NFL Fantasy Football News 2008

[Hache Man]

Turf Tomlinson
Meet the new Patriots, same as the old Patriots. And when we say old, we mean 2001, not 2007. The unveiling of the Matt Cassel era was encouraging for Patriots fans, and discouraging for fantasy heads. Randy Moss owners do not want their first-round pick on a ball control offense.

Moss' first target of the game came just before halftime. He finished with three in all, one on a deep ball where Moss changed his route during the play, throwing up his arm in a sign that he was going deep. Cassel recognized the sight adjustment, heaved the ball, and watch it flutter high into the Meadowland breeze like a Pennington knuckleball. Moss stopped, came back for the underthrown pass, dropped it, and stared blankly, dreaming of Tom.

The Jets often slow down the Patriots, so let's not overreact. Wes Welker had a Welker-like seven catches for 72 yards. Kevin Faulk did his usual third-down thing. But a backfield that was full of questions before Sunday is a total mystery. New England's leading rusher by a large margin was LaMont Jordan! Laurence Maroney missed three quarters with a shoulder injury, but oddly returned for one play late. Sammy Morris scored a touchdown, but rushed for 0.00 yards. The Patriots may still win as a team, but the Greatest Offense Ever is slowly receding from the fantasy spotlight. Just like it's 2001.

Don't Panic

1. LaDainian Tomlinson has started slow before, but 40 total yards was his worst effort since Week 7 of 2005. He's had an injured toe before … but he played well through that one. This certainly feels different because of the injury, but we've doubted LT2 before at our own peril. Tomlinson says he felt better after Sunday's game than he did after Week 1. He says he won't go see a doctor again. www.sandiegochargers.ws

That sounds great, but turf toes can be very tricky for running backs. They can linger, they can frustrate, they can result in games like the one Tomlinson had Sunday.

LT2's run has to end eventually, and those who invested their top pick on him are praying this isn't the year. But let's wait more than two weeks before shoveling dirt on his grave, shall we? Stay patient. And pick up Darren Sproles!

2. At 3PM ET Sunday, the Big Story looked like it was going to be the continued struggles of the Colts and Bengals offenses. These two AFC fantasy pillars were crumbling. While the Bengals didn't turn it around in the wind against Tennessee, Peyton Manning somehow rallied to respectability against a strong Vikings defense. www.indianapoliscolts.ws

Manning is right; the team doesn't have a running game. But Manning had thrown for over 300 yards by the end of Sunday. Despite all the scuffling, he's third in the league in yards through two games. An injury to left tackle Tony Ugoh is a big concern, but the passing game is surviving despite two tough matchups.

3. Nothing explains Ryan Grant rushing for 20 yards in 15 carries against the hapless Lions, especially when the final score is 48-25. So don't try to explain it. www.greenbaypackers.ws

Possibly Overrated Summer Storylines

1. The Ricky vs. Ronnie battle
2. Marshawn' Lynch's improving third down skills. Fred Jackson had seven catches Sunday; Lynch had one.
3. Who will play wide receiver at Seattle. How many guys have to get hurt for Courtney Taylor to catch more than two passes?
4. Tarvaris Jackson's development and new receivers.
5. Deuce McAllister's return

Some Panic is Acceptable

1. The aforementioned Bengals aren't right. Their offense has faced the toughest schedule in the league with the Ravens and the Titans. And we can't exactly fault Carson Palmer for struggling in 50 MPH winds, the worst I've ever seen for an NFL game. But that doesn't change the fact that Kerry Collins' Titans looked better passing the ball Sunday. The Bengals' formerly strong line is getting pushed around. The Bengals would probably be in the "Don't Panic" column, but two of their next three games are at the Giants and Cowboys. It's reasonable to think about benching Palmer for those matchups.

