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October 23, 2006

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WE LIKE THE MATCHUP

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QUARTERBACK

DREW BLEDSOE
Cowboys VS. Giants
This isn't as much a nod to Bledsoe 's abilities as it is to his newfound chemistry with wideout Terrell Owens . As a Cowboy, Bledsoe has been mortal against the Giants, averaging 229 yards and one TD. But Owens and Terry Glenn could have a field day against New York 's overmatched corners, to Bledsoe 's benefit.

BRUCE GRADKOWSKI
Buccaneers VS. Eagles
Here's this week's Waiver Wire Quick Fix at QB. Jon Gruden clearly has faith in the rookie from Toledo (he has thrown 75 passes in two starts), and the kid has proved a safe bet (four TDs, one interception). And anyone who saw the Eagles lose to the Saints knows this: Philly has pass-defense problems.

CHAD PENNINGTON
Jets VS. Lions
Pennington 's last go-round with Detroit was glorious: four TDs on 229 yards passing. That came in '02, and since then the Lions ' pass defense has somehow gotten worse. Statistically it ranks near the league bottom, and only the 49ers have given up more points. After two so-so weeks Pennington will bounce back.

RUNNING BACK

TATUM BELL
Broncos AT Browns
Every featured back who has faced Cleveland has gained at least 86 rushing yards; three ( DeShaun Foster , LaMont Jordan and Rudi Johnson ) have exceeded 100. Now fully entrenched as the Broncos ' top runner, the speedy Bell, playing behind the AFC's best run-blocking line, should also crack the century mark.

FRED TAYLOR
Jaguars AT Texans
When we last saw Taylor he was running for 111 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in a trouncing of the Jets. Now, after a bye week, he's ready to be unleashed against the Texans, who rank among the worst units against the run, giving up 145.8 rushing yards per game and six rushing TDs in the last four.

KEVIN JONES
Lions AT Jets
Just a week after being shut down by the Vikings in his worst game of the year (eight yards), Jones bounced back against Buffalo with his best (127 yards, one TD) while playing behind a patchwork offensive line. Jones should have a cakewalk against a woeful rushing defense that has allowed a league-high 12 TDs.

WIDE RECEIVER

MICHAEL CLAYTON
Buccaneers VS. Eagles
With big names such as Holt, Berrian and Horn on their bye weeks, Clayton may be this week's best stopgap at receiver. He had his best game of the year on Sunday against the Bengals (six catches, 55 yards and a TD) and seems to be a nice fit with new QB Bruce Gradkowski .

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