Also included is the player matchup history against this week's opponent and our who to play/who not to play for every game!

 

Pro Football News & Injury Report
 
Week Four
 
Thursday September 25, 2003

On Bye This Week: Miami, N.Y. Giants, Seattle, Tampa Bay

Sunday

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

EAGLES

Fresh off its bye week, Philadelphia will try to get into the win column Sunday when they travel to Buffalo. But for a second consecutive game, they'll likely be without three key starters.

Starting FS Brian Dawkins (out) remains sidelined with a mild Lis Franc sprain in his foot that he suffered during the season opener. Dawkins is undergoing rehab but continues to navigate the locker room on crutches. The team originally said the Pro Bowler could be out for two-to-six weeks. First-year player Clinton Hart replaces Dawkins. Hart recorded a pair of hurries and knocked down a Tom Brady pass in the loss to the Patriots in Week Two.

Also in the secondary, starting CB Bobby Taylor (foot-doubtful) has yet to return to the practice field after sustaining his injury in the season opener. He said earlier this week that he felt "better." Said Taylor: "I think the most important thing is just get it right and not hobble around for the rest of the season. I think that's the most important thing for myself."

Taylor also made headlines this week when he told a group of reporters that the Eagles informed his agent back in June that they were not interested in extending his contract. Taylor is due to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. The Eagles denied having said such a thing and head coach/executive vice president of football operations Andy Reid met privately with Taylor.

Former first-round pick Lito Sheppard starts in place of Taylor. Sheppard was victimized for a pair of scores against Brady and the Patriots, and is likely to be challenged early and often by Drew Bledsoe and Eric Moulds. The coaches, however, have confidence in Sheppard's ability. Said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson: "He's a very good tackler. He's very physical. It's just playing every down like they're going to throw that ball to him." Look for second-year CB Sheldon Brown to come in on nickel and dime packages.

Along the defensive line, starting DE Brandon Whiting (hamstring-questionable) started running this week but has not practiced. Reid said Wednesday that there was a chance he could play Sunday. Meanwhile, first-round pick DE Jerome McDougle continues to be hampered by an ankle injury he suffered in the preseason finale. McDougle has yet to return to practice and is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. With Whiting out and no McDougle, starting DT Darwin Walker slides out to left defensive end again and N.D. Kalu starts at right defensive end. Kalu and McDougle are spelled by veteran DE Marco Coleman and DE/DT Frank Ferrara, the former New York Giants lineman the team added when reserve DT Paul Grasmanis was placed on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles' tendon against the Patriots. In other line shuffling, DT Hollis Thomas fills Walker's role in the middle alongside starting DE Corey Simon. Undrafted rookie free agent Sam Rayburn relieves that duo. Johnson said Ferrara will see limited reps this weekend.

On offense, starting QB Donovan McNabb said he has watched film of some of his past performances in an attempt to get back on track. He'll go into the game against the Bills on Sunday with a 41.1 passer rating -- the worst mark in the NFL. McNabb, the only starting quarterback in the league yet to throw for a touchdown has thrown three interceptions and has been sacked 10 times. But the Eagles will try to make more of a commitment to the running game with Miami's success pounding the ball with Ricky Williams in their win over Buffalo last week.

The Eagle offense has been on the field an average of 22 minutes and 53 seconds. Staying with the stats, since the start of the 2000 season the Eagles are an NFL-best 18-6 on the road. Reid is also 4-0 games following a bye week.

Starting WLB Carlos Emmons (foot) and starting WR Todd Pinkston (shoulder) practiced Thursday and are expected to start Sunday and are listed as probable.

Finally, despite a muffed punt that led to a Patriots touchdown, backup RB Brian Westbrook will serve as the primary kick and punt returner.

BILLS

Starting RB Travis Henry (questionable-ribs) missed his second straight day of practice but head coach Gregg Williams said Henry felt better Thursday to the point where he plans to practice Friday. Williams said Friday was targeted at the beginning of the week to get Henry some reps. Friday is a no pads practice for the Bills so there won't be any unnecessary contact on Henry's ribs. Backup RB Joe Burns will start if Henry can't play. The club then could sign RBs Ken Simonton and Nick Maddox off of the practice squad if needed.

RB Sammy Morris will be sidelined four-to-six weeks as he recovers from sports hernia surgery performed this past Monday.

Backup FB Phil Crosby (doubtful-leg) did not practice Thursday and is not expected to play after suffering a fractured fibula in last week's game. He's worn a soft immobilizer cast all week.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

BENGALS

The strained groin of starting RB Corey Dillon (probable) sustained against Pittsburgh last week is progressing well enough that Dillon was back on the practice field Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. Dillon has left the last two games early with injuries, including the Oakland game due to a hyperextended right knee. Dillon is wearing a protective brace wrap on the knee.

Backup RB Brandon Bennett had just six carries last week against Pittsburgh despite entering the game in the second quarter in place of Dillon. Bennett's low carry total was due to his active role on special teams. Third-string RB Rudi Johnson (probable-thigh) is closer to being activated and could see action this week.

It now appears that backup WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (out-hamstring) will not return until the Oct. 19 home game against Baltimore, one week after Cincinnati's bye week. That means another week of looking for either rookie WR Kelley Washington or backup WR Lawrence Hamilton to step up as a viable third receiving option.

TE Matt Schobel (doubtful-hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and appears unlikely to play this week. Schobel is more of a down-the-field receiving threat (6 receptions, 118 yards) than starter Reggie Kelly (6-51) or Tony Stewart (2-9), who will have to pick up the slack with his absence

Backup MLB Riall Johnson (out-calf) is also likely to be out until Oct. 19. Backup LB Dwayne Levels is playing in his place at both MLB and SLB. Starting WLB Brian Simmons (probable-shoulder) has been playing with nagging injuries since hurting his ribs in the opener against Denver. He has not missed any practice time. Rookie fifth-round pick LB Khalid Abdullah is Simmons' backup.

SS Marquand Manuel (probable, hamstring) joined Dillon in blaming the loose turf at Paul Brown Stadium for his injury. Manuel began the season as the starter but has been replaced by S Rogers Beckett in the lineup. However, Manuel still plays significant snaps.

BROWNS

Starting QB Kelly Holcomb (questionable-ankle) will not start and may not even be able to suit up because of a severely sprained left ankle and a hairline fracture of his right leg. His availability won't be determined until just before game-time.

Holcomb did not take any reps in practice Wednesday but according to head coach Butch Davis he was able to do "25 percent more" Thursday. Backup QB Tim Couch will replace him. If Holcomb were unable to dress as Couch's backup, then the team would activate QB Nate Hybl from the practice squad. In fact, expect that move to happen Friday. The club doesn't have another QB than Couch and Holcomb on their active roster.

"We would love for (Holcomb) to be the number two," Davis said. "And if he continues to progress at the rate he is, there's a good possibility that he could be. It will depend on the number of practice snaps he's able to take Friday and Saturday."

Backup WR/PR Dennis Northcutt (questionable-chest) has a hairline fracture of a rib and was able to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday. Northcutt did not play last Sunday against the 49ers but should be able to go against Cincinnati. If not, Andre Davis, the hero of Sunday's win with two TD catches, would take his role in the offense and as a returner. As an aside, Davis fumbled a punt return against the 49ers so that's where the Browns missed Northcutt the most.

Backup CB Michael Lehan (questionable-hamstring) has a pulled hamstring and practiced for the second straight day on Thursday. He admitted that it might take him yet another week before he can return. If Lehan can't go, then backup CB Lewis Sanders, who has kind of disappeared from this team in terms of production, could be in the dime. Or it might be that the Browns may continue to leave their active, fast, young starting linebackers (Ben Taylor, Andra Davis and Kevin Bentley) on the field in passing situations.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

JAGUARS

Starting QB Mark Brunell (elbow-questionable) did not practice Thursday, leaving rookie QB Byron Leftwich to field all of the first-team reps for the second straight day. The Jaguars want to see how Brunell feels tomorrow. However, the bone pushed through the skin and it required five stitches to close the wound. If he is healthy, Brunell will start but he's yet to field a single rep in practice this week. 

Starting OLB Keith Mitchell (neck-questionable) worked Thursday on a limited basis and will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by backup LB Danny Clark for the second week in a row.

Backup WR Micah Ross (ankle) is listed as questionable but is actually doubtful, as he hasn't done much this week. Backup RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (hamstring) practiced Thursday but is still questionable.

Backup LB Eric Westmoreland (knee-probable) practiced on a limited basis Thursday. Backup CB James Trapp (ankle) worked and should be ready to play on Sunday. Backup LB Shannon Taylor, a special teams player, strained his calf in Wednesday's practice and is now considered questionable to play.

Backup CB Kiwaukee Thomas (groin-doubtful) didn't work Thursday and is not expected to play.

TEXANS

Starting G Milford Brown (knee-questionable) didn't practice Thursday so backup OL Todd Washington is working with the first unit in his place at left guard.

Starting OLB Charlie Clemons is having problems with his chest area (chest-probable) and did not work Wednesday or Thursday. Rookie OLB Antwan Peek (knee-probable) is working in Clemons' slot.

Rookie RB Domanick Davis (hip), starting ILB Jay Foreman (shoulder), backup TE Rashod Kent (ankle), and starting DE Gary Walker (shoulder) are all listed as probable. The four practiced Thursday and are expected to play on Sunday.

Rookie RB Tony Hollings is expected to see increased carries in this week's game. The club loves the fact that he possesses a tremendous burst of speed and is a good compliment to starting RB Stacey Mack.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-2) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

San Francisco (1-2) travels to Minnesota Sunday to face the undefeated Vikings and QB Daunte Culpepper, who suffered broken bones in his back during the team's win over Detroit last Sunday. But the Niners' signal caller is also hurting. Starting QB Jeff Garcia (groin) is battling a strained left groin, which he sustained in the first half of Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Garcia says the injury is especially aggravating when he tries to throw on the run. Garcia battled a bulging disk in his back during training camp and then suffered a concussion in St. Louis on Sept. 14. He practiced on Thursday and is listed as probable for Sunday.

