Hi Folks,

 

Here�s our look at the Passing Matchups for this week.

 

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 Rich Gannon is playing the toughest pass defense in the league, that just means he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter.

 

Let's jump to it.

 

Joe

 

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Buffalo�s Passing Game vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Drew Bledsoe puts up strong numbers almost every week (328 yards, 2 scores with 4 interceptions vs. the Patriots last week), and has played only one game with 0 scores (week 12) in 2002, vs. 7 games with 2 or more scores. Moulds and Price are as dangerous a tandem as there is to be found anywhere in 2002.

 

San Diego�s pass defense has been horrible all year (281 yards per game allowed on average, 31st in the NFL), and is getting worse, surrendering 287 yards per game over the past four weeks, good for 31st in the NFL, and they rank 19th, 23rd, and 9th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span.

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Neither squad lists new injuries of note on the report this week.

 

Bledsoe and company will chew up San Diego�s secondary and make it look easy.

 

St. Louis� Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Kurt Warner is on IR, so Marc Bulger will be the starting QB from here on out unless his injured finger hampers him a lot. This game will be a rematch of the week 9 contest in which Bulger threw for 245 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Since that contest, Arizona has dropped 4 out of 5 games, and St. Louis has lost 3 of 5 � both teams have fizzled their way out of the playoffs.

 

Arizona�s pass defense is still very soft, ranking 27th over the last four weeks allowing 253 yards per game, and also rank 28th, 30th, and 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that stretch. Last week they managed to hold Joey Harrington to 152 yards and 1 score, so they are on an up note heading into this game.

 

This week, the Cardinals lost LB�s Levar Fisher (knee) and Rob Frederickson for the season, and LB LeVar Woods (ankle) is questionable to play as well. There are only 4 healthy LB�s on the roster at midweek, so the unit is very thin at mid-week. 6 year veteran Greg Jones (late of Houston) and undrafted rookie Trev Faulk were signed as stop-gaps to provide at least minimal insurance, but neither has spent time in the Cards system this year. CB Duane Starks continues to battle ankle and knee injuries and is questionable to play. The Rams receiving corps is healthy.

 

Bulger and his wide-outs have a very favorable matchup against the depleted and soft Cardinal secondary.

 

Tampa Bay�s Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Nobody has thrown more touchdowns than Brad Johnson over the last three weeks � he has 66 completions for 686 yards and 8 scores (1 interception) during that span, and has looked very sharp doing it. Keenan McCardell (18/174) and Joe Jurevicius (15/159) have both claimed 3 of those scores, while Keyshawn Johnson has accounted for 9 catches and 126 yards (0 scores), so there is a 1-2-3 combination battering opposing secondaries right now.

 

Detroit couldn�t even beat Arizona�s team, and their pass defense was a big part of that failure, allowing 2 scores to the motley crew that is the Cardinals depleted and inexperienced receiving corps. Over the past 4 weeks, the Lions rank 28th in the NFL, allowing 257 passing yards per game, and are 25th, 29th, and 12th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that span.

 

Detroit�s S LaMar Campbell (hamstring) is probable to play Sunday, while the Buccaneers list McCardell (quadriceps) and Jurevicius (ankle) as probable to go despite minor dings.

 

Look for Tampa to have a very productive game in this phase on Sunday.

 

Jacksonville�s Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Mark Brunell had a brutally bad passing performance last week in the loss to Cleveland, managing a mere 73 yards on 10 of 14 work (with 1 touchdown, at least). Part of the reason was that Taylor was steam-rolling the Browns, but still � 73 yards in 60 minutes of pro ball is pretty pathetic. In the last three games, his yardage total has declined steadily � and Jimmy Smith is going down the tubes with Brunell � 23 yards and 0 scores (last week�s totals) isn�t going to help win anybody a place in their league�s playoffs.

 

�Happily for Smith and Brunell owners, this week the Jaguars welcome the Cincinnati team that just allowed the �mighty� Panthers to score 52 points last week, with 3 scores surrendered to Rodney Peete and his receiving corps. Cincy is 13th in the league in passing yards allowed over the past four weeks (228), but is 26th, 32nd and 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span.

 

TE Kyle Brady (ankles) and WR Bobby Shaw (toe) are both probable to play on Sunday. The Bengals list back-up S Lamont Thompson as out with a knee injury, while starters CB Artrell Hawkins (thigh � questionable) and S Cory Hall (shoulder � probable) are also banged up.

 

Cincinnati will be just the tonic the ailing Jaguar passing attack needs to get healthy again.

