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HacheMan

HacheMan

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Sneaky fantasy pickups entering Week 3
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Eric Karabell

Fullbacks might not be all the rage in the statistics-happy NFL, but certainly a few of them matter, from Mike Tolbert in San Diego to John Kuhn stealing the occasional touchdown in Green Bay. The wide Peyton Hillis was a fullback at the start of camp last season, and we all saw how that turned out. The point is, while most fullbacks are asked to simply block -- hello Vonta Leach -- on occasion circumstances align and carries come their way.


The Kansas City Chiefs are a mess so far, having lost multiple key players to knee injuries. We've talked all week about veteran Thomas Jones and quick Dexter McCluster filling in for Jamaal Charles and handling the rushing load. Well, as we get to yet another Friday edition of the sneaky pickup blog, here's another name to watch, and he's the team's fullback: Le'Ron McClain.

McClain became a fantasy star in 2008 for the Baltimore Ravens when he rushed for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns, filling the gap between the Willis McGahee and Ray Rice eras. Today, McClain is owned in less than 1 percent of ESPN standard leagues, and it makes sense since he's been given only four rushing attempts and two receiving targets through two miserable weeks. However, one could certainly see how opportunity could come his way. McClain has a track record, notably near the goal line, and while the 33-year-old Jones did score six touchdowns last season as a Charles complement, he was hardly impressive at the goal line, where he converted five of 15 attempts. Enter McClain, perhaps as soon as this week.


Ultimately, it's going to be rather interesting to see how the Chiefs handle things on offense this week; I expect Jones to get at least 15 carries, McCluster to total 15 or so touches -- they have to get him the ball in the open field -- and quarterback Matt Cassel just has to be better than he's shown, though I showed so much faith that I left him out of my top 25 quarterback rankings for this week, even thinking he'll be playing catch-up football against the Chargers in San Diego. Plan ahead, however, and add McClain in deeper leagues. It's not so crazy to think he will matter, and he could matter a lot.


Here are three other names that don't figure to bring much immediate reward, if any, for this weekend, but keep their names in mind, as this is, after all, a blog about the longer-term future:


Brandon Stokley, WR, New York Giants: He's lost a step or two since catching 10 touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in that glorious 2004 season for the Indianapolis Colts, but even last season he was fourth on the Seattle Seahawks in receiving yards. Stokley is a slot receiver and a potentially useful one for a strong New York passing offense short on depth. Consider that top dog Hakeem Nicks is dealing with a knee problem, Mario Manningham could miss Sunday's game in Philly with a concussion and Domenik Hixon sadly tore the ACL in his right knee for the second consecutive season last week. That leaves Stokley and Victor Cruz.


Patrick Crayton, WR, San Diego Chargers: Crayton has yet to play this season, as he's been dealing with bone spurs in his ankle, but it's looking like Malcom Floyd (groin) won't be able to suit up, making Crayton an interesting option in an elite passing offense. Crayton, 32, has never been elite himself, but he averaged 18.4 yards per catch in his first season with Philip Rivers, and he scored 20 touchdowns his final four seasons in Dallas. Remember, there are a bunch of bye weeks ahead in which six teams will be off. Crayton could be one of many Chargers to skewer the awful Chiefs, and when he does he'll likely be one of the wide receivers discussed as a free-agent add next week.


Keiland Williams, RB, Detroit Lions: I actually found quite a few running backs -- I always do -- for this Friday blog. Certainly Deji Karim (Jaguars) and Isaac Redman (Steelers) are seeing more touches than people expected, and they're wise handcuffs for first-round picks, and I think Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers has serious skills in case Michael Turner can't stay healthy. But when it comes to health -- and I'm not trying to be pessimistic -- it's reasonable to ask who the backup is in Detroit for Jahvid Best. He's been busy, as he's sixth in the league in touches (and 13th in yards from scrimmage). Jerome Harrison saw eight carries in Week 1 and four in the Week 2 blowout of the Chiefs. Keiland Williams got nine carries and scored a touchdown in Week 2. And Maurice Morris is still around. I think the 230-pound Williams is next, and even if Best keeps thriving, at some point he'll need some help.


Have a great weekend everyone and best of luck in Week 3
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

hacheman@therx.com
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Free-agent finds: Week 4

Injuries open door for Nate Washington, Kendall Hunter, Montario Hardesty


By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com


Every season is a weird fantasy season, especially when you stay as close to fantasy football as I do all year. I spend the entire offseason obsessively making lists and deciding why Player X is a better draftee than Player Y, and I daresay that my opinions (which are hopefully backed up by statistical logic and film study) wind up developing ESPN.com's vision of how the NFL season will play out. Then come July and August, my ESPN brethren and I write a ton of articles, go on TV and radio and talk and answer hundreds of questions from friends and fans, all of which tends to make our opinions feel set in stone, as if they carry the proximate whiff of fact.


And then the games start.


That's when Fred Jackson decides he's the second coming of Thurman Thomas, and Chris Johnson decides he's the second coming of LenDale White. It's when Jamaal Charles gets hurt and Ryan Mathews sees the light. It's when Cam Newton gets legit and Michael Vick gets human. The lovely mosaic in which we all believed begins to crumble, and we all have to adjust.


And of course, that's where playing the waiver wire like a harp comes in. You won't usually add a player who instantly becomes a starter on your fantasy squad, especially if you're in a standard 10-team league. But with foresight, you can add the guys who'll contribute mightily come November and December.


Standard ESPN league find


Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans (owned in 8.6 percent of ESPN.com leagues). Kenny Britt's season-ending knee injury is especially crushing because he had such a fine first two weeks: 14 catches for 271 yards and three TDs. No single player on the Titans' roster is talented enough to make up for everything Britt does, so there's no way to expect Britt-level production from any one guy. But the obvious early favorite to take over as Matt Hasselbeck's lead receiver is Washington. He's been steady through three games, going for at least six catches and 67 yards in each contest. Chris Johnson should eventually stop being bad at football, which should mean a de-emphasizing of the passing game. Plus, I've never really trusted Washington's hands or route-running, and have always felt most comfortable when he was a deep-speed option who could complement a bigger, more complete No. 1 pass-catcher. But the Titans don't have that luxury. Washington has to be the guy, and should be owned in all leagues.


Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers (1.2 percent). Frank Gore was in and out of the 49ers' game against the Bengals on Sunday because of an ankle injury, and Hunter found himself on the field in crunch time. The rookie made the most of the experience, scoring the go-ahead TD late in the fourth quarter. Right after the game, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters he was unsure whether Gore's injury would keep him out for Week 4's contest against the Eagles, but on Monday, Harbaugh said he believes Gore will be able to go. Of course, we're not talking about a particularly durable starter, and it couldn't be clearer that Hunter has passed Anthony Dixon on the depth chart. Hunter made my list of Super-Deep Sleepers for 2011, not because I was certain Gore would get hurt, but because I think his skill set -- which reminds me of Ray Rice -- is special. I'm to the point now where I believe Hunter is worth a speculative add in most leagues.


Montario Hardesty, RB, Cleveland Browns (22.3 percent). Peyton Hillis was an unexpected scratch this week because of strep throat, casting Hardesty into the fire as the Browns' one-week first-stringer. He didn't disappoint. Running with power and lacking finesse, Hardesty looked to me like a mini-Hillis, doling out punishment to Miami Dolphins tacklers. He wound up with 17 touches for 86 yards, particularly rumbling in frightening fashion for a 19-yard carry on an early-third-quarter carry. There's no reason to think Hillis won't be well enough to play Week 4 against the Titans, but those who've scoffed at the idea that Hardesty could be a viable way for the Browns to keep Hillis fresher need to take a step back. Sure, Hardesty and Ben Tate were probably over-hyped last season, as all rookie rushers are, and sure, they subsequently disappointed because of their season-ending injuries. But each guy has shown bruising talent so far in '11. Hardesty is a must-handcuff now for all Hillis owners, and can be added by anyone in search of lottery-ticket RBs.


Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens (0.2 percent). Do I think Smith registers another three-TD quarter for the rest of his NFL career? I do not. Do I think there will be enough deep-ball work for Smith to maintain, say, top-30 fantasy value among wideouts? I do not. But do I think Lee Evans has a pretty good chance of never seeing the Ravens' starting lineup? I do. Smith out-Evansed Evans against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, showing fine hands, terrific body control and as-advertised blazing speed. By far the likeliest scenario here is that Smith has seen his season highlight, and now he'll go into Devery Henderson mode: turning in huge fantasy plays perhaps five times per season, but almost value-less in weeks in which he doesn't catch a deep one. But I suppose it's possible that the Ravens love what they saw both from Smith and from big-armed Joe Flacco, and maybe there's a philosophical change coming in the Baltimore offense. Smith is enough of a big-play guy that I don't mind adding him in standard-sized ESPN leagues, just on the off chance that he's at the onset of a breakout. It probably won't happen. But if you're hunting for upside, Smith has it.


Dexter McCluster, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (40 percent). Thomas Jones was predictably uninspiring as the Chiefs' lead replacement for Jamaal Charles. He had 15 touches for 33 yards, and his longest gain went for 6 yards. For the moment I'm almost certainly going to continue to rank Jones highest among all Chiefs RBs because I think he'll lead the team in touches, but I'm also open to the possibility that McCluster can take a pretty big step forward. I like what I saw out of him running the rock Sunday versus the San Diego Chargers. He didn't shy away from three inside carries I saw him make, including a 16-yard gainer right up the gut midway through the third quarter. Of course, most of his carries are going to be runs to the outside, and he looked OK going left on such totes, too. What McCluster lacked Sunday was big plays as a receiver: He caught five passes but netted only 17 yards and couldn't get into space. That's the part of his game I actually trust most, and I think some big plays are coming for him there. If he's going to get between nine and 12 carries per week and then tack on some Darren Sproles-like production in the receiving game, well, I'm not ready to promote the guy as a fantasy starter just yet. But I wouldn't be shocked if he winds up being more valuable than Jones somewhere down the line in '11.


Jacoby Ford, WR, Oakland Raiders (54.2 percent). My criteria for featuring players in this column is usually that he's owned in fewer than half of ESPN.com leagues. But in Ford's case I'm making an exception, because he's been dropped in an awful lot of leagues. Ford missed the Raiders' past two games because of a hamstring injury, but has reportedly been targeting a Week 4 return all along. Add him. While I'm pleased as can be that Denarius Moore is making waves on the Raiders' depth chart, Ford is the man I think will be featured as Jason Campbell's No. 1 WR when he's healthy. And this week, the Raiders take on what might be the worst pass rush in the NFL, that of the New England Patriots. Campbell has shown a proclivity for the big play this year, and I think we can expect another shootout for the Pats. Ford makes a sneaky flex play in all leagues.


Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins (38.5 percent). I don't love Henne. But I feel compelled to put a quarterback on this list, and Henne is the guy I think is playing best among the under-owned signal-callers. Even if we ignore the inflated Week 1 stats against the Patriots and take Henne to task for the Dolphins being 0-3, I think we have to admit that he looks like a different player so far in '11. He's more decisive, and more willing to take downfield shots, and his chemistry with Brandon Marshall seems way better. I'm not trying to bill him as a special player. He's not. But this is the guy we thought we were getting when everyone hyped Henne before last season. He's not the Dolphins' biggest problem anymore, and if I'm a former Peyton Manning owner who's staggering along trying to get by with an Alex Smith or a Colt McCoy, I think Henne will wind up being an improvement long term.


Tennessee Titans' defense (14.3 percent). We know very little about fantasy defenses before the season starts. We don't even know a ton now. After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers' D is tied for 15th in fantasy points, but I assume nobody is dropping it just yet. But if you were cruising along with, say, the Chiefs or Patriots for your fantasy defense, I give you permission to cut bait. Those units just don't look likely to come close to the top-10 status ascribed to them this summer. And if you're in the mode of mixing-and-matching, the Titans look like a pretty good play for Week 4. They get the 2-1 Browns on the road, which isn't an easy game for the Titans to win, but Cleveland still may have the least-explosive offense east of the Mississippi. I hesitate to say this because fantasy defenses are fickle beasts, but I don't think there's much of a chance that you get totally burned by a 40-point Browns output here.


Jason Hanson, K, Detroit Lions (28.3 percent). After three weeks, it's also fair to assess your kicker situation and cut bait if your guy hasn't done anything yet. Of course, kickers are random, but they're slightly less random once the season starts. Hanson is booting for an elite NFL offense, which is never a bad recipe for fantasy goodness, and he's still got the deep leg to hit long field goals, even after all these years.


Deeper league finds



Steve Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (3.9 percent). As of this writing, the severity of Jeremy Maclin's hamstring injury was still open to debate. Right after Sunday's game against the New York Giants, beat reporters were writing that they thought it would be a multi-week thing, but Andy Reid said he's not so sure. Clearly, if Maclin is able to play against the 49ers next week, Smith doesn't have much fantasy value. But if Maclin can't go, I'd certainly rather add Smith than I would Jason Avant. Yes, Smith had an ugly drop (actually a ricochet off his hands that resulted in an interception) in Week 3. But he's got appreciably better downfield skills than Avant.

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants (0.3 percent). Whenever Cruz made a play against the Eagles in Week 3, I turned to people in the ESPN War Room and said, "He played at UMass! He played at UMass!" (I got an MFA in Creative Writing at UMass.) But his alma mater probably isn't the leading reason that Cruz is worth considering in deeper leagues. He scored TDs of 74 and 28 yards Sunday as Mario Manningham sat with a concussion. Surely, for as long as Manningham is healthy, Cruz will be a fantasy afterthought. But it's good to know that he's at least taken a step ahead in securing the No. 3 job.


Laurent Robinson, WR, Dallas Cowboys (0.2 percent). Robinson looked like the Cowboys' second-best wideout Monday night, as Kevin Ogletree made mistake after mistake. With Miles Austin possibly out for a few more games because of his injured hamstring, it wouldn't be a shock to see the well-traveled Robinson start in two-receiver sets as soon as next week against the Detroit Lions. I've been burned by the athletically-freakish-but-fragile Robinson before, so I'm not going whole-hog on him now. But his upside could make him worth a stash.


Jabar Gaffney, WR, Washington Redskins (5.7 percent). In the completely unsexy department, here comes Gaffney. He is what he is. He's a No. 2 receiver through and through, with no escapability and few yards after the catch. But he's usually going to grab about 60 yards' worth of passes per week (he's got 54, 62 and 60 in the season's first three games) and once in a great while he'll accidentally fall into the end zone. I include Gaffney here because I fear my lists tend to lean too heavily toward the "lottery-ticket" style pickups. Gaffney is the opposite of that, but he'll probably give you five-plus fantasy points nearly every week.


Alfonso Smith, RB, Arizona Cardinals (0 percent). Oh, Beanie Wells, why must you vex us? Beanie told anyone who'd listen all week that the hamstring injury he suffered in practice was no big deal, and he'd definitely start against the Seattle Seahawks. Note to self: Do not believe what Beanie Wells says. Anyway, Chester Taylor showed that he's just about cooked by mustering 20 yards on eight carries, while Smith, an undrafted second-year player out of Kentucky, looked marginally shifty and powerful. I'm not going so far as to say Wells owners need to handcuff Smith right away, not in standard-sized leagues. I don't have faith that Smith will dramatically improve on his 17 carries for 54 yards Sunday. But for those of us in deeper leagues, his is a name to be ahead of the curve on.

Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans (0.1 percent). Williams made my list of Super-Deep Sleepers, too, and if it's ever going to happen for him, this might be the time. A third-round pick by the Titans last year, Williams has only 18 career catches and has never found the end zone. But Kenny Britt is out for the year, and someone will need to start in two-receiver sets opposite Nate Washington. Williams isn't particularly big or particularly fast, but he came out of college with a reputation for very good hands and strong route-running. That hasn't translated to the pro game yet, but it could. Williams has Steve Smith (of the Eagles) upside.


Jared Cook, TE, Tennessee Titans (3.5 percent). I touted Cook as a name to know among the "second tier" of tight ends this summer, but that hasn't looked like a good call yet, as he's managed all of five catches for 56 yards in three games. But Britt's injury could benefit Cook, too. The big guy has been used in pass protection quite a bit so far in '11, but that might change if the Titans begin to cast around for respectable targets in Britt's absence. In larger leagues, I haven't given up on this third-year player just yet.


James Casey, TE, Houston Texans (0.1 percent). I'm skeptical that Casey will have as much fantasy value as Cook for the rest of this season, but say this for him: At least he's produced one big game, while Cook has given his owners zero. Casey had five grabs for a whopping 126 yards against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, including a 62-yard catch in the first quarter and a diving 26-yard TD on the first play of the fourth quarter. Owen Daniels should be the big man at this position for Houston, and Casey (actually more of an H-back than a pure tight end) should be left looking at scraps most weeks. Then again, if you're in a 16-team league and are simply looking for guys to stash, why not stash Casey? It's not a question of ability, because the Texans consider him an athletic marvel.


Vince Young, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (1.6 percent). I suppose you could go out and add Curtis Painter, who apparently has a decent shot at replacing Kerry Collins in the Indianapolis Colts' lineup. But I have a hard time envisioning being able to start Painter in a fantasy league in good conscience. But Young? I've seen that guy be effective in the NFL before. Obviously, it would take further injury to Michael Vick for VY to get his big moment, but after we've seen Vick get beaten up for three weeks, are there really people left who doubt another injury to No. 7 is coming? Mike Kafka showed in no uncertain terms Sunday that he's not ready to be the No. 2 QB in Philly right now, so if and when Vick does go down, Young will likely play.
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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2011 ranks update: Hardesty moves up
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Eric Karabell

It's Tuesday, time to revisit the year-to-end rankings. These are not the Week 4 rankings; those will be published Wednesday and be updated Friday. Instead, to produce the rankings below, I pretended as if I'm drafting today. Speaking of which, wouldn't it be nice if we could draft today so we wouldn't be saddled with Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles, Kenny Britt or Nate Kaeding. OK, so I threw that last name in there. Devastating loss.


Anyway, you'll see some interesting adjustments made to the rankings below. I don't expect you to agree with them, which frankly is part of the fun. Enjoy, and best of luck in Week 4 and, of course, the rest of the season! Quick click by position, for easy reference:
Top 40 Quarterbacks | Top 60 Running Backs | Top 60 Wide Receivers
Top 30 Tight Ends | Top 32 Defense/Special Teams | Top 100 Overall

Top 40 Quarterbacks

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Schaub </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Freeman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Flacco </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cam Newton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Ryan </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Fitzpatrick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Sanchez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Kolb </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Orton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rex Grossman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jay Cutler </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Hasselbeck </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Campbell </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sam Bradford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colt McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Henne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donovan McNabb </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Cassel </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andy Dalton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vince Young </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tarvaris Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Blaine Gabbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Curtis Painter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kerry Collins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Kitna </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Garrard </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>FA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Tebow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Kafka </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Charlie Whitehurst </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Hill </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• There was some feedback last week about me elevating Tom Brady to the top spot over Aaron Rodgers, mainly from people saying I was giving up on Rodgers. That's not the case. In fact, I don't have concerns about either guy. The difference between them is Brady plays on a team that can't defend the pass very well, which bodes well for him continuing to pile on some semblance of his amazing numbers. If you're counting at home, that's 442 passing yards per game and 11 touchdowns. It's kind of crazy. It would be the best season from a quarterback ever. Rodgers remains good, just not quite that good. The order of my top four quarterbacks was not altered this week.
• My No. 5 quarterback last week wasn't able to finish his game for the second consecutive week, is questionable for this week and hasn't exactly performed like a first-round fantasy pick when he has played. I'm talking, of course, about one Michael Vick, who drops to ninth this week. Look, you just can't depend on him staying on the field. If you're a Vick owner, sell him now before things get even worse or, at the very least, make sure you have a strong backup. At this point I'm hoping he plays in 12 games. While the concussion and hand injury have played a role, we still expected better than his current quarterback scoring rank of tied for 17th. I mean, Rex Grossman has just as many points.
• Meanwhile, among the quarterbacks movin' on up two spots or more are Matthew Stafford, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mark Sanchez. Stafford continues to thrive, as Calvin Johnson is simply unstoppable, and we just hope both Lions remain healthy. Fitzpatrick isn't just smart, he's obviously capable of participating -- and thriving -- in a shootout. And while the Jets would surely prefer Sanchez throw fewer than 43 passes per game, the Jets simply cannot run the ball right now. They also appear to have problems defending the run, hurting their own time of possession. It looks like Sanchez will keep on throwing, which means more of everything, from touchdown passes to yards to interceptions, and also fantasy points. He's currently eighth in points among quarterbacks.
• At the back end of the list, I have officially given up on Peyton Manning playing in an NFL game this season -- even if the Colts can't decide what they think -- but I moved former Jacksonville Jaguars leader David Garrard back into the fold. The theory there is he is better than pretty much every backup quarterback -- I ranked only Vince Young and Jon Kitna better -- and if a good team loses its starter, Garrard could find a fortuitous home and actually play. What, you'd rather save a bench spot for Luke McCown?
Top 60 Running Backs

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Forte </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jahvid Best </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peyton Hillis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Starks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hightower </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joseph Addai </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Montario Hardesty </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Thomas Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Knowshon Moreno </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Ingram </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LaDainian Tomlinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Helu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Willis McGahee </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Jacobs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Grant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cadillac Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kendall Hunter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tashard Choice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bernard Scott </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Woodhead </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alfonso Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stevan Ridley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacquizz Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deji Karim </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Isaac Redman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Javon Ringer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Delone Carter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• I can't panic too much when it comes to the Titans' Chris Johnson, in part because he remains blessed with tremendous, and proven, upside, and this was hardly a strong week for top 20 running backs. I really couldn't justify a ton of backs passing him in these rankings. Yeah, Johnson looked awful yet again Sunday, rushing 13 times for 21 yards, producing more fantasy points on the receiving end of things than out of the backfield. But this remains one of the top running backs in the game, and we at ESPN Fantasy project him to score well in Week 4. If you want to consider the first three weeks as Johnson's preseason -- he missed most of the actual preseason -- then so be it. His preseason is over. Johnson doesn't have 100 yards rushing for the season, but use that stat to buy low. I dropped him a few spots, but it's not like Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Turner or Peyton Hillis warranted a move past him.
• Speaking of Hillis, he missed Week 3 because of strep throat, hardly a knee injury or something of that ilk, but Montario Hardesty did look good in his stead. Hillis is averaging 3.2 yards per carry over his past four games, dating back to last season, and Hardesty should remain a factor. I appeared on "Numbers Never Lie" on Monday with, among others, former Browns coach Eric Mangini, who drafted Hardesty and traded for Hillis, and he sees this as a time-share. I concur, and Hardesty moves all the way up to flex consideration. If the Browns can ease Hillis' workload, and they've admitted as much as a goal, that's not a good thing for Hillis owners.
• Other running backs that moved up enough for you to notice include Fred Jackson, Jahvid Best, Ryan Mathews, Daniel Thomas, Joseph Addai and Darren Sproles. It really wasn't a great Week 3 for many running backs, but these fellows managed to improve their stock. Bernard Scott of the Bengals moved back into the rankings, as starter Cedric Benson has a suspension pending, but I still think Benson will be the better running back for the duration of this season. Scott will bring short-term gain only, perhaps just the next three weeks.
• As for other interesting situations, I neither dropped James Starks nor moved up Ryan Grant. Grant had the better Week 3 game, but I don't expect this to be a trend. In Houston, Arian Foster did not play and Ben Tate again played well, and he's the one currently fifth in the league in rushing, though Foster should remain the more valuable option. Dexter McCluster certainly looked better than Thomas Jones for the Chiefs, but it remains unlikely big-time touches are coming the younger pup's way. And while I dropped Frank Gore a few spots and moved handcuff Kendall Hunter up, I wouldn't assume Gore's days of helping statistically are over. In fact, Gore could have a big day in Philadelphia this weekend.
Top 60 Wide Receivers

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santana Moss </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mario Manningham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robert Meachem </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Burleson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sidney Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Garcon </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Knox </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Devery Henderson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Austin Collie </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deion Branch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Malcom Floyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denarius Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jerome Simpson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Gibson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torrey Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Cruz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chad Ochocinco </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Braylon Edwards </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Sims-Walker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Davone Bess </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Ford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Crabtree </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hines Ward </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• Kenny Britt was ninth in these rankings last week, but his unfortunate knee injury not only ends his season, but helps create this week's top mover. Nate Washington has had three pretty good weeks, and with the team's running game struggling, Matt Hasselbeck has been throwing more than expected. Washington, however, is no kid. He's 28 and has yet to reach 50 receptions or 700 yards in a season. He's not going to be Kenny Britt, but he deserves flex consideration immediately.
• A few Patriots moved up in the rankings. Wes Welker was targeted 20 times Sunday and caught 16 passes for 217 yards, scoring twice. Not a bad day. Tom Brady didn't hide his intent to throw often to Welker, and the Buffalo Bills couldn't stop it. It doesn't hurt Welker that Chad Ochocinco looks like a bust. Welker moves into safer WR2 status while Ochocinco is barely ranked, and a week from now, might not even be ranked at all. I left Deion Branch where he was because I thought his Week 3 no-show was fluky.
• Meanwhile, other wide receivers that moved up this week include Steve Johnson, Eric Decker, Julio Jones, Sidney Rice and Lance Moore. Seattle's Rice is playing with a torn labrum, but his season debut was certainly a successful one, with 109 receiving yards on eight catches. You don't have to like Tarvaris Jackson to consider Rice a reasonable flex choice, but remember Rice is an injury concern. I like Decker, as well; Brandon Lloyd dropped a few spots, but two Broncos can be relevant as long as Kyle Orton keeps the starting job, which he should. www.rapsports.com
• As for the new names at this position in the rankings, fantasy owners should consider adding Baltimore rookie Torrey Smith, but don't expect Joe Flacco to air things out each week. I like Brandon Gibson and Antonio Brown a bit more. Someone has to step up for Sam Bradford in St. Louis. Others might argue for Mike Sims-Walker or Danario Alexander, but Gibson had a nice game Sunday. Brown keeps getting targeted by Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, and that's a good thing for him, and not for Hines Ward. I ranked Victor Cruz of the Giants for the first time, but he's a clear-cut third receiver on this team, behind Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. The thing is, Manningham might not play this week, and the Giants get to face the Arizona defensive backs, so there's at least some short-term value there.
Top 30 Tight Ends

