Fantasy source

PLAY ACTION

Playing the matchups is crucial in fantasy football. As you set lineups each week, the goal is to have as many players as possible facing the league's most charitable defenses.

Because there is such great turnover in players and coaches from one season to the next, it takes a few games to figure out which defenses are fantasy friendly. Blindly considering last season's trends is a big trap.

Keep these rising defenses in mind when determining your lineup:

No free pass

Seahawks. Seattle spent good money on right end Grant Wistrom to bolster its pass rush, and cornerback addition Bobby Taylor has contributed to a secondary loaded with young talent.

Titans. The linebackers and safeties have struggled against tight ends, but corners Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson have been tough on wideouts.

Cardinals. Arizona finished 29th against the pass in 2003, but its defense is stressing takeaways in 2004 and has excelled in playing "bend but don't break" defense.

Not to be run over

Falcons. Switching back to the 4-3 has worked wonders as Atlanta's talented front seven has responded quickly to Jim Mora's style.

Chargers. San Diego's move to a 3-4 has helped it become one of the NFL's top run defenses. Plus, opponents prefer to go after the Chargers' young defensive backs.

Eagles. A healthier rotation keeps tackles Corey Simon and Darwin Walker fresher. Opponents won't run much on Philadelphia, anyway, because they will be too far behind.

M@IL BONDING

GEORGE WINKLER ANSWERS YOUR QUEST

Can we expect Marvin Harrison to bounce back soon, or is now a good time to trade him?

Bob Austin, Philadelphia

Bob: You could get burned if you trade Harrison now. He's an elite fantasy receiver who simply is off to a slow start by his standards. Harrison's yardage numbers have dropped as teams have focused on stopping him. That has allowed Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley to enjoy big games. But teams can't continue to disregard Wayne and Stokley, and eventually things will open up again for Harrison.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, dick on Daily Mail at fantasygames.sportingnews.com/football.

STUDS, SLEEPERS & STUMBLERS

STUDS, SLEEPERS & STUMBLERS

Week 6 calls from Fantasy Source experts Rob Hurtt, Roger Kuznia and
George Winkler:

Expert     Stud                      Sleeper

QBs

Hurtt      Chad Pennington, NYJ      Byron Leftwich, Jac.
Kuznia     Michael Vick, Atl.        Vinny Testaverde, Dal.
Winkler    Daunte Culpepper, Min.    Joey Harrington, Det.

RBs

Hurtt      Brian Westbrook, Phi.     Lee Suggs, Cle.
Kuznia     Curtis Martin, NYJ        Artose Pinner, Det.
Winkler    Marshall Faulk, St.L.     Lee Suggs, Cle.

WRs

Hurtt      Hines Ward, Pit.          Reche Caldwell, S.D.
Kuznia     Randy Moss, Min.          Johnnie Morton, K.C.
Winkler    Chad Johnson, Cin.        Justin McCareins, NYJ

Defense

Hurtt      Buffalo                   N.Y. Jets
Kuznia     Buffalo                   Chicago
Winkler    Buffalo                   Miami

Expert     Stumbler

QBs

Hurtt      Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.
Kuznia     Jake Delhomme, Car.
Winkler    Drew Bledsoe, Buf.

RBs

Hurtt      Thomas Jones, Chi.
Kuznia     Shaun Alexander, Sea.
Winkler    Leonard Henry, Mia.

WRs

Hurtt      Isaac Bruce, St.L.
Kuznia     Muhsin Muhammad, Car.
Winkler    Jerry Porter, Oak.

Defense

Hurtt      Carolina
Kuznia     Seattle
Winkler    New England

TSN Games Tip of the week

When playing Ultimate Salary Cap Football, it's helpful to view the lineups of successful owners. Their teams' rosters will show you which combinations of players are building value and scoring big. If you face a sizable deficit, imitate successful owners who have found bargains such as Titans running back Chris Brown. Just be sure to make a few exceptions; otherwise, you won't gain any ground on them. Still, imitation is one way you can fight your way to the top.--Roger Kuznia

COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning