QBs: (1 pt per 25 yds passing; 6 pts for all TDs, -2 pts/INT)
RBs: (1 pt per 10 yards rushing/receiving; 6 pts for all TDs)
WRs/TEs: (1 point per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 points per TD)

Note: Teams that have a fantasy relevant TE will be included.

KC @ OAK | WAS @ STL | TEN @ BUF | TB @ CLE | NO @ NYG | NE @ JAX | IND @ HOU | CHI @ DET
CAR @ ATL | BAL @ PIT | ARI @ SF | CIN @ DEN | SD @ SEA | PHI @ DAL | NYJ @ MIA

Chiefs @ Raiders
Trent Green/Eddie Kennison/Samie Parker/Tony Gonzalez
Larry Johnson (vs. OAK)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Raiders this season: Chiefs
Similar RBs that have faced the Raiders this season: Johnson
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 4.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 9.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 0
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 32.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 7/16.6/0.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 25

Passing Game Facts: Green has thrown an interception in four straight games and has only thrown a TD pass in two of his six starts. Chiefs QBs have only thrown for more than 201 yards once in the six of the past seven games. No opposing QB has exceeded 17.9 fantasy points against the Raiders since Week 5 and they have only allowed two multiple passing TD games in that same time. Only five WRs have hit double digits against this defense-they have allowed only 2 WR scores since Week 10. Doug Houshmandzadeh is the only WR to be targeted 10 times against the Raiders since Week 8. The Raiders have allowed less than 2 fantasy points total over the past three weeks to opposing TEs.

Running Game Facts: Johnson has been much less of a fantasy beast on the road than he has been at home. He has hit the century mark in seven of his last nine games. Johnson has only been held to single-digit fantasy points twice all season-last week was the first time since Week 6. Johnson has touched the ball 20+ times in nine straight games. The Raiders have allowed eight 100-yard rushing performances (and four in their last five games) this season. They have also allowed a RB to score twice in four of the last five contests. They have given up 10+ points to a RB from all but two opponents in 2006.

Analysis: Gonzalez missed the first game due to injury as did Green. I expect a pretty meager performance from Green again this week and would be surprised if he throws for more than one score. On the other hand, Johnson is a pretty solid bet for 150 total yards and 2 scores. It would be foolish to expect more than 50 yards from either Parker or Kennison. Gonzalez is once again a solid play as every big-name TE that has faced this defense has scored a TD. Put him down for 50-60 yards as well.

Aaron Brooks/Randy Moss/Ronald Curry
Justin Fargas (vs. KC)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Chiefs this season: Raiders
Similar RBs that have faced the Chiefs this season: Fargas
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 15.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 12.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 11.5
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.8/17.5/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 27.2

Passing Game Facts: Brooks has thrown a INT in every game since his Week 11 return. Raiders QBs have only accounted for four double-digit fantasy point performances all season. Only once this season have Raiders QBs thrown for 2 scores in the same game. Raiders WRs have only scored once since Week 7. Mark Clayton’s 17.2 point performance in Week 14 vs. the Chiefs was the only 10+ game by an opposing WR since Week 9. Kansas City has only held one QB under a double-digit point total since Week 4. Chiefs’ opponents have only seen one WR score 10+ fantasy points against them over the past six games.

Running Game Facts: No Raiders RB has topped 66 yards rushing since Week 5 and only once has a Raiders RB (LaMont Jordan) rushed for over 100 yards this season. Raiders RBs have scored only 5 times all season. The Chiefs have allowed an opposing RB to hit 10+ fantasy points in three straight weeks.

Analysis: We may have a legit fantasy player from the Raiders offense. Even though it would be as a #3 WR/flex, Curry has stepped up recently, catching 17 passes for 186 yards and a score over the past two weeks. He’s easily the most trusted option in the passing game, so expect another 70-80 yards again this week. Stay away from the rest of the Raiders offense.

Redskins @ Rams
Jason Campbell/Santana Moss/Antwaan Randle El/Chris Cooley
Ladell Betts (vs. STL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Rams this season: Chiefs
Similar RBs that have faced the Rams this season: Edgerrin James (2)
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 23.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 7.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 25.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 13.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.2/18.3/3.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 25.1

Passing Game Facts: Campbell has scored more than 12 fantasy points and thrown for a score in each of his five starts. Last week, Campbell threw for over 200 yards-still, he has thrown for less than 200 yards in three of five starts. Redskins WRs have accounted for only four scores since Week 7. Moss was targeted 10 times in Week 15-the first time a Redskins WR has been targeted that many times since Week 6. Cooley has scored three times since Week 8. Before last week, the Rams had allowed a TD pass in every game from Week 2 through Week 14 but have not allowed a QB to throw for more than 280 yards all season long. After intercepting 8 passes in their first four games, the Rams have only picked off three passes in the next nine contests before intercepting three vs. OAK in Week 15. No QB has attempted more than 25 passes against the Rams since Week 6. Oakland’s Ronald Curry was targeted 14 times last week-this was the first time since Week 4 a Rams’ opponent had a WR targeted that much. The Rams have allowed only one TE to hit double-digit fantasy points this season.

Running Game Facts: Betts has hit the 100-yard rushing mark in each of his last four starts. Redskins RBs have only accounted for one TD since Week 9. The Rams have allowed 12.4+ points to an opposing RB in all but two games this season. Last week was the first time since Week 6 the Rams did not allow a 10+ point performance to an opposing RB. The Rams have allowed nine 100-yard rushing (and eleven 90-yard) performances this season.

Analysis: Campbell’s standard line has become 200 yards and 1-2 TD and, given the porous Rams run defense, is about all his owners should expect this week. Betts is definitely in line for his fifth straight 100-yard rushing game. I like him for at least one TD as well. Moss continues to get consistent looks from Campbell the more they play together, thus he is a solid #2 WR play this week-he could be a good bet for 70+ yards and a decent bet for a score. While Randle El has improved statistically since Campbell took over, he’s still too risky to use. Cooley is once again a top 8 TE play and is the best bet for a receiving score against the Rams to go along with 60 yards.

Marc Bulger/Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce
Steven Jackson (vs. WAS)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Redskins this season: Giants
Similar RBs that have faced the Redskins this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 16.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 25.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.2/14.4/N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.9

Passing Game Facts: Last week was the first time Bulger attempted fewer than 34 passes in any game since Week 5 and only the third time all season. Bulger had also been intercepted in five straight games before last week. Only four times this season has Holt not been targeted at least 10 times. Week 15 was the first all year that the Redskins did not allow a QB to pass for at least one TD. They have allowed multiple TD passes in six of their last eight games and have only picked six passes off all season. Yet, the Redskins have not allowed a 210+ yard passer in the last five weeks. After allowing every opposing QB to score 10+ fantasy points against them, the Redskins have held two of the past four QB under that mark. Until last week, the Redskins had allowed at least one WR score each week since Week 3.

Running Game Facts: Jackson has seen 28+ touches in each of the last four games. Last week was Jackson’s first catch-less game-he also has 6+ receptions in each of the six games prior. Only three times this season has Jackson not rushed for at least 80 yards. The Redskins have allowed 10+ fantasy points to a RB in all but three games. The fewest points they have allowed to any lead RB is 7.1. They have allowed three straight (and five of their last six) opponents to feature an RB who scored more than 12+ fantasy points.

