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 Donovan McNabb Let's jump to it. Great Matchups � Defenses will have major problems with the offense in these games San Francisco's Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens and Tai Streets are licking their chops at the prospect of this game. Here's how bad the Chiefs' pass defense is: dead last in the NFL this season, allowing 339 yards per game. Dead last over the past four weeks, allowing 354 yards per game, and ranking 30th, 32nd, and 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Owens is #1 on the points-per-game list for fantasy wideouts this week, Garcia is #13 on the quarterback's list. Look for Garcia to move up next week. As we've been talking about for weeks, Tai Streets is a very solid #2 and definitely merits consideration with this matchup. Owens is probable to play despite his heel injury, starting TE Eric Johnson is questionable with his lower back injury. This is the easiest matchup for the 49'ers all season. Green Bay's Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup) Brett Favre. He is the 15th ranked fantasy quarterback this season in points-per-game, but has really dropped off in the past few weeks, and has not thrown for more than 300 yards since 10/07 (though he did toss 3 touchdowns on 17/147 passing three weeks ago vs. NE on 10/13). Donald Driver remains his go-to guy - he hasn't seen less than 3 receptions in a game this season, but has no touchdowns the last three weeks. Detroit's Defense. The Lions are the 30th ranked passing defense this season, allowing 264 yards per game and are 25th over the last four weeks, allowing 242 yards per contest. During that time span, they rank 20th, 11th, and 27th, in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. Part of Detroit's problem is that their defensive backfield is shattered by injuries - starting LB Clint Kriewaldt (foot), and starting safety Corey Harris (knee) are doubtful for Sunday's game. Starting safety Brian Walker (toe), back-up DB Lamar Campbell (hamstring), and reserve LB Jeff Gooch (ribs) are all questionable to play. Starting LB's Chris Claiborne (knee) and Barrett Green (toe) are nursing minor injuries, and LB Brian Williams is out for the season with a broken leg. Green Bay's aerial assault is healthy. They'll be facing a healthy set of corners in Todd Lyght and rookie Chris Cash. They're just not very good. Favre, Driver, and Franks should feast on Lions this Sunday. New York Giant's Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Great Matchup) Kerry Collins returned to effective play last Sunday, in spite of the loss of Ike Hilliard for the season. Ron Dixon played well in Hilliard's spot, and looks like a solid #2 across from Amani Toomer. Collins hasn't been worth a starting spot on fantasy teams (he's 27th in the league in fantasy points-per-game this season), but Toomer (34th this season) and Dixon (now that he is in the starting slot) should be adequate #3's for most teams - Toomer is more valuable in yardage leagues, as he has but a single touchdown to go with his 528 yards so far. Minnesota's pass defense is in the cellar of the NFL, ranking 31st this season allowing 294 yards per game, and 30th over the past four weeks allowing 288 yards per contest. They are very giving to their opponent's players, ranking 28th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 29th vs. wide receivers, and 25th vs. tight ends over the four week period. Injuries aren't Minnesota's problem - the secondary is healthy, just not good. The Giants are good excepting Hilliard's loss and Jeremy Shockey's continued toe and knee problems. Shockey is reportedly improving but has expressed frustration in dealing with the toe injury. He won't be 100% missing practice, but expect him to be out there. This matchup should make Kerry Collins, Toomer, Shockey and Dixon look as good as they ever will. The Carolina Passing Game vs. The New Orleans Defense (Great Matchup) Carolina fans breath a sigh of relief this week as Rodney Peete returns to the starting lineup. He is clearly their best option, as Chris Weinke and Randy Fasani demonstrated in their ineffective performances while Peete was out. Muhsin Muhammad's hamstring feels better, and Steve Smith (shoulder) is expected to play, so Peete will have targets for his passes on Sunday. TE Wesley Walls should be over his finger problem. New Orleans is a good team, but pass defense is not one of their strengths. On the season they rank 29th in the NFL (264 yards per game allowed), and over the past four weeks they are 29th (allowing 263 yards per game on average). During that four week span the Saints are 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing QB's, 10th vs. WR's and 18th vs. TE's. New Orleans' secondary is without DB Michael Hawthorne (knee) and LB Travis Carroll (broken leg), but otherwise is ready to play on Sunday. Dale Carter has been reinstated and he'll be a big help but he's not expected to be a factor this weekend. I can't get too excited about starting Rodney Peete but this truly is a very good matchup for Carolina and the passing game. If you normally consider these guys for your line up, this is one of the better weeks to start them. St. Louis' Passing Game vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup) It's