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Hi Folks, Here�s our look at the Rushing
Matchups for this week. PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace
the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we
see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in
the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup. Also note, just because a player
has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your
league. If Priest Holmes is playing the toughest rush defense in the league,
that just means he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter. Let's jump to it. Detroit�s
James Stewart vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Detroit reports that Stewart is fully recovered from the
stinger that knocked him out of the Thanksgiving game, and should be ready to
roll over the pathetic Cardinals this week. The Cardinals are shattered and helpless vs. the run. They
allow 192 yards rushing per game over the last four weeks, dead last in the
NFL, and are dead last in points allowed to opposing backs during that time
frame, too. The Cardinals list DE Tom Burke (knee) and LB Rob
Fredrickson (neck) as out, and LB Levar Fisher is doubtful with a knee injury.
The Lions are ready to go. There isn�t an easier defense to run on in the NFL than the
Cardinals. Kansas
City�s Priest Holmes vs. The Saint Louis Defense (Great Matchup) The only problem that Priest Holmes owners have at this
stage of the season is that he is too good � 16 carries for 113 yards (a 7.1
yards per carry average) and 2 scores in 2+ quarters is awesome. So good, in
fact, that his coach pulled him half-way through the third quarter in the 49-0
blowout of the Arizona Cardinals. How many fantasy teams lost their games last
week due to this madness on Vermeil�s part? Saint Louis is a shell of their former selves, just playing
out the string at this point. Their run defense is very giving over the last
four weeks, allowing 116 yards per game on average (18th in the
NFL), and ranking 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Both units are very healthy coming into this game � for this
stage of the NFL season � and neither has new injuries of note to report. Holmes and the Chiefs don�t slow down for anybody, and they
won�t hold back against the Rams, either.��
Miami�s
Ricky Williams vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup) Miami needs to win this game to stay in the AFC playoff
hunt. Chicago is out of the playoffs at 3-9. In the loss last week, Ricky Williams had a fine game,
scorching the Bills for 228 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns (7 yards receiving)
� William�s wasn�t to blame for the loss. Over the past three weeks, Ricky
Williams is the 2nd best back in fantasy football, with 473 yards
rushing, 6 touchdowns, and 43 yards receiving. That�s the kind of production
you need to get into the playoffs in your league! Chicago�s injury-riddled defensive front just isn�t very
good � they have allowed 107 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks
(10th in the NFL), but rank 28th in fantasy points
allowed to opposing backs � it�s not too hard to score on these guys. Besides numerous players on IR, the Bears list DT Keith
Traylor (leg, questionable), LB Brian Urlacher (shoulder, questionable) and DE
Joe Tafoya (hamstring � probable) on the initial injury report. Williams is
listed as probable to play through his quadriceps bruise. Williams should trample the Bears on Monday night. New
England�s Antowain Smith vs. The Buffalo Defense (Great Matchup) This is a rematch of a week 9 game in which Antowain Smith
had an explosive performance � 29 rushes for 111 yards and 1 score, with 5
catches for 31 yards and 2 scores. Since then, Smith has failed to go above 100
yards combined in any game, although he did come close last week, with 80 yards
rushing and 1 score (his first TD in 4 weeks) and 1 reception for 9 yards. Buffalo�s rush defense just got run through a cuisinart last
week, when Ricky Williams gashed them for 228 yards rushing and 2 scores. Over
the last four weeks, Buffalo has been very, very generous to opposing backs,
allowing 184 yards per game (31st in the NFL), and ranking 29th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over that span. Both teams� units are mostly healthy � New England lists DE
Kendrick Office as questionable with a wrist ailment. This is a great week to be a Smith owner. Oakland�s
Charlie Garner / Tyrone Wheatley / Zack Crockett vs. The San Diego Defense
(Great Matchup) This is a rematch of a week 7 affair � in that game, Garner
struggled to run (7/24 yards) but ran wild in the secondary (7/80 yards) when
he caught dump-off and flare-type passes. Since week 7, Tyrone Wheatley has
regained health and a role in the offense. He is mostly a change of pace,
short-yardage guy (as always). Last week, Zack Crockett came in on the
goal-line package and got the only rushing score of the game � thus further
muddying the back-field situation. Garner got 52 yards rushing and 60 receiving
vs. the Jets, but no points. Things have changed in San Diego since week 7, too � their
rushing defense has gone into a tailspin. Over the last four weeks, they are 28th
in the NFL allowing 148 yards per game, and rank 27th in points
allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that span. Clinton Portis ripped them
for 159 yards, and 2 scores, last week (with a 6.9 yard per carry average) �
the Chargers� defensive front is in collapse, big-time. DL Jamal Williams is out for the Bolts with a dislocated
ankle, and DT Jason Fisk has a foot injury (probable). Williams joins Al
Fontenot and Doug Sims on IR � that D line is thin. Oakland�s unit is ready to
rock. A very favorable matchup for Garner � just be aware that
there are many other guys clamoring for time and touches at this point in the
season. Philadelphia�s
Duce Staley / Dorsey Levens vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) Well, they didn�t blow out the Rams, but a �W� is a �W�.