Analysis: Bulger should return to his average numbers this week after seeing both extremes the last two weeks. I like him for 225 yards and a score. Jackson will return to his usual 6-catch ways in this game as the Redskins have improved on pass defense over the course of the season, especially since CB Shawn Springs returned to the lineup. I like him for 80-90 rushing yards, 30-40 receiving yards and a score. Holt does not make a great play as 60 yards and a score is likely the most we can expect from him. Bruce is not a great bet for anything over 50 yards.

Titans @ Bills
Vince Young/Drew Bennett/Brandon Jones
Travis Henry (vs. BUF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bills this season: Jaguars
Similar RBs that have faced the Bills this season: Chester Taylor
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 20.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 11.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 3.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 7.2/9.8/N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18.9

Passing Game Facts: Last week was the first time in four games Young did not eclipse the 20-point mark and the first time in six games he did not score 10+ fantasy points. He had also accounted for at least one TD in every start he has made this season until Week 15. The Bills have not allowed more than 10.3 fantasy points to an opposing QB in three straight weeks. The Bills defense has allowed at least one passing score (but no more than two) in all but two games this season. Laveranues Coles is the only WR in the last five weeks to score double-digit fantasy points against the Bills.

Running Game Facts: Henry has scored 10+ points and rushed for 88 or more yards in four of his last six games. However, Henry has not put together more than two double-digit fantasy performances consecutively all year long. Last week was the first time since Weeks 3-4 the Bills did not allow a double-digit RB point producer in two straight games. Last week was the first time since Week 7 the Bills did not allow at least 105 yards rushing to opposing RBs.

Analysis: The last time the Bills faced a mobile QB (Garrard), he carved them up pretty good. Young has a similar style and quality cast, so I expect a Garrard-like 2 TD game from him to go along with 150 passing and 40 rushing yards. All of Henry’s 20+ fantasy point performances have come on the road and rarely has he had consecutive poor rushing performances, so I look for Henry to rush for at least 80 yards and a TD, especially against a pretty porous Bills rush defense. If any Titans WR is going to have a good fantasy day, it will likely be Bennett, but I would stay away from this cast of WRs as well.

JP Losman/Lee Evans/Roscoe Parrish
Willis McGahee (vs. TEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Titans this season: Jaguars
Similar RBs that have faced the Titans this season: Jamal Lewis
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 19.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 24.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 5
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11.5/18.1/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 23.9

Passing Game Facts: Losman has thrown for two TDs or more in four of his last five games but has not thrown for more than 200 yards in any of those games. Last week marked the second time since Weeks 2-4 that Losman registered three straight double-digit fantasy performances. Bills TE Robert Royal has scored in three straight games after not having scored all season prior to Week 13. After allowing every starting QB to go for more than 10+ fantasy points prior to Week 12, the Titans have only allowed it to happen twice over the past four games. The Titans have intercepted two passes in four of the their last six games. The Titans have allowed only two 100-yard WR performances since Week 1.

Running Game Facts: Similarly, the Bills have two 100-yard rushing performances to their credit. Since scoring only once in his first nine weeks, McGahee has scored four times in the last four weeks after returning from injury-last week was the first time in four weeks McGahee did not score. The Titans have allowed 2 scores to RBs in two of the past four games and six 10+ point performances to opposing RBs over the last five games. They have also allowed 10+ performances to opposing RBs in six straight and eight of their last nine contests.

Analysis: Losman has thrown for multiple scores in three straight but the Titans haven’t allowed a QB to throw for more than one TD in five straight weeks. I like the latter to win out. Losman will probably throw for one score and find his way to 200 yards passing, but I expect a fairly low-scoring game featuring the run game for both teams. As such, McGahee makes a good #2 RB play once again. He has alternated good and bad fantasy games over the last four games and the Titans have been pretty generous to opposing RBs. McGahee is a solid choice for 80 rushing yards and at least one score. Evans has scored in two straight (and four times of the last five) games, making him a good candidate for another trip to the stripe in this game. Pencil him in for 75 yards. Josh Reed and Parrish are still much too risky for fantasy use.

Bucs @ Browns
Tim Rattay/Joey Galloway/Ike Hilliard
Cadillac Williams (vs. CLE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Browns this season: Raiders
Similar RBs that have faced the Browns this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 9.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 1.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 23.9/21.6/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 26.1

Passing Game Facts: The Bucs QBs have thrown 4 more INTs than TDs. Previous to Week 15, no Bucs WR had scored since Week 11. In just over one half of action, Rattay’s 26.7 fantasy point performance was the most by a Bucs QB since Week 10 of 2005-also the last time the Bucs have two WRs score more than 10+ fantasy points in the same game. The Browns have allowed six consecutive opposing QBs to post 15+ fantasy points. They have allowed at least one opposing WR to hit double-digit fantasy points in five straight games and have been victimized by the opposition’s deep threat for most of the season. The Browns have allowed TEs from only two teams to score this year.

Running Game Facts: The Bucs have only had one 10+ point RB performance since Week 6. Bucs RBs have only scored 4 times all season. The Browns have allowed seven straight (and 9 of their last 10) RBs to top 10.8 points and have only kept two teams from featuring a back that scored less than that amount. They have allowed eight 100-yard+ rushing performances.

Analysis: What to make of Rattay? Well, he’s not a good bet to repeat last week. But you could do much worse than a QB against the Browns defense. I like Rattay to throw for 210 yards and 2 scores. Why not more? Because this may be one of the better weeks to ride a Cadillac. Every full-time RB to face the Browns has scored at least 8.6 fantasy points, meaning I like Williams to push 90 yards rushing and a possible score. Lastly, WRs that can get deep like Galloway have experienced success vs. the Browns, so Galloway should fare nicely, around 85 yards and a score. Despite last week’s performance, Hilliard still does not warrant any time in starting fantasy lineups.

Derek Anderson/Braylon Edwards/Joe Jurevicius/Kellen Winslow
Reuben Droughns (vs. TB)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bucs this season: Bears
Similar RBs that have faced the Bucs this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 25.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 14.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 26.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.1/11.3/15.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 21.9

Passing Game Facts: Anderson has accounted for at least 13.4 fantasy points in each of his three appearances, but has thrown an INT in each game as well. Edwards has only scored fewer than 9 fantasy points once in his last seven games. All but one QB has scored double-digit fantasy points against the Bucs this season. Only one QB has scored less than 18 fantasy points in the last seven weeks vs. the Bucs. From Week 8 on, the Bucs have allowed a 17:3 TD/INT ratio to opposing QBs. Tampa Bay has not allowed an opposing WR to top 10+ fantasy points in three straight and four of their last five. The Bucs are tied for the league lead (49ers) with 8 TE scores allowed. Last week was the third time in five weeks the Bucs allowed multiple TEs scores to their opponent.

