Each week the Noise will guide desperate, deep-thinking owners into the dark corners of the waiver wire to mine a last-minute diamond. Turn on your helmet light and pack a pickaxe. We're digging for drop-jaw surprises owned in less than 10 percent or started in five percent or less of Yahoo! Plus leagues.

Before summer gave way to fall and a single down of meaningful football was played, the fantasy masses truly believed Chris Henry was an alien life form.

Based on his preseason numbers, the unique-looking wideout was undeniably extraterrestrial. In four exhibition contests he tallied 14 catches for an NFL-high 224 yards and four touchdowns. His stirring effort combined with behind-the-scenes buzz – Carson Palmer(notes) told our own Michael Silver that Henry, not Chad Ochocinco(notes), was Cincinnati's best receiver – launched expectations into another galaxy.

As a result, mantasies were fostered, hyperbole was spewed and tendons snapped. Owners outstretched arms and slapped wallets – he went for $15 in one of the Noise's local auction leagues – convinced the troubled target was on the precipice of a breakthrough. In the Friends and Family draft, Average Joe, Michael Gehlken, proudly selected him at pick No. 150 (Round 11), three spots ahead of Jeremy Maclin(notes). As long as he avoided incarceration, fortunes were sure to be reaped.

Nine weeks into the season, Henry has indeed lived on another planet – Plublow. Currently the 56th-best WR in fantasy, he's averaged an unexciting 3.1 targets, 1.6 receptions and 30.8 yards per game. He's also found the end-zone twice. The speedster blames his sluggish start on a quadriceps strain suffered in late August. But, as Henry noted earlier this week, he's finally back to full-strength:

"I'm pretty much 100 percent. It's always a good thing when you're 100 percent. You can go out and fly around and not have to think about or worry about an injury."

This week, he very easily could take-off.

Though it may seem unlikely, deep-thinking owners suffering from the bye week blues who employ the 10-percent owned commodity's services could earn a substantial dividend. Back in Week 4 he torched the Ravens for 92 yards, his finest yardage effort this year. Despite showing significant improvement defensively a week ago versus Denver, Baltimore is susceptible to surrendering explosive pass plays. On the year, Ed Reed(notes) and company have allowed 23 20-yard pass plays, the ninth-most in the NFL.

With his injury fully healed and confidence still intact, Henry, at least for this week, could be risk-taking owners' favorite Martian.

Week 9 Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 74 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Who is your Week 9 Shocker Special (10% owned or less)? Post your pick with projection below?

SILENCE THE NOISE CHALLENGE

Each week one lucky aspiring fantasy prognosticator is chosen to go toe-to-toe against the Noise. If you want to be a guest "expert" submit your Week 10 flames, lames (1 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE for each, 16 total) and shocker special (one player at any position) along with a valid email address and your location here no later than 7 PM central time on Thursday. Oh, and please, no long dissertations to justify your picks. All that's required are your player selections and projections. Winners earn a league spot to compete against yours truly next season. Good luck!

Week 9 contestant:  Brian in Colorado Springs, CO

Flames:
QB: Alex Smith, SF, 20-30, 225 yards, 2:1 TD:INT, 12 rush yards, 11% started
RB: Felix Jones(notes), Dal, 8 rushes, 48 yards, 42 receiving yards, 1 TD, 25%
RB: Joseph Addai(notes), Ind, 14 rushes, 82 yards, 28 receiving yards, 1 TD, 91%*
RB: Brandon Jacobs(notes), NYG, 18 rushes, 111 yards, 10 receiving yards, 1 TD, 87%*
WR: Devery Henderson(notes), NO, 4 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, 26%
WR: Santonio Holmes(notes), Pit, 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, 49%
WR: Devin Hester(notes), Chi, 5 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, 71%*
TE: Fred Davis(notes), Wash, 6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, 31%

Lames:
QB: Joe Flacco(notes), Bal, 22-34, 254 yards, 7 rush yards, 1:1 TD:INT, 35% started*
RB: Matt Forte(notes), Chi, 15 rushes, 49 yards, 42 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 94%
RB: Ray Rice(notes), Bal, 14 rushes, 52 yards, 44 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 95%
RB: Steve Slaton(notes), Hou, 7 rushes, 22 yards, 32 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 64%
WR: Roddy White(notes), Atl, 5 catches, 68 yards, 0 TDs, 98%
WR: Mario Manningham(notes), NYG, 3 catches, 48 yards, 0 TDs, 32%*
WR: Miles Austin(notes), Dal, 4 catches, 52 yards, 0 TDs, 95%
TE: Benjamin Watson(notes), NE, 3 catches, 21 yards, 0 TDs, 31%*

Shocker Special: Dantrell Savage(notes), KC, 5 rushes, 32 yards, 38 receiving yards, 1 TD, 1%

*Not exactly Flame/Lame material (Remember, the rules state over/under 60 percent started), but the readers are in desperate need of saving some face.

Week 8 results: Matt from Gales Ferry, CT

Flames (2-7): W - (Michael Crabtree(notes), Justin Fargas(notes) (Shocker)); L - (David Garrard(notes), Kevin Smith(notes), Jamal Lewis(notes), Fred Jackson(notes), Mike Sims-Walker(notes), Kevin Walter(notes), Tony Scheffler(notes))

Lames (3-5): W - (Ryan Grant(notes), Steve Smith (NYG), T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes)); L - (Donovan McNabb(notes), DeAngelo Williams(notes), Thomas Jones(notes), Vincent Jackson(notes), Jeremy Shockey(notes)).

Noisers Season: Flames (19-45, 29.7%), Lames (27-28, 49.0%)

Winners: Matthew in Colden, NY, Micah in Shelbyville, TN

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Image courtesy of US Presswire

• The good news is that clarity in regards to Kevin Martin's(notes) wrist injury came fairly quickly. The bad news is that he'll undergo surgery and is expected to miss a minimum of eight weeks. Although nothing is official as of yet, Beno Udrih(notes) is expected to rejoin the starting lineup, pushing Tyreke Evans(notes) to shooting guard. Udrih's ceiling is fairly well-established – he's averaged 12.3 points (47% FG, 84% FT), 0.7 threes, 3.2 boards, 4.8 assists, and 1 steal in 129 career starts – but as a starter he's absolutely rosterable in standard leagues. I'm convinced that Evans is miscast as an NBA point guard and like the move for his potential impact. Don't count on the efficiency getting much better than poor, but "addition by subtraction" (subtract Martin and some of Evans' distribution responsibilities) should be good for his line.

After a slow start, Andres Nocioni(notes) is back on the fantasy radar (his DUI arrest aside). His offensive responsibilities increase significantly with Martin out of the picture, and you can give Spencer Hawes(notes) and Jason Thompson(notes) a bump, as well. Omri Casspi(notes) has posted very good per-minute production thus far and should have a larger role in the rotation, although the Ime Udoka(notes) signing muddies the backup picture a bit. As for Martin himself, he's not a player you can cut in standard leagues. In roto, it's a bit easier to deal with carrying an injured player. Those of you in h2h leagues need to calculate your chances of making the playoffs while playing a man down for the next two months – if you aren't feeling confident, then add Martin to your trade block and see if you get some offers worth considering (and certainly be ready to produce some counter-offers). 

