|
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 ************************************* Joe Bryant Owner � www.Footballguys.com Week 17 Passing Matchups Written by Mark Wimer and Joe Bryant Buffalo�s
Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup) Talk about going into a tailspin. Drew Bledsoe, once a
fantasy football icon in 2002, has crashed to the bottom of the league lately,
and over the past 3 weeks he is the 29th ranked fantasy football
quarterback in points per game. 61/120 for 614 yards, 2 touchdowns and 6
interceptions won�t get you very far in the NFL or in fantasy football. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is coming into this game fresh off a
rare victory, having torpedoed the New Orleans Saints last week 20-13. However,
even including that stunning victory, their pass defense has stunk over the
past four weeks, on average. They allow 215 yards per game, 13th in
the league, but are ranked 26th, 31st and 31st
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during that span. LaVar Glover, a backup DB, missed last week�s game for the
Bengals. He�s questionable, while CB Artrell Hawkins is probable to play
despite his sore ankle. The Bill�s offense is healthy � they are just
struggling to move the ball. If Bledsoe and his team-mates can pull it together, they
have an excellent opportunity to go out on a high note on Sunday. Advantage,
Buffalo. Cleveland�s
Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Great Matchup) Tim Couch got the job done last week, in another late
come-from-behind victory in which he amassed 209 yards passing, with 1
touchdown and 1 interception vs. division rival Baltimore. Over the past three
weeks he�s been throwing the ball a lot (64 completions on 101 attempts) and
enjoying decent success � Couch is the 13th highest scoring fantasy
quarterback in points per game during that span, with 760 yards, 5 touchdowns
and 3 interceptions. Quincy Morgan has been his primary target during those
weeks, with 9 grabs for 258 yards and 3 scores (6th on the wide
receiver�s scoring list). Atlanta�s pass defense has not been good lately � Ray
Buchanan is struggling to play through an injured abdomen, and the rest of the
secondary is not taking up the slack. Over the past four weeks, the Falcons are
the 24th ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing 247 yards per game
and are ranked 29th, 28th, and 19th in fantasy
points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. That�s
really soft for a team with play-off aspirations. Starting LB John Holocek is out with a broken arm, and
starting S Gerald McBurrows couldn�t play last week due to a neck injury
(questionable this week). LB�s Chris Daft (back � questionable), Sam Rogers
(groin � questionable), and Mark Simoneau (neck � probable) are on the injury
report. CB Juran Bolden injured his calf last week (doubtful this week) �
combined with Buchanan�s woes, there is a dearth of healthy depth in the
Falcon�s secondary. Couch and company will find the passing game a good ally on
Sunday. Advantage, Cleveland. Denver�s
Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Griese�s out, Beuerlein is in � and not because of Griese�s
knee. It is due to his ineffectiveness under center � the heir to Elway has
been benched. Steve Beuerlein has lost all 3 games he started � 2 in OT � and
has been pretty mediocre in 2002 (52/93 for 722 yards, 4 touchdowns and 5
interceptions), so Griese�s star has really fallen for the aged Beuerlein to
get the nod. Anyway, Beuerlein likes to spread the ball around � Smith,
McCaffrey and Lelie have each led the team once in receiving during his games. Arizona�s shattered team is playing out the string with a
poor secondary � they are 26th in the NFL over the past four weeks,
allowing 248 yards per game on average, and are ranked 22nd, 27th,
and 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers, and tight ends during that time span. Starting CB David Barrett missed last week for the
Cardinals, and fellow CB Duane Starks has been battling a groin injury that
flared up again last week � he just hasn�t been available to play much at all
this season. They are both questionable, along with S Adrian Wilson
(hamstring). LB Levar Woods is probable to play, as is S Justin Lucas. Denver�s
McCaffrey is said to be fine despite bruising his chest and hand last week. TE
Shannon Sharpe will go (probable despite that elbow injury from a few weeks
ago). Beuerlein and the Broncos should have a renaissance day
against the out-of-gas Cardinals. Philadelphia�s
