[cheatsheets] # 121 Matchups To Avoid - Exploit (11-3-00) ,
 ?=20

?

Hi  Folks,

Week 10.? Crunch time.? In most fantasy seasons, this is the  week you can=
=20
look back upon and say =01&that=01,s when I made the move=018? or =01&that =
was the win=20
that put me over  the edge=018.? Most leagues have a 14  game regular seaso=
n so=20
we=01,re heading down the stretch.? To that end, I=01,ve tried my best to r=
amp  it=20
up a notch and make these Matchup capsules a little more detailed this =20
week.? Along with the Quick News  sent yesterday, it=01,s all part of that=
=20
=01&Delivering More Than Promised=018  mentality.

New Feature -- On Target ! ??One of my favorite views for stats  is to see=
=20
how many times a player is the target of an intended pass.? It=01,s a much =
more=20
telling number than  receptions when predicting future performance as it=20
shows the true QB  distribution tendencies.? Here=01,s a  look at the WRs f=
or=20
the first half of the 2000 season that I think you=01,ll find  interesting.=
?=20
Lemme know what you  think? http://cheatsheets.net/targets.htm?=20

You can see our Week 10 Cheatsheets  updated online=20
http://www.cheatsheets.net/week10sheet.htm?? Below you=01,ll find our ever =
=20
expanding Matchups to Avoid and Exploit.? Let's get to  it.

Best of luck to you this  week.

Joe

?

Matchups to Avoid  and Exploit.?=20

Passing Game  Matchups.?? Here's how I see the matchups this  week.? Please=
=20
note, see the  cheatsheet online http://www.cheatsheets.net/week10sheet.htm=
 =20
for exactly where I rank playersand to  determine who to start.? Just becau=
se=20
one matchup may be more  favorable than another, that doesn't necessarily=
=20
mean I'd start the player with  the best matchup.? The matchup info  is mea=
nt=20
to be just one more tool in your box when it comes to deciding between =20
players.??=20

Note:? I=01,ve used the player stats sorted by  performance over the last f=
our=20
weeks extensively in developing these write-ups.  Stats are provided by Mik=
e=20
Hall=01,s excellent FLM League Management Software.? http://www.fflm.com/ f=
or=20
more info.??? Thanks to ESPN.com for the  data breakdown of Fantasy Points=
=20
Allowed by position.

Here we go:

Locks:? These games heavily favor the Offense =20

New Orleans  Passing Game vs 49er Defense??  Even with the  offensive=20
fireworks, the 49ers continue to lose games for one simple  reason:? They c=
an=01,
t stop  anyone.?  QB  Jeff Blakeand crew gets to  tee off on a defense that=
=01,s=20
allowed an average of 286 passing yards per game  over the last four weeks=
=20
which is dead last.? They make everyone look good and this  week should be =
no=20
different.?  Blake=01,s been up and down but this should be a week he rolls=
.? WR=20
Joe  Hornremains his best  WR as Keith Poole is battling a neck stinger.?=
=20
Keep an eye on Horn as he suffered a  sprained knee in Sunday=01,s game but=
 was=20
able to return.? Both he and Poole practiced this week  and should be good =
to=20
go. RB Ricky  Williamsmay be his best  receiver though and should continue =
to=20
roll up great numbers.? San Francisco ranks # 31 in Fantasy  Points allowed=
=20
by opposing QBs.

San Diego Passing  Game vs Seahawk Defense?? This week, San Diego faces a =
=20
Seattle team that=01,s in freefall.?  The defense ranks # 30 in passing yar=
ds=20
allowed per game over the past  four weeks giving up 278 yards per game.?  =
As=20
odd as it may seem, QB Jim  Harbaughhas been a top 10  Fantasy QB over the=
=20
past couple of weeks throwing for 4 TDs and 509 yards in two  games.? The=
=20
tricky part is to figure  out who=01,ll catch the passes.? In  week 7,?  WR=
s=20
Jeff  Grahamand  Curtis  Conwayhad great games  while TE  Freddie Joneswas =
a=20
non  factor.? Then in week 9 (Chargers  had a bye in week 8), it was back t=
o=20
the TE as Jones hauled in 2 TDs and 111  yards on 10 receptions.? I think =
=20
you=01,ll continue to see the distribution lean towards what we saw last we=
ek=20
with  Freddie Jones as the primary target.?  On a side note, you have to lo=
ve=20
Jim Harbaugh refusing to answer  questions from the reporter wearing a San=
=20
Francisco sweatshirt.? Not only did he not answer the  questions, he got on=
=20
him for having the gall to =01&come out to the Charger complex  wearing the=
=20
enemy=01,s jersey=018 .

Oakland Passing  Game vs Chief Defense? Over the last three weeks, Kansas=
=20
City  has allowed 267 passing yards per game.?  They=01,re suffering a litt=
le=20
bit from the =01&Rams Syndrome=018 where their  explosive offense forces te=
am to=20
play catch-up and throw the ball.? QB Rich  Gannonremains along  with Jeff=
=20
Garcia one of the nicer =01&surprises=018 of the 2000 season.? The Raider O=
ffense=20
fell asleep last  Sunday night vs San Diego but I=01,m betting they get bac=
k to=20
their normal self  against the Chiefs.? No offense to  Charger fans, but it=
=01,s=20
easy to look past San Diego on the schedule.? In their week 7 matchup, Gann=
on=20
threw  for 244 yards and 2 TDs. Tim Brownwas the only WR  to put up any=20
numbers to speak of in that game (5 receptions for 89 yards but no  TD) and=
=20
it=01,s worth noting that both RBs Tyrone Wheatley  andNapoleon  Kaufmancau=
ght=20
TD passes  in the game.?  James Jett  andAndre  Risonmake nice  complementa=
ry=20
WRs on a real NFL team but probably aren=01,t starters in most  Fantasy=20
leagues.?  TE  Ricky Dudley remains one of the  most frustrating players=20
around.? If  you=01,ve hung with him this long, he=01,s probably worth star=
ting=20
just on the chance  he breaks out but he=01,s been a huge disappointment. =
=20

Green Bay Passing  Game vs Minnesota Defense?? The Minnesota defense made=
=20
Tampa  Bay=01,s Shaun King look great Sunday.?  I=01,m betting they=01,ll h=
ave a=20
similar effect on Brett Favre this week.? The Vikings pass defense ranks # =
27=20
in  passing yards allowed per game over the last four weeks.? They rank # 2=
6=20
in Fantasy Points allowed  to opposing QBs this year. QB Brett  Favrelooked=
=20
bad  against Miami last week failing to break the 200 yard passing barrier =
or=20
score a  TD.? Minnesota brings a different  quality defense than what Favre=
=20
saw last week though and he=01,ll likely have more  success.?  WR  Bill=20
Schroederalmost seems like  the better Fantasy choice than supposed #1 WR=
=20
Antonio Freeman  who managed a  whopping 2 receptions for 10 yards Sunday.?=
 =20
Green Bay=01,s still using two TEs with Bubba  Franksand  Tyrone  Davis.? B=
oth=20
catch enough to diminish the value  of the other.?  RB  Dorsey Levenscatche=
s=20
the ball  well but his health remains a huge  concern.