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Owen Daniels </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Keller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Clark </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kellen Winslow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Olsen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Chandler </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marcedes Lewis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Zach Miller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Todd Heap </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Casey </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Cooley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Kendricks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jared Cook </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Benjamin Watson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ed Dickson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Heath Miller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Randy McMichael </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Evan Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Visanthe Shiancoe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• A week ago I wasn't particularly concerned about San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates from a statistical standpoint. Then he missed Sunday's game due to lingering foot soreness, and my opinion changed. Gates didn't play a full season last year, and with tight end depth being so great -- the pool of options has never been greater -- it's tough to rely solely on an injury risk, no matter how awesome he can be. Gates will probably deal with the torn plantar fascia all season. I ranked his backup, Randy McMichael, and moved Gates down a few spots. Don't panic, but Jermichael Finley and Jason Witten are just more reliable -- and pretty good as well -- at this point.
• Why didn't Patriots stud Rob Gronkowski move up after his multi-touchdown performance? Well, Aaron Hernandez will return in a few weeks to complicate things. Plus, Jimmy Graham and Owen Daniels remain productive, and it was nice to see Vernon Davis get some targets. I like Gronkowski -- it's hard not to -- but let's remember that Brady will use Hernandez and others quite a bit, as well.
• You'll find plenty of useful options after the top 10. In fact, if you Gates owners can find someone to give you a starting running back for him, I'd do it. Scott Chandler of the Bills scores seemingly every week, and he already has topped the 2010 red zone target total for all Bills tight ends. Brandon Pettigrew had a huge game, Fred Davis remains terrific and Houston's James Casey makes his rankings debut after a big performance Sunday.
Top 32 Defense/Special Teams

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; WIDTH: 5px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pittsburgh Steelers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New England Patriots </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Baltimore Ravens </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Houston Texans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Green Bay Packers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cleveland Browns </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Jets </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Buffalo Bills </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philadelphia Eagles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miami Dolphins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chicago Bears </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tennessee Titans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Detroit Lions </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cincinnati Bengals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New Orleans Saints </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Seattle Seahawks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Diego Chargers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kansas City Chiefs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Minnesota Vikings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Giants </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">St. Louis Rams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Oakland Raiders </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Indianapolis Colts </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Cowboys </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carolina Panthers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Francisco 49ers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denver Broncos </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Washington Redskins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arizona Cardinals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tampa Bay Buccaneers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacksonville Jaguars </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Top 100 Overall

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Ovr.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player </TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Pos.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Next 3
Weeks </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@KC, ARI, @CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, @BUF, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ, bye, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE, @HOU, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO, CIN, @PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CLE, @PIT, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, TEN, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PIT, OAK, @BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, CHI, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Forte </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CAR, @DET, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, SEA, BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@OAK, NYJ, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, GB, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN, PHI, @NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @ATL, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jahvid Best </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, CHI, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peyton Hillis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TEN, bye, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @ATL, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, GB, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIA, @DEN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, TEN, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @SF, NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @MIN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIA, @DEN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, SEA, BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, bye, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PIT, OAK, @BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SD, bye, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, @BUF, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PHI, TB, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@OAK, NYJ, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, bye, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, @BUF, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIA, @DEN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @SF, NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@OAK, NYJ, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @MIN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WAS, bye, @GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Schaub </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PIT, OAK, @BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, @JAC, IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @ATL, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN, PHI, @NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PIT, OAK, @BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @IND, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, SD, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SD, bye, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, @NE, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, bye, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, bye, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, bye, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CHI, NO, @ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, KC, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, CHI, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santana Moss </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@STL, bye, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@KC, ARI, @CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIA, @DEN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mario Manningham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, SEA, BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robert Meachem </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Starks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @ATL, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ, bye, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, TEN, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIA, @DEN, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO, CIN, @PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Hightower </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@STL, bye, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, SD, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @ATL, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, @BUF, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PHI, TB, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joseph Addai </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, KC, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CHI, NO, @ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Burleson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, CHI, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CLE, @PIT, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, SEA, BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Freeman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @SF, NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sidney Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @NYG, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, GB, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CHI, NO, @ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, @JAC, IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Montario Hardesty </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TEN, bye, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, @NE, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Garcon </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, KC, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Flacco </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ, bye, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Owen Daniels </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PIT, OAK, @BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Knox </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CAR, @DET, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Devery Henderson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Thomas Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @IND, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Knowshon Moreno </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, SD, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Austin Collie </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, KC, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @NYG, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Ingram </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, @CAR, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@OAK, NYJ, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @IND, bye </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LaDainian Tomlinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, @NE, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, @NE, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
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Britt done; keep eye on Vick, Gates, Maclin

Stephania Bell

Week 3 remained true to form. There was another season-ending injury to a key fantasy player (Kenny Britt), a big blow was dealt to a top-rated quarterback (Michael Vick) and, well, there were plenty of other nicks and bruises.

The Tennessee Titans lost wide receiver Kenny Britt for the rest of the season, not to the ailing hamstring that had bothered him since camp, but to a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. Britt landed awkwardly on his right leg as he spun away from contact with a defender and his knee buckled. Between Britt's obvious pain and the dreaded cart driving him off the field, it had all the sign of being serious from the outset. Britt will soon undergo season-ending reconstructive surgery.


The Philadelphia Eagles lost quarterback Michael Vick for a portion of the game, just as they did in Week 2 but the injury was not as severe as initially reported. Vick's injury was originally reported to be a broken hand but upon further evaluation Monday, it was determined to be a contusion or deep bruise. No fracture was present. Coach Andy Reid indicated that a blood vessel in the area of the bone being examined gave the illusion of a fracture on X-rays taken at the stadium, but a more detailed CT scan taken Monday showed no break.


Quick Hits



• Prior to the season, Antonio Gates' foot was raising some red flags. Now there's more reason to be concerned. Gates is dealing with increased pain in the foot and is being forced to evaluate how to proceed moving forward. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote a detailed piece explaining the options Gates faces -- essentially trying to play through the discomfort on a weekly basis or rest for a few weeks in the hope it helps him get through the latter part of the season -- but also the frustration Gates is experiencing. He is expected to see a specialist Tuesday and we should learn more in the coming days. For fantasy owners, even if Gates opts to try to play, his status may be in doubt from week to week.


• Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones aggravated his right shoulder late in Monday night's game but according to ESPN Dallas, owner Jerry Jones doesn't seem overly concerned about Felix Jones missing time. The concern with Felix Jones is that every time the shoulder absorbs contact, it has the potential to increase pain as well as prevent the involved tissue from healing.

• Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin strained a hamstring and, like his quarterback, was forced out of Sunday's game early. Maclin underwent an MRI on Monday after which coach Andy Reid told reporters the injury was not as bad as originally feared. That said, the MRI does not tell the whole picture and it will be far more telling to see how Maclin looks in practice this week. Fantasy owners should have a backup plan, just in case he ends up sitting out against the San Francisco 49ers this week.


• Speaking of the 49ers, running back Frank Gore was on the sidelines for the bulk of the second half in Week 3 with a sprained right ankle. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Gore said his ankle was injured in the second quarter on a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga and was non-committal about his status for Week 4. Coach Jim Harbaugh, who usually says very little when it comes to injuries, did tell the Chronicle that in his mind Gore was, "good to go." It sounds like the 49ers are not overly concerned about Gore's availability.


• Across the bay, Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden suffered a groin strain after racking up 171 yards on the ground against the New York Jets. McFadden, currently the league's leading rusher, downplayed the issue after the game suggesting he will not miss any time with the injury. Head coach Hue Jackson also seemed confident that McFadden would be fine for Week 4 but he's not taking any chances in practice this week. According to the Oakland Tribune, Jackson told reporters, "I'm going to be very cautious with him to make sure he's OK."
• We're hearing a lot about internal organs on the injury report this year. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered a punctured lung last week, and this week Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant suffered a bruised kidney. Painful, yes, but depending on the degree of bruising, it may not be a long-term issue. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston suffered a similar injury last year in the preseason finale but played in the season opener. The Packers will monitor Grant closely and we should hear more about his status later in the week.
• There is early optimism on a couple of other players, as both Houston Texans running back Arian Foster and Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells are expected to return in Week 4 after both missed Sunday's game due to hamstring strains. As we all know by now, the final verdict will come down to how they are able to get through the practice week.
We will continue to update these injuries and others as the week progresses.
 
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Free agents have appealing Week 4 games

laim these six rising players with favorable upcoming matchups.
-- Jason Campbell, QB, Oakland: He's shown he can produce excellent stats when he passed for 323 yards and two scores at Buffalo in Week 2. He has appealing home matchups with New England's NFL-worst pass defense (377) in Week 4 and Kansas City's most generous pass defense for scores (8) in Week 7.
-- Bernard Scott, RB, Cincinnati: If Cedric Benson's suspension is upheld, his backup Scott will be a viable start against Buffalo's ninth-worst run defense (116) in Week 4 and Indianapolis' 11th-worst run defense (113) in Week 6.
-- Stevan Ridley, RB, New England: He's well-suited for New England's pass-oriented offense and has attractive matchups against Oakland's 26th-ranked run defense (120) in Week 4 and the New York Jets' second-worst run defense (137) in Week 5.
-- Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee: Kenny Britt was lost for the season with knee injuries, leaving Washington as the team's top wideout. As long as Matt Hasselbeck is the quarterback, he'll find ways to frequently connect with Washington.
-- Donald Jones, WR, Buffalo: He was targeted 10 times in the thrilling victory against New England, the same number as No. 1 wideout Steve Johnson. Jump on the bandwagon that is Buffalo's potent offense and reap the rewards of its high-scoring affairs.
-- Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina: Cam Newton has made Olsen his second-favorite target (20) this season after he looked for him 10 times in Week 3. The Panthers meet the favorable pass defenses of New Orleans (27th), Chicago (26th) and Atlanta (22nd) for the next three contests.
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Despite the lockout limiting their acclimation to the pros, these dozen rookies have shown flashes of promise. And they have appealing October schedules to help them become potential weekly starts like Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Running backs
•Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints: Look for the Saints to run more frequently if they jump to big leads against shaky offensive teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4, the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 and the St. Louis Rams in Week 8. Ingram will be more familiar, comfortable and effective as the season progresses. Carolina (Week 5) has allowed solid fantasy games to running backs during the first three contests, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 6) had difficulty with Jahvid Best and Adrian Peterson during the first two games.
•Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins: He has attained at least 117 total yards during his first two games. The San Diego Chargers are a tough matchup in Week 4, but they allowed Peterson to total 104 yards in the opener. Thomas had appealing games against the New York Jets in Week 6, the Denver Broncos in Week 7 and the New York Giants in Week8. The Broncos and Jets were both shaky against Darren McFadden in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively. The Giants allowed Tim Hightower and LeSean McCoy to each amass at least 97 total yards and a score.
•Delone Carter, Colts: A 0-3 start puts the Colts on a fast track to a rebuilding season, and Carter will be a part of the process. Indianapolis meets the vulnerable defenses of Tampa Bay, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals in its next three contests. The Chiefs have allowed gigantic games of at least 123 yards and two scores during Weeks2 and 3 to Best and Ryan Mathews, respectively. The Bengals yielded 101 yards and a score to Willis McGahee in Week 2.
•DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones has experienced early difficulties with injuries and consistency, leaving Murray with a chance to play a larger role in the offense. The Detroit Lions, upcoming foes, allowed Peterson to total 97 yards and a score, and meeting the New England Patriots presents a chance for Dallas to run well against the Patriots' once-formidable defense. The Rams in Week 7 and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 could be the first opportunities for Murray to be a fantasy starter. The Rams have permitted at least 100-plus total yards to running backs in every game in 2011, while the Eagles have surrendered at least 139 total yards each time out.
•Stevan Ridley, Patriots: He showed strength and speed with his compact frame while averaging 6.3 yards a carry on seven attempts in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He appears to be the best fit in the current group of backs for New England's passing-oriented offense. Both the Oakland Raiders in Week 4 and the Jets in Week 5 are susceptible to big games by running backs. The Raiders allowed Fred Jackson to total 140 yards and two scores in Week 2, and the Jets had difficulty on the road against McFadden by allowing him to run for 171 yards and two scores. New England will need an improved running game when facing Dallas in Week 6 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.
•Roy Helu, Washington Redskins: Helu should be given more carries, as starter Hightower will likely be unable to carry the full rushing load for all 16 contests. Helu will have great chances to wreak havoc with the susceptible defenses of St. Louis in Week 4, Philadelphia in Week 6, Carolina in Week 7 and Buffalo in Week 8. The Panthers yielded 102 total yards and a score to Chris "Beanie" Wells in the opener, 115 total yards to James Starks in Week 2 and 167 total yards to Maurice Jones-Drew in Week 3. The Bills permitted McFadden to amass 143 total yards and two scores in Week 2.
Wide receivers
•A.J. Green, Bengals: He has a receiving game of 10 catches, 124 yards and a score to his name. Green will have a chance for more big games against the questionable pass defenses of Buffalo in Week 4, Jacksonville in Week 5, Indianapolis in Week 6 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8. For instance, during Week 3 the Bills allowed Wes Welker to catch 16 passes for 217 yards and two scores and the Colts permitted Mike Wallace to gain 144 yards and one score. The Jaguars also yielded a great fantasy day to a No. 1 wideout when Kenny Britt had 136 yards and two scores in the opener.
•Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens: If the blowout of the Rams was an example, Smith could be left to outrun single coverage for deep scores while opponents try to stop the Ravens' running game. He'll continue to have success extending the defenses vs. the Jets in Week 4, vs. the Houston Texans in Week 6, at Jacksonville in Week 7 and vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. During Week 1, the Jets allowed Miles Austin and Dez Bryant to gain at least 71 yards and a score and the Cardinals let Steve Smith record eight receptions for 178 yards and two scores based upon big plays. Drew Brees threw for 370 yards and three scores against the Texans.
•Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: He'll aim for his second consecutive 100-yard receiving game against Seattle's shaky defense before meeting the Green Bay Packers in a possible shootout. The Packers are allowing an average of 384 passing yards. Jones will also see much single coverage against Carolina and Detroit, as they'll need to stop proven vets Michael Turner and Roddy White from having gigantic days. Before facing Jaguars rookie Blaine Gabbert at quarterback in Week 3, the Panthers yielded consecutive contests of 300-plus yards and two scores.
•Titus Young, Lions: He has totaled nine receptions for 140 yards during Weeks 2 and 3, and it will only be a matter of time before he puts up those numbers in a single contest. He'll have excellent chances with an October schedule at Dallas in Week 4, vs. the Chicago Bears in Week 5, vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, vs. Atlanta in Week 7 and at Denver in Week 8. Indicative of their struggles on pass defense, the Bears allowed three touchdown passes during Weeks 2 and 3 and the Broncos yielded back-to-back contests of at least 300 passing yards and two scores. The 49ers showed their vulnerability to big plays when they allowed scoring receptions of 53 and 25 yards and six other catches of 20-plus yards to the Cowboys in Week 2.
•Denarius Moore, Raiders: The Raiders have finally found their dynamic speed demon who can catch and has the size, athleticism and skills to be a reliable target in the end zone. He'll be a force against New England in Week 4, Houston in Week 5 and Kansas City in Week 7. The Patriots are allowing a receiving average of 388 yards and two scores, while the Chiefs permitted eight receiving touchdowns during the first two weeks.
•Randall Cobb, Packers: He's slowly getting involved as a secondary target for Aaron Rodgers. Once he becomes more familiar with the offense, look for Cobb to be an excellent playmaker. He's worth a look at Atlanta in Week 5, vs. St. Louis in Week 6 and at the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. The Falcons revealed their vulnerability to a great game by a wideout when they allowed Jeremy Maclin to catch 13 passes for 171 yards and two scores in Week 2. The Rams permitted Ravens rookie Smith to connect for big scoring plays of 74, 41 and 18 yards.
 
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Frustrating Felix

Everything was going way too smoothly for Felix Jones against the Redskins Monday night. He was finally showing that elite burst we saw in the preseason, faking defenders out of their shoes and breaking long runs. He piled up 115 yards on 14 carries and added 40 more yards on three catches against a strong defensive front. The game couldn’t end soon enough. Then, just when we were ready to get excited about his breakout potential for the rest of the year, Jones’ old nemesis popped up again. Yes, injuries.

Deep in the fourth quarter, Jones aggravated his shoulder injury. When the Cowboys were setting up Dan Bailey for a game-winning field goal, the running back was Tashard Choice. As of midnight on Monday, we had no update on the extent of the aggravation. All owners can do is hope, because we saw a glimpse tonight of how special Jones can be.

REDSKINS at COWBOYS RANDOM THOUGHTS
The Cowboys’ receivers were a joke. They couldn’t line up right and were running the wrong routes. The coaching staff has to take some of the blame there. … The same can be said for the center exchange. Phil Costa snapped the ball before Tony Romo was ready a remarkable four times. … Martellus Bennett may have talent, but he’s missing everything else. He should have scored on a fade in the fourth quarter and just doesn’t seem to want it. … Roy Helu was mixed in for a couple full series, but Tim Hightower remains the man here. … Chris Cooley was used as an H-back, even getting two fullback dives. … Fred Davis played virtually every snap, but was not a primary target for the first time all season. Fluky. … Dez Bryant missed a couple plays, but otherwise his quad looked OK. He was visibly upset about not getting more targets. I’d buy low on special talent here.

Editor’s Note: For early rankings, projections, the Running Back report, the top-200 going forward list and much more, check out the Season Pass!

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
An early-morning report out of Philadelphia said that Michael Vick would be out 3-4 weeks due to a broken right hand. Oops. It turns out that Vick just has a bad contusion, or deep bone bruise in his non-throwing hand.

Vick’s status for Sunday’s game against the 49ers will depend on the swelling and pain in his hand. He needs to be able to take snaps, give handoffs and protect the ball without an issue. Right now, Eagles beat writers are not expecting Vick to play. And that leads us to another question -- who would start if Vick sits? The guess here is Vince Young. His hamstring is 100 percent and was signed to be the clear backup. Mike Kafka is a nice story, but regressed back to his abilities in the loss to the Giants.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Fantasy owners worst fears were confirmed Monday as the Titans announced Kenny Britt is out for the season due to a torn MCL and ACL. Outside of an Achilles’ tear, it’s perhaps the worst injury a receiver can have.

The Titans will move forward with Nate Washington as their primary receiver and Damian Williams/Lavelle Hawkins supporting him. The real winner here could eventually be Jared Cook, as he may be their most talented pass-catcher now. Veteran Justin Gage, who knows the system, is expected to be signed off the street. Britt’s injury certainly won’t help Chris Johnson get going as teams won’t be forced to respect the passing game as much.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Antonio Gates (foot) will see a specialist this week. Not sounding good. … Arian Foster is expected to be a full go in Week 4. Ben Tate will resume his backup role. … Darren McFadden (groin) may miss some practice time, but he should be fine. … Frank Gore (ankle) is expected to be good to go. … Ryan Grant has a bruised kidney. … Beanie Wells (hamstring) said he will “definitely” play in Week 4. … Danny Amendola (elbow) is a poor bet to be ready this week. … Mario Manningham (concussion) is expected to be cleared at some point this week. That will send Victor Cruz back to the pine. … Jacoby Ford (hamstring) is targeting this week for his return. … Peyton Hillis (strep throat) attended team meetings Monday. … Jeremy Maclin’s hamstring injury is not as bad as originally feared. It doesn’t sound like a multi-week injury. … Lee Evans’ (ankle) status is unclear. Torrey Smith hopefuls need to watch this one closely.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Steven Jackson (quad) came out of Week 3 healthy and is looking at a much larger load this week. … Kyle Orton got a vote of confidence from John Fox. … Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will continue to split carries. Unfortunate for both. … Peyton Manning isn’t going on IR just yet, but owner Jim Irsay essentially confirmed they are targeting 2012 for his return. Meanwhile, Kerry Collins may be benched in favor of Curtis Painter. … Steve Smith’s poor Week 3 showing is being blamed on the monsoon conditions. … Stevan Ridley is gaining on BenJarvus Green-Ellis. … Deion Branch had zero catches Sunday, but played 69-of-75 snaps. … Alfonso Smith passed Chester Taylor for the Cardinals’ backup gig in Week 3.

Editor’s Note: Sick of your team already? Get a new one and win real cash with SnapDraft!

WAIVERS
DEFENSIVE SPOT STARTS
Adding a different defense/special teams each week based on matchups is a fine strategy. Here are units that might be on waivers to consider this week for streaming purposes:

1. SAINTS at Jaguars - Blaine Gabbert’s first career start came in horrific weather. Still, we saw enough to be fairly certain that he is not a difference-maker. The Saints defense figures to come out angry after the Texans hung 33 on them Sunday.

2. FALCONS at Seahawks - The Cardinals have perhaps the worst defense in the NFL. And the Seahawks still managed just 13 points against them in Week 3. We also like to play quality teams off a loss, like the Falcons are in this spot.

3. BUCS vs. Colts - Kerry Collins has been so bad that the Colts are actually thinking about turning to Curtis Painter. That’s a turnover waiting to happen.
 
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Scott Free

I turned to Twitter Monday night for an informal poll on this week’s title and lead story. Should I go with Bengals fill-in starter Bernard Scott or break down the Raiders’ potential shootout with the Patriots? The vote came down on the side of Scott, with the best title suggestion coming from @JHLothrop with “Ridley’s Believe or Scott.” Other suggestions:

Cedric Benson is headed to Commissioner Goodell’s office this week to appeal his three-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy during the lockout. While there’s a chance that Benson’s suspension will be reduced, he’s almost certain to miss at least Week 4 against a Bills defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing backs.

If history is a guideline, the playmaking Scott will see the majority of the touches over Brian Leonard as the Bengals’ feature back. The last time Benson missed a three-game stretch, back in 2009, Scott averaged 18.7 touches and 97.3 yards as a solid RB2. Scott remains freely available in 57 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. With the potential for three starts, including two during the bye-week crunch, Scott is this week’s top pickup.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 3. Full writeups of each player are below.

Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.

Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell
Vince Young
Matt Hasselbeck
Donovan McNabb
Curtis Painter

Running Backs
Bernard Scott
Stevan Ridley
Kendall Hunter
Montario Hardesty
DeMarco Murray
Tashard Choice
Earnest Graham
Alfonso Smith

Wide Receivers
Denarius Moore Nate Washington
Jacoby Ford
Donald Jones
Danario Alexander
Torrey Smith
Brandon Gibson
Steve Smith (PHI)
Dane Sanzenbacher

Tight Ends
Randy McMichael
James Casey
Jermaine Gresham
Ed Dickson
Chris Cooley

Defense/Special Teams
Buccaneers
Saints
Vikings
Texans

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell - The Raiders offensive line dominated the Jets defense last week. Campbell has been sacked just twice all season, and his weapons of Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford have the kind of game-breaking speed that will give defenses fits going forward. If ever there was a week to gamble on Campbell, it’s Week 4 against a Patriots defense allowing the second-most points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks and the most points to opposing fantays receivers.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Vince Young - Coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday that V.Y.’s hamstring is no longer an issue. The beat writers have reversed course this week, believing Young would get the call over Mike Kafka if Michael Vick’s hand injury doesn’t cooperate. Vick is considered “likely” to play against the 49ers, but Young is gaining value considering the vicious hits the starter is taking on a weekly basis.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Matt Hasselbeck, Titans - Tennessee’s offensive line can’t open holes in the running game, but they’re fine pass blockers. With time to pick defenses apart, Hasselbeck has completed 70 percent of his passes through three games while placing seventh in passing yards. The Kenny Britt injury is worrisome enough to keep Hasselbeck from the No. 1 spot on this list.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Donovan McNabb, Vikings - The Vikings offense has some interesting pieces, but it’s been held back by an inaccurate quarterback, horrendous coaching, and outside receivers with no separation ability. The only reason McNabb appears on this list is a slate of matchups against four defenses (Chiefs, Cardinals, Bears, Packers) in the top-12 for most points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. Hold your nose if you need McNabb in a deeper league.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.

Curtis Painter, Colts - Despite three more weeks of free passes from national analysts, Kerry Collins is likely headed to the bench after another miserable performance. The Colts have been reluctant to trust Painter -- with good reason considering his career 21.0 passer rating -- but he’s not substantially worse than Collins at this point in their respective careers. Keep expectations ankle-low, but Painter is worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.

Cut Bait: Kerry Collins, Andy Dalton

Collins could lose his job to Curtis Painter this week. … Dalton predictably came back down to Earth against the 49ers after lighting up an injury-depleted Broncos defense.

Hold Off: Blaine Gabbert

Watch List: John Beck, Tim Tebow, Mike Kafka

Rex Grossman morphed into Bad Rex Monday night. Very Bad Rex. His history of mind-blowing mistakes suggests Beck will get his turn at some point this season. … Orton hasn’t impressed for a Broncos team spinning its wheels at 1-2.