• Tyrus Thomas'(notes) season went from bad to worse in a hurry. He broke his left forearm during a weight session on Friday and will miss the next four-to-six weeks, or somewhere around 15-20 games. It's not a bad move to make an add/drop in standard h2h leagues. Taj Gibson(notes) will continue to start at power forward – he posted 11 points, seven boards, one steal, and one block on Thursday and his college numbers project well to the NBA. Give him a look in deeper leagues. Brad Miller(notes) should see close to 30 minutes while Thomas is out, as well, meaning that he should be universally owned in roto leagues and largely owned in h2h formats. 

• Joe Johnson(notes) was not happy after the Hawks' 103-83 loss to the Bobcats on Friday. Atlanta shot 40 percent from the floor and had just 10 assists, leading to the following from Johnson:

“Everybody who touches (the ball) wants to score. I really think guys on this team don’t know their roles, so it’s killing us. And it’s going to continue to kill us.”

Jamal Crawford(notes) led the team with 14 shot attempts in 34 minutes in the loss, and made only five, but that may just be a coincidence.  

• D.J. Augustin's(notes) owners can't be happy to see that Raja Bell(notes) hit five threes en route to 24 points tonight. While Bell is still dealing with "situational" pain in his wrist, thus far he's been able to shrug it off. I'm not ready to completely give up on DJA just yet, but a night like tonight doesn't help the confidence level. Augustin had 11 points, two threes, and three assists in 24 minutes.

• Tyson Chandler(notes) logged his first double-double of the season (10 points, 10 boards, 4 blocks) on a night when he was started in just 38 percent of leagues. Over the past three games, he's averaged 8.7 points, 8.3 boards, and 2 blocks in 32 minutes. I'm not here to offer any kind of ringing endorsement – it's just good to see production from him after off-season ankle and toe surgeries.

• A poor night for the Wizards as a whole (39% FG, 57% FT, 16:19 AST:TO), but Brendan Haywood(notes) sure had a nice line (9 points, 19 boards, 1 steal, 4 blocks in 35 minutes). Through six games, Haywood has averaged 11.5 points, 10.8 boards, and 1.7 blocks in 33 minutes.

• Those first few games sure were nice, but is it time to move on for Andray Blatche(notes) owners? He was ineffective once again (1 point, 3 boards, 2 blocks in 15 minutes) thanks to fouls, and his window of opportunity is shrinking as Antawn Jamison(notes) gets closer to a return. If there is an option on the wire with some potential staying power, then you can safely consider Blatche expendable.

• Randy Foye(notes) was reasonably effective on Friday (16 points, 2 threes, 4 boards, 2 assists) and should be a great play against the Suns on Sunday, but the Wizards then only play twice in the following nine days, so he'll only have so much of an opportunity to take advantage of Mike Miller's(notes) absence. Nick Young(notes) got the start tonight but is one-dimensional even at his best (creating his own shots) and won't offer much to the Wizards or fantasy owners.

• While a few more assists would be nice, you won't find many T.J. Ford(notes) owners complaining about tonight's line (40 minutes, 18 points, 10 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals). He's looked much better in the past few games and his starting gig looks much more solid as a result. The same can't be said for Brandon Rush(notes), who did little in 15 minutes (2 points, 0 threes) and then left with an ankle injury, while Dahntay Jones(notes) continues to produce (40 minutes, 18 points, 5 boards, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block). Rush could be looking at a reserve role once Troy Murphy(notes) returns. It's difficult to put much trust in Jones, given his history, but he's certainly in a friendly system. He's scored in double figures in five of six games this season, something he did in just 11 of 79 games with the Nuggets last season.

• Tyler Hansbrough's(notes) NBA debut went as you should have expected, as in heavy on the per-minute production (14 minutes, 13 points, 5 boards, 7-of-10 FT). 

• The thin and winless Nets played only eight on Friday, and things got even worse after Courtney Lee(notes) left with a groin strain early in the second half. The severity of the injury is not yet known. The Nets play the Celtics on Friday and then have a much-needed three consecutive days off.

• Elton Brand's(notes) line (8 points, 5 boards, 0 blocks in 19 minutes) looks that much worse when you consider that the Nets started Eduardo Najera(notes) opposite him at power forward. The Princeton offense has done him no favors thus far – in five games, he's averaged 11 points, 5.6 boards, and 0.8 blocks in 29 minutes.

• Charlie Villanueva(notes) appears to be rounding into form. He scored 28 points tonight to give him 44 in his past two games. The Pistons need to find more ways to directly help each other score, however. They registered just 11 assists on 38 made field goals on Friday, and over the past five games have just 67 total assists (versus 66 turnovers).

• The availability for both Richard Hamilton(notes) and Tayshaun Prince(notes) on Sunday remains up in the air.

• Ryan Anderson(notes) left Friday's game with a sprained right ankle and could miss time as a result of the injury, but no specifics are known as of yet. Brandon Bass(notes) (23 minutes, 13 points, 6 boards) would likely start if Anderson indeed misses time, and Matt Barnes(notes) (35 minutes, 18 points, 9 boards) would continue to see steady playing time.

• All of the Suns' starters had usable lines in the 110-103 win over the Celtics, but Jason Richardson(notes) was big-time, compiling a season-high 34 points, six threes, and 10 boards in 38 minutes.

• Chauncey Billups(notes) was a minus-26 against the Heat tonight in 31 minutes, thanks to six points on 2-of-7 shooting, two assists, and five turnovers. That's about as bad of a night as you'll ever see from Billups.

• Kenyon Martin(notes) played only 12 minutes because of a left leg injury that George Karl suggested could sideline him for "a week or two." He'll be re-evaluated on Saturday, and Chris Anderson will get a chance to post some numbers if Martin does indeed hit the shelf.

• Finally, some volume offense from Mario Chalmers(notes) to help produce a robust overall line (16 points, 4 threes, 5 boards, 4 assists, 1 steal). 

• Finally, some offense from Jose Calderon(notes) in what was his best game of the season (16 points, 2 threes, 4 boards, 8 assists, 0 turnovers, 1 steal). There's at least a decent chance that the dude can still play, 

• Chris Paul(notes) scored or assisted on 26 of the Hornets' 36 field goals on Friday (8 makes, 18 assists). Who can blame him for any amount of frustration when he goes for 21 points, seven boards, 18 assists, and two steals, and yet his team only scores 90 points and loses by 17?

• Another night, another very good line from Anderson Varejao(notes). Although J.J. Hickson(notes) got the start against the up-tempo Knicks, Shaquille O'Neal(notes) played only 19 minutes and Varejao came off the bench for eight points, 14 boards, two steals, and two blocks in 35 minutes. In seven games on the season, his averages now include 8.6 points on 51-percent shooting, 9.6 boards, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 33 minutes.

• The centers and the point guards were the feature attraction in Milwaukee's uninspiring 87-72 win over the Timberwolves. Andrew Bogut(notes) (17 points, 10 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks) outdueled Al Jefferson(notes) (8 points, 3-of-12 shooting) while Jonny Flynn(notes) (20 points, 4 boards, 3 steals) got the better of Brandon Jennings(notes) (9 points, 4-of-16 shooting, 6 boards, 2 steals). 

• Tough offensive night for Thunder players not named Kevin Durant(notes) (27 points) and Russell Westbrook(notes) (33 points). The two combined to go 25-of-47 from the floor (53%), while the rest of the team was just 15-of-45 (33 percent), highlighted by Jeff Green's(notes) 3-of-15 (gotta love 2 more steals and blocks, though)

• The threes continue to fall for Trevor Ariza(notes) – he hit two more on Friday and has 17 in six games (2.8 per game) on 46-percent shooting (17 for 37). 

