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 Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The Buffalo Defense (Great Matchup) Priest Holmes' statistics from last week look pretty lame, until you know that he had a touchdown and a long run called back on questionable penalties by the officials. Even so, his 51 yards and a score on 11 carries were respectable, just not the bonanza his owners are used to week in and week out from Holmes. Expect Holmes to get back to form against the soft Bills. They rank 21st this season allowing 124 yards per game, and are 13th over the past 4 weeks, allowing 110 yards per game. What makes the matchup so juicy for Holmes owners is the following statistic: the Bills are next-to-last in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs over the past four weeks. Buffalo has no new injuries of note to report on their defensive front, and the Chiefs list only backup OL Willie Jones (neck - out) on the injury report. Have fun Holmes owners. Denver's Clinton Portis/Mike Anderson vs. The Seattle Seahawks (Great Matchup) Most (but not all) NFL starters feast on the Seahawk's pathetic rushing defense - Thomas Jones during week 10 being the exception - and the Seahawks suffered yet another loss to their linebackers corps when starting LB Isaiah Kacyvenski went down (for several weeks) to an ankle injury this week. He joins Chad Brown (IR - foot) and Anthony Simmons (high ankle sprain) on the sidelines - all the starters on the unit are out, now. Even with Brown and Kacyvenski, the Seahawks were bad - 32nd in the NFL allowing 166 yards per game on average - over the past four weeks they improved those numbers marginally, to 145 yards allowed per game (27th in the NFL). They are 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that 4 week stretch. Clinton Portis is playing well in Denver, and has scored enough to rank as the 21st fantasy back thus far in 2002, in terms of fantasy-points-per-game. Over the past few weeks he has been scoring touchdowns, racking up 4 of his 6 touchdowns scored this season during the past three games, but he is struggling in terms of yardage - only one game over 100 yards total in those three contests, and only 50 yards rushing against Oakland on Monday night (26 yards receiving). Anderson's role is diminishing as Portis becomes the featured back, but he is still averaging about 8 touches a game over the last four weeks (only 4 last week, though). Besides the shattered linebacker's corps, the Seahawks have DE Brandon Mitchell on IR (calf injury). The Broncos lost C Tom Nalen to IR a few weeks ago. NFL backs that have played Seattle this season (not named Jones) have torn apart the Seahawks for big games. Portis should have a very good day. Philadelphia's Duce Staley/Dorsey Levens/Donovan McNabb vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Duce Staley, where are you? Staley looked like he was re-asserting himself as the featured back in Philly for a few weeks, but suddenly has dropped off the end of the world in the last two games, failing to score and failing to top 60 yards (combined) in either of his last two starts. Dorsey Levens stole carries from Staley last week, but not the week before that - it is a troubling decline for Staley owners. Arizona can't tackle anybody right now, they are the 30th ranked rushing defense in the league over the past four weeks, allowing 149 yards per contest and ranking 26th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. This is a big decline from their 17th ranking on the season (117 yards per game allowed, on average). Only one Cardinal defender appears on the current injury list, LB Rob Frederickson (neck - questionable). Philly lists G John Welbourne as doubtful (calf/leg) and Levens is probable with a hand injury, as is McNabb with his tweaked knee and ankle. This is a good week for Staley and McNabb to rack up some quality fantasy numbers as long as Levens will stay on the sidelines. The threat of Levens is probably enough to knock Staley down a couple of notches of where he might have been a few weeks ago against this awful defense. Atlanta's Warrick Dunn / T.J. Duckett / Michael Vick vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Great Matchup) Warrick Dunn had a great game against the Saints week 8, 23/142 and 1 score rushing, and 5/28 through the air. T.J. Duckett remains doubtful to play with his ankle injury, but keep an eye on his progress. Vick racked up 91 yards and 2 scores on the Saints, so it's safe to say that the Falcons trampled New Orleans in that game. Dunn's coming off a 129 yard, 1 touchdown rushing performance against the Steelers, so he's got some momentum and rhythm going right now, too. New Orleans' rushing defense has remained awful since the Falcons humiliated them - the Saints have allowed 117 yards per game on average this year, 18th in the NFL, but over the past four weeks they give away 168 yards per game, 31st in the league, and are dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. LB Travis Carroll remains hobbled by his leg injury (questionable) for the Saints, and LB Darrin Smith has leg problems, too (probable). Duckett is doubtful, as mentioned above, and so is C Roberto Garza (foot). This one should look like the last one, if not worse from a Saints' fan's perspective. Advantage, Atlanta. Just keep an eye on Duckett's status later this week. If he's in the game, Dunn drops down a notch or two. Washington's Stephen Davis/Kenny Watson vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Great Matchup) Steve Spurrier - foe of fantasy owners stuck with Redskins everywhere across this great land. His latest fantasy sin - announcing a probable running back by committee between star Stephen