When picking your starters each week, one thing that must be considered is the matchups. We’ve taken each game and broken down the matchups for you here. PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup. Also note, just because a player has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your league. If Priest Holmes is playing the toughest rush defense in the league, he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter unless you're sitting on Marshall Faulk. Let's jump to it. Great Matchups – Defenses will have major problems with the offense in these games New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Washington Defense (Great Matchup) Deuce McAllister is having a great season (he is currently the 5th ranked fantasy running back in the league), and is coming off a strong game against the Steelers (23 rushes for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 2 receptions for 20 yards). The Saints are really playing well in the rushing phase of the game right now, and Haslett looks like a genius for entrusting McAllister with the ground game. Washington, despite pushing around the fading Titans last week, does not have a strong rushing defense. They are ranked 27th in the league on the season, with 137 yards per game allowed on average. Over the last four weeks they are at 30th, allowing 160 yards per game, and rank at 22nd in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The Saints have a huge edge in this phase of the game. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor/Stacey Mack vs. The Tennessee Defense (Great Matchup) Fred Taylor had an off week last Sunday against the ferocious (though injury-riddled) Eagles - the rushing defense simply played out of their minds and contained Taylor (and Mack) all afternoon. They gave them so much attention, in fact, that Mark Brunell shredded the defense through the aerial attack. But that didn't help owners playing Taylor or Mack feel any better, though. However, things are looking up this week, because Taylor and his cohorts storm into Tennessee to play the limping and depleted Titans. CB Samari Rolle is playing lame with a hamstring injury because his back-up, Mike Echols, is out with stress fractures in his left leg. DE Jevon Kearse is out, and his replacement Carlos Hall had an MRI on his injured knee on Monday. It revealed torn cartilage in the knee that requires surgery in order to repair the damage. Coach Fisher hopes (emphasize "hopes") that Hall can play through the injury until Kearse returns from his broken foot. Hall sure won't be 100% with the damaged knee if he can go. Backup LDT Robaire Smith also had an MRI on his injured knee on Monday. Depth is becoming a major issue for the remaining defenders, who are seeing lots of snaps every game. All these problems explain the slide in the Tennessee rushing defense, which is ranked 11th on the season allowing 97 yards per game. However, over the last four weeks they faded to 13th in the NFL, allowing 101 yards per game - and they were roughed up by Stephen Davis and the Redskins (playing with a rookie quarterback in his first NFL action, by the way). Davis put up 90 yards on 18 carries and 1 score, and unknown Kenny Watson added 62 yards on 8 carries (as a team, the Redskins rushed for 156 yards on Sunday). Mark Brunell is as far from a rookie quarterback as possible, and he will victimize the Titans on Sunday, which should open up ample opportunities for Taylor and Mack on the ground, as well. Tennessee will have trouble putting 11 guys on the field every play, let alone stopping the Jaguars. The Jags should win by a large margin on Sunday. The trouble for Taylor owners is that Stacey Mack looks to continue vulturing short yardage TDs. On the flip side, Taylor's explosive enough that he's a threat to score from anywhere but I don't see much reason to believe Mack's role will change. Detroit's James Stewart vs. The Minnesota Defense (Great Matchup) With the news that Lamont Warren is out for the season, James Stewart suddenly becomes that much more intimately involved in the Lions' offense. And here's a news flash - Stewart is averaging 4.7 yards per carry while healthy enough to tote the rock (44/206). Not bad at all. He also has 56 yards and a touchdown receiving the ball, a role in which he will be more active now that Warren (4 catches for 56 yards and 2 scores) is gone. It's not pretty, but he's putting up the stats. Minnesota is not exactly a menacing rush defense, by the way. On the season, the Vikings are the 17th ranked rush defense, allowing 109 yards per game. However, over the past four weeks they are the 24th ranked defense, allowing 118 