 

Cincinnati�s Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Jon Kitna is red hot, and so is top target Chad Johnson. Kitna has piled up 901 yards, 5 scores and 1 interception (with 8 rushes for 18 yards and a score) over the past three weeks, good for 4th on the fantasy quarterbacks� list during that span. Johnson has caught 17 balls for 344 yards and 1 score in that span. Something is going right for the Bengals (gasp)!

 

Jacksonville�s passing defense, on the other hand, stinks lately. They are 25th in the NFL allowing 249 passing yards per game over the last four weeks, and rank 31st, 27th, and 7th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends in that time. Quincy Morgan gouged Fernando Bryant and company for 118 yards on only 3 catches (39.3 yards per catch) last week, including the answered prayer at the buzzer that defeated the Jaguars.

 

S Donovin Darius (shoulder) and LB�s T. J. Slaughter (ankle) and Eric Westmoreland (hamstring) are all probable to play for the Jags. Bengal WR�s Danny Farmer (knee), Peter Warrick (chest/bruised lung) are both questionable to play, while Brandon Bennett is probable to go through his knee injury.

 

A hot offense vs. a stone-cold defense means that the matchup favors Kitna and the Bengals in this phase of the game.

 

Green Bay�s Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Great Matchup)

 

Brett Favre and the Packers had to work for it, but they got pay-back vs. the Vikings last week, and he avenged his bad game in the Metrodome with 22 completions on 32 attempts for 214 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the Arctic chill of Lambeau field at night in December. This week, Favre and his compatriots will play in the warmer clime of San Francisco, which should be more conducive to the passing game.

 

San Francisco tries very hard to make opposing quarterbacks comfortable, by giving away the most yardage per game over the last four weeks of any NFL team � an average of 289 yards per contest. They rank 29th, 28th, and 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during the preceding four weeks. They did keep rookie Chad Hutchinson from throwing a score last week, at least.

 

Part of the problem in San Francisco is the rash of injuries in their secondary. Reserve CB-PR Jimmy Williams is out for the season with torn knee ligaments, and LB Jamie Winborn is out for another week with his bum knee. S Zack Bronson (foot) and LB Saleem Rasheed (thigh) are doubtful; S Ronnie Heard (ankle) and CB Ahmed Plummer (groin) are questionable. That�s an awful lot of LB�s and DB�s either out or limited by injury. The Packers say that Terry Glenn (hip) and Javon Walker (ankle) are probable to catch Favre�s darts this weekend.

 

Favre, Driver and company are ready to take what a defense offers them, and the 49�ers are giving away a lot recently. A big edge goes to the Packers� unit in this phase of the game.

 

San Francisco�s Passing Game vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Jeff Garcia caught fire in the fourth quarter last week, ripping Dallas for 3 touchdowns in 15 minutes (1 to Tai Streets, 2 to Terrell Owens). Over the last three weeks he�s been up and down, but mostly respectable, with a total of 724 yards passing, 5 touchdowns with 2 interceptions, and 75 yards rushing and a score on 16 carries. Owens has caught 30 of Garcia�s passes for 334 yards and 4 scores in that span.

 

Green Bay�s pass defense has been holding the opposition to small amounts of yardage � they rank 8th in the NFL over the last four weeks allowing 192 yards passing per game � but they give up a lot of points, ranking 22nd, 17th and 30th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that span. The Bears hit 3 TD passes on the Pack 2 weeks ago, and Brad Johnson hit for 2 the week before that.

 

CB�s Tyrone Williams (hamstring) and Tod McBride (thigh) and key S Darren Sharper (hamstring) are all nursing aches and pains but are probable to play. Terrell Owens� groin injury isn�t too much of a problem, he�s listed as probable to go as well.

 

Jeff Garcia and company will burn you if you show weakness, and the Packers have plenty of flaws lately. The 49�ers should have a productive outing on Sunday.

 

New England�s Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Both of these teams looked down and out earlier in the year, and both have come roaring back to peg their records at 8-5 heading into this game. Tennessee leads their division, while New England is knotted up with Miami at 8-5 in the AFC East. Tom Brady has been playing very efficiently lately, with 5 scores and 1 interception over the last three games, but only 632 yards of passing in that span. His top target in that span has been Troy Brown, with 17 catches for 171 yards and 1 score.

 

Tennessee�s pass defense has not been terribly good lately, (they�ve struggled all season, ranking 25th in the NFL allowing 250 yards per game on average) and are 26th in the league allowing 252 passing yards per game on average over the last four weeks. During that time window, they rank 17th, 26th, and 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends.

 

Patriot WR Deion Branch is questionable to play due to a leg injury. Key S�s Rich Coady (hamstring) and Lance Shulters (quadriceps) are nursing injuries, so depth in the secondary is a concern for the Titans.

