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Week 6 Rushing Matchups

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

Great Matchups: [CHI] [DEN] [NYJ] [PHI] [PIT] [WAS]
Good Matchups: [BUF] [CAR] [CIN] [GB] [JAX] [NO] [STL] [TB]
Neutral Matchups:
Tough Matchups: [ARI] [ATL] [BAL] [DET] [HOU] [KC] [MIN] [NE] [NYG] [SEA] [TEN]
Bad Matchups: [CLE] [OAK] [SD]

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 at Atlanta Falcons Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Chicago's offense didn't find top form in this phase of the game during the first quarter of the season - they are currently averaging 3.8 yards per carry and 91.5 yards per game. Matt Forte remains a dual-threat back, though, with 21/66/0 rushing and 6/40/0 receiving vs. Seattle in week three, and 12/121/1 rushing with 2/19/0 receiving vs. the Lions during week four. He has started to gain momentum during October, as you can see.

The Falcons' rushing D is currently 24th in the league averaging 127 yards allowed per game (three rushing scores handed over in four games) - San Francisco churned out 17/100/1 rushing against the Falcons last week without Frank Gore in the lineup. The defensive front in Atlanta is not intimidating, friends. Coach Mike Smith commented after the win last week 'We really don't have four starters [on the DL],' Smith said. 'We have seven or eight starters that we have to rotate in there. It's based on scheme and what the opponents present to us. (Defensive line coach) Ray (Hamilton) and (defensive coordinator) Brian (VanGorder) did a great job in putting that rotation together. They made some plays. We are creating plays that we'd like to see from our defensive front.'

Forte has gathered steam during October, and he has a sub-par defensive front awaiting him this week - advantage, Chicago.

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

The official NFL injury report with Probable, Questionable, Doubtful and Out designations will be available by Saturday. Please refer to the week 6 injury report for the latest injury news regarding your players.

Denver Broncos Rushing Offense at San Diego Chargers Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Knowshon Moreno shouldered the load for the Broncos last week (Correll Buckhalter was out with an ankle injury) and Moreno did well in the featured role, with 21/88/0 rushing and 4/36/0 receiving - he went over 100 yards combined on 25 touches of the ball. To date, Moreno is the 19th best fantasy back in the land with 81/337/1 rushing and 8/69/1 receiving - he's in a good position entering the sixth week of the season.

The Chargers come into this Monday Night Football game ranked 27th in the NFL averaging 151 rushing yards allowed per game, with six rushing scores handed over during the first four games (they were on bye last week). Pittsburgh hit up the Chargers for 36/177/2 back in week four; Miami posted 31/149/1 rushing against these guys during week three. As you can see, the defensive front is not a team strength for San Diego.

Moreno and company average 4.6 yards per rush and 139 yards per game so far during 2009 - they should equal or better that mark against the soft Chargers this week.

Weather: The forecast for beautiful San Diego is nice (as usual) - for the Monday Night Football game in Qualcomm Stadium the low should be around 59 F and there is only a 10% chance for rain. Weather conditions shouldn't play a huge role in determining this game's outcome.

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

The Jets' backs ground out 30/138/2 collectively on Monday night - Leon Washington gained the most yards, with 10/44/0 rushing and 1/13/0 receiving, while Thomas Jones punched in the TDs (13/42/2 rushing, with zero receptions). Jones is currently the 20th-ranked fantasy back (PPR), with 74/271/3 rushing and 2/1/0 receiving, while Washington is 36th in the land with 55/225/0 rushing and 12/85/0 receiving.

The Buffalo rush D is not good, averaging 154.6 rushing yards per game and having surrendered seven rushing scores in five games. They had more bad injury luck this week, with Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs both down with serious knee injuries. John Norton, our Footballguys.com IDP guru, had the following thoughts on this latest round of injuries:

'Dick Jauron stated that he was not optimistic about the knee injuries suffered by linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Marcus Buggs. With Paul Posluszny likey to miss a few more weeks with a broken forearm, and #2 MLB John DiGiorgio already down as well, the Bills are quickly running out of options. Buffalo finished Sunday's game with Keith Ellison moving from SLB to the middle, rookie Ashlee Palmer working at weakside and undersized special teams player Jon Corto at SLB. The only other healthy LB on the roster is second year man Nic Harris. Add in the injuries to both starting safeties, who are likely to miss a few more weeks as well, and the Bills are in deep trouble. There is no doubt they will have to add players to replenish the depth chart but for now it looks as if the lineup will remain as it was when the game ended on Sunday. I wonder if Derrick Brooks has his phone turned on?'

