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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 LaDainian Tomlinson 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. Joe ************************************* Joe Bryant Owner � www.Footballguys.com Week 17 Rushing
Matchups
Written by Mark Wimer and Joe
Bryant Atlanta�s
Warrick Dunn/Michael Vick vs. The Cleveland Defense (Great Matchup) Warrick Dunn has been on a tear in his last two games � 233 yards
rushing with 1 score, and 82 yards receiving � while Vick remains a steady
threat (26 rushes for 97 yards). T.J. Duckett has faded into the back-round
during the playoff stretch run � look for Dunn to be the featured guy against
the Browns this week. While injuries didn�t help any, the Browns� defense just
never lived up to their pre-season hype (30th in the NFL this
season, allowing 132 rushing yards per game), and over the past four weeks are
ranked 28th in the NFL, allowing 148 yards per game, while being the
13th ranked team in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing
backs during that four week span. They allowed Jamal Lewis to gain 100 yards on
21 carries last week (4.8 yards per carry). Cleveland has no new injuries of note to report. Atlanta�s
starting FB Bob Christian had a nasty concussion last week � but Dunn plays out
of a lot of 1 back sets, so Christian�s absence this week won�t hurt too much.
C Roberto Garza is out with a knee injury, while G Kynan Forney is probable to
play with his sore back. Dunn and Vick should put the Falcons into the playoffs with
good games on Sunday. Denver�s
Clinton Portis vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Clinton Portis: in the last 3 games, 285 yards rushing with
4 scores, and 102 yards receiving with 1 score. He�s the #1 fantasy back in the
nation during that span. Arizona: 8 losses in their last 9 games. They are ranked
17th in rushing defense over the past four weeks allowing 110 yards per
contest, and 23rd in rushing defense during 2002. Over the last four games,
they are the 20th NFL D in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs.
Denver: 1 injured offensive lineman on IR (Tom Nalen).
Arizona: 2 LB�s on IR (Rob Frederickson and LeVar Fisher) and 2 DE�s on IR
(Thomas Burke, Alton Moore). LB LeVar Woods is probable to play. Start Portis if you�ve got him. Minnesota�s
Michael Bennett vs. The Detroit Defense (Great Matchup) Bennett was limited by the Miami defense last week (10/54
yards rushing, 2/15 receiving, 0 scores). Over the last three weeks, he�s
racked up 220 yards rushing and 844 receiving, so he�s still valuable in
yardage leagues (but 0 scores in all that time). Last time he played Detroit,
week 6, Bennett had 16 rushes for 68 yards, and 4 receptions for 70 yards and 1
score. Not too shabby. Detroit�s rushing defense is as inept as their secondary,
ranking 29th in the NFL over the past four weeks allowing 148 yards
per game and is 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs
during that span. Detroit�s defensive front reports no new injuries of note
heading into this one. Minnesota�s ground game is healthy, too. Bennett should have good success, and may even score if he
can bust a long run. Moe Williams will plunge in any short TD�s that may be
generated, most likely. San
Francisco�s Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The St. Louis Defense (Great
Matchup) Arizona really put up a scrap last week, but the Niner�s
dynamic duo helped pull out a win in the end � Hearst had 11 rushes for 38
yards and a score, while Barlow managed 13 totes for 50 yards. RBBC is alive
and well in �Frisco. Last time (week 5) Hearst torched the Rams for 116 yards
and a score on only 13 carries, and Barlow added 50 yards on 10 carries.
Cha-Ching! St. Louis is sinking fast, and it�s partly due to their rush
defense � 23rd in the NFL allowing 129 yards per game over the last
four weeks, and 29th in fantasy�
points allowed to opposing backs. They are ugly all over with a little
pathetic on the side, in other words. The Ram�s keystone DE Grant Wistrom is out with a hairline
fracture below his knee for this one, and spark-plug LB Tommy Polley is very
doubtful with an ankle injury. The Niners list G Ron Stone (ankle) as
questionable and T Derrick Deese (ankle) as probable. See Garrison Hearst run. Run, Garrison Hearst, run. See
Garrison Hearst score. See Kevan Barlow run. Run, Kevan Barlow, run. See Kevan
Barlow score. Get the picture? Arizona�s
Marcel Shipp vs. The Denver Defense (Good Matchup) Marcel Shipp has been a pleasant surprise for the beleaguered
Cardinals, and an absolute fantasy monster over the past three weeks, with 265
yards rushing (2 scores) and 155 yards receiving (1 score).� That�s good for #3 in fantasy scoring among
all NFL backs during that span. He just signed a 4 year, $8 million deal, so
he�s the back of now and tomorrow for the Cardinals. Denver has been awful lately, and their run defense is part
of the problem. Oakland kicked the Broncos� tail last week, slapping 136 yards
rushing and 3 rushing touchdowns on the once-vaunted unit. Over the past four
weeks, the Broncos rank 30th in the NFL allowing 151 yards per game,
and are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Arizona suffered a huge loss last week when starting T
Leonard Davis went down for the season with a knee injury. Starting G Pete
Kendall (ankle � doubtful) and reserve John Fina (ankle � not listed this week)
both missed the last game, so the offensive line is very thin and limping.
