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Wall of Champs Is Up! If you've made your playoffs or won your league, let the world know about it. We've got our Wall of Champs up and running and waiting for you! Check it out here http://footballguys.com/wall2001.cfm You can add your team here http://footballguys.com/addwall.cfm There's not much better than flaunting your success in front of your league members... Enjoy. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Hi Folks, Doing our best to get these to you early in the week as you juggle your lineups for the stretch run. Here's how I see the Rushing Game Matchups this week. PLEASE NOTE: See the cheatsheet online www.footballguys.com for exactly where I rank players and to determine who to start. I always receive emails asking me how I can have a guy ranked highly on the cheatsheet but listed under a matchup that favors the Defense. Just because one matchup may be more favorable than another, that doesn't necessarily mean I'd start the player with the best matchup. Ahman Green may have a horrible matchup one week but unless you're sitting on Ricky Williams or Marshall Faulk, Green's your guy no matter who he's lining up against. (Yes, even after last week's performance) The matchup info is meant to be just one more tool in your box when it comes to deciding between players. Stats are provided by Mike Hall's excellent FLM League Management Software. http://www.fflm.com/ for more info. Fantasy Points Allowed by position numbers are from ESPN.com. Target numbers are from our Footballguy Andy Hicks. Let's get to it. Joe /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Locks: These games feature Defenses that have struggled lately. Arizona's Michael Pittman vs Carolina Defense After a few weeks of worrying about Thomas Jones, Michael Pittman seemed to clearly be the prime RB here last week. He rushed 14 times for 58 yards (4.1 ypc) plus a TD. Thomas Jones, on the other hand, only had 4 carries for 18 yards. The Panthers rank # 30 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks so you have to like his chances again this week. For the year, Carolina ranks # 30 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Atlanta's Maurice Smith / Rodney Thomas vs Miami Defense Probably the strongest criticism of Smith you could offer is that he's losing time to Rodney Thomas... Smith was ineffective again last week but did score the cheap TD. He ran 14 times for 23 yards (1.6 ypc). Thomas had 41 yards on 13 carries (3.2 ypc) and did bring a spark. Smith injured his toe and even though it's not believed to be serious, it's hard to put much faith in him with Thomas coming on. This week, they'll face a Dolphin defense that's been soft lately ranking # 29 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 17 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Make sure to understand, I don't have much faith in either of these guys so check the cheatsheets to see where I rank them. It's just that the Dolphins have been very weak lately against the run. Carolina's Richard Huntley vs Arizona Defense Huntley ran pretty well last week against a tough St. Louis defense so it's tough to count him out. He posted 74 yards on 19 carries (3.9 ypc) plus a score. This week, he gets a much softer defense in Arizona that Emmitt Smith ran over last week. The Cardinals rank # 26 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 30 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Chicago's Anthony Thomas vs Detroit Defense Thomas put in a very Bearish workmanlike effort last week with 82 yards on 24 carries (3.4 ypc) Clearly, he's the kind of tough back this team wants yet he has the skills and speed to be more than just a grinder. This week, he'll likely see lots of action against the Lions ranked # 22 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 26 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Green Bay's Ahman Green vs Minnesota Defense Ahman Green bounced back as expected and proved why he's one of the league's elite backs. He rolled up 150 yards on 21 carries (7.4 ypc). He did have a 43 yarder thrown in there. He did leave with some breathing problems but he is expected to be ok this week. Watch to make sure, though. This week, he'll face a Viking team that looks like they've rolled over. The Vikings rank # 31 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks and # 31 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. It doesn't always play out in real life, but on paper, it doesn't get much better than this. Miami's Lamar Smith vs Atlanta Defense Again, Lamar Smith was weak. 12 rushes for 33 yards (2.8 ypc) and a big fumble. But the Dolphins don't seem too excited about going with anyone else so there's always that chance for a cheap TD, sort of like with Atlanta's Maurice Smith. I don't have much faith in him but this week, he'll face the soft Falcon defense that's ranked # 28 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks and let the Bills run wild on them last week. For the year, they rank # 28 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs so you have to like the matchup. Check the cheatsheets to see exactly where we rank him. New York Jet's Curtis Martin vs Buffalo Defense Martin put in his typical workhorse effort Sunday with 122 yards on 23 carries (5.3 ypc) Look for more of the same against the Bills ranked # 23 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 25 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. St. Louis' Marshall Faulk vs Indianapolis Defense Yawn. Start Faulk. He rolled up 202 yards on 30 carries last week (6.7 ypc) Best player in the game yada yada. He's the man. If it matters to you (and it shouldn't) the Colts rank # 27 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks and # 29 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Prime Matchups: These games feature Defenses that haven't been strong lately. Denver's Terrell Davis vs Oakland Defense Terrell Davis jumps back in the fray after a week of rest. Oakland's defense has