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 The Buffalo Passing Game vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup) The Lions must be swallowing hard at the prospect of visiting Drew Bledsoe and the Bills on Sunday. 182/282 for 2198 yards, 15 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions in 7 games is phenomenal production - on pace for 4000 + yards and 30+ touchdowns in 2002. Eric Moulds and Peerless Price may be the most feared wide receiver tandem in the game this season. They are fantasy monsters, currently #4 and #6 (respectively) on the points-per-game list for wide receivers. Detroit's passing defense is ugly, ranking 29th in the NFL this season allowing 267 yards per contest, and 18th over the past four weeks allowing 242 yards per game. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing players over the past four weeks, the Lions rank 26th vs. quarterbacks, 19th vs. wide receivers, and 23rd vs. tight ends. Compared to what the Bills saw last week in Miami's Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain, the duo of Chris Cash and Todd Lyght won't seem like much to contend with. Bledsoe, Moulds and Price are no brainer starters and I wouldn't be surprised to see rookie WR Josh Reed contribute against this team. TE Dave Moore is questionable with a hand injury for the Bills. Detroit's LB Clint Kriewaldt is doubtful with a foot injury and S Brian Walker continues to have pain in his injured toe (probable). Look for Detroit's defense to get thoroughly torched by the Bills' awesome aerial assault this Sunday. Kansas City's Passing Game vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) Shoot-out. Score-fest. These and other terms will be applied to the Chiefs/Raiders' game in the game summaries you read. The Raiders' secondary is riddled with injuries to key players (Charles Woodson (broken shoulder), Phillip Buchanon(broken wrist)) and their back-ups are limited, too (Terence Shaw has a rib injury, and Clarence Love is nursing a leg injury). Woodson may be back, but didn't sound particularly sure about that earlier this week. The injuries show in the statistics: the Raiders are 25th in the league allowing 255 yards per game this season, and rank 29th over the past four weeks allowing 293 per contest. Over that span they are dead last vs. opposing wide receivers, 30th vs. opposing quarterbacks and 12th vs. opposing tight ends. And to be fair, part of the "problem" for Oakland's defense is the Oakland offense. When Gannon and company are lighting up the scoreboard, teams are forced to throw the ball more than they'd like. Still though, stats are stats. Green was very quiet vs. Denver (20/33 172, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions) and Tony Gonzalez was held in check (5/58 with 0 scores). However, in the two games prior to the Denver game, Green threw for 236 (3 td's, 2 interceptions) and 296 yards (2 td's, 1 interception). On the season he is the 8th best scoring fantasy quarterback on a per-game basis (a shade over 21 points per start). He was hobbled last week with the bad ankle. As noted above, injuries are a huge factor for the Raiders. Starting S Rod Woodson joins the rest of the secondary on the injury report - he's questionable with a quadriceps injury. Trent Green is probable with his ankle injury, and TE Jason Dunn is questionable with a shoulder problem. The Chiefs WRs are still a non factor and probably don't deserve much consideration until they show you something. Look for Green, Gonzalez and Holmes to trade scores with Gannon's crew in a huge shootout in the AFC West. Minnesota's Passing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup) The real challenge here is not Daunte Culpepper vs. the Chicago Bears; rather, it is Daunte Culpepper vs. himself and his frustration level. Last week, for the third time in four games, he threw more interceptions than touchdowns, and for the second time in four games he threw for 0 scores. Over those four games he has 5 touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) and 10 interceptions. The latest debacle - 26/39 for 288 yards, 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions with 5 rushes for 26 yards and 0 scores - came against the Jets, a team that is hardly in the top tier defensively in the NFL this season. Culpepper is not getting enough help from Randy Moss (4/86 yards and 0 scores last week) In fact, Moss has 0 touchdowns in the last four games. The Bears are struggling this season too, and the pass defense is terrible. On the season the Bears are ranked 24th with 253 yards allowed per game, but over the last four weeks that number balloons to 295 yards per game (30th in the NFL). Over that span, the Bears are 28th, 27th, and 29th, vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, respectively. The Vikings are probably without WR D'Wayne Bates (back - questionable) this week. After Practice Thursday, Coach Mike Tice said, "Bates is not looking too good." If he can't go, you'll see Derrick Alexander with more time which doesn't excite too many folks. Chicago's starting CB R. W. McQuarters is very questionable with a bad hamstring. He's been playing but he's clearly not 100%. And he'll likely draw Moss which