<!--RW-->Running Backs

Bernard Scott, Bengals - If Cedric Benson loses his suspension appeal, Scott is slated for lead-back duties against the Bills, Jaguars, and Colts. Those teams rank 7th, 31st, and 10th respectively in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. The last time Benson missed a three-game stretch, back in 2009, Scott averaged 18.7 touches and 97.3 yards as the lead back over Brian Leonard. With the bye weeks starting to kick in, he’s going to be in fantasy lineups as a viable RB2 option.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Stevan Ridley, Patriots - A complete back with excellent hands in a power-running package, Ridley has shined since the beginning of the exhibition season. Reliable beat writer Mike Reiss had a feeling the rookie’s role would grow in Week 3, and Ridley outplayed BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead while handling a couple of key second-half series. A more talented player than Green-Ellis, Ridley could take over as the lead back in a committee attack over the next few weeks. I wouldn’t expect a feature-back workload at any point this season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Kendall Hunter, 49ers - Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that Gore (ankle) would be “good to go” for Week 4 against the Eagles. Averaging just 2.51 yards per carry this year, Gore was in and out of the lineup against the Bengals last week. Hunter has flashed big-play ability going back to preseason action and will likely see an increased role even if he doesn’t start in place of Gore.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Montario Hardesty, Browns - Hardesty surpassed expectations as a fill-in starter, looking smooth as a runner and receiver on his way to 86 yards on 17 touches against the Dolphins. With Peyton Hillis stuck on 3.4 yards per carry, Hardesty may push to make this a tandem backfield over the long haul. As a run-to-contact back, Hillis would benefit from more rest.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys - The Cowboys clearly trust the more experienced Choice in pass protection, but Murray is already a more productive runner and receiver. Choice is averaging an unbelievably ineffective 0.9 yards per on 15 carries compared to 2.7 for Murray behind an inexperienced offensive line. The two would likely split touches if the Cowboys switch gears and opt to rest Felix Jones (shoulder) before the Week 5 bye.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys - For the second straight year, Choice made a pivotal error against the Redskins. Last night’s didn’t cost the Cowboys the game, but it was hardly endearing to a coaching staff that has been steadily losing confidence in Choice. Even though Choice played 24 snaps to Felix Jones’ 32 Monday night, my guess is that DeMarco Murray would be the most productive Dallas back if Jones’ shoulder keeps him out against the Lions.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Earnest Graham, Buccaneers - It’s hard to imagine a less exciting waiver addition, but Graham can no longer be ignored as a potential bye-week fill-in in PPR formats. Through three games as the Bucs’ passing-down specialist, he’s on pace for 107 receptions. Among running backs, only Matt Forte (22) and Darren Sproles (21) have exceeded Graham’s 20 catches.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Alfonso Smith, Cardinals - Chester Taylor was expected to draw the start in place of Beanie Wells (hamstring), but Smith was the “quicker and more authoritative” runner of the two backups. Beanie swears up and down that he will return this week. Just keep in mind that he made similar comments late last week before sitting out. Smith would only be a weak flex option against the Giants if Wells ends up with a late-week setback.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.

Hold Off: Chester Taylor

Taylor was outplayed by Alfonso Smith, who had zero NFL carries into Week 3. He was washed up a year ago, and he’s washed up now.

Watch List: Jerome Harrison, Toby Gerhart, Isaac Redman, Brian Leonard


<!--RW-->Wide Receivers

Denarius Moore, Raiders - There’s no excuse for Moore to be owned in fewer leagues than Michael Crabtree, but that remains the case. He was targeted more than any other Raiders receiver for the second straight week, drawing multiple pass interference penalties and finding the end zone on a spectacular 23-yard run against one of the league’s stiffest defenses. Mama, there goes that man again. "Unbelievable," said coach Hue Jackson of the performance. "I’m not going to stop him, that’s for sure. I’m just going to keep letting him do what he does.” If you’re one of the few Rotoworld readers yet to roster Moore, it’s time to snap to attention.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Nate Washington, Titans - Washington was killing single coverage opposite Kenny Britt, as evidenced by 21 receptions in Matt Hasselbeck’s first three games with the Titans. Washington’s previous three-game high was 13. He’s going to take over for Britt as Hasselbeck’s favorite target. The question is whether he can handle the extra defensive attention that goes with the responsibility. Washington may be a safer weekly play, but the Raiders receivers offer higher upside due to their considerable talent edge.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Jacoby Ford, Raiders - The Raiders have been targeting Week 4 for Ford’s return from a hamstring injury, and he’s “hopeful” of playing Sunday in an inviting matchup. The Patriots are surrendering the most wide receiver fantasy points in the league, by nearly a touchdown per game over the second-place Rams. Even with Denarius Moore emerging as Oakland’s top fantasy receiver, Ford’s own talent is undeniable. Coach Hue Jackson will build his offense around the explosive trio of Moore, Ford, and Darren McFadden going forward.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Donald Jones, Bills - We still prefer David Nelson over the long haul, but there’s no good reason for Jones to be owned in just one percent of CBSSports.com leagues. Jones is neck-and-neck with Stevie Johnson for the snap lead among Bills wideouts, and he’s actually run more pass routes than the No. 1 receiver. While Jones isn’t a strong bet to repeat his 100-yard performance, the No. 2 receiver on the NFL’s highest-scoring offense should be owned in 14-team leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in deeper leagues.

Danario Alexander, Rams - Alexander may be flying under the radar this week coming off a disappointing 28-yard performance against the Ravens. It’s important to note, however, that the coaching staff followed through on a promise to increase his role. DX was targeted a team-high eight times while increasing his snap-count for a second straight week. This is the most talented receiver on the Rams roster.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Torrey Smith, Ravens - Early last season, a speedy rookie arrived on the scene with 125 yards and two touchdowns in a breakout performance. David Gettis was a hot waiver wire addition, only to top 50 yards just one time the rest of the way. Smith, like Gettis, is a textbook example of chasing last week’s points. The long-term potential is there, but the Ravens made the trade for Lee Evans because Smith essentially only runs the post, fly, and stop-and-go routes. That was enough to burn overmatched Rams corner Justin King, but it’s not going to be repeated against better defenses. Smith will likely head back to the bench in favor of the original blowup-quarter artist, Evans. Even if he gets one more start, Smith draws the forbidding Jets in Week 4 followed by the bye week.

Recommendation: Worth a flier in 12-team leagues.

Brandon Gibson, Rams - Gibson is officially St. Louis’ No. 1 receiver, a top-35 fantasy receiver early on, and author of three consecutive 50-yard games. While his upside is low, Gibson should be owned in more than 20 percent of fantasy leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Steve Smith, Eagles - Smith seemed primed for a big opportunity Sunday night when Jeremy Maclin came down with a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid suggested Monday, though, that Maclin’s hamstring isn’t as bad as initially believed. Maclin is considered “day to day” this week, leaving the No. 2 role up in the air against the 49ers. If Maclin does play, Smith isn’t worthy of a roster spot.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.

Dane Sanzenbacher, Bears - Coach Lovie Smith suggested that Earl Bennett’s Week 2 chest injury could be of the multi-week variety, leaving Sanzenbacher to handle slot duties. The undrafted rookie was targeted seven times against the Packers, finding the end zone on one of his five receptions. It’s conceivable that Sanzenbacher could hold off Bennett over the course of the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Cut Bait: Braylon Edwards, Roy Williams, Big Mike Williams, Brandon LaFell, Jacoby Jones, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Andre Roberts, Arrelious Benn

Edwards is out at least another two weeks. He wasn’t producing even when he was playing. … Between the Roy Williams fiasco and his lopsided play-calling, Mike Martz should be under more heat than any other coordinator. … Big Mike just isn’t getting open. … LaFell still isn’t playing enough snaps. … Royal should lose his job to Eric Decker.

Hold Off: Victor Cruz, Michael Jenkins, Andre Caldwell, Brian Hartline, Josh Cribbs, Steve Breaston

Cruz has bonafide playmaking ability, but his path to reliable fantasy value is blocked by Mario Manningham’s return. Evan Silva suggests Manningham could end up seeing time in the slot with Cruz moved to the perimeter, so continue to monitor the situation. … Molasses Jenkins had three targets apiece in each of the first two weeks. His 11 targets, nine receptions, and 88 yards will stand as season-highs. They better -- for the sanity of Vikings fans. … Caldwell will likely head back to the third receiver role with Jerome Simpson starting in Week 4. … Hartlines are a dime a dozen on the wire.

Watch List: Randy Moss, Danny Amendola, Titus Young, Damian Williams, Patrick Crayton, Emmanuel Sanders, Randall Cobb, Laurent Robinson

Moss is reportedly willing to return to a contender with an established quarterback. I wouldn’t count on it happening for a few weeks. Even then, he won’t be much more than a red-zone specialist. … Amendola may be held out through the Week 5 bye. … Young has playmaking ability and 15 targets over the past two weeks. His role is growing. … Williams is the committee head in the search for a Kenny Britt replacement. … Crayton isn’t worth a roster spot with Malcom Floyd back from injury. … Sanders is being outproduced by Antonio Brown early on.


<!--RW-->Tight Ends

Randy McMichael, Chargers - Torn scar tissue is wreaking havoc with Antonio Gates’ oft-injured foot, leaving his status up in the air on a weekly basis. Gates is now contemplating 3-5 weeks of rest, so he can come back healthy for the second half of the season. At this point in his career, McMichael’s after-the-catch ability is essentially non-existent. With solid hands and an outstanding quarterback, though, he has Tony Gonzalez-like potential as a red-zone stalwart.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

James Casey, Texans - A former minor league baseball player, Casey was obscenely productive at Rice as an H-back/slot receiver/QB. Before his 137-yard breakout game, the athletic Casey’s previous season high was 98 yards. It’s interesting to note that the Texans have three tight ends, including Casey, among their top-five in skill-position player snaps this year. Even with the trend toward two-tight end offenses, though, my instincts tell me Casey’s increased role was a game-plan adjustment with Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones both clearly hindered by injuries in Week 3. The odds are in favor of “point chasing” with a Casey addition this week, but his upside in a high-scoring offense is worth a flier. Recommendation: Worth a flier in 12-team leagues.
Jermaine Gresham, Bengals - The good news is that Gresham’s 21 targets are seventh among NFL tight ends. The bad news is that the Bengals offense provides scant scoring opportunities. Gresham is best utilized in PPR formats until Andy Dalton proves his Week 2 performance wasn’t a fluke.

Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues.

Ed Dickson, Ravens - Dickson’s 20 targets are tied with Ray Rice for second on the Ravens and 10th among NFL tight ends (as are his 12 receptions). Dickson isn’t finding the end-zone with regularity, but he’s certainly a viable PPR-league option. The next two weeks bring a tough matchup against the Jets followed by the bye week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues.

Chris Cooley, Redskins - Mike Shanahan used to get his jollies off messing with the backfields of fantasy owners. Now he’s messing with their tight ends after Cooley proclaimed that his burst was back heading into Week 3. Cooley was featured heavily in the game plan while offensive MVP Fred Davis drew extra defensive attention against the Cowboys. Davis is still the tight end to own in Washington, but Cooley is worth a look in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Cut Bait: Brent Celek, Zach Miller, Lance Kendricks

Celek and Miller are playing plenty of snaps, only to find themselves blocking all game. … Kendricks’ hands have failed him through three weeks.

Watch List: Jared Cook, Todd Heap, Ben Watson, Jeremy Shockey, Kyle Rudolph

Despite full-time snaps, Cook is seeing just 2-3 targets per week. His role is expected to grow with Kenny Britt out, so be prepared to pick him up next week. … Heap was heavily targeted in the second half with Seattle bracketing Larry Fitzgerald. He’s going to have to prove it again. … Watson is seeing plenty of targets between the 20’s, but Evan Moore takes over in the red zone. … Rudolph is playing more snaps than any second tight end in the league.

Defense/Special Teams

Buccaneers - Tampa’s young defensive line is coming alive. Brian Price and Adrian Clayborn were dominant against the Falcons last week, leading a defense that recovered a pair of red-zone fumbles from Matt Ryan. They have the best matchup in the league this week at home, possibly in Curtis Painter’s first career start.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Saints - Over the next three weeks, the Saints get two rookie quarterbacks (Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton) and a struggling offense (Buccaneers). Gabbert, in particular, looked overmatched against a bottom-tier Panthers defense in Week 3.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leaugues.

Vikings - Minnesota’s defensive front owned the line of scrimmage in Week 3, sacking Matthew Stafford for the first four times this season. They travel to Kansas City this week to take on a Chiefs offense that hasn’t moved the ball since Charlie Weis absconded with the playbook.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Texans - Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were in Ben Roethlisberger’s grill all game Sunday night, knocking both Steelers tackles out with injuries. The strength of Houston’s defense is the pass rush, and they could be teeing off against replacement tackles this week. Big Ben will get his yards and points, but the Texans defense should rack up a handful of sacks and turnovers.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Jets' Greene getting more targets

By Ken Daube
Special to ESPN.com


Entering this season, Shonn Greene was an enigma. He provided some interesting flashes of brilliance toward the end of his rookie year, but the New York Jets' acquisition of LaDainian Tomlinson before the 2010 season really capped Greene's second-year value. Entering this season, it seemed as if there wasn't much of a reason to expect a change, as it was reasonable to expect Greene to get about 60 to 65 percent of the carries with the rest going to Tomlinson, who would also handle passing game responsibilities. It seems that split may be changing.
During his first two seasons, Greene was targeted 29 total times for an average of one time per game. On Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, Greene was targeted seven times. For a back who isn't supposed to be a good receiver, this is important not just because he was targeted those seven times, but because he caught each of those seven targets.
While Greene's per-carry average is a paltry 3.1 yards, the peripheral stats show he might be on the verge of a breakout. In his past two games, Greene has broken rushes for 10 or more yards five times in his 31 total carries. That big-play ability coupled with the Jets utilizing him more in the passing game makes Greene a buy-low candidate.

Week 3 Targets

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Player </TH><TH>Team </TH><TH>Targets </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Wes Welker </TD><TD>NE </TD><TD>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Roddy White </TD><TD>Atl </TD><TD>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Anquan Boldin </TD><TD>Bal </TD><TD>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD>Det </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Reggie Wayne </TD><TD>Ind </TD><TD>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Andre Caldwell </TD><TD>Cin </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Eric Decker </TD><TD>Den </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Andre Johnson </TD><TD>Hou </TD><TD>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Michael Jenkins </TD><TD>Min </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Calvin Johnson </TD><TD>Det </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Pierre Garcon </TD><TD>Ind </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Todd Heap </TD><TD>Ari </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Greg Jennings </TD><TD>GB </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Steve Johnson </TD><TD>Buf </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Donald Jones </TD><TD>Buf </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Derrick Mason </TD><TD>NYJ </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Greg Olsen </TD><TD>Car </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Sidney Rice </TD><TD>Sea </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Benjamin Watson </TD><TD>Cle </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Davone Bess </TD><TD>Mia </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Owen Daniels </TD><TD>Hou </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Vernon Davis </TD><TD>SF </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ed Dickson </TD><TD>Bal </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD>NE </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dustin Keller </TD><TD>NYJ </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Johnny Knox </TD><TD>Chi </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Lance Moore </TD><TD>NO </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Darren Sproles </TD><TD>NO </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Nate Washington </TD><TD>Ten </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jason Witten </TD><TD>Dal </TD><TD>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Danario Alexander </TD><TD>StL </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Antonio Brown </TD><TD>Pit </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jermichael Finley </TD><TD>GB </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD>Ari </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Matt Forte </TD><TD>Chi </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD>Atl </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Earnest Graham </TD><TD>TB </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jimmy Graham </TD><TD>NO </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD>Cin </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Vincent Jackson </TD><TD>SD </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Robert Meachem </TD><TD>NO </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Santana Moss </TD><TD>Was </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>David Nelson </TD><TD>Buf </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Torrey Smith </TD><TD>Bal </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Thomas </TD><TD>Jac </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Williams </TD><TD>TB </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Titus Young </TD><TD>Det </TD><TD>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jahvid Best </TD><TD>Det </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>James Casey </TD><TD>Hou </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Austin Collie </TD><TD>Ind </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Patrick Crayton </TD><TD>SD </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Harry Douglas </TD><TD>Atl </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Gibson </TD><TD>StL </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Shonn Greene </TD><TD>NYJ </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Chris Johnson </TD><TD>Ten </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Julio Jones </TD><TD>Atl </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD>Den </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD>Phi </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Marshall </TD><TD>Mia </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Kevin Ogletree </TD><TD>Dal </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ray Rice </TD><TD>Bal </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dane Sanzenbacher </TD><TD>Chi </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jeremy Shockey </TD><TD>Car </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Steve Smith </TD><TD>Car </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Wallace </TD><TD>Pit </TD><TD>7 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


On target

Receiving yardage is variable because so much of it is dependent on where the quarterback elects to throw the ball. The variations in the number of times a player is targeted by his quarterback may greatly alter a player's value. It's important to look at the underlying target metric on a weekly basis to determine which stud performances were flukes and which dud performances can be written off to a bad day. With that in mind, the following players finished with seven or more this past week:
Wes Welker, New England Patriots (20 targets, 16 receptions, 217 yards): It's time to stop viewing Welker as Tom Brady's safety valve and recognize him as the legitimate No. 1 fantasy receiver that he is. If you can buy him for anything less than a top-10 receiver, do so immediately. Similarly, Rob Gronkowski (9 targets, 7 receptions, 109 yards) has moved into the elite tier of tight ends as he is being used both as a yardage threat and red zone target.
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens (8 targets, 5 receptions, 152 yards): Smith is sure to be a top pickup this week based on his amazing game this past Sunday, but temper expectations for him. Titus Young (8 targets, 4 receptions, 51 yards) of the Detroit Lions is a better option. As stated last week, Young is going to overtake Nate Burleson during this season and it appears that process has already begun. In his past two games, Young has been targeted 15 times to Burleson's 11, including a seven to two advantage this weekend.
Eric Decker, Denver Broncos (12 targets, 7 receptions, 48 yards): Decker is owned in only 64 percent of ESPN.com leagues. That percentage needs to rise to about 95 percent, especially considering that Brandon Lloyd was targeted five fewer times this past Sunday. If he's not owned in your league, this is likely your last chance to change that.
Michael Jenkins, Minnesota Vikings (11 targets, 9 receptions, 88 yards): After being targeted just six times in the first two games, Jenkins had a very strong showing against the Detroit Lions. Since six of those 11 targets came in the first half while the Vikings had the lead, it's looking like Jenkins is on the verge of becoming a suitable bye-week replacement option.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (7 targets, 6 receptions, 115 yards): One might notice that six of Jones' seven targets came in the second half when the Falcons were trying to overcome a double-digit deficit and dismiss that statistic thinking that the offense is an even split of running and passing. What those people would be missing is that the Falcons have only 58 rush attempts versus 122 passing attempts. With that 2-1 pass-to-rush ratio, Jones is not only rosterable, but serves as a fine third receiver.
Big plays, up close

There were seven NFL players who totaled three or more rushes that went for at least 10 yards: LeSean McCoy (7), Ryan Grant (5), Darren McFadden (5), Shonn Greene (3), Fred Jackson (3), Maurice Jones-Drew (3), Jonathan Stewart (3).
Jones-Drew now has two or more rushes for 10 or more yards in each of his three games this year. Despite an anemic passing attack in Jacksonville, Jones-Drew is proving to be worthy of the early pick that risk-takers used to select him. While those who own Jones-Drew and who also have running back depth may be inclined to bench him for better matchups, that would be playing too cute. Jones-Drew should start against every NFL team.
Week 3 featured only four players who had four or more carries inside their opponent's 10-yard line: Willis McGahee (6), Ryan Fitzpatrick (4), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (4) and Ryan Mathews (4). Not exactly a Who's Who of Rushing Touchdowns.
Last week, this column warned that Mike Tolbert's value was being artificially inflated due to an abnormally high number of targets in the passing game. This week, Tolbert received only five targets and subsequently went from fantasy relevant to also-ran. Conversely, Ryan Mathews earned more touches and not only took away the targets that had been going to Tolbert, he also became the feature goal-line back. If this continues, not only will Tolbert become useless, Mathews will skyrocket into the top 10 running back options.
There are 12 players in the NFL with at least six carries inside their opponent's 10-yard line. Among those 12, only Mark Ingram doesn't have a rushing touchdown from that specific range. If you expand that list to include running backs with at least five such carries, only Cedric Benson gets added to that list. Since both players' fantasy values are tied to getting into the end zone, owners should begin to process of cutting bait on both if any sort of reasonable value can be returned.
 
HacheMan

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Ranks: Another shootout ahead for Pats?
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Eric Karabell

The New England Patriots are playing some very interesting football this season, with 79 points and 1,406 yards through three games. Of course, I'm not referring to what they're doing offensively. We know Tom Brady and Wes Welker are great; the offense has accounted for 1,621 yards, the most ever for a team through three games. But the team's defense has been, uh, not so great. The 2-1 Patriots have allowed 1,406 yards, the fifth-most for a defense through three games since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger.

As a result, I can justify my generous Week 4 rankings of Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell and wide receivers Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford. Moore, a speedy, exciting Tennessee product, had a huge Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, and last week against the New York Jets he scored on a 23-yard run. Meanwhile, Ford's hamstring injury, from which he's expected to return this week, doesn't scare me. Ford, who averaged a cool 18.8 yards per reception last season (which would have ranked tied for fifth in the league had he caught more passes), hasn't played since Week 1 but claims his goal was this game against the Patriots.


Well, these days, everyone's goal should be to play against the Patriots; this team ranks second in the league in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, behind only the Green Bay Packers. No team permits more points to wide receivers. And don't worry, Darren McFadden owners, the NFL's rushing leader should do just fine against the seventh-easiest defense for running backs. No team has given up more receptions or receiving yards to running backs than, you guessed it, the Pats.
Campbell is tied for 15th in fantasy points among quarterbacks, as McFadden has done the heavy lifting, but the quarterback has looked impressive. He has minimized his mistakes this season, with just one interception -- no starting quarterback has zero -- and he has rushed for two touchdowns. Campbell's yards per attempt are down a bit from last season, but the absence of Ford for two-plus games hasn't helped. Now Ford is expected to play. Moore has caught only nine passes -- but for 180 yards. Only five wide receivers boast a higher average. He and Ford should be lethal together, and the Patriots aren't likely to stop them.
That's why Campbell is my No. 12 quarterback this week, most notably ahead of Matt Ryan, Cam Newton (at the Bears!) and Joe Flacco. Moore cracks my top 30 wide receivers, more of a flex choice, and I admit I hedged a bit on Ford, though No. 38 isn't bad. I might move Ford up a few spots -- or 10 -- as the week goes on. The Patriots will get their 35 points this week, but they might allow even more. Get in on the fun. Other bad defenses: When ranking the quarterbacks and wide receivers, I was absolutely thinking about which teams would enjoy fortuitous matchups. I placed Rex Grossman 15th at quarterback despite a matchup against the soft St. Louis Rams secondary; Grossman's proclivity for giving the ball away still concerns me, but I could see 300 passing yards here. Wide receiver Santana Moss earned the bigger jump for me, nearly making my top 10 there. And I always rank New York Giants leader Eli Manning well, but the fact that he's facing the Arizona Cardinals urged me to rank Hakeem Nicks the best of the group and Mario Manningham as a strong flex, even though the latter missed Week 3 with a concussion.


Then there's Pittsburgh: Do the Steelers still have a top defense? They sure haven't played like it. The Steelers' defense has produced 21 fantasy points so far, nearly half of Baltimore's total, and not top-10. I expect Matt Schaub and especially the Houston Texans' running backs to have little trouble this week. The Steelers have allowed 5.16 yards per rush up the middle this season, 26th in the league, and only one of the teams they faced featured an elite runner (Ray Rice, as opposed to Marshawn Lynch and Joseph Addai the past two weeks). I ranked both Ben Tate and Arian Foster as top-20 running backs; nobody else has that level of Tate love. He's fifth in the league in rushing, and Foster likely won't take on a full starter's rushing load. Charging ahead? I reluctantly ranked San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates 11th at his position after originally leaving him out. Gates missed the Week 3 game, and it's certainly possible that becomes a trend. He also plans to see a foot specialist. This doesn't sound promising to me. I view Gates as similar to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, and not in a good way. Sure, when these fellows play, they should be terrific … except we don't know how many games they will play, and neither has been terrific. Will either play this week? Vince Young is kind of like Randy McMichael, I suppose. They're backups likely to be called into duty soon. If you own Gates -- or Vick, for that matter -- and they do play, you start them, but be prepared for missed games. Hedge on trading full value for them. I ranked Gates poorly (for him), outside the top 10, but by Friday we should know more. I'm guessing I'll either remove Gates altogether or move him into the 4-6 range.
 
HacheMan

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Fantasy MVP: The early 2011 candidates
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Eric Karabell

Some of the players off to great statistical starts this season can be real-life MVP candidates, but not necessarily be considered for the same honor in the fantasy world. I took a look at Mike Sando's ESPN.com MVP watch recently and saw some of the normal suspects for the league's top individual honor, led by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and some guy on the New England Patriots named Tom Brady.


But in fantasy football, I view MVP candidates a bit differently. A year ago, Houston Texans running back Arian Foster and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick were the runaway choices. They finished 1-2 in standard scoring, by a long shot, and neither was highly thought of on draft day (though Foster was at least drafted). I chose Foster as the fantasy MVP because he won leagues in Week 16, though it could certainly be argued Vick, better on a per-game basis, was more critical to getting teams to meaningful postseason tilts. This season you won't find Rodgers, Brees or Brady at the top of my fantasy MVP list. They were early draft picks, expected to produce like champs. Value has to come into play when analyzing most valuable candidates, but of course this is all truly subjective. It's not about who has the most points, or whose team is 3-0 versus 1-2, either. Anyway, I thought it would be fun on this Wednesday afternoon to crank up the comments section and throw out my thoughts on MVPs and LVPs after three weeks, while of course looking ahead. So here we go!