Meanwhile, San Francisco's offensive line remains dinged-up with all five starters appearing on the injury report. Starting LG Eric Heitmann (ankle) is officially listed as doubtful but is expected to miss the next two weeks. Backup OL Kyle Kosier will start in Heitmann's place again. Starting LT Derrick Deese (right ankle-questionable) and starting C Jeremy Newberry (left ankle/quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and were replaced on the first-string unit by Kwame Harris and Brock Gutierrez, respectively. Deese said his ankle has responded better during individual work but he remains day to day.

"He's doing okay, same as he always has. This (injury) was a thigh contusion. They relieved some of that pressure yesterday. He'll be out tomorrow like he was last week," head coach Dennis Erickson said regarding Newberry.

Starting RG Ron Stone (ankle) and starting RT Scott Gragg practiced Thursday and are expected to play Sunday in Minnesota.

Starting WR Tai Streets didn't practice but isn't listed on the injury report.

"Tai has, like Tony Parrish has, a little patella tendonitis. We just held him out today. He'll be back tomorrow," the head coach said.

Starting TE Eric Johnson (collarbone) remains out and will be sidelined another five-to-six weeks. He will be replaced again by backup TE Jed Weaver.

On defense, starting CB Jason Webster (knee) remains out for at least a couple more weeks. Second-year CB Mike Rumph replaces Webster on the right side. Nickel CB Rashad Holman (groin) practiced and is probable, as is starting SS Tony Parrish (knee) and return man/backup CB Jimmy Williams (concussion). Added to the report Thursday were starting LDE John Engelberger, who is listed as probable with an Achilles strain that has bothered him off-and-on this season, and backup FB Terry Jackson, the 49ers special team standout who also is probable with a foot injury. Both players are expected to be in the lineup Sunday

VIKINGS

The Vikings' two franchise players on offense are both nursing back injuries this week, with one (starting WR Randy Moss-questionable) likely to play after resting during the week and the other (starting QB Daunte Culpepper-upgraded to questionable Thursday) still hoping to improve enough to start vs. San Francisco Sunday.

Culpepper's (multiple transverse process fractures) status is more up in the air and head coach Mike Tice has said he won't even try to practice until Friday. Moss' back has bothered him for a couple of weeks and Tice said he won't practice this week, but could see time in the team's afternoon walk-through.  

Culpepper has experienced less pain each day since Sunday when the injury occurred. However, he will need to demonstrate Friday the ability to both throw effectively and to be free in his movement. He needs to show he's healthy both for his own good and to allow backup Gus Frerotte a chance to receive more snaps prepare mentally for a start in the event Culpepper is unable to play. The 49ers lead the NFL in sacks, so protecting the quarterback will be hard enough already, even without a gimpy QB.

"If he's able to go out and throw the ball with some force on Friday and move around decently, then we'll look at it. If not, then we'll go with Gus (Frerotte)," Tice said Wednesday. 

Culpepper's injuries won't likely heal for several weeks, but it's possible for him to play with extra padding, depending on his pain threshold. 

"I feel good because of the fact that I'm making a lot of progress -- I felt really bad Sunday," Culpepper said Wednesday. "I felt a little bit better Monday, better yesterday, and now today I feel better than I did yesterday, so I feel good about the progress I'm making. Friday is the day that I'm shooting for to see how I feel and what we're going to do about this weekend."

Also affecting the Vikings' receiver corps is the possible absence for a second straight week of their other starting WR, D'Wayne Bates (foot-questionable). He still is not practicing at full-speed and will also be judged on what he can, or cannot do on Friday. 

Backup DT Billy Lyon (calf-questionable) sat out practice Wednesday, but did some work Thursday in hopes of being available Sunday. Backup DL Chuck Wiley would likely be active if Lyon is unable to go. Starting MLB Greg Biekert (bruised ribs) was added to the Injury Report Thursday as probable. He sat out Thursday's session, but is expected to be ready to start Sunday.

Veteran RB Doug Chapman (ankle-probable) and backup S Jack Brewer (chest) both missed last week's game but practiced fully Wednesday and Thursday. Both are good bets to play Sunday. Chapman's role will be determined by the coaches later this week. Brewer is one of Rusty Tillman's top special teams performers.

The only other player listed is backup LB Nick Rogers (hip-probable), but he practiced Wednesday and Thursday and will be available Sunday.

TENNESSEE TITANS (2-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

Tennessee is expecting to be without starting DT Albert Haynesworth (elbow) for the second straight week, but he is improving and could be looking at next week as a possible return date.

"He is still very sore, still has a great deal of swelling, but he is running full speed and is improving daily," said head coach Jeff Fisher of Haynesworth's progress.

With Haynesworth out, starting DE Kevin Carter switched inside for a good portion of snaps Sunday, and recorded his sack of Aaron Brooks while on the interior. Carter will again rotate with DTs Rien Long, Robaire Smith, and James Atkins on the inside. And he'll rotate with DEs Jevon Kearse, Juqua Thomas, and Carlos Hall at end.

The Titans are eager for the developing second-year man Haynesworth to return. But the defensive line play has been superb even in spite of Haynesworth's absence. In fact, the Titans are leading the NFL in rushing defense, due in large part to holding Deuce McAllister to 11 yards in eight carries last week.

Starters RG Benji Olson and TE Frank Wycheck (concussion) are listed as questionable. Olson surprised onlookers with his early return from an MCL sprain by starting last week. Wycheck is still proceeding with caution due to his second concussion of the year. Olson rested on Wednesday, but returned to work Thursday and Wycheck is still in a "wait and see" mode. Olson is expected to start Sunday with backup TEs Erron Kinney and Shad Meier continuing to fill in for Wycheck. 

The Titans are hoping to also get a spark from another rookie this week. Last week it was CB Andre Woolfolk (toe) who made his first appearance of 2003 and came out of the game without aggravating his toe. And this week it could be RB Chris Brown (hamstring). The third-rounder was active last week, but didn't make it into the game. 

Fisher is hoping Brown can see some time Sunday, likely on special teams before being eased into the offense in coming weeks.

"He (Brown) knows it's going to be different," said Fisher. "This is as good as I've seen him since he came in. He's back at full speed. We're going to try to work him into some special teams and then just play it by ear as to whether he gets any offensive snaps."

STEELERS

Backup RB Verron Haynes (knee) is still listed as questionable and did not practice. Starting RB Amos Zereoue would see more third down work if Haynes is unable to play.

Starting TE Jay Riemersma (chest-probable) is also having Achilles problems but was able to practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday.

Starting C Jeff Hartings (ankle), backup S Chris Hope (groin), backup CB Chidi Iwuoma (concussion), starting OT Marvel Smith (shoulder), and backup TE Jerame Tuman (chest) are listed as probable and are expected to be available in their normal roles.


ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

CARDINALS

The Cardinals return a familiar city where they spent twenty-seven years (1960-1987) before moving to the desert. Arizona will try to even their overall record to 2-2 when they kick-off against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Backup WR Jason McAddley (hamstring) is going to be out at least three-to four-weeks.

WR/KR Kevin Kasper (lower back strain- doubtful) went through a light workout on Thursday and isn't expected to play.

"Kevin Kasper came out here and did a little bit, so hopefully in the near future we will be able to get him back too," head coach Dave McGinnis said.

Backup RB Josh Scobey will continue to return kicks until Kasper is healthy enough to return.

Veteran WR Larry Foster (high ankle sprain-probable) returned to practice on Wednesday and Thursday but still is having trouble making cuts. Foster will likely make his return next week against the Cowboys.

WR Bryan Gilmore (knee-probable) will be in uniform and serve as the team's third receiver with backup WR Nate Poole serving as the fourth. The Redbirds will only dress four receivers on Sunday according to team sources.

Until further notice the starting wide receivers are rookies Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson. Both have made major strides in the last few weeks as Boldin and Johnson have combined for 37 receptions and 539 yards with two Boldin touchdowns.

Starting RG Leonard Davis (arch/ankle-questionable) is having a hard time of pushing off and hasn't practiced in the last few days and could be out again. The former first-round pick injured the ankle in the season opener vs. Detroit. Davis is receiving treatment around the clock. Backup RG Chris Dishman started last week for the Davis and played pretty well.

Starting QB Jeff Blake (heel-probable) hasn't missed a beat and is showing some great leadership skills by practicing every day. Blake has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival in the valley of the sun.

Backup C/G Jason Starkey (shoulder- questionable) didn't participate in any contact drills and likely will be a game-time decision.

Second-year DT Wendell Bryant (ankle-questionable) hasn't practiced the last few days and it's looking more and more likely that Bryant may have to sit out this week. Rotating

Starting DE Fred Wakefield sat out last week's contest because he suffered concussions in the first two games of the season. Backup DE Dennis Johnson started for him last week.

Rookie DL Kenny King (out) is nursing a disclosed toe and is expected to be out three more weeks.

RAMS

The Rams list six players as "out" this week. Starting RB Marshall Faulk (hand/knee) will miss four-to-six weeks with two broken bones in his hand. Faulk also had his knee scoped this week for good measure. Backup RB Lamar Gordon will start in his place and rookie RB Arlen Harris will see time as well.

Head coach Mike Martz likes Harris as a RB.

"I'm very comfortable with Arlen," said Martz. "I was comfortable with Arlen quite some time ago as a running back. He's well prepared there, he doesn't make mental errors, I think he's got terrific running skills. He's also a guy that's powerful enough to break arm tackles and run through some things, as you've seen in the preseason. I'm very optimistic about Arlen and that he'll play very well in whatever part of the game he plays in this upcoming game."

With Faulk out and Gordon moving back to tailback, Chris Massey will be the starting FB for the Rams this week.

Backup DE Courtland Bullard (hamstring) and rookie WR Kevin Curtis (leg) remain out as do backup G David Loverne (elbow), FS Jason Sehorn (foot), and backup LB Scott Shanle (hamstring). Curtis and Sehorn are targeting the October 13 game against Atlanta for their return.

Starting CB Travis Fisher (shoulder/flu) did not practice for the second straight day. He took a pain injection prior to last week's game because of an injury first suffered against San Francisco two weeks ago. FS Aeneas Williams has been working in his spot with Shane Walton practicing at FS.  Martz feels Fisher will be ready to play on Sunday.