amazing how good Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce can make you look if you set up the running game as a legitimate threat first. Just ask Marc Bulger, a third stringer who is now the 10th ranked fantasy quarterback in 2002 on a points-per-game basis - 696 yards, 6 scores and 3 interceptions in 3 fames is pretty stout production. Bulger knows the job is Warner's when he's healthy but I'd look for another excellent outing from him. Let's be honest. San Diego's pass defense stinks. They are the 27th ranked unit on the season, allowing 257 yards per game, and are 31st ranked over the past four weeks, hemorrhaging 291 yards a game while ranking 32nd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 27th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 26th vs. opposing tight ends. Corners Alex Molden and Ryan McNeil have been toasted regularly and they won't get any breathers against this team. Neither side has new injuries of note to report heading into the game. Look for Bulger, Holt and Bruce to feast on the soft Charger's secondary. Good Matchups � Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Atlanta's Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup) Michael Vick is a great talent, but he doesn't throw the ball nearly enough to rank as a quality fantasy quarterback. 4 passing touchdowns in 7 games is not something that makes fantasy owners jump for joy. The top Atlanta receiver, Brian Finneran, checks in at #41 on the points-per-game list for wide-outs. The Pittsburgh pass defense was pathetic early in the year, and hasn't gotten much better over the past four weeks - they rank 28th on the season, allowing 258 yards per game, and 26th in the recent past, allowing 251 yards per game. The Steelers are at 16th, 17th, and 30th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during the past four weeks. Back-up DB Mike Logan is questionable for the game, and the Falcons have reserve wide-out Darrin Chiaverini as out for the game Sunday (and the foreseeable future). The Steelers will give Vick opportunities to make something happen in the air on Sunday. If he takes those opportunities remains to be seen. Vick's probably worth a start this week and I'd take a long look at Finneran too. Pittsburgh's Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup) Tommy Maddox may be the MVP of the Steelers this season. He took a flat unit and breathed life into the stale Steeler's attack by accurately passing the ball (something Kordell Stewart could only manage in spurts and gasps). Plaxico Burress owners love Maddox, because their player has become a good receiver again. Last week the Steelers won a key divisional battle with Cleveland, and Maddox threw for 239 yards, 2 scores and 1 interception, hitting Hines Ward for 9 receptions and one of the touchdowns. The Steelers are on a roll. The Atlanta passing defense is in the top ranks of the NFL this season, 4th on the season allowing only 197 yards per game, and 8th over the last four weeks, giving up 189 yards per game on average. They are tough on opposing fantasy players, ranking 12th vs. quarterbacks, 14th vs. wide receivers, and 16th vs. tight ends. The Steelers list Burress as probable for the game Sunday with his sore knee. Atlanta is hurting in the secondary, with starting S Keion Carpenter and reserve DB Juran Bolden both listed as doubtful with knee injuries. Several linebackers are also hurting: starting LB Sam Rogers (groin/calf - questionable), starting LB Jon Holecek (knee - probable) and backup LB Jon Thierry (hip - probable) all appear on the injury report. Burress will likely draw cornerback Ashley Ambrose and should do well. If Pittsburgh can continue to run the ball effectively, the WRs will see single coverage Burress will produce. Maddox and company are on a roll, and the Falcons are banged up in the defensive backfield. Advantage, Steelers. Washington's Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) Shane Matthews can get his team going out of the gate - the Redskins are slapping some points on their opponents early. The problem lately has been in the second half, when the "Fun n' Gun" starts shooting blanks. 10/27 for 114 yards, 2 scores and 1 interception is OK, (especially for a TD league), but not the stuff of fantasy greatness (or winning in the fantasy playoffs). Matthews has also been under 50% completion rate since returning as the starter. Jacksonville's passing defense is very mediocre this year, ranking 15th in the league allowing 224 yards per game on the season, and 18th over the past four weeks allowing 217 yards per game. During that time span, they are 15th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 4th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 31st in the league vs. tight ends. Rod Gardner is probable to play in spite of his shoulder injury, and so is Jaguar's starting CB Fernando Bryant (shoulder). Gardner is the clear go to WR for Washington. Converted college TE Darnerien McCants has a size advantage at 6' 3" / 215. He's raw but has great potential. Look for Matthews to see some opportunities against the mediocre Jaguar's defense. San Diego's Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup) Drew Brees is not expected to win games by himself in San Diego, and he is doing his job by being a good