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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 ************************************* Miami Passing Game vs
Minnesota Defense�� (Great Matchup) Pass defenses don�t get much
softer than what the Vikings have been trotting out onto the field lately.�� Over the last 4 weeks, they rank # 31 in
Passing Yards allowed and # 31 in FF points allowed to the QB.�� They�ve shown signs of improvement but even
so, they�re weak. If Fiedler�s a guy you
normally look to, you have to like his chances against this defense.�� Chris Chambers is a solid play here just
based on the matchup and you can�t ignore the �old team� factor with Cris
Carter facing the Vikings.�� If you�re
in a gambling mood, I can easily see rolling the dice on Carter.�� Minnesota ranks # 32 in Fantasy Points Allowed
to WRs over the last four weeks so this matchup is too good to ignore. They�re much tougher lately
on TEs ranking # 6 in Fantasy Points Allowed over the last four weeks so
McMichael isn�t as exciting a play as the WRs but he�s a guy that could explode
any time. San Francisco Passing
Game vs Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) What a tease for this
week.�� Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens
face a cupcake pass defense but Garcia�s gimpy with an ankle and Terrell Owens
has publicly asked for some time to heal up a variety of injuries.� Garcia should play but Owens is more
iffy.�� This is clearly something to
keep a very close eye on.�� The last two
games do not affect the 49�ers playoff situation so it�s easy to conceive these
guys might see limited action, especially Owens. On the flip side, the 49ers
need all the momentum they can muster heading into the playoffs and their
offense is heavily dependent on timing.��
Rust is clearly something they want to avoid.�� You have to weigh out what one half of Terrell Owens might
equate to compared to another WR playing a full game.�� Stay tuned for the latest on Owens.�� If you made me guess right this minute (late Thursday), I�d say
Garcia starts and plays about a half.�
I�d say Owens starts and goes about one quarter.�� But that�s purely a guess.�� We�ll know more.� Just don�t make sure to understand that just because he starts,
doesn�t mean he�ll play all game. Over the last four weeks,
Arizona ranks # 27 against the pass and # 23 in Fantasy Points Allowed� to QBs and # 31 in Fantasy Points Allowed to
WRs. If Garcia hangs in there, I
like Tai Streets a lot.�� The Cardinal
Corners are suspect (like the rest of their defense) and Streets clearly has
potential to be more than a # 2 NFL WR. Carolina Passing Game vs
Chicago Defense� (Great Matchup) So strange as it may sound,
Peete�s not a bad play.�� And I like the
chances Muhsin Muhammad has to burn the very burnable Chicago secondary.�� Steve Smith always has a chance to break a
long one with his speed.� If the Carolina
players are guys you normally consider, it doesn�t get much better for them
than this. Atlanta Passing Game vs
Detroit Defense�� (Great Matchup) Mike Vick owners have been
wondering if the phenom has come crashing to Earth.�� This Detroit defense could be what he needs to blast off
again.�� The Lions rank # 29 in passing
yards over the last four weeks.�� In
that same span, they rank # 27 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 23 in
Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs.�� The Detroit secondary is
young and inexperienced so look for Vick to get back on a roll again assuming
he�s healthy.�� Keep an eye on his
nicked thumb that he injured last week.��
If he can go, this looks like a great matchup. For receivers, it�s tough to
predict where Vick will throw as he�s started to get his TE Alge Crumpler more
heavily involved.�� Trevor Gaylor and
Brian Finneran should get a look from their owners this week with this matchup. Cincinnati Passing Game
vs New Orleans Defense� (Great Matchup) It might be hard to believe,
but QB Jon Kitna and WR Chad Johnson could lead some teams to the Championship
this week.�� Both are facing an awful
Saints defense that ranks # 28 in passing yards over the last four weeks.�� They�re dead last at # 32 in Fantasy Points
Allowed to QBs and # 26 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs.�� Keep an eye also on WR Peter
Warrick who missed last week with a kidney problem.�� It�s hard to imagine he�d be starting for anyone but he is a
weapon that Kitna seems to have become comfortable with.�� It�s a great matchup for the Bengals. San Diego Passing Game vs
Kansas City Defense� (Great Matchup) Even though the Chiefs are
terrible on defense, I can�t get excited about a regressing Drew Brees here as
this game should be all about RB LaDainian Tomlinson.�� Kansas City is still awful against the pass ranking # 32 in
passing yards allowed over the last four weeks.�� They�re still giving up a ton of points too as during that time,
they rank # 29 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 25 in fantasy points allowed
to WRs. Curtis Conway is still the
