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Week 5 Passing Matchups

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

Great Matchups: [ARI] [HOU] [IND] [PIT]
Good Matchups: [DAL] [DET] [MIN] [PHI] [SEA]
Neutral Matchups: [ATL] [BAL] [BUF] [CIN] [CLE] [DEN] [JAX] [KC] [NYG] [NYJ] [SF] [WAS]
Tough Matchups: [CAR] [NE] [STL] [TEN]
Bad Matchups: [MIA] [OAK] [TB]

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.

Arizona Cardinals Passing Offense vs Houston Texans Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

From the perspective of straight data, the Texans have a good pass defense. They have only allowed three scores and opponents average 203.8 yards per game with an average completion percentage of 54.3, which is fourth lowest in the NFL. The key point here is the Texans' opponents. The Jets, Raiders, Titans, and Jaguars are not the most impressive passing offenses and only the Jacksonville passing attack has come alive with the recent emergence of Mike Sims-Walker.

Arizona will present Houston's most formidable challenge of the year, averaging 274.3 yards per game through the air, fifth-best in the NFL.

Kurt Warner threw the ball 57 times against the Colts, completing 30 attempts for 332 yards, a TD and 2 INTs. Houston's offense mirrors Arizona's. They are an above average passing offense with a below average ground game, which bodes well for a shootout with Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston all getting a share of the glory in that order.

The official NFL injury report with Probable, Questionable, Doubtful and Out designations will be available by Saturday. Please refer to the week 5 injury report for the latest injury news regarding your players.

Houston Texans Passing Offense at Arizona Cardinals Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

As bad as the Texans run game has looked at times, their passing attack makes up for it. They average a very healthy 8.1 yards per attempt and Matt Schaub is second in the league with 8 TDs and 249.2 yards per game. With a healthy Kevin Walter back into the fold, Schaub can riddle most passing defenses with the trio of Walter, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.

The Arizona Cardinals allow 8 yards per attempt, 280.3 yards per game, and a 98.8 QB rating to their opponents. This can happen when facing Peyton Manning, but David Garrard had a strong week against them, and even Shaun Hill looked decent.

The Texans should have a field day against the Cardinals pass defense. Schaub and Andre Johnson are strong plays with Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels as decent options.

Indianapolis Colts Passing Offense at Tennessee Titans Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

Peyton Manning and the Colts offense is waging an aerial assault in the league, averaging a league-bests in yards per attempt (9.8), yards per game (330.2), touchdowns (9), first down percentage (44.5) and sacks allowed (2). Unless you're new to NFL football, none of this is new to you.

The Tennessee Titans passing defense has gone from very good to horrible. They are at the bottom of the league in yards per game (282.2), second-to-last in touchdowns allowed (10), second-to-last in completion percentage (68.5) and third from the bottom in yards per attempt (8.1). Houston, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh are all strong defenses that took advantage. However, they still get pressure on the QB with 9 sacks, 7th-best in the league.

Expect Manning and company to hold a track meet against Tennessee in a meeting of the best versus the worst. In old-time fantasy parlance, start'em if you got'em.

Pittsburgh Steelers Passing Offense at Detroit Lions Passing Defense (Great Matchup)

The Steelers are now an elite passing unit. Ben Roethlisberger and company average 278.8 yards per game with a gaudy 8.4 yards per attempt. Roethlisberger does take his share of sacks and forces some throws that have resulted in four interceptions, but no QB has a better completion percentage than Big Ben (73.4).

The Lions have had the dubious pleasure of facing the Saints, Vikings, and Bears and all three quarterbacks had an easy time taming their pass defense that has given up a league-high 12 scores and allows 72.5 percent of throws to be completed. Even Jason Campbell had a huge statistical effort in the Lions one victory this year.

The Steelers have found memories of playing in Detroit in this decade and this week their opponent won't be nearly as difficult. Roethlisberger, Ward, Holmes, and Miller are good options.

