Week Five Match-ups
October 07, 2005
Quarterbacks
Bye Weeks: Trent Green, Kerry Collins, Daunte Culpepper, Eli Manning
Plus Play:
Aaron Brooks, NO -- Brooks has been steady, but not spectacular so far this season (57%, 938 yards passing, two TDs, five INT). Last week, he added a rushing TD and got through the game without throwing an interception, while not having top WR Joe Horn to throw to. This progress comes just in time to face the Green Bay Packers, who rank third in most TDs allowed (nine), 24th in sacks (six) and has managed just one interception this season. This is despite being the 15th-ranked team against the pass (204 ypg). Without Horn, Brooks should get into the end zone one way or another; with him, his odds only go up. Expect a decent start.
Jake Delhomme, CAR -- Delhomme has been the statistical opposite of Brooks (57%, 857 yards, 6 TDs and four INT). This includes a solid performance against GB (206 yards, two TDs, zero INT) on an off night for Steve Smith. Arizona has been solid against the pass – 186 ypg (eighth in the league), but lost two DBs to injury last week. But the defense will be focusing on Stephan Davis, so expect a solid performance from Delhomme.
Josh McCown, ARI -- McCown had a great debut last week against a poor defense. Don’t expect that level of performance this week against Carolina. The Panthers are a slightly tougher opponent (226 ypg – 23rd in the league), but has allowed seven TDs thus far – four last week to Brett Favre and two earlier this season to Gus Frerotte. McCown, at home with a pair of top young WRs, should be able to put up some points against a secondary that hasn’t done its job very well this season.
David Carr, HOU -- Carr is another under-the-radar QB that could be a good bye-week play this week. His production has been on the light side this season (58%, 411 yards, two TD, three INT). One of those TDs came last week. This week, he faces a Tennessee team that ranks 24th in passing (227 ypg) and in interceptions (two) and has given up the second-most TDs in the league (10), despite having accumulated an above-average number of sacks (10). That last number is scary, as Houston allowed seven sacks last week. In Carr’s favor, though, is the fact that in two games against the Titans last year, Carr threw for 467 yards and three TDs.
Negative Play:
Carson Palmer, CIN -- No doubt Palmer is a starter this week, as he is averaging 261 ypg and has thrown for nine TDs. But he faces an extremely tough Jaguar secondary, which leads a defense that averages 136 ypg (second in the league), has made 10 sacks, five interceptions and has given up just four TDs thus far. Palmer will do well, but temper your expectations against a top-tier pass defense.
Drew Bledsoe, DAL -- Bledsoe comes down to Earth a bit this week. Bledsoe has played above expectations this season (60%, 247 ypg with seven TDs and three INT thrown), but his Cowboys face a tough Philly defense, one that is ranked 10th in the league against the pass (189 ypg, six INT and four TDs allowed).
Jake Plummer, DEN -- The Broncos’ passing game has been inconsistent this season. Plummer has averaged 183 ypg (25th-best in the league) with four TDs and three INTs thrown. This week, he faces the Redskins – a squad that bends yardage-wise (207 ypg for 16th in the league), but doesn’t break in the red zone (only one TD surrendered). A steady pass defense usually wins out over an up-and-down passing game.
Gus Frerotte, MIA -- Frerotte has been a steady presence to a weak Dolphin offense (52%, 623 yards, five TDs and three INTs in three games). The combination of a horrid rushing defense and a strong secondary has made the Bills the top pass defense in the league (121 ypg). They have only allowed two TDs and are capable so shutting down Frerotte.
