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Hi Folks, When picking your starters each week, one thing that must be
considered is the matchups.�� We�ve
taken each game and broken down the matchups for you here.�� 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 Peyton Manning is playing the toughest pass defense in the
league, he�s got a tough matchup that week.��
He�s also your starter unless you�re sitting on Kurt Warner or Jeff
Garcia.�� Let�s jump to it. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Great Matchups � Defenses will have major problems with the
offense in these games San Francisco Passing Game vs NY Giants Defense (Great
Matchup) The Giants have two 2nd year corners in William
Peterson and Will Allen.� They have
talent but are green.�� Jason Sehorn can
be outstanding when healthy but it�s not totally clear how effective he�ll be
Thursday.� The Giants only finished 24th
in passing yards allowed last year.�
Even more interesting was their dismal ranking of 30th in
wide receiver fantasy points allowed.�
They simply can not stop opposing wide receivers. Considering this (and
the view that Terrell Owens requires near continuous double coverage), the sky
could be the limit for Jeff Garcia and the 49ers� passing game.� The Michael Strahan led pass rush does
provide some hope, but Garcia is an excellent scrambler and rarely gives up the
sack. The key as we see it will be San Francisco�s solid Offensive
Line and their ability to provide QB Jeff Garcia with time to make reads.�� If he�s allowed time (and we think he will
be), Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes could have their way with the young Giant
Cornerbacks.�� Will Allen will be giving
up 5 inches in height and 30 pounds to the incredibly physical Terrell
Owens.�� Safety Omar Stoutmire is very
shaky.�� Linebacker Jesse Armstead is gone to Washington and he�ll be
missed.� MLB Mike Barrow is solid but
Outside Linebacker Brandon Short is suspect.��
Look for TE Eric Johnson and RBs Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow to be
effective catching the ball in the flat and underneath. �� Washington Passing Game vs Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Arizona ranked 21st in passing yards allowed for
the 2001 season.� Even worse, they
finished 25th in quarterback fantasy points allowed and 24th
in both wide receiver and tight end fantasy points allowed.� This matchup seems ideal for a successful debut by Steve
Spurrier.� QB Shane Matthews should be
able to light up the Arizona secondary.��
The key to rattling Spurrier�s Fun �n Gun is putting pressure on the QB
and the Cardinals don�t to that.��
Arizona only tallied 19 sacks for all of last year and still don�t have
a proven pass rusher.�� Both starting
CBs from last year are gone and the Cardinals spent big money on Free Agent
Cornerback Duane Starks from Baltimore.��
3rd year man David Barrett will man the other Corner
slot.�� This secondary just doesn�t have
much depth and the Redskins� multiple WR sets could definitely create
havoc.�� WR Rod Gardner at 6� 2� / 215
has the size to over power people.��
Derrius Thompson at the other WR position could turn some heads.�� All in all, this could be a big start for
Washington. Green Bay Passing Game vs Atlanta Defense (Great Matchup) The 2001 Falcons were the 30th ranked defense in
passing yards allowed and nearly as bad in quarterback fantasy points allowed
(#29) and wide receiver fantasy points allowed (#28).� Atlanta did, however, show moderate success in finishing 15th
in tight end fantasy points allowed.�
What does this mean for the Packers passing game?� It looks like Brett Favre and his new wide
receivers have an excellent opportunity to start off well. Those numbers are a little surprise because Corners Ashley
Ambrose and Ray Buchanon are well thought of.��
Buchanon did struggle at times last year after an excellent 2000
season.�� The trouble with Buchanon and
Ambrose is their supporting cast.�� Any
NFL WR can eventually get open if given the time.�� Especially with Brett Favre throwing the ball.�� With a suspect pass rush and questionable
Safeties, the Corners could have their hands full.�� WR Terry Glenn is of course the big question mark.�� He�s just not had enough reps with the team
to really tell how he�ll fare.��
Although if he�s a borderline guy for you, he probably won�t see pass
defenses that have struggled more than this one.�� Donald Driver�s earned the other WR starting job and will be
looking to impress.�� He�s talented but
still has a lot to learn.� Robert
Ferguson will likely see plenty of action as well and rookie Javon Walker could
get his feet wet. The wildcard here is TE Bubba Franks.�� Will he be a force or will he
disappear?�� He�s one of those guys that
may catch 2 passes but have 1 TD.�� And
of course RB Ahman Green is always a huge threat.�� Favre likes to spread the ball around so we can see several of
these guys having an impact. Miami Passing Game vs Detroit Defense (Great Matchup) Let�s be frank - Detroit does not possess a quality pass
defense.� And that�s being nice.� Their 2001 numbers include finishing 25th
in passing yards allowed, 31st in quarterback fantasy points
allowed, 27th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 23rd
in tight end fantasy points allowed.�
The Lions secondary just doesn�t stop anyone.� Corners Eric Davis and Todd Lyght have 25 years of
experience between them.�� That means
they�re old.�� Both of these guys could
struggle.�� Especially against the very
physical WR Chris Chambers.�� We see
excellent things for him and love this matchup.�� And of course, that means QB Jay Fiedler should do well
too.�� Fiedler must make better
decisions and regain his confidence � we can�t think of a better secondary than
Detroit to get a QB on track.�� The strength of the Lion team is in it�s Defensive Line
where Pro Bowler Robert Porcher can cause some havoc.�� The Dolphins Offensive Line will have to gel and give Fiedler
time to throw.� The wild card in this
game is rookie TE Randy McMichael who can create some serious matchup problems
with his size and speed.�� Don�t be
surprised to see Norv Turner use him often to build Fiedler�s confidence with
short passes.�� Same thing goes for RB
Ricky Williams.�� All in all, a very
nice matchup for the Dolphins here. Tampa Bay Passing Game vs New Orleans Defense (Great
Matchup) The Saints finished a disappointing 2001 ranked 20th in
passing yards allowed, 27th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 21st in wide
receiver fantasy points allowed, and 31st in tight end fantasy points
allowed.� That�s pretty bad.� There are questions in the Saints secondary, and that�s not
a good thing when a Jon Gruden coached team is standing across the
sidelines.� Cornerback Dale Carter will
miss time and Michael Hawthorne will fill in.��
7th year man Fred Thomas will man the other Cornerback
slot.�� This is a good matchup for Brad
Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, and Ken Dilger.�� Don�t be surprised to see Coach Jon Gruden
try to get his team off to a quick start. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Good Matchups � Defenses will struggle to stop the offense
in these games Indianapolis Passing Game vs Jacksonville Defense (Good
Matchup) The Jaguars allowed the 26th most passing yards
last year and could be even worse in 2002 as their weakened defensive line will
struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Marvin Harrison should have little trouble this week with
Cornerbacks Jason Craft or Fernando Bryant.��
Craft lacks experience and Bryant�s tailed off since his 1999 rookie
season.�� Of course, Manning�s a must
start and you might even look to # 2 WR Reggie Wayne in larger leagues.� Also note that Jacksonville finished the
2001 season ranked 30th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� TE Marcus Pollard could have a field day. Jacksonville Passing Game vs Indianapolis Defense (Good
Matchup) Last season, Indianapolis ranked 28th in passing
yards allowed, 28th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, and 29th
in wide receiver fantasy points allowed. Obviously, that was a horrible
performance, but there is reason to expect improvement in 2002 with the arrival
of Tony Dungy. Of course, Dungy is not a magician, and improvement will likely
be a slow process. This early in the season, the Colts defense is still a
suspect unit.� We�re not sure the
secondary will be any better this year, but at it�ll be different.�� Gone are starting Cornerback Jeff Burris
and Strong Safety Chad Cota.�� Walt