Dallas Cowboys Passing Offense at Kansas City Chiefs Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Cowboys have struggled through the air this year when it comes to the important stats. Tony Romo has thrown as many interceptions (4) as touchdowns (4) and their first down percentage for 30.5 percent is below average. To be fair, Romo has faced two of the top three pass defenses this season in the Broncos and Giants. However, watching Romo and his receivers have difficulty getting on the same page, it's not simply a matchup issue.

The good news for Dallas is Kansas City gives up 250.5 yards per game and an unhealthy 7.5 yards per attempt. Moreover, they allow opponents to complete 64.8 percent of their passes against their unit. Facing the Ravens, Giants, and Eagles will do that to a defense that wasn't expected to be very good in the first place.

This is a week where Tony Romo and his receivers should feel better about themselves. Jason Witten remains the safest bet of Romo's targets.

Detroit Lions Passing Offense vs Pittsburgh Steelers Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

Rookie Matt Stafford's aggressive down field style has propelled the Lions passing game to the middle of the pack with a 217 yards per game average, but his six interceptions only trail Jake Delhomme and the Browns combo of Derek Anderson-Brady Quinn. However, it's looking like Daunte Culpepper is the likely starter this week because of Stafford's knee cap injury that should force him to the sidelines for one game. Stay tuned to the news this week to see who gets the start.

The Steelers would love to have their leader Troy Polomalu back this week but that remains to be seen. Polamalu is the only Steeler to intercept a pass all year and it was a Herculean effort to do so. Opposing QBs average a 92.8 QB rating against them right now, thanks to the likes of Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer, and Jay Cutler.

Daunte Culpepper hasn't performed at a high level for years, but he looked better in the preseason than any time since he left the Vikings. He could have a chance to produce like a starter, especially with Calvin Johnson leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

Minnesota Vikings Passing Offense at St. Louis Rams Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

Brett Favre has been pretty good. He didn't need much more motivation to be at his best against his former team Monday night, throwing for 271 yards, three scores, no interceptions, and taking no sacks. His game-winner versus the surprisingly strong 49ers defense that put him over 300 yards for that contest wasn't bad, either. When Green Bay decided to take away Percy Harvin by placing veteran Charles Woodson in the slot against the rookie in press coverage with the rest of the team playing zone, Favre beat the Packers with Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian.

The Rams may be in the middle of the pack in terms of yards allowed per game through the air, but they are worse than the numbers appear. They allow 7.9 yards per attempt, which is among the league's worst, and an average QB rating of 100.2. This team also bleeds first downs with opposing offenses converting 40.3 percent of the time.

Favre has another shot at an efficient, productive day in the red zone and Berrian and Harvin should benefit nicely. Rice and Shiancoe make reasonable flex plays, too.

Philadelphia Eagles Passing Offense vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

Although Donovan McNabb has missed the past few weeks with cracked ribs sustained in the opener, Kevin Kolb has been very productive for fantasy owners prior to the bye week. The real heroes have been DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek. Jackson has posted big gains despite a groin injury that has limited him in practice. The second-year receiver has 12 catches, 259 yards, and 2 long scores. Celek has been a pleasant surprise all year.

The Buccaneers are ranked 17th in passing yards allowed with 221.8, but they allow the third-most touchdown passes (9) and the second-most yards per attempt (8.6). They don't generate a lot of pressure against opposing QBs and opposing signal callers have an average QB rating of 101.1.

A healthy Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson should have a nice welcome back to the field this weekend, and Celek is an especially strong play.

Seattle Seahawks Passing Offense vs Jacksonville Jaguars Passing Defense (Good Matchup)

Seattle gets starting QB Matt Hasselbeck back just in time. Seneca Wallace was workmanlike, but Hasselbeck was 25 for 36 for 279 yards, 3 scores and 2 interceptions in the opener, and off to a decent start against the 49ers before he injured a rib and missed the past two games. Seattle is 11th in the league in pass offense and their six touchdowns is above average among NFL teams at this point.

