots to beat them on the ground.� However the Patriots catch a break this week with the porous Vikings in town.� The Vikings pass defense is below average and Brady and the boys will have a field day against them.� Brady should end up with over 300 passing yards and at least 2 touchdowns.

The Vikings won last week but that is due more to the Packers futility under the dome than to the Vikings own improvement.� This is a team that has a lot of talent but hasn�t created the chemistry and team attitude necessary to become a solid football team.� Offenses featuring players such as Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss, Byron Chamberlain and Michael Bennett should be able to put points up on a consistent basis but they have been anything but consistent so far.� Culpepper was strong last week but he will find it difficult to play well in a hostile environment such as New England.� The most improved player on the Vikings roster has to be Michael Bennett this season.� He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry, has almost 1100 yards of total offense and is beginning to resemble a young Robert Smith on the football field.� He is now running like a football player who is fast instead of a sprinter who is trying to masquerade as a football player.� The Patriots are a tough team to run against though so he�ll likely have a minimal fantasy impact this weekend.

Must Starts: Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss, Tom Brady, Troy Brown

Possible Starts: Antowain Smith, Michael Bennett, Christian Fauria, David Patten, Byron Chamberlain

Only in a Pinch: Jim Kleinsasser, Deion Branch, Cameron Cleeland, Kevin Faulk, Moe Williams, D�Wayne Bates

Fantasy related Injuries � none

Final Thoughts:� The Patriots are in the middle of a playoff fight and will not have a letdown against the overmatched Vikings.� Patriots will win by double digits and the passing attack will have an outstanding game.� Troy Brown will be great and either David Patten or Deion Branch will surprise with big numbers.

Predicted Score: Vikings 17 at Patriots 27

Cleveland Browns 5-5 at New Orleans Saints 7-3

Game Forecast

A few weeks back it appeared that the Browns were going to have a quarterback controversy at some point in the future.� Kelly Holcombe was playing awesome football for the team until he broke his leg and Tim Couch was struggling to find his game and had the Cleveland fans giving him the raspberry.� However in the last three games, Couch has thrown 8 touchdown passes against only 3 interceptions and is completing over 64 % of his passes.� He has the Browns playing well and they have won three of the last four contests.� Quincy Morgan and Dennis Northcutt have emerged as receivers and are teaming up with Kevin Johnson to give the Browns one of the top receiver trios in the game.� Both players are only 25 years old this year and give the Browns a very attractive future.� The problem with the Browns offense is the rushing attack that still suffers from below average offensive line play.� William Green finally had a decent performance last week after a season of futility but that was likely due more to playing the hapless Bengals than stepping up his own play.� Until the Browns get some strong run-blocking offensive lineman, it is doubtful any running back is going to experience consistent success.

The Saints continue to be hot and cold depending on the week.� They have gone from being in a great position to make the playoffs as a top seed to being in a dogfight to simply make the playoffs.� Within their own division, they sit in second place behind the Buccaneers but have the surging Falcons breathing down their necks.� The biggest concern to the Saints has to be the injury to running back, Deuce McAllister who suffered a high-ankle sprain last week.� Without him the offense loses a lot of its strength and will not be nearly as effective.� It appears that Curtis Keaton will get the nod at quarterback if McAllister is unable to go.� Aaron Brooks continues to have a strong year for the team.� He has thrown an impressive 21 touchdown passes over the first ten games and has rushed for two more.� He is certainly having the strongest season of his young career.� Joe Horn has been on fire over the last five contests with almost 500 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns.� He has been the most consistent of the Saints receivers and continues to have an excellent relationship with Brooks.� Donte Stallworth has had an up and down rookie season while suffering through some injuries but has a tremendous 6 touchdown catches on only 22 receptions.� That is really good when you consider he missed three games due to injury.

Must Starts: Aaron Brooks, Joe Horn, Tim Couch, Quincy Morgan

Possible Starts: Donte Stallworth, Jerome Pathon, Dennis Northcutt, Kevin Johnson, Deuce McAllister (will be great if he can play)

Only in a Pinch: Curtis Keaton, William Green, Boo Williams, Andre Davis

Fantasy related Injuries � Deuce McAllister � questionable; Jamel White - questionable

Final Thoughts:� Both teams have solid passing attacks and suspect pass defenses so it is likely there will be a ton of passing yardage and lots of points put up this week.� The Saints will prevail thanks to 300+ yards passing from Brooks.

