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Week 9 Rushing Matchups

by Mark Wimer and Joe Bryant, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

[ARI] [ATL] [BAL] [BUF] [CHI] [CIN] [CLE] [DAL] [DEN] [DET] [GB] [HOU] [IND] [JAX] [KC] [MIA] [MIN] [NE] [NYG] [NYJ] [OAK] [PHI] [PIT] [SEA] [STL] [TB] [TEN] [WAS]

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.

Chicago Bears Rushing Offense vs Detroit Lions Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Matt Forte had a tough battle against the Vikings' defensive front 2 weeks ago, managing just 20/56/1 rushing and 2/17/0 receiving in the 48-41 track meet - Forte has compiled 40/132/2 rushing and 7/51/0 receiving in his last 2 games to rank #14 among all fantasy backs in points per game. Forte is a solid fantasy play most weeks, with good TD scoring potential even against tough defensive fronts.

The Lions' rush defense is just as bad as their pass D (which is an awful insult to the defensive front). They rank 31st in the NFL this year averaging 162.9 rushing yards allowed per game, with 9 rushing TDs handed over. The Lions haven't met a back they can't lay down for yet, and allowed 33/135/0 to the Redskins last week (24/126/0 to Clinton Portis, a 5.3 yards per carry average).

Forte had a hard time with the Vikings, but against the super-soft Lions he should have a hay day, coming into this divisional matchup off a bye with freshened legs.

Weather: Soldier Field expects a high of 57F and a low of 45F with a 20% chance of rain - as long as the wind doesn't start howling, weather shouldn't have a major impact on this matchup Sunday.

The official NFL injury report with Probable, Questionable, Doubtful and Out designations will be available by Saturday. Please refer to the week 9 injury report for the latest injury news regarding your players.

Miami Dolphins Rushing Offense at Denver Broncos Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

The "wildcat" formation is starting to lose its luster - Miami could only eke out 27/52/1 rushing against the Bills last week. Ronnie Brown led the team with 14/43/0 rushing (and added 1/6/0 receiving), while Ricky Williams converted 7/16/1 rushing and 2/43/0 receiving vs. Buffalo. Over the past 3 weeks, Brown has posted 40/120/1 rushing with 5/49/0 receiving, while Williams has claimed 22/78/2 rushing and 4/47/0 receiving. They are not surprising us with big games of late, as you can see.

The Broncos' rush D is very generous, with an average of 154.6 yards allowed per game, and 9 rushing TDs handed out to date. New England torched this group for 38/257/2 the last time the Broncos were on the field. Not too good, folks.

This is a good week to be invested in the Miami rushing attack.

Weather: Mile High Stadium expects a high of 65F with a low of 46F and a 10% chance of precipitation on Sunday - pretty nice weather for November on the High Plains. Conditions shouldn't be an issue for either squad if the forecast holds up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Offense at Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

"We didn't run the ball very well to be honest," coach Jon Gruden said Monday, referring to Tampa Bay's 49 rushing yards. "We have a shortage of backs, and we haven't run the ball to our standards the last two weeks." Tampa Bay stuttered to 49 yards partly due to Warrick Dunn's back trouble (1/0/0 rushing, with 2/8/0 receiving) and were led by Earnest Graham's 17/42/0 rushing with 4/22/0 receiving. Over the past 3 weeks, Graham has managed 45/105/2 rushing with 8/82/0 receiving, while Dunn has posted 36/152/0 rushing and 9/47/0 receiving. Keep an eye on Dunn's practice status later this week as the running back's best friend, the Kansas City Chiefs, are welcoming Tampa to Arrowhead this week.

The Chiefs average 196.9 rushing yards allowed per game, with a league-worst 14 rushing TDs given up. They handed over 135 yards and 2 TDs to the Jets, who only tried 24 runs (inexplicably) - but when you cough up yards at 5.6 per carry, you haven't done well. The other team simply elected to not exploit your ineptitude to the fullest they could.

This is a great week to have a healthy Tampa Bay back on your roster - keep an eye on Dunn's status later in the week.

Weather: Arrowhead Stadium looks like a nice place to be on Sunday, with a high of 70F and a low of 55F with a 20% chance of rain. If the forecast holds up, weather conditions shouldn't play a big role in this contest.