Davis (who claims he's feeling good and ready to roll) and fill-in Kenny Watson (a solid but unexciting backup). That just about crowns Spurrier as the least fantasy-friendly head coach in the NFL. Nobody's job is safe, everybody on the team is interchangeable, replaceable and releasable. To make this RBBC even more painful, the Giants have been steamrolled by everybody recently - they are dead last in the NFL allowing 216 yards per game over the last four weeks (just think what Stephen Davis might do to them with 30 carries…). During that time span, they are 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, so they aren't giving up a ton of touchdowns. G Brenden Stai is still struggling with his ever-injured knee (questionable). The Giants list LB Nick Griesen (foot - doubtful), LB Quincy Monk (ankle - questionable), LB Mike Barrow (hamstring - probable) and DE Kenny Holmes (knee - probable) on this weeks report, so the defensive front is fairly banged up, as you can see. It's a great matchup, but which back will see the most action? Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) Ahman Green is the 5th best fantasy back in points per game, and he has really come on in the second quarter of the season, with 7 touchdowns in the last four games - his latest effort was shortened by a concussion, but he is reported to be fine and ready for the Vikings. The Vikings are middle tier in terms of rushing defense, allowing 103 yards per game this season, 10th in the NFL, and 109 yards per game over the last four weeks, 12th in the NFL. They rank 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that four weeks span. Green Bay's starting unit is good to go. Minnesota lists DE Kenny Mixon (neck) as questionable, and LB Henri Crockett (hip) and DT Chris Hovan (back) as probable to go Sunday. Green Bay's offense is firing on all cylinders, and will do well on Sunday against the game but outmatched Vikings. New York Giants' Tiki Barber vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup) Tiki Barber has really come on since Fassel assumed play-calling duties - he was 24/127 and one score with 7 catches for 46 yards last week, and went 19/101 and 2 scores, with 4 for 62 the week before. Now that's what fantasy owners are looking for. Washington's ballyhooed defense is very mediocre at run defense - they have improved from the season average of 116 yards allowed (16th in the NFL) to 94 yards per game on average over the last four weeks (6th in the league), but rank 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. DE Carl Powell (groin) is questionable for the Redskins, and DT Daryl Gardener (back) is probable to play. Barber and his line are ready to rock. Look for Barber to help his team beat up on division rival Washington. New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Atlanta Defense (Good Matchup) This one qualifies as a huge game in the NFC South division - Atlanta beat New Orleans week 8, Tampa Bay is nipping at the Saints' heels (also at 7-2) and Atlanta is in the hunt to win the division out-right if they play their cards right. McAllister had a stellar game in the loss, rushing for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns, and catching 5 passes for 56 yards and 1 score, so he isn't afraid of facing the Falcons again in the Georgia Dome. Atlanta's rush defense isn't doing very well - they are 25th in the NFL allowing 129 yards per game, and 29th in the league over the past four weeks, hemorrhaging 149 yards per contest. However, they stiffen in the red-zone - Atlanta is 8th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the four week span. DE Travis Hall (foot - doubtful), LB Sam Rogers (groin/toe - probable) and DE Brady Smith (hip - probable) are on the report for the Falcon's defensive front. New Orleans' G LeCharles Bentley continues to be limited by his ankle problem (questionable). Look for McAllister to have another successful day in Atlanta. He's a must start in just about any league. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) If Hearst and Barlow's numbers belonged to just one back, that person would bump LaDainian Tomlinson down to #3 on the scoring list. As things stand, Tomlinson is the second-best fantasy back in the land, with 965 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns, and another 288 yards receiving with 1 more score through the air. His line is very good, and Tomlinson is the engine that makes San Diego go. This week, Tomlinson lashed out at his team-mates in the aftermath of the St. Louis debacle, saying that his compatriots lacked both "heart" and "pride". It'll be interesting to see how his teammates respond. In any case, the San Francisco defense is an inviting target for Tomlinson: they allow 111 rushing yards per game on average this season (15th in the NFL), and over the past four weeks that number jumps to 123 yards per game (19th). During that span, the 49'ers are ranked 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The boxscore shows the "held" down Priest Holmes last week but we all know Holmes had one huge run called back plus a TD nullified by penalty. The Chargers' starting OT Damion McIntosh continues to struggle with the sprained ankle (doubtful) that kept him out of last week's game, and Vaughn Parker is out with his elbow woes. San Francisco's defensive front is hurting at the LB position - former starter Jamie Winborn is out indefinitely with his knee injury, and Frank Strong is on IR with a shoulder problem. Backup Saleem Rasheed missed the KC game with a strained quadriceps, and is questionable to play this week. Tomlinson and the Charger's should enjoy a good day against the 49'ers squad. St. Louis Rushing Game vs. The Chicago Defense (Good