you have to love. If there is a week for the Vikings to begin righting their sinking NFC North ship, it is this week against division rival Chicago. Atlanta's Passing Game vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Great Matchup) Michael Vick is playing really well in the passing phase of his game. Anytime you play 5 NFL games and throw zero interceptions, you are taking good care of the ball. However, his excellent real-world play isn't setting the FF world on fire in 2002. Vick has thrown for all of 4 touchdowns in those 5 games, and has an anemic 764 yards passing so far. His rushing total of 276 yards and 2 scores is nothing to sniff at, but not at all the running-back like numbers some expected this season. On the season, Vick is the #19 fantasy quarterback in points scored. Brian Finneran, the top Atlanta receiver, is #41 on the receiver's scoring list. New Orleans is arguably the top team in the NFC right now, but their passing defense is not the reason for the team's 6-1 record. In fact, the Saints are horrible at defending the pass. They are 30th on the season allowing 273 yards per game, and 26th the last four weeks allowing 283. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing players, the Saints are 23rd vs. quarterbacks, 26th vs. wide receivers, and 6th vs. tight ends. The defensive backfield is littered with injury problems: CB Michael Hawthorne is out with a knee injury, and so is LB Travis Carroll (leg). LB J.R. Johnson is doubtful with a bad hamstring, and LB Charlie Clemons is questionable with a groin injury. CB Keyuo Craver is also questionable with his ongoing knee problem. Atlanta is probably without reserve WR Darren Chiaverini (quadriceps - questionable). Look for Vick and company to have lots of opportunities to make something happen through the air on Sunday. How often they convert those opportunities is another question. Tennessee's Passing Game vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup) Steve McNair had a quiet day passing the ball vs. Jacksonville week 6, finishing the day with 226 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions (and 5 rushes for 22 yards). Coming off the bye, McNair is looking forward to the return of top receiver Derrick Mason, who hopes to finally return to action after recovering from his early-season shoulder injury (separated left shoulder). In Mason's absence, Drew Bennett caught 6 passes in two different games (week 4 and week 6), snagging one score in the process. Kevin Dyson only got above 50 yards once in the last 3 games, and has no scores in that span. Cincinnati has struggled on defense this season (partly due to a rash of injuries), and their pass defense is plummeting into the basement in the last few weeks, ranking 21st in the league over the last four weeks allowing 250 yards per contest. On the season the Bengals average 214 yards per game (10th in the NFL) - the 21st ranking represents a dramatic decline in the secondary's recent performance. In terms of points allowed to opposing fantasy players over the past four weeks, the Bengals are 21st vs. quarterbacks, 28th vs. wide receivers, and 30th vs. tight ends. Besides the return of Mason, FB Greg Comella may be able to play through his shoulder injury (questionable) for the Titans. Cincinnati's defensive backfield is in good health as a unit. Look for McNair and company to enjoy a strong outing against the struggling Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati's Passing Game vs. The Tennessee Defense (Great Matchup) One thing is for certain - if the Tennessee secondary doesn't make Jon Kitna and his receiving corps look good on Sunday, then no one can. Tennessee is 26th in the league on the season, allowing 256 yards per game, and 24th over the past four weeks, allowing 253 yards per game. They are generous to opposing fantasy players, ranking 31st vs. quarterbacks and 31st vs. wide receivers over the past four weeks (although they are 4th vs. opposing tight ends in that span). Kitna played poorly against the Steelers, throwing 3 interceptions, 0 touchdowns and only 222 yards - part of the blame belongs to the offensive line, which allowed 5 sacks in that game. So far, Kitna has thrown only 1 touchdown in 3 games, so don't expect game-breaking production from Peter Warrick, Chad Johnson or T.J. Houshmandzadeh. However, if there was ever a week to break out, it would be against these Titans... Both units are mostly healthy coming off the bye, although TE Sean Brewer (knee) and in-the-doghouse WR Michael Westbrook (hamstring) are both questionable for the game Sunday. Tennessee CB Mike Echols is still questionable with his leg injury. This is one of the best match-ups that Kitna will see all year. Oakland's Passing Game vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) This is the sort of matchup that makes fantasy owners drool. Rich Gannon, the highest scoring fantasy football quarterback (average score per game) in 2002 vs. the worst secondary in the NFL. Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, and Jerry Porter playing against the Chiefs' CB's William Bartee and Eric Warfield. Charlie Garner waiting to burn the slow Chiefs' LB's with screens and off quick dump-off passes. The Chiefs' statistics are pathetic this season - 339 yards per game allowed; 32nd in the NFL on the season, 321 yards allowed per game over the past four weeks; 31st in the NFL. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing fantasy players over the last four weeks, the Chiefs are dead last vs. quarterbacks and tight ends, and 29th vs. wide receivers. As bad as those numbers are, expect them to get worse after Sunday. Starting CB William Bartee and starting S Shaunard Harts are both probable with minor dings (back and shoulder problems, respectively). S Greg Wesley is questionable with a shoulder injury. Oakland's passing offense is hale and hearty. The Raiders will score points in heaps and mounds on Sunday, and should be starting for any team lucky enough to have their players. I said in our Random Shots article this week that Oakland's WR trio might be the best in the league. They won't have better opportunity to prove us right than this week. Good Matchups � Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Philadelphia's Passing Game vs. The New York Giant's Defense (Good Matchup) Donovan McNabb is having a field day almost every game with this year's version of the offense. He is the 2nd highest scoring quarterback in points-per-game this season, even including a rough outing last Sunday against the formidable Buccaneers (12/25 for 127 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interceptions with 6 rushes for 4 yards and 1 score). The Giants may stuff the run, but they have become more vulnerable to the pass as the season progressed. On average, they have allowed only 206 yards per game this year (8th in the NFL), but over the past four weeks that number increases to 229 yards per game (12th). They have also allowed quarterbacks to score of late, ranking 16th vs. opposing quarterbacks over the last four weeks, while staying at 5th vs. wide receivers (and 15th vs. tight ends). If there is one quarterback in the NFL who will find ways to score on you, it is McNabb. Injuries are really taking a toll on the Giants' defenders: DT Keith Hamilton is gone for the year, and the Giants have LB Nick Greisen listed as doubtful with his foot injury; DE Kenny Holmes (elbow) and DT Matt Mitrione (shoulder) are both questionable; while LB Dhani Jones (hamstring) and DE Michael Strahan (back) are probable this week on the injury report. The Eagles are essentially healthy on offense, aside from a few minor injuries. McNabb and company will exploit any weaknesses they find, and the Giants are showing signs of a decline. It looks like the Eagles have an edge on the Giants going into the Monday night game. New York Jets' Passing Game vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup) Chad Pennington is doing a fine job piloting the Jets. In his games he's posted good numbers, passing for over 300 yards (324) vs. Minnesota last week (1 touchdown, 0 interceptions). Laveranues Coles is the big winner so far, snagging 22 of his 28 passes since Pennington went under center and catching his first touchdown this season last week. Santana Moss also exploded against the Vikings, racking up 111 yards for his best game of the season by far. This week the Jets face off against the Cleveland pass defense, 15th ranked on the season allowing 228 yards per game and 19th over the past four weeks allowing 243 yards per game. The unit is fairly tough in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing players, ranking 11th vs. quarterbacks and 13th vs. tight ends over the past four weeks (23rd vs. wide receivers, though). The Cleveland secondary is riddled with injuries heading into the game, though. Injuries that will affect the game on Sunday include: starting CB Corey Fuller (out - hamstring); starting S Robert Griffith (out-shoulder); starting CB Daylon McCutcheon (questionable - elbow); LB Ben Taylor (out - hamstring) and S Devin Bush (probable- groin) That's a ton of injuries to a defense that wasn't all that effective even when healthy. Bottom line is the resurgent Jets have the edge Sunday vs. a depleted and limping Browns' unit. Pennington, Coles and Moss are all worth starts in most leagues. Houston's Passing Game vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) Give David Carr tough-guy kudos: surviving 40 sacks (so far) to remain the starter in Houston is a major accomplishment. However, the only player worth starting for your fantasy squad is Corey Bradford. Bradford could have racked up 4 touchdowns last week (he did catch 2) and is Carr's #1 guy this season. Bradford's 428 yards and 5 touchdowns put him at #10 on the fantasy points-per-game list of wide receivers. Jacksonville's defense is firmly mediocre vs. the pass, ranking 16th in the NFL allowing 230 yards per game this season, and 17th over the last four weeks, allowing 242 yards per contest. They are generous to quarterbacks (22nd) and tight ends (28th) in terms of fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks, but stingy to wide-outs (4th). Besides the re-injury to T Ryan Young's' groin (questionable), TE Rod Rutledge has a foot injury (questionable). Jacksonville has no injuries of note heading into the game. Look for Carr and Bradford to find ways to hook up against the