Passing Game vs. The New York Giant�s Defense (Great Matchup) A.J. Feeley remains the man under center in Philadelphia,
and he faces a huge game vs. the Giants this week. He�s been quite respectable
the last 3 weeks, with 56 completions for 663 yards, 5 scores and 4
interceptions. This week, he is probably going into battle without WR Todd
Pinkston (turf toe), one of his major targets, so Freeman and company will need
to pick up some slack. In the first game, week 8, McNabb was under center, so
it doesn�t help indicate how Feeley may do � James Thrash was the top receiver
in that game, with 7/69 yards. The Giants have been super-lax vs. the pass recently � they
are dead last in yards allowed per game over the last four weeks, with 306
yards per game on average. During that span they are 32nd, 32nd,
and 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers and tight ends. Part of the Giants� problem has been injuries. Both starting
corners were out at the same time, and starting CB William Peterson is injured
again (knee � questionable). CB Ralph Brown (concussion) and LB Quincy Monk
(ankle) are both probable to play this week. Besides Pinkston, the Eagles are
good to go. The Giants are fighting for a NFC playoff spot, and the
Eagles want home-field advantage throughout � this game is going to be hard
fought on all fronts. But Feeley and his receiving corps have to like their
chances against the suspect Giants� secondary. Carolina�s
Passing Game vs. The New Orleans� Defense (Good Matchup) Rodney Peete had his finest game as a Panther against the
Saints week 10, throwing for 310 yards, 2 scores and 1 interception. His top
targets in that game were Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith, though neither
scored. In the past 3 weeks, Peete has been pretty good, throwing 53
completions for 610 yards, 5 scores and 1 interception. Steve Smith is on a
post-assault tear, with 14 receptions for 298 yards and a score. New Orleans� season has headed south since week 10 � during the
last four weeks, the secondary is ranked as the 31st pass defense in
the league, allowing 274 yards per contest, and is 31st, 23rd,
and 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers and tight ends in that time. They lost to the pathetic Bengals last
week, if you can believe it! TE Wesley Walls continues to battle a painful foot injury
and is questionable for the game. S Steve Gleason probably won�t go for the
Saints (doubtful) and LB Darrin Smith (neck � questionable) and CB Fred Thomas
(shoulder � probable) are both nursing injuries as well. Peete has the Saint�s number, and he should have a solid day
trying to spoil their season. Detroit�s
Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) Mike McMahon is in a tough spot � superceded by 1st
round blue-chipper Joey Harrington, his team is now asking him to shake of 14
games� worth of rust to take the team out of it�s 3-12 misery in the season
finale. �How�s that going?�, you might ask. Not too good. 11/33 for 149 yards,
2 scores and 3 interceptions last week � at least James Stewart finally managed
to score by snagging one of McMahon�s �passes� (more like a pitch / prayer) in
the end-zone. McMahon was warming the bench week 6, so history won�t tell us
much about his chances vs. Minnesota in 2002. In 2001 he went 15/28 for� 241 yards, with 0 scores and 0 interceptions
in week 14 vs. Minnesota, so they�ve seen each other before. Minnesota surprised Miami last week, and held Jay Fiedler to
177 yards passing (2 scores and 1 interception) en route to upsetting the
Dolphin�s applecart. Over the last four weeks, they are the 10th
ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing only 205 yards per game, but they are
30th, 29th, and 8th in fantasy points allowed
to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends in that time. Teams
score on Minnesota often. CB�s Carey Scott (quadriceps � questionable), Tyrone Carter
(ankle � probable) and Brian Williams (ankle � probable) are all on the injury
report for the Vikings. Detroit lists TE Mikhael Ricks (knee � out) along with
Harrington this week. McMahon should have opportunities to score this week � just
don�t look for a 300 yard game, and you won�t be disappointed. Indianapolis
Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) One thing the Colts can still do � complete passes between
Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison. Over the last three games, Manning is the 2nd
best fantasy quarterback in the land, with 939 yards passing, 6 touchdowns and
6 interceptions. Harrison has racked up 376 yards and 3 scores in that span.