A.J. Feely was credible at quarterback, and as a result Levens and Staley
gained 96 yards as a tandem (64 for Levens on 12 carries, 32 for Staley on 14).
Staley added 22 yards receiving in his dual-threat role. Seattle has Arizona to thank for knocking them off the
pedestal as �Worst Rush Defense in the NFL�, but they still use the turnstile
as their model � the Seahawks give away 168 yards rushing per game on average
the last four weeks (30th) and are 31st in fantasy points
allowed to the opposing backs. Levens (ankle/foot) and G John Welbourn (calf) are both
probable to join in the stampede this Sunday. Seattle hopes to have LB Anthony
Simmons (ankle) available to impersonate a speed-bump under the Eagle�s cleats. The only way it could get easier for the Eagles� backs would
be to face Arizona. Buffalo�s
Travis Henry vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) The last time these two teams met, week 9, it was all New
England in a 38-7 romp. Travis Henry gained a paltry 53 yards on 11 carries,
and 12 yards on 3 receptions with no scores that day. However, in the last
three weeks, Henry has exploded for 468 yards of total offense (360 rushing,
108 receiving) and 2 scores � so he�s definitely on a hot streak. Last week
against the brutal Dolphins defense he savaged the opposition for 151 yards and
a score on the ground with 27 yards receiving to boot. Henry is red hot right
now. New England�s defense hasn�t been that great over the past
four weeks vs. the rush � they are 16th in the NFL allowing 114
yards per game during that span. In fantasy points allowed to opposing backs
they rank 17th over the same time frame. They did contain James
Stewart on Thanksgiving day, though, holding him to 57 yards on 13 carries (and
23 yards on 5 receptions), before he left the game with a neck stinger. Key LB Tedy Bruschi is questionable with a knee injury for
the Pats � the Bills are healthy. Henry is hot, and the Patriots� defense only luke-warm. The
advantage lies with the Bills. Carolina�s
Dee Brown vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup) Dee Brown got his shot to impress last week, and he didn�t
drop the ball (well, ok, he did have 1 fumble but the Panthers recovered it).
His 27 rushes for 122 yards (4.5 yards per carry) helped propel his team to
victory over the hapless Browns. No scores � but still, a solid outing for a
guy�s first NFL start. The Bengals� defensive front is soft as butter of late,
allowing 152 yards per game over the last four weeks (29th in the
NFL) and ranking 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs
during that span. Key DE Vaughn Booker was out last week with his knee and rib
injuries (questionable this week), and DT Oliver Gibson is gone for the season
with a torn left Achilles, so the defensive front is suffering from attrition
right now. The Panther�s offensive line is ok, health-wise. Dee Brown hasn�t been playing a lot in 2002, but he has
averaged 4.5 yards per carry on his 54 attempts this season � and the Bengals
aren�t stopping anybody right now. The edge goes to the Panthers. Cincinnati�s
Corey Dillon vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup) Over the last three weeks, Corey Dillon has 222 rushing
yards, 3 touchdowns, and 51 yards receiving. That puts him in the top 10 of
fantasy backs during that stretch (#9) � Dillon is getting it done on offense
for the Bengals. The Panthers surprised the Browns last week, but they really
aren�t very good at all. Injuries and suspensions have shattered their
once-proud defense, and as a result their defensive front is allowing 113 yards
per game over the last four weeks (15th in the NFL) and the Panthers
are 25th in the league in fantasy points allowed per game to
opposing backs during that span. The latest loss was DE Julius Peppers,
rookie-sacker extraordinaire (12 this season), who is lost for the season due
to a violation of the NFL banned-substances guidelines (he took a dietary
supplement containing phentermine). Besides the loss of Peppers, the Panthers may play this game
without MLB Dan Morgan (shoulder � questionable) and LB Hannibal Navies (ankle
� questionable). DT Brentson Buckner is eligible to return this weekend after
his 4-week suspension � so there is a little help on the way. C Rich Braham was
unable to go for the Bengals last week with his ankle injury (he�s questionable
this week). Dillon and the Bengal�s offense won�t overlook the Panthers
like the Browns did. Advantage, Bengals. Cleveland�s
William Green vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) William Green�s team may have been embarrassed by the
Panthers last week, but he was not. Green put in a solid afternoon�s work � 94
yards on 24 carries, and 44 yards on 3 receptions. Green has been very
productive over the last three weeks � 304 yards rushing, 1 touchdown, and 48
yards receiving is a good three week stretch for any back. Jacksonville has been fairly generous to opposing backs
yardage-wise lately � they rank 20th in the NFL over the last four
weeks, allowing 121 yards per game on the ground. However, it�s tougher to
score against them if you�re a back � they are 8th in the league
during that span in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Last week they
were absolutely ripped by Bettis and Stewart � as a team the Steelers put up