 

New England has enough savvy to exploit the many weaknesses in the Titan�s secondary, and should have a good day playing pitch and catch.

 

Tennessee�s Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Tennessee lost half of their starting tandem at wide receiver this week, as Kevin Dyson has had season-ending surgery on his injured hamstring. This will probably enhance Derrick Mason and Frank Wycheck�s numbers in the weeks to come, as McNair leans more heavily on his trusted veterans. Drew Bennett moves into Dyson�s spot (28 catches for 372 yards and 2 scores in 2002, so far), and is credible enough to threaten opposing defenses. Steve McNair is playing like a warrior lately, gutting out games despite multiple painful injuries � and he�s hot as well, 70 of 109 for 854 yards passing with 4 scores and 3 picks, with 13 rushes for 101 yards in addition, in the last three games.

 

New England�s pass defense is bottoming out lately, allowing 277 yards per game over the last four weeks, 30th in the league, and ranking 20th, 25th and 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span.

 

Part of New England�s problem is the injury to key LB Tedy Bruschi (knee � doubtful), and LB Matt Chatham is out (hand injury � on IR now). Besides the injury to Dyson, WR�s Eddie Berlin (concussion) and Darrell Hill (ankle) are hurting, as is McNair (toe/ribs).

 

McNair is hot, and the Patriot�s secondary is not playing well right now. Advantage, Tennessee.

 

Seattle�s Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Give credit where credit is due � Matt Hasselbeck is the #1 fantasy quarterback over the past 3 weeks, with 1014 yards passing and 8 touchdowns (5 interceptions), along with 11 rushes for 93 yards. Unfortunately for Hasselbeck, his foot is also in a protective walking cast this week, and he may not make it into the lineup on Sunday. If Hasselbeck can�t go, the veteran and mercurial talent Jeff George will get the nod. The guy�s talent is undeniable � 2298 completions on 3967 attempts for a� 57.9% yielding� 27,602 yards and� 154 yards vs. 113 interceptions in his career. Don�t despair Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson owners � George can get the ball to your receivers if he is asked to do so.

 

Atlanta�s defense is merely mediocre in the passing phase of the game, they are ranked 17th over the last four weeks allowing 234 yards per game, and are 21st, 24th, and 17th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that span. Ray Buchanan had a lot of trouble with Joe Jurevicius last week due to his pulled abdomen, in particular. Buchanan just couldn�t go up the ladder to defend jump balls.

 

This week, Buchanan is listed as probable to play, so the Falcons hope he�s in better shape. LB John Holocek is nursing a sore arm (questionable). Besides Hasselbeck�s injury, the Seahawks list WR Bobby Engram as questionable with a toe injury.

 

Look for whoever starts under center for the Seahawks to do well against the suspect Falcon�s secondary.

 

Atlanta�s Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Good Matchup)

 

The Michael Vick express got derailed last week, when the Buccaneers shut down the Falcons� attack � 12/25 for 125 yards, 1 score and 1 interception with 15 yards rushing was not exactly what Vick owners had in mind.

 

However, Seattle is not Tampa Bay. For one thing, they have the worst rushing defense in the league � and Atlanta is one of the top rushing teams. So the desire to pass the ball a whole lot probably won�t be in evidence this weekend. But when coach Reeves and company do decide to call a passing play, they will be throwing at the 12th ranked pass defense over the past four weeks, allowing 227 yards per game on average. During that span, the Seahawks rank 13th, 13th, and 1st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends.

 

Atlanta�s unit is good to go. The Seahawk�s secondary is dinged up, with CB Shawn Springs (foot) and CB Willie Wiliams (foot) both listed as questionable this week.

 

When Vick does throw, he should have modest success � but don�t expect a huge day through the air this weekend.

 

New York Jets� Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Chad Pennington is coming on in the second half of the season, and is becoming a viable (if marginal) fantasy starting quarterback � over the past three weeks, he is the 12th ranked fantasy quarterback in the land, with 687 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and only 1 interception (with 6 rushes for 11 yards and another score on the ground). Laveranues Coles is the man in New York, with 23 catches for 362 yards and 2 scores in the last three weeks.

 

Chicago�s pass defense has not been very good all season (27th ranked in the NFL allowing 251 yards per game), and remained a mediocre unit over the past four weeks, allowing 248 yards per game (24th in the NFL), and ranked 16th, 11th and 30th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that time frame. Chris Chambers (17.0 yards per catch last week) and James McKnight (22.5 yards per catch) burned R. W. McQuarters and company repeatedly Monday night.

 

TE Chris Baker (shoulder) and WR Santana Moss (ankle) are probable to play despite their injuries. Chicago�s secondary has no new injuries of note to report.