Matchup) Will Marshall Faulk go, or won't he? Initially, he thought he would, then word was he was gonna miss the game, and now we hear that Faulk is recovering more swiftly than expected and may be able to go Monday, after all. Supposing he can't go, then we have another conundrum - will Lamar Gordon or current dog-house dweller Trung Canidate get the nod from coach Martz. There is high drama in the Rams' backfield this week. I think it'll be Gordon if Faulk can't go but that you'll see some of Canidate as well. The extra day makes it even tough to set your lineup as a real decision likely won't be made until Sunday night or Monday. Chicago is more of a doormat than a defense when it comes to the rushing phase of the game. This season, they are 20th in the NFL allowing 122 yards per game, and over the last four weeks they are 24th allowing 134 per contest. In that time frame, they rank 30th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. DT Ted Washington remains out with his ankle woes. DT Christian Peter is probable to play through his leg problem for the Bears. One thing we know for sure about the Rams' backfield - Chris Hetherington is out of the mix due to a groin injury. Marshall Faulk has a warrior-type mentality. Says Ricky Proehl: "I wouldn't bet against it, that's for sure. He's unreal and he plays hurt more than anybody I've ever played with." Whoever goes at RB should have success. New England's Antowain Smith/Kevin Faulk vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup) New England won the game, but Antowain Smith didn't do much in fantasy terms last week. His 10 rushes for 41 yards yielded a good yards-per-carry average, but no scores. His 24 yards of receptions were key in the game, but non-factors in fantasy land. Is Kevin Faulk going to vulture Smith at the same rate the rest of 2002? Smith owners fervently hope it won't be so. Remember, Smith was the guy catching 2 touchdown passes 2 weeks ago, so don't panic yet. Oakland's rushing D isn't too hot - after starting the season gang-busters, they are now the 11th ranked team in the NFL this season, allowing 103 yards per game on average. Over the past four weeks, they are much worse, ranking 23rd in the league allowing 134 yards per game and they are 19th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs during that four week period. Starting DE Tony Bryant is still struggling with his neck injury for Oakland, and will not play Sunday. DE Trace Armstrong is questionable with an ankle problem. The Patriots' RG Joe Andruzzi is still hurting, but playing through the pain of his knee problem. Antowain Smith should have plenty of good luck against the soft Oakland defensive front. Oakland's Charlie Garner vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) Charlie Garner's production is slipping as the season progresses. First off, he has one touchdown (a rush) in the last five games. Secondly, he hasn't gone over 100 yards combined in the last two contests. His 5 rushes for 2 yards and 7 catches for 89 yards last week were hardly the stuff which puts fantasy squads over the top in the stretch run. One reason for the drop might be the return of Tyrone Wheatley to the lineup in the last two weeks - he hasn't done that much (10 touches total in the last two weeks, but 7 last Monday), but he has seen the ball enough to bring Garner down a few pegs. New England's rushing defense is somewhat improved from the beginning of the season - they rank 11th vs. the rush over the last four weeks, allowing 109 yards per game (compared to 27th in the league allowing 132 on the season). However, the Pats still allow a lot of fantasy points to opposing running backs - they rank 25th in the league in this category over the past four weeks. Neither team's unit reports new injuries of note. Look for Garner to rekindle his early-season magic against the soft Patriots in this grudge match (remember the tuck-rule?). Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Dallas' Emmitt Smith/Troy Hambrick vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup) Dallas' head coach Dave Campo is now talking publicly about playing Troy Hambrick a lot more in the second half of the season. On Tuesday, November 12th (as reported on dallasnews.com), he said "We've got to figure out what he brings to us," Campo said. "He's shown us spurts where he's very good and we need to see more of what he can do." Expect the erosion of Emmitt Smith's playing time to begin this week in the game vs. Indianapolis, when Hambrick figures to play more series and get more (and maybe a lot more) than the 3-7 touches of the ball he has seen in the Cowboy's last five games. Naturally, more carries for Hambrick means less touches for Smith. Both have struggled to produce behind a banged-up line (and with a rookie quarterback under center). The Indianapolis run defense hasn't been very good this season - but last week against the Eagles they were respectable, holding McNabb, Staley and Levens and company to 105 yards on 22 carries, and 0 touchdowns. That's still a 4.8 yards per carry average, but against the complex and effective Eagle's offense, it was a stout performance by a heretofore underperforming defense. Injuries of note - the Cowboy's starting OT Larry Allen is still struggling with his bum left ankle, and starting OG Matt Lehr is sidelined with a right knee sprain. Backup OL Javiar Collins joins Lehr on the sidelines due to a knee problem - both are out indefinitely. The Colts may be without the services of starting DT Josh Williams (foot/arm - questionable), and backup DL Raheem Brock is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain. Indianapolis isn't very good at stopping the run, and Dallas isn't too good at running