MVP



1. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: Now just hear me out: So far the only wide receiver who has outscored him is teammate Wes Welker (a sixth-round pick), and only four running backs have done so. And Gronkowski, a 13th-round choice in ESPN average live drafts (13th among tight ends), has 19 more fantasy points than any other tight end. Basically, he's dominating. I don't think it will continue at this rate once fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez returns, but basically if you've used Gronkowski all season, it's been like having one of the top non-quarterbacks, which is a huge advantage on your opponents.
2. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers: He ranks fifth overall in scoring, with two of the highest-scoring games so far (29 and 26 points, respectively, in Weeks 1 and 2), and it's not like he killed your team with his 14 points in Week 3. Newton was a 12th-rounder in ESPN drafts, 18th among quarterbacks, so not likely to have been started in Week 1, but I'd say the same goes for Matthew Stafford and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Personally, I think Stafford has the best chance of this threesome to sustain his numbers and make his way on this fantasy MVP list.
3. Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills: Why not Darren McFadden, currently leading all running backs in scoring? Well, he was the 23rd overall pick in ESPN drafts. Jackson went 70th, much later, and is only 11 points behind Run DMC in total standard scoring. Jackson was somewhat forgotten on draft day, as most people probably believed the Bills wouldn't do much offensively, and if they did, perhaps C.J. Spiller would be the catalyst. Jackson has 46 fantasy points the past two weeks and looks like a safe RB2, and perhaps rising into the top 10 soon. Other thoughts: Brady does lead everyone in fantasy points, by nine over Brees. If he wins the overall by 30 or so, I can be convinced he's the MVP. Being so much better than everyone else matters, even if you're a second-round pick. I thought about Stafford and Fitzpatrick here as well. Perhaps the next time I write this blog, they'll make it. Welker is on his way as well. I think we'll see Ryan Mathews contend for MVP honors soon; he has gone from 11 fantasy points in Week 1 to 18 in Week 2 and then 26 last week. At this rate …


LVP: We must give some thought to who has hurt fantasy owners the most, relative to draft position. I mean, I don't want to hear how Kellen Winslow has killed your team. Chris Johnson is the obvious choice, as the No. 2 overall pick has failed to rush for 100 yards total in three games. He was supposed to do that every week. The third overall pick was Jamaal Charles, and that ended poorly due to injury, but Johnson is worse because we continue to rely on him. At least we know to sit Charles. And by the way, you don't get an asterisk next to your team for finishing ninth because you owned Charles or Kenny Britt. A non-performer is still a non-performer. Johnson is top LVP right now, followed by Arian Foster and Charles. Michael Vick isn't close to a top 10 quarterback -- he's tied with Rex Grossman -- but he has produced stats. It could be much worse.
By the way, check out Sando's fine work as the ESPN.com NFC West blogger. Frankly, all the football blogs are must-reads for me each day, and you can find them at this link. Now who do you think has been the fantasy MVP so far?
 
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Gates of Concern

Perhaps we were blind to the red flags surrounding Antonio Gates’ right foot heading into this season. After all, he's 31, plantar fasciitis is a lingering/debilitating kind of injury and weighing 260-plus pounds certainly doesn’t help.

However, the preseason signs were just too strong to ignore. Plantar fasciitis is often cured by simple rest, which Gates got about eight months of before training camp. And once training camp hit, he was practicing just about every day, stringing together long stints of consecutive workouts. The Chargers and all their observers were fully confident Gates would be fine all year.

But in the Week 2 loss to the Patriots, Gates tore the scar tissue that had built up in his foot. It’s a setback that knocks him back -- how far back no one really knows. Gates was asked if he thinks this is the beginning of the end to his Hall of Fame career. His answer, via the San Diego Union-Tribune:

“No. I think physically you get an idea about where you’re at by going out and playing and running around. Prior to the Patriots game, I felt like I could still be who I am. The way I was running around in New England … Practice wise, I’m running around, I feel fast.”

Still, Gates conceded he is considering shutting it down for 3-5 more weeks in an effort to be at full strength for the Chargers’ trademark stretch run. He’s going to see specialists and admits he wants to avoid the weekly pain and “cycle” of uncertainty. Yikes.

And who is to say that Gates won’t tear the scar tissue again once he comes back? If eight months of rest didn’t make the foot strong, what will 3-5 weeks do? Owners can take solace in the fact that Gates is among the toughest players in the league and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him play effectively through pain often this season. They can also add backup Randy McMichael as insurance, but I wouldn’t expect much.

In the seven games Gates has missed over the last two seasons, McMichael has averaged just 2.4 catches for 27.1 yards with two total touchdowns. He’s simply not that good, even though he plays in a potent passing offense with a quarterback that looks for his tight end in the red zone.

Editor’s Note: For early rankings, exclusive projections, chats, the Running Back Report and much more, check out the Season Pass!

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
Remember when Steve Slaton was a first-round fantasy pick? That was fun. In the three years since Slaton’s breakout rookie campaign, he has ran for a total of 550 yards in 26 games. And on Tuesday, he was unceremoniously cut in a standard, bottom-of-roster move. Teams like the Cardinals may want to take a flier.

In more important news out of Houston, Arian Foster (hamstring) is fully expected to get the start ahead of Ben Tate this week. He was held out last week as a mere precaution, meaning the Texans will have no qualms about turning him loose. Coach Gary Kubiak has repeatedly said that when you have a guy like Foster, you ride him. That first-round pick you spent is about to pay off. Finally.

Editor’s Note: Sick of your team already? Get a new one and win real money with SnapDraft!

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
No word yet on Cedric Benson’s suspension appeal. For now, it looks like he will be available for Week 4. Stay tuned. … Jerome Simpson is expected to resume a normal practice schedule this week despite his marijuana issues. Only in Cincy. … The Packers are hinting that Ryan Grant needs more work going forward. … Reggie Bush didn’t line up as a receiver once in Week 3. Bench him. … Percy Harvin was playing 74.5 percent of the snaps before getting sick in Week 3. Solid number. … Julio Jones was shadowed by Aqib Talib Sunday but still put up 115 yards. … The Saints put Garrett Hartley on IR. John Kasay is the man in New Orleans.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
As expected, the Eagles reportedly believe Michael Vick will play this week. A non-throwing hand injury should not limit him. … Sidney Rice (shoulder) came out of his 2011 debut healthy, but we’re still selling high. … The Cowboys did not update Felix Jones’ status, but owner/GM Jerry Jones didn’t sound worried. … Jason Snelling has a concussion. … Darren McFadden (groin) could have returned to Sunday’s win if needed. He’s fine.

BUY LOW, SELL HIGH
Now is the time to attack the trade market as owners with underperforming squads may be in panic mode. Here are three players I’m buying on this week:

1. Hakeem Nicks: Has faced the competent secondaries of the Redskins and Eagles so far in addition to the Rams. Over the next three weeks, he’ll match up with the Cardinals (Patrick Peterson), Seahawks (Brandon Browner) and Bills. The explosion is coming.

2. Dez Bryant: It’s obvious Bryant is playing hurt. With the bye looming in Week 5, Bryant should be able to emerge 100 percent and ready to roll in Week 6. The Cowboys won’t be silly enough to keep risking him on punt returns going forward -- their backup wideouts don’t even know the plays.

3. Arian Foster: If we can get him at second-round value it’s a steal. As mentioned above, Foster’s hamstring is at 100 percent and he’s the unquestioned starter on a team that prefers to use one back. Ben Tate has been impressive, but coach Gary Kubiak is going to give Foster every opportunity to dominate.

And here are three players I’d be selling if I owned them:

1. Sidney Rice: The fact that Tarvaris Jackson and Rice were able to hook up eight times for 109 yards last week tells us more about the Cardinals’ secondary than it does about the Seahawks’ duo. Rice may be a special talent, but he has recurring shoulder issues and his quarterback is among the most inept in the game. Don’t be surprised if Week 3 ends up as Rice’s best game of the season.

2. Mike Tolbert: By now, everyone should be well aware of the change going on in San Diego’s backfield. The Chargers have decided it’s time to ride Ryan Mathews in goal-line and third-down situations, leaving Tolbert as a mere bit player. Take what you can get.

3. Peyton Hillis: The plan all along was to use Montario Hardesty enough to keep Hillis fresh. Now that Hardesty has shown he is healthy and plenty capable, there’s no reason for the unspectacular Hillis to ram his head into the line 30 times a game anymore. With a diminishing workload, Hillis’ fantasy value will be reduced dramatically.
 
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Target Watch: Week 4
Below you will find a bunch of information that I will try my best to shepherd you through. The numbers by each name are targets for week 3 and then in the parenthesis (those things we use for smilies and frownies) are the total year to date targets.

All snap count data comesfrom our friends over at Pro Football Focus http://www.profootballfocus.com/

Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald - 8 (24), Andre Roberts - 6 (17), Early Doucet - 6 (15), Todd Heap - 10 (14), Chris Wells - dnp (6), Alfonso Smith - 5 (5), Jeff King - 0 (5), Anthony Sherman - 1 (2), Chester Taylor - 2 (2)

Todd Heap was the target story in this one. Jeff King had been the guy getting the few tight end targets (and scoring TDs in the process), but Heap got a whole bunch of them on Sunday and caught 6 for 61 yards. If he starts to see target numbers like this consistently he’ll be ownable.
Early Doucet and Andre Roberts continue to split targets and will cancel each other out. Larry Fitzgerald is leading in target numbers as he should, averaging 8 a game, but last season he averaged over 10 a game and I’d like to see those number increase. In this offense he should get 100 receptions and he’s on pace for 80.

Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White - 17 (34), Tony Gonzalez - 8 (24), Julio Jones - 7 (20), Harry Douglas - 7 (13), Jason Snelling - 2 (12), Jacquizz Rodgers - 3 (8), Michael Turner - 0 (5), Ovie Mughelli - 1 (2), Michael Palmer - 1 (1)

Rowdy Roddy White was the target czar this week as he should be. He’d easily win the target hound dog award that I just made up if it wasn’t for Wes Welker’s crazy day. We know White is gold in PPR so it’s good to see him still near the top in receptions this season with Julio Jones in the mix. And it is clear that Jones is in the mix.
There’s no doubt that Jones has a full tank compared to future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, so these target numbers will most likely begin favoring Jones sooner rather than later. Add to that Michael Turner’s no doubt slowdown as the season wears on and you have a recipe for more and more passing.
The Jason Snelling versus Jacquizz Rodgers saga didn’t materialize due to Snelling leaving with a concussion. If Snelling is out in week 4 this will be a great opportunity for Rodgers to take a big step forward in that battle.

Baltimore Ravens
Anquan Boldin - 14 (28), Ray Rice - 7 (20), Ed Dickson - 9 (20), Torrey Smith - 8 (9), Lee Evans - dnp (9), Vonta Leach - 4 (8), Dennis Pitta - 1 (6), LaQuan Williams - 3 (3), Ricky Williams - 1 (3), Tandon Doss - 1 (1)

This game was a blowout from the start so it’s hard to get a good feel for how a real game would have gone, but Torrey Smith was the hub-ub and scuttlebutt. The Ravens could have scored numerous ways in that game, but Smith took advantage of his first three targets and turned each one into a touchdown. The Ravens offense is still filtered through Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin so don’t expect this to become the Torrey Smith show any time soon.
Ed Dickson has run away with the tight end job with 20 targets to Pitta’s 6. Boldin and Rice are getting the redzone touches over Dickson, so that will cap his ceiling, but he should continue to be a solid backup tight end.

Buffalo Bills

Steve Johnson - 10 (30), David Nelson - 8 (27), Donald Jones - 10 (21), Scott Chandler - 3 (12), Fred Jackson - 6 (9) C.J. Spiller - 1 (3), Naaman Roosevelt - 1 (1), Brad Smith - 1 (1)

The #2 wide receiver carousel is flying out of control in Buffalo right now. Thankfully both Donald Jones and David Nelson saw enough targets to both be useful for fantasy purposes, but they won’t face the Patriots pass defense every week. In Chan Gailey’s spread out offense there is no easy way to predict which will get more looks any given day. C.J. Spiller is currently the forgotten man in this new Bills high powered offense. His skill set seems well suited for the fast paced offense, but he only saw the field for 7 total plays compared to Fred Jackson’s 64. That, to put it mildly, is a discrepancy.Scott Chandler has 4 touchdowns on 12 targets. That’s a touchdown for every 3 targets! Throw him the ball! Well, I suppose that touchdown rate may possibly regress at some point. I mean, it WILL regress.

Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith - 7 (31), Greg Olsen - 10 (20), Jeremy Shockey - 7 (15), Jonathan Stewart - 3 (14), Legedu Naanee - 2 (14), Brandon LaFell - 0 (10), DeAngelo Williams - 3 (9), Mike Goodson - 1 (3)

Cam Newton was not on target this week for the most part and that was heightened by the deluge that fell for half the game. But the targets were still there and that’s a good sign as far as his fantasy value goes. His reliance on the tight ends may have been slightly exaggerated due to the weather in this one. The fact that Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey continue to split targets hurts their value.

Steve Smith had a clunker of a game, but still was targeted 7 times. That’s good news and there is no reason to lower your expectations for him. The other wide receivers were targeted twice and that was just Legedu Naanee. Brandon LaFell’s targets fell to zero.

Chicago Bears

Matt Forte - 8 (28), Johnny Knox - 9 (19), Devin Hester - 5 (19), Dane Sanzenbacher - 7 (15), Roy Williams - 4 (8), Kellen Davis - 2 (8), Sam Hurd - 1 (4), Tyler Clutts - 1 (2)

The Bears offense runs through Matt Forte even when they aren’t running, which they aren’t. 25% of their total targets have gone to him and with the way their receivers are playing I doubt that number will change anytime soon.

With Earl Bennett out, Dane Sanzenbacher has stepped in and performed well by grabbing a couple touchdowns and seeing 7 targets in each of the last two games. Add that to his 6 red zone looks and he’s an efficient PPR league fill-in as long as Bennett is shelved.

Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green - 5 (23), Jerome Simpson - 4 (22), Jermaine Gresham - 8 (21), Andre Caldwell - 12 (17), Brian Leonard - 1 (5), Cedric Benson - 1 (5), Donald Lee - 1 (1)

Andre Caldwell got the start this week over Jerome Simpson and saw a whopping 12 targets. Simpson’s status is still up in the air, but his home delivery service isn’t going to help him see more targets unless they’re police investigations. So Caldwell most likely will continue to see these dink and dunk passes from Dalton who doesn’t have a huge arm anyway (it’s normal sized).

Jermaine Gresham continues to get his full allotment of targets, but hasn’t gotten into the end zone since week one. He’ll be inconsistent, but should get his red zone looks; he’s seen 4 this season.

A.J. Green’s targets each week have fluctuated from 4 to 14 to 5. Right now he is probably the best offensive player on that team and needs more than 4-5 targets a week. Logic screams for it!

Cleveland Browns

Ben Watson - 10 (21), Mohamed Massaquoi - 6 (19), Greg Little - 5 (13), Peyton Hillis - dnp (12), Josh Cribbs - 6 (12), Evan Moore - 3 (10), Alex Smith - 4 (9), Montario Hardesty - 4 (4), Brian Robiskie - 1 (4)
The only relevant fantasy news that came out of this game is that Montario Hardesty isn’t horrible. And that news makes Peyton Hillis less valuable and he’s really the only player on the Browns worth owning in a 12 team league. Insert sad trombone, but be careful.
Colt McCoy does not have the arm strength to take advantage of Greg Little’s large abilities and unfortunately the rest of the receivers and tight ends aren’t good enough or targeted consistently enough to overcome McCoy and the offensive game plan. <!--RW-->

Dallas Cowboys

Jason Witten - 9 (32), Miles Austin - dnp (24), Kevin Ogletree - 7 (13), Dez Bryant - 4 (12), Felix Jones - 3 (9), Laurent Robinson - 5 (5), Tashard Choice - 1 (4), Martellus Bennett - 3 (3), Tony Fiammetta - 2 (2)

This was one of the uglier games I’ve seen in a while. Tony Romo was obviously hurting and the absence of Miles Austin showed just how horrid the Cowboys receiving corps are. The fact that Kevin Ogletree wasn’t benched and had 7 targets shows you how bad they were hurting. The lack of targets and production for Dez Bryant is a little worrisome, but hopefully stemmed from his injury and his quarterback’s injury.
Felix Jones played well with his separated shoulder until he separated from it again in the 4th quarter. Why can’t those two just work it out!? Jones played 32 snaps to Tashard Choice’s 24 and Demarco Murray’s 10. With the bye looming in week 5 there’s a chance they may rest Jones to give him 2 weeks off. Choice would most likely split time with Murray, but get a few more touches.

Denver Broncos

Eric Decker - 12 (26), Brandon Lloyd - 7 (18), Willis McGahee - 5 (14), Daniel Fells - 4 (12), Matt Willis - 3 (9), Lance Ball - 5 (7), Virgil Green - 1 (1)

Not much good came from this game in terms of fantasy, but the rise of Eric Decker is still in effect. Yes, his fantasy numbers were lackluster, but 12 targets with Brandon Lloyd back shows that he should continue to see the football. And Decker’s emergence should help Lloyd find some room as well.
The running back situation is still pretty murky with Knowshon Moreno being held back once again due to injury. In his absence Willis McGahee didn’t distinguish himself so look for the committee approach to return when Moreno does.

Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson - 11 (28), Brandon Pettigrew - 13 (22), Jahvid Best - 7 (20), Titus Young - 8 (16), Nate Burleson - 2 (16), Tony Scheffler - 1 (5), Maurice Morris - 2 (4), Jerome Harrison - 2 (2)

The Lions saw plenty of pressure from Jared Allen and friends, but adjusted in the second half and did what they do in the passing game. This week’s PPR Lion King was Brandon Pettigrew with 13. His targets have gone 6, 3, 13 in the first 3 weeks. That doesn’t leave me too excited about him seeing consistent targets with Tony Scheffler, Nate Burleson and Titus Young all in the mix.
And that target discrepancy can now be said for Nate Burleson as well. With only 2 targets in week 3 he is now tied with Titus Young for 4th on the target list. Burleson was still on the field for 73 snaps compared to Young’s 46, but this makes him a riskier start going forward and even though Young has seen 7/8 targets the last 2 games I’d still like to see it again before I’d feel comfortable with him.

Green Bay Packers
Greg Jennings - 10 (26), Jermichael Finley - 8 (18), Jordy Nelson - 5 (15), Donald Driver - 2 (10), James Jones - 6 (9), James Starks - 4 (9), Randall Cobb - 1 (5), John Kuhn - 1 (5), Ryan Grant - 1 (5)

This game, as far as the targets go, looks like the perfect spread for Green Bay, or at least close to it. Jennings with 10, Finley with 8, Nelson with 5 and then the rest fight over the scraps. Of course Finley got the touchdowns, but those will get spread out.
Donald Driver is losing targets quickly. His week 1-3 target numbers were 7, 1, and 2. Randall Cobb is his replacement, but for now Jordy Nelson is the lowest rung you can grasp at this point.
The running back situation just got dicey. James Starks looked as if he would continue to be the lead back, but then went and had a horrible game in Chicago while Ryan Grant had a great game. But now that Grant has made this statement it doesn’t mean Starks is done. We most likely will see the targets and touches tilt to Grant’s side going forward, but Starks has plenty of life left in his legs to fight back.

Houston Texans

Andre Johnson - 12 (32), Owen Daniels - 9 (16), James Casey - 7 (10), Jacoby Jones - 2 (9), Ben Tate - 4 (8), Kevin Walter - 3 (5), Joel Dreessen - 1 (4),

The rise of James Casey is the headliner for the Texans this week. The TE/FB position hasn’t been a hot bed for fantasy greatness or for much of anything for that matter, but Casey is out to champion the TE/FB and lead them to world domination! He was used nearly as much as Kevin Walter in the passing game and much more than Jacoby Jones. And as far as targets and production go he started to lap them.
There is a decent chance that Houston is going to take a cue from Bill Belichick and work with 2 even 3 tight end sets and get matchup problems with Daniels and Casey. With Steve Slaton being released there are no small passing down backs to bring in and tip the playbook to the defensive coordinator. If you can have 2 tight ends and a TE/FB out there and still open up the passing game, that can be effective.

Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne - 13 (32), Pierre Garcon - 10 (21), Austin Collie - 7 (20), Dallas Clark - 6 (19), Joseph Addai - 2 (10), Brody Eldridge - 1 (2), Delone Carter - 1 (1)
Oh what to do with this team? Reggie Wayne had 13 targets and 3 receptions for 24 yards. That about sums it up. The Colts can’t move the ball consistently and that means whatever Colts’ player you have on your team will be inconsistent. Austin Collie has 20 targets for the season and 4 standard fantasy points. That’s an average of 1.3 points per game. That is the opposite of good.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Mike Thomas - 8 (29), Jason Hill - 5 (10), Maurice Jones-Drew - 3 (7), Deji Karim - 2 (6), Marcedes Lewis - 2 (5), Cecil Shorts - 1 (2)

Mike Thomas is the biggest football hog in the NFL. He has garnered 42% of all passes thrown by the Jaguar quarterbacks. Even in a downpour he managed 8 targets. Of course with a rookie quarterback these targets aren’t going to all turn into receptions. He’s only catching 54% of his targets, but I have hope for him because he is consistently getting these targets and can put up serviceable PPR numbers.

Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe - 6 (22), Dexter McCluster - 6 (16), Leonard Pope - 3 (12), Steve Breaston - 6 (10), Keary Colbert - 1 (4), Jackie Battle - 1 (2), Thomas Jones - 1 (1)

Not much can be said for this group of misfits. Dexter McCluster’s 9 rushes and 5 receptions were good to see, but on such an inept offense it will be difficult for him to get into the end zone enough to make up for 15 or less touches a game. The best case scenario for him is in full PPR leagues against soft defenses. <!--RW-->

Miami Dolphins

Brandon Marshall - 7 (31), Davone Bess - 9 (21), Brian Hartline - 4 (18), Reggie Bush - 1 (12), Anthony Fasano - 2 (10), Daniel Thomas - 3 (4), Charles Clay - 1 (1), Lex Hilliard - 1 (1)

The Dolphins’ #1 running back position is now filled. No new applicants are being considered. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Thomas’ 26 touches compared to Reggie Bush’s 11 is a pretty big gap, but if you factor in production it is a Grand Canyon sized chasm. Thomas finished the day with 122 yards and a touchdown compared to Bush’s 25 yards and, well, that’s it. And the fact that Thomas saw 3 passes compared to Bush’s 1 doesn’t even bode well for Reggie having PPR value.

Minnesota Vikings

Percy Harvin - 5 (17), Michael Jenkins - 10 (16), Bernard Berrian - 5 (11), Adrian Peterson - 5 (10), Visanthe Shiancoe - 2 (10), Kyle Rudolph - 3 (5), Devin Aromashodu - 2 (4), Jim Kleinsasser - 2 (3), Toby Gerhart - 2 (3)

Percy Harvin leads the Vikings with 17 targets on the season. Wes Welker and Roddy White had 20 and 17 targets just in week 3. The Vikings passing game is beyond dismal right now. Mike Jenkins had 10 targets and caught 9 of them for 88 yards. That was a nice PPR day, but he had 3 targets each in weeks 1 and 2. I wouldn’t trust this game to be much more than an anomaly at this point. And I’m finding it hard to trust any Viking not named Adrian Peterson.

New England Patriots

Wes Welker - 20 (43), Deion Branch - 3 (22), Rob Gronkowski - 9 (22), Aaron Hernandez - dnp (18), Chad Ochocinco - 4 (9), Danny Woodhead - 5 (8), Julian Edelman - 3 (5), Stevan Ridley - 1 (1)

Wes Welker’s twenty targets is a whole heckuva lot of footballs being thrown in a person’s direction. He is outpacing the rest of the league in targets by 8. Roddy White has 34 to his 42. This uptick in targets seems to be in direct correlation to the loss of Aaron Hernandez and Tom Brady having him on his fantasy team.
After Deion Branch had 9 targets in week 1 and 10 in week 2 it seemed inevitable that he would have exactly 11 in week 3! Right? Well, sadly this fake football game doesn’t work like the ACTs so he had 3 instead and caught zero of them. The good news for Branch is that Chad Ochocinco had 4 targets and only caught 2 of them and dropped a sure touchdown in the process. Branch should still get his looks.
The running back situation as far as time on the field goes is still dominated by Benjarvus Green-Ellis, but in production, at least for week 3, it was Stevan Ridley. His 7 yards a carry is slightly better than The Law Firm’s 1.8 yards a carry. Yes, that is based on the smallest sample size ever, but it’s a start and worth monitoring.

New Orleans Saints

Darren Sproles - 9 (28), Jimmy Graham - 8 (22), Robert Meachem - 8 (20), Devery Henderson - 4 (16), Lance Moore - 9 (13), Pierre Thomas - 1 (10), David Thomas - 2 (6), Mark Ingram - 2 (2)

Darren Sproles is a PPR monster. He is currently the 7th ranked PPR running back and is averaging over 9 targets a game. Even with Lance Moore fully back and also getting targets on shorter routes in week 3 Sproles kept up his target fun. That is good news for his owners, but that running back position in New Orleans is still a little scary.
Mark Ingram finally found the end zone, but was only on the field for 20 snaps compared to 37 for Sproles and 19 for Pierre Thomas. These running back numbers are gong to be contingent on the flow of the game and if the Saints have a lead or not. So that leads me to believe the numbers will eventually even out and Sproles remaining as the 7th best PPR running back seems like a lot to ask.

New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks - 5 (23), Mario Manningham - dnp (14), Ahmad Bradshaw - 5 (12), Victor Cruz - 5 (9), Jake Ballard - 1 (5), Brandon Jacobs - 3 (5), Henry Hynoski - 1 (4), Brandon Stokley - 2 (3), Travis Beckum - 1 (1)

The Giants passing game was extremely productive, especially going up against a tough Eagles pass defense, but that production came from very few targets. Not one player saw over 5 targets or over 26 passing routes. Against easier pass defenses these numbers should expand.
Victor Cruz was the story of this game, but with Mario Manningham set to return in week 4 there won’t be as many targets to go around. The three targets, including a touchdown reception for Brandon Jacobs is nice for his owners, but Bradshaw still remains the PPR back to own with 12 targets on the season.