 

The Jets are the better team in 2002, and the Pennington-to-Coles combination should be prominent in this game.

 

Pittsburgh�s Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Carolina might have won last week, but it was not thanks to their pass defense, which Jon Kitna carved up for 295 yards, 2 scores and 0 interceptions. Chad Johnson averaged 19 yards per catch on his 6 receptions (114 yards) and Peter Warrick caught 3 balls for 52 yards, 2 scores, and a 17.3 yards per catch average. Over the past four weeks, Carolina is 21st in the NFL allowing 239 yards per game and ranks 23rd, 21st, and 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends over those four weeks.

 

Pittsburgh�s Tommy Maddox had a frustrating game in his first start back from injury, throwing 30 completions for 325 yards but giving up 2 interceptions that were returned for touchdowns (0 scores thrown on his part). Nevertheless, Coach Cowher is sticking with Maddox this week � Plaxico Burress owners, rejoice, although Antwaan Randle-El and Hines Ward saw plenty of balls last week, too.

 

The Steelers� starting TE John Allred is out with a concussion, and Hines Ward is listed as questionable with a tweaked hamstring. Key MLB Dan Morgan is out (shoulder), and LB Hannibal Navies (ankle) is questionable, so the Panthers are stretched a little thin at LB.

 

If Kitna, Johnson and Warrick could put up 295 yards and 2 scores against the Panthers, there is no reason to think that Maddox, Buress and Ward (or Randle-El) can�t do at least as well.

 

Baltimore�s Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Jeff Blake woke up the passing game from its nap last week, throwing for 316 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the loss to New Orleans. It was the first time in 5 weeks that he broke the 200 yard barrier, so the performance was a much-needed boost for the Ravens. Jamal Lewis was the #1 target last week (108 yards and a score) � among receivers the favored targets were Todd Heap and Travis Taylor, both snagging 5 balls for 80+ yards (0 scores, though).

 

Houston�s defense won an improbable victory for the club last week, providing almost all of the scoring for their team by returning 2 interceptions and 1 fumble for touchdowns, and covering up another fumble to situate Kris Brown for a field goal. Over the last four weeks, they are a playing like a mediocre pass defense, allowing 239 yards per game (20th in the NFL), and they rank 10th, 16th, and 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that time frame.

 

Neither unit lists new injuries among their current starting unit, although Baltimore�s current back-up QB Chris Redman is still nursing his aching back (questionable).

 

�Blake and company should have a good shot at continuing their momentum against the so-so Texans� defense.

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Minnesota�s Passing Game vs. The New Orleans� Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Daunte Culpepper has been very productive over the last three weeks, putting up 674 yards passing, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while rushing for 120 yards and 2 more scores. Moss has 20 catches for 251 yards and 1 score during that span, Bates put up 13 catches for 170 yards and 1 touchdown. The Vikings can move the ball and score � and that�s what counts in fantasy football.

 

New Orleans isn�t particularly tough against the oppositions� passing game � they rank 16th in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 234 yards per game and rank 24th, 14th, and 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that period. Jeff Blake and the shaky Ravens ripped the New Orleans secondary for 316 yards and 2 scores last week.

 

The Saints list CB Dale Carter (shoulder) and LB Darrin Smith (ankle) as questionable for this game, while the Vikings unit lists no new injuries this week.

 

Blake, Travis Taylor and Todd Heap lit up the Saints last week � Moss, Bates and Culpepper should have a great time on Sunday.

 

New Orleans� Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Aaron Brooks� numbers are down over the last three weeks as he has struggled to finish 4 quarters of play in his most recent games due to a bruised and fatigued muscle on his throwing arm. In limited time, he has still managed 596 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, so he hasn�t been a total bust � just not as explosive as Brooks� owners expect. Joe Horn has 15 grabs for 240 yards and 1 score during those same 3 weeks.

 

Minnesota�s pass defense is very soft � they rank 15th in the NFL in yardage allowed over the past four weeks (231 yards per game), but are ranked 32nd, 19th, and 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that time frame. Brett Favre rang them up for 2 scores last week, Vick had 2 scores the week before (1 passing, one rushing) and Brady touched them for 3 TD�s three weeks ago.

 

Key MLB Greg Biekert (calf) and S Ronnie Bradford (foot) are both questionable to play on Sunday, while Brooks is listed as questionable by the Saints (he should play, though).

 

This game has the look of a high-scoring affair, with lots of aerial fireworks from both offenses.

