QB Jake Delhomme (Essentially Eli’s backup – drafted 11.05)
RB Leon Washington (picked up this week over several other options and behind a bunch of other teams)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (late FA pick made Saturday morning)
WR Donnie Avery (FA selection made last weekend)
WR Roddy White (acquired via trade Week 5 for Green Bay RBs Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson)
WR Braylon Edwards (drafted 2.07)
TE Dallas Clark (drafted 6.08)

Going into the game, we were both pretty worried, and considered our team a bit of an underdog facing a squad featuring Ben Roethlisberger, Jamal Lewis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Lee Evans, Dwayne Bowe, Torry Holt and John Carlson at TE. As it worked out, Washington outperformed Tomlinson; White, Avery and Clark went ballistic; and the opposing QB – Big Ben – threw four picks. It’s an IDP league, and while none of our defensive guys posted double-digit numbers, we won 173-132 – walking away on Monday night. Those are the wins that really satisfy us – the ones that come from a balance of smart drafting, shrewd dealing and laboring through the wire.

I continue to welcome your e-mails and enjoy hearing from you regarding my waiver wire recommendations – whether they have helped or hindered your teams this season. Keep ‘em coming, and don’t be shy about firing multiple questions – I’ll get to them all eventually.

Quarterbacks

Off The Top

David Garrard, JAC – Wow. The Jaguars are throwing the ball a lot, and Garrard has quietly posting some solid fantasy numbers over his past four games (including 5 TDs and just one lost fumble over that stretch). He could really blow up over the next couple games considering his feeble opponents, although it’s also very possible the Jaguars return to running the ball right through the Bengals and Lions.

Marc Bulger, STL – The emergence of rookie WR Donnie Avery has made him a more viable fantasy threat, although he’s yet to fully realize his latent value. He should be able to throw more than 1 TD per game during his next three games: ARI, @NYJ, @SF; and his schedule over the last four weeks is to die for: @ARI, SEA, SF, @ATL.

Digging Deeper

Chad Pennington, MIA – The quarterbacks that Pennington has outperformed in fantasy ’08? Jason Campbell, Garrard, Jake Delhomme, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Cassel, Derek Anderson and Trent Edwards – to name just a smattering of guys directly under him in the statistical rankings. He’s worth consideration in any format, and remains a strong #2 QB play.

Joe Flacco, BAL – Consider Flacco’s big Week 8 probably his best fantasy performance of this season and Week 9 a possibility for a #2 play. But after the next couple weeks, he’s going to struggle against some of the league’s finest defenses.

Scouring The Barrel

Tyler Thigpen, KC – He may have a decent game here and there the rest of the way, but Thigpen isn’t a real option unless you’re in the most desperate of situations.

Seneca Wallace, SEA – Again – the two TDs to Leonard Weaver are nice, but it’s not likely you played either guy. Moreover, you shouldn’t really start doing it now.

Updates

Derek Anderson, CLE – Last year’s waiver wire darling hasn’t lit up the scoreboard much this season, but he hasn’t turned the ball over since Week 4 @ CIN. He’s showing some signs if life, and while his remaining schedule isn’t too wonderful, it’s not overly oppressive.

Jake Delhomme, CAR – He rebounded from a terrible Week 6 with a 20-for-28 day amassing 248 yards and tossing two TD strikes to his favorite receiver, the much-beleaguered Steve Smith. He’s on a bye in Week 9, then comes back strong in Weeks 10-12: @OAK, DET, @ATL.

Matt Ryan, ATL – Sure, I like his progress. But you need more than one good receiver to succeed in the NFL. His schedule’s tough and teams will be doubling Roddy White like gangbusters from here on out. Take away the 5 TDs to White and he’s just thrown 2 on the season. He’ll be forced to work for it the rest of the way and his best matchups could be division shootouts versus New Orleans in Weeks 10 and 14 – where he’ll make a great #2 QB.

JaMarcus Russell, OAK – He wasn’t too spectacular against the Ravens last week, but over his past four games, he’s thrice passed for over 200 yards. I know – I said thrice.

Running Backs

Off The Top

Ryan Torain, DEN – I’ll be honest – there’s not a lot of information I can provide here outside of speculation, the knowledge that scouts are high on his abilities, and that Mike Shanahan likes the way he fits in the offense – comparing him to Terrell Davis the day he got carted off the practice field in training camp. The rookie looks like he’ll be back Sunday against the Dolphins, and since the Broncos other backs are all dinged up in one way of another, he could be a decent start if he goes. Just stay tuned to the injury report in case things change leading up to Sunday.

Leon Washington, NYJ – He’s one of the best special teams players in football, a talented back with a nose for the end zone, a valuable receiver on a team that requires a viable outlet, and a guy I’ve been high on for years. Last week, he was the third-highest scoring RB in fantasy. Grab him if he’s available and pick your spots in the coming weeks.

Digging Deeper

Ricky Williams, MIA – Ricky seems interested in football and with the Dolphins playing well, he’s in a good place. I don’t anticipate his touches ballooning unless something happens to Ronnie Brown, but he’s a decent bye-week fill-in and he’ll be involved against the Broncos.

