Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
So this week I will start posting what the team is avg on the ground and what the defense is giving up they are going against. So if the offense is avg 100 yds a game and the defense they are facing is giving up 75…it will look like this 100/75…easy enough to follow.
Carolina 86/204 at Tampa Bay 33/196
Believe it or not these are the 2 worst ranked rushing defenses in the NFL…who in their right mind could have predicted this…Atlanta ran buckshot on both of them and perhaps have sent them to a place they will not recover from this season. The reality though is that neither offense is clicking to the point I would feel comfortable in saying they will have a great game.
DeShaun Foster: Owner beware as he is now splitting time with DeAngelo so we have a DeBBC or a De Back By Committee…UUGGGHHHH!!! If you have other options I would explore them. You could get lucky if you have to play either of them because of the bye weeks with the likes of LJ and LT…but I wouldn’t expect much from this offense right now.
“Cadillac”: Again we have the same situation where he is facing a defense giving up almost 200 yds a game on the ground but the Bucs are so pitiful running the ball right now you can’t expect much from Williams right now.
Chicago 99/105 at Minnesota 113/74
This is going to be a real fun game with both teams looking to go 3-0. I expect they will play their guts out on Sunday. Expect a little extra on both sides of the ball.
Thomas Jones: The Bears are avg as a team about what MN is giving up…I see this as a pretty even match up. 42 carries on the season for TJ so none of this RBBC talk but he only has racked 127 total. 3 ypc is not gonna get it done and he ranks 36th on the season for all RB in FF scoring…not so good. Till he shows more of what he was capable of last season I think you let him ride the pine.
Chester Taylor: He gets a lot of touches. 55 carries and 6 rec on the season for around 250 total yds and 1 TD…good for #5 on the charts. The Bears have shown some weakness if you want to call it that in their rush defense. 75 a game sure but 4 ypc so if MN is patient and keeps pounding on that bears defense they got a shot on Sunday. I look for da Bears to key in on Taylor but he gets so many touches right now you have to keep riding him. Some people die of drug overdoses, Taylor is going to die from touch overdose…give the guy a rest once in awhile.
Cincinnati 138/74 at Pittsburgh 86/85
Cinci which is 2-0 can march into Steeltown and put 2 games between them and the Steelers just 3 weeks into the season…easier said than done.
Rudi Johnson: Rudi has carried it 54 times for 241 yds and 3 TDs…this guy is a major stud in the ground game. His OL will blow open some holes. Troy Palomalu who was playing with 1 arm Monday Night gets a short week and is expected to pop back and help shut down Rudi while covering CJ, TJ, and Henry…I don’t think so. I look for Rudi to do just fine on Sunday…probably will plow one into the end zone.
FWP: He’s getting plenty of carries…40/135 so far this season but no TDs and he is ranked 29th right now in total points. The Bengals have taken care of shutting the run down to this point…Sunday will be a major challenge for them…time to put up or shut up sort of speak. Parker is a guy you have to have out in your line up because he does have big play capability but to this point he hasn’t shown it yet. I would rate this match up as pretty average at best.
Green Bay 83/90 at Detroit 42/78
Battle of 0-2 teams for the right to be alone in the basement of the NFC Black and Blue.
Ahman Green: He is avg 110 total yds a week and is in the top20 total for the season so let’s all applaud his return as many of us doubted he would make it. Green bay would be wise to try and pound the ball a bit on Sunday. Problem is the Lions only give up 3.0 ypc on the ground. This is one of those games though where something has to give and while both teams have been respectable against the run on defense…things may have a way of changing on Sunday. Detroit has been pretty stingy but look for Green to total up close to 100 yds and maybe sneak a score on Sunday…he usually does pretty well against the Lions over the years.