Predicted Score: Browns 24 at Saints 34

Buffalo Bills 5-5 at New York Jets 5-5

Game Forecast

Huge AFC Eastern tilt in New York this weekend.� The game has huge playoff implications for both teams and the loser will likely find it impossible to climb back into the playoff picture.� With so many teams within one game of each other, the fight for the playoffs is going to be ruthless and teams cannot hope to lose against the competition if they wish to make it.� The Jets deserve a ton of credit for getting back into the hunt despite a horrible start.� Chad Pennington has been a wonderful surprise for the team and has the entire offense playing at a great level.� He is completing an amazing 71 % of his passes on 221 attempts and has twice as many touchdowns as interceptions.� It must be said that he has played poor pass defenses during the last five games with the only tough team being the Miami Dolphins who effectively shut him down but it is still very impressive what he has accomplished so far.� Laveranues Coles has finally stepped up as the legitimate # 1 receiver for the team and Wayne Chrebet has emerged from his coma to become the solid target he once was.� Even Santana Moss has stepped up his play and has developed into a talented third option at the receiver position.� Curtis Martin still isn�t up to his normal standards but has elevated his game over the last month and is up to 575 yards rushing on the season.� He could still get his 1000 yards on the season with a good finish.� The Jets defensive unit has been much better over the last five contests.� Ever since they contained Priest Holmes and then Ricky Williams, this team looks like the defense that most thought they could be going into the season and not the unit that was horrible through the first several games of the year.

The Bills have tumbled back down to earth after an amazing beginning to the season.� They lost against the Jets in week one but that was a game they should have won.� A complete collapse on defense cost them that victory and they will find it tough to go into New York and avenge that loss.� Drew Bledsoe is still on pace for 4843 passing yards on the season although he has slowed down some over the last few games.� The passing game will keep them in every game they play and the duo of Eric Moulds and Peerless Price continue to be the best in the business.� Travis Henry continues his dream season.� He is on pace for 1400 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns and will continue to do well against defenses that cannot focus on stopping him because of the awesome passing attack.� Take away the embarrassing loss to the Patriots in week nine and the Bills defense has actually been playing much better.� They have giving up 24, 10, 17, 38 (Patriots), and 17 points over the last five games and have looked much more effective than they were to start the season.

Must Starts: Drew Bledsoe, Travis Henry, Eric Moulds, Peerless Price, Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles, Curtis Martin

Possible Starts: Wayne Chrebet

Only in a Pinch: Jay Riemersma, Josh Reed, Santana Moss, Lamont Jordan, Anthony Becht

Fantasy related Injuries � none

Final Thoughts:� The Jets have won three of the last four games against the Bills in New York.� Both teams are capable of pulling out a victory but the Jets are playing better football at this time and are at home.� I�ll pick them to win a squeaker.

Predicted Score: Bills 24 at Jets 27

Detroit Lions 3-7 at Chicago 2-8

Game Forecast

A game between two teams who are fighting for high draft picks instead of the playoffs.� That was expected for the Lions but it has been a very disappointing season for the Bears who were expected to challenge for the NFC title this season only to have their season crumble around them.� With eight straight losses, the entire season is a write-off and it is back to the drawing board for the team.� Only Marty Booker has had a good year on an offense that has struggled to find an identity.� Anthony Thomas continues to average a pathetic 3.3 yards per carry although that has quite a bit to do with poor blocking up front.� Both quarterbacks, Jim Miller and Chris Chandler have been inconsistent and the Bears will likely look at drafting a quarterback early in the draft.� The defense was supposed to be a strong point but it has been anything but to this point.� The pass defense has been horrible and teams have been moving the ball against them with too much ease.

The Lions have had their moments this season but are a few key players away from being a good football team.� Joey Harrington is learning as he goes and isn�t doing a horrible job but doesn�t have enough offensive weapons surrounding him to elevate his play.� With Az Zahir Hakim now injured, the already weak receiving core becomes even more so.� The Lions really need Germane Crowell to find the talent that made him one of the best receivers in the game a few years back.� Look for the Lions to draft a young receiver early in the 2003 draft.� Harrington has thrown for under 200 yards in four of the last five games and is now completing fewer than 50 % of his passes.� However he has shown poise and maturity at times this season and will be a good one if the team can add some talent in around him.� Last week, the trio at receiver for the team caught a combined 7 passes, ran poor routes and didn�t give the young quarterback much to work for.� James Stewart has been terrific over the last five contests, running for over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns in that span.� The Lions are a much better team when they can get some production out of him.� The Lions pass defense has been terrible but the run defense has shown progress.� The defense has improved over the past several games.

