|
|
Enron Mail |
Hi Folks,
Here's how I see the Passing Game Matchups this week. PLEASE NOTE: See the cheatsheets online at 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. Peyton Manning may have a horrible matchup one week but unless you're sitting on Kurt Warner or Daunte Culpepper, Manning's your guy no matter who he's lining up against. The matchup info is meant to be just one more tool in your box when it comes to deciding between players. Note: I've used the player stats sorted by performance over the last four weeks extensively in developing these write-ups. Stats are provided by Mike Hall's excellent FLM League Management Software. http://www.fflm.com/ for more info. The points scored by position data is from ESPN.com. Let's get to it. Joe /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Passing Game Matchups to Avoid and Exploit Locks: These games feature Defenses that should be overmatched against the Offense. Buffalo Passing Game vs Atlanta Defense Alex Van Pelt threw for 219 yards and 0 TDs with 1 Interception last week. He threw a ton of balls toward Eric Moulds although not many were caught. Peerless Price is also still a prime target. TE Jay Reimersma and RB Larry Centers will see plenty of short throws. The Falcons rank # 30 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 30 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 30 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs so they've pretty much been weak all year defending the pass. Dallas Passing Game vs Arizona Defense It'll be hard to imagine Quincy Carter leading many FF teams to Playoff victories this week. If you've got to go with one, Joey Galloway suddenly become Carter's favorite target last week. Go figure. Just when you thought he was locking on Rocket Ismail. Both guys are risks. Even with Arizona ranked # 27 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 27 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 27 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Great matchup, but I just don't have a lot of faith in these guys being able to take advantage of it. Oakland Passing Game vs Tennessee Defense Yes, Brett Favre and the Packers didn't do much against the Titans last week. But in my opinion, you just can't bench Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice or Tim Brown. They're just too good and are too liable to explode at any time. The Titans rank # 29 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks so clearly, people are throwing on them. For the year, they rank # 29 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 31 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Start your Raiders. Pittsburgh Passing Game vs Detroit Defense Hard to imagine but Kordell Stewart is carrying Fantasy Teams right now. He's been awesome and isn't showing any signs that I can see of letting up. The one factor he'd been missing, he now seems to have in abundance - Confidence. Hines Ward wasn't a big factor receiving but he's a great bet. Plaxico Burress made the circus catch and looks to be quickly rising in the charts. The Lions are fired up but still rank # 20 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 31 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 28 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. St. Louis Passing Game vs Carolina Defense Start your Rams. Warner, Bruce and Holt are sure starters. Yes, it's tough to guess which Ram WR will do well as Warner spreads the ball around. But I don't see how you can have either of these guys benched as you could leave a ton of points on the table. Carolina ranks # 23 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 28 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 22 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Prime Matchups: These games feature Defenses that should have trouble stopping the Offense. Cleveland Passing Game vs Green Bay Defense Tim Couch evidently had been catching a lot of flak from Browns fans for not being a very accurate passer last week. Seeing as how not one of the 20,000 bottles thrown on the field actually hit a player or ref, I'd guess the fans might want to keep their day jobs... Couch wasn't very effective last week with 184 yards, 0 TDs and 1 Interception. Normally reliable WR Kevin Johnson came up small as well. I still have faith in Johnson as he's shown too much this year to discount him over one game. The Packers rank # 22 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 12 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 5 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Kansas City Passing Game vs San Diego Defense Trent Green's finally coming around. Either that, or he's just teasing us... With the dominant running of Priest Holmes, Green is finding room to throw. Marvin Minnis and Derrick Alexander are doing well. Tony Gonzalez isn't as involved as his owners would like but he's a sure starter in TE leagues. The Chargers rank # 18 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 21 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 15 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Minnesota Passing Game vs Jacksonville Defense The hits just keep rolling for Minnesota. QB Todd Bouman's thumb is causing serious worry. Enough that there's talk that Spergon Wynn could get the start. Stay tuned on this one. Randy Moss has clearly decided to play lately and will wind up with season long stats that'll make all the non Moss owners wonder what all the Moss guys were complaining about early on. Cris Carter is definitely taking a backseat to Moss lately. The Jaguars rank # 26 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 18 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 8 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New York Jets Passing Game vs Indianapolis Defense The Jets are tough to call lately. Testeverde threw for 196 yards and did manage 2 TDs. But Laveranues Coles didn't do a lot. (Although Chris Berman's call of "Laveranues Coles 'shopping' for 18 yards" was classic on the Prime Time highlights...) Wayne Chrebet was more active and of course Anthony Becht caught the TD but not much else. All in all, a risky place for FF passing game material. Curtis Martin should run wild on this bunch. The Colts rank # 21 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 26 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 26 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Philadelphia Passing Game vs San Francisco Defense The passing game lately has been Donovan McNabb throwing to Duce Staley. That's ok as long as they get the yards. Todd Pinkston and James Thrash have been inconsistent. They'll face a 49er team that's been pretty soft lately ranking # 24 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 15 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Tennessee Passing Game vs Oakland Defense I never thought I'd be writing about the pass happy Titans but that's the case. Steve McNair has been awesome lately and ranks as the # 2 QB in the league over the last 3 games. Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson are starters in just about every league. TE Frank Wycheck is producing like always. The Raiders rank # 19 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 11 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 12 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Even Matchups: These games feature no real advantage either way Atlanta Passing Game vs Buffalo Defense It's tough to depend on Chris Chandler but last week he played very well throwing for 249 yards and 2 TDs. Tony Martin seems to be coming on a bit. We said we loved Brian Finneran and he scored. He's not on the field enough (yet) to be a solid starter but he makes things happen out there. RB Bob Christian is an integral part of the passing game as well. This week, they'll face a Buffalo defense ranked # 13 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 24 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 17 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Baltimore Passing Game vs Cincinnati Defense Elvis Grbac managed 2 TDs with just 159 yards Sunday night. Picking a receiver for the Ravens is as tough as ever with Ismail / Stokely / Taylor all in the mix. TE Shannon Sharpe is the sure bet. This week, they'll face the Bengals ranked # 10 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 19 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 23 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Terry Allen should be more of a factor in this one as well. Green Bay Passing Game vs Cleveland Defense I can't imagine benching Brett Favre right now. He seems to get better as it gets colder and they have a lot riding on these next few games after losing to Tennessee Sunday. Antonio Freeman and Billy Schroeder both should be ready to play. The Browns have been tough lately ranking # 8 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 3 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 18 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Jacksonville Passing Game vs Minnesota Defense Mark Brunell posted 202 yards , 1 TD and 2 Interceptions Sunday. Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith were as active as usual. They're two of the steadiest guys in the league. It's surprising, but Minnesota's been tough lately against the pass ranking # 7 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 22 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 21 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Miami Passing Game vs New England Defense The problem with Jay Fiedler is that when he's ugly, he's really ugly. If you started him Sunday, you know what I mean. 149 yards, 0 TDs and 3 Interceptions wont win Real or Fantasy Games for anyone. Oronde Gadsden was injured to boot. Gasden said he'll be ready Sunday. Chris Chambers still has tons of upside if you're ready to roll the dice. New England ranks # 25 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 16 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 13 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. San Diego Passing Game vs Kansas City Defense Doug Flutie threw 3 Interceptions Sunday with 0 TDs. Another day like that and he'll see Drew Brees finishing the game. You might see Brees anyway as they'll want to start taking a look at their QB of the future. Jeff Graham and Curtis Conway continue to play well. Tim Dwight could miss another game due to his lung problem. TE Freddie Jones is inconsistent but if you own him, he's probably a starter for you. Kansas City ranks # 16 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 14 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 11 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Seattle Passing Game vs New York Giants Defense With 152 yards, 0 Interceptions and 0 TDs, you can say at least Hasselbeck didn't do anything to hurt the Seahawks. Darrell Jackson is the clear # 1 guy although Koren Robinson will see his share of passes. The Giants rank # 14 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 17 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 29 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Tampa Bay Passing Game vs New Orleans Defense Johnson threw an ugly game last week with 191 yards, 0 TDs and 2 Interceptions. If a team finds a way to limit Keyshawn Johnson, the passing game is gone. Granted, most teams have trouble keeping Keyshawn from getting his catches, but the over reliance on one receiver severely restricts the offense in my opinion. Warrick Dunn saw plenty of passes Sunday but it wasn't enough. At this point, Keyshawn is the only consistent starter in this passing game. New Orleans ranks # 17 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks after the St. Louis game Monday night. For the year, they rank # 25 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 24 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Downside Matchups: These games feature a Defense that could pose trouble for the Offense. Carolina Passing Game vs St. Louis Defense Surely, you're not down to Chris Weinke are you? Even with a week to rest, I'm not excited about their prospects. Muhsin Muhammad might be an option for some teams. TE Wesley Walls just doesn't seem to consistently get on the