219 yards rushing and 1 score on them � so the unit is in a down-turn right now. LB T.J. Slaughter is probable with his tweaked ankle. The
Brown�s ground attack is good to go. William Green is on a roll, and the Jags are staggering from
the beating the Steelers gave them � Green has a good shot at a solid day down
in Florida. Green
Bay�s Ahman Green / Tony Fisher vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) This game is a rematch of the week 11 embarrassment in which
the Packers where defeated 31-21 in Minneapolis. Green had a decent game with
109 yards combined and 1 score that day. However, he is listed as questionable
with his injured knee for this game, and he�s not practicing until late in the
week, so his status will be unknown until close to game time. If he can�t go,
it looks like Tony Fisher will get the nod, as Najeh Davenport is on IR with an
injured eye. Minnesota has dropped two games in a row since the win week
11 � they held New England to 80 yards rushing total, but got nuked by Michael
Vick for 173 yards rushing and two scores last week. Over the last four weeks, the
Vikes are 25th in the NFL allowing 137 yards per game on average,
and are 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Besides Green, the Pack put T Chad Clifton on IR this week
with his pelvic injury. The Vikings have no injuries of note to report, though
LB Jim Nelson is nursing a sore knee (probable). At home in Lambeau field, the Packers should be able to
generate a decent running attack no matter who lines up in the backfield
against the suspect Viking�s defensive front. Houston�s
James Allen / Jonathan Wells vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup) Last week against the Colts it was James Allen�s turn to
gain 60-something yards (64, to be exact) and not score a touchdown. Jonathan
Wells �torched� the Colts for 0 yards on his 3 carries, so he�s definitely in a
funk right now. Hey, these guys are bad (and their line is worse). Pittsburgh�s rush defense is more forgiving than the Colts �
they allow 115 yards per game on average over the last four weeks (17th
in the NFL), and are 24th in the league in fantasy points allowed to
opposing backs during that span. That�s a significant drop-off from their
season ranking of 2nd vs. the rush (93 yards per game). Both units are relatively healthy, excepting IR � no new
injuries of note heading into the game. The Texans rarely run the ball well, but this week is a
better week than most as far as the matchup goes.�� Even so, it�s really tough to get excited about either one of
these guys. Minnesota�s
Michael Bennett vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup) This week, Moe Williams is listed as doubtful on the report
so it could be all Bennett, all the time in this rematch of the week 11 game.
Bennett had 130 yards and Williams got 48 more + the touchdown week 11, so
Bennett could be in for a monster day. Over the past three weeks, Bennett has
amassed 271 yards rushing with 1 touchdown, and 23 yards receiving, so he�s
been strong even with Williams in there. Green Bay�s defense hasn�t been particularly strong vs. the
rush lately, allowing 128 yards per game (22nd in the NFL) over the
last four weeks, but they are tougher in the red-zone, ranking 7th
during that four week span in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. One huge red flag this week for the Vikings, though, is
their decimated receiving corps � D�Wayne Bates is listed as questionable on
the injury report, but he could miss time due to back problems, and #3 Kelly
Campbell hurt his foot last week (probable) and reserve WR Cedric James hasn�t
been available for weeks (ankle � probable) so if these guys aggravate their
ailments then Bennett would get �stacked� defensive fronts � keep an eye on the
team�s status as game time approaches. G David Dixon is probable to play (hip)
as is T Chris Liwiens (back). Green Bay may have to play without DT Gilbert
Brown (ankle) and DT Steve Warren (knee) is probable to go. This is a good matchup for Bennett � as long as there are
some warm bodies catching balls across from Moss on Sunday. New
Orleans� Deuce McAllister vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) Deuce McAllister gutted it out last week vs. the best
defense in the league, and pushed around Warren Sapp and company to the tune of
27 rushes for 99 yards and 1 touchdown � playing on only 1 good ankle, to boot.
Tough guy kudos to McAllister. This week, he and his crew from New Orleans are
back in the hunt to win the NFC South � and they need a win against Baltimore
to stay in the thick of the fight. Baltimore, meanwhile, is at 6-6 � clinging to frail but
still-alive playoff hopes in what was supposed to be a major rebuilding year.
Even without most of their veteran talent, the Ravens� defensive front is
respectable � they are 9th vs. the rush this season, allowing only
102 yards per game, and are 12th over the last four weeks, allowing
only 108 yards per game. They do allow opposing fantasy backs to score fairly
regularly � over the past four weeks the Ravens are ranked 19th in
this category. The Saints list G LeCharles Bentley as questionable to play
with his bad ankle, and McAllister also appears on the report as questionable.