Atlanta Falcons Rushing Offense at Oakland Raiders Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Eagles gave Michael Turner and company a hard time last week, holding Atlanta to 24/77/0 on the ground (17/58/0 rushing for Turner, 5/8/0 rushing for Jerious Norwood, with 5/55/0 receiving in addition on Norwood's tally sheet). Over the last 3 weeks, Turner has 42/112/0 - not exactly the sort of numbers his fantasy owners were expecting.

Oakland continues to be futile rush defenders, allowing the Jets 33/242/1 on the ground 2 weeks ago and 46/192/2 rushing to the Ravens last week. They have handed over 556 rushing yards in their last 3 contests - the defense is now tied with the Colts for 26th in the NFL averaging 144.1 rushing yards per contest, with 11 rushing scores given up to date (among the most in the NFL). These guys are weak. The Falcons' rushing attack has been struggling of late, but the Raiders' defense has been plain awful - advantage, Atlanta.

Weather: McAfee Coliseum expects a high of 62F with a low of 50F on Sunday, with a 40% chance of rain during the day. If the precipitation falls thickly at game time, footing, ball handling, visibility and the passing/kicking games could all be adversely affected. Owners of Raiders or Falcons will want to check a shorter-term forecast before setting their lineups this week.

Baltimore Ravens Rushing Offense at Cleveland Browns Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Willis McGahee got a good share of the carries available vs. Oakland (the team ran the ball 46 times last week), ending up with 23/58/1 rushing and 2/-1/0 receiving during the contest. Ray Rice led the team with 8/64/0 and Le'Ron McClain had 7/32/0 - QB Joe Flacco scrambled for a score last week (4/23/1). McGahee has been the featured guy over the past three weeks, with 50/181/2 rushing and 8/72/0 receiving, while Rice has handled 21/100/0 rushing and 12/147/0 receiving and McClain has contributed 15/47/0 rushing and 5/37/0 receiving. If we see the same ~50/~25/~25 split going forward, McGahee should be the consistent fantasy RB of the bunch.

The Browns limited the Jaguars' stable of backs on the ground last week, after two poor performances (NYG gained 25/181/1 vs. Cleveland 3 weeks ago, and 2 weeks prior Clinton Portis and Washington posted 36/193/1). The Jaguars' offensive line has been shattered by injuries on and off the field, though. Usually, the Browns end up being pretty giving, as evidenced by their season average of 141.6 rushing yards allowed per game (24th in the NFL), with 8 rushing TDs given up to date.

McGahee and company are in for a divisional battle this week, but even home field advantage won't help the Browns much - advantage, Baltimore.

Weather: Cleveland Browns Stadium expects a high of 54F and 45F with a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - weather shouldn't be a huge factor for either team this weekend.

Denver Broncos Rushing Offense vs Miami Dolphins Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Denver Broncos are hoping to get a boost from rookie running back Ryan Torain, who will be in his second full week of practices this week - he may make his debut in this contest vs. Miami, assuming no setbacks occur in practice this week. If Torain can't go, then Michael Pittman will likely lead the committee for another week (he had 20/88/0 rushing against the Patriots 2 weeks ago). We'll see if the bye week helped Selvin Young get healthy enough to return to the field (groin strain). The crowded RB stable has been thinned by injuries, but should be back to full strength vs. Miami.

Speaking of the Dolphins, they defeated Buffalo last week but handed over 27/119/1 rushing to the team on the way there - they are currently 15th in the NFL averaging 100.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with 5 rushing scores given up to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they've been more giving, though, with an average of 124.3 rushing yards given up per game - Miami's defensive front has taken a couple of steps back during the middle part of the season.

Denver has some intriguing talent available at RB this week, and a good matchup to welcome them back from their bye week.

Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Offense at Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Jaguars' OL woes continued last week as G Chris Naeole (who had spent the first half of the season getting back into game shape) broke his hand in pre-game warmups and was a late scratch - the break is severe and requires surgery, ending Naeole's season. With another member of the OL sidelined, the Jags' RBs struggled - Maurice Jones-Drew converted 12 carries into 29 yards, and Fred Taylor had 8/24/0 rushing, and Jones-Drew added 3/19/0 receiving to his tally by the end of the game. There isn't much to get excited about from week to week on this squad, although Jones-Drew did have one decent game in the past 3 weeks (34/154/2 rushing and 5/42/0 receiving in 2 games of action).