New York Jets

Dustin Keller - 9 (23), Derrick Mason - 10 (18), Plaxico Burress - 6 (17), Santonio Holmes - 2 (16), LaDainian Tomlinson - 6 (15), Shonn Greene - 7 (10), Jeff Cumberland - 1 (5), Matthew Mulligan - 1 (4), Patrick Turner - 1 (1)

Santonio Holmes’ lack of targets is disturbing. He is their best receiver and should be seeing the ball more. He also wasn’t thrilled with seeing only 2 targets so the squeaky wheel could get the ball thrown at it more in week 4. I’ll chalk this one up as an anomaly.
There wasn’t a lack of targets to go around for the other Jets players. Even Shonn Greene got into the action with 7 targets and 7 receptions, but Old Man Tomlinson did most of the damage out of the two running backs on 11 less touches. Greene has been less than productive on the ground so getting some work in the passing game is extremely helpful to his fantasy numbers, but I’m not holding my breath for long term success.
Dustin Keller is still Sanchez’s main guy and is the only receiver that has had consistent targets from week to week. Derrick Mason had a big target day, but Sanchez also threw 43 passes which won’t happen every week.

Oakland Raiders

Denarius Moore - 6 (15), Darren McFadden - 3 (12), Derek Hagan - 3 (11), Darrius Heyward-Bey - 3 (10), Brandon Myers - 1 (9), Marcel Reece - 0 (8), Chaz Schilens - 4 (5), Michael Bush - 2 (3), Kevin Boss - 2 (2), Rock Cartwright - 1 (1), Taiwan Jones - 1 (1)

The Raiders are a run first team with Darren McFadden leading the way. Only the inept Seahawks have a target leader with less than Denarius Moore’s 15 total. With Jacoby Ford most likely coming back this week the receiver position gets even more muddled, but it seems that Denarius Moore should continue to see targets since he has done the most with them.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jeremy Maclin - 7 (25), DeSean Jackson - 6 (21), Jason Avant - 5 (16), Brent Celek - 2 (12), LeSean McCoy - 3 (10), Steve Smith - 5 (7), Owen Schmitt - 1 (3), Clay Harbor - 1 (1)

The Eagles passing game is a bit of a mess right now. They had to rely on the ground game in week 3 and LeSean McCoy obliged with another big day, but it was once again hard to decipher who will get targets in the passing game. Michael Vick was being harassed most of the game, Jeremy Maclin left the game with a hamstring injury and then Mike Kafka came in and threw 2 interceptions.
Steve Smith did see 5 targets, which is an increase from 2 in week 2, but he was only on the field for 12 plays. That can be read in two ways; first, he only was out there 12 plays, which doesn’t bode well for production, but second, he was targeted on 5 of those plays, which means they have some faith in him. If Maclin were to miss any games with his hamstring issue Smith would probably see a big increase in time on the field. <!--RW-->

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace - 7 (27), Antonio Brown - 8 (23), Hines Ward - 4 (19), Heath Miller - 6 (14), Emmanuel Sanders - 5 (11), Rashard Mendenhall - 4 (7), Mewelde Moore - 1 (4), Weslye Saunders - 1 (1), David Johnson - 1 (1)

Mike Wallace continues to put up big numbers and is tied for third in the league with 21 receptions. His status in PPR is much better than many pundits believed in preseason. After him it’s pretty much become the Antonio Brown show. Of course it isn’t that clear cut, but Roethlisberger targets him more than any receiver other than Wallace and he’s on the field much less Hines Ward. We could start to see that change.

San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson - 8 (26), Mike Tolbert - 5 (23), Ryan Mathews - 4 (18), Malcom Floyd - 5 (15), Antonio Gates - dnp (14), Randy McMichael - 5 (9), Patrick Crayton - 7 (7), Jacob Hester - 2 (6), Vincent Brown - 1 (1), Kory Sperry - 1 (1)

We predicted a break out by Ryan Mathews in week 3 and he obliged. Mathews has clearly outplayed Mike Tolbert this season and as long as he stays healthy that will continue. Even after a huge game by Tolbert week 1, Mathews has much higher yards per carry and reception, total receiving and rushing yards, touches and fantasy points.
This was Patrick Crayton’s first game back from ankle surgery and he had the second most targets with 7 and this was with Malcom Floyd starting. With Floyd’s injury history and Antonio Gates looking to take a rest from the mess, Crayton is someone to keep an eye on.

Seattle Seahawks

Ben Obomanu - 2 (14), Doug Baldwin - 4 (12), Justin Forsett - 3 (11), Golden Tate - 3 (10), Sidney Rice - 10 (10), Zach Miller - 3 (9), Mike Williams - 1 (9), Marshawn Lynch - 3 (7), Leon Washington - 1 (4)

Finally a Seahawks’ player who might be worth more than a butt-end of a joke. Sidney Rice returned from his shoulder injury and promptly saw 10 targets and accumulated 8 receptions for 109 yards. Of course this came against a poor Arizona Cardinals’ pass defense, but this is the first sign of fantasy life we’ve seen out of them; let’s take it.
San Francisco 49ers
Vernon Davis - 9 (17), Josh Morgan - 4 (11), Frank Gore - 2 (9), Michael Crabtree - 6 (8), Delanie Walker - 2 (7), Kendall Hunter - 2 (2)
It does pay to whine and complain! Vernon Davis was upset that he was blocking rather than running routes in week 2 and he should have been. He is easily their best receiver. He has been targeted 17 times and caught 15 of those for 179 yards. That is an 88% catch rate. Hopefully his week three 8 catch 119 yard performance will get the ball rolling for him.
The 49ers offense is averaging 6.8 yards per reception and 2.5 yards per rush and a league low 25 pass attempts per game. That does not leave much room for fantasy points.

St. Louis Rams

Mike Sims-Walker - 6 (21), Brandon Gibson - 7 (20), Cadillac Williams - 2 (17), Danario Alexander - 8 (15), Lance Kendricks - 3 (12), Michael Hoomanawanui - 3 (5), Austin Pettis - 2 (2), Steven Jackson - 1 (1)

The resurgence of the Rams offense under the tutelage of Josh McDaniels has yet to materialize. They have no receivers that can step up and produce consistently (i.e. catch a friggin football). After a big game from Danario Alexander, arguably their most skilled receiver, they decided to get him more involved with 8 targets, but he only hauled in 2 for 28 yards. Until a receiver steps up it will be difficult to rely on any of them.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Williams - 9 (23), Earnest Graham - 8 (22), Kellen Winslow - 4 (20), Preston Parker - 1 (14), Arrelious Benn - 4 (13), Dezmon Briscoe - 0 (6), Luke Stocker - 2 (4), LeGarrette Blount - 3 (3), Kregg Lumpkin - 1 (2)

LeGarrette Blount’s snaps have increased every game this season, from 13 to 26 to 48, whereas Earnest Graham’s have fallen from 46 to 33 to 19. This has a lot to do with the flow of the game, but is still good news for Blount owners. He also had his first 3 passing targets of the season in week 3 as well. Hopefully that will continue.
Freeman didn’t have one of his better games and it showed in the receiver’s production. If you were hoping that a sleeper candidate out of Preston Parker, Arrelious Benn, or Dezmon Briscoe would surface it’s time to give up the ghost. Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow are the only receivers worth owning in this offense.

Tennessee Titans

Nate Washington - 9 (27), Kenny Britt - 3 (26), Chris Johnson - 7 (19), Lavelle Hawkins - 5 (9), Jared Cook - 2 (7), Damian Williams - 3 (5), Craig Stevens - 1 (5), Marc Mariani - 1 (4), Javon Ringer - 2 (4), Quinn Johnson - 2 (3), Daniel Graham - 1 (1)

The Titans lost Kenny Britt for the season in this game, which is a huge blow to their offense, but Matt Hasselbeck is throwing at a crazy 70% completion rate and his offensive line is giving him time. Nate Washington’s 9 targets are what he is averaging for the season and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to see that or more with Britt out. Yes, it will be more difficult for him without Britt taking coverage away, but it is also quite difficult to not catch half of the balls thrown your way.
Jared Cook has seen a measly 7 targets all season, which is truly a travesty of monumental proportions. The loss of Britt should, SHOULD get more targets for Cook, but we’ll just have to wait to see.

Washington Redskins

Santana Moss - 8 (25), Jabar Gaffney - 6 (21), Fred Davis - 3 (16), Tim Hightower - 6 (11), Chris Cooley - 5 (10), Anthony Armstrong - 0 (10), Roy Helu - 2 (6)

Santana Moss continues to put up solid PPR numbers, but even with Rex Grossman averaging 282 yards passing a game it isn’t really giving out the fantasy points it should because the touchdowns in Native America are spread pretty thin with only Tim Hightower having over 1 (he has 2).
So the true fantasy production looks like it will mostly come from the running back position, which Hightower did a good job defending on Monday Night Football. But even though he had a decent game, Roy Helu was still on the field quite a bit. Helu saw 26 snaps to Hightower's 36 and ran 18 pass routes to Hightower's 12. This could just be the way it is, but I still believe Helu is the more skilled player and will continue to win time.
 
HacheMan

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Flex ranks: Mike Wallace a top-12 play
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Eric Karabell


It's time for October football, which not only means September is in the rearview mirror, but the bye weeks are approaching. Lots of them, and with lots of teams on bye each of those weeks. So while you probably have myriad decisions to make in Week 4, I'd argue it's much better to have decisions to make, as opposed to next week, when this top 100 flex list is probably going to have some names on it you've never heard of. But hey, that's the fun of it!


So here we go, the Week 4 flex rankings. Enjoy.

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: I'm guessing he'll get plenty of second-half carries this week, and every week after.
2. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: Bad matchup against the Jets? Perhaps not as much as you think. Play your stars.
3. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: Patriots give it up on the ground, through the air and everywhere.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars
5. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: Go ahead, Calvin, score two touchdowns every week. We won't stop you. The Cowboys probably won't, either.
6. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
7. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
8. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
9. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots: Gotta love the 20 targets. Tom Brady is telling you where the football is going, and nobody can stop him or Wes.
10. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants
11. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills: True fantasy MVP candidate!
12. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers: Pretty impressive start for this guy as well. Oddly enough, Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been great.
13. Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: On the verge of greatness, just as everyone expected last season.
14. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: I've been somewhat disappointed in Kevin Kolb, to be honest, but Fitz has been fine.
15. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers
16. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons: Now here's a cool stat for you: If you take out his two big runs (114 of his 234 yards), he's averaging 3.0 yards per rush. Get Jacquizz Rodgers prepared.
17. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
18. Roddy White, WR, Falcons: Strange to see him dropping passes, but I'm not too concerned.
19. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
20. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers: Ya know, the Steelers had offensive line problems last season as well. I'd buy low on Mendy.
21. Steve Johnson, WR, Bills
22. Jahvid Best, RB, Lions: His talent was really never in question.
23. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: His talent is starting to come into question, but we project a nice week for him.
24. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: Basically he has turned into Antonio Gates, but better.
25. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: See, he does remember how to catch the football.
26. Santana Moss, WR, Redskins: Terrific matchup for him this week.
27. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns: Yeah, I'm worried 2011 could be merely an average season for him.
28. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys
29. Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins
30. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers
31. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: Shouldn't have to play in a driving rainstorm this week.
32. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers
33. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles
34. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
35. Arian Foster, RB, Texans: They say he will play and play a lot … and still I'm a bit skeptical he plays as much as we hope.
36. Ben Tate, RB, Texans: Keep him around, just in case. I say he gets enough carries to matter this week. It helps that he's currently fifth in the league in rushing.
37. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
38. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
39. Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins: His play warrants this high of a rank.
40. Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets
41. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: Still limping around, which is a shame since it's such a nice matchup in Philly. Don't be surprised if Sunday morning we find out he's sitting.
42. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles
43. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys
44. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
45. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos: Is he still the top Denver wide receiver? I think he is.
46. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: Probably starts serving his suspension in Week 5, but in Week 4 he's not a bad play at all.
47. Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: Lookin' good, but he's still a rookie, so have proper depth for December.
48. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals: Still doing great things per carry, but he didn't suit up in Week 3. Disappointing.
49. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
50. Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: People are giving up on him. I wouldn't.
51. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots
52. Mario Manningham, WR, Giants: Certainly looks like he will play, and has a good matchup.
53. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings: The wide receiver version of Adrian Peterson; use Percy more!
54. James Starks, RB, Packers: Probably no Ryan Grant this week, but I had Starks ranked much higher anyway.
55. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
56. Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
57. Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks
58. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
59. Lance Moore, WR, Saints
60. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints: People are so excited about owning him that I think they are overrating him just a bit. He's not a sure starter in fantasy.
61. Nate Washington, WR, Titans: Same here. Yes, Kenny Britt is gone, but this is still not going to be an effective passing offense all season long.
62. Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders: I wouldn't argue with you if you felt he should be 10 spots higher.
63. Deion Branch, WR, Patriots
64. Owen Daniels, TE, Texans
65. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts
66. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: He's a rookie. Rookies will disappear at times. And sometimes they will shine, too.
67. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons: Yes, I think he's a starter in a 10-team league.
68. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
69. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: Just don't cut him. Even if you don't believe he'll get better, you can't cut him.
70. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos
71. Robert Meachem, WR, Saints
72. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers: I think he's battling an injury, because it's odd that he hasn't been so busy.
73. Johnny Knox, WR, Bears
74. David Nelson, WR, Bills: His numbers are pretty much like what Steve Johnson is doing.
75. Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos
76. Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Chiefs: Not a bad performance from him last week, but let's see if he's used more this week.
77. Nate Burleson, WR, Lions
78. Jacoby Ford, WR, Raiders: If he plays, he could be really good. I hedged some for that reason.
79. Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs: No matter how bad he was last week and might be this week, don't cut him. He will get plenty of work.
80. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: Ditto.
81. Devery Henderson, WR, Saints
82. Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars
83. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks
84. Montario Hardesty, RB, Browns
85. Plaxico Burress, WR, Jets
86. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers
87. Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers: If Gore is definitely out, then move Hunter up about half this list. No, really. The Eagles' linebacking corps is poor against the run.
88. Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts
89. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants
90. Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
91. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos: Perplexing. Not saying he should be a star, but just ridiculous.
92. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Rams
93. Michael Bush, RB, Raiders
94. Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins
95. Dustin Keller, TE, Jets
96. Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers: If Gates doesn't play, Floyd should see more targets. It's not like they'll target Randy McMichael double-digit times.
97. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: I don't think the Steve Slaton signing says good things about Bush, do you?
98. Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns
99. C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills
100. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets: If only he were three years younger, Shonn Greene would barely be discussed.
Best of the rest: Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens; Danny Woodhead, RB, Patriots; Roy Helu, RB, Redskins; Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers; Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals
 
HacheMan

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Vick's Quick Fix

Good news has been in short supply early on this season.

Arian Foster was hurt before the season even began, while Jamaal Charles and Kenny Britt were lost just weeks into it.

Throw in nagging injuries to many of fantasy’s biggest names — Michael Vick, Antonio Gates, Dez Bryant, Steven Jackson and Santonio Holmes among them — and you have a year where many roto squads could find themselves essentially knocked out at the quarter pole.

But tides must turn eventually, and for many on Wednesday, that’s exactly what they did.

Michael Vick
There’s no better place to start than perhaps the game’s best player, who said Wednesday there was a “100 percent chance” he’d play against the 49ers this Sunday after turning in a full practice.

The proclamation was the culmination of a steady stream of good news for fantasy’s top quarterback, who went from possibly missing over a month of action to perhaps just a day of practice to no time at all.

Injuries to quarterbacks’ hands — throwing or not — are never welcome news, but with Vick, things appear to have been as minor as possible.

And after looking wobbly against the Giants last Sunday, he should also be 100 percent recovered from his “other” injury, his Week 2 concussion. Throw in the fact that Vick will be facing the 49ers, and you have all the ingredients for a bounce-back week after two rough performances against two tough defenses.

Arian Foster
Like Vick, Foster returned to full practice Wednesday. Unlike Vick, it was his first full practice of the 2011 season.

Declaring there were "no issues anymore" with the hamstring that has plagued him since midway through the preseason, Foster appears poised for his first full workload of the season after being taken No. 1 overall in a majority of drafts.

That’s bad news for Ben Tate owners, but good news for everyone who couldn’t afford another limited effort or no show from their first-round pick.

Steven Jackson
One of the young year’s biggest disappointments, Jackson appears to have finally turned the corner Wednesday, getting in his most practice reps since before he injured his quad in the first quarter of the Rams’ first game.

One week after receiving only four carries in St. Louis’ blowout loss to the Ravens, Jackson can tentatively be expected to receive a workload much more befitting of a RB2 against the Redskins on Sunday.

Jacoby Ford
After missing Weeks 2 and 3 with a hamstring injury, Ford was finally back at Raiders practice Wednesday, turning in a limited session.

A lot happened during his absence, but most notable was the emergence of fifth-round pick Denarius Moore.

It has many thinking Ford’s star has dimmed, that he missed his chance by going down so early in the season. That would be to ignore one thing, however: Ford is pretty darn good in his own right.

In a receiver corps that features perennially banged up Chaz Schilens and perennially disappointing Darrius Heyward-Bey, there is more than enough room for both Ford and Moore to shine.

Neither are likely to get you, say, WR2 numbers on a weekly basis, but both have the kind of explosive talent that can save a fantasy Sunday with just one big play.

The spotlight is on Moore, and may remain there going forward, but that doesn’t mean it won’t also find time to shine on his equally talented teammate.

Marques Colston
The good news was a little more oblique with Colston — HC Sean Payton may or may not have told a group of Jaguars reporters on a conference call he would return this week — but what is clear is that Colston is finally making progress after breaking his collarbone in Week 1.

If you’re in one of the 16 percent of Yahoo leagues where New Orleans’ No. 1 wide receiver is currently unowned, the time to take a flier is now.

Frank Gore
One thing players generally don’t do if they aren’t going to play on Sunday? Practice on Wednesday.

So it was encouraging that Gore was able to turn in a limited session Wednesday.

Although it’s entirely possible he won’t be able to get his ankle where it needs to be in time to suit up for Sunday’s tilt with the Eagles, things are trending in the right direction.

That’s excellent news considering San Francisco will be taking on a 30th ranked run defense currently allowing an average of 131.3 yards on the ground.

Even at less than 100 percent, Gore will be one of the strongest plays of the week if he avoids the inactives list.

Danny Amendola
Although beat writer Jim Thomas believes otherwise, Amendola guaranteed on Wednesday that he’d return to face the Redskins this week.

In most cases, with the Rams bye only one week around the corner, it would seem unnecessary for Amendola to rush back just three weeks after suffering a fairly gruesome injury. This isn’t most cases, however.

At 0-3 — an ugly 0-3 — with no let up in the schedule in sight, the Rams need a win in a bad way, and also need a boost to a receiver corps that has been marred by drops and general inconsistency without its linchpin wideout.

The prudent thing would be to wait one more game — two weeks — with Amendola, but this is not a time for prudence in St. Louis. The odds seem in favor of Amendola returning this week, and if he does, the odds will be even more in favor of him leading the Rams’ woeful collection of pass catchers in targets. He should not be unowned in any format.

Dez Bryant
The Cowboys’ breakout candidate was limited on Wednesday, an upgrade on a week ago where he sat out until Saturday. Setback free after Monday’s win over the Redskins, he’ll be active against the Lions this weekend.

Santonio Holmes
Holmes has resumed practicing fully, and should be in for a steady diet of targets in Week 4, one week after complaining about his role in the offense.

BAD NEWS QUICK SLANTS
The theme today is good news, but that doesn’t mean the bad news isn’t still out there. We’ll start with Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), who did not practice Wednesday, and appears extremely unlikely to suit up this Sunday. … Joining him on the sideline were Andre Johnson (knee) and Roddy White (thigh), though both are expected to return to practice Thursday and be active in Week 4. … Fellow WR1 Mike Wallace was limited by a ribs injury Wednesday, but will play on Sunday. … Beanie Wells was limited in Cardinals practice Wednesday, prompting HC Ken Whisenhunt to say “Hopefully he’ll be OK for the game.” Hardly an inspiring comment for those looking for clues about their RB2’s Week 4 status. … Finally, there’s Antonio Gates, who in addition to basically declaring himself out for Sunday expressed disbelief his foot injury remained an issue. He could be headed for a lost season.
 
HacheMan

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Week 4 Rankings

I started writing the notes for this column at 2 a.m., my mind racing from an insane night of baseball and my sleep patterns irrevocably changed by my newborn daughter Ellis.

With my mind a mess this morning, I asked our managing editor Brett Vandermark for thoughts about the intro. He suggested writing about my refusal to play Fred Jackson in our office league. It was Brett’s lame attempt at trash talking, but it’s actually not a bad idea.

In that league, we can only play two running backs with no flex position. I drafted Jackson as my third running back. My fourth and fifth running backs were Willis McGahee and Ben Tate. All this depth is really not doing me any good.

It’s only Week 4, but it’s not too early to start trading your depth. I can and should move one of my starters (LeSean McCoy, Peyton Hillis) or decent backups (Jackson or Tate) to upgrade another position.

Wins at the beginning of the year count the same as the ones in November. It’s not too early to start improving your roster if one position on your team is much deeper than another.

Now, on to the good stuff:


Week 4 Quarterbacks


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Michael Vick</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Probable (hand)</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Ryan Fitzpatrick</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable (ribs)</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Cam Newton</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Matt Ryan</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Rex Grossman</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Kevin Kolb</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Josh Freeman</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Chad Henne</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Probable (-)</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Kyle Orton</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Colt McCoy</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Sam Bradford</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>Probable (finger)</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Matt Cassel</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>Probable (concussion)</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Andy Dalton</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Blaine Gabbert</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Curtis Painter</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>Kerry Collins</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>Questionable (concussion)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

QB Notes: The Titans showed the limitations of the Ravens offense two weeks ago. I’m curious to see if the Jets will do the same. Cortland Finnegan absolutely took Anquan Boldin out of the game, and Joe Flacco didn’t have enough options to go. Let’s say Darrelle Revis takes out Boldin. Is Torrey Smith ready to be that other main guy? I still like Flacco long-term – especially when he faces the NFC – but you only start him in plus matchups. Not this week. … Rex Grossman had one good half against the Giants. His other ten quarters have been mediocre. There just isn’t enough talent around him, and he’s not the type of player to life his teammates up.

Tony Romo is a somewhat risky play against Detroit’s front seven this week. … Teams that feel like rolling the dice could buy low on Vick. There’s a good chance he’ll miss games, but it may be worth the risk if you have a mediocre roster that needs a possible savior. … The Bengals defense is ranked third in the league, but they haven’t played a team like Buffalo. This will be a big test for the Bills’ pass protection. They should pass it.

Kevin Kolb starts retreating in the pocket an awful lot, trying to create plays that aren’t there. He is about as inconsistent as I expected. Good, not great. Just a QB2. … Matt Schaub played three fantastic quarters against the Saints and then starting spraying passes all over the place. He still looks like a borderline top ten guy. … I’m sticking with Cam Newton as a QB1, even in a tough matchup against the Bears. He doesn’t need to throw for big yardage to be a solid fantasy starter. He wasn’t as good as he looked the first two weeks, and he wasn’t as erratic as he looked last week. Something in between will be plenty good.
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Week 4 Running Backs


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Darren McFadden</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Probable (groin)</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>Probable (calf)</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Jahvid Best</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Ahmad Bradshaw</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Arian Foster</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Peyton Hillis</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Probable (illness)</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Ryan Mathews</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Felix Jones</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Beanie Wells</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>Questionable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>Questionable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Daniel Thomas</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>LeGarrette Blount</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Mark Ingram</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>Probable (quadriceps)</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Ben Tate</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Probable (-)</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>James Starks</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Shonn Greene</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Mike Tolbert</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>Dexter McCluster</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>Questionable (middle body)</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Michael Bush</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Montario Hardesty</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Kendall Hunter</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Roy Helu</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Stevan Ridley</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Delone Carter</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>51</TD><TD>Cadillac Williams</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>52</TD><TD>DeMarco Murray</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>53</TD><TD>Danny Woodhead</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>54</TD><TD>Bernard Scott</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>55</TD><TD>C.J. Spiller</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>56</TD><TD>Deji Karim</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>57</TD><TD>Tashard Choice</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>58</TD><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>59</TD><TD>Jerome Harrison</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>60</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>61</TD><TD>Javon Ringer</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable (back)</TD></TR><TR><TD>62</TD><TD>Alfonso Smith</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>63</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
RB Notes: This sounds crazy, but I was wondering what was wrong with Felix Jones Monday night when he rushed for over 100 yards. He got in the open field a few times and didn’t make anyone miss. He didn’t pull away from defenders. Perhaps he’s not running with the same explosion because of his shoulder. I know it was a good game statistically, but it concerned me for the future, especially for this week before Dallas’ bye. … The Redskins are eighth in rushing attempts through three weeks. Roy Helu may get more of the load eventually, but owners should stick with Tim Hightower even if he’s not that effective per-carry. The Rams defense looks like a plus matchup at this point, which is a big surprise.

Wes Welker, Fred Jackson, and Cam Newton are three preseason projections that I’m proud of. The absolute worst call I had this year and possibly in my entire career at Rotoworld was doubting Darren McFadden as a first round pick. I’m glad Silva and Wesseling pushed him higher. Could McFadden still get hurt and confirm my worst fears, which were injury related? Sure, but that wouldn’t make my projection right. He’s an animal and the loss of Tom Cable hasn’t remotely hurt the Raiders offensive line. Doubting McFadden, even a little, was a case of being a contrarian just for the sake of it without having enough to back it up.

