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 Jacksonville's Fred Taylor vs. The Houston Defense (Great Matchup) Taylor's comeback season continued on this past Sunday with an upswing, as Jacksonville's back slapped 151 yards and 1 touchdown on the Ravens on the ground in a losing cause (and added 46 receiving yards to boot). On the season, Taylor is the 9th ranked back in fantasy football with 597 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns, and 241 yards receiving. The Houston defense gets trampled with regularity in 2002. They are 21st in the league allowing 122 yards per game on the season, and rank 20th over the past 4 weeks allowing 121 yards per game. There is a whole lot of scoring going on by opposing backs: the Texans are 30th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Injuries aren't an issue for either unit, aside from some minor aches and pains. Look for Taylor to build on his momentum from last week against the out-matched Texans on Sunday. Washington's Stephen Davis vs. The Indianapolis Colts (Great Matchup) Throughout all the turmoil on the offense, Stephen Davis has managed to remain somewhat effective this season, with 107 rushes for 448 yards (4.2 yards per rush average) and 3 scores, along with 19/188 yards receiving and another touchdown. This week veteran Shane Matthews is back under center. Davis had one 100 yard game and scored one touchdown while Matthews ran the show weeks 1-3. The Colts rush defense is one of the doormats of the league, and makes almost every back that plays them look good. On the season they are 30th in the NFL allowing 145 yards per game, and over the past four weeks they are 29th allowing 153 per contest. Looking at fantasy points allowed, the Colts are 27th in the league vs. opposing backs the last four weeks. On the offensive line, T Chris Samuels (ankle) and G Brenden Stai (knee) are both questionable; for Indy the defensive front is somewhat banged up, with DT Josh Williams questionable due to foot and arm injuries, DT James Cannida still nursing a thumb injury (probable) and DT Larry Triplett hampered by shoulder and elbow problems (probable). If there is a week for Davis to explode, this would be it. Denver's Clinton Portis/Mike Anderson vs. The New England Defense (Great Matchup) A huge problem for the Bronco's offensive line occurred this week when veteran C/G Tom Nalen was put onto IR with a torn ACL in his left knee. Nalen was a key component of the offense, and called the blocking schemes for the line during games. The loss of Nalen will have a negative effect on the whole line, and could create some problems for Portis and Anderson while the unit adjusts over the next weeks. Last week, both Portis (70 yards) and Anderson (34 yards) scored on the ground against the soft Chiefs' defense. Portis carried and caught the ball a total of 18 times, close to the 20-touches a game pace that Shanahan forecasted for the youngster. We're worried about Mike Anderson taking carries but we still feel ok with Portis. New England's defense rested week 7, so they should be healthy and prepared to face the formidable Broncos. However, their rush defense is pretty terrible, ranking 28th on the season allowing 143 yards per game and 30th over the past four weeks allowing 178 yards per contest. They give points away in bunches to opposing backs, ranking 28th over the past four weeks in fantasy points allowed. Besides the loss of Nalen, Denver's line is in good shape health-wise heading into the game. The Bronco's are a good offensive team even without Nalen, and the Patriots are pathetic defending the run in 2002. Advantage: Denver. Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Great Matchup) Normally, coming off a bye week will give a team an edge in terms of health and preparedness when they meet their next opponent. That's not true this week, when George and the Titans visit Cincinnati - the Bengals had their bye last week, too. George entered the bye week on a roll, playing against the Jaguars week 6. His 31 rushes for 113 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 receptions for 27 yards and another score were easily his best outing of the season. This week, the Bengals await the Titans, and they are very soft against the run, allowing 143 yards per game on the season (27th in the league), and 133 per game over the last four weeks, ranking 21st vs. opposing fantasy backs in that span. Both teams are relatively healthy - the Titans are without back-up RB Robert