• Something closer to what was expected from the Rockets' non-Scola frontcourt players on Friday: Chuck Hayes(notes) had two points and five boards, while Carl Landry(notes) had 21 points and nine boards in similar playing time. 

• So maybe Anthony Randolph(notes) is a fantastic backup center, after all? Andris Biedrins(notes) was out with a back injury, and Nellie opted for Mikki Moore(notes) at center, and he did not disappoint (19 minutes, 0 points, 4 boards, 3 turnovers). Randolph came off the bench for 15 points, 14 boards, 2 steals, and 1 block in 29 minutes, although he was just 5-for-15 and had three turnovers and no assists. Stephen Curry(notes) fouled out in an ineffective 22 minutes (5 points, 1-of-5 shooting) in what was a poor night overall for the Warriors (35-percent shooting), although Anthony Morrow(notes) took advantage of the excess playing time (18 points, 3 treys). Keep in mind that we should blame Stephen Jackson for any problems the Warriors have:

“It’s a terrible start and that does nothing but get contagious. If you’re going to blame somebody, I’ll take the blame. I’ve been doing it since I got here.”

• The Clippers' starting backcourt (Baron Davis(notes), Eric Gordon(notes)) had a field day against the Warriors, combining for the following: 50 points on 64-percent shooting, 5 threes, 10 assists, and five steals. Heck, even Sebastian Telfair(notes) got in on the fun (20 minutes, 13 points, 1 three, 6 assists).

• Another big night in a loss for Zach Randolph(notes) (21 points, 15 boards), and he continues to own the offensive glass (7 Friday, 4.7 per game on the season). The Grizz have had success getting everyone touches thus far, but it's largely because they are wasting little energy on the defensive end – they are averaging 115 points against through six games – and Allen Iverson(notes) has yet to be given the opportunity to truly exert his influence, although you get the feeling that it's coming.

• Kobe Bryant(notes) scored 41 points for the third time in four games, pushing his scoring average to a league-high 34.5 points per game. 

• D.J. Mbenga(notes) did exactly what the Lakers needed him to do in his start at center, grabbing 13 boards and blocking four shots in 30 minutes. He could be in line for another start Sunday (NOR), the Lakers' only game over the next five days, as the team could use the light schedule as an opportunity to give Andrew Bynum(notes) and Pau Gasol(notes) a bit more extended rest.

• Greg Oden(notes) showed a few strong moves against Tim Duncan(notes) in the block en route to 14 points, 8 boards, and four blocks, but was again limited by foul trouble (25 minutes, 5 fouls). 

• Andre Miller(notes) joined Steve Blake(notes) in the starting lineup for the Blazers, pushing Brandon Roy(notes) to small forward, a move that Nate McMillan says should stick for at least the next week or two. Miller had a mixed bag for a line (10 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals), but the 33 minutes of playing time are what is key. If the playing time is there, the rest will work itself out.

• Tony Parker(notes) left Friday's game after just 11 minutes because of a left ankle sprain, an injury he expects to sideline him for "a week, maybe." George Hill(notes) will get the starts in the interim, although the Spurs play only three times over the next 11 days.

• The Colts held Donald Brown(notes) (shoulder) out of Friday's practice after letting him work the previous two days. He's questionable and will probably be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup with the Texans. At least we get a break with the game, it's an early start. All of the Yahoo! experts view Joseph Addai(notes) as a Top 14 back this week even with Brown expected to play; Addai's value obviously gets a mild push forward if Brown winds up being scratched.

• Anquan Boldin(notes) (ankle) did some work Friday and has a shot to go against the Bears; he's questionable on the report. The Cardinals took it easy with Steve Breaston(notes) (knee) Friday but that's standard operating procedure; he's been battling this issue all season. On Boldin, it comes down to a depth call; I wouldn't use him for fantasy this week unless I felt backed into a corner.

• Roddy White(notes) (ankle) had a limited day Friday after sitting out the two previous days and head coach Mike Smith is optimistic that White will be able to go in Atlanta's critical game against Washington. It's an early start, so fantasy owners don't have to sweat it out here.

• Kevin Smith(notes) (shoulder) and Calvin Johnson(notes) (knee) both practiced Friday and should play at Seattle, though Jim Schwartz would give out his ATM password before he did anything to help our fantasy pursuits.

• Devin Hester(notes) (ankle) finally practiced on Friday after sitting out the two previous sessions. Hester has insisted all week that he's going to play against Arizona and he called himself 100 percent on Friday; we'll go along with it and keep Hester slotted as a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver this week. No worries about running mate Greg Olsen(notes) (ankle); he's been a full participant in the last two practices.

• Matt Hasselbeck(notes) (rib) had a full day Friday and will start against the Lions. Detroit has allowed 18 TD passes on the season so here's one of the more intriguing matchup plays of the weekend (share your Hasselbeck Week 9 rank in the comments). Seattle is also thrilled to finally get OT Sean Locklear(notes) (ankle) back; Jim Mora surprisingly confirmed on Friday that Locklear is ready to go.

• Aaron Rodgers(notes) (foot) and Donald Driver(notes) (neck) were back at work Friday and should be in your lineup at Tampa this weekend. The Pack will have to wait on Jermichael Finley(notes), however; he's been ruled out for Week 9.

• No Lance Moore(notes) this week; he's dealing with a bad ankle and has been in a walking boot since the Monday night victory over the Falcons. If you want an excuse to roll the dice on Robert Meachem(notes) or Devery Henderson(notes), Moore's injury opens the window. This might also force the Saints to use Reggie Bush more in the passing game.

• Antonio Gates(notes) (foot) is listed as probable and will play against the Giants, a team that's struggled with its safety play all year. It would be nice to see Gates reacquaint himself with the end zone; he's gone without a spike in 12 of his last 14 starts.

• Benjamin Watson(notes) is dealing with a sore back and was limited all week; you can make a better fill-in choice at tight end, methinks (Fred Davis(notes), Kevin Boss(notes), etc). New England is also listing Tom Brady (shoulder) and Randy Moss(notes) (shoulder) as probable, just because they're the Patriots.

• Although the Eagles are listing Brian Westbrook(notes) (post-concussion) as questionable, Andy Reid has made it clear all along that Westbrook is fully expected to start and take a heavy workload Sunday night. If you normally start Westbrook, I'd do so in Week 9. The Eagles also had a good week with DeSean Jackson(notes) (foot) and Jeremy Maclin(notes) (foot); slot them where you normally would.

• Pierre Garcon(notes) (ankle) was held out Friday and is questionable for the Texans game. All the more reason to like Austin Collie(notes), we suppose.

• All of your nicked-up Giants on offense are probable this week: Eli Manning(notes) (foot), Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) (ankle/foot), Kevin Boss (ankle) and Mario Manningham(notes) (shoulder). The only Week 9 option I like from this group is Boss (hello, San Diego safeties), but opinions vary when it comes to Bradshaw.  

• Antonio Bryant(notes) (knee) is listed as questionable and considered a game-time decision for Week 9. If you're strongly considering Bryant this week (tied to rookie QB Josh Freeman(notes)), you're questionable, too.

• Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have been outstanding rushing the passer for the Colts this year, and Indy desperately needs that to continue because the secondary is a mess in Naptown right now. Safety Bob Sanders(notes) and corner Marlin Jackson(notes) are both out for the year (to be fair, Sanders hasn't played much this season), and corner Kelvin Hayden(notes) (knee) is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.

• Todd Heap(notes) (ankle) had a full day Friday and is probable for Baltimore's rematch at Cincinnati.

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Photos via US Presswire

In Friday's life-affirming episode of the Yahoo! Fantasy Freak Show, we discussed all the Week 9 matchups, answered a few dozen Jamaal Charles(notes) questions and took the first steps toward designing the perfect Washington Redskins drinking game. Please gather the family around the laptop and give it a listen. (This week, all the links actually work!)

Fantasy Freak Show, Part I

Fantasy Freak Show, Part II

Fantasy Freak Show, Bonus Time

Many thanks to our friends at The Score WSCR-AM 670 in Chicago. 

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Photo via Getty Images

Michael Crabtree(notes) - Evans rank 12, composite rank 22

I'm heavily invested in the gold market this week, despite the improvement of the Titans secondary. The return of corner Cortland Finnegan(notes) and safety Vincent Fuller(notes) in Week 8 was exactly what the doctor ordered for Tennessee’s battered D. The added help crippled the Jags' passing attack, limiting standout receiver Mike Sims-Walker(notes) to his worst performance since becoming a starter (2 catches for 9 yards). But David Garrard(notes) has struggled on the road and when the Titans were at full-strength earlier this season, they were slapped around routinely.

Though he’s played in just six quarters, Alex Smith has made tremendous advancements in his development. More poised and aware, he’s turned to Crabtree early and often in back-to-back games. The first-round wideout, who’s unbelievably transitioned seamlessly despite an extensive holdout, has attracted 7.5 targets totaling 11 catches for 137 yards in two games. This week, I'm confident he snags his first career TD reception. Tennessee has surrendered 15 scores to WRs on the year, the most in the NFL. -Noise

Jamaal Charles(notes) - Behrens rank 15, composite rank 20

At some point during Chris Johnson's 228-yard annihilation of the Jaguars, I made sure to check Jacksonville's upcoming schedule, looking for add/trade opportunities. Kansas City's Jamaal Charles gets to face the Jags in Week 9. (Larry Johnson(notes) is taking his annual team and/or league-mandated break due to chronic idiocy). You can reasonably think of Charles as Chris Johnson Lite, since he has 4.38 speed and he's averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He's in line for a full workload against a defense that's allowing 128.3 rushing yards per game. Charles has received double-digit carries only once in his NFL career, and he converted them into 106 yards against the Bucs ('08, Week 9). Considering the talent of the player and the quality of the matchup, Charles isn't one of those wait-and-see fantasy pick-ups. You should start him now. -AB

Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) – Pianowski rank 29, composite rank 19

The matchup against the San Diego front seven seems tasty at first glance, but take note that the Chargers rushing defense has improved since the national TV beatdown in Pittsburgh. San Diego has found a rotation at defensive tackle that works and over the last three games the Bolts are allowing just 3.3 yards a carry (some weak opponents helped, but Denver was also in that mix). Okay, the Chargers rushing defense appears sieve-like when you examine the gross yards allowed, but YPC allowed tells a much fairer story. In that stat, San Diego is at the league median, 4.2 a pop.

And then there's Bradshaw himself, a No. 2 runner who's coming off two nothing games (21 carries, 53 yards, one fumble lost, one late-game meltdown against Arizona). The Giants have stopped using him as a receiver (two catches in six weeks) because they don't trust his pass blocking, and then there's the cracked bone in Bradshaw's foot, a time bomb if there ever was one. If you feel painted into a corner and want to use Bradshaw that's one thing, but this isn't a proactive play in Week 9. -Pianow

Hines Ward(notes) – Funston rank 7, composite rank 13

Hell hath no fury like Hines Ward following a one-catch performance. Over the past 10 seasons, Ward has averaged 6.1 receptions, 76.5 receiving yards and has scored five TDs in the eight games that have followed outings in which he only caught one pass. OK, so there’s some flimsy logic attached with that argument and I probably could have used the time it took to look that up a bit more constructively. But I actually do think the Monday night game sets up well for Ward. Denver is second in the league in QB sacks and it is among the stingiest in the league in terms of the number of deep passes allowed – just 15 pass plays of 20-plus yards and only one of 40-plus yards. Pittsburgh is suspect in pass protection, but it won’t be able to just squat on the ground game, as the Broncos have allowed the second-fewest yards per carry in the NFL (3.4). So I think QB Ben Roethlisberger(notes) is going to have to utilize Ward often in the short-to-intermediate range passing game. I’m putting him down for something like 7 catches, 90 yards and a TD. -BFun

Carson Palmer(notes) - Evans rank 8, composite rank 13

Fully rested and itching to take the field, Carson Palmer is more than ready to battle Baltimore once again. Five weeks ago he played fairly well against the Ravens, totaling 271 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Although Ray Lewis(notes) and company played with marked vigor last week versus Denver, this is still a vulnerable unit, especially vertically. Over the past four weeks, Baltimore has yielded 239.8 yards per game and a 5:1 TD-to-INT split. And on the season, the Ravens have allowed the ninth-most 20-yard pass plays.

With Chris Henry finally at 100 percent and given Palmer’s recent hot hand at home (6:1 TD-to-INT in his last two), the former Trojan should drive a short-sword into the heart of his archrival. Expect roughly 260-280 yards with 2-3 touchdowns. -Noise

Kevin Boss(notes) - Behrens rank 8, composite rank 13

Boss made a nifty catch for an 18-yard TD against the Eagles last week and he finished the game with 70 receiving yards, but this rank has nothing to do with his recent performance. This ranking is strictly a matchup thing. Boss faces San Diego in Week 9. To no one's surprise, the Chargers currently rank among the most generous teams to opposing tight ends; their defense allowed the most fantasy points to TEs in both 2008 and 2006. If you're among the many fantasy owners who just lost Owen Daniels(notes) (ACL) for the year, Boss is a widely available option who can contribute, at least for a week. -AB

Kellen Winslow(notes) – Funston rank 6, composite rank 12

Rookie QB Josh Freeman(notes), making his first start on Sunday, understands what to expect this weekend. Said Freeman this earlier week, "Teams are probably going to bring a lot at me as far as blitzes, which I’m prepared for because that opens a lot of stuff up down the field and in the middle of the field." That middle of the field is the domain of Winslow and we’ve already seen earlier in the season when the Bucs had an inexperienced QB (Josh Johnson(notes)) facing a blitz-happy opponent (Philly in Week 5) that Winslow became a major point of emphasis (9 catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs). Tampa Bay is talking about letting Freeman take his shots in the passing game this week, and I expect Winslow to be a very attractive security-blanket target for the rookie. -BFun

Mike Bell(notes) – Pianowski rank 19, composite rank 29

When we examine fantasy stocks, it ultimately comes down to a Tale of the TOE – talent, opportunity and environment. Mike Bell doesn't grade out very highly in the first part of that equation, but his workload and supporting cast in New Orleans have turned him into a sneaky-reliable fantasy option in 2009.

The undefeated Saints provide plenty of opportunity in the running game, especially in the fourth quarter as they're looking to drain the clock and salt away victories. Bell has 89 carries in the five games he's dressed for and he's seen as one of the two main options (along with Pierre Thomas(notes)) when the Saints get close to the goal line. Carolina might not put up much of a fight here; the Panthers are handing out 4.5 yards a pop on the ground and they head to the Big Easy as 13-point underdogs.