2. You can't run if you don't lead. Kevin Smith has 26 carries in two weeks for the Lions. www.detroitlions.ws

3. The Raiders called 47 runs to 17 passes Sunday. JaMarcus Russell is a long way from productive, which is going to drag down Zach Miller, Ronald Curry, and Ashley Lelie. It also won't help their third receiver Javon Walker get involved. And yes, you can safely drop Walker, who played intermittently Sunday. www.oaklandraiders.ws

4. I had Derek Anderson on our "Busts" list, but I still believe he will turn his stats around. Their schedule has been brutal and the offensive line will key efforts against easier competition. The problem for Anderson owners is that the Browns need to start winning fast, and the Browns defense may not allow it. The team heads to Baltimore next week. If they go to 0-3, the chances of seeing Brady Quinn this season rises. My guess is Cleveland needs to be 4-4 after eight games or D.A. is in big trouble. www.clevelandbrowns.ws

5. Rashard Mendenhall didn't have an offensive snap Sunday against Cleveland, but Mewelde Moore did. Any hopes of Mendenhall having a MJD-like rookie season is slipping away.

6. The Jaguars running game misses their linemen. David Garrard has more rushing yards than MJD through two weeks. www.jacksonvillejaguars.ws

7. Larry Johnson is panicking, so his owners may as well too. L.J. needs to calm down and realize he wasn't playing late in Sunday's game because he doesn't take snaps on passing downs often anymore. His owners need to worry that he's turning into Shaun Alexander, patiently waiting and waiting for a hole to develop as he's tackled at the line of scrimmage.

Injury Ward

Some of the injuries mentioned on our Injury Crunch column on Season Pass:

LaDainian Tomlinson
Laurence Maroney
Joey Galloway
Sidney Rice
Devin Hester
Damon Huard
Ben Utecht
Logan Payne/Seneca Wallace

Check out Pancake Blocks in the afternoon for more goodies and waiver pickups.

They're real and they're spectacular
Week 1 Heroes who backed it up

1. Oh, the joy of watching the 2008 Broncos. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall's day deserved to start this entire column. They were the fantasy story of the day, the emergence of a new offensive power in the AFC.

The next great NFL quarterback can't "arrive" against the Raiders, but he has now. The kid's talent is criminal, fluky fourth quarter turnovers aside. Somewhere, Mike Mayock is smiling while remembering the crap he took from the Kipers of the world when he rated Cutler ahead of Matt Leinart and Vince Young.

Much thanks also goes to Baby T.O. for personally guaranteeing Antonio Cromartie wouldn't make the Pro Bowl again. He gave up way too many plays last season to make it there to begin with. Its fitting Marshall almost broke the real T.O.'s reception record for one game. Broncos fans shouldn't worry about the slight of getting stuck on page two today. Something tells me they will get plenty of Rotoworld love later this week, and into the season.

2. Matt Forte, rock solid RB2. He didn't score, but he was Chicago's best offensive player by a mile for a second straight week. We'll take 113 total yards and three catches, thank you very much.

3. The Philip Rivers revival is very real. With Antonio Gates and LT2 at less than 100%, this offense is still singing. The wide receivers benefit if the traditional Chargers are banged up. www.sandiegochargers.ws

4. The genius of Chris Johnson is that he can look inconsistent on the field and still be consistent in fantasy leagues. His day started slow, with only seven yards on his first six carries. LenDale White got the goal-line carries again and scored again. But suddenly Johnson can open up a 51-yard run and all is well. He's like a young Willie Parker, with far better passing game skills. Johnson played better after his big run and finished with over 100 total yards for the second straight game.

5. The Megatron hype wasn't loud enough, apparently. Good God.

The Redeem Team
Week 1 weak sauce that bounced back

1. They won't get to play a banged-up Saints defense every week, but Jason Campbell, Santana Moss, and Clinton Portis all looked exceptional for one Sunday. Beating up on the bad defenses is all we should ask for from Washington while Jim Zorn installs his offense. www.washingtonredskins.ws

2. Ahmad Bradshaw didn't have a carry on the season until the fourth quarter Sunday, but he still has two more touchdowns on the season than Brandon Jacobs. And LaDainian Tomlinson for that matter.

3. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce turned back the clock, and punished impatient owners who benched Holt or dropped Bruce. Holt's 45-yard touchdown, however, was flukier than Bruce's 63-yard catch.

Quit while you are ahead

It took the Saints' 2007 first-round pick Robert Meachem 17 career games to be on the 45- man gameday roster. Yesterday, he was thrown the ball one time, a beautiful Drew Brees laser he caught for a touchdown. Meachem is now averaging a touchdown catch on every target, the highest career percentage of anyone with at least one target.