Running Game Facts: The Browns have not run for 100+ yards as a team since Week 8 and have only scored 4 times all season. Only one time since Week 9 has a Browns RB scored 10+ fantasy points. The Bucs have not allowed more than 88 total yards to an opposing RB since Week 7. Last week was the first time all season an opposing team’s RBs ran for two scores in the same game all year.

Analysis: While this game may end up being a less-than-attractive game to watch, it may make for a bit of an offensive explosion considering the two passing defenses that are taking the field. Anderson makes a solid bet for 230 yards and 2 scores. Droughns has been a bad play for most of the season and it should continue this week. The Bucs defend the run fairly well. I look for both aforementioned WRs to make for decent #2 WR plays, Edwards for 65+ yards and a score and Jurevicius for 70 yards. Winslow makes for an excellent play this weekend given the fact the Bucs have allowed opposing TEs to score six times over the past five weeks. I look for him to hit the 50-60 yard mark.

Saints @ Giants
Drew Brees/Marques Colston/Devery Henderson
Deuce McAllister/Reggie Bush (vs. NYG)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Giants this season: Colts, Eagles (2)
Similar RBs that have faced the Giants this season: Marion Barber (2)/Brian Westbrook (2)
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 19.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 21.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 12.1/21.1
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13/22.9/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 23

Passing Game Facts: Brees has thrown for 300+ yards and multiple TDs in six of his last nine games. Last week was only the second time since Week 5 that he didn’t reach either mark in a game. Last week was also the second time in three weeks where at least one Saints WR did not score 16.9 fantasy points. (This follows a six-game stretch where at least one WR exceeded that total.) The Giants defense has intercepted six passes in the past three games. They have allowed 237 passing yards in each of their last six games. Weeks 14-15 was the first time since their Week 4 bye the Giants have allowed an opposing WR to score 10+ fantasy points in consecutive games. They have allowed the second-most yards to the TE position in the league.

Running Game Facts: The Saints RBs have combined for ten double-digit performances over the past six weeks. Only once all season have the Saints not had at least one RB score more than 9.4 fantasy points in a game. McAllister has scored 12+ fantasy points in four straight. Bush’s 19 receiving yards were his fewest since Week 8 and his 33 total yards were his fewest since Week 9. Only two runners have gone over the 100-yard rushing mark vs. the Giants in 2006. The Giants have allowed multi-TD performances in three in the past five games.

Analysis: Brees is going to get his yards in this game; the number of scores are the only question. I’m betting on 250 yards and 2 scores at the minimum. Both Saints backs should be equal plays, with Bush hitting 80 total yards and a possible TD while McAllister rushing for at least 70 yards with an outside shot at a short score. With Colston back and nearly 100%, look for him to hit 90 yards and a score while Henderson and Terrance Copper being held to 50-60 yards.

Eli Manning/Plaxico Burress/Tim Carter/Jeremy Shockey
Tiki Barber/Brandon Jacobs (vs. NO)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Saints this season: Redskins
Similar RBs that have faced the Saints this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 14.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 14.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11.2/19.6/4.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.6

Passing Game Facts: The last time Manning went consecutive games without throwing a TD was Week 12-14 of the 2004 season. However, he has thrown two INTs in four of his last six games and six times in total this season. Burress has scored in four of his last five and six of his last eight games. Last week was only the second 100-yard receiving game for Burress in 2006. (Burress’ 9 TDs are already a career high and Shockey’s 7 scores ties a career high.) The Saints have held only one QB to under 10 fantasy points this season and have allowed every QB except for Michael Vick (both times) to throw for a score. However, they have picked off five passes in the past three games. The Saints have allowed at least one WR to score 13.9 points in five of their last seven games (and in nine games total) over the course of the season. The Saints have allowed only one TE score since Week 8 while Shockey has scored three times in the same time period.

Running Game Facts: Barber has seven 100-yard rushing games this season, but only 2 TDs. A Giants RB has scored 10+ fantasy points in all but two games this season. The Saints have allowed five 100-yard rushers in the past eight games. Five of the seven 10+ fantasy point performances the Saints have allowed to RBs have come in the past six weeks.

Analysis: We think we are getting to know the real Eli once again and then he pulls out another dreadful performance last week. This game has the makings of a shootout, but I don’t think it will happen. I think Manning is a decent bet for 2 scores and 230 yards passing, but he will probably throw at least one pick. Barber should near 140 total yards and Jacobs is always a good bet for at least one short yardage score although the numbers suggest that won’t happen this week. Burress is a great play, look for 80 yards and at least one score at the minimum. Shockey is always one of the better TE plays, but don’t figure on a TD catch. He should be a solid bet for 60 yards though.

Patriots @ Jaguars
Tom Brady/Reche Caldwell/Troy Brown/Ben Watson
Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney (vs. JAX)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jaguars this season: Redskins
Similar RBs that have faced the Jaguars this season: Julius Jones/Marion Barber
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 29.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 37
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 19.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11/19.6/1.7
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 8.8

Passing Game Facts: Brady’s 2 TD showing in Week 15 was his first multi-TD game in five weeks. Since throwing for multiple scores in 5 of his first 7 games, Brady has only thrown for two or more TDs twice since. Brady has thrown for 187 yards combined over the last two weeks. Lastly, Brady has only scored more than 16.6 fantasy points once in the past seven weeks. Peyton Manning’s 16.6 performance in Week 14 was the best against the Jags defense since Week 7. No opposing WR has topped 12.5 fantasy points against the Jags since Week 7. Only Santana Moss and Andre Johnson have eclipsed 100 yards receiving AND scored in the same game against this defense. The Jags have allowed only 2 TE scores and none since Week 7.

Running Game Facts: Until last week, Dillon has scored in every other game this season but not once has he scored in consecutive games. Dillon has yet to run for 100 yards in a game this season. Dillon had 20 carries in Week 15-the only other time a Pats RB had 20 carries this season was Dillon’s 20 in Week 2. No RB has carried the ball more than 12 times against the Jags in the past five weeks. Predictably, no RB has run for more than 67 yards against this defense since Week 7. The Jags have not allowed a double-digit RB performer in three straight (and four of their last five) games.

Analysis: Given their recent defensive dominance (especially vs. the run), the Pats will need to beat the Jags via the air. As such, Brady will need to step up with his best passing game in a month and a half. Brady hasn’t thrown for at least 200 yards AND 2 scores in the same game since Week 11, something he is going to need to do if the Pats want to win this game. I don’t like either to happen here. Brady will probably throw for 230+ yards and a score, but little more. Maroney’s status is still in doubt, thus Kevin Faulk may take on a similar role to the one he did last week, albeit much less successfully. Dillon will struggle to rush for 60 yards and will likely not score. No Pats WR will likely go over 55 yards receiving and Watson’s status remains in question. In short, play anyone associated with the Pats offense this week at your own risk.

David Garrard/Ernest Wilford/Matt Jones/Reggie Williams
Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew (vs. NE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Patriots this season: Bills
Similar RBs that have faced the Patriots this season: Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 4.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 20.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 21
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 7.5/16.8/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16.6

Passing Game Facts: Garrard has alternated decent to good fantasy starts with terrible fantasy starts in his last four home games but has scored 11+ fantasy points in four of his last five games. The Jags WRs have only had one 100-yard performance from a WR all season. The Patriots defense has not allowed a QB to score more than 14 fantasy points against them in five straight weeks (including holding three of the five QBs to less than 3 fantasy points) and only three times all season. The Patriots have allowed double-digit WR performers in five of their last seven games.

