Week 18 Passing Matchups

PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup.

Also note, just because a player has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your league. If Peyton Manning is playing the toughest pass defense in the league, that just means he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter unless you're loaded at QB. In the same way, if the worst QB on your roster has a "great" matchup that week, it doesn't necessarily mean he's your starter. It means we think he'll fare better than normal that week.

Bottom line is that the cheatsheets are the final say.

Dallas Cowboys Passing Offense at Seattle Seahawks Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

These teams did not play during the 2006 regular season. The last time they faced off was week 7 of 2005, when Seattle battled to a last-minute 13-10 victory over the Cowboys. A lot has changed for both teams since late October of 2005, though - recent history won't tell us much about this playoff matchup.

Tony Romo has been up and down over the past 3 weeks, throwing 2 TDs in 2 out of 3 games (22/29 for 278 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in week 15 vs. Atlanta and 23/32 for 321 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception last week vs. Detroit) but also suffering through a stinker vs. Philly during week 16 (14/29 for 149 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions). Romo also fumbled 4 times (losing 2) vs. Detroit - he's had trouble taking care of the ball recently. For all of his faults, Terrell Owens has been a fantasy points machine during that time span, with 23 targets for 13/209/4 receiving. Terry Glenn was 2nd on the team with 21 for 12/222/0, while Jason Witten rounded out the top 3 targets with 18 for 15/168/0. Patrick Crayton hauled in the other TD pass (7 for 5/48/1). Overall, Romo and company have done their part to win games despite Romo's turnovers - the defense has just been plain awful of late. This week, coach Parcells commented on Romo's recent miscues: "I don't want to discourage his ability to create," Parcells said. "But the judgment has to improve on some things or else you have what happened on Sunday."

Seattle limited the anemic Bucs to 16/27 for 185 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions last week; gave up 10/30 for 181 yards, but 2 TDs vs. 0 interceptions to Phillip Rivers in week 16, and gave up 14/25 for 162 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions to Alex Smith and the 49ers during week 15. Seattle tends to be stingy with passing yards but generous with TDs of late - however, Tim Rattay, Phillip Rivers and Alex Smith are not exactly piloting high-flying passing attacks - Rivers and Smith hand off to Ladainian Tomlinson and Frank Gore early and often in their contests as a rule. A big concern for Seattle coming into this contest is their battered secondary. Kelly Herndon is done for the year with a broken ankle, and Marcus Trufant is highly unlikely to play due to a high ankle sprain. Jimmy Williams suffered a knee injury week 17 and has joined Herndon on IR - the team signed free agents S John Howell and CB Pete Hunter to try and plug the holes in the secondary. They are paper thin at CB with only Kelly Jennings currently healthy and on the roster more than 1 week. SS Jordan Babineaux is expected to move over and start at the other CB spot vs. Dallas.

Romo has made some mistakes in recent games, but his throwing arm is not suspect - the Seattle secondary has been gutted by injuries and must be considered very vulnerable. This looks like a great matchup for Romo and company.

Weather: The weather service predicts a high of 45F with a low of 39F and a 30% chance for precipitation at Qwest Field on Saturday. Given that precipitation at this time of year could mean rain, sleet, snow or some mix of all three, footing, ball-handling and visibility could all become issues for Cowboys and Seahawks alike, if a storm blows in around game-time.

DAL Injuries: none
SEA Injuries: DL Robert Bernard (Probable), LB Leroy Hill (Questionable), DB Marcus Trufant (Doubtful)

Philadelphia Eagles Passing Offense vs New York Giants Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

During the first game of 2006 between these divisional foes (week 2), the Giants were listless through 3 quarters, but then they stormed back from a 17 point deficit in the 4th quarter and captured a "W" during the overtime period, 30-24. Donovan McNabb had no problem throwing the ball against the Giants during week 2, with 27/45 for 350 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions to his credit.

The story was different during week 15, with the Eagles throwing down a late surge in the 4th quarter to squash New York 36-22. Jeff Garcia was able to move the ball through the air efficiently, with 19/28 for 237 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception during the game. Reggie Brown (4/77/1), L.J. Smith (4/54/0), and Brian Westbrook (5/40/0) handled the majority of the receptions against the Giants - 8 Eagles in all caught passes from Garcia as he spread the ball around to a number of other guys as well.

