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.

Atlanta�s Warrick Dunn/Michael Vick/T.J. Duckett vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup)

Warrick Dunn couldn�t play last week, and T.J. Duckett was ineffective against the brutal Tampa Bay defense (who also shut down Mike Vick). Duckett only managed 47 yards, and Vick had 5 rushes for 15 yards � you could say they were frustrated.

Seattle should be the cure that Atlanta�s attack needs, since they are dead last in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 172 yards rushing per game, and rank 32^nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that time.

DE Anton Palepoi (ankle � questionable) and LB Anthony Simmons (knee � probable) appear on the injury report for the Seahawks, while Dunn (ankle � probable) and lineman Kynan Forney (hamstring � doubtful) are the walking wounded on Atlanta�s side of the ball.

Seattle�s defensive front has been in the holiday spirit all year long � they just give and give until it hurts, and then give some more. A huge edge goes to the formidable Atlanta rushing attack in this one (despite what Tampa did to them last week).

New York Jets Curtis Martin vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup)

The roller-coaster season of the Jets and their top running back continued last week, with an emotional and crucial victory over the Denver Broncos. Martin was contained, but not stuffed, by the tough Bronco�s defensive front � he gained only 57 yards on 18 carries (with 3 receptions for 9 yards), but he ended up in the end zone on one of those carries. G Dave Szott saw his first action as a Jet last week, and played the entire game � he is a big addition to the line for the playoff push. Over the last three weeks, Martin is the 20^th ranked fantasy back with 50 carries for 203 yards and 2 scores (6 receptions for 38 yards).

Chicago�s defensive front has been shattered by injuries this season, and it shows in their numbers. On the season, the Bears are the 26^th ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 130 yards per game on average. Over the past four weeks, they�re even worse, allowing 150 yards per game (29^th in the NFL), and ranking 28^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.

In addition to all the other injuries the Bears� team has struggled with, DT Keith Traylor is listed as questionable this week with a leg injury. Martins� fine back-up, LaMont Jordan, is questionable due to a bum ankle.

Martin should be able to turn in a very strong performance against the depleted Bears� defense.

Buffalo�s Travis Henry vs. The San Diego Defense (Great Matchup)

Normally, when we think of the Charger�s defense, it conjures up images of battered running backs being thrown for losses behind the line of scrimmage. Well, don�t be fooled by memories � these guys are playing very poorly of late. The team averages 147 rushing yards allowed per game over the last four weeks � that�s 27^th in the NFL during that span � and are ranked 29^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Not too good, are they?

Travis Henry had a poor outing vs. New England (15 rushes for 60 yards and 0 scores), mainly because the team was far behind right from the get-go and had to pretty much abandon the run. Over the last three weeks he�s the 11^th best fantasy football back, with 294 yards rushing, 70 yards receiving, and 2 rushing touchdowns, so the New England performance is more of an aberration than a trend.

T Jonas Jennings is questionable to play for the Bills, due to his leg injury. Backup LB Carlos Polk may see some action for the Chargers, his ankle is almost healed (probable).

Henry should have ample opportunity to score big for his fantasy teams this week, as the Chargers are soft against the run.

Jacksonville�s Fred Taylor vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup)

Taylor continues to display explosive speed and is definitely cemented as the top back in Jacksonville once again � he put up 145 yards and 1 score (2 receptions for 12 yards) in the heart-breaker vs. Cleveland. Over the last 3 weeks, Taylor is the 10^th ranked fantasy back in the NFL, with 325 yards, 2 touchdowns and 7 receptions for 54 yards. For yardage-league owners, he�s huge.

Cincinnati�s ineptness in 2002 can largely be attributed to their soft rushing defense � the team ranks 31^st in the NFL this year, allowing 136 rushing yards per game on average. Little has changed in the near past, as they are coughing up 132 yards per game on the ground (24^th in the NFL) over the past four weeks. They do rank in the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, at 14^th in the league during that four week span.

Neither teams lists new injuries of note among their starting units in this phase of the game.

Taylor should churn out another strong game yardage-wise against the Bengals, and has a good chance to hit pay dirt as well.

Cincinnati�s Corey Dillon vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup)

Corey Dillon has had a rough few weeks, barely managing 3 yards per carry (60 carries for 185 yards), though he has hit pay dirt 3 times in that span. He has 11 receptions for 63 yards during the same 3 weeks, but it�s clear that as the team comes to rely on Kitna�s arm more and more, Dillon�s role is declining somewhat.