Baltimore is playing without LB Ray Lewis (if you haven�t heard that by now,
where have you been?) and DE�s Marques Douglas and Michael McCrary (IR). If McAllister could run for almost 100 yards against the Bucs,
he should have no problem duplicating that effort (at the least) vs. the
decent-but-not-overpowering Ravens. New York
Giants� Tiki Barber vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup) Three weeks ago, the Redskins kept Tiki Barber in check
during a sloppy Sunday weather-wise in New York � he only gained 64 yards
rushing and did not score. Since then, Barber has been up (166 yards combined
and a score vs. the Texans) and down (66 yards combined and a score vs.
Tennessee). Washington, meanwhile, has been pretty weak against the
rush, allowing an average of 131 yards per game over the past four weeks (24th
in the NFL) and rank 16th in points allowed to opposing fantasy
backs. Emmitt Smith piled up 144 yards against them on Thanksgiving day. Barber (ankle), Charles Stackhouse (shoulder) and G Jason
Whittle (hand/knee) are all listed as probable to play on Sunday. The Redskins
have a laundry list of players that are dinged up, but their defense should be
at full strength by Sunday. As long as the weather co-operates, Barber should have a
better game this Sunday than he did 3 weeks ago. Arizona�s
Marcel Shipp vs. The Detroit Defense (Neutral Matchup) It�s hard to run the ball when the defense does not have to
respect your team�s passing game. Due to injuries and ineptitude, the Cardinals
have practically no passing offense. Therefore, Shipp struggled last week
against one of the weakest rush defenses in the league, gaining a whole 26
yards in the blowout loss to the Chiefs. He also gained 37 yards receiving, so
he wasn�t a total zero � but it was close. Detroit�s rushing defense isn�t much better than K.C.�s �
they are 27th over the last four weeks, allowing 138 yards per game
and rank 22nd in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs during
that span. Arizona lists starting C Mike Gruttadauria as out (knee),
and T John Fina can�t play either (ankle). G Pete Kendall is questionable with
a bad ankle, G Chris Dishman (collarbone) and RB Marcel Shipp (stomach) are
probable to play. Detroit�s DE Jared DeVries is out (foot). Arizona�s offense is vying with the Texans to be the worst
in the league. Keep that in mind when you see that this is a neutral matchup �
it�s only neutral because they both stink. Baltimore�s
Jamal Lewis vs. The New Orleans Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jamal Lewis keeps on racking up yardage � 263 yards
rushing,� 43 yards receiving � over the
last three weeks, but he hasn�t hit pay dirt in a long time � since week 10,
vs. Cincy, when he had 2 scores. Jeff Blake is the man at quarterback for the
remainder of the season, coach Billick announced on this past Tuesday, so Blake
will continue to drain 4 or 5 carries a game from Lewis from here on out. New Orleans� stuffed the Bucs last week � Pittman and
Alstott both managed a pathetic 17 yards on their 8 carries (Alstott got free
on a dump-off for a long TD, though). Even so, the Saints have been just
mediocre vs. the rush all season long, ranking 17th in the NFL
allowing 117 yards per game. Over the past four weeks that number is 113 yards
per game (14th in the NFL), and the Saints rank 13th in
fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that period. Neither unit has injuries of note to report among their
personnel. An above-average back faces a middling defense in this
matchup � Lewis should have a productive, but not spectacular, day. Dallas�
Emmitt Smith / Troy Hambrick vs. The San Francisco Defense (Neutral Matchup) Emmitt Smith seems to have been motivated by the challenge
of Troy Hambrick sharing the carries in Dallas� backfield � last week, Smith
gained 144 yards on 23 carries, while Hambrick managed a mere 23 on his 9
attempts. The firm foundation supplied by the running game helped the Cowboys
to a Thanksgiving day victory. Over the last three weeks, Smith has 51 rushes for
239 yards and 1 score, while Hambrick has seen 20 carries for 103 yards and 0
scores. The 49�ers rushing defense is pretty stout of late, allowing
only 93 yards per game over the last four weeks (6th in the NFL),
and ranking 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Last
week they held Shaun Alexander scoreless, but he gained 74 yards on 16 carries
(a 4.6 yards per carry average). LB Jamie Winborn is out with a knee injury, and LB Saleem
Rasheed is limited by a thigh injury and his refusal to intake fluids during
games right now (he�s a Muslim, and they don�t eat or drink between dawn and
dusk during Ramadan) � Rasheed is doubtful to play. RG Andre Gurode (groin) and
C Duane Hawthorne (knee) are both listed as questionable; while LT Flozell Adams
is probable to play through his ankle injury. Emmitt Smith seems to be on a roll, but rookie quarterback
Hutchinson is subject to typical rookie meltdowns � if he�s ok, Smith should