The More Things Change …

The Lions threw 45 passes Sunday and called eleven runs. It's like Mike Martz never left.

Speaking of Martz …

The 49ers have an offense! The offense only scored two touchdowns, but J.T. O'Sullivan showed plenty of spunk with 321 yards of frenzied passing against a strong Seattle pass rush. JTO was also sacked eight times and fumbled for the third time this year. A Martz offense if I ever saw one. Welcome back.

The Place for General Excellence

Kurt Warner's monster day against the Dolphins didn't fit into any other category. But anytime both Cardinals wideouts top 100 yards, the feat deserves mentioning. Anquan Boldin carried a lot of fantasy teams Sunday. www.arizonacardinals.ws

Committee Report

1. Selvin Young started again, but he was the third running back to get a touch. He often lined up out wide as a wide receiver. Michael Pittman continues to get goal-line carries, while the Denver pot is split three ways. Young saved his day with a 49-yard run and wound up with 85 total yards, but his owners are playing with fire. This three-way split is a trend.

2. I have no idea if LaMont Jordan will lead the team in carries again this season. I suspect he will, but good luck predicting when. The Patriots will use whatever running back is healthiest, playing well, and fits the current game plan. That's going to change every week, and it's going to be frustrating for anyone thinking Sammy Morris, Jordan, or Laurence Maroney will provide consistent value.

3. Did we witness a passing of the torch in Carolina already? I doubt it, but Jonathan Stewart is going to make it very difficult for the Panthers to keep him on the bench. Stewart dominated the workload in the second half Sunday, finishing with three more carries, 46 more yards, and two more scores than DeAngelo Williams. He's already passed the Panthers starter in fantasy value. Perhaps I'm jumping the gun, but I ranked Stewart much higher than Williams throughout the preseason, so why change now?

4. Chris Johnson had 19 carries to 18 for LenDale White. The Titans seem to favor Johnson early in the game when it's close and White near the goal line. At this rate, there is plenty of work to go around. www.tennesseetitans.ws

Yeah, this May Work

1. Kerry Collins has his faults. He can't move, for instance. But while Collins may be one of those relief pitchers that are exposed if he plays too much, he's clearly an upgrade in the vertical passing game. Titans receivers are better options now. Not great options, but better.

2. No Fargas, no problem. Darren McFadden looks more like a power back than I imagined. Looking at the rushing leaders Sunday was another good reminder that running is a skill for the young. Are we already entering the age of DMac and Peterson?

Not quite. McFadden still plays on the Raiders. And watching Bernard Pollard catch him from behind was shocking. If Fargas is out for a while, and it certainly appears he will be, McFadden becomes an every week play. Michael Bush is also worth owning.

[Hache Man]

Monday Night Shootout
Monday night's Cowboys-Eagles matchup lived up to the hype, as the two teams combined for 78 points and 717 yards in a back-and-forth shootout that ended with a defensive stop by Dallas. As if that weren't enough, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo each sliced up the defenses with ease through the air, and rookie DeSean Jackson made both history and one of the dumbest plays of all time.

Jackson flipped the ball away a feet short of the goal line on what would've been a 61-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Luckily his blunder mattered little thanks to Brian Westbrook punching it into the end zone for one of his three scores. Stupidity aside, Jackson caught six passes for 110 yards to become the first receiver since 1940 to begin his career with back-to-back 100-yard games.

There were some other interesting milestones as well. Romo bounced back from ugly turnovers on consecutive snaps to top 300 yards for the 12th time in just 28 career starts, which amazingly puts him one short of Troy Aikman's team record. Terrell Owens made the 131st and 132nd touchdown grabs of his career, moving past Cris Carter into second place on the all-time list behind Jerry Rice (197).

McNabb threw his 175th career touchdown, tying the Eagles record held by Ron Jaworski, who looked on from the Monday Night Football booth while trying his best to put up with Tony Kornheiser's mute-inspiring commentary. Oh, and Felix Jones provided Dallas' first kickoff return touchdown in five years when the explosive rookie broke off a 98-yard runback in the opening quarter.