That may turn around this week, as the Jaguars are hardly a stout defensive front. Over the past 4 weeks they rank 28^th in the NFL allowing 147 rushing yards per game (30^th in the NFL this season, allowing 135 per contest). During that span, they are 18^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, so other teams rush into the end-zone fairly frequently of late, as well.

C Rich Braham (ankle) and Dillon (ankle) are both expected to play as normal (they�re probable on the early injury report). The Jaguars have some nagging injuries to deal with � DT John Henderson (knee), LB T.J. Slaughter (ankle) and LB Eric Westmoreland (hamstring) are all listed as probable.

Dillon has a good shot at a top-shelf performance against this soft Jaguars unit.

Pittsburgh�s Jerome Bettis/Amos Zereoue vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup)

Jerome Bettis was ineffective against the Texans last week, managing a meager 30 yards on 14 carries before being pulled in favor of Amos Zereoue, who put up 11 rushes for 69 yards and caught 2 balls for 27 yards in the Pittsburgh loss. However, coach Cowher announced that Bettis will get the start again this week against the hapless Carolina Panthers. How long he�ll be in there is open to debate, but if Bettis can get it going early he should be the man on Sunday. Just be aware that Zereoue may get in there if Bettis stumbles early on in the game.

Carolina�s defense is depleted and struggling at this point in the season. They haven�t given up a ton of yards lately � averaging 110 rushing yards allowed per game, 11^th in the NFL � but they are allowing a healthy number of scores to opposing backs, and rank 21^st in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks.

Part of the problem is suspensions and injuries � Julius Peppers is gone for the season due to a suspension, and starting MLB Dan Morgan is out due to his bum shoulder. LB Hannibal Navies is also struggling with an ankle injury (he�s listed as questionable this week). The Steelers get starting C Jeff Hartings back from a knee injury this week, but T Wayne Gandy is questionable due to a calf injury sustained last week.

The Steelers� offensive line is more talented and deeper than the Carolina defensive front at this point in the season, and that will make the difference on Sunday. The advantage lies with Pittsburgh in this matchup.

San Diego�s LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup)

It�s fair to call this game a must-win for the Chargers � they dropped a key contest to the Raiders last week, and need to regain momentum if they are to avoid a late-season fade. Tomlinson was contained (and his line man-handled) by the Raiders last week � he managed only 57 yards on 18 carries and 4 receptions for 22 yards (1 rushing TD), one week after gashing the Broncos for 220 yards and 3 scores the week before. However, 3 weeks ago against Miami he was held to 45 yards on 14 carries with 0 scores � so Tomlinson is hardly a model of consistency of late.

Luckily for Tomlinson and the Chargers, the Bills have a super-soft defensive front. This season they average 135 rushing yards allowed per game (29^th in the NFL), and are 30^th over the last four weeks giving away 161 rushing yards on average. During that span they are 26^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.

The injury woes that have plagued the Chargers all year continue to dog the franchise � G Michael Keathley (ankle), T Damion McIntosh (ankle) and T Vaughn Parker (elbow) are all listed as questionable this week � if one or more of them can�t go, it will render the unit super-thin heading into the game. The Bills list LB Dominique Stevenson as questionable due to a head injury.

If the offensive line were healthier, this one would be a slam-dunk for the Chargers. As it is, Tomlinson is still facing a favorable match-up � there just isn�t as great an advantage for the Chargers due to their injury struggles.

Tampa Bay�s Mike Alstott/Michael Pittman vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup)

Pittman and Alstott have exactly the same number of carries over the last three games � 30 each � and neither has carried the ball into the end-zone during that span (Pittman, 92 yards; Alstott, 142) � Alstott caught 1 score in the last three weeks. Last week, Alstott did rack up 95 yards rushing, and Pittman had 75 yards combined, so they aren�t worthless in yardage leagues � but they�re far from great on a consistent basis.

Detroit�s rush defense isn�t very good � they allow 134 yards per game on average over the last four weeks (25^th in the NFL) and rank 22^nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Last week the anemic Cardinals rushed for 133 yards against them.

Detroit�s defense is healthy, while Tampa lists G Kerry Jenkins (knee) as probable on the injury report.

Look for more of the same from Alstott and Pittman this week � mediocre yardage totals and perhaps a score between the two of them.