Must Starts: Marty Booker

Possible Starts: Anthony Thomas, James Stewart, Michael Ricks

Only in a Pinch: Joey Harrington, Germane Crowell, Bill Schroeder, John Davis, Dez White, Marcus Robinson, Chris Chandler

Fantasy related Injuries � Az Zahir Hakim � out; John Davis - questionable

Final Thoughts:� The Bears have won three of the last four in the series as the home team.� Look for Marty Booker to have a huge week against the hapless Lions secondary.

Predicted Score: Lions 13 at Bears 24

Jacksonville Jaguars 5-5 at Dallas Cowboys 3-7

Game Forecast

I think it is time for the Cowboys to realize that none of the quarterbacks they have is ready to lead the team and to try and pick up another one during the off-season.� While Chad Hutchinson doesn�t make many mistakes on the field (0 interceptions on the season), he also does not make many things happen on the field (1 touchdown pass).� Quincy Carter was mistake prone and often cost his team with his poor decisions but he also was able to find the end zone occasionally and had 7 touchdowns on the season.� I am not sure either of these quarterbacks has what it takes to be a long-term NFL quarterback with any degree of success but the Cowboys will certainly need to add another option before the start of next season.� Emmitt Smith has disappeared after breaking the all-time rushing record and has only 61 yards on 24 carries the past two weeks.� The writing is on the wall for Mr. Smith and we may see a lot more of Troy Hambrick to end the year.� The Cowboys defense has been outstanding all season but tend to wear out in the late stages of the game due to little or no production from the offense.� The Cowboys must add offensive talent to take advantage of one of the strongest defensive units in the entire NFL.

The Jaguars are an average football team, the record shows it and the team and their fans couldn�t be happier.� This was a year that was supposed to be a rebuilding season and yet they are right in the thick of things.�� It isn�t likely they will be one of the six-playoff teams by season end but congratulations to the coaching staff on an excellent job this season.� Stacey Mack has become a solid fantasy threat out of the backfield which is infuriating Fred Taylor owners who are losing both carries and touchdowns to Mack.� However much it sucks for fantasy owners though, the two-headed monster in the Jaguars backfield is getting the job done and is carrying the Jaguars towards a possible playoff date.� Mark Brunell is having his normal football season with 2030 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.� He doesn�t make many mistakes and is a good solid veteran behind the center.� The defense has been excellent this season and is the main reason for the Jaguars record.� They lost a lot of talent over the last two seasons but have done a good job in the draft and it is paying dividends.

Must Starts: Jimmy Smith

Possible Starts: Fred Taylor, Stacey Mack, Mark Brunell, Joey Galloway, Kyle Brady

Only in a Pinch: Bobby Shaw, Chad Hutchinson, Emmitt Smith, Troy Hambrick, Antonio Bryant, Tony McGee

Fantasy related Injuries � Pat Johnson - questionable

Final Thoughts:� The Jaguars could easily slip in this game but should have more energy and focus than the Cowboys due to the teams fight to make the playoffs.� The Cowboys have nothing left to play for but pride and draft positioning.

Predicted Score: Jaguars 16 at Cowboys 14

Cincinnati Bengals 1-9 at Pittsburgh Steelers 5-4-1

Game Forecast

Tommy Maddox had perhaps the scare of his life last week when he had to be carted off of the field because he had lost all feeling in his arms and legs.� However he is already fully recovered physically and will likely only need a week or two to put the emotional and mental part of the injury behind him.�

�Cut from an ESPN article on November 19^th� to read the entire article, click here

"There certainly is a psychological effect,'' said Joseph Maroon, the neurosurgeon who treated Maddox. "When you're lying on a football field, unable to feel your arms or legs and unable to move, I can't imagine a more frightening experience. I've seen this in quite a few athletes, and they haven't returned to function.''

It is certainly great news for both Maddox and the Steelers that the injury wasn�t as serious as it first looked.� However it will take time before Maddox knows if he can shake off the effects of the injury and get back to playing outstanding football.� In the meantime, Kordell Stewart will be inserted into the starting lineup and if there was ever a player who has something to prove and who should be ready to play with a huge chip on his shoulder, it is Stewart.� The Steelers have all the offensive pieces in place for Stewart to have a successful return to the lineup but he struggled horribly to start the season and he may still be suffering from a lack of confidence.� Hines Ward had an outstanding week against the Titans a week ago and both he and Plaxico Burress continue to shine on a weekly basis.� Burress owners must be concerned with Stewart in the lineup because he rarely was able to hook up with the talented receiver during the first two games of the season (only 2 non-memorable catches).�

The Bengals are actually playing decent football on offense right now.� For the first time in years, a receiver (Chad Johnson 27 receptions / 411 receiving yards / 3 touchdowns in his last five games) has become a big-play target for the team and is helping to take some of the pressure off of Corey Dillon.� What was supposed to be the strength of the team has been the weak point as the defensive unit has been horrible all season.� The defense is giving up tons of yardage, too many points and has the team playing from behind way too often.� It is unlikely they will be able to slow down the Steelers no matter who is at quarterback.