From a strictly fantasy point of view my biggest "takeaway" from the game is that McNabb has finally recovered fully from knee problems and looks like he did a few years ago, using his legs to enable big plays with his arm (until being sacked on the Eagles' final snap, of course). He's playing at a very high level so far and is doing so without both Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown, which bodes very well.

While Monday night's shootout becomes the leader in the clubhouse for Game of the Year, here are some other notes from around football …

* Darren McFadden ran through the Chiefs for 164 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries Sunday, but exited early with an injury for the second time in two career games. After tweaking his shoulder in his NFL debut, McFadden left Week 2 with a toe injury that's been described as the dreaded turf toe. Coach Lane Kiffin said Monday that the injury is a concern that may keep McFadden from practicing. www.oaklandraiders.ws

Meanwhile, McFadden's big game came in part because Justin Fargas left early with an injury of his own. After lining up as a wide receiver, he went down like a ton of bricks mid-pattern and had to be carted off the field with a groin injury. He underwent an MRI exam Monday and the results aren't available yet as of this writing, but the odds are heavily against Fargas suiting up in Week 3.

That would leave Michael Bush backing up McFadden after totaling 90 yards and a score on 16 carries Sunday in the first extensive action of his career. If Fargas and McFadden are both out Bush would emerge as a solid RB3/FLEX option, but it sounds like McFadden has a good chance of playing. No team has run more often than the Raiders and they rank third in the league with 5.8 yards per carry.

* Speaking of toe injuries, LaDainian Tomlinson was in and out of Week 2 while totaling his fewest yards since mid-2005, but said afterward that his injured toe "is improving and healing." Tomlinson has stressed that he wants to avoid being examined by doctors, but if speculation about his having turf toe proves accurate he'll be dealing with it for a significant chunk of the season. www.sandiegochargers.ws

Tomlinson will get an extra day of rest this week thanks to the Chargers playing Monday night against the Jets, but his practice participation and status should be tracked very closely. With Tomlinson hobbled Darren Sproles took center stage Sunday and thrived, piling up 317 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns while looking like an even more compact Maurice Jones-Drew (if that's possible).

In addition to a 103-yard kickoff return, Sproles ran seven times for 53 yards and caught two passes for 72 yards. At 5-foot-6 and 180 pounds Sproles doesn't look capable of being an every-down back, but he's explosive enough to be at worst a RB3/FLEX option on even 12-15 touches if LT2 is unavailable. Amazingly quick and elusive in the open field, Sproles should be owned in all leagues.

Two-Minute Drill: Coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that Kerry Collins will stay the Titans' starter "until he struggles" before adding that Vince Young "is eventually going to be under center for us" … After getting some mop-up work in Week 1, first-round rookie Rashard Mendenhall played zero offensive snaps Sunday night while Willie Parker got 29 touches … Perhaps his goal of 140 catches wasn't so ridiculous after all: Brandon Marshall was targeted 20 times Sunday, hauling in 18 passes for the second-most in NFL history after sitting out Week 1 … Ricky Williams remains the Dolphins' starter, but coach Tony Sparano said Monday that Ronnie Brown will see increased action this week after essentially splitting time Sunday … Coach Rod Marinelli indicated Monday that Jon Kitna's job is safe despite having two picks returned for scores in Week 2 … Meanwhile, Roy Williams said Monday that he's "ticked off" about his role in the Mike Martz-less offense even though the Lions have chucked it 78 times in two games … Coach Brad Childress gave Tarvaris Jackson a vote of confidence, but then backed off that stance slightly during Monday afternoon's press conference.

Red Zone: Asked Monday about his Week 2 ankle injury, Michael Turner called it "nothing major" … While Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder injury may linger, it didn't stop him from uncorking several home-run balls Sunday night … Despite a so-so effort Sunday and a tough matchup looming against the Bears, Brian Griese will start again over Jeff Garcia (ankle) this week … According to coach Tony Dungy, Dallas Clark (knee) "could" resume practicing this week … Troy Smith (tonsillitis) has been cleared to resume football activities, but remains behind Todd Bouman and Joe Flacco on the depth chart … Sidney Rice (knee) said Monday that he's "pretty sore," but plans to suit up this week … Coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that Ben Utecht (chest) is "doubtful" to play Week 3 … According to coach Lane Kiffin, Javon Walker (hamstring) played sparingly Sunday because he "didn't look 100 percent in warm-ups" … Coach Scott Linehan said Monday that he plans to increase rookie Donnie Avery's role on offense "now that he's healthy."