the ball, either. Sounds like a toss-up to us - but be wary of the Hambrick/Smith situation. Pittsburgh's Amos Zereoue / Jerome Bettis vs. The Tennessee Defense (Neutral Matchup) Amos Zereoue is hot - he's had two solid games in relief of Jerome Bettis (37/123 and 29/111 rushing) and looks like he is in a position to supplant Bettis as the #1 running back in Pittsburgh next season. Even if Bettis plays, look for Zereoue to still get a significant (but not starting-caliber) number of touches. One big concern from the fantasy viewpoint is Zereoue's lack of touchdowns during the last two games- 0 scores out of those 66 carries isn't exciting to fantasy owners. He's clearly a different type of runner than the bruising Bettis. Tennessee's rushing defense is nothing special this season - they are 13th in the NFL allowing 106 yards per game on average, and are 15th over the past four weeks allowing 115 yards per contest. Opposing fantasy backs have managed modest production - the Titans are 14th in the league in points allowed to opposing backs during that four week span. DE Jevon Kearse isn't quite ready to come back yet for the Titans, and linebackers Randall Godfrey (ankle) and Frank Chamberlain (hand) are likely to be out as well - as usual, everyone is listed as questionable on the injury report. Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala is still on the Steeler's injury report - he's likely out with that torn pectoral muscle. Jerome Bettis was listed as questionable on the early injury report with his aching knee but is reportedly doing better. A couple of linemen have minor injuries, but nothing that should keep anyone out of the game on Sunday. This is a big game for both teams - expect them to both put forth maximum effort to keep their winning (or, in the case of the Steelers, unbeaten) streaks alive. Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup) Henry and the Bills headed into the bye last week on a cold streak. They had just been stomped by the division-rival Patriots, and Henry was held to 60 total yards and 0 scores during the game. Ouch. Luckily for Henry, this week he gets to play super-soft KC. Kansas City's defense stinks in both phases - they allow opposing quarterbacks to carve them up (who better than Bledsoe, Moulds and Price to torture the Chiefs?), and opposing backs feast on the many holes that form on the defensive line. For the season, the Chiefs are ranked 19th vs. the rush (32nd vs. the pass), allowing 118 yards per game (320). Over the past four weeks, their rush defense has worsened, now allowing 126 yards per game (19th in the NFL), and they are 22nd in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that time frame. Double-threat backs like Henry who have good hands (27/190 receiving this season) really shred the Chiefs. K.C. is healthy coming into the game on their defensive front, with no new injuries (DT Ryan Sims is on IR with his elbow injury, though), and the Bills are rested and rejuvenated after the bye week. Travis Henry and the rest of the Bills will shoot it out with the Chiefs on Sunday. He'll have success but I'd expect the Bills to do more of what they do best and throw the ball against a suspect Chief secondary. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) Baltimore stomped Cincinnati last week, and Jamal Lewis was a big part of it - 135 yards on 21 carries (6.4 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns is a good day by any yardstick. It was good to see a return to top form, because the 2 games before the Cincinnati matchup were sub-par for Lewis Owners - under 100 yards combined in both contests, and 0 scores. Will Lewis keep the momentum going vs. Miami? Normally, you wouldn't like his chances - the Dolphins are 5th against the rush this season allowing only 95 yards per game. However, since Jay Fiedler went down and ineffective Ray Lucas stepped under center, the defense has been overloaded due to the offensive woes. Over the last four weeks, the Dolphins are the 14th ranked rushing D in the NFL, allowing 111 yards per contest - and they are 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Curtis Martin got his against the Dolphins, putting up 74 yards rushing (18 receiving) and a score last week. The Ravens' rushing offense comes into this game essentially healthy (excepting the back woes of one-time starter Chris Redman). However, WR Brandon Stokely is out with a foot injury, and star TE Todd Heap is questionable with a tweaked knee. If Heap can't play, Lewis is going to get the same treatment from Miami that Ricky Williams will get from Baltimore - 8- and 9-man fronts. Keep an eye on Heap if you have Lewis on your team. The Dolphins will be without backup LB Twan Russell (knee - out). DE Adewale Ogunleye is probable with his tweaked knee. Look for Lewis to wear down the long-suffering Dolphins' defense and put up good numbers on the day (especially in the second half). Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The Baltimore Defense (Neutral Matchup) If you can't pass the ball effectively, you can't run effectively in the NFL. Just ask Ricky Williams, who is seeing enough 8- and 9-man fronts to drive most backs to utter despair. He's struggled to go over 50 yards rushing in the last two games (53 and 47 yards, respectively), hasn't cracked 100 yards total offense over the past 2 weeks, and has no scores in that span, either. Not too good. To be fair, part of Lucas' problem is a depleted receiving corps (Oronde Gadsden is out with a wrist injury, and hired gun Cris Carter is out with kidney trouble). Baltimore is proving that they actually can win a game or two without their stars - Ray Lewis, Michael McCrary and Chris McAllister have all missed extensive time in recent weeks - but the team isn't particularly stout against the run, ranking 17th vs. the rush over the past four weeks, allowing 119 yards per game (9th allowing 102 on average this season) and a lowly 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. This week, Lewis and McCrary are listed as doubtful, and McAllister is questionable, so the Ravens' defense will be lean on experienced players again this week. Starting T Mark Dixon is questionable with his ongoing ankle woes, and Ricky Williams is probable to play through a slightly tweaked ankle. Look for Williams to get some chances for redemption this week against the green-but-learning Ravens' defense. Cleveland's William Green vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Neutral Matchup) How bad are the Browns' rushers this season? This bad - as of their bye, week 10, the Browns were 32nd in the NFL averaging 72 yards per game, 28th in yards per carry at 3.5, last in rushing attempts with 185, 31st with only 3 rushing touchdowns and tied for 29th with only 2 runs longer than 20 yards. Whether you blame William Green's ineffectiveness, Butch Davis and company's play-calling/preparation, or Jamel White's tender shoulder, the bottom line is this: none of the Cleveland backs are doing well in 2002, and their best guy, Jamel White, is merely a fill-in/emergency type fantasy back, currently 34th on the fantasy points-per-game list for running backs. Add in the fact that White will stand on the sidelines with his arm in a sling this week (separated shoulder - out), and prospects don't look good for the Brown's rushing attack. William Green (with his 2.25 yards per carry on the season) is the "man" for Cleveland this week. The Bengals are not a good team, and their record shows it - their rushing defense is not good, as one would expect. They rank 29th in the NFL this season, allowing 137 yards per game, and are 21st over the last four weeks, allowing 126. Surprisingly, they are 7th in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs in that span - but they gave up 2 touchdowns to Jamal Lewis last week, so don't be too impressed. The Bengal's already horrid team lost a starting DT, Oliver Gibson (Achilles) for the season last Sunday. Starting DE Vaughn Booker hasn't been able to play recently, either. In this battle of the NFL's bottom feeders, neither team looks too much worse than the other. They'll race to the bottom on Sunday - look elsewhere for your starters, in our opinion. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor/Stacey Mack vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral Matchup) Fred Taylor played through an injury (gasp) and put up good numbers last week, in spite of his ailing back. 21/82 and 1 score rushing, with 7/27 receiving is a good day any way you slice it. Stacey Mack continued his "vulture Taylor" spree, notching 56 yards on 8 carries and 1 score. Mack now has 6 rushing scores to Taylor's 5 this season. Taylor is the 12th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game, Mack is the 41st (but he's much more valuable than that in TD leagues). Houston's rushing D is respectable (for an expansion team) 18th in the NFL vs. the rush over the last four weeks, allowing 121 yards per game (22nd, allowing 125 on the season). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, they are 9th in the NFL during the four most recent weeks - hardly push-overs. Jacksonville has no more offensive linemen to add to the injury report this week (lucky for them) - Zach Wiegert, Chris Ziemann, Derrick Chambers and Maurice Williams are all on IR, as previously reported. The Texans list backup LB Erik Flowers (hamstring) and DE Gary Walker (elbow) as probable this week. It was nice to see Jacksonville stay committed to run last week. Taylor struggled in the first half but eventually, the Jaguars running game started clicking. Hopefully for Taylor / Mack owners, they'll continue that philosophy. All in all, a neutral matchup for both Taylor and Mack. San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The San Diego Defense (Neutral Matchup) There isn't a better tandem at running back in the league than Hearst and Barlow. The two have combined for 211 rushes producing 994 yards, and 43 receptions for 337 yards and 10 touchdowns, total (4 rushing, 1 receiving, each back). If one guy had those numbers, he'd trail only Priest Holmes on the fantasy points-per-game scoring list. As is, Hearst is the 25th best fantasy back, and Barlow is the 30th. So unless you play "team RB", neither are enough to carry your team by themselves. San Diego's rushing defense doesn't give up many yards - they rank 2nd in the league averaging only 87 yards allowed per game, and are 5th over the past four weeks, allowing only 91 - but they do allow opposing backs to score quite a bit lately. Over the past four weeks, the Chargers are the NFL's18th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Hearst is expected to play as usual despite his slight shoulder/neck injury from last week's game vs. K.C. C Jeremy Newberry (toe) and T Derrick Deese (ankle) are both listed as probable. The Chargers may not have backup LB Carlos Polk on Sunday - he's rehabbing a severely sprained ankle this week. San Diego will challenge the 49'ers two headed monster - but Hearst and Barlow are up to it. This matchup is a toss up. New York Jets' Curtis Martin/LaMont Jordan vs. The Detroit Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Jets have returned from the dead in the second quarter of the season, and it's partly due to a renewed effectiveness in the rushing phase of the game. Curtis Martin looks almost back to form, and has put up 3 touchdowns in the last four games, and been over 100 yards