Harris will start at the Left Corner while 3rd year man David
Macklin will get the start on the Right Side.��
Harris wasn�t overly impressive in Chicago and Macklin is aggressive but
unproven.��� Unless the young Indianapolis defense can blitz effectively,
Mark Brunell should have ample opportunity to succeed.� The big question is how much will WR Jimmy
Smith be able to contribute but we�re thinking he�ll be fine.� Smith�s a guy who keeps himself ready and
he�s worked with Brunell a long time.�� Bobby
Shaw and Patrick Johnson will see action at WR but it�s clear that Jimmy Smith
is the go to guy.�� Until Indianapolis
shows improvement, this could be a nice matchup. Baltimore Passing Game vs Carolina Defense (Good Matchup) In 2001, Carolina was 26th in quarterback fantasy
points allowed, 23rd in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, 20th
in tight end fantasy points allowed, and 27th in passing yards
allowed.� The bad news for Baltimore is they simply don�t have the
talent at QB with Chris Redman and WRs Travis Taylor, and Brandon Stokely.�� The good news for Baltimore is that apart
from Safety Mike Minter, the Panther secondary is extremely shaky.�� Cornerbacks Terry Cousin and Reggie Howard
might be the worst tandem in the league.�
The arrival of John Fox will bring a better scheme, but the talent is
still lacking.� TE Todd Heap might have the best chance for success of any
Raven receiver.�� Outside of Heap, we�re
not real high on the Baltimore passing game, but if you�re ever going to start
these guys, this is the matchup to do it. Dallas Passing Game vs Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Look for the expansion Texans to field a decent pass defense
this season (at least statistically).�
On average, Houston�s opponents will be able to run almost at will.� This will shorten the game and (by default)
lead to better numbers for the Texan pass defense.� Generally speaking, each week this will be a matchup that looks
great at first blush but end up being average at best. Houston does feature two excellent CBs in Aaron Glenn and
Marcus Coleman.�� They should be able to
limit the passing attacks of most opponents who�ll likely just choose to run
the ball.�� WR Joey Galloway should have
a speed advantage and Offensive Coordinator Bruce Coslet would like to stretch
the field.�� But the Cowboys will also
take what the Texans give them and that would appear to be the ground
game.�� We�re still leery of how
effective Quincy Carter will be. Oakland Passing Game vs Seattle Defense (Good Matchup) Mike Holmgren has never been accused of being a defensive
guru.� His Seahawks finished the 2001
season ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed, 23rd in quarterback fantasy points
allowed, 19th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 17th in tight end
fantasy points allowed. The veteran Oakland passing game looks good in this
matchup.�� QB Rich Gannon can take his
pick from WRs Jerry Rice, Tim Brown and relative youngster Jerry Porter.�� Seattle desperately needs Cornerback Shawn
Springs to finally get healthy after battling hamstring problems.�� So far so good.�� When he�s on his game, he�s a shut down Corner.�� But the talent drops off after
Springs.�� /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Neutral Matchups � The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly
matched in these games Pittsburgh Passing Game vs New England Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The Patriots won their Super Bowl with defense, but their
regular season numbers do not show dominance.�
They finished the year ranked 23rd in passing yards allowed, 14th in
quarterback fantasy points allowed, 14th in wide receiver fantasy points
allowed, and 26th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� The numbers look good for Kordell Stewart, but he will
likely struggle against this complex defense.�
Coach Bill Belichick is the master at confusing a QB.�� Cornerbacks Otis Smith and Ty Law are
solid.�� WR Hines Ward is recovered from
his appendectomy and will start with Plaxico Burress.�� Judging by the defense numbers, this is a great tight end
matchup, but Mark Bruener is rarely involved in the passing game. St. Louis Passing Game vs Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) Denver finished 2001 as the 16th ranked defense