[Hache Man]

Martz Fest 2008
Admit it: there was once a time when you as a fantasy owner would have followed Mike Martz into hell. The Greatest Show on Turf Rams of the 1999-2001 seasons were a gift from the fantasy gods that have left many a mantle littered with trophies.

It's a long drop, however, when a star falls from great heights. As a wise man once said, the star is not only dead when it hits but digs its own grave with the force of its fall. Mike Martz, once an offensive genius and guru of the gridiron, was left for dead by fantasy owners after his dismal stint in Detroit. Owners who had once gazed upon his luminosity with wonder, stumbled away muttering about an abandoned running game and failed quarterback protections.

But doubts about Frank Gore's value and bewilderment at a team with quintessential journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan under center have given way to a waiver wire rush for 49ers skill position players. O'Sullivan remains an ideal roll of the dice QB2 while Bryant Johnson and Martz acolyte Isaac Bruce top the wide receiver waiver picks. This team won't remind anyone of the Super Bowl Rams, but the offense has graduated from incompetent to frisky. There is plenty of fantasy value to be found in San Francisco with a rebirth of Martz trust, so let's begin mining for gold.

On to the waiver wire, which has seen early week sensations like DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, and Kurt Warner lead savvy owners to a sterling 2-0 start. Here's how I rank the likely targets at each position this week. Full writeups of each player are below.

QUARTERBACKS
1. J.T. O'Sullivan
2. Trent Edwards www.buffalobills.ws
3. Kerry Collins www.tennesseetitans.ws
4. Brian Griese www.tampabaybuccaneers.ws
5. Gus Frerotte
6. Brady Quinn www.clevelandbrowns.ws

RUNNING BACKS
1. Pierre Thomas
2. Darren Sproles
3. Michael Bush www.oaklandraiders.ws
4. Fred Jackson
5. Ahmad Bradshaw
6. Kenny Watson
7. LaMont Jordan
8. Brandon Jackson

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Bryant Johnson
2. Isaac Bruce
3. Matt Jones
4. Justin Gage
5. Antonio Bryant
6. James Jones
7. Kevin Curtis / Deion Branch / Bobby Engram
8. Donnie Avery
9. Koren Robinson

TIGHT ENDS
1. Tony Sheffler
2. John Carlson
3. Ben Patrick

***

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QUARTERBACKS

J.T. O'Sullivan, 49ers - O'Sullivan has been recommended for two straight weeks, but he's only owned in about a third of all fantasy leagues. Though he's far from the NFL prototype quarterback, O'Sullivan's resourcefulness and quick delivery give him a chance to shine in Mike Martz's offense. Grab him as your backup and don't be afraid to plug him in for juicy matchups.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Trent Edwards, Bills - As expected, Edwards is good for just over 200 yards and a touchdown or two most weeks. That ceiling is not enough to want to run him up against the Jay Cutlers and Tony Romos of the world, but it's not bad as a reliable backup.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Kerry Collins, Titans - Collins' numbers against the Bengals were pedestrian, but he fared better than Carson Palmer did in crazy 50+ mph winds. Last week I said there's more of a chance than you might think that this is Collins' job for the remainder of the fantasy season, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher backed up that sentiment Monday. Collins will continue to start for as long as the team keeps winning, so he's certainly rosterable in deep leagues. www.tennesseetitans.ws

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Brian Griese, Buccaneers - Pick him up if you're desperate, but don't expect much more than the numbers he put up against the Falcons Sunday. Griese found success in Jon Gruden's offense four years ago, but he's since been benched in favor of Rex Grossman (ouch!) and has morphed into nothing more than a dink-and-dunk game manager. www.tampabuccaneers.ws