The Giants' CBs have been banged up in recent weeks - most recently Corey Webster re-injured his toe and hurt his hip against the Redskins - he was placed on IR Wednesday and is done for the post-season. CB R.J. Cobbs was signed off the practice squad to provide some depth in Webster's absence. Kevin Dockery is expected to step into the nickel packages where Webster had been playing since returning from his initial toe injury. During regular season, the Giants ranked 28th vs. opposing passers, averaging 228.1 yards allowed per game, with 21 TDs given up so far during 2006-7. They tied for 23rd in the NFL with 32 sacks generated - over the last 3 games. They have 4 sacks and 2 interceptions over the final 3 games of the season, while allowing 19/28 for 237 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to Garcia week 15; 13/32 for 132 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to Drew Brees in week 16; and 22/32 for 268 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception to the Redskins during week 17. As you can see, the Giants aren't too stout vs. opposing passers during recent weeks, and haven't been most of the year.

This is a great matchup for Garcia and company.

Weather: Lincoln Financial Field expects a high of 54F with a low of 42F and a 30% chance for precipitation on Sunday. If the moisture falls thickly at game time, footing, ball handling and visibility could all become issues - gusty winds can also make for difficult passing/kicking conditions in this venue. Owners of Eagles or Giants will want to look at a short-term forecast including wind conditions before setting their playoff fantasy lineups this week.

PHI Injuries: RB Ryan Moats (Probable)
NYG Injuries: none

Indianapolis Colts Passing Offense vs Kansas City Chiefs Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

These teams have not faced each other during the last 2 seasons - the Colts' and the Chiefs' coaching staffs will be watching a lot of tape on their opponent this week as there is not the familiarity between opponents that we'll see in Sunday's NYJ/NE and NYG/PHI matchups.

Peyton Manning tossed 362/557 for 4397 yards, 31 TDs and 9 interceptions this year (23/36/4 rushing), to finish #1 at his position in fantasy points for the season at 362.8 (Drew Brees was second this year with 317.8). Marvin Harrison was the #1 fantasy WR in total points, with 35/1366/12 (208.6 fantasy points), while Reggie Wayne was 3rd with 86/1310/9 (185.0 fantasy points). Dallas Clark ended up 15th at his position with 30/367/4 (60.7 fantasy points), but missed 4 games due to injury. The Colts' passing unit is the standard-setting, elite attack in the NFL. To close the regular season, Manning tossed 9 TDs and 0 interceptions over the final 3 games - 29/36 for 282 yards, 4 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. Cincinnati; 21/27 for 205 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. Houston; and 22/37 for 282 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. Miami (he also added a rushing TD in the season finale, 1/11/1). If you have Peyton Manning, Harrison, Wayne or Clark (who looked solid in his return from injury last week, snagging 4/56/0) on your playoff roster, they should start.

Phillip Rivers could only eke out 8/23 for 97 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions (2 sacks) with 20 points scored by San Diego during week 15; Oakland (guided by Andrew Walter in week 16) managed to pass for 27/37 for 226 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions (4 sacks) while scoring 9 total points. Last week, the Jaguars shifted from one QB to another mid-stream, and managed to come up with 23/40 for 284 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception during the game, while allowing 3 sacks and scoring 30 total points. The Chiefs were 18th vs. the pass this season, averaging 208.4 yards allowed per game and 18 scores given up, while amassing 32 sacks (23rd in the NFL) and 15 interceptions - they are a what-you-see is what-you-get, mediocre pass D on balance.

Manning and company are as stellar as they come in the NFL - they have a good matchup to work with this week, with the RCA Dome/home crowd at their back and home turf under foot vs. a so-so K.C. pass defense.

Weather: Inside the RCA Dome, weather won't be an issue for either the Colts or the Chiefs.

