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 Pittsburgh's Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Great Matchup) Few quarterbacks are hotter than Tommy Maddox - he's thrown for 884 yards, 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions over the past three games, including that monster 5 quarter endurance test last week vs. Atlanta (473 yards, 4 scores and 1 interception) - he's had at least 2 touchdowns every week for 3 weeks. Burress won many fantasy games by his self last week - 253 yards and 2 scores is a monster day. Ward got his too, 139 yards and 1 touchdown. Tennessee's pass defense is porous, to say the least. This season they are the 23rd ranked pass D in the NFL, allowing 249 yards per game. Over the last four weeks the numbers and rankings are as follows: 19th in the league allowing 234 yards per game, 25th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 18th vs. wide receivers, and 23rd vs. tight ends. Samari Rolle just isn't the dominant player he was touted to be. Amazingly, Tennessee lists a player on the injury report with a status other than "questionable" - it's CB Dainon Sidney, and he's out with his broken arm until late November at the earliest. CB Mike Echols is battling a lingering leg injury, and starting S Lance Schulters has shoulder problems - they're both listed as questionable (surprise, surprise). Plaxico Burress is probable to play through his tweaked ankle. Nobody can expect 400 yards and 4 TDs out of their QB or 250 yards and 2 TDs out of their WR but Maddox and Burress look like great plays here. Hines Ward too. Maybe they should be called the Blitzkrieg-Burg Steelers, because their potent air assault is getting the job done in a big way. A huge advantage goes to the Steelers over the limping and impotent Titans' secondary. New England's Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) This is the rematch of the tuck-rule game. Both sides are getting up for it - and it looks like it'll be fun. Brady's been great over the past two games (6 touchdowns, 1 interception), and Kevin Faulk is making a splash as the change of pace, 3rd down back catching short passes and ending up in the end zone. Troy Brown saw a lot of balls last week (11 for 90 yards) but no scores. Even with Charles Woodson back, Oakland's secondary stinks. 26th in the NFL this season, 22nd in the league over the last four weeks, allowing 238 yards per game. They give away points in bunches - they rank 24th, 22nd, and 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. New England's unit is good to go; Oakland's oft-injured Charles Woodson is hampered by a groin injury (questionable). New England's mad bomber Tom Brady should have a good game against Oakland. Troy Brown might be held down some if Charles Woodson goes but he's too good to pass on in most leagues. Tennessee's Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Great Matchup) Tennessee's Steve McNair is limping around with a protective boot on his foot to protect his aching turf toe, and missed practice on Wednesday. The word is that he expects to practice Thursday, and that it is feeling better at this point than it did last week - but still, you have to be concerned if he's your guy. The last few games haven't yielded much in the way of fantasy scoring, either (82 yards and 1 td two weeks ago, 109 yards and 2 td's last week). Reliable Neil O'Donnell waits in the wings if required. Pittsburgh's D is embarrassingly weak in the passing phase of the game, allowing 262 yards per game this season (27th in the NFL), and 269 yards per game over the past four weeks (29th). They give up lots of fantasy points: they are 27th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 23rd vs. wide receivers, and 31st vs. tight ends over the past four weeks. From a numbers standpoint (which is pretty much the only standpoint I care about) this is a great matchup. CB Hank Poteat is out for the Steelers (knee), S Lethon Flowers (shoulder) and Mike Logan (hamstring) are both probable to play. TE Frank Wycheck, McNair's safety blanket, received a concussion last week - keep an eye on him if you are interested in McNair's success (or lack thereof) this week. If McNair can get back on the field, this is a very inviting matchup for him, Mason and Dyson. RB Eddie George doesn't have the speed to exploit the Steeler defense on the edges as Warrick Dunn did last week so look for them to do what everyone else has done against Pittsburgh, throw the ball. Buffalo's Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) It is hard to call what the Chiefs do in the passing phase of the game a defense. They are more like a speed-bump. 32nd in the NFL this season allowing 320 yards per game on average. 31st in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing 295. 