Minnesota�s Michael Bennett vs. The New Orleans� Defense (Good Matchup)

Moe Williams missed practice on Wednesday, and looks like he�ll be limited if not out for the game on Sunday, so Michael Bennett should get the majority of work vs. New Orleans. Bennett has been so-so in the last three weeks, with 261 yards rushing and 1 score (6 catches for 22 yards) � he racked up 120 yards on the ground last week, but Daunte Culpepper punched in the sole rushing touchdown. Bottom line � Bennett doesn�t get many goal-line opportunities from Mike Tice and company.

New Orleans isn�t particularly strong against the rush, ranking 17^th for the season and over the past four weeks, allowing 117 yards per game on average (during both time spans). During the most recent four weeks, they are 23^rd ranked in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.

T Lewis Kelly (stomach � questionable), G Corbin Lacina (probable) and Bryant McKinnie (probable) are listed on the injury report for the Vikings, along with Williams (foot � questionable). The Saints list LB Darrin Smith as probable to play through his tweaked ankle.

Look for more of the same from Bennett this week � lots of yardage, and maybe a long touchdown run, if his owners are lucky.

New Orleans� Deuce McAllister vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup)

Deuce McAllister is tearing up opposing defenses since returning from his ankle sprain � 226 yards and 4 scores in 2 games is very respectable production, and puts him at #3 in points per game among all fantasy backs in the last 3 weeks. He ground the Ravens into mincemeat last week with 127 yards rushing and 3 scores.

Minnesota is fairly giving to opposing backs recently, allowing 126 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks (21^st in the NFL), while ranking 10^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Green Bay�s back-up, Tony Fisher, pounded out 96 yards and a score against them last week.

Key MLB Greg Biekert is listed as questionable by the Vikings (calf injury), while the Saints continue to list G LeCharles Barkley as questionable due to a nagging ankle injury. Deuce McAllister is also listed as questionable, but he played well with the same injury last week and should be good to go.

McAllister and the Saints should find room to make good things happen against the middlin� Minnesota defense.

Philadelphia�s Duce Staley vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup)

The last time these two teams met, Staley went over 100 yards in total offense, and Dorsey Levens added 65 yards for 1 score rushing the ball � the Eagles won in a laugher, 37-7. Since then, the Redskins have sunk into the bottom tier of the NFL, and are holding auditions for next year�s squad at this point. Philly is gearing up for a run deep into the playoffs. With McNabb and Detmer out, the Eagles rely on their backs a lot � Staley had 100 yards rushing last week vs. the Seahawks, while Levens added 49 yards combined � there is no reason to expect� less of a focus on the backs this week.

Washington�s rush defense is only mediocre, despite all the big names on their defense. Over the last four weeks, they are ranked 20^th in the NFL allowing 124 yards rushing per game, and they are 15^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in that span.

DT Darryl Gardener (back), LB Lemar Marshall (knee) and DE�s Bruce Smith (knee) and Renaldo Wynn (groin) are all dealing with nagging injuries (they are all probable to play), while the Eagles list back-up RB Brian Westbrook (ankle � doubtful), RB Dorsey Levens (leg � probable) and G Jermane Mayberry (knee � probable) on their report.

The contrast between the two units couldn�t be greater � one is going to the top, the other is defeatist and down-and-out. Advantage, Philadelphia.

Baltimore�s Jamal Lewis vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup)

How do you win a game when your offense only gains 47 yards in an entire 60 minutes? With a ball-hawking, opportunistic defense � which is exactly how the Texans beat Pittsburgh last week. However, their rush defense remains strictly mediocre � they are ranked 22^nd in the NFL this season, allowing 125 yards per game on average, and are 22^nd over the last four weeks, allowing 126 rushing yards per contest. During that span they are dead-level average in points allowed to opposing running backs (16^th in the NFL).

Jamal Lewis has been very productive as a dual-threat for the Ravens in the last three weeks, grinding out 264 yards rushing (1 touchdown) and gaining 125 yards receiving (1 touchdown) during that span � that�s good enough for 9^th among all fantasy backs over the last three weeks. 77 of those receiving yards came on a break-away touchdown catch last week, and his rushing score was notched last week too, so Lewis is hot right now.

Baltimore�s C, Mike Flynn, has a nagging leg injury (probable), while Houston lists no injuries of note this week on the defensive front.

Lewis should have a productive day against the middlin� Texans defense.