Jerious Norwood, ATL – I love his matchup this week, and I’m assuming the Falcons will balance the workload pretty evenly between him and starting RB Michael Turner against an Oakland team that’s pretty good at focusing on one back and stopping him. Around the goal line, he’s solid, and he can always break off one of those classic Norwood TD scampers and make your fantasy day.

Scouring The Barrel

Chester Taylor, MIN – Okay, hear me out on this one. The Vikings are facing the Texans and Packers in the next two weeks, games that they’ll need to slow down and mix up the playbook to win. While AP gets the bulk of the carries, I’m anticipating Taylor to be used a lot in passing downs and even possibly as the lone backfield inhabitant in the single wing, should the Vikes join the growing list of teams using the fashionable new wrinkle to throw off opponents. He’s available in a bunch of leagues and you could do a lot worse for a RB #3 this week to replace the likes of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Tomlinson, Frank Gore, McAllister or the other Saints backs.

Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG – He’s a long shot again this week, but I’m not giving up on him and the Giants are going to throw the kitchen sink at the Cowboys to get a win. That could involve a dose of Derrick Ward and a dash of Bradshaw.

Leonard Weaver, SEA – I’m looking for a good explanation for how Weaver caught not one, but two long TD passes and posted the second-highest fantasy total for all RBS in Week 8. I didn’t see the game, which must have been a complete debacle, and I’m interested in hearing from someone who did. Until I hear something that makes sense, I can’t recommend selecting Weaver – even on a team holding out for as hero like Bonnie Tyler.

Updates

Deuce McAllister, NO – He’s appealing his suspension and should be available until mid-November. But he’s on a bye this week, so if you have more pressing needs, he could be collateral damage.

Cedric Benson, CIN – He’s coming off his best game since Week 11 of last season, but the Bengals face Jacksonville in Week 9, have their bye Week 10, then it’s: PHI, @PIT, BAL. Not very nice, is it?

Ahman Green, HOU – 41 yards last week on 9 carries (not bad) and a cramped groin (not good) that could limit him in upcoming games. I’d be wary of starting him in the next couple weeks (@MIN, BAL) anyway.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE – He scored on a short TD run but wasn’t that effective otherwise. I’d consider him a weak No. 3 RB this week at Indy.

Kevin Faulk, NE – 60 yards rushing and 4-47-1 receiving. He’s probably the best New England back to use next week at Indy, although it’s possible Bill Belichick shakes things up with Green-Ellis.

Mewelde Moore, PIT – He’s been solid in relief of Willie Parker, but his value from here on out hinges on Willie’s availability. The Steelers are missing some of FWP’s explosiveness, and they’ve got to be eager to get him back – even if Moore stays in the mix as a change of pace.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Off The Top

WR Kevin Walter, HOU – If you don’t know, now you know. An owner dropped him in one of my leagues last week during the waiver process and another clever owner tried to snag him on Saturday. Unfortunately, waiver drops are protected for a week – a caveat I pointed out to the commissioner soon after noticing the offending action. Now it’s going to be an issue of priority for the few teams who’ve got a shot at him – as it should be. If you’ve got a shot at him, go for it. He’s a luminous complement to WR Andre Johnson, especially in the red zone.

WR Bernard Berrian, MIN – He’s definitely got a few difficult weeks on the horizon but he should be a solid WR #3 during the playoffs. Because he’s coming off a bye, he’s still available in a small percentage of leagues – even though he grabbed TDs from Gus Frerotte in each of his last three games.

Digging Deeper

WR Matt Jones, JAC – You know what he did, you know what he’s doing, and you know it could all come to a screeching halt with a suspension. If you grab him, you know the risks, but he’s got a decent matchup versus the Bengals.

TE Bo Scaife, TEN – He’s only caught one TD on the year, but Scaife is a frequent target of Kerry Collins. He’s also on the field quite a bit and he’s got excellent hands – making him the better TE option in Tennessee over Alge Crumpler.

WR Ted Ginn, Jr., MIA – Ted was far from MIA this week, totaling 7-175-0 in a 25-16 win over Buffalo. He’s also got 24 receptions in his last 5 games, so he’s worth consideration as a #3 fill-in or solid #4.

Scouring The Barrel

TE Kevin Boss, NYG – Remember what I said about the Giants throwing the kitchen sink at the Cowboys? Boss fits in to that scenario, too. Use him as a strong TE #2.

WR Mark Bradley, KC – If you’re desperate, then take a flier on Bradley, who finished with 5-42-1 against the Jets. But he’s not likely to have great numbers against Tampa Bay, so any enthusiastic buyer should beware.

WR Demetrius Williams, BAL – Another one-hit wonder, Williams provides little more value an occasional fantasy spark. And it’s nearly impossible to tell when he’ll get off. Don’t bother with him.

Updates

WR Donnie Avery, STL – He blew up for 6-163-1 against the Patriots Sunday and is unquestionably the biggest deep threat on the Rams going forward. Avery has another nice matchup this week at home versus the Cardinals. He should be owned in all formats.