In order to put the injury problems in context, realize that Jamal Lewis and the Browns, who couldn't beg, borrow or steal a 100+ rushing yards game during the first weeks of 2009, hit up Buffalo for 41/171/0 rushing last week.

The Jets' backs have a very attractive matchup this week against their ailing divisional rivals.

Weather: The Meadowlands expects a high of 55 F on Sunday with a low of 40 F and there is a 40% chance for precipitation. If the rain comes down thickly at game time, there will be more issues than usual with footing, ball handling, and the passing/kicking phases of the game - this venue is subject to swirling, unpredictable winds in stormy weather, too. Owners of Bills and Jets will want to check a shorter-term forecast before setting their lineups this week.

Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Offense at Oakland Raiders Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Philadelphia elected to beat the Buccaneers through the air last week, so Brian Westbrook (6/18/1 rushing with 2/17/0 receiving) didn't have the most impressive outing of the season, but he did get back in the action. LeSean McCoy also carried the ball six times for 14 yards and added two receptions for 15 yards to the team's effort. Coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that the split will continue 'as long as we need to, and as long as [Westbrook] feels comfortable with his foot. We can increase things, but right now, that's where we're at, and we'll see how it works this week.' All told, the Eagles ran for 21/76/1 as a team, led by Donovan McNabb's 2/30/0 rushing. Michael Vick chipped in 4/10/0 rushing during his time on the field.

The Raiders are next-to-last in the NFL averaging 161 rushing yards allowed per game, and they've coughed up seven rushing scores during their first five games. Last week, the Giants dominated Oakland 44-7 with 41/220/3 rushing to their credit. Just when you think the Raiders can't get any worse, they surprise you with a new low.

Advantage, Philadelphia.

Weather: McAfee Coliseum expects pleasant autumn weather on Sunday, with a high of 59 F and a low of 51 F with a 20% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a huge factor in this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Offense vs Cleveland Browns Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Rashard Mendenhall has grabbed the brass ring while Willie Parker has been sidelined by turf toe - two weeks ago, Mendenhall blew up the Chargers for 29/165/2 rushing, with 2/26/0 receiving. He followed up by averaging 5.1 yards per carry vs. Detroit (15/77/1 rushing with 2/16/0 receiving) - it appears that the torch has been passed in Pittsburgh. Mewelde Moore has been the change-of-pace back recently with 2/8/0 rushing and 3/20/0 receiving last week vs. the Lions. Parker was expected to practice Wednesday - keep an eye on his practice status later in the week as he tests his sore toe (turf toes are often nagging injuries).

The Browns' rush D is the worst in the NFL currently, averaging 170.4 rushing yards allowed per game, with eight rushing TDs handed over during the first five games. Buffalo posted 35/145/0 rushing last week; Cincinnati gained 30/154/0 on the Browns two weeks ago.

Mendenhall and company have a great matchup this week when the Browns come calling at Heinz Field.

Weather: Heinz Field expects a mild autumnal afternoon on Sunday, with a high around 51 F and a 20% chance for rain - it should be a great day to play in or watch pro football.

Washington Redskins Rushing Offense vs Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Defense (Great Matchup)

Portis finally found the end zone last week, with 19/57/1 rushing and 2/17/1 receiving, but he has yet to cross 100 yards of yardage in any game to date (25/98/0 rushing vs. Tampa Bay was his high-water mark of the season so far). He has 91/338/1 rushing this season, with 6/42/1 receiving through five games. That lands Portis at 23rd in the NFL (in the PPR scoring format). Ladell Betts is an after-thought these days, with 2/7/0 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving vs. the Panthers last week.

The Chiefs are currently 25th in the NFL with an average of 132.8 rushing yards allowed per game, and they have coughed up six rushing TDs through five games. Dallas rolled up 26/150/1 vs. the Chiefs last week; the Giants gained 33/156/0 rushing vs. K.C. two weeks ago. This is not a top NFL rush D, friends.

Portis hasn't set the fantasy world on fire yet this year, but he's got a great matchup to work with this week and he's finally started scoring TDs for his fantasy owners.

Weather: FedEx Field expects a high of 57 F with a low of 38 F on Sunday - the chance for precipitation stands at 40% as of midweek. This venue is subject to swirlinng, unpredictable winds during stormy weather - if the skies open up around game time, footing, ball handling, and the passing/kicking games will be more difficult than usual.

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

Buffalo moved the ball on the ground well against the Browns (35/145/0), but couldn't find the end zone at all last week (witness the thrilling spectacle of a 6-3 victory by the Browns). Marshawn Lynch reasserted his primacy in the RB stable with 17/69/0 rushing and a team-best 6/56/0 receiving, while Fred Jackson handled 13/30/0 rushing and 2/17/0 receiving during his time on the field. We expect to see Lynch in the primary role going forward, with Jackson playing second fiddle in the weeks to come.