Only the Detroit Lions (72.5) have allowed opposing quarterbacks to have a better completion percentage than the Jaguars (71.9) and they are tied for last among pass defenses with 282.2 yards allowed. Jacksonville only has a league-worst three sacks. They just might be the worst pass defense in the league, but it is tempered with the fact they have face the Texans and Colts.

Despite missing LT Walter Jones until November, Matt Hasselbeck should have time to throw the ball and execute his high-efficient style of play against the Jaguars. Expect a good game from the QB and his WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson. John Carlson is also a favorite target and should do well.

Atlanta Falcons Passing Offense at San Francisco 49ers Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Matt Ryan leads an efficient Falcons passing attack with the league's 4th-best first down percentage through the air. Matt Ryan has only thrown one interception all year thanks to the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez, who continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level with two of three games with 70-plus yards receiving and a touchdown.

The 49ers have limited opponents to a 56.8 completion percentage, forcing 11 sacks (tied for 4th among NFL defenses), and picked off five passes (also tied for 4th in the league). However, St. Louis and Seattle faced the 49ers with back up quarterbacks whose poor production arguably skewed the stats when you consider Kurt Warner (288 yards) and Brett Favre (301 yards) posted games on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Expect Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez to have startable games, but Matt Ryan probably won't do enough to consider him a first choice for you lineup.

Baltimore Ravens Passing Offense vs Cincinnati Bengals Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Matt Ryan might have been the 2008 draft class darling as a rookie, but Joe Flacco is giving the Falcons QB a run for his money with 1103 yards, 8 TDs, and 3 Ints in four games, including a 264-yard 2-score, 1-interception affair versus the Patriots, which he nearly carried his team to a victory in the closing minutes. With a strong ground game, Flacco uses the play-action game masterfully on intermediate and deep routes and their 42.9 percent first down rate is No.2 in the NFL.

The Bengals are only allow opposing quarterbacks to complete 58 percent of their passes, and have limited them to four touchdowns all year, which makes the unit a bend, but don't break performer. The Bengals also have generated the fourth-most sacks in the NFL.

With offensive tackle Jared Gaither's status for this week still questionable after he was carried off the field after a freak collision with his QB last week, Flacco will need to remain sharp with his movement in the pocket. That said, we still like Derrick Mason to be a great option and Mark Clayton, Kelley Washington, and Todd Heap as worthwhile gambles.

Buffalo Bills Passing Offense vs Cleveland Browns Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Bills aren't the worst passing attack in the league, but the fact they have Terrell Owens and Lee Evans going empty-handed more often than not sure makes Buffalo's unit the most notorious in the league. What is really holding the Bills back is an offensive line that has allowed 16 sacks.

The Browns defense has sacked the quarterback seven times, so they may not wreak as much havoc as other teams but they will likely get some prime shots on Trent Edwards.

However, if the Browns cannot stop the Bills ground game Edwards should have enough time to take some shots down field, and they do average a reasonable 6.9 yards per attempt with an above average total of six passing scores. The Bills may have not come close to their potential to convert the big play, but this is a week were the odds of it happening are a reasonably good against the Browns which makes Trent Edwards a borderline start and Terrell Owens a definite play. Even Lee Evans is worth a chance in 3 WR lineups.

Cincinnati Bengals Passing Offense at Baltimore Ravens Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Carson Palmer and the Bengals passing game hasn't packed the punch on the stat sheet some expected with only 195.8 yards per game, but they have been above average in the red zone with 6 touchdowns and a reasonable first-down percentage of 32.8. Palmer went 23 for 44 for 230 yards, 2 scores and 1 interception against an average Browns pass defense last week in an OT victory last week.

The Ravens have faced two of the better quarterbacks in the league in the first four weeks: Philip Rivers (436 yards and 2 TDs in week 2) and Tom Brady (258 yards and a score in week 4). They 7.8 yards allowed per attempt is among the league's worst, but they remain aggressive with 10 sacks and 6 interceptions (3rd in the NFL).