Green Bays� Ahman Green/Tony Fisher vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup)

Green Bay�s Ahman Green is said to be recovering from his bruised knee-cap and should start on Sunday � keep an eye on Green�s status as the weekend approaches. If he can�t go, then Tony Fisher will get the nod again. Green is the 7^th highest scoring back in points per game played this season, so he should definitely be in there for his fantasy owners if he�s healthy.

�San Francisco�s rush defense is playing poorly � they are ranked 8^th in yardage allowed over the past 4 weeks, at 101 yards per game, but they are 24^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. It�s easy to score on the 49�ers right now � Smith punched in 2 scores on them last week.

Green is probable to play on the early injury report. The 49�ers list 2 LB�s � Jamie Winborn is out (knee), and Saleem Rasheed is doubtful (thigh) for Sunday�s game.

Both teams are jockeying for position in the playoffs, so this will be a hard-fought contest. The Packers� attack is good enough that they have the edge in this phase of the game.

Arizona�s Marcel Shipp vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup)

Both teams are playing for pride at this point in the season, but Marcel Shipp is trying to cement his hold on the top job in Arizona come next season. Last week he gained 130 yards combined vs. Detroit, and is one of the few bright spots for the Cardinals this season. He has 246 yards rushing with 1 score, and 102 yards receiving over the last three weeks, so he�s playing fairly well at this point (excepting the general meltdown vs. K.C. 2 weeks ago, that is). Week 9 Thomas Jones was still the starting RB in Arizona (before his counter bit him in the hand and broke off his season), so this will be the first time Shipp gets extensive time vs. St. Louis (3 rushes for 15 yards week 9).

St. Louis has collapsed vs. the run in the last four weeks, allowing 130 yards per contest (23^rd in the NFL) and is ranked 27^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in that time frame. K.C. ripped them for 180 yards and 3 scores last week, with Priest Holmes only playing 2 � quarters � the Rams are pretty sorry right now.

Starting C Mike Gruttadauria�s season is over, Jason Starkey takes over as #1 in the lineup. T John Fina is still bothered by his ankle injury (doubtful) as is G Pete Kendall (ankle � doubtful). Key LB Tommy Polley is questionable to play Sunday due to his ankle/heel injury, while DT Brian Young will go despite his wrist (probable).

Arizona should enjoy good success against the down-and-out Rams defenders this week, despite their thin offensive line.

Kansas City�s Priest Holmes vs. The Denver Defense (Good Matchup)

Holmes was a one-man wrecking crew the last time these teams met in week 7 � he put up 113 yards on 24 carries with 3 touchdowns, and caught 7 balls for 38 yards, against this normally tough Bronco�s front. And he is red-hot (despite being rested after 2 �

quarters of work in each of his last two games) � Holmes reigns as the top fantasy back over the last 3 weeks, with 442 rushing yards (6 scores) and 182 yards receiving (1 score). He could easily have gone over 600 yards rushing during that span if he hadn�t been rested in the second half of the Chiefs� blowout wins. The team that prevails in this game is still alive for the playoffs, the loser all but out � don�t expect Holmes to see rest-time this week.

�Denver�s once-proud rushing defense (ranked 1^st in the NFL this season allowing only 84 yards per game on average) has faded badly in the last four weeks, and now ranks 15^th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (116 per contest, on average) � even more enticingly for the Holmes owner, they rank 30^th in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that span.

A couple of linemen are hurt for the Chiefs� unit � G Victor Allotey is out with a back injury, while G Donald Willis is questionable with a thigh problem. Denver�s banged up linebackers� corps is healing rapidly � Ian Gold (knee) and LB John Mobley (knee) are listed as probable to play.

Holmes and his unit are the best in football, and the Broncos are not even top tier at this point in the season � advantage, Chiefs (even in Mile High stadium in December).

Cleveland�s William Green vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Good Matchup)

William Green has vindicated his team-mates and coaches with his performance over the last three weeks. He is the 8^th best fantasy back during that span, racking up 327 yards and 2 scores on the ground, with 6 catches for 69 yards to top things off. Anytime you put up those kinds of numbers, you are officially on a roll.

Indianapolis� defense was on a roll, until McNair, George and the Titans stopped them with a haymaker to the jaw last week. George was held to 51 yards rushing on his 22 attempts, but punched in the ball twice to help the Titans to a key divisional victory. Over the past four weeks, the picture looks much the same for the Colts � they have held opposing teams to 95 yards per game on the ground (6^th in the NFL), but rank 19^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that same span.