WR Joey Galloway, TB – He returned Week 8 and should be okay in KC. But if the Bucs get a lead, I doubt you’ll see him on the field much risking further injury. Tampa’s going to try and grind this one out with Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and possession WR Antonio Bryant.

TE Zach Miller, OAK – He was relatively quiet against the Ravens (2-56-0) but should see plenty of targets this week at home versus Atlanta.

WR Javon Walker – He’s another Raider receiver who’ll benefit from the favorable matchup in Week 9, but owners should continue to tread carefully with Walker, as he followed up his big Week 7 with 2-28-0 in Baltimore.

WR Josh Morgan, SF – What happened? Good thing I wasn’t as gaga over him as some other fantasy writers, because if you started him Sunday you got a big fat stinking goose egg.

WR Nate Washington, PIT – He replaced Santonio Holmes as the #2 WR in Pittsburgh on Sunday and hauled in just one catch – a 65-yard TD – validating his use in lineups throughout the fantasy landscape. My hope is that Holmes should be back this week, although as of Monday night the Steelers hadn’t confirmed he’d be active @ WAS.

WR Malcom Floyd, SD – Chris Chambers, Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson and Tomlinson saw most of the targets, and Floyd converted just one of the three he saw. Stay away for now.

TE Robert Royal, BUF – 2-26-0, but he lost a fumble, negating his limited fantasy value.

WR Mike Furrey, DET – 5 targets, 0 receptions. Yikes.

IDP

Off The Top

LB Mike Peterson, JAC – He’s had a disappointing 2008 campaign but he rebounded last week with 10 solos and could be in lien for huge totals (and even a turnover) against the Bengals in Week 9. Grab him and get him in your lineup if he’s out there on the wire.

DB Terrence McGee, BUF – I didn’t start McGee last week because I wanted to see how the veteran corner would do in his first game back before plugging him in. He made five solo tackles and if he can go this week against Brett Favre and the Jets, he’s a must play – just pay attention to the NFL injury report and game day inactives.

Digging Deeper

DL Dewayne White, DET – White won’t be available in a ton of leagues that require a starting DE or even simply a DL, but he’s posted three consecutive games with great IDP totals and he’s got another nice matchup this week against the Bears. If White’s taken, maybe Jared DeVries is a possibility.

DB Brandon McDonald, CLE – He’s one of the only healthy DBs the Browns have, and he’ll see plenty of acti9on this week against the Ravens, who yield a lot of points to opposing DBs. He’s also the only guy in the Browns secondary whose value doesn’t seem to hinge on whether or not FS Sean Jones is starting – which might be up in the air after Jones developed some knee swelling after the week 8 game.

Scouring The Barrel

LB Clint Session, IND – He’s yet to have a true breakout game, but he’s posted consistent tackle totals and he should against New England this week. Session seems to be over a calf injury that slowed him in preseason and started bothering him again during Weeks 6 and 7, so take a shot on him in deeper leagues where he may be the best available. With Gary Brackett and Freddy Keiaho taken in most leagues, Session is the other LB who could have a big day.

DB Jason Craft, STL – O.J. Atogwe is awesome, but the other Rams DB racking up IDP points is Craft, a veteran corner in his first season with St. Louis who’s had 22 solos in his last three games. He’s a solid sleeper play this week against Arizona.

Updates

LB Will Witherspoon, STL – I include him in the wire, and he has his worst fantasy day of 2008. It just wasn’t my day for IDP. I got crushed in my IDP experts league, too.

LB Thomas Howard, OAK – Howard has 7 solo tackles, but his performance hardly saved my IDP selections this week, which didn’t include any real standouts.

DB Nedu Ndukwe, CIN – He posted 6 tackles (3 solos, 3 assists) and a PD – not great, but not bad.

LB Brandon Johnson, CIN – 4 solos, 2 assists. Nothing special, but no news coming out of Cincinnati is very impressive great right now.

DL Darryl Tapp, SEA – Tapp didn’t get to J.T. O’Sullivan or Shaun Hill, but it seemed like everybody else on the Seahawks defense line (Patrick Kerney, Rocky Bernard) did. What a weird day for IDP.

DB Will Demps, HOU – A great big fantasy stinker, Demps had just one assist Sunday in the Texans’ rout of the Bengals. I apologize to anyone who used him as a fill-in and lost because of it. It’s not a perfect science, but that’s terrible.

DL James Hall, STL – 3 tackles in Week 8, but I’m anticipating a bigger day against the Cards.

DB Brandon Carr, KC – So close, and yet so far. The other Chiefs rookie defensive back named Brandon – Brandon Flowers, the one out of Virginia Tech – had a monster fantasy day (8 tackles, 2 PD, 2 INT, and a 91-yard INT return for TD) while Carr had 6 tackles and an assist. I picked the wrong rookie DB, and while my selection had a decent game, the other rookie went nuts. Hopefully you misread my column and picked up Flowers instead of Carr, or maybe saw that Carr was taken so you went with Flowers? Am I reaching?

LB Ryan Nece, DET – Just three solos and an assist. Another pedestrian fantasy total for me in the barrel.