Palmer is just a notch below Rivers and Brady in ability and probably on even ground with the Pats QB at this stage of Brady's comeback. Expecting a similar game as the Pats starter in week 4 is probably his ceiling this week. However, his floor is much lower, and it makes him a prohibitive option.

Cleveland Browns Passing Offense at Buffalo Bills Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Browns have been a passing offense in flux. They started the year with the dink-and-dunk style of Brady Quinn, and made the switch last week to the aggressive Derek Anderson, who threw 48 times on the Bengals for 269 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This week, they traded away deep threat Braylon Edwards for short-field specialist Chansi Stuckey.

This week they face a Bills defensive unit that held Drew Brees to zero touchdowns two weeks ago, but didn't force first-time Dolphins starter Chad Henne into any mistakes. Buffalo only allows 6.2 yards per attempt and is ranked sixth in the NFL with 11 sacks.

However with an banged up secondary, Derek Anderson should have some luck with the Browns new No.1 WR rookie Mohamed Massoquoi, an athletic target with run after the catch skills who just needs more consistency. Just not enough luck for Anderson to be a fantasy start. Massoquoi on the other hand, is worth an start as a WR3.

Denver Broncos Passing Offense vs New England Patriots Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The best thing that can be said about the Broncos passing game is that Kyle Orton must have gotten all of the interceptions out of his system in the preseason, because Denver has not thrown a single pick in four games. Plus they have only given up six sacks and average a healthy 7.7 yards per attempt.

The Patriots have only intercepted one pass all year, allow a very poor 40.2 percent first down rate and have only sacked the quarterback eight times all year.

Kyle Orton is no Joe Flacco or Matt Ryan but he's performing better than Trent Edwards and Mark Sanchez and with Brandon Marshall finally showing signs of buying into the team concept, expect some startable performances from the Broncos receivers, especially Marshall.

Jacksonville Jaguars Passing Offense at Seattle Seahawks Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Jacksonville's stats are average as a passing offense, but they make few mistakes. David Garrard has thrown five touchdowns to one interception all year and his 3-score, 323-yard performance against the Titans is just another solid demonstration that the emergence of WR Mike Sims-Walker is helping the passing attack click.

The Seahawks allow a dismal 67.2 percent completion rate and their rest of their stats are pretty average. Considering they have faced two strong passing teams in the Bears and Colts and two weak ones in the Rams and 49ers it makes sense.

The Jaguars have a better passing attack than the the Rams and 49ers. It would not be a surprise to see Garrard, Mike Sims-Walker, and even Torry Holt benefit this weekend.

Kansas City Chiefs Passing Offense vs Dallas Cowboys Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Chiefs have only mustered 145 yards per game and have given up 13 sacks, placing them among the league's worst. They simply aren't a high-production unit, but Matt Cassel and company have been efficient in the red zone with 7 touchdowns to 2 interceptions and a 61.4 completion percentage.

Dallas made Kyle Orton look good last week in their loss to the Broncos and they allow opposing QBs to complete 64.8 percent of their throws, giving up 256.2 yards per game, which is 29th among defenses.

The Giants, Eagles, and Ravens are all better defenses, so it stands to reason Matt Cassel has a chance for good enough production to make Dwayne Bowe a strong play this week if the WR has bounced back from his hamstring injury. Bowe is the only player we recommend starting from the Chiefs WR corps.

New York Giants Passing Offense vs Oakland Raiders Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The New York Giants passing attack is looking good this year. They are tied for second in the NFL with 8 touchdown passes and average a superb 8.1 yards per attempt. Eli Manning has thrown only two interceptions all year and third-year receiver Steve Smith has become a strong possession and red zone option. With Hakeem Nicks healthy, the passing offense should only get better because they can move Mario Manningham and Nicks around for good match ups.

Oakland's passing defense gives up 7.3 yards per attempt, which is below average, and they allow opposing quarterbacks to a rather high, 36.7 first down conversion rate. With their offense unable to make plays, their defense wears out as the game progresses.

Look for Eli Manning and Steve Smith to do some damage this weekend with either Manningham or Nicks to throw in a lick of their own, but not enough to make the latter two viable fantasy starts.

