Week Three Match-ups
September 23, 2005
Quarterbacks
Plus Play:
Drew Bledsoe, DAL -- The reunion between Bledsoe, Terry Glenn and Bill Parcells has been a hit as Bledsoe has been red hot in his first two games of the season – he has completed 65% of his passes for 487 yards and four TDs without an INT. Plus, the Dallas offensive line kept the immobile Bledsoe off the turf against the tough Redskin defense. Meanwhile, SF is dead last in the league in yards allowed (380 ypg) and TDs allowed (seven). Strike while the iron is hot.
Aaron Brooks, NO -- Brooks hasn’t been a statistical star in the first two weeks (65%, 567 yards, one TD, three INT), but has a favorable match-up. The Vikings are 28th in the league in passing yards allowed (268 ypg) and are tied next-to-last in TDs surrendered (five).
Jake Plummer, DEN -- Plummer is another solid QB that hasn’t been staggering (53%, 499 yards, one TD and three INT), but he has a good match-up at home on MNF. While the Chiefs have allowed just two TDs through the air, they have allowed a staggering 295 ypg through the air. The yardage will be there for Plummer, plus maybe a couple of scores.
Brian Griese, TB -- Griese has been solid (67%, 349 yards, two TDs, two INT) in his first two games, and that has been good enough for a team that has been riding the Cadillac. Griese would be a good bye-week play against Green Bay, who has allowed an average of 244 ypg with five passing TDs and is the second-worst in the league in sacks accumulated (two).
Negative Play:
Kerry Collins, OAK -- Collins has been quite successful so far this season (52%, 528 yards, four TDs, one INT), but the Raiders are facing the Eagles’ passing defense – the second-stingiest so far this season. They have allowed just 102 ypg and no TDs while accumulating seven sacks. This will be the Raiders’ second trip to the east coast already this year, and the Eagles will not be hospitable.
Brett Favre, GB -- Favre bounced back from a horrid start to even out his numbers to a respectable level (67%, 543 yards, three TD, four INT over two games), but he and his Pack will face Tampa Bay this week. The Bucs have allowed just 158 ypg (fourth toughest) and has not allowed a TD through the air. It will be tough for him to have two great games in a row against this defense.
Michael Vick, ATL -- Even if Vick wasn’t questionable in this game, this would not be a good start. He had has a standard Vickesque start to the season (55%, 279 yards, one TD, one INT), but the Falcons will face the toughest pass defense thus far this season in the Bills (76 ypg allowed). Expect a lot of work from the Falcon running backs.
1 Donovan McNabb, PHI
2 Peyton Manning, IND
3 Marc Bulger, STL
4 Carson Palmer, CIN
5 Aaron Brooks, NO
6 Daunte Culpepper, MIN
7 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
8 Jake Plummer, DEN
9 Drew Bledsoe, DAL
10 Kerry Collins, OAK
11 Tom Brady, NE
12 Trent Green, KC
13 Brian Griese, TB
14 Brett Favre, GB
15 Kurt Warner, ARI
16 Steve McNair, TEN
17 Jake Delhomme, CAR
18 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
19 Drew Brees, SD
20 Trent Dilfer, CLE
21 Byron Leftwich, JAX
22 Chad Pennington, NYJ
23 Michael Vick, ATL
24 Eli Manning, NYG
25 Gus Frerotte, MIA
26 J.P. Losman, BUF
27 Tim Rattay, SF
28 Kyle Orton, CHI
Running Backs
Plus Play:
Deuce McAllister, NO -- McAllister has struggled a bit so far this season (111 yards (2.7 ypc), but two TDs on the ground, and eight receptions for 49 yards through the air). Luckily for him, the Vikings’ defense has allowed the most rushing yards to date (157 ypg). Expect him to get on track.
Steven Jackson, STL -- Jackson has been solid this season (153 yards (4.1 ypc) with a TD) and will be facing a team in the Titans that has allowed 110 yards per game and a pair of TDs thus far. The Titans stuffed Jamal Lewis last week (14 yards on 13 carries), but that wasn’t a good measure as the Ravens are struggling badly. Expect a solid game from Jackson.
