Message-ID: <17568947.1075855349551.JavaMail.evans@thyme> Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002 10:44:17 -0800 (PST) From: bryant@cheatsheets.net To: cheatsheets@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Footballguys] Update # 194 1-1 Week 17 Passing Matchups Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-From: Joe Bryant X-To: Cheatsheets Mailing Yahoo X-cc: X-bcc: X-Folder: \Martin_Cuilla_Jan2002_1\Cuilla, Martin\Inbox X-Origin: Cuilla-M X-FileName: mcuilla (Non-Privileged).pst /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Wall of Champs Is Up! Some sites attempt to impress you with titles won by the guys running the site. I've found most people are just slightly more interested in winning THEIR own league. Footballguys.com is built on the concept of giving YOU information to win YOUR league and tons of you have done just that. If you've made your playoffs or won your league, let the world know about it. We've got our Wall of Champs up and running and waiting for you. Check it out here http://footballguys.com/wall2001.cfm You can add your team here http://footballguys.com/addwall.cfm There's not much better than flaunting your success in front of your league members... Enjoy. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Hi Folks, 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. Jeff Garcia may have a horrible matchup one week but unless you're sitting on Kurt Warner or Brett Favre, Garcia'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 have struggled lately. Cincinnati Passing Game vs Tennessee Defense What a fitting way to wind down the season Sunday as Jon Kitna and Kordell Stewart combined for 662 passing yards and 5 TDs.Kitna had 411 of those yards. Wow. When you throw it 68 times, most every receiver will be involved and that's what happened Sunday. Peter Warrick was very active - maybe the benching helped in week 15. The Titans rank # 31 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks so this is enticing although you have to wonder if Kitna can do it again. For the year, Tennessee ranks # 29 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 31 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Check the cheatsheets to see where we rank these guys but clearly, it's a good matchup. Denver Passing Game vs Indianapolis Defense Griese only put up 142 yards passing Sunday but it was enough. Expect him to do better this week. Rod Smith is of course, the man here and he'll do well too. The Colts rank # 30 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 27 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 27 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Indianapolis Passing Game vs Denver Defense Manning came up small in the yardage department with under 200 yards Sunday but he did run in one score. Marvin Harrison is of course the clear cut go to guy. Manning's a competitor and you'd have to think he'll give a great effort in the final week with nothing but pride to play for. The Broncos rank # 27 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 9 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 25 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. St. Louis Passing Game vs Atlanta Defense Mike Martz showed last week he'll let his guys play. Regardless of the playoff situation, I think you'll see Warner in for at least a half and maybe much more. And like Marshall Faulk, a half of Warner is better than a full game from most other players. Picking the WR is a lottery shot as Holt, Bruce, Proehl, or Hakim are all liable to go off. The Falcons rank # 26 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 30 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 30 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Prime Matchups: These games feature Defenses that haven't been strong lately. Carolina Passing Game vs New England Defense Can't imagine you're in week 17 with many Carolina guys on the roster. Weinke did ok last week. It's tough when you're upset about Isaac Byrd possibly missing time but that's where they are. Both he and Muhsin Muhammad could miss the last game. The Patriots rank # 28 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks so they're definitely vulnerable. For the year, they rank # 22 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 20 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. It's a good matchup simply because New England hasn 't been much on defense. I have little faith in the Carolina players to take advantage of the matchup though. Chicago's Passing Game vs Jacksonville Defense When you think it's going to be all Anthony Thomas, Jim Miller and the passing game decided to show off. Miller put up 252 yards and 2 TDs as the Bears continued to roll. Marty Booker continues to see lots more passes than any other Bear although David Terrell seems to make the most of what he 's thrown. The Jaguars rank # 10 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 19 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 6 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Dallas Passing Game vs Detroit Defense Quincy Morgan showed some very nice flashes Sunday hitting Joey Galloway deep. Galloway seems to be the WR of choice. He's worth a gamble for sure. The Lions rank # 25 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 31 in Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 29 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs so it's a nice matchup. It all depends on whether these guys have the talent to take advantage of it. One more thing, the Cowboys will be doing all they can to get Emmitt Smith his 1,000 yard season so that may be a factor. Kansas City Passing Game vs Seattle Defense Trent Green