 

New York Giants� Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup)

 

Kerry Collins is once again without Ron Dixon�s services (he was suspended one game, but would have missed this weekend anyway with his injured knee), so Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey will need to pick up the slack if the Giants are to have success against Dallas on Sunday. Daryl Jones caught 3 balls for 41 yards last week vs. Washington, so he is at least somewhat capable in the #2 wide receiver slot that Dixon (and Hilliard before Dixon) left vacant. Over the last three weeks, Kerry Collins has been pretty good, throwing 57 completions on 108 attempts for 709 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions � that makes him the #13 quarterback on the fantasy points per game list over that time frame.

 

Dallas has struggled in this phase of the game lately, allowing 243 passing yards per game over the last four weeks, and ranking 30th, 31st, and 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that stretch. Last week Garcia, Streets and Owens victimized the secondary in the fourth quarter for 3 scores to pull out the win for San Francisco.

 

CB Derek Ross is listed as questionable for the game by the Cowboys. The Giants� pass catching FB Charles Stackhouse is probable to play through his shoulder injury.

 

Kerry Collins and his remaining receivers have a good shot at a decent game vs. the weak Dallas pass defense.

 

Oakland�s Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

Rich Gannon is breaking records right and left this season, but he hasn�t been throwing many touchdowns lately � he has 84 completions for 1010 yards over the last three weeks, but only 4 scores (and 1 interception) to go with all that yardage. However, the two Jerrys and Tim Brown are a threat to take it to the house whenever they touch the ball, so don�t expect the drought to last too much longer. Doug Jolley is emerging as a force at TE, as well (6 catches for 104 yards last week).

 

This week, though, the Raiders play ultra-tough Miami � the Dolphins have one of the best secondaries in the NFL (211 passing yards per game allowed this season, 7th in the NFL), which is playing at the top of their collective game lately. The Dolphins are allowing 160 yards per game (2nd in the NFL) over the last 4 weeks, and they rank 7th, 7th, and 3rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during the previous four weeks.

 

Miami�s key CB Patrick Surtain is nursing a sore heel (probable) and LB Scott Gaylon is also banged up (shoulder � probable), but both are expected to play as usual. TE Roland Williams is dealing with a sore toe (questionable), but the emergence of Doug Jolley mitigates his absence.

 

Two top units lock horns in this game � neither has a big edge over the other going into the game.

 

Miami�s Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

Jay Fiedler looked pretty good in his first game back from rehabbing his thumb injury � 15/29 for 196 yards with 1 score and 1 interception isn�t superb, but it�s credible for a guy just getting his sea-legs back under him. Last week�s top target James McKnight hurt his ankle during the game, but practiced Wednesday and should be good for the game Sunday.

�

Oakland�s pass defense has been up and down this season, but of late they�re pretty tough � the team ranks 9th in the NFL allowing 205 yards passing per game over the last four weeks, and is ranked 5th, 6th and 4th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span. Key CB Charles Woodson is hobbled by a leg injury (questionable), which could negatively impact the secondary if he is seriously limited or unable to play come Sunday.

 

Besides Woodson, the Raiders list CB Tory James (leg) as questionable. The Dolphins list McKnight (ankle � questionable), and back-up QB Ray Lucas (neck/shoulder � probable) on the early injury report.

 

Both of these teams are fighting for both division titles and position during the playoffs, so they will be �up� for the contest. Expect Fiedler and company to fight hard for every inch on Sunday.

 

Kansas City�s Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

Trent Green has been very good over the last three games (the Kansas City offense has called off the first stringers during the second half of two straight blowouts that the team has won by a comined margin of 98 to 10), putting up 50 completions on only 69 attempts for 652 yards, 5 touchdowns and only 1 interception. He is on fire, and rookie wide receiver Marc Boerigter has been a touchdown machine lately, with 4 catches for 51 yards and 4 scores during that span. In the first meeting, week 7, Green was contained to 172 yards passing, with 0 scores and 0 interceptions.

 

Denver�s passing defense is in the top ranks of the NFL lately � over the past four weeks, the Broncos have allowed only 218 yards per game (11th in the league) and rank 6th, 8th, and 2nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends in that time. Chad Pennington managed 244 yards and 1 score against them last week.

 

The Chiefs are good to go, and the Broncos also have a fairly healthy unit this week (LB�s Ian Gold (knee) and John Mobley (knee) are probable to play).

 

In this divisional showdown, where the winner can advance to the playoffs, but the loser is likely to be eliminated, both teams will be at a fever pitch. Both have been playing well of late, and neither has a huge edge going into the game.

 

Denver�s Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

The last time these two teams played in week 7, Brian Griese had a huge game (30/50 for 376 yards, 2 scores and 0 interceptions), victimizing the Chiefs time and again by hooking up with Shannon Sharpe (12 receptions for 214 yards and 2 scores). Griese just got back in the lineup last week, after missing two games due to a knee injury, and played credibly in the loss to the Jets, with 266 yards, 1 score and 1 interception. The Broncos are on a 3 game skid, though, and have lost 4 of their last 5 games, so they don�t have much momentum coming into this contest.