New York Jets Passing Offense at Miami Dolphins Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

Despite Mark Sanchez flashing moments of advanced play in his first month, the Jets are 27th in the league as a passing offense, generating only 166.8 yards per game, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. Braylon Edwards should provide the Jets another down field threat, but they Sanchez temporarily loses some rapport with his receiving corps as a whole after the Jets gave up Chansi Stuckey in the deal.

The Dolphins are susceptible to the pass, ranking 24th in the NFL with 238.5 yards per game, but they have faced Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers, and Peyton Manning in three of their first four games so the numbers are a bit skewed. Plus, Miami does a good job of pressuring the opposing QB with 11 sacks this year.

This is a game Sanchez will need to win, but the Dolphins are a better unit on the field than the stat sheet. Don't expect great things from the Jets passing game and only Jericho Cotchery is a viable start this week.

San Francisco 49ers Passing Offense vs Atlanta Falcons Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The 28th-ranked 49ers passing offense may not have been incredibly productive with 156.2 yards per game, but they are efficient with five touchdowns to only one interception. Shaun Hill has a strong 92.4 QB rating and TE Vernon Davis is beginning to make his presence known on a more consistent basis.

The Falcons rank 27th against the pass, but have only allowed three touchdowns through the air. Their 62.8 completion percentage to opposing QBs is nothing to write home about and nearly half their sacks (5) on the season came in the opener against Chad Pennington on a really bad day for LT Jake Long.

San Francisco is playing physical, disciplined football and the passing game is steadily improving. Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan can present match up problems for the Falcons defense.

Washington Redskins Passing Offense at Carolina Panthers Passing Defense (Neutral Matchup)

The Redskins are the 15th-ranked passing offense with 225.2 yards per game and five touchdowns. Jason Campbell struggled against a poor Buccaneers defense throwing for 170 yards, 2 scores, and 3 interceptions. Santana Moss (17/293/2) and Chris Cooley (22/254/2) remain the prime beneficiaries.

The Panthers allow only 6.5 yards per attempt and 179.7 yards per game, but opposing quarterbacks are highly efficient with a 67.4 completion percentage and 94 QB rating against them.

Jason Campbell is at best a reserve option in this match up, but should complete enough passes for fantasy owners to keep Santana Moss and Chris Cooley in their lineups.

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

The Panthers have struggled through the air this year, with Jake Delhomme sporting a 50.2 QB rating that rivals only JaMarcus Russell's league-low 43.9 score. Delhomme has has a TD-INT ratio of 2 to 8 and has clearly struggled with the deep ball.

The Redskins allow only 173.5 yards per game, but they have only intercepted two passes in four games despite facing cellar-dwelling St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Detroit.

Despite a tough match up on paper, expect Jake Delhomme to have a more efficient performance that previous weeks - just not enough production to count on him as a starter.

New England Patriots Passing Offense at Denver Broncos Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Despite Tom Brady still trying to get his rhythm back and Wes Welker missing time earlier with a knee injury, the Patriots remain a dangerous passing offense. Brady beat the Ravens 27-21 with 258 yards passing and a score. They are fifth in the league with 273.8 yards per game.

The Broncos have been strong against the pass, but arguably their best opponent through the air was Carson Palmer and the Bengals in the opener. They did do a respectable job of limiting Tony Romo to 225 yards and an interception, playing excellent pass defense in the red zone with the game on the line.

Although a tough match up on paper, Tom Brady and Randy Moss are players that rise to the level of their competition. Expect these two to continue performing well and Wes Welker to be a serviceable starter. However Denver is second in the league in sacks and should get to Brady a few times in this game. Brady and company are almost always must starts - but we see this as a challenging matchup.

St. Louis Rams Passing Offense vs Minnesota Vikings Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Marc Bulger remains questionable for this week, but even with the veteran in the lineup the Rams aren't an inspiring passing offense. With the help of Kyle Boller, and promising Laurent Robinson now out for the year, the Rams rank 30th as a passing offense, averaging only 5 yards per attempt.