Denver�s unit is healthy. The loss of Davis will hurt the Cardinal�s offense quite a
bit. But it�s not enough to even the playing field with the fading Broncos.
Look for Shipp to have success on Sunday. Carolina�s
Dee Brown vs. The New Orleans� Defense (Good Matchup) Talk about grabbing the brass ring. Dee Brown has given his
all since flaky Lamar Smith drunkenly drove his way off the Panther�s team last
month. 48 rushes for 119 yards and 4 scores with 3 catches for 15 yards and
another score doesn�t make him a yardage-league stud, but is good enough to put
him at #13 on the fantasy backs� scoring list over the past three weeks. Lamar
Smith put up 80 yards on only 17 carries with 1 score vs New Orleans in week
10. New Orleans has dropped the brass ring into the toilet, and
the team is in danger of flushing their season if they don�t get going this
week vs. Carolina. The defense has been pathetic in both phases of the game in
the last four weeks, and ranks 25th vs. the rush allowing 134 yards
per game during that span. They are 27th in points allowed to
opposing fantasy backs during that time frame. Yuck. Brown (shoulder � questionable) and Joe Montgomery (ankle �
questionable) are the injured stable of Panther�s backs. New Orleans lists LB
Darrin Smith (neck � questionable) as the sole member of their defensive front
who is injured. Brown should have good luck against the stumbling Saints�
defense, as long as his shoulder holds up. Cincinnati�s
Corey Dillon/Nicolas Luchey vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) Buffalo�s defense just isn�t very good, especially in the
rushing phase of the game. They are the 27th rushing D in the NFL,
allowing 145 yards per contest on average over the last four weeks, and are 18th
in fantasy points allowed to running backs during that time frame. Cincinnati has an all-world back in Corey Dillon, but an
elbow injury to Dillon and bruised ribs suffered by Brandon Bennett forced the
team to insert little-known Nicolas Luchey � who surprised the Saints with 2
late scores and sparked an enormous upset last Sunday. Dillon is expected to be
OK this week, so don�t expect another scoring explosion from Luchey week 17. Buffalo�s probably down backup LB Dominique Stevenson this
week, but their unit is healthy otherwise. Dillon is probable to play, while
Brandon Bennett is questionable due to the sore ribs. Dillon should have plenty of room to roam against the
suspect Buffalo Bills. Dallas�
Emmitt Smith vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup) Outgoing head coach Dave Campo was upfront this week � he
will play Emmitt Smith enough so that he can get his 12th
consecutive 1000 yard season (NFL record) on Sunday. Smith needs 38 yards to
set the mark. As this is probably Smith�s last year in Dallas, look for a top
effort from him vs. the rival Redskins. In week 13, Smith torched the Redskins
for 144 yards on 23 carries, so you�ve got to like his chances to extend his
record. Washington is soft against the rush, and in the last four
weeks allows 125 yards per game on average (21st in the NFL), while
ranking 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in that
span. They crushed the Texans� attack last week, but almost everyone does that. T Solomon Page (knee � doubtful) may not play for Dallas.
The Redskins have a few minor injuries on the defensive front, but all the key
guys are probable to play. Smith should close out his career as a Cowboy in style vs.