same page as Weinke. The Rams rank # 9 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 13 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 7 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Cincinnati Passing Game vs Baltimore Defense Don't even go there. Maybe Peter Warrick in a stretch if you're desperate but that's pretty much it. This team is all about Corey Dillon. Unfortunately, the Ravens picked up on that as well. They rank # 31 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks with 811 passing yards allowed in 3 games. For the year, they rank # 20 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 20 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Even so, I'd still avoid. Detroit Passing Game vs Pittsburgh Defense Mike McMahon led the Lions to the feel good story of the week Sunday as they beat the Vikings. Hats off to them and their fans. They kept playing hard. Mike McMahon looked very good and definitely showed some flashes of talent with his scrambling ability. He threw for 241 yards with 0 TDs but also 0 Interceptions. Johnnie Morton is the clear cut # 1 Guy but Scottie Anderson did well too. The Steelers rank # 28 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks primarily because nobody can run on them. For the year, they rank # 4 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 10 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New Orleans Passing Game vs Tampa Bay Defense Start Aaron Brooks. Like you need me to tell you that. Joe Horn and probably Willie Jackson are starters in your league as well. Looks like Cam Cleeland has taken over all of the work Boo Williams was seeing at TE. These guys are hot. Ricky Williams reportedly has a hairline fracture in one of his ribs but is expected to play. You have to think this will at least throw a little more focus on the passing game though. The Bucs rank # 5 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks so they're tough. For the year, they rank # 7 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 6 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New York Giants Passing Game vs Seattle Defense Collins has been up and down. He did have 2 TDs last week but only threw for 147 yards. Amani Toomer was the clear # 1 Guy with Ike Hilliard apparently hurting. Ron Dixon got into the action with a TD but he's inconsistent. The Seahawks rank a very solid # 3 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 23 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 9 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. San Francisco Passing Game vs Philadelphia Defense The 49ers showed Sunday they can win in different ways as they rode the legs of Garrison Hearst and the RB corps to victory. Jeff Garcia did very little throwing for 133 yards and a TD. He'll likely be needed more this week. Terrell Owens is still his clear cut go to guy. Garcia could make the Eagles pay with their blitz happy defense. Philadelphia ranks # 12 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 2 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 2 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Washington Passing Game vs Chicago Defense Tony Banks struggled last week throwing for 213 yards, 0 TDs and 2 Interceptions. His WR corps of Westbrook and Gardner have been ok but not great lately. TE Zeron Flemister did see several passes thrown his way again. He's worth a shot if you're in need of a TE. The Bears have improved lately against the pass ranking # 11 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 10 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 1 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Defensive Slam Dunks: These games feature a very tough Defense posing major problems for the Offense. Arizona Passing Game vs Dallas Defense Jake Plummer played decent last week with 207 yards and 1 TD. David Boston is a must start at WR. For you guys desperate for a TE, look at Twayn Mitchell who had 7 catches for 62 yards a TD. You could do a lot worse. We'll see if he can keep that up. The Cowboys rank # 1 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 5 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 4 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs so this will be no cakewalk. Chicago Passing Game vs Washington Defense Jim Miller isn't carrying anyone's FF Team lately. Although his 190 yards and 2 TDs Sunday weren't bad. Marty Booker is still seeing a ton of balls thrown his way. And Dez White is seeing action. David Terrell makes the most of what he gets but he's not seeing a lot of passes. This team is about Anthony Thomas and smashmouth football. They'll have occasional outbursts of big plays but primarily, it's Thomas. The Redskins have been very good lately ranking # 2 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 9 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 14 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Indianapolis Passing Game vs New York Jets Defense We got the predicted bounceback from Manning as he threw for 325 yards and 3 TDs with 1 Interception. He's been up and down so let's see if he can keep it up. Of course Marvin Harrison is the prime target but rookie Reggie Wayne's seeing lots of passes too. TE Marcus Pollard was very involved in the game plan last week as well. The Jets rank # 4 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 1 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 3 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Tough matchup. New England Passing Game vs Miami Defense Tom Brady continues his slide back to Earth. He threw for 237 yards, 0 TDs and 1 Interception last week. But the Patriots won and that's all they care about. Troy Brown is being hurt by Terry Glenn's return. Brown, Glenn and David Patten all seem to be seeing fairly equal number of opportunities. The Dolphins are tough against the pass ranking # 6 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last four weeks. For the year, they rank # 6 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 16 in Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ 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/
|