caretaker of the ball. Brees has thrown 10 scores and 8 interceptions this season, and Curtis Conway has been the man for the first half of the season, catching half the touchdown passes and racking up 623 yards of rushing (he's also added some nice reverses, notching 2 scores on 6 carries) - Conway is the #3 wide receiver on the points-per-game list this season. St. Louis' pass defense is sub-par this season (Aeneas Williams going down for the season contributed to the problem). They rank as the 20th pass D in the NFL this season, allowing 238 yards per game, and over the last four weeks are worse, allowing 260 per game (27th in the NFL). In terms of fantasy points allowed by position, the Rams rank 13th vs. quarterbacks, 23rd vs. wide receivers, and 4th vs. tight ends in that four week span. Other than back-up TE Josh Norman (calf - questionable), neither team has injuries of note on their units. Corner Dre Bly is solid but Travis Fisher on the other side is sketchy at best. If Bly matches up with Conway, I like Tim Dwight here. If Bly covers Dwight, I'm loving Curtis Conway. Bottom line is look for Brees and Conway to continue their profitable relationship on Sunday. New Orleans' Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup) Aaron Brooks is enjoying an excellent season - he is the 4th ranked fantasy quarterback in average points-per-game, and his wide receivers are also top notch fantasy material in 2002. Joe Horn is the 8th ranked wide receiver in points-per-game, and Dont� Stallworth cracks the top 25 (he's 23rd in average-points-per-game in the 5 games he played in) - Stallworth is ready to come back this week from his hamstring injury. Carolina's pass defense was strong coming out of the gate in 2002, and still ranks 6th for the season allowing 199 yards per game. However, they have faded lately, and rank 13th over the past four weeks, allowing 208 yards per game, and are ranked 21st, 13th, and 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during the past four weeks. Keep in mind though that Carolina's played a soft schedule thus far including games against weak offenses like Baltimore, Detroit, Arizona, Dallas, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. DT Brentson Buckner has been suspended for 4 games after violating the league's steroid policy. He'll be missed. Linebackers Dan Morgan (hernia) and back-up Lester Towns (foot) are out for the Panthers. New Orleans' unit is ready to play on Sunday. Joe Horn and Brooks are must starts. I'd give Dont�' Stallworth a long look here too. The Saints are more talented and healthier than the Panthers, and they have the advantage on Sunday. Houston's Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Good Matchup) How tough is David Carr? 8 games and 46 sacks into the season, he's still lining up for every snap under center. Now, that's tough! However, he's not been much of a fantasy quarterback, ranking 30th in average points-per-game this season. Only Corey Bradford and tight end Billy Miller are fantasy-worthy from this unit - Bradford's the 12th ranked wide receiver in fantasy points-per-game this season, and Miller is the 6th ranked tight end over the 6 games he's played. And be aware that Bradford is really tailing off. He was a definite long ball threat early on in the year but has been extremely limited in the last two games. Defenses are rolling a safety over the top to help and he doesn't appear to be the kind of WR who can shake double coverage. But on the plus side, Titan cornerback Samari Rolle is definitely a guy who can be beaten deep. Tennessee's pass defense was just terrible to begin the year, and they still rank as the 26th unit this season, allowing an average of 257 yards per game. However, in the past four weeks the defense has tightened, and is the 9th ranked unit in the NFL in yards allowed over that span, at 201 yards per game. Opposing fantasy quarterbacks and tight ends still feast on the Titan's secondary, though - they are 26th vs. quarterbacks and 22nd vs. tight ends in that four week span (but 12th ranked against opposing wide receivers). Tennessee's secondary is still limping, and suffered a major loss last Sunday: starting safety Lance Shulters separated his shoulder in the game vs. Indianapolis and probably won't play Sunday. Cornerbacks Mike Echols (leg) and Dainon Sidney (broken arm) have both missed large parts of the season. Remember, the Titans always list all their injuries as questionable, so it's not too clear if starting S Tank Williams (shoulder) and starting CB Samari Rolle (shoulder) are really walking wounded or just classified as questionable due to the Titan's policy of obfuscating the injury status of their players. On a positive note, DE Jevon Kearse ran this week in practice and there's a chance he'll see action Sunday. Houston's passing game is good to go, although Carr will have an even leakier line to play behind (starting RG Ryan Schau is out for the season with a broken foot as of this past Monday), and Tennessee loves to blitz the passer. As long as Carr can keep picking himself up off the turf, Bradford and especially TE Billy Miller should have opportunities to score against the depleted Titan's secondary. Denver's Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup) Brian Griese is rested and ready to go, coming