in passing yards allowed. This is an opportunistic unit that both creates and
allows the big play. This trademark is personified in CB Deltha O�Neal. Don�t
be surprised when he picks off a Kurt Warner pass. Also, don�t be surprised
when he gets beat on a big play by either Isaac Bruce or Torry Holt.� Note that Denver finished 2001 as the 25th
ranked defense in wide receiver fantasy points allowed.��� They did not pressure the QB very well
last year and they don�t appear to have remedied that problem.�� Both Bruce and Holt should be productive. Cornerbacks Denard Walker and Deltha O�Neal are both
excellent but it�ll take more than corners to stop the Rams.�� With Safety Eric Brown departed, Denver has
some question marks with their safeties.��
Izzel Reese is a converted cornerback and Kenroy Kennedy will be tested
early and often.�� LBs John Mobley and
Al Wilson are extremely athletic so this will be no cakewalk for RB Marshall
Faulk. With FB James Hodgins out, TE Ernie Conwell might be called
on to be more of a force in the blocking schemes and his numbers could
suffer.�� An overlooked key in this game
could be the performance of new RT John St. Clair where he�s starting his first
NFL game. If he can�t hold his own against Trevor Pryce, Warner could be in for
a long day.�� The Rams may be slowed
slightly on the natural grass if you put much stock in that theory. NY Giants Passing Game vs San Francisco Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The improving 49ers defense ranked 18th last
season in passing yards allowed.� The
were average in quarterback fantasy points allowed and running back fantasy
points allowed (ranking 16th and 18th respectively) but
terrific (#3) in tight end fantasy points allowed.� With the way San Francisco blanketed TEs last year, it could
mean the Jeremy Shockey break-out party may be put on hold until week two.�� Although I don�t know anyone who drafted
Shockey that�ll keep him on the bench for his debut game.�� Outside Linebacker Julian Peterson will
likely be matched up with Shockey.��
Peterson�s entering his 3rd season and is a solid player but
like most Linebackers in the league, he�ll have his hands full with
Shockey.� Corners Ahmed Plummer and
Jason Webster make an excellent pair and are maturing nicely.�� We don�t look for anything special from WRs
Amani Toomer or Ike Hilliard. The biggest worry for New York is the patched up Offensive
Line.�� At this early point in the
season, it�s a very large question as to whether they can create holes for Tiki
Barber or give QB Kerry Collins time to throw.�� We wouldn�t be surprised to see Shockey or Barber lead the team
in receptions. Cleveland Passing Game vs Kansas City Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The Chiefs were surprisingly mediocre in 2001 as they ranked
13th in passing yards allowed, 19th in quarterback
fantasy points allowed, 15th in wide receiver points allowed, and 13th
in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Eric Warfield and William Bartee are adequate and Corners
that play a physical style.� But they
need an improved pass rush.�� QB Tim
Couch says he�ll be able to go this week after resting his elbow but nothing is
certain.�� If he�s unable to start,
backup QB Kelly Holcomb will get the nod.��
Holcomb�s a nice backup, but he�s no Couch.�� WR Kevin Johnson is clearly tied to Couch here so he�s a
somewhat risky start against a fairly average defense. Chicago Passing Game vs Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Vikings were surprisingly average (#17) in passing yards
allowed.� They posted similar rankings
in quarterback fantasy points allowed (#17), wide receiver fantasy points
allowed (#20), and tight end fantasy points allowed (#12).� Minnesota added CB Corey Chavous in the off-season to pair
with returning CB Eric Kelly who started 11 games there last season as a
rookie.�� Both Safeties are new with 3rd
round rookie Willie Offord likely starting and Ronnie Bradford coming over from
Atlanta.�� All these players have
upside, it�s just a matter of how quickly they come together.�� WRs Marty Booker and Dez White will get the
start but expect to see Marcus Robinson and David Terrell in the mix.�� QB Jim Miller will have plenty of targets