Washington. Green
Bay�s Ahman Green vs. The New York Jets Defense (Good Matchup) Green Bay�s Ahman Green returned to full-time action with a
strong game last week, posting 116 yards rushing on 26 carries and adding 2
catches for 17 yards in blustery conditions. This week, the Packers visit
Giant�s stadium, and both teams are playing for the post-season � Green Bay for
seeding, the Jets to get in to the dance. New York�s rush defense, once a laughingstock of the league,
is playing much tougher of late, and totally stuffed Antowain Smith, holding
him to 46 yards on 14 carries in their game vs. New England last week. Over the
past four weeks, New York is the 12th best rushing D in the league,
allowing only 103 yards per game on average. They can be scored on, though,
ranking 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that
period. New York�s team is remarkably healthy, with only one person
on IR at this point in the season and no injuries of note to report. Green Bay
has no new injuries heading into the matchup, though T Earl Dotson continues to
battle his sore back (questionable) and Green has returned to health as noted
above. Green Bay doesn�t mind playing in wintry weather, and Ahman
Green is one of the best in the league at running the ball. With home field
advantage and a play-off berth at stake, the Jets will play tough � but the
Packers are the better unit. Miami�s
Ricky Williams vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) Ricky Williams was contained by the Vikings last week (15
rushes for 67 yards, 3 receptions for 16 yards) in the upset loss to Minnesota.
Over the last three weeks, he has 384 yards rushing and 2 scores, with 8
receptions for 55 yards, so the disappointing performance was an aberration,
not a trend. Even with the poor showing, Williams is the 6th best
fantasy back in points per game over the past four weeks, so he�s still a
must-start. In week 5 Williams gained 105 tough yards on 36 carries vs. the
Patriots. The defense has gotten worse since then. New England�s defense, meanwhile, is a shadow of it�s former
self � they were rocked for 106 yards on 26 carries by Curtis Martin last week,
and are ranked 22nd vs. the rush over the last four weeks allowing
127 yards per game on average (7th in fantasy points allowed to
opposing backs, however). Starting LB Tedy Bruschi is sorely missed by the Patriots,
and is unlikely to see action again this week (questionable on the injury
report). Miami�s offensive unit is healthy � T Mark Dixon continues to play
through his sore ankle (probable). Look for the dominant Ricky Williams we�re used to seeing
come back in week 17 in this crucial AFC East battle. Oakland�s Charlie Garner/Tyrone Wheatley/Zack Crockett vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup) Garner and Wheatley each gained 61 yards in last week�s game
vs. Denver, but Zack Crockett got the touchdowns, plunging in 2 scores from
goal-line situations. Crockett�s long run of the day was 2 yards. Garner is
still racking up yardage in the passing phase of the game, (91 on 8 receptions
last week), so he�s a good play in yardage leagues if your league championship
is week 17. Crockett is the man in goal-line situations. Last time these two
met, in week 8, Garner led the team with 47 yards on 10 carries, with 0 rushing
scores. Kansas City�s rush defense was soft most of the season (17th
ranked, allowing 119 yards per game) but has been better in terms of yardage
allowed recently (9th, allowing 101 yards per game). However,
LaDainian Tomlinson put up 131 yards (0 scores) on 24 carries on them last
week, so they are still vulnerable to the run � and they are 25th
ranked in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Chief�s DE Duane Clemons (knee) is questionable to play
� otherwise both units are healthy. Look for Garner and Wheatley to rack up yardage � but
they�ll need to bust a long play if they are to score a touchdown, with
Crockett waiting in the wings. The Raider�s attack as a unit has the edge in
this matchup. San
Diego�s LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Seattle Defense (Good Matchup) LaDainian Tomlinson is not to blame for the Charger�s
second-half nosedive. Over 100 yards rushing in 2 of the last 3 games (all
losses), with 61 yards receiving in those three games. 131 yards last week in
the Kansas City showdown � Tomlinson is a fantasy workhorse and a franchise
owner�s dream. Seattle�s much maligned rushing defense has finally, at
last, began to resemble a pro-caliber defense, rather than a junior-high squad.
Over the last four weeks, they are ranked 16th allowing only 109
yards per contest, and are 15th in fantasy points allowed to
opposing running backs. Not super, but not embarrassing, either. San Diego�s starting T Damion McIntosh (ankle � probable)
and backup OL Michael Keathley (ankle � not listed this week) missed last
week�s contest and the unit as a whole remains dangerously thin. Seattle will
be without DE Anton Palepoi (ankle), while LB Anthony Simmons is probable to
play through his nagging ankle injury. Tomlinson is too explosive for the improving but still
mediocre Seahawks to handle. The advantage lies with the Chargers. Seattle�s
Shaun Alexander vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup) Shaun Alexander sure does have a lot more running room now
that Matt Hasselbeck has found his �A� game. 329 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns
in the last three games have pushed Alexander into the top 5 among fantasy
backs during that span (#4 in fantasy points per game). San Diego�s defense dominated the Holmes-less Chiefs on the
ground, but are ranked 15th in yards allowed (108 per game) during
the last four weeks in rush defense, and 30th in fantasy points
allowed to opposing backs in that time. Not too good, are they? The Seahawks continue to get hit with injuries on the
offensive line � last week starting T Floyd Womack (ankle) and G Floyd
Wedderburn (foot) were unable to play. The Chargers come into the season finale
without new injuries of note. Seattle is playing very well recently, and San Diego isn�t.
