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? 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. ? ? ? To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: cheatsheets-unsubscribe@egroups.com
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