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 San Francisco's Garrison Hearst/Kevan Barlow vs. The Oakland Defense (Great Matchup) With Garrison Hearst limited by his sore hamstring last weekend, Kevan Barlow pretty much had his way vs. Arizona last week, racking up 51 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving and 2 scores during the rout. As a team, the 49'ers rushed for 105 yards against a tough Cardinal's defensive front - a very effective outing, overall. This week, Hearst is being rested and not practicing much, so Barlow may carry the load again against Oakland, depending on how Hearst's recovery progresses. The Raiders are reeling from 2 consecutive losses and due to a rash of injuries on the defensive unit, including Sam Adams, a key run-stuffer at DT. For the season, the team averages 100 yards per game allowed on the ground (10th in the NFL), but over the past four weeks they've allowed 136 per game (22nd in the league). In that time span, the Raiders are the 30th ranked defense in points allowed to opposing fantasy football backs. Oakland's defense dodged a bullet when they found out that Sam Adams' knee will probably let him play this week vs. San Francisco, but how long he'll be able to go is unclear. San Francisco's C Jeremy Newberry is expected to be available (toe - probable). The 49'ers have two excellent backs who will exploit every weakness they see - and the Raiders have plenty of those right now. Washington's Stephen Davis / Kenny Watson / LaDell Betts vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) You know that Stephen Davis hates to miss his shot at the lamest rushing defense in the NFL, but his knee doesn't look like it'll be in shape to play on Sunday. It looks to be time for Kenny Watson, the Penn State product who played well in relief of Davis last week vs. Indianapolis (15/67 for 4.5 yards per carry). Watson couldn't have picked a better team to face in his first NFL start than the Seattle defense. Their defensive scheme is known as the "turnstile" approach - they are dead last for the season (177 yards per game allowed) and over the past four weeks (161 yards per game allowed). They rank next to last vs. opposing fantasy backs during those same four weeks. The Seahawks are pathetic. Not only are they pathetic, but their top line-backers are all injured this week - ever-injured Anthony Simmons is again listed as questionable with his ankle, Chad Brown and Tim Terry join Simmons as questionable, both with ankle problems as well. Back-up DE Brandon Mitchell is out with a calf injury. Starting LT Chris Samuels and RG Brendan Stai are questionable with ankle and knee injuries, respectively. This is as good as a matchup gets for a running back. Good luck, Kenny Watson - not that you'll need any. Oakland's Charlie Garner vs. The San Francisco Defense (Great Matchup) Charlie Garner has amassed almost 1000 yards of offense combined in 7 games this season (466 yards rushing, 449 yards receiving and 6 total touchdowns), which puts him at #7 on the fantasy football running backs list this season. His production has slipped in the two Raiders' losses (10/47 rushing and 10/72 receiving last week, 7/24 and 7/80 two weeks ago, no scores in either game), but he's still putting up over 100 yards of offense a week. The 49'ers rushing defense is nothing special - last week they gave up 151 yards and 4 touchdowns to the Cardinals, including 3 scores to Cardinal running backs (2 to Marcel Shipp, 1 to Thomas Jones). On the season, the Frisco defense ranks 21st in the league allowing 120 yards per game, and are ranked 21st over the last four weeks as well, allowing 135 yards per game. In that time frame, the 49'ers are giving up a lot of points to opposing fantasy backs, ranking 28th in the NFL. The 49'ers are probably going to be without LB's Saleem Rasheed (thigh) and Jamie Winborn (knee) - both are listed as doubtful. In addition, LB Jeff Ulbrich (knee) and DT Bryant Young (shoulder) are listed as probable. Other than RB Tyrone Wheatley's bad hamstring (questionable) the Raiders' rushing attack is healthy heading into the matchup. Look for Garner to get back to his dominance of earlier in the season against the soft 9'ers on Sunday. Jacksonville's Fred Taylor/Stacey Mack vs. The New York Giants (Great Matchup) Last week, according to coach Coughlin, the Jaguars got their "butts whipped" on the offensive line. Mark Brunell was sacked 5 times by the Texans, and hurried on many more occasions. Fred Taylor only managed 84 yards on 25 carries (although Mack put up 38 on 6 and got into the end-zone). For the season, Taylor is the 9th best running back in fantasy football, with his 681 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing, and 263 yards receiving. Mack continues to drain away touchdowns from Taylor, with 143 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, and 5 