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 Priest Holmes is playing the toughest rush defense in the league, he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter unless you're sitting on Marshall Faulk. Let's jump to it. Great Matchups – Defenses will have major problems with the offense in these games Denver's Clinton Portis/Mike Anderson vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) Like Denver, Oakland's defense started out 2002 very tough against the run. No longer - the Raiders rank 30th in the league vs. the rush over the last four weeks, allowing 154 yards per game and ranking 26th vs. opposing fantasy backs during that time span. Denver's Clinton Portis is holding down the #1 spot, seeing the ball about 20 times a game and scoring fairly decently - he is the 20th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game this season, and comes into the game off a 111 yard, 2 touchdown performance against New England two weeks ago (26 carries, no receptions). Anderson ran 7 times for 21 yards and 0 scores in that contest. The Raiders are riddled with injuries on their defensive front - starting DE Tony Bryant hurt his neck/spine last Sunday, and Sam Adams is having trouble with a chronic knee condition that keeps flaring up. Denver is without starting C Tom Nalen, placed on IR with a knee injury two weeks ago. Portis and Anderson will have plenty of room to roam when they get the ball on Sunday. Denver Coach Mike Shanahan is of course tough to predict, but I'd expect to the carries to be distributed in this one pretty much as they have been lately with Portis seeing the bulk but Anderson seeing 7-10 carries. Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Shaun Alexander struggled mightily in the early going this season, and he still isn't the explosive fantasy star many expected this year - but, he hasn't been bad in the second quarter of the season, folks. Over 100 yards combined in 2 of his last four games (with 96 vs. a tough Dallas squad and a disappointing 46 vs. St. Louis in the other 2 games), and he's scored 3 touchdowns in those four games. An adequate #2 fantasy back, one must admit (just not as good as his owners hoped). Arizona was playing tough run defense for a time, but then along came San Francisco and St. Louis, who utterly exposed the Cardinals' defenders as pretenders, and not contenders. During the last four weeks, the Cards are the 27th ranked defense in the league vs. the rush, allowing 148 yards per game (178 to Marshall Faulk last week), and ranking 22nd in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Seattle's starting fullback, Mack Strong, is nursing an ankle (questionable), so Alexander might not have an effective lead blocker this week. Starting LB Raynoch Thompson (shoulder) and backup DL Tom Burke (leg) are probable to go Sunday for the Cardinals' defensive front. This looks like a game where we'll see a Shaun Alexander who is more in line with our pre-season expectations. The advantage lies with the Seahawks' star back in this matchup. Arizona's Thomas Jones/Marcel Shipp vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) What defense? That is a fair question to ask when you look at the Seahawk's unit - they just added starting LB Chad Brown to the long list of Seattle defenders out of action. He joins ever-lame Anthony Simmons on the sidelines, where they will watch hapless team-mates do their best doormat imitation on Sunday. For the season, the Seahawks are 32nd in the NFL allowing 173 yards per game, they've "improved" to 31st in the league over the past four weeks, allowing 158 yards per contest, and are 31st in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during those four weeks. Neither Jones nor Shipp were effective against St. Louis last week, but don't worry, the Seahawks will make them look like Pro-Bowlers. Jones carries the ball most often of late, he is the featured back while Shipp is playing more of a "change of pace" role. Jones is a very attractive start and I wouldn't blame you for starting Shipp here. Besides Simmons and Brown, the Seahawks may be without backup LB Tim Terry (concussion - questionable). Starting C Mike Gruttadauria (knee) is doubtful to play, and backup OL John Fina (ankle) is out - but former starting OL Anthony Clement may be able to come back from his torn triceps tendon this week (probable). This is the easiest matchup Jones and Shipp will face all season. New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Carolina Defense (Great Matchup) The meltdown of the Panther's defense continues to accelerate - this week they lost starting DL Brentson Buckner for four weeks due to a steroids violation, adding to the