Thomas Jones, CHI -- Jones is coming off a great game last week (139 yards (7.0 ypc) with two TDs) and is finding a lot of room to run behind a solid offensive line. The Bengals are tough (86 ypg on the ground), but the Bears’ running game is clicking.
Fred Taylor, JAX -- While he has yet to find the end zone, Taylor has looked good so far this season (157 yards (4.4 ypc)) behind a very good offensive line. He will face a Jets’ defense that has allowed 132 yards rushing per game so far and has surrendered three TDs on the ground. Look for Taylor to get a shot at the end zone this week.
Negative Play:
Willis McGahee, BUF -- A lot of people thought McGahee would be a workhorse this season, but that hasn’t been the case, averaging 18 carries and 76 yards per game on the ground – despite having a rookie QB with a limited role. Add that to the fact that the Bills will face a Falcons’ defense that has allowed 107 ypg, but just one TD on the ground, he will have another below-average game.
Rudi Johnson, CIN -- Johnson has been a stud, averaging 24 carries and 108 ypg with a TD so far this season. However, the Bears have allowed 97 ypg without allowing a TD on the ground. With the game at home, this favors the Bears.
Kevan Barlow, SF -- Barlow has been pitiful so far this year (56 yards (2.3 ypc) and a TD), and it gets worse this week as the Niners face a Dallas defense that has allowed just one TD this year while allowing 104 ypg. This is a big advantage for the Cowboys.
Chris Brown, TEN -- Brown suffered a concussion last week, but is expected to play. Despite averaging nearly 5.0 ypc, Travis Henry is getting a lot of touches, and the Rams have the third-best rushing defense in the league (58 ypg).
1 Shaun Alexander, SEA
2 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
3 Edgerrin James, IND
4 Julius Jones, DAL
5 Deuce McAllister, NO
6 Brian Westbrook, PHI
7 Cadillac Williams, TB
8 Priest Holmes, KC
9 Steven Jackson, STL
10 Tiki Barber, NYG
11 Willie Parker, PIT
12 Willis McGahee, BUF
13 Rudi Johnson, CIN
14 Lamont Jordan, OAK
15 Thomas Jones, CHI
16 Corey Dillon, NE
17 Fred Taylor, JAX
18 Stephen Davis, CAR
19 Ahman Green, GB
20 Larry Johnson, KC
21 Warrick Dunn, ATL
22 Mike Anderson, DEN
23 Curtis Martin, NYJ
24 Reuben Droughns, CLE
25 Kevan Barlow, SF
26 Ronnie Brown, MIA
27 Travis Henry, TEN
28 Marcel Shipp, ARI
29 Chris Brown, TEN
30 T.J. Duckett, ATL
31 DeShaun Foster, CAR
32 Michael Bennett, MIN
33 Derrick Blaylock, NYJ
34 Mewelde Moore, MIN
35 Brandon Jacobs, NYG
36 Cedric Benson, CHI
37 J.J. Arrington, ARI
38 Chris Perry, CIN
39 Lamar Gordon, PHI
40 Ron Dayne, DEN
41 Marshall Faulk, STL
42 Moe Williams, MIN
43 Frank Gore, SF
44 Kevin Faulk, NE
45 Michael Pittman, TB
46 Greg Jones, JAX
47 Sammy Morris, MIA
48 Duce Staley, PIT
49 Zack Crockett, OAK
50 Mike Alstott, TB
Wide Receivers
Plus Play:
Michael Clayton, TB and Rod Smith, DEN -- There’s nothing particularly impressive with either the Bucs’ or Broncos’ passing game, but if Griese and Plummer have solid games against the weak Packer and Chiefs defenses, Clayton and Smith will be the top recipients.
Terry Glenn, DAL -- Glenn has been the beneficiary of the Bledsoe resurgence, culminating with a six-reception, 157-yard, one TD performance on MNF. Terrell Owens had big success against the Niners’ secondary last week, tallying two TDs, so expect Glenn to continue this success this week.