Ahmad Bradshaw is one player I thought was undervalued in the preseason that is starting to come around. It’s weird that a guy who went over 1,500 yards from scrimmage last year was so overlooked. The concerns about Brandon Jacobs getting more of the workload were somewhat overblown. Bradshaw has 54 touches this year. Jacobs has 32. After a mediocre start, Bradshaw was at his hop-stepping best last week. He had an epic stiff arm. … I would just play Arian Foster this week, sit Ben Tate, and not think too hard about it. … Montario Hardesty will hurt Peyton Hillis’ value, but I’m not sure it will devastate it. Hardesty will get the touches we thought Brandon Jackson was going to.
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Daniel Thomas looks like he belongs. Big change from a rough preseason. He may not get enough carries when the Dolphins trail, but I think he’ll wind up sticking as a RB2. Buy low if its still possible. … James Casey may go down as one of the great fluke fantasy games of all time. … If we re-drafted today, where would LeSean McCoy go? I’d say top-three.<!--RW-->

Week 4 Wide Receivers


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Probable (abdomen)</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Probable (thigh)</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Mike Wallace</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Probable (ribs)</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Stevie Johnson</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Probable (groin)</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Probable (quadriceps)</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Dez Bryant</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable (quadriceps)</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Jeremy Maclin</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Questionable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Denarius Moore</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Mario Manningham</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>Probable (concussion)</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Julio Jones</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Mike Williams</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>Probable (-)</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Lance Moore</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable (groin)</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>David Nelson</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Brandon Lloyd</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>A.J. Green</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>Probable (toe)</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Jordy Nelson</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Robert Meachem</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>Eric Decker</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>Johnny Knox</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Mike Thomas</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Jacoby Ford</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Michael Crabtree</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Devery Henderson</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>Torrey Smith</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Brandon Gibson</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Donald Jones</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Davone Bess</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>51</TD><TD>Malcom Floyd</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Probable (groin)</TD></TR><TR><TD>52</TD><TD>Victor Cruz</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>53</TD><TD>Kevin Ogletree</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>54</TD><TD>Antonio Brown</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>55</TD><TD>Titus Young</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>56</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>57</TD><TD>Mohamed Massaquoi</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR><TD>58</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Sidelined (ankle)</TD></TR><TR><TD>59</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>60</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>61</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Probable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR><TD>62</TD><TD>Brandon LaFell</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>63</TD><TD>Greg Little</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>64</TD><TD>Andre Roberts</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>65</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>66</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>67</TD><TD>Mike Williams</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>68</TD><TD>Emmanuel Sanders</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>69</TD><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>70</TD><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR><TD>71</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>72</TD><TD>Jacoby Jones</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR><TD>73</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
WR Notes: Dez Bryant was hobbling the other night. He produced enough for fantasy leaguers, but it would be nice to see the kid play one game at 100%. We’re 0-for-3 this year. It’s going to limit him. … Silva’s boy Victor Cruz probably won’t be consistent enough to be a fantasy starter, but his outburst against Philly won’t be his last big game. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

I liked Mike Thomas going into the year because he was the only halfway decent wideout on his team. I underestimated the crushing effect of Luke McCown and expected Blaine Gabbert to be worse. The rookie had some nice moments against Carolina. Perhaps it was just the matchup, but it gave me some hope for Thomas long term. … Jabar Gaffney gets plenty of chances for big plays, but he doesn’t have the skill set to consistently pull it off. He’s worth owning in deeper leagues, but that’s about it despite the steady production.

It would be fun to see Devin McCourty and Denarius Moore vie for jump balls this week. Moore is clearly Oakland’s best playmaker so he deserves the best defender against him. The rookie isn’t going away. The plays Moore makes on the ball are breathtaking. The kid could be special long-term. I don’t see him having a Anquan Boldin-type rookie year, but he’s using as a WR3.

There is no apparent growth yet from Mark Sanchez. Things look good one quarter, shoddy the next. He’s better in fantasy because they throw the ball more, but Santonio Holmes’ chances for a true breakout year aren’t great unless Sanchez improves in reality. … After watching both of the Browns’ games, there’s just no reason to think any of their wideouts will emerge. Greg Little is worth holding on to in deeper leagues, but barely.
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Week 4 Tight Ends


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Rob Gronkowski</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Jimmy Graham</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Sidelined (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Fred Davis</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Brandon Pettigrew</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Questionable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>Questionable (foot)</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Jermaine Gresham</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Ed Dickson</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Scott Chandler</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Jared Cook</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Evan Moore</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Probable (hip)</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>Probable (ribs)</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Questionable (back)</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Lance Kendricks</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
TE Notes: Chris Cooley is running in quicksand. He’s playing, but he’s not Chris Cooley anymore. He’s getting fewer snaps overall than Fred Davis. With all of the depth at tight end, I wouldn’t hesitate to cut Cooley if you need room.

I’d say that Davis is a revelation, but he was on our sleepers last year. We were one year early, but his skill set remains. There isn’t a tight end quite like him, and that’s true even after his quiet Monday night game. When Davis leaps for passes, he looks like the dude in Tecmo Bowl that jumps out of the screen to make a vertical catch. He has the perfect storm for big production in Washington: Rex Grosman’s arm strength is mediocre, Santana Moss has lost a step, and the Redskins’ secondary receivers are vanilla. The team needs a star; Davis is an every-week play. Last week didn’t phase me.

It’s a Dustin Keller year. Finally. Mark Sanchez still struggles to throw outside the seams. Derrick Mason isn’t making a big impact. Jerricho Cotchery is gone. Keller can finish the year as the team’s leader in receptions and a top-10 tight end. … It’s a thin line between fantasy starter and useless at tight end. Blaine Gabbert pushes Marcedes Lewis towards the useless side.


Week 4 Team Defense


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Week 4 Kickers


<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Alex Henery</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Nick Novak</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Billy Cundiff</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Dan Bailey</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Prater</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Graham Gano</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Connor Barth</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Steven Hauschka</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Ryan Succop</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Josh Scobee</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Mathews Hits the Brakes

Ryan Mathews’ foot must be distressingly unfamiliar with Latin cliches.

Carpe diem, Veni, vidi, vici, whatever — Mathews’ foot is having none of it.

After seemingly seizing control of the Chargers backfield with three straight excellent performances to begin the season as Mike Tolbert faltered, Mathews now finds himself as he was for most of his lost rookie campaign: banged up.

Limited in practice Wednesday, Mathews was downgraded to out Thursday after waking up with more soreness than expected in his ailing foot.

He’s vowed to return “full speed” Friday, but in what is fast becoming the year of the empty injury guarantee, it would no longer be wise to assume Mathews will be unencumbered against the Dolphins.

The ailment hits the brakes on Mathews’ rapid fantasy ascension, and could be a stay of execution for Tolbert’s status as an every week flex in standard leagues.

We won’t know what to expect for sure until the Chargers take the practice field this afternoon, but all indications are, at least for one week, the hostile takeover that was near its culmination in San Diego’s backfield is again trending toward a timeshare.

It’s good news for Tolbert, and bad news for a player who was finally starting to live up to his lofty pedigree one year after the fact.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Mathews isn’t the only ascendant young running back who took a big bucket of cold water to the face Thursday.

Daniel Thomas was pulled from Dolphins practice after the hamstring injury that slowed him to a crawl during the preseason “flared up.”

Aside from the fact that the Dolphins are “concerned” by the development, little is known about Thomas’ status heading into Sunday’s tilt with the Chargers.

We’ll get a much firmer grasp on the situation when Miami’s afternoon practice report comes out, but it’s hard to believe Thomas will be a full go, and that’s troubling for a back who looked like he didn’t belong anywhere near an NFL field as he played hurt in the preseason.

If only momentarily, Reggie Bush’s arrow is pointing back up, while Steve Slaton could rapidly go from “irrelevant” to “intriguing” in his new home. Stay tuned.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
The young guns aren’t the only ones who are hurting. Recently paid 49ers workhorse Frank Gore admitted Thursday he has no idea if he’ll be able to play through his ankle injury against the Eagles Sunday.

"I don't know, man," Gore said. "I really don't know. If I can't go, I can't go."

Hardly inspiring words considering Gore plays in a league where the norm is to insist you will play right up until the moment you don’t.

Barring an unexpected return to full practice Friday, Gore’s best-case scenario for Week 4 appears to be a timeshare with rookie Kendall Hunter against Philadelphia’s 30th ranked run defense.

That’s bad news for a player who could use the boost the Eagles would have promised to provide to his ugly 2.5 YPC had he been able to turn in a normal workload.

If you’re an owner who has yet to handcuff Gore with his explosive rookie backup, now would be a good time to do so.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
The news was worse in New York, where Hakeem Nicks missed practice with swelling in the same knee he hyper-extended in Week 1.

Nicks was adamant he’ll still take the field against the Cardinals this weekend, but if it’s more of the same for his knee this afternoon, he could find himself majorly limited for the second time in three weeks.

His talent is immense enough that he should remain in your lineup as long as he’s active, but with the Giants not playing until 4:05 ET, you could be forced to make a lineup decision with incomplete data on Sunday morning.

NEWS OF THE DAY #5
Were Nicks not to go, it would mean more snaps for Victor Cruz, who shined in the absence of Mario Manningham last weekend.

Making his first career start, the former “Hard Knocks” sensation burned elite Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha for a pair of touchdowns — one a 74-yarder — while finally giving the Giants a reason to expand his role.

OC Kevin Gilbride says his future is in the slot — that would be the same slot Steve Smith exploited so beautifully before injuring his knee and leaving town.

Every week production cannot be expected from Cruz when both Nicks and Manningham are healthy, but if you’re searching for answers at receiver on a thin waiver wire, there are more reasons to add Cruz than not to.

PROLONGING THE MAGIC
By nearly any measure, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s hot start this season has been improbable. The Harvard man has always flashed big-play and big-game potential since coming into the league in 2005, but the key word is “flashed.” Typically, a huge day from the bearded gunslinger has been followed by two pedestrian ones. That’s why it’s still hard to believe he’ll be able to keep up at the rate he’s been going.

At first glance, his Week 4 opponent, the Bengals, would appear to be the team capable of slowing him. Through three weeks, they are sporting the NFL’s fifth-ranked pass defense, allowing just 188.3 yards per game.

But once you realize they’ve only had to deal with Cleveland, Denver and San Francisco, that number is no longer so impressive.

It’s true the Bengals have two solid starting cornerbacks in Leon Hall and Nate Clements, but it’s unlikely that will be enough to slow down a passing attack that has been positively sizzling through three weeks.

For one more game, Fitzpatrick can expected to play like a true QB1. His first big test will come in Week 5, when Buffalo hosts the Eagles. If Fitzpatrick can pass it, it might be time to stop wondering when he’s going to slow down.
 
HacheMan

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Matchups: Vick Will Lick 49ers

1:00PM ET Games

Detroit @ Dallas

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Calvin Johnson's league-high six receiving touchdowns is the fact that he's truly been "open" on just one of them. (Last week's five-yarder in the back of the end zone.) Megatron has beaten Brandon Flowers and Aqib Talib -- two of the NFL's best young corners -- for four of the scores (two apiece), including two when Flowers and Talib had safety help. His 32-yard TD in Week 3 came in Vikings LCB Chris Cook's sticky man coverage; Megatron simply out-physicaled Cook for a jump ball. Johnson usually faces off with left corners, so he'll see a lot of aging Terence Newman in Dallas. Megatron whipped Newman on a routine post route for a 14-yard score in Week 11 last year and will continue to give the 33-year-old fits. He's the best fantasy receiver going. ... Matthew Stafford has a 15:3 TD-to-INT ratio in his last five games and has opened the year averaging 313 yards a week. He's a top-five fantasy quarterback.

Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew are swapping big games, as Burleson returns from a 12-yard clunker while the burly tight end exposed Minnesota's Cover 2 for career highs in catches (11) and yards (112). Burleson and Pettigrew will remain inconsistent in fantasy as secondary passing-game options who also "compete" for targets with Jahvid Best, Tony Scheffler, and situational deep threat Titus Young. The good news is one of them will be productive this week. The bad news is there's little telling who it will be. ... Dallas' defense was vulnerable to tailback screens and swings last Monday night, as Tim Hightower and Roy Helu combined for 56 yards and a TD on seven Week 3 receptions. Dallas gave up 80 yards on seven grabs to Jets backs in Week 1, so this has become a trend. Through three games, Best ranks in the top five in receptions and receiving yards among running backs. Expect another strong PPR effort. ... Young is playing a respectable 61.6% of the Lions' offensive snaps with 15 targets in the last two games. He's a WR4 in fantasy, but will be worth WR3 consideration when bye weeks set in.

No tight end in the league has been targeted as frequently as Jason Witten so far, and he’ll keep it up until Miles Austin (hamstring) returns in Week 6. There is also growing concern in Dallas about Dez Bryant after his lingering quadriceps strain "stiffened up" when Bryant awoke Thursday morning. Witten is a very good bet to lead the Cowboys in receiving. ... Bryant appears to be a game-time decision for Week 4. At least we'll know his status early because this is a 1ET game. Fantasy owners did not have that luxury in Week 3, with the Cowboys hosting the Redskins on Monday Night Football. ... Confidently avoid Laurent Robinson, Kevin Ogletree, and Jesse Holley regardless of Bryant's availability. Robinson doesn't know the playbook after signing with Dallas just over a week ago. Ogletree should know where to line up because he's been a Cowboy since 2009, but didn't against Washington, alligator-armed a would-be touchdown catch, and also lost a fumble. Ogletree is a terrible player. Holley didn't have a Week 3 reception.

Dallas finally got its run game on track against the Skins, as Felix Jones ripped off second-half gains of 27, 29, and 40 yards. Tashard Choice has been Ogletree-bad and DeMarco Murray is averaging 2.70 YPC, so neither backup is pushing for more work. With Jones finally playing well, having avoided a setback with his shoulder, and the receiver corps all kinds of banged up, a season high in touches may be in store for Dallas' explosive feature back. One of the Lions' stoutest defenders, SLB Justin Durant, will not play due to a concussion. Jones could catch fire in the next month. His next four games come against the Lions (30th in yards-per-carry allowed), Patriots (20th), Rams (31st), and Eagles (29th). Hope that shoulder holds up. ... Owners with an elite backup quarterback can consider sitting Tony Romo in what may be a run-heavy attack on Dallas' side. The tiebreaker should be whether Bryant is active for the game, but it's worth keeping in mind that the Lions rank fourth against the pass and have allowed only two passing scores.

Score Prediction: Lions 24, Cowboys 17

Pittsburgh @ Houston

Losing O-Linemen left and right and getting poor per-play production from Rashard Mendenhall (3.02 season YPC), the Steelers quickly abandoned the run in Week 3, allowing Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to take over the game for long stretches. It nearly cost Pittsburgh the win, but is OC Bruce Arians really to blame? The Steelers have no front-five cohesiveness due to weekly injuries, and Mendenhall was never an overly elusive back, needing holes to gain yards. Houston is mediocre against the run (No. 17 rank, 4.80 yards per carry allowed), but Indy was supposed to present an even easier matchup. It's hard to recommend buying low on Mendenhall when he's in a bad situation and the coaching staff won't stick with him. Ben Roethlisberger ended up with more than double the pass attempts Mendenhall had carries, as Arians resorted to a spread offense. All fantasy owners can really do is hope it gets better. ... Antonio Brown seems to have moved ahead of Emmanuel Sanders with at least 67 receiving yards in back-to-back games. Sanders has yet to top 44 on the year. According to Pro Football Focus, Brown has played 111 snaps through three games. Sanders has 90. They're both in need of injuries to truly matter.

At 35 after countless surgeries, Hines Ward has clearly lost steam. In his last nine games, Ward is averaging under four catches for 39 yards yet still playing 86.5% of the snaps. The Steelers will need to increase Sanders and/or Brown's involvement at some point, because Ward is holding the passing game hostage. He can't get open, and isn't worth a fantasy roster spot. ... On the flip side, Mike Wallace has at least 102 receiving yards in six consecutive regular season games, with touchdowns in four of them. Dating back to November of 2010 (a 12-game stretch), Wallace is averaging 107.1 total yards per game. "60 Minutes" is currently the No. 3 overall fantasy receiver. Wallace plays on both sides of the field, so he should avoid top Texans CB Johnathan Joseph for plenty of Week 4 downs. ... With his O-Line struggling mightily and Ward failing to get free, Big Ben is 23rd among quarterbacks in fantasy scoring. Houston's defense presents far from a pushover matchup, so Roethlisberger owners can feel comfortable sitting him until he picks it up.

While the Steelers' defense has appeared vulnerable to rushing attacks early this season (No. 12 rank, 4.58 YPC allowed), this is a wait-and-see week for Texans backs. Arian Foster swears up and down that he's over his hamstring injury, but said similar things leading up to Week 2. He'd go on to last just two quarters, averaging 3.3 yards on 10 carries and lacking his usual acceleration. The Texans had to shut Foster down at halftime. Foster has suffered two too many setbacks for confident fantasy usage and is much more high-risk RB2/flex than RB1 this week. Coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Wednesday that Foster will be on a play count. ... Ben Tate remains fantasy football's most valuable handcuff, but the Texans only plan to give him 8-12 touches. He's no longer a worthwhile flex option. ... While Pittsburgh's defense has scuffled against run games, it ranks first against the pass, allowing a league-low 5.02 yards per passing play. In a tough matchup with relatively low projected scoring (45-point over/under), Schaub is back to QB2 status.

Update: Kubiak changed his mind on Friday, after Foster turned in his third straight full practice of the week. Foster is going to get the rock early and often against Pittsburgh. "He looks good," said the Texans' head coach. "We're going to put him back to work full-time and see how he holds up." Foster practiced well enough to convince both the Texans' medical and coaching staffs to give him 25 (roughly) touches against the Steelers. He's a more confident fantasy play now.

Pittsburgh has allowed the fewest 20-yard completions in the league, so look for the Texans to attack over the middle with Andre Johnson, keeping him away from RCB Ike Taylor's side. In Johnson's last meeting with the Steelers, he rang up 10 catches for 112 yards ... Beware Owen Daniels reverting to a block-first role ala Dallas Clark against Pittsburgh last Sunday night. Daniels remains a viable low-end TE1, but the Steelers don't offer nearly as favorable a tight end matchup as Daniels experienced at New Orleans. ... James Casey enjoyed a career game in Week 3, lining up at H-back, tailback, tight end, slot receiver, and out wide en route to a 137-total yard day. While Casey has the athleticism, versatility, and sure hands to be a fantasy asset, owners need to approach this situation with caution. Casey has never been used like that before, and Kubiak conceded afterwards that the Texans specifically game planned for Casey's role to expand with Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, and two running backs banged up. Only time can tell whether Casey's use as a legitimate yardage threat will last. His previous career high was 48 yards.

Score Prediction: Steelers 20, Texans 19

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

Medically cleared from his hand injury and exceptionally motivated to prove his doubters wrong -- Michael Vick gave himself a "100 percent chance" to play while vowing "to play the whole game regardless, they will have to cart me off the field" -- there isn't a better Week 4 quarterback start than Philadelphia's so-far scuffling passer. While the 49ers rank 16th in pass defense on paper, they've faced Cincinnati and Seattle, and in between were lit up by Tony Romo for 345 yards and two touchdowns with Romo missing 20 snaps due to a punctured lung. There is a very good chance that this is the week Vick will explode. ... DeSean Jackson is averaging only 52 yards per game because defenses are keeping their safeties deep in order to halt the Eagles' deep threat. But the Niners don't keep their strong safety deep, instead using Donte Whitner "in the box" as a fifth linebacker. Jackson is going to go off in short order, and you don't want to be late to that dance. He's also likely to see more targets because Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) may not be 100 percent.

Maclin is listed as probable for the game after practicing on Thursday and Friday. While the possibility of an in-game aggravation is real, he should be in fantasy lineups as a WR2. With Jackson drawing the deep coverage, Maclin has racked up 19 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns on the season, ranking 12th among receivers in fantasy points. ... LeSean McCoy continues to make a case for top-five NFL running back consideration. Possessing perhaps the best combination of versatility and explosiveness east of Oakland, Shady is averaging 131.3 total yards per game and is second to only Darren McFadden in fantasy running back scoring. Don't even worry about San Francisco's run defense ranking, because McCoy will juke through and run around it. ... It's the same old story for Brent Celek this year. He's dropped two of his 12 targets on the season, and according to Pro Football Focus has blocked on 62.3% of his snaps. Move along.

The 49ers' putrid passing attack is in for another long day at Philly. Ranked second in sacks and eighth in passing yards allowed, the combination of Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, and Alex Smith will likely take Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan out of the game. ... Tony Gonzalez found enough seams in Philly's defense to drop seven catches, 83 yards, and two TDs on it in Week 2. The Iggles figure to pay more attention to Vernon Davis, but 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is making sure Davis is Smith's first read on every passing play. The Niners will employ an offense that runs the football to set up Davis. He's led the Niners in targets, catches, and yards in 2-of-3 games. ... Multiple reports indicate that Frank Gore's ankle injury will limit his role on Sunday, and Gore has independently said he doesn't even know if he'll be active. Gore needs to be on fantasy benches. He's banged up, has been thoroughly ineffective (2.51 YPC), and could conceivably do more pass blocking while Kendall Hunter leads the 49ers' backfield in rushes and receptions. ... Hunter led the league in preseason rushing. The Ray Rice clone offers big-play ability and versatility in spades, and would be worth an RB2/flex start should Gore appear on the Sunday inactives list. The Eagles have no continuity at linebacker and rank 30th against the run, yielding 4.93 YPC.

Score Prediction: Eagles 30, 49ers 13

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Vikings DT Kevin Williams' Week 3 return from suspension had its expected effect, rendering the Lions' offense one-dimensional. Minnesota held Detroit rushers to 20 yards on 19 attempts (1.05 YPC) with a long run of five yards. The Lions' ground game is no juggernaut, of course, but nor is Kansas City's. Dead-legged 33-year-old Thomas Jones was predictably ineffective in his first crack at the Chiefs' lead back job, gaining 33 scoreless yards on 15 touches (2.2 average) against a San Diego defense reeling with injuries. Dexter McCluster, in fact, wound up playing six more snaps than Jones and was at least somewhat productive with 62 yards on 14 touches (4.43). The Chiefs will presumably keep the veteran involved simply because they don't believe McCluster can hold up on full workloads, but you don't want Jones anywhere near your fantasy team, let alone in the starting lineup. McCluster is the only valuable back in Kansas City, and he's just a PPR option.

Dwayne Bowe is lucky to have a 100-yard game and a touchdown to his credit three weeks into the season, because the setup around him is devastating for fantasy production. Expect him to begin being taken out of games shortly. Bowe is a double- and triple-team magnet as the lone dangerous player in his offense. His quarterback is an inaccurate passer with awful pocket presence, lacking a running game as protection. Bowe has enough early-year production and big-name value to command something worthwhile in a trade. If Bowe comes up with another solid game, move him quickly. ... Steve Breaston is averaging two catches for 29.3 yards without a touchdown through three games. The Chiefs should have signed a more physical, run-after-catch receiver in the offseason -- someone capable of turning a short Matt Cassel pass into a long gain.

Things are looking up for Percy Harvin, who played all but 13 of the Week 3 snaps (74.5%) after the Vikings' staff pathetically used him 50.9% of the time in the first two games. With Chiefs top CB Brandon Flowers (ankle) hobbled, Harvin needs to be in fantasy lineups after a slow start. He's playing more, looks to have a terrific matchup, and has 14 touches to go with 13 targets in the past two weeks. ... Molasses Michael Jenkins caught a bunch of short passes last Sunday and didn't get very far. Jenkins has no hint of big-play ability. He's yet to exceed 10 yards per reception in a week as a Viking, and has four touchdowns in his last 39 games. ... Out-awfulling even pal Chad Ochocinco, Bernard Berrian is a sorry excuse for an NFL receiver. He has one catch on ten targets this year. Since the beginning of the 2010 season, Berrian and Jenkins have 917 yards, a 10.79 YPR average, and three TDs between them. In 27 combined games played. Donovan McNabb has no chance. ... Adrian Peterson has somehow overcome an easy-to-defend offense and bottom-five O-Line to rank sixth among fantasy backs. He should destroy the Chiefs.

Score Prediction: Vikings 20, Chiefs 10


<!--RW-->Washington @ St. Louis

An oft-hurried Rex Grossman went back in the tank at Dallas in Week 3, committing two back-breaking turnovers and forcing throws that weren't there. Rexy can't be counted on to perform reliably, but St. Louis' defense has been a remedy for struggling passers so far. After a rough opener (no TDs, one INT, 56.2% completions), Eli Manning touched up the Rams for 63.3% completions and two touchdowns in Week 2. In Week 3, Joe Flacco rebounded from two picks and 46.9% completions at Tennessee to torch St. Louis for 389 yards, three scores, and no INTs. With Grossman, you have to be wary of an extended period of terrible performance. But on paper, he has the look of a quality matchup play, particularly in two-QB leagues. ... In Week 3 last year, Santana Moss lit up a similar-looking Rams secondary for 124 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Through three games, Moss leads the Skins in targets and receptions. It's a formula for every-week WR3 value at the very least in an offense that ranks in the top-eight in pass attempts.

It's a scary proposition for Rams fans that their team entered Week 3 ranked dead last against the run, yet the Ravens attacked with the pass, jumped out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead, and proceeded to keep on throwing. LCB Justin King got ransacked for over 150 yards and two scores, and will square off with Jabar Gaffney for the majority of Week 4. Gaffney rarely gets recommended in this space because he lacks explosiveness, but this might be his most favorable matchup all season. He's worth WR3 consideration. ... The Cowboys took Fred Davis out of last Monday night's game with constant double teams, allowing a far slower Chris Cooley to out-produce Washington's best tight end. Davis owners need to stick with him against an awful St. Louis pass defense. ... Roy Helu is a good-looking prospect, but he's either going to need a Tim Hightower injury or blowout Redskins wins to accumulate more carries. In a tight game against the Cowboys, Helu received just seven touches. Hightower had 19 touches, plays in all red-zone packages, and qualifies as a strong RB2. St. Louis still ranks 32nd against the run, and is permitting an NFC-high 5.45 YPC.

