FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEKLY FEATURES

NYG (3-1) vs DAL (2-1)

Game Prediction: NYG 17, DAL 20

Little did we know last year that this matchup would be pitting Kurt Warner against Vinny Testaverde, Eddie George and Keyshawn Johnson. It's like a reunion of the 90's.

Pre-Game Notes - NYG

After starting the season getting whipped by the Eagles and making the world giggle, the Giants have won their last three games and no one is laughing anymore. Except maybe Tom Coughlin but only in private.

Running Backs: Tiki Barber has been very effective in the past two games, running for 106 and 182 yards with a touchdown in both games. It only took Coughlin about three weeks to figure out Barber is the man - not Ron Dayne. It took Jim Fassel over a year.

Wide Receivers: Warner's efficient play has been good for winning, but it hasn't done many favors for the wideouts. Amani Toomer had 126 yards against the Browns in week three but otherwise, no one from this crew has done better than 60 yards in a game this year. Jonathan Carter has the lone touchdown by a wideout.

After spending two weeks blocking, Jeremy Shockey is now stealing even more receptions from this group.

Tight Ends: Last week Jeremy Shockey finally had a touchdown during his five catches for 74 yards. The previous week was five receptions for 41 yards and he now commands as many passes as any other receiver. He may not be a huge factor yet, but he's slowly becoming the main target in the passing game. Makes you wonder if Coughlin actually watched the Giants last year since Barber and Shockey are now emerging a month into the season.

Match Against the Defense: Tiki Barber should have a tough time running against a team that he faced twice last year and only topped out at 47 yards rushing. This game will not be won on the ground and after Mark Brunell's 325 yards passing in week three, there's no reason to wage war on the floor of Texas Stadium. The Cowboys have not allowed a rushing score yet this year.

The Cowboys lost RCB Pete Hunter for the season and there is no doubt that Amani Toomer will get plenty of looks by Warner. He already had 126 yards against them last year and even with double coverage he should see some success. Ike Hilliard will have a harder matchup against Terrence Newman but could break off a long one since Newman gambles too much at times. With safety problems still, expect that #3 Jonathan Carter figures into the equation as well.

Jeremy Shockey is the variable here, with the faster Dallas linebackers matching up better on him than if this game was in New York. With the deep ball available, Shockey is less likely to have a big game but will contribute.

Pre-Game Notes - DAL

The Cowboys come in this week rested and at home with a 2-1 record thanks to the Vikings. With Julius Jones gone, there's no pretense that Dallas will be a big rushing offense at any time this year.

Running Backs: There's just not much happening here unless it gets near the goal line and Eddie George can bull in a score. The best the crew has done was George's 62 yards against the Browns and that required 18 carries. The Cowboys are now using a three player rotation with George, Richie Anderson and Reshard Lee. None of them have much fantasy relevance other than Anderson getting reception points and George scoring the odd touchdown.

Wide Receivers: The trio of Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant are very effective and one reason is that they keep trading off who is the primary receiver each week. The Cowboys probe the secondary for about a quarter and then start attacking the area that looks weakest. if it's solid, they'll rely a but more on Keyshawn with possession catches.

Tight Ends: Jason Witten comes off his first touchdown of the season against the Redskins and he remains as consistent a target as any wideout. Fortunately there is really only one receiving tight end so that means about four or so receptions a week.

Match Against the Defense: The Giants defense is steadily improving this year but they've been susceptible to the pass even against weak teams like the Browns and Redskins. There's no reason why Testaverde won't go over 200 yards passing and could even approach 300 depending on the need. Expect Keyshawn to likely lead in receptions but both Terry Glenn or Antonio Bryant to score on a longer play. Jason Witten should manage the other score here against a team that has already given up two tight end scores to teams that use them less than Dallas.

The Giants have yet to allow a rushing score and the run game in Dallas is only average on a good day using three different players. Expect most the action in the air, not on the ground.