21st vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 14th vs. wide receivers, and 32nd vs. opposing tight ends during that four week span. However, they found their spines in the last two games, holding Jeff Garcia to 175 yards and 0 scores last week, and only allowed one passing TD by Rich Gannon 3 weeks ago (330+ yards, though), so there is a glimmer of hope for the Kansas City secondary. Enter Drew Bledsoe, Eric Moulds, Peerless Price and Travis Henry - that hope looks a lot dimmer, doesn't it? Bledsoe has thrown for 302 yards in each of his past two games, (1 score in each contest), and there isn't a better WR tandem in fantasy land than Moulds and Price. Buffalo's TE Jay Riemersma has back trouble heading into the contest (questionable). Kansas City has no new injuries of note to report in the secondary. There is a huge edge for Bledsoe and company over the excuse for a secondary that is Kansas City's passing defense in 2002. Nothing is ever certain as Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens owners found out last week but if you look at matchups, it doesn't get a lot better than this. San Francisco's Passing Game vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup) The 49'ers win regardless of whether Jeff Garcia throws 4 touchdowns (week 8 vs. Arizona), or 0 touchdowns (week 10 vs. Kansas City). They do just enough to put another tick mark in the "W" column, taking whatever the opposing D will give them. San Diego gives up plenty to opposing passers lately. In fact, they are 30th in pass defense this season, allowing 279 yards per game on average. Over the past four weeks they are actually worse, allowing an astonishing 356 yards per game. Not surprisingly, they are also dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers, and rank 27th vs. opposing tight ends. The Chargers will likely go into the game without the services of reserve LB Carlos Polk (severely sprained ankle - doubtful), and San Francisco may be without starting TE Eric Johnson (back - questionable). This one heavily favors the visitors so look for Garcia and Owens to shine. It's a good enough matchup that I'd look hard at starting Tai Streets as well. The Green Bay Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Great Matchup) Thanks for being on the field week in and week out, Brett Favre. You are one of the great ones, the ones who make this game what it is. 195 of 297 for 2244 yards, 17 touchdowns and 4 interceptions puts Favre at #10 on the fantasy points-per-game list. Donald Driver is the #11 wide receiver in the game, and Bubba Franks the #7 tight end. Start 'em if you got 'em, because this offense is just now really getting on track - they could be really scary in the second half. The only worry is the Packer's collective focus and intensity level - at 8-1 they have just about sewn up their division all ready, and will be playing for playoff seeding for most of November and December. Minnesota's secondary is going in the opposite direction from the Packer's offense - they've fallen through the floor of the cellar into the sub-basement of the league, down there where it's dark and cold. 31st in the league allowing 295 yards per game, and 30th over the past four weeks allowing 285 yards a tilt. They are 30th, 29th, and 20th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends. It's lonely in the NFL's sub-basement. Neither team reports new injuries of note on the relevant units. I advise Minnesota fans to go Christmas shopping, or to organize their book-cases on Sunday. You don't want to watch what Favre and company are going to do to your Vikings. Philadelphia's Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Donovan McNabb and the Eagles didn't just lose a game to the Colts last week. They got embarrassed. However, McNabb did not have a bad game - he was 27/47 for 281 and 1 touchdown with 0 interceptions, and rushed for another 62 yards. The defense lost this one for the Eagles, folks. McNabb is still the king of the fantasy football hill, #1 in fantasy points scored per game although he seems to be slipping. And the Eagles are still the class of the NFC, and remain undefeated in the conference. Arizona's pass defense is not the class act of the NFC, or the NFL for that matter, ranking 24th this season allowing 249 yards per game, and 23rd over the last four weeks allowing 240. During that span they are 22nd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 28th vs. wide receivers, and 18th vs. tight ends. TE Jeff Thomason has a shoulder injury (probable) for the Eagles, and Dorsey Levens has a hand problem (probable) which could affect his pass catching. Arizona's secondary is healthy. McNabb is a great play here along with Freeman and Thrash. And if Todd Pinkston is a guy you normally consider, he won't get a much better matchup than this. Bottom line is that Philadelphia should pick Arizona apart with ease. Good Matchups � Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games New Orleans' Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup) Aaron Brooks' team lost in the last clash of these two teams, but many fantasy franchises won with him as their starting quarterback that week. 16/35 for 192 yards, 2 scores and 2 interceptions with 38 yards rushing is a pretty solid day, all in all. This week, Brooks gets to go at them in Atlanta, where the Georgia Dome is actually sold out, thanks to Arthur Blank's policy of reasonably priced season tickets, so it is a more hostile environment than it used to be. The Falcons beat Baltimore and tied Pittsburgh in the intervening weeks, but they were shelled by Maddox last week for 473 yards through the air, and the team played a full 5 quarters. On the season, the Falcons are the 17th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing 228 yards per game, and are 26th over the past four weeks, allowing 255 yards per game. They are 29th, 30th, and 19th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide-outs and tight ends during that span. Depth in the secondary is a concern for the Falcons - CB Juran Bolden is questionable with a knee injury, CB Fred Weary is nursing sore ribs (questionable), and LB Sam Rogers has a groin injury (probable).Don't forget that LB's Will Overstreet and Fred Perry are both on