The Cincy rush D is among the league's worst, with 11 rushing TDs handed over and an average of 146.9 yards allowed per contest (28th in the NFL). The Texans gained 31/109/1 vs. the Bengals last week - Cincy has given up 320 rushing yards in their last 3 games.

The Jaguars' stable of backs has another good matchup this week, but their OL woes wrecked a similarly decent matchup last week - look at all your options, fantasy owners.

Weather: Paul Brown Stadium expects a high of 65F with a low of 43F and a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - weather shouldn't be a huge factor for either team in this matchup.

Minnesota Vikings Rushing Offense vs Houston Texans Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor combined for 32/155/3 rushing in the 48-41 loss to Chicago - Peterson had 22/121/2 rushing and 1/9/0 receiving, while Taylor gained 10/34/1 rushing and 6/48/0 receiving during the contest. The Vikings RB stable went into the bye week on a high note - we'll see if they can keep the momentum going this week.

There isn't any reason to think the Texans will be able to slow Minnesota down in this phase of the game - they have allowed 11 rushing TDs to date (tied for 2nd most in the NFL), with an average of 119.6 rushing yards allowed per game to date. Woeful Cincinnati could only muster 21/105/0 rushing vs. Houston last week (almost half by the scrambling Ryan Fitzpatrick), but over the past 3 games the Texans have coughed up 278 rushing yards to the likes of Cincy, Detroit and Miami - none of those teams fields an elite squad of runners like the Vikings do.

This is a good week to have a Viking back on your squad.

Weather: The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is an indoor venue - weather won't be an issue for either team in Minneapolis this weekend.

Oakland Raiders Rushing Offense vs Atlanta Falcons Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

With Darren McFadden out due to his ailing turf toe, the Raiders' rushing attack has faltered. McFadden was unable to play on Sunday due to his injured toe, after being listed as questionable on Friday. "It's just something that time's got to heal," McFadden said after the game. Last week, Oakland managed just 19/47/0 as a group (they were playing the #1 rush D in the land last week, though). Justin Fargas averaged 2 yards per carry vs. Baltimore, with 12/24/0 to his credit.

The Falcons are towards the bottom of the league when it comes to rush D, averaging 128.6 yards allowed per game (23rd) and 9 rushing TDs so far this season. Over the last 3 weeks, the Falcons have coughed up 271 rushing yards in 2 games (135.5 per contest), with 32/192/3 handed over to the Eagles last week - they've been up and down in this phase lately, as you can see.

The Raiders are not doing very well with McFadden limited due to injury - but the Falcons come into this game stone-cold. The home field advantage will tilt this matchup to favor the Raiders.

Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Offense at Seattle Seahawks Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Brian Westbrook exploded back onto the NFL scene after missing time to heal up some fractured ribs - he rushed for 22/167/2 and snagged 6/42/0 receiving to go over 200 yards combined - he was an absolute monster in fantasy terms last week. Donovan McNabb also rushed for a score (6/25/1) to go over .500 as of week 7. The Eagles average a solid 4.1 yards per carry at the half-way point of the season.

The Seahawks' unit is among the league's weaker rush D's, averaging 121.7 yards allowed per game (22nd in the NFL), with 6 rushing TDs given up to date. Over the past 3 weeks, they've coughed up 334 rushing yards (111.3 per game), with 24/124/0 allowed to the 49ers last week. These guys are very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get bunch - they are a sub-par rush defense.

Westbrook is red hot entering this game, while the Seattle club is playing out the string with a weak defensive front - advantage, Philadelphia.

Weather: Qwest Field expects a high of of 52F with a low of 47F and a 60% chance of precipitation on Sunday - footing, ball handling, visibility and the passing/kicking games could all be adversely affected if the rain pours down at game time. Owners of Seahawks and Eagles will want to check a shorter-term forecast before setting their lineups this weekend.