but don�t be surprised to see Chicago focus primarily on a smash mouth rushing
attack featuring Anthony Thomas. NY Jets Passing Game vs Buffalo Defense (Neutral Matchup) The 2001 season saw Buffalo ranked 12th in passing yards
allowed, 24th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 17th in wide receiver
fantasy points allowed, and 28th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Buffalo relies on man-to-man coverage from their corners in
their aggressive �46� Defense.��
Cornerbacks Nate Clements and Antoine Winfield are young but good enough
to play it.� Winfield is small at 5� 9�
/ 180 but plays solid.�� Man coverage is
a tough thing to ask the cornerbacks to do, especially if the Bills are unable
to pressure the QB.�� Vinny Testaverde
will have the opportunity to take some deep shots and speedsters Laveranues
Coles and Santana Moss could be the beneficiary.�� The Jets may focus on Curtis Martin and the rushing game as
the Bills have shown to be vulnerable to the run.�� Martin is clearly a guy that can carry this offense and he could
steal production from the WRs.�� We
don�t expect anything special from Chrebet beyond his normal possession type
role and TE Anthony Becht could find himself blocking more facing the blitz
happy 46 defense. Buffalo Passing Game vs NY Jets Defense (Neutral Matchup) For 2001, the excellent Jets pass defense ranked 5th in
passing yards allowed, 2nd in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 2nd in wide
receiver fantasy points allowed, and 21st in tight end fantasy points
allowed.�� But there are lots of new faces on defense for 2002 so it�s
tough to tell how they�ll do.� They�ll
be facing a new Buffalo QB in Drew Bledsoe.��
CBs Donnie Abraham and Aaron Beasley are both entering their 7th
season and are aging but adequate players.��
WRs Peerless Price and Eric Moulds could fare well against the Jets
Cover 2 defense.�� What�s needed here is
good protection by the Buffalo line and patience by Bledsoe.� If either is lacking, it could be a long day
for the Bills passing game. Buffalo may try to exploit the Jets run defense which is
undersized.�� RB Travis Henry is not a
flashy player and the Bills will likely try to run right at the Jets.�� Success here will take a lot of heat off
Bledsoe.�� And one last thing, do not
underestimate the value of FB Larry Centers, one of the best receiving RBs in
the game.�� As Bledsoe gets comfortable
in the new offense, expect to see Center play the �security blanket� role. Philadelphia Passing Game vs Tennessee Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The Titans pass defense was abysmal in 2001.� It ranked 31st in passing yards allowed,
30th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 31st in wide receiver fantasy
points allowed, and 16th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� The return of Cornerback Samari Rolle and the addition of
Safety Lance Schulters will help, but there is still a long way to go in
Tennessee.� Rolle�s coming off an injury
plagued 2001 and it remains to be seen how effective he�ll be.��� Andre Dawson started 12 games last year at
CB in his rookie year.�� Hopefully,
he�ll be improved. ��QB Donovan McNabb
and WR James Thrash have excellent matchups here.�� Todd Pinkston could see plenty of action as well.�� The safeties are a little murky as 2nd round pick
FS Tank Williams is battling a hamstring.��
If he can�t go, last year�s starter, Aric Morris will go.�� Don�t forget that the Eagles have an
outstanding TE in Chad Lewis that can cause all sorts of matchup problems.�� Throw in the fact that both Duce Staley and
Dorsey Levens can catch the ball and it looks pretty good for the Philadelphia
passing game.�� San Diego Passing Game vs Cincinnati Defense (Neutral
Matchup) Cincinnati finished the 2001 season ranked 14th in passing
yards allowed, 20th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 26th in wide
receiver fantasy points allowed, and 6th in tight end fantasy points
allowed.� The Bengals will start Cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Artrell
Hawkins who are just adequate.� There is
some opportunity available to Drew Brees and Curtis Conway, but the question is
whether the game plan be in place for them to take it.� We don�t think so.�� Marty Schottenheimer will run the ball with LaDainian Tomlinson