combined in 2 of the last 4. Jordan had a huge game 2 weeks ago, and was inserted in short-yardage situations in the second half of last week's game vs. the Dolphins. But be careful - Lamont Jordan is starting to see more and more carries. Detroit has moved from a laughingstock of the NFL to mediocre in the recent past, especially in terms of their rushing defense. The Lions are 14th ranked in rushing yardage allowed this season, at 106 yards per game, and are 7th ranked over the past four weeks allowing only 96 yards per game. During that span, they are the 17th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Jets are essentially healthy heading into Sundays' matchup. The Lions aren't nearly as banged up as they were last week, but still list starting LB Clint Kriewaldt as questionable to play with his foot injury. The Jets have become effective in the rushing game of late, and the Lions are a decent run defense. This matchup is even heading into Sunday's game. Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Moe Williams vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) Michael Bennett appears to have realized that the only way he'll get touchdowns is to bust big runs - and now he's following through by doing just that. He has played three great games in a row (106, 114, 167 yards, with 1 touchdown in each of the past two weeks). Moe Williams continues to see goal line plunge duty (6 touchdowns in the last five games, at least one in every contest). It's a combination that is producing for the Vikings. From a FF perspective, Green Bay's defense is a whole lot better now than they were to begin 2002 - over the past four weeks, they are the 25th ranked rushing defense in terms of yards allowed per game (138), but are 1st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. In other words, not a lot of touchdowns are being scored against them. Minnesota has some banged up linemen, but no-one is seriously hurt - T Lewis Kelly has an ankle injury (questionable), G David Dixon (toe) and G Corbin Lacina (back) are probable to go. Green Bay is again without DE Vonnie Holliday (knee) and DT Cletidus Hunt is questionable with his knee injury. This looks like an even matchup heading into the game - be less enthused about starting Moe Williams, but Bennett should rack up some yards for sure. Carolina's Lamar Smith vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) Tampa Bays' Defense: 101 yards per game allowed this season, 8th in the NFL. Over the past four weeks, 147 yards per game allowed, 28th in the NFL, ranked 24th vs. opposing fantasy backs. Huh? Well, Duce Staley slapped 152 yards against them, then Lamar Smith put 82 on them, and then Michael Bennett racked up 114 - other people gained yardage on those days, too. Bottom line - the Buc's defense isn't dominating the rushing game right now. 80 yards rushing, an occasional score, and a few yards receiving - that's what Lamar Smith is managing most games these days. He put up 82 yards rushing on 22 carries vs. Tampa week 8, and that was without Rodney Peete providing a legitimate passing threat. Injuries don't explain away the Buc's collapse - they list Anthony McFarland as out (forearm) this week, and Warren Sapp's back is bothering him (probable), but other wise they're healthy. Carolina has a couple of dinged linemen - G Jamar Nesbit (ankle - questionable) and C Jeff Mitchell (neck - probable) - but they are only minor complaints. Expect Lamar Smith to keep on keeping on this week - he could be half-decent, but not spectacular against the stumbling Bucs. Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Carolina Defense (Neutral Matchup) Bust. That's what I call Michael Pittman. 40th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game, and 0 touchdowns in 9 games into the season, it's time to call him what he is - a fantasy bust. Alstott's not a whole lot better, but at least he scores sometimes (5 scores in 9 games). Carolina's defense is gutted at mid-season. DT Brentson Buckner temporarily went brain dead and violated the league steroid policy with a nutritional supplement (4 week suspension), DT Sean Gilbert broke his hip and is out for the season, starting MLB Dan Morgan has a hernia and is out until early December. DE Fernando Smith is on IR with a neck injury. Backup LB Lester Towns is out for the season with a severe foot injury. No wonder Carolina is 16th in the league allowing 118 yards per game during the last four weeks, down from the season average of 101 (7th in the NFL). They are 11th vs. opposing fantasy backs during the most recent 4 weeks. In addition to those listed above, DE Mike Rucker is hobbled by an ankle problem (questionable). The Buccaneers bring in a healthy line (only C Jeff Christy is listed, probable with a tweaked knee). Two RBs who are having a tough time producing stats vs a defense that's on it's heels. Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup) Corey Dillon. Week after monotonous week, he leaves it all on the field - and his team loses. 