Rookie CB Kevin Garrett (wrist) has been out since fracturing and dislocating his wrist on August 18. He practiced and will be available to play this week.

Rookie WR Shaun McDonald (thumb) has been out since tearing ligaments in his thumb in Week One but practiced Thursday with a special cast that will allow him to play this week. McDonald is expected to share time with backup WR Dane Looker as their third receiver.

DT Ryan "Big Grease" Pickett did not practice Thursday. His high ankle sprain is flaring up again and he's been added to the Injury Report as questionable.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

PATRIOTS

ILB Tedy Bruschi may be the only LB who started for the Pats in week one to start in Week Four. With OLB Rosevelt Colvin (hip-IR) and ILB Ted Johnson (foot) already sidelined, OLB Mike Vrabel suffered a broken arm last week and is doubtful to play against the Redskins. Backup Matt Chatham is his likely replacement in their 3-4 defense. Rookie DL Dan Klecko will also see time at OLB.

Starting NT Ted Washington (leg) is out with a broken leg so the three-headed monster of rookie Ty Warren, Rick Lyle, and Jarvis Green will morph together in order to help fill the position.

Backup S Je'Rod Cherry (questionable-leg) and QB Tom Brady (probable-arm) were the only players listed on the Pats' injury report who practiced Thursday. Cherry has missed time with a sore hamstring. Cherry excels on special teams and New England would benefit greatly from his return.

Brady has a sore throwing elbow and didn't throw many out patterns to his receivers last week. He did throw some passes up the middle with velocity, but out patterns are tougher to throw. Brady will certainly start but his arm strength bears watching.

Starting ORT Adrian Klemm (ankle) did not practice Thursday. Backup OL Tom Ashworth replaced him in the lineup last week and could do so again on Sunday.

Starting CB Ty Law suffered a sprained ankle last week and toughed his way through the final portion of their win over the Jets. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to practice this week. If Law is unable to go then rookie CB Asante Samuel would start alongside Tyrone Poole.

Starting FB Fred McCrary (knee) also missed Thursday's workout. He's backed up by Larry Centers who started for him last week.

Starting WR David Patten has a sprained knee and he remains questionable. Patten hasn't practiced this week and would be replaced by second-year WR Deion Branch. Rookie WR Bethel Johnson would then move in as their third receiver.

Starting C/G Damien Woody (knee) missed Thursday's practice as well. He started at guard last week since Mike Compton was out (foot-IR). Backup OL Russ Hochstein would fill in at G this week.

REDSKINS

Starting LG Dave Fiore (knee-questionable) sat out of his second straight practice Thursday in order to rest his surgically repaired knee. Fiore did the same thing last week and started against the Giants. If he sits out then Lennie Friedman could start at either G or C, with starting C Larry Moore sliding over.

Starting TE Zeron Flemister (questionable), who suffered a high ankle sprain in week one, practiced Thursday. He remains questionable and is backed up by Robert Royal, who has filled in for Flemister the last two weeks.

Staring CB Champ Bailey (wrist/shoulder-probable) will wear a cast to protect the fractured wrist he suffered against the Giants. Bailey practiced Thursday and is expected to start.

Starting DT Jermaine Haley (hand-probable) started last week with a cast covering his fractured thumb. Haley practiced again Thursday and will start.

Rookie WR Taylor Jacobs (abdomen-probable) practiced fully and could be active for the first time. He suffered a bruised pancreas in August. Jacobs still needs to work his way up the depth chart because he's currently their 5th receiver.

Backup LB Antonio Pierce (ankle-probable) practiced and will be available.

Starting DE Bruce Smith and starting MLB Jeremiah Trotter sat out of Thursday's workout. It was deemed a rest day for them and neither player was added to the injury report.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) 4:05 PM EST (NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Starting RB Priest Holmes (hip flexor) is not listed on the injury report but didn't practice Thursday for precautionary reasons. Holmes is sore so he was rested but he did participate in their walk through. He's expected to practice tomorrow and play as usual on Sunday, though the Chiefs may add him to Friday's injury report as probable.

Starting CB William Bartee (questionable-ankle) returned to practice Wednesday and Thursday, but head coach Dick Vermeil isn't sure yet whether he'll be active Sunday at Baltimore. Vermeil did say that regardless of what progress Bartee makes this week, veteran CB Dexter McCleon would remain the starter for the time being.

"I think it will be a week or two before he's really in serious consideration to compete for a starting job again," said Vermeil. "That corner position is a very skill-delicate position. You don't test it game day. You test all those things in practice."

Starting S Greg Wesley (back) is also questionable, and is still sore. He didn't practice Wednesday, but did take some reps Thursday and hopes to increase his workload Friday. Backup QB Todd Collins is also questionable, but he is progressing and should be available by Sunday. Collins' back locked up while exercising on Monday and he sat out practice Wednesday, but he was able to take some reps Thursday. 

Reserve LB Kwaika Pittman (hamstring) is still likely a week away. Pittman hasn't practiced this week and has his special teams snaps being taken by backup LB Quinton Caver.

Starting OT Willie Roaf was given the day off Wednesday with the flu but returned to the field Thursday.

All five Chiefs listed as probable - backup CB Julian Battle (toe), starting DT John Browning (toe), starting TE Tony Gonzalez (foot), backup OLB Fred Jones (foot), and starting S Jerome Woods (knee) - practiced Wednesday and Thursday and are expected to play on Sunday.

RAVENS

After going through a Wednesday where the entire team practiced for the first time all season, rookie RBs Musa Smith (knee-doubtful) did not practice Thursday and is not expected to be available Sunday against Kansas City.

Backup FB Harold Morrow (arm) practiced lightly but is still not expected to play. Starting G Edwin Mulitalo (knee-questionable) was able to practice today as was rookie S Gerome Sapp (knee-questionable), starting S Edward Reed (knee-probable), and backup RB Chester Taylor (hand-probable).

Mulitalo is getting closer to playing.

"I feel good but I'll know more as the week goes on," Mulitalo said. "It does feels good to be back in the huddle."

Elsewhere, starting WR Frank Sanders (leg-questionable) was added to the injury report today after re-aggravating the injury. Backup WR Marcus Robinson would likely fill in if Sanders is unable to play.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-3) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-2) 4:05 PM EST

CHARGERS

Starting WR David Boston has been suspended without pay for one game by the team for conduct deemed to be detrimental. Boston will not be paid for the missed game and will serve his suspension this Sunday when the Chargers play in Oakland.

"What has to happen is David will have to start adhering to and abiding by the rules of this team," said head coach Marty Schottenheimer. "That will quickly alleviate our problems."

On the injury front, the club will be without their other starting WR Reche Caldwell (wrist) for several more weeks. Backup TE Josh Norman (hamstring) is also out again and starting OT Vaughn Parker (knee) was placed on IR. The Chargers' offensive line is a mess and so is their receiver group.

Starting WR Tim Dwight (knee-questionable) didn't practice Thursday. Second-year WR Eric Parker will start for Boston and rookie WR Kassim Osgood, an undrafted free agent, would start at the other slot for Caldwell if Dwight can't play. The backup WRs for the game would be Grant Mattos, who was re-signed this week, and Dondre Gilliam. Both are undrafted free agents. We wonder if Tony Martin is available? How about Wes Chandler? Maybe their receivers coach James Lofton could suit up? OK, maybe not.

On the offensive line, starting RG Solomon Page (ankle-questionable) didn't practice Thursday. Starting LG Bob Hallen may move over to RG if Page can't play. Another rookie free agent, backup OT Phil Bogle, would normally fill in for Parker. However, Bogle injured his knee during practice on Wednesday and is questionable to play.

San Diego could use third-round pick Courtney Van Buren to fill in for Parker if Bogle is not available. Van Buren hasn't been active for any of the club's three games. To help with depth on the offensive line, the club re-signed undrafted free agent OL Kevin Breedlove. All in all, the Chargers' offensive line is nothing but one giant question mark right now.

Starting TE Stephen Alexander (groin-questionable) didn't practice Thursday. Backup TE Justin Peelle would start again if Alexander can't play. Starting DE Marcellus Wiley (hamstring-questionable) practiced and is expected to play on Sunday barring a setback.

RAIDERS

WR Jerry Porter (abdomen) remains out. He says he wants to come back in ten days for their game against the Bears, but his head coach Bill Callahan wouldn't confirm that. Porter had surgery just two weeks ago and we think he's being ambitious in the face of a disaster. We don't expect him back for at least three-to-four more weeks. Porter even said if he came back for the Chicago game he'd only be at 80%.

The Raiders will continue to go with a third-receiver by committee with backups Ronald Curry, Alvis Whitted, and rookie Doug Gabriel taking turns.

The biggest lineup change this week has nothing to do with injuries. OL Barret Robbins will start at center for the first time since last year's AFC Championship game. He said his knee is now healthy and his return will certainly help the Raiders running game.

OL Matt Stinchcomb has been absolutely dreadful at center. His poor play led to breakdowns at both guard positions. The bottom line is Gs Frank Middleton and Mo Collins need Robbins in there. Otherwise they look like very average guards.

Backup DE Trace Armstrong (ribs-questionable) practiced and will play.

Collins (knee-questionable) has missed practice time in each of the last two weeks but he's expected to start. Brad Badger backs him up.

Backup SS Anthony Dorsett (ankle) returned to practice this week and the club hopes he's available because starter Derrick Gibson has been terrible in pass coverage. Dorsett has missed their last two games.

KR Ronney Jenkins (ankle) wasn't able to practice Thursday and rookie RB Justin Fargas would take his place as their kick returner if needed.

Starting ORT Lincoln Kennedy (calf) was unable to practice again on Thursday. Second-year OT Langston Walker would fill in if needed. That actually could prove to be an upgrade because Kennedy has been hobbled for weeks.

Starting SLB Bill Romanowski (concussion-questionable) did not practice for the second straight day Thursday. He's suffered two concussions in three weeks. Backup LB Travian Smith has been running with the starters in place of Romanowski.