IND Injuries: WR Ricky Proehl (Questionable), WR Reggie Wayne (Questionable), TE Dallas Clark (Questionable)
KC Injuries: DB Benny Sapp (Questionable)

Seattle Seahawks Passing Offense vs Dallas Cowboys Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

Matt Hasselbeck ended the regular season with 17/29 for 216 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even though he was without his top receiver, Darrell Jackson. However, he tossed 2 interceptions per game during the 2 weeks prior (both losses for Seattle) - going 20/37 for 220 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions vs. San Francisco in week 15 and then tossing 17/37 for 189 yards, 0 TDs and 2 interceptions vs. the Chargers in week 16. D.J. Hackett (25 targets for 15/187/1), Deion Branch (25 targets for 12/153/0) and Jerramy Stevens (20 for 11/142/1) have been his primary pass catchers in the absence of Jackson. There are rumblings out of Seattle that Hackett (who reportedly has a groin injury, although the team has not officially confirmed his status or the nature of this injury) and Jackson could both miss the Dallas game - Marcus Robinson, late of Minnesota, could be signed to provide Hasselbeck with another veteran target, although that hasn't happened as of Wednesday afternoon. Bobby Engram has returned to the field in recent weeks after overcoming a thyroid problem, posting 2/27/0 last week and 4/65/0 during week 16.

The Cowboys' pass defense has collapsed coming into the post-season, laying down for 28/42 for 306 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception to Jon Kitna and the Lions during week 17 (5 sacks) and handing over 39 points; granting 15/23 for 238 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to Jeff Garcia week 16 (2 sacks, with 23 total points allowed to Philly; and surrendering 19/29 for 270 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions to Michael Vick and Matt Schaub during week 15 (4 sacks) en route to 28 points allowed. They ranked 24th in the NFL this past regular season allowing an average of 219.1 passing yards per game (25 TDs given up in 16 games), but have fallen way off of that pace in the closing weeks of 2006. Dallas' secondary looks very vulnerable coming into this matchup with the Seahawks.

Seattle has home field advantage, but some significant injury worries this week - meanwhile, the Cowboys have imploded vs. the pass. Keep an eye on Hackett and Jackson's injury status as the week goes along, as Hasselbeck has a good matchup to work with this week - the only question is how many receivers will be available to catch his passes.

SEA Injuries: WR Nate Burleson (Probable), WR Darrell Jackson (Questionable), WR D.J. Hackett (Questionable)
DAL Injuries: none

Kansas City Chiefs Passing Offense at Indianapolis Colts Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

One thing is almost for certain - given the Colt's obvious inability to stop the run, Kansas City isn't going to need to throw the ball very often this week. There are stories circulating that Trent Green is on a short leash this week - though coach Edwards is on the record stating “At the end of the day, I make the decisions. I made a decision to start Trent when he was ready to play. He’s our starting quarterback. He’s our starting quarterback going into the playoffs, and I anticipate he’s going to play good. I don’t anticipate anything else.” The question is, how many passes will the Chiefs need to throw this week with Larry Johnson tearing up the Colts' defensive front? Most teams don't bother to pass much when they play the Colts (Indy ranks second in the NFL averaging only 159.3 passing yards allowed per game - they are dead last vs. the rush, though, with 173 rushing yards allowed per game). Green is likely to have a low-pressure day handing off the ball to Johnson. Over the last 3 weeks, Green has connected with his receivers for 49/86 for 514 yards, 2 TDs and 4 interceptions - he's been in a lull. Eddie Kennison has handled both TDs (26 targets for 13/193/2), while Tony Gonzalez (19 for 13/141/0) and Larry Johnson (14 for 8/31/0) have provided the majority of the other receptions. Samie Parker has seen some chances, too, with 11 for 6/103/0 - he's dropped some easy catches, though.

Indy's pass D handed over 18/36 for 210 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception to Cleo Lemon last week; they gave up 16/23 for 163 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to David Carr in week 16; and Indy allowed 14/28 for 176 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions to Carson Palmer 3 weeks ago. As you can see, most teams throw for under 200 yards when they play the Colts, as indicated above. This week, the team hopes to get S Bob Sanders back in the mix which could bolster their defense - if he's healthy enough to make an impact. His injured knee has nagged him for weeks and it remains to be seen how it will respond to practices and the stresses of a full-speed playoff game.

Green and company have struggled in recent weeks - when playing Indy, teams don't put the ball in the air very often, to boot. From a fantasy points perspective, this looks like a tough matchup for the Chiefs' passing attack.

Weather: Inside the RCA Dome, weather won't be an issue for either the Colts or the Chiefs.