Kevin Jones: The guy has been really quiet as has the rushing attack of the Lions at 2.7 ypc…OUCH! Jones has more receiving yds than rushing yds for the season…look for that to reverse on Sunday. I expect Detroit to pick it up on offense and have a much better go of it against the Pack. If you were thinking of trading for Kevin Jones, his stock will not be any lower all season so do so immediately. Green Bay has held its opponents somewhat well on the ground but Deuce had 2 TDs last week so there are points to be had here. Look for KJ to total over 100 yds on Sunday and get in the end zone one way or the other. KJ is not the problem in Detroit right now.
Jacksonville 94/147 at Indy 90/57
Another Super Sunday match up that figures to be a real hard hitting contest.
Fred Taylor: Start him up. He may not have the best games of his career in the RCA Dome, but the Colts are allowing yds on the ground and I expect Jax to exploit it to the max on Sunday. The game plan will be to keep Manning on the sidelines. Look for long drives and plenty of FT touches. Indy has given up 3 rushing TDs this season, look for Fred to go over 100 total yds and score this weekend. He is currently 8th on the weekly chart totals for the season.
Rhodes vs Addai: Rhodes has 30 carries for 66 yds. Addai has 23 carries for 108 yds…do I need to keep going? I look for Addai to assume more and more touches as the season wears on. On Sunday however I do not expect either one of them to look impressive. Will be a good time to trade for Addai after he flops this week. The Colts will not win by running the ball…just will not happen. Bad match up for the Colts. Jax is giving up 57 yds a game on the ground…YIKES!
NYJets 71/137 at Buffalo 102/116
Kevan Barlow: If I told you he ranks at #35 you would say that’s about right. 25/77/1 on the season. Now Buffalo is not very good at stopping the run 4.5 ypc right now. Look for the Jets to run the ball a little more on Sunday. The Bills held Ronnie Brown in check last week but they are not a run stuffing team by any stretch. Look for Barlow to total up 60-75 yds and maybe even sneak one in on Sunday. A decent match up but the Jets are not showing they can exploit this match up yet.
Willis McGahee: Ranks 25th right now. 45/161 so that’s encouraging. Almost 4 ypc. Just no rushing TDs yet and the Bills offense in general is not playing all that great. Losman has to improve or this will get worse not better. I think defenses are at least respecting the speed of Lee Evans. If he is double covered and the other WR is covered…that leaves 7 and 8 in the box…eventually McGahee will shake that 7th or 8th guy. The Jets are giving up 116 on the ground but only 3.6 ypc. They did alright last week against the fearsome twosome of Maroney/Dillon. McGahee will rush for 75 yds but he crosses the goal line for the 1st time this week as the Jets have yielded 4 of them already. Pretty good match up for McGahee.
Tennessee 70/125 at Miami 65/166
Ten RB Whoever: Henry has turf toe, Brown is banged up…maybe LenDale White starts, who cares. Seriously…you shouldn’t.
Ronnie Brown: Has had a rough go of it early but the Titans don’t seem capable of stopping the run too well, I look for Brown to have 100 yds and a TD as the Phins lean on him to notch their 1st win of the season.
Washington 98/127 at Houston 89/112
Clinton Portis: Watch the injury report but I look for him to finally start this week. Again watch the injury report. This is a good match up for Portis. Washington is gaining 4.4 ypc in Al Saunders’ offense and the Texans are yielding almost 4 ypc...so look for Portis to play and get loose. 100 yds and a TD is certainly attainable here.
Dayne/Lundy/Gado: Who cares? No ne is worth a real start here till we see someone actually break out.
Baltimore 120/158 at Cleveland 71/32
Jamal Lewis: 37/148/1 on the ground so far this season. He is almost in the top 20. They ahven’t needed much from him and I don’t expect that to change. Look for Lewis to have a great game this week. 120 rushing and 2 TDs maybe. Cleveland is giving up 158 on the ground and 4.3 ypc.
Reuben Droughns: How bout 15 carries for 30 yds. That would actually be accomplishing something as Baltimore is giving up…are you ready…1.7 ypc!!! Bench him with very good reason this week.