Tennessee Titans Rushing Offense vs Green Bay Packers Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Tennessee relies heavily on their running game, especially in the red zone, and did so again last week, with 31/88/3 split between Chris Johnson (19/77/1) and LenDale White (10/13/2) - Johnson added 4/19/0 receiving and White had 1/1/0 in that department. Over the past 3 weeks, White has crammed in 27/162/5 rushing with 2/8/0 receiving, while Johnson has posted 37/245/2 rushing with 6/23/0 receiving. They are this year's "smash and dash" combo, similar to the old "lightning and thunder" of Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne from a few years back.

The Packers rank 25th in the NFL averaging 141.9 rushing yards allowed per game, with 7 rushing TDs given up to date. They have handed over only 186 rushing yards in their last 2 contests, though (93 per game), with 23/73/2 allotted to Dominic Rhodes and company 2 weeks ago. They have improved their play somewhat in recent games, but are still far from a shut-down type unit, as you can see.

The Titans field a powerful 1-2 punch in this phase of the game, while the Packers are suspect - advantage, Tennessee.

Weather: LP Field expects a high of 69F with a low of 49F and a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - it should be a great day to play football up in Nashville.

Arizona Cardinals Rushing Offense at St. Louis Rams Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Edgerrin James called for more carries before the game vs. Carolina, but he didn't deliver with the chances he got, eking out a mere 7/17/0 rushing on the ground. Tim Hightower vultured the rushing TD (again), with 6/3/1 rushing and 2/18/0 receiving - as you can see, James has dropped off a cliff in fantasy football terms this season. Over the last 3 weeks, he's managed just 16/47/0 rushing, while Tim Hightower has 13/23/1 during that span of time - the Cardinal's rushing game is struggling right now.

The Rams are among the league's worst rushing defenses, with 22/124/1 allowed to the Cowboys 2 weeks ago and 29/98/1 handed over to the Patriots' reserves last week. To date, the Rams average 152.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with 11 rushing TDs given up. Over the past few weeks, they've slowed the bleeding in this phase, but they haven't shut anybody down this season.

The Cardinals are struggling but even though the Rams are improving, we're calling this one a neutral matchup.

Weather: Inside the Edward Jones Dome, weather won't be a factor in this contest.

Indianapolis Colts Rushing Offense vs New England Patriots Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Joseph Addai couldn't play on Monday Night Football, so Dominic Rhodes got the call again - he responded with 17/70/0 rushing and 8/39/0 receiving, to go over 100 yards combined vs. Tennessee's tough defense. During the last 3 weeks, Rhodes has posted 62/216/3 rushing with 12/80/0 receiving - he's doing a great job filling in for Addai, and may be earning playing time once Addai is able to get back in the game. Addai was expected at practice on Wednesday - if he doesn't have a setback, coach Dungy expects Addai to play vs. New England. Stay tuned.

The Patriots took on St. Louis last week, and held Antonio Pittman and company to 26/90/0 during the contest - to date, the Patriots rank 20th in the NFL averaging 113.3 rushing yards allowed per game, with 4 rushing TDs given up so far - of late, they've averaged 98 yards allowed per game over the past 3 weeks (294 total allowed during that time span).

The Colts have a steady veteran providing a credible threat to run the ball right now, while the Patriots are playing better than their season average would indicate - this looks like a fairly even matchup to us.

Weather: Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, weather won't be an issue for either team.

New England Patriots Rushing Offense at Indianapolis Colts Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

With LaMont Jordan and Sammy Morris sidelined due to injury last week, Kevin Faulk was called upon to lead the New England attack - he responded with over 100 yards combined (13/60/0 rushing with 4/47/1 receiving) and helped the team to 29/34/1 on the ground - BenJarvus Green-Ellis handled the scoring run (9/16/1). If Jordan and Morris are limited again this week, look for Faulk and Green-Ellis to team up again vs. Indianapolis. Jordan was at practice on Wednesday testing his sore calf, Morris was not present.

Speaking of the Colts, they went to Tennessee last week and were pounded for 31/88/3 by Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Over the past 3 weeks, the Colts average 85 yards rushing allowed, far better than their season average of 144.1, but they are still getting beaten at the goal line (Indy has handed over 9 rushing scores in 7 games this season).

The Patriots are thin at the RB position right now, but Faulk is an adequate short-term solution - meanwhile, the Colts are under .500 and wondering what happened to the good old days. This looks like a fairly even matchup between limited squads to us.