The Jets have dropped two straight games, and the defensive front has to take their share of the blame after allowing 36/151/2 rushing to Miami's tandem and 32/153/1 rushing to the Saints the week prior. This unit is in free-fall down the season rankings board entering week six, despite the return of OLB Calvin Pace (five tackles in his first week back from suspension).

The Bill's backs weren't the problem last week - against the suddenly-suspect Jets, they have a good matchup to work with on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers Rushing Offense at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The Panthers finally won a game last week (20-17 over Washington), but DeAngelo Williams (18/40/0 rushing with 2/19/0 receiving) and Jonathan Stewart (10/39/1 rushing with 1/6/0 receiving) are shadows of their former selves this season. Williams has 59/220/2 rushing and 11/103/0 receiving to date (28th-best fantasy RB in the land so far), while Stewart has posted 33/138/1 rushing and 8/69/0 receiving - 46th-ranked RB in the land through five weeks (four games). Carolina is tied for 19th in the NFL averaging 3.8 yards per carry, and the team averages less than 100 yards rushing per game through the first quarter of the season (97.2).

The Buccaneers are in a state of melt-down. They are currently 28th in the NFL averaging 152.6 rushing yards allowed per game, with three rushing TDs given up over the past five games. Philly only needed 21/76/1 rushing to trounce them 33-14 last week; Washington posted 35/125/0 rushing against the Bucs two weeks ago in their 16-13 victory over the 0-5 Buccaneers.

Neither team is playing very well right now, but Tampa is playing worse than the Panthers in this phase of the game - advantage, Carolina.

Weather: Raymond James Stadium expectes a high of 75 F with a low of 59 F and 0% chance of rain on Sunday. Unless the weather service is way off, it should be a great day to play pro football down in the Tampa area.

Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Offense vs Houston Texans Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Hey folks, Cincinnati is for real. They have defeated (during the last three weeks) Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore. In other words, they swept their divisional foes the first time around - quite an accomplishment. Cedric Benson was very impressive against the fourth-ranked rush D in the NFL last week, running for 27/120/1 vs. Baltimore (and adding 2/16/0 receiving). All told, the Bengals compiled 34/142/1 rushing vs. the Ravens. That isn't easy to do, friends. Benson is the seventh-ranked fantasy back through five weeks, with 111/487/3 rushing and 8/65/0 receiving - he has carried the ball more than any other running back in the NFL to date. He is that most-coveted of fantasy commodities in this day of committees - Benson is a featured running back.

Houston was extremely giving in this phase of the game early in the year, and currently average 140.8 rushing yards allowed per game, with nine rushing TDs handed over through five games. However, Arizona could only muster 16/44/1 rushing last week - and the Raiders were held to 21/45/0 two weeks ago, including a total of 6/-2/0 for Darren McFadden. It appears that the Texans' defensive front is asserting themselves in a big way entering week six.

Benson has been fantasy gold this year, but Houston is shedding their 'pushover' reputation of late. The Bengals have a slight edge in this contest, but it is closer than the season averages would make you think at first glance.

Weather: Paul Brown Stadium expects a high of 54 F on Sunday, with a low of 34 F and there is a 0% chance of rain predicted. It should be a great day to play (and watch) a game of pro football.

Green Bay Packers Rushing Offense vs Detroit Lions Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Ryan Grant managed to creep over 100 yards combined vs. Minnesota two weeks ago (11/51/0 rushing with 4/50/0 receiving), and he also posted 100+ yards vs. St. Louis during week three (26/99/0 rushing with 1/5/0 receiving). To date, Grant is the 29th-ranked fantasy RB in the land, with 67/257/2 rushing and 9/83/0 receiving to his credit. The Packers are tied for 12th in the NFL averaging 4.2 yards per carry, with an average of 99.8 rushing yards generated per game - this attack is respectable but not outstanding entering week six.

The Lions' rush D is a sub-par unit, averaging 113.4 rushing yards allowed per week (21st in the NFL), with five rushing TDs handed over during the past five weeks. Pittsburgh pushed in 21/82/1 last week vs. Detroit; Chicago blasted them for 20/151/3 two weeks ago. The Lions have a win this year, but their D has a long way to go as you can see.

Grant hasn't been outstanding this year, but against the soft Lions he's got a good matchup to work with this week.

Weather: Lambeau Field expects a high of 53F with a low of 36 F and a 20% chance for precipitation. As long as the forecasts hold up, it should be a great day to play out the divisional rivalry between the Lions and the Packers.

Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Offense vs St. Louis Rams Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Jacksonville has swung wildly during the last two weeks, knocking off divisional rival Tennessee 37-17 two weeks ago before being blown out 41-0 by Seattle last week. Maurice Jones-Drew has been struggling of late, with 6/14/1 rushing and 3/26/0 receiving in the victory over Tennessee followed by 12/34/0 rushing and 5/23/0 in the lopsided loss to Seattle. Rashad Jennings couldn't take up Jones-Drew's slack last week (2/3/0 rushing) after leading the team in rushing two weeks ago (9/53/0 vs. Tennessee).

The good news for Jones-Drew owners is that the woeful St. Louis Rams are coming to Jacksonville this week - the Rams average 125.8 rushing yards allowed per game, with six rushing TDs given up to date. Last week, Minnesota crammed 24/89/3 rushing down the Rams' collective throats; two weeks ago the Frank Gore-less 49ers managed 29/96/0 rushing vs. St. Louis. The Rams have tightened up a little during the last few weeks, but they are still very suspect in this phase of the game.

Jones-Drew has a good shot to bounce back to respectable totals this week.

Weather: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium expects a high of around 74F on Sunday, with a 10% chance of rain - it should be a great day to play (and watch) pro football.

New Orleans Saints Rushing Offense vs New York Giants Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

New Orleans went into their bye week a perfect 4-0, and this week they welcome the unblemished Giants into the Louisiana Superdome. This matchup is going to be a lot of fun to watch, folks. Enjoy! Back in week three the Saints dismantled Buffalo 27-7 on the strength of Pierre Thomas' legs (14/126/2 rushing), with assists from Reggie Bush (13/64/0 rushing and 3/17/0 receiving) - while Thomas was sick early in the game, Lynell Hamilton rushed for 5/24/1 to help the team to a total of 38/222/3 on the day. Two weeks ago, Thomas again led the team with 19/86/1 rushing and 4/46/0 receiving (he was tops in the receiving category, too) as the Saints rolled to 32/153/1 rushing as a team (Reggie Bush chipped in 6/37/0 rushing and 3/7/0 receiving on the day). Lately, the Saints are winning games by running the ball effectively. Drew Brees hasn't thrown a TD pass in three weeks, now (counting the bye week). We might see some of Mike Bell this week after he's rested his sore knee during the bye week. There are rumors that Bell may see some work alongside Thomas as of midweek - stay tuned to Footballguys.com's players in the news to see if Bell holds up during practices later this week.

The Giants field the league's 15th-ranked rush D, with an average of 105.8 yards allowed per game and five rushing TDs given up over the past five games. They absolutely destroyed the Raiders last week (44-7), holding Oakland to 25/60/1 on the day. Two weeks ago, K.C. managed 25/105/0 rushing vs. the Giants. New York isn't shuttinng down opposing backs, but they do a decent job of defensing vs. the run most of the time.

The Saints' RB stable is stacked with talent and on a roll, while the Giants are just so-so in this phase of the game - advantage, New Orleans.

Weather: Inside the Louisiana Superdome, weather conditions won't affect either team.

St. Louis Rams Rushing Offense at Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

Steven Jackson compiled a 100+-yards-combined effort vs. the Vikings last week, gaining 21/84/0 rushing and 2/25/0 receiving. He's amassed the second-most carries of any RB in the league to date, with 104/451/0 rushing and also has 14/92/0 receiving. The problem is that the Rams just don't score many points. Currently, Jackson is the 14th-ranked fantasy RB in the land (PPR format).

The Jaguars are in the middle of the NFL range currently averaging 107.6 rushing yards allowed per game (18th in the league), with three rushing TDs surrendered over five contests. Seattle hit them up for 40/143/0 rushing last week; two weeks ago Tennessee managed 19/95/1 on the ground. These guys are a mediocre defensive front, at best.

Jackson is a fine RB hampered by a sub-par collection of team-mates, but he has a good shot at a decent game this week down in Jacksonville.

Weather: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium expects a high of around 74F on Sunday, with a 10% chance of rain - it should be a great day to play (and watch) pro football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Offense vs Carolina Panthers Rushing Defense (Good Matchup)

The wheels came off the Cadillac last week as Williams was held to 10/8/0 rushing (3/8/0 receiving) by the Eagles - QB Josh Johnson actually led the team in rushing with 5/40/0 to his credit (it's always bad if your QB is the team's leading rusher unless his name is Vick). Derrick Ward gained 6/37/0 rushing with a long of 28 and was the most effective of the active backs. Tampa's rushing attack is really struggling entering week six, friends.