1 Peyton Manning, IND
2 Donovan McNabb, PHI
3 Marc Bulger, STL
4 Brett Favre, GB
5 Aaron Brooks, NO
6 Jake Delhomme, CAR
7 Tom Brady, NE
8 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
9 Carson Palmer, CIN
10 Drew Brees, SD
11 Steve McNair, TEN
12 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
13 Michael Vick, ATL
14 Josh McCown, ARI
15 Drew Bledsoe, DAL
16 Jake Plummer, DEN
17 Brian Griese, TB
18 David Carr, HOU
19 Byron Leftwich, JAX
20 Trent Dilfer, CLE
21 Mark Brunell, WAS
22 Gus Frerotte, MIA
23 Joey Harrington, DET
24 Anthony Wright, BAL
25 Alex Smith, SF
26 Kyle Orton, CHI
27 Kelly Holcomb, BUF
28 Vinny Testaverde, NYJ
Running Backs
Bye Weeks: Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Lamont Jordan, Mewelde Moore, Michael Bennett, Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs
Plus Play:
Deuce McAllister, NO -- McAllister had a solid game last week against the poor Bills run defense (27 carries for 130 yards). He is averaging 76 ypg, 3.7 ypc and has scored three times this season. The Packers have an average run defense (102 ypg – 16th overall) that has allowed just two TDs on the ground. McAllister is a solid back that should get his due against the Pack.
Corey Dillon, NE -- Dillon remains a feast-or-famine back, as he is only averaging 56 ypg and 3.1 ypc, but has been able to find the end zone five times. That makes for an interesting balance this week, as the Falcons are only 22nd against the run (112 ypg) and 28th in ypc (4.5), but has allowed just two TDs this season. He should continue to be a No.1-quality RB this week.
Thomas Jones, CHI -- Cedric who?! Jones has been a solid performer this season, averaging 92 ypg and 4.5 ypc with four TDs so far, and over the last two games, he’s averaged 123 ypg, 5.2 ypc and 1.5 TDs per game. Cleveland has been poor against the run (125 ypg – 26th in the league), but it has been solid at the goal line, having allowed two TD. Expect another good game from Jones.
Ronnie Brown, MIA -- Brown seems to be coming into his own, as he gained 132 yards at a 5.7 ypc clip and a TD against the Panthers last week. This week, he faces a heavily-wounded Bills defense – one that is ranked 31st against the run (172 ypg) and has allowed five TDs thus far. Brown should really hit his stride this week.
Negative Play:
Willis McGahee, BUF -- McGahee has been solid thus far this season (94 ypg and 4.8 ypc). But he will go up against the third-best run defense in the Dolphins this week (76 ypg) that has not allowed a rushing TD. Expect the Miami domination to continue.
Julius Jones, DAL -- Jones has been all right so far this season (84 ypg, 3.5 ypc, three TDs), while the Eagles appear equally average against the run (105 ypg for 20th in the league) and has allowed three TDs thus far. The Cowboys’ line has had trouble opening holes for Jones this year, so while Jones will be a solid start, expect slightly below average results this week.
Kevin Jones, DET -- Jones finally got into the end zone last week, but the Lions remain near the bottom in rushing (26th in ypg (74) and 29th in ypc (3.0)). This week, they face the second-best run defense in the Ravens (70 ypg, zero TDs allowed). Expect another poor performance.
Curtis Martin, NYJ -- Martin has yet to find the end zone, and has been ineffective yardage wise (57 ypg, 2.8 ypc). That will continue as he will face the top run defense in Tampa (62 ypg with one TD surrendered).