Weather: Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, weather won't be an issue for either team.

New York Giants Rushing Offense vs Dallas Cowboys Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Against the Steel Curtain, the Giants' RB stable was held way under their usual pace (35/83/0, a 2.4 yards per carry average), but lots of teams have that problem vs. Pittsburgh. Brandon Jacobs gained 18/47/0 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving, while Derrick Ward had 13/37/0 rushing and 5/43/0 receiving for his portion vs. Pittsburgh. It was a far cry from 5.1 yards per carry (their season average), but the Giants got the job done in the end, 21-14.

The Cowboys have faltered in recent weeks, but the defensive front hasn't in 2 of the past 3 games, allowing 279 rushing yards in 3 games (93 yards per game on average), including holding Tampa Bay to 20/49/0 last week. They were awful vs. St. Louis (35/180/3) without question, but bounced back strongly last week. We'll see which squad shows up for this divisional showdown.

The Giants were off pace last week, while the Cowboys got back to business on defense. Both bring strong units to the table, with the home field advantage helping to level the playing field this week - this one looks like a fairly even matchup.

Weather: Giants Stadium expects a high of 50F and a low of 38F with a 20% chance of rain on Sunday. As long as the wind doesn't get too gusty, weather conditions shouldn't be a huge issue for either team on Sunday.

St. Louis Rams Rushing Offense vs Arizona Cardinals Rushing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Steven Jackson put in a great game 2 weeks ago, with 3 TDs and well over 100 yards rushing, but was hampered by a thigh injury suffered in that game and couldn't play vs. New England. He tried to warm up and play, but "He did a lot in pregame; he just couldn't go," coach Jim Haslett said. "Every time he planted and tried to cut on it, it grabbed. So we thought what's best for him, and what's best for this team, was not to let him go." Antonio Pittman got back to playing after healing his broken leg - he managed 19/83/0 rushing and 3/22/0 receiving in Jackson's absence. If Jackson can't go again this week, Pittman will carry the bulk of the load for St. Louis. The team managed 26/90/0 rushing vs. New England. Jackson participated partially in practice on Wednesday, but as the practice went on his work had to be scaled back as his troublesome thigh injury flared. "That's going to be a day-to-day thing, just see how he feels when he's running," coach Jim Haslett said on Wednesday. "But he did a couple of things today and I think he did OK."

Dallas was limited to 22/73/0 by the Cardinals 2 weeks ago, and they held fairly well in the face of the Panthers' tandem, with 29/113/1 handed over to Carolina (although DeAngelo Williams had little trouble moving the ball, with 17/108/1 to lead the team, a 6.4 yards-per-carry average). To date, they've averaged 96.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with 5 rushing TDs given away - not too bad, but not elite, either (12th in the NFL vs. opposing rushers).

The Rams have bounced up and down in this phase of the game of late, and have injury issues at the RB position. The Cardinals have been so-so rush defenders most of the year - this looks like a neutral matchup from where we are sitting. Keep an eye on Footballguys.com's players in the news later in the week to determine Jackson's likely status for Sunday.

Weather: Inside the Edward Jones Dome, weather won't be a factor in this contest.

Buffalo Bills Rushing Offense vs New York Jets Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Marshawn Lynch was in shouting distance of 100 yards combined last week (13/61/1 rushing and 5/34/0 receiving), and has compiled 32/132/2 and 9/56/0 receiving over the last 3 weeks (2 games) to land at #13 fantasy RB in points per game over that time span. He is a big part of what the Bills are doing from week to week, as you can see, with right around 20 touches on the ball per game of late. Fred Jackson pitched in with 10/41/0 rushing and 1/1/0 receiving last week as a significant partner in the effort vs. the Dolphins.

The Jets almost gave away an easy "W" last week vs. the Chiefs, but were stout in this phase of the game allowing 20/80/0 on the ground to the Larry Johnson-deprived club. They are currently the 4th ranked rush D in the land averaging only 82.6 yards per game, but they have handed over 7 rushing scores so far.

The Bills have a reliable every-down back in Lynch, but in a divisional grudge match you can bet the Jets will make things tough on the Bills' RB stable. This looks like a tough matchup for the home team.