The Carolina rush D is pretty pathetic, averaging 155.5 yards allowed per game through four contests (four rushing TDs given up in four games) - they did hold Washington to 24/74/1 rushing last week, but handed over 32/212/1 to the Cowboys back in week three - this is not a top defensive unit entering week six.

Two bad units butt heads in this one - advantage, Tampa Bay (just barely).

Arizona Cardinals Rushing Offense at Seattle Seahawks Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Cardinals have not had much luck running the ball this year, with an average of 3.1 yards per carry (30th in the league) and only 56.5 yards rushing on average. Last week, Chris Wells led the team with 7/24/0 rushing (Tim Hightower punched in a score, with 6/17/1) - back in week three, Hightower led the team with 9/22/0 rushing. Hightower is more valuable in PPR leagues (he's gained more yardage receiving than rushing - 25/202/0 receiving, 38/126/2 rushing) but neither back is playing at a level a fantasy owner would call 'exciting'.

The Seahawks' rush D is in the middle of the NFL flock, averaging 106.8 yards per game allowed, with four rushing TDs handed out over the past five weeks. Jacksonville was held to 15/38/0 rushing last week in their blowout loss to Seattle (41-0), while Indianapolis pushed in 22/78/2 against these guys two weeks ago. The Seahawks are improving of late, but they are still just mediocre at defending opposing rushers.

The weak Cardinals' attack will be on the road and face a noisy, hostile stadium on Sunday - advantage, Seattle.

Weather: Qwest Field expects a high of 58 F with a low of 47 F on Sunday, and there is a 30% chance for rain. If the weather is stormy at game time, footing, ball handling, and the passing/kicking phases of the game will be more problematic than usual. Owners of Seahawks and Cardinals will want to check a shorter-term forecast before setting their lineups.

Atlanta Falcons Rushing Offense vs Chicago Bears Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Atlanta crushed the 49ers last week with over 470 total yards of offense - the rushing attack accounted for 40/148/4 and Michael Turner owners were in fantasy heaven with 22/97/3 rushing on their balance sheets (Matt Ryan accounted for the other score with 2/3/1 on the day). Jerious Norwood compiled 12/44/0 rushing and 1/-6/0 receiving during the game - it was a big improvement over week three, folks. That day the team had 17/58/1 rushing (15/56/1 rushing for Turner) vs. New England. It looks like the offense has turned up their performance a notch entering week 6.

The Bears have won their last two games, but they are giving out a lot of rushing TDs (four so far) despite ranking ninth in the NFL in terms of rushing yards allowed per game (93.5 per game on average). Seattle had 28/103/0 rushing back in week three; Detroit pushed in 26/90/2 during the week four game. The Bears have a respectable, but not elite, rushing D entering week six.

The Falcons have been up and down during recent weeks, but Turner turned up the heat last week - the Bears won't lay down for him, though. This looks like a tough matchup for the home team.

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

Baltimore Ravens Rushing Offense at Minnesota Vikings Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

In a departure from previous weeks, Willis McGahee had little time on the field vs. Cincinnati (one rush for negative two yards; one receptions for four yards), while Ray Rice led the Ravens in rushing (14/69/0) and receiving (7/74/1). Le'Ron McClain remains a bit player for the team, with 2/6/0 rushing and 3/10/0 receiving last week. It is apparent that Rice is the lead back of this committee, but we don't expect McGahee to have just two touches per game - the situation against Cincinnati was such that the team just stuck with Rice's hot hand. Afterwards, McGahee said, 'I don't know what's going on. I was only in there for a little bit. You would think it would have been better than that, but it is what it is.'

The Vikings are very stubborn in the red zone this year, with zero rushing TDs handed over in five games, and they are currently 10th in the NFL averaging 96 rushing yards allowed per game. Steven Jackson and company managed 30/122/0 rushing last week, while Green Bay posted 17/82/0 rushing against them two weeks ago.

Rice and McGahee have generated a lot of fantasy points so far this year, but they've got a tough opponent awaiting them in Minneapolis this week.

Weather: Inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, weather conditions won't impact either team.

Detroit Lions Rushing Offense at Green Bay Packers Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Kevin Smith got within shouting distance of 100 yards combined last week (20/53/0 rushing with 3/42/0 receiving), but he didn't manage to punch in any scores last week. Two weeks ago, he managed 19/30/2 rushing and 4/21/0 receiving - obviously, yards are hard to come by for the Lions' rushers right now. The team is 22nd in the NFL averaging 3.7 yards per carry and 103.2 rushing yards per game through five contests. Smith acknowledged that he needs to do better on Tuesday, saying 'It's been frustrating to know that I'm stronger this year, but a lot of it has to do with technique. I'm doing a better job of getting low in holes, but now it's time for it to come together, and it will.'