 

Kansas City�s pass defense, a joke for much of the season, has suddenly re-discovered their top form, and have been fairly impressive lately � they are the worst team in pass defense this season, allowing 294 yards per game on average � but over the past four weeks they�ve dropped that number to 235 yards per game, and raised their ranking too 18th in the NFL in this category � that�s a huge improvement. They rank a respectable 12th, 12th and 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends over those four weeks, as well. They drilled their last two opponents by an aggregate score of 98-10, and shut out Arizona two weeks ago, so the team is red hot right now.

 

CB Eric Warfield (hamstring � probable) and LB Quinton Caver (shoulder � questionable) are on the injury report for the Chiefs. Griese (knee � probable) and TE Shannon Sharpe (elbow � probable) are the only members of the Bronco�s starting unit listed. Injuries aren�t a huge factor going into the game.

 

Kansas City is on a roll, and the Broncos have struggled lately. However, at home with a healthy Shannon Sharpe to help torment the Chiefs, Griese has a good chance for a decent game.�

 

Philadelphia�s Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

In week 2, Donovan McNabb tore up Washington for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. That was a long time ago, and neither team has the same composition now. For one thing, 3rd stringer A.J. Feely will be starting again on Sunday. He has played very adequate football as subbing for Koy Detmer and McNabb, but his role is more limited (38 completions on 68 attempts for 388 yards, 3 scores and 1 interception over the past 3 weeks). The team is relying more on Duce Staley and Dorsey Levens than earlier in the season. Todd Pinkston is definitely simpatico with Feely, hauling in 16 catches for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns in the last three weeks (he�s the #12 wide receiver in fantasy points during that time span).

 

Washington�s pass defense is mediocre � over the past four weeks, they rank 10th in the NFL allowing 217 yards per game, and they are 14th, 18th, and 19th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that period. Kerry Collins put up 212 yards and 2 scores against the Redskins last week.

 

Todd Pinkston is probable to play for the Eagles on Sunday despite his sore hip. LB Lemar Marshall is probable to play for the Redskins.

 

Feely has been efficient and careful with the ball up until now, and that probably won�t change for the better or the worse against the Redskins Sunday. Just don�t expect a huge game and you won�t be disappointed.

 

Washington�s Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

Patrick Ramsey is in for the Redskins again this week, Danny Wuerffel has injured his shoulder again, and Shane Matthews remains on the pine. The one constant during his appearances this season has been that Ramsey targets Rod Gardner fairly often � otherwise, he has spread the ball out between the rest of the Redskins. In 7 appearances he has averaged just under 9 fantasy points per game, 44th among all quarterbacks. His best game was his first against Tennessee when he relieved Danny Wuerffel and threw for 268 yards, 2 scores and 0 interceptions.

 

Philadelphia didn�t see Ramsey week 2, so this game isn�t really a rematch. Over the past four weeks, the Eagles are the 19th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing 237 yards per game on average, and they rank 18th, 15th, and 14th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that span.

 

S Blaine Bishop (groin � questionable) and key CB Bobby Taylor (concussion/neck � probable) are slightly banged up but should hit the field on Sunday. TE Walter Rasby (foot) is the sole pass receiver listed on the injury report this week.

 

Rookies have up days and down days in the NFL � against Philadelphia, Ramsey has about even odds of doing one or the other, depending on how well the offensive line can pick up the blitz (they allowed 4 sacks week 2).

 

�Dallas� Passing Game vs. The New York Giants� Defense (Neutral Matchup)

 

In between this week 15 rematch of a week 5 game, Dallas has benched the player who faced the Giants (Quincy Carter) and replaced him with rookie Chad Hutchinson. Hutchinson has been OK for a rookie � over the past three weeks, he has thrown 39 completions for 593 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions � not stellar numbers, but not terrible, either. Joey Galloway is Plan A and B for Hutchinson, snagging 11 balls for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns during that three week span. The rookie had a down game last week vs. San Francisco, only completing 11 passes on 28 attempts for 147 yards through the air and throwing 2 interceptions with 0 touchdowns.

 

The Giants have had problems with injuries in their secondary lately (to starting CB�s Will Allen and William Peterson, most significantly), and it is apparent in their statistics � on the season the Giants allow only 207 passing yards per game on average (4th in the NFL), but over the past four weeks that number balloons to 228 yards allowed per game (14th in the NFL), and they rank 27th, 20th, and 18th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that time span.

