NFL Fantasy Football News 2009-2010

[HacheMan]

Westbrook Waiting Game


NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora confirmed what we suspected: Kevin Kolb will start for the Eagles this Sunday "barring some unforeseen change." Donovan McNabb isn't even involved in Andy Reid's and Marty Mornhinweg's game plan at this point, so that unforeseen change won't involve him playing. Michael Vick, overweight when he signed last month, has used his time off to get in game shape, and reports have him seeing anywhere from eight to 15 snaps as a "package" weapon on Sunday. Despite Kolb's gaudy Week 2 stats, mostly in garbage time against New Orleans, he's not going to be a recommended fantasy play with Vick stealing valuable field time.

In addition to McNabb, the Eagles were also without DeSean Jackson (groin) and Brian Westbrook (ankle) on Thursday. Jackson at least dressed but was not participating. Expect him to be more active in Friday's practice, though he'll likely be limited on Sunday. Fantasy owners should consider alternatives if they have decent options.

While Westbrook is known for playing on Sundays despite missing a full week's practice, Philly could choose to exercise caution this time around. Courtesy of the most analytical (and free!) weekly matchup report on the web, Evan Silva points out that it's easy to picture the Eagles holding Westbrook out this week. His injury is to the same ankle that required surgery over the summer, and there's another two weeks of rest on the horizon with the upcoming bye. The Chiefs, already surrendering the third most fantasy points to running backs, will be without top inside linebacker Derrick Johnson this week. The Eagles know they can win with LeSean McCoy, so don't be surprised to see Westbrook on the inactive list come Sunday.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 3, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass.

Saints coach Sean Payton remained tightlipped on his running back plans for Sunday. Mike Bell missed a second straight practice, and beat writer Mike Triplett expects him to be sidelined for multiple weeks. Pierre Thomas practiced fully again on Thursday, but he's not yet 100 percent and will be splitting touches with Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton. At this point, Thomas is too risky to count on in Week 3.

As Evan Silva points out again, replacement-level backs often enjoy success in the Saints offense because they have the luxury of facing six-man fronts. If Hamilton gets the hot hand against the Bills, he could further cloud the backfield picture going forward. Of course, all of this speculation serves to highlight the fact that the backfield rotation for Sunday's game is unpredictable. The best bet is to keep stashing until the picture gains clarity.

Giants SS Kenny Phillips has been diagnosed with patellofemoral arthritis and will miss the rest of the season. While it's not a career-ending injury, it's a condition that can't be completely fixed. The most likely scenario is a microfracture procedure to help regenerate a layer of cartilage around the knee. Medical procedures are more advanced now than they were just a few years ago, but arthritis is a more challenging injury than a torn ACL and MCL. The Giants' rising star in the secondary is now a question mark for 2010 and beyond.

Jamal Lewis (hamstring) sat out practice Thursday for the second straight day and is headed toward a game-time decision situation. Preseason sensation James Davis is practicing in full and could get the start. While it's an opening for Davis, it's not exactly a plum opportunity. The rookie will likely be splitting snaps with Jerome Harrison against the vicious Ravens run defense. It's a situation to avoid for Week 3.

Marion Barber (quadriceps) participated in a limited practice again on Thursday. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice handled most of the reps, but coach Wade Phillips is in no hurry to make a final decision. While Barber is determined to "put himself in position to play" Monday night against the Panthers, Dallas could choose to play it cautiously and hold him out a week. Carolina's run defense is a terrific matchup, but we may not have an answer on the Cowboys backfield plans until close to game-time on Monday.

Two-Minute Drill: After intimating Wednesday that Matt Cassel's job was on the line, coach Todd Haley admitting Thursday that Cassel gives the Chiefs their best chance to win right now. … Tom Brady admits that he's still not "100 percent comfortable" with his throwing mechanics. … Greg Jennings addressed his zero-catch performance in Week 2, saying it's a "no-no" and there's "no reason that should have happened." … Steve Slaton revealed that he's only four pounds over last year's playing weight and credits defensive schemes for his slow start. … While Joseph Addai has started the first two games, rookie Donald Brown has been on the field at the end of both games. … Raiders passing game coordinator Ted Tollner admits that JaMarcus Russell isn't making progress as a passer early this season. … The Eagles, desperate for a physical presence, worked out veteran LB Jeremiah Trotter on Thursday. … Philly signed 2008 fourth-round TE Martin Rucker to their practice squad. … Texans signed former Chiefs SS Bernard Pollard.

Red Zone: LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday, and it looks like Darren Sproles will start for at least another week. … Adrian Peterson said his back injury is "no big deal at all," and he'll start against the 49ers. … Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) was added to the injury report as limited in practice, but it appears that the Jags are just being extra cautious. … Frank Gore (ankle) was limited for the second straight day, but he's fully expected to play against the Vikings. … Bengals RB Cedric Benson (ankle) returned to a limited practice Thursday and will play against the Steelers. … Though Cadillac Williams was rested on Thursday, he's in line to play his regular rotational role in Week 3. … Jonathan Stewart missed practice due to sickness, but he's expected to be fine for Monday night's game. … Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) was held out of practice again on Thursday, though coach Jim Mora insists he could play even if he misses practice all week. … Mark Sanchez came down with a minor case of tendonitis in his knee Thursday, but his status for Sunday's game is unaffected. … Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee) returned to a limited practice on Wednesday, putting him in position to play against the Falcons. … Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe was added to the injury report with a hamstring issue. Make sure he returns to a full practice on Friday. … Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring) missed a second straight practice and does not expect to play in Week 3. … Vikings WR Percy Harvin missed Thursday's practice with an unspecified illness. Check back Friday afternoon for an update on his status. … Giants WR Mario Manningham was limited again on Thursday, but he'll be fine for Sunday's game against the Bucs. … Bucs WRs Antonio Bryant (knee) and Maurice Stovall (knee) both missed practice and are expected to be held out of Sunday's game. … Texans WR Kevin Walter was limited in practice but says he's now feeling better than at any time since straining his hamstring nearly a month ago. … Cardinals No. 3 WR Steve Breason (knee) returned to a limited practice on Thursday and is on schedule to play against the Colts. … Raiders WR Chaz Schilens is out for Week 3, but he believes he'll be back to face the Texans next week. … Bengals WR Chris Henry revealed that his strained quad has bothered him for over a month now. … Falcons RB Jerious Norwood missed a second straight practice with a nebulous "head" injury. … Seahawks WLB Leroy Hill underwent surgery to repair a groin injury and hopes to be back by mid-season.

 

[HacheMan]

Value Meter: Wayne tops among receivers; Giants lead defenses



There could be a track meet Sunday night in Arizona when the Cardinals host the Colts. Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and Dallas Clark are all top 8 plays in Matt Pitzer's weekly rankings. (* Check game time status.)
Quarterbacks
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Drew Brees, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers, G.B.</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Peyton Manning, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Philip Rivers, S.D.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Tom Brady, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Tony Romo, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Ryan, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Kurt Warner, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Joe Flacco, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Schaub, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Jay Cutler, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Trent Edwards, Buf.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>*Kevin Kolb, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Eli Manning, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Carson Palmer, Cin.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Brett Favre, Min.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Jake Delhomme, Car.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Shaun Hill, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Cassel, K.C.</TD><TD>at Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Jason Campbell, Was.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>*Seneca Wallace, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Kyle Orton, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>David Garrard, Jac.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Running backs
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson, Min.</TD><TD>vs.S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Ryan Grant, G.B.</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Steve Slaton, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Michael Turner, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>*Brian Westbrook, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Forte, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Fred Jackson, Buf.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams, Car.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown, Mia.</TD><TD>at S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Joseph Addai, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Clinton Portis, Was.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Darren McFadden, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Ray Rice, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Chris Johnson, Ten.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Frank Gore, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Steven Jackson, St.L.</TD><TD>vs.G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Kevin Smith, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Thomas Jones, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Derrick Ward, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>*Pierre Thomas, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>*Felix Jones, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Julius Jones, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Tim Hightower, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Willis McGahee, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Willie Parker, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>*Marion Barber, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Reggie Bush, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart, Car.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>Carnell Williams, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>*Darren Sproles, S.D.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>LenDale White, Ten.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>*LeSean McCoy, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>Leon Washington, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Lynell Hamilton, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf/</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>Cedric Benson, Cin.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>Larry Johnson, K.C.</TD><TD>at Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Michael Bush, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Ricky Williams, Mia.</TD><TD>at S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>*James Davis, Cle.</TD><TD>at Bal.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Fred Taylor, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Donald Brown, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Chris Wells, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Mewelde Moore, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson, Chi. </TD><TD>At Sea.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Wide receivers
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>*Randy Moss, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Marques Colston, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Andre Johnson, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Roddy White, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Greg Jennings, G.B.</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson, S.D.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Roy Williams, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Donald Driver, G.B.</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Wes Welker, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Terrell Owens, Buf.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Steve Smith, Car.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Derrick Mason, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Hines Ward, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Steve Smith, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco, Cin.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe, K.C.</TD><TD>at Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Santana Moss, Was.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Mark Clayton, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Nate Burleson, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Torry Holt, Jac.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian, Min.</TD><TD>vs.S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards, Cle.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Devin Hester, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Lee Evans, Buf.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>*Brandon Marshall, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>Kevin Walter, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>Percy Harvin, Min.</TD><TD>vs.S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>Chansi Stuckey, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Mario Manningham, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>*Michael Clayton, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Davone Bess, Mia.</TD><TD>at S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>Earl Bennett, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>Eddie Royal, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Bobby Wade, K.C. </TD><TD>at. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>Josh Morgan, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Devery Henderson, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Johnny Knox, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Nate Washington, Ten.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El, Was.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Donnie Avery, St.L.</TD><TD>vs.G.B.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Tight ends
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Jason Witten, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Antonio Gates, S.D.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Dallas Clark, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Chris Cooley, Was.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Owen Daniels, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Todd Heap, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Greg Olsen, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Dustin Keller, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Zach Miller, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>John Carlson, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Brent Celek, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Heath Miller, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>*Bo Scaife, Ten.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Vernon Davis, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Ben Watson, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe, Min.</TD><TD>vs.S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley, G.B.</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Robert Royal, Cle.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Kevin Boss, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Anthony Fasano, Mia.</TD><TD>at S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis, Jac.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Kickers
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 22pt" width=29><COL style="WIDTH: 113pt" width=151><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes, N.Y.-G.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell, Min.</TD><TD>vs.S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>John Carney, N.O.</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding, S.D.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>David Akers, Phi.</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Nick Folk, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Rian Lindell, Buf.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Joe Nedney, S.F.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Robbie Gould, Chi.</TD><TD>at Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Mason Crosby, G.B. </TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Jason Elam, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Rob Bironas, Ten. </TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Jeff Reed, Pit.</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Steven Hauschka, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Neil Rackers, Ari.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Prater, Den.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Jay Feely, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Jason Hanson, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri, Ind.</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>John Kasay, Car.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Josh Scobee, Jac.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter, Mia.</TD><TD>at S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Kris Brown, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Olindo Mare, Sea.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Defenses
<TABLE border=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>at. T.B.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Green Bay</TD><TD>at St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Pittsburgh</TD><TD>at Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Baltimore</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Minnesota</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Philadelphia</TD><TD>vs. K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>vs. Ten</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Washington</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Tennessee</TD><TD>at N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>San Diego</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Chicago</TD><TD>at Sea.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>New England</TD><TD>vs. Atl</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>San Francisco</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Seattle</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Dallas</TD><TD>vs. Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Oakland</TD><TD>vs. Den</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Indianapolis</TD><TD>at Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Denver</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Jacksonville</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Buffalo</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Tampa Bay</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>New Orleans</TD><TD>at Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Houston</TD><TD>vs. Jac.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Detroit</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Mojo Mania

As a football fan, Week 3 was probably as good as it gets – Detroit got their first win in FOREVER, Brett Favre managed to rekindle the magic in Minnesota, and the Bengals shocked the Steelers.

There were also some pretty good fantasy performances as well, with most of them coming from the unlikeliest of players. With that said, let's take a look at how the week unfolded.

Top 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Peyton Manning – 379 Yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT – It's like clockwork when Manning and his receivers are in sync, as Sunday night was one of those nights. It's amazing how accurate he can be down the field, because when he's on…he's on. Manning is consistency at its finest, and that's what makes him one of the most feared fantasy players.

2. Kevin Kolb – 327 Pass Yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 1 Rush TD – For the second consecutive week, Kolb filled in more than admirably for McNabb. With six total touchdowns in his two fill-in weeks, you won't hear any complaints from owners who took the gamble to play him. If nothing else, the Eagles have shown that they're not afraid to let Kolb air it out in McNabb's absence.

3. Aaron Rodgers – 269 Pass Yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 38 Rush Yds, 1 TD – Now that's more like it! Sunday marked the second consecutive week with over 35-rushing-yards for Mr. Rodgers, as the Packers offense did whatever they wanted against the Rams. Look for more games like this going forward, especially if Rodgers keeps tucking the ball in and turning on the jets – okay, so maybe I'm a little giddy.

4. Matt Schaub – 300 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT – This is the second straight week in the Top 5 for Schaub, and it just further reaffirms that it's not a matter of if with him, but when. If his health stays in tact, performances like this will be something that you should get used to.

5. Jason Campbell – 340 Pass Yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 21 Rush Yds – If only Campbell could play the Lions every week – well, maybe not. While the Skins weren't able to keep the Lions' streak going, Campbell was still able to have a very effective fantasy day – just don't expect this to happen too often.

Top 5 Running Backs:

1. Maurice Jones-Drew – 119 Rush Yds, 3 TDs, 4 Rec, 28 Yds – The Texans are every running backs' best friend. MJD gashed Houston, and rewarded owners who took him second overall, as he's been far better than both Turner and Forte. The human bowling ball is a threat to score on every play just as much as he can run someone over with his tree trunks legs.

2. Pierre Thomas – 126 Rush Yds, 2 TDs – PT Cruiser turned it on late – and I mean late – against the Bills. Bush and Hamilton got most of the touches early on, but Thomas looked explosive from the second half on, as he overcame a stomach virus that limited him in the first half.

3. Willie Parker – 95 Rush Yds, 2 Rec, 36 Yds, 1 TD – FWP looked like somewhat like his old self on Sunday, hitting the holes hard, as the Steelers re-established the running game. It's somewhat concerning that Parker struggled so much in short yardage situations, but it was encouraging to see that he was at least out there getting the first crack at those opportunities.

4. Julius Jones – 98 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 3 Rec, 38 Yds, 1 TD – Julius has quietly put together a pretty solid season, as he has scored a touchdown in all three games. The Seahawks have confidence in Jones and, as long as they do, that makes him a borderline RB2 option.

5. Willis McGahee – 67 Rush Yds, 2 TDs, 1 FL – I can no longer say anything bad about McGahee – I've thrown in the towel. McGahee has two touchdowns in each of the first three games – how's that for consistency? The Ravens are committed to giving him the rock in the redzone, and you should be committed to putting him in your fantasy lineup.

Top 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Santana Moss – 10 Rec, 178 Yds, 1 TD – Who could've seen this one coming? Moss has got to be one of the most frustrating fantasy players to get a grasp on, as he managed to total just 41-yards combined in his first two games. He's far too inconsistent, but Sunday was one of those games that has you scratching your head at just how much potential he has.

2. DeSean Jackson – 6 Rec, 149 Yds, 1 TD – So much for having a groin injury. Jackson looked as explosive as ever on Sunday, although it would have been nice to see him not do a flip into the endzone, risking a possible injury. Either way, D-Jax is poised for a breakout year, and you should have confidence with him in your lineup every week.

3. Reggie Wayne – 7 Rec, 126 Yds, 1 TD – Wayne was pretty quiet last week, but make no mistake, there are enough footballs in Indianapolis to go around for everyone. He made a sick one-handed catch on his score, and gave the Cardinals' secondary fits all game long.

4. Derrick Mason – 5 Rec, 118 Yds, 1 TD – The ageless wonder managed to put together a great fantasy day on Sunday, although I'm sure most of you didn't have him in your lineup. Coming out of retirement looks like the right move for Mason early on this season, as he has shown time and time again that he can still deliver.

5. Jerricho Cotchery – 8 Rec, 108 Yds, 1 TD – Don't look now, but the Jets have some fantasy relevance at wide receiver, and his name is J-Cotch. Cotchery has gone over the 85-yard mark in all three games, and he has quickly emerged as Mark Sanchez's favorite target.

Top 5 Tight Ends:

1. Vernon Davis – 7 Rec, 96 Yds, 2 TDs – Mr. Myoplex had the game of his career on Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how he produces from here on out. Could this be the year when Davis finally puts his immense talent to good use? I'll believe it when I see it.

2. Brent Celek – 8 Rec, 104 Yds, 1 TD – This kid is for real. All Celek did in Week 3 was total the exact same statline as last week plus a touchdown. The Eagles weren't kidding around when they said they wanted to find ways to get him the ball, and you can see why. Start him with confidence, as he has the potential to be a Top 5 tight end by time this season is all said and done.

3. Daniel Fells – 2 Rec, 35 Yds, 2 TDs – It's always good when you have two catches and manage to turn them BOTH into scores – now that's making a name for yourself. No need to hit the waiver wire here.

