Week 12 Rushing 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.

Due to the Thursday games this week, some of the matchups were written using preliminary statistics compiled before the Monday Night Football game - some small discrepancies between the preliminary statistics quoted in the matchups and the final, corrected statistics may be found due to our compressed writing/editing schedule.

Atlanta Falcons Rushing Offense vs New Orleans Saints Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

The last time these teams faced off (week 3), Michael Vick led the team with 6/57/0 rushing, while Warrick Dunn posted 13/44/0 - the team piled up 23/117/0 that day, but lost 23-3 to the Saints. Since that game, the Falcons remain at the top of the NFL averaging 5.6 yards per carry - over the last 3 weeks, Warrick Dunn has been seeing a fairly modest number of touches - much like he did vs. New Orleans - with 47/146/1 rushing and 8/60/0 receiving (25th fantasy RB in the land during that time span), an average of ~15 rushes and ~3 receptions per game. Last week, Dunn garnered 15/52/0 rushing and 1/5/0 receiving, while Michael Vick led the team with 6/54/0 rushing. The number of rushing plays that Vick carries have reduced Dunn's fantasy impact this season. Jerious Norwood hasn't been a factor lately, with 3/2/0 last week vs Baltimore.

New Orleans is currently 24th in the NFL allowing an average of 125.9 rushing yards per game, with 7 rushing scores given up to date. Last week, Cincinnati posted 31/119/0 vs. New Orleans - they have averaged 134.6 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks, with 83 total points surrendered.

The Falcons moved the ball well in this phase the last time they faced the Saints, and over the past few weeks they've been very vulnerable to opposing rushers - this looks like a great matchup for Vick/Dunn/Norwood.

Weather: Inside the Georgia Dome, the weather won't be a factor for either team.

The official NFL injury report will not be available until after our deadline to post the week 12 matchups. Please refer to the week 12 injury report for the latest injury news regarding your players.

Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Offense at Cleveland Browns Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Rudi Johnson blasted the Browns for 26/145/2 rushing (2/3/0 receiving) when these teams last met during week 2. Over the past 3 weeks, he's racked up 63/273/2 rushing and 3/13/0 receiving (12th best fantasy RB in the land). Last week, Johnson rumbled to 27/111/0 rushing (1/7/0 receiving) against the Saints - he's consistently good-to-great in fantasy terms.

Cleveland is 28th in the NFL allowing an average of 136.9 rushing yards per game, with 8 rushing scores handed over to date. Pittsburgh stuffed 20/77/1 into the Browns' line last week - over the past 3 weeks, they've averaged 138.6 rushing yards allowed per game. The Browns are soft.

Johnson has a great shot at another quality game this week.

Weather: Cleveland Browns Stadium expects a high of 42F with a low of 35F and a 30% chance of precipitation on Sunday. At this time of year, that could mean rain, sleet, snow - or a mix of all three. If a big storm brews up by Sunday, footing, ball handling, visibility and wind conditions could all become big factors for both teams. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Houston Texans Rushing Offense at New York Jets Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

The Texan's tandem of Wali Lundy (44/138/2 rushing and 8/47/0 receiving over the past 3 games) and Samkon Gado (27/136/1 rushing and 6/36/0 receiving over the past 2 games) has helped to make the Texan's offense credible. They posted 8/61/1 rushing and 4/22/0 receiving (Lundy) and 10/69/1 rushing with 5/30/0 receiving (Gado) against the Bills last week - neither is a fantasy stud due to the shared work load, but Gado ranks 20th in points-per-game and Lundy 24th over the past 3 weeks. Not too shabby.

The Jets get mauled by most of their opponents, and last week was no exception - the Bears ground out 35/173/0 against New York en route to a 10-0 victory. The Jets are 29th in the NFL averaging 146.2 rushing yards allowed per game, and have handed over 13 rushing scores to date (the most of any team in the league). They are just as bad as their averages make them look.

This is a great matchup for the Texans.

Weather: The Meadowlands expects a high of 58F with a low of 38F and a 10% chance of rain on Sunday - not too bad for late November in this venue. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Offense at Buffalo Bills Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

The Jaguars controlled the game against the Giants to the tune of 40:19 to 19:41 - in large part due to their excellent tandem of backs. Fred Taylor tore off 24/79/1 rushing and 3/16/0 receiving last week, while Maurice Jones-Drew gained 9/45/1 rushing and 2/16/0 receiving. As a team, the Jags posted 43/165/2 against the Giants' defense. It was a statement by the Jaguars' stable - they can be dominant.