Starting DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle-questionable) practiced and is expected to play this week. He sat out of Monday night's game.

Backup C Adam Treu (hamstring-questionable), also the team's long snapper, was able to work will be available. Starting TE Doug Jolley is their backup LS.

Starting FS Rod Woodson (knee-questionable) practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday and is expected to play.

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0) 4:15 PM EST

FALCONS

Backup QB Doug Johnson didn't have his strongest game in last Sunday's defeat to Tampa Bay, making Falcons' fans everywhere wish even more that Michael Vick were healthy. Vick's return still appears to be a matter of weeks away. While he's still experiencing significant pain in the affected area, improvement is being made. 

"Things are coming along really well; each and every day I think I'm getting better," said Vick Thursday. "It doesn't hurt as much as it did three weeks ago because I think it's healing and really improving. It's still sore. It's a soreness that I can't bear right now and it's going to take a lot of treatment and a lot of ice and stem to get it where it needs to be and where it's stable."

Vick has been concentrating on therapy and making sure the bone is healing correctly, which will lead to an eventual return of his leg strength.

"I saw him (Dr. Andrew Bishop) last Friday and everything looked good on the x-rays," said Vick. "We're starting to see some bone calluses forming. It looked like it was healing. It looks really good. The swelling had gone down and I was able to put it on the ground."

Despite the improvement, Vick's return is still unknown. Team officials are hoping he can return to the field sometime in October, but are leery of rushing their franchise player back onto the field too soon.

"I can't tell you a definite date or a definite time that I'll be back because I don't know, myself," he said. "You want to hope that it can be in the next two or three weeks that I can come back and play, but at the same time, I have to get myself to 100 percent, to where I can do all the things that I'm capable of doing on the field and what separates me from everybody else. Until I feel I can do that, I won't come back."

One of Vick's favorite targets, starting WR Brian Finneran (doubtful-broken left hand) surprised onlookers Wednesday and Thursday by practicing with his cast on. However, he will not play this week. Finneran said the best-case scenario might have him return for the Oct. 5 game against Minnesota but the Oct. 13 game at St. Louis is more realistic.

The only other player whose availability is a question is starting weak-side LB Sam Rogers, who has torn cartilage in his left knee that will need surgery eventually. Rogers was downgraded from questionable to doubtful Thursday after being unable to practice for a second straight day. The Falcons' linebacking corps will get a boost next week when OLB Keith Newman is re-instated after his four-game NFL-imposed suspension is lifted. For now, second-year OLB Will Overstreet starts for Rogers, where the Falcons hope he is for many years to come.

Starting LG Travis Claridge aggravated a shoulder strain in practice and is among seven Falcons listed as probable. Roberto Garza has also been seeing some time at LG, as he has come along well after injuring his bicep in preseason.

Backup CB Tod McBride (broken right thumb) seems closer to playing than he has since his injury - he continues to practice and will likely see his first game-action Sunday.

The other probable Falcons - KR/WR LaTarance Dunbar (groin), backup NT Ellis Johnson (shoulder), backup TE Brian Kozlowski (calf), backup SS Gerald McBurrows (neck), and backup S Kevin McCadam (hamstring) - all practiced Wednesday and Thursday and should be available Sunday. McCadam was inactive last week, but his condition has improved.

PANTHERS

This is a healthy team because they are coming off the bye week. OLB Mike Caldwell (knee) is listed as questionable but he's only doing some work on the side and it does not look like he'll return. Veteran LB Greg Favors will start again in for Caldwell.

Starting MLB Dan Morgan (hamstring-probable) practiced today and yesterday and it appears he will be able to return to the starting lineup.

DETROIT LIONS (1-2) AT DENVER BRONCOS (3-0) 4:15 PM EST

The Lions will be without WR/KR Eddie Drummond (ankle/knee) and starting CB Andre' Goodman (shoulder) Sunday in Denver. Goodman was placed on Injured Reserve on Thursday, while Drummond is expected to miss approximately a month. 

Goodman is the third Lions' cornerback to be lost for the season (along now-waived CB Chris Watson and CB Chris Cash). Goodman's separated shoulder is a recurrence of a similar ailment he had in college and will require surgery. Veteran newcomer CB Otis Smith steps into the starting lineup alongside Dre' Bly. One of the team's other two other newcomers in the backfield, Alex Molden or Rod Babers, will also likely be active.

"Otis will be up and he'll be playing, along with Jimmy Wyrick, but we'll have to decide of the two newcomers -- Alex and Rod -- who will be up," said head coach Steve Mariucci.  "We're going to work through the week and see how they do."

Drummond hadn't made much of an impact on offense, but his big-play ability will be missed in the return game. Backup WR Az Zahir-Hakim will return punts, while a host of Lions are vying for the kickoff return job, including rookie RB Avon Cobourne. Cobourne has gotten the closest look in practice this week.

Three players on offense - starting WR Bill Schroeder (hamstring/knee), backup WR Shawn Jefferson (ribs), and starting RG Ray Brown (chest) -- were banged up in the loss to the Vikings and are listed as questionable. The veteran Brown also suffers from other minor ailments, including a sore elbow, but the team expects him to be ready Sunday in Denver. The same goes for the receivers, with each increasing their workload Thursday after being more limited Wednesday.

"Billy Schroeder practiced today and so did Shawn Jefferson," said Mariucci. "Shawn is a little bit more limited than Billy is at this point. Ray Brown practiced yesterday and today. That's really about it."

Starting TE Mikhael Ricks (foot sprain/sore knee) was held out of practice Wednesday but returned Thursday. 

QB Joey Harrington (finger) is listed as probable but will start. He banged two of the fingers on his throwing hand on the helmet of starting C Dominic Raiola in the first-half of last week's game. But Harrington taped them together and finished the game.

"I'm getting it better," said Harrington following Wednesday's workout. "We will tape it up like we did last week and let it go. It's part of the game - everybody gets banged up a little every week. It's just a matter of getting healthy before the next game."

BRONCOS

Starting DT Daryl Gardener (hand-questionable) practiced only on the scout team Thursday and his status remains a game-time decision. Backup DT Monsanto Pope has been filling in with Gardener out the first three games.

Starters S Kenoy Kennedy (ankle-questionable) and RB Clinton Portis (chest-questionable) both missed practice again and head coach Mike Shanahan said that it's unlikely that either player will be able to play this week. If that were the case, backup S Nick Ferguson would start for Kennedy (S Lee Flowers gets back from suspension next week) and starting FB Mike Anderson (knee-probable) would start for Portis. Anderson has been able to practice so far this week.

Is Portis still in pain?

"I am in treatment every morning at 6:30 (a.m.) so I am all right. It is a setback but I am all right. It is just a lot of nagging things. If you keep having setbacks, it is going to continue to bother you. I am trying to get it right and hopefully it will be gone," he said.

Does he have other injuries besides the sternum?

"No, it just my sternum that hurts. I am saying that all through here (indicates chest area) it is just nagging. There is not one big injury that I can pinpoint. I have to get the muscles around it to cooperate and then once you get moving those, it gets sore-real sore-and then there is pain.

"There is no specific point to my sternum feeling better. Earlier it was in here (inside) and now it is more outside. It is just soreness and stiffness and you have to take time, you can't rush it. It is not like you can just put something on it and you can go out in play. If you get an ankle injury, you can wrap it up extra tight and you can still try to run a route. But (for this) there is nothing you can do. You just have to rest, do core exercises and work the muscles around it to take the soreness and stiffness out."

"Wrapping something around it isn't going to help. I don't know what else you could come up with. I don't think a flack jacket would slow me down or hinder my movement but it wouldn't stop dead. If I fell on my shoulder or something it wouldn't protect it."

Backup CB Willie Middlebrooks (neck-probable) practiced and is expected to be available. Backup RB/FB Reuben Droughns would most likely start for Anderson at fullback, even though Denver uses many offensive sets and sometimes the fullback is not a big part of the offensive game plan -- something that would probably be the case this week.

Starting QB Jake Plummer (shoulder-probable) came out of Monday night's win over the Raiders in decent shape and practiced again Thursday. He's expected to start Sunday vs. Detroit.

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-3) 4:15 PM EST

COWBOYS

CB Derek Ross (knee-questionable) practiced Wednesday and Thursday and it looks like he'll be able to go this weekend. However, head coach Bill Parcells said he hasn't seen Ross be carefree on the practice field yet but others think he looked fine. If Ross goes, he'll play on sub defense packages. Ross is the only player on the injury report. Rookie Terrence Newman and Mario Edwards will continue to start at CB.

JETS

Starting QB Chad Pennington (wrist) is out as is starting CB Donnie Abraham (shoulder).  CB Ray Mickens fills in again with Abraham sidelined. Mickens will most likely stay in the (slot) nickel on third downs with second-year CB Jamie Henderson coming in to line up at the LCB spot (the other starting cornerback).

Backup LB Jason Glenn (ankle) was upgraded Thursday to probable. The team expects him to play this weekend. Glenn is the nickel linebacker and a vital member to the Jets' special teams unit. Starting DE John Abraham (hamstring-probable) was limited in practice on Thursday but the team expects him to go this weekend. If Abraham is held out, second-year DE Bryan Thomas would see more playing time. Thomas had a sack last week in limited playing time last week.

Starting C Kevin Mawae sprained his right knee in practice on Thursday and will have an MRI Thursday. Depending upon the outcome, he will either play or sit. If Mawae is scratched, backup OL J.P. Machado will get the start at center.

Starting G Dave Szott is not listed on the injury report. However Szott did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. The team is being cautious with his right knee but Szott expected to play this weekend. If Szott can't play, backup OL Jonathan Goodwin would start in his place.

On Monday head coach Herman Edwards said that KR Michael Bates (sore knee) probable. However, Bates is not listed on the injury report and the team expects him to play.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2) 8:35 PM EST

Starting RB Edgerrin James (back-questionable) will be a game-time decision. James is recovering from a sore back that he suffered last week against Jacksonville. The full extent of the injury is not known but James has not practiced yet this week.