1 Shaun Alexander, SEA
2 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
3 Edgerrin James, IND
4 Deuce McAllister, NO
5 Brian Westbrook, PHI
6 Willis McGahee, BUF
7 Corey Dillon, NE
8 Julius Jones, DAL
9 Domanick Davis, HOU
10 Stephen Davis, CAR
11 Thomas Jones, CHI
12 Steven Jackson, STL
13 Rudi Johnson, CIN
14 Warrick Dunn, ATL
15 Jamal Lewis, BAL
16 Clinton Portis, WAS
17 Ronnie Brown, MIA
18 Mike Anderson, DEN
19 Chris Brown, TEN
20 Willie Parker, PIT
21 Fred Taylor, JAX
22 Cadillac Williams, TB
23 Kevin Jones, DET
24 Reuben Droughns, CLE
25 Curtis Martin, NYJ
26 Ahman Green, GB
27 Marcel Shipp, ARI
28 T.J. Duckett, ATL
29 DeShaun Foster, CAR
30 Michael Pittman, TB
31 Kevan Barlow, SF
32 Tatum Bell, DEN
33 Najeh Davenport, GB
34 Marshall Faulk, STL
35 Chris Perry, CIN
36 Cedric Benson, CHI
37 Chester Taylor, BAL
38 Jerome Bettis, PIT
39 Lee Suggs, CLE
40 Sammy Morris, MIA
41 Ladell Betts, WAS
42 Duce Staley, PIT
43 Lamar Gordon, PHI
44 Patrick Pass, NE
45 Frank Gore, SF
46 Jarrett Payton, TEN
47 Dominic Rhodes, IND
48 Greg Jones, JAX
49 J.J. Arrington, ARI
50 Mike Alstott, TB
Wide Receivers
Bye Weeks: Eddie Kennison, Dante Hall, Samie Parker, Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel, Travis Taylor, Troy Williamson, Marcus Robinson, Nate Burleson, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer
Plus Play:
Reggie Wayne, IND -- This is a fantastic match-up for Wayne and the Colts. Peyton Manning has targeted Wayne 24 times and Wayne has responded with 15 receptions for a 14.3 ypr and a TD. That shall be surpassed this week as the Colts face the worst pass defense in the league. The Niners allow 368 ypg and are last in passing TDs allowed (11).
Jimmy Smith, JAX -- No one runs better routes than Smith, who has had a great season so far (19.4 ypr and four TDs). Cincinnati has been tough to score on (two TDs thus far), but it has been merely average against the pass (196 ypg for 12th in the league). Smith should be able to dissect this defense for a score.
Joey Galloway, TB -- Galloway has been Brian Griese’s top target – 30 targets for 17 receptions, 316 yards and three TDs. Opponents have been running the ball at will against the Jets; therefore, they falsely boast the fourth-best pass defense (168 ypg with three TDs allowed). When the Bucs aren’t punishing the Jets on the ground, Galloway will be the beneficiary through the air.
Drew Bennett, TEN -- Bennett has been heavily targeted by Steve McNair (32 times), but hasn’t had much success (14 receptions, zero TDs). But the Titans face the Texans this week. While they have only allowed four TDs thus far, they are ranked 25th against the pass (230 ypg), 29th in sacks (four) and have yet to make an interception. This should be Bennett’s breakout week with both TEs, Ben Troupe and Erron Kinney, listed as questionable.
Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald, STL -- Marc Bulger probably won’t throw 62 times again this week, but expect the Rams to continue with their pass-dominant offense. Four WRs gained at least 75 yards last week – Curtis, over the last two weeks, has been targeted 13 times for 11 receptions, 134 yards and a TD, while last week McDonald was targeted 13 times, resulting in nine receptions for 121 yards. Seattle has been good against the pass, with 185 ypg (seventh in the league) and five TDs surrendered. The main concern for the Rams will be sacks, as they are 30th in sacks allowed (16), while the Seahawks are seventh in sacks made (11). Bulger should be able to get the ball to these two easily, however.
Joe Jurevicius and Peter Warrick, SEA -- Both of Seattle’s top two WRs, Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram, are expected to be out of Sunday’s game. This gives Jurevicius and Warrick a shot at hitting it big this week. Seattle has the eighth-ranked passing attack (252 ypg) with five TDs thrown this season. The Seahawks face the 27th-ranked defense in the Rams, who have allowed an average 255 ypg with eight TDs surrendered. Seattle should still be able to handle this struggling defense.
Negative Play:
Chris Chambers, MIA -- Frerotte has targeted Chambers 32 times in three games, but has only produced 14 receptions, 154 yards and a TD, as Randy McMichael is the team’s top receiver. Miami should focus on the run and the Bills will be strong against the pass, limiting Chambers’ effectiveness.