yards on the ground per game, and are 31st in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Carolina's Lamar Smith (154 yards) and Seattle's Shaun Alexander (139) both ran wild on the Vikings. Expect to see another solid game from the Lions on Sunday where James Stewart should shine against the suspect Vikings. San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) Garrison Hearst's turn to shine came last week, with a great day against the deflated and pathetic Rams (Hearst put up 116 yards on 13 carries (1 score) and Barlow 50 yards on 10 carries). On the season, Hearst is the 23rd ranked fantasy back, and Barlow is 33rd. Seattle's defense is the doormat upon which NFL backs wipe their feet on the way into the end-zone. They rank 31st in the league against the rush for both the season (189 yards allowed per game) and the last four weeks (178 yards allowed per game). Over the past four, they rank as the 30th defense in the league in terms of points allowed to opposing backs. The Seattle defense sorely misses LB Anthony Simmons - but is this the week he returns? The injury report lists him as Doubtful. Look for both Hearst and Barlow to run wild against the struggling rush defense of Seattle. The issue will be (as is it usually is with the 49er RBs) will Hearst or Barlow individually be productive enough to help your team. The 49ers look to stay with the Running Back by Committee approach. Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Indianapolis Colts (Good Matchup) Jamal Lewis showed everyone that he is back on Sunday night football last week - how does 187 yards on 26 carries (7.2 yards per carry), and added 5 catches for 26 yards grab you? His knee looked stable and strong, his acceleration to the hole was explosive, and his conditioning obviously at a very high level. People who drafted him in the later rounds have one of the best value picks of the season on their roster. This week, the Ravens head to Indianapolis, and Lewis' breakout has a great shot to continue as a result. The Colts are not very good against the run, and were battered for 164 yards by Corey Dillon last week. On the season, they are the 29th ranked rushing defense in the NFL, giving up an average of 145 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, they've been even softer, surrendering 154 yards per game (28th in the league). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, the Colts are 28th in the league during the past four weeks. Look out Indianapolis. Here come the resurgent Ravens, powered by the now-healthy and explosive Jamal Lewis. The advantage in this one goes to the visitors. Oakland's Charlie Garner / Terry Kirby vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup) Charlie Garner is playing like a fantasy football Superman this season. 334 yards on 40 carries? An 8.35 yards per carry average? That's just superb. Add in his 262 yards receiving on only 20 catches and his 6 touchdowns, and you've got the most explosive back in the NFL today, bar none. A season for the history books, folks, that's what we're seeing here. But he must stay healthy. He's currently questionable with the hamstring injury. With Tyrone Wheatley and Terry Kirby in the mix, the Raiders won't rush Garner back before he's ready. Kirby is the most likely to play the Garner role if Garner can't go. St. Louis is like the reverse image of the Raiders - They've been huge disappointments. They are 19th in the league against the run, allowing 114 yards per game, and over the past four weeks they are 22nd, allowing 117 yards per game. Versus fantasy backs they rank 15th. However, the Rams were absolutely chewed up and spit out by San Francisco last Sunday; Hearst put up 116 yards on 13 carries (1 score) and Barlow 50 on 10. Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Can Alexander build on his momentum gained against Minnesota? Has his line finally remembered how to block? Alexander owners sure hope so. Five of his six scores came in the Minnesota game. 139 of his rushing yards, and 92 of his receiving yards - from that one game. San Francisco's defense is generous to opposing rushers - on the season they rank 12th in the NFL allowing 97 yards per game, but over the last four weeks they are 21st, allowing 115 per contest. That puts them at 23rd vs. opposing backs over the past four weeks. LB Jamie Winborn is still out for the 49'ers, and FS Ronnie Heard (Ankle) and CB Ahmed Plummer (Ankle) are Probable. With the 49'ers showing vulnerability to the run recently, and Alexander on a hot streak at home, look for the upward trend to his season to continue. Advantage, Seattle. Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) Ahman Green has racked up the yardage. He's amassed 416 yards rushing and 124 yards receiving this season in 4 games - but hasn't scored a touchdown yet. The lack of 6-point plays is seriously hampering his fantasy value in many leagues. However, there is no reason to think that this lack of scoring is anything more than a statistical hiccup - Green is getting plenty of chances in the red-zone, but the stars just haven't aligned in his favor yet this season. That may change this week, when the Packers visit new Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The Patriots have been steam-rolled by Priest Holmes and LaDainian Tomlinson this season, and really battled to contain Ricky Williams this past Sunday (105 yards on 36 rushes, a 2.9 yards per carry average), but still allowed over 100 yards to Williams on the ground. On the season, the Patriots are the 28th ranked rushing defense in the league, allowing 148 yards per game, and over the last four weeks they are the 29th ranked defense, allowing 159 yards per game. All of this translates into a 25th ranking in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs during the last four weeks. Ahman Green has a great opportunity to break out in this game. He won't get many such chances this season. With Favre a huge threat to throw, Green should find room to roam past the line of scrimmage. New England's Antowain Smith vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup) Talk about getting nowhere - Antowain Smith didn't even manage to crack 20 yards, total, in his appearance against the Miami Dolphins. 9 carries for 14 yards is really poor, any way you slice it. 310 yards on 73 carries and 1 touchdown on the season (with 4 receptions for 19 yards) in 5 games isn't much to get excited about, either (28th on the fantasy running backs scoring list). This week the Packers come to town, with their weak-but-improving rush defense. To begin the year, the Pack was shredded on the ground, which is reflected in their 23rd ranking in rushing defense on the season, allowing 121 yards per game. However, over the last four weeks, that number has fallen to 106 yards per game, good for 17th in the NFL over that span. They are still allowing lots of points to fantasy backs, though - they are the 26th ranked defense vs. opposing backs over that span. Part of the Packers' problem has been injuries - DE Vonnie Holliday is out. And they're trying to patch big holes in the secondary with CB Mike McKenzie (Groin) and FS Darren Sharper (Hamstring) both Questionable. CB Tod McBride (Knee) and CB Tyrone Williams (Hamstring) are probable. New England's OL is nicked as well with G Joe Andruzzi (Knee) and G Damien Woody (Leg) Questionable. At home in Gillette Stadium, Antowain Smith should get a chance to jump-start his season against the ailing Packers. Assuming the Patriot OL can get ready, this matchup favors the home team's rushing attack. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup) LaDainian Tomlinson finally faced a defense tough enough to contain him last week, and found frustration aplenty at Mile High stadium. His 48 yards rushing represents his worst game in 2002, although the 49 yards receiving helped make the day a little easier to swallow for Tomlinson owners. Even with the sub-par day, Tomlinson is still the #3 fantasy running back this season. In a league of copy-cats, the Chiefs may try to emulate Denver's successful strategy of waiting on Tomlinson and then collapsing the holes as he runs to them. But, the Chiefs' defense isn't nearly as well provided in terms of personnel as the Broncos. In fact, they are one of many mediocre rushing defenses in the league, allowing 106 yards per game on the season, and 118 per game the last 4 weeks (23rd in the league). Over the last four they have allowed a ton of points to opposing fantasy backs - they rank 29th in this key statistic. Although C Corey Raymer is gone for the season, his replacement Jason Ball is healthy, as are most of the Chargers' offensive linemen. Look for Tomlinson and company to vent their frustrations on the flawed Chiefs' defensive front on Sunday, and to have a good day doing so. Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Travis Henry and his team-mates on the offensive line did a respectable job against the brutal Raider's rushing defense last week, managing to pry open enough openings so that Henry could put up 58 yards on 15 carries (3.9 average) and 1 touchdown against the tough Oakland squad. Henry also added 47 yards receiving on the day, so he was productive overall. On the season, Henry is now the 7th ranked fantasy football running back, with 82 rushes for 340 yards and 5 scores, along with 20 receptions for 150 yards and 1 score. Houston's been weak on rush defense, but they seem to be improving. They enter this contest the 22nd ranked rush defense on the season, allowing117 yards per game, but over the last four weeks they've moved up to #15, allowing 105 yards per game and are 18th in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Houston comes into the game off a bye and rested, so most of their minor dings are healed up, but nickel CB Jason Simmons is listed as Questionable with a hamstring. If Henry and his allies on the line could run the ball effectively against the Raiders, they should have few problems bettering that effort against Houston. Look for the mad bomber, Drew Bledsoe, and his corps of receivers to overload the Texan's defense and thus create ample running room for Henry. Houston's James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. the Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) James Allen is doing the best he can to make a silk purse from the sow's ear of an offensive line that the Texans currently field, with mixed results. Right now he is the 43rd ranked fantasy running back (roughly on a par with T.J. Duckett), with 57 rushes for 175 yards and 8 receptions for 66 yards (0 scores) on the season. Wells has had one decent performance in 4 games, and currently is the 54th running back on the scoring list. This week Allen and Wells welcomes a soft Buffalo rushing defense to Texas, and hope to improve their seasons. On the year, Buffalo is the 24th ranked rushing D in the league, allowing 129 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, the Bills are ranked 27th, allowing 143 yards per game and are the 24th team in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Houston hoped that their ailing offensive linemen, Tony Boselli and Ryan Young, could go this week - but it's not looking too good with Young listed as out and Boselli doubtful. Look for Allen and Wells to find some room to roam this weekend against a soft Bills defense. Who knows, one of them might even get in the end-zone. Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The San Diego Defense (Neutral Matchup) A clash of the Titans - that is what this game will be. Kansas Cities awesome offensive line and their superstar running back - currently far and away the best fantasy football back in the game - against the always tough division-rival Chargers Defense that was blasted by Clinton Portis last week. Can Marty Schottenheimer's defense bounce back? On the season, they are the 6th ranked rushing Defense, allowing 85 yards a game, but over the last four weeks they are the 12th ranked unit allowing 98 yards a game, and are the 7th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. A lot depends on how well Junior Seau's gimpy ankle heals this week. Currently, he's listed as probable so that's a good sign. The Chiefs are so good, and the Chargers have slipped just enough recently, that perhaps a slim edge exists for the visitors in this game. But it will still be a war in the trenches on Sunday between two excellent teams. Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) This is the type of game that football fans everywhere love. It pits two dominant squads against each other, strength against strength. Ricky Williams is the gasoline of Norv Turner's offensive engine in Miami. He is the #2 fantasy football scorer among running backs, and enjoys an awesome 4.8 yards per carry average running behind a top offensive line. Ray Rhode's defense has absolutely shackled every running back to face it - Jamal Lewis had the best luck so far, with 78 yards and one score - and currently ranks #2 in the NFL allowing only 61 yards per game on the season, and only 68 yards per game over the last four weeks (also #2). They are the 4th ranked defense in terms of points allowed over the past four weeks to opposing running backs. Enjoy this one, football fans. This kind of matchup only comes around a handful of times in any given season. Denver's Clinton Portis/Mike Anderson/Olandis Gary vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) This is the type of game that football fans everywhere love. It pits two dominant squads against each other, and the victor and the vanquished could likely be decided on the last possession of the 4th quarter. Right now Shanahan is publicly saying that he will put the ball in Clinton Portis' hands around 20 times a game - if that is really in his game plan remains to be determined. Anyway, the Broncos are enjoying good success kicking around most of their opponents on the ground, and intend to