IR. The Saint's aerial assault is ready to go. Look for more of the same in this matchup - modest but solid production from Brooks, Horn and Stallworth. Atlanta's Passing Game vs. The New Orleans Defense (Good Matchup) Michael Vick throws enough to force defenses to respect the pass, but the Falcons win games and score touchdowns with their rushing game. Thus far this season, Vick has 5 touchdown passes and 1 interception (and 5 touchdown rushes). Brian Finneran is the 43rd ranked wide receiver on the points per game list. New Orleans lets people throw on them. They are 28th in the league both for the season (allowing 269 yards per game) and over the last four weeks (260). They are 31st vs. opposing wide receivers, 9th vs. wide receivers, and 30th vs. tight ends in fantasy points allowed during that span. CB Michael Hawthorne is out with a knee injury, and LB's Travis Carroll (leg - questionable) and Darrin Smith (leg - probable) may be slowed somewhat for the Saints. Shawn Jefferson (foot) and Darrin Chiaverini (quadriceps) are both questionable for the Falcons. Vick will have success, when he and Dan Reeves choose to pass - but don't count on a bunch of passing from this team. Tampa Bay's Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup) Last time these two hooked up, it was a snooze-fest, with 21 points scored (7 field goals) in the game and neither side generating much of anything. But Brad Johnson wasn't under center that week (neither was Rodney Peete). Johnson's ribs feel better now, and he's rested thanks to the bye week. Johnson went into the bye on a high note, shelling the Minnesota Vikings for 313 yards and 5 scores with 0 interceptions - Wow. Keyshawn Johnson caught 2 touchdowns. Everything was right with the Buc's passing game before the bye. Carolina's defense has wilted as the season goes along, dropping from 6th ranked allowing 206 yards per game on the season to 14th ranked over the last four weeks, allowing 220 yards per game and are 20th, 7th, and 21st vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that string. Carolina's defense is gutted at mid-season. DT Brentson Buckner was brain dead and violated the league steroid policy (4 week suspension), DT Sean Gilbert broke his hip and is out for the season, starting MLB Dan Morgan has a hernia and is out until early December. DE Fernando Smith is on IR with a neck injury. Backup LB Lester Towns is out for the season with a severe foot injury. Tampa's offense is rested and rejuvenated - even Joe Jurevicius is better (ankle/knee - probable). This has the look of a blow-out game with Carolina being the victim. Johnson and Johnson both look like solid plays although it's hard to get overly excited about either after one great game. St. Louis Marc Bulger vs. The Chicago Defense (Good Matchup) With Warner's return imminent, big winner Marc Bulger gets to bow out after the prime time showcase of the week on Monday Night. What a run he has had - 92/138 for 1149 yards, 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions (was Warner - 89/127 for 899 yards, 1 touchdown and 8 interceptions - paying attention to how Bulger did it?) - in the course of 4 straight victories. Bruce and Holt have come alive during his tenure under center. Faulk played well. Everything is clicking� Chicago is on a streak, too - the other direction. Their secondary is weak (25th on the season allowing 252 yards, 21st over the last four weeks allowing 238 yards per game), and vulnerable to opposing fantasy quarterbacks (28th), but somewhat hard on receivers (8th) and tight ends (4th). S Larry Whigham has a knee problem (questionable), and St. Louis could be without Marshall Faulk's able hands (questionable). The Rams should crush the bumbling Bears Monday night. Start your Rams if you have them. New York Jets' Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup) Is there another team in the NFL that is enjoying a more dramatic turnaround than the N.Y. Jets? From out of it to 1 game back in the AFC East, the second quarter of the season has been a complete reversal of fortune from the first for the Jets. Chad Pennington is a major reason for the turn-around - he has energized Laveranues Coles and opened running lanes for Curtis Martin by providing a legitimate passing threat to the Jets. His 17/27 for 167 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions was a down week, but overall he has really been strong - prior to the Miami game he had thrown at least 1 td in each of his last four games and 6 touchdowns in the four prior to the Dolphins' contest - the down week vs. Miami looks like an aberration, not a trend. Detroit's passing defense is soft - they are ranked 29th this season, allowing 279 yards per game, and 27th over the last four weeks, allowing 257. During that span they are 14th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 21st vs. wide receivers, and 24th vs. tight ends. They are not very good, in other words. Starting S Brian Walker (toe) and CB Andre Goodman (thumb) are both questionable to play for the Lions' secondary. The Jets' aerial unit is good to go, though. Pennington, Coles and Becht should have plenty of opportunities against the weak Lions' secondary. Detroit's Passing Game vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Good Matchup) Scorched, blasted, humiliated - all words to describe the Lions after their 40 - 14 spanking at the hands of the Packers last week. One of Harrington's two scores came in garbage time, after the Packers called off the attack dogs with the