Advantage, Alexander and the Seahawks. Washington�s
LaDell Betts/Kenny Watson vs. The Dallas Defense (Good Matchup) Stephen Davis is out with his bum shoulder, so the youthful
tandem of LaDell Betts and Kenny Watson will get another crack at making Steve
Spurrier�s �Run-N-Run� offense work this week. Last week the two combined for
226 yards and 1 touchdown vs. the Texans. In week 13, Stephen Davis carried the
ball 20 times for 51 yards, so he didn�t get much done 4 weeks ago vs. the Cowboys. Dallas� rush defense is no joke � but they are wearing down
at the end of the season, now allowing 120 yards per game over the last four
weeks (19th in the league) and ranking 17th in fantasy
points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Both teams� units are healthy (excepting Davis) heading into
this game. Betts and Watson should have opportunities to succeed if the
mercurial Spurrier decides to depend on their skills. Detroit�s
James Stewart vs. The Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup) Stewart finally managed to score again week 16, hauling in a
short McMahon pass in the end-zone after a three week absence from the promised
land. He didn�t do much else, with 10 rushes for 34 yards, but a touchdown is a
touchdown. Week 6, Minnesota held him to 42 yards on 10 carries (2 catches for
11 yards), so he hasn�t done much against them this season. Minnesota�s defense has been mediocre against the rush
recently, ranking 20th in the NFL over the last four weeks allowing
125 yards per game on the ground, but ranking 10th in fantasy points
allowed to opposing backs. T Stockar McDougle may not be blocking for Stewart on Sunday
(toe � doubtful) � otherwise there are no new injuries of significance to
report. Look for Stewart to have a little success against the
mediocre Vikings. Indianapolis�
Edgerrin James/James Mungro vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Neutral Matchup) No animal is more dangerous when wounded than a wild-cat �
and the Jags are smarting from their fourth loss in five games and another year
of futility, especially because they were whipped 28-10 by division-rival
Tennessee last week. Coughlin�s reign could be done, so the swan song of his
club will be against another division-rival, the Indianapolis Colts.
Jacksonville�s rush defense has been anemic lately, ranking 31st in
the NFL allowing 158 yards per game on average over the last four weeks. They
are a little better in fantasy points allowed � 14th over the past
four weeks � but it is still a long hill to climb facing the Colts. However, the Colts of December 2002 are not the same team
that beat Jacksonville in September of 2002. Edgerrin James had 99 yards
rushing and 11 receiving then � he hasn�t been over 100 yards combined in five
weeks, and was humiliated by the Giants last week, who held him to 13 yards
rushing on 10 carries. Clearly, James just isn�t the back he used to be, thanks
to his bum ankle. Mungro wasn�t much better (8 rushes for 21 yards), so the
Colts� rushing attack is pretty anemic right now. Neither unit lists injuries of note heading into Sunday�s
contest, but RB�s Jim Finn (ankle) and Ricky Williams (ankle) are both doubtful
to play again this week. James and Mungro are both listed as probable. James and Mungro aren�t playing well, but neither are the
Jaguars. It�s a toss up between two sinking units in this game. Jacksonville�s
Fred Taylor vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Neutral Matchup) Indianapolis� young defense was starting to look pretty good
during the later half of the season � until the last three weeks, that is. They
have allowed 27, 23, and 44 points in weeks 14, 15, and 16, respectively, and
have been steamrolled by opposing backs during the past four weeks, ranking 4th
in terms of yardage vs. the rush (94 yards per game, on average) but 26th
in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Colts are giving
up points to running backs in bunches. Fred Taylor got injured last week, and bounced in and out of
the embarrassing loss to Tennessee, ending the day with 3 rushes for 17 yards
and 2 catches for 7 yards. Stacey Mack was ineffective, gaining 28 yards on 9
carries. Nobody scored a rushing touchdown. Way back in week 1, Taylor gained
83 yards with 1 score on 24 attempts vs. the Colts, but he was healthy then.