scores. The Giants are a struggling defensive unit (still reeling from the loss of Keith Hamilton) and they were destroyed by Donovan McNabb and Duce Staley Monday night, when the two combined for 237 yards rushing (the Eagles had 299 yards rushing as a team). That huge game by the Eagles helps account for the Giant's drop from 16th in the NFL vs. the rush on the season (116 yards per game on average) to 28th over the last four weeks (152 yards per game allowed). In that time span, the Giants are the 12th ranked defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Besides the loss of Hamilton, the Giants enter Sunday with the following defensive players on the injury list: starting LDT Cornelius Griffin is probable with a tweaked ankle. LB Nick Griesen is out with a foot injury. For Jacksonville, Taylor (shin) and starting RT Zach Wiegert (knee) are probable. Taylor and Mack are exactly the kind of 1-2 punch that will eat up the stumbling Giants. Look for the Jaguars' rushing offense to get back on track against the Giants Sunday. On a downside though, I don't expect the Stacey Mack vulturing to stop for Fred Taylor owners. Buffalo's Travis Henry vs. The New England Defense (Great Matchup) Travis Henry comes into the game this week on a down note - he gained a mere 64 yards on 19 carries vs. the Detroit Lions last week (he did score twice in the game, however), and caught only one pass for 12 yards. This season, Henry is the 6th ranked back in fantasy points scored per week. New England's rush defense is very poor, ranking 29th on the season allowing 142 yards per game, and averaging 144 yards per game over the last four weeks (24th in the NFL). The Patriots give up a ton of points to opposing fantasy backs - over the previous four weeks, they rank 27th in the league in points allowed to the other teams' backs. Injuries of note heading into Sunday's game include: starting RDE Anthony Pleasant (shoulder - questionable) and reserve LB Larry Izzo (leg - questionable). Back-up OT Mike Williams is struggling with a hamstring injury on the Bills' side of the ball. Coach Gregg Williams clearly has confidence in Henry and expressed comments this week that Travis Henry was the RB regardless of the fumbling issue he's had. Look for Henry to get his groove back against the soft Patriots on Sunday. As Buffalo does every week, look for the Bills to open the running game with their very effective passing. Drew Bledsoe, Eric Moulds and Peerless Price for the safeties to play honest and this should lead to an excellent day for Henry running between the tackles. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The New York Jets Defense (Great Matchup) LaDainian Tomlinson has played a mere 7 games this season and is already over 1000 yards combined (785 rushing and 251 receiving) and has punched the ball into the end-zone 8 times. His excellent play places him at #3 on the overall scoring list for fantasy football running backs this season. The Charger's are punishing every team they play with Tomlinson's smash-mouth running style. Last week, Tomlinson sliced, diced and fried the Oakland Raiders for 153 yards rushing and 28 yards receiving (1 rushing score, 1 receiving score). One could say that he is on a roll right now. This week the struggling Jets come to town, with their 31st ranked rushing defense (allowing 157 yards per game on average this season). Over the past four weeks, the Jets' rushing defense has stiffened somewhat, allowing only 119 yards per game on average (16th in the NFL). Over that span they are the 17th ranked defense vs. opposing fantasy backs. Injuries aren't an issue for the Chargers, only TE Josh Norman (calf) is questionable. The Jet's DT Jason Ferguson has a nagging shoulder problem, he is described as questionable. The Jets have improved their defensive performance over the past few weeks, but they don't have the talent it takes to contain Tomlinson. Philadelphia's Duce Staley/Donovan McNabb vs. The Chicago Defense (Great Matchup) Where did this Duce Staley hide himself the first quarter of the season? The last two games have been "breakout" performances for the Eagle's back, who seems to have cemented his hold on the feature role once again with two great performances against quality defenses (24 rushes for 152 yards and 2 catches for 12 vs. Tampa Bay, and 24/132 and 2/37 vs. NYG). He and Donovan McNabb were the battering ram that destroyed the Giants last Monday night (the Eagles ran for 299 yards as a team; Staley and McNabb accounted for 237 of those yards - Dorsey Levens and Brian Westbrook saw action as change-of-pace backs (8/62 between the two of them). This week the Eagles fly into Memorial Stadium to face the downtrodden Chicago Bears. Emphasis on the "trodden" part - the Bears are ranked 25th vs. the rush this season, and are 29th over the last four weeks, allowing 155 yards per game. They allow fantasy