receiver of choice although with the QB situation, we�re not as high on him as
we were.�� He will have some favorable
matchups against this weak secondary Sunday though.�� That�s pretty much it for receivers.�� This is one of those matchups that will get labeled as great
because the defense is weak but even with that, it�s hard to get excited about
the offensive players. Kansas City Passing Game vs San Diego Defense� (Great Matchup) We�ll get to see what a
�Priestless� Chief team looks like this week.�
I can already tell you it won�t look nearly as good as the Priest
version.�� Holmes was a key part of the
passing game not just directly with the passes he caught, but with his running
threat opening the passing game.� He�ll
be missed in a great many ways. Trent Green isn�t 100% with
a nicked throwing hand.�� And his WRs
are in terrible shape.� These guys all
show up on the Injury Report this week as Questionable: WR Marc Boerigter
(shoulder); WR Dante' Hall (ankle); WR Johnnie Morton (back)�� Look for TE Tony Gonzalez to
try and carry this team.� Stopping
Gonzalez is all about how athletic the linebackers are and Gonzalez may have
some opportunity there Sunday. When you look at the stats
that matter, you�ll see that San Diego has been terrible lately against the
pass.�� They rank # 30 in passing yards
allowed over the last four weeks.��
During that time, they rank # 20 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and #
25 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.���
Should be an excellent matchup if Green can find receivers. St. Louis Passing Game vs
Seattle Defense� (Good Matchup) The surreal season for the
Rams continue as Marc Bulger leads the team again this week.�� The numbers don�t look that great for
Bulger and crew but we just have a good feeling here.�� Seattle ranks # 7 in passing yards allowed over the last four
weeks.�� In that same span, they rank #
12 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 9 in fantasy points allowed to
WRs.�� But with both teams out of
the hunt, this game has sort of an exhibition game feel and I can see it easily
developing into a shootout.�� Bulger�s
trying to establish the fact he can be a starting QB for some team in the NFL
and he should be airing it out with a limited rushing attack.�� Both Torry Holt and Isaac
Bruce are excellent plays even with the decent play of the Seattle
corners.�� Guessing which guy will
produce between these two is always tough and we have them both ranked highly. Seattle Passing Game vs
St. Louis Defense�� (Good Matchup) Matt Hasselbeck is fighting
for a starting job just as the Rams Marc Bulger will be on the other
sidelines.�� He�s played much better
than I expected over the last few weeks and I see little reason to think he
won�t continue to roll. The Rams� numbers are pretty
solid.� Over the last four weeks, they
rank # 10 in passing yards allowed.��
For that same time, they rank # 2 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and #
4 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.��
But you can�t discount the fact that this is a team now that looks very
close to packing it in.�� Who knows how
they�ll react from here on out. So that has us very
optimistic about Hasselbeck and his chances this week.�� Koren Robinson should be the beneficiary
here with Darrell Jackson seeing action as well.�� And TE Jerramy Stevens has been hot as well.�� So even with the numbers over the last four
weeks I�m looking for solid things from Seattle. Denver Passing Game vs
Oakland Defense (Good Matchup) Brian Griese is facing what
he�s calling one of the most (if not the most) important game of his
career.�� He should have some success
against a Raider secondary that�s in shambles due to injuries. Oakland ranks # 24 over the
last four weeks in passing yards allowed.��
In that same span, they rank # 21 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and #
20 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.� Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey
will play their usual game and both will try to take advantage of a nicked
secondary.�� CB Charles Woodson is
listed as Questionable with a broken bone in his leg even though he�s talking
about playing.�� Stay tuned.� It�s a huge game with
playoff implications so the spotlight will be very much on Denver and Griese. New Orleans Passing Game
vs Cincinnati Defense� (Good Matchup) Aaron Brooks and crew should
have a nice game against a below average Bengal defense.�� Over the last four weeks, they rank # 11 in
passing yards allowed.�� During that
same span, they rank # 24 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 26 in Fantasy
Points Allowed to WRs.�� Brooks� shoulder seems to be
progressing better than it was last week at this time and RB Deuce McAllister�s
ankle is better than it�s been.�� WR Joe
Horn and Dont� Stallworth look to be the primary receivers with Stallworth
seemingly passing up Jerome Pathon.�� The Bengals just don�t have
the athletes to handle this passing attack. Tennessee Passing Game vs Jacksonville Defense�� (Good Matchup) How can you not be impressed