Watch his progress recovering from the ankle sprain as the week progresses. As
of now he is expected to play. Starting QB Mark Brunell (hamstring) and WR Jimmy Smith
(shoulder) were also hurt last week � if neither or only one of them can play
this week, it will be a long game for whichever Jag totes the rock on Sunday.
Indianapolis� defense is dinged up � LB Marcus Washington is questionable with
a knee problem, as is DE Chad Bratzke (leg) and DE Brad Scioli (shoulder). Indy is playing for a spot in the playoffs, and Jacksonville
is playing out the string. However, the Colts� defense has been so ineffective
of late that this matchup is a neutral one heading into the game, even given
the injury to Taylor. This becomes a tough matchup if either (or both) Brunell
and Smith can�t play. Back-up QB David Garrard doesn�t scare opposing defenders
at all. New
Orleans� Deuce McAllister vs. The Carolina Defense (Neutral Matchup) McAllister got stuffed by Cincinnati in a big way last week,
gaining only 26 yards on 15 carries. He�s probable to play this week in spite
of that bad ankle, but the open question is how far he can carry the Saints on
it. If last week is any measure, the answer to that question may disappoint
Saints� fans everywhere. He had solid games before the bad one � McAllister has
222 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing, with 61 yards receiving in the past three
games � but it wasn�t encouraging to watch him fail last week. In week 10,
McAllister rushed for 71 yards and 2 scores vs. the Panthers, so he�s had good
fortune against them this season. Carolina has played surprisingly strong defense for a losing
franchise, and continues to play well in the fourth quarter of the season,
ranking 10th in the NFL allowing only 102 yards per game and sitting
at 8th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. DT Kris Jenkins (leg) and LB Kory Minor (leg) are both
probable to play on Sunday for Carolina. New Orleans lists key T Kyle Turley
(back � questionable) and G LeCharles Bentley (ankle � probable) on their
injury report. McAllister and the Saints are fighting for a spot in the
playoffs, but Carolina would love to be a spoiler. The matchup is even heading
into the game.� New York
Jets� Curtis Martin vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) Curtis Martin and the Jets have suddenly rediscovered their
ground game in the second half of the season, and it shows. Over the past three
weeks, Martin is the 17th ranked fantasy back in points per game �
with 290 yards rushing and 1 score, and an additional 45 yards receiving. That
is a marked improvement over his early-season performances, which were awful
from the fantasy (and real-world) standpoint. However, the Packers are on top of their game, and showed it
against Buffalo, when they man-handled Travis Henry and the Bill�s line (20 rushes
for 46 yards last week). Over the past four weeks, they rank 13th in
terms of yards allowed (103 per game), but 3rd in fantasy points
allowed to opposing backs during that span. The Jets are almost totally healthy heading into this game.
The Packers played without reserve DL Steve Warren (shoulder) and Keith
McKenzie (hamstring) last week. Warren isn�t on the injury report, while
McKenzie is listed as questionable. Gilbert Brown is probable to clog up the
middle of the DL despite his foot problem. Both teams are hot, both are fighting to go into the
post-season with �Big Mo� and neither has a big edge over the other heading
into this game. New York
Giant�s Tiki Barber vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Neutral Matchup) Philadelphia fought through a laundry list of injuries on
the defense in the past month, and still remained one of the top units in the
NFL � vs. the rush, they are 7th ranked during the past four weeks,
allowing only 101 yards per game on average � and they are 1st in
fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Tiki Barber has played well recently � he�s 7th
among all fantasy backs over the past three weeks with 237 yards rushing with 4
scores, and added 69 yards on 7 receptions. Last week he helped maul the Colts
with 60 yards rushing and 2 scores. In week 8, Barber went 15/79 yards rushing
and had 5 receptions for 92 yards against the Eagles, so he has had success
against them this season. G Jason Whittle will play for the Giants despite his sore
hand. The Eagles will miss DE Derrick Burgess (foot), and maybe without LB
Kieth Adams (quadriceps � questionable). LB Shawn Barber is probable despite
his neck injury, as is DT Jeremy Schlecta (concussion). That�s a lot less
walking wounded on the D than the Eagles have had for most of December. This game will be an all-out battle, with neither side
really superior to the other going into the game. Philadelphia�s
Duce Staley vs. The New York Giants� Defense (Neutral Matchup) Duce Staley has played very hard since Donovan McNabb went
down, and over the last three weeks he�s the 8th best back in
fantasy football, with 218 yards rushing, 77 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns,
total.� Last time he faced this Giants�
defense, in week 8, he rushed for 126 yards, and caught 2 passes for 37 more
yards (0 scores) � Staley knows how to attack this opponent. The Giants are defending the rush fairly well recently �
over the past four weeks they are 14th in the NFL allowing 107 yards
per game on average, and are the 11th ranked defense in points
allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that stretch. LB Quincy Monk is nursing a sore ankle (probable), while the
Eagles list T Tra Thomas as probable to play through his quadriceps injury.