The Bills are 25th in the NFL averaging 128 rushing yards allowed per game, with 10 rushing scores handed over to date. They have coughed up 161 yards per game on average over the past 3 weeks, including 27/188/2 allowed to the Houston Texans last week. These guys are getting trampled more often than not.

This is a great matchup for the Jaguars.

Weather: Ralph Wilson Stadium expects a high of 44F with a low of 33F and a 30% chance for precipitation on Sunday - if a storm blows through, precipitation could be rain, sleet or snow and wind conditions could be extreme. In stormy conditions, footing, ball handling, and visibility could all become huge issues for both teams. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Offense at Indianapolis Colts Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Brian Westbrook continues to be one of the top dual-threat backs in the league heading into the stretch run to the playoffs - he posted 22/102/0 rushing and 12/46/0 receiving last week during the game in which Donovan McNabb was lost for the season. Over the last 3 weeks (2 games), he has 44/215/0 rushing with 15/83/0 receiving. With McNabb out and either Jeff Garcia or A.J. Feeley under center this week, the team will need to rely on Westbrook and sidekick Correll Buckhalter (11/36/0 rushing and 7/96/1 receiving over the past 2 games) more than ever.

Happily for Westbrook and Buckhalter owners, the Colts' rush D is the worst in the NFL, averaging 155.1 yards allowed per game, with 12 rushing TDs given up to date. Teams just run right at the undersized DL and gain ground at will. Last week, Dallas crammed 36/117/2 down Indianapolis' throats. They just don't control the line of scrimmage.

This is a great matchup for the Eagles' backs.

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

San Diego Chargers Rushing Offense vs Oakland Raiders Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

The last time these teams met, back in week 1, the Chargers dominated the Raiders 27-0 and racked up 48/194/2 on the ground. LaDainian Tomlinson racked up 31/131/1 and 3/18/0, while Michael Turner assisted with 10/37/1. Since then, Tomlinson has become the #1 fantasy and real-NFL running back during the 2006 season, with 2111/1037/19 rushing and 47/451/3 receiving to date. Last week, he blasted the Broncos for 20/105/3 rushing and 3/74/1 receiving to lead the team in both categories - breaking a long jinx at Mile High Stadium. Start him.

The Raiders rank 27th in the NFL averaging 135.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with 6 rushing scores handed over to date. They laid down to K.C. for 37/200/2 last week, and have given up 470 rushing yards during their last 3 games (156.6 per game on average). Ouch.

This is a great matchup for the juggernaut named LaDainian Tomlinson.

Weather: Qualcomm Stadium expects a high of 72F with a low of 50F and a 10% chance for rain - it should be a great day to play and watch pro football. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

San Francisco 49ers Rushing Offense at St. Louis Rams Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Frank Gore ran roughshod over the Rams back in week 2, with 29/127/1 on the ground and 2/10/0 receiving - his team triumphed 20-13 that day. Since then, Gore has emerged as a fantasy star, with 189/1043/4 rushing and 37/287/0 receiving to date and 65/412/1 rushing and 11/76/0 receiving over the past 3 weeks, including his huge game last Sunday (24/212/0 rushing and 4/26/0 receiving). He's a force to be reckoned with heading into the playoff stretch run.

The Rams are total pushovers in this phase of the game, ranking 31st in the NFL averaging 153.2 rushing yards allowed per game, with 10 rushing scores given up to date. Last week, the Panthers punished them for 43/242/0 during the 15-0 shutout. St. Louis' defensive front is weak.

Gore should have another outstanding game this week against the struggling Rams defense.

Weather: Inside the Edward Jones Dome, weather won't be an issue for either team.

Carolina Panthers Rushing Offense at Washington Redskins Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

DeShaun Foster hyper-extended his elbow after a promising start to the game (9/63/0 rushing) last week and appeared to be in a lot of pain - he is said to be OK, though, after being held out of the second half for precautionary reasons. Foster's absence gave DeAngelo Williams a chance to shine, and he seized it, with 20/114/0 rushing and 2/24/0 receiving. The early speculation out of Charlotte is that Foster will start this week (if healthy enough), but that doesn't mean he'll see the majority of touches. We'll see how much practice Foster participates in during the week - this is a fluid situation, it appears.

