Quarterbacks

Off The Top

Kurt Warner, ARI – If Warner’s available on the wire and you need a QB, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick him up. While many fantasy writers were wary of hawking him too heavily last week because he’s a constant injury risk and he’s nursing a bum shoulder and elbow, Warner had a solid game against the Lions. Plus, he’s got the best available schedule for QBs who still might be available on the wire: @CIN, SFO, CLE, @SEA, @NOR, ATL.

Matt Schaub, HOU – Schaub practiced Monday and should be the starter Sunday versus the Saints. After Week 11, things are still pretty manageable – and he’ll have his full complement of weapons with Andre Johnson returning from injury to join WR Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels and a slew of receivers who’ve produced.

Vince Young, TEN – Available in my 10-team IDP league this week along with Warner, I’m probably picking up one of them to back up Carson Palmer. But at this point, Young should still be seen as that – a fantasy backup in shallow leagues and a marginal starter in deep ones. He’s still very capable of huge days on the ground and his 41 pass attempts on Sunday marked a career high – but I’m still not convinced he’s back to his 2006 form. Still, he could make a nice spot-starter or solid #2 in a few of the contests during the remaining schedule: @DEN, @CIN, HOU, SDG, @KAN, NYJ.

Digging Deeper

J.P. Losman, BUF – We’re now into the toughest stretch of Buffalo’s schedule (NE, @JAC, @WAS), although the first two weeks of most leagues’ playoffs offer some possibility for big fantasy days (@CLE, NYG). I’m not recommending a start this week, but if the Bills fall way behind the Pats, which they could, expect to see Losman rack up some decent yardage and maybe even a couple scores.

Kellen Clemens, NYJ – Coming off a bye week, Clemens should be better prepared to run the show, but this week’s opponent is the Steelers – and the schedule doesn’t get that much easier. I’d look elsewhere, although Clemens is a strong-armed young QB with some potential.

Rex Grossman, CHI – Even if he holds onto the starting job, Grossman faces some tough competition in the next few weeks, especially given his propensity to turn the ball over. I wouldn’t take a chance, although he still has some upside when “Good Rex”shows up.

Scouring The Barrel

Kyle Boller, BAL – Let’s face it – Steve McNair is done. Boller takes another jump in fantasy value with the reemergence of Mark Clayton and while the schedule’s no cakewalk, there is the matchup in Week 11 versus the Browns to look forward to if Boller starts.

Brodie Croyle, KC – I wouldn’t take a shot, but he’s apparently got a cannon for an arm and if you believe the injury to Larry Johnson means the Chiefs will throw more, he might be worth consideration.

Tarvaris Jackson, MIN – He’s yet to be successful in the NFL – or any level, for that matter – but he does face the Raiders this week and will probably get the start. That’s about the only positive thing I have to say about Tarvaris – which sucks because he’s got a cool name.

Updates

Marc Bulger, STL – I’d say that 302 yards passing and 2 TDs – not to mention a win – means Bulger is back in the top 10 fantasy QBs to own, especially with the list of susceptible opponents coming up: @SFO, SEA, ATL, @CIN.

David Garrard, JAC – Gray got the start and the win Sunday, but Garrard is slated to be back in Week 11. Unfortunately, the remaining schedule’s not great and chances are there should be many other waiver wire options that’ll be more productive down the stretch.

Brooks Bollinger, MIN – He had a bad outing against the Packers and it appears Tarvaris Jackson is back at they helm.

Patrick Ramsey, DEN – Jay Cutler returned to action in Week 10 and led the Broncos to a much-needed victory over the Chiefs.

Running Backs

Off The Top

Chester Taylor, MIN – The emergence of Adrian Peterson as a bona fide NFL superstar meant some owners dropped Taylor, despite his stellar numbers in limited duty (about 5.0 yards per carry). The injury to AP – a lateral collateral ligament tear which could mean several weeks on the shelf for the promising rookie – signifies a great opportunity to pick up Taylor, an established veteran runner who’ll assume the bulk of touches behind an offensive line that can get the job done against almost anybody. And lest we forget, last season Taylor had over 1500 total yards and 42 catches, so he’s a great #2 RB when he gets the carries.