Indianapolis  Passing Game vs Bear Defense?? The Bears trail only San=20
Francisco  when it comes to giving up Fantasy Points to opposing QBs.? You=
=20
know I love Daunte Culpepper, but  Peyton  Manningwill be the best  QB they=
=01,
ve faced yet.? Chicago may  be energized with Jim Miller starting at QB but=
=20
Manning should have his way with  the defense.? In fact, Miller may  actual=
ly=20
boost Manning=01,s numbers as he=01,ll hopefully move the offense better th=
an  the=20
injured Cade McNown had.?  WR  Marvin Harrisonremains the clear  go to guy.=
? =20
Jerome  Pathonand  Terrence  Wilkinsare distant  alternatives.? Of course =
=20
Edgerrin  Jamesis a deadly  threat out of the backfield.? The  TEs are toug=
h=20
to call as both Ken Dilgerand  Marcus  Pollardare  effective.? Pollard had =
a=20
big game  last week but he=01,s tough to depend on.

Kansas City  Passing Game vs Raider Defense?? These are two very good=20
football  teams that give up way too many yards through the air.? Kansas Ci=
ty=20
is averaging 267 passing  yards per game allowed over the past four weeks=
=20
while the Raiders are yielding  242 yards per game over that span.?  Elvis =
=20
Grbacis one of the  nicer stories of 2000 and he ought to continue his roll=
=20
in this one.? Grbac threw for 288 yards and 2 TDs in  their week 7 matchup.=
? =20
Derrick  Alexanderis the #1 WR and  provides great stability and=20
instruction.?  Rookie Sylvester  Morrismissed last  week=01,s game and he=
=01,s up=20
in the air for this week.? Of course, the big gun for KC is  TE Tony =20
Gonzalezwho had 7  receptions for 100 yards and a TD in their last meeting.=
?=20

?

Prime Matchups:?  These games favor the Offense?

Carolina  Passing Game vs Ram Defense?? Wesley Walls or no Wesley Walls,  t=
he=20
Rams still are giving up 264 passing yards per game over the last four =20
weeks.? That lands them squarely in  the #28 slot.? Again, much of this =20
number is driven by the fact St. Louis forces team to throw the ball but th=
at=01,
s  not really important.? All that=01,s  important is that teams do throw t=
he=20
ball on the Rams.? And effectively.? QB Steve Beuerlein will sorely  miss=
=20
Wesley Walls.? But he=01,ll have  to find someone to take up the slack.?  T=
heir=20
big physical WRs Donald Hayes and Muhsin Muhammad  were pushed around last=
=20
week by the Falcon corners and can=01,t let that happen  again.? Look for R=
B =20
Tshimanga Biakabutuka to play an even bigger role catching the ball  with=
=20
Walls out.? His knee=01,s looking  better and he should be able to go. The =
TE=20
situation is still muddy.? Kris Mangum=01,s shoulder is still a  big proble=
m.?=20
And Brian  Kinchen is more valuable as the long snapper.? Rookie Casey=20
Crawford could get  the start.? Pay attention because  St. Louis gives up=
=20
more fantasy points to the TE than all but one other team in  the league.?

Buffalo  Passing Game vs Patriot Defense?? Patriot LB Andy Katzenmoyer was =
=20
placed on Injured Reserve this week and that=01,s got to hurt.? Even with h=
im,=20
the Patriots had been  pretty weak in defending the pass.?  Over the last=
=20
four weeks, they ranked # 24 in passing yards allowed per  game.? They=01,r=
e #=20
20 in points  allowed to opposing QBs.? Doug  Flutie comes into this game=
=20
fighting for the #1 job.? Coach Wade Phillips and even Flutie have  been=20
saying it=01,s Rob Johnson=01,s job yada yada but I feel another strong  ga=
me from=20
Flutie could earn him the right to keep starting.? He=01,s impossible to sa=
ck=20
while Johnson  takes enough sacks in one game to make an NFL Films highligh=
t=20
reel.? For WRs, it=01,s all Eric  Moulds.? He grabs a huge  percentage of t=
he=20
passes which is the perfect scenario for Fantasy GMs.? Jeremy McDaniel has=
=20
edged ahead  of Peerless Price, but neither are starter material in most=20
leagues.? TE Jay Reimersma made his return  last week and that=01,s huge ne=
ws=20
for both Reimersma and Flutie  owners.

Miami  Passing Game vs Lion Defense?? Detroit enters this game with a =20
defense that=01,s allowing 233 passing yards per game over the last four =
=20
weeks.? That earns them a # 23  ranking.? When ranked by number of  points=
=20
they allow opposing QBs, they rank # 24.?? QB Jay Fiedler has been =20
inconsistent making great plays followed by awful throws.? He=01,ll have to=
 be=20
ready as cornerback  Bryant Westbrook=01,s been on a tear of late.?  WRs Or=
onde=20
Gadsden and Leslie Shepherd catch most all of  the passes.? RB Lamar Smith =
=20
doesn=01,t catch many balls and the TEs are a non factor.? Keep an eye on=
=20
Fiedler=01,s ribs as they  were giving him a lot of trouble before the game=
 last=20
week.?

Chicago  Passing Game vs Colt Defense?? Indianapolis continues their  versi=
on=20
of =01&St. Louis Lite=018 =01) Great QB / WR / RB with a porous defense.? A=
ctually,=20
that defense is a help as it  keeps the passing game alive instead of=20
allowing the offense to go into its  preferred ground game to control the=
=20
clock.? Chicago=01,s defense ranks # 30 in Fantasy  Points allowed to oppos=
ing=20
QBs this season while Indianapolis ranks # 28.? In other words, expect a=20
shootout.? QB Jim Miller takes over the  reins and it=01,ll be interesting =
to=20
see how he responds.? He=01,s reportedly looked excellent in  practice and =
the=20
team seems energized with his presence.? Cade McNown is regarded by many as=
=20
the  =01&golden boy=018 who received preferential treatment from the staff.=
?=20
Miller, is the blue collar guy and seems  to have the players behind him.? =
=20
WR Marcus Robinson is of course the prime target.? Remember he excelled in=
=20
1999 no matter  who threw the ball to him.? Look for  Miller to lean on him=
.=20
?WRs Dez  White, Macey Brooks and Eddie Kennison should all see action but =
=20
picking any WR past Robinson is tough.?  Kaseem Sinceno is the TE who=20
replaced John Allred and he=01,s still  learning the system.

New England  Passing Game vs Buffalo Defense? The Bills pass defense has=20
looked a  little shaky lately giving up an average of 231 passing yards per=
=20
game over the  last four weeks.? That ranks #  22.? QB Drew Bledsoe has had=
 =20
a week to prepare for the Bills and it=01,s a game both teams desperately n=
eed=20
to  win.? He=01,s played pretty well the  last couple of games but his numb=
ers=20
are a little inflated with 2 rushing TDs  that you certainly can=01,t depen=
d=20
on.?  WR Terry Glenn was red hot early but has cooled a bit.? Troy Brown an=
d=20
Tony  Simmons have been cutting into Glenn=01,s production.? For what it=01=
,s=20
worth, there=01,s been talk  of moving TE Eric Bjornson to WR which couldn=
=01,t=20
hurt his numbers  any.? RBs J.R. Redmond  and Kevin Faulk are both dangerou=
s =20
receivers.

