gameday predictions

PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman

Former Bears teammates meet for the first time since Muhammad said Chicago "is where receivers go to die." Of course, a Bears defender might actually agree with that assessment. Both teams are early surprises. Muhammad caught six passes for 56 yards in last week's victory at San Diego. Tillman forced a fumble that was returned for a TD in the victory at Indianapolis. (MC)

COACHING MATCHUP

OF THE WEEK

Colts off. coordinator Tom Moore vs. Vikings def. coordinator Leslie Frazier.

One of the reasons Peyton Manning is so sharp is he's had one offensive coordinator -- Tom Moore -- in 11 seasons. Frazier comes from the Tony Dungy coaching tree and knows the inner secrets of the Colts offense after spending two years (2005-06) as Indy's defensive backs coach. (MC)

HERO OF THE WEEK

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Moss seems more determined than anyone to keep the Patriots on top of the AFC East without Tom Brady. If the Jets put second-year CB Darrelle Revis on Moss one-on-one, look for Moss to have a big day. (MC)

FANTASY PICKS

Speed round! We're not buying the "somebody's gotta catch it" theory -- bench your Seahawks. Smells like a shootout Sunday at the Metrodome -- green light Sidney Rice and Antonio Gonzalez. Start your Browns, Steelers and we'll give the Cardinals a second chance, too. And why were you excited about Fred Taylor again? Benched. (CC)