Keenan McCardell, SD -- McCardell had an average week, after a stunning performance in the first week. But the Chargers face a Giant defense that has allowed 319 yards per game, so look for McCardell to bounce back.
Travis Taylor, MIN -- With Nate Burleson injured with a sprained knee, expect Taylor to step up and be a good bye-week replacement, as he pulled in seven catches for 75 yards last week with Burleson out. The Saints are a tough opponent, averaging allowing 187 ypg, but someone has to catch the passes that Daunte Culpepper does complete.
Negative Play:
Chris Chambers, MIA -- While Gus Frerotte has had some success so far this season, Chambers hasn’t seen much of it, garnering only eight receptions for 61 yards so far. The Patriots have allowed 220 yards passing per game, but only two TDs the last two weeks. Randy McMichael should remain Frerotte’s top target, limiting Chambers’ chances.
Lee Evans and Eric Moulds, BUF -- J.P. Losman has had a limited role in running the Bills’ offense, and that has had a negative effect on Evans and Moulds. Plus, Josh Reed has been the most productive Bills’ WR thus far. Atlanta’s pass defense has allowed 268 ypg, but only two TDs, but until Losman has a bigger part in the offense, these two will continue to struggle.
Robert Ferguson, GB -- Favre will struggle against the tough Tampa defense, limiting Ferguson’s success.
1 Terrell Owens, PHI
2 Randy Moss, OAK
3 Torry Holt, STL
4 Chad Johnson, CIN
5 Joe Horn, NO
6 Marvin Harrison, IND
7 Darrell Jackson, SEA
8 Steve Smith, CAR
9 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
10 Reggie Wayne, IND
11 Michael Clayton, TB
12 Hines Ward, PIT
13 Anquan Boldin, ARI
14 Donald Driver, GB
15 Deion Branch, NE
16 Jimmy Smith, JAX
17 Drew Bennett, TEN
18 Rod Smith, DEN
19 Plaxico Burress, NYG
20 Laveranues Coles, NYJ
21 Isaac Bruce, STL
22 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
23 Ashley Lelie, DEN
24 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
25 Terry Glenn, DAL
26 Keenan McCardell, SD
27 Chris Chambers, MIA
28 Eddie Kennison, KC
29 Keyshawn Johnson, DAL
30 Jerry Porter, OAK
31 Travis Taylor, MIN
32 Donte Stallworth, NO
33 Brandon Stokley, IND
34 Antwaan Randle El, PIT
35 Lee Evans, BUF
36 Braylon Edwards, CLE
37 Bobby Engram, SEA
38 Robert Ferguson, GB
39 Joey Galloway, TB
40 Antonio Bryant, CLE
41 Brandon Lloyd, SF
42 Arnaz Battle, SF
43 Greg Lewis, PHI
44 David Givens, NE
45 Eric Moulds, BUF
46 Justin McCareins, NYJ
47 Michael Jenkins, ATL
48 Kevin Curtis, STL
49 Marty Booker, MIA
50 Marcus Robinson, MIN
Tight Ends
1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Tony Gonzalez, KC
3 Randy McMichael, MIA
4 L.J. Smith, PHI
5 Jeremy Shockey, NYG
6 Jason Witten, DAL
7 Alge Crumpler, ATL
8 Jermaine Wiggins, MIN
9 Jerramy Stevens, SEA
10 Jeb Putzier, DEN
11 Dallas Clark, IND
12 Steve Heiden, CLE
13 Ben Troupe, TEN