off a bye week and still savoring his team's 24-16 victory over the defending world champs week 8. On the season, Griese is the 11th ranked passer on the fantasy points-per-game list. Rod Smith is 26th on the receiver's list, McCaffrey is 32nd, and Shannon Sharpe is #2 among tight ends. Not too shabby, at all. Oakland's pass defense stinks to high heaven. Star CB Charles Woodson (returning from a broken shoulder) was absolutely torched by Terrell Owens (191 yards) last week. Fellow CB Phillip Buchanon is out for the season with a broken wrist. Nobody could do anything to slow down the 49'ers last Sunday, and Oakland lost in OT to extend their streak to 4 ugly losses. On the season the Raiders are the 25th ranked pass defense, allowing 252 yards per game. Over the last four weeks they have coughed up 212 per, ranking 15th in the league. In that time, they are ranked 27th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, and 24th vs. opposing wide receivers (but are 2nd vs. tight ends). Denver is hale and hearty heading into the game. Oakland has some potentially huge injuries to watch. DE Tony Bryant injured his neck Sunday and his status for this week isn't certain. He's a giant part of the Raider pass rush and Denver will be much more effective if Bryant can't go. Cornerback Charles Woodson was not only rusty in returning last week, but he tweaked his hamstring in practice Wednesday and is questionable. Denver has to be licking it's chops on that one. Griese, Sharpe, McCaffrey and Smith will present too many challenges for the limited Raiders on Monday night. Advantage, Denver. Tennessee's Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Steve McNair is turning in a decent season, fantasy-wise - he is currently the 14th ranked passer on the fantasy points-per-game list. Coming off a huge win vs. Indianapolis in which he did very little through the air (14/19 for 82 yards and 1 touchdown), it's hard to call McNair "hot", though. Needless to say, none of the Titan's receivers were worth much last week due to their QB throwing only 82 yards worth of passes. This week the expansion Texans come to town, and they are reeling from the shellacking that Jon Kitna and the Bengals laid on them last week. That says a good bit right there. Houston's pass defense is pretty lame of late - they are the 17th ranked pass defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed (217 per game) over the past four weeks, and rank 22nd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 30th vs. wide receivers, and 15th vs. tight ends during that span. The Texans have several injuries of note in their secondary: reserve DB Ramon Walker is doubtful with a bum ankle, starting S Eric Brown (shoulder) and starting LB's Jamie Sharper (knee) and Keith Mitchell (shoulder) are probable to play. As usual, Tennessee lists all their injuries as "questionable": McNair has a toe problem, but is expected to play. Derrick Mason is certainly the Titans go to receiver and he'll likely draw cornerback Aaron Glenn. Glenn is on the small side at 5' 9" but Mason at 5' 10 / 187 is about the same size so there isn't much to talk about there. Marcus Coleman will cover the other corner for Houston. He's got great size at 6' 2" / 210 but doesn't have the quickness to handle Mason. As always, you can't count out reliable TE Frank Wycheck. He's not the favored target he once was, but he and McNair certainly have chemistry. Look for McNair, Mason and Wycheck to find many opportunities against the newest NFL team. Cincinnati's Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) Jon Kitna's coming off one of his best games ever last week after throwing 4 TDs. But that hasn't been the norm for him. He is the 23rd ranked quarterback on the fantasy points-per-game list this season. If Michael Westbrook could turn 33% of his catches into touchdowns during seasons when he catches more than 6 balls in 8 games, he'd get paid like Randy Moss and Antonio Freeman did in their big money contracts. Unfortunately, he doesn't, which is why he is the 68th ranked fantasy wide receiver in points-per-game this season. But you have to like the spark of hope here. Baltimore's defense is pretty stout against the pass - they are the 18th ranked pass defense in the NFL this season, allowing 228 yards per game, and are 7th in the league over the past four weeks, allowing only 188 per contest. Over that time span, they are the 5th ranked defense vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 18th vs. wide receivers, and 19th vs. tight ends. A big problem for the Ravens this week is injuries - every one of veteran leaders on the defensive side of the ball, LB Ray Lewis (shoulder - doubtful), DE Michael McCrary (knee - questionable) and CB Chris McAllister (ankle - questionable) appears on the list. Tight end Sean Brewer was placed on IR for the Bengals this week (he's been sidelined most of the season with his bad left knee). Do not discount the injury situation here. We've said for a while that Baltimore's a team with some great players surrounded by too many young unproven players. That worked though as long as the great players were healthy. They're not now. If McAllister can't go, that creates some very enticing opportunities for Kitna and crew. And you know Corey Dillon will keep a defense honest. As