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 Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The Buffalo Defense (Great Matchup) Ricky Williams was definitely slowed by the Denver defense last week (20 rushes for 49 yards and 2 scores with 4 receptions for 30 yards), but the Broncos were unable to totally shut him down - and they have the best rushing defense in the league. On the year, Williams is the third-best fantasy football back so far. Buffalo, on the other hand, is one of the weakest rushing defenses in the league. They have allowed 131 yards per game on the season, ranking 24th in the NFL. Over the last four weeks they have continued to give ground generously, ranking 23rd in the league while allowing 125 yards per game. In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the last four weeks, they are 17th in the league. Of course, with Jay Fiedler out with a broken thumb on his throwing hand, Williams will likely be featured even more prominently this week. Other significant injuries heading into the matchup include Miami's back-up LT Mark Dixon (ankle - questionable) and the fact that both Chris Chambers (concussion) and Oronde Gadsden (wrist) are questionable, leaving the Dolphins thin at wide receiver (and thus more likely to rely on the ground game). Buffalo's defensive front is healthy heading into the match. This is a good week to be a Ricky Williams owner. He is facing one of the weaker rush defenses in the league, has home-field advantage, and is likely to be the focus of Miami's attack. All the ingredients for a great matchup. Minnesota's Michael Bennett vs. The New York Jets Defense (Great Matchup) Michael Bennett was installed as the Viking's featured back last week, and he and his team prospered as a result. 68 yards rushing on 16 carries, 70 yards receiving on 4 catches and one touchdown is a productive day in any scoring system. Moe Williams did vulture a few touches (and a short touchdown plunge) but on the whole. Bennett was the man all day long. The Jets defense stinks. 32nd vs. the rush on the season, allowing 191 yards per game. 32nd vs. the rush over the last four weeks, allowing 216 yards per game. Dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs (32nd) over those four weeks. The Jets come off a bye, and are mostly healthy - only DE Steve Williams is on the injury report as questionable with a bad ankle. Everybody else is healthy or just nicked up (probable). The Viking's C, Matt Birk, is probable with a tweaked knee. Look for Bennett to continue impressing Mike Tice and the fans this weekend. He may still lose the short yardage stuff to Williams but this defense makes for a great matchup. Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis/Amos Zereoue vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Great Matchup) Amazing what a consistent passing threat will do for a team's backs, isn't it? Jerome Bettis looks like the "Bus" and not the "Bust" now, and Amos could get Famous again. Stats like 21/109 and 2 scores for Bettis, 10/51 for Zereoue against the incredibly bad Bengals. Guess what? The Colts rushing defense is quite a bit worse than the Bengals'. They rank 27th in the NFL on the season, allowing 137 yards per game. Over the past four weeks they are 25th in the league, allowing 135 yards per contest and ranking 25th vs. opposing fantasy backs. Pittsburgh's offensive front is fine, while the Colts are desperate for healthy DT's - Larry Triplett is questionable with an elbow injury, and James Cannida (neck/knee) and Josh Williams (foot) are listed as probable to play on Monday. This game should be fun for Bettis and Zereoue and miserable for the Colt's defenders. Advantage: Pittsburgh. St. Louis' Marshall Faulk vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) 26/158 and 4 receptions for 22 yards and 1 score - now that's the Marshall Faulk we all expected to see in 2002. Too bad it took a 0-5 record and the third string quarterback under center to force Mike Martz into actually utilizing the team's best weapon. Where would the Rams be if Faulk had seen the ball 30 times in each of their first 5 games, I wonder? Seattle's rush defense is still the doormat that other team's running backs wipe their feet on while cantering into the end-zone. The Seahawks 31st in the league this season, trampled for 183 yards per game on average, and are 30th over the last four weeks, giving away 149 yards per game. They are a fantasy running back's best friend, ranking 27th in points allowed to opposing runners. Is this the week Anthony Simmons finally plays and helps stop up some of the gaping holes in the defensive front? He's listed as questionable, along with CB Shawn Springs (foot). Barring a setback, this should be the week big Orlando Pace returns from his calf injury. If Martz stays smart and features Faulk again this week, look for Faulk to run wild against the turn-style defensive scheme the Seahawks' defenders employ. Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Atlanta's T.J. Duckett/Warrick Dunn vs. The Carolina Defense (Good Matchup) Well, the T.J. Duckett era started in Atlanta last week vs. a tough NY Giants' defense, and things didn't go well for the youngster. 16 rushes for 36 yards with a long run of 8 yards is not the stuff of fantasy championships. Warrick Dunn was worse rushing the ball, only managing 8 yards on 6 rushes, although he added 7 receptions for 69 yards to the team effort. This week, Michael Vick is ready to play again, so another threat is added to the rushing attack just in time to face the visiting Panthers. Carolina was really tough on the run to start the season, and ranks 10th in the NFL over the year allowing only 92 yards per game. However, the yardage allowed is creeping up as the weeks pass - over the last four weeks the Panthers are 14th in the league allowing 100 yards per game, but they are still tough on opposing fantasy backs (ranking 3rd in the NFL). The Falcons' line and the Panthers' defensive front are both banged up. Atlanta's back-up RG/C Roberto Garza is out with a foot injury, and starting RT Todd Weiner is doubtful with a calf problem. The Panthers' keystone defensive player, starting MLB Dan Morgan, is out with a groin injury; starting LDT Brentson Buckner is questionable with a bad ankle, as is sack machine Mike Rucker (ankle). DE Al Wallace is listed as probable with a tweaked ankle. With Vick back in the saddle and the Carolina defensive front depleted and limping due to injuries, the Falcons have the advantage on Sunday. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) He's definitely back. 136 total yards and 2 scores last week, and 213 total yards 2 weeks ago (187 rushing) shows that Jamal Lewis has once again got his engine revving. Lewis is currently the 13th ranked fantasy back in 2002, and has put up a total of 457 yards rushing with 3 scores and 169 yards receiving in 5 games. This week a soft Jaguars' defense comes to town, averaging 135 yards allowed per game on the season (26th in the NFL), and 143 yards per game over the last four weeks (28th). Opposing fantasy backs put up healthy numbers, they are the 16th ranked team over the last four weeks in this key area. However, the entire right side of the Baltimore line is gimpy, G Bennie Anderson (knee), T Ethan Brooks (knee) and C Mike Flynn (ankle) are all questionable, as is pass-receiving threat Todd Heap. Jacksonville's defensive front is practically injury free, only DT Larry Smith has a tweaked knee (probable). Even with an aching offensive line, Jamal Lewis should find enough weaknesses in the Jacksonville front to bust a few nice runs. This would be a great matchup for him if his line were healthy. Cleveland's William Green/Jamel White vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Browns fans, I present you with one question to ponder this week - how many games would your club have won if Coach Butch Davis featured Jamel White instead of William Green? Their seasons: White, 61 rushes for 300 yards and 1 touchdown, 32 receptions for 184 yards - Green, 52 rushes for 119 yards, 1 catch for 5 yards. Houston has a lower-tier rush defense, ranking 23rd in the NFL on the season allowing 128 yards of rushing per game, and 21st over the past four weeks allowing 121 yards per game. They give up fistfuls of points to opposing fantasy backs, ranking 28th over the last four weeks. Cleveland's offensive front is healthy, so is Houston's defensive front. Butch Davis is the wildcard here. If he'd go with White as the featured RB, he'd do well. On the flip side, this might be the team for William Green to wake up. But if the Browns stay true to form, neither back will get enough carries to be a factor. Denver's Clinton Portis/Mike Anderson vs. The Kansas City Defense (Good Matchup) Clinton Portis has been very effective this season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry on his 73 attempts (381 yards) and adding 118 yards on 12 receptions, with 1 score rushing and 1 receiving. Coach Shanahan was as good as his word last week, handing the ball off to Portis almost 20 times (18), and getting him the ball 6 times through the air. Anderson was the change of pace back, seeing 5 carries for 17 yards. Kansas City's defense is weak, ranking 19th in the league on the season allowing 114 yards per game and 124 per game over the last four weeks (22nd ranking). They make opposing fantasy backs look very good, ranking 29th in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks. The Chiefs' defense is entering the game without prize rookie DT Ryan Sims (out-elbow), and 2 out of 3 strong safeties (Greg Wesley - shoulder, questionable; Lyle West - hip, probable) are banged up as well. A couple of Portis' linemen, G Lennie Friedman (thumb) and C Tom Nalen (elbow) are nicked but probable. Given that this is an important divisional match-up, both teams will give it their all on Sunday. But the Broncos are simply the more talented team in the contest - the advantage belongs to the Broncos. Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Washington Defense (Good Matchup) Green is the 12th ranked fantasy back in 2002, with tons of yardage (552 yards rushing, 145 yards receiving) but an anemic 2 touchdowns so far (Priest Holmes has 11, by way of comparison). The Washington defense is a big disappointment, allowing 134 yards per game on the season (25th in the NFL), and 143 yards per game over the last four weeks (29th). They are a little more stout vs. opposing fantasy backs, ranking 12th in the league in this statistic. LT Chad Clifton is out for the Packers (knee), and TE's Tyrone Davis and Bubba Franks are nicked up but probable for Sunday. Washington's defense is essentially healthy, except for a few minor injuries. Green's a must start against any team and he should have his way against the Redskins on Sunday. Houston's Jonathan Wells/James Allen vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup) Jonathan Wells had a strong day running the ball against the soft Bills - 12 for 70 (5.8 yards per carry average) with a long of 20 yards is a good day for a Texans' back. James Allen was pedestrian with 8 carries for 21 yards. Now, and even softer rushing defense confronts the youngster and the veteran on Sunday. Cleveland can't stop anybody. They are 30th on the season, allowing 153 yards of rushing per game, and are ranked 27th over the last four weeks, surrendering 142 yards a contest. Fantasy backs look good against Cleveland - they rank 24th in terms of points allowed to opposing backs. Neither team is too banged up heading into the game (allowing for the fact that Boselli never made it into a game, so the Texans won't feel a lack now that his season is over). The Texans' T Ryan Young is questionable with his bad groin, and the Browns' DE Tyrone Rogers is questionable with a neck injury. Another game, another opportunity knocks for the Texans' backs to have a credible performance. Maybe they'll even score this week. Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Good Matchup) Where has the Edge gone in 2002? Not far: 428 yards for 1 touchdown and 21 receptions for 140 yards and 0 scores is not exactly the scoring explosion that many fantasy owners had hoped for this season. Only one game over 100 yards rushing, and a downward trend over the past three games against Houston, Cincinnati and a Ray Lewis-less Baltimore. He has looked tentative and is allowing himself to be tackled at first contact on many carries. He is not the power-back of old, at least, not yet. In the Monday Night spotlight, at Heinz field, expect Pittsburgh to give James several opportunities to reverse the downward spiral. On the season, the Steelers are the 12th ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 97 yards per game. But over the last four games, they are 17th, giving up 107 yards a game, and are the 19th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Steelers' LB Kendrell Bell is still questionable with his bad ankle. Indy has one lineman nicked up (G Rick DeMulling, ankle-questionable). Indy's line is great, Pittsburgh's defense is mediocre. James should get well in a hurry in prime time. New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Deuce McAllister is running wild in 2002. He is the 6th best back in fantasy football, with 582 yards on 133 carries and 5 rushing touchdowns, along with 20 receptions for 143 yards and 0 receiving touchdowns. Last week he pummeled the Redskins for 121 yards on 29 carries. And unlike the 49ers he'll face Sunday, McAllister doesn't have to share carries with anyone. San Francisco plays the run well, averaging 102 yards allowed per game over the season, and only 89 yards per game over the last four weeks (8th in the NFL). They allow lots of fantasy points to opposing running backs, though - they are 20th in the league over the last four weeks in this area. The San Francisco line is banged up: DE John Engelberger is doubtful with an ankle injury; DE Andre Carter is probable with a quad contusion, and DT Bryant Young is probable with a tweaked ankle. The 49er squad is also without key LB Jamie Winborn, out with a knee injury. New Orleans' offensive front is just fine. In a fairly even matchup of two talented units, the edge lies with McAllister and his team-mates - they are healthier than the Niners and McAllister is on a roll. New York Jets Curtis Martin vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) Curtis Martin finally had a game that looked something like what we expected heading into 2002. 