Washington's rush D is mediocre in terms of yards allowed (an average of 121.2 per game, 19th in the NFL), but they have only given up 3 rushing scores to date. Tampa Bay piled up 42/181/0 against them last week, but didn't find pay dirt. Inside the red-zone, the Redskins get stubborn.

Carolina has a deep and talented stable - they should move the ball effectively against the Redskins, but don't count on multiple TDs from Foster or Williams.

Weather: FedExField expects a high of 59F with a low of 35F and a 10% chance of precipitation on Sunday - not bad for late November. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Cleveland Browns Rushing Offense vs Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Browns found little room to roam vs. Cincinnati back in week 2, posting 20/57/2 as a team - but Both Reuben Droughns (14/32/1) and Charlie Frye (4/10/1) punched in TDs. Since then, it's been mostly downhill for Droughns, who sat out of the team's most recent game due to an injured foot. The Browns' rushing attack is among the league's worst to date, averaging 3.3 yards per game (31st in the NFL). His understudy, Jason Wright, pounded out 18/74/0 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving in Droughn's absence last week - he may carry the load again this week if Droughns can't go. Jerome Harrison was a non-factor with 4/5/0 in his chances.

Cincinnati's Achilles' heel all year has been their soft rush D, but they limited the McAllister/Bush tandem to 23/91/0 rushing last week. That was far better than the 123.2 yards per game that they average (12 rushing scores given up to date). We'll see which unit shows up this week vs. Cleveland.

Two sub-par units face off in this matchup - with home-field advantage at the Browns' back, we give them a slight edge this week, despite the disappointing results earlier in the year.

Denver Broncos Rushing Offense at Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Denver ran wild over the Chiefs back in week 2, posting 36/145/0 as a team, led by Tatum Bell (16/69/0 rushing with 2/7/0 receiving) and Mike Bell (13/44/0 rushing and 1/12/0 receiving). Tatum Bell missed the Sunday Night Football loss to San Diego this past week due to his turf toes, while Mike Bell (20/90/2 rushing and 2/17/0 receiving) and Damien Nash (10/52/0 rushing and 3/36/0) helped the Broncos to 35/158/2 on the ground. If Tatum Bell can't play due to the turf toe injuries, Mike Bell and Nash figure to continue to carry the load. Keep an eye on the Wednesday injury report to indicate Tatum Bells' status.

The Chiefs average 115.7 rushing yards allowed per game, with 7 TDs given up to date. With 34/133/0 handed over to the weak Raiders' stable last week, they aren't exactly looking like a shut-down defense - they have averaged 121.6 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks.

Whoever runs the ball for the Broncos will enjoy a good matchup this week.

Weather: Arrowhead Stadium expects a high of 61F with a low of 41F on Thanksgiving Day evening - there is only a 10% chance for precipitation, but this game goes down at night - temperatures should be on the low end of the range, and the wind can swirl and cause problems for passers and kickers in Arrowhead. Owners of Broncos and Chiefs will want to check forecasted wind conditions before setting their lineups.

Green Bay Packers Rushing Offense at Seattle Seahawks Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Green Bay's offense was basically shut down by the Patriots last week, especially after Brett Favre left the game with an elbow injury. Ahman Green was greeted with stacked lines and eked out 13/28/0 rushing and 1/0/0 receiving. Vernand Morency contributed 1/5/0 to the effort - the Pack went no where last week. Green has dropped off a lot over the past 3 weeks, with 58/205/0 rushing and 2/8/0 receiving in 3 games (36th ranked fantasy RB in the land). They are struggling.

The Seahawks were surprised by the 49ers last week, and trampled by Frank Gore to the tune of 24/212/0 - San Francisco racked up 34/262/1 on the ground as a team. Ouch. Over the past 3 weeks, the Seahawks have coughed up an average of 144.6 rushing yards per game - they have really fallen off pace in this phase of the game.

Green should bounce back against the soft Seahawks - advantage, Green Bay.