If Griese stumbles in the next week or two, Gruden won't hesitate to move on with Luke McCown or turn back to Jeff Garcia.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Gus Frerotte, Vikings - As much as Bernard Berrian owners would welcome the change, this is simply not going to be a high-octane passing offense. Even if Brad Childress is forced to set aside his Tarvaris Jackson love for a few weeks, Frerotte is nothing more than a band-aid for the most impoverished fantasy owners. www.minnesotavikings.ws

Recommendation: Pass

Brady Quinn, Browns - Despite lofty preseason expectations, this Browns team is on the brink of freefall mode. A leaky secondary, an underperforming passing offense, and a bearish schedule could have the franchise turning to their 2007 first-round pick by mid-season. www.clevelandbrowns.ws

Anderson could certainly help turn the offense around, but Quinn is worth a stash for the cagey owner in a deep or two-quarterback league.

Recommendation: Monitor in deeper leagues


RUNNING BACKS

Pierre Thomas, Saints - We've been hyping Thomas since early in the off-season, but he's been largely ignored by fantasy owners. Eight yards on six carries isn't going to inspire a mad rush to the waiver wire, but Thomas is over 4.5 yards per carry on his short career. More importantly, it appears he could be the goal-line horse for the near future. The two or three catches per game don't hurt either.

I predicted last week that Thomas was on the verge of being worthy of a weekly flex play, and his current role should allow for it this week against the Broncos.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Darren Sproles, Chargers - Bump Sproles to the front of the line if you are a LaDainian Tomlinson owner. Though Tomlinson said he felt fine after Sunday's game, turf toe can be an especially menacing injury for running backs. As Gregg Rosenthal mentioned yesterday, it's way too premature to start "shoveling dirt on Tomlinson's grave," but Sproles is a must handcuff. www.sandiegochargers.ws

His 317 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos highlight Sproles' value in return yardage leagues as well. You don't have to be a Tomlinson owner or a Chargers fan to appreciate the Lionel "Little Train" James facsimile.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Michael Bush, Raiders - Nominal starter Justin Fargas went down with what appeared to be a fairly serious groin injury Sunday. Darren McFadden replaced him and blew the doors off the Chiefs defense to the tune of 164 yards before leaving with a turf toe injury of his own. www.oaklandraiders.ws

Keep tabs on McFadden's progress this week, but Bush's relief effort of 90 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries was a reminder of the damage he could inflict with the opportunity for regular carries.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Fred Jackson, Bills - The Bills coaching staff has been high on Jackson since the beginning of last season, and Sunday's impressive effort against the Jags showed why. Marshawn Lynch owners don't want to hear it, but Jackson will continue to 10-15 touches per week. A mandatory handcuff for Lynch owners, Jackson is also worth a flex look in PPR leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants - An afterthought in Game 1, Bradshaw came on very strong in Week 2 garbage time against the Rams. Bradshaw doesn't appear to have a steady role in the Giants' attack, but his two touchdowns in limited playing time call to mind his January playoff heroics. An injury to either one of the backs ahead of him on the depth chart could leave the talented sophomore with startable weekly value. www.newyorkgiants.ws

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Kenny Watson, Bengals - Our game-charter noted starter Chris Perry's lack of burst which is the predictable result of an injury-ravaged start to his NFL career. Regardless, the Bengals are using Perry heavily early on despite his lack of big-play ability. Should injury or ineffectiveness topple Perry in the coming weeks, Watson is capable of stepping in and repeating his steady late-season 2007 play.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

LaMont Jordan, Patriots - The rock to Laurence Maroney's paper and Sammy Morris' scissors, Jordan crushed Morris in Week 2 carries while Maroney simply crumpled. We'll admit that we have no clue which back will be heavily used from week-to-week, but Jordan is as good of a bet as any of them. Not that the Pats would dare release injury info, but keep your ear to the ground on Maroney's apparent shoulder injury.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Brandon Jackson, Packers - Jackson flashes talent once in awhile, but he mixes in enough mental errors, drops, and missed blocks that he's left with little value beyond a Ryan Grant handcuff. Jackson's Week 2 performance against the Lions looks great on the surface, but dig deeper and you'll find a head coach lauding third stringer Kregg Lumpkin instead. www.greenbaypackers.ws