Don't worry about the presence of Reggie Bush(notes), it's not going to hold Bell back – Bush has just 17 touches over the last three weeks. Fullback Heath Evans(notes) used to steal some short-yardage looks but that's over now, Evans is on IR and done for the season. Thomas is clearly the most talented back the Saints have but Sean Payton shows reluctance to overuse Thomas; the head coach will make sure Bell is a part of the plan. In the messy time-share world of Fantasy Football 2009, don't underestimate the importance of a safe and projectable workload, something Bell offers every week he plays. Here's a forecast to help you sort through your Bell-related decisions: 17 touches, 83 yards, 0.75 touchdowns. -Pianow

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Photos via AP Images

Hey, we finally have an update on Sammy Morris(notes) that includes references to specific body parts and a recovery time frame!

Patriots running back Sammy Morris could be back in two weeks, the Herald has learned.

The veteran suffered a torn MCL on his first carry against the Titans and is close to returning. He’ll miss the Dolphins game and likely the visit to the Colts.

Presumably, the Boston Herald reporters who extracted this information from Pats sources relied on barbaric interrogative methods, so perhaps the reports cannot be trusted. Not sure. But those are some of the first meaningful, non-speculative notes we've seen.

If Morris only misses two more games, he'll make it back for the home matchup with the Jets on November 22. Laurence Maroney(notes) now has two weeks to demonstrate that he deserves a serious role; recall that the Patriots end-of-season schedule is extremely RB-friendly (CAR, at BUF, JAC, at HOU).

Roddy White(notes) wasn't able to practice on Thursday due to a knee injury of unknown severity. Those who report on the Falcons do not seem terribly concerned, but the threat level will be elevated if White doesn't practice Friday. [AtlantaFalcons.com]

Update: Relax. White was a limited participant in practice on Friday. His head coach expects him to be ready to play against Washington. 

Neither Aaron Rodgers(notes) (foot, toe) nor Donald Driver(notes) (stinger) practiced on Thursday. Rodgers is expected to return on Friday, and Mike McCarthy has declared that Driver will face the Bucs this week as long as doctors approve, whether he practices or not. But the best news regarding the Green Bay offense is probably this: RT Mark Tauscher(notes) and LT Chad Clifton(notes) are both expected to play. [Green Bay Press Gazette, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Update: Rodgers and Driver were both back at practice on Friday. Crisis averted.

The Lions' official position on Calvin Johnson(notes) is that he's a game-time decision. Megatron describes the condition of his knee this way: "I’m feeling alright. It’s just a few little nicks and bruises left in there or whatever and I’m just trying to fight through that, but otherwise I’m alright. I’m able to practice, so it’s feeling pretty good. Just a little tightness in there." [DetroitLions.com] 

Update: Both Johnson and Kevin Smith practiced Friday. Very promising.

The Colts are dealing with all sorts of injury issues right now, and their secondary isn't close to full strength. Here's the official release from the team via the Indianapolis Star:

"The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran free agent defensive end Josh Thomas(notes) and have placed defensive back Marlin Jackson(notes) on injured reserve. Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez(notes) underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery yesterday to clean out loose particles, and safety Bob Sanders(notes) visited with Dr. James Andrews yesterday to gather additional information on the left elbow injury he suffered last Sunday against San Francisco, the club announced today.

"Jackson suffered the left knee injury during a non-contact drill early in Wednesday's practice. He is out for the remainder of the season. Gonzalez suffered a recent setback in practice that led to yesterday's procedure. A timetable for his return is not determined."

Goodness. That's a lot of information to process. With Jackson and Sanders out and CB Kelvin Hayden(notes) (knee) dinged as well, we could see some unusually large point totals posted against the Colts' D. Over the next month they'll face Houston (twice), New England and Baltimore.

Gonzalez is tough to roster in any non-dynasty league at this point. Maybe he'll make it back by the fantasy playoffs, but the setback is clearly a bad sign and the Colts do not lack capable receiving options. [Indianapolis Star]

Update: NFL Network reports that Sanders will be "out indefinitely." This could be a season-ender, it appears. 

It was recently brought to my attention that we failed to link to the Rams Report Card following the team's first win. That was an unfortunate oversight, corrected today. It's the best report card the Rams have brought home since maybe '03, so we shouldn't ignore it. They finally received an "A" for something. Steven Jackson's family is now eligible for a bumper sticker that says "My kid made the honor roll at the Post-Dispatch Football Academy," and his offensive linemen should get 'em, too. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]

Anquan Boldin(notes) (ankle) did not practice on Thursday; he remains a game-time decision, though there are few obvious reasons for optimism. The Cardinals travel to Soldier Field in Week 9 to face the Bears, a team that has its own receiver issues. Devin Hester(notes) (ankle) was a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday, but he's already stated "I'm going to play." [The Arizona Republic]

Update: Hester returned to practice on Friday. Phew.

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Photo via US Presswire

* The big news of the day broke just over an hour ago. Kevin Martin(notes) has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left wrist and treatment options are currently being discussed. Technically it could be much worse, as it's his non-shooting wrist, but this still figures to be a blow for fantasy owners and a very thin Kings roster. The Kings waived Desmond Mason(notes) today, meaning that rookie Omri Casspi(notes) would likely be the main benefactor if Martin were to miss time. Another plausible scenario would be Beno Udrih(notes) moving back into the starting lineup, pushing Tyreke Evans(notes) to shooting guard. 

• Another does of reality for Channing Frye(notes) owners on Wednesday, as early foul trouble resulted from his matching up with Dwight Howard(notes), and he finished with five points, 1 three, and four boards in 19 minutes. It should also be a cautionary tale for those of you with trade offers rolling in from current Frye owners. He should be good in general, but don't pay for production from his first three games alone. Also keep in mind that we'll get a Robin Lopez(notes) update next week and, while Frye is light-years ahead of him on offense, he's a much better defensive option against the "true" centers of the league.

• Leandro Barbosa(notes) missed another game because of the cyst in his right wrist, but he should be back soon, barring any complications.

• Vince Carter(notes) (ankle) did not play Wednesday and he'll be a game-time decision on Friday.

• Richard Hamilton's(notes) ankle has been slow to heal, making doubtful for Friday and possibly beyond. Those of you in deeper leagues should consider a Will Bynum(notes) add for the weekend - he's averaged 18 points on 46-percent shooting, 1 three, 3 boards, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30 minutes over the past two games. The Pistons play Friday (@ORL) and Sunday (PHI), but have only one weekday game in Week 3 (Wednesday, CHA).

• Quentin Richardson(notes) is playing a ton while Daequan Cook's(notes) shoulder has kept him sidelined (40 minutes per over the past two games) and the threes are falling (9-for-16 from long-range in those games). He'll probably be good for Friday's tilt with Denver, but the Heat then have three days off and Cook isn't expected to be out much longer.

• If there is a slight bit of fantasy value to be mined from the "other" Nets' bigs while Yi Jianlian(notes) is out, it will come from Josh Boone(notes), who compiled 11 points, 8 boards, two steals, and one block in 29 minutes of the blowout loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday. Deep-leaguers should keep an eye on the situation and keep in mind that Boone's career per-36's include 9.9 boards and 1.4 blocks.