Injuries aren�t a big factor in this matchup (except for the absence of Donovan
McNabb as a threat to run, of course).� The Giants are fighting for a NFC playoff spot, and the
Eagles want home-field advantage throughout � this game is going to be hard
fought on all fronts. The fact that the Giants have home-field advantage levels
the field in this matchup � neither side has a huge edge in this phase of the
game. Pittsburgh�s
Jerome Bettis/Amos Zereoue vs. The Baltimore Defense (Neutral Matchup) The last time these two teams clashed in week 8, Jerome
Bettis was out hurt, and Amos Zereoue helped pummel the Ravens 31-18 with a
13/53 yards and 2 touchdown effort. Since then, Bettis has returned to the
lineup, and is seeing 15-20 carries a game while Zereoue has touched the ball
5,14, and 11 times in the past three games for 23, 40, and 69 yards,
respectively (0 scores). Basically, the two are splitting time with Bettis
seeing a majority, but not a lion�s share, of carries (last week against the
Bucs Bettis carried 26 times for 66 yards and 0 scores � Zereoue rushed 5 times
for 23 yards and 0 scores). Baltimore�s defense wasn�t to blame for the loss vs.
Cleveland (they allowed only 14 points) � they have been tough to run on
recently, ranking 6th in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing
only 97 yards rushing per game, but they allow opposing backs to score
frequently, ranking 22nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs
during that period. Neither team reports new injuries of note heading into the
matchup in this phase of the game. DE Adalius Thomas has a sore thigh, but he�s
probable to play for the Ravens. Bettis (knee) is listed as questionable but
should play, barring a setback before game time. In this divisional rivalry, neither unit is measurably
stronger than the other. It�s a toss up heading into the game � just remember
that Bettis and Zereoue are likely to split time in this one. Tennessee�s
Eddie George vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral Matchup) In the course of their inaugural season, the Texans� defense
has been the best part on the team, but they are becoming easier to run the
ball against as the season progresses � they rank as the 24th
rushing D in the NFL over the past four weeks, allowing 133 yards per game and
are 19th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that
span. Week 10, George managed 86 yards and 0 scores on 25 carries (0
receptions), so the Texans did contained the Titans� back in the recent past. George, meanwhile, has scored 7 of his 10 rushing touchdowns
since week 10, though he has only cracked the 100 yard barrier once, in week 15
vs. NE (101 yards on 31 carries, a 3.3 average). The Titans feed George the
ball between 20 and 25 times a game in the second half of 2002, generally
speaking, and he gets chances to score in the red-zone � regardless of his declining
effectiveness in the yards per carry statistic. The Texan�s starting DE Gary Walker sprained his left elbow
last week (probable).The Titans are probably without starting G Zach Piller
(questionable) and starting tackle Brad Hopkins (questionable), but they are
deep along the offensive line and shouldn�t be impacted unduly by their
absence. Look for more of the same out of George this week, 20-25
carries, sub-100 yards with opportunities to score. Tampa
Bay�s Mike Alstott/Michael Pittman vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup) The above should probably read �Tampa Bay�s Lack of a
Rushing Attack vs. The Lack of a Chicago Rush Defense�. Over the last four
weeks, the Bears allow a league worst 165 yards per game on average, and are 31st
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Tampa is only mediocre at running the ball � neither got
over 30 rushing yards last week vs. Pittsburgh, and the Tampa Backs are side by
side at #30 and #31 on the scoring list for fantasy backs over the last three
weeks � each has 1 score and ~190 total yards during that span. Tampa�s rushing unit is healthy, while the Bears list LB
Bryan Knight (knee) and DT Christian Peter (calf) as out; while DE John Stamper
(shoulder) and DT Keither Traylor (leg) are questionable. In this battle of the bad, Tampa is playoff bound while
Chicago is going home. The Bucs have something to work for, at least � it might
help motivate Alstott and Pittman to try hard. Buffalo�s
Travis Henry vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Tough Matchup) Last week in blustery conditions, the Bill�s pass game was
very ineffective, leading to a rough outing for Henry (20/46 rushing and 1/11