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues


WIDE RECEIVERS

Bryant Johnson, 49ers - Isaac Bruce made more noise with long gainers, but Johnson appeared to be J.T. O'Sullivan's favorite target against the Seahawks. If that trend continues, Johnson will be worth a WR3 play more weeks than not.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Isaac Bruce, 49ers - Bruce was dropped in quite a few leagues after his zero catch opener, but he bounced back with his biggest game in almost five years. He was the big-play receiver in Martz's offense Sunday with each of his catches going for big yardage and setting up scores. If the team continues to feed him the ball, Bruce is a nice matchup option at WR3.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Matt Jones, Jaguars - The team leader in both receptions and yardage once again, Jones doesn't appear to be pulling his usual disappearing act this season. I've been standing behind him with crossed fingers, and he continues to put up WR3 numbers for his few remaining believers. Jones is overdue for a trip to the end zone in Week 3 against the Colts. www.jacksonvillejaguars.ws

Recommendation: Should be owned 12-team leagues

Justin Gage, Titans - Gage has never been the most exciting fantasy grab, but he managed five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown Sunday in one of the windiest game in NFL history. As long as Kerry Collins keeps Vince Young on the pine, Gage can be a matchup WR3 in deeper leagues.
www.tennesseetitans.ws
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers - We may be guilty of over-hyping Bryant, but his opportunity just got better with Joey Galloway on crutches with a severe foot sprain. Don't expect huge weekly numbers in Tampa Bay's short passing game, but Bryant remains an interesting stash. www.tampabaybuccaneers.ws

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

James Jones, Packers - Jones is back to full health and is clearly the No. 3 receiver in Green Bay's fantasy friendly spread offense. He's too risky to start most weeks, but a Donald Driver or Greg Jennings injury would give him instant value. www.greenbaypackers.ws

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Kevin Curtis, Eagles / Deion Branch, Seahawks / Bobby Engram, Seahawks - All three veteran receivers are due back on the playing field in October. In many leagues the injured threesome is sitting on the waiver wire due to roster crunches. If you can afford to create the space, any of the trio could have startable value next month. Engram is the pick in PPR leagues while Curtis more interesting in big play leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues

Donnie Avery, Rams - In-season waiver wire lists constantly run the risk of devolving into retrospective point chasing, but last week's points will never help you in the future. Avery isn't an obvious Week 2 waiver wire selection, but the speedy second rounder could be an interesting gamble in deeper leagues.

Coach Scott Linehan has recently vowed to use the now healthy Avery going forward, and he has only the underwhelming Dane Looker to beat out for playing time.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Koren Robinson, Seahawks? - The prodigal son was on the verge of returning to the Seahawks as of press time. If Billy McMullen can step in after one week of practicing and lead the team in wide receiver numbers, then Robinson can certainly advance to the head of the class by next week. He could be an interesting patch while Branch and Engram remain out.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues


TIGHT ENDS

Tony Scheffler, Broncos - If you're new to Broncos coach Mike Shanahan's depth chart shenanigans, you can be forgiven for dropping Scheffler when he was the team's No. 3 tight end behind even Nate Jackson several weeks ago. Scheffler was never in danger of being left out of the passing game, but he has been left on many leagues' waiver wires.

As explosive as the Broncos offense is, Scheffler has TE1 potential this season. Start him against the Saints this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

John Carlson, Seahawks - The rookie second rounder looked great Sunday, hauling in six of his eight targets for 78 yards. With his size and the dearth of available bodies at wide receiver for the Seahawks, Carlson is emerging as a prime Matt Hasselbeck target.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Ben Patrick, Cardinals - Deep leaguers will want to keep an eye on the promising second year tight end. Lorenzo Pope disappears for long stretches, and Patrick garnered four receptions on five targets against the Dolphins Sunday. www.arizonacardinals.ws

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues


TEAM DEFENSE

Bills - The return game and rejuvenated defense already made the Bills a promising fantasy defense, but they're even more attractive this week with the Raiders on the docket. www.buffalobills.ws

[Hache Man]

Receiverless in Seattle
Injuries have absolutely decimated Seattle's receiving corps, knocking out Nate Burleson and Logan Payne for the season and sidelining Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, and Seneca Wallace until at least next month. Left with the likes of Billy McMullen, Courtney Taylor, and Michael Bumpus at wideout in Week 3 against the 49ers, the Seahawks gave 27 carries to Julius Jones in a 33-30 loss.

