When picking your starters each week, one thing that must be considered is the matchups. We've taken each game and broken down the matchups for you here. PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup. Also note, just because a player has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your league. If Peyton Manning is playing the toughest pass defense in the league, he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter unless you're sitting on Donovan McNabb Let's jump to it. Great Matchups � Defenses will have major problems with the offense in these games Oakland's Passing Game vs. The St. Louis Defense (Great Matchup) Rich Gannon is playing as well as anyone in the league. He's #5 on the fantasy football scoring list among quarterbacks - but every other guy in the top ten has played 5 games, and Gannon has only played 4. That's strong. 1355 yards, 10 touchdowns, 3 interceptions and another touchdown rushing the ball. 3 straight games over 300 yards passing. He's not on a roll - he's on a mission - Gannon looks destined to win a Super Bowl. Jerry Rice (16th on the wide-receiver's scoring list), Tim Brown (34) and Jerry Porter (28) are his willing accomplices in the dynamiting of multiple NFL defensive backfields. This week the struggling former-champion Rams will take on the Raiders' juggernaut at home. Currently they rank 14th in the league against the pass, allowing 225 yards per game, and are 15th over the last four weeks, allowing 231. But Aeneas Williams is Questionable with a bad toe, and the Rams can't replace a player of his caliber. Plus, they are a dispirited and humiliated bunch, currently tied with the Bengals in the NFL's winless cellar. So don't be too impressed by their 15th, 12th, and 22nd ranking against opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends over the past 4 weeks, because they are playing worse than it appears - Jeff Garcia completed almost 70 % of his passes last week - think what Gannon will do if he completes 70% of his passes this weekend. Injuries are one of the problems, besides Williams, the Rams CB Dexter McCleon is Probable with a hamstring. Bottom line is that most all the Raiders involved the passing game deserve a start this week. St. Louis' Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) What a thankless task, taking over for one of the most ballyhooed quarterbacks in history at a time when no-one on the team, coach or player, is up to their best efforts. Poor Jamie Martin. 23/40 for 232 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions wasn't a horrible outing, but it wasn't a very good one, either. Good thing the Raiders' secondary, without Charles Woodson, is so porous. They have really collapsed out there since Woodson went down - on the season the Raiders are allowing 293 yards per game, 30th in the league, but over the last four games those numbers have spiked to 339 yards allowed, ranked 32nd in the league. The Raiders are also allowing fantasy points in bunches: they rank 26th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 31st vs. opposing wide receivers, and 14th vs. opposing tight ends. Torry Holt is due and this might be the week. As if things weren't difficult enough QB Jamie Martin has missed a couple of days of practice this week as he nurses a bad knee. He's listed as Probable, but I'm hearing talk about Marc Bulger seeing action at QB. Missing this much time for Martin can't be good. If the Rams passing game is going to get healthy, this is the week for it. A healthy Martin has a great chance to shine in this contest. If Martin isn't ready, all bets are off and this could be ugly. Jacksonville's Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Titans (Great Matchup) Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith and Patrick Johnson have big smiles on their faces in anticipation of this Sundays game (or at least, they should have). The Jaguars are on a roll, and the Titans' secondary is ugly. Brunell's numbers against the tough Eagles secondary were not eye-popping (13/23 for 197 yards and 1 touchdown), but that won't matter at all this week, because the Titans are struggling to stop anyone, let alone Jimmy Smith or Patrick Johnson. The Titans are banged up and their secondary is abysmal as a result. The statistics: on the season the Titans rank 29th in the NFL allowing 290 yards per game, over the last four weeks that number has gone up to 310 yards per game (although they now rank 28th in the league). They rank 30th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 32nd vs. opposing wide receivers, and 11th vs. opposing tight ends. Titans' CB Samari Rolle is playing lame with a hamstring injury because his back-up, Mike Echols, is out with stress fractures in his left leg. Now the pass rush is going to suffer against the Jaguars, too, because DE Jevon Kearse is out, and his replacement Carlos Hall had an MRI on his injured knee on Monday. It revealed torn cartilage in the knee that requires surgery in order to repair the damage. Coach Fisher hopes (emphasize "hopes") that Hall can play through the injury until Kearse returns from his broken foot. Hall sure won't be 100% with the damaged knee if he can go. Backup LDT Robaire Smith also had an MRI on his injured knee on Monday. Brunell should have all day to throw the ball on Sunday. You don't give veteran quarterbacks like Brunell all day to throw and not pay for it in the NFL. Look for Smith and Johnson to gouge Tennessee for big plays early and often on