4. Dallas Clark – 7 Rec, 62 Yds, 1 TD, 7 Rush Yds – Clark puts every receiver numbers every week, and from your tight end there's nothing more you can ask. He has great hands, great speed, and no linebacker can cover him. He will be the number one tight end in the '09 season.

5. Greg Olsen – 5 Rec, 44 Yds, 1 TD – Olsen finally found pay dirt, as he and Jay Cutler hooked up for the first time this season. Look for more games like this from Olsen following a Week 4 bye.

Bottom 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Drew Brees – 172 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 1 FL – Go figure, he's human.
2. Brady Quinn – 34 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 0 INTs – Replaced by Derek Anderson.
3. Matt Ryan – 199 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
4. Byron Leftwich – 22 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 1 INT
5. JaMarcus Russell – 61 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 22 Rush Yds

Bottom 5 Running Backs:

1. Darren McFadden – 45 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 2 Rec, 3 Yds, 1 FL
2. Thomas Jones – 20 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 1 Rec, 2 Yds – He has been very mediocre thus far.
3. Clinton Portis – 42 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 1 Rec, 6 Yds – Had a cupcake matchup and flopped.
4. Larry Johnson – 38 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 1 FL
5. Chris Wells - -2 Rush Yds

Bottom 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Terrell Owens – 0 catches – Oh boy! The domino effect starts…now.
2. Santonio Holmes – 1 Rec, 18 Yds, 0 TDs
3. Roddy White – 4 Rec, 24 Yds, 0 TDs
4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – 4 Rec, 35 Yds, 0 TDs, 1 FL – Has to be wishing he was back in Cincy.
5. Ted Ginn Jr. – 0 catches

Bottom 5 Tight Ends:

1. Tony Gonzalez – 1 Rec, 16 Yds, 0 TDs – I never thought I'd see the day.
2. Dustin Keller – 2 Rec, 24 Yds, 0 TDs
3. Visanthe Shiancoe – 2 Rec, 22 Yds, 0 TDs
4. Zach Miller – 2 Rec, 17 Yds, 0 TDs
5. John Carlson – 3 Rec, 28 Yds, 0 TDs

 

[HacheMan]

Consider dealing Jones-Drew after his big game


A major concern last week was Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew would be stuck in mediocrity if the Jaguars weren't winning.
That could still be a problem but Sunday, Jones-Drew was a star, rushing for 119 yards and three touchdowns against the Texans.
Enjoy the win but don't think everything is OK for Jones-Drew. The Texans came in with the league's worst run defense. The Jaguars appear far from being an elite team, and that will lead to several bad days from Jones-Drew.
Trading a high draft choice never is easy, but if you're concerned about Jones-Drew, you might use this opportunity to deal him now -- but make sure you get a star in return.

• Houston's Steve Slaton had a season-high 113 total yards but still hasn't scored. One problem for Slaton is how much Chris Brown plays. Don't be surprised if that changes following Brown's costly goal-line fumble.

• The Patriots found at least a temporary answer to their running problems. Fred Taylor got most of the work after Laurence Maroney left with a thigh injury and Taylor finished with 105 yards and a TD. Taylor is the team's best start for the time being.

• Congratulations if you squeezed a TD out of Lynell Hamilton as a sneaky, late-week pickup, but don't hold your breath waiting for too much more. Pierre Thomas looked awfully healthy on his 34-yard and 19-yard TD runs. And despite no first-half carries, Thomas finished with 126 yards and is the main threat.

• The most unlikely TD hookup for the day was Kyle Boller to Daniel Fells -- twice. Boller might take over for Marc Bulger as the Rams starter for a few weeks but those two TDs are fool's gold. Boller can not be much worse than Bulger but is a long shot to be appreciably better, especially with the poor team around him. As for Fells, he now has 10 career catches in two seasons. -- Matt Pitzer

 

[HacheMan]

Beyond the Box Score - Week 3

[SIZE=+1]#5. Bears 25 Seahawks 19[/SIZE]



BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

* Earl Bennett's play kept hot waiver pickup Johnny Knox on the bench. This is looking like a situation where the Bears will play the hot hand.

* Seneca Wallace didn't live up to his reputation as a dink and dunker. The Seahawks went play action often and Wallace looked deep.

* Julius Jones played like someone that was fighting for his job. He broke tackles and Justin Forsett didn't sniff the field. Edgerrin James spelled Jones for just one series.

GOING FORWARD

* John Carlson needs Matt Hasselbeck back. The Seahawks' patchwork offensive line asked Carlson to stay in and block and Carlson got lost in the shuffle of the passing game.

* Devin Hester is really coming into his own. The slant play he scored the game-winning touchdown on was just a small sample of how much better he has gotten running routes. He showed great hands Sunday and will be a solid WR3 during the bye weeks.


[SIZE=+1]#4. Jaguars 31 Texans 24[/SIZE]


BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

* Andre Johnson ran a curl instead of a corner route on a play that could have gone for a long touchdown. He was also shaken up with a possible stinger after a 25-yard reception, though he didn't miss much playing time.

* Steve Slaton ran the ball in red zone several times, but he came out of the game for Chris Brown once the Texans reached the 10-yard line. Brown fumbled right at the stripe when he had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

* Slaton finally got a chance to play against a non-dominant defense, and he looked much better this week. He still has excellent shake-and-bake moves, but he might just a fraction of a step slower this season.

* Kevin Walter averages a touchdown every 7.5 times he touches the ball, and he showed why when he extended for the pylon on his 9-yard score.

* Jags rookie Mike Thomas was used as a runner on two plays and showed terrific speed in the open field. Look for him to emerge as a situational weapon.

* Matt Schaub would have had a second straight four touchdown game, but Kevin Walter's pick right in front of the ref nullified a short score to Joel Dreessen.

* Torry Holt has a finger that's permanently bent straight out (worse than Brian Baldinger's) to point where he's crossing his fingers when he's not even trying. It's amazing he can even catch the ball.


GOING FORWARD

* Play all running backs facing the Texans. That run defense is a big play waiting to happen.

* Maurice Jones-Drew is a good bet to lead the league in touchdowns this season.

* Mike Sims-Walker is threatening to take the No. 1 receiver mantle from Torry Holt.

* Kevin Walter is healthy and ready to be used as a WR3 in fantasy leagues.

* Chris Brown is definitely a problem for Steve Slaton.

* Jacoby Jones should have a more significant role in the Texans offense. He's too explosive to be just a No. 5 receiver.


[SIZE=+1]#3. Lions 19 Redskins 14[/SIZE]


BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

* Santana Moss is maddeningly inconsistent, but he hasn't lost any tenths of a second off his forty time despite reports to the contrary. He blazed by three Lions defenders on his third-quarter touchdown and got open all over the field against Detroit's press-man coverage. The Skins seemed intent on getting him involved early after a slow first two games, and Moss easily led the team in targets.

* Kevin Smith was enjoying his best game of the season before an early fourth-quarter shoulder injury knocked him out for the day. Smith would've scored a goal-line touchdown had he avoided injury, but Maurice Morris got it instead and executed from a yard out.

* Clinton Portis is showing serious signs of decline with two sub-par efforts against the Rams and Lions. Sell now while you can get something for him. His role his declining (Ladell Betts is now Washington's full-time third-down back), Portis lost his best run-blocking lineman (Randy Thomas) for the season, and he can't beat average defenders to the outside after 2,100 career carries. The Skins may have to go pass heavy on offense if Portis doesn't pick it up soon.

* Matthew Stafford still telegraphs too many of his throws, but showed signs of development by getting Bryant Johnson heavily involved with Calvin Johnson double teamed all day. Calvin's game was slow from a fantasy standpoint, but Stafford's progression is promising for his week-by-week fantasy value.

GOING FORWARD

* The Lions will employ a rotation of Maurice Morris, explosive rookie Aaron Brown, and perhaps usual lead blocker Jerome Felton should Smith miss games. The Lions have a new policy of being secretive about all organizational issues, so Smith may be listed as "limited" in practice and "questionable" on next Friday's injury report, no matter if they expect Smith to face Chicago or not. If Smith is out, it's a situation to avoid against a staunch run defense.

* Antwaan Randle El's move to the slot may tack a few years onto his career, but his big Week 1 is shaping up as a fluke. The Skins would be silly to continue to feature him in the passing game when they have Moss and Chris Cooley as more dangerous options.

* Detroit served up season-best games to Santana Moss and Jason Campbell and continue to struggle badly in the secondary. That's good news for the red-hot Bears passing game in Week 4.

* Other than Moss, Cooley, and maybe Randle El (in deep PPR settings) no Skins receiver is worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues. Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas are rotating at flanker, and Kelly doesn't get enough separation from defensive backs to post consistent numbers.


[SIZE=+1]#2. Bengals 23 Steelers 20[/SIZE]


BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

* Willie Parker didn't quite look like his old self, but the holes were bigger Sunday. The Steelers fed him the ball and he wore down some in the second half, but not enough for Rashard Mendenhall to even sniff the field.

* Santonio Holmes just had a bad day. The ugly drop in the first quarter set the tone and then Mike Wallace got going. Holmes had a big gain off a screen pass called back due to a holding call. To top it off, he had a miscommunication with Ben Roethlisberger that went for a pick-six.

* It's almost hard to believe your eyes when you see Cedric Benson bounding into the Steelers secondary. He actually looked quick to the corner.


GOING FORWARD

* Mike Wallace is an interesting player. He has ridiculous speed and Big Ben clearly likes throwing him the ball. Limas Sweed is no threat at this point. During the bloated bye weeks, Wallace could be worth a look in deeper leagues.

* Carson Palmer doesn't look right. He's missing relatively easy throws and had way too many balls batted down. He'll have a good chance to get going against the Browns next week.


[SIZE=+1]#1. Vikings 27 49ers 24[/SIZE]

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

* Brett Favre's fantasy numbers look good and his performance on the game-winning drive adds to his legend, but he was just 19-of-37 for 228 yards before the final 90 seconds. That works out to 6.1 yards per throw. Tarvaris Jackson's career average is 6.6 yards per throw. Just saying.

* In particular Favre has yet to make good use of Bernard Berrian, who's among the better deep threats in the league. Berrian didn't help himself with multiple drops on fairly catchable balls, but clearly he and Favre have some work to do in terms of being in sync.

* Favre threw a downfield block on Patrick Willis after completing what turned out to be a 35-yard pass to Berrian. Willis then helped the elderly quarterback up from the turf.

GOING FORWARD

* Reports vary on the severity of Frank Gore's ankle injury, but he seems likely to miss several games at minimum. Glen Coffee didn't do much with a huge workload, but facing the Vikings' front line is a nearly impossible task for any running back and if the 49ers stick with their run-first game plan he can't help but have solid value. Coffee needs to be owned in all leagues.

* Based on the reception totals it looks like business as usual with Chester Taylor playing on passing downs for the Vikings, but Adrian Peterson saw significantly more snaps in passing situations than usual for the second straight week. If he becomes capable of 2-3 catches per week, Peterson's value rises another level.

* Vernon Davis has left a lot of fantasy owners disappointed over the years and one game certainly doesn't change that, but he's been a much bigger part of the 49ers' passing game than expected through three weeks and still has all the physical tools to dominate. TE1 upside is within reach, for sure.

 

[HacheMan]

Changing on a dime

The beginning of Sunday's Saints-Bills game did not soothe the queasy feeling in the collective stomach of Pierre Thomas owners around the country. Pierre could identify; he was receiving an IV at the time because of the flu, and mostly watching from the sidelines while Lynell freaking Hamilton started the game and scored a touchdown on the opening drive.

While Thomas played special teams for the first half, fantasy owners were left wondering if they completely wasted a top-40 draft pick.

When the second half started, Saints coach Sean Payton got back in business with PT Cruiser. And Thomas responded with 14 carries, 126 yards, two touchdowns, and four ridiculous highlights on the new NFL.com play-by-play page. (A new advanced stat suggestion: highlights-per-rush. Let's do this.)

30 minutes of game action erased a month of discomfort for Thomas owners. Suddenly Thomas was the lead back on the best offense in football, an every-week starter capable of carrying fantasy teams.

But did everything really change that drastically? (Of course not.)

Things weren't as dire as they seemed at halftime, and they aren't as good as they seem this morning. But Thomas' turnaround was a reminder for all owners that fantasy value, production, and luck can all change in a couple well-timed cuts.

Most of us are a few good moves or bad breaks away from seeing our season pivot in the opposite direction. So keep your eyes open and know the only constant in fantasy football is change.

[SIZE=+1]Don't Panic [/SIZE]

1. Reggie Bush owners are underwhelmed, but he's on pace for 160 carries and 59 catches. Another way to say that: he's doing exactly what we expected.

2. Chad Pennington's shoulder injury shouldn't change the value of the Miami wideouts appreciably, although Pennington favorite Davone Bess may suffer in comparison to Ted Ginn, who may finally have a quarterback that can hit him deep in Chad Henne. (Henne was not inspiring in relief Sunday, but he has promise.)

3. Kurt Warner won't last 16 games if he keeps getting hit like he did Sunday night, but he's a great fantasy asset because he can rack up 332 yards in a poor performance.

4. Losing Frank Gore so early against the Vikings was disappointing, but don't sell low on him. He should be back after San Francisco's bye (possibly before), and we still believe he'll give you top-five production when he returns. He's a good trade target if you have depth at the position. (Also, Glenn Coffee should perform better than he has to this point.)

5. Let's just pretend these last three weeks of Matt Forte didn't happen. In PPR leagues, six catches and 106 yards from scrimmage were somewhat encouraging. Almost.

6. I'm going to list Roddy White in this spot until he breaks out. Wide receivers are inherently less consistent, and there is no doubt he's a top-ten receiver.

[SIZE=+1]Making a leap [/SIZE]
Players who have moved up a level this season

1. Remember when Vincent Jackson was a small school player with insane measurables, and people said he had potential to be a top-ten receiver? Well, he might be top-five now. And he's definitely got a top-five quarterback.

2. It sounds weird to say, but Correll Buckhalter is may be playing the best football of his career. Unfortunately, the most useful part of Denver's schedule is over.

3. It's hard to believe Cedric Benson wasn't in the league a year ago today. He could tear his ACL next week, and I'll look at his career much differently after watching how he's run the last three weeks. Solid RB2.

4. Lost in the Brett Favre excitement in Minnesota was that Vernon Davis put up the best game of his career. Shaun Hill can't throw to the sidelines, so passes up the seams to Davis may be the most explosive part of the San Francisco offense, sans Frank Gore.

5. Rotoworld had Joe Flacco higher than most places, in the top-20, but I'm still kicking myself that we didn't make rank him higher before the season. The situation didn't look great around him, but a second-year leap from a truly special quarterback is going to make the situation look a lot better.

6. Jerricho Cotchery never really went away, but he struggled to adapt to the Brett Favre era for whatever reason. Now he's back to being what T.J. Houshmandzadeh used to be: a quality every-week WR2 starter in PPR leagues.

7. Last year, Chris Johnson probably wouldn't have put up a workmanlike 105 yards from scrimmage against a stout defense like New York. Putting up solid efforts in down weeks is a huge indicator of true fantasy stardom.
<!--RW-->
[SIZE=+1]Some Panic is Acceptable [/SIZE]

1. Terrell Owens and Lee Evans are both under 100 yards on the season. At least Owens was targeted deep twice Sunday, even though he didn't have a catch. Evans is averaging 11.1 yards-per-catch, almost five yards below his career average.

The Bills offense should get more vertical, but probably not enough for either wide receiver to live up to their draft value. Still, it's not a bad time to buy low if it's low enough.

2. It says a lot about the Washington ground game that Jim Zorn thought they best way to beat the Lions would be to go pass-wacky. Clinton Portis looks like just another guy, and he's no longer catching passes.

3. We might not know much more about Kevin Smith's shoulder injury for a while, but his backups (Maurice Morris, Aaron Brown) aren't very exciting since they will likely be splitting the workload.

4. Beanie Wells isn't going to play very much when Arizona is playing from behind.

5. JaMarcus Russell is making it very difficult for any other Raider – Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Zach Miller especially – to have any fantasy value. He's also making it difficult to watch Raiders games.

6. Santonio Holmes keeps dropping passes, but the factors that have allowed him to get open and targeted so often aren't going to change.

7. I have to pick on Laveranues Coles every week, so here's another reminder that Andre Caldwell is a better player and fantasy option than him. Also: that Chris Henry breakout we were hoping for … let's not give up, but let's not hold on to the dream in most 12-team leagues either.

8. The Steelers must not be excited about what Rashard Mendenhall can give them to only hand him the ball seven times in the first three games. (Not once Sunday against the Bengals.)

9. You can question whether the move to Josh Johnson at starting quarterback for the Bucs was a good move for the organization, but it's almost certainly bad news for hope of an Antonio Bryant rebound.

10. Think of all the players on your team that haven't scored: Matt Forte, Steven Jackson, Steve Slaton, Randy Moss, Antonio Gates, etc. Then think about the fact that something called Daniel Fells scored twice for the Rams Sunday. Then stab yourself with a spork.

11. I listed T.J. Housmandzadeh as a potential bust before the season not because I didn't think he would help the Seahawks, just because I didn't think he'd live up to his draft stock. He's a chain-mover; a younger, slightly better Bobby Engram with a much better contract. He's a fantasy WR3/4.

