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Upcoming Matchups -- Week 6

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Every NFL matchup can be analyzed with statistics. After taking those statistics (and adding in a little personality) one can come up with good matchups and bad matchups. Some are obvious, and some are not so obvious. Hopefully, you'll get at least one useful piece of info here each week.

RUSHING
Good matchups
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland -- Over the past four games, the Browns have allowed an average 147 yards on the ground. Over the past four games, the Jaguars have rushed for an average of 150 yards. Last week, Cincinnati ran for 212 yards against Cleveland. Watch late this week to see if it's Taylor or Stewart. My money is on the "Little Man".

San Francisco 49ers vs Carolina -- Everybody is rolling up the rushing yardage on the Panthers. Washington, New Orleans, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati all went for 110+. With Garcia likely as the starting QB, the 49ers will rely on Garner at home.

Washington Redskins at Arizona -- Only the Dolphins were unable to hit the century mark against the Cardinals. You shouldn't need to be reminded about Stephen Davis. He'll have another stellar day on the ground.

Bad matchups
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego -- After a couple of bumps (vs Indy and KC), the Chargers defense returned to form last week against the Lions. They still have a little bit of work to do against the pass, but San Diego's run defense is stellar. Through four games, they've allowed an average of 67 rushing yards. Conversely, Seattle is only averaging 73 yards over the last four games. It will be tough going for Watters.

Atlanta Falcons vs St. Louis -- I can't believe I'm typing either of these next two statements: The Rams are stopping everybody on the ground. The Falcons can't run on anyone ............. (dramatic pause for effect) ............. OK, where was I? No St. Louis opponent has gone for 100 yards this season, while Atlanta's best effort has been 104 last week versus the Saints. Hanspard, Oxendine, and CO will be fortunate to see 75 yards this week.

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville -- My goodness this could be nasty. The Jaguars defense is the only thing holding Jacksonville together right now. They have been outstanding against the run and have given up an average of 83 yards over the last four games. Meanwhile, the Browns could only muster 80 yards against the less than stout Bengal run defense. If you have the Jaguars defense, you need to control a drooling problem this week.

PASSING
Good matchups
St. Louis Rams at Atlanta -- Does the defense even matter against the Rams right now? Kurt Warner is arena leaguing all over the place. A couple of weeks ago, he drilled this same Falcon team for 3 scores and 275 yards. Those are the worst numbers he's had this season. If you have Warner, you'll likely settle for a repeat of those "low marks".

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco -- The 49ers were absolutely shelled last week. I think they even gave up a TD when Warner was trying to spike the ball. OK, maybe not, but the San Francisco DBs looked like the proverbial chicken in coverage. Last week was horrible, but the weeks before that weren't very good. Only a struggling Jake Plummer has failed to put up quality passing stats against the 49ers. Meanwhile, in the Panthers last game, Beuerlein threw for 334 yards. Expect more of the same as San Francisco focuses on stopping the suddenly unstoppable Tim Biakabutuka.

Green Bay Packers at Denver -- The last two weeks have seen the great arms of Rick Mirer and Rich Gannon throw for 242 and 248 yards respectively against the Broncos. Meanwhile, Brett Favre is fresh off a 393 yard torching of a great Tampa Bay defense. Is 300 yards a lock?

Bad matchups
Denver Broncos vs Green Bay -- To say that the Bronco passing game is struggling is like saying Philadelphia Eagle fans haven't progressed into the Neanderthal Age. Over the last four games, Denver is averaging under 200 yards passing and has thrown almost 5 times as many INTs as TDs (wow, another Philadelphia connection). Conversely, the Packers haven't allowed a 250 yard passer all season (I guess picking DBs with your first three draft picks does pay off). This week, whether it's Brister or Griese or both, it will be a good day to be a Packer DB.

Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville -- I'll bet that even the biggest Jaguar fan will have trouble sitting through this game. Jacksonville hasn't allowed over 216 passing yards in the last four games. Cleveland's best day was 195 yards against New England. Word to Tim Couch -- When that guy named Beasley catches your pass, it's not ruled a completion.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh -- Over their last four games, the Steelers defense is allowing an average of 197 yards through the air. The Bengals counter with a rookie QB that last week tallied a paltry 221 against an expansion team. This week, Akili Smith will be lucky to finish.

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago -- My only comment is Doug Pederson is still the starter in Philadelphia.