Qadry Ismail was concussed last week, but he should be available this week �
meanwhile, Reggie Wayne was more than adequate in his play across from Harrison
(6 receptions for 104 yards and 2 scores). The last time these units played,
way back in week 1, Manning threw 19 completions on 31 attempts for 211 yards,
3 scores and 0 interceptions. The Jags play mediocre passing D � they are the 11th
ranked defense in yards allowed over the past four weeks (212 per game), but
rank 24th, 15th, and 3rd in fantasy points
allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during that
span. CB Fernando Bryant has been playing with a broken thumb which inhibits
his ability to make an interception � that injury was just reported this week,
so look for Manning and Harrison to be aware of the weakness there. Besides Ismail�s concussion and Bryant�s thumb, there are no
new injuries of note to report on these units. Manning and Harrison must take up the slack the running game
is leaving � and they will do it well against the suspect Jags. Kansas
City�s Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup) If there is any unit that played to the top of their game in
week 16, it was the Chief�s passing attack. In the absence of all-world rusher
Priest Holmes, Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez and Marc Boerigter put the Chiefs on
their shoulders and carried them over the division rival Chargers 24-22. Over
the past three weeks, Green has thrown 6 touchdowns vs. only 1 interception,
and amassed 747 yards through the air � he�s the 5th best fantasy
quarterback in that span. Boerigter has 6 grabs for 150 yards (one a 99 yard
touchdown reception last Sunday) and 3 touchdowns. Not too bad for only 6
chances, eh? Gonzalez is as reliable as usual, although he hasn�t scored in the
last three weeks (15/161 yards). Green was held to 208 yards, 1 touchdown and 2
interceptions week 8, but Oakland�s D has slipped since then. Oakland�s secondary has been without key CB�s Charles
Woodson (out this week) and Tory James (leg � questionable) recently and it
shows � the team 27th in the NFL over the past four weeks allowing
256 yards passing per game, and ranks 14th, 20th, and 7th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during that span. Besides the CB�s noted above, the Raiders list S Derrick
Gibson (ankle � questionable). Kansas City�s unit is probably without starting
WR Johnnie Morton (back) again this week, he�s questionable. WR�s Marc
Boerigter (shoulder/foot), Dante Hall (ankle) and TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder)
are all probable to play. Kansas City is white-hot, and Oakland�s defense luke-warm �
the hot hand of Trent Green makes the difference in this matchup. Miami�s
Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) New England�s defense is doing a fade-out in the final
quarter of the season. They are ranked as the 22nd pass defense in
the league over the last four weeks, allowing 240 yards per game and are 25th,
30th and 2nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing
quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during those four weeks. Miami�s passing game, meanwhile, is steady and sure under
the now-healthy Jay Fiedler, who has tossed 51 completions for 610 yards, 4
touchdowns and 2 interceptions over the last three weeks. Chris Chambers is
back among the best of NFL receivers, with 240 yards and 1 score over the last
three weeks (21st in fantasy points per game during that 3 week
span). Back in week 5, Fiedler went 17/27 for 190 yards, 2 scores and 0 picks
vs. the Pats � Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael caught the scores that day. New England is missing LB Tedy Bruschi�s presence (knee) of
late, while the Miami unit is healthy and ready to play. Fiedler and his compatriots should have a good game on
Sunday. Minnesota�s
Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup) At least Daunte Culpepper and company are having fun
spoiling other teams� December. They shocked Miami last week, helping to throw
the AFC East up for grabs, and took wild gambles doing it � they have nothing
to lose in the grip of a 5-10 season, so why not? Culpepper is the #1 fantasy
quarterback over the past three weeks, with 692 yards passing with 3 touchdowns
and 3 interceptions, along with 166 yards rushing and 3 scores on the ground.
Culpepper chewed up the Lions week 6, throwing 27 completions for 295 yards, 2
scores and 1 interception. Detroit keeps bumbling along (3-12 at this point), and got
stomped by Atlanta last week, allowing Michael Vick to amass a career day
passing in the course of the losing effort. Over the past 4 weeks, the Lions
are 29th in the NFL defending the pass, allowing 257 yards per game,
and rank 21st, 18th and 12th in fantasy points
allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that
span. S. LaMar Campbell (knee) and CB Chris Cash (shoulder) are
both questionable to play for the Lions. The Viking�s remaining receivers are
pretty dinged up, too, with WR�s Kelly Campbell (toe � questionable), Chris
Walsh (back � probable) and Randy Moss (knee � probable) on the injury list.
Joining them is TE Byron Chamberlain (ankle � questionable). Detroit can�t stop anybody from moving the ball. Advantage,
Vikings. This one would be a slam dunk if the Vikings weren�t so thin and
nicked up at WR. Pittsburgh�s
Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) Is Tommy Maddox amazing or what? His passes were right
between the numbers time after time last Monday night, and he split
double-coverages with the ease of a hot knife going through butter. Burress and
Ward were having a field day with the tough Bucs� secondary in the first half,
and look very sharp. Maddox�s #�s � 17/23 for 236 yards, 1 touchdown and 0
interceptions � aren�t stellar fantasy-wise, but he put them up against
arguably the best defense in the NFL � he played superbly. However, Maddox hurt
his ankle Monday night and may not be able to go. Check his status before
giving him the nod week 17. This week, Maddox and company face a much easier task in the
Ravens� defense. Last time he faced the Ravens, week 8, he threw 2 touchdowns
and 1 interception during 18/24 for 172 yards worth of work. Plaxico Burress
caught both those scores among his 5 receptions for 55 yards. Over the last
four weeks, the Ravens are 21st in the NFL allowing 235 yards per
game on average, and rank 10th, 22nd, and 18th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during that span. Backup DB Tom Knight was unable to play last Sunday for the
Ravens (leg), and is questionable this week. Hines Ward played through his
hamstring woes last week, and should be able to do so again this week. Maddox
is listed as questionable. Maddox looks very sharp, as do Ward and Burress. If Maddox
can�t go, Stewart was pretty sharp in his most recent games, too. Baltimore is
just not playing at the same level the Steelers are heading into week 17.