points to opposing backs in bunches - in that span they rank 25th in the league. The Bears' defense is really banged up, with DT Ted Washington still sidelined indefinitely, and DE Bryan Robinson gimpy on a bad ankle (questionable). Don't forget LB Warrick Holdman is on injured reserve - all in all, the defensive front is depleted in 2002. The Eagles report no significant injuries on their unit heading into the game. The explosive Eagles will continue the misery that is the Bears' 2002 season on Sunday. Tennessee's Eddie George vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Great Matchup) Eddie George played a great game against Cincinnati last week, racking up 106 yards on 21 carries for a 5.0 yards per carry average. Very quietly, he's moving up the fantasy running back's list - currently, George is the 15th highest scoring fantasy back for the season. This week, George faces a very weak rushing defense in Indianapolis. The Colts rank 30th on the season vs. the rush, allowing 147 yards per game, and 30th over the last four weeks, allowing 156 yards per game. They give away fantasy points to running backs by the fistful, ranking 26th vs. opposing backs during the last four weeks. Indianapolis' defensive front has a ton of injuries to report: back-up DT Josh Williams is doubtful with arm and foot injuries; starting RDE Chad Bratzke (shoulder), RDT Brad Scioli (shoulder) and back-up DT Larry Tripplett (elbow/shoulder) are all questionable. FB Greg Comella is questionable with a shoulder injury, as is rookie RB John Simon (turf toe). Before he was injured last week, power running back Stephen Davis was just ripping through the Colt line. George has a similar style and will trample the suspect and limping Indianapolis defense this weekend. Good Matchups – Defenses will struggle to stop the offense in these games Atlanta's Warrick Dunn / Michael Vick / T.J. Duckett vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) Last week, Warrick Dunn got his opportunity to show his stuff as a featured back, thanks to the heel/foot injury that is sidelining rookie T. J. Duckett. Dunn responded with his finest game as a Falcon, racking up 142 yards and a score on only 23 carries (6.2 yards per carry average) and adding 28 yards through the air. Vick ran wild against New Orleans as well, notching 91 yards and 2 scores on only 10 carries. Now that's a rushing attack. Only Dunn's drive killing, late-fourth-quarter fumble darkened the day for the Falcons (and could have cost them the game). Baltimore got very bad news this week - Ray Lewis is definitely out for this game, and may be out for a while with his shoulder injury. The Ravens defense is only about ½ as effective when Lewis isn't on the field - they are really struggling in his absence. However, the rushing defense remains fairly strong, allowing 88 yards a game over the past four weeks (down from 95 yards per game for the season average), which ranks 6th in the NFL in that span. The Ravens are also fairly tough on opposing running backs, ranking 7th in fantasy points allowed over the past four weeks - but remember, Amos Zereoue had no trouble scoring on them last week, gaining 53 yards on 13 carries and punching in 2 touchdowns. Besides the loss of Lewis, the Ravens will be without key DE Michael McCrary, another veteran leader of their defensive front. Atlanta will be without C Roberto Garza, will have to wait and see on running back T. J. Duckett this week (he's listed as questionable but looks like he may play) If Duckett can go, that'll obviously take away from Dunn a bit so watch this one closely. The Vick/Dunn combination is very explosive (and very hard to defense). The Ravens will struggle to contain them without their leader on the field. Indianapolis' Edgerrin James/Ricky Williams vs. The Tennessee Defense (Good Matchup) Edgerrin James just isn't hitting holes like he used to before the ACL injury. Now he has a hamstring problem, and may not practice at all this week as a result. It may be the "other" Ricky William's turn to shine. Williams was solid in relief of James in the fourth quarter against Washington (3/21 yards rushing, 1 reception for 20 yards and a touchdown), and looked decisive and strong hitting holes that James failed to exploit earlier in the evening (14/33 yards rushing, 5/14 and a score receiving). Tennessee's defense is suddenly very vulnerable to the run, allowing 159 yards per game on average (31st in the NFL) the last four weeks, (up from a season average of 115 yards per game (17th)). The Titans are in the bottom tier during those weeks in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, ranking 24th in the league. A large part of the Titan's defensive problems flow from a plague of injuries, which the club is still trying to overcome - DE Jevon Kearse remains out with a foot injury, LB's Frank Chamberlain (hand) and Randall Godfrey (ankle) are