we said above, I doubt Westbrook can continue to score each time he touches the ball. I'm not excited there but we do like Chad Johnson who scored last week after predicting the win. As we said a few weeks ago, I'm not quite ready to say he's the answer, but at least he understands the question. This could be a good week for him. Cincinnati is on a small roll and Baltimore may be without their best player in the secondary. Yes, the advantage goes to the Bengals. New York Jets' Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Good Matchup) Chad Pennington is energizing the New York Jets' attack, and has elevated Laveranues Coles into the top 25 of NFL wide receivers on the fantasy points-per-game list since he became the full-time starter. A team formerly in disarray is now rallying, and comes into this game against arch-rival Miami off a huge defeat of AFC West-leading San Diego. Miami's secondary has the name and garners the hype. But they're not highly ranked in terms of yards allowed per game (242 (21st) per game on the season, and 235 (23rd) over the last four weeks). However, they don't surrender many fantasy points lately, ranking 9th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 6th vs. wide receivers, and 11th vs. tight ends over the past four weeks. Injuries are not a major concern for either unit going into the game. Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are solid corners but they're gambling style means big plays are always a possibility. I don't like Chrebet here because he just doesn't have the speed but both Coles and Moss could break long plays. Especially Coles. Miami's defense is not the question here - their ineffective offense is. At the NFL level, you'll get burned if you give any team as much time with the ball as New York is likely to see on Sunday. If Ray Lucas can't get the offense going for Miami, it'll be a nice day for the Jets on offense. Kansas City's Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Trent Green is having an excellent season, ranking 9th on the fantasy points-per-game list for quarterbacks, and Tony Gonzalez remains the top TE in fantasy football with 429 yards and 6 scores at the season's halfway mark. Eddie Kennison is the top Chief wide receiver, at #50 on the points-per-game list for wide receivers. The 49'ers are soft against the pass, ranking 16th for the season allowing 224 yards per game, and 21st over the past four weeks allowing 229 yards. They let the opposition score a bunch, though, ranking 25th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 26th vs. wide receivers, and 3rd vs. tight ends. LB Jamie Winborn is out for the 49'ers, and backup LB Saleem Rasheed is doubtful to go Sunday. Starting S Tony Parrish is probable to play in spite of his hip injury. Kansas City's passing attack comes into the game intact. Green and company should be successful attacking the 49'ers this week. If you normally start these Chiefs, I wouldn't stop now. Neutral Matchups � The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games New England's Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup) 23/27 for 310 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, and a 154.1 passer rating - I guess Tom Brady is OK after all. What a shellacking of the Buffalo Bills. David Patten caught the most balls last week, totaling 6/88 on the afternoon. Chicago's defense has gotten tougher against the pass as the season goes along - they are 22nd for the season allowing 243 yards a game, but over the past four weeks that number drops to 208 yards per game, 11th in the NFL. The Bears rank 11th, 7th, and 12th in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during those four weeks. Neither unit lists new injuries of note heading into the game. Troy Brown is still the primary receiver here and we think he'll be back to his earlier season form. The success of RB Antowain Smith will help Brown and the Patriot passing game. New England is hot, and the Bears are solid against the pass. Looks like a toss up heading into the game but we like Brown to pick up the pace. Baltimore's Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jeff Blake is a decent QB, even though his team is losing games right now. This is especially true if your league does not penalize QB's for interceptions. In fact, Blake is the 8th best fantasy quarterback on the fantasy points-per-game list, ahead of Trent Green and Brian Griese. His favorite target is definitely Travis Taylor, who has caught 11 of his 28 passes for 209 of his 428 yards and his only TD pass in 2002 from Blake during the last two weeks. With this week's matchup against his former team, it's sort of like a light version of Drew Bledsoe and New England last week. I don't put a lot of stock in "revenge" games like that as I believe most of these guys are giving it all they've got every Sunday. Cincinnati beat up on an expansion team last week, however, their pass defense is respectable. On the season they are the 10th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing only 212 yards per game; over the past four weeks, they are 14th, allowing 210. In terms of fantasy points allowed, they rank 10th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 28th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 5th vs. opposing tight ends. Starting