LB Donnell Thompson (back � questionable), DT James Cannida (knee � probable), LB David Thornton (knee � probable) and DT David Pugh (groin � probable) are listed on the early injury report by the Colts, so they have an assortment of nagging injuries to aggravate if their luck is bad on Sunday. The Browns� rushing unit is good to go.

Green is on a roll, and the Colts were knocked back on their heels last week � look for Green to have the upper hand on Sunday.

Indianapolis� Edgerrin James/James Mungro vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup)

In a disturbing development for James owners everywhere, it appears that the ankle injury he suffered some weeks ago is just not healing very quickly (or well) � he keeps leaving the game sometime in the second half (just before Mungro plunges in for a score). Mungro has scored 3 touchdowns in three weeks (one per game), while James has had 1 score in three weeks. Mungro has only carried the ball 4 times in each of the last two games, for 13 yards in each contest, so he�s not much of a yardage guy � but he is scoring with regularity.

Cleveland had a miracle-win last week, and is playing rushing defense fairly well of late, so they have a bit of swagger coming into this game. The team is allowing 120 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks, and ranks 11^th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Not too bad for a unit that was trampled for 145 yards, 1 rushing score (and a 6.3 yards per carry average) by Fred Taylor last week.

Besides James, C Jeff Saturday is hobbled by an ankle injury (probable to play). The Browns list key DE Courtney Brown as doubtful due to his bum knee.

James should have a decent day � as long as he can stay in the game, that is.

Denver�s Clinton Portis vs. The Kansas City Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Kansas City defense, a laughingstock for most of the 2002 season, has suddenly hit their stride, just in time for the playoff stretch run. Over the last four weeks, the Chiefs are ranked 5^th in the NFL allowing only 93 yards per game to opposing rushers, and are 12^th in fantasy points allowed to backs during that span. They drilled the Rams and their Faulk/Gordon tandem last week, allowing 32 yards on 18 carries with 0 scores � anytime you hold an opposing NFL team to under 50 yards on the ground, you�re doing something very right on defense.

Denver, meanwhile, is reeling from a 3 game losing streak � but Clinton Portis� numbers remain as strong as ever: 350 yards rushing and 4 scores, and an additional 56 yards on 6 grabs over the past three games. Those solid numbers put him at 5^th on the fantasy backs� list during the three preceding weeks.

G�s Steve Herndon (thigh) and Dan Neil (knee) are probable to play on Sunday. The Chiefs may have to do without LB Quinton Caver (shoulder � questionable) but DT John Browning�s foot is fine (probable).

The winner can still make the playoffs, while the looser is eliminated � look for an all out battle between two hard-charging units on Sunday.

San Francisco�s Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The word on Garrison Hearst�s hyper-extended knee is that he is healing rapidly and should be ready to play on Sunday. Kevan Barlow is also making good progress, so the two-headed beast by the Bay should be back in commission either this week or next. Barlow is questionable on the injury report, while Hearst is probable � Hearst will probably get the majority of carries whether or not Barlow can return this week.

Green Bay�s rushing defense is giving up lots of yards lately (144 yards per game, 26^th in the NFL over the last four weeks) but not a lot of points � the team ranks 6^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during the past four weeks. Michael Bennett racked up 120 yards rushing, but 0 scores last week (Daunte Culpepper put one in the end-zone on a rush, though).

Green Bay�s run-stuffing interior lineman Gilbert Brown is probable to play despite his ankle problem this week. T Derrick Deese (ankle) and G Eric Heitmann (hand) are both probable to block for Hearst and Barlow.

The 49�ers backs should gain plenty of yardage in this one, but may have trouble sniffing out the end-zone. It looks like a neutral matchup from where we sit.

St. Louis� Marshall Faulk/Lamar Gordon vs. The Arizona Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Marshall Faulk�s bum ankle and the loss of key T Orlando Pace has rendered the once-feared Ram rushing attack impotent. The two garnered 27 yards of rushing vs. the Chiefs last week, and Faulk has been outscored by 40 other fantasy backs on a points-per-game basis over the past three weeks. Ouch. Week 9 a healthy Marshall Faulk ripped the Cards for 178 yards and 1 score rushing, but this isn�t week 9 anymore.

Arizona�s rush defense is terrible, ranking 31^st in the league over the last four weeks, allowing 167 yards per game and also ranks 31^st in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs during that span. Only Seattle is worse.