with Steve McNair�s been doing?�� He
doesn�t just play hurt, he plays very well hurt.�� McNair will see limited practice again this week but you can
count on him being right back out there Sunday leading his team as they fight
for a playoff spot. The Jaguar defense is
vulnerable to the passing game ranking # 20 in passing yards over the last four
weeks.�� During that same span, they
rank # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs and # 25 in Fantasy Points Allowed
to QBs.�� Nothing special there. For receivers, it�s pretty
much about Derrick Mason since Kevin Dyson was injured.�� Mason�s playing well and is the dependable
target that McNair relies upon.�� This
weekend shouldn�t be any different. Philadelphia Passing Game
vs Dallas Defense� (Neutral Matchup) A.J. Feeley gets the start
again while Koy Detmer seems resigned to backup duty again.�� Evidently, the team is liking what they see
in Feeley and it�s hard to argue with the success he�s had. He picks a good opponent
this week as the Cowboys are fading quickly.��
They�re average in defending the pass ranking # 16 in Passing Yards
Allowed over the last four weeks.�� They
rank # 18 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 23 in Fantasy Points Allowed
to WRs.�� Nothing special but not
cupcakes either.�� They�re # 5 over the
last four weeks in Fantasy Points Allowed to TEs. The tricky part is figuring
out which receiver will see the passes thrown his way.�� James Thrash has been up and down.�� Todd Pinkston has been the hot guy for
Feeley and I don�t see a lot of reasons for that to change.�� The Cowboys list CB Derek
Ross (hip) as Questionable which should help. All in all, a pretty good
but not great matchup for Feeley and crew.��
For what it�s worth, this could be the final game for the Cowboy�s
Emmitt Smith and a loud Dallas crowd is likely. Washington Passing Game
vs Houston Defense� (Neutral Matchup) Here�s the gambling play of
the week for Fantasy Owners taking a chance on Patrick Ramsey.�� With the Redskins just playing out the
string coupled with no Stephen Davis, look for Coach Steve Spurrier to really
let the ball fly in his Fun N Gun.��
Ramsey should at least get the opportunities to succeed. The hang-up in that scenario
is that the Texans� pass defense is pretty good.�� Over the last four weeks, they rank # 13 in passing yards
allowed.�� Over that same period, they
rank # 9 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs but just # 23 in Fantasy Points
Allowed to WRs.�� And while the Redskins
don�t have a lot to play for, the Texans are scraping hard for every win in
their expansion season.�� For the Washington
receivers, I like Rod Gardner to be the primary recipient of much of what
Ramsey throws.�� Derrius Thompson is too
inconsistent to count on although he�s an explosive and could help in a bind if
you�re rolling the dice.�� Chicago Passing Game vs
Carolina Defense� (Neutral Matchup) The Panthers have been
decent lately in pass defense ranking # 12 over the last four weeks.�� During that same span, they rank # 13 in
Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 14 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs.� Chicago�s Chris Chandler is
just trying to survive the season.�� WR
Marty Booker is really the only Bear here worth starting for most leagues.�� The Panther cornerbacks have been shaky and
Booker should have success as he�s had most of the season. Jacksonville Passing Game vs Tennessee Defense�� (Neutral Matchup) The Titans received a nice
boost with the return of their marquee DE Jevon Kearse.�� They�ve struggled over the last four weeks
in defending the pass ranking # 25 in Passing Yards
Allowed.�� But that should improve with
Kearse.�� During that same span, they
rank # 28 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 25 in Fantasy Points Allowed
to WRs so clearly, they�ve struggled against the pass. QB Mark Brunell will try to take
advantage of that defense but don�t look for him to have great success because
the Titans are on the upswing.�� Jimmy
Smith is the only receiver of note and he could have trouble with the Tennessee
corners. Buffalo Passing Game vs
Green Bay Defense� (Neutral Matchup) QB Drew Bledsoe has
definitely cooled off of late.�� But you
know the talent is there so it�s tough to be down on him and his
receivers.�� The Packers have been
outstanding though in defending the pass.��
Over the last four weeks they rank # 3 in passing yards allowed.�� They have given up their share of points
though as during that time, they rank # 16 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and
# 20 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Eric Moulds is still a must
start though as he�s just too explosive.��
Peerless Price seems to have fallen off a little more but he�s still solid.�� The Packers play solid defense but its
tough to ever count Bledsoe totally out. Green Bay Passing Game vs
Buffalo Defense� (Neutral Matchup) Green Bay will have their
hands full as the Bills have tightened their pass defense lately ranking # 6 in