12. The Browns offense threatens to bring down everyone on it, including Braylon Edwards. But Edwards owners should definitely hope for Derek Anderson to take over the starting quarterback job.

13. James Davis remains a solid stash in deeper leagues, but there's no doubt Jerome Harrison is the better option right now. Harrison quietly accounted for nearly half of Cleveland's offense against Baltimore.

14. Thomas Jones is getting plenty of carries, but is no longer part of the passing game.

15. The longest pass completed by a Kansas City Chief Sunday was by Mark Bradley. The longest catch by a wide receiver was also by Bradley – 13 yards.

[SIZE=+1]Stepping Off the Ledge [/SIZE]

1. Santana Moss may have lost a step, but he's still due for a monster game every four weeks or so. Owners just have to decide if he's worth tolerating the other three. (Against Tampa this week, the answer is yes.)

2. Brandon Marshall didn't start Sunday, but he finished as the Broncos leader in catches, targets, receiving yards, and scored his first touchdown of the year. Denver remains conservative on offense, but Marshall is coming around and the team will have to throw more once they face better opponents.

3. I'm not sure whether to be encouraged that Steven Jackson racked up 163 yards from scrimmage Sunday on 32 touches or worried about a future with Kyle Boller. (Now if only there were some decent quarterbacks available in recent drafts.) In the end, not much has changed about my viewpoint. Jackson will put up enough yards this year to be a serviceable fantasy starter, but not enough touchdowns to live up to his draft stock.

4. Jay Cutler has thrown five touchdowns and one pick in the last two weeks. His YPA for the year is right at his career average. He's on pace for 4,000 yards passing.

5. Don't assume that Fred Taylor's breakout day will lead to a consistent pattern in the New England backfield. It will be opponent-based, and the team will ride the hot hand.

6. Tom Brady didn't play any better Sunday than he did the previous two; he may have missed more throws. Fantasy owners should be encouraged he continues to put up numbers while rounding into form.

7. Chris Brown's annoying goal-line role not withstanding, Steve Slaton owners should be happy with 109 yards on 15 touches. Some touchdowns will come.

[SIZE=+1]They're real and they're spectacular [/SIZE]

1. Pierre Garcon looks like he might be good for one big play a week with defenses focusing all of their attention elsewhere.

2. Mike Sims-Walker should have been your top wide receiver add last week, and should be picked up in all the leagues that didn't go for him last week.

3. LeSean McCoy is too talented and Brian Westbrook is too injury prone to not have a committee moving forward.

4. Willis McGahee is going to score 32 touchdowns this year on roughly 200 touches. Or at least that's what he's on pace for.

 

[HacheMan]

As Ravens soar, keep McGahee on bench


By Matt Pitzer, USA TODAY

Through three weeks, the running back leading the league in rushing touchdowns was nearly run out of town last year and is barely averaging 10 carries a game.
That raises the question of whether Willis McGahee should be an automatic starter despite his relatively low number of touches. After two more scores last week, the Baltimore Ravens banger has scored twice in each of the first three games — five rushing, one receiving.
Sure, two scores a week would make anybody valuable. And the Ravens' high-scoring offense (34.3 points a game and at least 31 every week) is a significant help. The problem is that McGahee is stuck behind more versatile Ray Rice, who finally scored last week but is not yet a regular touchdown threat.
How comfortable are you using a starting spot on somebody who might get seven touches? You should feel pretty good about it as long as the Ravens are rolling. McGahee, of course, is not going to maintain this pace. The Ravens have tough road games vs. the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings among their next three games, but as long as they are piling up points, McGahee might be the league's top scoring threat outside of Drew Brees.
If you drafted McGahee, you likely did so as a third back or worse. That means you have tough lineup decisions if you're going to start him. If LaDainian Tomlinson were one of the starters, that would make things easier. The decisions get more complicated if you would have to sit Matt Forte. Otherwise, you can investigate trades or simply hold on to the depth to get through upcoming bye weeks and whatever injuries eventually hit.

The lesson is to keep production in your lineup, no matter how you get it.
QB carousel
We are three weeks into the season, which can already make for nervous coaches, impatient front offices and quarterback changes. Also, injuries hit quarterbacks. Recent replacements such as the Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Kolb and the Seattle Seahawks' Seneca Wallace have had good games, but the newest crop of starters appears to lack the same potential.
The St. Louis Rams' Kyle Boller likely stands a good chance of playing long term, and if he shows any competence, he might keep Marc Bulger on the bench whenever Bulger is healthy. Don't buy into Boller's two touchdown passes to Daniel Fells, but the Rams should have plenty of opportunity to play catch-up. Throwing as much as the Rams will have to undoubtedly will lead to some stats; you just won't be able to predict them, so Boller would be a risky fill-in at best. And the Rams do not have a viable playmaker in the passing game.
Don't expect any better answers with the Miami Dolphins, either, no matter what they do to fill in for Chad Pennington. Chad Henne might have potential, but he will not realize much of it this season. With the Dolphins so in love with their Wildcat offense, we'll see plenty of Pat White and Ronnie Brown lining up at quarterback.
If anything, the biggest impact of Pennington's injury might be additional time (and stats) for Brown.
The Eagles are in the Wildcat fold, too, with Michael Vick on the field. Donovan McNabb should return from his rib injury after the Eagles' bye and will take the vast majority of snaps. Vick's role in his first game was not significant enough to affect McNabb's value, but that's the big fear.
The big fear for the Cleveland Browns ought to be they will not score another touchdown. Regardless of whether Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson starts, the offense looks pitiful. Braylon Edwards used to be the only receiver worth considering, but he totaled four catches for 47 yards in weeks 1 and 3.
And with the running game a mess as well, thanks to Jamal Lewis' injuries, it is hard to see any hope for the offense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope Josh Johnson can spark the offense, and the team certainly can't be any worse than it was in a shutout loss to the New York Giants. The Bucs do have good running backs and the potential to throw with wideout Antonio Bryant and tight end Kellen Winslow II.
Keep an eye on 49ers' Davis
Frank Gore's injury might turn a bunch of talk in San Francisco into reality. Tight end Vernon Davis helped fill the 49ers' offensive void against Minnesota with 96 receiving yards and two touchdowns, both career highs. Is this the long-awaited breakout for Davis?
The 49ers wanted to build the offense around Gore, but they will have to come up with a new plan as long as Gore is limited. The best solution could be Davis, by far the team's most talented offensive player after Gore.
Coach Mike Singletary has had nothing but praise for Davis since their much-publicized initial run-in last year. But Davis struggles to consistently put together plays. That appeared to change last week against the Vikings when his team needed his production.
In this era of the deep tight end class, Davis might not be a highly sought commodity. Most owners already are set at tight end or would have grabbed Davis for extra depth. Be sure to take another look.
So long, Fred
This week's return of Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch sends Fred Jackson back to a reserve role, even after Jackson piled up 425 total yards in three weeks. Jackson will get work, possibly splitting time for a week or two while Lynch gets up to speed.
But Lynch definitely will emerge as the main guy, including on the goal line where Jackson is more limited. Don't dump Jackson, of course, because Lynch has missed time to injury in each of his two seasons.
•Regular reminder: Week 4 marks the first of seven consecutive weeks of two to six teams having a bye. If you're wondering why Larry Fitzgerald is missing from the Value Meter, check the schedule. Don't be the unfortunate owner who starts a guy who's on a bye.

 

[HacheMan]

What's trendy in Week 4


A look at noteworthy trends from every matchup:


Detroit at Chicago
-- WR Calvin Johnson had eight catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in last meeting. Aims for his sixth consecutive game against NFC North opponents with a receiving TD.
-- RB Matt Forte has 192 scrimmage yards (96 per game) and two TDs (one rushing, one receiving) in two career meetings against Detroit.
-- WR Devin Hester has two career TDs against Detroit (12 yard receiving TD and a 97-yard kick return).
Cincinnati at Cleveland
-- RB Cedric Benson gained a career-high 171 rushing yards in his last game against Cleveland.
-- WR Chad Ochocinco is averaging 166 receiving yards per game in past two games at Cleveland.
-- RB Jamal Lewis' career against the Bengals: 113.7 rushing yards per game (1,706 yards total) and nine 100-yard games.
Oakland at Houston
-- As a starter on the road, RB Darren McFadden averages 5.1 rushing yards per carry (48 carries, 243 rushing yards) with two rushing touchdowns.
-- QB Matt Schaub's past five games at home: nine touchdowns, two interceptions and a 105.3 passer rating.
-- WR Andre Johnson's past 10 games at home: 121 receiving yards per game (1,210). Johnson aims for his second consecutive game with 100-plus receiving yards against the Raiders at home.
Seattle at Indianapolis
-- WR Nate Burleson had nine catches for 109 yards last week and seven receiving TDs in past nine games.
-- WR Reggie Wayne is aiming for his third consecutive 100-yard receiving game vs. NFC opponents.
-- In his past two games, WR Pierre Garcon is averaging 28 yards per catch on four catches. He is aiming for his third consecutive game with a touchdown.
Tennessee at Jacksonville
-- WR Justin Gage posted four receptions for 147 receiving yards (36.8 avg.) with two touchdowns in last meeting against the Jaguars.
-- QB David Garrard has six touchdowns and two interceptions against Titans at home.
-- WR Torry Holt aims for third consecutive game with 100 receiving yards against the Titans and is averaging 136 receiving yards in his past two against Tennessee.
New York Giants at Kansas City
-- WR Steve Smith has 17 catches for 197 yards (98.5 per game) and two touchdowns in past two games.
-- WR Mario Manningham has 14 catches for 205 yards (102.5 per game) and a touchdown in past two games.
-- WR Bobby Wade averages 17.5 yards per catch (career vs. Giants).
Baltimore at New England
-- In his past three games on the road, QB Joe Flacco has posted five touchdowns, one interception and a 105.2 passer rating.
-- WR Derrick Mason's past three games vs. the Patriots: averaging 84 receiving yards per game.
-- Baltimore Ravens Defense has not allowed a RB to gain more than 100 rushing yards in 38 straight games (longest current streak in NFL).
-- In six career games against the Ravens, RB Fred Taylor has two 100-yard rushing games.
Tampa Bay at Washington
-- RB Carnell Williams had 27 carries for 122 yards in last meeting.
-- WR Antonio Bryant In five career meetings with Washington, he averages 18 yards per catch.
-- RB Clinton Portis has rushed for 360 yards (120 per game) and two touchdowns in three career meetings.
Buffalo at Miami
-- In his last two starts against Miami, QB Trent Edwards has four touchdowns, one interception and a 92.0 passer rating.
-- In his last two games, RB Ronnie Brown is averaging 105.5 rushing yards per game.
-- WR Ted Ginn, Jr. posted a career-high 175 receiving yards vs. Bills in last meeting at Miami.
New York Jets at New Orleans
-- WR Jerricho Cotchery is averaging 95 receiving yards per game (285 total) in 2009.
-- WR Marques Colston has seven touchdowns in his past six games.
-- WR Devery Henderson averages 21.4 yards per catch in career and had a 30-yard TD in last game against the Jets.
Dallas at Denver
-- RB Tashard Choice has 281 scrimmage yards (140.5 per game) in his past two games vs. AFC opponents.
-- RB Correll Buckhalter posted fifth career 100-yard rushing game last week. He averages 7.4 rushing yards per carry in 2009.
-- WR Brandon Marshall has two 100-yard receiving games (114, 155) in past three games against NFC opponents at home.
St. Louis at San Francisco
-- RB Steven Jackson has 914 scrimmage yards (114.3 per game) in past eight meetings.
-- WR Donnie Avery had career-high nine catches (93 yards) vs. San Francisco on 11/16/08.
-- QB Shaun Hill aims for third consecutive game against Rams with two or more touchdowns.
San Diego at Pittsburgh
-- QB Philip Rivers is averaging 330.3 passing yards per game in 2009 and aims for third consecutive game with 300-plus yards.
-- RB LaDainian Tomlinson has four rushing touchdowns in four career games vs. Pittsburgh.
-- Including the postseason, RB Willie Parker aims for third consecutive game with 100-plus rushing yards against Chargers.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
-- RB Ryan Grant has a TD run in two of past three meetings.
-- RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 192 yards and a touchdown in last game vs. GB. He has 100-plus yards in three of four meetings.
-- Rookie WR Percy Harvin has scored a touchdown in each of the first three games, including a 101-yard kick return for TD last week.

 

[HacheMan]

Roy isn't a very fun toy

Jerry's World has everything anyone could ask for. Luxury suites, an adjustable roof, the sickest Jumbotron around and Cowboys cheerleaders. But right now, the Cowboys are missing one thing: An explosive passing game. And to be more specific, they're missing a true No. 1 receiver.

Roy Williams is not getting separation in man coverage against corners like Captain Munnerlyn and Richard Marshall. He's just not quick enough coming out of breaks. When the Panthers went to their Cover 2 last night, Williams barely had an impact outside of one late slant route.

Williams finished the game with four catches for 75 yards and couldn't come up with a big goal-line catch on a fade route in the second half. If you take away one 66-yard touchdown on a blown coverage by the Bucs in Week 1, Williams has seven catches for 113 yards with no scores in three games. It will pain Tony Romo and the Cowboys to even think it, but Williams is not in the same league as Terrell Owens.

This Cowboys team is built to run the ball in order to win games and have rushed for over 200 yards in back-to-back games. Their massive offensive line is best suited to run-blocking and they have three excellent backs. So it's time to temper expectations on that supposed breakout season for Williams. The Cowboys, and possibly fantasy owners, expected too much.

Panthers vs. Cowboys quick hitters:
Felix Jones left the game with a knee strain after eight carries. Tashard Choice looked very strong and Jones is starting to get an "injury prone" label. … Steve Smith continues to be Jake Delhomme's first read on virtually every play, but the Cowboys had him bracketed constantly. … Martellus Bennett had plays called for him twice but couldn't come up with a catch either time. He finished with one catch for three yards and shouldn't be on fantasy rosters.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Frank Gore's owners were somewhat prepared for it, but they took a punch to the stomach late last night. The MRI on Gore's right ankle showed a right ankle strain and right hind foot sprain. He is expected to miss about three weeks.

Hopefully, you practiced proper handcuffing strategy and own Glen Coffee. But if the rookie out of Alabama is on waivers, run to your computer now. The 49ers can't throw the ball to their wideouts and this news isn't going to help that situation. Coach Mike Singletary will try to pound the ball at all costs and has confidence in Coffee. Kory Sheets could also be promoted from the practice squad.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Eagles coach Andy Reid has said before that he would give Brian Westbrook some rest even when his star running back is active. Reid never really meant it - ask Correll Buckhalter.

But when Reid said yesterday that LeSean McCoy would rotate in with Westbrook when the Birds come out of their bye, it sounded like Reid was serious. Westbrook has almost no cartilage left in his right ankle and needs his snaps limited. McCoy was impressive running the ball in his first career start Sunday and most importantly, was rock solid in pass protection.

Expect Reid to follow through with at least four series per game for McCoy going forward.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
The Lions got King Kong off their back Sunday, but they lost perhaps their most important player in the shuffle. Kevin Smith is considered "week to week" with a shoulder injury according to Profootballtalk.com.

Smith is one of five players with at least 50 carries and 10 catches on the young season. The others are Fred Jackson, Matt Forte, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson. Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown won't be able to fill in productively so they won't get that workload.

NEWS OF THE DAY #5
Chad Pennington (shoulder) is out for the season and Chad Henne is in. Henne's has a relatively big arm and will be able to get the ball deeper to Ted Ginn Jr. more often. Expect less work for possession receiver Davone Bess.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Laurent Robinson (broken leg) is out for the season. Keenan Burton will step in but he's not worth an add. … Byron Leftwich was benched in favor of the mobile Josh Johnson. It's a situation to avoid. … Marc Bulger has no structural damage in his rotator cuff, but his status for Week 4 is up in the air. … Matt Hasselbeck is still feeling his fractured rib and is not expected to practice Wednesday. It could be another Seneca Wallace start. … Pierre Thomas revealed he was dehydrated in the first half on Sunday and needed an IV. But on Monday, coach Sean Payton said PT Cruiser is close to 100 percent. Consider him the feature back.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
The Bills promised to throw the ball to Terrell Owens more "no matter what the defense" after his zero-catch performance Sunday. … Seahawks coach Jim Mora removed Olindo Mare from under the bus and said he'll stick with the kicker this week. … Lawrence Tynes will remain the Giants' kicker despite missing two short field goals already. … Marshawn Lynch comes off suspension this week but is expected to be "weaned" back into action. Fred Jackson has run well in Lynch's absence. … We don't know who will start at quarterback for the Browns on Sunday, but Braylon Edwards' owners should hope it's Derek Anderson.

DEFENSE SPOT STARTS
Here are two ideas for owners adding a new defense each week based on matchups:

BENGALS at Browns - Cleveland coach Eric Mangini's ship is sailing without a rudder. There were signs of a mutiny even before the Week 3 embarrassment.

REDSKINS vs. Bucs - While the Browns have bad and desperate, the Redskins' are talented and desperate. Expect a dominant defensive performance.


POSITIONAL SPOT STARTS
Chris Wesseling will cover this topic from head-to-toe in his Waiver Wired column, but here are three guys that are worth a quick add:

RB Glen Coffee - The 49ers won't suddenly turn into a passing team just because Frank Gore (ankle) is out. Expect 15-20 carries for Coffee against the Rams on Sunday.