middle-of-the-pack Jags. Detroit's Passing Game vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) Detroit's Joey Harrington is getting better as the season progresses - look at his last three games: 3 touchdowns, only 1 interception, and even in a frustrating start against Chicago (16/30 for 199 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) he provided enough of a credible passing threat to help team-mate James Stewart to rush for 172 yards. However, Harrington is no fantasy stud, and neither are his receivers (Hakim tops the role at #49 on the fantasy wide receivers' list so far this season). Mikhail Ricks is a credible tight end, though, and is currently 10th among fantasy tight ends in terms of points-per-game this year. The Buffalo defense really laid out the welcome mat to opposing passers to begin the season, and still ranks 29th in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 24th vs. wide receivers, and 27th vs. tight ends (#17 in the NFL allowing 234 yards per game through the air). In the past four weeks the Bills have improved slightly to rank 25th, 16th, and 26th vs. the above positions (#14 in the NFL allowing 233 yards per game). As is apparent from the statistics, Buffalo allows a lot of scoring this year. Detroit continues to struggle with the injury bug - TE Mikhail Ricks is questionable due to a groin problem, and Bill Schroeder continues to deal with a bum ankle (though listed as questionable, the team believes he should be able to play this Sunday). Pass-catching FB Corey Schlesinger has been dealing with back problems this week, but is probable to play Sunday. Buffalo's secondary has some problems, too - reserve CB Antoine Winfield is doubtful with a knee injury, and back-up S Tony Driver has a hip problem (probable). Look for Harrington to continue his improved play this week against the sub-par Bills defensive backfield. Jacksonville's Passing Game vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) The Houston Defense holds its' own against the opposition, ranking 11th in the league this season allowing 214 yards per game. Over the last four weeks, they've been a little softer, allowing 239 yards on average (15th in the NFL). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing players, the Texans are 14th vs. quarterbacks, 24th vs. wide receivers and 10th vs. tight ends. Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Ravens. Mark Brunell threw 3 interceptions, 0 touchdowns, and only gained 231 yards against the Lewis-Less Ravens. Jimmy Smith complained afterwards about not being involved in the offense enough (7/63 yards). In fact, right now Brunell is the 31st ranked fantasy football quarterback in terms of points-per-game, and has only 1 more touchdown (5) than interception (4) in 6 games. The word on Brunell's concussion is that he is recovering nicely. Other injuries on the report include a bunch of the Texans' defensive backfield: CB Jason Bell is questionable with an arm injury, and S Eric Brown has a shoulder problem (also questionable). LB Erik Flowers (ankle) and CB Jason Simmons (hamstring) are listed as probable. Jimmy Smith is one of the finest receivers in the game, and should find ways to exploit the average Texan's defense - which will give Brunell a chance at a decent day. Chicago's Passing Game vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) It's been back and forth but it looks like Chris Chandler will get another start at QB. He was adequate last week but failed to take advantage of the weak Lion secondary like we thought he might. It was disturbing to see WR Marty Booker only catch one pass from Chandler last week (although it was a TD) The Bears face another cupcake pass defense this week. Minnesota's pass defense is as porous as a prospector's sieve, allowing 306 yards per game this season (31st in the league) and 285 yards per game the last four weeks (27th). They are middle-of-the-pack vs. opposing fantasy players, ranking 18th vs. quarterbacks, 18th vs. wide receivers, and 17th vs. tight ends in that four week span. Minnesota's defensive backfield is healthy - the Bears have two TE's, Fred Baxter (side) and John Davis (side), that are banged up and questionable for the game. WR David Terrell remains out with his foot injury. Miller and company should be effective against the soft Minnesota secondary. I don't think you'll see Marty Booker held down again like he was last week. Dez White should be effective and keep an eye on Marcus Robinson. It's worth noting that Booker went wild against the Vikings earlier this season with an 8 catch - 198 yard day. Neutral Matchups � The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Tampa Bay's Passing Game vs the Carolina Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Panthers may be dropping in the standings but they're playing decent pass defense. Over the last 4 weeks, they're ranked # 11 giving up 223 passing yards per game That's not bad. Looking at Fantasy Points allowed over that time, they rank #17 for QBs and # 22 for WRs. With Brad Johnson likely out for this week, we'll get to see Rob Johnson make his starting debut for the Buccaneers. Johnson's knock has always been of course that he takes too many sacks resulting from poor