continue pounding the ball regardless of who is featured. I personally will feel better once I see Coach Shanahan do what he says. This week the stout Miami defense (with key CB Patrick Surtain back in the lineup) will try and stunt the rookie sensation's emergence. The Dolphins bring the 4th ranked rushing defense to town, and are 9th ranked over the last four weeks, allowing 90 yards per game in that span. That performance translates into a #9 ranking in terms of points allowed to opposing running backs. Very Solid. For Miami, CB Patrick Surtain (Knee), DE Jason Taylor (Knee) and MLB Zach Thomas (Ankle) are all Probable. Enjoy this one, football fans. This kind of matchup only comes around a handful of times in any given season. Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Moe Williams vs. The Detroit Defense (Neutral Matchup) Michael Bennett actually had a good game rushing the ball against Seattle before the bye-week - he put up 91 yards on 15 carries for a 6.1 yards per carry average. However, Moe Williams got the touchdowns, on a 6/19 performance that included 2 scores. Coach Mike Tice is suitably impressed with Bennett's development this season, and announced Wednesday that Bennett is going to be the featured back again moving forward in the season (Tice also cited his improved blocking as a factor). We'll see how he responds to the promotion this week. Teams with Bennett should cross your fingers and toes because Williams is still a possibility around the goalline. This week, Bennett and Williams face visiting Detroit. On the season, the Lions are 21st in the league vs. the run, allowing 116 yards per game on average. Over the last four weeks, the Lions are much better, allowing 93 yards per game, 11th in the league. However, they still rank as the 21st team in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs over that span. Neither team has a dominant unit heading into this game, and neither (despite flashes of talent here and there) is playing particularly well during the first four weeks of the season. The playing field is level in this contest. Carolina's Lamar Smith vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup) Everybody in the world has a bad day at work occasionally. Lamar Smith had a bad day against the Cardinals, no doubt about it. 49 yards rushing and 2 fumbles lost is a pretty miserable Sunday. However, he has also scored 6 touchdowns this season, and has 522 yards of total offense in 5 games, so rumors of his imminent demise seem a bit pre-mature. Smith is tied for second place in touchdown scoring in the NFL among running backs with Charlie Garner, Shaun Alexander, and Travis Henry (all have 6 touchdowns this season). This week Smith faces the stout Dallas rushing defense. They are the league's #15 rushing defense (allowing 105 yards per game). Dallas is also the #19 defense over the past 4 weeks, allowing 112 yards of rushing yardage per game, and is the 5th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the last 4 weeks. The Cowboys are still without LB Dat Nguyen who's out with a wrist injury. Carolina Rookie RB DeShaun Foster has been running straight ahead but doesn't look to be ready for this contest. Between the Panthers' solid offensive line and the Dallas defensive front, there is not much room for error. Both teams are solid in this phase of the game. Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Cleveland Defense (Neutral Matchup) Average, blah, uninspired, mediocre - all words that apply to Pittman this season. 74/256/0 touchdowns rushing and 24/153/0 touchdowns receiving are numbers that evoke yawns from fantasy franchises. Alstott isn't any better, going 33/82/2 touchdowns rushing and 12/95/0 touchdowns in the passing game. Boring. This might be their chance to shine. Cleveland's rushing defense is weak, ranking 30th in the league on the season, and 25th over the last four weeks, allowing 134 yards per game to the opposition, and is ranked 16th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs over the last four weeks. Look for Pittman and Alstott to have a decent chance at a respectable day - the Browns aren't a dominant defense, just as they're not dominant RBs St. Louis' Marshall Faulk vs. The Oakland Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Rams are a shell of their former selves, and the poor play of his team-mates is dragging down Marshall Faulk's performance like lead boots on a deep-sea diver. 18/73 and 7/37, his numbers rushing and receiving in the blow-out loss to San Francisco, are not horrible, they are merely pedestrian. Marshall Faulk has looked like an ordinary, NFL workhorse these days, not a lot more. The Oakland rushing defense is anything but ordinary. They are very strong. 