Seattle  Passing Game vs Charger Defense?? I=01,m not overly excited about =
QB =20
Jon Kitna and crew, but the Charger defense has to rate as a good matchup,=
=20
even  after their improved performance against the Raiders last week.? San=
=20
Diego ranks # 27 in Fantasy Points  allowed to QBs this year.? Over the  la=
st=20
four weeks, they=01,re averaging 231 passing yards per game allowed which  =
ranks=20
them # 21.? Jon Kitna  gets the start as Brock Huard is still feeling the=
=20
adverse affects of a  concussion he suffered a couple of weeks ago.? It=20
concerns me that a player this young  is taking so long to be cleared to=20
play.?  Although he's reportedly feeling better today and may be able to go=
=20
next  week. The troubles don=01,t end there as RB Ricky Watters is listed a=
s =20
Questionable with a bad toe.? He=01,s a  huge help for the passing game not=
 only=20
in catching the ball but in keeping the  defense honest against the run.?  =
WR=20
Darrell Jackson is a promising player but it appears he=01,ll  yield to Der=
rick=20
Mayes who=01,ll get the start along with Sean  Dawkins.? Mayes is reportedl=
y =20
healthy for the first time in a long while.? If you=01,re going to play the=
m,=20
this would  probably be the week.? TE  Christian Fauria caught a TD last we=
ek=20
so maybe he=01,s waking up.? Like I said, I don=01,t expect too much out  o=
f these=20
guys, but they do have a solid matchup.

Minnesota  Passing Game vs Packer Defense?? Over the past four weeks, Green=
 =20
Bay=01,s defense has allowed 218 passing yards per game.? That=01,s not awf=
ul, but=20
still puts them  well below average at # 20.? They  rank # 22 in Fantasy=20
Points allowed to the opposing QB for the year.? Daunte Culpepper is coming=
=20
off  one of his worst games against a tough Tampa Defense yet he still put =
up=20
FF  numbers worthy of a starter.? This  week, he=01,ll have a much easier g=
o of=20
it facing Green Bay.? Just like most thought, Cris  Carter seems to be=20
catching more passes than Randy Moss while Moss is  more the home run=20
threat.? They both  have 3 TDs over the last three games so you can=01,t de=
ny=20
either guy.? Start both without worry.? RB Robert Smith will get back on =
=20
track after being held down by the Bucs which is nothing to be ashamed of.?=
=20
Minnesota has yet to find a consistent  TE.

?

Even Matchups:? These games feature no real advantage  either way

Detroit  Passing Game vs Miami Defense?? It=01,s hard to add up.? Sam Madis=
on=20
and Patrick Surtain are  thought to be two of the better corners in the=20
league.? Yet they rank #26 in passing yards per  game over the last four=20
weeks.? If  you look a little closer, you=01,ll see they rank #9 in Fantasy=
=20
Points allowed to  the opposing QB for the year.? QB  Charlie Batch has=20
played about like we thought he would =01) not very  good.? He=01,s up and =
down=20
showing just  enough flashes to get folks excited.?  Only to be disappointe=
d=20
later.?  His WRs, once thought to be a strength of depth, are now looking=
=20
very  thin.? Germane Crowell is  gone.? And Herman Moore is  nursing a sore=
=20
sprained foot.? It  looks like Johnnie Morton is the only healthy guy he ha=
s=20
unless you get  excited about Brian Stablein and Larry Foster.? RB James=20
Stewart is a fine runner  and he=01,s starting to become more involved as a=
 pass=20
receiver.? TE Davis Sloan might be a starter  in a 31 team league.? But jus=
t =20
barely.

St. Louis  Passing Game vs Panther Defense??? Over the last four weeks, =20
Carolina has been pretty effective defending the pass.? They=01,ve allowed =
199=20
yards passing per  game over that stretch which is # 12.?  They=01,ve been =
even=20
stronger in the Fantasy Points allowed to the opposing  QB where they rank =
#=20
4 for the year.?  This is St. Louis though.?  QB Trent Green steps in with =
a=20
week under his belt.? He was clearly more comfortable in the  nd half of=20
Sunday=01,s game and Mike Martz admitted he may have been a  little too=20
conservative with Green early even though he made pregame statements  that =
he=20
wouldn=01,t be.? I look for  continued production from him.? For  WRs, Isaa=
c=20
Bruce is the #1 guy.?  Green hooked up with him for 8 receptions last week.=
?=20
After Bruce, it looks like Torry  Holt and Az-Zahir Hakim will catch the=20
balance.? Both those guys are decent starters if  you=01,re not loaded with=
=20
WRs.?  Ricky Proehl is up and down.?  Sometimes a # 3 WR for a team like St=
.=20
Louis can equal the #1 WRs numbers  from a poor team. RB Marshall Faulk=20
continues to put on a clinic with  both his rushing and receiving skills.=
=20
Trent Green didn=01,t complete a pass to his  TE Sunday.? =20

Baltimore  Passing Game vs Bengal Defense?? Where=01,d the Bengals come  fr=
om??=20
I=01,ll hand it to new coach  Dick LeBeau, he=01,s got these guys playing h=
ard.?=20
Over the past three games, their defense  has allowed 218 passing yards per=
=20
game for a ranking of # 19.? The big difference is in the Bengal rush =20
defense.? They now rank # 19 in  rushing yards allowed over the previous 4=
=20
weeks.? Back in week 6, they were ranked # 30 in  rushing yards allowed ove=
r=20
the previous 4 games.? Nice work, coach.? This fired up defense faces a=20
Baltimore  team that=01,s absolutely dying to score a TD.? QB Trent Dilfer =
gets=20
the start  again.? True to coach Brian  Billick=01,s prediction, Dilfer pla=
yed=20
with a =01&frenetic=018 pace and did give the team  a spark at times.? At t=
imes he =20
looked pretty bad too.? Let=01,s see if  another week of practice with the =
1st=20
team helps.? Qadry Ismail will be the prime  target and Patrick Johnson=20
replaces the injured Travis Taylor.? In a case of what goes around, comes =
=20
around, Taylor=01,s broken collarbone was the exact injury that knocked Joh=
nson=20
out  earlier and allowed Taylor to start.?  The guy I keep thinking will=20
explode is TE Shannon Sharpe.? He=01,s clearly the best receiver on the  te=
am=20
and you know this drought has to be killing him.? If you saw him on ESPN at=
=20
the Halloween  party doing the Austin Powers thing (scariest costume I saw=
=20
this year) you heard  him say he was hoping no one recognized him as a Rave=
n=20
Offensive player.? He predicted it would be an =01&open the  floodgates=018=
 type of=20
thing once the TDs started coming.?=20

Denver  Passing Game vs Jets Defense???? The Jets are playing  decent defen=
se=20
of late allowing an average of 206 passing yards per game over  the last fo=
ur=20
weeks which nets them a ranking of # 14.? They rank # 11 in Fantasy Points=
=20
Allowed  to the QB for the year.? After a bye  week, Denver comes into this=
=20
game hoping for a fresh start after chewing on the  humiliating loss to=20
Cincinnati for two weeks.? Much has been made of Brian  Greise=01,s drinkin=
g and=20
driving troubles but I doubt that=01,ll affect his game  play Sunday.? He r=
anks=20
as the # 2 QB  in the league over the last three weeks in Fantasy Points pe=
r=20
Game.? In those two games, he=01,s thrown for an  amazing 701 yards and 5 T=
Ds.?=20
Start  him.? As usual, both Rod  Smith and Ed McCaffrey are solid plays.? T=
he=20
trouble comes in picking a TE as  Denver has not one, not two, but three th=
at=20
contribute. Desmond Clark,  Dwayne Carswell and Byron Chamberlain all see=
=20
action.? From a Fantasy Football  perspective,? Denver would be much  bette=
r=20
off with just one TE catching all the TE passes but I=01,ve noticed the rea=
l =20
NFL guys pay very little attention to our desires.?? The big news for this=
=20
game will be  the comeback of Terrell Davis.?  Few players get to make two=
=20
comebacks in one season but Davis will give  it a go.?=20