Holcombe (hip - out). Cincinnati is probably without the services of DE Vaughn Booker (knee - doubtful). Look for George to continue the momentum and post a big day on Sunday. Kansas City's Priest Holmes vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) Priest Holmes is the best back in fantasy football (and the NFL). That won't change this weekend against the depleted and struggling Oakland Raiders defense. The Raiders started the season tough against the run, and are still ranked as the 9th best rushing defense in the league this year (95 yards per game). However, their shattered secondary is making a hash of the defensive scheme, and the Raiders have fallen to 17th in the league over the past four weeks (113 yards per game allowed.) In that time-frame, the Raiders are ranked 26th in terms of points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Last week, LaDainian Tomlinson exposed DTs John Parrella and Sam Adams somewhat as the Chargers ran lots of counters. You can bet Kansas City's been poring over that film. Injuries are part of the problem. The defensive backfield is riddled with injuries, increasing pressure on the linebackers and opening up opportunities for opposing backs in the bargain. Holmes should run wild in a classic AFC West shoot-out on Sunday. Just like he's been running wild every Sunday. Oakland's Charlie Garner vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) Charlie Garner is having one of the most astounding yards per carry seasons of any NFL running back, ever. 419 yards on only 57 carries (7.35 yards per carry average), with 377 yards on 32 receptions and 6 touchdowns all told (3 rushing, 3 receiving). He is the 4th highest scoring fantasy back on a per game basis in 2002, producing slightly more than 19 points per game. And that's with somewhat more human efforts the last couple of games. The Chiefs' defense is also having one of the most astounding seasons in the history of the NFL - astoundingly bad, that is - and their rush defense is part of the debacle. On the season the unit ranks as 20th vs. the rush allowing 118 yards per game on the ground, and over the last four weeks that number has grown to 135 yards per game (25th in the league). They give away tons of points to opposing backs, ranking 28th over the last four weeks. Injuries don't explain the Chiefs' woes - only S Greg Wesley is listed as worse than "probable" on the injury report (he's questionable) - it is simply a case of incompetence. Fantasy football owners have to be licking their chops with Garner this week against the lame Chiefs. Cleveland's William Green/Jamel White vs. The New York Jets' Defense (Great Matchup) William Green continues to "rack up" 2 yards per carry, and Butch Davis continues to hand him the ball between 7 to12 times a game. Jamel White averages 5 yards per carry and sees the ball between 7 to 16 times a game on the ground, and adds an average of 5 receptions per game. White is the 26th ranked fantasy back on a points-per-game basis; Green is 63rd. But if past experience is any guide, expect Coach Butch Davis to keep feeding Green the ball. The Jets can't stop anybody on the ground this season: most recently Minnesota ground them up for 101 yards (4.4 per carry average) and 1 score. They rank 31st in the league on the season (176 yards per game allowed) and are 31st in the league over the last four weeks, too (180 yards per game allowed). Opposing fantasy backs feast on the Jets - they are dead last over the past 4 weeks in this area. Neither unit is dealing with injuries of note this week. White should enjoy a productive day once he gets in the game. Green might even average better than 2 yards per carry - anything is possible. If you normally consider starting either of these guys, this is the week. Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games New York Jets' Curtis Martin vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup) Martin finally put up over 100 yards of yardage (combined) in a game last week, and got in the end-zone, too. It was a huge relief for disappointed fantasy owners everywhere (if they started him, that is). Chad Pennington has raised the moribund Jets' offense out of the coffin where it lay early this season, and the team showed signs of life vs. Minnesota. This week Martin faces a suspect Cleveland rushing defense that is averaging 144 yards allowed per game over the season (29th) and over the last four weeks (27th). They are slightly stouter in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs in the last four weeks, ranking 17th in the NFL. Injuries that may bear on the rushing game include: LB Ben Taylor is out with a bad hamstring, and key members of the backfield (CB Corey Fuller and S Robert Griffith) are out of the mix, so the Jets' passing game should help open up lanes for Martin come game time. Look for Martin to build on his momentum against the soft Browns on Sunday. Defensive tackles Gerard Warren and Orpheus Roye should continue to be exposed as Martin establishes the inside rushing game. Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs. The Tennessee Defense (Good Matchup) Corey Dillon was very frustrated entering the bye week, and publicly threatened retirement from the Bengals after this season, due to yet another abysmal team in 2002. Who can blame him? The only amazing thing about Dillon's frustration boiling over is that it took so long to happen. When last we saw Dillon, it was in the course of the 34-7 loss to the Steelers. Dillon notched 17 carries for 57 yards and the team's lone score in the game (also 2 receptions for 19 yards). On the season, Dillon is the 15th ranked fantasy back - he averages a little over 13 fantasy points a week. But, the points tend to come in bunches - is this week going to be a "boom" week or a "bust" week? The Titans are struggling to defend the run during the past 4 weeks, averaging 125 yards per game allowed (21st in the NFL), and are also generous to opposing fantasy backs, ranking 19th in terms of points allowed over the same time-frame. Cincinnati enjoys good health coming off the bye week, and a key offensive lineman, G Mike Goff, is probable to return from his badly lacerated knee this week. The Titans are still without DE Jevon Kearse (foot - out) and his back-up, Carlos Hall, is questionable with a knee injury. Dillon should enjoy one of his strong games this week. Houston's James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) Houston's tandem of backs ranks 39th (Allen) and 49th (Wells) on the running backs' scoring list (points-per-game). Neither has scored yet this season. Jacksonville may give them an opportunity to perform more credibly: the Jags are ranked 26th this season allowing 141 yards a game and are 28th over the last four weeks allowing 151 yards per game. They aren't terribly generous to the opposing backs in terms of fantasy points allowed, ranking 11th in the league over the last four weeks. The injury woes on Houston's line continues as T Ryan Young has re-injured his groin (probable for the game Sunday). The Texans may find some running room on Sunday, but don't count on either Allen or Wells to carry your team week 8. Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The Detroit Defense (Good Matchup) Travis Henry has bounced back from disappointing games weeks 2 and 3, and over the past four games he has really come alive, posting more than 100 yards (combined rushing and receiving) in each game (including rushing performances of 159 and 132 yards in the two most recent games). He has also scored at least once in 3 of the past four games (4 touchdowns total in that span). These strong performances have landed him at #7 on the running backs' scoring list (on a per-game basis) so far this season. Detroit started the season playing very weak defense, and is still ranked at #30 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs this season (#16 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, at 110). However, over the past four weeks, the Lions are ranked 18th vs. opposing fantasy backs, and are 14th in the league allowing 103 rushing yards per game. That's quite an improvement - from really bad to just plain mediocre. One concern due to injury on the Lion's defensive unit entering this week - LB Clint Kriewaldt is still doubtful with his injured foot. DT Shaun Rogers is nursing a sore thumb (probable). Buffalo's line is ready to block for Henry and Bledsoe. Henry has the super-star trio of Bledsoe, Price, and Moulds to loosen up the opposing defense - and this week will be no different. The Bills' offense brings too much to the table for the Lions to cover everyone, every down - and it will mean scoring opportunities for Henry on Sunday. Dallas Emmitt Smith vs. The Seattle Defense (Good Matchup) One thing is for certain, Emmitt Smith (probable - ankle) will see the ball a lot from first-time starting quarterback, rookie Chad Hutchinson. The question is, can the battered line open holes for Smith so he can break Walter Payton's record at home? Smith is 93 yards short of "the Record" and that's a perfect number. 