Weather: Qwest Field expects a high of 47F with a low of 42F and a 60% chance of precipitation. If the rain comes down in buckets around game time, footing, ball handling, and visibility could all be problematic for both teams. Wind conditions could adversely affect the passing game and kicking games if a big storm is lashing the field. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Indianapolis Colts Rushing Offense vs Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Dominic Rhodes (9/30/0 rushing and 3/20/0 receiving) and Joseph Addai (13/50/0 rushing and 1/7/0 receiving) split touches against the Cowboys - they've been splitting touches over the past 3 weeks, as well. During that time frame, Addai has 44/171/2 rushing and 8/53/0 receiving, while Rhodes has handled the ball 27/115/0 and 6/40/0 - about a 60/40 split in favor of Addai, who seems to be getting the goal-line work lately. Together, they form a respectable rushing attack.

The Eagles rank 26th against the rush through 10 weeks, averaging 129.7 rushing yards allowed per game, with 6 rushing scores given up to date. Over the past 3 weeks, the Eagles have coughed up 355 rushing yards (in 2 games) - Tennessee ground out 32/209/1 against this group last week. The Eagles are sliding downhill in this phase of the game, folks.

The Colts have a nice tandem of backs, with Joseph Addai being the superior fantasy play most weeks - look for Indy to have success rushing against the sub-par Eagles' front.

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

Miami Dolphins Rushing Offense at Detroit Lions Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Ronnie Brown was awful last week against the Vikings, with 12/2/0 rushing - the team actually ended up with negative rushing yardage during the game (14/-3/0). It looks like his groin injury (which he tweaked last week) is hampering him to quite an extent - the Vikings sport the top rush D in the NFL, but 2 yards rushing after 12 attempts from a back of Brown's caliber points to injury woes, in our opinion. Keep an eye on his practice participation on Wednesday to try and get an idea of where he's at prior to Thursday's tilt with the Lions.

The Lions aren't very good at rush defense, with an average of 125.5 yards allowed per game this season (23rd in the NFL) and 7 rushing scores given up to date. Over the past 3 weeks, the Lions have coughed up an average of 156 rushing yards per game, including last week's total of 30/105/1 to the usually-punchless Cardinals. This defense is not the Steel Curtain.

Brown has a good matchup here - but can he get healthy enough to take advantage of it?

Weather: Inside Ford Field, weather won't be an issue for either team.

Minnesota Vikings Rushing Offense vs Arizona Cardinals Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Vikings racked up 35/114/2 against the Dolphins last week, led by Chester Taylor's 28/80/2 rushing. He has posted 74/251/2 rushing and 10/60/0 receiving during the past 3 weeks, ranking 11th among fantasy RBs during that span. For the season, the team averages a solid 4.0 yards per carry - the Vikings' offense is doing well in this phase of the game. Mewelde Moore has been playing a change-of-pace role in the rushing phase (1/14/0), but has been significant in the passing game, with 5/32/0 receiving last week and 11/93/0 receiving over the past 3 games.

The Cardinals have averaged 118.9 rushing yards allowed per game (18th in the NFL) with 11 rushing scores given up (tied for 3rd-most in the NFL) to date. Last week, after Kevin Jones was injured early, the Lions managed 20/68/1 against Arizona. The Cards just don't scare people in this phase of the game.

This is a good matchup for Taylor and the Vikings.

Weather: Weather won't be a worry for either team inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

New York Giants Rushing Offense at Tennessee Titans Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Giants' tandem of backs finally found a defensive front they couldn't crack, gaining just 14/25/0 against the formidable Jaguars. The loss of OT Luke Petitgout to a broken leg didn't help matters, but Barber (10/27/0 rushing and 1/13/0 receiving) and Jacobs (3/0/0 rushing and 2/29/0 receiving) simply met their match last week. Everyone has an off game from time to time - last week it was the Giants' turn.

The Titans come into this game off an impressive win over Philly, but they gave up 30/123/0 on the ground to the Eagles - it's fair to say that Tennessee didn't shut down the Eagles' backs. That is no surprise, considering that the Titans rank 30th in the NFL averaging 148.1 rushing yards allowed per game this season, with 10 rushing scores allowed to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they have handed over an average of 115.3 rushing yards per game - that's better than 148.1, but still pretty mediocre in NFL circles.