decision making skills. And he doesn't just take sacks. He's a highlight reel for brutal sacks. With the way this OL allowed Brad Johnson to be beaten up each week, I don't know that Rob Johnson will have a lot of time to throw. Keyshawn Johnson is the primary WR still be he's not been effective. He had a TD pass last week that might have been caught had Brad Johnson thrown it over his other shoulder. Many top WRs make that catch though. Keenan McCardell has a fracture in his shoulder but they're not ruling him out yet. All in all, it's a very average and boring offense facing a pretty average pass defense. Although don't be surprised to see the Panthers seriously harass Rob Johnson. Seattle's Passing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup) Trent Dilfer is fine despite the hard hit to the head he took last Sunday. His 8/25 for 232 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions performance last week was uncharacteristically poor; Dilfer is completing close to 56% of his passes this season. Koren Robinson had a monster game, with 3 catches for 166 yards and a score, (almost � his season's production). Dallas' pass defense is strictly mediocre this year, ranking 18th on the season allowing 239 yards per contest, and is 16th over the last four weeks allowing 240 yards per game. They are also middle-of -the-road vs. opposing fantasy players in that span, ranking 12th vs. quarterbacks, 14th vs. wide receivers and 14th vs. tight ends. Seattle will probably be without TE Jerramy Stevens (ankle-questionable) this week. Back-up S Lynn Scott is questionable for the 'Boys, and reserve CB Pete Hunter is doubtful (ankle). LB Dat Nguyen remains out with his broken wrist. We still think WR Darrell Jackson can be a good player but this offense right now is struggling to show much of anything. A mediocre defense vs. an unspectacular but steady quarterback = a wash in terms of determining an advantage in this matchup. New Orleans' Passing Game vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup) Aaron Brooks is having a great season. He has thrown for more touchdowns than anyone else in the NFL (16) and has added 2 more on the ground. He is the 3rd ranked fantasy scorer at his position behind Drew Bledsoe and Rich Gannon so far this season. That's some impressive quarterbacking. WR Joe Horn is a fantasy monster with 611 yards and 4 scores so far (5th on the season's scoring list). The Atlanta defense is also coming into its own under Wade Phillips. The Falcons are the 5th ranked pass defense on the season (allowing 193 yards per game) and over the past four weeks (allowing 198 yards per game). In that same span, Atlanta is 6th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 8th vs. wide receivers, and 3rd vs. tight ends. Besides the loss of back-up LB Will Overstreet for the season, the Atlanta defensive backfield is good heading into the match, with some minor complaints for CB Juran Bolden (hip), and LB's Matt Stewart (ribs) and John Thierry (neck) - all are listed as probable. New Orleans is waiting to see if WR Dont� Stallworth (hamstring - questionable) can go on Sunday. Horn and Brooks are pretty much must starts every week but an excellent defense vs. an explosive offense means that both teams enter Sunday on a level playing field. Arizona's Passing Game vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jake Plummer and David Boston finally got back on the same page last week, hooking up 6 times for 110 yards (no scores for either guy, though). On the season, Plummer is the 20th quarterback on the points-per-game list, and Boston's poor showing in the recent past is part of his problem - so it's good that they are on the same page again. San Francisco's defensive backfield is hurting: they are down 3 LB's - Jamie Winborn (shoulder - out), Frank Strong (shoulder - doubtful), and Saleem Rasheed (thigh - doubtful); and S. Zach Bronson is out with a foot injury. So depth is clearly a concern at LB for the 49'ers this week. Their pass defense is not particularly strong (partially the result of those injuries) - the 49'ers are ranked 12th on the season allowing 224 yards per game, and 13th over the last four weeks, allowing 233 yards a game. Their ranking in terms of fantasy points allowed is substantially worse - they are 20th vs. opposing quarterbacks and 21st vs. opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks (they are tougher on tight ends, ranking 2nd in that span). Arizona's passing attack is healthy and ready to invade San Francisco. We're not big David Boston fans but he and Plummer might have a chance to have a productive day against the ailing 49'ers defense. Indianapolis' Passing Game vs. The Washington Defense (Neutral Matchup) Peyton Manning just isn't as hot a fantasy player as he used to be. He is the 11th ranked fantasy quarterback in terms of points-per-game this season - definitely not top 3 as he was drafted by many. Marvin Harrison is still the top wide receiver in fantasy land, though, on the strength of his 659 yards (but only 3 scores). Marcus Pollard is a productive tight end, with his 3 scores on 15 catches for 154 yards. Washington's pass defense doesn't give up a lot of yardage (7th in the NFL on the season