receiving � no scores). In his two previous games he had totaled 204 yards
rushing and 2 scores on the ground, so last week was more of an aberration than
a trend. Cincinnati, meanwhile, shocked the Saints and the NFL by
stuffing Deuce McAllister (15/26 yards and 0 scores) and the Saints (19/36) en
route to a huge upset victory. Over the last four weeks, the Bengals are the 5th
best rushing defense in the league, allowing only 94 yards per game and rank as
the 9th best D in fantasy points allowed during that span. DE Vaughn Booker continues to battle sore ribs
(questionable), DT-DE Bernard Whittington has a groin injury (probable) and LB
Canute Curtis should play despite his bum ankle (probable). The Bills report no
injuries whatsoever this week. Look for the Bengals to pose a tough challenge for Henry in
this battle of also-rans. Cleveland�s
Jamel White/William Green vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup) William Green had a rough game against Baltimore (20/56 and
0 scores) and a sub-par game vs. Indianapolis (22/69 with 1 score), so his
emergence as a top rusher has taken a few steps backward in the recent past. Jamel
White scored a touchdown among his 4 carries last week, and snagged 4 balls for
63 yards as well, so he is working his way back into the lineup in the
late-season. Cleveland�s still locked in a battle for a wild-card spot,
as are the Falcons, so both teams will be at the top of their game on Sunday. The Falcon�s defense has been up and down this season, and
currently are on an up-swing, by virtue of crushing the Lions 36-15 one week
after surrendering a disappointing 30 points to out-but-dangerous Seattle.
James Stewart managed only 34 yards on 12 carries last Sunday. Over the last
four weeks, however, the picture isn�t so rosy � the Falcons are the 26th
ranked NFL D in rushing yards allowed over the past four weeks (136 per game)
and are 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that
stretch. LB�s Chris Daft (back � questionable), Sam Rogers (groin �
questionable), and Mark Simoneau (neck � probable) are on the Falcons� injury
report. Cleveland�s unit is healthy. Atlanta has momentum, and the Brown�s main back is
struggling in the recent past. Advantage, Atlanta. Kansas
City�s Mike Cloud/Derrick Blaylock vs. The Oakland Defense (Tough Matchup) How much does one player mean to the Kansas City Chiefs?
Without Priest Holmes, the duo of Mike Cloud and Derrick Blaylock managed to
put up 38 yards and 0 scores on 18 carries (2.11 yards per carry on average)
against the Chargers. Priest Holmes has 1615 yards on 313 carries this season,
a 5.2 yards per carry average, and 21 touchdowns. I guess you could say there
is a bid drop off in talent with Holmes on the sidelines. The last time these
two met in week 8, Holmes was in the lineup, so the situation is radically
different going into week 17. Oakland has been up and down recently, but their rushing
defense is stout over the last four weeks, ranking 3rd in the NFL
allowing only 75 yards per game, and are 12th in the NFL in fantasy
points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Last week, against the
vaunted Denver attack featuring Clinton Portis, the Raiders held the Broncos to
81 yards rushing as a team, (they did allow 2 rushing scores, however). In addition to Holmes, Kansas City is may be down a back-up
lineman heading into the game, Donald Willis� thigh kept him out of last weeks�
game (he�s listed as probable this week). Oakland�s defensive front is healthy
and ready to rock. The Raiders are tough on the run, and the Kansas City backs
are not too good. The advantage lies with the Raiders this week. � New
England�s Antowain Smith vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup) Miami�s got an awesome defense, but they stumbled last week
against the Minnesota Vikings. The rush defense is ranked 18th in
the NFL allowing 113 yards per game, but ranks 6th in the league in
fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks. In week
five, they humiliated the Patriot�s backs, holding Smith to 14 yards on 9
carries, and the team to 37 yards on 17 carries. Since week 5, Smith has remained a very mediocre back, and
over the last three weeks he is 27th on the fantasy-points-per-game
list among running backs, including a dismal 14/46 yards, 0 touchdown
performance last week against the Jets (4 catches for 22 yards). Starting T Kenyatta Jones missed last week�s game for the
Patriots, and G Joe Andruzzi is battling a chronic knee injury that keeps
flaring up. Both are questionable this week. Miami�s key DT Jason Taylor hurt