150 yards (combined) from Dillon weren't enough to carry his team last week, as the Bengals were aiming to put together a win streak after defeating the expansion Texans, but fell to the Ravens instead, 38-27. Mike Brown, you are a bad, bad man for torturing such a fine running back in this manner for so many years. Division foe Cleveland fields a defense that is hitting it's stride in the rushing phase of late - though 28th in the NFL this season, allowing 135 yards per game on average, the Browns are ranked 9th over the last four weeks, allowing only 99 per contest, and a stout 4th vs. opposing fantasy backs during that span. Cincy says that they are good to go, with no new injuries of note to report - a couple of linemen are dinged up but probable (starting C Rich Braham (ankle) and starting T Levi Jones (toe)). Cleveland lists starting DE Kenard Land (groin - doubtful), backup DT Alvin McKinley (thumb - doubtful), and backup LB's Kevin Bentley (hand - questionable) and Ben Taylor (hamstring - questionable) after the bye week rest. Cleveland rested last week. Cincinnati lost again. Advantage, Browns. Houston's Jonathan Wells/James Allen vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Tough Matchup) We sincerely hope that you are not being forced to start either Jonathan Wells (109 rushes for 352 yards and 1 score, 6 receptions for 36 yards and 0 scores this season) or James Allen (92 rushes for 329 yards, 0 scores, 20 receptions for 155 yards and 0 scores this season) for your fantasy team. They have 1 whole touchdown between the pair of them so far this season. Wells has not gained more than 50 yards combined in the last 4 weeks. Allen hasn't gained more than 50 yards combined in the last 3 weeks. If you are actually starting either, make a free agent move or a trade before the transaction deadline! Jacksonville's rushing defense is sub-par in 2002 - they are 26th in the NFL on the season (allowing 130 yards per contest), and 20th over the last four weeks (allowing 125 yards per game). They are ranked 12th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs over the past four weeks. Houston's decimated offensive line (Boselli and Ryan Schau are both on IR, and Ryan Young has barely been able to play this year) is partly to blame for Allen and Well's woes. Young is probable to play this week, though. G DeMingo Graham and T Chester Pitts are playing through minor dings as well - both are listed as probable. Jacksonville comes in with starting DT John Henderson dealing with a concussion (probable) and new DT Marcus Stroud limited by a bum knee (probable) - added to Tony Brackens and Tim Morabito on IR. Houston's rushing attack is more anemic than the Jaguar's defensive front. Advantage, Jags. Indianapolis' James Mungro / Ricky Williams / Edgerrin James vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup) James Mungro - surprise ravager of the Eagles' D last Sunday - has his owners hoping for another start but it's very up in the air now as to who will get the carries. Edgerrin James' rib and hamstring injury is still bothering him, and #1 backup Ricky Williams is progressing from his pulled hamstring. Mungro's production - 44/174 and 2 scores rushing, with 8 receptions for 53 yards - in his 2 appearances put him in the top 10 of fantasy running backs in terms of fantasy points-per-game (#6), so he'd definitely be worth starting if we knew he'd play a lot. The Indianapolis line pulled it's act together against the tough Eagles' D, opening holes for him to exploit (and protecting Peyton Manning much better: 0 sacks) - if they can keep it going, Mungro should continue to produce. The Dallas rush defense is one of the better units in the NFL this season, 12th in the league allowing 105 yards per game, on average. They have been a bit better over the last four weeks, ranking 10th (allowing 100 yards per game) - they are 6th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Mungro battled through a shoulder injury to play last week, and it is still bothering him - but not so much that he won't be able to go, in all likelihood. His knee's an issue too. Backup OL Waverly Jackson is battling elbow and knee troubles, and he may not be available again this Sunday. The Dallas defense lists starting DE Greg Ellis (concussion - probable) on the injury report, DE Ebenezer Ekuban is questionable with a quadriceps strain, and key LB Dat Nguyen remains sidelined with a broken right wrist. Whoever runs the ball along with the Colts offensive line will be challenged once again this weekend by a tough Dallas rushing defense. They looked more than up to the challenge against the Eagle's top flight unit - this matchup is another tough one, though. Seattle's Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris vs. The Denver Defense (Tough Matchup) Shaun Alexander has a left arm injury that is limiting his ball-handling abilities, and Maurice Morris is getting more time on the field as a result. Alexander was out of the game in the fourth quarter last week, and Morris looked good in relief, putting up 72 yards on 15 carries (4.8 ypc) in contrast to Alexander's 42 yards on 12 carries (3.5 ypc). Alexander got the scores last week (2 touchdowns), but Morris may have caught Holmgren's eye - he singled out the rookie for praise after the game and indicated that Morris has earned more playing time. Alexander owners should monitor the arm injury (and the competition from Morris) very closely. The Broncos are brutal against opposing backs this season, in terms of yardage allowed, with 70 yards per game on the season (1st in the NFL) and ranking 3rd over the past four weeks allowing only 86 yards per game. However, opposing teams are throwing a lot of dump-off type passes to their backs and having good results (witness Garner's numbers Monday night - 5 rushes for 2 yards, but 7 receptions for 89 yards), and the Broncos rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks. Key run-stuffing DE Trevor Pryce injured a knee Monday night, but is probable to play on Sunday for the Broncos. Starting G Steve Hutchinson was placed on IR this week by the Seahawks (he's been out with a broken leg for many weeks). One big problem the Seattle backs may face this week is time of possession - their D can't stop the run, has lost all it's starting LB's, and the Broncos are a good rushing football team with explosive receivers. Opportunities for the 'Hawks offense may be hard to come by on Sunday. The