93 yards before the home town crowd would be a storybook way to break it. If it were 145 yards, that's probably out of reach for Smith at this point in his career but 93 is definitely doable and has to be a huge carrot hanging out there. The Cowboys are in Detroit next week so there's a sense of urgency. Starting G Matt Lehr is out with a knee injury, and back-up T Marques McFadden is gone with a shoulder injury. Key G Larry Allen is still hampered by a bad ankle (questionable) and C Andre Gurode is nursing a sore toe (probable). A rookie quarterback will invite the Seahawks to crowd the line and stuff the run, daring the youngster to try and beat Seattle through the air. Besides still-tenderfoot LB Anthony Simmons (ankle - questionable), the Seahawk's defensive front is healthy - they just stink at stopping the run. Dead last in the NFL this season allowing 189 yards per game, and dead last over the past four weeks allowing 190 yards per game. They are the most generous of all NFL defenses to opposing fantasy running backs in that span, as well. It's Dallas' gimpy line vs. the worst run defense in the league. The advantage lies with Dallas, but it's not as huge as it could be if the line were healthier. If he breaks the record, you think Jerry Jones will be in the picture? Atlanta's Warrick Dunn/Michael Vick vs. The New Orleans Defense (Good Matchup) With rookie T.J. Duckett likely standing on the sidelines with a foot injury, Warrick Dunn gets another shot to prove he can be the featured back in Atlanta. His 61 rushes for 160 yards and 3 scores aren't exactly awe-inspiring numbers, but the ball has been split three ways between Dunn, Duckett and Vick so far this season. (61, 68, and 31 carries respectively). Dunn is also a big-time receiving threat out of the backfield (18/134 and a score so far in 2002). The Saints don't surrender a ton of yardage on the ground, 99 yards per game on average this season. However, they are giving up lots of fantasy points to opposing running backs in the last four weeks, ranking 24th in the NFL in this area. As Dunn is a double-threat type back, this could work to Atlanta's advantage. Also hampering the Saint's defenders are injuries - a lot of them. LB's Travis Carroll (leg - out), J.R. Johnson (hamstring - doubtful), and Charlie Clemons (groin - questionable) are all on the injury report, as is DE Willie Whitehead (leg - doubtful) and DT Norman Hand (hamstring - questionable). The Falcons have lost the services of C/G Roberto Garza for now (foot - out) and probably will go without T Todd Weiner (calf - doubtful). FB Bob Christian is questionable with the concussion suffered last week. The Vick/Dunn combination causes mismatches for the defense, and the weak secondary of the Saints should help draw defenders into pass coverage, creating opportunities for the Falcons' rushing attack. The advantage goes to Atlanta. Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Moe Williams vs. The Chicago Defense (Good Matchup) Michael Bennett had a sub-par outing against the lowly Jets last Sunday, only garnering 12 carries for 56 yards. Moe Williams claimed the only score that the Vikings managed on 5/16 work on the ground. On the season, Bennett is the 25th fantasy football back on the points-per-game scoring list, Williams is the 22nd (5 touchdowns to 2 for Bennett). Chicago's battered defense isn't reminding anyone of last season's dominant unit - they are 23rd on the season allowing 125 yards per game, and rank 26th over the last four weeks allowing 140. Over that span, they are the 22nd ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. DT Ted Washington remains out of the lineup for the Bears. Starting DE Bryan Robinson will be inactive on Sunday, thanks to his second DUI arrest this season (Hey Robinson, one word for you - Taxi). Rookie Alex Brown will step in at his spot on Sunday. Minnesota's back-up RB Doug Chapman suffered a severe abdominal injury last Sunday and is out for the season due to internal bleeding. Look for Bennett and Williams to find room to roam on Sunday. The trouble as always with these two is figuring out which one will do something. Bennett's a threat to score from anywhere on the field but don't be surprised if it's Williams that grabs the short TD as he did last week. Arizona's Thomas Jones / Michael Shipp vs. The San Francisco Defense (Good Matchup) Thomas Jones has got his groove