his groin last week, but is expected in the lineup for this game. DT Larry
Chester (leg) and backup DL Rob Burnett (hip) are also limping � both are
listed as questionable. Miami�s unit is the better team, but the December weather in
New England�s Gillette Stadium favors the Patriots. The cold won�t be enough of
a 12th man to undermine this Dolphins� unit, though. Baltimore�s
Jamal Lewis vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup) Jamal Lewis has had a fine season returning from last year�s
knee injury � 294 rushes for 1241 yards (4.2 yards per carry average) and 6
scores rushing, with 45 receptions for 419 yards and 1 score receiving � and he
is remaining strong in the season�s waning moments (21 for 100 yards and 0
scores rushing last week vs. Cleveland). Quite a performance, considering the
challenges this offense has confronted in 2002. Pittsburgh plays the run tough, and held Lewis to 34 yards
and no scores on 13 carries when these two clubs clashed week 8. Truth be told,
Pittsburgh was up on the Ravens so quickly in that game that Lewis really
didn�t get very involved in the game due to the 21-0 deficit the Ravens faced
early in the second quarter. Over the last four weeks, Pittsburgh is the #1
rush defense in the NFL, allowing only 66 yards per game on average. The rank 2nd
in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that span. Baltimore�s unit is good to go � Pittsburgh�s starting LB
James Farrior aggravated a shoulder injury on Monday Night, and is struggling
to play effectively. He�s listed as questionable to play. The Ravens� line is
fine. In the AFC North games, Pittsburgh has been dominant. Look
for Lewis to have a tough time on Sunday. Chicago�s
Leon Johnson vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Look, the engine dropped out of the Bears� offense weeks
ago, and now they may have to start Henry Burris at quarterback. Even if they
don�t, Chandler will have to run for his life from the Buccaneer�s defenders �
the passing game will be very limited, to say the least. Johnson managed 29
yards on 16 carries vs. the Panthers last week � what�s he going to do against
this Buccaneers team, do you think? The Buccaneers are the 11th ranked rushing D in
the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing only 102 yards per game. They are
also the 5th ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing
backs during that span. Warren Sapp�s bad knee is the only new injury that impacts
the matchup (he�s questionable to play). You�d probably do as well starting Barry Sanders this week
over Leon Johnson Houston�s
James Allen/ Jonathan Wells vs. The Tennessee Defense (Beyond Bad Matchup) 18/41 and 2/5 � that�s what Wells and Allen managed to put
up against the Titans week 10 � no touchdowns, of course. Well�s best game in
the last four weeks was a 14/48 with 1 score effort week 15 vs. Baltimore.
Allen managed 16/64 week 13 vs. Indianapolis � he hasn�t scored a touchdown all
season. Tennessee�s rush defense has been dominant over the past
four weeks, (2nd in the NFL, allowing only 71 yards per game, and
ranking 4th in fantasy points allowed to running backs) and the team
is on a roll into the playoffs. Houston has no recent injuries of note along the offensive
line, though T Ryan Young continues to struggle with his bad knee (probable).
Tennessee�s defense is just now returning to full strength, just in time for
the playoffs. DT John Thornton is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. The Titans will crush the Texans� backs this week. St. Louis�
Marshall Faulk/Trung Canidate vs. The San Francisco Defense (Bad Matchup) Marshall Faulk managed 9 rushes for 13 yards (1.4 yards per
carry average) vs. the Seattle Seahawks last week, a team he destroyed for 183
yards and 3 touchdowns back in week 7. That is the measure of Faulk�s health
and his line�s ability to run block for him in the last part of 2002�s season.
Trung Canidate had 3 rushes for 2 yards. Back in week 5, when he felt OK, Faulk
only managed 73 yards on 18 carries vs. the Niners (with 7 receptions for 37
yards). San Francisco�s rushing defense is playing pretty well in
the last part of the season, allowing only 101 yards per game on average (8th
in the league) and ranking 16th in fantasy points allowed to
opposing backs. Key LB�s Jamie Winborn (knee) and Saleem Rasheed (thigh) are
likely to be sidelined (doubtful) while DT Josh Shaw (knee) is probable to
play. T Orlando Pace is likely to be limited if he can play for the Rams
(hamstring � questionable). San Francisco should easily dominate Faulk � the Seahawks
turned the trick a week ago. |