score pegged at 40-7 in the third quarter. Overall, it was a futile week that saw Bill Schroeder dropping every ball that came his way - only Az-Zahir Hakim was decent, with a fine 7 for 143 yard effort that included 1 score. This week, Detroit faces a resurgent Jets team at Ford Field. However, pass defense is not the strength of this unit - the Jets rank 22nd in the NFL this season allowing 245 yards per game, and are 25th over the past four weeks allowing 254 per contest. They rank at #15 vs. opposing quarterbacks, #17 vs. opposing wide receivers, and 26th vs. opposing tight ends in fantasy points allowed to the respective positions. Only backup LB Khary Campbell is questionable to play for the Jets' unit. The Lions have their starting unit intact for the game, according to the injury report. Desmond Howard is on IR with his neck injury, but his main role was as a kick returner - not a receiver. The matchup should provide Harrington with some opportunities to get the job done - if only his receivers catch the ball when he throws it to them. San Diego's Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Why are there suddenly problems in San Diego? Try looking at interceptions - Brees has thrown 6 of his 10 picks in the last four games, and 2 in each of his last two games. Oops. Also, Curtis Conway is not getting open enough - only one game over 100 yards in the last four, and only 1 touchdown in the last four contests. This is a passing unit in a fantasy tailspin since week 7. San Francisco is not playing especially good pass defense lately - they are the 15th ranked passing D over the past four weeks, allowing 224 yards per game (13th, allowing 221 this season). In terms of fantasy points allowed by position, the 49'ers are the 23rd ranked D vs. quarterbacks, 27th vs. wide receivers, and 1st ranked vs. tight ends. San Diego is in good shape on the passing unit (TE Josh Norman is questionable with his calf injury, though); San Francisco will miss S Zack Bronson (broken left foot), LB's Jamie Winborn (knee) and Frank Strong (shoulder, IR). Backup LB Saleem Rasheed missed last weeks' game with his strained quadriceps, and is questionable for this week. This is the week for Brees and company to get on track again. Denver's Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Good Matchup) Brian Griese and company had a bad week last week. His 34/47 for 293 yards, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception performance marked the first game of 2002 in which Griese failed to throw at least one touchdown pass. Even with the poor game, Griese still ranks as the 14th NFL quarterback on the average points-per-game list. Not spectacular, but definitely solid. Seattle's pass defense is pretty stout, statistically. They are the 5th best team this season in terms of passing yards allowed per game (203) and over the past four weeks they've been even stingier, allowing only 188 yards per game (7th in the NFL during that span). For those four weeks, Seattle ranks 5th, 16th and 5th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, respectively. Seattle suffered yet another loss to their linebackers corps when starting LB Isaiah Kacyvenski went down (for several weeks) to an ankle injury this week. He joins Chad Brown (IR - foot) and Anthony Simmons (high ankle sprain) on the sidelines - all the starters on the unit are out, now. In addition, CB Shawn Springs is questionable with a foot injury - Seattle's secondary isn't looking too good heading into this one. Denver will be without TE Shannon Sharpe (out-elbow), and wide receiver Rod Smith is nursing a sore ankle (probable). The injuries in the Seattle linebacker's corps and secondary outweigh the Bronco's loss of Sharpe. Advantage, Denver. Indianapolis' Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup) Marvin Harrison had a great game against the scary Eagles D last week (6/137 and 2 scores) and second year man Reggie Wayne finally strutted his stuff (6/121 and 1 score). The situation in Indianapolis could be very rosy in the second half of the season if this production continues. The 7th ranked fantasy quarterback in the NFL, Peyton Manning, certainly hopes that last Sunday was a sign of things to come. Dallas has played great pass defense the last four weeks (against Detroit, Seattle, Arizona and Carolina, though - none of these teams field aggressive passing attacks in 2002), and are ranked as the 2nd best pass defense in that span, allowing 171 yards per game on average (season average: 217, 12th in the NFL). They are 2nd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 3rd vs. opposing wide receivers, and 2nd vs. opposing tight ends in fantasy points allowed during that span. Just keep in mind the competition. Indianapolis could be without Qadry Ismail this weekend (sprained knee - questionable) - but Wayne's emergence minimizes the impact of this injury. Dallas lists CB Derek Ross as questionable with his leg injury. In this matchup, the defense's statistics lie. Dallas' secondary can't run with Manning, Harrison, Pollard and Wayne. Cincinnati's Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup) Jon Kitna is the starter again this week, going down with the ship like any good captain does. He's the 20th ranked passer on the fantasy points-per-game list, but has tossed 8 touchdowns that last 3 games (2, 4 and 2, respectively), so something is happening through the air, at least. Chad Johnson is coming to the fore of the Bengals aerial attack of late - 110 yards and 1 score on 7 catches is a