The Packers' rush D hasn't been outstanding (they are 20th in the NFL averaging 112.2 rushing yards allowed per game), but they are stubborn in the red zone, with just two rushing scores given up during the first four games. They limited Adrian Peterson and company to 30/63/1 rushing on Monday Night Football two weeks ago; but coughed up 33/149/0 to the Rams during week three. As you can see, the Packers' rush D has yo-yoed from bad to good in recent weeks.

Smith is trying to take his game to the next level, but the Lions' offense is still a work in progress and they have significant injury issues in the passing phase of the game (Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are both iffy for this divisional contest). We expect to see Smith keyed on by the Packers' D as the passing attack is suspect.

Houston Texans Rushing Offense at Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

The Texans' running game is faltering as of week six - the team is 31st in the NFL averaging 3.0 yards per carry, with a mere 75.4 rushing yards per game on average. last week they managed just 21/45/1 as a team, with Chris Brown vulturing a TD from Steve Slaton (4/2/1 rushing for Brown, 13/39/0 rushing for Slaton). In PPR leagues, Slaton isn't a total disappointment thanks to his dual-threat nature (he caught all six balls that came his way last week for 6/59/0), but the lack of scoring chances is dragging down his fantasy value (Slaton is currently 12th among fantasy backs in PPR formats, with 72/231/1 rushing and 17/180/1 receiving). Brown is 67th in the NFL with 23/61/1 rushing and 2/10/0 receiving.

The Bengals' rush D is adequate, averaging 98.8 yards allowed per game (12th in the NFL), with three rushing TDs given up over five contests. The Ravens could muster 18/82/0 last week; Cleveland managed 33/146/1 rushing two weeks ago. This isn't a shut-down type unit yet, but they are pretty tough most of the time.

Slaton is a good fantasy back with limited scoring opportunities thanks to Chris Brown's loadstone around his neck - the Bengals are an above-average D in this phase of the game. With Slaton on the road this week, we give a slight edge to the Bengals.

Weather: Paul Brown Stadium expects a high of 54 F on Sunday, with a low of 34 F and there is a 0% chance of rain predicted. It should be a great day to play (and watch) a game of pro football.

Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Offense at Washington Redskins Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

K.C. threw a scare into the Cowboys last week, forcing the game to OT before falling 26-20. Larry Johnson continues to slog along behind his inadequate line (the Chiefs are currently 26th in the NFL averaging 3.5 yards per carry, with an average of 95.6 rushing yards gained per contest). Johnson had 21/37/0 rushing and 1/9/0 receiving last week, with 18/53/0 rushing and 3/1/0 receiving vs. the Giants two weeks ago. With zero TDs to his credit through five games, Johnson is currently 44th among all fantasy RBs in the PPR scoring format (93/226/0 rushing with 8/57/0 receiving).

The Redskins have lost and won their last two games by a margin of three points in each contest (20-17 loss to Carolina; 16-13 victory over Tampa Bay). They limited the Panthers to 32/86/1 rushing last week, after allowing 30/129/0 to the Buccaneers two weeks ago. To date, the Redskins are 22nd in the NFL with an average of 119.6 rushing yards allowed per game, but they do tend to be stubborn at the goal line, with just two rushing TDs given up over five contests.

K.C.'s rushing attack is not very good this year, while the Redskins are giving between the 20's but tougher at the goal line. Given that the home field advantage is at the Redskins' backs, we think they hold the edge in this contest.

Minnesota Vikings Rushing Offense vs Baltimore Ravens Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Adrian Peterson was able to leisurely dismantle the Rams' sorry D last week, rushing for 15/69/2 and 2/6/0 receiving during the Vikings' 38-10 victory. Chester Taylor also shredded the woeful Rams for 9/20/1 rushing and 3/49/0 receiving. To date, Peterson is the best fantasy RB in the land (PPR), with 99/481/7 rushing and 10/62/0 receiving; Taylor is 30th in the land with 28/69/1 rushing and 21/187/0 receiving.

The Ravens field the league's fourth-ranked rush D, averaging 76 yards allowed per game, with three rushing scores allowed over five games. However, Cincinnati rolled to 34/142/1 rushing vs. the Ravens last week - Baltimore's image as an immovable defensive front was cracked last week in the 17-14 loss to Cincinnati. We'll see if they can bounce back this week. Benson was the first back to rush for over 100 yards in the last 39 games played - it's too early to call the breakdown last week a trend.