Advantage, Steelers. Seattle�s
Passing Game vs. The San Diego�s Defense (Good Matchup) Matt Hasselbeck has his team going in the right direction,
and finally looks confident in Mike Holmgren�s offense. 66/108 for 824 yards, 4
touchdowns and 3 interceptions through the air is a pretty strong 3 game
stretch. Koren Robinson leads the receiving corps with 17 receptions for 281 yards
and 1 score over the past three weeks. San Diego�s passing defense has frozen, dried up and blown
away this winter. They are the 30th ranked unit in the NFL over the
past four weeks, allowing 265 yards per game and rank 19th, 11th
and 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers, and tight ends during that span. WR Bobby Engram aggravated his turf toe and may not play
this week for the Seahawks. TE Jerramy Stevens is probable with a minor groin
injury. The Chargers are healthy, if nothing else, though LB Junior Seau has a
sore ankle (questionable). Look for Hasselbeck and the Seahawks to have a good chance
for going out on a high note this season, as the collapsing Chargers don�t play
defense well at all right now. Tennessee�s
Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Steve McNair and the Tennessee Titans take what a defense
will give them. Last week, the Jags let the Titans run the ball at will, so
they did (40 rushes for 175 yards and 2 scores as a team). McNair was careful
with the ball, and threw 13 completions out of 21 attempts for 113 yards and 1
score with no interceptions (the TD went to Derrick Mason). McNair continues to battle through physical ailments (the
latest word is that his back is tightening up on him this week). If McNair
isn�t significantly better by Sunday, there is a chance he may sit this one out
to get healthy � Tennessee has already clinched their playoff berth. Even if he
does start, he may not play the whole game � Neil O�Donnell is a capable
backup. Houston�s offense is horrible, but their defense has a
little pride � they are ranked as the 20th passing defense in the
NFL over the past four weeks, allowing 234 yards per game and ranking 17th,
21st, and 14th in fantasy points allowed to opposing
quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends in those four games. That is truly
a stout performance, considering that their offense gives them no support and
no rest. The Texans averaged right around 25 minutes of ball possession during
those four games. The Texan�s reserve DB Ramon Walker hurt his knee last week
and is out for the season finale. CB Jason Bell is probable to play through a sore shoulder. Tennessee should beat the Texans soundly � they can do it
through the air if they choose to do so. Washington�s
Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup) Patrick Ramsey got the job done last week, with a solid 190
yard, 2 touchdown performance against the Texans. He was under 50% completions
though, connecting on only 14 of 32 thrown balls. Derrius Thompson and Rod
Gardner were his main targets last week (Thompson caught the touchdown). Back
in week 13, Danny Wuerffel was under center (Ramsey went 0/1 in the game), so
history doesn�t tell us much here. Dallas is very soft vs. the pass lately, ranking 25th
in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 248 yards per game on average,
and ranking 28th, 26th, and 22nd in fantasy
points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during
that span. CB Derek Ross is questionable to play for Dallas this week
(hip), and CB Mario Edwards is nursing a sore neck (probable), so the Cowboys
are a little dinged up in the secondary. Washington is good to go, except for Wuerffels� bad shoulder
(questionable). Ramsey has a chance to look good against the bottom-feeding
Cowboys. Arizona�s
Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jake Plummer will probably be making his swan-song
appearance with a depleted receiving corps this weekend � so look for a top
effort from the Snake. Kevin Kasper is playing hurt, but playing well (4/33
yards and 2 scores last week), and Jason McAddley is doing his best (10/117
yards over the past three weeks). There isn�t much depth behind these two guys
at all, so Plummer is hoping they can go another 60 minutes on Sunday. The once-feared Denver D has fallen off a cliff in the
second half of the season, and� ranks as
the 23rd passing defense in the NFL over the last four games,
allowing 243 yards per game and they are 20th, 13th and 5th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during those contests. Neither team has new injuries of note to report on their