improved from awful to just bad over the last few weeks. They rank # 24 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 21 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Oakland allowed Tennessee's Skip Hicks and Eddie George to run for 87 yards last week so they are getting better. Jacksonville's Stacey Mack vs Kansas City Defense We caught a little flak last week for listing Stacey Mack in the lock column against the Raiders but Mack helped us out with another 100+ yard day. He rushed 27 times for 111 yards (4.1 ypc) plus 2 TDs. Of course, just to make you Mack owners nervous, Coach Tom Coughlin said this week that Fred Taylor could see action this week or next... http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/122501/jag_8179728.html I personally don't see it this week but with this season, you never know. Kansas City ranks # 19 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 23 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. New Orleans' Ricky Williams vs Washington Defense Williams owners (like me) groaned when the Saints fell behind so early last week. Williams was effectively taken out of the game. Although truthfully, he's been less and less a factor lately regardless of the score. He ran for 26 yards on 10 carries (2.6 ypc) and caught 4 passes for 15 yards. That's pretty small. This week, he'll face the Redskins who rank # 20 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 24 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Tennessee's Eddie George vs Cleveland Defense As weird as it sounds, Eddie George will get the carries this week by default as Skip Hicks injured his hamstring and won't see action. The Browns rank # 25 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks and for the year, they rank # 20 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Even Matchups: These games feature no real advantage either way Baltimore's Terry Allen vs Tampa Bay Defense Allen looked solid last week with 91 yards on 22 carries (4.1 ypc) plus a score. He showed little ill effects of being off and actually may have benefited from the rest. This week, he'll face a resurging Buc defense that's ranked # 13 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. That's up from # 21 last week. For the year, they rank # 10 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Buffalo's Shawn Bryson vs New York Jets Defense As you know, Bryson went wild last week rushing for 130 yards on 16 carries (8.1 ypc) plus 2 scores. He also tacked on 31 yards on 3 receptions. Bryson did have a 68 yard run which padded the stats a little but they all count. Henry will likely sit again giving Bryson another start. The Jets rank # 18 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 27 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. New York Giant's Tiki Barber / Ron Dayne vs Philadelphia Defense Neither RB saw much action last week with Barber rushing 12 times for 47 yards (3.9 ypc) and Dayne only rushing 7 times for 42 yards (6.0 ypc) and a score. Barber of course, is more active in the passing game. This week, they'll face an Eagle defense ranked # 15 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 9 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs Seattle Defense So much for that rookie "wall". Tomlinson rushed 27 times for 145 yards (5.4 ypc) last week. Clearly, he's the primary focus of the offense. San Diego has a bye in week 17 (that's not really fair is it?) so this is the last game. Drew Brees could see some action which probably means Tomlinson will be even more the focus if that's possible. The Seahawks rank # 17 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 14 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. San Francisco's Garrison Hearst / Kevan Barlow vs Dallas Defense Hearst had a solid but not great game last week with 72 yards on 17 carries (4.2 ypc) Kevan Barlow carried the ball 6 times for 25 yards (4.2 ypc) Barlow also caught 3 passes. He's creeping into Hearst's time. This week, they'll face a Cowboy Defense ranked # 16 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 13 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Tampa Bay's Mike Alstott / Warrick Dunn vs Baltimore Defense It's tough to predict too much with these guys but Mike Alstott was clearly the featured RB last week rushing for 101 yards on 24 carries (4.2 ypc) with a score. Warrick Dunn had 10 rushes for 32 yards (3.2 ypc) and added 46 yards receiving plus a TD. This week, they'll face a Baltimore defense that's bark is worse than it's bite lately. They rank # 21 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 2 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. That just means that lately, they've given up a lot of yards. The Tampa backs have been very up and down so be leery. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Downside Matchups: These games feature a Defense that's been pretty strong lately. Cleveland's Jamel White vs Tennessee Defense Jamel White prompted lots of "where's he been?" comments from the Brown faithful last week as he rolled up 131 yards on 21 carries (6.2 ypc) With James Jackson out and Ben Gay still too unreliable, it looks like the Browns will continue to utilize White. He'll face a tough Defense this week in Tennessee that ranks # 5 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 15 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Dallas' Emmitt Smith vs San Francisco Defense Smith is probably happy as he got a chance to pad his stats last week with 128 yards on 26 carries (4.9 ypc) He ran pretty well after a slow start and being totally and repeatedly shut down at the goalline. He's clearly just an average to below average back at this point in his career. He does look like he'll be able to hold off Troy Hambrick though. The 49ers rank # 3 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 18 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Don't discount the fact Smith is going for another 1,000 yard season. Of course, with Quincy Carter at QB, I'd give it to Emmitt too. Detroit's Lamont Warren / James Stewart vs Chicago Defense James Stewart re-injured his troublesome ankle last week and Lamont Warren came in and played well rushing 9 times for 48 yards (5.3 ypc) against a super tough Pittsburgh team. (Although he did get 34 of those yards on one run) The going isn't much easier this week against the Bears who rank # 9 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks and # 11 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Keep an eye out this week to see whether Stewart or Warren will play. Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes vs St. Louis Defense Rhodes put together another excellent game last week against the Jets with 126 yards on 17 carries (7.4 ypc) with 1 score. He also tacked on 26 yards on 3 receptions. He did have 2 fumbles though. This week, he'll face a tough Ram defense ranked # 8 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 5 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Although it should be noted they let Carolina's Richard Huntley run for 74 yards and a TD on them last week so it's not like they're invincible. Minnesota's Michael Bennett vs Green Bay Defense Bennett suffered last week from the same problem he's had most of the year. He just didn't get enough carries to make a difference. Although one could argue that after producing just 17 yards on the 11 carries he was given (1.5 ypc), he didn't deserve any more. Bennett's a percentage guy that'll be shut down for a while and then eventually break one long. It's just that most teams can't afford to wait as long it seems to be taking Bennett to get going. This week, he'll face a Packer team ranked # 14 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the season, they rank # 16 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Philadelphia's Duce Staley vs New York Giants Defense Duce Staley has apparently forgotten how to run the ball lately but it doesn't matter as he's clearly the Eagles #1 receiver. Last week, he rushed 15 times for 35 yards (2.3 ypc) But he caught 9 passes for 103 yards. This week, he'll face the Giants who rank # 10 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. More importantly for Staley, they rank # 6 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 3 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis / Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala vs Cincinnati Defense Coach Cowher has upgraded Bettis to Questionable for this week and says he'll play if he's healthy. Tough to say who'll get the call but one has to think that if he plays, Bettis will be used just enough to keep him fresh. The Steelers are winning without him, have a very beatable opponent in Cincinnati this week, and don't want to jeopardize their playoff situation where they know they'll need Bettis. Plus, the Bengals rush Defense is tougher than many think. They rank # 12 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 7 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Seattle's Shaun Alexander vs San Diego Defense Alexander looked to be making a statement that he should have been the guy all along with 96 yards on 28 carries (3.4 ypc) and a score plus another 36 yards receiving with a TD. He'll face the Chargers this week that rank # 11 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 6 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. Washington's Stephen Davis vs New Orleans Defense Davis was held pretty much in check against the Bears last week with 57 yards on 22 carries (2.6 ypc) He did get the score though. He's clearly the prime weapon here. How much would YOU depend on Tony Banks? This week, he faces a Saints defense that's been tough lately ranking # 4 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Defensive Slam Dunks: These games feature a Defense that's been very strong lately. Cincinnati's Corey Dillon vs Pittsburgh Defense Dillon ran well against the overhyped Raven rush defense. As the numbers showed in the week 15 matchup info, Baltimore's been nothing special against the run lately. They were ranked # 12 last week for Dillon and this week, they rank # 21 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. Sometimes the numbers tell you more than the reputation. This week though, the Steelers rep is backed up with the numbers. Pittsburgh ranks # 2 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 1 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. This is a MUCH tougher matchup than last week against the Ravens. Kansas City's Priest Holmes / Tony Richardson vs Jacksonville Defense Holmes had a on "off" day for him with "only" 80 yards on 23 carries (3.5) and 12 yards receiving. He'll be fine. Tony Richardson stole another cheap TD. Richardson's a gamble as he won't likely get many yards even on a good day but he's a threat for a short TD. The Jaguars have been tough lately ranking # 1 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 8 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs. I'd still consider Holmes a must start in most leagues, but this is a tough matchup. Oakland's Charlie Garner / Tyrone Wheatley / Zack Crockett vs Denver Defense Charlie Garner ran well when he ran but as has often been the case lately, he didn't run enough. He had 54 yards on just 10 carries (5.4 ypc) And most of those were between the 20's. Zack Crockett and Tyrone Wheatley both saw action making it nearly impossible to pick which one will do anything. The Broncos rank # 6 in Rushing Yards Allowed per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 4 in Fantasy Points Allowed to RBs so it'll be a touch matchup. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ That'll do it for the Rushing Matchups. Passing Matchups to follow. Joe /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Bryant Analytics, Inc. All Rights Reserved 1999-2001 To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: cheatsheets-unsubscribe@egroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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