and take few risks in the air.�� At
least until Brees becomes more comfortable in the system.�� So while the matchup is possibly there, we
don�t think the Chargers will take advantage of it. Cincinnati Passing Game vs San Diego Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The Chargers defense wilted over the 2nd half of
the 2001 season to finish ranked 19th in passing yards allowed, 22nd in
quarterback fantasy points allowed, 22nd in wide receiver fantasy points
allowed, and 29th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Cornerback Ryan McNeil is coming off a Pro Bowl season.� Alex Molden should handle the other
side.�� Safety Rodney Harrison is a team
leader and a run stopper.�� You might
see Gus Frerotte take some shots at the Chargers secondary as Harrison will be
focused on stopping Corey Dillon.�� WRs
Peter Warrick and Michael Westbrook will see most of the receiving action but
it�s a serious question as to how well Frerotte can deliver the ball. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Tough Matchups � Defenses should be able to contain the
offense in these games New Orleans Passing Game vs Tampa Bay Defense (Tough
Matchup) The solid Tampa Bay pass defense came out of the 2001 season
ranked 6th in passing yards allowed, 6th in quarterback fantasy points allowed,
13th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 4th in tight end fantasy
points allowed.� While Tony Dungy is no
longer around, Monte Kiffin remains so don�t expect much difference.� Warren Sapp and Anthony McFarland are the keys.� If they disrupt the interior of the line,
the secondary has a much easier job.��
Sapp is 30 pounds lighter and says he�s quicker.�� Cornerback Ronde Barber and Strong Safety
John Lynch create all sorts of havoc.��
And there�s plenty of depth behind these guys.�� We�ve liked QB Aaron Brooks all Summer (and still like him) but
this is a tough matchup here.�� WRs Joe
Horn and Jerome Pathon will feel it too.��
Seattle Passing Game vs Oakland Defense (Tough Matchup) In 2001, the Raiders were surprisingly solid against the
pass as they finished ranked 7th in passing yards allowed, 11th in quarterback
fantasy points allowed, 10th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 10th
in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Charles Woodson is a premier Cornerback.�� He can shut down any receiver.�� Opposite him, the Raiders will likely start
Tory James who is solid as well.�� This
is a defense not many teams throw on.��
Without Trent Dilfer running the show, things do not look rosy for the
Seahawks passing attack.� Matt
Hasselbeck is shaky against any team, much less the Raiders.�� We�d avoid the Seahawk passing game in this one.�� Shaun Alexander is really the only viable
starter until either Hasselbeck shows improvement or Trent Dilfer returns. Kansas City Passing Game vs Cleveland Defense (Tough
Matchup) Cleveland fields an improving defense that finished 2001
ranked 11th in passing yards allowed, 4th in quarterback
fantasy points allowed, 16th in wide receiver fantasy points
allowed, and 5th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Daylon McCutcheon and Corey Fuller are a solid CB tandem but
they benefit greatly from a talented and aggressive front seven which is the
strength of the team.��� The Kansas City
offense (Trent Green in particular) has struggled in the preseason.� It would be a surprise to see them gel
against the Browns.�� New WR Johnnie
Morton has talent but he doesn�t seem to be totally in synch with Green
yet.�� TE Tony Gonzalez should be ready to contribute this week
after ending his holdout.� If you own
Gonzalez, he�s basically a must start every week.�� Don�t be surprised though if RB Priest Holmes leads the team in
receptions. Minnesota Passing Game vs Chicago Defense (Tough Matchup) Last year, the Bears weren�t too solid in total passing
yards allowed but were much higher ranked in quarterback fantasy points allowed
(#9), wide receiver fantasy points allowed (#4), and tight end fantasy points
allowed (#11).� Coach Mike Tice has made no bones about wanting to get Randy
Moss ultra involved.�� Look for
Minnesota to use him on shorter routes letting him use his running ability
after the catch.�� Cornerbacks Jerry