have a decent day, but if he melts down, the Cowboy�s will have a hard day
rushing the ball. Plus, Hambrick is always a threat.� We�ll call it a neutral matchup. Jacksonville�s
Fred Taylor vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup) Fred Taylor had a fine game against the Steelers last week �
anytime you average 6.2 yards a carry, you�re doing well (80 yards on 13
carries with a score). Stacy Mack drained off 6 carries for 14 yards but didn�t
get a plunge TD last week. Over the last three games, Taylor has 236 yards
rushing, 42 yards receiving and 1 score, good for 23rd on the
points-per-game list during that span. Cleveland�s rushing D got ripped by the Panthers� back-up,
Dee Brown, for 122 yards on 27 carries, and they gave up 145 yards total on the
day � not too good, considering how anemic the Carolina offense has been in
previous weeks. Over the last four weeks, the Browns are allowing 107 yards per
game on average (11th in the NFL), and rank 6th in
fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, so the yardage total from the
Panther�s game was a big let-down in performance. Neither unit has injuries of note to report. Fred Taylor is as elusive as they come � if he gets a tiny
seam, you could be in trouble. Cleveland hasn�t been terribly impressive of
late, but they are solid � it�s a neutral matchup. New York
Jet�s Curtis Martin vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) Curtis Martin was on a roll recently, until he slammed into
the wall known as the Oakland defensive front last week. 11 for 26 yards on the
ground and 2 catches for 11 yards was hardly the week his owners needed to
forge on into the playoffs. Anyway, the string of 100+ rushing yard games has
been snapped, and now the mighty Broncos loom on the horizon. The mighty Broncos were exposed as human last week, though,
when LaDainian Tomlinson took it to the house 3 times while racking up 271
yards combined (220 rushing, 51 receiving). Over the past four weeks, including
the Tomlinson mauling, the Broncos are 9th in the league allowing
107 yards per game, and rank 30th in fantasy points allowed to
opposing backs (besides Tomlinson�s 3 scores last week, the Colts� backs put up
2 rushing touchdowns on the Broncos 2 weeks ago). There are definite signs of
weakness in the Broncos� front wall. DE Reggie Hayward can�t go for the Broncos (hand � out). The
Jets list backup RB LaMont Jordan as questionable with an ankle injury. Once can be called an aberration, but two weak performances
in a row begins to look like a trend. Don�t expect a career day from Martin,
but he has a legitimate shot at a productive one against the reeling Broncos. Pittsburgh�s
Jerome Bettis / Chris Fuamatu-Ma�Afala vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral
Matchup) Jerome Bettis broke his nose last week and played through
the pain, ending up with 86 yards on 20 carries and 11 yards receiving � not bad
at all. Over the past three weeks, Bettis is the 24th rated running
back in fantasy points per week, with 171 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing and 38
yards receiving in that span. That makes him a marginal #2 guy for your fantasy
team if you don�t have someone better ahead of him. Houston�s rushing defense has been very soft in terms of
yardage allowed recently � 130 yards per game over the last four weeks (23rd
in the NFL). However, they stiffen in the red-zone against opposing backs,
ranking 12th in fantasy points allowed during that span. LB Jamie Sharper (knee) and DE Gary Walker (elbow) are
listed as probable for the Texans. Pittsburgh lists Bettis (nose/knee), C Jeff
Hartings (knee) and T Marvel Smith (elbow) as questionable, while Chris
Fuamatu-Ma �afala (pectoral) and G Kendall Simmons (knee) are probable to play.
TE Mark Bruener has been lost for the season with a torn up knee � he�s a good
blocker, so that will impact the running game negatively. Bettis looks like he�s the featured back again, but keep an
eye on the status of those injuries as game-time approaches. If he is limited,
Fuamatu-Ma�afala could cut into Bettis� carries against the middling Texans�
defensive front this week. San
Diego�s LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Oakland Defense (Neutral Matchup) LaDainian Tomlinson broke out of his slump in a big way last
week, absolutely humiliating the mighty Broncos� rush defense with 220 yards on
37 carries and 3 rushing touchdowns. He also had 51 yards on 11 receptions �
the man was on fire. He�d only managed 133 yards and 0 touchdowns running the
two weeks previous to this, so last week was a much needed boost. In week 7,
Tomlinson ripped of 153 yards on 39 carries with a score against the Raiders,
so he�s had good results against them in 2002. Oakland�s defense is back in stride after a mid-season
slump, and is really manhandling opposing rushers right now � the Raiders are 2nd
in the NFL allowing only 72 yards per game over the last four weeks, and rank
11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span.