RB Jerome Harrison - With Jamal Lewis (hamstring) out, Harrison had 21 touches while James Davis had six.

WR Bryant Johnson - The former first-round pick isn't a superstar, but he doesn't have to be across from Calvin Johnson. Johnson will be singled up all season.

 

[HacheMan]

Coffee, Anyone?

It's interesting the different styles head coaches have developed in disclosing injuries. Bill Belichick, who grew up in the game thanks to a scouting legend of a father, firmly believes he can gain a competitive advantage by keeping everyone guessing. His offspring, that furtive penguin Eric Mangini, is even worse. He could take the joy out of Christmas.

One of the best (and certainly the coolest) head coaches in the league, Mike Tomlin, has proven that it's possible to win without subterfuge on the injury report. His Week 1 post-game press conference, with free-flowing updates on Troy Polamalu's status, was a revelation. If the reigning Super Bowl champs hold no reservations on disclosing injury information, perhaps the trend would catch on, right? Wrong.

Jim Schwartz, a Footballoutsiders.com favorite and devotee of advanced statistical analysis, falls in line with the Belichick coaching tree when it comes to injuries. Schwartz explained Monday that defensive coordinators are at a competitive disadvantage when injuries are kept under wraps. While other sources are calling Kevin Smith "week to week" with a shoulder injury, Schwartz shed no light on his feature back's Week 4 status.

Not to be outdone, the 49ers initially denied all reports of Frank Gore's ankle sprain. To their credit, however, the team released information from Monday's MRI results. Gore's right ankle strain and right hind foot sprain will keep him out of the lineup until Week 7. The preseason rushing leader, rookie Glen Coffee, has juicy matchups against the Rams and Falcons the next two weeks. Owned in just 40 percent of all leagues, he should top waiver wire lists this week.

One final note: Several players went unlisted below simply because they're not widely available except in the smallest of leagues. Fred Taylor and Correll Buckhalter are obvious pickups, but they're owned in close to 60 percent of all CBSSports.com leagues. Similarly, Nate Burleson and Steve Breaston should be picked up if available, though both receivers are owned in the majority of leagues.

On to the lists. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 4. 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.

Running Backs
1. Glen Coffee, 49ers
2. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
3. Maurice Morris, Lions
4. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
5. Jerome Harrison, Browns


Wide Receivers
1. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars
2. Donnie Avery, Rams
3. Davone Bess, Dolphins
4. Josh Morgan, 49ers
5. Pierre Garcon, Colts
6. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
7. Bryant Johnson, Lions

Quarterbacks
1. Jason Campbell
2. Chad Henne
3. Josh Johnson
4. Seneca Wallace
5. Derek Anderson

Tight Ends
1. Vernon Davis, 49ers
2. Heath Miller, Steelers
3. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins

Defenses
1. 49ers
2. Bengals
3. Redskins

</FONT+1>RUNNING BACKS

Glen Coffee, 49ers – The third-rounder struggled against the Vikings stout front seven on Sunday, but he made quite an impression with his hard-charging, physical style in preseason action. Coffee should fill Frank Gore's role as the offensive centerpiece against the Rams and Falcons before a Week 7 bye. The Rams surrender 20.8 fantasy points per game to running backs while the Falcons give up an even more generous 23.4 points per game. Grab Coffee and immediately insert him into your starting lineup.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Tashard Choice, Cowboys – Is Felix Jones developing a reputation as being fragile? The big-play threat strained his knee in Monday night's win, and owner Jerry Jones is concerned about the severity. The Cowboys are playing it conservatively with Marion Barber's quad injury, which means Tashard Choice could be in line for 15-20 touches for the second straight game in Week 4 against the Broncos. Should Barber attempt to play and aggravate the injury, Choice would have lead back duties all to himself. He's proven that he can put up RB1 numbers with a full workload.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Maurice Morris, Lions – While Jim Schwartz remains tight-lipped, Profootballtalk.com calls Kevin Smith "week to week" with a shoulder injury, and beat writer Tom Kowalski says it's "significant." Morris has tough matchups the next two weeks against the Bears and Steelers. He'll also lose some touches to rookie Aaron Brown, so he won't be a reliable RB2 while Smith is out. Consider him more of a flex play.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs – Charles won't be a viable fantasy option in Week 4 with the Giants on the docket, but his role stands to grow throughout the course of the season. Todd Haley spoke Monday about players stepping forward in the running game, and he certainly wasn't referring to Larry Johnson. LJ is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry through three weeks, and he looks slower than ever. With the Chiefs constantly playing from behind, Charles will continue to see more playing time as the passing-down back. He may never be a back that carries the ball 20 times per week, but he'd be a fantasy consideration with a dozen carries and four or five receptions.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jerome Harrison, Browns – With Jamal Lewis (hamstring) unable to go in Week 3, Harrison got the start over James Davis and totaled 19 touches to just six for the rookie. Harrison racked up 85 yards versus Davis' 11. If Lewis is sidelined again for this week's game, Harrison merits flex consideration against the Bengals.

Recommendation: Should be owned in deeper leagues

Watch List - Ladell Betts, Lynell Hamilton

<!--RW-->

</FONT+1>WIDE RECEIVERS

Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars – Targeted 20 times the past two weeks compared to 18 for Torry Holt, Sims-Walker is threatening to take over the No. 1 receiver role in Jacksonville. Though injuries have held him back since entering the league in 2007, he's averaged six receptions and 85 yards in the four career games where he's received consistent playing time. Sims-Walker has considerably more playmaking ability than Holt and should be a WR3 going forward – barring injury, of course.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Donnie Avery, Rams – Poor Laurent Robinson was emerging as a legit go-to receiver when he suffered a season-ending fractured fibula against the Packers. X-rays on Avery's ribs came back negative on Monday, and he's primed to take back the No. 1 receiver role in the offense. The Rams don't really have anyone else to throw to, so Avery should see plenty of passes going forward. Kyle Boller is a better bet to take shots down field, which means Avery's deep speed should be put to the test starting in Week 4.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Davone Bess, Dolphins – Despite all of the preseason talk about Greg Camarillo and Brian Hartline, it's Bess who is leading the team in catches. While he's not a great play in standard scoring leagues, it's certainly worth pointing out that the Dolphins No. 2 receiver is on pace for 90 receptions this season. If he's available in your PPR league, snatch him up.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all PPR leagues

Josh Morgan, 49ers – Thus far, situation has trumped talent in San Francisco. The Niners have concentrated on the running game and short passes, leaving their most talented wide receiver as a glorified blocker for Frank Gore. I'm bullish on Morgan's ability and expect him to pick up the pace starting this week against the Rams. With Gore out of the lineup, Shaun Hill may be forced to take a few shots down the field.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Pierre Garcon, Colts – Let's not get overly excited here. Garcon looked fantastic against the Cardinals Sunday night, but he can't be counted on to haul in a Peyton Manning bomb every week. Garcon saw six targets in Week 3 (as did Austin Collie), but he was targeted just three times the week before. He's worth a look on the off chance that he becomes more involved in the offense, but I wouldn't advise starting him.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Jeremy Maclin, Eagles – The first-rounder has a bye in Week 4, and Kevin Curtis may return to the lineup the following week. Reports on Curtis' knee, however, have been growing increasingly more pessimistic since August. In a pass-first offense Maclin makes for a nice stash in case Curtis can't get over the hurdle.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Bryant Johnson, Lions – Johnson is another deep-league special. Defenses are understandably sending extra attention to Calvin Johnson each week, leaving Bryant to work one-on-one. He's been targeted 20 times through three weeks and makes for a decent one week fill-in for owners with bye week issues in Week 4.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Watch List - Andre Caldwell, Mike Wallace, Kelley Washington, Chaz Schilens, Sidney Rice, Keenan Burton, Jason Avant, Julian Edelman

</FONT+1>QUARTERBACKS

Jason Campbell, Redskins – The Redskins will work to straighten out their running game problems, but it doesn't look promising. Clinton Portis has bone spurs in both ankles and has looked like a shell of his former self against two subpar run defenses. Campbell has been over 200 yards in every game, including his 340-yard two touchdown performance in Week 3. If the 'Skins continue to play catch-up as they did against the lowly Lions, he's a viable QB2.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Chad Henne, Dolphins – It's admittedly not a great situation. The Dolphins passing game has been mundane, so it falls on Henne to open it up vertically while taking advantage of Ted Ginn's speed. Coach Tony Sparano loves the kid, but his preseason performance was spotty at best and his relief work against the Chargers in Week 3 was far from inspiring. On a positive note, he draws a Bills team that will be without safety Donte Whitner and corner Leodis McKelvin this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Josh Johnson, Buccaneers – Johnson isn't ready to start as an NFL quarterback, but the Bucs had seen enough of Byron Leftwich. Though the raw second-year player won't succeed through the air with a depleted receiving corps, his running ability is for real. Feel free to pick him up and cross your fingers in hopes that he turns into this year's version of Tyler Thigpen.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Seneca Wallace, Seahawks – While Andy Reid expects Donovan McNabb to return from his rib injury by Week 5, Seahawks coach Jim Mora didn't sound so optimistic about Matt Hasselbeck's ribs on Monday. Wallace played well enough to win in Week 3 and, surprisingly, attempted 44 passes – many of them down the field. Desperate owners could do worse for a bye-week fill-in.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Watch List - Kevin Kolb, Derek Anderson

<!--RW-->

</FONT+1>TIGHT ENDS

Vernon Davis, 49ers – Davis has been a Rotoworld favorite ever since Jimmy Raye replaced Mike Martz at offensive coordinator, and he finally made us look good with a dominant performance in Week 3. After catching just 31 balls for 358 yards all of last season, Davis is on pace for 70+ catches and 850 yards this year. He's still owned in less than half of all leagues, which should change this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Heath Miller, Steelers – Looking for a bye-week fill-in? Miller is owned in just over half of all leagues, and he's matched up against a Chargers defense that hasn't stopped opposing tight ends in over a year. Pick him up and start him with confidence.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Anthony Fasano, Dolphins – When I used to coach fifth and sixth grade basketball back in the mid-90s, we had a referee with a self-esteem problem who would mutter to himself "I'm not that bad, I'm not that bad, I'm not that bad" every time he blew a call. Fasano has been muttering that phrase to himself ever since the 2009 season began. He's really not this bad. If you're feeling lucky, pick him up and start him against a depleted Bills defense that is giving up more tight end points than any other defense in the league.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Watch List - Derek Fine, Shawn Nelson, Brandon Pettigrew

</FONT+1>DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

49ers - Mike Singletary's smash-mouth unit is for real, and they have an outstanding matchup against the Rams at home this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Bengals - Will it be Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, or Brett Ratliff? Regardless, Cincy's defense is playing well, and they draw an inept Cleveland offense in Week 4.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

Redskins - Would you dare pick them up after losing to the Leos in Week 3? Albert Haynesworth looks like he's going to be OK, and the 'Skins host the hapless Bucs in Josh Johnson's first career start.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

 

[HacheMan]

A Royal Pain


What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on with the wide receivers in Denver? Brandon Marshall finally arrived on the fantasy scene in Week 3 and now appears to be "the standard top option" in the Broncos passing game. Eddie Royal, however, remains an enigma with just six catches in three games.

As beat writer Frank Schwab points out, this isn't a matter of Royal not fitting in Josh McDaniels' offense. Easily the best receiver in training camp, Royal hauled in at least four catches in each of the first three preseason games. Many pundits were predicting 100+ catches, a dream marriage with McDaniels' system, and an improvement on his impressive rookie season.

So what's going on? "I don't think he's not open, just certain plays have gone the opposite direction from him," explained offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. OK, that's no help at all. It's already obvious that the gameplan won't feature a specific receiver, and McDaniels won't force the ball into double coverage.

According to the Denver Post's Mike Klis, Royal's biggest problem is that the Broncos' passing game is now "primarily designed for the drag pattern across the middle." This wouldn't be an issue if Royal was the one dragging across the middle – as expected. Instead, Royal has been the outside receiver running clear-out patterns to draw coverage away from Marshall, Jabar Gaffney, and Brandon Stokley. In short, he's a glorified decoy.

Klis expects Royal to return to the slot role eventually. In the meantime, though, he needs a serious Stokley injury and a role reversal with Marshall to gain fantasy value. We're no longer holding our breath that Royal will ascend to the "Wes Welker role" in McDaniels' offense.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass.

Though Felix Jones was diagnosed with a sprained PCL in his left knee, reports vary on his status for Week 4. Jones initially said he'd be good to go despite the injury, and coach Wade Phillips refuses to rule him out for Sunday's game at Denver. Owner Jerry Jones, on the other hand, was concerned about the severity of the injury.

The Cowboys players expect Jones to miss two weeks, which is in line with what ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins reported following the release of the MRI results. According to Watkins, the Cowboys don't expect Jones to be fully recovered until mid-October. The upshot is that he's likely to miss this week's game as well as next week's contest at Kansas City before the Cowboys Week 6 bye. Jones would then return in Week 7.

For the moment, Tashard Choice is the Cowboys' only healthy running back. Marion Barber will push to play this week, but he'll be limited in practice and possibly a game-time decision on Sunday. We're tentatively expecting Choice to be the primary back again this week.

Kevin Smith revealed that he has a "tweaked" knee in addition to his reportedly "significant" shoulder injury. While coach Jim Schwartz is disclosing nothing, Lions trainers have not yet ruled him out for Week 4. Profootballtalk.com's sources referred to the shoulder injury as a "week to week" issue, so Smith is facing an uphill battle to start against the Bears on Sunday. Keep an eye on practice reports and expect a healthy dose of Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown this week.

Colts RE Dwight Freeney is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a right quadriceps injury suffered during Sunday night's game at Arizona. It was feared that the injury could have been even more serious when Freeney revealed that he felt something pop on the play, so the diagnosis is a relief for the Colts. Seneca Wallace in Week 4 and Kerry in Week 5 will benefit from Freeney being out of the lineup. The Colts have a Week 6 bye, so Freeney is aiming for a return the following week.

Two-Minute Drill: Chiefs traded QB Tyler Thigpen to the Dolphins for an undisclosed draft pick. … 49ers RB Glen Coffee is expected to be an every-down back for as long as Frank Gore is out. … Bill Belichick wasn't willing to call Fred Taylor his feature back after a 21-carry, 105-yard performance against the Falcons. … Coach Gary Kubiak praised Steve Slaton for running harder and playing better in Week 3. … Steelers coach Mike Tomlin insists that Rashard Mendenhall was not in the doghouse, but Limas Sweed could "absolutely" be replaced by Shaun McDonald on game days. … After recording two sacks and a forced fumble in limited action Monday night, Cowboys rookie OLB Victor Butler is pushing Anthony Spender for his starting job. … Titans rookie TE Jared Cook hasn't been productive with Bo Scaife out because he's still struggling through an ankle injury. … The Eagles brought veteran LB Jeremiah Trotter back for his third stint with the club. In a related move, QB Jeff Garcia was released. … The Titans re-signed Mark Jones after rookie Ryan Mouton cost his team the game with two fumbles on returns in Week 3. They also pulled the cord on 2007 second-round bust Chris Henry. … Chiefs signed former Cardinals TE Leonard Pope. … The Dolphins tried out former Broncos RB Ryan Torain on Tuesday. … Mr. Irrelevant 2008, Rams LB David Vobora, was suspended four games for using performing enhancing substances. … Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham will enter the 2010 NFL Draft despite missing his senior season with knee injury. … Junior Seau was uninjured after being run over by a 2,000 bull at the Professional Bull Rider's Invitational over the weekend.

Red Zone: Dolphins QB Chad Pennington will undergo a third operation on his throwing shoulder. He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season – and possibly his career. … Saints placed LT Jamaal Brown (hip, hernia) is out for the season after being placed on injured reserve. … Pointing to an offseason hamstring injury and a Week 3 knee "ding," Bears beat writer Brad Biggs doesn't believe Matt Forte is running at 100 percent right now. … LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) is making progress and walking without a limp, but his status for Sunday's game against the Steelers remains uncertain. … Clinton Portis' twin bone spurs in both ankles reportedly have him "doing things he has never done in an effort to remain in the lineup."… Willie Parker is expected to miss practice time this week after coming down a case of turf toe. The Steelers haven't disclosed the severity of the injury. … Coach Todd Haley said he will "err on the side of caution" with Dwayne Bowe's hamstring this week. He could be a game-time decision again. … X-rays on Donnie Avery's ribs were negative. He's expected to play against the 49ers this weekend. … Though Albert Haynesworth suffered a strained glute muscle against the Lions, the injury isn't expected to keep him out against the Bucs Sunday. … Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is showing concern over OLB Joey Porter's hamstring injury. … Bengals rookie LB Rey Maualuga will undergo further testing on the left knee that was injured during the Steelers game.

 

[HacheMan]

LenDale's Back in the Picture


Like every year, many fantasy owners are beginning to panic about the players they invest high draft choices in. Whether it's LaDainian Tomlinson, Tom Brady, Matt Forte, Clinton Portis, or even Jason Witten, you're likely to have someone who isn't living up to your draft day expectations. But don't blame yourself, this isn't your fault. It happens to all of us.