Sunday. San Diego's Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) Drew Brees is having an excellent start to his NFL career, playing in Marty Schottenheimer's conservative, run first, run second and pass once in a while offense. He is careful with the ball, and has thrown more TD's (5) than interceptions (4). However, he just isn't explosive enough or consistent enough this season to be more than a bye-week fill-in type player. However, his favorite wide receiver, Curtis Conway, is definitely a #1-type player. He's currently the 4th ranked wide-out on the fantasy football scoring list, with 26 receptions for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns, and another touchdown on 4/38 rushing. He's scored every week but one (3 vs. Arizona) so far. Brees doesn't throw a lot but what he does throw goes to Conway. Applying the word "defense" to the Kansas City squad is generous. KC is hardly a speed bump in their opposition's path. They surrender 329 yards per game on average, good for 32nd in the league, and over the last four weeks have allowed 321 yards per game, moving up to 31st in the league. Not surprisingly, they are 31st vs. opposing quarterbacks, 27th in points allowed to opposing wide receivers, and 23rd vs. other teams' tight ends. Kansas City's SS Greg Wesley (Shoulder) and SS Lyle West (Hip) are both Questionable. Brees and Conway should enjoy strong days while the second-year quarterback dissects the Chiefs' secondary. He won't get an easier matchup this season, until the Chargers play KC again later in the season (week 16). Good Matchups � Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Miami's Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Good Matchup) Jay Fiedler is finally emerging from Dan Marino's shadow in Miami, and making a name for himself. Currently the 7th ranked fantasy football scorer at quarterback, he fared well against the talented New England secondary last Sunday, putting up 17 completions for a modest 190 yards but 2 touchdowns, no interceptions, and rushed 3 times for 18 yards and another score. That's some very solid play against Ty Law and Lawyer Milloy, folks. This week he is facing another crucial AFC opponent in prime-time, at Mile High stadium in Denver. Denver's secondary is actually in the second tier of NFL pass defenses, ranked 18th in the league on the season allowing 238 yards per game, but has improved somewhat over the last four weeks, ranking 10th and surrendering 219 yards per game. Over that span they are ranked 17th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 11th vs. other teams' wide-outs, and 29th vs. opposing tight ends. Franchises who can start Randy McMichael, take notice! Fiedler is proving himself to be a big-game performer this season. With Ricky Williams forcing the defense to pay attention to the ground attack, Fiedler should be able to find seams to exploit in Denver's scheme. The edge goes to the team with the man with the hot hand, Miami. Cincinnati's Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup) Jon Kitna is not the second coming of Joe Montana, but he's much better than Akili Smith (now back where he belongs holding a clipboard). For whatever reasons, Kitna has the intangibles to motivate his teammates to at least try and play like professional athletes. Yeah, he threw 3 interceptions against the Colts, and yeah, the team still lost - but they were in the game late and that's a start. Kitna spread the ball around, hitting 8 targets for 244 yards and 1 touchdown on 31 of 43 attempts. Chad Johnson (6 receptions), Peter Warrick (4, one score), Ron Dugans(7) and Corey Dillon (6) were his favorites last week. This week the Bengals welcome another struggling AFC North team to the confines of Paul Brown Stadium. On the season, the Steelers are the 26th ranked passing defense in the league. Over the last four weeks, they've improved marginally, ranking as the 22nd passing defense while surrendering an average of 256 yards per game. They are generous to opposing fantasy wide receivers, ranking 29th in the league in fantasy points allowed; against quarterbacks they're ranked 9th, and rank 9th vs. opposing tight ends, too. Neither unit lost anybody to serious injury last week, although Pittsburgh's starting SS Lee Flowers and starting RCB DeWayne Washington did both miss a few snaps due to turned ankles. Heading into the game, ILB Kendrell Bell (Ankle) and FS Mike Logan (Hamstring) are Questionable. Look for Kitna and company to continue to build their confidence against the Steelers' this week. Corey Dillon will draw lots of attention from the Pittsburgh defenders, which should open up some holes for Kitna to find his receivers. The Bengals passing game could do some things. Carolina's Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup) Rodney Peete is playing well in a conservative offense - he has over 1,000 yards this season (1065) to go with 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions - good for #20 on the fantasy quarterback's scoring list. That's a far sight better than how most observers expected him to perform when John Fox announced him as the starter at the close of training camp. Steve Smith is coming into his own as a NFL wide receiver, and has put up 385 yards on 23 receptions and 1 score so far. This week Peete and company get set to invade Dallas, where the Cowboys are struggling to defend the pass in recent weeks. Over the past four weeks, the Cowboys are allowing 269 yards per game, 25th on the