Barber and Jacobs should bounce back against the soft Titans.

Weather: LP Field expects a high of 60F with a low of 37F with a 10% chance of precipitation. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our early deadlines resulting), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

New York Jets Rushing Offense vs Houston Texans Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Last week, it was Cedric Houston's turn to lead the Jets in rushing, with 11/50/0 on the ground vs. Chicago. Kevan Barlow eked out 4/2/0, while Leon Washington managed 13/22/0 rushing and added 1/7/0 receiving. The Jets game of musical chairs at RB continues to spin. "Cedric has had some real good weeks of practice and we had all three running backs up because we were committed to running the ball today," Jets head coach Eric Mangini said.

The Texans are pretty soft vs. the rush, ranking 22nd in the NFL allowing an average of 125.2 yards per game, with 10 rushing scores given up in 10 games. Buffalo didn't find them as giving, though, with 26/70/0 on the ground last week - over the past 3 weeks, the Texans average 103.3 rushing yards allowed per game. They seem to be moving in the right direction as a defense right now.

This looks like a good matchup between evolving units to us.

Tennessee Titans Rushing Offense vs New York Giants Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Travis Henry has become a reliable fantasy producer, with 64/317/2 rushing and 1/8/0 receiving over the past 3 weeks, including last week's 18/143/1 rushing and 1/8/0 receiving vs. the Eagles. He's a featured back and is making good things happen with his touches - he should be in your lineup each week at this point.

The Giants rush D is 13th in the NFL with an average of 104.2 yards allowed per game, and have given up 10 rushing scores to date. With injuries decimating their DL (Michael Strahan (foot), Osi Umenyiora (hip flexor), Justin Tuck (IR)), they have become even more porous. Last week, the Jags slapped down 43/165/2 against the G-men. The injury bug has hit this unit in a big way.

Henry has a good matchup in front of him this week.

Seattle Seahawks Rushing Offense vs Green Bay Packers Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Shaun Alexander returned to the field not with a bang, but a whimper last week, eking out 17/37/0 (a 2.2 yards-per-carry average) with 1/2/0 receiving against the 15th ranked 49ers rush defense. The rust definitely showed through Alexander's efforts last week. We'll see if he can get up to speed with the long week of work leading up to Monday Night Football.

The Packers sport a middlin' rush D that averages 99.6 yards allowed per game, with 8 rushing scores given up to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they have averaged 110.6 yards allowed per game, but they got stomped by the Patriots last week to the tune of 40/122/1 - New England held the ball for 39:10 during the game. The entire Packer team melted down last week on both sides of the ball.

Alexander has a neutral matchup to work with this week.

Baltimore Ravens Rushing Offense vs Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Jamal Lewis trampled the Falcons last week for 22/91/3 and hauled in 3/17/0 receiving - it was his finest performance of the year in fantasy terms. He's scored in 2 of the last 3 games (and also caught 3 passes in 2 of the last 3) -coach Billick is utilizing Lewis much more effectively now that Billick is calling the plays. Over the past 3 weeks, Lewis has compiled 62/208/4 rushing and 7/37/0 receiving to rank 6th among all fantasy RBs in points per game. This is more like what his fantasy owners had in mind when they drafted him.

Pittsburgh's rush D is respectable, with an average of 98 rushing yards allowed per game (8th in the NFL) and 7 rushing scores allowed in the first ten games. Last week, they held the Browns almost exactly to that mark, giving up 29/99/0 to the Cleveland understudies.

Lewis has found his game again in recent weeks, while the Steelers present a tough defensive front week in and week out. This is a tough matchup for the rejuvenated Lewis, even though he has home-field advantage in this first game of the season set.

Weather: M and T Bank Stadium expects a high of 59F with a low of 41F and a 10% chance of rain on Sunday. If the forecast holds up, it should be a great day to play football. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our early deadlines resulting), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Buffalo Bills Rushing Offense vs Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Anthony Thomas had done well subbing for Willis McGahee, piling up 67/260/1 rushing and 8/39/0 receiving over the last 3 weeks, but he had some trouble with Houston, managing just 19/56/0 rushing and 7/33/0 receiving (the receptions helped his scoring in point-per-reception leagues). J.P. Losman and Lee Evans exploded in the passing game last week, which served to de-emphasize the rushing attack, as well.