good day by any yardstick, and he is seeing a lot of balls lately (16 catches over the past 3 games and 2 scores). Cleveland's pass defense is fading, partly due to injuries and mostly due to poor play. They are the 24th ranked defense over the past four weeks, allowing 251 yards per game (14th allowing 227 on the season), and in fantasy points allowed they rank 17th, 31st, and 17th vs. opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that four week span. Cleveland's injury list is long - DE Kenard Lang and DT Alvin McKinley are doubtful (hurting the pass rush), LB's Kevin Bentley and Ben Taylor, CB Corey Fuller and S Robert Griffith are all questionable with assorted complaints. Kitna and company are good to go. If Kitna and Johnson are guys you normally consider, I'd have no problem at all starting them this week. Cincinnati is finding some sort of rhythm and Cleveland is struggling. Advantage, Bengals. Neutral Matchups � The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Kansas City's Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Neutral Matchup) Trent Green's production has nose-dived over the past three games - only one touchdown in three outings, and 208 yards passing is his best game during that span. Tony Gonzalez was dominated by the 49'ers Julian Peterson last week (1 reception for 6 yards), providing a blueprint for other teams to imitate. There is big trouble in Dick Vermeils' world right now. Buffalo's secondary is not impressive, but neither are they push-overs, especially in the past few weeks - they rank as the 16th passing defense in the league over the last four weeks, allowing 225 yards per game, and are 10th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 2nd vs. wide receivers, and 29th vs. tight ends in that span (238 yards allowed per game this season, 21st in the NFL). K.C. is healthy, and Buffalo is mostly good, too. S Tony Driver has a sore hip (probable) and CB Antoine Winfield tweaked his knee (probable) - nothing major at all. This looks like an even matchup between two middle-of-the-road units. Gonzalez might see a big bounce against the Bills, who aren't defending TE's well at all. As we mentioned in the Random Shots this week, San Francisco's LBs did a great job last week in pass coverage. I don't look for that to happen to the Chiefs two weeks in a row. Jacksonville's Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral Matchup) Mark Brunell has 8 touchdown passes in 2002, and threw 0 against the Redskins on this past Sunday (19/29 for 194, 0 and 0). He is the 26th ranked fantasy quarterback in points per game this season. Jimmy Smith is drifting out of the top 20 due to Brunell's doldrums, he is 19th ranked on the season with 671 yards on 48 catches (only 3 touchdowns). Houston's passing defense gives up lots of FF points, despite some impressive yardage statistics (the Texans are 4th in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing 181 yards per game). In terms of fantasy points allowed, opposing quarterbacks (18th), wide receivers (26th) and tight ends (22nd) are all doing well vs. the Texans. They have short fields to work with due to the ineptitude of the Texans, thus the misleading yardage information. WR Pat Johnson remains out for the Jags, and Bobby Shaw is nursing his toe injury (probable). Houston's secondary is bumped and bruised but there are no major problems - S Ramon Walker is listed as questionable with a bum ankle, but that's as bad as it gets. WR Jimmy Smith played better last week but he won't have it easy this week against cornerback Aaron Glenn. Glenn will likely have help as teams continue to double Smith. A struggling quarterback and WR on a sub-par team meets a sub-par defense. Neither has a clear advantage. Oakland's Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup) Oakland has been simmering and stewing over the "tuck-rule" loss in the playoffs for a long time. Now Rich Gannon, the two Jerrys and Tim Brown will try to do something about it on the field. Gannon got hot again last week, and the Raiders appear to have decided that a short dump-off pass to Garner is as good as a hand off. Gannon owners agree enthusiastically with that offensive strategy. All his receivers are catching a lot of balls. New England's secondary is one of the best in the NFL. This season, they average 193 yards allowed per game, 3rd in the league. However, of late they haven't been so hot, ranking 20th in the NFL over the past four weeks, surrendering 238 yards per game (including 183 yards and 2 scores to the lame-duck Bears' QB's and a trick play toss by wide receiver (Marty Booker)). They are 3rd vs. opposing quarterbacks, but 11th and 19th vs. opposing wide receivers and tight ends in fantasy points allowed during the most recent four weeks. Not bad, but a drop-off for this unit. Patriots CB Ben Kelly has a sore ankle (questionable); Oakland lists TE Roland Williams as questionable with a toe injury. Jerry Rice continues to grab the lion's share of targets with Tim Brown and Jerry Porter following. Porter makes the most of what he's thrown but his opportunities (or lack of them) concern us a little. He's definitely a talent though. Two top units meet in this game, and neither is going in with an upper hand - both have shown weakness in recent memory, but neither wants to this week, in this grudge match. Tough Matchups � Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Seattle's Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Tough Matchup) Believe it or not, Matt Hasselbeck is getting