Backup Paul Justin has started some games the past couple of years in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, but his lack of practice reps will become apparent if he's pressed into duty. Emergency quarterback Joe Germaine has little chance of putting down the clipboard.

Running Backs
Marshall Faulk is the most versatile offensive threat in the game and thus rarely leaves the field. Faulk's effectiveness as a receiver has rendered Amp Lee nothing more than a special teams player. Regardless of their exploits through the air, the Rams' entire game plan revolves around Faulk.

When offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants a change of pace, fullback Robert Holcombe brings a physical presence to the ground game. Aside from these two, Jeff Robinson is the other back that contributes, usually in short yardage and goal line situations.

Wide receivers
Isaac Bruce is the vertical guy that threatens the deep third of the field on go and long come-back routes. Bruce is streaky receiver, and he could get plenty of opportunities this week if fellow starter Torry Holt can't play because of a rib injury sustained last week.

Slot receiver Az Hakim is the key to the team's multiple receiver sets because of his ability to get separation on underneath crossing routes. Hakim is most comfortable -- and dangerous -- out of the slot, so Ricky Proehl would be a wise choice to start if Holt is unable to play.

Special teams ace Tony Horne brings tremendous speed to the fifth position.

Tight end
Since returning from a serious knee surgery that kept him out until midseason, Ernie Conwell has reclaimed much of his playing time from sophomore Roland Williams. Conwell and Williams are both worked into the passing game and Warner has a solid rapport with each of them.

Offensive line
Left tackle Orlando Pace was named to his first Pro Bowl this season, and right guard Adam Timmerman played at the same level. The consistent play of right tackle Fred Miller has been a pleasant surprise in the second half of the season, as has the solid pass protection of left guard Tom Nutten.

The most underrated player on the team is center Mark Gruttadauria, who has held this group together all season. Aside from being a goal line scoring threat, Ryan Tucker is a valuable swing player who doesn't create a drop-off when he's in the lineup.

Defensive line
Although this unit is undersized, don't expect that to be a deterrent against Tennessee's talented front. Ends Kevin Carter and Grant Wistrom form arguably the most talented outside tandem in the league. D'Marco Farr and Ray Agnew quietly get the job done with their quickness on stunts and twists inside.

This is an extremely well-conditioned foursome, partly because of hard work but mainly out of necessity. St. Louis has defied the current league-wide trend of striving for a rotation on the defensive line, because the coaching staff would rather have its four best players on the field at all times.

Linebackers
The speed of middle linebacker London Fletcher is probably the biggest reason this defense experienced such an impressive turnaround this season. The versatility and play-making ability of outside linebacker Mike Jones is overlooked by most people outside of St. Louis, but his consistent play has been huge all season.

Todd Collins rounds out this athletic starting trio. The former New England Patriot is a nice space player who always competes and never misses an assignment. Charlie Clemons comes in on passing downs and provides tremendous pressure off the edge out of a three-man front alignments.

Secondary
Injuries throughout the season have given many backups a chance to earn valuable experience. Free safety Devon Bush has played well in Keith Lyle's absence, and the coaching staff trusts him in the deep third. Billy Jenkins, who opens at strong safety, is the lone defensive player that lacks speed, but his willingness to play the run will b critical against Tennessee's Eddie George.

Starting corners Todd Lyght and Dexter McCleon don't figure to be tested much this week, but they come to play every week. Nickel and dime players Dré Bly and Taje Allen lack size but they are solid cover guys that anticipate well.

Special teams
With Tony Horne on kickoffs and Az Hakim handling punts, the Rams are the league's most dangerous return team. St. Louis' coverage units played well on punts but struggled against opposing kick return men.

Aging punter Mike Horan proved there is still some pop left in his leg this season and place-kicker Jeff Wilkins was solid before sustaining an injury to his plant leg.