Must Starts: Hines Ward, Chad Johnson, Corey Dillon

Possible Starts: Kordell Stewart, Plaxico Burress, Jon Kitna, Amos Zereoue, Jerome Bettis

Only in a Pinch: Peter Warrick, Matt Schobel, Mark Bruener

Fantasy related Injuries � Tommy Maddox (out)

Final Thoughts:� The Steelers have won the last two against the Bengals in Pittsburgh by a total score of 31 to 7.� Look for a decent showing from Stewart and a good game from the Steelers ground game.

Predicted Score: Bengals 17 at Steelers 24

Atlanta Falcons 6-3-1 at Carolina Panthers 3-7

Game Forecast

The Falcons are flying high and ready to make a strong playoff push.� The defense has been outstanding at times this season and has the capability to completely shut down the overmatched Panthers offense.� However, the Falcons better not go into Carolina and take the Panthers lightly or they will find themselves on the wrong end of an upset.� Michael Vick has had a great first season as a starting quarterback and an outstanding one if you consider that the Falcons receiver core is an average group at best.� He has been very conservative in the passing game and it shows with only 7 touchdown passes on the season.� What is encouraging about him though is that he has thrown a paltry 2 interceptions on the season and has been winning games by making good decisions on the field.� His rushing totals of 469 yards and 6 touchdowns in only nine football games is the stuff that legends are made of.� Running back T.J. Duckett is back healthy but Warrick Dunn is playing so well right now that Duckett will have a tough time seeing the field.� Dunn is running the ball very well over the past few games and is supplying the kind of offense the team hoped he could when they pried him away from the Buccaneers.

The Panthers season started well but they have since collapsed in a big way.� There is a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball but they have been battling injuries and the offense doesn�t have enough firepower to help mask the holes on the other side of the ball.� Rodney Peete was a stop gap option at quarterback and the Panthers would be served well to not win any more games this year and try to get a young quarterback like Byron Leftwich, Dave Ragone, or Eli Manning through the NFL Draft.� Lamar Smith has also slowed down since his fast start and the team needs Deshaun Foster to make a strong comeback next season to give the team a breakaway threat from the backfield.� The other area in need of a huge upgrade is the receiver position with Muhsin Muhammad getting older and only Steve Smith to offer future promise to the team.� Speaking of Steve Smith he was suspended by the Panthers for one game for getting into a fight with a teammate.� That will do nothing to help the team win this weekend.� The Panthers will be in tough this week.

Must Starts: Michael Vick

Possible Starts: Warrick Dunn, Alge Crumpler, Lamar Smith, Wesley Walls, Muhsin Muhammad

Only in a Pinch: Brian Finneran, Trevor Gaylor, T.J. Duckett, Rodney Peete

Fantasy related Injuries � Shawn Jefferson - questionable.

Final Thoughts:� The Falcons have won three of the last four meetings in Carolina and are the hottest team in the NFL.

Predicted Score: Falcons 17 at Panthers 10

Tennessee Titans 6-4 at Baltimore Ravens 4-6

Game Forecast

The Titans were a team that looked old and ready to head out to pasture several weeks back but have rebounded nicely to win five games in a row.� Now the Titans are atop the division with the Colts and have the playoffs in sight.� Steve McNair has been playing solid football despite his ongoing problems with his big toe and Derrick Mason has been the spark in the offense the team needed over the last few games.� Even the enigmatic Kevin Dyson has been getting in on the action and had an outstanding weekend last week.� It is a huge help to this team when they can get solid production from the second receiver in the offense as it opens up everything else.� The Titans defense has also been better as of late although they still can be exploited on that side of the ball.

The Ravens had a better start than expected but have begun to fall out of contention and a loss here would eliminate them from even the pretense of making the post-season.� Jeff Blake has had his moments in relief of an injured Chris Redman but he hasn�t been able to lead the team to victories. �The person benefiting the most from having Blake in there is third-year receiver, Travis Taylor who has been on fire over the last three contests.� Jamal Lewis has slowed down over the last month but that is due more to opportunities than his running ability.� The team hasn�t been as effective on defense as of late, which is limiting his carries in a game as well as the offensive line blocking quite poorly.