Azumah and R.W. McQuarters will have their hands full here.�� Azumah is a 4th year player and
was a Running Back in college.� He�s
shaky.� The strength of the Bears Defense is clearly in
the Linebacking corps headed by Brian Urlacher.�� Urlacher vs Culpepper is one of the best matchups this
weekend.� The DL is solid as well and
they could easily create some problems for Culpepper who still can be rattled
in the pocket too easily and looks to run too quickly.�� We love the Moss matchup on the
Bears Cornerbacks but the rest of the Chicago defense could create
trouble.� New England Passing Game vs Pittsburgh Defense (Tough
Matchup) The Steelers defense built its reputation by stopping the
run, but they are also good against the pass.�
Their 2001 performance saw them ranked 8th in passing yards allowed, 8th
in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 12th in wide receiver fantasy points
allowed, and 27th in tight end fantasy points allowed.� Cornerback Chad Scott is a little inconsistent and needs to stop
taking as many risks as he does.��
DeWayne Washington is a physical Cornerback on the other side.�� QB Tom Brady will have his work cut out for
him as will WRs Troy Brown, David Patten and rookie Deion Branch. Denver Passing Game vs St. Louis Defense (Tough Matchup) The Rams finished 2001 as the 10th ranked defense
in passing yards allowed.� They were 8th
best in tight end fantasy points allowed, 7th best in wide receiver
fantasy points allowed, and 13th in quarterback fantasy points
allowed.� This is simply a very good
defense.� Still, if Brian Griese can
stay under control and keep his cool under pressure, his receivers should find
some holes in the St. Louis secondary. All eyes will be on returning WR Ed McCaffrey.�� He�s the consummate pro and expect him to
pick up right where he left off.�� Brian
Griese will need him as he�s still battling for respect in Denver.�� With Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon
Sharpe, he�s got one of the best receiving triple team in the game.�� It�s all resting on Griese�s shoulders to
deliver the ball.�� St. Louis Cornerback Aeneas Williams is one of the game�s
best.�� He�s physical enough to play
like a safety and his aggressive style can seriously hamper opposing WRs.�� If he lines up on McCaffrey, it could be a tough
welcome back.�� Dexter McCleon gets the
rap for giving up some big plays in big games but he�s above average.�� Safeties Kim Herring and Adam Archuleta are
solid players but Shannon Sharpe can overpower anyone in the middle.� Arizona Passing Game vs Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) Washington finished 2001 ranked 3rd in passing
yards allowed, 3rd in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 5th
in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 2nd in tight end
fantasy points allowed.� This was simply
a dominating defense.� Normally, there
wouldn�t be much room for improvement, but the addition of Marvin Lewis could
actually make this an even better unit.�
The Safeties are nothing special but Cornerbacks Fred Smoot
and Champ Bailey are outstanding, especially Bailey.�� And the LB corps looks like a Pro Bowl roster.�� Granted, David Boston is a no-doubt starter
each week, but the rest of this Cardinals passing game should probably be
riding the pine on Sunday. Carolina Passing Game vs Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup) The Ravens were good but definitely not overpowering against
the pass last season. They ranked 9th in passing yards allowed, 7th
in quarterback fantasy points allowed, 11th in wide receiver fantasy
points allowed, and only 22nd in tight end fantasy points
allowed.� After their offseason blood
letting (including the departure of Marvin Lewis), those numbers will likely
sink a bit.� That said, Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware, Michael McCrary and
Chris McAlister are still suiting up so the decline shouldn�t be too
sharp.� They may lack the surrounding
cast, but those guys are players.�� 2nd
year man Gary Baxter will man the other corner slot.�� He played some safety in college and there are definite concerns
that he may not have the speed to play Cornerback at this level.� Anthony Mitchell entering his 3rd
year and 1st round pick rookie Ed Reed will likely see most of the
action at the Safeties.�� Outside of