Weather: A cool fall day is on tap at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, with the forecast calling for a high of 47F with a low of 39F and a 20% chance for precipitation. Weather shouldn't be a huge factor in this game if the forecast holds up.

Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Offense vs Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Cedric Benson did what he could to help the Bengals last week, gaining 13/49/0 rushing and 2/20/0 receiving vs. the Texans. He's managed 31/107/0 rushing and 3/30/0 receiving since taking over the starting job from Chris Perry (who didn't have a carry last week). Kenny Watson was a non-factor with 1/5/0.

The Jaguars' rush D is 15th in the NFL averaging 108 yards allowed per game with 5 rushing TDs handed over to date. They did a decent job containing Jamal Lewis last week, holding the Browns to 24/91/1 - over the past 3 weeks, the Jags have handed over 111 yards rushing per game on average (2 games) - they are so-so at rush D this year, as you can see.

The Jaguars may only be so-so vs. opposing rushers, but the Bengals' offense is weak in this phase of the game - advantage, Jacksonville.

Weather: Paul Brown Stadium expects a high of 65F with a low of 43F and a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - weather shouldn't be a huge factor for either team in this matchup.

Dallas Cowboys Rushing Offense at New York Giants Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Dallas was in a brawl with the elite Tampa Bay D last week, squeaking by 13-9. Marion Barber (like all other NFL backs to face the Bucs this year) didn't score a TD - he managed 25/71/0 rushing and 6/29/0 receiving to go over 100 yards combined, though - a pretty impressive feat, considering that Brad Johnson didn't provide much of a threat to throw the ball down the field. Over the past 3 weeks, Barber is 9th among all fantasy RBs with 60/216/1 rushing and 18/170/1 receiving - he's doing fine with the heavy workload while Felix Jones is sidelined due to injury.

The Giants were also in a tough fight last week vs. Pittsburgh, and managed to keep the Steelers under 100 yards rushing (22/95/1) on the way to a 7-point win. This year, the Giants are 7th in the NFL vs. opposing RBs, with an average of 86 yards allowed per game, and only 3 rushing scores surrendered to date. They've given up 274 rushing yards in their last 3 games, an average of 91.3 per contest.

Barber fought through a challenging matchup last week, but he's got another tough row to hoe vs. the Giants on Sunday.

Detroit Lions Rushing Offense at Chicago Bears Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Lions gave the Redskins quite a scare last week, despite Detroit's putrid defense, leading for the first half and coming within 5 points of Washington in the final minutes of the game. Unfortunately for fantasy owners invested in the Lions' ground attack, the RBs didn't have much to do with the strong game - they had 15/57/1 as a team last week. Rudi Johnson led the team with 8/21/1 rushing (a 2.6 yards per carry average), while Kevin Smith had but 4/12/0 rushing but added 7/50/0 receiving (Johnson had 1/10/0 receiving).

The Bears' rush D is among the league's top 10, averaging 85.9 yards allowed per game (6th in the NFL) with 7 rushing TDs handed over in 7 contests. Against the Vikings, they were a good bit more generous, allowing 32/155/3 to Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor - but one bad game does not a season make. The Bears' defensive front is cold coming into this divisional showdown, though.

Detroit's rushing attack faltered last week, but they have a good young talent in Kevin Smith. He'll have a stern test this week vs. the stout Bears at home in Soldier Field.

Weather: Soldier Field expects a high of 57F and a low of 45F with a 20% chance of rain - as long as the wind doesn't start howling, weather shouldn't have a major impact on this matchup Sunday.

Green Bay Packers Rushing Offense at Tennessee Titans Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Ryan Grant is finally starting to pay some dividends for his long-suffering fantasy owners - over the last 3 games, he's carried the ball for 82/278/1, with 2/12/0 receiving, and has toted the ball 30 or more times in each of the last 2 games: 31/105/1 rushing and 2/12/0 receiving vs. Indianapolis 2 weeks ago, with 33/90/0 vs. Seattle. Brandon Jackson has settled into a change-of-pace role in that same time span, with 2/11/0 rushing but 11/49/0 receiving.