119 yards rushing on 21 carries (5.7 average per rush), 1 touchdown, and 25 additional receiving yards. Then he had a bye week to get completely healed up - and he doesn't appear on the injury report heading into the tilt vs. Minnesota. The Minnesota rushing defense started the season extraordinarily strong, and still ranks as the 13th rush defense on the season, allowing only 97 yards per game on average. However, the last four weeks have witnessed a return to 2001's form - the team is 24th in the league allowing 125 yards per game, and is 31st vs. opposing fantasy backs in that span. Off the bye, New York is healthy, with no injury problems bothering the rushing attack. Minnesota is down one defensive lineman for sure (Talance Sawyer, knee) and might miss LB's Henri Crockett (elbow - questionable) and Lemanski Hall (ankle-questionable). With Pennington under center and the focus of the offense back on Martin, look for the Jets' back to have another productive day against the fading Vikings. Oakland's Charlie Garner vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup) Oakland was ambushed by a wounded St. Louis team last week. Even in defeat, Garner continued to put up more than 6 yards per carry (10 for 61 yards) and added another 35 to the effort in receiving yardage. This week, his hamstring is feeling better - Garner is listed as probable on the injury report. Over the last four games, Tyrone Wheatley has been a non-factor, with 11 carries for 31 yards. San Diego is usually very stout vs. the run, ranking 5th on the season with an average of 86 yards allowed per contest. However, over the last four weeks that average is creeping up - to 97 yards per game, 12th in the NFL. The Chargers are also average over that span vs. opposing fantasy backs, ranking 13th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to rushers. Part of the Chargers' problem is injuries. Junior Seau is hobbled by a bad ankle, DE Marcellus Wiley has a groin injury, and S Rodney Harrison also is nursing an injured groin (they are all questionable for the game Sunday). Oakland's starting LT Barry Sims has a bad toe (questionable), otherwise the ground game is good to go. Look for Garner and the Raiders to bounce back against the limping Chargers. He should have a decent shot at a good game and maybe a very good game if Seau is limited. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Oakland Defense (Good Matchup) The 156 total yards and 1 touchdown Tomlinson provided Drew Brees and company on Sunday helped sustain the Chargers in a squeaker over the always-dangerous Chiefs. This week the Chargers play an even more powerful offensive juggernaut, the Oakland Raiders. One thing the Raiders are not, however, is a good defense. They are very soft against the pass, and they're loosening up their once-stellar run defense (9th vs the rush over the past four weeks, allowing 94 yards per game). However, all that may change soon because star CB Charles Woodson is reported to be approaching a return on Sunday, though he is still officially listed as doubtful on the injury report. In any case, the Raiders can be run on, and it shows in their 26th ranking in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs over the past four weeks - good pass catching backs like Tomlinson have very nice days against the Raiders, in general. Besides Woodson, the Raiders list DT Roderick Coleman (ankle/knee) and LB Travian Smith (neck) as questionable on the injury report. The Chargers have a shortage of TE's (Josh Norman is out with a bum calf, and Stephen Alexander is questionable with a foot injury), so the lead blocking from that position may be lacking on Sunday. Tomlinson and the Chargers are good enough and the Raiders are soft enough that the edge in this matchup goes to Marty Schottenheimer's squad. Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The St. Louis Defense (Good Matchup) Shaun Alexander seems to finally be back on track - well over half his total yardage and 6 of his seven scores have come in the last two games (25/96 and 1 touchdown with 4 receptions for 25 yards last week). Most Alexander owners will agree, it's about time. This week he plays the lowly Rams, basement dwellers at 1-5. But they're on the rise after a big win last week against the Raiders. They're ranked 16th vs. the rush this season, allowing 106 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, the Rams are 18th, surrendering 107 yards per contest, and are15th vs. opposing running backs. Except for G Steve Hutchinson (broken leg - out), the Seahawks are healthy on the offensive side of the ball. The Rams' defensive front is also ready to go this week. An interesting matchup to watch will be hard hitting LB Tommy Polley and how he handles Alexander. Seattle is just now getting up off the mat, and the Rams are trying to capitalize on the momentum from their win against Oakland. Alexander