Sam Bradford isn't playing as badly as the Rams' record indicates, or as his fantasy stats suggest. He's getting zero help from his teammates. Only the Seahawks, Bears, and Falcons rank lower in the NFL's cumulative O-Line rankings, and wideouts Mike Sims-Walker and Brandon Gibson can't separate outside. The Rams benched RT Jason Smith for washed-up veteran Adam Goldberg in Week 3. Bradford also can't buy a break with his matchups (Ravens, Eagles, Giants), and gets another tough one in Week 4 against a Redskins defense that has surrendered an NFC-low two touchdown passes in three games. Aggressive DC Jim Haslett's unit is susceptible to deep and intermediate strikes, but the Rams have gotten nothing going to those areas of the field. Sit Sam, MSW, and Gibson. ... Danario Alexander did get a snap bump from 23.2% in Week 2 to 53.7% in Week 3, but finished with 28 yards on two targets. He slipped on a route that led to a pick, and dropped another pass. The Rams already limit Alexander's role because they don't trust his five-times surgically repaired knee, so it really hurts when they can't trust his performance, either.

Steven Jackson is due back from his quadriceps injury after playing a limited role against the Ravens that likely resulted from Baltimore's huge early lead. The tentative but logical expectation is that S-Jax will resume his 18-22 touch-per-game role against the Skins with Cadillac Williams (hamstring) not 100 percent. Washington's defense officially ranks 11th against the run, but is surrendering 4.80 yards per carry. The Redskins can be run on, as evidenced by Felix Jones' best came of the season in Week 3 (8.21 YPC, 155 total yards). It's quite possible that the Rams will lean heavily on Jackson with the passing game struggling. I'd want him in my fantasy lineup.

Score Prediction: Rams 24, Redskins 20

Buffalo @ Cincinnati

Fred Jackson is playing like he wants more money. Pro Football Focus ranks him first in the NFL in Elusive Rating, a combo statistic factoring in broken and eluded tackles as well as yards after contact. Jackson's "elusiveness" comes in handy behind a Bills line short on talent. F-Jax has 55 touches, and 26 have gone for five or more yards. He has 14 double-digit gains, compared to just three negative plays. F-Jax is averaging 6.45 yards a carry and has yet to fumble. The Bengals' run defense isn't a pushover (league-low 2.90 YPC allowed), but Jackson needs to be started until he cools off. ... David Nelson "only" caught six passes for 84 yards in Week 3 -- all in the first half -- but he affected Buffalo's thrilling upset of New England throughout. With five targets on Ryan Fitzpatrick's first 11 drop backs, Nelson attracted heavy defensive attention early in the game. He had two catches for 19 yards wiped out by penalty, and drew a 31-yard pass interference that got the Bills down to the one-yard line. Jackson plunged into the end zone on the next play. Nelson quietly ranks 14th in the NFL in targets despite not becoming a full-time player until the second quarter of Week 2. He's playing 85% of the snaps since Roscoe Parrish's year-ending injury.

No NFL team is getting gashed by long bombs quite like New England, so the Bills were smart to involve deep threat Donald Jones more with 103 yards in Week 3. Jones just isn't a good bet for consistency as the No. 2 outside receiver (Stevie Johnson is No. 1) in an offense quarterbacked by one of the league's weakest-armed passers. Whereas the Pats have given up 23 completions of 20-plus yards, the Bengals have allowed seven. Cincinnati ranks fifth against the pass, holding opponents under six yards per pass attempt. Start Johnson for sure, but it would be prudent to make Jones prove himself before chasing last week's points. ... Scott Chandler keeps racking up touchdowns, but he's 22nd in targets among tight ends and under 90 receiving yards on the year. He's playing only 47.4% of the snaps. Chandler will continue to struggle for catches and yards. ... Ryan Fitzpatrick is currently the No. 5 overall fantasy QB, behind only Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers. Like Fred Jackson, Fitz should be started while he's hot.

Andy Dalton is who we thought he was. Actually, he might be worse. After putting 332 yards and two TDs on a Broncos team that sold out to stop Cedric Benson in Week 2, Dalton did a 180 against a more cognizant 49ers defense. Dalton didn't connect on a Week 3 pass that traveled further than eight yards in the air, averaged under five yards per attempt, and threw two picks with no scores despite a clean pocket. It's tank games like this from a rookie quarterback that make A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Jerome Simpson very dicey week-to-week bets. Buffalo ranks 24th against the pass, but San Francisco supposedly didn't have a prohibitive pass defense, either. ... Benson will continue to start while his suspension remains in the appeals process. He's averaging 3.59 yards per carry if you throw out a wide-open Week 1 touchdown sprint, but the Bills' defense is 24th against the run and permitting 4.69 yards per rushing attempt. It's a favorable matchup, even if Benson's mediocre talent leaves him without much upside.

Score Prediction: Bills 20, Bengals 16

Tennessee @ Cleveland

Considering this game's weak 39-point over-under with Cleveland as a one-point favorite, it's clear the oddsmakers believe Kenny Britt's year-ending knee injury was a crippling blow to Tennessee. The good news for the Titans is that Matt Hasselbeck is playing and his line protecting well enough to maintain some semblance of a passing game. Nate Washington projects as the immediate beneficiary, but owners had better hope he doesn't get stuck in Browns CB Joe Haden's shadow coverage. Haden tracked Brandon Marshall all over the field in Week 3, limiting Miami's No. 1 receiver to 43 scoreless yards after all but erasing A.J. Green in Week 1 and Pierre Garcon in Week 2. Marshall is far better than Washington, so logic says Tennessee's top wideout will be even less productive if Haden gets a similar assignment. ... Fantasy leaguers looking for a sleeper Titans receiver behind Washington are likely to be disappointed. Lavelle Hawkins and Damian Williams, both lacking difference-making talent, have rotated in the third receiver role to this point. Williams is expected to be the new starter and is the more worthwhile WR5 pickup.

The Titans have discussed using Jared Cook as a slot and/or outside receiver in three-wide sets. Perhaps Britt's injury is the catalyst for what should be Cook's breakout season. We'll just have to wait and see, because Cook thus far has seven targets, ranking fifth on the team. ... The Browns are currently 29th against the run, though their 3.98 YPC average allowed suggests the ranking is significantly skewed by the fact that opponents continually try to run on them. (Only the Colts and Chiefs have more carries against.) Regardless of stats, the Titans are desperate to kick start the run game post-Britt. Without an effective Chris Johnson, Tennessee lacks an explosive element on offense. The real head-scratcher is that the Titans' O-Line pass protects as well as any unit in football, but run blocks worse than everyone. During the summer, new coordinator Chris Palmer often spoke of getting Johnson more in-space opportunities on screens and pitches. It just hasn't happened yet. Whatever the approach, the Titans need Johnson to resume playing well soon. Or else CJ2K's fantasy owners won't be the only ones racking up losses.

Peyton Hillis' Week 3 bout with strep throat threatens to take a big chunk out of his production. In addition to watching as Montario Hardesty earned a bigger future role with a strong effort (4.79 YPC, 19 receiving yards) against the Fins, a running back whose strength is power runs lost over ten pounds during his time off. "My weight wasn’t there," Hillis conceded this week. “My energy wasn’t there." Hillis didn't exactly set the world on fire pre-sickness, either, averaging 3.21 yards per carry in his last five games (3.43 in Weeks 1-2). Hillis and Hardesty can both pick up the blitz, catch passes, and run hard on early downs. Hillis has done nothing recently that suggests he's a significantly better option than Hardesty showed in Week 3. With coach Pat Shurmur also saying he intends to lessen the starter's load, Hillis' borderline RB1 status is evaporating. This week, he'll take on a Tennessee defense that ranks eighth against the run and is permitting 3.07 YPC -- the fourth stingiest average in the league. Perhaps a goal-line carry or two will save Hillis' fantasy day.

Tennessee's shutdown pass defense stymied a third straight opponent last week, holding Kyle Orton under 180 yards and intercepting him twice. Now ranked No. 2 against the pass, the Titans travel to face an embattled Colt McCoy. McCoy did lead a game-winning drive against Miami in Week 3, but prior to the last possession completed 10-of-26 passes for 135 yards with one score and a pick. McCoy has seemingly gotten worse every week, and this is the toughest matchup he's seen to date. ... Cleveland's rotational pass catchers continue to frustrate in fantasy leagues. No member has topped 77 yards in a game (Mohamed Massaquoi in Week 1) or five catches (Ben Watson in Week 3). Greg Little's best effort was good for 38 yards on four receptions in Week 2. Owners are better off avoiding the situation until a player or two emerges. And they may not.

Score Prediction: Browns 17, Titans 16

New Orleans @ Jacksonville

The Jags' pass defense personnel looks putrid on paper, but they've executed DC Mel Tucker's zone scheme nicely so far. After putting the brakes on Carolina's red-hot vertical passing game in Week 3, Jacksonville ranks seventh against the pass and is stymieing big plays, having allowed an NFL-low six completions of 20-plus yards. Cam Newton's reality check occurred without top Jags DE Matt Roth (neck), who was a terror in Weeks 1-2 and figures to return. Look for Drew Brees to attack Tucker's Cover 2 with short throws to Lance Moore, Jimmy Graham, and sudden PPR must-start Darren Sproles. I'd have a hard time using Devery Henderson based on what we know about the Jags' scheme and its success. The defense is designed to stop deep threats. ... Graham is the No. 4-ranked fantasy tight end, behind Rob Gronkowski, Jermichael Finley, and Dustin Keller. Put him in your lineup every week. ... Further removed from his groin injury, Moore experienced a snap rate leap from 34.7% in Week 2 to 56.9% in Week 3, capitalizing for nine catches, 88 yards, and a TD. Moore is a legit WR2 until Marques Colston comes all the way back.

Updated Saints red-zone touches: Mark Ingram 13, Sproles 6, Pierre Thomas 2. ... Ingram broke four tackles on his 13-yard, game-winning touchdown against the Texans. That run alone could very well earn him more carries going forward. Ingram did lead New Orleans' backfield in Week 3 touches. He has 38 of them on the season, with 34.2% coming inside the opposing 20-yard line. ... As well as the Jaguars' defense is playing, they haven't faced a quarterback anywhere near on par with Brees. On fire and in a contract year, Brees is the No. 2 fantasy quarterback through three games. ... Robert Meachem has overtaken Henderson and is officially a full-time player this year. He was seeing over 80% of the offensive snaps with Colston in the lineup, and is at 86.8% on the season. With touchdowns in each of his first three games, Meachem is a viable WR3 regardless of matchup. Thus far, only Sproles and Graham have more targets on the Saints.

I'm devoting a third paragraph to the Saints because I'm skeptical of Sean Payton's Wednesday claim that Colston will play. Speaking to Jacksonville (not New Orleans) media, the Saints' coach said, "Yeah, (Colston) was listed as limited, but he's cleared. He'll be up this week." The terms "cleared" and "up" could have a variety of meanings, ranging from Colston's clearance to resume practicing, to his return to full-time receiver duties. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. While it's clear his broken collarbone wasn't as severe as Tony Romo's last season, on Sunday Colston will be just 22 days removed from surgery that involved insertion of a plate to protect the fracture. The Saints' projected return has all along been Week 6, and it's hard to imagine Colston is two full weeks ahead of schedule. If Colston does play against the Jaguars, I'd expect a limited role. Perhaps similar to Lance Moore's in Week 2, when Moore played 32.8% of the snaps and saw four targets. For this week at least, it's in fantasy owners' best interests to consider Colston a non-factor, both independently and as a "threat" to "steal" targets from other Saints. When players are coming off serious injuries, you usually want to sit them in their first game back, anyway.

In his Week 3 starting debut, Blaine Gabbert struggled en route to a 12-of-21 (57.1%) passing day, managing 139 yards (6.62 YPA), one touchdown, an interception, and four fumbled snaps. Running back checkdowns accounted for 46% of Gabbert's yardage, and his touchdown came on a fluky late-second quarter play that saw numerous Panthers defenders slip on a sloggy surface as Mike Thomas danced into the end zone. Gabbert has plenty of talent, but the Jags won't field a dangerous offense anytime soon. ... As expected, Marcedes Lewis stayed on the line to block on the vast majority of his Week 3 plays, seeing two targets. He'll do the same against Saints DC Gregg Williams' blitz-happy defense. ... Thomas is the Jaguars' No. 1 receiver, but is playing with a rookie QB in a decidedly run-first attack. He's also likely to square off with LCB Jabari Greer in a matchup that favors the Saints' top corner. Thomas is dicey, even as a WR4. ... Maurice Jones-Drew experienced season highs in touches (27) and snap rate (82.5%) in Gabbert's debut. Deji Karim is gradually disappearing from the offense. MJD is the only start-able Jaguar in Week 4.

Score Prediction: Saints 27, Jaguars 10


<!--RW-->Carolina @ Chicago

We've touted Jonathan Stewart as the best pure runner in Carolina for three years, and it's now showing up in the numbers. DeAngelo Williams' yards-per-carry average in his last ten games is 3.62, while Stewart's is 4.98 on similar sample sizes. The differential is even more pronounced in yards per touch, with J-Stew averaging 5.49 yards to D-Will's 3.92. The Panthers may refuse to admit their $43 million mistake on Williams for awhile, but Stewart's fantasy owners need to hang tight. Much improved in the passing game this year, Stewart will explode if Williams suffers an injury or gets Pipped out of the offense. Unfortunately, neither Panthers runner is more than a flex option until one of them cracks the top-30 fantasy backs. Stewart is currently No. 31; Williams 54. The Bears stuff the run at home. ... While Jeremy Shockey took a backseat, Greg Olsen made a promising leap forward with seven receptions, 57 yards, and a touchdown against a Cover 2-heavy Jaguars defense in Week 3. Chicago also plays Cover 2 and has already surrendered 19 catches for 237 yards and three touchdowns to tight ends through three games. Jermichael Finley accounted for all three scores last Sunday, and Olsen is the closest Carolina can come as an athletic zone-buster who plays all over the field. Consider Olsen a reasonable TE1 play this week.

The Jags brought Cam Newton back to earth in Week 3 with a 52.9 completion rate (18-of-34) for 158 yards (4.65 YPA), one touchdown, and 27 yards on seven scrambles. The Panthers' vertical offense relies on deep shots to capitalize on Newton's cannon arm, but the scheme and its rookie quarterback's skill set match up awkwardly with a Bears defense built to limit big plays. Chicago has allowed just eight 20-plus yard completions through three games. (The league low is six.) Coming off a rough game, facing a tough matchup, and on the road, Newton is more of a high-end QB2 this week. ... Like Newton, Steve Smith is coming off a poor fantasy game (15 yards). More so than Newton, Smith's performance was severely affected by a puddle-ridden field at Bank of America Stadium. There is no evidence to suggest the Panthers will have rushing success at Chicago, and Smitty is a ball hog in the Carolina pass game with 31 targets, 11 ahead of Olsen's second-place 20. The Panthers will have to throw to move the ball. In Smith's last two meetings with Lovie Smith's Cover 2, he totaled an eye-opening 26 catches for 387 yards, and two TDs. And the Bears had a better defense then (2005).

The Chicago Sun Times had a telling stat in its Thursday editions: The Bears lead the NFL in three-and-outs, punting the ball after three plays 41% of the time. Chicago refuses to run the ball, gets stuck in third-and-longs, and its inability to pass protect kills drives. The only teams with worse time-of-possession rates are the Seahawks, Chiefs, and Colts. ... Jay Cutler is 40-of-82 (48.4%) with three TDs and three turnovers in his last two games. He's a QB2 option in Week 4 only because Carolina allows league highs in yards per pass play (9.23) and passer rating (110.8), while registering a measly five sacks in three games. ... Avoid Bears pass catchers altogether. Johnny Knox leads the corps with 189 receiving yards, but the coaches' insistence on playing Roy Williams over him makes Knox a weak option. ... Dane Sanzenbacher isn't a viable fantasy starter yet, but could be if he formally overtakes Earl Bennett (chest). Sanzenbacher plays the slot -- an oft-valuable position in Mike Martz's offenses -- and finished Week 3 with seven targets, five catches, and a touchdown, playing 70.7% of the snaps. ... Matt Forte is the lone must-start Bear. He's averaging over 135 all-purpose yards per game, and the Panthers rank 25th against the run.

Score Prediction: Bears 24, Panthers 20

4:05PM ET Games

Atlanta @ Seattle

A sloppy field after heavy pre-game rain affected the Falcons' Week 3 scoring at Tampa Bay, but Atlanta got its passing game on track. The Bucs tried slowing down Julio Jones with top CB Aqib Talib's shadow coverage and safety help over the top of Roddy White. Instead, Jones and White combined for 15 grabs and 255 yards on a whopping 24 targets. Tony Gonzalez took a backseat, managing just 18 yards on two catches (he did score a red-zone touchdown). Regardless, this is how Atlanta wants to continue attacking opponents, with perimeter shots in the intermediate and deep passing games. ... Seahawks RCB Brandon Browner continues to get dismantled, according to Pro Football Focus allowing 16 of his 19 targeted passes to be complete for 263 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Opposing passers have posted a near-perfect 153.8 QB rating on throws to Browner's side. Jones and Roddy White move around plenty, but it is usually Julio facing right cornerbacks. After a breakthrough game, Jones is an excellent WR3 in this matchup.

White ranks second in the NFL in targets and can never be benched. The touchdowns will come. ... Seattle shut down yet another running game in Week 3 and is holding opponents to a 3.15 YPC average through three weeks. The Falcons should control time of possession against a Seahawks offense that won't move the ball, leading to plenty of carries for Michael Turner. But expectations should be kept within reason. The Seahawks' run defense is about as legit as it gets. ... Matt Ryan disappointingly ranks 18th in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks, but he does have two 300-plus yard games and five touchdown passes in his last two. He's been an assassin in the no-huddle offense and will find a groove soon. Ryan should pick apart Browner on Sunday. ... The Seahawks haven't allowed a tight end to find the end zone thus far, holding the position to a 4.3-reception, 44.3-yard weekly average. Consider Gonzalez more of a low-end TE1 despite his fast start.

Box-score fantasy leaguers may consider Sidney Rice a tried-and-true WR2 after his 109-yard return in Week 3. Just keep in mind the opponent. Cardinals CBs Patrick Peterson and A.J. Jefferson are getting annihilated in coverage on a weekly basis, and Rice won't have nearly as much room to operate against Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson. Separation has never been Rice's strength. ... Neither Zach Miller nor Big Mike Williams has exceeded 34 yards in a game yet, nor has either found the end zone. Combined, they're averaging 8.4 yards per catch. Move along. ... Marshawn Lynch couldn't break four yards a carry against Arizona. It will be uninteresting to see how poorly he fares against a considerably better Falcons run defense.

Score Prediction: Falcons 27, Seahawks 13

NY Giants @ Arizona

It's been discussed here before and is especially relevant coming off back-to-back Giants wins: New York's offense operates far more effectively when it uses the run to set up deep aerial shots. Eagles-Giants watchers saw this at its finest. Finishing with more runs than passes for a second straight week, the G-Men got a robust 4.77 combined YPC average from Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, while Eli Manning connected with Victor Cruz for two long touchdowns (74, 28 yards) and Jacobs (40 yards) for a third. The screen game also clicked, with Bradshaw at the forefront. The Cardinals rank 27th against the run and just allowed one of Marshawn Lynch's best games as a Seahawk. This is a perfect opportunity to execute another run-to-bomb game plan, because Arizona is susceptible to downfield passes. There isn't a more stiff-hipped secondary in the NFL. ... Look for Hakeem Nicks to bust out of his funk in a matchup ripe for the picking. Per Pro Football Focus, Cards CBs Patrick Peterson and A.J. Jefferson have been targeted 39 times through three games. They've given up 29 catches (74.4% completions) for 344 yards (8.82 YPA).

Mario Manningham has been cleared from his concussion. Fantasy owners need to shrug off his slow start and use him on Sunday. Arizona has served up the third most 20-plus yard completions in football, and Manningham's deep speed will give LCB Jefferson lots of problems. ... Eli Manning appears to have his season on track with six touchdown passes and a 66.0 completion rate over his last two games. Eli is a recommended QB1 because he's playing well and has a favorable matchup. ... Bradshaw now has 54 touches on the year, good for an 18-per-game average. He's the No. 13 overall fantasy back. Jacobs is averaging 11 touches a game and ranks a respectable 25th. The playing time shift appears to be favoring Bradshaw similar to how it did last season. Bradshaw is a top-end RB2. Jacobs is worth every-week flex consideration in non-PPR leagues.

Defenses are doing their best to contain Larry Fitzgerald, but he's killing them deep. It's early of course, but Fitz's 17.3 yards-per-catch average is a career high, and he's averaging over 86 yards per game. He'll see a quite a bit of Giants RCB Aaron Ross in this one. ... Neither Early Doucet nor Andre Roberts has topped 50 yards or scored a touchdown aside from Doucet's fluky Week 1. Avoid. ... Beanie Wells (hamstring) is expected back this week, but his return does more to help Fitzgerald than make Wells a good fantasy play. The Giants must now fear Arizona's run threat. Most likely, however, Beanie won't have much success. New York is permitting just 3.65 YPC and will be fresher up front with RE Osi Umenyiora (knee) returning. They can again boast the best three-way end rotation in the game. Osi is also an underrated run defender. ... Kevin Kolb looked lost without Fitzgerald catching a pass in the second half last week. Kolb is a mediocre 16th in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks and will be under heavy duress Sunday. He's just a QB2.

Score Prediction: Giants 23, Cardinals 14

4:15PM ET Games

Denver @ Green Bay

The anticipated returns of CB Champ Bailey (hamstring), RE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), and WLB D.J. Williams (elbow) should make Denver a bit more competitive, but not enough to slow Aaron Rodgers' roll. Rodgers holds a 14:1 TD-to-INT ratio in his last five home games and is fresh off dismantling a better Chicago defense for 292 yards and three scores. ... While Greg Jennings figures to see the most of Bailey, Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson should be in store for productive games. Finley's three-touchdown destruction of the Bears catapulted him to second among fantasy tight ends, behind only Rob Gronkowski. ... The No. 17 fantasy receiver, Nelson should draw 33-year-old Andre' Goodman in man coverage. Nelson played a season-high 46 snaps in Week 3. ... Speaking of playing time, Donald Driver's continues to dwindle in favor of Randall Cobb. There were stretches during last week's win where Cobb played exclusively as the Packers' slot receiver. Driver didn't even catch a pass. Cobb caught his lone target for 14 yards.

The Rotoworld news page will have Ryan Grant updates into Sunday morning, but as this is being written he's unlikely to play. On Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy conceded Grant must pass NFL protocol testing to be cleared from his bruised kidney. The fact that Grant hasn't practiced suggests he's yet to pass those tests and receive that clearance. James Starks is going to start against the Broncos. While last week's 11-carry, 5-yard with a fumble performance would seem indicative of a big step back -- particularly for a rotation player "competing" for weekly carries -- OC Joe Philbin chalked it up more to bad luck: "Some of the plays James was in there, we didn’t block quite as well. He didn’t have as many clean looks as Ryan had." Added RBs coach Jerry Fontenot, "Other than (the fumble), it was just luck of the draw. It seemed that the plays (Starks) got to carry the ball, we didn’t have our best overall (blocking) performance.” In a game where Green Bay should jump out in front and dominate time of possession, Starks will be a virtual must-start as long as Grant's chances of playing continue to appear remote. Starks will rack up carries.

Update: The Packers have ruled out Grant. Starks will start against Denver.

Willis McGahee has no juice left, and it shows up in his 2.89 yards per carry average. He has 63 touches on the year, and 40 (63.5%) have gained three yards or less. McGahee has five double-digit gains with a long of 12. He has 11 plays of negative or no gain. With Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) returning and slated to see snaps, the Broncos' backfield should be hands-off in fantasy. Particularly in a game that they project to fall behind early. Green Bay ranks first in the NFL versus the run. ... Brandon Lloyd is the lone must-start Denver player this week. The Packers have flashed vulnerability deep downfield, surrendering an NFC-most 19 completions of 20-plus yards. Lloyd is the Broncos' vertical wideout. ... Eric Decker is the complement to Lloyd as a possession receiver, and led the team with 12 targets in Week 3. (Lloyd only had seven.) Decker is a viable WR3 in PPR. The Broncos will be forced into passing mode if the Packers capture an early lead, which they should. ... Kyle Orton hasn't hit 200 passing yards since the opener, when he threw the ball a season-high 46 times. He's only 21st in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks.

Score Prediction: Packers 34, Broncos 17

<!--RW-->New England @ Oakland

Patriots-Raiders has Week 4's highest over-under by a nine-point margin (55, next is 46), so start all your studs in this one. ... Wes Welker is obliterating opponents in the slot. He leads the NFL in targets -- by nine -- and is the No. 1-ranked fantasy receiver in both standard and PPR leagues. Oakland's defense has given up 22 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns to slot receivers, and slot corner Michael Huff is coming off a concussion. (Huff moves from safety in the nickel.) Expect Welker's hot streak to continue. ... Box-score fantasy leaguers may worry about Tom Brady's four-pick Week 3, but two interceptions were tipped (the Bills were <DEL>lucky</DEL> opportunistic), a third dropped by Danny Woodhead, and a fourth came on a Chad Ochocinco blown route. In addition to Huff's injury, Raiders RCB Chris Johnson has a recurring hamstring strain. Brady leads all QBs in fantasy points. ... Rob Gronkowski completes the league's newest version of The Triplets as the top-ranked fantasy tight end. With Aaron Hernandez (knee) out in Week 3, Gronk posted season highs in targets (9), receptions (7), and yards (109), and scored two more TDs. He ranks second in the league in touchdown catches, behind Calvin Johnson.