"He's getting treatment every day and it'll probably be a game-time decision," head coach Tony Dungy said. "The doctors have told us it's nothing he can do further damage to. He's not going to be at risk playing. It will just be how the pain is and how he can cut and run. We're going to play him if he's ready to go. I want him to be healthy and feel good.

"We've got enough backs where if he's not 100 percent and we don't need to play him, we'll wait until he is 100 percent."

If James can't play, then backup RBs Dominic Rhodes (knee-questionable), Ricky Williams, and James Mungro will share the workload.

"We'll probably use all the guys," Dungy said. "We'll try to put them in situations they do best."

Rhodes has been cleared to play this week. Rhodes has been recovering from knee surgery that was performed a year ago. He had the knee scoped last June to clean out loose scar tissue, which set back the recovery process a bit. He's been able to practice the last two weeks.

Starting DE Dwight Freeney (ankle/abdomen-doubtful) saw some light work on Thursday and is still a possibility to play Sunday night. Freeney has been bothered by ankle and abdominal injuries. He did not play last week against Jacksonville.

Starting TE Marcus Pollard did not practice Thursday. Pollard began feeling ill Thursday morning and went to a local hospital for observation. He is expected to spend the night in the hospital. His status for Sunday's game will be determined later this week. If Pollard can't play, first-round pick TE Dallas Clark would take over the receiving role at the position with backup TE Joe Dean Davenport in for blocking purposes.

Starting C Jeff Saturday (back-probable) is expected to play Sunday despite having back spasms for the last three weeks. Saturday has missed a few days of practice each week but has been able to start.

Starting OT Ryan Diem (ankle) is out three-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain suffered against Jacksonville last week. Backup OT Adam Meadows, a former starter, will play in Diem's spot despite a sprained MCL in his knee. Meadows practiced Wednesday and Thursday.

Starting CB Walt Harris (knee-probable) has been bothered by tendonitis in his knee since training camp but is expected to start on Sunday.

Backup DT Brandon Hicks (knee-probable) is expected to play despite a sprained knee. Hicks has seen limited work this week.

Backup WR Brandon Stokley (hamstring-doubtful) is out for at least another week. Stokley has missed the first three games with a pulled hamstring. Backup WR Troy Walters will be  the #3 WR again.

SAINTS

Starters CB Dale Carter (eye), OLB Sedrick Hodge (knee), DE Darren Howard (wrist), and DT Johnathan Sullivan (knee) are all out as is rookie LB Cie Grant (knee), who is listed as doubtful.

Backup DT Henry Ford (ankle), backup LB Roger Knight (ankle), OLB Derrick Rodgers (neck), starting FB Terrelle Smith (knee) all are listed as probable and practiced Thursday.

Backup CB Fred Thomas starts again for Carter, Knight starts again for Hodge, backup DE Willie Whitehead gets another start for Howard, and backup DT Kenny Smith starts for Sullivan.

New Orleans re-signed RB Ki-Jana Carter and have listed him as the backup to starting RB Deuce McAllister over RB James Fenderson. Backup WR Derrick Lewis was waived to make room for Carter.

Monday

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) 9:10 PM EST

After a stunning loss in the desert to Arizona, Green Bay (1-2) will look to even up their record when they travel to Soldier Field for a Monday night encounter with the struggling Chicago Bears (0-2).

Starting QB Brett Favre used the extra day of rest and sat out Wednesday's practiced but returned to the field on Thursday.

Meanwhile, starting WR Robert Ferguson (knee-probable) continues to be hampered by a knee injury though he continues to play. Ferguson originally sprained both his right ankle and medial collateral ligament in the Packers' September 7 season opener. Ferguson played hurt against Detroit but aggravated the knee injury. He then played hurt again the next week vs. Arizona, but aggravated the knee yet again. Head coach Mike Sherman said he doesn't plan to practice Ferguson until Friday, but would consider keeping him out of the lineup against the Bears if the short-term risk would provide long-term rewards. Ferguson is officially listed as probable and did conditioning work Thursday.

On the other side, starting WR Donald Driver, who suffered a scary neck injury in the opener, is not on the report this week and appears to have fully recovered from his injury. However, Ferguson and Driver combined for just five receptions in last week's loss to the Cardinals.

Elsewhere on offense, backup FB Nick Luchey, who has not played since Week One because of a bruised calf, broke his thumb in Wednesday's practice. Luchey is listed as questionable while Sherman and the training staff debate whether to have Lichey play with a cast or have him undergo surgery.

Backup TE Wesley Walls, who sat out the Arizona game to give his strained hamstring some time to recover, is listed as probable. Walls has been limited so far this week, using the time to do some full-speed running with the strength and conditioning coach.

Starting OG Marco Rivera, who was unintentionally poked in the eye against the Cardinals, practiced Thursday and should be okay for Monday. Although medical tests conducted Monday found no significant damage to the offensive guard's right eye, the normally white sclera was red with blood Wednesday. Rivera was wearing sunglasses in the locker room.

Rivera has made 70 consecutive regular-season appearances in a Packers uniform.

Backup RBs Najeh Davenport (hamstring) and Tony Fisher (groin) practiced Thursday and are listed as probable for the game. Fisher continues to gain the confidence of the coaches and solidify his position within the offense. He caught two passes for 32 yards and ran twice for 13 yards against the Cardinals while also playing special teams.

On defense, starting S Antuan Edwards (chest-probable) and starting DT Cletidus Hunt (knee-probable) practiced Thursday and should be ready to go Monday night. Backup DL Aaron Kampman (ankle-probable) also practiced and is expected to be available.

Finally, starting FS Darren Sharper said his pulled groin isn't 100 percent but it's close. Sharper is not listed on the Injury Report and is expected to start.

BEARS

Starting RG Chris Villarrial (left MCL sprain) was supposed to miss four-to-six weeks after injuring his knee in the season opener. However, he has improved rapidly enough to the point where he went through his second straight day of practice Thursday. Afterwards Villarrial was upgraded from doubtful to questionable.

Backup OL Corbin Lacina, was signed the week before the season and been starting in Villarrial's place. But the Bears would love to see Villarrial back in the lineup for the unveiling of the new Soldier Field Monday night.

"When they told me four-to-six weeks, it was a downer, but here it is, two and a half weeks and I'm out here," Villarrial said after Thursday's practice. "It feels good - it's just a matter of me getting confidence back in my leg and working with the guys. But it feels good." Villarrial's possible return might not be the only change along the offensive line. Backup OL Terrence Metcalf is now back working pain-free (broken finger in preseason). It's possible Metcalf could move Steve Edwards, who has been starting at LG since Rex Tucker's season-ending preseason ankle injury, back to the bench.

Besides Villarrial, the Bears come off their bye week fairly healthy with only backup LB Bobbie Howard (hamstring) and rookie S Cameron Worrell (knee) missing practice Wednesday and Thursday. Each is listed as doubtful and will likely need another week to get back in game shape. Howard strained his hamstring during the bye week and Worrell is recovering from arthroscopic surgery during the bye week.

Of some concern for the Bears' defense is the condition of backup S Bobby Gray, who sat out Wednesday, but improved a bit Thursday. Gray developed an infection in his knee stemming from an Astroturf burn in Minnesota. Gray is the only backup safety with Worrell likely out and rookie S Todd Johnson on Injured Reserve. Howard and Worrell don't make a big impact on defense, but are among the team's best special teams players.

 

Week Four

Teams with byes: Miami, NY Giants, Seattle, Tampa Bay

Sunday, September 28

1:00 p.m.

Arizona (1-2) at St. Louis (1-2)

These teams met last season in Week Nine at Arizona and Week Fifteen at St. Louis. Before landing in the same division last year, they hadn't faced each other since 1996.

Jake Plummer was the Cardinal QB last season, and he averaged 225 yards and had a total of 3 TDs in the two games. Present Arizona QB Jeff Blake has no recent history versus St. Louis.

RB Emmitt Smith faced the Rams as a Cowboy last year in Week Four and had just 13 carries for 58 yards. RB Marcel Shipp was not a factor in the earlier game, but he busted out in a big way in the Week Fifteen game, with 158 combined yards (79 receiving) and 3 TDs, 1 of them an 80-yard reception. RB Thomas Jones just busted, period. 

Ditto former Cardinal WR David Boston. Both played in just the first game and did almost nothing against the Rams.

Last season, Marc Bulger was the Ram QB in both Arizona games, and he was consistently productive. He averaged 282 yards per game and had 2 TDs in each.

RB Marshall Faulk went off in the Week Nine game, to the tune of 236 combined yards. He had 27 carries for 178 yards and 1 TD, plus 5 receptions for 58 yards.

WR Torry Holt scored once in each 2002 game, with just 1 catch for 7 yards in Week Nine, but 7 receptions for 141 yards in Week Fifteen. WR Isaac Bruce was not very involved last year against the Cardinals.

Cincinnati (0-3) at Cleveland (1-2)

These Ohio rivals met in Week Two at Cleveland and Week Eleven at Cincinnati in 2002.

In Week Two last year, Gus Frerotte (now the backup in Minnesota) was the Bengal QB against the Browns, and he was 26/47 for 239 yards and 1 TD. Then in Week Eleven, QB Jon Kitna went 17/30 for 258 yards and 2 TDs - I rushing.

RB Corey Dillon was very involved in both games: 175 combined yards (67 receiving) in Week Two and 110 (18 receiving) in Week Eleven, but he didn't score. Over his career versus Cleveland (8 games), he had 6 high-yardage games and a total of 5 TDs, but 3 of those were way back in '99 and the other 2 were in 2001.

WR Chad Johnson had 4 receptions for 58 yards and 1 TD in Week Two of last season, and he caught 4 passes for 103 yards and a 78-yard TD in Week Eleven versus the Browns.

Kelly Holcomb was the Cleveland QB in the Week Two game against the Bengals last year, and he was 17/30 for 198 yards and 2 TDs. In Week Eleven, QB Tim Couch was 12/35 for 242 yards and 3 TDs.