Running Game Facts: Jags RBs have accounted for eleven double-digit fantasy point performances over the past six games. Only once all season has at least one Jags RB not scored 10+ fantasy points in a game. The Pats have allowed three straight opposing RBs (and seven of their last eight) to hit 10+ fantasy points. The Pats have allowed an opposing rusher to hit 90 or more yards (and allowed a rushing TD) in three of their past four games.

Analysis: The Jags attack should be mostly ground-based, so look for Garrard to have an average game at best. Put him down for 185 yards passing, 1 TD, 30 yards rushing and two turnovers. With carrying the full load a possibility for Drew, he’s a great bet for 110 rushing yards and a score. If Taylor can play, he won’t be full speed and would be a terrible risk for fantasy owners to take in what is most owners’ championship week. Since #2 WRs have fared the best against the Pats for most of the season, look for Williams to take the lead role (about 50 yards) this week, but no Jags WR should see the starting lineup in 2 WR leagues this week.

Colts @ Texans
Peyton Manning/Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne/Ben Utecht
Joseph Addai/Dominic Rhodes (vs. HOU)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Texans this season: Colts
Similar RBs that have faced the Texans this season: Joseph Addai/Dominic Rhodes
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 34.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 34.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 12.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 32.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 15/11.3/2.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 26.2

Passing Game Facts: Manning has thrown for two or more scores in seven games this season and has yet to register a single-digit fantasy point performance-his last one in a meaningful game was Week 3 of the 2005 season vs. the Browns. He has thrown for at least 282 yards in three straight games. Harrison has scored 23+ fantasy points in two of his last three games while Wayne has 9+ fantasy points in eight of his last nine. No Colts TE has registered a double-digit performance since Week 7. The Texans have allowed only two QBs to throw for more than a single passing TD since Week 6. The Texans have been repeatedly beaten by the opposition’s speed receiver. The Texans have allowed only one double-digit TE performer all season.

Running Game Facts: Addai has been the Colts’ most productive fantasy back in seven of their last nine games. Colts RBs only have one individual 100-yard rushing performance all season. The Texans have allowed at least one running score in all but once game over the past seven weeks but have allowed only one individual RB to rush for 100 yards since Week 6.

Analysis: Manning has a good record of tearing up the Texans, so I look for another 260+ yard game to go along with 2-3 scores. Addai first had a high ankle sprain, then he didn’t. He should be a go for this game, but I like Rhodes to get the majority of reps in this game to keep Addai from injuring himself further. I like Rhodes for 65 total yards and a score while Addai will probably account for 45 total yards. Wayne seems to have some of his biggest games when the Colts (or Manning) feels they are superior to their opposition, so I expect Wayne to outperform Harrison this week. Wayne should be good for 110 yards while Harrison hits 90. I like both for at least one score. Utecht probably will not exceed 40 yards.

David Carr/Andre Johnson/Eric Moulds
Ron Dayne/Wali Lundy (vs. IND)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Colts this season: Texans
Similar RBs that have faced the Colts this season: Dayne/Lundy
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 25.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 11.5
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 10.3/9.9/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 35.3

Passing Game Facts: Until last week, Carr had not thrown for more than one score or been picked off more than once in any game since Week 7-he was intercepted four times vs. NE. Carr has registered negative point performances in two of his last three games. Johnson has been the Texans’ best fantasy WR in 13 straight games. After registering only one non-double-digit performance prior to Week 9, Johnson has only hit the 10-point mark once since, scoring once in that time. Running QBs have hurt the Colts defense much more than pocket passers have. Five of the last seven Colts’ opponents have not had a QB score 10+ fantasy points against their defense. The Colts have allowed only four double-digit performances to the WR position all season long, including none since Week 8-no WR has topped 10 fantasy points since Week 4.

Running Game Facts: At least one Texans RB has hit double-digit fantasy points in seven of their past nine games. A Texans RB has scored in three straight games. The Colts have allowed eight 100-yard rushing performances this season and they are the only team to have allowed 2000 yards rushing. They have allowed 1113 total yards and eight scores to RBs over the past five weeks.

Analysis: Carr has been horrid in the second half of this season, especially over the last three games. It’s hard to see that changing in this game. He may get 175 yards and 1 TD, but no more. Dayne has seen at least 18 carries in his last three games and figures to get at least that many in this one. Dayne is certainly high-risk, high-reward at this time of year, but you could do much worse for a RB who has a tough matchup or injury. I don’t like him for much more than 75 rushing yards, but at least one TD should be in the offing. Predictably, Johnson has suffered from Carr’s ineffectiveness and, as such, don’t look for a score but at least 70 yards from AJ. The best chance for a receiving score may be an injured Owen Daniels or Jeb Putzier. Neither is worth playing…obviously.

Bears @ Lions
Rex Grossman/Muhsin Muhammad/Bernard Berrian/Desmond Clark
Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson (vs. DET)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Lions this season: Bears
Similar RBs that have faced the Lions this season: Jones/Benson
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 35.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 22.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 27.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 10.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 7.8/12.7/2.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 31.7

Passing Game Facts: Grossman’s consecutive 2 TD games are the first time he has done that since Week 4-5. At least one Bears WR has hit double digits in all but two games this season. Clark’s 7 catches in Week 15 were one more than the amount of receptions he had in the previous five weeks combined. The Lions have not allowed a passing score over the last three games. The Lions have allowed only one WR to score more than 12 fantasy points since Week 4. Only one TE (Randy McMichael) has scored more than 3 points against the Lions since Week 10.

Running Game Facts: At least one Bears RB has scored at least 10+ points in the last six games. Last week, Benson and Jones both scored. Ten of the 13 TDs that Bears RBs have scored have come in five games. The Lions have allowed 8 rushing scores over the past three games.

Analysis: Grossman should continue his whipping of poor defenses this week. I look forward to 2 scores and 215 yards from him. I also look for Benson to take a featured role in this game, especially if Jones is held out. In such a role, Benson would be a pretty good #2 RB play, with 85 rushing yards and 1-2 scores a distinct possibility. Muhammad is the best bet for a score to go along with 65 yards. Berrian should go deep at least once and hit 80 yards. Despite last week’s performance, it’s too risky to trust Clark to put up another top-notch game. Don’t count on more than 40 yards receiving.

Jon Kitna/Roy Williams/Mike Furrey
Arlen Harris (vs. CHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bears this season: Lions
Similar RBs that have faced the Bears this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 13.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 14.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 4.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 18.7/25.5/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 26.5

Passing Game Facts: Kitna has not accounted for multiple scores in the same game since Week 7, thrown at least one INT in every game this season, and tossed at least two picks in each of the past three weeks. Last week was the first week Kitna did not throw for at least 200 yards. Lions WRs have accounted for only one score since Week 9. Only twice in the last six games has a Lions WR scored more than 10 fantasy points. The Bears have picked off 8 more passes than they have allowed passing touchdowns this season. After not allowing a single 20-point fantasy performance to a QB through Week 13, the Bears have allowed 25+ in consecutive games. Week 15 was the first time all season the Bears allowed two 10+ fantasy WR performers in the same game.