units (the few dinged Broncos are all probable to play), although the
Cardinal�s line did lose starting T Leonard Davis this week. That could impact
their ability to protect Plummer. Look for the Cardinals to work hard against a sub-par pass
defense, with mixed results. Green
Bay�s Passing Game vs. The New York Jets Defense (Neutral Matchup) Favre and the Packers played in miserable conditions last
week, and it showed. His 15/33 for 114 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interception
effort was pathetic from a fantasy standpoint, but it got the job done � the
Pack won 10-0 vs. the Bills. Donald Driver caught the lone touchdown � he�s the
man in Green Bay nowadays, in case you�ve been asleep all season. The Jets are fighting for a spot in the playoffs, and their
defense is limiting scoring over the past four weeks � the team is ranked 19th
in the NFL allowing 230 yards per game on average, but is 9th, 2nd,
and 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers, and tight ends during that time span. Neither unit is too banged up � no new injuries of note to
report, though Favre is listed as probable with a sore knee � he�ll play. Look for Favre and the Packers to fight for every yard this
week against the surging Jets. Jacksonville�s
Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup*) The big news here is that Mark Brunell is ailing (hamstring)
and may not play on Sunday � he�s questionable. If he can�t go, the
Jacksonville attack is in trouble � backup David Garrard is not a QB that puts
fear into the opposition at this point in his career (10 of 20 for 96 yards, 1 score
and 2 interceptions in 2002 so far). Even with Brunell on the field, the Jags
have been very ho-hum all season. Way back in week 1, Brunell went 22/36 for
228 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception vs. the Colts. Indianapolis� passing D melted down last Sunday, when Kerry
Collins and Amani Toomer shellacked the Colt�s secondary for 366 yards, 4
touchdowns and 0 interceptions and 10 receptions for 204 yards and 3 scores,
respectively. Indianapolis has been soft all throughout the final quarter of the
season, allowing 257 passing yards per game over the last four weeks (28th
in the NFL) and ranking 27th, 19th, and 23rd
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during those weeks. Besides Brunell�s woes, Jimmy Smith dinged his shoulder last
week (he should play this week, though � probable to play, as is Bobby Shaw
(toe)). Reserve DB Jason Doering (neck) missed last week for the Colts �he�s
questionable this week. CB Nicholas Harper (back) and key LB Marcus Washington
(knee) are listed as questionable. Starting S Idrees Bashir (hip/hamstring), CB
Cliff Crosby (thigh) and CB Joseph Jefferson (thigh/hand) are all probable to
play. Two inept units lock horns in this one. If Brunell can go,
it is a neutral matchup. *If Garrard plays, the advantage goes to the Colts. New
Orleans� Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Neutral Matchup) In week 10, Aaron Brooks was contained by the Panthers, who
allowed him only 259 yards passing with 1 touchdown. Since then, the Saints
have been losing games they should win, and Brooks is part of the problem. In
the last three weeks he�s thrown for only 581 yards and 4 touchdowns (0
interceptions, though) � not good enough when your defense is as porous as the
Saints� is. Carolina is the opposite of porous. Over the last four
weeks, the Panthers have allowed only 201 yards passing per game (8th
in the NFL), and are ranked 16th, 24th, and 1st
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight
ends during that time frame. Not great, but not terrible, either. WR Jerome Pathon�s knee is gimpy (questionable) and he�s in
the doghouse in New Orleans anyway. The Panther�s secondary is healthy except
for LB Kory Minor (leg), and he�s listed as probable. The Panthers want to spoil New Orleans� season � will
Brooks, Horn and Stallworth let them? It could happen. New York
Giants Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup) Kerry Collins and Amani Toomer blew up last week, and
shredded the limping Colts secondary in the blow-out victory. However, the
Eagles� secondary is an entirely different kettle of fish � in week 8, they
limited Collins to 20 completions for 251 yards and 0 scores � neither Toomer
nor Jeremy Shockey scored. Philadelphia plays the pass tough, allowing only 196 yards
per game on average the last four weeks (7th in the NFL) and ranking
13th, 14th, and 17th in fantasy points allowed
to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends during that time frame.