both questionable for the game on Sunday. Indianapolis' offensive front will be likely miss back-up OT Adam Meadows (hip-doubtful) and the starter in front of Meadows, Waverly Jackson, is probable with a sore knee. Edgerrin James is listed as doubtful with the hamstring injury on the initial injury report of the week. Look for Indianapolis' ground game to enjoy a productive outing against the Titan's defenders. Keep an eye out for the status of James, it's my gut feel right now that Williams will start and be effective. If you'll remember an undrafted rookie named Dominic Rhodes did a bang up job in replacing James last year... New England's Antowain Smith vs. The Buffalo Defense (Good Matchup) Antowain Smith finally got back into the end zone after a 3 week absence, compiling 58 yards on 13 carries against the very stout Denver defensive front (and 1 reception for 10 yards) to go along with his score. For the season, Smith is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, a very respectable average, but hasn't scored much (2 times in 7 games). Buffalo's rushing defense is consistently mediocre in 2002. For the season they average 125 yards allowed per game (24th in the NFL) - and they average the same amount, 125 yards allowed, over the past four weeks (18th ranked during that span). The Bills are the 20th ranked defense in terms of points allowed to opposing fantasy backs over the past four weeks. Neither unit has many injury worries - the Patriots' back-up C Grey Ruegamer is questionable with his foot injury. Buffalo's starting SLB Keith Newman is listed as questionable with a knee problem. With the coaching staff looking to field a more balanced attack, Smith should see plenty of opportunities to excel this week against the average Bills. Coach Bill Belichick knows Smith is a back that needs carries to get in a rhythm and if the Patriot defense can keep it close, you'll likely see New England lean on Smith a little more than they have. Pittsburgh's Amos Zereoue vs. The Cleveland Defense (Good Matchup) Amos Zereoue has his chance to prove his worth as a featured back this weekend. Jerome Bettis is very doubtful to play, and Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala tore a pectoral muscle last Sunday and is out for a couple of weeks, at least. Thus, Zereoue is the Man for the Steelers this week vs. Cleveland. Last week (while sharing time with Ma'afala) Zereoue put up a respectable 53 yards on 13 carries and 2 scores against the Ravens. He has a 4.6 yards per carry average in 2002 (262 yards on 57 carries with 2 scores) in part-time duty behind Bettis, and averages a healthy 11.6 yards per catch (12/139). Cleveland's rushing defense should help Zereoue look good - they are pretty soft this season, averaging 135 yards allowed per game (27th ranked), and have coughed up an average of 137 per game over the last four weeks (23rd). Opposing fantasy backs feast on the Browns, who rank 22nd in points allowed during the past four weeks. Cleveland is still riddled with injuries in the secondary - CB Corey Fuller and LB Ben Taylor are out with hamstring problems, and S Robert Griffith is out with a shoulder problem. All the injuries in the defensive backfield increases the pressure on the linebackers to help out in pass coverage, creating lanes for opposing backs. Setting aside the injuries to Fuamatu Ma'afala and Bettis, the Pittsburgh rushing attack is healthy. In a key divisional game on the road, Zereoue will have every opportunity to shine vs. the Brown's defenders. New York Giants' Tiki Barber vs. The Jacksonville Jaguars (Good Matchup) Tiki Barber enjoyed a very productive outing against the tough Eagles defense last week, at least in terms of yardage gained, putting up 79 yards rushing on 15 carries (5.3 yards per carry average) and 5 receptions for 92 yards (18.4 yards per catch). A big improvement over his season averages of 3.9 and 9.4, respectively. He did not score any touchdowns, though, for the 3rd week in a row. Barber is the 18th ranked fantasy back in points-scored-per game this season, so far. Jacksonville's defense has left a lot to be desired over the last three weeks (all losses), and are averaging 151 yards per game allowed to opposing rushing attacks in the last four weeks (27th in the league). In that time span, the Jaguars are the 13th ranked defense in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Part of the Jaguar's problem is injuries - Tony Brackens went onto the IR with a knee problem week 7, after the first loss of the current three loss streak. The Giants lost WR Ike Hilliard for the season this week to a shoulder injury, and TE Jeremy Shockey is struggling with toe and knee problems, so the passing game won't take much pressure off of Barber this week. Starting LG Rich Seubert and back-up guard Jason Whittle both have back problems nagging them. Barber is running well of