NY Giants 136/51 at Seattle 118/81
Tiki Barber: I think it’s a good thing he does get spelled every few series…as the season wears on I actually think he will see more action as the games get bigger and bigger. I think the Giants will be on the bubble most of the season and you turn to your playmakers when that happens. Tiki has about 280 total yds on the season, no TDs yet. Running on Seattle who is only allowing 51 yds a game and 2.8 ypc will not be easy. But the G-Men do avg 5.0 ypc on the ground. Look for Tiki to rack his usual 100 yds but I expect it to be tough for him to find pay dirt once again. Tiki did rack 150 on the ground last season but I would say Seattle is much better this year at stuffing the run.
Shaun Alexander: OK, Seattle ranks 10th in rushing the ball on the season. 118 a game aint bad…but we are used to much higher numbers form them and Shaun. I hate to tell SA owners out there but it is going to be hard again this week as NY is only giving up 81 a game and 3.1 ypc. I look for Shaun to actually get a little frustrated on Sunday.
Philly 118/101 at San Fran 117/78
Brian Westbrook: Some reports are that he is having some knee issues, others seem to indicate he will be fine. Watch the injury report this week. SF should supply ample opps for Westbrook and most of the Philly offense this week.
Frank Gore: Is another 100 total yds and a TD to much to ask? 300+ yds and 3 TDs in 2 games…WOW!!! He will have to keep repeating for he is labeled a stud, and he has his work cut out for him against Philly…but seriously…sit back and enjoy this ride. Start him at will.
St. Louis 121/126 at Arizona 74/144
SJax: 44/224 so far and 6 receptions to boot. He is looking good but no TDs yet. I honestly hate the Rams passing game at this point but the coach said they would run the ball a lot. No reason SJax can’t have a monster game this weekend. 150 total yds and 2 TDs, book it!
Edge: Great match up but his OL won’t exploit it. St Louis giving up almost 5 ypc on the ground right now…things are just not panning out great with Edge so far. He is ranked 15th but he has had some really easy match ups and is not exploiting them.
Denver 153/75 at New England 165/135
Tatum Bell: Has out rushed Mike Bell 170-100 so far. Shanny really needs to settle on 1 I think for the better of the team. NE is giving up a very low 3.1 ypc…look for mediocre days from Denver even though they have a great OL that can run block.
Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney: They are running a dead heat right now and I look for RBBC to continue there. Denver is giving up 4.4 ypc and 135 a game…look for NE to exploit it and I see both putting up points this week. They are both in the top20 right now.
Trying to peg which one will do much better than the other is not really possible at the moment.
Atlanta 279/74 at New Orleans 102/52
Warrick Dunn: Right now Atlanta looks unstoppable running the ball and they have run thru what many thought were 2 of the toughest defenses heading into the season. Now the Saints are only yielding 3.5 ypc but they have not seen an offenseor running game like what is waiting for them on Monday Night. Dunn is a must start every week at this point whether he hits pay dirt or not…he is on pace for 2,000 yds rushing…what a story that would be.
Deuce McAlister: Had 2 TDs last week and is still the primary back on the ground. Atlanta is holding teams to around 50 on the ground but I do think the duo threat of Deuce and Bush will be more than they have seen so far and I expect NO to be able to run the ball some. Not a great match up but I think Atlanta’s run defense will return to Earth.
Reggie Bush: 5 carries for 6 yds last week. It’s gonna happen sometimes. He also had a bunch of catches and has 15 total for the season. On pace for 120 so far. I like him a lot as a flex play in leagues where you get PPR more than anything. If you have a basic scoring system than you might not start him every week.
Great Match ups
Fred Taylor
Jamal Lewis
Steven Jackson
Good Match ups
Willis McGahee
Clinton portis
Brian Westbrook
Edge
Dillon/Maroney
DeShaun/DeAngelo…however you run into RBBC
Cadillac…but can TB actually block someone?