passing yards allowed over the last four weeks.�� They�re still soft when it comes to giving up points though as
they�re ranked # 22 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 20 in Fantasy Points
Allowed to WRs.�� Donald Driver is the WR of
choice and he�s playing very well right now.��
Of course, TE Bubba Franks is always a threat in the redzone.�� All in all, a solid matchup for the
Packers.� Baltimore Passing Game vs Cleveland Defense�� (Neutral Matchup) Baltimore�s been doing it
with smoke and mirrors.�� Jeff Blake
gets another start although how excited can you get about Jeff Blake in late
December?�� The Browns rank # 14 in
passing yards allowed over the last four weeks.� In that same span, they rank # 4 in fantasy points allowed to QBs
and # 15 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.��
Pretty solid. There are lots of shuffling
among the Ravens wide receivers with the net effect that none are standing out
with the exception of Travis Taylor who we like.�� TE Todd Heap is always a guy that could produce and is your best
bet for Baltimore.�� Oakland Passing Game vs
Denver Defense�� (Neutral Matchup) Denver doesn�t have the
cornerbacks Miami does to hold Rich Gannon down like the Dolphins did last
week.�� I�m looking for him to get back
on track and have an excellent game against Denver. The Broncos rank # 18 in
passing yards allowed over the last four weeks.�� In that same span, they rank # 10 in fantasy points allowed to
QBs and # 6 in fantasy points allowed to WRs so this won�t be any cakewalk.�� Still I like Gannon�s chances to come up
big in a pressure game. Jerry Rice remains the clear
# 1 WR and this week we have Jerry Porter ahead of Tim Brown.� Porter doesn�t get as many chances, but he
seems to make the most of what he does see.��
New York Jets Passing
Game vs New England Defense� (Neutral
Matchup) The Patriots are playing
decent pass defense ranking # 8 over the last four weeks in passing yards
allowed.� In that same span, they rank #
14 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 13 in fantasy points allowed to
WRs.�� As always, Coach Bill
Belichick will have something up his sleeve for the QB but Chad Pennington
isn�t your normal �young� QB.�� He�s
been around the game long enough at this level that he�s playing beyond his
years.�� Although we�re not seeing a
lot that�ll get us excited about the Jets here either.�� The Patriots will be trying to rebound
after a Monday Night spanking and the Jets just don�t seem to have the
intangibles.� For receivers, Laveranues
Coles could create some mismatches with his speed in the Patriot secondary. New England Passing Game
vs Jets Defense�� (Neutral Matchup) The Jets have given up a lot
of passing yards lately, but not many points.��
Over the last four weeks, they rank # 23 in passing yards allowed.�� But over that span, they rank # 5 in
fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 5 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.�� Tom Brady might have some
trouble here as it�s pretty clear that the way to hold him down is to take away
the intermediate passing game with crossing routes � something the Jets do well
in their cover two scheme.�� Troy Brown
remains the primary receiver there and the only guy worthy of
consideration.� He�s always capable of
going off but I don�t really see it here.�
He�s also prone to disappearing a little too.� I�d probably look around if you had other quality options. Tampa
Bay Passing Game vs Pittsburgh Defense��
(Neutral Matchup) The Steelers have been average defending the pass lately
ranking # 17 over the last four weeks.�
They�re # 11 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 22 in fantasy points
allowed to WRs over that same span. Brad Johnson and Keyshawn
Johnson are the two best options for Tampa but we�re not excited about
either.�� Both are nicked and you can
bet the Steelers will be bringing all the pressure they can muster.�� It�s not a bad matchup, but it�s one we
don�t feel real good about for these guys. Indianapolis Passing Game
vs New York Giant Defense�� (Tough
Matchup) The Giants defense is ultra
tough against the pass here lately.��
New York ranks # 4 in Passing Yards allowed over the last four
weeks.�� For the same period, the Giants
rank 17 in fantasy points allowed to QBs and # 7 in fantasy points allowed to
WRs.�� I�ll let you be the guy that
bets against Manning though as he�s a tough guy to go against.�� Even tougher is Marvin Harrison who quietly
is having an incredible season.�� The
Giants come at you with everything but don�t be surprised to see Manning and
Harrison hold their own. Cleveland Passing Game vs
Baltimore Defense�� (Tough Matchup) Tim Couch just makes us
nervous.�� He�s shown some very nice
flashes but he�s too inconsistent to trust with your team in week 16 unless you
have few other choices.�� The Ravens are playing the
pass fairly soft with regard to yardage lately as they rank # 22 in passing
yards allowed over the last four weeks.��
But they�re stingier when it comes to allowing points.� They rank # 6 in fantasy points allowed to
QBs and # 19 in fantasy points allowed to WRs. Picking a Brown receiver is
always a crapshoot and this week isn�t any different.�� Quincy Morgan is a big play guy and Kevin Johnson is finally
starting to be more consistent but it�s hard to get enthused about either.� Although if you�re in a situation where you
feel like you need a home run to win, Morgan might be worth a shot. Arizona Passing Game vs
San Francisco Defense�� (Tough Matchup) The 49ers are have been
nothing special on pass defense ranking # 21 over the last four weeks in
passing yards allowed.�� Over the same
time, they rank # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 21 in Fantasy
Points Allowed to WRs. Plus CB Ahmed Plummer is
nursing a sore groin (listed as probable)��
Even with all that, I can�t imagine a team playing in week 16 that is
considering starting any Cardinal player. QB Jake Plummer is just too
inconsistent and he has no receivers of any caliber to throw to.�� Look elsewhere. Houston Passing Game vs
Washington Defense� (Tough Matchup) Unless your team awards
points for your QB taking a sack, I can�t see many owners excited about David
Carr this week.�� He�s a tough kid with
a big heart but it�s hard to see him doing too well even against an ugly
Washington team.�� The Redskin corners
are too good and his WRs are just too inconsistent.�� Corey Bradford is a toss up each week whether he�ll even show up
in the boxscore.� Jabar Gaffney is
improving but still not a guy to depend on. The one guy I�ve been hyping
for a while is TE Billy Miller.�� He�s a
player to take a look at every week as he�s clearly the favored receiver on his
team.�� The Redskins rank # 9 over the
last 4 weeks in passing yards allowed.��
They rank # 15 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs, # 19 in Fantasy Points
Allowed to WRs and # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to TEs.� Of this bunch, Miller is the
only guy I�d look at. Detroit Passing Game vs
Atlanta Defense� (Tough Matchup) Without sounding flippant,
don�t start any Lions in the passing game this week.�� Joey Harrington is out with a heart irregularity and Mike
McMahon is the QB to finish out the year.��
WRs Billy Schroeder and Germane Crowell were bad enough with Harrington
in there, you don�t need to risk it with McMahon. Minnesota Passing Game vs Miami Defense�� (Bad Matchup) Miami�s always had the scary
reputation on pass defense and they�ve been doing their part to live up to
their billing lately.�� They rank # 5 in
Passing Yards allowed over the last four weeks.�� For the same period, they rank # 7 in Fantasy Points Allowed to
QB, and # 3 in Fantasy Points Allowed�
to WRs. ��It won�t be any
cakewalk for the Vikings here. Who knows whether Daunte
Culpepper can carry over his hot streak from last week.� He�s shown few signs this season of being
able to string together successful games but this might be the week.�� Randy Moss is simply too good and too
explosive to sit.�� If he draws Sam
Madison in man coverage, you have to like his odds.�� Madison�s reputation is better than his play of late.� Outside of Moss and
Culpepper, it�s hard to get too excited about anyone else in this passing game. Dallas Passing Game vs
Philadelphia Defense� (Bad Matchup) This could be ugly.�� QB Chad Hutchinson continues to
struggle.�� WR Joey Galloway isn�t 100%
with a hand injury.�� And the Eagles are
awesome on defense.�� Antonio Bryant is
always a guy that is just a crease away from a TD (and he�s been hot lately)
but he�s still a reach against this defense.��
Unless you�re desperate, I�d look elsewhere. New York Giants Passing
Game vs Indianapolis Defense� (Bad
Matchup) Suddenly, the Colts are
dominant on defense.�� Over the last
four weeks, they rank # 2 in passing yards allowed.�� In that same span, they rank # 3 in fantasy points allowed to
QBs and # 2 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.��
What this means is that
Kerry Collins doesn�t need to be in your starting lineup unless you�re in a 25
team league.�� Be definition, that means
we think Amani Toomer will struggle.��
Really, the only guy worth starting in this passing game is TE Jeremy
Shockey who�s too good to sit as you never know when he might go off. Pittsburgh Passing Game
vs Tampa Bay Defense� (Bad Matchup) The Buccaneers rank # 1 over
the last four weeks in passing yards allowed.��
And they�re # 1 by a good margin.��
For points, they�re just as dominant over the last four weeks ranking #1
in fantasy points allowed to QBs, # 1 in Fantasy Points allowed to the opposing RB and # 1 in
fantasy points allowed to WRs.�� Any
questions? Seriously, this is not the defense you want to catch right
now.� I�d steer clear of Tommy Maddox this week.� Actually, I�d steer pretty clear of just
about all the Steelers in the passing game with the exception of Plaxico
Burress.�� Hines Ward is less than 100%
in addition to the fact the Tampa defense is awesome. If you�ve got other options, I�d definitely consider them. |