league - a regression from their season average of 244 yards per game (20th in the league). The Dallas defenders are very vulnerable to opposing team's fantasy performers, ranking 27th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 26th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 25th vs. opposing tight ends over the past four weeks. Carolina's star wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad practiced Wednesday and Coach John Fox is optimistic he'll start Sunday barring a set back. He'll likely be less than 100% but that's still something to consider against a defense this soft. It does probably put a damper on Steve Smith who had been enjoying the #1 role with Muhammad out. Expect Rodney Peete to exploit the weaknesses of the Cowboys secondary early and often this week, as Muhammad, Smith and company get the Panthers back in the "W" column after two tough losses. Minnesota's Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup) How many more bad breaks can Daunte Culpepper endure this season before the tide turns? He has thrown 8 interceptions (vs. 5 touchdowns), many of which were due to passes tipped by his own receivers - not to mention some potential TD touchdown passes that Randy Moss usually catches. Yet with just 4 games compared to many on the list with 5 games, he's still the 12th ranked fantasy football scorer in total points among quarterbacks. Randy Moss is the 37th-best wide receiver thus far in 2002, and has made more news off the field than on. He's simply too talented not to start every week though. Especially against this defense. You know the week you sit him will be the day he explodes for 3 TDs. Luckily for Culpepper owners, the porous Lions' secondary is in town this week. They are an abysmal secondary, ranked 28th on the season allowing 286 yards per game, and are even worse over the last four weeks, ranking 30th in the league allowing 312 yards per game. Over that span they are 28th in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 25th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 13th vs. opposing tight ends. The Lions are down to starting rookie Chris Cash at CB. The 6th round pick isn't big or quick enough to be effective in addition to lacking experience. Look for Culpepper to have a solid game throwing the ball against Detroit, regardless of which receivers on the team actually play hard on Sunday. Detroit's Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) For those who may be caught up in the euphoria of Detroit's first win of 2002, don't trade Drew Bledsoe for Joey Harrington just het. For the year, he's 42/88 for 501 yards, 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions - a completion rate of 47.7, and a passer rating of 53.3 (actually marginally lower than McMahon's 53.6 rating). On the upside, he was solid in his last game against New Orleans with 267 yards, 1 TD and no interceptions. He's got a ton of potential and I think he's definitely the Lion's answer at QB, I'm just not ready to name him MVP yet as I see some doing. WR Az-Zahir Hakim leads the team with 18 catches for 251 yards and 0 touchdowns. Bill Schroeder has managed 7/78 and 1 score for the season, all coming in the last game. This week, the rookie QB faces off against a team that is struggling mightily, the winless Minnesota Vikings. Their pass defense is ultra soft. On the season, Minnesota ranks 31st against the pass, allowing 301 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, they've allowed 302 yards per game (but move up to 27th in the league due to other pathetic defenses), and are 23rd in the league against opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 28th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 6th vs. opposing tight ends. In other words, the Lions deserve a look this week. The worry is that Harrington's WRs are banged up. WR Larry Foster (Hip), WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Toe), and WR Bill Schroeder (Ankle) all are listed as Questionable. They're practicing this week but Coach Marty Mornhinweg is concerned they won't be 100%. ""We're limping around," he said. "Guys are limping all over the place around here." As far as match-ups go, this one is just about as inviting as any Harrington is likely to see in 2002. Just don't expect miracles from him or his receivers, and you won't be disappointed. New England's Passing Game vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup) Tom Brady has finally cooled off after his white-hot start on the season, and is throwing the ball like a mere mortal once again these days. His 240 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions last Sunday against Miami wasn't an awful performance - but it seemed poor in comparison to his bombing of K.C. (410 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception) and San Diego (353, 2 and 2). Part of the drop-off can be attributed to Troy Brown's absence from the field due to a knee injury, and part of it is just reality setting back in. Nobody can throw for 300 + every week in the NFL. However, Green Bay is a mediocre pass defense that is missing a key safety - Antuan Edwards - from the lineup. On the season, the Packers rank 16th in the league allowing 233 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, they are 18th, allowing 239 yards per contest, and are in the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed, too. The Pack ranks 14th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 19th vs. opposing