with 204 yards per game allowed, 6th over the last four weeks with 206), but they do allow some scoring. Looking at fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks, the Redskins are 13th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 12th vs. wide receivers, and 24th vs. tight ends (Pollard owners take note). Part of the problem with Manning is that his line is allowing lots more pressure this season than they have in the past - T Adam Meadows is questionable for the game with a hip injury, and T Tarik Glenn is probable with a calf injury - but really they just aren't playing very well as a unit. Other injuries of note include: WR Qadry Ismail (knee - probable) and TE Marcus Pollard (knee - probable).Washington expects LaVar Arrington (wrist) DT Daryl Gardener (back) and DE Renaldo Wynn (knee) to play - all are probable on the injury report. The Colts are still a very talented bunch, and Washington's defense is getting very little help from their offensive team these days. The Colts have the slight edge visiting Washington. Cleveland's Passing Game vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Neutral Matchup) Cleveland may have beaten the Texans, but Tim Couch continues to be a low-scoring option at quarterback for fantasy franchises. In fact, Couch is the 32nd ranked fantasy quarterback in terms of points per game played. However, two Cleveland receivers are in the top 25 on the scoring list this season (Dennis Northcutt, #17 with 23 catches for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Quincy Morgan at #20 with 30/398 and 3 touchdowns). Morgan was Couch's favorite last week, grabbing 7 balls for 81 yards and a score. Kevin Johnson continues to be a major disappointment as he's been lost in the shuffle. The Jets are in the bottom tier defending the pass, allowing 247 yards per game this season (21st in the NFL) and 252 yards per game over the past four weeks (23rd). They are tougher in terms of fantasy points allowed, though, ranking 10th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 18th vs. opposing wide receivers and 11th vs. opposing tight ends over the past four weeks. Injuries continue to be a concern for the Cleveland squad: Backup QB Kelly Holcomb is questionable with his knee injury, as is WR Andre King (toe). Only reserve S Jon McGraw is hurt for the Jets (shoulder - probable). Look for Couch and company to be challenged by the back-from-the-dead Jets this Sunday. The Browns seemed to gain a little confidence last week with Tim Couch jumping into the stands after a rocky week with the fans. It's tough to say how it'll affect the team, but Browns Owner Al Lerner passed away this week. Mr. Lerner was well respected and liked by his players. Here's what QB Tim Couch said about an ailing Mr. Lerner speaking to the team before the season opener: "It meant a lot to us. We all knew he wasn't feeling well. Just to see him get up there and talk with the passion in his voice. He spoke about how badly he wanted to see this team win and how much he loved all the players. He would do anything to help us to get to where we want to go.'' Don't be surprised to see the Browns come out energized. Tough Matchups � Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games San Francisco's Passing Game vs. The Arizona Defense (Tough Matchup) Jeff Garcia started to get it into gear against New Orleans (23/39 for 275 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception), but he's still in the lower tier of fantasy quarterbacks this season (#17 on the fantasy points-per-game list). J.J. Stokes may be out this week with a knee problem, so Tai Streets looks to play across from the hobbling but improving Terrell Owens (heel - probable). The Arizona Cardinals were not impressive to start the season defending the pass (20th in the NFL allowing 247 yards per game on the season), but have really come on in recent weeks. The Cardinals rank 7th in pass defense over the past 4 weeks, allowing only 207 yards per game. In that span, they are 2nd vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 7th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 8th vs. tight ends. Besides Stokes and Owens, the Niners list TE Eric Johnson (back - probable) on the injury report for the passing unit. The Cardinals will be without starting CB Duane Starks (neck - out) and CB David Barrett is limited with back trouble (probable). The hungry-for-respect Cardinals will make it tough for the 49'ers on Sunday. Baltimore's Passing Game vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Tough Matchup) Give Chris Redman some credit - he has made a silk purse out of a sow's ear by creating a credible passing threat from the likes of Travis Taylor and Brandon Stokley. Todd Heap is making a statement as the Ravens' #1 receiving threat as well. 97/182 for 1034 yards and 7 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions isn't a fantasy bonanza, but it's credible for a back-up/emergency start type guy. Redman has thrown 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in 3 of his last 4 games, not bad at all for fantasy leagues that rely mostly on touchdowns for scoring. This week the Ravens play for first in the AFC North against a formerly-struggling