Ryan Grant, GB – Grant had the best game of his brief NFL career Sunday, rushing for 119 yards and a TD and catching five passes for 20 yards. With a few good performances under his belt, he’ll most likely be heavily involved in the offense from here on out and is the team’s undisputed #1 RB. Grab him if he’s still available.

Digging Deeper

Maurice Morris, SEA – There’s no current update on Shawn Alexander’s status for Week 11, and the Seahawks face a Chicago defense that’s already given up 1160 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs in 2007. That’s a far cry from the 2006 version of the Bears defense – although judging from his statistical history, Morris is a better bet for a 100-yard game than a score if he starts.

Aaron Stecker, NO – Bush’s concussion in Week 11 translates into increased fantasy value for Stecker. He’s a decent backup for Bush owners and a solid fantasy option for everybody else if Bush misses any time.

Scouring The Barrel

Chris Henry, TEN – He appealed his suspension, and LenDale White is coming off a bad week. He could see some action, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Anthony Thomas, BUF – Loyal readers know how I love the A-Train, but it’s tough for me to recommend grabbing him with the Patriots coming up and Lynch’s official status up in the air. Plus, there’s Dwayne Wright – the team’s other RB – to consider.

Updates

Priest Holmes, KC – The rest of his schedule is not too brutal, and he’s still got great upside based on his ability to pound the ball into the end zone, get catches and pick up tough yards. But his value hinges on both the return of Johnson and the Chiefs’ use of Kolby Smith.

Jamal Lewis, CLE – The Browns have just one more week until they get the finishing schedule of their dreams: HOU, @ARI, @NYJ, BUF and @CIN.

Justin Fargas, OAK – He did see lots of work against the Bears, but he lost a fumble in the 17-6 loss. For fickle head coach Lane Kiffin, we don’t really know what that means.

Musa Smith, BAL – Starting RB Willis McGahee’s concussion wasn’t a factor, so
Smith didn’t see much action.

Warrick Dunn, ATL – Dunn finished Sunday with 89 yards rushing and a TD, and 3/51/0 receiving – his best fantasy day since Week 6 of last season.

Adrian Peterson, CHI – The Bears won and Cedric Benson scored. Judging from Lovie Smith’s previous recipes for success, that means the leagues’ only healthy Adrian Peterson stays in the back seat.

Michael Robinson, SF – Gore played and did enough to hold onto his starting job, so Robinson’s value takes a dip.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Off The Top

WR Isaac Bruce, STL – The Reverend tallied 4/62/1 in Bulger’s second solid game in a row. If he’s available in any of your leagues, he’s a great pickup, especially considering his schedule the next four weeks: @SFO, SEA, ATL, @CIN.

WR D.J. Hackett, SEA – I picked up Hackett this past weekend to start, although his 8/101/1 performance Monday night wasn’t enough to pick up a win over my opponent – Brian Westbrook and company. Hasselbeck’s been looking his way, so Hackett’s a solid #3 and maybe even a decent #2 if the Seattle offense continues to exploit opposing defenses via the air.

TE Leonard Pope, ARI – Pope caught two TDs last week and has a great matchup against the Bengals in Week 11. If you’re looking for a solid backup or even a good spot starter this week, look no further.

Digging Deeper

WR Arnaz Battle, SF – Battle is just about the only bright spot on a team that’s going nowhere. I’ve included him several times in my column – yet he’s almost always available because of his sporadic production.

WR Mark Clayton, BAL – There was more than a Mark Clayton “sighting” on Sunday, with the embattled third-year WR snagging 8/107/0 in the 21-7 loss to the Bengals. I’m not thoroughly convinced, but he seems to be a better receiver with Boller at the helm.