Kevin Jones
Rudi Johnson
Bad Match ups
Rhodes/Addai
Reuben Droughns
Everybody else I would rate as about average.
Carolina 86/204 at Tampa Bay 33/196
Believe it or not these are the 2 worst ranked rushing defenses in the NFL…who in their right mind could have predicted this…Atlanta ran buckshot on both of them and perhaps have sent them to a place they will not recover from this season. The reality though is that neither offense is clicking to the point I would feel comfortable in saying they will have a great game.
DeShaun Foster: Owner beware as he is now splitting time with DeAngelo so we have a DeBBC or a De Back By Committee…UUGGGHHHH!!! If you have other options I would explore them. You could get lucky if you have to play either of them because of the bye weeks with the likes of LJ and LT…but I wouldn’t expect much from this offense right now.
“Cadillac”: Again we have the same situation where he is facing a defense giving up almost 200 yds a game on the ground but the Bucs are so pitiful running the ball right now you can’t expect much from Williams right now.
Chicago 99/105 at Minnesota 113/74
This is going to be a real fun game with both teams looking to go 3-0. I expect they will play their guts out on Sunday. Expect a little extra on both sides of the ball.
Thomas Jones: The Bears are avg as a team about what MN is giving up…I see this as a pretty even match up. 42 carries on the season for TJ so none of this RBBC talk but he only has racked 127 total. 3 ypc is not gonna get it done and he ranks 36th on the season for all RB in FF scoring…not so good. Till he shows more of what he was capable of last season I think you let him ride the pine.
Chester Taylor: He gets a lot of touches. 55 carries and 6 rec on the season for around 250 total yds and 1 TD…good for #5 on the charts. The Bears have shown some weakness if you want to call it that in their rush defense. 75 a game sure but 4 ypc so if MN is patient and keeps pounding on that bears defense they got a shot on Sunday. I look for da Bears to key in on Taylor but he gets so many touches right now you have to keep riding him. Some people die of drug overdoses, Taylor is going to die from touch overdose…give the guy a rest once in awhile.
Cincinnati 138/74 at Pittsburgh 86/85
Cinci which is 2-0 can march into Steeltown and put 2 games between them and the Steelers just 3 weeks into the season…easier said than done.
Rudi Johnson: Rudi has carried it 54 times for 241 yds and 3 TDs…this guy is a major stud in the ground game. His OL will blow open some holes. Troy Palomalu who was playing with 1 arm Monday Night gets a short week and is expected to pop back and help shut down Rudi while covering CJ, TJ, and Henry…I don’t think so. I look for Rudi to do just fine on Sunday…probably will plow one into the end zone.
FWP: He’s getting plenty of carries…40/135 so far this season but no TDs and he is ranked 29th right now in total points. The Bengals have taken care of shutting the run down to this point…Sunday will be a major challenge for them…time to put up or shut up sort of speak. Parker is a guy you have to have out in your line up because he does have big play capability but to this point he hasn’t shown it yet. I would rate this match up as pretty average at best.
Green Bay 83/90 at Detroit 42/78
Battle of 0-2 teams for the right to be alone in the basement of the NFC Black and Blue.
Ahman Green: He is avg 110 total yds a week and is in the top20 total for the season so let’s all applaud his return as many of us doubted he would make it. Green bay would be wise to try and pound the ball a bit on Sunday. Problem is the Lions only give up 3.0 ypc on the ground. This is one of those games though where something has to give and while both teams have been respectable against the run on defense…things may have a way of changing on Sunday. Detroit has been pretty stingy but look for Green to total up close to 100 yds and maybe sneak a score on Sunday…he usually does pretty well against the Lions over the years.
Kevin Jones: The guy has been really quiet as has the rushing attack of the Lions at 2.7 ypc…OUCH! Jones has more receiving yds than rushing yds for the season…look for that to reverse on Sunday. I expect Detroit to pick it up on offense and have a much better go of it against the Pack. If you were thinking of trading for Kevin Jones, his stock will not be any lower all season so do so immediately. Green Bay has held its opponents somewhat well on the ground but Deuce had 2 TDs last week so there are points to be had here. Look for KJ to total over 100 yds on Sunday and get in the end zone one way or the other. KJ is not the problem in Detroit right now.