S Blaine Bishop has a groin injury (questionable), and LB�s
Keith Adams (quadriceps � questionable) and Shawn Barber (neck � probable) may
be slowed on Saturday. Jeremy Shockey has a flu bug at mid-week, but should be
fine by Saturday. A ton is on the line for both clubs, and neither will give
way easily. This looks like a neutral matchup from where we stand. New York
Jets Passing Game vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) Chad Pennington is really in his groove recently, throwing
64 completions on 96 attempts for 736 yards, 5 scores and 0 interceptions �
that�s some clutch play out of a quarterback during the stretch run. Laveranues
Coles has caught 16 for 275 yards and 2 scores, while old-guard player Wayne
Chrebet has 12 receptions for 160 yards and 2 scores. Green Bay�s secondary, meanwhile, has been stout, allowing
only 180 yards per game over the last four weeks (6th in the NFL)
and ranking 11th, 7th, and 30th in fantasy
points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during
those weeks. The Packers suffered a big blow to their unit last week,
though, when S Darren Sharper sprained the MCL in his right knee last week. He
stated on Monday that he hoped to play vs. the Jets, but his ability to play is
anything but a sure bet. CB Tod McBride is probable to go despite a groin
problem. The Jets� unit is ready to roll. Two teams jockeying for postseason play meet in this one �
neither has� a huge edge over the other. Oakland�s
Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup) Kansas City�s secondary, pathetic for most of the season (32nd
in the NFL allowing 291 yards per game this year) has pulled it together in
time for the playoff push, and ranks 18th in the league allowing 223
yards per game over the last four weeks. They have really held down the
opposition�s scoring, limiting fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks,
wide receivers, and tight ends � they rank 4th, 8th, and
10th in those categories during that four week span. Oakland�s Rich Gannon, on the other hand, has cooled down
after being unstoppable most of the season. He is the 16th ranked
fantasy quarterback over the past three weeks, with 733 yards, 2 touchdowns and
1 interception during that span. Not terrible, but far under his �usual�
numbers this season. Last week his favorite target was Charlie Garner (8
receptions for 91 yards and 1 score), with Tim Brown seeing 6/79 yards and
Jerry Rice 3/25 yards. Jerry Porter only caught one pass for 6 yards in the
game. Gannon bombed the Chiefs for 334 yards, 1 score and 1 interception last
time, but the Chiefs have improved a lot since then. Starting S Greg Wesley was injured last Sunday for the
Chiefs, and is doubtful to go with his bad hamstring. CB Ray Crockett is
questionable with a bum shoulder,�
Oakland�s attack is healthy. � Oakland is more talented than the Chiefs, but not playing as
well as they have most of the season � the hot Chiefs will be a challenge on
Saturday. St. Louis�
Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup) Who thought this would be a meaningless game when the NFL
set the schedule early this year? Yet it is. The Rams will (hopefully) start
their #3 QB (#1 and #2 are out for the season) on Monday Night, depending on
how his injured knee holds up over the weekend. If Jamie Martin can�t go,
unknown Scott Covington gets the start. In 1999, while playing for the Bengals,
he threw 4 completions on 5 attempts for 23 yards � that�s the extent of
Covington�s NFL experience. Martin has been unimpressive in his appearances in
2002 � 102/160 for 971 yards, but 4 touchdowns vs. 8 interceptions. Martin
tends to target Holt #1, and Bruce #2, but spreads the ball around to others
quite a bit. In week 5 he was 23/40 for 232 yards, 1 score and 2 interceptions
vs. the 49�ers. San Francisco�s secondary is sub-par in 2002 (20th
in the league allowing 230 yards per game) and has played only marginally
better over the past four weeks, ranking 17th in the NFL allowing
221 yards per game while holding at 18th, 16th, and 24th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight
ends during that time. A bunch of key guys are ailing in the 49�ers secondary � S
Zack Bronson (foot), LB Jamie Winborn (knee) and LB Saleem Rasheed (thigh) are
all doubtful to play. Martin�s receivers are healthy, at least. A disappointing Rams team with nothing to gain by winning
plays a play-off bound 49�ers squad with nothing to lose except a meaningless
game. This one is a toss up. San
Francisco�s Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Neutral Matchup) � �Jeff Garcia is hot
the last three weeks, with 688 yards passing, with 5 touchdowns and only 2
interceptions, along with 17 rushes for 87 yards and another touchdown rushing.