New York Jets  Passing Game vs Denver Defense?? Vinny Testeverde and the Je=
ts=20
are  one of the toughest teams to predict.?  They just seem to throw a curv=
e=20
more often than not, either surpassing or  falling short of expectations.?=
=20
With  that said, they face a perplexing Denver defense that ranks # 3 in=20
passing yards  allowed over the last 4 weeks.? Yet  they only rank # 15 in=
=20
Fantasy Points Allowed by the Opposing QB for the  year.? Vinny =20
Testeverdecomes off a solid  outing last week where he completed 28 of 38=
=20
passes for 293 yards and 2  TDs.? He seems to finally be getting =20
comfortable. ?His WR tandem of  Wayne  Chrebetand  Laveranues  Colesis very=
 =20
solid.? Coles had a great game last  week catching 5 passes for 131 yards.?=
 =20
Chrebet=01,s a sure starter and I=01,d probably roll the dice on Coles as  =
well.?=20
Jermaine Wiggins and Fred  Baxter have both scored from the TE position in=
=20
recent weeks but you can=01,t count  on them.? I have learned this? about W=
Rs =01)=20
Don=01,t trust anything  Keyshawn Johnson says about fellow WRs.?  When Jef=
f=20
Graham went San Diego, Keyshawn told my friend Steve Cohen who  covered the=
=20
Jets for WFAN in NYC that Graham would be a top 10 WR in the  AFC.? And the=
n=20
this year all we  heard from Johnson was how Dedric Ward was the #1 WR in N=
ew=20
York.? Just so you  know=01(

Tampa Bay  Passing Game vs Falcon Defense?? Atlanta ranks # 16 in passing =
=20
yards allowed per game over the last four weeks yet for the year, they rank=
 #=20
7  in Fantasy Points allowed to QBs.?  Let=01,s see if QB Shaun King can=20
continue the roll.? Week 9 was a pivotal week for this  offense as followin=
g=20
a four hour talk to Keyshawn Johnson at King=01,s  house, the Tampa QB seem=
ed=20
recharged.?  Specifically, he seemed recharged in getting the ball to=20
Johnson.? That=01,s a shocker Johnson would want the  ball.? I worked the=
=20
sidelines of a  Jets game for WFAN radio and my buddy Steve Cohen a couple =
of=20
years ago and have  a different view of Keyshawn than many do.?  Yes, he=20
wants the ball.? But  I think he wants it not so much for personal glory as=
=20
he wants it because he  knows how good he is and truly believes the team ha=
s=20
its best chance to win when  they go to him.? Either way, it  seems pretty=
=20
obvious King will continue with what worked last week.? He=01,s beginning t=
o=20
force the ball to  Johnson even in double coverage.?  Jacquez Green could=
=20
benefit from the extra attention paid to  Keyshawn but be careful to watch=
=20
how the ball is spread around.? RB Warrick Dunn only had one  reception las=
t=20
week but it was good for a TD.? I=01,d look for more of that.?=20

?

Downside Matchups:? These games favor the  Defense

?Washington Passing Game vs Cardinal  Defense:

?(Note:? For you folks who are not subscribers to  the FREE Cheatsheets.net=
=20
mailing list, I wanted to give you a sample of the type  of information we=
=20
regularly send out.?  This was sent to our subscribers at 5:45 PM Thursday =
=20
afternoon.)

?Confirming what we thought  this morning when we ranked Jeff George and no=
t=20
Brad Johnson on our week 10  cheatsheet=20
http://www.cheatsheets.net/week10sheet.htm?=20

?Brad Johnson Out, Jeff  George to=20
Starthttp://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2000/1101/851321.html? ??From the article:=
?=20
Jeff George was  named the Washington Redskins' starting quarterback for=20
Sunday's game at  Arizona.=20

?Coach Norv Turner said George would  start after Brad  Johnson was unable =
to=20
practice Thursday for a second consecutive day.  Johnson sprained a knee=20
ligament in Monday night's loss to Tennessee. George  missed Wednesday's=20
practice to attend the birth of his son, his third child. =20

?George signed a four-year, $18.25  million contract in April to back up=20
Johnson. He has yet to play a down this  season and has taken only about 10=
=20
percent of the snaps in practice. =20

?"He had a very good practice today,"  Turner said. "He's into it, in terms=
=20
of what we're doing." ?The Redskins have a bye after the Arizona  game, but=
=20
officials are uncertain whether Johnson will be able to return for the =20
following game, a Monday night trip to St. Louis.=20

?"He's got a pretty tender knee,"  trainer Bubba Tyer said. "Grade 2 sprain=
s=20
could be two weeks, could be four  weeks." ?Further complicating the =20
Redskins' offensive preparation for this week, three receivers are sufferin=
g =20
from injuries, with Irving Fryar the  most serious. Fryar, who missed=20
practice Wednesday because of a rib-cartilage  injury, returned Thursday bu=
t=20
is questionable for Sunday.=20

?Albert Connell  practiced despite a sore right shoulder and is probable. A=
nd=20
James Thrash also  practiced despite a strained thigh muscle and is probabl=
e.=20


My View:? I=01,m sure Jeff George isn=01,t available in  your league but if=
 he=01,s on=20
your roster, now might be the time to consider  him.? I=01,m not overly exc=
ited=20
though  as Arizona has a pretty tough pass defense.? Over the last four=20
weeks, they rank # 5  in passing yards allowed per game.?  For the season,=
=20
they rank # 13 in Fantasy Points Allowed by the Opposing  QB so they=01,re =
not=20
quite as tough there.?  ?This could likely be an  audition for 2001 as many=
=20
feel George is the Redskin QB of the future. ?A strong performance could=20
easily cause  problems for the remainder of this year as Washington tries t=
o=20
sort out the QB  position. ?WRs Albert Connell and  James Thrash are both=
=20
listed as probable and should be good to go. At this point  in the year,=20
nobody is 100%. ?RB  Larry Centers does such a nice job catching the ball o=
ut=20
of the backfield that  TE Stephen Alexander has been ineffective.? =20

?

Atlanta Passing Game vs Buccaneer Defense???? Tampa Bay gave up 300+ yards =
to=20
Daunte Culpepper  last week and 1 TD.? That=01,s pretty  solid.? They rank =
# 13=20
in passing  yards allowed over the last four weeks and # 22 when sorted by=
=20
Fantasy Points  Allowed by opposing QB for the year.?  QB Chris Chandler=20
played poorly last week but his mind  was certainly on his Father in Law,=
=20
John Brodie who is recovering from a  stroke.? I look at it this way =01) =
=20
Minnesota brings a much more dangerous passing game than do the Falcons and=
=20
if  Tampa could hold them in check, they=01,ll likely do the same with Atla=
nta.?=20
WR Terance Mathis is  the primary receiver with Tim Dwight making the=20
occasional home  run appearance.? Shawn  Jefferson, after a solid start to=
=20
the season, has really tailed  off.? Reggie Kelly  is only an average TE.

