This is it. For many teams it is make or break time. A loss this
week and you might as well start watching basketball. However for
others, it is time to tweak your team to get ready for the playoffs
and hope you are not hit with any big injuries. For those who care,
I enter this week 5-2, tied for second place, in a 14 team league,
but go into this week without Faulk, Chambers and McMichael. On
weeks like this, just pray for the best and hope your reserves play
the games of their lives. As long as you are not fighting for your
life, playing without your better players isn't the worst thing.
Just look it as a week for them to rest and prepare themselves for
the home stretch. Hopefully, I can redeem myself just a little with
this week's match-ups.
Remember; always play your studs, unless of course injury is
a concern. Good luck this week!
Best
QB Rich Gannon vs. Kansas City
Although KC could score, it doesn't seem they could stop an old
lady from crossing the street. Look for arguable, the best fantasy
quarterback to date, to feast this weekend.
QB Drew Bledsoe vs. Detroit
Detroit has trouble against the pass all year and I'm sure Drew
is licking his chops.
RB Emmitt Smith vs. Seattle
Although his ankle may be sore, it didn't look like Seattle could
stop the run at all last week against Marshall. This could be
the week that Emmitt passes Payton.
RB Curtis Martin vs. Cleveland
While he may be banged up a little, look for Martin to grind it
out and get some good yardage and a score is a possibility as
well.
WR Eric Moulds vs. Detroit
He has really shined with his new QB and has been one of the most,
if not the most consistent fantasy receiver this year.
WR Marty Booker vs. Minnesota
Even though he doesn't yet know who is throwing to him, he should
be able to victimize the less than capable Vikings secondary.
TE Frank Wycheck vs. Cincinnati
He continues to catch the ball every game. Look for him to get
some opportunities against Cincy.
TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Oakland
Still should be considered the elite TE in the league has faired
well in the past against Oakland by scoring 5 times in his last
7 meetings. He faces a depleted secondary and should have another
chance to score.
Average
QB Trent Green vs. Oakland
The Raiders were beaten up in the secondary and now lose Buchanon.
Green's ankle seems better and they should continue their offensive
prowess this week.
QB Steve McNair vs. Cincinnati
He is coming of the bye and will play against the laughing stock
of the NFL. Unless the Bengals get some heart, look for McNair
to have his way.
RB Travis Henry vs. Detroit
He is coming off of 2 consecutive 100+ yard performances and should
find more room to run this week.
RB Jamel White vs. New York Jets
While he may not be the most consistent back, he plays against
a poor rushing defense and is called upon often to make some catches
out of the backfield. He ranks 2nd in the AFC.
WR Randy Moss vs. Chicago
With only one 100-yard performance so far, the "Randy Ratio"
has been a failure. He idid score in his first game this year
against the Bears.
WR Terrell Owens vs. Arizona
His yardage total his too low for his "first rounder"
status. Look for him to improve upon that number against a team
that gives up a ton.
TE Shannon Sharpe vs. New England
Last week was a career game for one of the best in the league
at his position, still. Look for him to be a viable option against
a stingy Patriot pass defense.
TE Todd Heap vs. Pittsburgh
He has been the main component of the little passing offense that
the Ravens have had this year. Look for Redman to find his big
man as he poses a match-up problem for the Steelers smaller safeties.
Worst
QB Peyton Manning vs. Washington
Although he did throw for over 300 yards last week, he did take
many hits, threw 3 interceptions and is coming off of a short
week. This week is do or die for the Redskins and their defense
is bound to show up one of these days.
QB Brian Griese vs. New England
He has averaged over 300 yards per game against the Pats, but
this season, their pass defense has been great.
RB Corey Dillon vs. Tennessee
He has definitely been under the radar this year but has put up
decent numbers considering his situation. However, since there
is virtually no passing game, look for the Titans to key on him.
RB Tiki Barber vs. Philadelphia
He is the teams leading rusher and receiver and has faired well
in the past against these division foes, but don't expect too
much against a tough defense.
WR Jimmy Smith vs. Houston
Frustration is how expressed his feelings of his role in the offense.
He only has one TD and the loss of McCardell from the offense
is clearly evident in his production. Houston's main strength
has been their pass defense.
WR James Thrash vs. New York Giants
The Eagles' leading receiver was stifled last week and has showed
he is inconsistent against the tougher defenses. He has big games
against the Giants in the past, but they know this as well.
TE Wesley Walls vs. Tampa Bay
He has not been a factor this year and hasn't scored since week
1. look for this trend to continue against one of the best Ds
in the league.
TE Anthony Becht vs. Cleveland
While he did score once in his last four games, he only has 4
catches for 48 yards. You do the math..