Faulk is listed as probable to play, but he is clearly not 100% and probably won�t be for the rest of 2002. Gordon just isn�t getting the job done � he�s not injured. Arizona has lost LB�s Rob Fredrickson (neck) and Levar Fisher (knee) for the season this week (they are on IR now). LB LeVar Woods is questionable with an ankle injury, leaving only 4 healthy linebackers on the entire roster as of mid-week � can you say thin?

In this battle of the bad, neither team has a clear advantage � Faulk is too injured, and Gordon just plain ineffective.�

Dallas Emmitt Smith vs. The New York Giants� Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The last time these teams met, in week 5, the Giants prevailed in a squeaker 21-17. Emmitt rushed 13 times for 70 yards and a score, and snagged 2 balls for 15 yards. Since then, Smith found motivation in the challenge offered by Troy Hambrick trying to horn into the backfield, and he has been running well of late � 62 rushes for 283 yards, 3 scores and adding 2 catches for 8 yards over the last three weeks. Those numbers put Emmitt Smith at #13 among fantasy backs in scoring over the last three weeks. This game is between two huge rivals, and the Cowboys would love to knock down the Giants� playoff hopes.

New York has been fairly stout against the rush recently, allowing 114 yards per game over the last four weeks (14^th in the NFL) and rank 13^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Last week Washington put up 132 yards and 1 score against the Giants.

Neither starting unit lists significant new injuries this week.

Smith has a head of steam behind him (and a rookie quarterback under center who mainly exists to feed him the ball), but the Giants are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Neither side has a big edge over the other going into the game.

Seattle�s Shaun Alexander vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Shaun Alexander is not the back he was a year ago, but he is on a tear over the last three weeks � since Hasselbeck started throwing the ball well, Alexander is finding more room to roam � his 342 yards and 2 scores in the last 3 games with another 91 yards receiving put him at #6 on the fantasy backs� scoring list for the previous three weeks.

Atlanta�s rushing defense has been stout all season as far as touchdowns allowed to opposing backs are concerned, but a little more generous yardage-wise (they rank 20^th in yards allowed this season, 123 per game, but 4^th in fantasy points allowed). Over the past four weeks, they�ve clamped down on the yardage, too, ranking 12^th with 110 yards per game allowed, but 4^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.

RB Maurice Morris is probably going to sit, due to a bad hamstring (questionable), and Matt Hasselbeck could give way to Jeff George, due to his painful foot injury (he�s in a protective boot at mid-week). LB John Holocek (arm � questionable) and DE Brady Smith (back � probable) are on the injury report for Atlanta.

Look for Atlanta to pose a challenge for Alexander on Sunday � he may have a hard time getting into the end-zone.

Miami�s Ricky Williams vs. The Oakland Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Here is the definition of a fantasy running back on a tear � 3 games played, 587 rushing yards with 6 rushing touchdowns. If you had to face Ricky Williams in the last 3 weeks, you had trouble winning your game. If you started Ricky Williams during that stretch, you�re probably well positioned for the playoffs in your league.

Oakland�s rushing defense has been tough to gain yards on all season (93 yards per game allowed, on average � 3^rd in the NFL), and is very stout over the past four weeks, allowing only 69 yards per game during that span, 1^st in the league. However, they are allowing the other backs to score, and rank 17^th in fantasy points allowed during that four week span.

T Mark Dixon continues to nurse his sore ankle, but he�s probable to play for the Dolphins on Sunday. The Oakland defense is hale and ready to fight it out.

Two top units come to grips in this game � neither has the upper hand going into the game.

Houston�s James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup)

Wells and Allen are cheek-by-jowl on the fantasy backs scoring list over the past three weeks � at #42 and #43. Neither has amassed more than 100 rushing yards, total, during the course of those three weeks. Last week, the Texans� offense gained 47 total yards � in the course of an entire 60 minutes of football. There aren�t polite words strong enough to describe how abysmally bad this �tandem� is playing right now.

Baltimore�s rushing D is surprisingly good given their youth and the loss of all-world LB Ray Lewis. They rank 10^th in the NFL this season, allowing only 106 yards per game on average, and are 16^th over the past four weeks, allowing 117 per contest. It isn�t too tough to run the ball in on them, however � the team ranks 25^th in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that span.

Texans� T Ryan Young continues to struggle with his bum knee (questionable), while the Ravens� defensive front reports no new injuries.