?

Dallas  Passing Game vs Eagle Defense??? This summer, Dallas featured  more=
=20
optimism in their training camp than just about any other franchise.? What =
a=20
difference 9 weeks can make.? Joey Galloway=01,s gone and Troy  Aikman look=
s=20
like a shadow of his former self.? With Randall Cunningham at QB,  the=20
Cowboys square off against a Philadelphia team that ranks # 6 in Fantasy =
=20
Points Allowed by opposing QBs for the year.? They rank # 18 in passing yar=
ds=20
allowed  over the last four weeks.? Aikman sitting  this one out may not be=
=20
an altogether bad thing for the Cowboys as  Cunningham has moved the team=
=20
well at times.? WRs James McKnight and Raghib  Ismail will handle the WR=20
duties.?  TE Jackie Harris has been their most productive receiver with 5 =
=20
TDs.? Although don=01,t get too excited  about Harris as the Eagles are # 2=
 in=20
the league for Fantasy Points Allowed to  opposing TEs.

San  Francisco Passing Game vs Saints Defense??  As you know, I=01,m a big =
Jeff=20
Garcia fan but this is a tough matchup  for the 49ers.? New Orleans ranks #=
 =20
10 over the last four weeks in passing yards allowed per game and they rate=
 #=20
4  for the year in Fantasy Points Allowed to Opposing QBs.? Couple that wit=
h=20
the fact New Orleans is  playing very well of late with their ball control=
=20
offense led by Ricky Williams  and it could be a tough game.? Still  though=
,=20
it=01,s hard to dismiss a guy like Garcia who=01,s been just red hot for a =
 while=20
now.? He=01,s the # 1 QB over the  last three games throwing for 8 TDs and =
886=20
yards.? You don=01,t hear anyone talking too much  about it because the tea=
m=01,s=20
not winning but he=01,s putting together a season that  statistically, woul=
d=20
make Steve Young envious.? WR Terrell Owens is the  best WR in the game rig=
ht=20
now.? He=01,s  big, physical, and most importantly, incredible after the ca=
tch.?=20
He looks like a man among boys out  there.? Jerry Rice  as morphed into the=
=20
perfect # 2 guy.? (yes, that still sounds strange)? If you can think about=
=20
benching any of  those three guys, you=01,re teams so loaded you probably d=
on=01,t=20
need any help from  me.? RB Charlie Garner  is one of the league=01,s best =
RBs=20
and he=01,s tremendous catching the  ball.? The only real weak link is  the=
 TE=20
but that just means more opportunity for the other  guys.

New York  Giant Passing Game vs Cleveland Defense??  The Cleveland Brown=20
defense simply doesn=01,t yield many yards or Fantasy  Points through the a=
ir.?=20
The Browns  rank # 8 in passing yards allowed over the last four weeks.? Wh=
en=20
ranked by Fantasy Points allowed by  opposing QBs, the Browns rank # 3 for=
=20
the year.? You could theorize that teams simply  don=01,t have to throw the=
 ball=20
since the Brown=01,s rush defense is weak, and the  Cleveland offense doesn=
=01,t=20
score much.?  The =01&why=018 isn=01,t as important as the =01&what=018.? A=
nd =01&what=018 happens=20
is teams don=01,t roll  up many passing stats against Cleveland.?  QB Kerry=
=20
Collins is coming off a nice week 9 where he threw for  253 yards and 1 TD.=
?=20
We  predicted? WR Amani  Toomer would respond in a positive manner to his 2=
nd=20
half  benching in his previous game.? I=01,d  call 108 yards and a TD a pos=
itive=20
response.? Ike Hilliard is a fine WR and a  nice complement to Toomer.?=20
There=01,s  been a good bit of talk that Hilliard is the better WR but I st=
ill=20
put my faith  in Toomer.? TE Pete Mitchell  is still a huge disappointment=
=20
compare to what we thought he=01,d do.? Against the Brown defense, I think =
 you=01,
ll see heavy doses of?  RBs Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber which should limit th=
e =20
Giant passing game.

Philadelphia  Passing Game vs Dallas Defense?? Dallas is struggling=20
offensively  but the defense is playing well.?  Over the last four weeks,=
=20
they rank # 6 in passing yards allowed per  game.?? For the year, they=01,r=
e =20
not as strong in the Fantasy Points Allowed by QB department where they ran=
k =20
#16.? QB Donovan  McNabbis coming off a  poor game last week where he only=
=20
completed 10 of 31 passes for 129 yards and 1  TD.? But the Cowboys are=20
coming off  a game where they allowed the struggling Jaguars to throw for 3=
=20
TDs.? Still I think the matchup favors the  defense here.?  Charles =20
Johnsonand  Torrance  Smallare the WRs with  Johnson being the only guy wor=
th=20
looking at.? One worrisome note is the fact defenses  have figured out how =
to=20
shut down TE Chad  Lewiswho=01,d been on  fire.? Coach Andy Reid says he=01=
,ll do =20
some things with Lewis so teams aren=01,t as able to bracket him.? The RBs =
are a=20
total mess and can=01,t be  counted on for much relief in the passing game.

??

Defensive Slam  Dunks:? These games heavily favor  the Defense

Tennessee Passing  Game vs Steeler Defense??  Pittsburgh rates  as the=20
toughest defense in the league when it comes to Fantasy Points Allowed by =
=20
Opposing QBs.? Not good news for  Steve McNair who=01,s struggling against=
=20
average defenses, much  less one as tough as Pittsburgh.?  They also rank #=
 1=20
in passing yards allowed per game over the last four  weeks.? If McNair is =
a=20
guy you  normally consider for your QB, I=01,d look elsewhere if you=01,ve =
got=20
another solid  starter.? The Titan WRs are a  mess.? Yancey Thigpen is=20
likely  out.? If you haven=01,t cut him by now,  you=01,re not paying close=
=20
attention.?  Derrick Mason and Chris Sanders are the  likely starters with=
=20
Carl Pickens thrown in the mix.? Outside of Mason, I=01,d have a hard time =
=20
starting any of these guys.? The one  receiver I have no hesitation going=
=20
with is TE Frank  Wycheck.? He=01,s as solid as  ever and is having a great=
=20
season with 4 TDs so far.? He=01,s clearly the favored target for  McNair.?=
=20
Here=01,s a small bright  spot.? Pittsburgh ranks #1 in  Fantasy Points All=
owed=20
for QBs.?  They rank # 3 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs but against TEs,=
=20
they=01,re  just average, ranking # 16.? What  does this mean?? It means Wy=
check=20
is  your best bet for Titan receiver this  week.