KC Injuries: QB Trent Green (Probable)
IND Injuries: LB Keith O'Neil (Questionable), DB Nick Harper (Questionable), DB Bob Sanders (Questionable)

New England Patriots Passing Offense vs New York Jets Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

During the first game between these teams, in week 2 of the regular season, New England prevailed by a count of 24-17. In the second game of the divisional rivalry, during week 10, The Jets prevailed 17-14. Tom Brady was very consistently productive in both games, with 15/29 for 220 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the first contest (7 receivers caught balls) and 24/36 for 253 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the second game (9 different pass catchers).

As the Patriots gear up to host the Jets for a 3rd and deciding contest during the wild card round, Tom Brady has built up quite a head of steam. He tossed 4 TDs and 0 interceptions during the teams final 3-game win streak (59/86 for 583 yards, 4 TDs and 0 interceptions). During that final run of 3 games, Reche Caldwell (22 targets for 14/174/1) and Troy Brown (20 for 8/61/1) have been the favorite targets, while David Thomas (8 for 8/107/1) has caught every ball thrown his way. 12 different players in all have caught passes during that time span, though Ben Watson has missed out on the fun due to injury (knee).

The Jets have a 3-game win streak of their own coming into the Wild Card round. Over the last 3 weeks, they allowed 24/40 for 245 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception to the Vikings (3 sacks); 18/31 for 129 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to the Dolphins (3 sacks); and 15/26 for 136 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception (2 sacks) to Aaron Brooks' Raiders. They have consistently rushed the passer and largely contained opposing QBs to close the season. This year, the Jets rank 14th in the NFL vs. the pass, holding teams to an average of 201.4 yards per game, with 19 passing scores allowed - they were 16th in the NFL with 35 sacks this year. To close the season, though, they have been playing above-average pass defense.

Brady has been consistently productive against the Jets this year, but they are on top of their game right now. This game figures to be a tough challenge for the Patriots' signal caller.

Weather: Gillette Stadium expects an unseasonably warm high of 50F on Sunday, with a low of 37F and a 10% chance for precipitation - that's pretty nice weather for Foxboro, MA in early January. Unless the wind becomes gusty, conditions shouldn't be an issue for either team during the game.

NE Injuries: QB Tom Brady (Probable), RB Kevin Faulk (Questionable), WR Brandon Childress (Questionable), TE Ben Watson (Questionable)
NYJ Injuries: DL Dewayne Robertson (Questionable), LB Matt Chatham (Probable), LB Bryan Thomas (Probable), DB David Barrett (Questionable), DB Andre Dyson (Questionable), DB Kerry Rhodes (Questionable)

New York Giants Passing Offense at Philadelphia Eagles Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

During the first game of 2006 between these divisional foes (week 2), the Giants were listless through 3 quarters, but then they stormed back from a 17 point deficit in the 4th quarter and captured a "W" during the overtime period, 30-24. Eli Manning finished the day with 31/43 for 371 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception, tossing for over 100 yards receiving to both Amani Toomer (12/137/2 - now on IR) and Plaxico Burress (6/114/1).

The story was different during week 15, with the Eagles throwing down a late surge in the 4th quarter to squash New York 36-22. Manning tossed 28/40 for 282 yards, but couldn't find the end-zone (2 interceptions thrown). His top two targets that day were Plaxico Burress (6/120/0) and Jeremy Shockey (8/70/0). Tim Carter (4/30/0) and Tiki Barber (5/29/0) were the other main players in the passing game, with 8 Giants in all catching at least one pass.

This week, the heated rivalry will be concluded at Lincoln Financial Field as the Eagles managed to become NFC East Champs during week 17 of the regular season, thanks to faltering by both Dallas (who lost to Detroit) and the Atlanta Falcons (who dropped a game to the Eagles' backups). The Eagles are soaring into the playoffs on the strength of a 5-game win streak, while the Giants dropped 6 of their final 8 games during regular season. Coming into this game, the Giants may have to do without Jeremy Shockey, who was unable to play in the season finale due to a nagging (and worsening) ankle injury. "We're going to have to progress and see." stated coach Coughlin after the game. "We left him (in New Jersey) so that he could get continuous treatment and would not be standing on it, to the point that we'd have a good chance of getting the swelling down. We're very hopeful. But I wouldn't be able to tell you that right now." If Shockey can't go, Vishanthe Shiancoe is the other option at TE (12/81/0 receiving this year). Since the Eagles game, Manning has struggled to make much happen in the passing phase, with 9/25 for 74 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception vs. New Orleans (the Giants did not run a play on the New Orleans side of the field all day) and 12/26 for 101 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions vs. Washington last week. If Shockey is out, leaving Manning with Burress, Carter and Shiancoe as his primary receivers, he's likely to struggle again this week, too. Shockey couldn't practice on Wednesday and is looking very shaky regarding availability for the playoff game.