The question is: how do you counter-balance your misfortune? The answer is finding players who are undervalued in your fantasy league. How do I know who is undervalued, you ask? A great way to find undervalued players is by checking which guys are getting the most opportunities in their team's scoring situations.
Here's what I saw in Week 3:

Stock Up

LenDale White, Titans RB

Chris Johnson created so much buzz over the first two weeks of the season that there didn't appear to be any space for the sans Patron – and perhaps sans late night stops at White Castle -- LenDale White. In Week 3, however, LenDale was thrust back into a prominent and familiar role for Jeff Fisher's Titans: short yardage, high leverage situation back. His biggest problem coming into Week 3 was that the Titans only had 1 RZ carry, simple bad luck.

Although he only had 7 carries, White re-established himself as the Titans clear choice in scoring situations. LenDale got the call on 5 of the 6 Red Zone carries, and most importantly, all of the Goal Line carries (converting for a touchdown against the staunch Jets' run defense). Some may see his 15 touchdowns in 2008 as a fluke, but with an explosive Chris Johnson mowing down defenses, LenDale will have plenty of touchdowns to punch in just like last year. Clearly, Chris Johnson remains an immensely valuable fantasy RB, but it will be LenDale White who receives the "easy" touchdown chances once again. White is definitely a player I would look to trade for while his value is low.

Willie Parker, Steelers RB

"Fast" Willie looked nothing like his nickname in the first two weeks, and there was speculation that Rashard Mendenhall would begin to steal carries from him. This past Sunday, Coach Mike Tomlin showed faith in Parker, giving him the ball 25 times. More importantly, no other RB touched the ball inside of the Red Zone or on the Goal Line.

Parker has now received 86% of the Steelers RZ carries, and all of their GL carries. Any momentum aimed in the direction of him losing touches seems to have dissipated. The Steelers seem dedicated to go down with Parker, for better or worse. With his excellent RZ and GL usage stats, the touchdowns will come for Willie. While he doesn't look to be the same runner he was in 2007, his domination of Pittsburgh's running game, both in and out of scoring situations, means he is a fine option at your RB2 slot in favorable matchups.

Ronnie Brown, Dolphins RB

So far, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have split carries at around a 60:40 ratio (52 for Brown, 34 for Williams). In scoring situations, however, the split has been considerably more extreme. Brown has gotten the call for 76% of Red Zone carries, and 80% of Goal Line carries. Consequently, the spread of touchdowns between the two backs (currently 2 to 1 Brown) should dramatically change soon. Although Brown is obviously a top 15-20 RB, his usage near the goal suggests that he could soon be a top 10 back and clear RB1.

Willis McGahee, Ravens RB

Ray Rice has looked every bit the outstanding runner we anticipated this year. However, Willis McGahee has simply out-performed him. It seems as though, once again, McGahee has resurrected his career. And while the touchdowns indicate McGahee is clearly the RZ and GL back, it hasn't been quite that easy. McGahee has received 56% RZ carries and 60% GL carries. The reason for his gaudy touchdown total is that the Ravens lead the NFL in Red Zone carries at 27 (only one other team is over 20). Although Willis clearly will play a prominent role for Baltimore, he's not quite getting the LenDale White treatment (getting the call for pretty much every RZ and GL carry), which limits his ceiling.

Helium Watch

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants RB

It appeared with Derrick Ward gone that Brandon Jacobs would finally have the Giants' backfield all to himself; Ahmad Bradshaw has ensured this will not be the case. While Felix Jones gets all the love- 79% owned in Yahoo- as being the most explosive backup in the NFC East (NFL?), it is Bradshaw- 46% owned in Yahoo- that should be getting that hype. Not only does he possess electrifying talent similar to Jones, but Bradshaw is also a factor in scoring situations.

On the season, Bradshaw has racked up 44% of the Giants carries inside of the 20, and 1 of the 2 from the Goal Line. And while I fully expect the majority of GL chances to remain in Jacobs' possession, the trend in between the 20 yard line and the 5 intrigues me. Bradshaw's explosive running ability, shown by his career YPC of 6.0, means that the carries he receives in the Red Zone are considerably more valuable than those of the average RB. When you combine his production throughout the game with the opportunities he's getting in scoring situations, Bradshaw isn't far off from being a viable RB2 option.

<!--RW-->Stock Down

Steve Slaton, Texans RB

I know it's early to classify an uninjured 1st round pick as having his value see a noticeable decline, but Chris Brown is seriously jeopardizing Slaton's touchdown potential. Slaton so far has been called on for just 30% of the Texans' RZ carries, and has yet to receive a GL carry (granted, there have only been 2). Brown has emerged as the early favorite for Slaton's lost opportunities, logging 60% of RZ carries, and both GL attempts. While there is still time for this trend to turn around, Brown hasn't gotten these carries by mistake. It is worth noting, however, that Brown cost Houston the game in Week 3 with a goal-line fumble.

Situations to Watch Very Closely

Knowshon Moreno vs. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos RBs

Moreno is clearly the running back of the future in Denver, but doesn't have a solid grasp on the job just yet. Correll Buckhalter has performed better so far, gaining significantly more yards on fewer carries. Despite his play, Buckhalter has only seen 25% of RZ carries come his way, and just 14% of GL carries. Coach Josh McDaniels clearly favors giving his 1st round draft pick the plurality of chances in RZ (50%) and GL (46%) scenarios, but deferred to Peyton Hillis, LaMont Jordan, and the aforementioned Buckhalter on separate occasions on the Goal Line. Until Moreno gains McDaniels' full trust in scoring opportunities, he remains a risky player to start.

Fred Jackson vs. Marshawn Lynch, Bills RBs

Fred Jackson has been more than adequate while filling in for the suspended Marshawn Lynch, but how will each fare now that Lynch has returned? Coach Dick Jauron has said that they will share time, but it remains to see how he will actually deploy them. Jackson, so far, has been given the full load in scoring situations, 75% in the RZ and 1 of 1 at the GL. I will be watching very closely this weekend, so should you.

Red Zone Receiver Watch

Steve Smith, Giants WR

The 3rd year receiver from USC at this pace could soon turn that guy in Carolina into the "Other" Steve Smith. Okay, maybe that's a little much, but this guy is not getting nearly the love he should be. Not only is he 8th in overall targets among receivers, but he already has picked up 6 targets in the Red Zone, tied for 2nd most in the NFL. So far he's getting 43% of Eli Manning's Red Zone passes (tied for the highest percentage in football), which means A LOT of scoring chances. While he's clearly not a waiver wire pickup, I would pursue him with confidence as a WR2.

Chansi Stuckey, Jets WR

Although Stuckey is also receiving 43% of his team's Red Zone targets, he hasn't been near the overall factor Steve Smith has. Chansi has received 21 total passing targets, 6 of them coming in the RZ. While the results haven't been there yet (he's produced just 17 fantasy points), he could make for an interesting pickup or spot start for a player on a bye. His 21 targets leave him tied for 27th in football (which isn't too bad), but so far Mark Sanchez has been looking for him frequently in scoring situations, giving him some decent potential to snag a touchdown for you.

Brent Celek, Eagles TE

Celek has been the most targeted TE in football, having been thrown the ball 27 times (only 8 WR have seen more throws come their way), more impressively, he's been the most thrown to player in the Red Zone with 7 targets. Celek should definitely be owned in every league, and if you find an owner who doesn't think a Tight End can make a difference, I would try to work a deal for him. From this point on, I think Celek is a Top 5 TE. With the Eagles receiving corps lacking a true No.1, Celek's prevalence in the passing game, in scoring situations specifically, should continue.

Vernon Davis, 49ers WR

Davis has always been one of the more talented players at any position since entering the league, but like so many, he has failed to put it together. Until now. Tied for 4th among TE's with 23 targets, Davis' growing pains with Coach Mike Singletary seem to have worked out in his favor. In addition, no player has seen a larger portion of their team's RZ targets than Davis' 55%. Much like the Eagles, the 49ers lack a WR that functions as a Go-To man, creating an excellent opportunity for Davis to thrive. Definitely a Top 10 TE, Davis's athleticism means he has the upside of Antonio Gates in his prime, that's a pretty high ceiling.

Here are your updated leaders in RZ and GL rushing

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<TABLE class=tableizer-table><TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>RZ Car</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>GL Car</TH><TH>Team GL</TH><TH>GL %</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>RZ tar</TH></TR><TR><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>90</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>88</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>88</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>86</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>82</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>86</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>77</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>76</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>72</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Lendale White</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>72</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>86</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>100</TD><TD> </TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Darren McFadden</TD><TD>Oakland Raiders</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Amhad Bradshaw</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Bush</TD><TD>Oakland Raiders</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joshua Cribbs</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cadillac Williams</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Slaton</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Glen Coffee</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Bennet</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Xavier Omon</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Felix Jones</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chestor Taylor</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Peyton Hillis</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mewedle Moore</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>LaMont Jordan</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>14</TD><TD> </TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>John Kuhn</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Le'Ron McClain</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Evans</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ladanian Tomlinson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD></TD></TR>

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Here are your updated leaders in Red Zone Targets

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<TABLE class=tableizer-table><TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team </TH><TH>RZ Targets</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>TD</TH></TR><TR><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chansi Stuckey</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>TJ Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laurent Robinson</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jhonny Knox</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Martellus Bennet</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jabar Gaffney</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bryant Johnson</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Evans</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Stevens</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Rod Cartwright</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Antwan Randle-El</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>0</TD></TR>

</TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

A boost for Braylon?

Derek Anderson is going to step under center, waive his magic wand, and change Braylon Edwards from a toad to a prince, right?

In theory, that's exactly how it should go. Anderson's big arm hit Edwards for the majority of his 16 touchdowns and 78 catches in 2007. He's not a dump off quarterback like Brady Quinn and even Edwards himself sounds pumped up about the change.

"You know DA. He's a guy who likes to throw the deep ball, likes to get the ball out," Edwards said yesterday after coach Eric Mangini announced the switch. "I like to run deep routes, so it's natural he'd look for me in those situations."

That all makes a lot of sense. There's just one problem: What the heck happened last season? Anderson was the quarterback for the first eight games of 2008 and here are Edwards' numbers in those games: 26 catches for 457 yards and three touchdowns. That's an average of 3.2 catches for 57.1 yards and 0.37 touchdowns per game. Not exactly numbers to get our panties in a bunch about.

Bottom line: As Edwards said, Anderson is willing to take shots. That alone is enough to give Braylon a boost in value. But just because Anderson is willing to look deep more doesn't mean he'll connect with Edwards as the duo proved last season. He's a low-end WR2 with some big-play upside.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's free this week!.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
LaDainian Tomlinson practiced fully Wednesday and said his ankle "feels pretty good." The Chargers have a big one against the Steelers Sunday and LT2 added, "I want to play in this game."

That's all well and good, but there are two huge problems with counting on Tomlinson this week for fantasy lineups. First, the Steelers are giving up just 76.7 yards per game on the ground this season, good for sixth in the league. Last year, Pittsburgh had the second-best rushing defense. It wouldn't be a good matchup even if Tomlinson was 100 percent.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, it's the Sunday night game. Assuming he's a game-time decision, we won't know until around 7:00 p.m. ET if Tomlinson will be active. That's putting a lot of eggs in a basket that is already pretty rancid.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
It's not too early to say it; Felix Jones is injury prone. Every time he gets hit, you just get that feeling he may not be getting back up. Jones (PCL sprain) missed practice Wednesday and is extremely unlikely to play Sunday.

In his brief NFL career, Jones has had 78 total touches including kick returns. He's dealt with hamstring, toe, quad and now knee problems in that limited action and missed 10 games last season. He'll miss at least a couple more this season, and we can probably assume that won't be all.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee) will be a game-time decision this week. Smith is a true gamer and will do everything he can to play, but no one covering the team thinks he will. Expect Maurice Morris to get the start against the Bears.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's free this week!.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS
Willie Parker admitted his turf toe is "painful." Maybe this news will make Rashard Mendenhall concentrate in practice this week. … Marion Barber (quad) was "limited" in practice Wednesday but still took more reps than he took all last week. We're expecting him to at least split carries with Tashard Choice Sunday. … Jamal Lewis (hamstring) was held out of practice. Jerome Harrison probably gives the Browns a better chance to win anyway. … Derrick Ward was surprisingly held out of practice with a knee injury and his status for Sunday is up in the air. … Ahmad Bradshaw tweaked his ankle against the Bucs last week but is expected to be fine for Week 4. … … Clinton Portis (ankle, calf) missed practice Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday. The other shoe has already dropped on his career. … Matt Forte was limited with a knee injury but he's not using it as an excuse for his play. He'll be a go Sunday against the Lions. … Pierre Thomas was limited in practice but his knee is not a huge issue anymore. He's poised to build on last week's monster second half. … Mike Bell (knee) is not back at practice. There's no timetable for his return.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RECEIVERS AND QUARTERBACKS
Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) didn't practice and isn't looking good for Sunday. … Wes Welker (knee) was back at practice on a limited basis Wednesday and will shockingly be a game-time decision again. … Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) is not expected to play this week. It's the Seneca Wallace show again. … Hakeem Nicks (foot) returned to practice but isn't a threat to Mario Manningham. … Lance Moore (hamstring) could play this week, but he's not a fantasy option with the avalanche of Saints weapons. … Chaz Schilens (foot) is a "long shot" to play Sunday. His eventual return is tough to get excited about with JaMarcus Russell under center.

 

[HacheMan]

Week 4 Rankings


They should have a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine for making defenders miss.

Bears rookie receiver Johnny Knox would be amazing at this drill. His teammate Matt Forte would not.

This isn't a knock on Forte, and it's not a new phenomenon. The Tulane product is a complete back that has power, excellent vision, receiving ability, and the ability topick through a hole like a young Fred Taylor.

Forte's problem, this year, is the lack of holes to run through. The Bears have three new starting offensive linemen this year – Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, and Chris Williams. Two of them are playing different positions than expected, and all of them are better pass blockers than run blockers. They are the primary reason why Knox and Jay Cutler are exceeding expectations, while Forte is struggling.

Chicago's inability to push around w a depleted Seattle front line was eye-opening, but Forte's running did not provide cause for concern. When there was daylight, Forte found it and ran hard, just like in 2008. He missed a series to start the fourth quarter, but he did not look injured. He got more involved in the passing game and topped 100 yards from scrimmage.

Forte wasn't drafted so high this year because he can create magic out of thin air. He was drafted because he's one of the few running backs left with power and receiving ability that is guaranteed 20+ touches-per-game as long as he stays healthy. That hasn't changed.

Jay Cutler hasn't helped Forte thus far, but he will once defenses realize Chicago is now a pass-first team. (The Seahawks loaded eight in the box throughout their game against the Bears.) And those extra touchdowns Chicago is scoring this year will eventually come on the ground.

As one of my co-workers said this week, Forte has arguably been the biggest turd burglar in fantasy football this season. But unlike the other slow starters, Forte isn't facing questions about his role or serious ones about his health.

I've heard a lot of crazy trade questions involving Forte this week, and almost all of them include the same answer: Buy low on Forte. He'll get the ball too much to fail over 16 games, no matter how bad the blocking is.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Trent Edwards</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Probable(foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Kyle Orton</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Shaun Hill</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Seneca Wallace</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Cassel</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Kerry Collins</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Chad Henne</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>JaMarcus Russell</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Josh Johnson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Editor's Note: Check out our exclusive projections for all the players listed here during our free week of Rotworld's Season Pass. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, advance workload and target data, schedule analysis, and fantasy points allowed info you can only get with Season Pass.

QB Notes: The Bears passing attack is much further along than expected this early in the year. They have three receivers over 150 yards, while Lee Evans and Terrell Owens are under 100. Cutler isn't going to put up the numbers he did in Denver last year, but he'll come closer than expected. … Matt Ryan outplayed Tom Brady last week, even if it didn't show up in the box score. Wes Welker's injury, which has to be fairly serious, is not helping Brady. But Tom Terrific got good protection last week and still missed throws. This week, against Baltimore's blitzes, will be another fine test in a schedule full of them.

When Shaun Hill throws deep, bad things happen. With Chad Pennington done for the year, Hill has the weakest arm in the league. That hurts Josh Morgan, as does the team's predictable play calling. Hill is savvy and calm under defensive pressure, but he's not an exciting option even against the Rams. … Brett Favre has still been very inconsistent with his throws. Some were great last week, including the obvious one. Others were brutal. But he's playing football in the manner that people have wanted him to for years, taking the dump off pass, primarily making smart decisions. His arm may not be what it once was, but it's clearly better than it was at the end of last season.

I expected Derek Anderson to get the starting job in Cleveland. As lame as his three-interception performance was last week, he made throws Brady Quinn doesn't try. He converted some long third downs. Braylon Edwards' lack of effort on one of Anderson's picks, incidentally, was pathetic. … The Ravens are now a team that looks to pass in any situation, with great creativity. Look for them to continue to be aggressive against a shaky New England secondary. Cam Cameron would be my pick for the coordinator of the year award, if there were such a thing. And I agree with NFL Matchup's Greg Cosell: of the quarterbacks taken in the last two year, Flacco has the highest ceiling. Which is saying a lot.