CB Jeff Burris is still nursing a sore hamstring, but expects to play. Back-up LB's Canute Curtis (shoulder) and Riall Johnson (wrist) are probable for Sunday's contest. Excepting Chris Redman, the Ravens are injury free on the offensive side of the ball. Bengals CB Artrell Hawkins had the splashy 102 yard interception TD last week but he's an up and down player. Jeff Burris will man the other corner and he might have trouble with Travis Taylor. Cincinnati's been solid against TEs but you can't overlook Todd Heap. He's too good to pass up unless you're loaded at that position. Blake and Taylor should find some opportunities to hook up on Sunday - but I don't think they'll walk over the Bengal secondary. Oakland's Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) Oakland's passing attack finally came back down to Earth last week, after one of the greatest 6 game runs of fantasy scoring by a quarterback in the last ten years (Rich Gannon threw for more than 330 yards and at least 1 score in 6 straight games before last week). Gannon's pedestrian 164 yards and 1 score wasn't the stuff of fantasy legend, but it was better than some starters managed week 9 (McNair's 82 yards leap to mind). Oakland had stated very clearly prior to the game that they wanted to run the ball, but after a tough loss, look for them to get back to their old ways with Gannon airing it out. Denver's pass defense is very stout in 2002 - they rank 12th this season allowing 213 yards per game, and are 3rd over the last four weeks, allowing only 171 yards per contest. In terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition, Denver ranks 2nd in the league vs. quarterbacks, 1st vs. wide receivers (but 24th vs. tight ends) during that four week span. Denver rested week 9, and is almost entirely healthy as a team entering the game. The Raider's aerial unit is also good to go (though Charlie Garner is questionable with a foot injury on the early report). You have to like Gannon, Rice and Brown against just about anyone. And of course regular readers know we've been advocating Jerry Porter forever. You can't count him out either. Don't be surprised to see the Raiders back to their old selves lighting up the air. Two excellent units meet on Monday night in this AFC West battle, and neither holds a clear edge over the other going into the contest. Seattle's Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Neutral Matchup) Decimated by injury - that is how one describes the Seahawk's unit. Dilfer, out for the season; Darrell Jackson out again this week with a severe concussion; Jerramy Stevens, questionable with his tender left ankle. Matt Hasselbeck is the 45th ranked quarterback this season in points-per-game, and is coming off a loss to Washington in which his team failed to score a touchdown (28/44 264 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions). Hasselbeck has thrown 2 touchdowns in his three games (in his first game of the season). Koren Robinson is a decent starter in yardage leagues now that he's the only real option at wide receiver, but he has only 1 score this season. Arizona's defense got its block knocked off by San Francisco and St. Louis in the last two weeks (Bulger threw for 245 yards and 2 scores to complement Faulk's 178 yards of rushing, and Garcia shredded them for 254 yards and 4 touchdowns). Over the past four weeks, they are ranked as the 22nd pass defense in the NFL, with 233 yards allowed, and rank 23rd, 31st, and 10th in points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. The Cardinals' secondary is ready to try and reverse the trend of the last two weeks - no injuries to report. Cornerbacks Duane Starks and David Barrett are both 5' 10" so they'll give up some height to the 6' 1" Koren Robinson. You just have to wonder if Hasselbeck can deliver the ball. Who is worse - Hasselbeck or the shell-shocked Cardinals? We'll only know after the game. Philadelphia's Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup) Donovan McNabb - thanks to those 6 rushing TDs, is tops in the NFL in fantasy points-per-game among all NFL quarterbacks. James Thrash is his favorite target, but he ranks in the lower part of the top 20 (#18) because McNabb is spreading the ball around so much this season. Indianapolis has the second ranked secondary in the NFL this season, allowing 180 yards per game and also second ranked over the past four weeks, allowing only 161 yards per game, and 7th, 16th, and 6th ranked in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends in that four week span. Indy's secondary is ready to play and healthy. Todd Pinkston (wrist) and Antonio Freeman (hip) are nicked up but probable to play on Sunday. Look for Philadelphia to utilize Duce Staley as a receiver and also to throw more to TE Chad Lewis over the middle. This will be a very competitive duel between two very good units. Jacksonville's Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Neutral Matchup) Mark Brunell is a warrior, and he keeps on fighting even in the face of mounting difficulties in the unit surrounding him. He is finding Jimmy Smith with regularity again, (10 for 123 and a score last week) and Bobby Shaw caught a touchdown, too, in the absence of Patrick Johnson from the lineup. The Redskins are stuck in the middle of the NFL pack, despite talented