The Eagles limited Tony Romo 14/29 for 142 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions in week 16 (with 3 sacks), and then saw their backups contain Michael Vick and Matt Schaub in week 17 (23/35 for 219 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception) en route to a 24-17 victory week 17 (after the Cowboys lost to Detroit the Eagles pulled most of their starters). This year, the Eagles are the 9th ranked pass D in the land, averaging 191.7 pass yards allowed per game, with 17 TDs given up to date. They are tied for 8th in the NFL with 40 sacks, and have 19 interceptions to date (4 returned for TDs). The hallmark of this team is their blitzing, attacking scheme - they get in the face of opposing QBs and make life miserable.

Manning has really struggled of late, and may be down to a bare-bones receiving corps for this contest. This looks like a tough matchup for the G-men.

NYG Injuries: TE Jeremy Shockey (Questionable)
PHI Injuries: DL Darwin Walker (Probable), DL Juqua Thomas (Questionable), LB Matthew McCoy (Probable), DB Michael Lewis (Probable), DB William James (Probable)

New York Jets Passing Offense at New England Patriots Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

During the first game between these teams, in week 2 of the regular season, New England prevailed by a count of 24-17. Chad Pennington tossed one of his 3 300+ yard passing games vs. New England in the early matchup, with 22/37 for 306 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception in the contest. Jerricho Cotchery (6/121/1) and Laveranues Coles (6/100/1) both hit the 100 yards-receiving mark during the game. Those 2 players are by far and away the most-targeted receivers on the New York Jets, with 151 passes for 91/1098/6 going to Coles and 125 passes for 82/961/6 going to Cotchery. TE Chris Baker is 3rd on the team with 45 opportunities for 31/300/4 receiving.

In the second game of the divisional rivalry, during week 10, The Jets prevailed 17-14. Pennington had a more modest outing, with 22/33 for 168 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception. Jerricho Cotchery led the team that week, too, with 6/70/1; Justin McCareins was 2nd with 3/31/0; and Coles caught 5/29/0 to rank 3rd on the team that day.

Heading into this "third time pays for all" matchup, Pennington has tossed 3 TDs and 1 interception during the past 3 weeks (1 TD per game), while piling up 65/98 for 733 yards. As usual, Jerricho Cotchery (28 targets for 17/159/1) and Coles (26 for 16/177/1) are his top options, followed by Justin McCareins (13 for 9/144/0) and Chris Baker (7 for 7/63/1). The Jets' passing attack has been doing a consistently solid job during their current 3 game winning streak.

Last week, the Patriots gave up 15/36 for 227 yards, but 0 TDs and 2 interceptions to Vince Young and the Titans. During week 16, the Jags managed 17/33 for 195 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. David Carr crashed and burned to the tune of 16/28 for 127 yards, 0 TDs and 4 interceptions vs. the Patriots back in week 15 - they have made life difficult for their last 3 opponents in this phase, as you can see. Carr was sacked 4 times, Garrard only once, while Young was planted 5 times. With 10 sacks and 6 interceptions vs. 1 passing score given up over the past 3 weeks, you can see it is no surprise that New England has surrendered only 10 passing scores all season long, which is the best mark in the league (200.2 passing yards per game, 12th in the NFL this season). The Patriots are tough pass defenders, without a doubt. CB Asante Samuel, who grabbed both of the interceptions last week, has 10 this season and 3 interceptions during the past 3 games. The Jets have a tough mountain to climb this week in Gillette Stadium.

NYJ Injuries: QB Chad Pennington (Probable), RB Cedric Houston (Probable), RB B.J. Askew (Questionable), RB Kevan Barlow (Questionable), RB James Hodgins (Questionable), WR Brad Smith (Probable), WR Laveranues Coles (Questionable)
NE Injuries: DL Richard Seymour (Probable), DL Vince Wilfork (Questionable), LB Mike Vrabel (Probable), DB Ellis Hobbs (Probable), DB Chad Scott (Questionable), DB Rodney Harrison (Out)

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