Must Starts: Jamal Lewis, Steve McNair, Derrick Mason, Travis Taylor, Todd Heap

Possible Starts: Eddie George, Kevin Dyson, Jeff Blake

Only in a Pinch: Frank Wycheck

Fantasy related Injuries � Frank Wycheck � questionable, Chris Redman - doubtful

Final Thoughts:� Expect a very close game.� The Titans are due to lose and the Ravens are a proud team at home.� There is no love lost between these two football teams and the Ravens would like nothing better than to make the playoff push a more challenging one for the Titans plus keep their own slim playing hopes alive.� The Ravens will win a squeaker and Jamal Lewis will be up around 100 yards.

Predicted Score: Titans 20 at Ravens 21

Green Bay Packers 8-2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-2

Game Forecast

The Packers suffered a letdown against the Vikings last week.� If Brett Favre has one weakness in his game, it appears to be playing inside of dome stadiums for whatever reason.� The Vikings have owned him at home since his career started and they continued that mastery this past weekend.� The Packers are a sound, all-around football team and will be out to avenge that loss against hated Tampa Bay this week.� However that won�t be easy against a defensive unit that is perhaps the best in the NFL today and certainly the best at turning offensive turnovers into defensive touchdowns.� The Packers have not won in Tampa Bay since 1997, the year they lost to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.� Favre is having another sizzling campaign and is on pace for over 4000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.� He is certainly one of the best to ever play this game.� Ahman Green has had an up and down season, missing time with various injuries but is still on pace for over 1300 yards rushing on the year.� The Buccaneers are only giving up an average of 9 fantasy points per game to the quarterback position which means Favre will be in a dogfight this week.� This year, Favre threw only 2 touchdowns against 5 interceptions against the Buccaneers in two football games.

The Buccaneers offense has had problems putting the ball into the end zone.� Brad Johnson has had a decent season for the team and is on pace to throw 22 touchdown passes.� It is a good thing the team is getting some production from the passing attack because the running game has been non-existent for the team.� Michael Pittman was brought in to shore up the rushing attack when the team let Warrick Dunn get away but Pittman looks to be a far cry away from Dunn in both talent and production on the field.� He has only run for 470 yards on the season and has yet to get a score.� Having such an ineffective running game really puts the pressure on the defense to play dominant football and that side of the football has been awesome this season.� The reason the Buccaneers are 8-2 can be directly attributed to the success of the hard-nosed, quick to the ball defense that has shut down opponent after opponent.� What is scary for the team this week though is that the Packers are quite strong against the pass and will likely have a lot of success against Brad Johnson and the receivers.� The Buccaneers will need with Pittman or Alstott to give the team a credible threat on the ground in this game or they�ll have a tough time with the Packers.

Must Starts: Ahman Green, Bubba Franks

Possible Starts: Brad Johnson, Brett Favre, Keyshawn Johnson, Donald Driver, Terry Glenn

Only in a Pinch: Michael Pittman, Mike Alstott, Keenan McCardell, Ricky Dudley, Javon Walker

Fantasy related Injuries � Najeh Davenport - out

Final Thoughts:� The Buccaneers have won each of the last four meetings at home against the Packers.� Both teams will likely struggle on offense against wonderful defenses and it will likely come down to turnovers.� Mike Alstott may surprise with 50+ rushing yards and a touchdown.

Predicted Score: Packers 14 at Buccaneers 17

Kansas City Chiefs 5-5 at Seattle Seahawks 3-7

Game Forecast

The Chiefs are in a terrific battle for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC Conference.� The encouraging thing for Chief fans is that the much-maligned defense has become more of a force in the past few weeks and is starting to play the type of football needed to get the team to the second season.� They are nowhere near a great defense yet but all the Chiefs need is a decent effort on that side of the ball and they could easily make the jump to contender.� Priest Holmes is having one of those magical seasons that define greatness in the NFL.� He is on pace for almost 2400 total yards and a staggering 27 touchdowns which would be an NFL record.� He deserves a lot of credit because of his hard work and determination that has been the root of his amazing climb to greatness.� It isn�t often a running back is a backup in college only to achieve immortality in pro football but Holmes is well on his way.� Props also have to go out to Trent Green who put last season�s nightmare behind him and has had a very solid season.� He is on pace for 3600 yards passing and 26 interceptions to go against a solid 16 interceptions.� What a difference one season can make for a quarterback.