late, and the Jaguars are playing poorly against the run of late. Advantage, Giants. St. Louis' Marshall Faulk vs. The Arizona Defense (Good Matchup) It's time for those of us who used the #1 pick on Marshall Faulk to quit feeling sorry for ourselves. The Marshall Plan is finally back in vogue with St. Louis' coaches, and surprise, surprise, the Rams are winning games again. Guess what? Give the best running back in the game the ball 30 times a game, and you win. Shocking, isn't it? Arizona is coming off an embarrassing loss vs. the 49'ers, a game in which the defense spotted San Francisco 28 points before getting going. That leads to "L's" in the win-loss column in the NFL. The Cardinals hope to do better against division-foe St. Louis, and bring the league's 11th ranked rushing defense to the game (101 yards per game allowed). Over the past four weeks, they are 12th, allowing 104 yards per game, and rank 6th vs. opposing fantasy running backs. LB Levar Woods is questionable for the Cards heading into the game (ribs), but otherwise the defensive front is free of significant injuries. St. Louis' starting unit on the offense is good to go (except, of course, for Kurt Warner). St. Louis will hand the ball to Marshall Faulk, and the Cards will do their best to stop him. My money is on Faulk. Neutral Matchups – The Defense and Offense are fairly evenly matched in these games Arizona's Thomas Jones/Marcel Shipp vs. The St. Louis Defense (Neutral Matchup) Jones and Shipp did their part against the 49er rivals last week, ringing up 3 scores between the two of them (Jones 15/54 and 1 touchdown, Shipp 6/27 and 2 scores). All in all, the tandem makes a potent combination - Jones is the 27th ranked fantasy back in points-per-game, and Shipp is 29th. Not bad at all - but not starter material either. The Rams play solid rush defense, ranking 9th in the league this season allowing 98 yards per game, and 10th over the past four weeks allowing 98 yards per game. Over that time span, they are the 15th ranked defense vs. opposing fantasy backs. St. Louis' defensive front is healthy, and the Cardinals are in good shape, too - T Anthony Clement is still out (as he has been all season), but otherwise there are no major injuries to report on the line. The Rams will challenge the Cardinal's backs to be productive - but they will get their chances to score this Sunday. The trouble is that neither back will likely do enough to distinguish himself. Miami's Ricky Williams vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) Ricky Williams plays hard and scores high for his fantasy owners, currently he's the 5th best back in points per game during 2002. Miami comes off their bye week with Ray Lucas still under center (subbing for injured Jay Fiedler), which is a worrisome development as Lucas was downright awful two weeks ago vs. Buffalo (13 of 33 for 165 yards, 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions). Green Bay's rushing defense has gone from terrible to credible, currently ranked 23rd on the season allowing 125 yards per game, but they are 13th over the past 4 weeks allowing only 105 yards per game. In that time frame, the Packers are the 1st ranked rushing defense against opposing fantasy backs - a dramatic turn-around from early this year. Besides the injury to Fiedler, the Dolphins are basically healthy, although back-up OT Mark Dixon (ankle - questionable) and starting RG Todd Perry (abdomen - probable) do show up on the injury report with minor complaints. Green Bay hopes that Vonnie Holliday can play against Williams and company, he's currently listed as questionable with his pectoral injury. In this contest of solid units, neither side looks dominant over the other heading into the game Monday Night. Green Bay's Ahman Green vs. The Miami Defense (Neutral Matchup) Ahman Green is playing very well of late, and has broken out of the touchdown drought that was plaguing him early in the year, scoring 5 touchdowns in the last two games (3 against the Redskins two weeks ago). Looking at points scored per game, Green is the #7 fantasy football running back in 2002. This week he and his team-mates are fresh, coming off of their bye week. Of course, due to a scheduling quirk, the Dolphins are also rested and ready to rumble - they had their bye week 8 as well. Miami plays solid run defense, ranking 7th in the NFL this season, and 8th in the league over the last four weeks, allowing only 93 rushing yards per game (for either time span). Over the past four weeks, the Dolphins are the 11th ranked defense in points allowed to opposing fantasy football running backs. Brett Favre is recovering nicely from his sprained LCL (he's listed as questionable on the injury report, but is expected to play. Back-up OT Chad Clifton is also listed as questionable with a knee problem. A couple of players on the Dolphin's defensive front have minor dings, but they are all listed as probable for the game (DE David Bowens (knee), LB Twan Russell (knee)). The two teams match up well, and neither has a clear advantage heading into the game on Monday Night. Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs. The Houston Defense (Neutral Matchup) As the desperation of another futile season threatens to drag the entire Cincinnati team into oblivion, players are trying to find a spark by "guaranteeing" a victory over the expansion Texans on Sunday. Corey Dillon will be a big part of the effort to back up those boasts with action on Sunday. Regardless of the struggles of his team-mates, Dillon is enjoying another productive season, to date he has 602 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing and 144 yards receiving in the course of 7 games. That's good enough for 13th among all running backs on the fantasy points scored per game list. Houston is coming off a huge win against the Jacksonville Jaguars - a game in which the Texans held Fred Taylor to 84 yards rushing and 22 yards receiving (Stacey Mack had 6 rushes for 38 yards and a score, too). This effort was right in line with their season and past-four-weeks averages - 122 yards per game allowed on the season (22nd in the NFL) and 129 yards per game over the past four weeks (20th in the NFL). In the latter time span, the Texans rank 29th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Cincy's line is in great shape, with no-one on the injury report. Houston's LB Jamie Sharper is probable with a sore knee. Look for Dillon to do his part to fulfill the guarantee, as he runs hard against the Texans' defense this Sunday. It remains to be seen how effective he'll be as his team's passing game just doesn't command much respect. Corners Aaron Glenn and Marcus Coleman can hold their own which allows the safeties to walk up and put some major pressure on Dillon. But then, that's how all defenses play him and he's still been good. Houston's James Allen/Jonathan Wells vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Neutral Matchup) James Allen had the better yards-per-carry average this past weekend (10/40 yards - 4.0 average), but youngster Jonathan Wells scored the touchdown (17/27 yards -1.8 yards per carry average). Although Wells looked ugly and was pulled in favor of Allen. Neither was a top fantasy producer last weekend. The Cincinnati defense is not strong against the run, allowing an average of 142 yards per game this season (28th in the NFL), and 144 yards per game (25th) during the last four weeks. During that time, the Texans rank 29th vs. opposing fantasy backs. Houston's line is finally healthy (except for Boselli), no one appears on the injury report this week. Cincinnati is probably without starting DE Vaughn Booker (knee - doubtful). All three back-up LB's are hurting; Armegis Spearman is out with an ankle problem, Canute Curtis and Riall Johnson both have groin problems (probable). In this battle of bad units, neither has a decisive advantage over the other - they are both equally inept at this phase of the game. Detroit's James Stewart vs. The Dallas Defense (Neutral Matchup) Surprise. The Lions are a decent professional football team, after all. James Stewart has two straight 100+ yard performances, and has scored 3 touchdowns in the last two weeks (he had 200 yards combined two weeks ago, and 136 vs. Buffalo last Sunday). Rookie QB Joey Harrington is forcing defenses to respect the pass and opening up running room for Stewart, who is on pace for a 1000 yard season (4.6 yards per carry average, too). Dallas plays credible run defense - they are in the middle of the pack averaging 111 yards allowed per game (14th in the NFL) this season, and over the last four weeks have allowed 117 on average (15th ranked). They are tough on opposing fantasy backs' points, ranking 10th vs. the position over the past four weeks. Excepting Dat Nguyen's broken wrist, the Cowboys are healthy heading into the game. Detroit's offensive front is good, too, with only starting RT Stockar McDougle listed on the injury report (groin, questionable). Two solid units square off in this game, with neither one clearly superior to the other. Tough Matchups – Defenses should be able to contain the offense in these games Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) Alexander got into the end-zone twice and put up 96 yards combined last week - a good fantasy outing. But his yards-per-carry continues to stink (2.5 last week) and he is clearly struggling to get past the line of scrimmage on a lot of plays. That'll happen to you when 2 out of 5 guys on your starting line - G Steve Hutchinson and T Chris McIntosh - are knocked out for the season. This week an improving Washington defensive unit comes to town - they are ranked 18th on the season (117 yards per game allowed) and 3rd over the past four weeks (82 yards per game allowed). In terms of fantasy points allowed, the Redskins rank 14th vs. opposing running backs. In addition to the banged up line, the Seahawks have lost their top receiver, Darrell Jackson, to a severe concussion for an indeterminate time. Washington has no injuries of note on the defensive front heading into the game. Alexander is struggling mightily this season, and until Seattle finds a passing game, there's no reason to expect his problems to disappear against Washington. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup) Just when it looked like the Ravens were getting their offense going, quarterback Chris Redman went down with a back injury and largely unprepared Jeff Blake was suddenly thrust into the starting role. That allowed Pittsburgh to concentrate on stuffing Lewis, which they did - he only managed 34 yards rushing on 13 carries (he did get another 50 on 5 receptions, though). This week, it's back to the drawing board for the Ravens as Blake again gets the starting nod (he'll have practice time with the first team this week, at least). Lewis will probably get a lot of attention again this week in Atlanta. The Falcons are playing tougher defense this season, as they get Wade Phillips' system up to speed. For the season they are ranked 19th in the NFL vs. the rush (119 yards per game allowed) - over the last four weeks they've improved to 14th (112 yards per game allowed). In that time span, the Falcons are very stingy with fantasy points allowed to opposing backs - they rank 8th in the league in this area. The entire Falcons team is up after defeating division-rival New Orleans last week. Besides the aching back of Redman, the Ravens look good to go on offense. The Falcons defensive front may have to go without LB Artie Ulmer (neck - questionable). When an offense switches starting quarterbacks, it almost always causes glitches in team performance. The Ravens are in flux, and they play a Falcons' defensive team that is just now hitting on all cylinders - the advantage goes to the home team in this matchup. New York Jet's Curtis Martin vs. The San Diego Defense (Tough Matchup) Curtis Martin is improving in the second quarter of the season - he managed 104 yards of total offense (65 yards rushing, 39 receiving) against the Browns last week (no touchdowns, though). For the season he is the 30th ranked fantasy running back, so the term "improving" should be understood in context - Martin's numbers are moving up the scale from pathetic to barely adequate, in fantasy football terms. This week, the Jets travel to the friendly confines at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, where the league's 2nd ranked rushing defense awaits Martin and company. The Chargers are allowing only 79 yards per game on the ground this season, and over the past four weeks that number has inched its way up to 81 yards per game, on average. However, San Diego have allowed opposing backs to score fairly often, and are ranked 16th vs. opposing fantasy backs over the past four weeks. Both teams are very healthy: starting RT Kareem McKenzie (ankle - questionable) is the only member of the Jets' unit on the injury report. No Chargers appear on the injury report this week. That means LB Jr. Seau and DE Marcellus Wiley are back which is more bad news for Martin. Martin's team just isn't as powerful as the menacing Chargers - look for the Jets to struggle for running room on Sunday. Dallas' Emmitt Smith vs. The Detroit Defense (Tough Matchup) Emmitt Smith attained the current pinnacle of his profession last weekend - he has the rushing record now (congratulations, Mr. Smith). However, his team stinks. Rookie quarterback Chad Hutchinson was barely adequate vs. Seattle - but no-one claims that Seattle has a top-notch defense in 2002. On the season, Smith is the 25th running back on the season total scoring list - not even a #2 starter in a 12 team league. This week the improving Lions are waiting for the Cowboys in Ford Field. Don't look now, but the Lions are actually rounding into something resembling a decent professional football team in the second quarter of the season, ranking 13th vs. the rush this season (105 yards allowed per game) and 7th over the last four weeks (91 yards per contest). They still allow opposing fantasy backs to score a good bit, ranking 21st in the league during the past four weeks. The same players who are hurt on the offensive line every week remain on the injury report - starting G Matt Lehr is out with a knee injury, G Larry Allen is struggling with his ankle (questionable) and C Andre Gurode's toe is still bothering him (probable). Detroit is probably still without LB Clint Kriewaldt (foot - doubtful). I believe it'll be very interesting to see how Jerry Jones decides to use his players. (or how he tells Dave Campo how to use his players) With the record done, you'll very likely see Troy Hambrick see more