Last week they brought Curtis Martin and the Jets back down to earth, stuffing
Martin for 26 yards on 11 carries (ouch!). The Jets had been on a roll rushing
the ball over the preceding weeks, by the way. T�s Ed Ellis (ankle), Damion McIntosh (ankle) and Vaughn
Parker (elbow) are all questionable to play this week for the Chargers (and the
line is already almost bare of back-ups). DE Tony Bryant is out for the
Raiders. Two top performing units clash in this game � neither has a
big edge going into the contest.�� But
Tomlinson is a must start regardless of the matchup. Washington�s
Stephen Davis / Ladell Betts vs. The New York Giants Defense (Neutral Matchup) Stephen Davis was held in check 3 weeks ago, gaining only 59
yards rushing on a nasty day in New York. Since then, he has ran for 88 and 51
yards in his last two games, scoring 3 times against St. Louis but getting
blanked again last week vs. Dallas. Rumor is that rookie QB Patrick Ramsey may
get in the game this week, so Davis could have a long day on Sunday with 8 man
fronts facing him whenever the rookie is in the game. Of even more concern is the talk that coach Steve Spurrier
will want to look at the other RBs on the roster.�� Ladell Betts will likely see plenty of time.�� New York�s rushing defense is surrendering a lot of real
estate lately, allowing 137 yards per game and ranking 15th in
points allowed to opposing backs over the last four weeks. Part of the problem
is injuries. New York lists starting LB�s Dhani Jones (ankle � doubtful)
and Mike Barrow (concussion � questionable) on this week�s injury report. In
addition, LB Quincy Monk (ankle -- questionable), DT Cornelius Griffin (ankle �
probable), and DT Matt Mitrione (shoulder � probable) are �walking wounded�.
Washington, on the other hand, list G Brenden Stai (knee) and back-up RB Kenny
Watson (knee) as probable and are healthy on the line otherwise. Two iffy units meet in this game � neither has a clear edge
over the other. Chicago�s
Leon Johnson / Adrian Peterson vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup) Anthony Thomas is gone for the season with a broken left
index finger, so the team will play out the string with the tandem of Leon
Johnson and rookie Adrian Peterson sharing time in the backfield. With the team
at 3-9 and out of the race, coach Dick Jauron had this to say about the
situation in the backfield, according to Melissa Isaacson of the Chicago
Tribune. �Adrian will obviously play a larger role now. We should get a chance
to see him carry the ball, so that will be good for him. You wanted to see
Adrian, not under these circumstances, but it will be good for everybody.�
Sounds to us like Johnson will be in the featured role, with Peterson as the
change of pace back. Johnson�s career numbers (with the Jets (97-99) and
Bears(2001-present)) look like this: 110 rushes for 444 yards (a 4.0 yards per
carry average) and 8 scores, with 30 receptions for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns
(thanks to Doug Drinen of football-reference.com). Miami was torched by Buffalo�s Travis Henry for 151 yards on
35 carries and 1 score last week. However, they held San Diego�s LaDainian
Tomlinson to 45 yards week 12, and Baltimore�s Jamal Lewis to 47 yards week 11,
so they haven�t been weak too often recently. Over the past four weeks, Miami
has allowed 97 yards per game rushing on average (7th in the NFL)
and rank as the 9th best defense in fantasy points allowed to
opposing backs during that four week span. Miami has no new injuries on their defensive front, all the
dinged up guys are listed as probable to play. The Bears will go into this one
without Thomas and TE Dustin Lyman. Don�t expect the Dolphins to fold in Miami on Monday Night
Football like they did in the snow vs. Buffalo last week. Advantage, Dolphins. Denver�s
Clinton Portis vs. The New York Jets� Defense (Tough Matchup) Clinton Portis has slammed the door on Mike Anderson and
Olandis Gary � he�s the featured back, and is growing more and more dominant
every week. There was an off-week against the Colts in the last three weeks,
but overall he�s spectacular � 383 yards, 4 touchdowns rushing and 86 yards
receiving over the last three weeks, including a 23/159 yards and 2 touchdowns
with 3/34 yards receiving last week against the division-rival Chargers. The Jets were cruising along until they got shot down by the
Raiders last Monday night � still, the Raiders only managed 98 yards and 1
touchdown rushing as a team. Over the last four weeks, the Jets� rush defense
has been top shelf � they allow only 91 yards per game on average (4th
in the NFL), but are giving up scores to opposing backs � they are 18th
in the league in points allowed to the other team�s backs. The Jets� John Abraham has a sore foot (probable), but
otherwise the D is healthy. Denver�s G Dan Neil has a recently-scoped knee and
is listed as questionable, but he won�t play in all likelihood. Remember, C Tom
Nalen is on IR, so some key guys are hurt. Portis has been hot, but the tough Colts� D was able to
contain him two weeks ago. The Jets are tough on the run in the second half of
the season, too, so he�ll have to earn his yards this week. St. Louis
Marshall Faulk / Lamar Gordon vs. The Kansas City Defense (Tough Matchup) The Arizona Cardinals made the sorry Chiefs� defense look
like the Purple People Eaters of NFL legend last week � but it was more a
reflection on the ineptness of the Cardinal�s injury-depleted team than it was
a demonstration of the Chiefs� excellence. I mean, this is still the team that
ranks 32nd in the NFL vs. the pass this season, and 16th
in defending the rush. Even including last week�s demolition of the Cards, the
Chiefs rank 21st in the NFL vs. the rush over the last four weeks,
and are 23rd in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing
backs during that span. Can you say �aberration�? Lamar Gordon and Marshall Faulk both struggled to move the
ball against the Eagles� defensive front, and Faulk was clearly not 100% out
there last Sunday. As a team, the Rams only managed 76 yards rushing all day.