14 Ernie Conwell, NO
15 Ben Watson, NE
16 Chris Baker, NYJ
17 Alex Smith, TB
18 Erron Kinney, TEN
19 Bubba Franks, GB
20 Courtney Anderson, OAK
21 Heath Miller, PIT
22 Jim Kleinsasser, MIN
23 Daniel Graham, NE
24 Desmond Clark, CHI
25 Kris Mangum, CAR
26 Matt Schobel, CIN
27 Stephen Alexander, DEN
28 Mark Campbell, BUF
29 Kyle Brady, JAX
30 Doug Jolley, NYJ
31 Adam Bergen, ARI
32 Jerame Tuman, PIT
33 Brandon Manumaleuna, STL
34 Anthony Becht, TB
35 Eric Johnson, SF
36 Billy Bajema, SF
37 Ben Utecht, IND
38 Kris Wilson, KC
39 Roland Williams, STL
40 George Wrighster, JAX
Kickers
1 Mike Vanderjagt, IND
2 Jeff Wilkins, STL
3 Jason Elam, DEN
4 Adam Vinatieri, NE
5 Shayne Graham, CIN
6 Lawrence Tynes, KC
7 John Carney, NO
8 John Kasay, CAR
9 Josh Brown, SEA
10 Jeff Reed, PIT
11 David Akers, PHI
12 Neil Rackers, ARI
13 Nate Kaeding, SD
14 Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
15 Jay Feely, NYG
16 Rian Lindell, BUF
17 Paul Edinger, MIN
18 Jose Cortez, DAL
19 Matt Bryant, TB
20 Ryan Longwell, GB
21 Mike Nugent, NYJ
22 Josh Scobee, JAX
23 Olindo Mare, MIA
24 Phil Dawson, CLE
25 Todd Peterson, ATL
26 Rob Bironas, TEN
27 Joe Nedney, SF
28 Doug Brien, CHI
Team Defenses
1 Buffalo Bills
2 Indianapolis Colts
3 Carolina Panthers
4 Dallas Cowboys
5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6 Pittsburgh Steelers
7 Cincinnati Bengals
8 Atlanta Falcons
9 Philadelphia Eagles
10 Jacksonville Jaguars
11 New England Patriots
12 New York Jets
13 Chicago Bears
14 San Diego Chargers
15 Seattle Seahawks
16 Miami Dolphins
17 New York Giants
18 St. Louis Rams
19 New Orleans Saints
20 Denver Broncos
21 Arizona Cardinals
22 Kansas City Chiefs
23 Green Bay Packers
24 Minnesota Vikings
25 San Francisco 49ers
26 Tennessee Titans
27 Cleveland Browns
28 Oakland Raiders
Defensive Backs
1 Troy Polamalu, PIT
2 Rodney Harrison, NE
3 Ronde Barber, TB
4 Adrian Wilson, ARI
5 Terrance Kiel, SD
6 Antoine Winfield, MIN
7 Brian Dawkins, PHI
8 Michael Lewis, PHI
9 Adam Archuleta, STL
10 Gibril Wilson, NYG
11 Tony Parrish, SF
12 Sammy Knight, KC
13 Mike Brown, CHI
14 Champ Bailey, DEN
15 Marcus Trufant, SEA
16 Madieu Williams, CIN
17 Terrence McGee, BUF
18 Roy Williams, DAL
19 Darren Sharper, MIN
20 Ahmed Plummer, SF
21 Lawyer Milloy, BUF
22 DeAngelo Hall, ATL
23 Nate Clements, BUF
24 Charles Tillman, CHI
25 Lamont Thompson, TEN
26 Anthony Henry, DAL
27 Michael Boulware, SEA
28 Corey Chavous, MIN
29 Sheldon Brown, PHI
30 Bob Sanders, IND
31 Pacman Jones, TEN
32 Gary Baxter, CLE
33 Nick Ferguson, DEN
34 Greg Wesley, KC
35 Nick Harper, IND
36 Rashean Mathis, JAX
37 Tebucky Jones, MIA
38 William Peterson, NYG
39 Chris Gamble, CAR
40 Marlin Jackson, IND
41 Michael Doss, IND
42 Thomas Davis, CAR
43 Robert Griffith, ARI
44 Antrel Rolle, ARI
45 Travis Fisher, STL
46 Ken Hamlin, SEA
47 Brian Russell, CLE
48 Nick Collins, GB
49 Eugene Wilson, NE
50 Erik Coleman, NYJ