wide receivers and 19th vs. opposing tight ends. Besides the injured Edwards, the Packers come into this contest without DE Vonnie Holliday (torn pectoral muscle) They're trying to patch big holes in the secondary with CB Mike McKenzie (Groin) and FS Darren Sharper (Hamstring) both Questionable. CB Tod McBride (Knee) and CB Tyrone Williams (Hamstring) are probable. WR Troy Brown is listed as Questionable and it could come down to a game time decision. If he can go this week, then Brady and his compatriots on the Patriots should enjoy a very good week indeed. If Brown is still out, then Brady and company will most likely have a modestly successful outing against the banged up Packer's secondary. Indianapolis' Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) In terms of fantasy football, Manning's been solid but not spectacular- he ranks 14th on the fantasy quarterbacks list right now, but he has played one less game than the majority of players in the top ten, and is displaying one much-appreciated element - consistency. His 3 scores (2 passing, 1 rushing), 1 interception and 224 yards last Sunday represented an as-usual solid weekly score. WR Marvin Harrison cracked the season's top ten list this week with his 145 yard, 1 touchdown performance. This week the Colts face a resurgent and tenacious Baltimore defense. They're led in the secondary by Chris McAllister's solid play and LB Ray Lewis' vicious hitting. However, they are still a very young unit that's struggled against the pass so far in 2002. On the season, the Ravens are ranked 27th vs. the pass, allowing 268 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, that ranking falls to 29th, with the team allowing 312 yards per game. They are the 22nd ranked defense in points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 23rd vs opposing wide receivers, and 20th vs. opposing tight ends. Injuries have hampered the Ravens (when LB Ray Lewis goes out of the game for any reason they suddenly become soft in the middle) somewhat, and this week it could be a game time decision before we know whether Lewis' shoulder will allow him to go. If there is one quarterback in the NFL that you don't want to expose weakness in the secondary to, it is Peyton Manning. Look for Manning, Pollard and Harrison to exploit the maturing-but-green Ravens' defense on Sunday. Washington's Passing Game vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Good Matchup) Patrick Ramsey had quite a coming out party this past Sunday, pillaging the suspect Titans for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. However, the Titans are beat to a pulp this season, littered with injuries on defense and especially in the secondary, where CB Samari Rolle was attempting to play through a hamstring pull because his back-up, Mike Echols, is out with stress fractures in his left leg. They are, quite literally, a lame bunch. We'll have a slightly better gauge of Ramsey's NFL readiness Sunday against the Saints. New Orleans is a weak passing defense in the NFL, currently ranking 24th in the league allowing 264 yards per game, and 24th over the last four weeks allowing 260 yards per contest during that span. In terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition, the Saints are 24th vs. quarterbacks, 30th vs. wide receivers, and 5th vs. tight ends. Rod Gardner is the # 1 WR but Kevin Lockett and Chris Doering also saw plenty of action last week. That will likely continue as Ramsey seemed comfortable spreading the ball around. The Saints will be without back-up LB Travis Carroll, who broke his leg last week against the Steelers. Also banged up is CB Keyuo Craver (Knee) listed as Doubtful. The Titans were a very soft defense last week. The Saints are better but still not a good pass defense right now. Looks like a good matchup for the Redskins. Buffalo's Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Bonanza. That is the word to describe the incredible haul of fantasy points that the Bill's passing game provides every week to lucky fantasy football teams everywhere. 5 games, 1762 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Drew Bledsoe, you are a fantasy football legend in the making. Peerless Price is the #3 fantasy wide-out this season so far, and Moulds is the #5 guy. That is one fantastic FF team. The Bills' #3 guy, Josh Reed, has outscored Isaac Bruce so far this season if that tells you anything. This week the Bill's cruise missile lands in Houston, home of the 13th ranked passing defense in the league. Over the last four weeks they haven't been as good, ranking 20th in the league and allowing 250 yards per game. That puts Houston at #16, 21, and 10 vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends this season. CB Aaron Glenn is very solid. Marcus Coleman on the other side is plenty big enough at 6' 2" - 210 and does matchup with the physical Bills WRs but he has been just average in coverage thus far. Houston's defenders are fairly healthy after the bye week, except for nickel CB Jason Simmons who's listed as Questionable with a hamstring. Look for those defensive rankings to get worse after Bledsoe and company depart Houston - they leave a swath of torched safeties and cornerbacks in their wake this season. Houston's Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) Here's the story of David Carr's season in one number: 26. That's how many times he's been sacked (on pace for 104 this season) - not how many times he's been pummeled. He is taking full