Wells, Allen and company are so bad they would make almost any team look good in comparison. Baltimore�s unit will be a stiff challenge for the Texans.

�Washington�s Stephen Davis/LaDell Betts vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup)

The downward spiral of the Redskins� rushing attack is set to continue this week, as their most effective player sees less and less time so the coaching staff can evaluate rookie LaDell Betts. This RBBC is a clear sign that A) the Redskins have thrown in the towel on 2002 and B) Stephen Davis is headed out the door after the season. Last time these two teams hooked up, in week 2, Washington had an ineffective Shane Matthews under center, and Stephen Davis managed only 53 yards rushing. This time, rookie Patrick Ramsey will call signals, and Betts (12 rushes for 44 yards so far in 2002) will share time with Davis, so things don�t look much better in week 15 for Davis owners.

Of course, Philadelphia plays mean rush defense anyway, so Davis� prospects weren�t too hot to begin with. The Eagles are 18^th over the past four weeks allowing 117 yards per game on the ground (but are 7^th this season averaging 99 yards per contest), yet rank 8^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.

G Brenden Stai is probable to play despite his injured knee, while the Eagles list DE Derrick Burgess as out (foot). Four defensive linemen are probable to play through an assortment of minor injuries, just as they have for several weeks (DE Hugh Douglas (knee), DT Paul Grasmanis (ankle/shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (quadriceps), and DE Brandon Whiting (leg)).

The Eagles are going to the playoffs and playing for home-field advantage throughout the post-season � the Redskins are holding training camp 7 months early. Advantage, Philadelphia.

�

New York Giant�s Tiki Barber vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup)

Every game is a must-win for the Giants from here on out, if they want to see playing time in January. The last time these teams locked horns, in week 5, Tiki Barber had a productive outing, with 17 rushed for 94 yards, and 4 catches for 29 yards (0 scores). Over the last three weeks, Barber has been on a roll, racking up 306 yards and 3 scores rushing, with 7 receptions for 35 yards (#7 in scoring among all fantasy backs in that stretch).

Dallas is one of the best rushing defenses in the league, allowing only 113 yards per game over the last four weeks (13^th in the NFL) and ranking 3^rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that period. Last week the 49�ers best rusher was their quarterback, Jeff Garcia, with 50 yards and a rare score against the Cowboys.

T Mike Rosenthal (knee/foot) is the lone Giants� offensive lineman on the injury report (he�s probable), and the Cowboys list no new injuries this week.

Dallas is always tough to run on, and this week is no different.

Chicago�s Leon Johnson vs. The New York Jets� Defense (Touch Matchup)

Leon Johnson had an inauspicious start last week (his first of the season), gaining only 44 yards on 15 carries (1 reception for 9 yards), and he was held out of the end-zone by the tough Miami defense. This week, he may face the Jets without key G Chris Vallarial (back � questionable), and the team�s starting quarterback, Jim Miller, is out for the season due to a knee injury (in combination with a bum elbow and shoulder in his throwing arm).

The bad news for Johnson is that the Jets defense isn�t much easier to run on than the Dolphins are at this point in the season. Over the last four weeks, the Jets average 101 rushing yards allowed per game (Miami allowed 100 per game on average over the same span), good for 9^th in the NFL. They have given up some scores to opposing backs recently, though, and rank 20^th vs. opposing fantasy backs over the past four weeks. Clinton Portis managed 103 yards rushing, 22 yards receiving, and 0 touchdowns against the Jets last week, though.

Clinton Portis and the Broncos are a much better running team than the 2002 Bears. Look for the frustration to continue for Johnson and his team-mates against the Jets.�

Tennessee�s Eddie George vs. The New England Defense (Tough Matchup)

Eddie George has not gone over 100 yards combined in any game over the past 5 weeks, but he has been crossing the goal-line with regularity � 3 times in the last 3 weeks (176 yards rushing, 38 receiving during that span). Not the Eddie George of old, but not pathetic, either � especially in TD leagues.

New England�s rushing defense has improved a lot in recent weeks (they are ranked 19^th in the NFL allowing 123 yards per game on the season) � the team is 10^th in the NFL allowing only 103 yards per game, and rank 7^th in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs � very respectable.

G Zach Piller is doubtful due to a calf injury, as is key Patriot LB Tedy Bruschi (knee). DE Rick Lyle is questionable with a back injury, and LB Matt Chatham went onto IR this week with a hand injury.