Jacksonville 94/147 at Indy 90/57
Another Super Sunday match up that figures to be a real hard hitting contest.
Fred Taylor: Start him up. He may not have the best games of his career in the RCA Dome, but the Colts are allowing yds on the ground and I expect Jax to exploit it to the max on Sunday. The game plan will be to keep Manning on the sidelines. Look for long drives and plenty of FT touches. Indy has given up 3 rushing TDs this season, look for Fred to go over 100 total yds and score this weekend. He is currently 8th on the weekly chart totals for the season.
Rhodes vs Addai: Rhodes has 30 carries for 66 yds. Addai has 23 carries for 108 yds…do I need to keep going? I look for Addai to assume more and more touches as the season wears on. On Sunday however I do not expect either one of them to look impressive. Will be a good time to trade for Addai after he flops this week. The Colts will not win by running the ball…just will not happen. Bad match up for the Colts. Jax is giving up 57 yds a game on the ground…YIKES!
NYJets 71/137 at Buffalo 102/116
Kevan Barlow: If I told you he ranks at #35 you would say that’s about right. 25/77/1 on the season. Now Buffalo is not very good at stopping the run 4.5 ypc right now. Look for the Jets to run the ball a little more on Sunday. The Bills held Ronnie Brown in check last week but they are not a run stuffing team by any stretch. Look for Barlow to total up 60-75 yds and maybe even sneak one in on Sunday. A decent match up but the Jets are not showing they can exploit this match up yet.
Willis McGahee: Ranks 25th right now. 45/161 so that’s encouraging. Almost 4 ypc. Just no rushing TDs yet and the Bills offense in general is not playing all that great. Losman has to improve or this will get worse not better. I think defenses are at least respecting the speed of Lee Evans. If he is double covered and the other WR is covered…that leaves 7 and 8 in the box…eventually McGahee will shake that 7th or 8th guy. The Jets are giving up 116 on the ground but only 3.6 ypc. They did alright last week against the fearsome twosome of Maroney/Dillon. McGahee will rush for 75 yds but he crosses the goal line for the 1st time this week as the Jets have yielded 4 of them already. Pretty good match up for McGahee.
Tennessee 70/125 at Miami 65/166
Ten RB Whoever: Henry has turf toe, Brown is banged up…maybe LenDale White starts, who cares. Seriously…you shouldn’t.
Ronnie Brown: Has had a rough go of it early but the Titans don’t seem capable of stopping the run too well, I look for Brown to have 100 yds and a TD as the Phins lean on him to notch their 1st win of the season.
Washington 98/127 at Houston 89/112
Clinton Portis: Watch the injury report but I look for him to finally start this week. Again watch the injury report. This is a good match up for Portis. Washington is gaining 4.4 ypc in Al Saunders’ offense and the Texans are yielding almost 4 ypc...so look for Portis to play and get loose. 100 yds and a TD is certainly attainable here.
Dayne/Lundy/Gado: Who cares? No ne is worth a real start here till we see someone actually break out.
Baltimore 120/158 at Cleveland 71/32
Jamal Lewis: 37/148/1 on the ground so far this season. He is almost in the top 20. They ahven’t needed much from him and I don’t expect that to change. Look for Lewis to have a great game this week. 120 rushing and 2 TDs maybe. Cleveland is giving up 158 on the ground and 4.3 ypc.
Reuben Droughns: How bout 15 carries for 30 yds. That would actually be accomplishing something as Baltimore is giving up…are you ready…1.7 ypc!!! Bench him with very good reason this week.