Running Game Facts: Lions RBs have only accounted for two scores in the past six weeks. After allowing only one RB to top 10+ fantasy points before their Week 7 bye, the Bears have allowed 11.8+ points in six of the next eight games, yet they have allowed only 7 RB scores all season. Before the bye, the Bears allowed 3.3 yds/carry. Since then, they have allowed 4.9 yds/carry.

Analysis: When Kevin Jones is not in the lineup, it appears to hurt the passing game substantially. As such, Kitna is not a great play this week despite the Bucs’ success last week. I predict 220 yards, 1 score and 2-3 INTs. Harris is at best a flex play (and a bad one at that). It’s hard to see him top 50 total yards. Williams should see the most success of the Lions WRs, but it is hard to like him for much more than 70 yards with the passing game in as bad of a state as it is in right now. Mike Williams was finally worked in to the offense a bit last week and should see more action as the season draws to a close, but he’s obviously not worth a play. Furrey is about as good of a play as Roy Williams. As to which WR will catch Kitna’s scoring pass-if he even throws one-is hard to predict.

Panthers @ Falcons
Jake Delhomme or Chris Weinke/Steve Smith/Keyshawn Johnson/Drew Carter
DeShaun Foster/DeAngelo Williams (vs. ATL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Falcons this season: Panthers
Similar RBs that have faced the Falcons this season: Foster/Williams
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 3.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 13.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 8.2
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.4/21.1/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 21.7

Passing Game Facts: Panthers QBs have thrown a pick in nine consecutive contests, throwing 2 or more in four straight. Last week marked the first time Smith had back-to-back single digit performances since his return from a season-ending injury in 2004. Outside of the high-scoring games in the middle of the season vs. the Steelers and the Bengals where the defense allowed 7 passing scores, the Falcons have only allowed 9 throwing scores total in the other 12 games. The Falcons have struggled all season with the opposition’s deep threat at WR. Additionally, with the exception of Chris Cooley a couple weeks ago, the Falcons have given up good yardage and/or scores to every notable fantasy TE they have faced this season.

Running Game Facts: Panthers RBs have only accounted for 6 total TDs-their last rushing score was in Week 10 (Brad Hoover). Only once since Week 7 have the Falcons not allowed a RB score. The Falcons have allowed an opposing RB to score more than 19 fantasy points in four of their last five (and five of their last seven) games. Yet, they have allowed only three individual 100-yard rushing performances all season.

Analysis: If Delhomme was underperforming, Weinke has done his part to show why he wasn’t given a chance to “relieve” Delhomme before his injury. Because the Panthers continue to abandon the run game in each of his starts, Weinke is a good bet to throw the ball a lot and, therefore, put up a lot of yards. As such, Weinke may lead the league in passing yards AND turnovers this week. He should push 300 yards but I wouldn’t count on more than 1 score and he’ll throw his share of INTs. I don’t like either Carolina RB to top 50 rushing yards or to score. Don’t count on any Panthers WR to top 70 yards, but Smith has a fair chance to score.

Michael Vick/Michael Jenkins/Ashley Lelie/Alge Crumpler
Warrick Dunn (vs. CAR)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Panthers this season: Falcons
Similar RBs that have faced the Panthers this season: Dunn
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 22.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 14.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 23
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 25.4/22.2/4.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 22.2

Passing Game Facts: Vick has scored double-digit fantasy points in all but one game this season. Additionally, Vick has only one game where he rushed for less than 40 yards. Vick has thrown for 3 or more TDs in a game three times this year. (He had not thrown for more than two in a single game in his entire pro career!!!!!!!) Week 15 was the first time all season Falcons WRs accounted for multiple scores in the same game. Crumpler has only scored once since Week 9. The Panthers have allowed four straight 15+ point fantasy performances, but have allowed only one QB to throw for more than 200 yards in the past six games. The Panthers have kept four of their last six opponents’ WRs from scoring double-digit fantasy points. The Panthers have allowed two TE scores in their last four games and seven all season.

Running Game Facts: Dunn has not rushed for 100 yards since Week 6. (Much of the blame for that comes from the fact that he has seen no more than 21 carries since Week 7.) Justin Griffith has been the Falcons’ best fantasy back the last two weeks. The Panthers have allowed four straight starting RBs to score more than 10 fantasy points (allowing 100+ rush yards to three of them), but have allowed only two RB rushing scores since Week 8.

Analysis: Vick had a pretty good game in the first meeting. Considering the injured nature of the Panthers defense, I would look for a similar game from Vick in this one as well if he wasn’t injured himself. I’d count on 190 yards passing, 25 yards rushing, and at least 2 scores. Dunn has been a dicey play for several weeks now, so I wouldn’t count on him for more than 70 total yards. Norwood may actually be the better RB play-he should run for at least 55. As usual, Jenkins is the best Falcons WR play, but none of the Falcons WRs should see your starting lineup. The Panthers have allowed 7 TE scores, so Crumpler is a solid bet to add another to go along with roughly 65 yards receiving.

Ravens @ Steelers
Steve McNair/Derrick Mason/Mark Clayton/Todd Heap
Jamal Lewis (vs. PIT)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Steelers this season: Ravens
Similar RBs that have faced the Steelers this season: Lewis
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 7.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 11.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 19.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 7.4/17.4/3.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 7

Passing Game Facts: McNair has recorded only two sub-10 point games since HC Brian Billick assumed the play-calling duties. Only four QBs have thrown for 2+ scores against the Steelers this season. They have not allowed an opposing QB to score more than 14 points in five straight weeks. Bigger receivers have consistently had the best games against the Steelers. The Steelers have allowed only one WR score in the past five weeks after allowing ten WR scores in the first ten weeks.

Running Game Facts: Lewis has two 100-yard rushing performances this season. Lewis has scored double-digit fantasy points in five of his last seven games and has scored no fewer than 8.7 fantasy points in five straight after topping that mark only once before Billick assumed the play-calling duties. No RB has rushed for 100 yards all season or topped 13 fantasy points against the Steelers since Week 1. No RB has rushed for more than 75 yards since Week 2. The Steelers have only allowed 7 total RB scores and only four double-digit fantasy RB performers since Week 2.

Analysis: In the first matchup, the passing game did not need to do much. The Ravens’ running game and the Steelers offensive ineptitude were enough to give the Ravens a shutout victory. Things figure to go a bit differently this time around. McNair figures to have another average game, figure 175 yards and a score. Lewis will push 75 yards rushing but probably won’t score, making him an average #2 RB play at best. Mason is probably a slightly better play than Clayton (55 yards for Mason, 40 for Clayton). Heap remains the best receiving play for the Ravens-he should reach 50 yards. He scored in the first game and has a decent chance to do so in this one as well.