The Pats continue to play weekly matchups in the backfield. Woodhead hasn't hit double-digit touches since the opener, and ranks 45th among fantasy backs. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is 29th, but is coming off a nine-carry, 16-yard clunker at Buffalo, a game in which Law Firm was severely outplayed by Stevan Ridley (52 yards, 8 touches). Even in a projected shootout, I'm not sure you can safely use either of New England's top two backs. Woodhead doesn't get the rock enough, and Green-Ellis is going to lose his job to Ridley soon -- perhaps as soon as this week. If Ridley is on your wire, make sure to pick him up. The differential in burst and versatility between him and Green-Ellis is decidedly in the rookie's favor. ... Despite a big increase in Week 3 snaps (80%), Ochocinco had another awful game. He's making more errors than catches at this point, and it's fair to wonder if his focus is on football. ... Deion Branch is a full-time, every-down receiver in the Patriots' offense, so fantasy owners need to stick with him despite a catch-less Week 3. Branch will be able to get open against Oakland's pass defense, and remains a strong WR3.

Fresh off showering an annually run-tough Jets defense with 178 total yards and two touchdowns, Darren McFadden is the NFL's leading rusher and No. 1 overall fantasy back. McFadden has 72 touches on the year with 26 plays of six or more yards. He has 14 gains of double-digit yardage and only four "negative" plays. McFadden is averaging 6.44 yards per carry. The Bills' offensive line opened massive holes against the Patriots in Week 3, allowing Fred Jackson to total 161 yards and a touchdown while averaging 6.17 YPC. McFadden is a more talented back than Jackson and should shred this unit. ... There is some thought that Michael Bush is the Raiders' favorite for "goal-line carries," but it's not necessarily the case. While it's true that Bush has scored two one-yard touchdowns after play stoppages allowed Oakland to install its base goal-line package, McFadden has scored three times on red-zone plays, and overall has 11 touches inside the opposing 20 compared to Bush's six. There will be a fair chance that the Raiders insert Bush when they reach the one-yard line going forward, but McFadden gets plenty of action in scoring position in the first place, and obviously can punch it in from well beyond the stripe.

Considering the game's projected scoring and the fact that New England has allowed the league's most 20-plus yard completions (23), it'd be a good idea to trot out rookie Denarius Moore as a WR3 this week. Despite Darrius Heyward-Bey's Week 3 return, the Raiders started Moore in a three-receiver set and got him the same number of snaps (49) Moore played during his breakout Week 2. With 224 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games, Moore has "earned" a spot in lineups in this game's setup. ... Grab Jacoby Ford if he's on your waiver wire. While Ford isn't worth starting until he proves on the field that he's over a two-week hamstring pull, Ford will push Moore to lead the Raiders in receiving yards the rest of the way, and may even be a better bet for sheer receptions. ... Jason Campbell's TD-to-INT ratio in his last 12 games stands at 14:5 after a scoreless Week 3. While he's certainly a viable QB2 this week because of the matchup, be aware that Campbell is much more caretaker/game manager than potential standard-league fantasy starter. Campbell's job is to avoid turnovers, not attack defenses aggressively. Don't get too cute.

Score Prediction: Patriots 38, Raiders 24

Miami @ San Diego

Concerning the apparent role change in his backfield, these were coach Norv Turner's post-game comments last Sunday: "The biggest factor, probably, was that (Mike) Tolbert didn't practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was able to practice Friday, but was beat up pretty good coming out of the New England game. It was time to let Ryan (Mathews) take more of the load." Mathews, of course, scored twice on carries inside the Chiefs' five -- usually Tolbert's role -- and played 52 snaps to Tolbert's 20. While it's possible, even probable, that Mathews earned a larger future workload with his 149-yard, two-score effort, Turner’s comments suggest Mathews’ missed practice time this week due to foot pain is an immediate concern. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that Mathews is "expected" to play, so he needs to be in fantasy lineups against a mediocre, 16th-ranked Dolphins run defense. He's the No. 5 overall pick in fantasy football. Just don't be surprised if Tolbert's usage increases in Week 4, at Mathews' expense. ... As Adam Levitan noted on Wednesday, Randy McMichael has averaged 2.7 catches for 27 yards with two scores in Antonio Gates' seven missed games over the past two seasons. McMichael is really a desperation option only. Gates will not play.

Through three games, the Fins have allowed a league-most eight passing scores and rank 29th in sacks. With top CB Vontae Davis (hamstring) either out again or not at 100 percent, this is a nice opportunity for Philip Rivers' season to get back on track. Rivers has thrown a league-high six interceptions and, according to Pro Football Focus, completed just 3-of-11 deep ball tries. Rivers is one of the game's best vertical passers, so I'd be inclined to chalk up his slow start as a fluke and start Rivers as a shoo-in QB1 against a scuffling Miami pass defense. ... Vincent Jackson owners concerned that double teams might take their fantasy stud out of games need not worry. Unlike Reggie Wayne with the Colts and Dwayne Bowe with the Chiefs, San Diego has alternative offensive threats for whom defenses must account. Deep threat Malcom Floyd (groin) should be healthier this week, and the ground game will be more dangerous with Mathews in the lead role. V-Jax is currently the No. 9 fantasy receiver and leads the Bolts in targets. Start him every week.

Usurping Reggie Bush for Miami's feature back job, Daniel Thomas has 45 touches for 239 yards and a TD in his last two games, averaging a robust 4.93 YPC. His Thursday hamstring flare-up is something of a concern, but there are no indications that it will keep Thomas out of Week 4. San Diego's D-Line is more banged up than any team's in football, so pencil Thomas into your lineup while monitoring health reports through Sunday. ... Chargers LCB Quentin Jammer (hamstring) is unlikely to play, ushering rookie Marcus Gilchrist onto the first team. While Gilchrist held up well against Kansas City's feeble passing game last week, his hands will be far fuller against Brandon Marshall. Long a thorn in the Chargers' side, Marshall is averaging 7.5 catches for 74 yards in his last six meetings with San Diego. ... Bush is no longer a fantasy option barring a surprise, last-minute Thomas scratch. There are whispers that the Fins' Wednesday waiver claim of Steve Slaton was an indictment of Bush, whose snap percentage plummeted to 44.9% in Weeks 2-3 after he was a 97.4-percent player in the opener. ... Chad Henne isn't playing well enough to be used outside of two-QB leagues against a Chargers defense that ranks No. 9 against the pass.

Update: Thomas missed Friday's practice, a strong indication that his availability is indeed in doubt. Because Fins-Bolts has a late start, owners are better off using safer, early-game options. Bush would likely lead Miami's backfield in touches if Thomas missed the game.

Update II: Thomas did not make the team flight to San Diego and has been ruled out for Week 4.

Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Dolphins 17

Sunday Night Football

NY Jets @ Baltimore

I've banged on Shonn Greene in this space before. Let's do it some more. Greene has 41 carries on the year, and 31 (75.6%) have gained four yards or fewer. Since All-Pro C Nick Mangold's high ankle sprain late in the first quarter of Week 2, Greene has 76 yards on 25 carries (3.04 YPC) with 19 touches netting two or fewer yards. His yards-per-carry average for the season is 3.27. Greene just isn't very good, and he's going to look worse against a Baltimore defense holding backs under 3.5 yards per carry with one rushing touchdown allowed in three games. ... Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News is as clued in as any beat writer in the country, so it was telling that this week he suggested LaDainian Tomlinson and Joe McKnight may begin cutting into Greene's load. "When the holes are there," said Mehta, "Shonn Greene doesn't have that explosion getting to the second level. They're not just gonna keep ... handing the ball off to Shonn Greene come Weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 if he's averaging what he's averaging." The Jets' backfield is hands-off this week.

I wouldn't characterize the Ravens' defense as "susceptible to the pass," but it surely presents a better target for offensive coordinators to attack via the air than the ground. Mark Sanchez has at least two TDs in every game so far, and a pair of 330-plus yard efforts. Because New York can no longer lean on its running game, the offense has taken on a pass-first approach. Even if it's only because of situation, Sanchez has emerged as an every-week two-QB league starter and elite QB2. He's currently a top-eight fantasy quarterback. ... Santonio Holmes was openly frustrated with his usage during a one-catch, 19-yard Week 3 game against Oakland. Look for the Jets to make it a point to get their $45 million receiver the rock this week. Somewhat incredibly, Holmes has scored a touchdown in each of his last seven games against Baltimore. ... Dustin Keller leads the Jets in targets, catches, yards, and touchdown receptions. He's a bona-fide TE1 this year. ... The Jets made an obvious effort to get Plaxico Burress the ball more in Week 3 after a catch-less Week 2, and were still only able to do it three times. Plax remains a boom-or-bust WR3, relying heavily on touchdowns to carry his week-to-week fantasy value. He's a very weak PPR play.

The Ravens' offensive staff confirmed its growing confidence in Joe Flacco with a decidedly pass-first Week 3 plan of attack, despite matching up with the Rams' last-ranked run defense. Flacco finished with a whopping 48 attempts compared to 17 rushes from tailbacks. Flacco is only a QB2 against a Darrelle Revis-led Jets defense that's allowed a league-low two TD passes, but it was a promising development for Flacco's future fantasy value. ... Coach Rex Ryan is never shy about media transparency, and on Wednesday all but confirmed that Revis will shadow Anquan Boldin, referring to the three-time Pro Bowler as a more "proven" receiver who causes more "concern" than rookie Torrey Smith. It's hard to imagine using Boldin this week. Per Pro Football Focus, offenses have dared to target Revis three times in the last two games. He hasn't allowed a catch. ... In Waiver Wired, Chris Wesseling did a terrific job of spelling out why Smith isn't an advised Week 4 fantasy play. Ryan went out of his way to promise the Jets will stop Smith, vowing on Thursday that he’d "stay in Baltimore" if the rookie approaches last week's production. Antonio Cromartie will play.

The Jets' run defense has officially sprung a leak. After allowing Maurice Jones-Drew to pop off for 4.89 yards per carry in Week 2, the Raiders annihilated New York for a combined 234 yards and four touchdowns on the ground last Sunday. Oakland averaged 7.31 YPC. This bodes well for Ray Rice, who ranks fourth in fantasy back scoring. Rice is averaging 136.3 yards per game, 5.63 yards per carry, and he's scored three touchdowns. A run-first approach from the Ravens seems likely this week, after last Sunday's uncharacteristic aerial assault. ... Lee Evans (ankle) will not play Sunday, but is likely to get his starting job back from Smith upon return. Hang onto him if possible. ... Ed Dickson isn't putting up big stats, but remains a respectable desperation tight end option. He's an every-down player in the Ravens' offense, and is averaging seven targets a game.

Score Prediction: Ravens 23, Jets 17

Monday Night Football

Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay

The Colts' Week 3 "promotion" of Peyton Manning to offensive playcaller didn't help, at least in terms of personnel usage. While Indy did enjoy more rushing success, Dallas Clark again got stuck on the line trying to block an elite pass rusher. (In Week 1, it was Mario Williams. In Week 3, James Harrison.) Clark predictably got smoked on the line and all but zeroed out of the box score, catching two passes for 12 yards. He again blocked on more plays than he ran routes. Clark has 83 yards on the year and is droppable. ... The Colts' signing of Dan Orlovsky was a strong indication that they plan to start Curtis Painter on Monday, and Kerry Collins' (concussion) inability to practice confirms it. You probably already know, but QB change won't save the passing offense. The Colts showed no confidence in Painter whatsoever by signing Collins in the first place, and in four career appearances the Purdue alum is a pathetic 13-of-39 (33.3%) for 143 yards (3.67 YPA), no touchdowns, two interceptions, four sacks taken, and three fumbles.

With 90 scoreless yards in his last two games, Reggie Wayne has been exposed as a late-career receiver in need of pinpoint, tight-window passing to produce against loaded coverage. Bail quickly on Wayne after his next decent game. He'll be shadowed by Aqib Talib in this one. ... Pierre Garcon posted 82 yards in Week 3, but had another ugly drop and has yet to find the end zone. The Colts would be better off starting Austin Collie, who's been a total non-factor with 53 yards in three games and a brutal 6.6 yards-per-catch average. ... As mentioned above, the Colts just don't believe in Curtis Painter. A run-first approach seems quite likely. Rookie Delone Carter can't play in the passing game and is averaging a pedestrian 3.73 YPC, so the coaching staff flipped the every-down back reins to Joseph Addai in Week 3. Addai, averaging over a full yard per rush attempt better than Carter, scored a goal-line touchdown and racked up 88 yards against an annually tough Steelers run defense. Addai is the best fantasy bet on Indy's side in this game.

Playing at home against an Indianapolis team without an offense, the Bucs should control time of possession on Monday night. While the Colts improved their run defense ranking against the beat-up offensive lines of Cleveland and Pittsburgh, the undersized Indy front seven is likely to have much less success versus 247-pound Bucs power back LeGarrette Blount. Blount has 165 yards and a pair of scores since his clunker Week 1 game. Expect to see more of Blount and less of Earnest Graham as the Bucs play with a lead. ... Kellen Winslow caught two passes for 20 yards in Week 3, with one of the catches flukily shooting through Dezmon Briscoe's hands and into the tight end's waiting arms. Scoreless with his yardage in decline every week so far, Winslow ranks 22nd among tight ends in fantasy scoring. ... Fill-in slot receiver Preston Parker confirmed that his six-catch, 98-yard Week 2 game was a mirage with 11 yards on one reception last week.

Getting wins but struggling for big statistical games in an offense that simply doesn't cater to high-end numbers, Josh Freeman is the No. 24 fantasy quarterback. He's still a good buy-low target in two-QB leagues, particularly if Indianapolis becomes the next team to hold Freeman in check. He's just not a QB1. ... Mike Williams is the Bucs' next-best fantasy option behind Blount in this game, but be aware that zone defenses like the Colts' have been taking him out of games. Before the season, we projected Williams to take a step back in his sophomore year. But we didn't imagine he'd be under 90 yards through three weeks. Defenses are keying up to stop him. ... Arrelious Benn has done nothing to distract defensive attention from Williams, averaging under three catches for 24 yards per week while rotating with Briscoe. Leave them on the waiver wire.

Score Prediction: Bucs 20, Colts 10
 
HacheMan

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Week 4 key decisions
Run for cover, the hamstrings are coming.

It’s almost frightening to think about all the players that have been affected by hamstring injuries already this season. Arian Foster, Beanie Wells, Miles Austin, Daniel Thomas and Knowshon Moreno are just a handful of the names that have missed games this season due to hammys.

Is it a result of the lockout? Maybe. Perhaps the players entered the season cold and tried to push themselves too fast, resulting in these muscle strains. Is it a reminder that we need to pay special attention in the preseason to “minor” hamstring injuries. Definitely.

As we get set for Week 4, Wells is among the true game-time decisions. We’ll know his official status around 3pm ET.

Each week in this space, we’ll bring you the latest line on all the hurt folks. Of course, the Rotoworld News Page will be humming all Sunday morning to bring you official word on all your players ahead of kickoff. To make sure you’re prepared, read every word of these rankings from Gregg Rosenthal/Chris Wesseling in combination with Evan Silva’s unprecedented Matchup Column.

And if you want to draft a new team just for this week, check out SnapDraft here.

OK, let’s get to the hurt folks:

1 P.M. GAMES
BILLS at BENGALS
* Stevie Johnson (groin) is a full go.

TITANS at BROWNS
* Peyton Hillis (strep throat) is a full go, but Montario Hardesty earned a larger role last week.
* Mohamed Massaquoi (ankle) should be ready to take on the Titans’ No. 2 pass defense.

STEELERS at TEXANS
* Arian Foster (hamstring) is ready to go and coach Gary Kubiak said his feature back will have a full, heavy workload. Ben Tate is the strict backup and Derrick Ward (ankle) is out.
* Kevin Walter (shoulder) is healthy, leaving Jacoby Jones off the radar.
* Mike Wallace’s rib soreness is not a concern at all.

LIONS at COWBOYS
* Dez Bryant (thigh) is headed for a true game-time decision. Miles Austin (hamstring) remains out. Still, we can’t recommend any other Cowboys’ receiver -- they don’t even know the plays.
* Tony Romo (ribs) is a go despite another questionable tag.
* Felix Jones’ shoulder aggravation was not an issue. He’ll start.
* Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder) and Calvin Johnson (ankle) are close to 100 percent.

49ERS at EAGLES
* Frank Gore (ankle) will likely be active, but is expected to share the load with Kendall Hunter. Gore is a poor fantasy bet.
* Despite early-week skepticism, Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) is ready. The same can be said for Michael Vick’s non-throwing hand.
* Braylon Edwards (knee) remains sidelined.
* Michael Crabtree (foot) will be active as a desperation fantasy play in a brutal matchup.

PANTHERS at BEARS
* Earl Bennett (chest) remains out, making Dane Sanzenbacher a sneaky play once again. Note that the Panthers won’t have top corner Chris Gamble (concussion).

REDSKINS at RAMS
* Danny Amendola (elbow) won’t be back this week, but is close. Consider an add.
* Steven Jackson (quad) will resume his feature back role this week.
* Anthony Armstrong (hamstring) is a game-time call and waiver wire fodder.

SAINTS at JAGUARS
* Marques Colston (collarbone) will likely be active. However, the Saints love to ease players in with limited snap counts. Take a wait-and-see approach if you can.

VIKINGS at CHIEFS
* Adrian Peterson (calf) is more than healthy enough to put one on the Chiefs.

4 P.M. GAMES
GIANTS at CARDINALS
* Hakeem Nicks (knee) and Mario Manningham (concussion) are strong plays against the Cardinals’ leaky pass defense.
* Brandon Stokley (quad) is sidelined already.
* Beanie Wells (hamstring) is headed for a game-time call. Owners can protect themselves somewhat by adding LaRod Stephens-Howling, who is ready to return from a hand injury.

FALCONS AT SEAHAWKS
* Jason Snelling (concussion) is out. Jacquizz Rodgers will back up Michael Turner.
* Roddy White (thigh) is not a concern despite a questionable tag.

BRONCOS at PACKERS
* Ryan Grant (kidney) could not gain medical clearance. This is James Starks’ big chance in a favorable matchup.
* Even though Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) is healthy, Willis McGahee will start. Avoid.
* Eddie Royal (groin) remains out, leaving Eric Decker as the starter.

PATRIOTS at RAIDERS
* Darren McFadden (groin) is a full go as fantasy’s best running back.
* Jacoby Ford (hamstring) will likely be eased in on offense.
* Aaron Hernandez (knee) remains out.

DOLPHINS at CHARGERS
* Daniel Thomas (hamstring) is almost certainly out. Reggie Bush gets another shot at the feature back job.
* Antonio Gates (foot) is sitting this one out. Randy McMichael gets the nod.
* Ryan Mathews (foot) may get his emerging workload scaled back. Mike Tolbert is still on the radar.
* Vincent Jackson (abdomen) will play and must be in all lineups.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
JETS at RAVENS
* Lee Evans (ankle) remains sidelined. Torrey Smith gets the nod in an extremely difficult spot.
* Santonio Holmes (shoulder) and Plaxico Burress (hamstring) are fine.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
COLTS at BUCS
* Kerry Collins (concussion) is out. Curtis Painter gets the nod.
* Kellen Winslow (knee) should be fine despite some missed practice.


SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK
It wasn’t pretty, but we survived with the Chiefs last week. I have now used Houston, Detroit and Kansas City.

Keeping with our strategy of only taking home teams, there are three strong options to choose from this week. The Eagles are in desperation mode against a 49ers team that can’t move the ball. The Packers are unlikely to be tested by the Broncos in Lambeau. And on Monday night, the Bucs get Curtis Painter for his first career start.

I am rolling with the Bucs as they have no more great spots the rest of the way. If we are going to win this thing, we are going to need the Packers and Eagles down the line.

Some teams I would stay away from this week include the Bills and Giants, who both have to go on the road after monstrous home wins. The Bears also scare me -- Carolina is going to pop up and stun some people.

MY TOUGHEST DECISION OF THE WEEK
I enjoy deep leagues because it tests knowledge beyond the front-line players. It also makes for some strange-looking decisions. In a 16-team full-PPR league, my WR3 decision came down to Austin Collie versus Emmanuel Sanders versus Dane Sanzenbacher.

I immediately threw out Sanders as he has fallen behind Antonio Brown for the majority of No. 3 wideout reps. Collie was intriguing after his five catches last week and 10 targets the week before. But Curtis Painter projects to be even worse than Kerry Collins, if that’s possible. The Colts figure to try to protect Painter by running the ball a ton and using two-wide, two-tight sets.

That left Sanzenbacher, an undrafted free agent that was on exactly no one’s radar before the season. But with Earl Bennett (chest) sidelined, Sanzenbacher has the slot job all to himself. And in Mike Martz’s offense, that’s a productive role. Dane is also the best bet of the three to score a touchdown, so he’s my choice.
 
HacheMan

HacheMan

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Andre's Hammy, Big Ben's Boot

Non-contact injuries are terrifying for NFL teams and fantasy owners alike, and when Texans coach Gary Kubiak saw Andre Johnson fall to the ground on Sunday, it sounds like he initially feared a worst-case injury scenario.

“The way he went down was deflating because it was like he just got shot so that scares the heck out of you,” Kubiak said (per the Texans’ official website).

The positive news here (relatively speaking) is that Johnson avoided a knee injury. The Texans are referring to his ailment as a hamstring pull, and the Houston WR1 is headed for an MRI on Monday. We’ll know more after that MRI comes back, but it doesn’t bode well for Johnson’s Week 5 availability that he was unable to finish Sunday’s game.

In theory, Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter should benefit if Johnson misses time, but neither had a catch on Sunday as the Texans went very run-heavy, an approach they’re likely to duplicate against the Raiders in Week 5. If Johnson is out, Owen Daniels (5 rec, 69 yds, TD) looks like the only viable consideration in the Texans’ passing game.

In other injury news from Sunday…

Rashard Mendenhall (9 rush, 25 yds, TD) left in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. As is the case with Andre Johnson, Mendenhall’s inability to finish Sunday’s game makes him decidedly iffy for Week 5. And if he can’t play, Isaac Redman (6 rush, 40 yds; 1 rec, 12 yds) will be well worth consideration in most formats.

Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was spotted in a walking boot and crutches following Sunday’s game, and is headed for an MRI on Monday, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the injury is to Roethlisberger’s left foot, not the right foot he broke last season, with the notoriously gritty Roethlisberger telling the paper that if his foot is broken, he’ll attempt to play through it like he did last year.

Considering Big Ben’s history of gutting out injuries, I wouldn’t be remotely shocked to see him suit up in Week 5, but we’ll have a more definitive sense of his chances following Monday’s MRI. Either way, it’s hard to feel optimistic about his fantasy prospects in the near future given the holes in the Pittsburgh offensive line.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Vincent Jackson shredded the Miami secondary early (3 rec, 108 yds, TD), but only appeared sparingly after a second quarter injury. Chargers beat writer Michael Gehlken reports that the injury is being called a leg strain, and the positive news here is that Jackson was on the field for San Diego’s last offensive snap of the game. With that in mind, there’s plenty of reason to hope that he’ll be active for Week 5.

Danny Amendola re-injured his elbow in his return to practice last week, and may now need surgery, according to CBS Sports. If you’ve kept him stashed this long you might as well wait until official word comes down, but it sounds like fantasy owners may soon have the impetus to send Amendola to waivers for good.

Danny Woodhead limped to the sideline with an apparent leg injury in the second quarter. There was no update on Woodhead’s status as of late Sunday evening, but he didn’t get another touch the rest of the day. Even if healthy, Woodhead’s value is plummeting with the emergence of Stevan Ridley (10 rush, 97 yds, TD).

Chad Henne left Sunday’s game in the first quarter with an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder and didn’t return. Beat writer Benjamin Volin reports that Henne wants to play through the injury, and it’s certainly possible that he’ll be able to do so when the Dolphins come out of their Week 5 bye. Matt Moore (17-for-26, 167 yds, INT) was not inspiring in relief.

Ben Tate (2 rush, 20 yds) left in the first quarter due to a groin injury. No word yet on the severity of said groin injury, but even when healthy, Tate has swiftly and decisively returned to backup status after Arian Foster (30 rush, 155 yds, TD) returned to being Arian Foster on Sunday.

Mike Williams (Seattle edition) caught his first touchdown of the season, but also sustained a concussion during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. There shouldn’t be a significant fantasy impact here given that Williams (3 rec, 36 yds, TD on Sunday) now has just 79 yards receiving through four games.

Editor’s note: If you want to draft a new fantasy team, check out SnapDraft here.

Other injury notes: Per beat writer Michael Gehlken, Malcom Floyd is dealing with a shoulder injury in addition to his troublesome groin … Hue Jackson told the Oakland Tribune that backup RB Michael Bush sustained an ankle injury late in Sunday’s game … The Boston Herald reports that Patriots LB Jerod Mayo could miss up to six weeks with a sprained left MCL … Browns shutdown CB Joe Haden (sprained knee) is slated for an MRI on Monday … NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi speculates that Nick Mangold (ankle) is still “two to three weeks away” from returning (though the Jets may still attempt to bring him back in Week 5) … Falcons C Todd McClure left with a knee injury … Michael Hoomanawanui left with a head injury … Titans SS Chris Hope sustained a season-threatening broken arm … Jets LB Bryan Thomas left with an ankle injury … Eagles DT Antonio Dixon suffered a torn left triceps, and DE Trent Cole was carted off with a calf injury … Steelers LB James Harrison left Sunday’s game after a helmet-to-helmet hit, and DE Aaron Smith was carted off with a foot injury … Lions SS Amari Spievey left with a hamstring injury … Cowboys SS Gerald Sensabaugh suffered a concussion heading into Dallas’ Week 5 bye.
 
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