Cincinnati Passing  Game vs Raven Defense?? I can=01,t remember a team in=
=20
recent  history with such a disparity between the offense and defense.? The=
=20
Raven offensive woes are well  documented as they went 0 for October in the=
=20
TD department.? At the same time, the defense is  squashing people.? This=
=20
week could  be ugly as they take out some frustration on the Bengal passing=
=20
game.? Baltimore is ranked # 2 over the last  four weeks in passing yards=
=20
allowed per game.? They also rank # 2 in Fantasy Points  Allowed by Opposin=
g=20
QBs.?  QB  Akili Smithhas a tough time  moving the ball against the practic=
e=20
squad guys.? I doubt he=01,ll suddenly become a  good? QB this Sunday.? WR=
=20
Peter  Warrickis the primary WR  but he=01,s been stifled.? He=01,s worth a=
  shot=20
if you=01,re desperate just because he=01,s a guy who can make something ha=
ppen =20
whenever he touches the ball but I don=01,t like the matchup for the passin=
g =20
game.? TE Tony  McGeeis a total non  factor.? This unit is all about  Corey=
=20
Dillon running the  ball.

Cleveland Passing  Game vs Giant Defense??It=01,s a case of an awful offens=
e =20
meeting up against a pretty good defense.?  Over the last four weeks, the=
=20
Giants rank # 9 in passing yards allowed  per game.? Those stats should be =
=20
padded a bit after facing the dynamic passing duo of  Doug  Pederson and =
=20
Spergon  Wynn.? I actually like some of the things I=01,ve  seen Wynn do bu=
t he=01,
s got a long way to go.? WRs Kevin  Johnson,  DennisNorthcuttand  David =20
Pattenwill catch what  passes there are to be caught but with the exception=
=20
of possibly Johnson, you=01,re  reaching there.?  TE  Aaron Sheais not a =
=20
factor.? =20

Arizona Passing  Game vs Redskin Defense?? I=01,ve ripped  Jake  Plummer ne=
arly=20
every week  this season and I=01,m not stopping now.?  He=01,s just not ver=
y good.?=20
We  all got excited (including yours truly) after his scorching hot 2nd  ha=
lf=20
of 1998.? 2nd half  statistics are often a great indicator of the year to=
=20
come.? Any of you who drafted Plummer last year  likely have a differing=20
opinion of how effective 2nd half stats are  in predicting future=20
performance=01(? I  heard lots of folks say that the 1999 season was a fluk=
e and=20
he=01,s really better  than that.? I think it=01,s time we  faced the music=
 and=20
admit his 1998 2nd half was the fluke and what  we=01,re seeing now is pret=
ty=20
much it.?  David  Bostonand  Frank  Sanderswill handle the  WR duties but=
=20
against a tough Washington pass defense, I=01,m not excited about  their=20
chances.? Washington ranks # 4  in passing yards allowed per game over the=
=20
last four weeks and they earn an # 7  ranking in Fantasy Points Allowed to=
=20
Opposing QBs.? RB Thomas  Joneswill likely see  plenty of action with Micha=
el=20
 Pittman=01,sribs hurting and  he does catch the ball well. On a positive n=
ote,=20
TE Terry  Hardyhad a great game  Sunday with 7 receptions for 45 yards and =
a =20
TD.

Pittsburgh Passing  Game vs Titan Defense?? Tennessee enters this game=20
playing  as well as any team in the league.?  Much of their success can be=
=20
attributed to their defense.? Over the last four weeks, they rank # 7  in=
=20
passing yards allowed per game.?  Since the beginning of the season, they=
=20
rank # 8 in Fantasy Points  Allowed by opposing QBs.? That=01,s a  pretty=
=20
formidable defense for a QB like Kordell  Stewartto face.? Some feel Stewar=
t=20
plays better on the  road but I=01,ve been to Adelphia Coliseum and I don=
=01,t=20
think any QB plays better on  the road there.? He=01,ll be throwing  the ba=
ll to=20
Hines Ward, Bobby  Shawand  Plaxico  Burressbut I don=01,t see  any of thos=
e=20
guys as starters unless you=01,re in a huge league.? The Steelers will like=
ly=20
try to do what  they do best =01) pound Jerome  Bettisso I don=01,t expect =
 to see=20
them pass too often and when they do, I don=01,t expect them to have much =
=20
success.

?

?

?

Rushing Game Matchups???  Here's how I see  the matchups this week.? Please=
 =20
note, see the cheatsheet online http://www.cheatsheets.net/week10sheet.htm =
=20
for exactly where I rank players and to determine who to start.? Just becau=
se=20
one matchup may be more  favorable than another, that doesn't necessarily=
=20
mean I'd start the player with  the best matchup.? The matchup info  is mea=
nt=20
to be just one more tool in your box when it comes to deciding between =20
players.?? =20

?

?

Locks:? These games heavily favor the Offense =20

Stephen Davis  (Was) vs Cardinal Defense??  Much will be made  of Jeff Geor=
ge=20
getting his first start as a Redskin.? As I mentioned above in the passing =
=20
matchups, I=01,m not all that excited as the Cardinals play pretty good pas=
s =20
defense.? More importantly, they  play horrible rush defense.? Over  the la=
st=20
four games, they rank # 26 in rushing yards allowed.? For the year, they=01=
,ve=20
allowed more  Fantasy Points to RBs than any other team in the league.?? Lo=
ok=20
for Jeff George to lean  heavily on Stephen Davis as he settles into the QB=
 =20
role.

Ron Dayne / Tiki  Barber (NYG) vs Brown Defense?? Much like Arizona, the=20
Brown=01,s  feature an offense that doesn=01,t score too many points and a =
decent=20
pass defense  which is the result of opposing teams choosing the safer rout=
e=20
of running the  ball.? Few coaches will pass up the  chance to run the ball=
=20
if the defense readily allows it.? The Browns readily allow it. They rank #=
 =20
27 in rushing yards allowed and # 25 in Fantasy Points allowed by opposing =
=20
RBs.? I=01,d think Dayne could have a  big game here as the Giants should b=
e=20
able to remain in control.? Dayne struggles in the games where the  Giants=
=20
are playing from behind and I just don=01,t see that happening here.?=20

Curtis Martin  (NYJ) vs Bronco Defense?? Nothing like a Corey Dillon 278 =
=20
yard rushing day to skew the stats.?  Over the last four weeks, Denver rank=
s=20
dead last in rushing yards allowed  per game with 170.? In reality,  they=
=01,re=20
not that bad.? At least I  don=01,t think so.? I=01,d be willing to  bet co=
ach Mike=20
Shanahan had the team work more than once on the basics of  tackling.? They=
=01,
ll get a good test  against one of the best RBs in the league in Curtis=20
Martin.? This game might actually deserve to  slide down to the Prime Match=
up=20
category but I want to see how Denver responds  on defense.

Edgerrin James  (Ind) vs Bear Defense?? Chicago comes out of the bye week =
=20
and must face the explosive Colts.?  After a few sputters, Edgerrin James i=
s=20
running as well as any back in  the league right now.? Chicago ranks  # 30 =
in=20
rushing yards allowed over the last four games.? For the year, they rank # =
10=20
in Fantasy  Points allowed to opposing RBs.? MLB  Brian Urlacher should=20
create a few problems for James but I look for Indy to  roll here.

Ricky Williams  (NO) vs 49er Defense??  Like I need to  tell you to start=
=20
Ricky Williams.?  He=01,ll roll.? San Francisco=01,s  rush defense is almos=
t as bad=20
as their pass defense.? And their pass defense is world class  bad.? I thin=
k=20
he=01,s got a 200 yard  rushing day in him this year and it wouldn=01,t sur=
prise me=20
if this is the  week.? He=01,s got a sore right  shoulder and right knee bu=
t=20
practiced this week and he=01,s expected to  play.