Scouring The Barrel

WR Eddie Kennison, KC – With Croyle – a second-year Alabama product with good arm strength – taking the snaps in KC, I think he’ll throw a few more deep balls than Huard. He’s healthy and his value takes a small jump.

TE Randy McMichael, STL – Bulger’s yet to throw him a TD pass – the other two were from Frerotte in Week 5 and Steven Jackson on Sunday. But since there are not too many productive TEs out there, he might be worth a shot if you’re desperate.

Updates

WR Andre Johnson, HOU – He supposed to be back for Week 11, so keep an eye on the injury report. He could really blow up with Schaub under center.

WR Chris Henry, CIN – As long as he stays out of trouble – which is easier said than done for Henry – he’ll be a factor in the Bengals stretch run, as he was Sunday. Henry played well in the Bengals win over the Ravens, which kept them (mathematically) in the playoff hunt. But they’ll need to run the table the rest of the way. It’s a long shot, but with the offensive struggles the 3-6 team has endured, Henry’s involvement in the game plan is a sure thing.

WR David Patten, NO – 3/37/0. At least he was still involved in the offense, something that should continue.

WR Muhsin Muhammad, CHI – His value takes a big hit with the injury to Griese – who targeted him more than any other receiver. Bernard Berrian’s value, on the other hand, gets bumped up a few notches.

WR Reggie Williams, JAC – How did Williams follow up his big week 9? With one lousy catch. Figures.

WR Nate Washington, PIT – Washington finished the crazy game against Cleveland with 4 receptions for 56 yards. Not bad for the Steelers fourth receiving option.

IDP

Off The Top

LB Mike Peterson, JAC – In his best game of the season, Peterson finished with 14 tackles, a pass defensed, and interception and a fumble recovery. Prior to that performance, he’d been cast aside in many leagues – possibly because his torn pectoral from last season may have been causing a fantasy hangover – so grab him if he’s out there in yours.

LB Calvin Pace, ARI – In his last three games Pace has tallied 31 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 PD, an INT and a FR. Get him on your team ASAP and play him in beneficial LB matchups.

Digging Deeper

DL Michael Strahan, NYG – He’s no longer the best defensive lineman on the Giants, but Strahan has been playing better since the first few weeks and he’s bound to have a huge day versus the Lions, who surrender the third-most points to fantasy DLs.

LB Bradie James, DAL – After a slow start, James has turned into a solid IDP linebacker. This week, he’s got a great matchup versus the Redskins – who’ve been running Portis into the ground and giving up lots of points to LBs.

Scouring The Barrel

DB Roderick Hood, ARI – He hasn’t been doing much since his huge day versus the Rams in Week 5, but the Bengals matchup should find him picked on by Carson Palmer – meaning tackles and plenty of shots at PDs and picks.

LB Leon Williams, CLE – In another great spot matchup, LBs facing the Ravens simply rack up the IDP points and Williams – the replacement for the injured Andra Davis, has played well since assuming a starting role.

Updates

LB David Harris, NYJ – Bye week. But I can’t wait to get him back in my lineup. How about you?

DL Darnell Dockett, ARI – Just four tackles, but he recovered a fumble – a stat line that wasn’t likely to hurt you.

LB Omar Gaither, PHI – I figured Gaither would rack up the tackles against the Redskins, but he had another weak game that highlighted his inability to get to the opposing RBs. Where’s Jeremiah Trotter when you need him, Philly?

LB Landon Johnson, CIN – 9 total tackles but no special stuff – consistency that I’ll take from an IDP starter.

DB Fernando Bryant, DET – He’s still not the best cover man in the world, but I’d say 6 tackles and a PD is about average for him.

DL Will Smith, NO – I sat Julius Peppers this week and played the Fresh Prince, who responded in kind with 7 tackles and a sack. It was a tough call, but Smith finished with decent IDP total that surpassed that of Peppers.