immersion ice baths these days, because he is bruised from the roots of his hair to the tips of his toes thanks to his incredibly porous line. It's only thanks to Jets' and the Lions' ineptitude that statistically speaking, Carr isn't the worst quarterback in the NFL. Only Corey Bradford should even get consideration for your fantasy squad from this unit. This week the generous Bills' defense comes to town. They love keeping the opposition in games, and it shows in their 22nd ranking vs the pass in 2002. Over the past four weeks they are the 23rd pass defense in the NFL, allowing 259 yards per game, and they got absolutely carpet-bombed by Rich Gannon last week, allowing an astronomical 357 yards and 3 touchdowns to the Raiders' QB. One thing the Bills can do, though: sack the quarterback, which they have done 12 times in 2002. That can't make David Carr happy. Houston is hoping and praying that their ailing offensive linemen, Tony Boselli and Ryan Young, can go this week and give Carr some shelter. But Young is listed as out and Boselli is currently doubtful so it's not looking promising. Kansas City's Passing Game vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup) While Priest Holmes racks up the touchdowns, the Chiefs' quarterback Trent Green is quietly silencing his critics across the fantasy landscape with consistently quality performances. That happens when you throw for more than 600 yards, 7 touchdowns and only 1 interception in 2 games. In fact, he is now the 6th best fantasy quarterback in the NFL in terms of scoring this season. No one WR has really come to the fore-front in KC, while TE Tony Gonzalez remains the team's best receiver. Eddie Kennison is the top wide-out at #23 with 14 catches for 293 and 2 scores. San Diego's rush defense is pretty stellar, but their pass defense is average. They rank 17th in the NFL this season allowing 237 yards per game, and over the past four weeks are 19th, allowing 246 yards per game. They rank at 18th, 17th, and 18th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, respectively. With star LB Junior Seau limping due to a bad ankle but is listed as probably and should play. DE Marcellus Wiley (Groin) is Doubtful and SS Rodney Harrison (Groin) is Questionable. With the threat of Holmes to draw up the defenders, Green should continue to see good opportunities against the middle-of-the-pack Charger's secondary. Neutral Matchups � The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Tampa Bay's Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup) Brad Johnson is finally getting into a groove on offense, and Keyshawn Johnson caught a touchdown pass. The Buccaneers' passing game is looking strong, with Johnson the 13th best fantasy quarterback this season so far (111/176 for 1226 yards, 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions). Johnson also played well against the Falcon's defense, with 261 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception last week. This week a very game Browns club is on the slate, and they are hungry after losing a thriller in the final minute last week against Baltimore. The Browns are the 11th ranked pass defense in the league for the season, and over the last four games they are the 9th best, allowing only 205 yards per game. In terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition, they rank 11th vs. quarterbacks, 18th vs. wide receivers, and 2nd vs. tight ends during the preceding four weeks. Not too shabby. For Cleveland, FS Devin Bush (Groin), CB Corey Fuller (Hamstring) and SS Robert Griffith (Shoulder) are Questionable. The clash between the Buc's wide-outs and the Brown's defensive backs looks like a dead-even matchup. Too close to call an advantage before they actually play the game. Tennessee's Passing Game vs. the Jacksonville Defense (Neutral Matchup) A harried Steve McNair had a tough game against the Redskins: he was sacked four times, hit many more, and threw 3 interceptions vs. 1 touchdown on 24 of 39 (245 yards) passing last Sunday. (He did rush for a TD) With Derrick Mason out, Dyson, Bennett and McCareins combined for 8 catches and 94 yards worth of receiving - not much help at all. TE Frank Wycheck was the leading receiver with 79 yards. This week, a mediocre Jacksonville pass defense rolls into town: the Jaguars are ranked 15th on the season, allowing 230 yards per game; over the last four weeks they are 16th in the league allowing 237 yards per game, and rank 21st in the NFL in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, 28th in points allowed to tight ends, but 4th vs. opposing wide receivers. With the offensive line struggling to pass or run block, McNair will have his hands full just making it through the game intact. One of his "other" receivers will have to find a way to make plays if McNair is going to take advantage of the mediocre Jaguars with Derrick Mason on the sidelines. It's a struggling offense against an average defense. Denver's Passing Game vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) Coach Mike Shanahan paid for a pet-setting service to kennel Brian Griese's dog this week in preparation for the showdown with Miami (just kidding). Seriously, though, Griese returned to his top form this past week, and has a streak of 2 consecutive 300+ yard passing games going heading into the showdown with Miami on Sunday night. The Miami passing defense is not particularly good when one looks at the statistics - ranked 21st in terms of both the entire season (247 yards per game) and over the past four weeks (254) - but this is one of those cases where statistics mislead an observer. Patrick Surtain was unable to play during 2 out of the past 3 weeks, and his back-up Jamar Fletcher is a huge drop-off in terms of both talent and experience. With Surtain back in there against New England and Tom Brady, the Patriots only managed 240 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. And Tom Brady has been as hard to handle as any quarterback in the league this season. Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe vs. Sam Madison, Patrick Surtain and Brock Marion. Wow, what a matchup. What a game it will be. San Francisco's Passing Game vs. The Seattle Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jeff Garcia's stomach felt better last Sunday, and his heart had to lift at the sight of Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow trampling the division-rival Rams. This week the under-achieving Garcia (71 of 107 for 669 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions - 23rd among fantasy quarterbacks) takes his big WR Terrell Owens and associates to Seattle for another NFC West showdown. Seattle is not noted for strong defense, and they are pathetic against the rush. However, defending the pass is something they're fairly good at, actually, ranking 12th in the league over the season allowing 219 yards per contest, and also 12th over the past four weeks, allowing 221 yards per contest. (Of course that begs the argument that the reason they're "good" at pass defense is because everyone chooses to run on them. Doesn't really matter as the stats are what we're looking for and they should stay on the same trend) In terms of fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks, they are 12th vs. quarterbacks, 5th vs. wide receivers, and 8th vs. tight ends. Terrell Owens will see multiple coverage as usual but he's used to that by now. The units which lock horns on Monday night are actually fairly evenly matched. Tough Matchups � Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Baltimore's Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough Matchup) Chris Redman is suddenly finding his stride in the passing game, and is reported to be maturing rapidly into a respected team leader in 2002. It shows in his latest performance, orchestrating a big division win over the Cleveland Browns week 5. His 19/30 for 208 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions performance was the best of this young season, - he also threw well against the tough Denver Defense in week 4. This time, though, the wide receivers were involved in the game - Brandon Stokely (4 catches for 78 yards and 2 scores) and Travis Taylor (4/41), as well as TE Todd Heap (4/53), all saw equal action in the game. One could almost see Redman's confidence grow over the course of the last two games. That trend might be interrupted in Indianapolis, because the Colts play the pass very well. Indianapolis ranks 5th in the NFL this season defending the pass, allowing only 199 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, they are 7th, allowing 189 yards per game, and rank 10th, 3rd, and 4th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. The strengths of their defense match up well with the personnel in Baltimore's passing game, and Idrees Bashir is quickly maturing into a fine safety with 19 solo tackles and 2 interceptions in 4 games so far. Colts DT Josh Williams (Foot) is listed as Questionable. Look for Redman and his young compatriots on offense to be very challenged this weekend by the tough Colt's secondary. Seattle's Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Tough Matchup) Trent Dilfer never claimed to be an explosive quarterback. And he isn't, throwing 58 completions for 692 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception places him at 29th on the fantasy football scoring list for quarterbacks. The top Seattle receiver is Darrell Jackson, currently at #51 on the scoring list for wide receivers with 23 catches for 282 yards and 0 touchdowns. San Francisco plays stout pass defense, ranking 10th in the league on the season (219 yards per game) and 3rd over the past four weeks, allowing 178 yards per game. They are stingy to opposing fantasy players as well, ranking 7th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 1st vs. opposing wide receivers, and 26th vs. opposing tight ends over the preceding four weeks. Injuries have depleted the Seattle line, with key guard Steve Hutchinson out with a broken leg, and OLB Anthony Simmons (Ankle) listed as Doubtful. Seattle doesn't light up the scoreboard through the air any week, so don't expect them to against the 49'ers on Monday night. Pittsburgh's Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup) Maybe more prospective NFL quarterbacks should spend time in the developmental leagues. Tommy Maddox was horrible fresh out of college with the Broncos, but he sure grew into the role of starting quarterback during his sojourn in the Arena League (and the XFL). Look at the huge difference he made for the struggling Steelers vs. New Orleans. Suddenly, Bettis and Zereoue had room to run. Suddenly, Plaxico Burress looks like a pro receiver again. Suddenly, the Steelers were in a game again. 