Warrick Dunn /  Mike Alstott (TB) vs Falcon Defense?? Keyshawn Johnson said=
=20
after the  Minnesota game last week that he told QB Shaun King he needed to=
=20
get the ball to  his best players =01&19 and 28=018? =01&28=018  being of c=
ourse Warrick=20
Dunn.?  Whether this was a backhanded swipe at Alstott, I don=01,t know but=
 I=20
do  know Dunn kicked his game up a notch Sunday rushing for 89 yards on 11=
=20
carries  and catching a 23 yard TD.? Alstott  played well too gaining 56=20
yards on 10 carries and most importantly, no  fumbles.? The Falcons rank # =
25=20
in  rushing yards allowed over the last four weeks.? For the year, they ran=
k=20
# 30 in Fantasy  Points allowed by RBs.

?

Prime Matchups:?  These games favor the Offense?

Terrell Davis  (Den) vs Jets Defense??? He=01,s Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack.? I may b=
e=20
overly optimistic but I=01,m  excited about Terrell Davis=01, return to act=
ion.?=20
How many players get to make two  comebacks in one year??? I=01,m  banking =
on=20
the character of the Broncos and that they=01,ll bounce back with a  vengea=
nce=20
after the embarrassing loss to the Bengals in their last game.? TD reported=
ly=20
has looked as good as he  ever has and should be ready to lead the way.? He=
=01,
ll still likely be spelled by Mike  Anderson but I think you=01,ll see Davi=
s=20
grab the bulk of the  work.

Marshall Faulk  (StL) vs Panther Defense?? Coach Mike Martz called himself =
=20
=01&stupid=018 the other day when he failed have a backup kicker active to =
cover=20
for  the injured Jeff Wilkins.? That  wasn=01,t stupid.? But you=01,ll be h=
ard =20
pressed to define calling future Hall of Famer Reggie White =01&inconsisten=
t=018=20
and  =01&at the end of his career=018 three days before playing him as anyt=
hing=20
but  stupid.? C=01,mon Coach, you=01,re the  defending World Champs.? There=
=01,s  tape=20
running whenever you open your mouth.?  Think first.? Angry Reggie or  no,=
=20
Faulk should still have a good day.?  Carolina ranks # 27 for the year in=
=20
Fantasy Points allowed to opposing  RBs.? Over the last four weeks, they =
=20
rank # 20 in rushing yards allowed.? =20

Terrell Fletcher /  Jermaine Fazande / Kenny Bynum / Robert Chancey / Natro=
ne=20
Means? / Deuce McAllister vs Seattle  Defense?? Just making sure you were=
=20
paying  attention. The Chargers could use a 1994 model Natrone Means or a=
=20
2001 Deuce  McAllister but that isn=01,t happening this week.? It=01,s a sh=
ame as=20
the Seahawk defense is  awful.? They rank # 28 in rushing  yards allowed pe=
r=20
game over the last four weeks and # 26 in Fantasy Points  allowed to RBs.? =
If=20
you get a hunch  one of these guys may see significant time, jump on it.? B=
ut=20
I=01,m guessing it=01,s more committee for  this game.

Stanley Pritchett  / Darnell Autry / Amp Lee vs Cowboy Defense? This one is=
=20
really frustrating.? The team that can=01,t move the ball on the  ground sq=
uares=20
off against the team that can=01,t stop anyone on the ground.? Dallas is # =
29 in=20
Fantasy Points allowed  by RBs this year.? They=01,re also # 29  in rushing=
=20
yards allowed over the last four weeks.? But who=01,ll carry the ball for t=
he=20
Eagles  is a crapshoot.? I=01,ll keep an eye on  it to see if one guy might=
=20
emerge but right now it=01,s a great matchup with no one  to take advantage=
 of=20
it.

?

Even Matchups:? These games feature no real advantage  either way

Jamal Anderson (Atl) vs Buccaneer  Defense??  Jamal Anderson  seems to have=
=20
turned the corner.?  He=01,s running hard and having good success.? Last we=
ek,=20
he rolled up 90 yards on 25  carries.? This week, he faces a  Tampa Defense=
=20
that=01,s probably not quite as tough as their reputation.? The Bucs rank #=
 22=20
in rushing yards  allowed over the last four weeks.?  They rank # 15 in=20
Fantasy Points allowed by RBs.? QB Chris Chandler should have his mind  mor=
e=20
on football this week so hopefully, he=01,ll provide a little  help.

Sammy Morris / Shawn Bryson (Buf) vs  Patriot Defense?? The Patriots enter=
=20
this game with  a defense ranked # 21 in rushing yards allowed over the las=
t=20
four weeks.? They also rank # 18 in Fantasy Points  allowed by RBs for the=
=20
year.? Both  RBs are solid, tough runners who can grind out the tough yards=
.?=20
The Patriot LB corps took a hit this  week with Andy Katzenmoyer going to t=
he=20
IR but they=01,ve got plenty of talent  there in Ted Johnson, Chris Slade a=
nd=20
Tedy Bruschi.?=20

Lamar Smith (Mia) vs Detroit  Defense?? Smith has been one of the nicer =20
surprises of 2000 as he continues to run hard and productively.? The Lions=
=20
rank # 12 in rushing yards  allowed over the last four weeks and # 13 in=20
Fantasy Points allowed be opposing  RBs for the year.? Bryant Westbrook  an=
d=20
the Detroit secondary are playing solid defense and it=01,s likely the Dolp=
hins =20
will be forced to the ground.?

Jamal Lewis (Bal) vs Bengal  Defense?? You have to hand it to new coach  Di=
ck=20
LeBeau.? The Bengals are  improved on defense and are playing with passion.=
?=20
A few weeks ago, Cincinnati ranked # 30  in rushing yards allowed.? Now  th=
ey=01,
re up to a very respectable # 19.?  That=01,s a nice change.? Lewis  is cho=
mping=20
at the bit though.? The  offensive troubles are well documented but it=01,s=
 just=20
a matter of time before  they break loose.? I=01,m inclined to  agree with =
TE=20
Shannon Sharpe who said he thought the TDs would come in bunches  once they=
=20
got the first couple out of the way.? In their first meeting this year,=20
Lewis  ran for 116 yards and a TD.

Emmitt Smith (Dal) vs Eagle  Defense?? You can make a good case for this  o=
ne=20
on both sides:? Emmitt Smith is  a guy who=01,ll carry a team when they nee=
d=20
help and with Aikman out, this is one  of those times.? On the other hand, =
=20
the Eagles play solid run defense ranking # 18 in rushing yards allowed ove=
r=20
the  last four weeks.? They rank # 11 in  Fantasy Points allowed by RBs.???

James Allen (Chi) vs Colt  Defense?? James Allen continues his quest  make=
=20
the fans forget about Curtis Enis.?  He=01,s been a decent player over the =
last=20
few weeks but needs to up the  level of his play.? He=01,ll get a  chance t=
o do=20
that against a Colt team that=01,s struggled at times.? Over the last few w=
eeks,=20
the Colt rank #  15 in rushing yards allowed.? They  rank # 14 in Fantasy=
=20
Points allowed to RBs for this season.? The Bears are looking for a spark=
=20
from  QB Jim Miller and they very well may get it.