<!--RW-->[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Steve Slaton</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>Ranked as if starting</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Keep close eye on ankle</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Glen Coffee</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Darren McFadden</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Ahmad Bradshaw</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Tashard Choice</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Questionable(toe)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Jerome Harrison</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Michael Bush</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Carnell Williams</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Status Uncertain (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Aaron Brown</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Jamaal Charles</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Lynell Hamilton</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>James Davis</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>LeRon McClain</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Mewelde Moore</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Justin Forsett</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

RB Notes: Fred Jackson's big start was a worst-case scenario for Marshawn Lynch owners. Now the question is whether the Bills can support two quality fantasy options every week. Few teams can, and these aren't the '08 Giants. The Dolphins play solid run defense, and I think this is a week Trent Edwards forces some vertical strikes just to keep the wideouts happy. Jackson should get the nod in fantasy leagues for now; we're in wait-and-see mode to find out if these two cancel each other out. … Darren Sproles hasn't averaged three yards per carry in a game yet this season. That doesn't bode well for Sproles' ability to get starter-caliber money on the free agent market next year or LaDainian Tomlinson's ability to bounce back strongly when he returns to the lineup. If LT2 plays this week, the San Diego backs could cancel each other out in Pittsburgh.

Denver's offensive line may be the best in football; they will continue to make Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno look good. Moreno breaks out more of his fancy footwork every week, and seems to be gaining confidence. Buckhalter is running with power. Moreno doesn't seem like the preferred option inside the five-yard line, which will hurt him. If the Broncos can run on Dallas, it will be a sign that Buckhalter will remain a solid flex option for a while. … Losing Robert Gallery has hurt the Raiders running game, but not as much as JaMarcus Russell. And while Darren McFadden needs to stop fumbling, he is still looking as strong and explosive as expected when he gets the ball. Michael Bush breaks tackles and has excellent hands. I'm keeping the faith for this week because the Texans defense is so terrible.

Justin Forsett wasn't used much against the Bears, and made a particularly terrible run on a third down when he did play. If the Seahawks are going to use Edgerrin James at all, it's hard to keep a roster spot for Forsett in a 12-team league. … Julius Jones probably will never have great football instincts, but he's already broken more tackles this season than he did in the last two years. He's going to have his down weeks, but he is looking like someone that will outplay his draft slot and give you over 1,000 yards as a RB3/flex/bye week fill in.

Glen Coffee ran hard last week and had some impressive runs. Predictable play calling hurt him and he was tackled deep in the backfield a few times, but Coffee falls forward and keeps his legs churning. That should be enough to be a solid RB2 against the Rams. ... Ray Rice is rock solid and a better option than Willis McGahee on passing downs, but McGahee looks like the faster back. He's created yards out of nothing a handful of times and will be a big factor all year, even if he doesn't score 32 times. … Jerome Harrison quietly was very impressive against the Ravens, especially with his surprising ability to run inside. He should be a big part of the Browns offense going forward.




[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>Questionable(back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>Questionable(hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Mario Manningham</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Devery Henderson</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Josh Morgan</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Johnny Knox</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Justin Gage</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Earl Bennett</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Donnie Avery</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Probable(ribs)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Davone Bess</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Mark Bradley</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Antonio Bryant</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Kenny Britt</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Ted Ginn Jr.</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Kelley Washington</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Louis Murphy</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Jacoby Jones</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Mike Wallace</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Chris Henry</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes:The Broncos are doing a good job getting Brandon Marshall matched up against opposing linebackers. And Kyle Orton showed a willingness to throw the ball to Marshall even when he wasn't that open last week, allowing him to make excellent plays on the ball. When Marshall made a physical catch with Nmandi Asomugha all over him, I knew he was going to be fine this season. Maybe not top-ten fine, but a player that stays in your lineup every week and helps you win. … The Baltimore passing attack is going to make Derrick Mason a solid value all season, and we're still holding out hope that Mark Clayton will turn in a WR3/4 season because he's the best deep threat on the team. … Wes Welker's injury has to be serious for him to miss two weeks.

The Bears passing attack is much further along than expected this early in the year. They have three receivers over 150 yards, while Lee Evans and Terrell Owens are under 100. … Nate Burleson is the most explosive receiver on the Seahawks offense, and John Carlson seems to be moving the chains as well as T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Housh will improve, but he is hurt more than anyone by Matt Hasselbeck's injury. Burleson made a few big plays last week while Seneca Wallace was scrambling around, while Housh relies more on précising timing routes with his quarterback.

Percy Harvin may be a better fit for this Minnesota offense than Bernard Berrian. His ability to make plays after the catch after getting the ball near the line of scrimmage fits better with Brett Favre's current skill set than Berrian's deep speed. Of course, Berrian's numbers would look a lot better if not for all his drops. … The wide receiver rankings get very shaky very quickly. Guys like Devin Hester, Kevin Walter, and Mike Sims-Walker are virtual must starts.

Note: Tiffany Simons is back on Fantasy Fix Live this Sunday at 11ET. Email us or send your question to Gregg on his Twitter account and we'll answer it on the show.

<!--RW-->
[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Tight Ends[/SIZE] <TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Kevin Boss</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Martellus Bennett</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

TE Notes: Vernon Davis used to drop routine catches, now he's making spectacular grabs routinely. Shaun Hill and Davis will have to carry the offense with Frank Gore out. Hill doesn't throw to the outside well, and has confidence just throwing jump balls to Davis. If you drafted Davis as a TE2, he can now be a starter. … Visanthe Shiancoe drops too many passes on too few chances to use in fantasy leagues.

Greg Olsen was expected to be Chicago's "number one" receiver, but Jay Cutler doesn't need him with his wide receivers playing so well. Olsen will improve, but don't expect a huge breakout season. … John Carlson was the primary receiver plenty last week and had 10 targets. Seneca Wallace looked more competent than a season ago, so we'd stick with the Seahawk tight end, especially against a zone defense like the Colts.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Prater</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Steven Hauschka</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Josh Scobee</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Ryan Succop</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Studs, duds and sleepers: Jacobs should run over Chiefs


Studs
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks. He's off to a lousy start, but QB Seneca Wallace was surprisingly good vs. Chicago and both should benefit if Indianapolis is without DE Dwight Freeney.
RB Brandon Jacobs, Giants. New York got its running game going with 226 yards against Tampa Bay, and now Ahmad Bradshaw appears limited with a bum ankle. Kansas City gave up 34 and 38 points, respectively, to Philadelphia and Baltimore, which should translate into multiple touchdowns for Jacobs.
RB Darren McFadden, Raiders. Averaging 49.3 yards a game, McFadden will love visiting the NFL's worst run defense. Opponents have averaged 204.7 rushing yards and totaled eight rushing TDs vs. Houston.
QB Philip Rivers, Chargers. Pittsburgh's pass defense has faltered without safety Troy Polamalu. Rivers is coming off back-to-back 300-yard games, and San Diego can't run much.
QB Mark Sanchez, Jets. This will be the rookie's best chance at a big fantasy game. New York has not run well the last two weeks and will have to put matters in Sanchez's hands if it gets into a high-scoring game against New Orleans.
Duds
RB Reggie Bush, Saints. It's hard to get excited about Bush. He faces the Jets' ninth-ranked run defense and will have to watch Pierre Thomas a lot.
QB David Garrard, Jaguars. Despite a few positive signs, Jacksonville will have its hands full against Tennessee. Garrard has thrown more picks than touchdowns (9-8) in his career against the Titans.
RB Ryan Grant, Packers. Running behind a banged-up offensive line is one reason Grant is averaging 3.7 yards a carry. He is unlikely to get rolling against Minnesota, which has not allowed a rushing TD.
WR Eddie Royal, Broncos. With the dream of a 100-catch season already dashed, Royal should not be starting right now, even against Dallas' shaky pass defense. He has six catches for 42 yards in three games and watched Brandon Marshall pick it up on offense last week.
WR Roy Williams, Cowboys. Dallas' passing offense hasn't exactly been cruising. The Cowboys have back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, and the Broncos' second-ranked pass defense is the only one yet to allow a passing TD. Don't let Williams make you miserable.
Sleepers
WR Andre Caldwell, Bengals. Forget Chris Henry. Caldwell is Cincinnati's best receiver behind Chad Ochocinco. He is tied for the team lead with 14 catches, had his first career TD catch last week and should have more chances against Cleveland.
RB Willie Parker, Steelers. The Steelers benched Rashard Mendenhall last week, leading to a mild case of turf toe for Parker. But he should feel better because of back-to-back 100-yard games against San Diego, which is 26th against the run.
San Francisco 49ers defense. They will take out their frustration from the gut-wrenching loss at Minnesota against Kyle Boller-led St. Louis.
RB Derrick Ward, Buccaneers. Tampa Bay will go conservative on offense and shouldn't fall far behind. That means plenty of Ward against Washington, which gave up a 100-yard game to Detroit's Kevin Smith last week.
RB Ricky Williams, Dolphins. With no Chad Pennington, Miami will run more. That includes Williams, who has more rushing yards (784) against Buffalo than against any other team and as many TDs (six total) as he has against anybody.

 

[Heartman]

Great job on the fantasy info Hache. You've turned this place into a must read each week.

 

[HacheMan]

LT2 in, Fast Willie out?


The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh this weekend for a Sunday night rematch of last year's AFC Divisional Round playoff game. Though both teams have questions at tail back, things are looking up for the Chargers. Coach Norv Turner said he expects LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) to play after another full practice on Thursday. "LT looked good," Turner said. "We're making the kind of progress we'd hoped for. Based on what I've seen, I think there's a good chance (he plays)."

Steelers running back Willie Parker, on the other hand, missed a second straight practice with the dreaded turf toe – ironically, the same injury that sabotaged Tomlinson early last season. "You ever have turf toe?" Parker asked earlier this week. "Oh, it's painful; yeah it's real painful."

Parker is expected to try to practice on Friday, but he's looking like a game-time decision at best. With the game being played at night, he should be kept out of fantasy lineups. The coaching staff has yet to announce if Rashard Mendenhall or Mewelde Moore would get the start should Parker be held out.

Mendenhall has worked his way out of coach Mike Tomlin's allegedly non-existent doghouse (talk to Limas Sweed about that one), and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians says the second-year back has had a "great week of practice." We're tentatively expecting Mendenhall to split carries with passing-down back Moore. It's a fine matchup with 350-pound nose tackle Jamal Williams out for the season, but we'd have a tough time playing either back considering the expected split in production and the Steelers' early-season running woes.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 4, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. We're offering a free preview this week!

Owner Jerry Jones indicated that Marion Barber (quadriceps) would start against the Broncos if he looks "really strong" in practice late this week. His upgrade to full participation in Thursday's practice is a positive sign for the green light. Coach Wade Phillips suggested that Tashard Choice will still be in line for more touches than a normal No. 2 back. The Cowboys admit, however, that Felix Jones (sprained PCL) will miss this week's action. The Broncos defense has been spectacular, but that's balanced out by Dallas' smashing success on the ground. Barber should be considered an acceptable RB2 with Choice more suited to a RB3/flex play.

Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, but the Lions didn't even work in pads. After being absent from Wednesday's light contact work, his return for no-hitting drills indicates that he's not ready to face contact. Simth admitted that he wanted at least two days of practice to feel prepared to play at a high level. Coach Jim Schwartz is calling Smith a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Chicago. Much will depend on Friday's practice participation, but at this point we his status remains in doubt.

Clinton Portis (calf, ankles) missed practice again on Thursday. He admitted that he played through ankle pain in the first two weeks of the season, but it's the calf contusion that his him currently sidelined. Coach Jim Zorn originally characterized the calf injury as minor, and Portis has made a habit out of playing on Sunday's despite missing practice. We rank him as the 13th best running back against Tampa Bay's No. 31 rush defense, but check back Friday afternoon to make sure he's in line to start.

Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) was surprisingly upgraded to limited participation in Thursday's practice. "He moved around, again, you have to be very cautious with that type of injury, but he was markedly improved today," said coach Todd Haley. "I was happy to see him out there and we'll have to see where he's at tomorrow." The return to practice is a positive sign, but we still expect Bowe to be a game-time decision Sunday against the Giants.

Two-Minute Drill: The Bills activated Marshawn Lynch from the suspended, but coordinator Alex Van Pelt indicated that he will be brought along slowly "to let him get back into physically." … Dolphins coach Tony Sparano expressed confidence in QB Chad Henne, saying he wouldn't change the offense playcalling to suit the first-time starter. … Raiders coach Tom Cable isn't ruling out bringing free agent Jeff Garcia back. … 49ers coach Mike Singletary explained that WR Jason Hill has been lost in the shuffle due to offseason groin and hamstring injuries that put him behind the eight ball heading into training camp. … Browns coach Eric Mangini shot down speculation that ex-Jet Brett Ratliff could be a candidate to start anytime soon. … The Panthers, desperate for defensive tackles, signed 35-year-old Hollis Thomas. … Redskins SS Chris Horton has been benched in favor of Reed Doughty. … Giants coach Tom Coughlin was optimistic after SS Kenny Phillips underwent successful microfracture surgery to relieve patello femoral arthritis. … Lions FS Louis Delmas was named NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Month for September while Jets QB Mark Sanchez took home the offensive honors. … Adding to his reputation as a dirty player, Cowboys LT Flozell Adams was fined for third straight week. … Dolphins DT Paul Soliai tragically lost 12 members of his family in American Samoa after the recent tsunami.

Red Zone: Matt Forte (knee) returned to a full practice and will be full go for Sunday's game against the Lions. … Cedric Benson (ankle) also returned to a full practice and is ready to face the Browns. … Pierre Thomas (knee) practiced in full Thursday and will be the Saints' feature back against the Jets. … Derrick Ward (knee) missed a second straight practice, putting his status for the Redskins game in doubt. … Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) and LT Walter Jones (knee) have been ruled out for Week 4. … Though Jamal Lewis (hamstring) missed Thursday's practice, coach Eric Mangini is "cautiously optimistic" about his chances of playing Sunday. … Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) has yet to practice this week, but he's confident that he'll be fine for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. … Randy Moss says his back feels better than it did during Sunday's game when he caught 10 passes against the Falcons. Wes Welker (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice and is expected to be a game-decision again. … Marc Bulger (shoulder) was held out of practice again on Thursday while Kyle Boller took all of the first-team snaps. … LenDale White, stricken by a flu bug, has yet to practice this week. … Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring) "appears on track to play" after a second straight limited practice. … Brett Favre was limited by a sore foot Thursday but is expected to start Monday night in his return to Green Bay. … Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt expects Anquan Boldin (hamstring) to be close to 100 percent following the Week 4 bye. … Giants WR Hakeem Nicks returned to a full practice on Thursday. … Troy Polamalu (knee) has started running, but remains a long shot to play in Sunday night's game. … Dwight Freeney (shoulder) is officially out for the next two weeks. … Justin Tuck (shoulder) returned to a limited practice Thursday and expects to play this week. … Joey Porter (hamstring) remains in doubt for the upcoming Bills game after sitting out a second straight practice Thursday. … Vince Wilfork (ankle) has yet to practice this week and may not be available to face the Ravens. … Titans CB Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) missed practice and will likely sit out the Jaguars game. … Browns K Phil Dawson's (groin) status is in doubt for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Expect Billy Cundiff to handle kicking duties again.

 

[HacheMan]

Matchups: Now or Never for DMC


Bye weeks have arrived, necessitating the search for one-game gems and "fallback" plans. You've come to the right place if you're in a bind. Let's cut the small talk and get to the matchups.

Editor's Note: Rotoworld's NFL Season Pass is being offered for free this week. Check it out, and you won't go away unsatisfied.

[SIZE=+1]1:00PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Detroit @ Chicago

Jay Cutler's tear (five TDs, 485 yards on 74% completions since Week 1) will continue through a Lions defense ranked 30th against the pass with a league-most 10 touchdowns allowed. The resilient quarterback has favorable matchups three out of the next four weeks...Johnny Knox is getting the most fantasy attention and scored a Week 3 touchdown, but Earl Bennett and Devin Hester remain Chicago's starting wideouts with Knox rotating in. Still, the speedy rookie and Bennett are very viable WR3s this week, while Hester is a legitimate top-20 fantasy option as Detroit plays musical chairs at cornerback. Will James is now the starting right corner (likely to face Knox/Bennett) with slow-of-foot Anthony Henry at LCB (likely going against Hester).

Similar to Ryan Grant last year, Matt Forte's quickness has been derailed by a lost preseason due to a hamstring injury. What should prevent Forte from having a down year like Grant's is his combo of receiving ability, superior talent, and Week 5 bye (Grant's was in Week 8). Chicago will move the ball easily Sunday, Forte will get goal-line carries, and he'll rest for the following two weeks...Greg Olsen is an every-week start again after a 5-44-1 Week 3 effort. Going forward, Knox and Hester's development will keep opponents from double teaming Olsen as he was in the first two games.

Detroit snapped its 19-game losing streak in Week 3, but Sunday will be a long one for Matthew Stafford. Chicago has found the right mix in the secondary with speedster Danieal Manning at free safety and Zackary Bowman replacing Nathan Vasher at right corner. Their YPA against (6.2) is tied for third best in the NFC, the Bears' nine sacks are second, and they've only surrendered three passing scores. Don't expect Bryant Johnson to repeat his fluky Week 3 (4-73-1).