but now-resurgent Pittsburgh squad, on a roll after embarrassing Indy on Monday Night Football. The Steelers were horrible defending the pass early in the season, and still rank 28th in allowing an average of 264 yards per game. However, over the last four weeks they are stout, ranking 10th in the league allowing 222 yards per contest, and they are very tough on opposing quarterbacks in that span, ranking 3rd in terms of fantasy points allowed. They are more generous to opposing fantasy receivers (22nd) and tight ends (16th), though. Neither unit is bothered by any injuries of note this week. TE Todd Heap's probably a starter in any league, but in a tough divisional battle, look for Redman and his WRs to struggle against the bounce-back Steelers. Pittsburgh's Passing Game vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup) Tommy Maddox is making all the early-season pain go away in Pittsburgh, and has revived Plaxico Burress' 2002 season since taking the helm for the Steelers. Leading the Steelers to victory over the Colts on Monday night, Maddox tossed 2 touchdowns and 1 interception (and had another long touchdown dropped by Burress) to go with his 188 yards. Hines Ward caught the touchdowns last week, but Burress got most of the looks. Burress is clearly the #1 guy for Maddox. Baltimore's defense has played very well in the absence of all-world LB Ray Lewis, barely losing to Indianapolis two weeks ago and upsetting the Jaguars last week. On the season, they are the 17th ranked passing defense in the league (234 yards allowed per game). Over the past four weeks, they are softer, allowing 290 yards per game (28th in the league). They are 19th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 25th vs. opposing receivers, and 25th vs. opposing tight ends in that span. This week, though, Ray Lewis (probable) is expected back in the lineup, and that will make a world of difference in this game. Also on the injury list, pass-rushing DE Michael McCrary is doubtful with his bum knee. The Steelers' offensive line is in trouble: C Jeff Hartings (a key player) is out with a knee injury, and his back-up Mike Schneck has an elbow problem (probable). T Marvel Smith is also nursing a banged up knee (probable). This matchup looks like a classic Steelers/Ravens battle, with neither side giving much up to the opposing unit. Bad Matchups � Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Denver's Passing Game vs. The New England Defense (Bad Matchup) There is one thing the New England defense does very well: defend the pass. They are the 1st ranked unit in the league this season, allowing a mere 171 yards per game and are 2nd over the past four weeks with a meager 147 yards allowed. Fantasy players find points scarce against the Patriots - they rank 9th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 3rd vs. opposing wide receivers, and 20th vs. opposing tight ends in the last four weeks. Denver has quality guys like Shannon Sharpe (team record 214 yards against the lame Chiefs last week), Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey for Brian Griese to throw to, but Otis Smith and Ty Law are solid corners, and Lawyer Milloy combines with Tebucky Jones to provide good safeties, too. Injuries aren't much of a problem for either unit (though the loss of Tom Nalen from Denver's line may open up the pass rush a little more). TE Shannon Sharpe is dealing with a sore knee (probable). This is a tough matchup for Brian Griese and company on Sunday - very tough. New England's Passing Game vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup) Denver's rush defense gets most of the press, but the pass defense has stiffened over the past four weeks, ranking 4th in the league allowing only 192 yards per game. In that span, they are 5th vs. opposing fantasy quarterbacks, 2nd vs. opposing wide receivers, and 27th vs. opposing tight ends. Tom Brady is headed in the opposite direction, coming back down to earth after a stellar start in 2002. Over his last three games, Brady has thrown for 183 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions week 6 vs. Green Bay; 240 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions vs. Miami week 5; and 353 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions vs. San Diego week 4. Anybody else see a trend here? Troy Brown may be ready for the Patriots after rehabbing his injured knee (questionable on the injury report). Other injuries include TE Daniel Graham (shoulder - questionable), G Joe Andruzzi (knee - questionable) and C Grey Ruegamer (foot - questionable). Don't be surprised to see Brady and his team-mates to struggle vs. Denver this week. Carolina's Passing Game vs the Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Veterans Lamar Smith and Rodney Peete had the Panthers on a roll for a while, but that is all ending now. Smith has put up rushing totals of 49, 81 and 19 yards in the last three contests, and scored 0 times in that span. The Panthers look like they'll be forced to start rookie QB Randy Fasani as Chris Weinke suffered a serious concussion last week (he can't remember the game at all), which will allow Tampa Bay to key on Smith. Heck, even if Weinke is in the game, the Bucs will key on Smith