| Every fantasy participant loves the Colts and the Rams this
season, and with good reason. But as fantasy playoff time approaches, it’s imperative
to know what lies ahead for these two teams and their players. What follows is a quick
glance at the upcoming schedule for each team.The Rams’ arsenal
QB and future MVP Kurt Warner; RB Marshall Faulk; WRs Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and
Az-Zahir Hakim; TE Roland Williams; PK Jeff Wilkins.
Remaining schedule
Dec. 12 at New Orleans
Dec. 19 New York Giants
Dec. 26 Chicago
Jan. 2 at Philadelphia
The Saints’ defense has been torched by Jacksonville, St. Louis and Atlanta in the
last three weeks and appears to be going through the motions in a season gone awry. Faulk
had 102 yards and two scores in the Week 12 meeting between the Saints and Rams. Rookie WR
Torry Holt caught both of Warner’s TD passes in a 43-12 Rams rout.
The Giants are eighth in the NFL in overall defense and No. 1 defensively in average
gain per rush allowed. That’s not a bad standing, considering the Giants battle the
likes of Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis and Duce Staley in the NFC East.
The Bears are ranked 27th in total defense and have a bad habit of getting
victimized by big plays.
The Eagles are 27th in the league in run defense and 23rd
overall.
The Colts’ arsenal
QB Peyton Manning; RB Edgerrin James; WRs Marvin Harrison and Terrence Wilkins; TEs Ken
Dilger and Marcus Pollard; PK Mike Vanderjagt.
Remaining schedule
Dec. 12 New England
Dec. 19 Washington
Dec. 26 at Cleveland
Jan. 2 at Buffalo
The Patriots’ backs are to the wall as far as playoff contention is concerned, so
they should have a sense of urgency. The Jets had some success using a two-deep zone
against the Colts two weeks ago, but New England was burned by three first-half Harrison
TD catches in Week Two before coming from behind to win. The Patriots are a solid ninth in
the league in pass defense.
The Redskins’ defense has not held up its end of the bargain in Washington this
year, entering Week 14 ranked 29th in the NFL. James could have a field day in
this one.
Cleveland is dead last in the league in run defense and next to last in total defense.
The Browns have given up 158 yards or more on the ground in eight games this year. James
may not be allowed to play against the Browns, just to keep things fair.
Buffalo in January will not be a nice place to play for Manning. If Week 17 marks your
fantasy league’s championship game, it’s in your best interest to keep him in
the lineup unless you have another viable option. The Bills’ defense has been stingy
all year long, ranking fourth against the run and tied for third against the pass. |