• Troy Murphy(notes) (back) had trouble putting on his shoes Wednesday, so playing was not a consideration. Consider him very questionable for Friday's game versus Washington - the Pacers then have four consecutive days off before playing the Warriors on Wednesday.

• 15 points, 14 boards, and two blocks is all well and good, but the best part of Roy Hibbert's(notes) line on Wednesday was zero fouls in 29 minutes. He remains unrostered in half of Yahoo! leagues despite season averages that include 10.8 points, 10.3 boards, and 2.3 blocks in 26 minutes. 

• Although his 24 points versus the Celtics was, in a word, unexpected, Oleksiy Pecherov(notes) does have some offensive skills and he's likely to play plenty while Kevin Love(notes) remains out, particularly in the wake of his Wednesday performance. The T-Wolves' shedule is pretty favorable in the short-term, with six games (featuring MIL, @GSW, @MEM) over the next nine days. We should have an update on Love roughly two weeks from now.

• It was good to see Spencer Hawes(notes) back in the starting lineup on Wednesday, even though he had a sub-par offensive game against the Hawks (31 minutes, 6 points, 3-of-9 shooting).

• Look here and here for some insight into why Tyreke Evans' shooting percentage is hovering just below 35 percent.  

• Is the writing on the wall for Mike Conley(notes)? He certainly didn't help himself Wednesday, posting eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in 30 minutes while Allen Iverson(notes) went for 18 points (8 of 12) in 27 minutes.

• Two updates, one link: Andrew Bynum(notes) is doubtful for Friday because of a strained right elbow, although the injury isn't considered to be "too serious." Pau Gasol(notes) was a minor participant in practice on Thursday, but he remains "very doubtful" for Friday.  D.J. Mbenga(notes) should get extended run in the Lakers' frontcourt versus the Grizzlies.

• Two more updates, another single link: Devin Harris(notes) (groin) is looking at another two weeks at minimum before he'll be ready for a return.

“It could take four weeks to heal. If I come back in two weeks and I still feel it, I’m going to take the next two weeks. I’m hoping to be back in two weeks. That’s what I’m hoping for. We don’t have a date quite in mind. It comes down to when I come back I want to be completely healthy.”

Doh. Rafer Alston(notes) will continue to be a fairly poor option as the team's starter in the interim. And Chris Douglas-Roberts(notes) is now doubtful for Friday, as he did not travel with the team because of flu-like symptoms. Assuming he's only sidelined for a few days, CDR remains a solid pick-up for fantasy owners looking for some offensive help on the cheap.

• Tyrus Thomas(notes) traveled to Cleveland on Thursday and will "try" to play versus the Cavs, although he's still not completely recovered from his bout with the flu.

• Dwight Howard is dealing with a sore shoulder but, thankfully, there is no structural damage. 

• Click here for a detailed breakdown of the Anthony Randolph(notes) "situation", which the writer offers as that he's going to struggle for playing time as one of the team's backup centers because Don Nelson flat-out doesn't like his game. It's not going to make anyone suddenly become optimistic, I can assure you of that. So, clearly Randolph is just a matchup play at best for the immediate future, and that worst-case scenario that was only given a slim chance of taking place was in full swing essentially from the outset of the season. Would I blame you for cutting Randolph right now? No. But my advice is to give him one more week before you make a move, as the Warriors have LAC, SAC, MIN, IND, NYK, and MIL lined up through next Friday. If he can't get something going versus that collection of defenses - or if Nellie simply won't allow it to happen - then he truly may be hopeless.

• You didn't think you were going to get through a Thursday without an Eddy Curry(notes) Line mention, did you? A few of the highlights from the early-going: Jason Thompson(notes) (14.5:1) has struggled with his shot thus far, but not on the Curry Line, thanks to 29 positive stats (19 assists, 3 steals, 7 blocks) and just two turnovers ... After averaging 1.9 turnovers in 24 minutes last season, Louis Williams(notes) (6.75:1) is averaging just 1 in 35 minutes ... Stephen Curry(notes) (4.5:1) is at the head of the rookie pack ... Russell Westbrook(notes) (1.818:1) has been filling it up all over, but that includes a whopping 5 turnovers per game ... Caron Butler's(notes) (0.8:1) counting stats are down all over - through four games, he only has three assists and three steals ... Tyson Chandler(notes) (0.625:1) is bringing up the rear for qualifiers, thanks to five positive stats (1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks) and eight turnovers.

Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning(notes)
2. Drew Brees(notes)
3. Philip Rivers(notes)
4. Tom Brady(notes)
5. Aaron Rodgers(notes)
6. Ben Roethlisberger(notes)
7. Matt Schaub(notes)
8. Tony Romo(notes)
9. Brett Favre(notes)
10. Donovan McNabb(notes)
11. Kurt Warner(notes)
12. Jay Cutler(notes)
13. Matt Ryan(notes)
14. Eli Manning(notes)
15. Joe Flacco(notes)
16. Carson Palmer(notes)
17. Matt Hasselbeck(notes)
18. David Garrard(notes)
19. Kyle Orton(notes)
20. Matt Cassel(notes)
21. Alex Smith
22. Matthew Stafford(notes)
23. Mark Sanchez(notes)
24. Vince Young(notes)
25. Chad Henne(notes)
26. Jason Campbell(notes)
27. Jake Delhomme(notes)
28. Matt Leinart(notes)
29. Kevin Kolb(notes)
30. Marc Bulger(notes)
31. Trent Edwards(notes)
32. Josh Freeman(notes)
33. JaMarcus Russell(notes)
34. Shaun Hill(notes)
35. Daunte Culpepper(notes)
36. Todd Collins(notes)
37. Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes)
38. Seneca Wallace(notes)
39. Kerry Collins(notes)
40. Derek Anderson(notes)

Comments: As great as Matt Schaub has been, he's facing two Indy games and a bye in the next four weeks and I'm a little concerned about the Owen Daniels(notes) loss. … Matt Hasselbeck is an intriguing matchup play to consider down the stretch as your No. 2, but it's a shame that the Titans are wasted in Week 17. … I'm not sweating the Matt Ryan slump too much. Imagine how great this guy would be if the Falcons had a legitimate No. 2 wideout. … It pains me to say it but Brett Favre is in the MVP discussion. I'm not saying I'd pick him, but how can you keep him out of the Top 5? … Mike Heimerdinger had a smart Young-friendly game plan for VY's return last week; Young's an improviser, not a pocket quarterback. I'm not guaranteeing this will be a happy ending for the Titans, but if you're going to make a go of it with Young, that's how you have to play it.

Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Maurice Jones-Drew(notes)
3. Michael Turner(notes)
4. Ray Rice(notes)
5. Cedric Benson(notes)
6. Thomas Jones(notes)
7. Ronnie Brown(notes)
8. Steven Jackson
9. Chris Johnson
10. DeAngelo Williams(notes)
11. Brandon Jacobs(notes)
12. Frank Gore(notes)
13. Rashard Mendenhall(notes)
14. Pierre Thomas(notes)
15. Joseph Addai(notes)
16. Matt Forte(notes)
17. Ryan Grant(notes)
18. Marion Barber(notes)
19. Ricky Williams(notes)
20. Mike Bell(notes)
21. Marshawn Lynch(notes)
22. LaDainian Tomlinson(notes)
23. Steve Slaton(notes)
24. Brian Westbrook(notes)
25. Clinton Portis(notes)
26. Kevin Smith(notes)
27. Knowshon Moreno(notes)
28. Tim Hightower(notes)
29. Jonathan Stewart(notes)
30. Carnell Williams(notes)
31. Donald Brown(notes)
32. Laurence Maroney(notes)
33. Beanie Wells(notes)
34. Ahmad Bradshaw(notes)
35. Felix Jones(notes)
36. Correll Buckhalter(notes)
37. Jamaal Charles(notes)
38. Ryan Moats(notes)
39. Shonn Greene(notes)
40. Reggie Bush(notes)
41. Julius Jones(notes)
42. Darren McFadden(notes)
43. Darren Sproles(notes)
44. LeSean McCoy(notes)
45. Jamal Lewis(notes)
46. LenDale White(notes)
47. Tashard Choice(notes)
48. Fred Jackson(notes)
49. Justin Fargas(notes)
50. Derrick Ward(notes)
51. Jerome Harrison(notes)
52. Maurice Morris(notes)
53. Willis McGahee(notes)
54. Larry Johnson(notes)
55. Glen Coffee(notes)
56. Willie Parker(notes)
57. BenJarvus Green-Ellis(notes)
58. Michael Bush(notes)
59. Jason Snelling(notes)
60. Kevin Faulk(notes)
61. Ahman Green(notes)
62. Javon Ringer(notes)
63. Mewelde Moore(notes)
64. Le'Ron McClain(notes)
65. Sammy Morris(notes)

Comments: There's no right answer to the Slaton/Moats thing right now. I wish there were. All we can do is make wild guesses. … LaDainian Tomlinson looks just about cooked from an efficiency standpoint, but he's getting bailed out by the volume. … I don't want to hear any whining about Michael Turner; when your No. 3 overall pick turns in a legitimate Top 10 season at his position, you take it. He may not be winning a title for you single-handedly, but he's not losing it for you, either. Curse of 370? For my money, it's hogwash. … I don't see how Brian Westbrook is going to bail out anyone's season. He hasn't had more than 16 touches in any game.

Wide Receiver
1. Reggie Wayne(notes)
2. Larry Fitzgerald(notes)
3. Marques Colston(notes)
4. Randy Moss(notes)
5. Andre Johnson(notes)
6. Vincent Jackson(notes)
7. Roddy White(notes)
8. Chad Ochocinco(notes)
9. Wes Welker(notes)
10. DeSean Jackson(notes)
11. Brandon Marshall(notes)
12. Miles Austin(notes)
13. Donald Driver(notes)
14. Dwayne Bowe(notes)
15. Sidney Rice(notes)
16. Greg Jennings(notes)
17. Hines Ward(notes)
18. Nate Burleson(notes)
19. Calvin Johnson(notes)
20. Mike Sims-Walker(notes)
21. Anquan Boldin(notes)
22. Santonio Holmes(notes)
23. Devin Hester(notes)
24. Steve Smith (NYG)
25. Derrick Mason(notes)
26. T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes)
27. Steve Smith (CAR)
28. Braylon Edwards(notes)
29. Michael Crabtree(notes)
30. Percy Harvin(notes)
31. Jerricho Cotchery(notes)
32. Hakeem Nicks(notes)
33. Bernard Berrian(notes)
34. Kevin Walter(notes)
35. Austin Collie(notes)
36. Jeremy Maclin(notes)
37. Steve Breaston(notes)
38. Johnny Knox(notes)
39. Mike Wallace(notes)
40. Santana Moss(notes)
41. Malcom Floyd(notes)
42. Torry Holt(notes)
43. Terrell Owens(notes)
44. Mohamed Massaquoi(notes)
45. Antonio Bryant(notes)
46. Lee Evans(notes)
47. Mario Manningham(notes)
48. Donnie Avery(notes)
49. Mark Clayton(notes)
50. Eddie Royal(notes)
51. Roy Williams
52. Earl Bennett(notes)
53. Anthony Gonzalez(notes)
54. Nate Washington(notes)
55. Pierre Garcon(notes)
56. James Jones(notes)
57. Michael Jenkins(notes)
58. Chaz Schilens(notes)
59. Lance Moore(notes)
60. Laveranues Coles(notes)
61. Danny Amendola(notes)
62. Jacoby Jones(notes)
63. Patrick Crayton(notes)
64. Davone Bess(notes)
65. Devery Henderson(notes)
66. Chris Chambers(notes)
67. Ted Ginn Jr.(notes)
68. Brian Hartline(notes)
69. Sam Aiken(notes)
70. Josh Morgan(notes)
71. Kenny Britt(notes)
72. Andre Caldwell(notes)

Comments: The bubble may have burst on the Giants receivers; Eli's struggling with his mechanics and there are plenty of challenging matchups ahead. … Thirty passes have been thrown Mohamad Massaquoi's way the last few weeks, with nine of them complete. I like the kid, I really do, but I don't know any receiver who could make a go of it the way Derek Anderson is playing right now. … In medium and shallow leagues, I wouldn't bother wasting a bench spot on Anthony Gonzalez. … More deep passing from the Broncos – okay, some deep passing – would open things up a bit for Brandon Marshall. Baby TO is averaging just eight yards a grab over the last three weeks. …Teddy Ginn's jets make him a dangerous return man, but his spotty hands kill most of his fantasy value nonetheless. … The time has come – Nutty Roy Williams needs his own reality show. It has to be more interesting than watching him drop passes on Sundays.

Tight End
1. Dallas Clark(notes)
2. Tony Gonzalez(notes)
3. Antonio Gates(notes)
4. Vernon Davis(notes)
5. Jason Witten(notes)
6. Brent Celek(notes)
7. Jeremy Shockey(notes)
8. Heath Miller(notes)
9. Greg Olsen(notes)
10. Visanthe Shiancoe(notes)
11. John Carlson(notes)
12. Fred Davis(notes)
13. Kellen Winslow(notes)
14. Todd Heap(notes)
15. Zach Miller
16. Tony Scheffler(notes)
17. Benjamin Watson(notes)
18. Jermichael Finley(notes)
19. Dustin Keller(notes)
20. Kevin Boss(notes)
21. Marcedes Lewis(notes)
22. Bo Scaife(notes)
23. Anthony Fasano(notes)
24. Brandon Pettigrew(notes)
25. Donald Lee(notes)
26. Spencer Havner(notes)
27. Chris Cooley(notes)
28. Joel Dreessen(notes)
29. Sean Ryan(notes)
30. Randy McMichael(notes)

Comments: Sooner or later the Miles Austin emergence has to help Jason Witten, and this week's matchup is define for JW (the Eagles refuse to cover opposing tight ends). … Jason Campbell is the NFC's Captain Checkdown, and that makes Freddy Davis worth a rental. … Keller's big game gets him back on the radar, but let's not look past his putrid catch-to-target rate (23 grabs, 49 targets). Okay, that's on Mark Sanchez more than Keller, but it's still a problem.