The Jaguars are 6th in the NFL averaging 95.8 rushing yards allowed per game, with 5 rushing scores surrendered over 10 games. Even the Giants' great tandem of Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs were stymied, posting 14/25/0 vs. the Jags. The Jags forced so many 3-and-outs on the Giants that they held the ball for a staggering 40:19 last week - now that's defense!

This is a very tough matchup for Thomas and the Bills.

Chicago Bears Rushing Offense at New England Patriots Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Bears' tandem of Thomas Jones (23/121/0 rushing and 2/1/0 receiving last week; 73/303/1 rushing and 9/35/0 receiving over the last 3 weeks) and Cedric Benson (10/51/0 rushing last week; 24/92/0 rushing and 1/-1/0 receiving over the past 3 weeks) have powered the Bears' attack throughout recent weeks, whether or not the passing game has been firing on all cylinders or only half of them. These two are getting the job done. Obviously, Jones is far superior in fantasy terms, ranking 13th among all fantasy RBs in points per game during that 3 week span.

New England crushed the Packers' backs last week, allowing a paltry 17/43/0 on the day. They are 2nd in the NFL averaging 76.1 rushing yards allowed per game, with only 5 rushing scores surrendered all year long. They are averaging 71 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks - these guys are the real deal, a top shelf, shut-down defensive front.

This is a tough matchup for the visiting Bears.

Weather: Gillette Stadium expects a high of 55F with a low of 36F with a 10% chance for precipitation on Sunday. If the forecast holds up, it should be a decent day to play football. Due to the Thanksgiving Day games (and our resulting early deadlines), this forecast is long-range and should be considered preliminary - check a shorter-term forecast before you set your lineups this week.

Dallas Cowboys Rushing Offense vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Marion Barber III continues to carry the ball when it counts, scoring twice last week vs. Indianapolis (9/35/2 rushing), while Julius Jones is the guy who sets up the scoring by moving the ball up and down the field (22/79/0 rushing and 3/25/0 receiving last week). It's been that way all season, and the Cowboys don't look inclined to change their winning formula now.

The Buccaneers cracked down on the Redskins' backs last week (20/64/0), and have averaged only 63.6 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks. That's much better than their season average of 121.3 (20th in the NFL) would indicate - it looks like the Buc's defense is getting back to playing respectably.

Barber and Jones are a formidable tandem, but the Bucs haven't been pushovers in recent weeks - this looks like a tough matchup for Dallas.

Weather: On Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys expect a high of 72F with a low of 48F and a 10% chance for rain. It should be a fine afternoon to play pro football (and to watch one after a Turkey dinner).

Detroit Lions Rushing Offense vs Miami Dolphins Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Kevin Jones is not expected to play in this game due to his sprained ankle although he's officially listed as questionable - the team fears it may be a high ankle sprain and they don't want to aggravate the condition. Arlen Harris and Aveion Cason, who both joined the team recently, will share time at running back - but we figure that Harris will be the guy who touches the ball more often as he is familiar with Martz's system. He posted 10/40/1 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving last week in relief of Jones (Cason posted 4/20/0 rushing).

Miami's rush D ranks 12th in the NFL with an average of 101.2 yards allowed per game, but they have only allowed 5 rushing scores in 10 weeks - pretty solid, overall. Last week, Chester Taylor and the Vikings pounded in 35/114/2 against the Dolphins, who have averaged 99 yards rushing allowed over the past 3 games. From where we sit, the Vikings' totals look more like an aberration than the beginning of a trend. This is a stout group of rush defenders.

The Lions' backups have a tough matchup to face this week.

Weather: Inside Ford Field, weather won't be an issue for either team.

Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Offense vs Denver Broncos Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Back in week 2, the Chiefs' offense was still adjusting to life without Trent Green (lost to a concussion in week 1) - they didn't have a lot of fire power against Denver that week, battling to a 6-9 loss in OT. Larry Johnson led the team in rushing (27/126/0) and receiving (5/41/0) during the field-goal festival - he was, as usual, at least a decent fantasy player. Over the past 3 weeks, he has posted 76/401/4 rushing with 2/14/0 receiving (3rd best fantasy RB during that span), including last week's 31/154/2 posted against the Raiders. He's a must-start every week.