will have a good day supporting the Seahawk's cause. Washington's Stephen Davis vs. The Green Bay Defense (Good Matchup) Patrick Ramsey had a typical "rookie's first start" in the NFL last week, and it hurt Stephen Davis. He managed 51 yards on 14 carries and 1 score on the ground, and added 1 catch for 9 yards. Davis' production is very dependent on a competent execution in the passing phase of the complex Spurrier offense, and most NFL defenses have been able to seriously disrupt said execution in 2002. This week Davis gets a break in the form of a depleted Green Bay Defense. S Antuan Edwards and DE Vonnie Holliday are doubtful to play, DE Joe Johnson is out for the season. CB Mike McKenzie is questionable with his sore groin, S Darren Sharper is questionable with a hamstring pull. All the injuries help account for Green Bay's dismal rush defense, 22nd in the league on the season and 15th over the last four weeks, allowing 101 yards per game. They are the 22nd ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in that time span. Davis will have some chances to make plays on Sunday against the hurting Packers. Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Arizona's Rushing Game vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup) The first question about this game is "Who will run the ball for Arizona on Sunday?" According to reports on Thursday, both Thomas Jones and Marcel Shipp are improving as the week goes along - but coach Dave McGinnis hinted that Damien Anderson could continue to see significant time on Sunday. It looks like an ugly game-time decision here, folks. Dallas' rush defense is in the lower tier of the league this season in terms of yardage allowed. They are ranked 18th on the season (240 yards allowed) and 22nd over the past four weeks (259 yards allowed). However, the Cowboys rank 7th over the past four weeks in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Besides the injuries to Jones and Shipp, T Anthony Clement remains out with his arm injury, and G Chris Dishman is doubtful with a leg problem. Dallas desperately misses LB Dat Nguyen, still out with a broken wrist. Expect a hard-fought battle between these two rivals on Sunday - neither has a clear advantage in this phase heading into the game. Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) Travis Henry had a fine game against a tough Texans' defense last week, rushing for 159 yards and 2 scores on 28 carries and adding 2 receptions for 11 yards. On the season, he is the fourth ranked fantasy football running back, with 110 rushes for 499 yards and 7 scores, along with 22 receptions for 161 yards and another touchdown. This week, Henry and his team-mates face an extremely strong Miami defense, coming off an emotional victory over the Denver Broncos. The Miami defense did a pretty good job against Clinton Portis, allowing 75 yards and no touchdowns on 18 carries in the game last week. On the season, the Dolphins are the 7th ranked rush defense in the NFL allowing only 87 yards per game. Over the last four weeks, they are the 5th ranked rushing defense, allowing 82 yards per game and they are the 9th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Injuries that may impact the Bills' unit this week include: starting RT Mike Williams, listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, and back-up running back Shawn Bryson is out with a knee injury. (Although with Sammy Morris as the # 2 RB, that probably helps Henry's opportunities) Miami's back-up LB Twan Russell is doubtful with a knee injury, while reserve DE David Bowens (knee) and starting DE Jason Taylor (elbow) are probable with minor dings. Travis Henry and the Bills are playing strong in the rushing phase of the game in the past weeks - but the Dolphins are playing tough against the rush, too. Neither side enters the contest with a clear advantage over the other. Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The Detroit Defense (Neutral Matchup) Entering this game off of a bye, Anthony Thomas is the 25th best fantasy football back in the NFL, with 333 yards rushing (on 110 carries) and 2 scores, and 88 yards receiving. Those numbers represent a seriously sub-par performance in 2002 from what many folks expected. Thomas just doesn't look explosive. The Detroit Lions are strictly mediocre at defending the rush, ranking 21st in the league on the season allowing 115 yards per game, and 16th over the last four weeks, allowing 105 yards per game. They are very generous to opposing fantasy backs, ranking 21st in the league. Chicago is mostly healthy in this phase of the game heading into Sunday, only reserve C Patrick Mannelly is doubtful due to a knee injury. The Lions will miss starting LB Clint Kriewaldt (foot injury), and fellow LB Brian Williams (leg). A struggling back and offensive line face off against a soft rush