Roy Williams, DET -- With Charles Rogers suspended, Williams should get more looks while he’s out, but while he’s received 32 targets, he has only produced 10 receptions for 163 yards and a TD. There’s only room for improvement. But he goes against the Ravens’ 11th-ranked pass defense (190 ypg) that has allowed only three TDs. Not this week.
Michael Clayton, TB -- Clayton has done well (26 targets, 17 receptions, 196 yards and zero TDs), but it’s Galloway that has been the money guy. As the Bucs run the ball against the Jets, and Galloway gets the big play, Clayton will probably get shut out again.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN -- As the Bengals face the second-toughest pass defense in Jacksonville, and T. J. has a hand injury, expect Cincy’s No. 2 WR to have a tough game against a squad that allows just 136 ypg..
Laveranues Coles, NYJ -- You have to give Vinny Testaverde a week to get acclimated to the Jets’ offense, and Tampa’s third-ranked defense isn’t the group to expect much from the Jets’ WRs.
Ashley Lelie, DEN -- Lelie has not been the stud expected of him this season, as he’s only managed 10 receptions for 108 yards in four games. Expect Denver to continue to focus on the run against the Redskins.
1 Terrell Owens, PHI
2 Torry Holt, STL
3 Marvin Harrison, IND
4 Steve Smith, CAR
5 Chad Johnson, CIN
6 Reggie Wayne, IND
7 Jimmy Smith, JAX
8 Hines Ward, PIT
9 Donald Driver, GB
10 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
11 Anquan Boldin, ARI
12 Joe Horn, NO
13 Joey Galloway, TB
14 Keenan McCardell, SD
15 Santana Moss, WAS
16 Deion Branch, NE
17 Rod Smith, DEN
18 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
19 Drew Bennett, TEN
20 Derrick Mason, BAL
21 Kevin Curtis, STL
22 Donte Stallworth, NO
23 Chris Chambers, MIA
24 Andre Johnson, HOU
25 Brandon Lloyd, SF
26 Terry Glenn, DAL
27 Roy Williams, DET
28 Keyshawn Johnson, DAL
29 David Givens, NE
30 Robert Ferguson, GB
31 Joe Jurevicius, SEA
32 Michael Clayton, TB
33 Antwaan Randle El, PIT
34 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
35 Braylon Edwards, CLE
36 Laveranues Coles, NYJ
37 Greg Lewis, PHI
38 Antonio Bryant, CLE
39 Lee Evans, BUF
40 Shaun McDonald, STL
41 Ashley Lelie, DEN
42 Michael Jenkins, ATL
43 Eric Moulds, BUF
44 Peter Warrick, SEA
45 Brian Fenneran, ATL
46 Jabar Gaffney, HOU
47 Keary Colbert, CAR
48 Antonio Chatman, GB
49 Brandon Jones, TEN
50 Brandon Stokley, IND
Tight Ends
Bye Weeks: Tony Gonzalez, Courtney Anderson, Jermaine Wiggins, Jeremy Shockey
1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Randy McMichael, MIA
3 L.J. Smith, PHI
4 Alge Crumpler, ATL
5 Jason Witten, DAL
6 Jerramy Stevens, SEA
7 Todd Heap, BAL
8 Dallas Clark, IND
9 Ernie Conwell, NO
10 Erron Kinney, TEN