The Denver D ranks 5th in the NFL averaging 90.1 rushing yards allowed per game, with 5 rushing scores given up over 10 games. They are tough to rush the ball against. Last week, though, another elite back named LaDainian Tomlinson blew up the Broncos for 20/105/3 rushing and 3/74/1 receiving - the Broncos are not invincible. But they are very tough.

This week, Johnson has a tough matchup to fight through, but he has home field advantage at his back - this should be a great game.

New England Patriots Rushing Offense vs Chicago Bears Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

New England racked up 40/122/1 against the Packers, led by rookie Laurence Maroney (19/82/0 rushing and 4/34/1 receiving), while Corey Dillon slogged his way to 12/31/1 during the contest. The Patriots blasted the Packers 35-0, so it was no surprise to see Dillon with a limited number of touches last week. Maroney did perform to expectations when he got the chance to touch the ball a lot - this is a solid stable of RBs, without a doubt.

Chicago boasts the 10th ranked rush D in the land, averaging 99.3 yards allowed per game, with only 3 rushing scores given up to date. They limited the Jets to 30/108/0 last week - most weeks, it is tough to get much done against the Bears in the red-zone.

This is a tough matchup for the Patriots' talented duo of backs.

New Orleans Saints Rushing Offense at Atlanta Falcons Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

New Orleans pounded out 34/146/1 against the Falcons when these teams faced off earlier this season, led by Deuce McAllister's 19/81/0 - he was assisted by Reggie Bush (13/53/0) and Devery Henderson (1/11/1). Last week, against the Bengals, McAllister posted 10/40/0 rushing and 3/29/0 receiving, while Reggie Bush put together 13/51/0 rushing and 8/58/0 receiving to exceed 100 yards combined. They are a great tandem of backs, although the split work-load keeps them out of the elite ranks of fantasy RBs (McAllister was 19th among fantasy RBs over the past 3 weeks, with 39/128/2 rushing and 6/43/0 receiving, while Bush was 29th during that span with 34/95/1 rushing and 19/120/0 receiving).

The Falcons are 9th in the NFL allowing an average of 98.5 rushing yards per game so far, with 9 rushing scores handed over to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they average 107 yards per game allowed, including last week's total of 31/103/3 given to Baltimore. They are respectable but not outstanding, most of the time. 3 TDs allowed is not the norm for this unit.

Bush and McAllister are a great tandem, but in the Georgia Dome the Falcons will give them a tough fight in this divisional matchup.

Weather: Inside the Georgia Dome, the weather won't be a factor for either team.

Oakland Raiders Rushing Offense at San Diego Chargers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Raiders couldn't do much of anything against the Chargers back during week 1, with 10/20/0 for the now-injured LaMont Jordan (headed for IR with a torn MCL) and led by Justin Fargas (5/35/0). Since then, they've averaged 3.9 yards per carry, which is respectable, but the offense falls behind so often that the rushing game tends to get abandoned. Over the past 3 weeks, Justin Fargas has 28/44/0 rushing and 2/33/0 receiving over the course of 3 games. Zack Crockett has 16/63/0 rushing and 2/10/0 receiving. As you can see, this is not an intimidating offensive unit.

The Chargers were blown open for 35/158/2 by the Broncos last week - they are usually a lot tougher on opposing backs, averaging 96.3 rushing yards allowed per game (7th in the NFL) with 8 rushing scores given up to date. In this highly-charged divisional game, Denver simply got on top of the Chargers' D. It looks like an aberration, rather than the start of a trend to us, although there is no doubt that the Chargers miss Shawne Merriman.

This looks like a tough matchup for the visiting Raiders.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Offense at Baltimore Ravens Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Willie Parker came back down to earth this past Sunday in the yardage department, with 16/46/1 rushing and 4/17/1 receiving, but his scoring prowess provided his fantasy owners with plenty of juice despite the modest yardage. Over the past 3 weeks, Parker has piled up 52/329/4 rushing and 13/96/2 receiving to rank 2nd (behind LaDainian Tomlinson) in fantasy points per game. He's been nuclear hot.

