ONE OF THE problems with doing strength-of-schedule ratings before the season is they're all projections. Who'd have guessed that Miami's defense — a Top 10 unit last season — would become one of the league's worst?

Well, now we know. So today seems a perfect time to re-evaluate based on real, live numbers.

Factoring out Week 17 — which isn't on most fantasy schedules — here's how the remaining schedule stacks up.

RUSHING

Strength of schedule (from easiest to toughest): 1, Tennessee; 2, Green Bay; 3, Pittsburgh; 4, Minnesota; 5, New Orleans; 6, San Francisco; 7, Indianapolis; 8, Arizona; 9, Kansas City; 10, Atlanta; 11, Denver; 12, Oakland; 13, Dallas; 14, Chicago; 15, Baltimore; 16, Cleveland; 17, Carolina; 18, Seattle; 19, St. Louis; 20, Washington; 21, Jacksonville; 22, N.Y. Giants; 23, Tampa Bay; 24, Buffalo; 25, San Diego; 26, Miami; 27, Detroit; 28, Philadelphia; 29, Houston; 30, New England; 31, Cincinnati; 32, N.Y. Jets.

• Tennessee. With no remaining games against a Top 12 rushing defense, LenDale White can be a starter every week.


• Green Bay. The question is: Who'll be the Packers' chief ball carrier in the second half?


• Pittsburgh. It doesn't get much juicier than the Browns, Jets, Dolphins and Bengals the next four weeks. Is Willie Parker available?


• New England. The Patriots' remaining passing schedule ranks a bit higher, which means even more throwing and even less running the rest of the way.


• Cincinnati. The Bengals' next three opponents all boast the best run defenses in their divisions. With Chris Henry back, why would the Bengals even consider running?


• N.Y. Jets. It all starts with a dreaded bye. We might never see Thomas Jones again.

PASSING

Strength of schedule (from easiest to toughest): 1, Buffalo; 2, Pittsburgh; 3, Arizona; 4, Baltimore; 5, Philadelphia; 6, Tennessee; 7, Dallas; 8, St. Louis; 9, Oakland; 10, Minnesota; 11, N.Y. Giants; 12, Carolina; 13, Kansas City; 14, Cincinnati; 15, N.Y. Jets; 16, Cleveland; 17, San Diego; 18, Houston; 19, Chicago; 20, Green Bay; 21, Detroit; 22, New England; 23, San Francisco; 24, Seattle; 25, Miami; 26, Tampa Bay; 27, Washington; 28, Indianapolis; 29, New Orleans; 30, Atlanta; 31, Denver; 32, Jacksonville.

• Buffalo. With two games against Miami in the next five weeks, you're going to be even happier you claimed Lee Evans after someone foolishly dropped him earlier this season.


• Pittsburgh. If you're thinking about trading Ben Roethlisberger while his value is high, forget about it. His stock remains on the rise.


• Arizona. Here's the fast lane to a four-game winning streak: A Kurt Warner-Larry Fitzgerald hook-up against the Lions, Bengals, 49ers and Browns.


• Atlanta. It's wait 'til next season for Alge Crumpler and the Falcons' passing game.


• Denver. The bad news just keeps piling onto the Broncos. What's next: snow?


• Jacksonville. By the time the Jaguars host the Raiders in Week 16, there won't be a single member of their passing game on a fantasy roster.

Quick thoughts on Week 10:

Thumbs up: Priest Holmes. With Larry Johnson out and a demoralized Broncos team in town, here's a chance to relive the glory days ... Deion Branch. Mike Holmgren says there'll be more passing and less running the rest of the way. Grab a Seattle receiver if you can.

Thumbs down: Cedric Benson. The Raiders aren't strong against the run, but don't let that fool you. The underachieving Bear saves his worst for the weakest opponents. Sit him ... Donovan McNabb. Every NFC East matchup will be a war from here on out. Beware all Eagles and Redskins this week.