11 Ben Troupe, TEN
12 Chris Cooley, WAS
13 Steve Heiden, CLE
14 Marcus Pollard, DET
15 Chris Baker, NYJ
16 Ben Watson, NE
17 Jeb Putzier, DEN
18 Heath Miller, PIT
19 David Martin, GB
20 Alex Smith, TB
21 Kris Mangum, CAR
22 Daniel Graham, NE
23 Matt Schobel, CIN
24 Bubba Franks, GB
25 Stephen Alexander, DEN
26 Desmond Clark, CHI
27 Mark Bruener, HOU
28 Teyo Johnson, ARI
29 Aaron Shea, CLE
30 Anthony Becht, TB
31 Robert Royal, WAS
32 Mark Campbell, BUF
33 Billy Bajema, SF
34 Brandon Manumaleuna, STL
35 Jerame Tuman, PIT
36 Doug Jolley, NYJ
37 Reggie Kelly, CIN
38 Daniel Wilcox, BAL
39 Kyle Brady, JAX
40 Itula Mili, SEA
Kickers
Bye Weeks: Lawrence Tynes, Paul Edinger, Sebastian Janikowski, Jay Feely
1 Neil Rackers, ARI
2 Mike Vanderjagt, IND
3 Jeff Wilkins, STL
4 Adam Vinatieri, NE
5 John Kasay, CAR
6 Shayne Graham, CIN
7 Jason Elam, DEN
8 John Carney, NO
9 Matt Stover, BAL
10 Jeff Reed, PIT
11 Nate Kaeding, SD
12 Ryan Longwell, GB
13 Josh Brown, SEA
14 Todd France, PHI
15 Rob Bironas, TEN
16 Todd Peterson, ATL
17 Rian Lindell, BUF
18 Josh Scobee, JAX
19 Jason Hanson, DET
20 Matt Bryant, TB
21 Phil Dawson, CLE
22 Olindo Mare, MIA
23 Kris Brown, HOU
24 Jose Cortez, DAL
25 Doug Brien, CHI
26 Nick Novak, WAS
27 Mike Nugent, NYJ
28 Joe Nedney, SF
Team Defenses
Bye Weeks: New York Giants, Minnesota, Kansas City, Oakland
1 Indianapolis Colts
2 Baltimore Ravens
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 Cincinnati Bengals
5 Chicago Bears
6 Denver Broncos
7 Philadelphia Eagles
8 Miami Dolphins
9 Carolina Panthers
10 Buffalo Bills
11 Tennessee Titans
12 Detroit Lions
13 Atlanta Falcons
14 Pittsburgh Steelers
15 Cleveland Browns
16 New York Jets
17 Jacksonville Jaguars
18 New England Patriots
19 Washington Redskins
20 New Orleans Saints
21 San Diego Chargers
22 Seattle Seahawks
23 Houston Texans
24 Arizona Cardinals
25 Dallas Cowboys
26 St. Louis Rams
27 Green Bay Packers
28 San Francisco 49ers
Defensive Backs
1 Adam Archuleta, STL
2 Troy Polamalu, PIT
3 Mike Brown, CHI
4 Tony Parrish, SF
5 Terrance Kiel, SD
6 Adrian Wilson, ARI
7 Michael Boulware, SEA
8 Sean Taylor, WAS
9 Deltha O'Neal, CIN
10 Dunta Robinson, HOU
11 Kerry Rhodes, NYJ
12 Nate Clements, BUF
13 Dwight Smith, NO
14 Charles Tillman, CHI
15 Ronde Barber, TB
16 Chris McAlister, BAL
17 Michael Lewis, PHI
18 Ken Lucas, CAR
19 Brian Kelly, TB
20 Shawn Springs, WAS
21 Rashean Mathis, JAX
22 Nick Harper, IND
23 Roy Williams, DAL
24 Brian Russell, CLE
25 Marcus Trufant, SEA
26 Edward Reed, BAL
27 Lito Sheppard, PHI
28 Chris Gamble, CAR
29 Terence Newman, DAL
30 Nick Ferguson, DEN
31 Lawyer Milloy, BUF
32 Kenoy Kennedy, DET
33 Sheldon Brown, PHI
34 Eugene Wilson, NE
35 Pacman Jones, TEN
36 Lamont Thompson, TEN
37 DeAngelo Hall, ATL