Look for George to continue to struggle yardage-wise this week, and he may have less luck sniffing out the end-zone as well.

Oakland�s Charlie Garner/Tyrone Wheatley/Zack Crockett vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup)

Oakland rocked San Diego�s world last week, and absolutely crammed the ball down their throat in so doing � Garner, Wheatley and Crockett all scored touchdowns, even though they were held to 67 yards rushing on 25 carries as a team. For Garner owners, the statistic that is most troublesome is this: Garner had 11 carries for 24 yards, while Wheatley had 9 for 28 yards � they split the workload almost evenly. Garner had four catches for 43 yards, Wheatley snagged 2 for 15. It looks like the RBBC is back in place in Oakland for the stretch run.

Miami plays dominant rush defense, and has all season (5^th ranked in the NFL allowing 96 yards per game on the ground). Over the last four weeks, the team is allowing 100 yards per game rushing (7^th in the NFL), and rank 1^st in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. They are tough to score on.

Neither team lists significant injuries on the early report, although some Dolphins have a few dings � DT Larry Chester (shoulder), DE Jay Williams (quadriceps) and LB Scott Gaylon (shoulder) all have minor complaints but are probable to play.

Miami is tough to run on, and they are at home on Sunday. Advantage, Dolphins.

New England�s Antowain Smith vs. The Tennessee Defense (Bad Matchup)

Tennessee has turned around their season, and the rush defense has a lot to do with that � over the past four weeks, (3 wins in 4 games), the team is holding the opposition to a mere 78 yards rushing per game (2^nd in the NFL), and ranks 5^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Pittsburgh managed 45(0 scores) as a team, Baltimore 112 and 0 scores, the Giants got 62 yards and 1 rushing TD, and the Colts managed 92 and 1 score. That represents a great defensive effort against a lot of very solid backs, folks.

Antowain Smith has been ho-hum all season long. He has broken 100 yards rushing exactly once in 2002 (111 against Buffalo week 9), and his 206 yards and 2 scores (with 5 catches for 56 yards) in the last 3 weeks puts him at 19^th among all fantasy backs during that 3 weeks span. Yawn.

New England�s starting G Joe Andruzzi just hasn�t been able to get his knee healed up (questionable). The Titans list DE Jevon Kearse as questionable with his bum foot, but he hasn�t played since week 1, so don�t hold your breath on him.

A mediocre back and line meet a top defensive front on Sunday. Advantage, Titans.

Carolina�s Dee Brown vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup)

Every football fan in the United States (if they tell the truth) was shocked to see the Panthers put up 52 points last week. Dee Brown, the back-up turned starter in Carolina, got a small share of that point explosion, gaining 45 yards on 17 carries and scoring once (2 receptions for 9 yards). Over the last 2 games he�s gained 167 yards rushing and scored once � not bad for a player with limited NFL experience. He hasn�t been much of a double threat lately, with only 3 receptions for 13 yards in his term as a starter.

Pittsburgh�s rushing defense is playing very well right now (they have been good, statistically, all season (2^nd in the NFL allowing 88 rushing yards per game on average)).

During the last four weeks the Steelers are allowing only 79 yards per contest (3^rd in the NFL) and rank 9^th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span.

Steeler�s LB James Farrior is questionable with a sternum injury, while starting T Todd Steussie is also listed as questionable by the Panthers.

Brown and the Panthers may have a hard time getting the ball up the field against a potent defensive front like the Steelers field.

Detroit�s James Stewart/Corey Schlesinger vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup)

The only bright spot in this one for the Lions is the fact that they only have to play Tampa once this season. Tampa has the 4^th best rushing defense over the last four weeks, allowing only 82 yards per game on average, and rank 2^nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Bucs shut down Vick and Duckett last week (Dunn was hurt), and Atlanta�s rushing attack is a lot better than Detroit�s.

James Stewart and FB Corey Schlesinger are both struggling with recurring stingers, and neither has finished the last two games. Last week Detroit lost to the flaccid Cardinals, racking up 51 whole yards of rushing as a team.

In addition to the stingers plaguing Stewart (questionable this week) and Schlesinger (not listed), T Stockar McDougle (toe) and G Tyrone Hopson (neck) are questionable to play for the Lions. Back-up DE Ellis Wyms is questionable for Tampa with an ankle injury.

Detroit is outmatched in this one � the Buccaneers will stuff the Lions all day long.