losses of DT Sean Gilbert (broken hip) and DE Fernando Smith (neck). Backup LB Lester Towns is probably out with his foot injury, and starting MLB Dan Morgan is definitely out with a hernia. As you can see, this is not the defense that played dominant football in September and early October. The averages show it - on the season, the Panthers are ranked #11 vs. the rush allowing only 101 yards per game - over the past four weeks, they are 20th allowing 132 yards per contest. The Panthers have remained stout in the red-zone, and are ranked 5th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in that time span. New Orleans' McAllister has been great this season, and currently ranks as the 4th best fantasy back in points-per-game. He utterly trampled a tough Atlanta defensive front in their game two weeks ago, putting up 117 yards on 15 carries and 2 touchdowns on the ground (with 5/56 and another score receiving), and has had a week to rest coming into the Carolina game. New Orleans' offensive unit is healthy and ready to continue opening holes for McAllister this week. The depleted Panthers won't have much luck slowing down McAllister this week. Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Philadelphia's Duce Staley vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup) Duce Staley is having a heck of a second quarter of the 2002 season - suddenly he is racking up yardage left and right, and currently ranks as the 19th best fantasy back in points-per-game. Last week against the Bears was a down week, though (58 yards total) after 3 straight games of 100 + yards combined. Indianapolis' defense is sinking fast, and they are especially vulnerable to the run - on the season they are the 30th ranked rush D in the league, allowing 144 yards per game, and over the past four weeks they are the 25th ranked D allowing 143 per contest. During that span, the Colts are the 18th defense vs. opposing fantasy backs. Backup DL Raheem Brock (ankle) is out for the Colts, starting DT Josh Williams is doubtful with a foot injury, reserve DL Larry Triplett is questionable to play. The Eagles have no injuries of note on their offensive unit. Staley should return to a higher performance level against the soft Colts on Sunday. Pittsburgh's Amos Zereoue / Jerome Bettis vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup) Word on Jerome Bettis this week is that coach Cowher is taking it easy with practice, trying to work Bettis back into game shape slowly to avoid reinjuring the left knee. This approach makes it likely that Zereoue will once again start for the Steelers. Zereoue is coming off his best game in the pros (111 yards rushing on 29 carries and 62 yards receiving on 5 grabs), so Bettis won't be rushed back - is there a running back controversy brewing? We'll see. Atlanta is not particularly tough against the run, allowing 123 yards per game on the season (21st in the NFL) and 132 yards per game over the last four weeks, 19th in the league. They rank 11th vs. opposing fantasy backs during that span. Starting DE Brady Smith (shoulder - doubtful), starting DE Travis Hall (calf - questionable), starting LB Sam Rogers (groin/calf - questionable), starting LB Jon Holecek (knee - probable) and backup LB Jon Thierry (hip - probable) round out the list of Atlanta's aches and pains. The Steelers have no new injuries of note to their rushing team (remember Ma' afala's torn pectoral muscle, though - out). Zereoue should have a productive day against the ailing Falcons but Bettis might see enough action to keep Zereoue from a big day. Washington's Kenny Watson/LaDell Betts vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) 23 rushes for 110 yards and 4 catches for 42 yards against Seattle from Kenny Watson are good enough numbers to allow Stephen Davis another week to recuperate, in coach Spurrier's book. So, this week Watson will go down to play the collapsing Jaguars, and LaDell Betts will spell him and get change of pace duty. The Jaguars rushing defense is not much better than the Seattle defense that Watson tore up last week. The Jags are 23rd in the NFL this season, allowing 138 yards per game, and 26th over the last four weeks, allowing 146 yards per game. They rank 19th in points allowed to opposing running backs during that four week span. The Jags starting DT Marcus Stroud is still nursing his sprained knee (probable), while the Redskins list starting RG Brendan Stai as questionable with his bum knee. Davis is also listed as questionable, but is not expected to play. There is no reason that Watson shouldn't enjoy another fine day against the soft Jags. St. Louis Marshall Faulk vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup) Marshall