However, his team has nothing to gain by keeping him under center on Monday night
� how much play will he need to keep the rust knocked off and tune up for the
playoffs? WR Terrell Owens is questionable with his groin injury � how long
will Mariucci risk further injury to his star receiver on Monday Night
Football? In week 5, Garcia was efficient vs. St. Louis, throwing for 214 yards
and 1 touchdown with 0 interceptions. � Welcome to week 17�s fantasy football mine-field. St. Louis isn�t bad vs. the pass, ranking 12th in
the NFL allowing 215 yards per game over the past four weeks � they are 12th,
10th and 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing
quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends in that time. Fairly stout passing
D, wouldn�t you agree? Key LB Tommy Polley is doubtful to play with an ankle
injury; CB Travis Fisher is probable to go despite his bad knee. The other
49�ers receivers are healthy and fit to shag passes, no matter if it�s Garcia
or Rattay throwing them. Garcia is capable of hurting these guys � if he played the
whole game. Atlanta�s
Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup) Michael Vick showed us what he could do with his arm last
week, throwing for 337 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the win over
lowly Detroit. Quentin McCord surprised the Lions with 7 receptions for 182
yards and 1 score � Finneran snagged the other TD with 3/54 yards worth of
work. Cleveland�s secondary is playing very well of late, ranking
3rd in the NFL over the past four weeks allowing only 146 yards per
game during that span. They are ranked 3rd, 3rd, and 28th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends during those four games. Atlanta�s starting WR Shawn Jefferson missed last week�s
game with hamstring problems (thus McCord�s chance to shine) � he�s
questionable to play this week, and pass-catching FB Bob Christian is out this
week due to suffering 2 concussions last Sunday. Cleveland�s secondary is
healthy and has no new injuries of note to report � S Devin Bush is probable to
play through his sore hamstring. Since the Browns have the 28th ranked rushing D
over the past four weeks, and are playing such tough pass defense, it wouldn�t
be surprising to see the Falcons go back to a more ground-oriented game this
week. When Vick takes to the air, he�ll be challenged to move the ball. Cincinnati�s
Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Tough Matchup) Buffalo, aided by playing some recent games in very poor
conditions, is defending the pass very well in recent weeks. They rank as the 2nd
best pass defense in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing only 141 yards
per game during that span, and ranking 1st, 5th, and 13th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight
ends. This week, the game is being played in Ralph Wilson Stadium, so a winter
storm could blow up at anytime (currently the forecast is for cloudy skies and
34-degree F weather). On the season they rank 4th in the league
allowing only 206 yards per game on average. Jon Kitna cooled off this past week, going 20/40 for 190
yards, 1 score and 2 interceptions � not real exciting from the fantasy
football perspective. Over the last three weeks he is the 9th best
fantasy quarterback, with 743 yards passing, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions
along with 9 rushes for 22 yards and 2 scores. Buffalo�s starting lineup in the secondary is in fine shape.
Cincinnati lists WR Ron Dugans as probable to play despite a sore Achilles
tendon. Look for the Bills to play tough at home against the 2-13
Bengals as they try to finish their season on a positive note. Dallas�
Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) Chad Hutchinson is struggling � 42/92 for 436 yards, 1
touchdown and 5 interceptions over the past three weeks, to be exact. He�s
having a baptism by fire in the NFL. One of his best games this season happened
against the Redskins week 13, though, when he went 12/25 for 145 yards, 2
scores and 0 interceptions. Galloway and Bryant both caught TD�s in that one. Washington�s defense has been stout against the pass
recently � over the past four weeks they are 4th in the NFL allowing
only 172 yards per game, while ranking 5th, 4th, and 13th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight
ends. No injuries of note are reported for either unit this week. Hutchinson has been struggling of late, and Washington is
playing well � they have the edge against the rookie on Sunday. New
England�s Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup) New England�s Tom Brady has been less-than-spectacular in the
last few weeks, managing only 450 yards passing with 3 touchdowns and 2
interceptions over the last three weeks. The Patriots� offensive unit in
general is just not playing well at this point in time. Last time the two units
dueled in week 5, Brady put up 17/31 for 240 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2
interceptions. Miami�s secondary, meanwhile, has recovered from the
shelling Drew Bledsoe laid on them 4 weeks ago, and held Rich Gannon to 1
thrown TD two weeks ago, and shut out Daunte Culpepper (244 yards, 0 scores, 2
interceptions) � although they did get suckered for a passing TD on a trick
play by Randy Moss last week. The bad game vs. Bledsoe skews their statistical
picture when we look at the past four weeks � during the season, however, they
are the 9th best secondary in the NFL, allowing only 214 yards per
game on average � and they are playing up to that level in the past three
weeks. Back-up TE Daniel Graham (ribs � IR) and talented rookie WR
Deion Branch (leg � questionable) missed last week�s game for the Patriots. TE
Cam Cleeland is questionable with a groin injury. The Dolphins are mostly
healthy amongst the secondary personnel, though Madison and Surtain are both
nursing dings � they are probable to play. Miami will be a tough obstacle to Brady on Sunday. San
Diego�s Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Tough Matchup) Drew Brees had not thrown a touchdown in four games prior to
last week, so it is premature to call his 26/40 for 240 yards, 2 scores and 0
interception performance last week a trend � but it was encouraging. Curtis
Conway�s shoulder isn�t getting better and he�s likely out this week, so
Caldwell, Dwight and Parker will be relied upon to get the job done again this
week. Seattle�s pass defense has been it�s best unit all season,
and over the last four weeks is playing credibly, ranked 14th in the
NFL allowing 216 yards per game and ranked 8th, 17th, and
9th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers, and tight ends during that time frame. The Seahawks are fairly healthy with only S Terreal Bierria
(knee � questionable) listed with a new injury. CB Shawn Springs (foot) and LB
Anthony Simmons (ankle) are both probable to play with their nagging injuries.