Seattle added a pair of veteran pass-catchers Tuesday, signing Koren Robinson to a one-year contract and sending an undisclosed late-round pick to Denver for Keary Colbert. Robinson hasn't topped 500 yards since 2003 and Colbert was nearly cut by the Broncos at the end of training camp despite being handed a big bonus to sign in March, so they're hardly confidence-inspiring reinforcements.

With that said, the Seahawks simply needed someone capable of stepping into the voids created by injuries to their top five receivers and Robinson at least has a little short-term fantasy potential. He should be picked up in deeper leagues, but the best bet to post strong numbers until Branch and Engram return is rookie tight end John Carlson, who caught six balls for 78 yards in Week 2.

Meanwhile, Jones goes from fantasy afterthought to solid RB2 option in the span of two weeks. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry Sunday and caught three passes, getting 29 touches for his biggest workload since the 2005 season opener. They won't be quite as a hamstrung after adding Robinson and Colbert, but expect the Seahawks to give Jones another 20 touches in a nice matchup versus the Rams.

While Robinson returns to the scene of his lone 1,000-yard campaign six years later, here are some other notes from around football …

* After getting just a dozen carries Sunday while being replaced by Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles on passing downs, Larry Johnson used the post-game press conference to complain about his role. "Something's going on, I just don't know what it is," Johnson said. "I've always needed 20-30 carries, that's always been me. I'm going to sit down and talk with someone." www.kansascitychiefs.ws

Coach Herm Edwards and the Chiefs would no doubt gladly feed Johnson 20-30 times per game if he was still running like he did in 2005 or 2006, but those days are long gone. Since the beginning of last year Johnson has averaged a measly 3.4 per yards on 192 carries spread over 10 games. He remains plenty powerful, but has lost the speed and elusiveness that made him an elite runner.

Sadly he appears to be on the Shaun Alexander career path and likely will never be the same following his 416-carry workload in 2006. Being phased out of the passing game is merely the first step to lessening Johnson's role, but because both Smith and Charles profile more as third-down backs he probably won't lose a ton of carries yet. Actually doing something with those runs is another issue.

* Rookie Chad Henne was impressive Sunday while mopping up in the Dolphins' blowout loss to the Cardinals, but coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday that Chad Pennington remains the team's starter. However, Sparano added that Henne will continue to see action in lopsided games and the Dolphins will likely be on the wrong end of plenty of those, so he'll have ample opportunity to impress. www.miamidolphins.ws

Pennington hasn't been horrible, completing 36-of-63 (57.1 percent) passes for 363 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, but his arm strength has gone from awful to essentially non-existent and he ranks 22nd in the league with just 5.8 yards per throw. Henne led the Dolphins to their lone Week 2 touchdown and threw for 62 yards in about nine minutes, showing off a vastly superior arm.

Two-Minute Drill: Steve Smith has officially returned to the Panthers following his two-game suspension and will resume starting Sunday … Perhaps unsatisfied with Rudi Johnson backing up Kevin Smith, the Lions gave Tuesday tryouts to both Shaun Alexander and Cedric Benson … Coach Bill Belichick said Tuesday that Randy Moss' poor Week 2 was due to the Jets constantly double-teaming him rather than Matt Cassel's inability to get him the ball … Tampa Bay released Ben Troupe to make room for Jerramy Stevens on the roster Tuesday … Initially said to be on the verge of being fired, coach Lane Kiffin's job now appears safe for another week … According to coach Romeo Crennel, Braylon Edwards' slow start is due to his missing time with a preseason foot injury … Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom indicated Tuesday that coach Scott Linehan's job will be in jeopardy if things don't "get better" following back-to-back blowout losses … Atlanta cut 2007 fourth rounder Martrez Milner loose Tuesday … Texans owner Bob McNair said Tuesday that the team's October 5 home game against the Colts may be played at Rice Stadium if repairs to Reliant Stadium aren't completed in time.