defense in this one, and neither has a clear edge. Detroit's James Stewart vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup) James Stewart is effective when he gets the ball in his hands - he's averaging 4.6 yards per carry on the season. The problem is, the ball just hasn't been in his hands enough (54/248 and 0 scores rushing, 10/67 and 1 score receiving) for Stewart to be a legitimate fantasy starter. This week, Stewart faces a once-tough Chicago defense that has been riddled by injuries this season. Currently, they rank 18th in the NFL on the season, allowing 112 yards per game, and over the last four weeks the Bears are 13th ranked, giving up 100 yards per contest. They are tough on opposing fantasy backs, ranking 5th in this key area. Chicago continues to stagger around on defense - DT Ted Washington remains out, and back-up DT Christian Peter is questionable with a leg injury. At least DE Phillip Daniels isn't hobbled by that sprained ankle anymore, the Bears can use his help. Detroit's offensive front is good to go this week. With Harrington opening up the passing attack, Stewart should find more room to roam in the coming weeks - this game may mark an upswing in his production as long as they'll give him the ball. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor/Stacey Mack vs. The Baltimore Defense (Neutral Matchup) Fred Taylor has struggled to get it going over the past two games, and Mack disappeared in the Titans/Jags contest last week. With a rookie possibly starting at quarterback this week, they both need to get cranked up early if the Jags are to have a chance in this one. The Baltimore defense may well be without leading tackler and general play-maker Ray Lewis this Sunday, so Taylor and Mack have a better-than-usual chance to chew up some real estate against the Ravens. On the season, the Ravens are 8th against the rush, allowing 88 yards per game. Over the last four weeks that average has dropped to 73 yards per game (2nd in the NFL), but part of the decline is due to the ease with which opposing quarterbacks can throw on the suspect secondary (32nd in the NFL). The Ravens are real tough on fantasy points allowed, ranking 2nd against other team's rushers over the last four weeks. Aside from Lewis' injury, the Ravens are mostly healthy on their defensive front, with Michael McCrary probable on the injury list with his tweaked knee. The Jaguars, meanwhile, are scrambling to fill Maurice William's slot (out for season, broken leg) - right now they are considering either moving Zach Wiegert over to RT or starting Todd Fordham. Even an easier-than-usual match-up against the Ravens' defensive front is no walk in the park, especially with the offensive line in flux. The Lewis and Williams injuries level the playing field in the contest. Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The Denver Defense (Neutral Matchup) What more can be said about Priest Holmes' dominance? He will hurt the opposing defense either rushing the ball or, if the defensive front is really strong (like Miami or San Diego), he will punish you through the air. He is the most dominant fantasy back in the NFL right now, by far. Denver has the league's best rushing defense in terms of yards allowed per game, with 62 yards per game on the season, and 67 per game over the last four weeks. However, when you look at fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, the Broncos are in the second tier, ranking 11th over the last four weeks. Both squads enter this contest fairly healthy - the Chiefs have no concerns of note, and the Broncos have 2 slightly injured back-up DT's (Monsanto Pope - ankle, questionable; Montae Reagor - shoulder, probable). Holmes is a must start against any defense but this battle will be another classic match-up between talented squads. Neither has an advantage heading into the game on Sunday. San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The New Orleans' Defense (Neutral Matchup) Give me either of these guys in a featured role, and you'd have one heck of a fantasy football running back. As is, they are both talented but sharing time means they're just mediocre fantasy backs. Last week it was Barlow's turn to score a touchdown. This week, the Niners play a consistently tough Saints squad that is ranked 11th vs. the run on the season (92 yards per game) and over the last four weeks (96 yards per game). They are middle-of-the-pack against opposing fantasy backs, the Saints rank 18th in this area over the last four weeks. Plus, their pass defense is weak enough to be very enticing to opposing offenses. The Saints are without DE Willie Whitehead (leg). The 49er's depth at running back is shot, with Terry Jackson (knee) and Paul Smith (hamstring) both sidelined this week. Look for more of the same this week - decent production from Hearst and Barlow that together add up to one LaDainian Tomlinson or Ricky Williams' game. Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games None. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Carolina's Lamar Smith vs. The Atlanta Defense (Bad Matchup) Lamar Smith started the 2002 season with a bang, but has cooled in recent weeks. He hasn't rushed for more than 81 yards in the last three games, and is averaging right around 3 yards per rush in those contests. More troubling has been the lack of touchdowns in the last two games. Rodney Peete is out, and Chris Weinke back in at quarterback - we'll see how that affects Smith, but it's likely that defenses will concentrate on 1. Stuffing Smith and 2. Forcing Weinke to pass. This week the Panthers visit divisional rival Atlanta. Wade Phillips has his defense humming in recent weeks - they are coming off an impressive effort in the win against the Giants. On the season, the Falcons are ranked 20th in the league allowing 114 yards per game, but that improves significantly if you look at their performance over the past four weeks. In that span, Atlanta is the 7th ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 84 yards a contest, and are #1 vs. opposing fantasy backs. A few of the Falcons' LB's are hurting - Will Overstreet is probably done for the season with multiple shoulder separations; Matt Stewart is listed as doubtful due to a rib injury; and John Thierry has a tweaked hip (probable). The Panthers passing unit is really hurting, with TE Wesley Walls doubtful due to a finger injury, back-up TE Keith Heinrich out with an ankle problem; WR Isaac Byrd questionable with stomach problems; WR/KR Steve Smith hampered by sore ribs (questionable); and Muhsin Muhammad still feeling that hamstring injury (probable). Starting T Todd Steussie has a tweaked ankle (probable). All those problems could make it really tough for Weinke to throw (and thus easy for Smith to face 8 men in the box all day.) This looks like a very tough matchup for Smith - don't expect a dominant day from him this week. Dallas Emmitt Smith vs. The Arizona Defense (Bad Matchup) Emmitt Smith is a grid-iron warrior, but Father Time and poor play at the quarterback position is catching up to him. One game above 60 yards this season, none above 100, and only 1 touchdown is not the stuff that fantasy championships are made from. This week, Smith faces a hungry, mean and improving Arizona rush defense that ranks 9th in the NFL on the season allowing 91 yards per game. Over the last four weeks the Cards are even better, they are 6th in the NFL allowing 83 yards per game on the ground and are 10th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Emmitt Smith is the 28th ranked fantasy back heading into the match. G Larry Allen continues to struggle with a bum ankle, and C Andre Gurode is doubtful with a toe injury. For the Cards, there are no injuries of note to report on the rush defense. Another tough week is in store for Emmitt Smith as he chases Sweetness. Philadelphia's Duce Staley/Donovan McNabb vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Duce Staley is cobbling together a decent season (19th among fantasy backs right now), with 229 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, along with 202 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. He had a nice effort against Jacksonville, with over 100 combined yards on the day. McNabb leads the team in rushing with his 241 yards and 3 scores. However, these are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers we're talking about. They are 2nd in the NFL on the season allowing only 78 yards rushing. 3rd in the league over the last four weeks, allowing 73 yards on average, and ranking 6th vs. opposing running backs. Neither side has any significant injuries heading into the contest. A brutal matchup for Staley and McNabb, however you look at it. Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) Philadelphia's rushing defense: 6th in the league this season (87 yards allowed per game, on average), and 10th over the last four weeks (95 yards per game). In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, the Eagles are 4th in the league over the last four weeks. Michael Pittman: 309 yards rushing on 90 carries, 248 yards on 29 receptions, 0 touchdowns. Mike Alstott: 208 yards on 50 carries, 4 touchdowns and 108 yards on 14 receptions. Alstott put up over half of his rushing yardage and half his season's total of touchdowns last week vs. Cleveland. This just in: Philadelphia isn't Cleveland. Injuries are still plaguing the Eagle's line (DE Derrick Burgess - out, foot; DT Corey Simon - questionable, ankle). Tampa comes into the game healthy. Don't go crazy over Mike Alstott's great game last week. This is a different defense and a different situation. The dominant Eagles should bring the Buccaneer RBs back to Earth.