into a rhythm in Seattle. He's not a world-beater, but Hasselbeck finally managed to throw another touchdown last week - his first since week 1 - and didn't toss any int's, either. Ryan Hannam, a complete unknown, was the lucky recipient of this rare Hasselbeck touchdown, but at least he threw one, to somebody. Denver's passing defense was mocked and humiliated by Rich Gannon on Monday night. Anytime a defense allows an opposing QB to complete 34 of 38 passes for 352 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, you've got a major problem somewhere. On the season, the Broncos are the 18th ranked pass defense in the league, allowing 228 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, that number is 218 yards per game, good for 13th in the league, but the defense ranks 19th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 13th vs. wide receivers, and 25th vs. tight ends. S Izell Reese is questionable for the Broncos with a groin injury, and key DE Trevor Pryce (who provides much of the pass rush) is listed as probable with his knee injury - as is Chester McGlockton (elbow - probable). Seattle is probably still without starting WR Darrell Jackson (concussion - doubtful). Seattle doesn't bring the horses to the races that Oakland does. Look for Hasselbeck to struggle against Ray Rhode's game-plan and the Bronco defense. Washington's Passing Game vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Tough Matchup) Another week, another quick start, and another second half without any points scored by the Redskins. Shane Matthews did manage to get above 50% completions against Jacksonville, but he compensated for improving in this area by throwing 2 interceptions. 27/50 256, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions is a decent but unspectacular start (worse if your league deducts for int's). Rod Gardner remains the only predictable producer among the wide receivers. The Giants' secondary is pretty good, ranking 4th in the NFL allowing only 198 yards per game this season, and are ranked 5th over the last four weeks, allowing 181 yards per contest. They have been victimized by rushing quarterbacks, ranking 26th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks while holding opposing wide receivers (10th) and tight ends (9th) in check. Luckily for the Giants, no one considers Matthews a huge threat to run the ball. Gardner is probable to play with his shoulder injury, and Stephen Davis (questionable - knee) expects to be back in there, although Spurrier may institute a RBBC this week. Several linebackers are hurt for the Giants - Nick Griesen is doubtful with a foot injury, Quincy Monk is questionable with an ankle problem, and Mike Barrow is probable with a hamstring problem. A good pass defense vs. an anemic passing attack = advantage to the Giants. New York's Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) 25/35 for 300 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. 20/28 for 228 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions. Kerry Collins is clearly better with coach Fassel calling the plays. You hate it for young Sean Payton, but there was a problem that is being fixed in a hurry. Another big problem cropped up this week, when Tim Carter blew out an Achilles (out for the season) and Ron Dixon went down with a knee injury (probably for at least two weeks) - now there is potentially no #2 wide-out in a Big Blue uniform - the Giants are converting backup RB Sean Bennett into a WR on the fly, but that's not depth, that's a prayer. Herman Moore, spurned by the Lions last season and left to languish on IR, signed this week as did ex-Patriot Tony Simmons, but right now Toomer and rookie Daryl Jones are the only healthy, bona-fide wide receivers who have also had the benefit of a training camp in the Giants system on the roster. This is a problem, for this week at least (we'll see how close Herman Moore and Simmons are to game-shape as time progresses). At least TE Jeremy Shockey is off the injury report this week. Washington has a stout secondary that is playing up to it's reputation lately, ranking 12th in the league allowing 210 yards per game over the last four weeks (they are 9th allowing 211 yards per game this season). The Redskins are 7th, 4th, and 15th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively, during that four week span. The Giants also gave up on Dusty Ziegler's knee, and placed the OG on IR this week. S Sam Shade is out with a neck injury this week for the defenders. It's tough to make defenses respect an offense with limited pass-catching options - the Giants desperately need Daryl Jones to make some plays so that Toomer can breathe under the double coverage. But WR is a tough position to play well as a rookie - the edge goes to the Redskins defenders in the face of the depleted Giants' receiving corps. Baltimore's Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup) Jeff Blake is a capable, NFL caliber quarterback - but he needs somebody healthy to catch the ball. Injuries are a big problem for this unit right now - star TE Todd Heap is limping on a tweaked knee (questionable), Brandon Stokley is out with a foot injury, and TE John Jones is also limited with an aching knee (questionable). Ron Johnson or Javin Hunter are the backups to Stokley (11 catches, 1 touchdown and 1 fumble between the two of them this season). Miami has lots of name recognition in their secondary, and they are finally getting some star-caliber play out of the unit - over the past four weeks, the Dolphins