The Ravens' rush D is among the leagues' best, averaging 82.1 yards allowed per game, with only 5 rushing scores handed over to date. Even without Ray Lewis last week, the defense limited the Falcons to 25/104/0 - these guys are good at run defense.

Parker is on a roll, but the Ravens won't roll over and play dead for him - this is a tough matchup for Parker.

St. Louis Rams Rushing Offense vs San Francisco 49ers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Steven Jackson racked up a bunch of yards against the 49ers during their first game this season, with 22/103/0 rushing and 2/21/0 receiving during a losing effort (13-20 victory for San Francisco). However, this OL is in chaos and it showed last week, when he struggled vs. Carolina (7/27/0 rushing and 7/30/0 receiving) - the line was so porous (7 sacks allowed) that the Rams had defenders in the offensive backfield on almost every play. It looks like a bad situation for Jackson in St. Louis until the new OL personnel jell (if they jell).

The 49ers are in the middle of the NFL pack vs. opposing backs heading into the stretch run, with an average of 113.9 rushing yards allowed per game (15th in the NFL) and a generous 11 rushing scores given up to date. Last week, though, they shut down Seattle's attack (21/70/0) and have averaged 92 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks, with a stingy 30 points allowed during that span of time. The 49ers D is coming together, just in time for San Francisco to challenge for a playoff spot.

This looks like a tough matchup for the backpedaling Rams.

Weather: Inside the Edward Jones Dome, weather won't be an issue for either team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Offense at Dallas Cowboys Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

After 5 games below 100 yards rushing, and 3 in a row under 50 yards rushing, Carnell Williams managed to get it in gear against the Redskins, and posted 27/122/0 rushing and 2/34/0 receiving for a decent fantasy performance. He still has but 1 rushing TD this season (week 3 vs. Carolina), but at least he got the ball almost 30 times. We'll see if the Bucs' back can build on his momentum this week.

The Cowboys are 4th in the NFL averaging 85.7 rushing yards allowed per game, but have coughed up 9 rushing scores to date. Last week, they stayed right on pace, giving up 23/88/0 to the Indianapolis tandem of Dominic Rhodes/Joseph Addai. Over the past 3 weeks, the Cowboys average 97 yards allowed per game. They are a good, but not elite, rush defense.

Williams will have his work cut out for him at Texas Stadium this week.

Washington Redskins Rushing Offense vs Carolina Panthers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Redskins failed to do much in this phase of the game as Tampa keyed on the running backs with green Jason Campbell seeing his first NFL start - T.J. Duckett ground out 5/26/0 to lead the team while Ladell Betts compiled 7/18/0 rushing and 5/48/0 receiving during the game. All told, the Redskins eked out 20/64/0. Jason Campbell did turn in a decent performance, though (19/34 for 196 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions), which might help reduce stacking against the running backs this week.

Carolina has been up and down in this phase of the game during 2006, currently ranking 14th in the NFL with an average of 105.8 rushing yards allowed per game, with 6 TDs handed over during 10 games. St. Louis couldn't do a thing against Carolina in this phase last week, with 8/31/0 rushing - but they have OL woes that are hampering the entire offense at this point of the season. During the past 3 weeks (2 games), the Panthers average 50 rushing yards allowed per game - they are playing really hard-nosed rush defense at this point in the year.

The Redskins have a tough matchup this week.

Arizona Cardinals Rushing Offense at Minnesota Vikings Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

Edgerrin James burst through the 100-yards combined mark this past week, with 22/96/0 rushing and 2/16/0 receiving to his credit during the Cardinal's victory over Detroit. Over the past 3 weeks, he has posted 37/164/0 rushing and 4/27/0 receiving (2 games) to rank 26th among all fantasy RBs. Most encouragingly for his owners, James averaged 4.4 yards per carry last week - his fantasy teams hopes that this becomes a trend.

The Vikings are very tough on opposing rushers, and demonstrated that last week with the Dolphins, holding Ronnie Brown and Joey Harrington to 14/-3/0 rushing. Minnesota is 1st in the NFL averaging only 59.6 rushing yards allowed per game, with 4 rushing scores allowed in 10 games. These guys are top-notch vs. opposing running backs.

This is a bad matchup for the Cardinals, who average 2.9 yards per carry (32nd in the NFL).

Weather: Weather won't be a worry for either team inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

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