Seattle is simply playing out the string.� The writing is probably on the wall for head coach Mike Holmgren who has yet to have a successful season with the team and has likely ran out of time.� The Seahawks have had injury problems but do not appear to have the talent, the heart or the drive to be a playoff team.� On the surface, Matt Hasselbeck has had a solid season for the team, completing 66 % of his passes but numbers can sometimes be deceiving.� The Hawks are so scared to let him loose that they are playing a dump off style of offense which allows him to complete a lot of passes for short gains.� The telltale sign of how he is doing is his 9.9 yards per completion rate he has set so far.� An ultra-conservative style offense like that does minimize mistakes but it also doesn�t help the team score a lot of points.� Shaun Alexander has had a disappointing season save for one special game against the Vikings.� Take away that one game with a ton of yardage (231 total yards) and a total of 5 touchdowns and his season hasn�t only been a disappointment, but a major bust.� He has had a 3.5 ypc average or worse in eight of the ten games he has played in.� That is not going to get it done at any level.� The Hawks welcome Darrell Jackson back into the starting lineup after he missed four games with his post-game seizure back on October 27^th.� The Seahawks defense gives up more fantasy points to running backs than any other defense in the league so don�t be surprised to see Priest Holmes have a record-setting day.

Must Starts: - Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez, Shaun Alexander

Possible Starts: Trent Green, Eddie Kennison, Darrell Jackson, Koren Robinson, Itula Mili

Only in a Pinch: Matt Hasselbeck, Bobby Engram, Marc Boerigter, Johnnie Morton

Fantasy related Injuries � none

Final Thoughts:� This should be a laugher for the Chiefs.� Look for at least 220 yards in total offense for Priest Holmes and a minimum of 2 scores on the day as the Chiefs keep pace with the leaders in the AFC.

Predicted Score: Chiefs 37 at Seahawks 20

Oakland Raiders 6-4 at Arizona Cardinals 4-6

Game Forecast

The Cardinals surprised the Raiders in Oakland last season but that isn�t likely to occur again this week.� The Raiders are surging after a four game losing streak and realize that they must win this game because the schedule is killer after this week.� The Cardinals do not have the defensive personnel to slow down the explosive offense of the Raiders and are too banged up on offense to try and outscore the team.� This game preview will be short and sweet.� The bottom line is to start any Raiders on offense you may have and to sit any Cardinals you may be thinking about starting.� The Raiders are going to dominate this football game from beginning to end.

Must Starts: Rich Gannon, Charlie Garner, Jerry Rice, Jerry Porter

Possible Starts: Tim Brown, Marcel Shipp, Frank Sanders, Jake Plummer

Only in a Pinch: Doug Jolley, Freddie Jones, Thomas Jones, Jason McAddley,

Fantasy related Injuries � Jason McAddley � questionable; Roland Williams - questionable

Final Thoughts:� The Raiders win in a laugher.� Look for 330+ yards passing on the day for Rich Gannon and lot of fantasy points for the receivers and Charlie Garner to share.

Predicted Score: Raiders 34 at Cardinals 13

St. Louis Rams 5-5 at Washington Redskins 4-6

Game Forecast

This is a tough game to forecast.� Will Marshall Faulk be able to play?� Will Faulk be effective even if he does get the start?� Can Kurt Warner find his MVP form of the past few seasons?� If Warner does struggle, will the team go back to the hot hand of Marc Bulger who was putting up MVP caliber numbers?� There are a lot of unanswered questions that we cannot possibly know the answers to until the game is played.� It appears that Faulk will at least attempt to play this weekend and the team will need him to keep the winning streak alive.� He had been super over the four wins the Rams had up until this weekend and while the Rams did manage to beat up on the brutal Bears last weekend, they need Faulk to have a chance at one of the biggest season turnarounds in NFL history.� Comparing the passing numbers of both Bulger and Warner, it is easy to see why the controversy exists.

Warner was completing a high percentage of passes but was not getting the ball down the field and obviously wasn�t finding a way to get the ball into the end zone.� He used to attack the field using both short and deep passes but wasn�t able to get the ball down the field at the start of this season.� Bulger isn�t as accurate as Warner but attacks the field and gets the ball to Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt where they are in a position to make big plays.� The touch pass he threw to tight end Ernie Conwell last week was one of the nicest throws I have seen this season.� A lot of the Rams early season woes could be traced to not utilizing Marshall Faulk enough on the field but Warner�s inability to throw touchdown passes has to be of concern.� Another issue has been the opponents both quarterbacks have faced.� Warner had to face three of the top five defenses in the NFL in the Giants, Broncos and Buccaneers to start the season while Bulger has had the opportunity to face weak pass defenses such as the Seahawks, Bears and Cardinals.� Now Warner is back just in time to face two more strong defenses in the Redskins and Eagles.� That is a major reason why Warner has looked so poor this season and Bulger so strong.