Faulk is back to being Marshall Faulk know that Mike Martz is feeding him the ball like he should have done all season long. Second only to Priest Holmes this season, Faulk has had enormous games the last 3 weeks, and has gone over 200 yards combined in the last two contests. San Diego plays the run tough (90 yards per game on the season, 4th in the NFL), but has been scored on a lot recently while allowing 97 yards a game the last four weeks (8th in the NFL). They are the 28th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs in the past four weeks. Starting DT Jason Fisk is questionable for the Chargers (sprained ankle), while the Rams list no offensive players of note. Injuries aren't a huge factor in this one. Show weakness against the rush to Marshall Faulk and you're in for a load of trouble, as the Chargers will find out Sunday. But you don't really need all these words - just start Faulk. Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Moe Williams vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Good Matchup) Michael Bennett runs up and down the field, putting the Vikings into positions to score (and occasionally busting a long touchdown run), while Moe Williams punches the ball into the end-zone for the majority of the team's rushing touchdowns (2 for Bennett, 8 for Williams). Player #1 is a decent fantasy back in yardage leagues, and basically worthless in TD only leagues. Player #2 is awesome in TD leagues, and productive but not spectacular in yardage + TD leagues. Don't expect that to change now. The Giants' started the season strong against the run (116 yards per game allowed this season, 19th in the league currently), but have become soft in the recent going (164 yards per game allowed over the past four weeks, dead last in the NFL). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, they rank 3rd in the NFL during that span - so not a whole lot of rushing touchdowns are being scored on them, though. The Giants' starting LB Mike Barrow is questionable to go with a bad hammy, and starting DE Kenny Holmes is probable with his gimpy knee. Corbin Lacina is questionable to play at LG with his sprained knee. New Viking LT Bryant McKinnie is in good condition, reportedly, and may play in up to 25 plays this week as he crams the playbook after his long and painful holdout. The Vikings will run often and with success at home on Sunday - just don't expect a bunch of touchdowns from either Bennett or Williams. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup) Just when the Ravens were hitting their stride offensively, Redman went down with a back problem. Jamal Lewis has been hard hit by the switch to Jeff Blake under center. He's been under 40 yards rushing and under 100 yards combined in both of Blake's starts, and hasn't scored in the last three games (dating back to the win over Jacksonville). Rookie Alan Ricard co-opted 3 touches and a touchdown last week, raising fantasy worries about competition for the ball between Ricard and Lewis. Cincinnati's rushing defense should help Lewis return to good numbers this week. They rank 27th in the NFL this season allowing 134 yards per game, and have been worse over the past four weeks, allowing 142 yards per game (24th in the NFL). They are 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks. Baltimore's offensive line is relatively healthy (reserve Damion Cook missed last week), while Cincy may be without starting DE Vaughn Booker (knee - questionable). This is a sweet matchup for Lewis and the Raven rushing game. Oakland's Charlie Garner vs. The Denver Defense (Good Matchup) The Raiders' juggernaut has been stalled of late, but Charlie Garner just keeps on producing fantasy points. - 52 yards and 1 score, with 16 yards receiving in the loss to San Francisco last week - and he is the 6th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game this season (almost 1000 yards combined already (983 and 7 scores, total)). His team may be struggling, but Garner is a quality fantasy back week in, week out. And that's with some reports saying his hamstring is still a factor. Denver's rushing defense started the season extremely strong, and still ranks 1st in the league, allowing 75 yards per game on average. However, over the last four weeks that number creeps up to 99 yards per game, ranking 9th in the NFL. In that same span, the Broncos are actually the 30th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Antowain Smith scored once and averaged 4.5 yards per carry (13/58) against them week 8, and Priest Holmes scorched them for 113 yards on 24 carries, 4.7 ypc, (7/38 receiving) and 3 scores week 7. As you can see, teams have run on the Broncos with good results lately. Coming off the bye-week, the Broncos are healthy on defense. The Oakland Raiders offensive unit is also good to go, but Garner appears on the early injury report as questionable with a foot ailment. Keep an eye on this as game-time approaches, for certain. Starting RG Frank Middleton (foot) and starting LT Barry Sims (foot) are both probable to play. The Raiders' offense, though sputtering, will be good enough to create a few seams here and there for Garner to exploit. With his explosive potential, all Garner needs is a crack - he'll widen it to a hole. The advantage goes to Garner and company in this one. Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Priest Holmes and his offensive line are awesome. 190 rushes for 857 yards and 13 scores with 51 receptions for 440 yards and 2 scores in 8 games is mind-numbingly good production. Even scarier this week, the Chiefs are rested and refreshed after a bye week 9. The week before the bye Holmes dismantled the Raiders for 184 yards combined and a score. San Francisco is not tough on opposing backs, ranking 24th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks, and letting opposing backs gain an average of 134 yards per game (21st in the NFL) during that span. LB Jamie Winborn is out for the 49'ers, K.C. lists no new injuries this week. Holmes will show the 49ers how it is done on Sunday. Like you need us to tell you start Holmes… Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Eddie George revved up his engine in the past few weeks, going over 100 yards of offense (combined) in each of his last three games - this after struggling mightily weeks 4 and 5 (only 79 yards total over the 2 game span). Touchdown production remains decent - George has 6 on the season (he scored twice in week 6, but hasn't been in the end-zone since). Houston's rushing defense is in the bottom half of the league, ranking 22nd this season allowing 123 yards per game, and 18th over the last four weeks, surrendering 129 yards per contest. Over that four week span, the Texans are 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The Tennessee offensive line is healthy, but starting FB Greg Comella continues to struggle with his dislocated shoulder and missed the team's game vs. Indianapolis. He hasn't been much of a factor this season. Houston's defensive front is healthy - injuries don't impact the matchup much. Look for George to extend his productive trend into this game - he should get some shots at the end-zone, too. San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup) The two headed monster that is the 49'ers backfield continues to produce Wins, and they look to continue that trend against the Chiefs on Sunday. On the season, Hearst is the 25th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game and Barlow is the 28th ranked guy. Kansas City's rush defense is middle of the road, ranking 17th on the season allowing 113 yards per game, and 21st over the past four weeks allowing 134 yards per contest. During that span they are the 24th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Very mediocre numbers, aren't they? Neither squad has significant injuries to report, although C Jeremy Newberry's toe is still bothering him (probable for the game, though). Hearst/Barlow should continue to be effective real-world NFL backs and sub-par fantasy backs this weekend. New England's Antowain Smith vs. The Chicago Defense (Good Matchup) Surprise! The defending world champs still have teeth, and they will bite you if you aren't careful - just ask the Bills. Antowain Smith had a breakout game last week, going 111 yards on 29 carries with one touchdown, and hauled in 5 balls for 31 yards and 2 more touchdowns in an epic and humiliating spanking laid on Buffalo. It was far and away Smith's best game of the season. Will he keep it going vs. Chicago, though? The Bears are not a dominant run defense, in fact they are in the bottom third of the league allowing 127 yards per game this season (24th in the NFL) and are 28th over the last four weeks allowing 151 per contest. They rank as the 21st defense in the league vs. opposing fantasy backs during those four weeks. There are no new Bear's injuries to report this week on the defensive front, and the Pats offensive unit is healthy, too. Bottom line is that the Pats have their groove back on offense, and the Bears aren't tough vs. the run. Advantage, Patriots and Smith. Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup) Walking wounded - that is the term to describe the Lion's defense right now. Reading their injury report takes about as long as reading their 53 man roster - it's that bad in Detroit. The highlights from this week's list - starting LB Clint Kriewaldt (foot) is doubtful; both starting DT's Luther Elliss (elbow) and Shaun Rogers (thumb) are questionable, as is back-up DL Kalimba Edwards (knee). Back-up LB Jeff Gooch is questionable with a rib injury, while starting LB's Chris Claiborne (knee) and Barrett Green (toe) are probable to play. Don't forget that LB Brian Williams is also out with a broken leg. In spite of all the injury woes, the Lions are playing the run tough - they rank 9th in the NFL this season, allowing only 101 yards per contest, and have tightened down in the last few weeks, ranking 6th in the NFL at 86 yards per contest. However, in that span the Lions are 17th ranked in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Ahman Green is on a tear lately - his 143 yards and 2 scores (72 rushing, 71 receiving) vs. Miami last week helped to move him into 8th place on the points scored list for fantasy backs so far in 2002. Green Bay's offense is hitting on all cylinders right now. Starting C Frank Winters is playing through a rib injury (he's probable on the injury report this week). Facing a defensive front as banged up as the Lions, Green should have his way on Sunday. Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games New York Giants' Tiki Barber vs. The Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jim Fassel made a tough call and effectively demoted his offensive coordinator, Sean Payton, when he assumed play-calling duties - and it seems to be working. The Giant's offense was efficient in the win vs. Jacksonville, and Barber put up 163 yards of total offense (101 rushing, 62 receiving) and 2 scores with Fassel shining the spotlight on him. Even forgotten Ron Dayne got into the act, with 52 yards on 13 carries (and one fumble, unfortunately). This week the up-and-down Vikings welcome the Giants to the Metrodome - only one thing is constant this season, they are playing very good run defense. On the season, they are the 6th ranked unit allowing 94 yards per game. Over the past four weeks that number drops to 80 yards (4th in the league), and during that span the Vikings are the 7th ranked defense vs. opposing fantasy backs. Minnesota has no new injuries of note this week on their defensive front, and Barber is expected to play as normal despite his lower leg injury (probable). Reserve OL Dusty Ziegler continues to struggle with a bum knee, he is doubtful to play. This matchup looks fairly even - a resurgent offense against a steady and solid rushing defense means neither has an advantage heading into the contest. Houston's James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. The Tennessee Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jonathan Wells has been more prominently featured in the Texan's running game of late, but James Allen is still getting his hands on the ball about 12 times a game. Neither is particularly effective for the Texans, and neither is worth starting for your fantasy football team (unless you are in desperate straits for a warm body at the RB position). On the season, Allen is the 43rd ranked running back in fantasy points-per-game, and Wells is 46th. It's a case where neither RB is getting enough playing time to be effective. This week the Texans face the Titans, a defense that is becoming progressively softer against the run as the year wanes. On the season, the Titans rank 14th in the NFL allowing 111 yards per game, but over the past four weeks they are 22nd, allowing 134 yards per contest - and ranking 10th in the league vs. opposing fantasy backs. Part of the deterioration of the Titan's rush defense is due to injuries - starting LB Randall Godfrey has missed time recently due to ankle and wrist woes, and DE Jevon Kearse has been out with a broken foot (although he ran in practice this week so he might be ready). Reserve LB Frank Chamberlin (hand) is listed as questionable on the Titan's injury report (remember, the Titans list everybody as questionable - evidently they aren't required to follow the NFL guidelines about injury reports like the other 31 teams do). The Texans' offensive line took yet another blow Monday when starting RG Ryan Schau was placed on IR with a dislocated right toe and a broken left foot (surgery is required to correct the problems). Two sub-par units struggling with injury woes doesn't make for an appealing fantasy matchup on Sunday. Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The New England Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Patriots held down Travis Henry last week, allowing only 53 yards rushing and 12 receiving to the Bill's RB. Can they do it to Anthony Thomas in week 10? On the season the Pats are the 26th ranked rushing D allowing 133 yards per game, and over the last four weeks they are much better, ranking 14th and allowing 120 yards per contest. In that time they've been scored upon a bunch, though, ranking 29th vs. opposing fantasy backs. Thomas finally got over 100 yards combined in a game against the Eagles last week (five weeks earlier he did it against the Saints), and he notched a rare touchdown on 16/52 rushing (and 4/52 receiving). He has hardly been an explosive threat this season, though, ranking 24th on the fantasy points-per-game list for backs in 2002. I think his numbers were better than he looked last week so I'm not getting too excited yet. Starting LB Mike Vrabel (arm) and back-up LB Larry Izzo (leg) are questionable to play against the Bears. Starting FB and lead blocker Dainon Shelton (sprained ankle), starting RG Chris Vallarial (back spasms), and back up OL Bernard Robertson (ankle) are questionable to play for the Bears. Thomas is struggling, but improving, and so are the Patriots. This matchup is a toss up. Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs. The Baltimore Defense (Neutral Matchup) Well, Corey Dillon and the Bengals finally got the "winless" moniker off their collective back. In the victory over expansion Houston, Dillon was effective but not extraordinary, notching 92 yards rushing on 22 carries (0 scores). This season, he is the 15th ranked running back in fantasy points-per-game. Baltimore's defense is reeling with injuries - Ray Lewis remains out with his bum shoulder, and starting DE Michael McCrary missed last week's game with a knee injury. CB Chris McAllister, the team's other veteran leader on defense, injured his ankle in the fourth quarter, and is questionable this week (as is McCrary). The Falcons rushed for 126 yards and 1 score against the Ravens last week. On the season, Baltimore is the 8th ranked rushing D in the league, allowing 99 yards per game, and are 10th over the past four weeks, giving up 104. The team ranks 12th in the NFL vs. opposing fantasy backs in that four week span. The green youngsters of Baltimore will learn a lot on Sunday playing against a seasoned veteran like Corey Dillon - but they are a group that plays beyond their years. Neither side has a decisive edge going into the game. New York Jets' Curtis Martin/LaMont Jordan vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) Suddenly, for one magical game, everything went right for the Jets' team. Martin and Jordan both scored (Jordan averaged a whopping 8.2 yards per carry on the day, with a monster 61 yard romp included with his 107 rushing yards on 13 carries), and the Jets surprised and humiliated mighty San Diego. Now, they face a wounded divisional foe, Miami, and hold home-field advantage in this AFC East showdown. Miami's rushing defense is solid in 2002 - they rank 7th in the league allowing only 95 yards per game on the season. However, they are playing softer in the recent past, ranking 12th in the league allowing 116 yards per game over the past four weeks. In that span, opposing fantasy backs are scoring big points, as the Dolphins rank a lowly 27th in the league in fantasy points allowed to the running back position. Miami's defensive front is in good shape - reserve linebacker Twan Russell has been struggling with a sprained left knee, but that's about it for injuries on the defensive unit. However, their offense has played horribly and is really banged up, leaving the defense on the field an awful lot of late. The Jets are essentially healthy. Martin/Jordan should enjoy decent outings - the Miami defense will probably be on the field a lot and wear down in the second half. The tough thing will be seeing how the carries are distributed. Martin is the man of course as Jordan played mostly the mop up role last week. Although it's pretty clear that Martin's ankle isn't 100% and may not be for the rest of the year. Don't be surprised to see Jordan continue to spell Martin. All in all, a matchup with no clear winner. Carolina's Lamar Smith vs. The New Orleans Defense (Neutral Matchup) As the Panthers have advanced deeper into the season, their offense has faded badly, and so has Smith's production. He did not top 100 yards of combined offense, or score any touchdowns, in the month of October. A small ray of hope in the form of 82 yards on 22 rushes (a 3.7 yards per carry average) vs. the dominant Buccaneers' defensive front showed he is not completely spent, yet, but things didn't go well in the second quarter of the season. Remember, Rodney Peete is expected back on Sunday (he's listed as probable), and Smith's most productive games came when Peete was under center, so Smith might have a surge in the second half - only time will tell. New Orleans has not been strong against the rush this season (119 yards per game allowed, 20th in the league), and they have become really terrible over the past four weeks (152 yards per game allowed, 29th in the league, and the Saints rank dead last in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs). Both units enter this game pretty much injury free, thanks to byes for both squads week 9. Two struggling units meet in this game, and neither looks worse than the other beforehand. Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The St. Louis Defense (Tough Matchup) San Diego was surprised by the Jets last week. Tomlinson was merely good in the loss, gaining 60 yards rushing and scoring 1 touchdown (with 2 catches for 13 yards). On the season, Tomlinson is the 3rd ranked fantasy back in points-per-game, and is already over 1000 yards combined through 8 games (845 yards rushing, 264 receiving, 9 scores, total). St. Louis lurks in wait at the Edward Jones dome, hoping to extend the Charger's losing streak. The Rams are playing very good rushing defense of late, allowing only 60 yards per game (1st in the NFL) over the past four weeks (94 yards per game this season, 5th in the NFL). During those four weeks, the Rams are the 6th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. San Diego's starting LT Damion McIntosh is doubtful with a severely sprained right ankle. St Louis' defensive front has no injuries of note heading into the matchup. LT2 is too good to sit for most teams but look for Tomlinson and his team-mates to really struggle for running room in this game. Indianapolis' James Mungro vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup) Edgerrin James is out with a partially torn hamstring and rib injuries, and his back-up Ricky Williams is also sidelined with a hamstring injury. Dominic Rhodes, Shyrone Stith and Brian Allen have all been lost for the season, and Jim Finn is concussed and unlikely to play. Enter rookie James Mungro, of the Syracuse Orangemen. Mungro is literally the only running back left standing who knows the Indy offense at this point, new signee Autry Denson just arrived in the past week. There are probably only one or two other defensive units that would be a more terrifying prospect than the one Mungro faces in his first start in the NFL - the Philadelphia Eagles. 3rd vs. the rush this season, allowing 87 yards per game, 5th over the last four weeks allowing 85 yards per contest. Ranked 9th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs over the past four weeks. Luckily for the Colts, the Eagles will be limited somewhat by a spate of injuries: starting linebacker Carlos Emmons is doubtful with a hamstring injury, starting linebacker Levon Kirkland is probable with a sprained knee; starting DE Hugh Douglas (knee) and starting DT Corey Simon (shoulder/ankle) are also nursing aches and pains (both are probable to start). Starting RT Adam Meadows is questionable for the Colts. Good Luck, James Mungro. On the upside, it won't get any tougher for him than it will be this weekend. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor/Stacey Mack vs. The Washington Redskins (Tough Matchup) Fred Taylor's back seems to be ok, he's listed as probable for Sundays game and does not seem to be concerned about the injury. We'll see how it holds up for the rest of the week before declaring him A OK, though. Starting RT Zach Wiegert is gone for the season, though, further depleting the line already missing Maurice Williams, Chris Ziemann and Derrick Chambers. Depth concerns are becoming critical in this area. The Redskins' defense is improving vs. the rush as the season goes along, and they are currently the 16th ranked rush D in the league allowing 113 yards per game on the season. Over the last four weeks, they are 7th allowing 89 yards per game, and are ranked 16th in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that time frame. The Redskins are healthy for this one. It's hard to run effectively without holes, so Taylor/Mack may struggle against the solid Redskins on Sunday. Of even more concern is how the carries will be distributed. For Fred Taylor owners, I don't see any reason that Coach Coughlin will change his formula of letting Mack steal those short yardage TDs. Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The New York Jets Defense (Tough Matchup) Uh-oh. Ricky William's owners are wishing Jay Fiedler would get well quickly, because the offense stinks without him in there. Ray Lucas has been ineffective, and now he's injured (jammed shoulder) although it looks like he'll play. Good thing because if Lucas can't go, it would force the Dolphins to start green-as-grass Sage Rosenfels (with ex-Charger and ex-CFL'er Dave Dickenson as the #2) on Sunday. Ricky Williams is a great back with an awesome line, but there's only so much you can do against 8 and 9-man defensive fronts. Green Bay contained him to 70 yards of offense (47 rushing, 23 receiving) and no scores last week, and the Packers are the 25th ranked rushing defense in the league. Williams faces the Dolphin's arch-nemesis this weekend, and the Jets aren't playing like jokes any longer. Even though they rank as the 31st run defense in the league for the season, the Jets are playing much, much better run defense of late - they have allowed only 72 yards per game over the last four weeks, on average (3rd in the NFL), and are ranked 4th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs during that span. Last week they contained LaDainian Tomlinson (and his good line), allowing only 73 yards to the Chargers all day (a healthy 5.2 yards per rush, though). Part of that result was due to the huge lead the Jets compiled by halftime (31-7) which forced the Chargers out of their run-first offense. Aside from Fiedler and Lucas' woes, the Dolphins are without Oronde Gadsden (wrist - IR). The Jets are almost entirely fit and ready to rock (reserve LB Khary Campbell is questionable for Sunday's game). Look for the Dolphins to again struggle at moving the ball against this suddenly-respectable Jets' team. Detroit's James Stewart vs. Green Bay's Defense (Tough Matchup) Ugly - that is the only word to describe Detroit's win over Dallas last week. James Stewart (though he did not score) was decent for fantasy teams that play in leagues where yardage counts, as he put up 91 yards in the game (50 rushing, 41 receiving). His 2.6 yards per carry average was not typical of Stewart's games this year (4.3 ypc on average). This week, the Lions face red-hot Green Bay at Lambeau field. The Packers dominated a wounded Miami team last Monday night, and Vonnie Holliday looked good in his return to the defensive line - the entire defensive unit elevated it's play last week. The Packers' defense has been giving up a lot of yards to opposing backs this season, averaging 127 yards per game (25th) and 137 per game (23rd) over the last four weeks. However, they keep opposing backs out of the end-zone, ranking 2nd in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs in the last four weeks. Of course, Holliday is now out again (for 2-5 weeks) due to torn cartilage in his right knee (surgery is required), so his frustration continues into the second half of 2002. Starting RDT Cletidus Hunt is questionable with a right knee problem, and Joe Johnson (as previously reported) is out for the season - so the defensive front is still thin there in Green Bay, just when it looked like the unit was getting its depth back. Detroit's injury report is as long as a Charles Dickens novel - the highlights are: James Stewart (back), starting FB Corey Schlesinger (back), starting RG Tony Semple (neck), starting LT Stockar McDougle (groin), starting TE Mikhail Ricks (groin), reserve OL Matt Joyce (hip) and reserve TE Matt Murphy (back) are questionable for the game Sunday. Reserve TE John Owens (shoulder) and backup RB Aveion Carson (ankle) are probable. Even with the loss of Holliday, the Packers are the stronger (and healthier) team going into the game on Sunday. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Atlanta's Michael Vick/T.J. Duckett/Warrick Dunn vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup) Vick was not the leading rusher for the Falcons last week - in fact, he posted a -5 yards total in that department last Sunday in a rough outing vs. the Ravens. Duckett led the attack with 75 yards on 13 carries and 1 score, Dunn managed 40 yards on 10 carries and 1 catch for 23 yards. It was good enough to beat the Ravens, 20-17, but didn't set the fantasy scoring records in anyone's league. This week, the Falcons play the energized Pittsburgh Steelers, who are on a roll after their slow start in 2002. Pittsburgh is very tough against the run of late, ranking 2nd in the NFL allowing only 63 yards rushing per game the last four weeks, and is 1st ranked against opposing fantasy backs in points allowed. Duckett's injured foot has flared up again, and he is listed as doubtful for the game against the Steelers. The Falcon's starting LT Bob Whitfield is questionable with a shoulder problem, and backup OL Michael Thompson is also struggling with a shoulder injury. Pittsburgh's defense is healthy and ready to mix it up at home. Dunn and Vick can create opportunities with their elusiveness, but they will have to work extra hard against the ultra-tough Steeler's defensive front.