The Lions become far easier to defend with Kevin Smith (shoulder) out. Maurice Morris and sixth-round pick Aaron Brown, who are next on the depth chart, have averaged just 2.5 YPC on 20 combined carries off the bench, and neither is remotely as versatile as Smith. Calvin Johnson had 94 yards and a touchdown on eight catches in his last meeting with Bears LCB Charles Tillman and his talent is impossible to bench, but another slow game is quite possible.

Seattle @ Indianapolis

Arizona ran its nickel defense from start to finish in Week 3, but Peyton Manning still shredded the unit for 379 yards and four touchdowns. It's fair to question whether Seattle has a prayer in this one. The Seahawks don't have the secondary depth the Cardinals do, are likely still down LCB Josh Wilson (high ankle sprain) after giving up three passing TDs and 247 yards to Jay Cutler last Sunday, and RCB Ken Lucas is dealing with an aggravated groin strain...The DB shortage makes Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark harder to double team, and explosive Pierre Garcon is a legitimate bye-week WR3.

Indy's backfield remains unpredictable in terms of yardage, but we do know Joseph Addai's starting job is not at immediate risk, and he is the favorite for red-zone work. Donald Brown has dangerous wheels, but struggles in short yardage and was pulled after failing to move the pile on a carry from five yards out last week. Addai executed for the TD on a quick pass the next play. Seattle's run defense will improve with MLB Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) back and DT Brandon Mebane's calf injury behind him, limiting the upside of both Colts runners. Addai is the pick if you want touchdowns.

After generating just 261 yards on 44 attempts (5.9 YPA) in Week 3, Seneca Wallace gets another start with Matt Hasselbeck's rib still fractured. Wallace is hurting T.J. Houshmandzadeh (4-35 against the Bears) and Indianapolis' sure-tackling defensive backs will again keep Housh from getting yards after catch...Nate Burleson continues to tease with two strong games out of three, but the Colts won't let him get free deep. Burleson is nothing more than a desperation WR3 play.

Look for John Carlson to rebound from his three-catch, 28-yard Week 3. Carlson has 12 grabs in his other two games and won't have to stay on the line to block as much with Colts RE Dwight Freeney out due to a quads strain...Justin Forsett appeared to pass Edgerrin James on Seattle's depth chart with 11 touches in Week 2, but Julius Jones resumed feature back duties last Sunday. If the Seahawks fall behind big quickly as we expect, however, none of their runners will produce.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville

The Titans' pass defense ranks 28th and has served up the third most plays of 20+ yards in the league through three weeks. Making matters worse, nickel back Vincent Fuller is out 4-6 weeks with a broken arm and top CB Cortland Finnegan is battling a hamstring pull. Expect Mike Sims-Walker, the Jags' top big-play receiver, to stay hot after dropping 6-106-1 and 6-81 lines on the Cardinals and Texans...Despite the favorable matchup, Torry Holt remains bench material after producing 122 yards and no TDs over that span despite 77 pass attempts from David Garrard.

Maurice Jones-Drew is averaging 24 touches a game in his first season as a featured back, making him impossible to sit even against a Tennessee run defense that has stoned Willie Parker (13-19), Steve Slaton (17-24), and Thomas Jones (14-20). Jags rookie offensive tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are getting better by the week (Monroe held Mario Williams sack-less last Sunday) and the rest of the line is built to run block. MoJo is coming off his best game of '09.

The Titans will stick with him, but Kerry Collins isn't playing like a QB that should be collecting $7 million a year. He's thrown four picks, owns a 6.0 YPA (24th in the NFL), and is completing 55.2% of his passes (28th). But as we witnessed with Kurt Warner in Week 2, Jacksonville's secondary is a remedy for quarterback struggles. The Jags are dead last against the pass, have given up six passing TDs (second most in the AFC), and allow a league-worst 77.2 completion rate. This should be a high-scoring game. Justin Gage and Nate Washington are both quality WR3s.

Brad Morgan pointed out in his must-read Red Zone Report that LenDale White is again vulturing significant work inside the opposing 20-yard line. White is the Titans' goal-line back for sure, but it's worth noting that all five of his Week 3 red-zone carries came successively on a single possession. While LenDale may finish the season with 7-10 touchdowns simply because of his role, Chris Johnson has clearly separated himself in the ex-committee. He has 64 touches on the year compared to LenDale's 22 and should have no trouble blowing through the Jaguars' middling run defense.

<!--RW-->

NY Giants @ Kansas City

The Giants' use of Corey Webster as a "shadow" corner claimed another victim in Week 3, with Antonio Bryant managing one catch for six yards. Dwayne Bowe isn't 100 percent coming off an in-practice hamstring strain and should be benched even if he's active...The rest of Kansas City's receiver corps remains hit or miss. The Chiefs started in a three-wideout set of Terrance Copper, Bobby Wade, and Mark Bradley last week, and none of them caught more than four balls. Fantasy consistency won't arrive at the position anytime soon.

The Giants' Week 3 suffocation of Derrick Ward (five rushes, two yards) vaulted their run defense back into the top 20, and it will keep moving up. Larry Johnson (2.5 YPC, 0 TDs so far) isn't even a replacement-level back anymore, and Jamaal Charles' role is a week-to-week tossup...Matt Cassel's two Week 3 touchdowns were fluky considering they came on an ugly 90-yard passing day. New York's fire-zone blitzes will terrorize Kansas City's front five, just as Philadelphia's did.

Averaging just 3.4 yards per carry (it was 4.9 at this time last year), Brandon Jacobs has lacked his usual first-step burst through three games. A likely cure is impending matchups with K.C. and Oakland. The Chiefs have yielded five rushing TDs (third most in the NFL) and haven't found the right mix on the defensive line, instead opting for an unproductive six-man rotation. Kansas City let the Brian Westbrook-less Eagles go for two TDs and 93 yards on the ground last week. It doesn't hurt Jacobs' cause that sparkplug No. 2 back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) is less than 100 percent.

Steve Smith has emerged as the Giants' No. 1 receiver with a scintillating weekly average of eight grabs for 93 yards and a touchdown. He's shown in each of the Giants' three games that he can beat man coverage and will see a lot of it Sunday from coordinator Clancy Pendergast's defense. Smith is certainly an every-week play...Don't expect Kevin Boss to get it together soon. He simply blocks too much...First-round pick Hakeem Nicks (foot) isn't 100 percent yet, but he'll cut into Mario Manningham's snaps soon enough. Sell high on Manningham after this one if he produces.

Tampa Bay @ Washington

New Bucs starter Josh Johnson oozes talent. He was a 70-percent passer at the University of San Diego, runs in the 4.4 range, and has adequate arm strength. However, he's more likely to be overwhelmed than move Tampa Bay's offense on Sunday; Johnson's made one "real game" appearance since the non-scholarship D-IAA ranks...Look for a ton of underneath passes, keeping Kellen Winslow's value afloat...Outside-the-numbers connections with Antonio Bryant, whose knee still isn't 100%, and slumping Michael Clayton are likely to be few and far between.

Johnson figures to bring the entire offense down until he gets comfortable. Because he'll pose minimal threat in the vertical passing game, the Bucs will be easy to game plan against. That makes Carnell Williams an undesirable RB2 even if Derrick Ward (knee) is inactive. Cadillac is practicing fully again, but isn't over his knee problems and had just three touches in Week 3. This will almost certainly be a low-scoring game, limiting the fantasy upsides of all parties.

The Bucs won't get their secondary together until FS Tanard Jackson (suspension) returns in Week 5. It was against Detroit, but Jason Campbell's confidence should be up as he comes off his best statistical game (340 yards, two TDs) since Week 10 of 2007. He's a fine QB1 if you're dealing with bye-week problems...Jim Zorn made it a point to get Santana Moss involved early in last week's win over Detroit, and it paid dividends with a 10-catch, 178-yard, one-TD outburst. Moss, who definitely hasn't lost a step, now squares off with 34-year-old Bucs RCB Ronde Barber.

Kevin Boss couldn't capitalize on Tampa's safety issues in Week 3 because he's essentially a sixth lineman, but Chris Cooley will. The Bucs have no answer for tight ends that are heavily involved in the passing game. Expect Cooley to be a focal point Sunday after a disappointing three-catch, 38-yard Week 3...Tampa Bay is 31st against the run and gives up 5.2 yards per carry, but it's still difficult to get excited about Clinton Portis. Portis has bone spurs in both ankles, a calf strain, and failed to score or top 79 yards rushing against the Rams and Lions. Clearly, he's nearing the end.

Baltimore @ New England

Despite Willis McGahee's goal-line "vulture" role, Ray Rice is an every-week RB2. The No. 18 overall fantasy back so far, Rice has started each of Baltimore's first three games and has 49 touches to McGahee's 38. The likely absences of Patriots NT Vince Wilfork (ankle) and ILB Jerod Mayo (knee) give the Baltimore backfield a major matchup boost. Play both Rice and McGahee if necessary...Third receiver Kelley Washington (groin) and Todd Heap's (back) injuries may force Baltimore into run-oriented game planning. They'll likely both play, but not at 100 percent.

Bill Belichick re-proved last week his amazing ability to shut down an opponent's hottest player, limiting Tony Gonzalez to one catch for 16 yards. Joe Flacco is next. All of Flacco's numbers (65.4% completions, 8.1 YPA, 32-touchdown pace) are up significantly from last year, as Cam Cameron continues to give him freedom in the passing game. He's not a great bet, though, against a Pats defense that ranks sixth against the pass and will likely get back LCB Jonathan Wilhite (groin).

Week 3 will likely go down as Fred Taylor's best game of the year. While the 21-carry, 105-yard, one-score performance confirmed Taylor as New England's best between-the-tackles runner, this backfield remains matchup-based week to week. Look for Laurence Maroney or Kevin Faulk to lead Pats tailbacks in touches versus Baltimore...New England's tight ends are also to be avoided. Both Chris Baker and Ben Watson have mixed in one good game with two serious clunkers.

Wes Welker (knee) is again a game-day decision, but at least we'll know his status early for the 1ET start. Baltimore hasn't found the right man to cover the slot among Frank Walker and Chris Carr, so Welker figures to be open often if he plays...The NFL's receptions leader through three weeks, Randy Moss is allegedly dealing with a back issue. His 10-catch, 116-yard Week 3 despite the injury, however, has us fairly certain that it's not a serious problem and that Moss will be active on Sunday...The Ravens still have one heck of a run defense, but their pass defense remains mediocre. It's ranked 17th overall with the league's second most 20+ yard passing plays allowed.

Oakland @ Houston

Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha-led pass defense has Andre Johnson's number. While A.J. remains an every-week starter, the Raiders have held him to a combined three catches for 28 yards in their last two meetings. Matt Schaub has thrown for seven TDs and 657 yards since a Week 1 disaster, but also struggled in last year's Oakland game. Higher-upside options are advised if you have them...Expect Owen Daniels to benefit from the increased attention paid to Johnson outside. Kevin Walter, who proved he's 100 percent with 96 yards in Week 3, is another candidate for a solid day.

Chris Brown's game-losing Week 3 goal-line fumble should cost him touches going forward, no matter what coach Gary Kubiak tells the media. Steve Slaton came on with 113 total yards versus Jacksonville, including runs of 14, 11, 11, and 20 on his last eight carries. With the Oakland run defense getting gashed again (Denver RBs dropped 211 rushing yards on them last game), Slaton is a top-ten fantasy option. Don't be surprised if he stays in for goal-line plays this time around.

Losing the time of possession battle on a weekly basis (their 25:34 average is last in the league), the Raiders have gotten Darren McFadden just 29 touches in the last two games. McFadden's fumbling has played a part, but it's mostly on JaMarcus Russell. If Oakland is going to jumpstart its ground game, this is the week against a Houston club that's dead last against the run and has yielded a league-high eight rushing scores. Look for this game to be fairly close as Oakland's stout pass defense holds Schaub and company in check, increasing McFadden's opportunities.

Zach Miller isn't droppable yet, but Russell is doing everything possible to get his top pass catcher to that point. Miller has just two grabs since his 96-yard Week 1, and Russell has targeted up-and-down rookie Louis Murphy 20 times to Miller's 14. This is a good week for Miller to regain form with the Texans shuffling bodies at strong safety (the position that typically covers tight ends). It appears Bernard Pollard will become Houston's third starting SS of the season Sunday.

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Cincinnati @ Cleveland

There's fantasy "hype" surrounding Braylon Edwards following the insertion of Derek Anderson at quarterback. Theoretically, Anderson's big arm will suit Edwards' deep speed, equating to more yardage. But Edwards has a poor matchup this Sunday. He'll mostly line up across from emerging shutdown CB Leon Hall, who's already blanketed Greg Jennings (0-0), Santonio Holmes (1-18), and Eddie Royal (2-18). Also worth noting: Anderson targeted Edwards three times in the second half last week. Two of them were picked off.

Jamal Lewis "hopes" to return from his hamstring injury, but we'll know for sure that Eric Mangini is sabotaging the organization that canned his protege if Lewis plays ahead of Jerome Harrison on Sunday. Harrison was Cleveland's only remotely effective offensive player against Baltimore in Week 3...The Bengals' fantasy defense is a top-ten play. Coordinator Mike Zimmer's unit is already first in the league in sacks and held Anderson to 138 yards on 24 attempts in their last meeting.

Few Bengals skill players aren't worth a start against the Browns' 30th-ranked defense. But keep in mind that offensive coordinators typically go with run-heavy game plans when facing Cleveland. Only the Rams, Raiders, and Bucs have more carries against, and no team has given up more rushing touchdowns. Don't look now, but Cedric Benson could soar to the top of the NFL rushing ranks after this one. Currently third with 293 yards, Benson needs 58 more than Chris Johnson to move into second Sunday, and 64 more than Adrian Peterson to be first.

We told you not to sweat Carson Palmer's slow Week 1 fantasy effort. He played well in that game, and has since accumulated five touchdowns against typically smothering secondaries (Green Bay, Pittsburgh). He's an every-week starter...Chad Ochocinco will likely face Browns RCB Brandon McDonald in primary coverage and see few double teams because Cleveland will have to put an extra defender "in the box" to stop the run...Don't expect Chris Henry to pick it up soon. Andre Caldwell is clearly the Bengals' third receiver with 14 catches to Henry's three.

[SIZE=+1]4:05PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Buffalo @ Miami

Chad Henne will debut against an unbelievably shorthanded Bills defense. Buffalo is without three starting DBs (RCB Leodis McKelvin, FS Donte Whitner, and SS Bryan Scott), and fill-ins Drayton Florence, rookie Jairus Byrd, and former WR George Wilson will likely be significant downgrades. Consider Henne immediately in two-QB leagues...Expect Bills top CB Terrence McGee to shadow Ted Ginn Jr., leaving Davone Bess man-to-man against Florence. Bess isn't a "starter," but has vastly out-produced supposed first-stringer Greg Camarillo (Bess has 17-140 to Camarillo's 7-44). Henne and Bess also hooked up five times last week, after Chad Pennington's year-ending injury.

Ronnie Brown resumed feature back status in Week 3 (18 carries to Ricky Williams' 8) after it appeared to be a "timeshare" in the first two games. Ricky ran in a fluky garbage-time TD from 14 yards out with 2:54 left in the fourth quarter, but Brown will get virtually all of the scoring chances going forward. While the Bills may gear up to stop the run in Henne's first start, the absences of Whitner and MLB Paul Posluszny (arm) will keep the unit on its heels. Whitner was brilliant at diagnosing run plays and "Poz" was Buffalo's hardest-hitting linebacker. Meanwhile, the Bills' four rushing scores against are the fourth most in the league, and they're yielding 4.4 yards a carry.

Marshawn Lynch's suspension has ended, but the rug won't be pulled out from under Fred Jackson. F-Jax is fourth in the league in rushing yards and has demonstrated the ability to carry a full load. Lynch couldn't even practice during his time away and has to get used to taking hits. Look for 18-22 touches Sunday from Jackson, and only 6-9 for "Beast Mode." Jackson's slashing, pass-catching ways will give the Dolphins' heavy front seven more problems than Lynch's grinding, smashmouth style.

Terrell Owens and Lee Evans have both been major disappointments thus far, combining for just 186 yards and two scores on 13 catches. A leaky Dolphins pass defense may be their quick fix. Supposed Fins No. 1 corner Will Allen was nothing short of obliterated by Vincent Jackson in Week 3. Miami ranks 26th against the pass, and no team is giving up more yards per throw (9.1)...All signs point to Buffalo going pass heavy, at least if we apply logic. As always, Dick Jauron will have something to say about that. Start Trent Edwards at your own risk.

NY Jets @ New Orleans

Getting pressure on Drew Brees is easier said than done. With the quickest release in the game and unrivaled pocket awareness, Brees is virtually impossible to sack. But Rex Ryan's Jets will be out to prove otherwise, likely focusing their efforts on the left side of New Orleans' line. Zach Strief will start for LT Jermon Bushrod (ankle), who had been starting for LT Jammal Brown (hip, groin). The Saints have three ways to combat this: 1) use Jeremy Shockey to "help" block on the weak side of the line; 2) flood the field with wideouts to push defenders back; 3) run the football.