Peterson is the leagues' premier fantasy back, and he'll have home field advantage at his back - however, the Ravens aren't a bunch of pushovers and they'll be fighting mad after losing last week. This looks like a tough matchup for Peterson and Taylor, but great players rise to challenges and we expect Peterson to do so this week against Baltimore.

Weather: Inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, weather conditions won't impact either team.

New England Patriots Rushing Offense vs Tennessee Titans Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

OT Matt Light has no ligament damage in his knee or ankle, team sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday, but his timetable for returning to the field is still uncertain. RB Fred Taylor is out indefinitely due to his ankle injury - the Patriots' committee of backs and the OL is banged up entering week six.

With Taylor out, Sammy Morris assumed the lead position last week vs. Denver, with 17/68/0 rushing and 2/39/0 receiving, while Laurence Maroney contributed 5/21/0 rushing during the loss. Kevin Faulk was the change-of-pace option (as usual), with 4/8/0 rushing and 3/26/0 receiving last week. We expect to see a similar distribution of carries again this week vs. Tennessee.

The Titans rush D doesn't get challenged much (the pass D is the obvious weakness on this squad), which is part of the reason that Tennessee is ranked third in the NFL averaging 75.4 rushing yards allowed per game. They have handed over three rushing TDs in the past five games - this phase of the game is not where the Titans are most vulnerable. Indianapolis managed just 23/58/1 rushing vs. Tennessee last week; Jacksonville combined for 30/137/1 rushing against the Titans two weeks ago.

The Patriots have injury woes to fight through right now, while the Titans are reeling at 0-5 but they are still fairly stubborn in the rushing phase of the game - a tough matchup for the Patriots' stable of runners is in store on Sunday.

Weather: Gillette Stadium expects a high of 51 F with a low of 37 F on Sunday - there is a 40% chance for precipitations. At this time of year, precipitation could mean rain, sleet, or snow (or a mixture of all three!) - footing, ball handling, and the passing/kicking games all figure to be more problematic than usual if a storm hits while the game is in progress. Owners of Titans and Patriots will want to check a shorter-term forecast before setting their lineups this week.

New York Giants Rushing Offense at New Orleans Saints Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

New Orleans went into their bye week a perfect 4-0, and this week they welcome the unblemished Giants into the Louisiana Superdome. This matchup is going to be a lot of fun to watch, folks. Enjoy!

The Giants kicked the Raiders around Giants Stadium last week, gaining 41/220/3 as a team. Ahmad Bradshaw broke out for 11/110/2 rushing with a long run of 24 yards and a 55 yard reception, whle Brandon Jacobs (21/67/0 rushing and 1/8/0 receiving) kept the chains moving. Backup QB David Carr even got in the act, with 4/27/1 rushing while he mopped up in the 44-7 trashing of Oakland. So far this year the Giants are ninth in the NFL averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 160.4 rushing yards per game. These guys are good.

The Saints' rush D is pretty good this year, averaging 83.2 yards allowed per game through four contests, with only three rushing TDs allowed to date. The Jets managed 27/132/1 against them during week four, but Buffalo could only muster 21/89/0 rushing during week three - the Saints are fast starters and put opposing teams in a chase position more often than not, which makes their opponents throw the ball a lot each week.

The Giants have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, but the Saints have home field advantage and a respectable team of their own - a tough challenge for Jacobs and Bradshaw is on the horizon this week.

Weather: Inside the Louisiana Superdome, weather conditions won't affect either team.

Seattle Seahawks Rushing Offense vs Arizona Cardinals Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

Seattle trampled the Jaguars for 40/143/0 as a team last week - Edgerrin James (16/46/0 rushing and 1/7/0 receiving) and Justin Forsett (6/43/0 rushing with two targets (0/0/0 receiving)) led the team's committee of backs last week. Julius Jones averaged 2.8 yards rushing (12/34/0) and had a two-yard reception. The Seahawks are currently 22nd in the NFL averaging 3.7 yards per carry. The OL is really banged up - OT Walter Jones (knee injury - out for several weeks now); OT Sean Locklear (out all last week, no chance to play); and G Rob Sims (ankle injury) were all listed as out and didn't play on Sunday. The Seahawks' RB stable is at a disadvantage under these conditions.

The Cardinals field one of the league's toughest defensive fronts, allowing just 71 yards rushing per game (first in the NFL), with just two rushing scores given up to date. The Texans eked out 21/45/1 rushing last week; while back in week three the Colts managed 31/126/0 as a team. Most of the time, it is difficult to run the ball on these guys.

Seattle's many-headed beast was effective last week, but they'll have a tough time with the hard-nosed Cardinals in this divisional matchup.