Ben Roethlisberger/Hines Ward/Nate Washington/Santonio Holmes
Willie Parker (vs. BAL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Ravens this season: Steelers
Similar RBs that have faced the Ravens this season: Parker
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 2.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 16.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 4.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.4/23/N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 11

Passing Game Facts: Outside of two games against some of the league’s best pass defenses (BAL and OAK), Big Ben has played like a #1 fantasy QB in every week since Week 5. Baltimore has allowed only three multi-TD games by opposing QBs all season long-last week was the first time they had allowed even two in the same game since Week 8 (Brees). They have picked off nine more passes than they have allowed touchdowns. Taller WRs have given them some problems.

Running Game Facts: Parker has scored more than 17 points in six of his last eight games and he has scored 25+ points in four games this season. Parker has been above average on the road and nearly unstoppable at home-this game is at home. The Ravens have only allowed 2 RB scores and only four RBs to hit double digit fantasy points (Tomlinson, LJ, Henry, Rudi Johnson).

Analysis: Roethlisberger will need to have one of his better games of the year to give the Steelers a chance to avenge their earlier loss to the Ravens. I like him for 230 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs. This will be the only time this year that I would even consider benching Parker for a home game-but only if you are fortunate enough to have a similar talent with a better matchup. He should get more than the 10 carries he saw in the first game; I’d look for closer to 20 carries in what should be a closer, lower-scoring game. Parker should find his way to 80 total yards, but a TD does not appear to be all that likely. Once again, if any Steelers WR has a good game, it will be Ward, but don’t look for anything more than 60 yards from any of them.

Cardinals @ 49ers
Matt Leinart/Anquan Boldin/Larry Fitzgerald
Edgerrin James (vs. SF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the 49ers this season: Cardinals
Similar RBs that have faced the 49ers this season: James
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 28
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 28.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 15.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.5/18.8/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 31

Passing Game Facts: Since becoming the starter, Leinart has registered two non-double digit fantasy point (and two 0 TD) performances, but as only surpassed the 250-yard mark twice. Last week was the first time in seven games Leinart did not score at least 10 points. Since his return from a slight hamstring tear, Fitzgerald has been targeted 56 times to Boldin’s 54. Last week was the first time in five games that at least one Cardinals WR did not score 10+ fantasy points. The Niners have allowed six consecutive (and eight of nine) opposing QBs to score 11+ fantasy points and throw for at least one score. Only one WR has scored more than 18 fantasy points vs. the Niners this season.

Running Game Facts: After rushing for only 2.8 yds/carry through 9 weeks, James has averaged 4.4 yds/carry since. James has scored 11.5+ fantasy points in three straight after not hitting double digits in consecutive weeks prior to Week 12. The Niners have allowed 13+ fantasy points-and at least one rushing score-to opposing RBs in four straight (and seven of their last nine) games.

Analysis: Look for a rebound game from Leinart & Co. While he won’t repeat the 300 yard, 3 TD performance of Kurt Warner in Week 1, Leinart is a good bet for 235 and 1, maybe 2 scores. James has an outside chance at 80 total yards and a score. Both WRs remain quality plays-as always-Fitzgerald has a good chance for 90-100 yards and Boldin has a fair chance at 75 yards and is a better bet than Fitzgerald is for a score.

Alex Smith/Antonio Bryant/Arnaz Battle/Vernon Davis
Frank Gore (vs. ARI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Cardinals this season: 49ers
Similar RBs that have faced the Cardinals this season: Gore
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 7.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 28.4
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 23/34.9/3.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.7

Passing Game Facts: Smith’s 27.8 fantasy point performance last week was his first 20-point performance since Week 5 and only his second such performance all season. It was the first time in four games Smith did not throw an INT. Smith has thrown for a score in five straight games but has not thrown for 215+ yards since Week 3. Davis has scored in two straight games. The Cardinals have allowed two passing scores in four straight (and five of the last six) games and have allowed the last six opposing QBs to throw for 243 yards or more. All but two of the opposition’s QBs have hit double-digit fantasy points this season. In five of the last six games, the Cardinals have allowed an opposing WR to score 14.2+ fantasy points and, in particular, they have struggled defending the opposition’s deep threat and/or taller receivers. The Cardinals have allowed only one 10+ fantasy point performance to a TE this season.

Running Game Facts: Gore has scored 20+ fantasy points in five of his last six games after only hitting that mark once in his first nine. He has hit the century mark eight times this season-seven of those games he has exceeded 125 yards. The Cardinals have allowed an opposing RB to score 16.5 fantasy points in three of their last four games. Only once since Week 7 has an opposing RB not scored at least 10 fantasy points against the Cardinals defense. Only once since Week 6 has an opposing RB not scored vs. the Cardinals.

Analysis: Smith is not a recommended starter in most fantasy leagues this week despite the matchup, with Gore the most likely beneficiary. Smith will likely top out at 180 yards and a score this week. On the other hand, Gore makes for one of the top plays of the week. He should be in line for 140 total yards and at least one score. Bryant is the better WR play this week. I like Bryant for 70 yards and Battle for 45. The best play of the receiving group may be Davis, who I like for 40 yards and a score.

Bengals @ Broncos
Carson Palmer/Chad Johnson/Doug Houshmandzadeh
Rudi Johnson (vs. DEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Broncos this season: Colts
Similar RBs that have faced the Broncos this season: Shaun Alexander
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 31.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 35.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 16.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11.7/15.4/ N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 23.8

Passing Game Facts: Since the Bengals Week 5 bye, Palmer had thrown for at least one score in every game until Week 15, including 2 or more in six of the ten games. Palmer’s 176-yard performance vs. the Colts was his second-lowest this season. Last week was the first time since Week 4 that at least one Bengals WR did not score at least 10+ fantasy points and only the third time all season. The Broncos defense has not allowed a QB to throw or run for a score in eight of their 14 games this season. The Broncos have allowed 10 passing scores-the second fewest in the league. The Broncos have held four of the last six QBs they have faced to less than 7 fantasy points. The Broncos have gone six straight games without allowing an opposing WR to hit double digits, have not allowed a WR score since Week 11, and have allowed only two 100-yard WR performances all season.

Running Game Facts: Rudi Johnson has scored more than 10 fantasy points in eight of his last nine games. He has also scored three times in two weeks. The Broncos have allowed 13+ fantasy points to opposing RBs in five straight and seven of their last eight games. They have also allowed at least one RB rushing score in seven straight games and three individual 100-yard rushing performances in three of their last five.

Analysis: (Keep an eye on the weather for this one as the blizzard-like conditions would wreak havoc on the passing games for both teams.) Palmer figures to have a tough matchup in this game. I like him for about 235 yards and 1 TD at the maximum, with that score either going to Housh or Chris Henry. Rudi Johnson is a good play, as usual, for 85 yards and a score. Chad Johnson will likely get 60-70 yards, but Champ Bailey will not let him go off too much. Houshmandzadeh is the best WR play, as he should hit 85 yards and he has the best chance to score among the WRs. Henry only warrants a play in 3 WR/flex leagues this week.