The Redskins are crumbling under first year coach Steve Spurrier.� The quarterback roulette wheel has spun once again and landed on Danny Wuerffel (come on Spurrier� as if he is the answer to your prayers) and he will get the start this weekend.� The multiple changes on the offensive side of the ball have left the team baffled and bewildered on most weeks and the Skins have nothing to look forward to except next season.� The Skins have a solid defensive unit but will not win many games with this quarterback under the helm.

Must Starts: Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt

Possible Starts: Marshall Faulk (could be a must start if he is 100 % ready to play), Kurt Warner, Stephen Davis, Rod Gardner, Ernie Conwell

Only in a Pinch: Danny Wuerffel, Willie Jackson, Ricky Proehl, Troy Edwards (only in an emergency)

Fantasy related Injuries � Marshall Faulk � questionable

Final Thoughts:� In all honesty, I am not sure what to expect out of the Rams offense this weekend.� If Kurt Warner struggles and Marshall Faulk has problems, the Rams will likely struggle to keep the winning streak alive.� However even if they do have problems on offense with Warner back under the center, the Redskins have even more issues on that side of the ball and the Rams could easily find a way to win.� If Warner does regain his MVP form, the Rams could win by a bunch.� We�ll know after this week if Warner is back or destined to be a trivia question in the year 2030 about a quarterback who rose from obscurity to MVP and back to obscurity in only a few seasons.� However, Warner is a competitor and I�d put money on him finding his game on Sunday.� Hopefully for him, he will play well enough over the next two games against tough pass defenses to reap the benefits of playing the Chiefs, Seahawks and Cardinals after that.

Predicted Score: Rams 20 at Redskins 13

New York Giants 6-4 at Houston Texans 2-8

Game Forecast

The Giants appeared to be little threat to the division leading Eagles a few weeks back when the Eagles completely dominated them in a 17 to 3 victory in which the Giants couldn�t do anything right on offense.� They were sitting at 3-4 and were losing ground in a hurry.� However since then, the Giants have won three games in a row and are back in a fight with the McNabb less Eagles.� The Giants can smell division title and are playing solid football now.� Tiki Barber has been everything the team could hope for this season and has stayed quite healthy.� He is on pace for 1870 total yards and a respectable 8 touchdowns and is running the ball with passion and effectiveness.� Amani Toomer has disappointed fantasy owners once again but is on pace to put up his standard 1130+ receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.� It is too bad he cannot seem to get over that hump.� Rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey has had one of the most memorable rookie seasons in a long time for both the right and wrong reasons.� Between his constant yapping on the field, his controversial comments off the field, his passionate play and his painful toe injury, he has been in the news more than any rookie in a long time.� He has all the tools to be one of the top players in the game and it won�t be long before he is catching 6 passes a game.

The Texans have had a respectable inaugural campaign and will be rewarded in the future for getting rookie quarterback, David Carr so much playing time.� He has a poise and maturity beyond his years and only needs some playmakers around him before he is considered one of the best in the game.� Carr has had one of the finest rookie seasons in recent memory with a 54.6 completion percentage, only 2 more interceptions than touchdowns and a solid 6.63 yards per passing attempt.� That is very solid production for a first year quarterback on an expansion team.� Expect great things from him in the future.� The best news for the Texans this year has been the emergence of Corey Bradford at the receiver position.� He is on pace for 10 touchdown receptions and will likely reside with the team as a viable weapon for Carr to utilize for the next several seasons.� As rookie receiver Jabar Gaffney matures and the team develops an offensive line that can run block, the pieces will be in place for the Texans to have a strong offensive attack.� Another surprise has been Billy Miller who has emerged as a threat from the tight end position.� He is a great receiver and has had a very nice season with the team.�

Must Starts: Tiki Barber, Jeremy Shockey

Possible Starts: Kerry Collins, Amani Toomer, Billy Miller, Corey Bradford

Only in a Pinch: David Carr, Jonathon Wells, James Allen, Ron Dayne, Ike Hilliard, Herman Moore (only if you are desperate), Jabar Gaffney

Fantasy related Injuries � Ron Dixon - doubtful

Final Thoughts:� The Texans will battle the Giants hard but fall short of an upset.� Look for 100 + total yards from Tiki Barber on the day.

Predicted Score: Giants 17 at Texans 10

Indianapolis Colts 6-4 at Denver Broncos 7-3

Game Forecast

With Brian Griese out of action for a while, the reins of the offense have been handed to long-time veteran, Steve Beuerlein who is more than capable of leading the team to some victories.� The Broncos are playing good football but are in a dogfight in the tough AFC West and every game is huge for the team.� Clinton Portis has become an excellent option for the team in the backfield and has become the full time back.� He has put up 442 yards rushing, 159 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns in the last five games and is getting better each week.� The Colts are not a terrific defense and he�ll likely have a great game this week.� Rod Smith hasn�t been as terrific as he has been in seasons past but he is still on pace for 1074 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.� His average per reception is down but he is still one of the finest receivers in the game.� The Broncos defense has been strong all season and will likely be the difference in this game.