RB William Green was involved in Week Eleven (100 combined yards) but has yet to score versus the Bengals. WR Kevin Johnson scored in the Week Two game last season, and he had 2 productive games against Cincinnati in 2001 (153/1 TD and 113/1 TD). WR Quincy Morgan hasn't been very involved so far in his career versus the Bengals (4 games), with 5 receptions for 81 yards last season in Week Eleven his best effort. WR Dennis Northcutt was 6/71 and 1 TD in Week Eleven last year, and WR Andre Davis scored a TD in each games against Cincinnati in 2002.

And TE Darnell Sanders had a 14-yard TD reception in last season's Week Eleven game.

Kansas City (3-0) at Baltimore (2-1)

These teams haven't faced each other since Week Seven of 1999 at Baltimore.

Philadelphia (0-2) at Buffalo (2-1)

These teams haven't played since Week Three of 1999 at Buffalo.

Tennessee (2-1) at Pittsburgh (2-1)

These teams met in Week Eleven last season at Tennessee. And before last year's realignment, they face each other twice a season, so they have some history.

Titan QB Steve McNair had 281 combined yards (24 rushing) and 2 TDs against the Steelers last year, and in Week Eleven of 2001, he had 354 combined yards (20 rushing) and 3 TDs, 1 of them rushing.

RB Eddie George was active and productive against Pittsburgh last year: 28/79 and 2 TDs, plus 14 receiving yards in that Week Eleven game, as was WR Kevin Dyson (now injured on Carolina), who had 2 TDs.

WR Derrick Mason has had a couple of good yardage games versus Pittsburgh (6/85 last year and 7/114 in Week Eleven of 2001), but he's never scored against them.

And veteran TE Frank Wycheck didn't face the Steelers last season, but he had 1 TD in each of their games in 2001.

Both Steeler QB Tommy Maddox and ex-Steeler QB Kordell Stewart were active in the Week Eleven game last year at Tennessee. Maddox had 192 yards and 1 TD, and Stewart had 135 yards and 2 TDs and one 2-point conversion pass (to RB Dan Kreider).

The RB were barely involved in this game, but RB Jerome Bettis had 19 carries for 62 yards and 2 TDs in Week Seven of 2001 against Tennessee, and RB Amos Zeroeue had 1 receiving TD in Week Eleven of 2001.

WR Plaxico Burress was not involved in last year's Titan game, but in 2001, he averaged 132.5 yards per game and scored 1 TD against them. Last year, WR Hines Ward had 10 receptions for 168 yards and 2 TDs and a 2-point reception (from WR Antwaan Randle-El), while WR Terance Mathis had 1 TD against Tennessee in Week Eleven of 2002.
 

Atlanta (1-2) at Carolina (2-0)

These teams met in Week Seven at Atlanta and Week Twelve at Carolina last season.

Falcon QB Michael Vick has 4 TDs in 3 career games versus Carolina, and 2 of those were rushing, including a 44-yard run in Week Seven last year, while Doug Johnson has no history against them.

RB Warrick Dunn was active in the second meeting: 15 carries for 52 yards and a TD, as well as 5 receptions for 53 yards, including a 31-yard TD. RB TJ Duckett was also productive against the Panthers last year, with 12 carries for 47 yards and 2 TDs in Week Seven and 22 carries for 66 and 1 TD in Week Twelve.

New Falcon WR Peerless Price faced these Panthers in Week Thirteen of 2001 as a Buffalo Bill, and he had 4 receptions for 48 yards and 1 TD. WR Brian Finneran had 104 yards in Week Twelve, while WR Trevor Gaylor scored a TD in that game.

TE Alge Crumpler had 3 receptions for 25 yards and 1 TD in Week Twelve last year versus the Panthers.

K Jay Feely completed the rout of the Panthers in the Week Seven game with three 40+ yards FGs (41, 45, 49)

Since Carolina lost both 2002 games against the Falcons like dogs (30-0 and 41-0), there's not much to say here except that the most prolific Panther player last year against Atlanta was then- #3 QB Randy Fasani, who had a grand total of 100 yards.

New Carolina RB Stephen Davis has no history against the Falcons, while WR Muhsin Muhammad had 10 receptions for 132 yards against them in Week Two of 2001.

Jacksonville (0-3) at Houston (1-2)

These teams met last year in Week Eight at Jacksonville and Week Eleven at Houston.

Jag QB Mark Brunell average 213 yards a game last year against the Texans, with 3 TDs total.

RB Fred Taylor did little in the second game but gained 106 combined yards (22 receiving) in Week Eight, while RB Stacey Mack, who'll be facing the other end of the field this week as a Texan, score 1 TD in each of the Jag's games last year against his present team. Got that?

WR Jimmy Smith was also active in both games: 4/80 and 1 TD in Week Eight and 6/70 and 1 TD in Week Eleven.

And TE Kyle Brady scored a TD versus the Texans in Week Eleven last season.

Houston QB David Carr threw for 184 yards and ran for another 14, had 1 TD and a 2-point conversion pass in Week Eight versus the Jaguars last year. In Week Eleven, he had 261 combined yards (33 rushing) and 3 TDs, 2 of them with his feet.

The Houston RBs weren't involved much last year against the Jags (RB Jonathan Wells had 27 yards and 1 TD in Week Eight), while WR Corey Bradford scored a TD in Week Eleven.

And TE Billy Miller had 3 receptions for 78 yards and 1 TD in the Week Eight game against Jacksonville.

New England (2-1) at Washington (2-1)

These teams haven't played since Week Seven of 1996 at Foxboro, so they don't know each other very well at all.

But Redskin WR Laveranues Coles did score a TD the last time he faced the Pats in Week Sixteen of 2002 and also in Week Twelve of 2001. Of course, he was a NY Jet then.
 

San Francisco (1-2) at Minnesota (3-0)

The last time these teams met was back in Week Seven of 1999 at Minnesota (but Gus Frerotte did face the Niners as a Denver Bronco the last game of 2000 and had a good day: 228 total yards and 2 TDS, 1 rushing, for what it’s worth).

 

San Diego (0-3) at Oakland (1-2)

In 2002, these two AFC West opponents met in Week Seven at Oakland and Week Fourteen at San Diego.

Charger QB Drew Brees had a very efficient game Week Seven at Oakland last year: 170 yards and 3 TDs, including a 1-yard run. In the second meeting, he had 239 yards but was intercepted 3 times and had 0 TDs.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson was very active and productive in the Week Seven game last year. He had 39 carries for 153 yards and caught 5 passes for 28 yards, with 1 rushing TD and 1 receiving TD. Tomlinson scored the Chargers' only TD in the Week Fourteen game, when he had 79 combined yards (22 receiving).

WR Reche Caldwell had 1 catch, which was a 9-yard TD, in the Week Seven game last year.

K Steve Christie was not called upon in either game.

Raider QB Rich Gannon had an excellent game versus SD the first time they met last year, albeit in a losing effort. He was 35/46 for 361 yards and 3 TDs. In Week Fourteen, he was 26/41 for 328 yards but 0 TDs.

RB Charlie Garner was involved in the first meeting, with 104 combined yards (7 catches and 80 receiving), and he scored 1 TD on the ground in Week Fourteen against the Chargers, as did RB Zack Crockett (4/6, 1 TD) and Tyrone Wheatley (9/28, 1 TD).

 The running game was stifled in Week Seven, as WR Jerry Rice had 9 receptions for 86 yards and 1 TD, and WR Jerry Porter had 5 catches for 67 yards and 1 TD, while RB Jon Ritchie also scored on a 7-yard TD reception in that game. 

And last season, K Sebastian Janikowski put up some wacky number against the Chargers in that he has just 2 FG total in the 2 games and he missed a total of 3 attempts, including a 27-yarder.
 

Detroit (1-2) at Denver (3-0)

These two teams met last in Week Sixteen of 1999 at Detroit (when, incidentally, new Lion RB Olandis Gary - then a Denver Bronco - gained 185 yards and scored against his future team).
 

Dallas (1-1) at NY Jets (0-3)

These teams haven't faced each other since Week Fifteen of 1999 at Dallas.

Indianapolis (3-0) at New Orleans (1-2)

These teams last played each other in Week Ten of 2001 at New Orleans.

Indy QB Peyton Manning was18/28 for 262 yards and 1 TD against the Saints in Week Ten of ‘01.

With RB Edgerrin James injured, RB Dominic Rhodes had 18 carries for 67 yards and 1 TD, and TE Marcus Pollard had 3 receptions for 126 yards and an 86-yard TD in that game.

WR Marvin Harrison was not really a factor in that game (6/55/0).

Saint QB Aaron Brooks had a very good day against the Colts in Week Ten of 2001, when he had 275 combined yards (26 rushing) and 3 TDs - 1 rushing.

RB Ricky Williams was still the Saints' featured back in '01, and he had a productive game against Indianapolis: 20 carries for 120 yards and 1 TD, plus 4 receptions for 48 yards.

And #2 TE Eddie (Boo) Williams had just 3 receptions for 12 yards, but he had 2 TDs in that game.

Monday, September 29

Green Bay (1-2) at Chicago (0-2)

These historic rivals faced each other last season in Week Five at Chicago and Week Thirteen at Green Bay.

It's been a long career, yes, but it must be noted that Packer QB Brett Favre has 36 TD against the Bears, 5 in their 2 games last season, so they are not all in the distant past.

In Week Five, he was 22/33 for 359 yards and 3 TDs, including an 85-yarder to WR Donald Driver, and in the second meeting, he threw for 221 yards and 2 TDs.

RB Ahman Green knows how to rack up the yardage against the Bears - 128 combined (21 receiving) in Week Five and 123 (45 receiving) in Week Thirteen in 2002. And in 2001, he had 110 combined yards at home and 174 combined (49 receiving) on the road at GB in Week Thirteen, when he scored his only TD against them in the last 2 years.

 WR Donald Driver had 120 yards in addition to that TD in Week Five last year versus Chicago.

TE Bubba Franks had 1 TD in each Bear game last season, and K Ryan Longwell had 3 FGs (21,31,27) in the second meeting last season, although he missed 3 in the earlier game (28,36,50) but made 2 in that game.