Jay Cutler/Javon Walker/Rod Smith/Tony Scheffler
Tatum Bell/Mike Bell (vs. CIN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bengals this season: Steelers
Similar RBs that have faced the Bengals this season: Warrick Dunn
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 2.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 12.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 3.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 7.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 22.4/26.8/9.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 11

Passing Game Facts: Three of the last six QBs to face the Bengals have scored more than 25 fantasy points and only once since Week 4 has an opposing QB not scored at least 10 points vs. the Bengals-they have allowed seven QBs to score at least 19 fantasy points this season. Ten of the Bengals’ 17 interceptions this season have come in three games. The opponents’ deep threats have routinely put up nice games against the Bengals. The Bengals have allowed an opposing WR to score at least 15 fantasy points in five of their last six games after not allowing it to happen once through the first nine weeks. The Bengals have not allowed a TE score in five weeks. Cutler has increased his fantasy point total and thrown for two scores in each of his three starts. Last week was the first time Walker hit double-digit fantasy points in five games. At least one Broncos TE has scored 5.8 points in each of the last four games.

Running Game Facts: Last week was the first time in four weeks a Broncos RB scored a TD. Tatum Bell has not reached the end zone since Week 7. Mike Bell has scored the last six rushing TDs by Broncos RBs. After allowing nine RBs to score more than 10+ fantasy points through 11 weeks, the Bengals have not allowed one since. They also have not allowed a RB score since Week 11. Outside of Week 10 (Tomlinson), the Bengals have allowed only one RB rushing TD since Week 4.

Analysis: (Keep an eye on the weather for this one as the blizzard-like conditions would wreak havoc on the passing games for both teams.) There’s no reason Cutler can’t pass for another 2 scores in this one, so view him as a low-end fantasy starter this week (if Walker can play). As any fantasy owner knows by now, picking which Bell to play is a crapshoot. Tatum would seem to be the better play, but avoid this mess if at all possible. Walker is in line for a great game if he can play (shoulder); 90 yards and a score is within reach. Otherwise, look for Brandon Marshall to have a fair amount of success. In case Walker is limited, Scheffler stands to benefit the most. Otherwise, look for a 40-50 yard game from Scheffler at the most.

Chargers @ Seahawks
Philip Rivers/SD receivers/Antonio Gates
LaDainian Tomlinson (vs. SEA)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Seahawks this season: Chiefs
Similar RBs that have faced the Seahawks this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 16.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 14.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 14.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 19.8/19.6/5.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 21.4

Passing Game Facts: Last week was Rivers’ second scoreless game in his last four games and only the second time he has thrown 2 INTs in a game this season. Chargers’ WRs have only combined for one double-digit performance all season. Week 15 marked Gates’ worst fantasy performance since he became a full-time starter in 2003. Each of the last three QBs to face the Seahawks has thrown for 2 TDs but the Seahawks defense has allowed more than 232 yards passing only once in the past seven games. They have also allowed three of the last five QBs they have faced to score 18+ fantasy points. Two of the three TE scores the Seahawks have allowed have come in the past three games.

Running Game Facts: Tomlinson has scored no fewer than 23 fantasy points since Week 7, is riding an eight-game 100-yard rushing yard and multi-TD streak. The Seahawks have allowed three straight opposing RBs to hit the century mark. They have also allowed an opposing RB to score at least 14 fantasy points in ten of their last eleven games.

Analysis: Seeing how the Seahawks have allowed a passing TD in five straight games and how Rivers coming off a bad game, I like Rivers to rebound with 2 scores in this game to go along with 195 yards passing. As for the running game, nothing has changed here. LT’s jaw injury does not appear serious. Expect Michael Turner to continue taking 5 or so touches for LT, but nothing significant. LT remains the best play in the land. Expect at least another 140 yards and 2-3 scores. Continue to avoid the WRs, but if you must play one, make it Vincent Jackson. Much like Rivers, look for Gates to rebound with a solid 70 yard, 1 TD performance.

Matt Hasselbeck/Darrell Jackson/Deion Branch/DJ Hackett
Shaun Alexander (vs. SD)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Chargers this season: Rams
Similar RBs that have faced the Chargers this season: Rudi Johnson
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 25.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 35.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 26.2
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.1/12/N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 12.8

Passing Game Facts: Hasselbeck has thrown 6 INTs in the four games since his return. Hasselbeck has thrown for 3 or more scores in four of the nine games he has finished. At least one Seahawks WR has scored 8.7 fantasy points in every game since their Week 5 bye. The Seahawks have four individual 100-yard receiving performances this season, spread among three different WRs. San Diego has allowed seven of their opponents to throw for at least two scores. The Chargers have allowed three of the last four opposing (and eight of their last ten) QBs to score more than 12 fantasy points. Yet, none of the last five QBs to face the Chargers has thrown for 200 yards. Ten of the Chargers defenses’ 14 INTs have come in five games. The Chargers have allowed only one WR score since Week 11 and have only allowed only two 100-yard WR performances all season.

Running Game Facts: The Chargers have allowed two 100-yard rushing performances over the course of the season. After not allowing a single RB score through eight weeks, the Chargers have allowed 13 since. Alexander has scored at least 13 fantasy points in three of his last four, but his current 3.4 yds/carry is the worst of his career by 0.7/yds per carry.

Analysis: I look for a very good game from Hasselbeck. The ground game will likely be stifled, thus Hasselbeck and friends will need to throw regularly to keep up. A realistic expectation should be 270 yards and 2 scores. As mentioned before, I foresee a rough game for Alexander (70 yards and a score at most). Keep an eye out on the status of Jackson. Play Hackett as you would Jackson if he is unable to go again this week. If Jackson is held out, 85 yards and a TD is about right for Hackett. Branch continues to come along, but it is hard to play him again as a #2 WR until next season; 60 yards is about all you can expect from him. Jerramy Stevens is worth a try if you are really hurting at TE as he lines up favorably for a score this weekend.

Eagles @ Cowboys
Jeff Garcia/Donte Stallworth/Reggie Brown/LJ Smith
Brian Westbrook (vs. DAL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Cowboys this season: Eagles
Similar RBs that have faced the Cowboys this season: Westbrook
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 30.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 34.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 34.9/24.2/7.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 34.3

Passing Game Facts: An Eagles QB has scored 10+ fantasy points in every game this season. Garcia has thrown for two scores in each of his three of his four starts but has only thrown for 200+ yards twice. Garcia has scored 13+ fantasy points in each of his five appearances. Stallworth and Brown have been targeted equally over the last six games (44). At least one Eagles WR has scored in each of the last four games. Since Week 8, Smith has been mostly hit-or-miss. He has three games of 7+ points and three games of less than one point. Of the 238 total fantasy points the Cowboys have allowed to opposing QBs this season, 44% (104.7) have been scored against them in the past three games. They have allowed the opposing QB to score 12+ fantasy points in six of their last seven games. They have also allowed 11 passing TDs in their last three games. The Cowboys have allowed four double-digit performances to WRs in the last five games after giving up three all season prior to Week 11. The opposition’s deep threat has often been the benefactor. Notable fantasy TEs have been decent plays against the Cowboys as Chris Cooley and Jeremy Shockey have scored well against this defense.