are ranked 3rd in the NFL allowing only 179 yards per game (they are 20th in the league on the season, allowing 234 per game, so this represents a big improvement), and are 3rd 5th and 3rd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span. Of course, they are losing anyway, due to Ray Lucas' struggles on offense. Miami's secondary is fit, by and large (backup LB Twan Russell is still out with his knee injury, though). With all the injuries, Travis Taylor is the only WR of note but that's been pretty much how it's been anyway. He'll need Heap to be available to take some pressure off him. All in all, a very tough matchup for Blake and company waits down in Miami. Miami's Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup) What Miami passing game, you ask? I don't know where it is, either. Not in Ray Lucas' arm, that's for certain. To be fair, he has cut down the interceptions (0 last week), and did toss a score in the loss to Miami's New York nemesis - but he has hardly been inspiring or exciting in his three starts (19/28 for 227 yards last week is his best showing, so far). Baltimore's passing defense is doing decently in recent weeks (against teams like Pittsburgh and Atlanta, as well as league doormat Cincinnati last week) , and they are going into the fray without Chris McAllister again this week, most likely (he's questionable with an ankle injury). Over the past four weeks, the Ravens are 6th in the NFL allowing 185 yards per game, and rank 6th, 20th, and 6th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span, respectively. They are ranked 19th in the NFL this year, allowing 233 yards per game, so they have really elevated their game in the absence of McAllister, Lewis and McCrary. Besides McAllister, CB James Trapp is questionable with his shoulder injury (Lewis is very doubtful to play). Miami fans are waiting impatiently for Fiedler to come back. Hired gun Cris Carter remains out with his kidney problem, so the Dolphins are thin at WR with Gadsden down and out for the season. This looks like another rough outing in the making for Lucas. Chris Chambers is a guy that's likely to catch a TD pretty much any time but you have to worry about the ability of Lucas to deliver the ball. Cleveland's Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup) Tim Couch hasn't been great, but he hasn't stunk it up the past few weeks, either. That about sums up the whole season for the Browns - they are 4-5, after all. At least Couch is throwing touchdowns again - 4 in his last two games, Quincy Morgan grabbing one of them last week, and Andre Davis one two weeks ago. The others went to 2 guys nobody should be starting in fantasy football (Steve Heiden and Mark Campbell). Cincinnati's pass D doesn't stink (unlike their team's record) - they are the 8th ranked passing defense in the NFL, allowing 209 yards per game this season. Over the last four weeks they are 11th allowing only 199 yards per contest, and rank 12th vs fantasy quarterbacks, 24th vs. wide receivers, and 16th vs. tight ends during that span. You can make a case that it's because teams prefer to run on the Bengals but that doesn't really matter. Cleveland is probably without TE Aaron Shea this week (ankle, doubtful). Cincinnati's secondary is slightly banged up, with S Mark Roman questionable due to a knee problem and S Cory Hall listed as probable with an aching shoulder. It's a guessing game as to who will catch the passes but I'd feel best about Morgan and Davis. Kevin Johnson just continues to be invisible. Couch and company will be challenged to do much against division rival Cincinnati, especially with non-run threat William Green "busting" 2 yard rushes all day. Houston's David Carr vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Tough Matchup) A struggling quarterback on a sub-par team - that's what David Carr is. Corey Bradford is getting clamped down on, and there aren't a lot of other options for Carr throw to in 2002. He hasn't thrown over 200 yards worth of passes in 3 games, and has 2 TDs to 4 INTs in that time frame. More importantly, he continues to be hammered with sacks. Whether it's his line or Carr's play, the results are that he's getting sacked way too often. Jacksonville's passing defense is middle-of-the-pack. They rank as the 16th pass defense in the NFL this year, allowing 227 yards per game, and are 17th over the past four weeks, allowing 225 yards per contest. They are 13th, 6th, and 28th vs. opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends over the four week period. Butterfingered WR Jermaine Lewis is questionable with a chest injury for Sunday's game. Jacksonville's secondary is largely healthy. Teams have figured out that they can shut down Corey Bradford on the deep routes. And Lewis has not been effective. TE Billy Miller seems to be Carr's favorite target but he's been fairly quiet of late as well. The Jags have more than enough talent to bury Carr and company again on Sunday. Bad Matchups � Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Dallas' Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Bad Matchup) Well, Chad Hutchinson has thrown fewer interceptions (0) than touchdowns (1) in his two starts. He currently ranks as the 38th quarterback on the fantasy points-per-game list, behind such 2002 luminaries as Ray Lucas (35th) and Kurt Warner (36th). Indianapolis has a good pass defense (just ask Donovan McNabb), currently ranked 2nd in the NFL this season allowing only 191 yards per game, and only 190 per game over the last four weeks (including McNabb's 281 last week, by the way), good for 9th in the NFL over that span. They are 16th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 19th vs. wide receivers, and 11th vs. tight ends in fantasy points allowed during that four week span. Dallas has no new injuries to its aerial unit. Indy's secondary has an assortment of minor dings - CB Joseph Jefferson (ankle - questionable), LB Marcus Washington (ankle - questionable) CB's Jason Doering (neck - probable) and Walt Harris (knee - probable) and LB Mike Peterson (wrist - probable) - but none are considered truly serious. Joey Galloway and Antonio Bryant and home run hitter type guys so they always have a chance to score, I just don't have much faith in Hutchison being able to deliver the ball against this sophisticated Tony Dungy defense. What passing game? That's what the folks in Dallas will ask after this one. Minnesota's Daunte Culpepper/Todd Bouman vs. The Green Bay Packers (Bad Matchup) I don't think the bench has what it takes to fix Culpepper's problems. He is going down the tubes, and there is no sign that he will reverse the decline soon. 1 touchdown, 5 interceptions and 0 rushing touchdowns in his last 4 games - I think you could safely label that as "not good". Add to this the fact that Green Bay built their secondary to neutralize Culpepper and Moss, and you see why it may be Bouman time by half-time on Sunday. The Packers' pass defense is very good, especially lately, allowing only 190 yards a game over the past four weeks, 8th in the NFL (this season they allow 213 per game, 11th in the league). During the four past weeks, they are 9th, 12th, and 12th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. Minnesota lists D'Wayne Bates as probable with his back trouble, as is TE Byron Chamberlain (knee). The Packers' secondary is ready to clamp down on the Vikings - no new injuries to report. As we told you about in the Game Recaps, the team responded with a huge surge with Bouman at the helm. Randy Moss suddenly looked like the Moss of old. If Bouman plays again, that's a huge boost for Moss in our eyes. Moss is one of those players that I personally have a hard time not starting just because he's so explosive. He can make your day with 2 plays. But everyone has limits as to how patient they can be. It's certainly an ugly matchup for Minnesota. Chicago's Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Bad Matchup) Rejoice, Bears' fans, you are saved from Jim Miller's elbow tendonitis by Chris Chandler's quick recovery from a neck injury. This week, Chandler is your guy under center. What, no cheers? I don't blame you. Chandler has managed to throw for about 170 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the games he's played all four quarters of (weeks 7 and 8 most recently), hardly exciting numbers. No matter who starts, look elsewhere. St. Louis got their backbone back a few weeks ago, and it shows in their defensive statistics over the past four weeks. The Rams are ranked 10th in the NFL allowing only 196 yards per game during the winning streak, and are 4th, 11th and 7th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span. Besides Miller's elbow, the Bears are a healthy unit, as is the Rams secondary - injuries aren't a factor in the matchup beforehand. Chandler / Miller and the Bears have a tough row to hoe this Monday Night. Carolina's Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bad Matchup) Rodney Peete is the key to the production of the Panther's offense, as we all saw during his time away. Now he's back, and he made a fine effort in his return (23/40 for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception) - 1 TD went to Wesley Walls, the other to Jermaine Wiggins. Tampa Bay plays wicked pass defense. They are 1st in the league this season (173 yards per game allowed) and over the past four weeks (135 yards per game allowed). They are tops vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks and wide receivers, and 8th vs. tight ends during that four week span. They are awesome in this phase of the game. Tampa's secondary is healthy, and so are the Carolina receivers. This is a very tough matchup for any team to face but especially for a team that's trying to regain it's form like Carolina. I'd look elsewhere if you can. Arizona's Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) Your starting quarterback has a sore throwing shoulder, your best wide receiver is out for the season and you are starting a rookie wide receiver in his place, your running game is sputtering and your starting center can't play right now. Good luck vs. the Eagles, Coach McGinnis. The Eagles are ranked 10th in the NFL in pass defense this season, allowing only 211 yards per game, and are 18th over the last four weeks, allowing 232 per contest. They rank 11th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 15th vs. wide receivers, and 10th vs. tight ends in fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks. Besides Boston going on the IR, OL Jon Fina is out with an ankle problem (along with C Mike Gruttadauria, as mentioned above), and G Chris Dishman has a tender knee (probable). Philly's defensive line is torn up (6 of 8 players on the injury report), so the pass rush may suffer, but the secondary is healthy coming into the game. Besides all that, Plummer has just been horrible. WR Frank Sanders can't carry the load of a #1 WR plus there's not much behind him to take any heat. This is going to be a tough day for Plummer and the passing game.