back, and just in time for a divisional showdown vs. the 49'ers. Last week against the Dallas Cowboys, Jones was effective with 22 rushes for 68 yards and 3 receptions for 17 yards. On the season he is the 27th ranked running back in terms of points-per-game-played. The 49'ers defense folded against the Saints in last weeks' loss, and Deuce McAllister trampled them for 139 yards rushing and 35 receiving (Brooks also scored on a rushing play). On the season, the 49'ers are 19th vs. the rush, allowing 115 yards per game. Over the last four weeks they are 23rd ranked, allowing 130 per contest and rank 23rd vs. opposing fantasy running backs in that span. Jones is still the #1 RB but keep an eye on Michael Shipp. He played for much of the 4th quarter last week after Jones fumbled and dropped a couple of passes. Arizona's line is healthy (except the missing T Anthony Clement, out all season so far); San Francisco is down 3 LB's - Jamie Winborn (shoulder - out), Frank Strong (shoulder - doubtful), and Saleem Rasheed (thigh - doubtful). Obviously, depth is a concern at LB for the 49'ers this week. The Cardinals have run the ball effectively for the most part this season, and the 49'ers haven't been particularly good at stopping the rush. Dave McGinnis has his team believing, and it should show on Sunday. Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games New Orleans' Deuce McAllister vs. The Atlanta Defense (Neutral Matchup) Deuce McAllister is having an excellent first half of the season. His 721 rushing yards and 5 scores plus 178 receiving yards and 1 score is good for 8th on the fantasy points-per-game list for running backs. The Falcons are a tough run defense - ranking 17th on the season allowing 112 yards per game, but much tougher in the recent going, ranking 8th in the league allowing only 96 yards per game. Over the last four weeks, the Falcons are 1st vs. opposing fantasy backs in terms of points allowed. Both the New Orleans' offensive front and the Atlanta defensive unit enter the game essentially healthy and ready to rumble. Something will have to give on Sunday, but it's not clear in advance whether it will be the explosive McAllister or the stout Falcons' rush defense. Detroit's James Stewart vs. The Buffalo Defense (Neutral Matchup) Hey sports fans, believe it or not, the Lions aren't a joke anymore. And neither is their rushing attack, with James Stewart averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the season. Yes, he's been up and down, and yes, they still have a rookie quarterback under center. However, the Lions beat the Saints and the Bears - Stewart gained 172 yards rushing (28 receiving), and scored twice last week to help his team defeat Chicago. This week the Lions visit chilly Buffalo, and face a mediocre but improving rushing defense. The Bills started out soft, and still rank 25th in the league allowing 131 yards per game on average this season. However, over the last 4 weeks the team has improved to 19th in the NFL, allowing 117 yards per game, and is ranked 10th in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. The Bills' defensive front is solid and healthy, and so is the Lion's offensive line, so injuries aren't an issue for either unit heading into the game. In this matchup of two improving teams, neither looks like the dominant squad. We'll be able to tell which is stronger after 60 minutes on Sunday, not before. Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The Minnesota Defense (Neutral Matchup) This just in: Anthony Thomas and the Bears are not playing well this year. A divisional loss to lowly Detroit, in which Thomas finally managed another touchdown (his first since week 2) on 26/92 rushing, with 3 receptions for 5 yards, only adds to the chronicle of under-achievement this season. Thomas is the 22nd ranked fantasy back on the season scoring list (the Bears are 2-4 - tying them with Detroit). Minnesota is mired below Chicago and Detroit at 1-5, and their rushing defense (despite allowing few yards) lets opposing running backs score often. On the season, the Vikings are 10th in the NFL allowing 96 yards per game, but 28th in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Over the last four weeks they are 13th in the league allowing 101 yards per game, but rank 29th vs. opposing fantasy running backs. Much of this can be attributed to opposing teams taking advantage of the weak Minnesota secondary and choosing to pass instead of run. With Chris Chandler starting this week, the