corners Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot - the team ranks 11th in the NFL this season, allowing 212 yards per game, and 16th over the past four weeks, allowing 213 yards per game. The Redskins rank 17th, 19th, and 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, (over the last four weeks) respectively. Patrick Johnson is expected to miss the game with his abdominal injury, Bobby Shaw is listed as probable with his toe injury. The Redskins secondary is fit and ready to play. Brunell and Smith are crafty veterans who will take what the opposing defense gives them, and the Redskins give away a lot this season. Tough Matchups � Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Chicago's Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Tough Matchup) Jim Miller is listed as probable with his shoulder injury, but he is clearly having difficulty throwing the ball down the field on Sunday. This limits the Bear's offense to the dink and dunk variety of passes, and clogs up the field for Anthony Thomas. The New England D just contained perhaps the best passing offense in the AFC last weekend, and is ranked as the #3 passing defense this season in the NFL, allowing only 195 yards per game. During the past four weeks, that number has gone up to 226 per game, and the Patriots rank as #20 in the NFL during that period. They are 19th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 15th vs. wide receivers, and 23rd vs. tight ends in fantasy points allowed during that span. David Terrell can't go for the Bears, and back-up TE Fred Baxter is questionable for Sunday. Starting LB Mike Vrabel (arm) and back-up LB Larry Izzo (leg) are questionable to play, as are back-up DB's Ben Kelly (ankle) and Victor Green (leg). We're not excited about Jim Miller but WR Marty Booker's been too good to overlook this season. Booker will have his moments even against this excellent defense. But overall, after New England contained the Bills - Ty Law and Lawyer Milloy's unit should handle the Bears. Advantage, New England. Miami's Passing Game vs. The New York Jets Defense (Tough Matchup) Miami can't find their passing game right now. Ray Lucas has been terrible in his two starts and is nursing a sore shoulder. Although it's looking like he'll start. Good thing as greener-than-fresh-mown-grass Sage Rosenfels would be the starter if Lucas can't go against New York this weekend. Chris Chambers, the top receiver last week, caught 5 balls for 55 yards and no touchdowns in the Monday night game vs. Green Bay. New York is not a patsy anymore (in the last two weeks, at least), but they still allow the opposition to throw the ball all over the place. On the season they have allowed an average of 248 yards per game (24th in the NFL), but over the last four weeks that number grows to 262 yards per game (26th in the league). In that four week span, the Jets are the 18th ranked defense vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 22nd ranked vs. wide receivers, and 28th vs. tight ends. Miami has some quality tight ends, in rookie Randy McMichael and veteran Desmond Clark. No new injuries of note for New York entering the game, but Miami is still lacking Jay Fiedler (out - thumb), and as we said, Ray Lucas is dealing with a sore shoulder. McMichael (finger) and James McKnight (hip flexor) are expected to play. I might consider Chambers as cornerback Aaron Beasley's been toasted often season. And maybe McMichael if he's normally your guy. But until Ray Lucas shows something, it's hard to get too excited about any of them. The Jets love to beat the Dolphins, and the Miami passing game is very weak right now - but so is the New York secondary. Minnesota's Passing Game vs. The New York Giant's Defense (Tough Matchup) Once upon a time, Randy Moss was a dominant force among NFL receivers. But look at his production in 2002. 564 yards and 3 touchdowns puts Moss at 15th in the league in points per game, behind expansion-team star Corey Bradford. Moss has one touchdown and one game over 100 yards in the past four outings, including a lame 41 yards last week. Daunte Culpepper has thrown one touchdown and 5 interceptions in the last 3 games. Although to be fair, Culpepper did have a 40 yard TD to Moss nullified last week due to a penalty. The New York Giant's defense fields an excellent pair of corners in Will Allen and William Peterson, and Jason Sehorn lends extra depth here as well. The team ranks 8th this season allowing only 201 yards per game, and is 12th over the past four weeks allowing 208. However, during that span, they are 31st vs. opposing quarterbacks, 20th vs. wide receivers, and 13th vs. tight ends in fantasy points allowed to the opposition, so opponents are punching the ball into the end zone on a regular basis recently. Minnesota lost Derrick Alexander for the season to an ACL tear, but D'Wayne Bates is back from his back injury and ready to line up across from Moss. Back-up LB Nick Griesen is doubtful to play this week, and starting LB Mike Barrow is dealing with a sore hamstring (questionable). The Vikings offense is in disarray, and the Giants will be a big challenge for them on Sunday. Randy Moss is too explosive to sit for most teams but he's clearly got his work cut out for him. And we don't see anything in this matchup that makes us