Jim Miller was the Bear QB in both games last season against the Packers, and he had a big game Week Five: 353 yards and 3 TDs. Present Chicago QB Kordell Stewart has only ancient history against the Pack, but it is interesting to note that back-up QBChris Chandler beat the Packers (with 352 yards and 2 TDs) the last time he faced them (as an Atlanta Falcon) in Week Ten of 2001 at Green Bay.

RB Anthony Thomas was ineffective in both games in 2002, and he has just 1 career TD against GB. In Week Five of last year, WR Marty Booker had 12 catches for 144 yards and 1 TD, while TE John Davis accounted for the other 2 TDs, and back-up TE Dustin Lyman had 2 TDs in the Week Thirteen game last year against GB.


Who To Play/Who Not to Play

by Publisher Steve Cohen
 
Thursday September 25, 2003

On Bye This Week: Miami, N.Y. Giants, Seattle, Tampa Bay


Sunday

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

Eagles - We're benching all Eagle backs this week because it will be very difficult to run against the Bills’ defensive front seven. QB Donovan McNabb will have to throw the ball to move the team. McNabb has had two weeks to prepare for this game and he'll throw for 240 yards with a TD pass to WR Todd Pinkston (80 yards). McNabb will also run for 30 yards and a TD. We like Pinkston because he has a distinct size advantage over both of Buffalo's starting CBs. WR James Thrash will finish with 70 receiving yards and WR Freddie Mitchell will have 60 yards.

Bills – QB Drew Bledsoe has a banged up backfield so he'll take to the air this week. Bledsoe will torch Philly's banged up secondary for over 250 yards with a TD toss to WR Eric Moulds (100 yards). Bledsoe will also hit WR Josh Reed for a second scoring strike (70 yards). WR Bobby Shaw will finish with 60 yards receiving.

Who Not To Play:

Eagles - We're sitting RBs Duce Staley, Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter this week. We're also benching TE Chad Lewis because of his matchup with Bills’ S Lawyer Milloy.

Bills - RB Travis Henry has torn rib cartilage and even when he was healthy his yards per carry average was way down off of last year's pace. We're not taking a chance by playing him this week.

Top 5 List:

1) Donovan McNabb
2) Drew Bledsoe
3) Eric Moulds
4) Todd Pinkston
5) Josh Reed

CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play:

Bengals – QB Jon Kitna had three total TDs (2 passing/1 rushing) against the Browns in Week Eleven last year. Cleveland’s defense played better last week and they’ll hold Cincy to fewer than three TDs. In fact, they haven't given up a TD pass to a WR yet this season but Kitna will toss for 230 yards with a TD pass to WR Chad Johnson (80 yards). WR Peter Warrick will finish with 70 yards receiving. If RB Corey Dillon’s groin strain allows him to get through Thursday and Friday’s practices without any problems, we’ll give him 90 total yards with a TD run. If we report that he didn’t do very much on Thursday and Friday then don’t play him! Groin strains can be tricky and it is the type an injury that will force a player to the bench.

Browns – Butch Davis ended the team’s QB mystery by announcing QB Tim Couch as the team’s starter on Sunday. Couch threw for three TDs in Week Eleven against Cincy last year. This time around he’ll throw for 250 yards with a TD toss to WR Quincy Morgan (80 yards) and another TD strike to WR Andre’ Davis (60 yards) this week. It seems the third receiver in Cleveland is the money guy in the redzone right now and Davis could once again fill in for WR Dennis Northcutt (rib). WR Kevin Johnson will finish with 70 yards receiving and RB William Green should put up 80 total yards with a TD run this week.

Who Not To Play:

Bengals – WR Kelley Washington and company go to the bench this week since the Bengals are not throwing to their third or fourth receivers. Washington did not have a pass thrown his way last week.

Browns – RB Jamel White hasn’t done very much in the Cleveland offense this year and he’ll have fewer than 60 total yards on Sunday. WR Dennis Northcutt (rib) is still struggling to overcome his injury.

Top 5 List:

1)    Tim Couch
2)    Jon Kitna
3)    Chad Johnson
4)    Quincy Morgan/Corey Dillon
5)    Andre’ Davis

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play:

Jaguars - Whether it's Mark Brunell or Byron Leftwich starting at QB this week, the Jaguars’ lack of talent at WR will keep them in the 200-yard area with a lone TD toss to TE Kyle Brady (50 yards). Brady will use his size advantage to get open against the Texan safeties the same way he did last year in Week Eleven. WR Matthew Hatchette will have 70 yards receiving. RB Fred Taylor should be able to run well against Houston's defense because they're missing starting NT Seth Payne (knee) and they don't have a comparable replacement. Taylor will total 110 yards with a TD run.

Texans – Colts’ WR Reggie Wayne torched Jacksonville CB Jason Craft last week. This week Craft matches up with rookie WR Andre Johnson, who will keep up his impressive start with 80 yards receiving and a TD catch. QB David Carr will throw for 250 yards with a second TD strike going to WR Corey Bradford (70 yards). WR Jabar Gaffney will finish with 60 yards receiving. RB Stacey Mack will run for 80 yards against his old team with a short TD run.

Who Not To Play:

Jaguars - WR J.J. Stokes is just plain awful. RB LaBrandon Toefield doesn't see enough carries to warrant a start.

Texans - TE Billy Miller just isn't getting enough passes thrown his way to make a big impact. He could surprise some this week but past trends indicate the Texans are throwing more to their WRs and less to their TEs.

Top 5 List:

1) David Carr
2) Fred Taylor
3) Andre Johnson
4) Mark Brunell or Byron Leftwich
5) Corey Bradford

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-2) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play:

49ers – T.O. went off on his coaches about not getting the ball thrown to him enough. We expect Owens to see plenty of passes thrown his way this week and he'll finish with 100 yards and a TD catch. QB Jeff Garcia will throw for 240 yards in the game with another TD strike to Tai Streets (80 yards). WR Cedric Wilson will finish with 50 yards receiving.

Vikings - We'll know more about QB Daunte Culpepper's status Friday but Mike Tice certainly was more positive about having him available Thursday as opposed to earlier in the week. If he plays his mobility will be limited but Culpepper should be able to throw for 230 yards with a TD to Randy Moss (90 yards). Still it's very risky to start a guy who has three broken bones in his back so play him at your own risk. Gus Frerotte would put up similar numbers if given the start at QB. WR Kelly Campbell will finish with 70 yards and a TD against the Niners. Nate Burleson will finish with 50 yards receiving. RB Moe Williams will rush for 80 yards and a TD.

Who Not To Play:

49ers - The Vikings have been very good against the run so we're benching Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst this week.

Vikings - WR D'Wayne Bates won't play this week. If Culpepper doesn't practice well on Friday he'll land in this category as well.

Top 5 List:

1) Jeff Garcia
2) Daunte Culpepper/Gus Frerotte
3) Terrell Owens
4) Randy Moss
5) Moe Williams


TENNESSEE TITANS (2-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play:

Titans - Past performances indicate that QB Steve McNair does well against the Steelers even in games played in Pittsburgh. He'll throw for 240 yards with a TD pass to WR Justin McCareins (60 yards) this week. We like McCareins' matchup with Steelers nickel DB Deshea Townsend. WR Derrick Mason will finish with 80 yards receiving and WR Drew Bennett will have 60 yards against Steelers’ CB Dewayne Washington.

Steelers - QB Tommy Maddox will have to throw the ball against the league's top ranked rush defense and he'll hit both Plaxico Burress (100 yards) and Hines Ward (80 yards) with TD passes. Burress is just to big for the Titans to contain and Ward is too strong. This game will be won through the air so play your Steelers and Titans receivers this week.

Who Not To Play:

Titans - RB Eddie George won't find any holes especially up the middle and he's certainly not fast enough to outrun Pittsburgh's defense to the outside.

Steelers –Titans’ head coach Jeff Fisher runs Buddy Ryan's old 46 defense that puts eight men up and forces you to throw. RB's Jerome Bettis and Amos Zereoue will find very little running room so bench them this week.

Top 5 List:

1) Tommy Maddox
2) Steve McNair
3) Plaxico Burress
4) Hines Ward
5) Justin McCareins

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play

Cardinals – We strongly feel that the Rams’ offense will explode in this week so QB Jeff Blake will have to throw the ball more than 40 times in the game. With that said, he’ll throw for 250 yards with a TD toss to WR Anquan Boldin (80 yards). WR Bryant Johnson will finish with 80 yards receiving and RB Marcel Shipp will total 80 yards with a TD.

Rams – QB Marc Bulger will throw for 280 yards with a TD toss to WR Torry Holt (100 yards) and another TD strike to WR Isaac Bruce (90 yards). RB Lamar Gordon will have a huge day as he finishes with 120 total yards with a TD run. WR Dane Looker will have over 50 yards receiving serving as the team’s slot receiver.

Who Not To Play:

Cardinals – The Cards will be throwing too much to establish a running attack so RB Emmitt Smith won't be a big factor.

Rams – They’re not throwing the ball to their TEs very much and RB Arlen Harris won’t see enough touches to warrant a start.

Top 5 List:

1)    Marc Bulger
2)    Lamar Gordon
3)    Jeff Blake/Torry Holt
4)    Isaac Bruce/Anquan Boldin
5)    Marcel Shipp

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

Who To Play:

Patriots – The Pats’ offensive line is very banged up, they could be missing a starting receiver and the QB has a sore arm. Those factors could add up to low fantasy numbers for this offense. QB Tom Brady will throw for 220 yards with a TD toss to TE Christian Fauria (30 yards). The Pats will also get TE Dan Graham involved this week but he'll only have 50 yards receiving. The Skins safeties don't cover well so attacking them with TEs is the way to go. Rookie WR Bethel Johnson will burn the Skins nickel DB for 60 yards. WR Deion Branch will finish with 70 yards and WR Troy Brown will have 60 against CB Champ Bailey. RB Kevin Faulk will total 70 yards.

Redskins - The Pats defense is very banged up across the board. QB Patrick Ramsey won't have huge numbers this week because he won't be playing from far behind all game. This one should be tight until Ramsey throws his second TD pass of the game. He'll finish with 240 yards passing. WRs Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner will each approach 90 yards with a TD. WR Darnerien McCants will have 50 yards receiving. The Skins RBs will take advantage of Pats NT Ted Washington's absence as Ladell Betts will have 70 total yards with a TD run and Trung Canidate will have 60 total yards.