Napoleon Kaufman (Oak) vs Chiefs  Defense? With Tyrone Wheatley likely to=
=20
miss  significant time this week, coach Jon Gruden sounds confident in=20
Kaufman=01,s  ability to carry the load.? The  Chiefs rank # 23 in Fantasy=
=20
Points allowed to RBs this year.? They rank # 16 in rushing yards allowed =
=20
over the last four weeks.? I  wouldn=01,t be surprised to see Kaufman post =
some=20
nice numbers here in Wheatley=01,s  absence.

Ahman Green (GB) vs Viking  Defense?? With Dorsey Levens nursing a bad  kne=
e,=20
it looks like Green will carry the load against Minnesota.? I think he=01,s=
 up=20
for the task.? Minnesota ranks # 13 in rushing yards  allowed per game over=
=20
the last four weeks while they rank # 12 in Fantasy Points  allowed by=20
opposing RBs.? The Bucs  showed last week that Minnesota can be run (and=20
thrown)  on.

?

Downside  Matchups:? These games favor the  Defense

Tshimanga  Biakabutuka (Car) vs Ram Defense?  ?I=01,m interested to see wha=
t=20
this team  looks like without TE Wesley Walls.?  I=01,m thinking Biakabutuk=
a=20
could take up some slack in the short passing  game where he=01,s already b=
een=20
involved.?  The Rams rank # 4 in rushing yards allowed over the last four=
=20
weeks but  they=01,re # 24 in Fantasy Points Allowed by opposing RBs for th=
e=20
year.? Biakabutuka was nursing a sore knee  early this week but he should b=
e=20
ok to go Sunday.? He=01,d better be as Brad Hoover is now his  backup=01(

Robert Smith (Min)  vs Packer Defense?? After a relatively quiet game =20
against Tampa Bay Sunday, I look for Smith to come out blazing against the =
=20
Packers.? Green Bay ranks # 10 in  rushing yards allowed over the last four=
=20
weeks.? They also rank # 10 in Fantasy Points  allowed by opposing RBs.?=20
Smith has  the speed to exploit parts of the Packer Defense and I think you=
=01,
ll see him have  some success.

Kimble Anders /  Frank Moreau / Tony Richardson vs Raider Defense?? Too man=
y=20
RBs against a tough  Defense doesn=01,t spell FF success.?  The Raiders are=
=20
pretty tough defending the run ranking # 5 in rushing  yards allowed over t=
he=20
last four weeks.?  Of the bunch, I=01,d put my money on Anders if I had to=
=20
choose just one. =20

Shaun Alexander /  Ricky Watters vs Charger Defense?? Ricky Watters=01, iro=
n man=20
status  could be in jeopardy as he=01,s in danger of missing time with a ba=
d=20
case of turf  toe.? Rookie Shaun Alexander may get  the start although=20
Holmgren could give it to Watters to keep the streak  alive.? I don=01,t lo=
ok=20
for great  things from either guy as the Charger run defense is solid.? The=
y=20
rank # 6 in rushing yards allowed  over the last four weeks and # 19 in=20
Fantasy Points allowed by RBs for the  year.? =20

James Stewart  (Det) vs Dolphin Defense?? James Stewart is starting to get =
=20
himself untracked but he may hit an obstacle against Miami this week.? Even=
=20
without MLB Zach Thomas, the  Dolphins are tough and will make things plent=
y=20
rough on Stewart.?? Miami ranks # 7 in rushing yards  allowed over the last=
=20
four weeks.?  They rank # 9 in Fantasy Points allowed by opposing RBs for=
=20
the  year.? =20

Corey Dillon (Cin)  vs Raven Defense?? The Ravens rank # 8 in the league  i=
n=20
rushing yards allowed over the last four weeks.? They rank # 4 for Fantasy=
=20
Points allowed  by RBs.? Corey Dillon comes into  this game with 415 yards=
=20
rushing over his last two games.? Something=01,s got to give.? I=01,m betti=
ng it=01,s=20
going to be  Dillon.? But that=01,s why they play  the game.? In their week=
 4=20
matchup,  Dillon gained a whopping 9 yards on 12  carries.

Thomas Jones /  Michael Pittman (Arz) vs Redskin Defense?? Pittman=01,s nur=
sing=20
sore ribs and  could be limited Sunday.? Jones will  start if Pittman can=
=01,t=20
go.?  Washington ranks # 9 in rushing yards allowed over the last four =20
weeks.? The Redskins are even  tougher when sorted by Fantasy Points allowe=
d=20
by opposing RBs where they come in  # 6 for the year.? Looks like the =20
Cardinal rushing game could be in trouble.=20

?

Defensive Slam Dunks:? These games heavily favor the  Defense

Travis  Prentice (Cle) vs Giants Defense???  Travis Prentice sure seems lik=
e=20
he=01,s running hard without a lot to show  for it.? I don=01,t think his l=
uck=01,s =20
going to change this weekend as he faces a tough Giant Defense.? New York=
=20
ranks #1 in rushing yards  allowed per game over the last four weeks and # =
3=20
in Fantasy Points allowed by  opposing RBs for the year.? They=01,re  playi=
ng=20
too well right now to let Cleveland hang with  them.

Charlie  Garner (SF) vs Saints Defense?? If you=01,re a regular reader of t=
his =20
column, you know I=01,m a big Charlie Garner fan.? But this matchup is awfu=
l.?=20
The Saints are shutting people  down.? They rank # 3 in rushing  yards=20
allowed over the last four weeks and # 2 in Fantasy Points allowed by RBs =
=20
for the year.? You=01,ve got to slide  Garner down the list a bit against t=
hese=20
guys.? He=01,s still a starter and with his  explosiveness, he=01,s still l=
iable to=20
have a great day, but the matchup is tough  this week.

J.R. Redmond  / Kevin Faulk (NE) vs Bills Defense??  Redmond should get the=
=20
start and work primarily on 1st and  nd down.? Faulk will  likely be the=20
third down back.? It  may not matter a whole lot as the Bills Defense is=20
solid.? Buffalo ranks # 3 in rushing yards  allowed over the last four=20
games.?  They rank # 5 in Fantasy Points allowed by opposing RBs for the =
=20
year.?=20

Eddie George  (Ten) vs Steeler Defense?? Assuming he gets over his toe and =
=20
ankle injuries, Eddie George is a sure starter unless you=01,re just loaded=
 at =20
RB.? But, I do not like this  matchup.? Pittsburgh ranks #1 in  Fantasy=20
Points allowed by RBs.? In  their week 4 matchup, George was held to 76 tot=
al=20
yards which was the lowest  complete game total for the season thus far.?=
=20
Pittsburgh=01,s defense is playing with  confidence and they=01,ll likely b=
e a=20
factor in holding George down from his normal  lofty totals.

Jerome  Bettis (Pit) vs Titan Defense?? The last time Tennessee faced a =20
pounding power back like Bettis was Ron Dayne in week 5.? Dayne had 3 rushe=
s=20
for =01)1 yards in that  contest.?? Tennessee ranks # 14  in rushing yards=
=20
allowed over the last four weeks.? They fall in at # 7 in Fantasy Points =
=20
allowed by opposing RBs.? The  Steelers have few other weapons outside of=
=20
Bettis so look for them to give it a  go.? Bettis did rush for 77 yards  an=
d=20
a TD in their week 4 matchup.

?

?

?


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