and dare the Panthers to throw the ball. Over the last four weeks, Tampa Bay's defense is ranked #1 vs. the pass (146 yards allowed per game), #6 vs. the rush (91 yards per game) and is #1, #4, #1 and #1 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. There are basically no chinks in their armor, despite the recent loss to Philadelphia and Duce Staley's 152 yards. Staley's team has a significantly better offense than the Panthers. This could be a really ugly situation here. Fasani played well this Summer in preseason at times but a week 8 start against Tampa Bay is about as far away from Preseason as you can get. Muhsin Muhammad is their # 1 WR but we'll have him far down our list for this week. Steve Smith and even TE Wesley Walls are worthy of starts in only the largest and deepest leagues. Bottom line is you should look elsewhere this week. Dallas' Passing Offense vs. The Seattle Defense (Bad Matchup) Quincy Carter couldn't cut the mustard, so he's riding the pine. Now leading "Big D's" flying circus - Chad Hutchinson, the former minor league pitcher. Jerry Jones decided he wanted to make a change. So now, the rookie free agent who last took a snap during a game that counted in 1997 as a sophomore quarterback for Stanford (he played 23 college games before going into the pro baseball farm system) will lead the Dallas to victory (according to Jones). So far in 2002 pre-season action Hutchinson was 16/27 for 154 yards, 1 interception and no touchdowns. Seattle's pass defense is not stellar, but the defensive backfield is the unit's strength as the rush defense is pathetic. On the season Seattle ranks 13th in the NFL allowing 224 yards per game. But they've regressed in recent weeks to rank 20th in the league allowing 247 yards per game. They rank 18th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 11th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 4th vs. opposing tight ends in terms of fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks. Not only is Dallas starting a rookie quarterback, they have injuries on the line that will hamper his pass protection. Starting G Matt Lehr is out with a knee injury, and back-up T Marques McFadden is gone with a shoulder injury. Key G Larry Allen is still hampered by a bad ankle (questionable) and C Andre Gurode is nursing a sore toe (probable). For the Seahawks, eternally-injured LB Anthony Simmons is listed as questionable with his bad ankle, and CB Shawn Springs has a foot injury (questionable). Look for Hutchinson to have a tough start to his season, even though Jones and company are starting him against an average NFL defense. Rookies as inexperienced and raw as Hutchinson almost always have huge problems with full-speed NFL defenses. Washington's Passing Game vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Bad Matchup) The great and exciting Patrick Ramsey experiment is over for this week in our nation's capital, as Steve Spurrier continues his best Bengal's-style "quarterback carousel" imitation. This week's starter is once again Shane Matthews, who the Redskins feel gives them their best chance to win right now. What a mess. The Indianapolis defense is pretty tough on the pass, ranking 4th this season allowing only 191 yards per game, and 8th over the last four weeks allowing 210 per contest. They are 4th vs. opposing quarterbacks, 12th vs. opposing wide receivers, and 7th vs. opposing tight ends. On the offensive line, T Chris Samuels (ankle) and G Brendan Stai (knee) are both questionable, as is Danny Wuerffel (shoulder). Indianapolis' S Corey Bird (hip - questionable) and CB Cliff Crosby (knee/shoulder - probable) are the only members of the defensive backfield to appear on the injury report. No stability at the quarterback position means no timing with receivers, no comfort level with the center and line in terms of the cadence, and poor execution. The Colts cash in on the chaos big on Sunday night. New York Giant's Passing Game vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) New York simplified their offense before the week 5 game, and Kerry Collins seemed to come to life vs. the Cowboys. Then, the Falcons came to town and shut the Giants down again week 6 - Collins only managed 207 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception vs. Atlanta. Collins was sacked 3 times by the Falcons in that game, and the constant pressure threw off his rhythm. Philadelphia has a stronger defense than the Falcons do, and they love to hit the passer as often as they can. They are second in the league (tie-San Diego) with 22 sacks and rank 3rd in the NFL for the season (188 yards per game) and over the last four weeks (180) vs. the pass. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing fantasy players over the last four weeks, the Eagles are 8th vs. quarterbacks, 9th vs. wide receivers, and 18th vs. tight ends. The Giants list RG Jason Whittle as questionable with a back problem, and TE Jeremy Shockey my play through the pain of his toe injury (currently listed as questionable). The Eagles' defensive backfield is mostly healthy (a few minor injuries) except for S Rashard Cook (knee - doubtful). Look for the Eagles to give Kerry Collins a very hard time on Monday Night Football.