1st in the league on the season, allowing 60 yards per game. 1st in the league over the past four weeks, allowing 65 yards a game. Because of their soft pass defense, they have allowed opposing running backs to score fairly regularly, though - they rank 20th in the NFL in points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks, mostly through the air. Since Faulk is a good pass receiver, all hope for some fantasy production is not lost. However, his deflated team-mates need to get some pride back into their hearts if Faulk is to make anything happen on Sunday. Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis/Amos Zereoue vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Neutral Matchup) With Tommy Maddox under center, New Orleans had to respect the Steelers' passing game - which led to running room for the Pittsburgh running backs. Jerome Bettis finally got going, having a decent day while putting up 84 yards on 19 carries and 1 touchdown. Amos Zereoue had his best day of the season as well, with 5 rushes for 35 yards and 3 receptions for 84 yards (119 total yards). See what a passing threat can do for you? This week Bettis and Zereoue get to visit the Bengals, who have struggled this year. However, their rushing defense is actually improving - on the season, they are ranked 25th in the league, allowing 129 yards per game; but over the last four weeks (which eliminates the absolute mauling they received at San Diego's hands week 1) the Bengals are actually the 14th ranked rushing defense in the league, allowing a more respectable 102 yards per game. Last week they held Edgerrin James to 60 yards rushing on 22 carries (2.7 average) with 1 touchdown, and 10 yards receiving. That's a solid effort against a world-class back like James. Over the last four weeks, the Bengals' rushing defense is ranked 12th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Both teams got out of Sunday's game without major injuries (although the Steelers' starting LG Alan Faneca looked really tough with all that blood gushing down his face from a forehead laceration) This week, Bengal LB Brian Simmons is Questionable (Neck) while DE Vaughn Booker (Ankle) and CB Artrell Hawkins (Knee) are listed as Probable. In this division rivalry, the play of both teams is always elevated when they meet one another. Neither team has started '02 off very well. It will be a hard fought game, and neither of these units enters the contest with a clear edge. Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup) Will the real Corey Dillon please stand up? Are you and your team-mates on the offensive line the unit which blasted the Colts for 164 yards on 23 rushes (with 2 touchdowns) for an average of 7.1 yards per rush the "real" Dillon? Or, is the "real" Dillon the guy who ran for 59 yards on 21 rushes (2.8 yards per carry) against Tampa Bay the week before? Hey, at least you know who will be handing off the ball to you for the remainder of the season - Jon Kitna may not be Joe Montana, but he's a far sight better than Akili Smith. With Kitna playing against Indianapolis, the offensive team suddenly remembered how to play football again, which really helped Dillon find running room. Evidently, Kitna brings enough intangibles to the table that he can motivate his team-mates to perform to a credible NFL level. This week, Pittsburgh comes calling, with their fading rushing defense stumbling after being shredded by Deuce McAllister (23/123 and 2 scores). On the season, the unit ranks 14th in the NFL, allowing 100 yards per game, but viewing them over the last four weeks, the Steelers are the 20h ranked unit in the league, allowing 112 yards per game. Over that same span, the Steelers rank 27th in the NFL in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The Steelers really miss Kendrell Bell's playmaking abilities! Listed as Questionable for Pittsburgh are ILB Kendrell Bell (Ankle) and FS Mike Logan (Hamstring) Against the Steelers' soft rushing defense, at home, Corey Dillon will give the fans something to cheer about. If the "Good" Corey Dillon shows up, the Bengals have the edge in the rushing game matchup heading into Sunday's game. Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Jacksonville Jaguars (Nuetral Matchup) Things just go from bad to worse for George and company this week, as the surprising Jacksonville Jaguars roll into town. Last week, George had a game of absolute frustration against a weak Redskins' defense that entered the game ranked 30th in the league against the run. 26 measly yards on 10 carries, and 14 yards through the air are all that George managed. That's pathetic, to put it bluntly. Over the last two games, George has managed a total of 52 rushing yards and 27 receiving yards. Those were bad ONE game numbers in his hey-day. The Jaguars' rushing defense isn't much better than the Redskins - they are ranked 26th in the league on the season, and 26th over the last 4 weeks, allowing an average of 139 yards per contest in that span. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, the Jaguars rank a more stout 11th in the league. But, this game isn't about Jacksonville vs. Eddie George - it's about the Titans vs. themselves. Until the offensive line gets it going and open up some holes for George, his numbers will continue to suffer. Greg Comella is a non-factor, he hasn't even played in the last two games - not much return on that $1 million signing bonus, is it? Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The Baltimore Ravens (Tough Matchup) Edgerrin James is playing well in 2002, but he isn't putting up world-shaking numbers as he used to do in the good old days. On the season, James is the 16th ranked fantasy running back, with 103 rushes for 385 yards and 1 score, with 17 receptions for 132 yards. Although he does have 1 fewer games than many of the players on that list. Last week, against a suddenly-game Bengals team, he posted the modest totals of 22 rushes for 60 yards (2.7 average) and 1 touchdown, with another 10 yards on 3 receptions. This week the very tough and improving Ravens defense comes to town. As displayed Sunday night, as long as LB Ray Lewis is on the field, this unit has the potential to shut down opposing offenses. Lewis could be a game time decision. If Ray Lewis does play, James will have a much harder time finding running room. On the season, the Ravens are ranked at 10th vs. the rush, allowing 95 yards per contest. Over the past four weeks, however, they are showing their improvement, and rank 4th in the NFL over that span, allowing only 78 yards per game (including shutting down the dynamic trio of Denver on Monday night and absolutely stuffing Cleveland's Green this past week) and are the 14th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Once again playing with Ray Lewis in the game, the Ravens will pose a very tough challenge for Edgerrin James and the Indianapolis Colts. New York Giants' Tiki Barber vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup) The simplification of the Giant's offense last week worked wonders for Tiki Barber, who put up 5.5 yards per rush on 17 carries (94 yards) - prior to last week the team was averaging 2.7 yards per carry, worst in the NFL. Ron Dayne continues to plod along at 2.6 yards per carry, though. On the season, Barber is the 12th ranked fantasy running back in the NFL, with 308 yards and two scores rushing, and 203 yards in receiving yardage. This week the Giants play Atlanta at home, and the Falcons are a rapidly improving defensive unit. The Falcons struggled early but over the last four weeks Atlanta rank as the 6th best run defense in the NFL, allowing only 82 yards per game, and they are #1 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Barber should get lots of opportunities to carry the ball on Sunday, as the Falcons may struggle with Doug Johnson under center. However, the Falcons Defense is still good enough to cause him trouble on an every-down basis. Washington's Stephen Davis vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Tough Matchup) Washington fared well against a struggling Tennessee team last week. The Titans have the 29th ranked secondary in the league, and had one CB, Samari Rolle, playing through a severe hamstring pull. It's no wonder that Stephen Davis finally found some room to roam (18 rushes for 90 yards and 1 touchdown). This week a substantially better team, the New Orleans' Saints, are Washington's opponent, and they will have studied the game tape on rookie quarterback Patrick Ramsey. They will have noticed his tendencies, and they will try and take away the running game in order to force him to pass so they can exploit his rookie errors. Davis will be facing the league's 13th ranked rushing defense (allowing 99 yards per game on the season). The Saints have faded somewhat over the past four weeks, they are ranked 18th in the league against the rush in that span, and 13th vs. opposing fantasy running backs. The Saints will be without back-up LB Travis Carroll, who broke his leg last week against the Steelers. Also banged up is CB Keyuo Craver (Knee) listed as Doubtful. Davis suffered what looked to be an ugly knee injury last week but came back to play and was effective. He was limping noticeably at the end of the game though. He's listed as Questionable. He'll likely play but be less than 100%. Davis has had an up and down season, the Redskins use the pass to set up the run, and rookie Ramsey is largely an unknown quantity (the Titans are just too banged up and weak on pass defense to be a true test of his NFL-readiness). This game will be a better barometer of Ramsey's status, and Davis' performance is linked to his systems' reliance on the quarterback. With so many variables, and the quality nature of the Saints rushing defense, the edge has to go to the visitors. Especially with his knee likely not 100%. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Dallas' Emmitt Smith vs. The Carolina Defense (Bad Matchup) This will not be the week that Emmitt Smith breaks Walter Payton's record (currently he needs 234 yards). Although he flashed glimpses of the Smith of the Super Bowl years on that 30 yard TD run last Sunday, he'll need more than a second wind to get over 100 yards vs. the Panthers on Sunday. He'd need an offensive line that can block effectively, something he's lacked all year. The Panthers have a very effective defensive front with which to confront the Cowboys - in fact, they are the 5th ranked rushing defense in the NFL so far, allowing only 83 yards a game. Over the past four weeks, the Panthers are 8th in the NFL, allowing 84 yards per game and ranked #1 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Who ever thought the 2002 Panthers would rank #1 in any statistic other than points allowed? Hats off to Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio. Perhaps Marvin Lewis got too much of the credit in Baltimore…? Starting LG Larry Allen (ankle) and starting RG Kelvin Garmon (hip) of the Cowboys both left last weeks game with injuries, and they are listed as questionable. Nobody has been able to break open a game rushing on the Panthers this season, Ahman Green has the best yardage total so far at 73 yards. Green has a vastly more powerful offense operating around him than Emmitt Smith does, so Smith's chances on Sunday look dim. Atlanta's T.J. Duckett/Warrick Dunn vs. The New York Giants' Defense (Bad Matchup) T.J. Duckett has been patient, and he's been effective in his opportunities this season. Warrick Dunn has been scoring touchdowns, but not running very far with the ball when he gets the chance. The discrepancy in yards per carry (Duckett averages 4.8 yards per carry on his 40 rushes, while Dunn has managed only 2.9 on his 47 rushes) may lead to coach Reeves increasing Duckett's role in the offense in the weeks to come. The Falcons need a strong rushing game heading into the game against the Giants because the franchise quarterback, Michael Vick, will start the game on the sidelines Sunday. Backup QB Doug Johnson is unreliable at best, so look for the Falcons to try and run the ball a lot on Sunday. The problem is, the Giants are not a good team to attempt a grind-it-out style game plan against. They rank as the 8th best rushing defense in the league, allowing only 88 yards per game on the season, and are 5th over the last four weeks, surrendering a mere 81 yards per game. They are more generous in terms of points allowed to opposing fantasy running backs, at #17 on that list. It's hard to run the ball effectively when the defense doesn't have to respect your passing game. Doug Johnson probably will not provide much of a threat to the Giants on Sunday, and New York is excellent at stuffing the run. T.J. Duckett's big per-carry average will likely suffer a hit on Sunday. Cleveland's William Green/Jamel White vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) What's it going to take in Cleveland for Jamel White to get the starting job he deserves? Coach Butch Davis doesn't seem to see what is apparent to everyone else. Davis says he is not aware that the fans coach the Browns - well, all one can say is that maybe the Browns' fans should be put in charge if Davis can't see that White has outplayed Green six ways from Sunday all season. Tampa Bay plays awesome run defense. They are 3rd in the league on the season (81 yards per game) and over the past four weeks (72 yards per game allowed), and rank 6th vs. opposing fantasy running backs during that span. They are tough, mean, and tenacious. Injuries are not a huge factor in this one, Tampa SS John Lynch (Knee) and NT Anthony McFarland (Foot) are questionable but the team has depth. If Green continues to be featured in Cleveland, then the Bucs will totally stuff the Browns all afternoon. Even if White gets the touches he deserves, the Browns will find the going rough against Tampa Bay.