Who Not To Play:

Patriots - RB Antowain Smith won't find much room behind that O-line this week.

Redskins - It's too early to even consider playing rookie WR Taylor Jacobs. WR Patrick Johnson doesn't see much action.

Top 5 List:

1) Patrick Ramsey
2) Tom Brady
3) Laveraneus Coles/Rod Gardner
4) Ladell Betts
5) Christian Fauria

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) 4:05 PM EST

Who To Play:

Chiefs – RB Priest Holmes may be facing a tough defense, but he wants to prove to his former club that they made a mistake by letting him sign elsewhere. He won’t have a typical Priest day but he will total 100 yards with a TD run. TE Tony Gonzalez will finish with over 50 yards and a TD catch against Baltimore.

Ravens – In a game that will be determined by which RB runs better and which QB throws fewer interceptions, RB Jamal Lewis will do his part by totaling 140 yards with a TD run. We respect the job the Chiefs defense has done so far but these Raven linemen are very good at opening holes for Lewis. TE Todd Heap will finish with 60 yards receiving.

Who Not To Play:

Chiefs – QB Trent Green is in for a struggle this week. He’ll make our top-five list, but only because we expect a grind it out game on the ground. Green’s numbers this week will be substandard for fantasy fans. Ravens’ CB Chris McAllister is going to play like a man possessed because of the embarrassment he suffered from being sent home prior to last week’s win in San Diego. He’ll take Eddie Kennison out of the game. Playing any of the other KC receivers right now is a crapshoot.

Ravens – Until QB Kyle Boller proves he can throw for more than 100 yards….well 200 yards, we’re not playing him.

Top 5 List:

1)    Jamal Lewis
2)    Priest Holmes
3)    Tony Gonzalez
4)    Trent Green
5)    Todd Heap

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-3) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-2) 4:05 PM EST

Who To Play:

Chargers -David Boston has been suspended so it looks like they'll have a very inexperienced receiving corps, especially if Tim Dwight doesn't play. WR Eric Parker is healthy and will start at Boston's spot. He'll see most of the passes so we'll give him 80 yards in the game. RB LaDainian Tomlinson will finish with 120 total yards with a TD run against a defense that could be missing OLB Bill Romanowski.  

Raiders - With C Barret Robbins back the Raiders will get their running game going. That in turn should open their passing game up a little. RB Charlie Garner will finish with 110 total yards and a TD. FB Zack Crockett will have a short TD run and RB Tyrone Wheatley will total 60 yards. QB Rich Gannon will throw for 230 yards with a TD toss to WR Jerry Rice (90 yards). TE Doug Jolley will total 50 yards receiving. WR Tim Brown will finish with 80 yards against the inexperienced Charger DBs.

Who Not To Play:

Chargers - Nothing against QB Drew Brees, but he struggled to put up starting numbers even before Boston was suspended. Now look what he's working with. If Dwight can prove he's healthy enough to play he'll do some damage. However missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday was not a good early sign.

Raiders - None of their other WRs are worth playing. TE Teyo Johnson isn't making much of a contribution to their offense.

Top 5 List:

1) LaDainian Tomlinson
2) Charlie Garner
3) Rich Gannon
4) Jerry Rice
5) Eric Parker/Tim Brown

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0) 4:15 PM EST

Who To Play:

Falcons - Warrick Dunn had over 100 total yards with two TDs in his last meeting with the Panthers. Dunn will have 80 total yards this week. WR Peerless Price will have 70 yards receiving and we'll mark TE Alge Crumpler down for 50 yards receiving.

Panthers - The Panthers offense will be looking for blood this week after getting embarrassed in two shutouts by the Falcons last year. Jake Delhomme will throw for 200 yards with a TD toss to WR Muhsin Muhammad (90 yards) and he'll connect on a few tosses to WR Steve Smith (70 yards). RB Stephen Davis will total 130 yards with two TD runs against the reeling Falcon defense.

Who Not To Play:

Falcons - QB Doug Johnson will be running for his life this week. He'll have fewer than 200 yards passing as John Fox's defense, which has had two weeks to prepare to face this struggling offense, will wreak havoc on Atlanta's offense. They'd like nothing more than to shutout the team that blanked them twice last year. And frankly, they have the defense to do it. Also bench WR Quentin McCord and RB T.J. Duckett.

Panthers - Carolina hasn't gotten their TEs involved much in their passing game and they won't need to in this game.

Top 5 List:

1) Stephen Davis
2) Muhsin Muhammad
3) Jake Delhomme
4) Warrick Dunn
5) Steve Smith/Peerless Price

DETROIT LIONS (1-2) AT DENVER BRONCOS (3-0) 4:15 PM EST
 
Who To Play:

Lions - We expect the Lions to fall behind early in this game so look for QB Joey Harrington to attempt more than 40 passes this week. We'll give him 250 total yards with a TD pass to WR Az-Zahir Hakim (70 yards). WR Charles Rogers will finish with 80 yards receiving and WR Bill Schroeder will total 60 yards. RB Shawn Bryson will rush for 70 yards but Olandis Gary (50 yards) will get the TD run against his former club.

Broncos - QB Jake Plummer will riddle the Lions re-tooled secondary for 270 yards with a TD toss to WR Ashley Lelie (70 yards) and another TD strike to WR Rod Smith (80 yards). WR Ed McCaffrey will pitch in with 60 yards. RB Mike Anderson, should he start in place of Clinton Portis, will total 110 yards with a TD run.

Who Not To Play:

Lions - RB Avon Cobourne seems to get the fewest touches of their three RBs.

Broncos - If RB Clinton Portis doesn't practice on Friday don't play him. We have a feeling the Broncos will hold him out. Of course they feel they can win this one without him.

Top 5 List:

1) Jake Plummer
2) Joey Harrington
3) Mike Anderson
4) Rod Smith
5) Ashley Lelie/Az-Zahir Hakim

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-3) 4:15 PM EST

Who To Play:

Cowboys - QB Quincy Carter has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his last eight starts and he'll do the same this week. Carter will throw for 240 yards and he'll hit WR Joey Galloway (90 yards) with a TD pass. WR Terry Glenn will have 70 yards receiving and Antonio Bryant will finish with 60. The Jets haven't stopped anyone's running game so the Cowboys will give Troy Hambrick 20-25 carries and he'll finish with 90 total yards with a TD run. RB Aveion Cason will total 60 yards.

Jets - QB Vinny Testaverde will throw for 260 yards with a TD pass to WR Curtis Conway (he'll hold onto one this week). Conway will lead the Jets with 80 yards receiving matching up against CB Mario Edwards. WR Wayne Chrebet will go for 70 yards and a TD. WR Santana Moss will add 70 yards receiving and RB Curtis Martin will total 80 yards this week.

Who Not To Play:

Jets - Their TEs won't contribute much against the Cowboy safeties so bench Anthony Becht.

Cowboys - Dallas still doesn't throw a ton to the TE because of their WRs. Dan Campbell will have fewer than 50 yards.

Top 5 List:

1) Vinny Testaverde
2) Quincy Carter
3) Troy Hambrick/Joey Galloway
4) Curtis Conway
5) Wayne Chrebet

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2) 8:35 PM EST

Who To Play:

Colts - QB Peyton Manning will be going home to play a pro game for the second time in his career. This time he has the weapons to light up the Dome. He'll throw for 280 yards with a TD toss to WR Marvin Harrison (100 yards) and another TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne (80 yards). The Saints are really struggling in the secondary so this is a bad matchup for them. TE Dallas Clark will have 50 yards receiving. If RB Edgerrin James doesn't practice on Friday then we move him to the Not To Play list. We only start players who practice. If James Mungro fills in for James, he'll go for 80 yards and a TD. He's proven in the past that he's up to the task.

Saints - The Colt defense is playing at a very high level and they'll force QB Aaron Brooks into mistakes, but he'll still throw for 240 yards with a TD pass to Donte' Stallworth (90 yards). Stallworth will burn the Colts’ nickel CB. WR Joe Horn will have 80 yards receiving with a TD against Colts’ CB Walt Harris. RB Deuce McAllister will total 110 yards with a TD run in what should be an excellent game for fantasy fans.

Who Not To Play:

Colts - TE Marcus Pollard didn't even have a ball thrown his way last week and now there are injury concerns to boot. Look for Clark to become their top receiving TE. James joins this list if he doesn't practice Friday.

Saints - WR Jerome Pathon won't string together two consecutive solid starts especially against his former club. CB Nick Harper will do a good job on Pathon.

Top 5 List:

1) Peyton Manning
2) Aaron Brooks
3) Deuce McAllister
4) Marvin Harrison
5) Donte' Stallworth

Monday

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) 9:10 PM EST

Who To Play:

Packers - QB Brett Favre didn't look very good last week, in fact he hasn't looked very good dating back to the playoffs last year. We'll give him 230 yards passing with a TD toss to WR Donald Driver (80 yards) this week. WR Javon Walker will have 70 yards receiving. RB Ahman Green will total 90 yards with a TD run. Overall the Bears defense will do pretty well against an offense that has yet to hit its stride.

Bears - RB Anthony Thomas will rush for 80 yards and a TD against the Packers. They're going to want to get their running attack going to try to grind out a win and getting G Chris Villarrial (knee) back helps. QB Kordell Stewart will throw for 210 yards with a TD pass to WR Marty Booker (70 yards) and Stewart will also run for 30 yards. WR David Terrell will finish with 60 yards receiving.

Who Not To Play:

Packers - WR Robert Ferguson is still banged up so he'll have fewer than 50 yards receiving if he plays at all.

Bears - WR Dez White will do very little this week against Packers’ CB Al Harris.

Top 5 List:

1) Kordell Stewart
2) Brett Favre
3) Ahman Green
4) Donald Driver/Anthony Thomas
5) Marty Booker
 

To order our service, CLICK HERE. 

Or you can place your order via our toll free orderline at 888-490-5200.