 

This week, CB Will Allen is listed as doubtful to play due to his shoulder injury, while William Peterson is probable to play after recovering from his concussion. LB Dhani Jones (ankle) is questionable to play, while fellow LB�s Mike Barrow (concussion) and Quincy Monk (ankle) are probable to go. CB Kato Serwanga (hamstring) and S Shaun Williams (back) are also probable to play on Sunday. Joey Galloway is probable to be available in spite of his injured thumb.

 

The improving health of William Peterson and the LB�s Barrow and Monk will help stiffen the defense just in time for Dallas� rookie quarterback to come calling. Neither team has a huge edge in this phase at this point in the season.

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Arizona�s Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Tough Matchup)

 

Give Plummer some credit � to win a game with the wide receivers that remain healthy on this Cardinals team was quite an accomplishment. Kevin Kasper, Jason McAddley and Nathan Poole aren�t exactly superstars. Win the game they did, though, and Plummer threw for 228 yards and 2 scores with 1 interception in the course of leading the weary Cardinals to a victory. The last time these two teams met in week 9, Plummer threw 19 completions on 30 attempts for 193 yards, 1 score and 1 interception.

 

St. Louis� passing defense is playing very well in the last four weeks, allowing only 172 yards per game on average (3rd in the NFL) and they rank 1st, 3rd, and 6th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that period. Even though St. Louis was blown out 49-10 last week, Trent Green only threw for 100 yards and 1 touchdown � the special teams and running backs accounted for all the other scores.

 

LB Tommy Polley is listed as questionable by the Rams, otherwise their secondary is good to go. The Cardinals are without Frank Sanders (foot) this week, and TE Mike Banks is probable with his injured shoulder.

 

Plummer will be hard pressed to duplicate his success again this week. The Rams will give the Cardinals more trouble than the Lions did in this phase of the game.

 

Chicago�s Passing Game vs. The New York Jets� Defense (Tough Matchup)

 

Neither of the Bears� starting quarterbacks has had much luck staying healthy in 2002, and Jim Miller�s body finally gave out on him this week as he went onto IR with a assortment of debilitating injuries to knee, shoulder and elbow. Chris Chandler, not exactly noted for durability, has also been knocked out of a game here and there, but gets the nod because there isn�t anyone else to turn to except green-as-grass Henry Burris. Chandler�s top fantasy performance came week 8 � 15/25 for 176 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. There just isn�t much to hope for out of the Bears� passing game this week. Marty Booker is Chandler�s favorite target.

 

The Jets, meanwhile, are bending-but-not-breaking on pass defense � they are allowing 241 yards per game on average the last four weeks, but rank 11th, 9th, and 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that span. Donnie Abraham and company did their job last week, allowing only 1 passing touchdown to Brian Griese.

 

CB Aaron Beasley is probable to play despite a head injury. Chichago will be without TE John Davis (back), as well as starting QB Jim Miller and starting RB Anthony Thomas.

 

A sputtering passing attack faces a mediocre-but-improving pass defense in this one � the Jets have the edge on Chandler and company.

 

Carolina�s Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Tough Matchup)

 

Pittsburgh�s defense held the Texans to 47 total yards of offense last week. That�s right, 47. David Carr threw for 33 yards, all passes to his tight end, Billy Miller. Over the last four weeks, the secondary is averaging only 184 yards per game allowed (6th in the NFL) and is 9th, 10th, and 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. They are definitely no longer playing like the underachievers everyone saw weeks 1 and 2.��

 

Carolina�s Rodney Peete approached career-best numbers last week, bombing Cincinnati for 319 yards and 3 scores (1 interception), while Steve Smith put up 144 yards and a score on only 5 catches (28.8 yards per catch!) and Muhsin Muhammed grabbed 8 balls for 106 yards and a score. Surprise! The Panthers still have some teeth in their muzzle.

 

�Muhammed (knee), Peete (groin), and TE Wesley Walls (foot) are all probable to go against the Steelers. LB James Farrior (sternum � questionable) and S Lethon Flowers (quadriceps � probable) appear on the injury report for the Steelers.

 

The Steelers are not the Bengals. Rodney Peete isn�t likely to have 2 career-type days in a row � especially not against the resurgent Steelers.

 

Indianapolis� Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup)

 

Peyton Manning has been cold over the last three weeks, tossing only 2 touchdowns vs. 4 interceptions during that span, and managing 716 yards of passing in that time. Not exactly top ten numbers (#22, actually), are they? Marvin Harrison has grabbed 29 balls for 284 yards, but 0 scores during that 3 week span, so he�s kind of cold, too.