action at RB. On the road, with an anemic passing game supporting him, look for Emmitt to struggle now that the emotion and adrenaline of setting the all-time rushing mark has faded. Minnesota's Michael Bennett/Moe Williams vs. The Tampa Bay Defense (Tough Matchup) Tampa is one of the best defenses in the league right now. On the season, they are ranked 6th in the league allowing 92 yards per contest on the ground, over the last four weeks they are 11th with only 100 yards per game surrendered. Opposing fantasy backs rarely score points against the Bucs, they rank 2nd in the league vs. the position over the past four weeks. Minnesota's rushing attack is definitely revved up, with Michael Bennett in the featured role (He's gone over 100 yards combined in 3 of the last 4 games) and Moe Williams as the plunge/TD guy. Bennett is strong in leagues that reward yardage; Williams is your guy if you play in a TD league (6 scores to Bennett's 2). Minnesota's offensive unit is free of significant injury. The Buccaneers enter the game down starting DT Anthony McFarland (broken arm - out). At Tampa, under the pirate ship, don't expect a whole lot from Bennett and Williams. Bennett is always a threat to score from anywhere with his speed and Williams will likely get a shot at short TD. But this is a tough matchup as the Tampa Defense is just too good. Bad Matchups – Defenses will cause major problems for the offense in these games Tampa Bay's Michael Pittman/Mike Alstott vs. The Minnesota Defense (Bad Matchup) QB Brad Johnson will hopefully be recovered from rib injuries and a nasty virus. WR's Joe Jurevicius (knee/ankle) and Keenan McCardell (broken scapula) are nicked. Starting LG Kerry Jenkins is doubtful to start with a poked eye, and back-up C Ryan Benjamin has a gimpy hamstring (questionable). Suffice it to say, the offense is limping around in Tampa. Pittman and Alstott aren't exactly the engine that makes the Buccaneers go, either. In a gripping kicker's duel vs. Carolina last week the two combined for 40 yards rushing and 7 yards receiving. Pittman is the 35th ranked fantasy back in points per game, Alstott is 38th. Minnesota is actually very tough on opposing rushers, ranking 5th in the league on the season allowing 89 yards per game, and 1st over the last four weeks allowing only 63. They are 3rd vs. opposing fantasy backs during that time span. In contrast to the Bucs unit, the Vikings are healthy entering the game. Teams seem to be content to beat Minnesota's terrible pass defense so I don't look for much from the Tampa RBs on the ground this week. Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Bad Matchup) Maybe there really is such a thing as a sophomore slump in the NFL. Anthony Thomas is certainly having one - over the past four games he has failed to crack 100 yards rushing in any game, he has just one touchdown, and last week put up the anemic statistics of 9 rushes for 18 yards and 1 reception for 3 yards. Let's be honest Folks, that stinks. This week, Thomas plays against a Philly Defense that held him to 36 yards on 15 rushes (1 catch for 11 yards) in the playoffs last year - and the Bears are a much worse team this season. Philadelphia is ranked 6th vs. the rush this season (88 yards per game). In the last four weeks they rank 5th vs. opposing fantasy backs. That's some stout defensive play, huh? As usual, Philadelphia has a bunch of injuries heading into the game: DE Derrick Burgess is out with a foot injury; LB Carlos Emmons is doubtful with a hamstring problem; DT Corey Simon has a tweaked ankle (probable). Chicago's starting unit on the ground is pretty healthy, and QB Jim Miller is expected to return to play this Sunday. The Bears are outmatched in this contest. Look for Thomas and company to have big trouble moving the ball on Sunday. Cleveland's Jamel White/William Green vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Bad Matchup) Jamel White did not run the ball well against the Ravens. His 1.8 yards per carry on 14 touches meant only 25 yards rushing on the day. He did add 42 yards on 6 receptions, so his day wasn't a complete disaster - but it wasn't a great day. Although it does seem that even Coach Butch Davis realizes William Green isn't the answer at RB. Pittsburgh's defense is very vulnerable to the pass in 2002, but they play stout rush defense. For the season, the Steelers allow 88 rushing yards per game (3rd in the league) - over the last four weeks that number drops to 84 yards allowed (4th). Stingy to opposing fantasy backs, the Steelers rank 9th in fantasy points allowed the past four weeks. Pittsburgh lists DE Rodney Bailey as probable with a groin injury. Cleveland's offensive front is good to go on Sunday. The Browns field a suspect rushing attack, while the Steelers can and do stuff opposing rushers. Look for White and Green (whoever sees the ball) to struggle to do much on Sunday.