However, this week the Packers visit the undefeated Tennessee Titans in LP Field - they will try to challenge the defensive front that currently averages 90.1 rushing yards allowed per game, 10th in the NFL (7 rushing TDs allowed to date). Over the last 2 games (3 weeks), the Titans have averaged 76 yards rushing allowed per contest: Indianapolis managed 22/94/1 against the Titans on Monday Night Football earlier this week. It is tough to gain yards on the Titans, although TDs are not as scarce in this phase of the game as they are in the passing phase.

The Titans average 12.4 points allowed per game so far this year - don't expect an explosive fantasy performance from Grant this week and you won't be disappointed. Advantage, Tennessee.

Weather: LP Field expects a high of 69F with a low of 49F and a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - it should be a great day to play football up in Nashville.

Houston Texans Rushing Offense at Minnesota Vikings Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Houston cruised over the Bengals last week, 35-6, in which Steve Slaton (15/53/1 rushing with 2/13/0 receiving) and Ahman Green (9/41/0 rushing and 1/5/0 receiving) combined for over 100 yards rushing (31/109/1) - Slaton has gained 47/191/2 rushing with 6/25/0 receiving in the last 3 weeks, while Green has supplemented with 3/144/1 rushing and 3/10/0 receiving. Green did suffer from cramps last week, but he is still expected to be available in the second fiddle role for week 9.

The Vikings have a much better rush D than the Bengals, though, with an average of 70.7 yards allowed per game (2nd in the NFL). The Vikings have been more generous at the goal line than last year, with 7 rushing TDs allowed - Chicago managed 22/53/1 rushing against the Vikes in week 7 during their 48-41 shootout. Even when the scoreboard lights up like a Christmas tree, it is tough to do very much against Minnesota on the ground.

Slaton and Green have been very productive in recent weeks, but they have a tough fight ahead of them up in Minneapolis.

Weather: The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is an indoor venue - weather won't be an issue for either team in Minneapolis this weekend.

New York Jets Rushing Offense at Buffalo Bills Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Jets did score 2 rushing TDs vs. the Chiefs, and averaged 5.6 yards per carry as a team against them, but for some reason their coaches elected to only run the ball 24 times against the 32nd (dead-last) ranked Chiefs and passed the ball 41 times. There was no adequate explanation of this game plan offered after the contest - Thomas Jones did OK in limited work (14/54/1 rushing with 1/6/0 receiving), while Leon Washington flashed his speed, burning to 3/67/1 rushing and 7/64/1 receiving during the contest. We'll see what the Jets' brass decides to do this week.

This week, the Jets travel to hostile Ralph Wilson Stadium and face the league's 13th ranked rush D that averages 99.3 rushing yards allowed per game, with 8 rushing TDs handed over to date. The Bills held Miami's wildcats to 27/52/1 rushing last week, and has averaged 62 rushing yards allowed in their last 2 contests. They have played fairly well in the recent past, although Buffalo isn't shutting people out of the end zone.

The Jets have piled up a lot of rushing yards and scores in the last 3 games (55/278/3 rushing and 3/19/1 receiving for Jones; 11/93/2 rushing and 10/77/1 receiving for Washington), but they'll have to fight hard to break through 100 yards on the ground vs. Buffalo.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Offense at Washington Redskins Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

As of Wednesday coach Mike Tomlin said Parker looked "very good" in workouts for the coaches on Tuesday, a hopeful sign for his long-suffering owners and an ominous one for those who snatched Mewelde Moore off the waiver wire when Parker went down. We'll see if Parker can get through a slate of practices without a setback this week.

Last week, Moore headlined against the Giants, scoring an early TD and amassing 19/84/1 rushing and 2/10/0 receiving during the contest. He has gained 39/204/3 rushing and 7/24/1 receiving in the last 2 games for Pittsburgh.

The Redskins sport the league's 5th ranked rush D, averaging 82.8 rushing yards allowed per game, with 4 rushing TDs allowed in 8 contests to date. They have handed over 235 rushing yards in the past 3 weeks (3 games), an average of 78.3 per game. Last week, Detroit managed 15/57/1 vs. the Redskins. They are fielding one of the top rush defenses in the NFL at the halfway point of the season.

The Steelers' backs have been productive in most games, but they face a tough matchup in FedEx Field on Monday Night Football this week.