McAlister, it�s a young group that needs to gel quickly.�� We expect WR Muhsin Muhammad, clearly the Panthers best
receiving threat to see a lot of Chris McAlister.�� That means WRs Isaac Byrd and Steve Smith will have the good
fortune of facing Gary Baxter.�� The
trouble with all these guys is that Rodney Peete is the QB.�� TE Wesley Walls might be a frequent target
with Peete getting comfortable but I don�t like any TE coming across the middle
with Ray Lewis hanging around.�� /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bad Matchups � Defenses will cause major problems for the
offense in these games Atlanta Passing Game vs Green Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Green Bay was 15th in passing yards allowed last
season.� Even better numbers were found
at quarterback fantasy points allowed (#12), wide receiver fantasy points
allowed (#3), and tight end fantasy points allowed (#9).� That doesn�t bode well for the inexperienced
Michael Vick nor his unsettled Atlanta receivers.� Even the TEs have a tough matchup here. With WRs Brian Finneran, Shawn Jefferson and Willie Jackson,
the Falcons might have the shakiest WR corps in the league.�� It won�t help matters that Green Bay
features two excellent corners in Mike McKenzie and Tyrone Williams.�� McKenzie in particular is a tough
competitor.�� TEs Reggie Kelly and Alge
Crumpler won�t have it any easier with newly acquired MLB Hardy Nickerson
patrolling the middle.�� It�s not out of
the question that QB Michael Vick could run for more yards than he passes� Look for Coach Dan Reeves to rely on the running game and
RBs Warrick Dunn and rookie T.J. Duckett.��
Against this defense, that looks to be their best chance to be
competitive. Detroit Passing Game vs Miami Defense (Bad Matchup) The Dolphins were excellent in finishing 2nd in
passing yards allowed last season.� They
also were successful in ranking 5th in quarterback fantasy points
allowed, 8th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 19th
in tight end fantasy points allowed.� This looks to be a mismatch with a young QB in Mike McMahon
and a WR corps of Bill Schroeder, Az-Zahir Hakim and Scotty Anderson facing a
Miami defense featuring one of the best Cornerback tandems in the league.�� CBs Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison are
both shut down type players.��� MLB Zack
Thomas is outstanding and Defensive Line is excellent with rushers like DE
Jason Taylor.�� It could be ugly.� We don�t like any of the Lions here with maybe the exception
of TE Mikhael Ricks. Houston Passing Game vs Dallas Defense (Bad Matchup) The underrated Dallas pass defense finished the 2001 season
ranked 1st in passing yards allowed, 10th in quarterback fantasy points
allowed, 9th in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 25th in tight end
fantasy points allowed.� This has the potential to be ugly as the Dallas secondary is
solid and deep.� Corners Mario Edwards
and Bryant Westbrook are solid and are helped by an aggressive pass rush.�� Rookie QB David Carr will be behind a
patchwork Offensive Line as the Texans wait for OTs Tony Boselli and Ryan Young
to get healthy.�� The Texan WRs will be
overmatched and should struggle along with Carr.�� Tennessee Passing Game vs Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) The Eagles were nothing short of amazing last season as they
ranked 4th in passing yards allowed, 1st in quarterback fantasy points allowed,
1st in wide receiver fantasy points allowed, and 1st in tight end fantasy
points allowed.� This is an outstanding
unit against the pass.� Troy Vincent is a physical shut down type corner coming off
three consecutive Pro Bowls.�� He could
outmuscle the undersized WR Derrick Mason.��
Kevin Dyson won�t have it any easier.�
Bobby Taylor handles the other Corner and is nearly as good.�� Together, they�re one of the top tandems in
the league.�� The solid secondary play coupled with an aggressive pass
rush could mean that old standby, TE Frank Wycheck sees a lot of dump off
passes.�� FB Greg Comella is an
interesting addition as he caught 36 and 39 passes the last two years.�� If the Eagles have a spot where they�re
vulnerable in this game, it might be stopping RB Eddie George.�� We look for George to carry the offensive
load here as he puts 2001 behind him. |