Part of the problem was the loss of OT Orlando Pace to a hamstring injury �
he�s expected to be out until a least mid-December (part of it was the fact
that the Eagles are the 3rd best rush defense in the NFL this
season). This after key G Tom Nutten went down for the season on Nov. 24th.
The line will have exactly 1 starter left this Sunday who began the season on
the O-line for the Rams. Besides Nutten and Pace, the Rams will go into Sunday with
their least effective quarterback, Jamie Martin, under center, thanks to hand
injuries suffered by Warner and Bulger. The Chiefs will be without LB Larry
Atkins (knee), and DE Ritchie Owens (groin), and list LB Quinton Caver
(shoulder), DT Derrick Ransom (foot) and DE Gary Stills (hand) as questionable. A stumbling offense faces a horrid defense in this matchup �
but at least the defenders are coming off a big, confidence-building win. The
Chiefs at home in Arrowhead Stadium in December get the advantage over the
dome-dwelling Rams.�� San
Francisco�s Garrison Hearst vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup) We said it all season long � give either Hearst or Barlow
the featured role, and either would be a top fantasy back. Hearst proved it
last week with an explosive 31/124 yards, 3 touchdown performance (admittedly,
against the ultra-soft Seahawks, but it still was an awesome fantasy point
bonanza). This week Hearst will face a sterner defensive front down in Big D,
though � can he continue the momentum? Dallas will try and stop him in his tracks. Over the last
four weeks, the Cowboys are the 13th ranked rush defense in the NFL,
allowing 108 yards per game � but they are one of the stingiest in the red-zone
vs. opposing running backs, currently ranking 4th in the NFL in
points allowed to opposing backs during that four week span. Last week they
shackled Washington�s Stephen Davis, holding him to 51 yards on 20 rushes (0
scores). Dallas lists only one member of the defensive front, DE
Ebeneezer Ekuban, on their injury report (quadriceps, probable). San Francisco
has a starting T, Derrick Deese, who is struggling with an ankle problem
(questionable) in addition to Barlow being listed as out. Dallas is much harder to run on than Seattle. This is a
tough matchup for Hearst and company. Seattle�s
Shaun Alexander vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup) Shaun Alexander has had an inconsistent season � over the
last three weeks, he�s rushed for 237 yards and 2 scores, with another 106
yards receiving, so he�s been on a strong streak lately. Matt Hasselbeck has
helped by throwing the ball very well the last two weeks (believe it or not, he
may be maturing into the starting role), which is opening up running lanes for
Alexander.� He appears to be over the
back problem that afflicted him last week. This week, he gets to face the Eagle�s defense, which has
struggled slightly the last four weeks (for a top unit, that is), ranking 8th
in the NFL during that span allowing 106 yards per game (down from their season
average of 93 yards per game (3rd in the NFL)). They are 14th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span � but last week
they shut down the Rams� Gordon and Faulk, holding them to 59 yards rushing and
0 scores.�� DE Derrick Burgess remains out with his foot injury, but
that�s the only significant injury to the defensive front at this point.