Linebackers
1 Zach Thomas, MIA
2 Brian Urlacher, CHI
3 Keith Bulluck, TEN
4 Antonio Pierce, NYG
5 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
6 Donnie Edwards, SD
7 Derrick Johnson, KC
8 Takeo Spikes, BUF
9 Andra Davis, CLE
10 Mike Peterson, JAX
11 James Farrior, PIT
12 Julian Peterson, SF
13 Odell Thurman, CIN
14 Nick Barnett, GB
15 Danny Clark, OAK
16 Derrick Brooks, TB
17 London Fletcher, BUF
18 Derek Smith, SF
19 Keith Brooking, ATL
20 Dat Nguyen, DAL
21 Karlos Dansby, ARI
22 Edgerton Hartwell, ATL
23 Will Witherspoon, CAR
24 Al Wilson, DEN
25 Gary Brackett, IND
26 Shelton Quarles, TB
27 Cato June, IND
28 Jeremiah Trotter, PHI
29 Demarcus Ware, DAL
30 Jamie Sharper, SEA
31 Kawika Mitchell, KC
32 Dan Morgan, CAR
33 Earl Holmes, DET
34 David Pollack, CIN
35 Brad Kassell, TEN
36 Steve Foley, SD
37 Demorrio Williams, ATL
38 Sam Cowart, MIN
39 Ian Gold, DEN
40 Lance Briggs, CHI
41 Mike Vrabel, NE
42 Brian Simmons, CIN
43 Joey Porter, PIT
44 Monty Beisel, NE
45 Courtney Watson, NO
46 Robert Thomas, GB
47 Eric Barton, NYJ
48 Daryl Smith, JAX
49 David Thornton, IND
50 Jeff Ulbrich, SF
Defensive Linemen
1 Michael Strahan, NYG
2 Leonard Little, STL
3 Jason Taylor, MIA
4 Julius Peppers, CAR
5 Bert Berry, ARI
6 Dwight Freeney, IND
7 John Abraham, NYJ
8 Patrick Kerney, ATL
9 John Henderson, JAX
10 Simeon Rice, TB
11 Kevin Williams, MIN
12 Aaron Schobel, BUF
13 Robert Mathis, IND
14 Grant Wistrom, SEA
15 Justin Smith, CIN
16 Shaun Ellis, NYJ
17 Charles Grant, NO
18 Will Smith, NO
19 Richard Seymour, NE
20 Rod Coleman, ATL
21 Orpheus Roye, CLE
22 Darren Howard, NO
23 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
24 Mike Rucker, CAR
25 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
26 Osi Umenyiora, NYG
27 Aaron Smith, PIT
28 Alex Brown, CHI
29 Chike Okeafor, ARI
30 Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, GB
31 Jevon Kearse, PHI
32 Pat Williams, MIN
33 Raheem Brock, IND
34 Marques Douglas, SF
35 Darwin Walker, PHI
36 Jared Allen, KC
37 Greg Ellis, DAL
38 Bryce Fisher, SEA
39 Eric Hicks, KC
40 Darnell Dockett, ARI
41 Vonnie Holliday, MIA
42 Lance Johnstone, MIN
43 Antwan Odom, TEN
44 Aaron Kampman, GB
45 Corey Simon, IND
46 Larry Tripplett, IND
47 Chris Kelsay, BUF
48 Marcus Stroud, JAX
49 Albert Haynesworth, TEN
50 Courtney Brown, DEN
Fantasy Football 
Thank you, guys. I'm glad that you like it.
Only that he's on his bye-week this week.
He's still a top-15 back overall.
For my sake, I hope not.
I'm banking on the fact that Romeo Crennel knows Peyton. But then again, he may not have the personnel to get the job done. I think Manning will have a decent day, but I really think Edge will be the one with the HUGE day.
And BTW Jeff, nice job as always!
This happens at least once a year when these rankings come out. Some poor schmo gets all worked up when his player isn't on the board...forgetting he's on a bye.