Running Game Facts: Westbrook has scored 10+ points in eight straight games and in all but one game this season. Westbrook has only had one game where he has not recorded at least 38 yards receiving while only rushing for less than 68 yards twice this season. The Cowboys have allowed 5 RB receiving scores in the past two weeks-four of which have gone to the fullback. The Cowboys have allowed two individual 100-yard rushing games this season.

Analysis: Considering the hurtin’ that opposing QBs have put on the Cowboys lately, Garcia is a great play. His yardage totals should be relatively low-probably no more than 225-but he may be in line for 2-3 scores. Westbrook is once again a #1 RB play, with another 140 total yards likely in his future. Given their recent inability to cover the fullback, Thomas Tapeh could be in line for a short receiving score or two out of the backfield. And since deep threats have continually given the Cowboys fits, Stallworth makes a great play as well. Mark him down for 85+ yards and a score. Brown should be good for at least 65 yards himself. Smith finally looked like he was being targeted for the first time from Garcia last week. He should be a fair bet for 40-50 yards.

Tony Romo/Terrell Owens/Terry Glenn/Jason Witten
Julius Jones/Marion Barber (vs. PHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Eagles this season: Cowboys
Similar RBs that have faced the Eagles this season: Jones/Barber
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 9.3 (w/ Bledsoe)
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 12.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 5.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 23
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 15.4/20.7/4.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 22.6

Passing Game Facts: Since his hot start, Romo has thrown for 2, 0, 5, 0, 1, and 2 scores over the last six games, respectively, and has thrown five picks in his last three games. Romo has thrown for more than 225 yards in every game since being named the starter. Glenn has been the ‘Boys’ best fantasy WR in three of the last five games while Owens has scored in consecutive games for the first time since Week 9-10. Witten has not scored since Week 8. Week 15 was the first time in five weeks the Eagles did not allow a passing TD. They have allowed only two 200+ yard passing games since Week 7. Philly has allowed at least one opposing WR to score 12 or more fantasy points in each of the last four games. #2 WRs have feasted on this defense as of late. Only four WRs have been targeted 10+ times in a game all season vs. the Eagles. The Eagles have allowed only one 10+ point performance to an opposing TE.

Running Game Facts: Barber has scored twice in a game in five of his last eight games. He has also been the best fantasy RB play for the Cowboys in five of the last six games and has outgained Jones in three of the past four. Cowboys RBs have scored at least once in every game since Week 7. The Eagles have allowed 16.4+ points to a RB in five straight games and have allowed 9+ points to a RB in every game since Week 1. The Eagles have allowed at least 160 rushing yards in three of their past five games.

Analysis: Romo has thrown for 225+ in every start, so mark him down for at least that much this game plus at least one score. As most fantasy owners know, teams can run all day on the Eagles. I look for Jones to start fast and get the most yards in this game, but in the end I believe Barber and Jones will just about equal out in terms of fantasy points. Give Jones 110 total yards and Barber about 60 total yards and one score. Owens will look to avenge his poor showing in the first meeting and will respond with a solid 95+ yard performance. He should catch the scoring pass as well. Look for Glenn to go for 70. Witten should put up his usual 40-50 yard game-a score is unlikely for him.

Jets @ Dolphins
Chad Pennington/Laveranues Coles/Jerricho Cotchery
Cedric Houston/Leon Washington (vs. MIA)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Dolphins this season: Jets
Similar RBs that have faced the Dolphins this season: Kevan Barlow/Washington??
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 18.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 24.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 11.8
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.1/17.4/6.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.3

Passing Game Facts: After beginning the season with consecutive 20+ fantasy point games, Pennington has not hit that mark since. Week 15 marked the third time this season Pennington exceeded 300 yards passing. Only once since Week 9 has neither Coles nor Cotchery had at least 10 targets in a game. The Jets have had at least one WR score 12+ fantasy points in four straight games. Since picking off Rex Grossman off three times in Week 9, the Dolphins have only intercepted two passes since. After allowing only one 20+ point QB performance through 12 weeks, the Dolphins have allowed 23+ in two of their last three games. Three of the last four Dolphins opponents had at least one WR score 12+ fantasy points.

Running Game Facts: The Jets have only had a 10+ fantasy point RB producer in six games this season. Only four times this season have the Jets had a rusher eclipsed 60 yards rushing. The Dolphins have allowed two 100-yard rushers this season. Four of the five rushing scores and three of the five 10+ point performances the Dolphins have allowed to the RB position have come in the last six games.

Analysis: Pennington should be one of the better QB options this week. The running game does not figure to be all that successful, so a repeat of Pennington’s 175 yard, 2 TD performance from the earlier meeting is certainly possible. Neither RB figures to get more than 50 yards with Houston having the best shot at a score, although that is unlikely. Coles put up two scores in the first game and since the deep threat tends to hurts the Fish, he has a great shot to go for 100 yards and a score in this game as well. Cotchery was an afterthought in the first meeting, but he isn’t the greatest play in this game. Look for no more than 40 yards with an outside shot of a score from him.

Joey Harrington/Chris Chambers/Marty Booker/Randy McMichael
Ronnie Brown or Sammy Morris (vs. NYJ)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jets this season: Dolphins
Similar RBs that have faced the Jets this season: Brown or Morris
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 24.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 7.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 17.6
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 17.7/18.4/4.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 21.1

Passing Game Facts: Dolphins QBs have been shut out (in the TD department) four times this season. Harrington has thrown 2 INTs in two of his last three games. Chambers has only one 100-yard game to his credit and three double-digit fantasy point performances this season. (What is insane about last week is that he had 10 targets but no receptions!!!) Week 15 was the first time in four weeks Booker did not record at least 100 yards and/or a TD reception. McMichael has only scored more than 8 fantasy points twice this season. From Week 2 on, the Jets have allowed every opposing QB to throw for at least one score. Not surprisingly, they have allowed each starting QB to score at least 11.5 fantasy points. From Week 8 on, only two opposing QBs have thrown for more than 225 yards. Six straight Jets opponents have featured a WR that scored at least 10 fantasy points. They have allowed four 100-yard WR performances, but only one since Week 3. Only one TE (Kellen Winslow) has scored more than 8 fantasy points against the Jets.

Running Game Facts: Week 14 was the only time in the last five weeks that a Dolphins RB scored 10+ fantasy points. Dolphins RBs have only scored six times this season and only once since Week 10. The Jets have allowed all but one opponent to have a RB score at least 10 fantasy points (they have allowed 16 RBs to hit that mark), but have allowed only two RB scores in the last six games. They have also allowed seven individual 100-yard rushing games.

Analysis: Given the track record of the Jets pass defense, Harrington will have a good, but not great, game Christmas night. He should go for 215 and at least one score. I expect Morris to get the full load again this week, so I expect him to push the 100 total yard mark and score at least once. (If Brown can handle all the carries, expect similar production from him.) This is one game that sets up nicely for Chambers as a number of #1 WRs have fared well against this defense. He’s a good bet (finally) for 80 yards and a score, which is about what Booker should do as well. McMichael has only scored once this season and the numbers do not suggest it will happen in this game, either.