They'll probably do all three. While the scenario would hurt Shockey's production, it bodes well for Marques Colston. You'd think Darrelle Revis will follow Colston all over the field, but among the Jets' CBs (also Lito Sheppard, Dwight Lowery) only Revis has the speed to stay with Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Stay away from the Saints' one-trick pony deep threats, but keep Colston going...Pierre Thomas has his featured running role back and figures to see 17-20 carries Sunday, including all goal-line chances...Continue to avoid Lance Moore (hamstring).

Since a surprising 107-yard, two-TD opener, Thomas Jones has been bottled up with an awful 2.5 yards-per-touch average in his last two games. He's an obvious sit against a Saints defense permitting just 3.2 YPC...Leon Washington has 49 touches to Jones' 50 so far, but Washington is a good bet to overtake this backfield in Week 4. Jones is no longer used in the passing game, and the Jets will likely be in pass sets for the majority of Sunday while trying to "keep up" with New Orleans. Washington is a significantly better fantasy bet, especially if you get points for catches.

Jerricho Cotchery remains a target hound, pacing the Jets with 25 through three games. Chansi Stuckey (21) and Dustin Keller (16) are second and third. Don't expect the Jets to score a whole lot in this game, but all of the above are viable fantasy starters. Cotchery is an every-week WR2, while Stuckey and Keller could both benefit from the likely absence of imposing Saints nickel back Malcolm Jenkins (ankle)...Mark Sanchez's Week 4 fantasy potential is limited by a strong New Orleans pass defense. They're first in the league in INTs and seventh best in YPA allowed.

[SIZE=+1]4:15PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Dallas @ Denver

The Broncos' four-deep receiver committee isn't the only thing killing Eddie Royal's numbers; it's his on-field role. Whereas Mike Shanahan used him as a slot man/flanker to capitalize on Royal's brilliant short-to-intermediate route running, new coach Josh McDaniels is employing Royal as strictly an outside split end. Royal has enough speed for the position, but the 5'10/182-pounder lacks the size to be a true deep threat. Royal's matchup with Cowboys RCB Mike Jenkins in this game is favorable, but it's hard to start him until we see evidence of increased usage.

Knowshon Moreno's workload has increased weekly (eight touches in Week 1; 19 in Week 2; 21 in Week 3). Clearly, McDaniels envisions him as a future featured back. Sunday's matchup is favorable for Moreno because the Cowboys are allowing 4.7 yards a carry (seventh worst in the league)...Brandon Marshall still isn't a starter, but is playing all over the field (slot, out wide) as Randy Moss did for McDaniels in New England. His snaps may remain inconsistent, but Marshall's role is growing enough for him to be an every-week WR3 with big late-season upside.

Roy Williams' 75-yard Week 3 game looks decent on paper, but his inability to blow by Panthers late-round rookie Captain Munnerlyn on a first-half "go" route sent up a red flag. With aging CBs Andre' Goodman and Champ Bailey playing well enough for the Broncos' defense to rank second against the pass (with zero TDs allowed), Williams is no more than a WR3...The Broncos don't use Bailey as a "shadow" cover man, so expect him to stay on the left side most of the game and square off with Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin, depending on the Cowboys' formation.

Felix Jones (knee) has been ruled out. The Cowboys fully expect Marion Barber (quadriceps) to return and share the workload with red-hot Tashard Choice. Barber is the higher-upside fantasy play because he'll receive any goal-line opportunities as long as he's healthy, but Choice is the "safe" pick. Expect roughly 15 all-purpose touches for the both of them as the Cowboys struggle to pass...Jason Witten is an every-week starter, but Tony Romo can be benched by fantasy owners with elite QB2s.

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St. Louis @ San Francisco

Donnie Avery was dropped in most leagues after a slow start, but he's worth grabbing again. He'll take over the Rams' No. 1 receiver role, likely replacing Laurent Robinson (fractured fibula) at split end with possession guy Keenan Burton at flanker. Avery is intriguing because he'll see increased targets with Robinson done for the year, and with 4.2 speed is certain to improve on his 6.2 yards-per-catch average...The Packers employed five-linebacker sets to try to stop Steven Jackson last week, but he still totaled 163 yards. S-Jax is the rare talent that produces against eight-man fronts.

Kyle Boller (16-for-31, 164 yards, two TDs) capably relieved Marc Bulger (rotator cuff) last week and will likely start Sunday. Boller has long had happy feet in the pocket, however, and 49ers DC Greg Manusky's unit is dialing up more pressure (six sacks) than last year. Boller figures to throw 30+ times again, but he's barely a QB2 in the matchup...After practicing together on the backup offense throughout camp, Boller showed rapport with TE Daniel Fells (2-35-2) against Green Bay. But Fells remains a third-stringer and worthless in fantasy football until proven otherwise.

Preseason rushing leader Glen Coffee will replace Frank Gore (ankle) against a Rams team that ranks 27th against the run and gave up two rushing TDs to Green Bay in Week 3. While Coffee has struggled (1.8 YPC) off the bench so far, there's a lot to be said for practicing with the first team all week and preparing to be a starter. Kevin Kolb, terrible in past relief efforts, benefited from the same treatment in Philly. The 49ers left Kory Sheets on the practice squad this week, so special teamer Michael Robinson is Coffee's lone backup. Coffee will be an every-down back on Sunday.

I'd never recommend to "chase" points from a previous game, but Vernon Davis has the matchup to stay hot coming off a 96-yard, two-TD effort against Minnesota. Rams SS James Butler, who'd normally see a lot of Davis in coverage, is out with a sprained knee and will be replaced by 2007 undrafted free agent Craig Dahl. Dahl, who wouldn't make most rosters, has torn his ACL twice since entering the league. He'll likely have a very hard time running with Davis down the seams.

[SIZE=+1]Sunday Night Football[/SIZE]

San Diego @ Pittsburgh

The Bolts expect LaDainian Tomlinson (foot) to play, but he won't help in this matchup. 12 carries for 40 yards would be an accomplishment against a Steelers defense surrendering 3.8 YPC with one rushing TD allowed despite not even playing to its potential yet...Darren Sproles is still San Diego's best tailback because his speed and pass-catching ability command defensive attention. LT's lack of first-step burst and inability to turn the corner make him a much easier opponent. The Chargers should've held Tomlinson out through their Week 5 bye. He's not a difference maker.

Vincent Jackson is. The No. 2 fantasy WR behind only Reggie Wayne so far, Jackson has put all his once-developmental tools together in a contract year. He'll primarily square off with Steelers LCB Ike Taylor on Sunday. Taylor has the size and usually plays physical enough to slow V-Jax down, but this year all bets are off...Antonio Gates is sitting on zero scores, but that could change against the Troy Polamalu-less Steelers. Gates and Jackson are San Diego's best bets for touchdowns...Malcom Floyd is a close third. We're still campaigning for him to start over Chris Chambers.

Willie Parker (turf toe) appears doubtful for SNF. If he's inactive, Rashard Mendenhall will likely start and rotate with Mewelde Moore. Moore is the more effective back and could take over as the game wears on, making this a fantasy situation to avoid. The Bolts' run defense isn't good (26th in the NFL, 4 rushing TDs against), but Mendenhall isn't either...Expect a solid peformance from Heath Miller, who shouldn't have to stay in and block as often with Chargers ROLB Shawne Merriman's (groin) status in doubt. Miller could be Big Ben's go-to option in the red zone.

Ben Roethlisberger, coming off another 30+ pass attempts game, is the No. 9 fantasy QB through three weeks. It's not hard to imagine the Steelers going pass-heavy yet again if Parker is out, especially if Mendenhall starts slowly and coordinator Bruce Arians leans toward a spread attack. Arians has the arsenal to pull it off with speedy rookie Mike Wallace (7-102 in Week 3) coming on. It should be a definite consideration for Arians with Chargers nickel back Antoine Cason popping up on Thursday's injury report with a groin problem. Cason is just one of three cornerbacks on San Diego's roster. This is a matchup Wallace, Hines Ward, and Santonio Holmes can exploit.

[SIZE=+1]Monday Night Football[/SIZE]

Green Bay @ Minnesota

It's natural to see the high-powered offenses of Green Bay and Minnesota on paper and project a high-scoring affair. I don't expect it. The Packers' offensive line circus wasn't a liability against hapless St. Louis last week, but the Vikings have more talent at every defensive position. RE Jared Allen is a threat for multiple sacks no matter who lines up at left tackle for Green Bay. With the Vikes' secondary also playing at an extremely high level (fourth in pass defense, 8 sacks, 4 INTs), consider sitting Aaron Rodgers if you have an Eli Manning or Carson Palmer backing him up.

The Vikings' defense is also permitting just 3.4 yards per carry and has not allowed a rushing touchdown through three games. Ryan Grant's YPC average is down from last year's (3.9 in '08, 3.7 in '09), and he is a very risky play with Minnesota's powerful four-man front likely to bulldoze Green Bay's undersized front five...Greg Jennings is the best fantasy play on the Green Bay offense this week. The Vikings probably won't play the Antoine Winfield "shadow" game against him with Donald Driver red hot (14-233-2 to Jennings' 8-209-1) on the opposite side. If the Packers are going to score an offensive TD Monday night, Jennings is a strong bet to be the recipient.

Brett Favre vs. his former team is the storyline, but there won't be too much pressure on him until his Green Bay return in Week 8. At the Metrodome Monday night, the Vikings will surely invoke a run-first game plan, using Adrian Peterson to set up the pass. Still, Favre is poised to outperform his old understudy Rodgers against a Packers secondary that's let up six passing TDs (tied for fifth most in the league) and 10 plays of 20+ yards (eighth most). Expect decent fantasy games from Favre and Bernard Berrian, whose speed is too much for Packers RCB Al Harris to handle.
To adjust after losing multiple safeties (Atari Bigby, Aaron Rouse), the Packers have implemented a five-linebacker system geared towards stopping the run. But it didn't work against St. Louis in Week 3 (Steven Jackson totaled 163 yards), and probably won't halt Peterson either. Look for 24 carries on MNF...Hopefully you've given up on Visanthe Shiancoe by now. He has just 49 yards on six catches through three games, and is fifth on his team in targets. In addition to Berrian (17), Sidney Rice (16), Percy Harvin (18), and Chester Taylor (18) are all getting more looks.

 

[HacheMan]

Value Meter: Benson, Choice rise at running back




Cincinnati Bengals' Cedric Benson checks in as the No. 4 running back on Matt Pitzer's updated Week 4 Value Meter. Benson ran for 171 yards the last time his visited Cleveland.
(* Check active status before game time)
Quarterbacks
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Drew Brees, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Philip Rivers, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Peyton Manning, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Tom Brady, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Jay Cutler, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Joe Flacco, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Tony Romo, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Eli Manning, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Schaub, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Carson Palmer, Cin.</TD><TD>at Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Brett Favre, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Shaun Hill, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Trent Edwards, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Kyle Orton, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Seneca Wallace, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>David Garrard, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Matt Cassel, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Jason Campbell, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Kyle Boller, St.L.</TD><TD>at S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford, Det.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Kerry Collins, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Chad Henne, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Running backs
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Chris Johnson, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Cedric Benson, Cin.</TD><TD>at Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Matt Forte, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Thomas Jones, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>*Tashard Choice, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Steve Slaton, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Willis McGahee, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Darren McFadden, Oak.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Ryan Grant, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Steven Jackson, St.L.</TD><TD>at S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>*Marshawn Lynch, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>*Clinton Portis, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Fred Taylor, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>*Derrick Ward, T.B.</TD><TD>at Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Glen Coffee, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Julius Jones, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>*Kevin Smith, Det.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Ray Rice, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Joseph Addai, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Leon Washington, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Fred Jackson, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Larry Johnson, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.
</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>*Ahmad Bradshaw, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>*Marion Barber, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>Reggie Bush, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>Darren Sproles, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>*Jerome Harrison, Cle.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>*Carnell Williams, T.B.</TD><TD>at Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Ricky Williams, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>Sammy Morris, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Donald Brown, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>LenDale White, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>Ladell Betts, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Mewelde Moore, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Michael Bush, Oak.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>Chris Brown, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Edgerrin James, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Chester Taylor, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Le'Ron McClain, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Kevin Faulk, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Peyton Hillis,
</TD><TD>vs. Dal.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Wide receivers
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Andre Johnson, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Greg Jennings, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>*Randy Moss, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson, Det.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Marques Colston, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>*Wes Welker, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Hines Ward, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Steve Smith, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Roy Williams, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Donald Driver, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>*Dwayne Bowe, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>*Derrick Mason, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco, Cin.</TD><TD>at Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Terrell Owens, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Mario Manningham, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Percy Harvin, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Mark Clayton, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26</TD><TD>Nate Burleson, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>27</TD><TD>Chansi Stuckey, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28</TD><TD>Donnie Avery, St.L</TD><TD>at S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29</TD><TD>Devin Hester, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30</TD><TD>Kevin Walter, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>31</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>32</TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>33</TD><TD>Lee Evans, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>34</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards, Cle.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>35</TD><TD>Johnny Knox, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>36</TD><TD>Bobby Wade, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>37</TD><TD>Josh Morgan, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38</TD><TD>Santana Moss, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>39</TD><TD>Davone Bess, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>40</TD><TD>Torry Holt, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>41</TD><TD>Eddie Royal, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42</TD><TD>Earl Bennett, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43</TD><TD>Nate Washington, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45</TD><TD>Justin Gage, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>46</TD><TD>Ted Ginn, Jr., Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48</TD><TD>Louis Murphy, Oak.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>49</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50</TD><TD>Devery Henderson, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Tight ends
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Dallas Clark, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Jason Witten, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Antonio Gates, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Chris Cooley, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Owen Daniels, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>John Carlson, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Greg Olsen, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Todd Heap, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Vernon Davis, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Dustin Keller, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Zach Miller, Oak.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow, T.B.</TD><TD>at Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Heath Miller, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>*Bo Scaife, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Ben Watson, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Robert Royal, Cle.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Kevin Boss, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Anthony Fasano, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Brandon Pettigrew, Det.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Kickers
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding, S.D.</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>John Carney, N.O.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell, Min.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Joe Nedney, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Mason Crosby, G.B.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Matt Prater, Den.</TD><TD>vs. Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Nick Folk, Dal.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Robbie Gould, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>Steven Hauschka, Bal.</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Rian Lindell, Buf.</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Jay Feely, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Rob Bironas, Ten.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>*Olindo Mare, Sea.</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Jeff Reed, Pit.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri, Ind.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter, Mia.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>Kris Brown, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Shayne Graham, Cin.</TD><TD>at Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Jason Hanson, Det.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>Josh Scobee, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski, Oak.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham, Was.</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Mike Nugent, T.B.</TD><TD>at Was.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Defenses
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=420 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>1</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2</TD><TD>Chicago</TD><TD>vs. Det</TD></TR><TR><TD>3</TD><TD>San Francisco</TD><TD>vs. St.L.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4</TD><TD>Pittsburgh</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5</TD><TD>Tennessee</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6</TD><TD>Oakland</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7</TD><TD>Minnesota</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8</TD><TD>Denver</TD><TD>vs. Dal</TD></TR><TR><TD>9</TD><TD>Miami</TD><TD>vs. Buf</TD></TR><TR><TD>10</TD><TD>Baltimore</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>at N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12</TD><TD>Cincinnati</TD><TD>at Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13</TD><TD>Washington</TD><TD>vs. T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14</TD><TD>Green Bay</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15</TD><TD>Houston</TD><TD>vs. Oak</TD></TR><TR><TD>16</TD><TD>Indianapolis</TD><TD>vs. Sea</TD></TR><TR><TD>17</TD><TD>Tampa Bay</TD><TD>at Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18</TD><TD>New England</TD><TD>vs. Bal</TD></TR><TR><TD>19</TD><TD>San Diego</TD><TD>at Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20</TD><TD>Dallas</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21</TD><TD>Jacksonville</TD><TD>vs. Ten</TD></TR><TR><TD>22</TD><TD>New Orleans</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>23</TD><TD>Buffalo</TD><TD>at Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24</TD><TD>Seattle</TD><TD>at Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25</TD><TD>Kansas City</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-G</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Marshall, Smith show they're every week starters



Talk about a role reversal. Nowadays, "the other" Steve Smith is the one playing in Carolina.
The New York Giants' Steve Smith has replaced the Panthers star as the most dangerous Smith at receiver. With his second 134-yard game in three weeks, he's averaging 102.8 yards a game with four touchdowns.
Thought the Giants were a running team? They still are, but they score through the air. New York has pounded out 382 on the ground the past two weeks but has only one rushing TD in that span. Keep an eye on Eli Manning's bruised heel; a Manning injury appears to be about the only thing that could slow down Smith.
-- Jerome Harrison's game isn't pretty, but with 237 total yards the last two weeks, the Cleveland Browns running back deserves respect.
He should be a factor at running back all season with injuries to Jamal Lewis and James Davis.
-- Think Brandon Marshall is not back in the Denver Broncos' good graces? His 51-yard go-ahead catch-and-run should erase any bad blood between him and the team. It's safe to start Marshall regularly now that he's had two consecutive productive weeks.
-- The most popular waiver pickup of the season to date, San Francisco 49ers rookie Glen Coffee, had 106 total yards but did not score Sunday. He barely averages 3 yards a carry, but his 28 touches are enough to earn him a spot in your lineup in Week 5.
-- This will be a week to watch the injury news. In addition to Manning, Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Correll Buckhalter and Roy Williams will be some of the names to follow in the next few days.