Several other guys are listed as probable � DE Hugh Douglas (knee), DT Darwin
Walker (finger), DT Paul Grasmanis (ankle/shoulder) and LB Shawn Barber
(quadriceps) round out the list. The Seahawks are good to go on their part. Philly is tough to run on, and that will be true this week,
too. Tennessee�s
Eddie George vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough Matchup) Last time these teams met, week 9, Eddie George had a strong
game, going 95 yards on 22 carries and hauling in 3 balls for 16 yards (0
scores). Since then, however, George�s production has spiraled downwards. Last
week he gained 64 yards on 20 carries (1 score), and added 2 catches for 19
yards, marking the fourth week in a row George has been held below 100 yards
combined.� Meanwhile, Indianapolis� rush defense has stiffened a lot �
this season they average 127 yards per game allowed, (24th in the
league), but over the past four weeks they average only 92 yards per game
allowed (5th in the NFL). During that span, the Colts are ranked 3rd
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Colt�s line is hobbling, though � DT James Cannida
(knee), DT David Pugh (groin), DE Brad Scioli (shoulder), DT Josh Williams
(foot), and LB�s Donnel Thompson (low back) and David Thornton (knee) are all
listed as questionable for the game � depth along the defensive front may be
seriously impaired. The Titan�s line, on the other hand, is healthy. The large number of injuries on the Colt�s front improves
this matchup from bad to tough � George will still need to fight for every
yard, but may find room to roam if the D line breaks down late in the
game.�� It�s also been extremely
worrisome to see RB Robert Holcomb in the game during critical points late in
the last two contests.�� Atlanta�s
Rushing Game vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Michael Vick was phenomenal last week � with the loss of
Warrick Dunn to an ankle sprain and in the face of T.J. Duckett�s ineffective
play (11/37 yards), Vick just decided to do it all himself � and so he did,
rushing for 173 yards on 10 carries with 2 scores. This week, Dunn is still
troubled by the ankle but is improving.��
Stay tuned late for info on him.��
So who knows how the carries will shake out this week?� Duckett should see more than 11 balls, that
seems probable. This game is a huge matchup, with Atlanta only � game behind
the Bucs and New Orleans 1 game back with 4 to go. In the first meeting week 5,
Tampa held Duckett to 52 yards rushing and Dunn to 19, and neither back scored.
Mike Vick only played part of the game and left with 1 rush. But week 5 is ages
ago, and the Falcons have come a long way since then. A limping Deuce McAllister showed Michael Pittman how to
play through injury last week as McAllister put up 99 yards and a score on the
Bucs to trip up the division leaders. Over the last four weeks, the Bucs are
the 3rd best rush defense in the NFL allowing a paltry 87 yards per
game, and rank 5th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Besides Dunn, the Falcons list G Kynan Forney (hamstring �
questionable) and T Todd Weiner (elbow � probable) from their ground unit.
Tampa says DE Ellis Wyms (ankle) is doubtful to play, while DT Chartric Darby
(quadriceps) is probable. Anytime you face Tampa Bay, it�s tough to run on them. This
week is no different. Indianapolis�
Edgerrin James / James Mungro vs. The Tennessee Defense (Bad Matchup) This is a rematch of the week 9 clash that Tennessee won
23-15, in spite of the fact that they were out-gained 378 total yards to 198
total yards. Edgerrin James was out with his hamstring injury at that point in
the season, but James Mungro filled in capably, gaining 60 yards on 16 rushes
and adding 6 receptions for 33 yards on the day (0 touchdowns). James has run hot and cold since this game, gaining 255
yards rushing and 37 yards receiving in the past three weeks (1 touchdown),
while missing parts of games due to his hamstring and ankle injuries. In the
victory over Houston last week, James played for 3 quarters and gained 65 yards
on 20 carries, before giving way to Mungro late in the game. Mungro put up 13
yards and a touchdown on 4 carries in relief of James. Tennessee�s defense has been very tough to run on of late �
over the past four weeks they�ve allowed only 72 yards a game (1st
in the NFL) and are ranked 2nd vs. opposing fantasy backs during
that span. James is probable to play with his ankle injury, and
Tennessee�s starting LB Keith Bullock is questionable due to a hamstring
injury. Tennessee has been tough to run on lately, and they
controlled the Colt�s at the point of attack 4 weeks ago. A big edge goes to
Tennessee. Tampa
Bay�s Michael Pittman / Mike Alstott vs. The Atlanta Defense (Bad Matchup) In week 5, the last time these teams met, Michael Pittman
carried the ball 19 times for 62 yards and 0 scores, and added 9 receiving
yards to the total. Since then, he has yet to score a touchdown. Last week,
Mike Alstott managed 17 yards rushing, and 47 yards receiving (1 score) against
the Saints. In a nutshell, not much has changed for the Bucs in the rushing
phase of the game since week 5 � nor does it look like a turnaround is imminent
week 14. Atlanta�s rushing defense is very stingy with points of late
� they rank 19th in the NFL allowing 118 yards per game over the
last four weeks, but are 1st in fantasy points allowed to opposing
backs. The two touchdowns they allowed to Bennett and Culpepper last week were
the first 2 rushing scores they�d allowed in 4 games. DE Travis Hall (foot � doubtful), LB John Holocek (arm �
questionable) and� DE Brady Smith
(knee/hip � probable) are the players from the defensive front who are banged
up. Tampa�s starting unit is ready to go. Tampa�s attack isn�t very good, and Atlanta�s defense has
been stout lately � the advantage goes to the Falcons� unit in this phase of
the game. |