Peyton Manning and the Colts are on fire.� In the last five starts, Manning has completed a sizzling 71.7 % (137-191) of his passes and thrown for an impressive 1416 yards.� He has especially been sharp during the last three games, completed a staggering 75.7 % of his throws with 7 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions.� It is hard to ignore that kind of production.� Another player on fire for the team is Marvin Harrison who has to be considered the finest receiver in the NFL today with his consistency over the last four seasons.� He is on pace for a record-breaking 142 receptions and an outstanding 1776 yards receiving.� He runs perfect routes and knows how to get open on the field.� Edgerrin James came back to play last weekend, put up good numbers but sprained his ankle.� However he insists he is ready to go this weekend so expect him in the lineup.� A healthy James would be a huge addition to the team but it is unclear at this time how healthy he is going to be going into this weekend�s game.� A big-time difference maker has emerged on the defensive side of the ball.� Rookie defensive end, Dwight Freely started the season as a pass-rush specialist but has been on fire since becoming the full time starting end.� He has put up sacks in six straight football games and has the speed and quickness needed to be a stud in a Tony Dungy defense.� Look for huge things from him over the final six games.

Must Starts: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Clinton Portis, Rod Smith

Possible Starts: Steve Beuerlein, Edgerrin James, Ed McCaffrey

Only in a Pinch: Marcus Pollard, Dwayne Carswell, Mike Anderson, Ashley Lelie, Reggie Wayne

Fantasy related Injuries � Qadry Ismail � questionable; Edgerrin James � questionable; Brian Griese � out; Shannon Sharpe � out�

Final Thoughts:� This will be a very close game with the Colts playing so well right now.� The teams are very evenly matched and it will likely be decided in the final few minutes.� Expect big things from Clinton Portis in this one.� He should end up with over 100 yards in total offense and a score.

Predicted Score: Colts 17 at Broncos 20

Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles 7-3 at San Francisco 49ers 7-3

Game Forecast

A few weeks back the Eagles looked like Super Bowl favorites in the NFC.� Then the Colts came into Philadelphia and put a beating on the team and then last week the Eagles lost star quarterback Donovan McNabb to a broken ankle.� McNabb earned �Tough Guy of the Year� with his performance last week, finishing the game despite his injury and still throwing for 4 touchdown passes but he is out for a minimum of several weeks and possibly the entire season.� The entire offense is built around the talented, athletic quarterback and now, with the Giants coming up fast behind them in the division, the Eagles find themselves in the hands of Koy Detmer who hasn�t started a football game since 1999.� Detmer has thrown 15 completions in 44 attempts over the last three seasons for 232 passing yards and 3 touchdowns against 4 interceptions.� He is obviously not in McNabb�s league and the team will need to change their philosophy on offense in a hurry.� The Eagles key to success will be to rely on the running talents of Duce Staley, Dorsey Levens and Brian Westbrook and try to establish a power running game that will take a lot of pressure off of Detmer�s shoulders.� The defense is strong and the Eagles don�t have to score a ton of points to win each week.

The 49ers are coming off of a very disappointing loss to the Chargers, giving up 14 fourth quarter points and then losing the game in overtime.� They will be an angry football team this weekend and will attack the new Eagles quarterback with determination and intensity.� On offense, expect to see a lot of the running back tandem, Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst as the 49ers try and wear down the Eagles team.� This is a huge game for the 49ers who must feel the surging Rams breathing down their backs.� They must win this game to keep the two game edge on the Rams and to regain the momentum they will need to have success in the post-season.�

Must Starts: Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens

Possible Starts: Kevan Barlow, Garrison Hearst, Duce Staley, Tai Streets

Only in a Pinch: Dorsey Levens, Brian Westbrook, James Thrash, Antonio Freeman, Todd Pinkston, Koy Detmer, Chad Lewis

Fantasy related Injuries � Donovan McNabb � out; Eric Johnson - questionable

Final Thoughts:� Without Donovan McNabb, I cannot see the Eagles keeping this game that close.� Expect the 49ers to put a lot of pressure on the Eagles pivot and they will likely cause a few turnovers that the offense can exploit.� This should be a defensive game that will be won by the Niners unless the Eagles can switch their team philosophy in a hurry and become a power running football team that can cause problems for the 49ers team.

Predicted Score: Eagles 10 at 49ers 24