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Upcoming Matchups -- Week 10

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Each week, you'll see a listing of the best and worst matchups both rushing and passing. If you can, exploit these matchups. Obviously, nothing is 100% in football, but each weekly matchup has been analyzed using statistics from each team's last four games. This is kind of a 'what have you done for me lately' approach. When 'average' statistics are given, they are from that team's last four games. Let's get to it.

RUSHING

Good matchups

St. Louis Rams vs Carolina -- Marshall Faulk's ground game absolutely stunk last week against Detroit. Fifteen yards on eleven carries...WOW! Last week, the Panthers were absolutely torched on the ground by Staley and the pitiful Eagles offense. Expect Faulk and Rams to bounce back big time this week against a Carolina team that couldn't stop a plastic ball with a brick wall.

Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati -- Last week, the Titans found out first hand how good the Miami run defense is. Did you hear that George took a Polaroid of the end-zone just to show McNair it was still there? Anyway, forget last week, that was a great defense. This week, Tennessee gets to play with the Bengals rush defense, which is allowing 136 rushing ypg to go with two rushing TDs per game. Those numbers are music to Eddie George's ears.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland -- Check out these lovely numbers: 203, 231, and 211. That's the rushing yards that Cleveland has allowed the last three weeks. Combine that with Jerome Bettis saying he's feeling as healthy as ever, and you'll see a stud running this week in Pittsburgh. As a matter of fact, you're very likely to see a pair of studs running. If you are looking for a decent play at RB, give Richard Huntley a start. Both Steelers backs could be 100 yard rushers against the Browns.

Bad matchups

Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit -- Isn't is amazing how terrible the Cardinals offense is? The only thing worse than their passing game is their running game. This week Murrell will watch Pittman get the start. Under no circumstances should either be starting for you.

Carolina Panthers at St. Louis -- To say that the Panthers offense is unpredictable is like saying this season has seen some RBs get injured. One thing that is almost a lock is that Carolina will not run the ball very well this week. Lately, they average 84 ypg on the ground (with one TD in four games), while the Rams are allowing an average of 66 ypg (with one TD in four games). Besides, everyone knows that St. Louis will jump out on top early, and the Panthers will be forced to abandon the run. By the way, Biakabutuka could return this week. It won't matter. If he does, he'll split time with Fred Lane, and both backs will struggle. If he doesn't return, then Lane will struggle alone.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Tennessee -- If you have a player with the talent level of Corey Dillon, there is no reason you should ever see the 'bad matchups' list. However, the Bengals are here quite often. For countless reason, Cincinnati just can't seem to get the ground game going. Lately, they are averaging a mediocre 96 ypg rushing with only one rushing TD in the last four weeks (and that was by a QB). Meanwhile, Tennessee is allowing 76 ypg to go with zero rushing TDs. All those stats point to the same conclusion -- don't play Dillon.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland -- With Means out and Fletcher questionable, it doesn't take much for the Chargers running game to be a bad matchup. This is a must game for the Raiders (especially at home). Expect Oakland to clamp down hard on the Chargers running game. If you are considering starting Kenny Bynum, please look for a better matchup.

PASSING

Good matchups

St. Louis Rams vs Carolina -- Once again, the Rams passing against a team and a half would look pretty good. Kurt Warner continues to post stellar numbers week in and week out. At home against the Panthers should be no different. Besides, you absolutely must start the fantasy player of the year.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago -- To say the Bears had an emotional game last week is like saying Walter Payton was sweetness. The truth is that Chicago's defense will be overmatched this week against the potent Vikings offense. Expect George to play catch with Carter and Moss.

New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco -- Enter Billy Joe. No wait, enter Danny Joe. Or is it just Danny? Wait, it doesn't matter who the QB is against the 49ers. San Francisco is allowing 253 passing ypg and 3.3 TDs per game. Now, I fully realize that the Saints are struggling mightily right now, but they have shown the ability to move the ball and score through the air. Week six against the Titans, New Orleans threw for 354 yards and 2 scores. The capability is there. If you are in dire need of a QB, don't waste your time picking up a McNabb (who is now starting for Philly) or a Harbaugh. Grab Danny Wuerffel, start him this week, and look like a genius. Then promptly drop him like lead the following week.

Bad matchups

Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit -- As mentioned above, Arizona's offense is frighteningly awful. Of course, how good could a Dave Brown led attack be? How about a mere 181 passing ypg with 0.5 TDs per game? Is that bad enough for you? The Lions defense isn't the best by any means, but Westbrook and CO. are more than enough to stifle Arizona.

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville -- The Jaguars have the best pass defense in the league. The Ravens have Tony Banks starting with Stoney Case backing him up. If I need to continue, then I'll just say the fantasy basketball has started. Go play roundball.