Weather: FedEx Field has a nice forecast on Sunday, with a high of 60F and a low of 42F (this is a night game, so it will be cool at kickoff), and only a 10% chance of rain.

Seattle Seahawks Rushing Offense vs Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Maurice Morris was horrid vs. San Francisco, with 11/16/0 rushing to his "credit" - FB Leonard Weaver was the star of the back field last week, with 2/13/0 rushing and 4/116/2 receiving to help his team to a rare "W". Julius Jones had 6/9/0 rushing, with 2/22/0 receiving - T.J. Duckett plunged in the lone rushing TD with 8/1/1 during the game. 28/39/1 rushing as a team isn't something to write home about.

The Eagles held Michael Turner and company to 24/77/0 last week, and have averaged 104 rushing yards allowed per game over the past 2 games (3 weeks) - to date, they average 89.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with only 3 rushing TDs given away to date. The Eagles field a top-10 rushing D and are consistently tough.

The Seahawks' rushing attack fell apart last week, and will face an "A" grade rush D this week - advantage, Philadelphia.

Washington Redskins Rushing Offense vs Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Clinton Portis paved the way for another Washington win last week, rushing for 24/126/0 and adding 1/6/0 receiving to the effort. His backup, Shaun Alexander, isn't a threat to Portis' playing time (6/11/0, with 1/9/0 receiving) - this is Portis' show, folks. And what a show it is - he is the #2 fantasy RB in points per game this year with 187/944/7 rushing and 11/77/0 receiving - he's over 1,000 yards combined at the half-way mark, folks. That is crazy good production. Start him if you've got him.

The Steelers' vaunted defensive front held up vs. the Giants, limiting New York to 35/83/0 on the ground. They have allowed only 3 rushing scores all year long, while averaging 71.6 rushing yards given up per game. Over the last 3 weeks, Pittsburgh has averaged 83.5 rushing yards allowed per game. They are an elite unit, folks.

Portis has been playing out of his mind, but this week he faces a tough matchup when the Steelers roll into FedEx Field.

Weather: FedEx Field has a nice forecast on Sunday, with a high of 60F and a low of 42F (this is a night game, so it will be cool at kickoff), and only a 10% chance of rain.

Cleveland Browns Rushing Offense vs Baltimore Ravens Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jamal Lewis continues to power the Cleveland offense - last week he posted 20/81/1 rushing and 1/7/0 receiving vs. Jacksonville (the Browns ground out 24/91/1 rushing as a team). Lewis has gained 60/249/2 rushing and 3/29/0 receiving over the past 3 weeks (3 games).

The Ravens bring the league's most potent rush defense to this divisional contest - they have given up 194 rushing yards in their last 3 games, with a mere 19/47/0 alloted to Oakland last week - to date, the Ravens average a mere 64.3 rushing yards allowed per game. Did we mention they have given up but 1 rushing score all season long?

This is a bad matchup for the Browns' backs, folks. The Ravens are a wet blanket for most NFL RBs and for the hopes of fantasy owners holding the opposing RBs the week Baltimore is in town.

Weather: Cleveland Browns Stadium expects a high of 54F and 45F with a 20% chance of rain on Sunday - weather shouldn't be a huge factor for either team this weekend.

Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Offense vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

As of midweek, there is no word yet on the status of Larry Johnson, who was recently charged with assaulting a woman (he spit his drink in her face at a nightclub, evidently) - his 4th such incident in 5 years when Johnson has been accused of assaulting a woman. The league may choose to suspend him or allow the legal system to run its course, but the bottom line is that Johnson is looking iffy to play this week.

Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Johnson's backup, Jamaal Charles, suffered a high ankle sprain in the game vs. the Jets, and his backup Kolby Smith never really got going (11/15/0 rushing with 2/15/0 receiving). At the end of the day, the Chiefs had 20/80/0 on the ground vs. New York. Stay tuned to players in the news as the roster picture for K.C. unfolds this week.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have yet to allow a rushing TD during 2008, and are currently 8th in the NFL averaging 88.9 rushing yards allowed per game. Their most recent opponent, Marion Barber, managed 25/71/0 rushing vs. this defensive front. The Bucs are super-solid rush defenders, friends.

One of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL faces one of the best defensive fronts in the league on Sunday - advantage, Tampa Bay.

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