feel any better about Daunte Culpepper. Arizona's Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Tough Matchup) Jake Plummer has to be worried about his wide-receiving corps - or lack thereof. David Boston has a torn patellar tendon in his knee and is likely facing season ending surgery. Back-ups MarTay Jenkins (broken shoulder) and Bryan Gilmore (ankle) are gone for the season. Rookie Jason McAddley lines up across from venerable Frank Sanders as the starting duo for Plummer. #3 in this scenario would be undrafted rookie FA Jake Soliday, hailing from powerhouse Northern Iowa. Plummer's shoulder is sore, but he is expected to play as usual Sunday. Luckily for the Cardinals, they play the toothless Seahawks this week, a team that your grandmother could gain 100 rushing yards against on any given Sunday. The Seahawks pass defense looks good though, ranking 7th in the NFL allowing only 200 yards a game, and only 182 per game over the past four weeks (5th), but realize that no NFL team feels a need to throw the ball a whole lot when your running backs gain 150+ yards per game against the opposition. In terms of fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks, the Seahawks rank 14th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 21st vs. wide receivers, and 8th vs. tight ends. Besides the wide-outs listed above, Plummer may be without his starting C Mike Gruttadauria, which can cause problems with ball exchange while Plummer gets used to back-up C Jason Starkey. Besides starting LB's Anthony Simmons (questionable) and Chad Brown (out), the Seahawks may be without backup LB Tim Terry (concussion - questionable). The loss of Boston is significant. He's not been posting meaningful stats, but he's a big threat. With Boston out of the picture, Frank Sanders will see a different look now that he's the # 1 WR. You could make a case that TE Freddie Jones could take up some slack but I'd like to see it first. All in all, the Seahawks pass defense has the advantage here. Bad Matchups � Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Detroit's Passing Game vs. The Green Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Rookies have off weeks when they are thrust into the role of a NFL starting quarterback. Last week, Joey Harrington had an off week - 14/33 104 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a whole game is not much to boast about, even if your team does win. This week, Harrington and company play surging division-rival Green Bay, and the chances of a Harrington rebound this week don't look too good. First off, the Packers are playing tough pass defense this season (210 yards per game allowed, 9th in the NFL) and have strengthened their game over the past four weeks, allowing only 172 yards per game (4th in the NFL) and rank 6th, 9th, and 7th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span. Secondly, the Detroit injury list is about as long as their roster list - all 3 tight ends appear; Mikhail Ricks (groin - questionable), Matt Murphy (back - questionable), and John Owens (shoulder - probable). Both starting wide receivers are nicked up - Hakim has a shoulder injury, and Schroeder's leg is bothering him (both are probable), and the backups are listed as questionable with assorted injuries. This could become a very, very ugly situation if Hakim and Schroeder aggravate their ailments on Sunday. Green Bay's secondary is healthy. Not only healthy, but they're good. Look elsewhere for your starters this week - the Lions are completely outmatched. Indianapolis' Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Secondary (Bad Matchup) Uh-oh. You are starting a rookie RB against one of the toughest rush D's in the NFL, and that means you want to rely on your passing game. But, the Eagles are also a top pass defense, ranking 5th in the NFL on the season (198 yards per game allowed), who have been throttling opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers lately - they rank 10th in yards allowed over the past four weeks with 203 yards per game, but are 3rd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks in points allowed, and 2nd vs. wide receivers (14th vs. tight ends). This looks like a tough one for Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, the dynamic duo currently ranked 6th and 4th in the NFL in fantasy points-per-game. Also of concern is the crumbling pass protection - Manning is taking way more hits and sacks this season, and Philly loves to blitz. The Eagles will be limited somewhat by a spate of injuries: starting linebacker Carlos Emmons is doubtful with a hamstring injury, starting linebacker Levon Kirkland is probable with a sprained knee; starting DE Hugh Douglas (knee) and starting DT Corey Simon (shoulder/ankle) are also nursing aches and pains (both are probable to start). Safety Brian Dawkins has a sore neck from savaging Ike Hilliard a few weeks ago (probable). Starting RT Adam Meadows is questionable, as is backup Waverly Jackson, for the Colts. Corners Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent are both very tough. Manning and Harrison are still must starts on most teams unless you're just ultra deep. Just be aware this is a bad matchup for these guys. The Eagles have a huge edge due to the excellence of their defense and the sputtering Colts running game.