quietly carried some FF teams Sunday with 2 TDs and 294 yards. Tony Gonzalez finally put together a game like we've been expecting. He saw 3 times as many passes as the WRs. Maybe that'll continue this week. The Seahawks rank # 24 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 23 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 16 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Miami Passing Game vs Buffalo Defense Jay Fiedler posted a couple of TDs with his 191 yards which isn't bad. Chris Chambers, Jed Weaver and Oronde Gadsden all saw time but RB Travis Minor seemed to be the primary receiver with 7 catches. Look for him to be used more as Lamar Smith struggles. The Bills rank # 29 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 24 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 19 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New England Passing Game vs Carolina Defense Tom Brady's had a week to get ready for the Carolina defense. Two teams going drastically different directions here. Terry Glenn could continue to make an impact and you know Troy Brown's ready. The Panthers rank # 20 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 28 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 22 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Seattle Passing Game vs Kansas City Defense Hindsight is 20/20 but if Trent Dilfer isn't the most under appreciated player in the NFL, I dunno who is. He's won a jillion games including a Superbowl lately and all he did Sunday was throw 3 TDs and save the Seahawks season (at least for another week) The big question is will he get another shot? Hasselbeck is saying he wants to play. Stay tuned. Darrell Jackson went nuts last week and if Dilfer gets the nod, you have to look hard at him. The Chiefs rank # 18 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 15 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 12 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. San Francisco Passing Game vs New Orleans Defense Jeff Garcia threw for 229 and 2 TDs against a tough Cowboy pass Defense last week. Plus he rushed for another TD. Terrell Owens is a must start. J.J. Stokes is seeing lots of action and TE Eric Johnson is very involved. The Saints defense ranks # 13 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 26 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 23 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Even Matchups: These games feature no real advantage either way Baltimore Passing Game vs Minnesota Defense Elvis Grbac had Raven fans wondering about Trent Dilfer again last week with 205 yards and 2 Interceptions to go with his TD. The usual suspects of Qadry Ismail, Shannon Sharpe and Travis Taylor will all be active. The Vikings rank # 19 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 20 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 24 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Green Bay Passing Game vs New York Giants Defense Favre came up small last week with just 169 yards and 0 TDs. Granted, it was really cold, but that hasn't seemed to bother him much in the past. Freeman and Schroeder got most of the looks as usual. TE Bubba Franks saw a handful thrown his way. They'll face the banged Giant secondary this week ranked # 14 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 18 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 28 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New Orleans Passing Game vs San Francisco Defense Aaron Brooks took a step back this week with 3 Interceptions vs 1 TD and just 127 yards. It's not good when Deuce McAllister is the leading receiver but that's what happened Sunday. Joe Horn and Willie Jackson came up small. This week, they'll face a 49er defense that's ranked # 16 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 13 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 17 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Pittsburgh Passing Game vs Cleveland Defense Stewart threw for 251 yards and 3 TDs Sunday although he did have 4 Interceptions. Plaxico Burress is clearly the big play threat and is showing shades of becoming a dominant WR. Hines Ward is solid as well. The Browns rank # 9 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 3 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 14 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Tennessee Passing Game vs Cincinnati Defense Steve McNair continues to play well with 274 yards and 2 TDs. He's a totally different QB when he throws the deep ball. Although Eddie George's re-emergence may quiet that a bit. Dyson and Mason both saw an equal number of passes and both scored. This week, they'll face a Bengal defense ranked # 12 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 16 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 21 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Washington Passing Game vs Arizona Defense Tony Banks put up a whopping 94 yards passing last week. But part of it was the big lead Washington was able to post. Westbrook left with an ankle injury so Gardner and TE Zeron Flemister caught what was thrown. This week, they'll face a Cardinal defense that's been pretty good lately ranking # 7 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 25 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 26 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Downside Matchups: These games feature a Defense that's been pretty strong lately. Atlanta Passing Game vs St. Louis Defense Mike Vick could see the start even if Chandler is ok. The team is clearly looking at 2002. He's a dice roll if he starts but it's not like Chandler was consistent. Vick will likely spread the ball around to Terance Mathis, Shawn Jefferson and Brian Finneran but it's tough to count on this team. The Rams rank # 22 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 14 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 8 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Cleveland Passing Game vs Pittsburgh Defense For the 2nd week in a row, Couch exploited a great matchup and lit up Tennessee for 336 yards and 3 TDs. Kevin Johnson was clearly the WR of choice again. This week, they'll face a Steeler defense that ranks # 15 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 7 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 7 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Jacksonville Passing Game vs Chicago Defense Mark Brunell put together another gritty day with 283 yards and a TD Sunday. Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith continue to be one of the toughest WR duos in the league. They'll face a Bear defense this week ranked # 17 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. Clearly, the stats don't quite back up their rep lately. For the year, they rank # 8 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 2 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs so they've been stingy allowing FF points. Minnesota Passing Game vs Baltimore Defense Spergon Wynn could well be an NFL QB someday but today isn't that day. Really puts the Cris Carter / Randy Moss owners in a bind. Normally, they' re sure starts but now I'm not so certain. He really looked bad at times. Both these receivers are guys who can make up for deficiencies at QB so I still think you'll have to look hard there. Plus, it's on Monday night so even though the Vikes have pretty much packed it in, they'll probably put forth a good effort. The Ravens rank # 5 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 17 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 18 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New York Giants Passing Game vs Green Bay Defense Kerry Collins went over 300 yards last week and that was something. Tiki Barber is still the most frequent target with Toomer and Hilliard seeing pretty much equal attention. The Packers rank # 3 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 12 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 5 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. New York Jets Passing Game vs Oakland Defense Vinny Testeverde looked pretty old in the loss to Buffalo with 0 TDs and 2 Interceptions. Chrebet and Coles are decent options but this team is all about Curtis Martin. Especially with the Oakland Corners. The Raiders rank # 8 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 10 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 13 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Oakland Passing Game vs New York Jets Defense Rich Gannon had an excellent day with 313 yards and 2 TDs although he did have the 2 Interceptions. Jerry Rice and Tim Brown continue to play well and Charlie Garner does a nice job catching the ball. The Jets are in a must win situation and rank # 11 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 1 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 4 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs so they've been tough. Philadelphia Passing Game vs Tampa Bay Defense Donovan McNabb started looking for receivers not named Duce Staley last week and better things seemed to happen. He threw for 3 TDs and nearly 300 yards. James Thrash saw most of the passes while TE Chad Lewis burst back onto the scene. They'll face a Buc defense this week ranked # 6 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 11 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 9 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs Tampa Bay Passing Game vs Philadelphia Defense Brad Johnson is trying to set a dink and dunk record I think. He had 90 yards passing on 29 attempts for an amazing 3.10 yards per attempt. Keyshawn Johnson is still probably a starter but that's pathetic. This week, they'll face an Eagle defense that's ranked # 23 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 2 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 1 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Defensive Slam Dunks: These games feature a Defense that's been very strong lately. Arizona Passing Game vs Washington Defense Start David Boston. You already know that. I'd say Plummer merits consideration in lots of leagues too. Boston again went nuts last week. The Redskins rank # 4 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 5 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 11 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Even with this tough matchup, Boston is a sure starter unless you're comically loaded at WR. Buffalo Passing Game vs Miami Defense Van Pelt threw for under 200 yards but the Bills did get the win. It looks to me like Jay Riemersma is the primary target now. Eric Moulds and Peerless Price are good gambles but far from sure things. The Dolphins rank # 2 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks. For the year, they rank # 6 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 10 Fantasy Points Allowed to WRs. Detroit Passing Game vs Dallas Defense Mike McMahon could miss another game which means Ty Detmer could start. Sounds funny, but he put together one of the bigger days among QBs Sunday. He threw the ball all over the field. Johnnie Morton and Cory Schlesinger were especially involved. The Cowboys rank # 1 in Passing Yards Allowed Per Game over the last 4 weeks so it'll be tough. For the year, they rank # 4 Fantasy Points Allowed to QBs and # 3 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/