Bears will likely ask Anthony Thomas to carry the load. The Bear's line has a problem at center, with starting C Olin Kreutz questionable with an ankle injury and reserve C Patrick Mannelly out with a knee injury. DT Talance Sawyer is out for Minnesota with a knee injury, and DT Chris Hovan is battling a sore leg (probable). An ineffective rushing defense squares off against a weak rushing offense and neither has a clear advantage in this matchup. Philadelphia's Duce Staley vs. The New York Giant's Defense (Neutral Matchup) Duce Staley made running on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look easy, racking up 152 yards on only 24 carries (6.3 yards per carry) and added 2 receptions for 12 yards. This week he faces another tough defense in the Giant's unit. The good outing helped him move up to #17 on the fantasy football back's scoring list for 2002. The Giants of today are not the Giants of earlier this season though - DT Keith Hamilton is gone for the season with an Achilles injury, and that is a huge loss for this unit. So far this season, the Giants are the 3rd ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 84 yards per game, and are 4th over the last four weeks, allowing 87 yards per contest. In fantasy points allowed, the Giants rank 14th vs. opposing running backs during that 4 week span. Besides the loss of Hamilton, the Giants have LB Nick Greisen listed as doubtful with his foot injury; DE Kenny Holmes (elbow) and DT Matt Mitrione (shoulder) are both questionable; while LB Dhani Jones (hamstring) and DE Michael Strahan (back) are probable. Only G John Welbourn of the Eagles appears for the line, he's probable with a leg injury. Philadelphia's complex offense is difficult to defense, and the Giant's defensive front is hurting and lacking in depth. Normally, facing the Giants would be an unfavorable matchup, but the injuries even the playing field on this particular Monday night. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jamal Lewis helped upset the Jags last week, rushing for 119 yards and catching a pass for 11 more. On the season he is the 11th ranked back in terms of points per game, at 15.6 points per contest. The entire Ravens offense is just getting going, and Lewis is clearly over the knee injury that ruined last season for him. Pittsburgh, for all its' trials this season, is still a good rush defense. They are the 6th ranked unit on the season, allowing 92 yards per game, and 9th over the past four weeks, allowing 98 yards per game. They are mediocre in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, ranking 16th over the past four weeks. Neither unit is too banged up, although Ravens' T Ethan Brooks is battling knee and back problems (questionable) and G Jason Thomas has a calf injury (questionable). Look for Lewis and his line to create cracks, but not gaping holes, in the Steeler's front on Sunday as a solid defense tries to stop a very good RB. Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The Arizona Defense (Tough Matchup) Garrison Hearst is expected to play on Sunday, his hamstring should be ready to go despite his questionable status on the injury report, according to most reports. But still, it's something to keep an eye on. The one-two punch of San Francisco has noticeably drifted towards favoring Hearst in recent weeks (14/87 in the latest game vs. Barlow's 6/28 - both men caught passes worth 43 yards) but he is far from the featured back in San Francisco. Arizona's rush defense is breaking into the top tier of the league in their recent games, moving to a #7 ranking in the last four weeks (91 yards allowed per game) vs. a #13 ranking on the season (100 yards per game). Also, they are the 3rd ranking defense vs. opposing fantasy backs in the last four weeks. Excellent game planning by McGinnis and hard play by the team is paying off. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (ribs - questionable) is the lone worry for the Cardinal defensive front; besides Hearst, back-up RB Paul Smith has hamstring trouble (questionable) and both J.J. Stokes (knee - questionable) and Terrell Owens (heel - probable) are nicked up. So is TE Eric Johnson (back - probable). The Cardinals are surprising a lot of teams this year, and Hearst and Barlow figure to be next. Advantage, Cardinals. Indianapolis' Edgerrin James vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) Edgerrin James just isn't his old dominating self. He is the 18th ranked running back on the fantasy scoring list (but has only 1 rushing touchdown and none receiving to go with his 490 yards rushing and 222 receiving). Is the Colts' offense suffering from "Dungification"? Or is it a slower-than-hoped-for recovery from the knee injury of last season? Whatever the answer, the Washington defense waits to welcome James to their house, and their unit is improving its rush defense by leaps and bounds this season. The 'Skins are 24th in the NFL this season allowing 126 yards per game, but are 5th in the league over the last four weeks, allowing only 89. They rank as the 13th best defense vs. opposing fantasy backs in that span, so they are no slouches as the half-way point of the season approaches. Besides T Adam Meadows hip injury (questionable), the Colts are in decent shape for Sunday on the line. The Redskins are glad to see that Renaldo Wynn (knee) and DT Daryl Gardener (back) have only minor injuries, they along with LaVar Arrington are listed as probable for Sunday's game. With James apparently not 100% back, and the Redskin's new-found tenacity vs. the run, the Colts may struggle to rush the ball on Sunday. Pittsburgh's Amos Zereoue/Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala vs. The Baltimore Defense (Tough Matchup) Pittsburgh's vowel-heavy backfield charges into Baltimore this week, with Jerome Bettis sidelined with a sprained left MCL. Ma'afala has seen limited action this season due to injury woes of his own, but had two nice runs last Sunday. Zereoue will likely be the main back vs. Baltimore, and has produced fairly well this year (44/209 rushing and 12/139 receiving, 0 touchdowns) in spot duty behind Bettis. Baltimore welcomes Ray Lewis back to the lineup just in time to greet Zereoue and Ma'afala. The Ravens are tough against the rush in 2002, allowing just 93 yards per game this season (7th in the NFL) and only 84 yards per contest over the past four weeks (3rd in the NFL). They are tough on opposing fantasy backs, ranking 7th in terms of points allowed over the past four weeks. Besides the probable return of Lewis, the injury picture looks like this: DE Michael McCrary is doubtful with a knee injury for the Ravens, and the Steelers lost key C Jeff Hartings to a knee injury this week. C Mike Schneck and T Marvel Smith are both probable while nursing assorted aches and pains. Any time you face a defense with a guy like Ray Lewis playing for it, you're going to have a tough time running the ball. Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The Dallas Defense (Tough Matchup) Fantasy owners everywhere are frustrated by Shaun Alexander's boom or bust pattern in 2002. Some games he's stellar (or at least solid), and other games he stinks like rotten eggs. Last week was a "rotten egg" outing, with a grand total of 30 yards rushing and 16 yards receiving during the loss to St. Louis. That marks the second time this season Alexander didn't break 50 yards combined, and failed to get across the goal line. In his defense, he was limited in practice last week. In an interesting move, Coach Mike Holmgren announced this week he's tinkering with the lineups somewhat and one of those changes will involve RB Maurice Morris seeing more playing time. This week the Seahawks travel to Dallas to face the soap-opera Cowboys and their HBO-special star Chad Hutchinson. The Dallas rush defense continues to be tough, ranking 18th in the NFL on the season (113 yards per game allowed) and over the past four weeks (116), but which ranks 7th over the past four weeks in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Thomas Jones/Marcel Shipp managed 101 yards and 0 scores against them last week, combined, and averaged right at 3.1 yards per carry on the day. Seattle really misses G Steve Hutchinson (out - broken leg). The Cowboys are without big-hitting LB Dat Nguyen (broken wrist - out). It's another bad week to be an Alexander owner, if the matchup is any indication. Advantage, Cowboys. Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Carolina Defense (Tough Matchup) One thing the Panthers can still do (even if their offense is a sinking ship) is play defense. The Panthers are ranked 15th vs. the run this season, allowing 105 yards per game, and over the past four weeks, they are 22nd, allowing a healthy 122 yards. What they do not allow is much scoring by opposing backs. Over the past four weeks, the Panthers rank 5th in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The Tampa backs have been underwhelming for the most part this season, and really laid down against the Eagles, managing only 87 yards of rushing and receiving yardage (0 scores) between the two of them last week. Pittman put up 49 yards rushing and 15 receiving, Alstott 14 and 9. Brad Johnson likely won't play this week, so the Panthers face Rob Johnson at quarterback. The Carolina defenders are somewhat banged up, with LB's Mark Fields (groin) and Dan Morgan (groin) both listed as questionable, along with hard-hitting S Mike Minter (arm). The Tampa backs just don't do much against quality defenses, and the Panthers play quality defense, even if they are banged up right now. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Carolina's Lamar Smith vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Bad Matchup) Veterans Lamar Smith and Rodney Peete had the Panthers on a roll for a while, but that is all ending now. Smith has put up rushing totals of 49, 81 and 19 yards in the last three contests, and scored 0 times in that span. The Panthers may be forced to start rookie Randy Fasani as Chris Weinke suffered a serious concussion last week (he can't remember the game at all), which will allow Tampa Bay to key on Smith. Heck, even if Weinke is in the game, the Bucs will key on Smith and dare the Panthers to throw the ball. Over the last four weeks, Tampa Bay's defense is ranked #1 vs. the pass (146 yards allowed per game), #6 vs. the rush (91 yards per game) and is #1, #4, #1 and #1 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. There are basically no chinks in their armor, despite the recent loss to Philadelphia and Duce Staley's 152 yards. Staley's team has a significantly better offense than the Panthers. DeShaun Foster isn't expected back from his knee injury (questionable); Tampa Bay's defense is healthy and ready to go heading into Sunday's game. They will look like an impenetrable wall to Smith and his team-mates on Sunday. New England's Antowain Smith vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup) Franchises waiting for Smith to get it going in 2002 may want to look elsewhere for their starting running backs this week. Denver's rush defense is very stout, ranking 1st in the league on the season allowing 76 yards per game. Over the past four weeks, they are 10th ranked, allowing 98 yards per game, but that statistic includes a game against all-world Priest Holmes (113 yards, 3 touchdowns behind his awesome line). Other than Holmes, the Broncos have limited Ricky Williams to 49 yards rushing (2 scores, though) and LaDainian Tomlinson to 48 yards and 0 scores in the two games before Kansas City. Smith and his line aren't nearly as good as either Miami/Williams or Tomlinson/San Diego. In fact, Smith is the 37th ranked fantasy football back in 2002 in terms of points scored per week, at just under 8 per contest - behind platooned players such as Minnesota's Williams (22)/Bennett (25) and Denver's Portis (23)/Anderson (33). That's not good enough to be a team's #2 back in a 16 team league. Injuries aren't a huge factor for New England coming off the bye, although G Joe Andruzzi is still battling a knee injury (questionable) and C Grey Ruegamer has a sore foot (questionable). Denver's Chester McGlockton (leg) and Monsanto Pope (ankle) join LB Keith Burns (hand) with minor injuries - all are probable to play Sunday. Look for Smith to get stuffed by the ultra-tough Broncos on Sunday. New York Giant's Tiki Barber vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) The Eagles are the 4th ranked rushing defense in the NFL this season, allowing 86 yards per contest. They are 1st in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 81 yards per game, and are 2nd ranked vs. opposing fantasy backs in that span. Last week Tampa's team managed exactly 81 yards and 0 scores against the Eagles on the ground. Tiki Barber went into the bye week with 90 yards of total offense and 0 scores against a tough Atlanta run defense week 6. On the season, he is averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and has scored only 2 rushing touchdowns. Don't look for him to get better against the Eagles. Even with a week of rest, the Giant's are dinged up: G Jason Whittle is questionable with back trouble, and TE Jeremy Shockey is struggling with the toe injury still (questionable), to name only a few. The Eagles will be without DE Derrick Burgess (foot), the rest of the defensive front is O.K. except for some minor dings and nicks. Barber will have a very tough time running on these Eagles on Monday Night Football.