The Chargers are OK excepting Conway�s bad wing. Seattle is on a roll, and the Chargers aren�t. The advantage
goes to the visiting Seahawks in this phase of the game. Tampa
Bay�s Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Tough Matchup) How important is Brad Johnson to the Bucs? Just look at
their 17-7 embarrassment to the Steelers to find out the answer. �Warren
Sapp�s� team couldn�t win without Brad Johnson � they barely managed to score.
Fan favorite Shaun King showed why he�s been #3 on the bench all year (9/26 for
73 yards and 1 interception), and Rob Johnson was too little, too late (12/18
for 159 yards and 1 touchdown). Johnson is questionable to play again this
week, too � he�s a dreaded game time decision. Luckily for the Buccaneers, Chicago�s defense is not nearly
as good as the Steelers� is. They do play decent pass defense � 9th
in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing only 201 yards per game through
the air and ranking 6th, 6th, and 16th in
fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends
in that time. The Bear�s weakness is on the ground, where they are 32nd
over the last four weeks, allowing 165 yards a contest. CB R.W. McQuarters is questionable with a hip injury, and S
Damon Moore joins him with a leg ailment. Besides Johnson the Buccaneers� unit
is healthy. Remember how vulnerable the Bears are to the run � the
Buccaneers may prefer to hand the ball off to Pittman and Alstott no matter who
is under center. When they pass, they�ll be tested by the Bears� secondary. Chicago�s
Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Henry Burris may be the starter in this one, and even if he
isn�t, how long do you think fragile-and-recently-concussed Chris Chandler will
last in the face of the NFL�s 5th ranked pass defense over the last
four weeks (allowing 173 yards per game) that is also the 6th best
sacking defense (42 this season)? It doesn�t look too good for the Bears,
sports fans. The Buccaneers are 7th, 12th and 4th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight
ends during the most recent four weeks, in addition to the above. DT Warren Sapp is questionable with a knee injury, while
Chandler is listed as probable despite his 1 millionth concussion (just
kidding, it was his 5th in 6 seasons). The Bears TE John Davis is
out with a back injury. Stay away from Bears� players this week. Baltimore�s
Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup) Nobody is hotter than the Steelers� defense in the last four
weeks. They are ranked 1st against the pass during that span, allowing
only 134 yards per game on average. They are 2nd, 1st and
11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, wide
receivers, and tight ends in that time frame. They dismantled the Bucs� Shaun
King and Rob Johnson last Monday Night, and are on a huge roll into the
post-season. Baltimore, on the other hand, watched a stout defensive
performance go for nothing when Tim Couch drove the Browns downfield to score
late in the fourth quarter last week, robbing the Ravens of a hard-fought game
14-13. Part of the problem was the lack of a passing attack: Blake was 16 of 28
for 143 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception last week � pretty anemic
numbers. In week 8, the last time these rivals met, Blake was 29 of 50 for 298
yards, but threw 3 interceptions vs. only 1 touchdown. Travis Taylor, Todd Heap
and Jamal Lewis were his top targets last time, and nothing indicates this week
will be any different (those 3 are the only consistent players on the Raven�s
offense). Steelers� LB James Farrior aggravated his injured shoulder
on Monday Night Football, and is questionable to play. CB Chad Scott is out due
to a hand injury, and S Mike Logan�s back is aching (questionable). Baltimore
is healthy, excepting the still-ailing Chris Redman (back). This one looks like a slam dunk for the Steelers. Houston�s
Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Bad Matchup) What Houston passing game?��
Avoid pretty much all these guys at all costs. |