Seahawks look outmatched by their former AFC West rivals. And the RBs look to be sharing enough time to severely limit the effectiveness of both. Arizona's Marcel Shipp/Thomas Jones vs. The Philadelphia Eagles (Tough Matchup) Thomas Jones has his own personal losing streak going on - three seasons he's been anointed the starting running back, and three seasons he's lost out to a challenger - this year it looks like Marcel Shipp will take his job away. Shipp is currently the 32nd ranked running back in fantasy points per game - but he'll do much better than that if he can quit fumbling and cement his hold as the featured back in the desert. Time will tell. The Eagles are tough to run on, unless your name is James Mungro. Prior to the wrecking ball that was Mungro, the Eagles had not allowed a single back to gain more than 100 yards rushing all season (he had that many yards by half-time), so we must view the Colt's surprise as an aberration, rather than a trend. Philadelphia is now the 8th ranked rushing defense in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 96 yards per game on average, and ranking 13th in points allowed to opposing backs. Perhaps the injuries are finally catching up to Philadelphia - they list DE Derrick Burgess (foot - out), LB Carlos Emmons (hamstring - questionable), DE Ndukwe Kalu (back - questionable), DE Hugh Douglas (knee - probable), DT Paul Grasmanis (elbow - probable) DT Corey Simon (shoulder - probable) and DE Brandon Whiting (back - probable) on this week's injury report - that's 6 of their 8 defensive linemen, folks. The Cards have their own injury woes - T Jon Fina (out - ankle) and C Mike Gruttadauria (knee - out) are gone, and G Chris Dishman (knee) is probable. Don't bet on Shipp pulling a Mungro on the Eagles - the passing game is in tatters, and Jake the Snake is no Peyton Manning. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The St. Louis Defense (Bad Matchup) The Bears are not running the ball well, they are not passing the ball well - they are not well on offense. 3.3 yards per rush as a season average is unacceptable in the NFL - but that's what Thomas has managed. Anyway, in his last two games, Thomas is on a bit of a hot streak - he's cracked 100 yards combined in both starts, and scored a touchdown in both outings - like water to a dying man in the desert, he is finally helping Thomas owners everywhere. But as we said in the Random Shots, this is a great time to deal Thomas as he's not as good as his recent numbers suggest. St. Louis is on a huge roll, and they are stuffing the opponent's backs right now. Over the last four weeks, the Rams have held the opposition to 80 yards per game (2nd in the NFL), and improvement over their season average of 97 yards per contest (6th in the NFL). They have also limited production from a fantasy viewpoint, ranking 5th vs. opposing backs during that four week stretch. C Olin Kreutz is questionable with his stomach injury, as is FB Daimon Shelton (ankle). St. Louis defense has no new injuries of note. Look for the early 2002 version of Anthony Thomas to re-appear against the surging Rams on Monday night. Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup) Eddie George has been mediocre of late. The last three games, George scored exactly 0 times, and his rushing yardage and yards-per-carry have declined steadily (21/106, 22/95, 25/86). The Titans are winning, but George isn't helping too many fantasy owners over the top in their games. Pittsburgh has been very tough on the rush this season - they are ranked 4th in the league allowing 93 yards per game this season, and 4th over the last four weeks allowing only 89 yards per game. During the most recent four weeks, the Steelers are 2nd in the NFL in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. They did give up quite a bit of yardage to Atlanta last week but overall, they've been tough. Pittsburgh's defensive front is almost entirely healthy (DE Aaron Smith is probable with a tweaked ankle). Tennessee is likely without starting FB Greg Comella this Sunday (the story most of the season with Comella). Warrick Dunn was successful against them last week but he's a very different style of back than Eddie George. George has never been a make you miss kind of runner and running between the tackles against the Steelers will be a challenge. Look for Pittsburgh to make things very hard for the fading George on Sunday. Detroit's James Stewart vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Bad Matchup) Detroit was spanked by the Packers last week, 40-14, but James Stewart wasn't the problem - he rushed for 122 yards on only 15 carries (2 catches for 19 yards) to rack up his third game with more than 100 yards of offense (combined) in the past four contests. He has been held out of the end-zone the last two weeks, though. The Jets couldn't be playing the run better, lately - they are the best rushing D in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing only 71 yards per game and rank 3rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Quite a contrast to their season numbers (30th ranked allowing 138 yards per game, 30th vs. opposing backs). They stuffed Ricky Williams last week, and contained LaDainian Tomlinson the week before, so it's not like they've been beating up on the likes of Thomas Jones to notch those statistics, either. Detroit's starting G Tony Semple is struggling with a neck injury (he missed last week's game), but is probable to play Sunday. The Jets list just one back-up LB - Khary Campbell (foot) - from their defensive front this week. Look for the Jets to continue their streak of good rushing D this week against Stewart, thereby challenging Harrington to beat them through the air.