22/38, 268 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception is a very good day in the NFL. This week the Steelers face division-rival Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals actually put up a fight against the Colts last Sunday, and for the first time this season were in a game for all 4 quarters. The passing defense has been solid all season, ranked 9th in the league allowing 213 yards per game. Over the last 4 weeks, they have been a little bit softer, ranking 13th and allowing 227 yards per game over that span - they held Peyton Manning to 224 yards on Sunday (2 td's and 1 interception). In terms of fantasy points allowed, the Bengals are ranked 25th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 20th against opposing wide receivers, and 31st vs. tight ends. This week, Bengal LB Brian Simmons is Questionable (Neck) while DE Vaughn Booker (Ankle) and CB Artrell Hawkins (Knee) are listed as Probable. Playing a traditional rival on their home turf (especially division rivals with good pass defenses) is not the best situation for a fantasy quarterback's statistics. Now that the Bengals offense is coming to life, the opposition should get less opportunities to drive the ball, as well. Look for Maddox to have a hard time finding seams in Cincinnati on Sunday. Dallas' Passing Game vs. The Carolina Defense (Tough Matchup) Quincy Carter's misleading. He has thrown for more yards (1038) in 2002 than Jake Plummer (912). He has also thrown more touchdowns (4) than interceptions (3) and has scored more fantasy points than Michael Vick (70 to 69). However, he just isn't making big plays when his team needs them, nor is he creating opportunities for Emmitt Smith and the running game by presenting opponents with a credible passing threat. Joey Galloway is the top fantasy wide-out from Dallas at #21 on the scoring list, with 363 yards and 1 touchdown. This week a stout Panthers' defense come calling after two close losses. These Panthers could easily be 5-0, and their defense plays like it. Currently, the Panthers are the 2nd ranked pass defense in the league, allowing only 193 yards per game on the season. Over the past four weeks, they are the 6th ranked pass defense, allowing a mere 187 yards per game, and ranked #3 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, #7 vs. opposing wide receivers, and #13 vs. opposing tight ends. Carter and company are fairly healthy, although the offensive line is dealing with a number of nagging injuries. Guard Larry Allen (ankle) and Kelvin Garmon (hip) are both Questionable. WR Joey Galloway is probable with his thumb but he was excellent last week playing with the brace so he should be fine. With a bruising rushing defense and tenacious pass defenders like Mike Minter, the Panthers will present a big problem to Quincy Carter - the type of puzzle that he has, so far, shown no ability to solve. Green Bay's Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Tough Matchup) Brett Favre put on a passing clinic Monday Night Football in the first half - the finest initial 30 minutes of his storied career. It was a game's worth of scoring in an avalanche of receptions - great fun to watch if your team starts Favre, and torture for fantasy teams matched up against the Packer's quarterback. When it was all over, Favre had thrown for 359 yards and 3 touchdowns, on his way to a season total of 1470 yards and 11 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions (and 14 rushes for 43 yards and 1 touchdown). That makes Favre the 4th ranked fantasy scorer among quarterbacks. This week, Favre, WRs Donald Driver, Terry Glenn and company tangle with the defending Super Bowl champs, the Patriots. The Patriots boast the #1 pass defense in the league, allowing only 176 yards per game on average this season - over the past four weeks they are even better, allowing only 158 yards per game (#1). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing players, the Patriots are a little more giving: they rank 8th vs. quarterbacks, 9th vs. wide receivers, and 16th vs. opposing tight ends. That's a good defense in both real-world and fantasy terms. However, Jay Fiedler exposed some chinks in the armor last week, throwing for only 190 yards but finding Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael for 2 scores (and rushing for another). Anytime a quarterback faces Ty Law and Lawyer Milloy, he is in for a tough day - even if his name is Brett Favre. Favre is still a starter unless you're just loaded at QB, but this is definitely a tough matchup for him. New York Giants' Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup) New York Offensive Coordinator Sean Payton simplified the Giants' offense for Kerry Collins, Ike Hilliard, Amani Toomer and Company last week. Guess what? It worked. The Giants rang up a victory against the up-and-down Cowboys, and Kerry Collins had the most productive outing of his season in terms of scoring touchdowns, racking up 3 touchdowns and only 1 interception on 18 of 27 passing (for 228 yards). With his first score of the season finally on the books, Amani Toomer appears at #10 on the fantasy wide receiver scoring list (26/456 and 1 touchdown so far). This week the Giants welcome the Falcons into the Meadowlands. Atlanta's trying to recover from a disappointing 20-6 loss to the Buccaneers in which they allowed only one touchdown to the Buccaneer's offense (a long score to Keyshawn Johnson). On the season, the Falcons are the 7th ranked passing defense in the league, allowing only 206 yards per contest, and over the past four weeks they've been even tougher, allowing only 180 yards per game on average (although Brad Johnson had 261 yards against them last week). In terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition in the last 4 weeks, Atlanta ranks 2nd in the league vs. quarterbacks, 14th vs. wide receivers, and 1st vs. opposing tight ends. TE Jeremy Shockey is still doubtful for this week and it's not looking real positive. If he can't go, that's bad news for the WRs as even though he hasn't produced numbers to match his hype, Shockey creates many problems for the defense taking heat off the WRs. Falcon CB Juran Bolden has been struggling and had the dubious honor of giving up the first TD in forever to Tampa Bay's Keyshawn Johnson last week. This might be an opportunity for whichever WR draws Bolden while the other receiver sees Ashley Ambrose. Kerry Collins will find the going rough on Sunday against the down-on-their-luck but stout Falcon's defenders. This is not a very favorable matchup for him to continue his upward trend. New Orleans' Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) With WR Donte' Stallworth on the sidelines, Jerome Pathon filled in and hit some big plays for the Saints, racking up 2 catches for 79 yards (one went for 64) and a score. While RB Deuce McAllister trampled the Steelers, Aaron Brooks had a quiet day, only throwing for 207 yards and 1 touchdown. This week, the soft Redskins will be a tempting target for the Saints to run the ball, so Brooks might not need to throw the ball a whole lot again this Sunday. On the season, Brooks is the 8th ranked scorer among fantasy quarterbacks. When Brooks does pass, he will be throwing at one of the better secondaries in the NFL. Washington is currently ranked 8th in the league allowing 212 yards per game. Over the past four weeks they have maintained that level of play (allowing 221 yards per game) and are the 11th ranked defense over that span. In terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition, the Redskins rank 20th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 10th vs. opposing wide receivers and 27th vs. opposing tight ends during the past four weeks. Stallworth will likely miss this week's game so Pathon and # 1 WR Joe Horn will carry the load. Look for Aaron Brooks and his receivers to put up some tough yards against the Redskins on Sunday. But it won't be easy. Bad Matchups � Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Atlanta's Passing Game vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Bad Matchup) Michael Vick got his wings clipped last week against the Buccaneers, and the Falcons folded as a result. Doug Johnson was horrible, tossing 3 interceptions and 0 touchdowns in relief of Vick (13 of 25 for 150 yards), so Dan Reeves and his staff were hoping and praying that Vick can play on Sunday against the Giants. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Vick is doubtful for the game, and early in the week, described the injured shoulder as so bad that he couldn't put on his socks (he says he felt "handicapped" , in fact). Vick missed practice again Thursday and Coach Reeves has named Johnson the starter, although he's not ruling out Vick seeing some action off the bench. Johnson's numbers in Atlanta during his career prior to this year (thanks to Doug Drinen of www.football-reference.com): In 2000 he appeared in 4 games, and threw 36 completions on 67 attempts (53.7 %) for 406 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. In 2001 he appeared in 5 games, threw 3 completions on 5 attempts (60%) for 23 yards and 1 touchdown with 0 interceptions. As you can see, Johnson is inexperienced and not very explosive, so far in his NFL tenure. The Giants' defense, on the other hand, is very experienced (especially the defensive line) and loves to blow up the oppositions' game plans. They are the 4th ranked passing defense in the NFL, allowing only 196 yards per game on the season, and are 8th in the league over the last four weeks, allowing 208 yards per game. They are very stingy in terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition, ranking 6th vs. quarterbacks, 7th vs. wide receivers and 7th vs. tight ends. WR Brian Finneran has an injured finger that he dislocated earlier in the season but he claims it's not an issue. The Giants DBs are nicked with Will Peterson doubtful with a bad toe. Will Allen may be less than 100% (groin) and Jason Sehorn may move to starting CB from his nickel back position. This one will get ugly for the Falcons in a hurry. Even with a secondary at less than 100%, the Giants have a huge edge entering the contest on Sunday. Cleveland's Passing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) The quarterback controversy in Cleveland is muted now, with the news that Kelly Holcomb (big tough guy kudos to him, by the way) played through a fractured leg in the waning moments of Cleveland's attempted comeback against Baltimore. So, it's Tim Couch under center again against the ferocious Tampa Bay defense headlined by Warren Sapp. Tampa is just brutal against opposing offenses, and they're dominant in terms of fantasy points allowed to the opposition. On the season, the Bucs are 6th ranked against the pass, allowing 201 yards per game; over the last four weeks, they are 5th and allowing only 187 yards per game. Over that same span, the Bucs rank 1, 2, and 3 in terms of points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, respectively. Tampa Bay's SS John Lynch (Knee) and NT Anthony McFarland (Foot) are both Questionable. Couch will not see an uglier matchup this season and I don't feel good about any Browns this week.