NY Giants 136/51 at Seattle 118/81
Tiki Barber: I think it’s a good thing he does get spelled every few series…as the season wears on I actually think he will see more action as the games get bigger and bigger. I think the Giants will be on the bubble most of the season and you turn to your playmakers when that happens. Tiki has about 280 total yds on the season, no TDs yet. Running on Seattle who is only allowing 51 yds a game and 2.8 ypc will not be easy. But the G-Men do avg 5.0 ypc on the ground. Look for Tiki to rack his usual 100 yds but I expect it to be tough for him to find pay dirt once again. Tiki did rack 150 on the ground last season but I would say Seattle is much better this year at stuffing the run.
Shaun Alexander: OK, Seattle ranks 10th in rushing the ball on the season. 118 a game aint bad…but we are used to much higher numbers form them and Shaun. I hate to tell SA owners out there but it is going to be hard again this week as NY is only giving up 81 a game and 3.1 ypc. I look for Shaun to actually get a little frustrated on Sunday.
Philly 118/101 at San Fran 117/78
Brian Westbrook: Some reports are that he is having some knee issues, others seem to indicate he will be fine. Watch the injury report this week. SF should supply ample opps for Westbrook and most of the Philly offense this week.
Frank Gore: Is another 100 total yds and a TD to much to ask? 300+ yds and 3 TDs in 2 games…WOW!!! He will have to keep repeating for he is labeled a stud, and he has his work cut out for him against Philly…but seriously…sit back and enjoy this ride. Start him at will.
St. Louis 121/126 at Arizona 74/144
SJax: 44/224 so far and 6 receptions to boot. He is looking good but no TDs yet. I honestly hate the Rams passing game at this point but the coach said they would run the ball a lot. No reason SJax can’t have a monster game this weekend. 150 total yds and 2 TDs, book it!
Edge: Great match up but his OL won’t exploit it. St Louis giving up almost 5 ypc on the ground right now…things are just not panning out great with Edge so far. He is ranked 15th but he has had some really easy match ups and is not exploiting them.
Denver 153/75 at New England 165/135
Tatum Bell: Has out rushed Mike Bell 170-100 so far. Shanny really needs to settle on 1 I think for the better of the team. NE is giving up a very low 3.1 ypc…look for mediocre days from Denver even though they have a great OL that can run block.
Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney: They are running a dead heat right now and I look for RBBC to continue there. Denver is giving up 4.4 ypc and 135 a game…look for NE to exploit it and I see both putting up points this week. They are both in the top20 right now.
Trying to peg which one will do much better than the other is not really possible at the moment.
Atlanta 279/74 at New Orleans 102/52
Warrick Dunn: Right now Atlanta looks unstoppable running the ball and they have run thru what many thought were 2 of the toughest defenses heading into the season. Now the Saints are only yielding 3.5 ypc but they have not seen an offenseor running game like what is waiting for them on Monday Night. Dunn is a must start every week at this point whether he hits pay dirt or not…he is on pace for 2,000 yds rushing…what a story that would be.
Deuce McAlister: Had 2 TDs last week and is still the primary back on the ground. Atlanta is holding teams to around 50 on the ground but I do think the duo threat of Deuce and Bush will be more than they have seen so far and I expect NO to be able to run the ball some. Not a great match up but I think Atlanta’s run defense will return to Earth.
Reggie Bush: 5 carries for 6 yds last week. It’s gonna happen sometimes. He also had a bunch of catches and has 15 total for the season. On pace for 120 so far. I like him a lot as a flex play in leagues where you get PPR more than anything. If you have a basic scoring system than you might not start him every week.
Great Match ups
Fred Taylor
Jamal Lewis
Steven Jackson
Good Match ups
Willis McGahee
Clinton portis
Brian Westbrook
Edge
Dillon/Maroney
DeShaun/DeAngelo…however you run into RBBC
Cadillac…but can TB actually block someone?
Kevin Jones
Rudi Johnson
Bad Match ups
Rhodes/Addai
Reuben Droughns
Everybody else I would rate as about average.
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Excellent job, thanks so much!
How can you not have options?