Tennessee Titans Rushing Offense at New England Patriots Rushing Defense (Tough Matchup)

LenDale White took the lead vs. Indianapolis last week, gaining 10/51/0 rushing, while Chrish Johnson shared the load to less effect, with 9/34/0 rushing and 2/9/0 receiving. Last week was the first time that Johnson had less than 10 rushes to his credit in a game this year. To date, Johnson has compiled 78/468/2 rushing and 16/126/1 receiving to land at #4 among all fantasy RBs (in PPR leagues) - White is down at 62nd to date with 33/133/1 rushing and 2/12/0 receiving so far.

The Patriots are currently 11th in the NFL averaging 96.8 rushing yards allowed per game, and they are stubborn at the goal line this year with just one rushing TD allowed over the past five games. Denver managed 25/103/0 rushing last week; Baltimore had 17/116/0 rushing vs. New England two weeks ago. It isn't easy to score on the Patriots' defensive front.

The Titans' offense is not doing well right now, and they have a solid D lurking in Gillette Stadium to contend with this week - advantage New England.

Cleveland Browns Rushing Offense at Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

Jamal Lewis took advantage of the injury-riddled Buffalo defense last week and provided almost all the offense that his team generated (31/117/0 rushing), while Jerome Harrison chipped in 8/21/0 rushing as the change-of-pace option. 'It was great,' said Lewis after the game. 'That's the type of football I'm used to playing. Grinding it out, time of possession and keeping the chains moving. The offensive line did a great job. I'm just trying to do my part, that's all.' 'He's got those fresh legs,' said head coach Eric Mangini. 'He had a lot of juice. I really liked the way he pushed the pocket after contact.'

The final score was a 6-3 victory for Cleveland - QB Derek Anderson had a woeful 22 net yards passing during the victory. That's called winning ugly, folks.

The Steelers gave up 25/110/0 rushing to the Lions last week, one week after holding the Chargers to 8/16/0 on the ground. To date, Pittsburgh is second in the NFL averaging just 71.2 rushing yards allowed per game, and they have given up just one rushing TD in the past five contests. It's not easy to rush the ball against the Steelers.

The Browns average a sub-par 3.8 yards per carry and have one rushing TD as a team this year - against the Steeler's shut-down defensive front, expect the Browns to struggle to move the ball on Sunday.

Weather: Heinz Field expects a mild autumnal afternoon on Sunday, with a high around 51 F and a 20% chance for rain - it should be a great day to play in or watch pro football.

Oakland Raiders Rushing Offense vs Philadelphia Eagles Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

The Raiders' offense stinks. The team averages 3.3 yards per carry (28th in the NFL), with a paltry 83 yards rushing per game on average. OT Cornell Green (calf injury) and RB Darren McFadden (knee injury) will not play in Week 6, leaving what offense there is to be had in the hands of Michael Bush (12/37/1 rushing with 1/6/0 receiving) and Justin Fargas (11/18/0 rushing with 1/9/0 receiving). Unless and until JaMarcus Russell shows any sort of credible threat to throw the ball, teams will stack the box and stuff the Raiders' backs.

The Eagles field one of the league's better rush defenses, averaging 100.8 yards allowed per game, with three rushing scores given up in the past four contests played. They just stuffed Tampa Bay last week, 33-14, while allowing only 22/85/0 rushing to the Buccaneers.

This is a bad matchup for the Raiders.

Weather: McAfee Coliseum expects pleasant autumn weather on Sunday, with a high of 59 F and a low of 51 F with a 20% chance for rain. Weather shouldn't be a huge factor in this game.

San Diego Chargers Rushing Offense vs Denver Broncos Rushing Defense (Bad Matchup)

The Chargers have a major problem with their rushing attack. They enter week six averaging 2.7 yards per carry over the first four games played (that's worst in the NFL), and they only manage 53.8 rushing yards per game so far. LaDainian Tomlinson was horrid against the Steelers two weeks ago, crawling to 7/15/0 rushing with 1/-1/0 receiving - Darren Sproles had one catch for 16 yards during the game. Ouch. Tomlinson is currently 68th among all fantasy backs with 20/70/1 rushing and 2/0/0 receiving to his credit. Sproles has been the better fantasy option, with 37/90/1 rushing and 15/197/1 receiving (26th among fantasy backs in the PPR format), but neither guy is winning fantasy contests for their owners.

The Broncos held New England's stable of backs to 27/96/0 rushing last week, and held Dallas to 25/74/1 two weeks ago. To date they are sixth in the NFL averaging 81 rushing yards allowed per game, with just two rushing TDs given up so far (during five games played). The Broncos are stout in this phase of the game.

The Chargers' rushing attack is faltering, while the Bronco's rush D is among the league's best. This is a bad matchup for the home team.

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