 

Cleveland has been playing the pass tough all season (10th in the league allowing 214 yards per game), and have been even tougher recently, allowing only 185 passing yards per game over the last four weeks (7th in the NFL). They rank 4th, 2nd, and 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that time frame.

 

Peyton Manning has swelling in his right knee, but is expected to play as usual Sunday (probable), and WR�s Quadry Ismail (thigh/wrist) and Reggie Wayne (chest) are also probable to play. Cleveland�s secondary is banged up, with S Devin Bush (hamstring) and key CB Daylon McCutcheon (thumb) both listed as questionable to play.

 

Cleveland plays the pass tough, and Manning has been cold of late. The advantage lies with the defenders in this matchup.

 

Houston�s Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup)

 

3 of 10 passing for 33 yards � all going to tight end Billy Miller. That�s what the Texans� David Carr and the offense managed to muster against Pittsburgh last week. That is a shockingly poor game by any standard, at any level of the sport. Corey Bradford has been totally ineffective lately, and fellow receiver Jermaine Lewis is probably out due to an ankle injury (doubtful) � it�s ugly in Houston, folks.

 

Baltimore�s defense is soft vs. the passing game � they rank 23rd in the NFL this season allowing 242 yards per game, on average, and are worse over the last four weeks, ranking 29th while allowing 263 yards per game through the air. During that four week span, they rank 15th, 22nd, and 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends.

 

Baltimore�s CB Tommy Knight (leg) is doubtful to play, while key CB Chris McAlister (shoulder) and S Raymond Perryman (back) are listed as probable. Besides Lewis� injury, backup WR Atnaf Harris (hip) is listed as questionable by the Texans.

 

Two lame units face off in this one, but the Texans are so bad that even the Ravens� secondary will be a challenge for them, especially since Billy Miller is their top weapon and the Ravens defense TE�s fairly well.

 

Cleveland�s Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Bad Matchup)

 

Tim Couch and his compatriots had a miracle finish last week, scoring on the last, hail-Mary pass of the game to disappoint the game Jaguars. Over the last three weeks (excepting the Jacksonville game), Couch has struggled, and his numbers show it � 45 completions for 576 yards, 3 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in the last three games. He does have some momentum coming off the win last week, though.

 

Indianapolis� pass defense has been stout all season (2nd in the NFL allowing only 185 passing yards per game on average), and even stronger in the last four weeks, allowing only 173 yards per game through the air (4th in the NFL), and ranking 2nd, 1st and 5th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. They�ve allowed 2 receiving touchdowns in the last four games.

 

The Colts� secondary is banged up, however � starting S Idrees Bashir is doubtful due to a hamstring injury, CB Jason Doering is questionable with a neck injury, as is LB Donnell Thompson (back). CB Walt Harris has nagging injuries to his ankle and wrist, and LB David Thornton (knee) is also nursing a sore joint � both are probable to play, though. WR Dennis Northcutt is unlikely to play through his knee injury � he�s doubtful to play.

 

The Colts will pose a big challenge to Couch and company on Sunday.

 

San Diego�s Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Bad Matchup)

 

Drew Brees has been very bad the last three weeks (64/104 for 563 yards, 0 scores and 4 interceptions) � he actually ranks 34th in the league during that time span in fantasy points per game, just barely better than David Carr (39th), and certainly not worthy of a start until he gets his game back. Curtis Conway, where are you?

 

Buffalo�s pass defense is one of the stronger units in the NFL this season (8th in the NFL allowing 212 yards per game), and has elevated their game in recent weeks, ranking 1st in the NFL allowing only 153 yards per game over the past four weeks. They rank 8th, 4th, and 8th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that time span.

 

LB Dominique Stevenson is questionable to play, the lone Bills defender on the injury report. WR Curtis Conway remains very questionable to play with his bad shoulder, it looks like Eric Parker may get his spot once again, and the offensive line, already perilously thin, lists 3 players as questionable for Sundays� game.

 

The current #1 pass defense vs. the #34 fantasy scorer over recent weeks � the Bills have a huge edge in this matchup.

 

Detroit�s Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup)

 

Tampa Bay�s passing defense over the past four weeks: 5th in the league allowing 173 yards per game, ranked 3rd, 5th, and 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that time frame.

 

Detroit�s Joey Harrington: the 30th ranked fantasy quarterback over the past three weeks, with 63 completions for 575 yards, 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The first Detroit WR to appear on the scoring list for the past three weeks checks in at #55 (Germane Crowell, with 10 catches for 103 yards and 1 score).

 

Tampa�s S John Lynch is doubtful to play with a neck injury, while CB Dwight Smith has a tweaked knee (probable). Detroit�s back-up WR Larry Foster is nursing an ankle (probable).

 

�Harrington and company are in for a very long day on Sunday.

 

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