38 Tank Williams, TEN
39 Bob Sanders, IND
40 Bryan Scott, ATL
41 Shawntae Spencer, SF
42 Ahmad Carroll, GB
43 Ken Hamlin, SEA
44 Terrence Holt, DET
45 Gary Baxter, CLE
46 Brian Dawkins, PHI
47 Nick Collins, GB
48 Ricky Manning, CAR
49 Anthony Henry, DAL
50 Marcus Coleman, HOU
Linebackers
1 Donnie Edwards, SD
2 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
3 Mike Peterson, JAX
4 Nick Barnett, GB
5 James Farrior, PIT
6 Ray Lewis, BAL
7 Keith Bulluck, TEN
8 Zach Thomas, MIA
9 London Fletcher, BUF
10 Brian Urlacher, CHI
11 Kailee Wong, HOU
12 Keith Brooking, ATL
13 Gary Brackett, IND
14 Andra Davis, CLE
15 Odell Thurman, CIN
16 Jeremiah Trotter, PHI
17 Ian Gold, DEN
18 Will Witherspoon, CAR
19 Al Wilson, DEN
20 Shelton Quarles, TB
21 Marcus Washington, WAS
22 Derek Smith, SF
23 Lemar Marshall, WAS
24 Demarcus Ware, DAL
25 Dan Morgan, CAR
26 Earl Holmes, DET
27 Dat Nguyen, DAL
28 Lofa Tatupu, SEA
29 Pisa Tinoisamoa, STL
30 Angelo Crowell, BUF
31 Adalius Thomas, BAL
32 Brian Simmons, CIN
33 James Darling, ARI
34 Chris Claiborne, STL
35 Daryl Smith, JAX
36 Akinola Ayodele, JAX
37 Karlos Dansby, ARI
38 Morlon Greenwood, HOU
39 Steve Foley, SD
40 Edgerton Hartwell, ATL
41 Channing Crowder, MIA
42 Courtney Watson, NO
43 Robert Thomas, GB
44 Larry Foote, PIT
45 Monty Beisel, NE
46 Dhani Jones, PHI
47 David Pollack, CIN
48 Brad Kassell, TEN
49 Boss Bailey, DET
50 Demorrio Williams, ATL
Defensive Linemen
1 Jason Taylor, MIA
2 Dwight Freeney, IND
3 Darren Howard, NO
4 Julius Peppers, CAR
5 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
6 Charles Grant, NO
7 Patrick Kerney, ATL
8 John Abraham, NYJ
9 Mike Rucker, CAR
10 Aaron Schobel, BUF
11 Leonard Little, STL
12 Bert Berry, ARI
13 Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, GB
14 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
15 Grant Wistrom, SEA
16 Rod Coleman, ATL
17 Kalimba Edwards, DET
18 Cornelius Griffin, WAS
19 Terrell Suggs, BAL
20 Bryce Fisher, SEA
21 John Henderson, JAX
22 Simeon Rice, TB
23 Robert Mathis, IND
24 Mike Patterson, PHI
25 Paul Spicer, JAX
26 Orpheus Roye, CLE
27 Raheem Brock, IND
28 Shaun Rogers, DET
29 Ryan Pickett, STL
30 Antwan Odom, TEN
31 Bryant Young, SF
32 Aaron Kampman, GB
33 Reggie Hayward, JAX
34 Darnell Dockett, ARI
35 Courtney Brown, DEN
36 Kevin Carter, MIA
37 Jevon Kearse, PHI
38 John Thornton, CIN
39 Richard Seymour, NE
40 Brady Smith, ATL
41 Shaun Ellis, NYJ
42 Will Smith, NO
43 Greg Ellis, DAL
44 Aaron Smith, PIT
45 Alex Brown, CHI
46 Marcus Stroud, JAX
47 Greg Spires, TB
48 Ty Warren, NE
49 Anthony Hargrove, STL
50 Andre Carter, SF
Fantasy Football 
edit- hes supposedly lining up opposite a rookie RT, so he could have a big day. plus bledsoe will be passing all day trying to play catchup
Raiders.