The Vikings allowed Aaron Rodgers to have a huge statistical outing against them Monday night, but they were playing with a lead and Rodgers is among the better QBs with mobility in the league. Even so, they sacked Rodgers eight times and now lead the league in this category. This is a turnover-hungry defense that also has five interceptions in four games.

The best option for the Rams passing attack might actually be Steven Jackson on screen passes and check-downs. This unit cannot protect their QB (10 sacks) and their receivers are still too inexperienced to make a consistent difference. Donnie Avery has enough speed to make a difference and be a borderline option as a WR3.

Tennessee Titans Passing Offense vs Indianapolis Colts Passing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Titans have the 16th-ranked passing offense in the NFL, but it is based on the 221.5 yards per game they gain trying to play catch up to the points their defense have allowed through the air or Kerry Collins' six interceptions in four games. The one good thing they do is give their QB time to throw the ball, allowing only five sacks thus far.

The Colts have done a good job against the pass, forcing 12 QB sacks and limiting QBs to a very low 5.6 yards per attempt and a total of 2 TDs. The only thing the Indianapolis defense allows is a high completion percentage (63.1), which is among the worst in the league.

Kerry Collins will have plenty of opportunities this week because the Titans will likely have to play catch-up, but his inability to make big plays down field paired with the Colts ability to keep the plays short doesn't make Tennessee's QB much of a fantasy option. Nate Washington is Collins' favorite target on shorter throws because of his run after the catch ability and is a good WR3 this week.

Miami Dolphins Passing Offense vs New York Jets Passing Defense (Bad Matchup)

As good as Miami has been on the ground, they are almost equally as bad through the air. Their 5.3 yards per attempt is the third-worst in the league and only the Raiders have fewer yards per game and touchdowns thrown. Plus, Miami has allowed 13 sacks on the season, which is the third-most in the NFL.

The Jets are an elite pass defense. They only allow 5 yards per attempt and have limit opponents to a league-best 1 passing touchdown this year. Their 22.8 percent first down rate is second-best among defenses as well.

Chad Henne is going to get a trial by fire this week in his second-ever NFL start and despite the fact the Jets have only sacked opposing QBs four times this year, look for the Jets to get their licks if Miami can stay in favorable down and distance situations. No Miami receiver is worth starting unless you lack better options...and there are a lot of better options.

Oakland Raiders Passing Offense at New York Giants Passing Defense (Bad Matchup)

The Raiders pass offense is the worst in the league, and it's not even a contest. They average 4.8 yards per attempt, 119.8 yards per game, only have one touchdown through the air, and have a combined QB rating of 43.9. JaMarcus Russell is clearly struggling and his receivers are dropping balls to boot.

The Giants have the very best pass defense in the league and by a healthy margin as well. Opposing QBs complete only 51.3 percent of their passes against them and average 4.6 yards per attempt. Along with 115 yards allowed per game through the air, these are all league-best stats.

JaMarcus Russell is in for a long day at the office and expecting fantasy worthy stats from any Raider in the passing game is wishful thinking.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Passing Offense at Philadelphia Eagles Passing Defense (Bad Matchup)

Josh Johnson demonstrated good mobility in his first start with 6/41/0 when he broke the pocket. He also threw a touchdown on his first pass. That's about the only good news, because the Buccaneers only muster 5.3 yards per attempt and have two scores to seven interceptions on the year.

The Eagles are No.2 in passing yards allowed with 156 per game and are among the best interceptions with 6 in three games. This is an aggressive, turnover-hungry unit.

Johnson didn't implode against the Redskins last week in his first start, but he did struggle on intermediate range throws. He might get some decent rushing yards if the Eagles force him out of the pocket, but expecting good stats is not a good idea. Kellen Winslow could serve as Johnson's safety blanket, but no receiver will be expected to do much right now. Antonio Bryant's best chances come as a WR3 because of his skills to fight for the ball and experience adjusting to a variety of QBs in his well-traveled past.

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