Defense
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Denver Broncos
6. New York Giants
7. New England Patriots
8. Green Bay Packers
9. Arizona Cardinals
10. San Francisco 49ers
11. Indianapolis Colts
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Baltimore Ravens
14. New York Jets
15. Miami Dolphins
16. Buffalo Bills
17. Houston Texans
18. Washington Redskins
19. San Diego Chargers
20. Seattle Seahawks
21. Chicago Bears
22. Cincinnati Bengals
23. Atlanta Falcons
24. Oakland Raiders
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Tennessee Titans
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Cleveland Browns
30. St. Louis Rams
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32. Detroit Lions

Comments: You never take a defense early, amigos. It's a floating position, a streamer position. … Maybe the Saints have been lucky with some of those runbacks, but look at their cushy schedule on the way (Panthers, Rams, Bucs next three weeks). … The Houston defense was a joke in the early part of the season but it's rallied nicely; over the last five weeks the Texans have been the stingiest defense against opposing running backs and no one is even close. … The Vikings are piling up the sacks but that doesn't mean you can't throw on these guys; Minnesota's allowed a 93.3 QB rating for the season. … The Raiders defense isn't that bad, it just bears an unreasonable burden because the Oakland offense is beyond terrible.

Kicker
1. Ryan Longwell(notes)
2. Nate Kaeding(notes)
3. Mason Crosby(notes)
4. Stephen Gostkowski(notes)
5. David Akers(notes)
6. Lawrence Tynes(notes)
7. Nick Folk(notes)
8. Matt Prater(notes)
9. John Carney(notes)
10. Matt Stover(notes)
11. Jason Elam(notes)
12. Jay Feely(notes)
13. Neil Rackers(notes)
14. Jeff Reed(notes)
15. Robbie Gould(notes)
16. Kris Brown(notes)
17. Steven Hauschka(notes)
18. Joe Nedney(notes)
19. Shayne Graham(notes)
20. Rian Lindell(notes)
21. Josh Scobee(notes)
22. John Kasay(notes)
23. Olindo Mare(notes)
24. Josh Brown(notes)
25. Rob Bironas(notes)
26. Dan Carpenter(notes)
27. Shaun Suisham(notes)
28. Ryan Succop(notes)
29. Jason Hanson(notes)
30. Sebastian Janikowski(notes)
31. Phil Dawson(notes)
32. Connor Barth(notes)

Okay, now it's time for your intelligent disagreement in the comments. Your difference of opinion is welcome, but make sure you back up your stance.

If you shrewdly drafted a fantasy roster full of Lions this year, we have great news for you today via the Detroit Free Press: "All but one of the players on the Lions’ active roster were on the field [practicing] today. … The only exception was defensive tackle Grady Jackson(notes), but that has been the routine for the 36-year-old veteran."

Calvin Johnson(notes) (knee) and Kevin Smith(notes) (shoulder) both practiced, though Johnson was listed as limited. But even a limited Megatron is still, you know...a giant badass Decepticon. "As long as I don’t have any setbacks," he said, "I think it’ll look brighter for Sunday." [Detroit Free Press]

The Texans are not interested in helping you make lineup decisions, fantasy owner: "Coach Gary Kubiak won't say who's going to start at running back against the Colts but did say that Steve Slaton(notes), Ryan Moats(notes) and Chris Brown will play." Expect Slaton and Moats to both receive flex-ish ranks in Week 9, despite the fact that Indianapolis' defense gives up 4.5 yards per carry and 112.0 per game. [Houston Chronicle]

We've got no link for this one, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless: David Fleming's piece on the Saints' offense in the current ESPN the Mag (p. 60) is an excellent read, particularly if you're a Giants fan who's trying to process the events of October 18. "We're going to try to formation you to death and personnel you to death," says Drew Brees(notes). The game action that Fleming describes was well chosen. Please read. 

After seven games, Chris Johnson leads the NFL in rushing with 824 yards (6.9 YPC). He's on pace for nearly 1,900 yards this season, but that's slightly short of his goal. "'I told [the offensive line] if I get to 2,000 yards I'd buy them all a car.' … Johnson said he made no promises about the make or model of car, but said it would probably be something like a Honda." Not sure if it's a goal of Johnson's or not, but if he would like to find himself atop the fantasy RB ranks each week for the rest of the season, an '03 Civic with reasonable mileage should take care of it. [Nashville Tennessean]

You shouldn't need a Masters in Library Science to figure out how to manage a fantasy roster, but it doesn't hurt. This week, the Fantasy Football Librarian takes a look at favorable end-of-season schedules. [Bruno Boys]

Devin Hester(notes) (ankle) sat out another practice on Thursday, though he said yesterday that he expects to face Arizona this weekend. Per Brad Biggs, "The best guess is they will try to get him some work in practice on Friday. Stay tuned." [Chicago Sun-Times]

Say what you will about Roy Williams, but I'm enjoying him. Especially this week, after his declaration that he's still Dallas' No. 1 receiver (despite the fact that he's fourth on the team in both receptions and yards). Terrell Owens(notes) was never this funny: "[Miles Austin(notes)] gets the ball thrown correctly his way. I'm stretching and falling and doing everything. Everybody who's been here's balls are there. Our footballs are everywhere right now." [Shutdown Corner]

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Photo via US Presswire

Each week the Noise highlights eight somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined for flame madness or lame sadness. Being an accountability advocate, he will tally his hits and misses and post the results, whether genius or moronic, each week using the scoring system posted here.

More Noise: Alexander the soon-to-be Great

FLAMES (Started in less than 60 percent of Y! Plus leagues)

Joe Flacco(notes), Bal, QB (Noise QB Rank: 8, Start: All Leagues, 34% started)

Matchup: at Cin

In two of his past three contests, including an unexciting effort Week 5 versus Cincinnati, Flacco has been relatively flightless, failing to eclipse the 200-yard mark. The Bengals frustrated the Ravens rising star the first go-round by shifting extra help to Derrick Mason's(notes) side. Based on the crafty veteran's bagel effort (1 tgt, 0 catches), the bracketing plan worked flawlessly. This time, the Baltimore passing attack will be more prepared. Susceptible to the deep-ball, the Bengals have yielded the sixth-most 20-yard pass plays this season. Since Week 4, they've also allowed 275.3 passing yards and 1.8 aerial strikes per game to QBs, equal to the fourth-most fantasy points conceded. Flacco, who Josh McDaniels compared to Ben Roethlisberger(notes) last week, sported a ridiculous 70.9 completion percentage in his first tango with the Queen City Cats, but averaged a meager six yards per attempt. Due to Cincy's shortcomings downfield, he will fire numerous bombs in the rematch. Expect top 10 numbers in Week 9.

Fearless Forecast: 24-36, 256 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 19 fantasy points

Rashard Mendenhall(notes), Pit, RB (Noise RB Rank: 12, Start: All Leagues, 47% started)

Matchup: at Den

After a week off, Pittsburgh's dancing machine is ready to Tootsie Roll the Broncos under the primetime lights. On paper, the matchup appears intimidating. Denver's hyperactive 3-4 defense has done a sensational job plugging frontline gaps, limiting rushers to just 3.6 yards per carry and two scores since Week 4. But as Ray Rice(notes) proved last week, the Broncos can be a bend-don't-break unit. The numbers support this insinuation. Over the past five weeks, they've surrendered 150.8 total yards per game. Since overtaking Willie Parker(notes) several weeks ago, Mendenhall, who's always a central subject in Noise's wildest mantasies, has performed remarkably well, even against stiff competition. Prior to the Steelers' bye, he crumbled the Williams Wall, racking a 6.9 yards-per-carry mark. Indicative in Pittsburgh's large pass/run disparity, the club has strayed away from its ground-pounding roots. But due to the swarming nature of the Broncos D, a more balanced approach will likely be implemented. Don't be swayed by the supposedly difficult matchup. When not plagued by Slatonitis, Mendenhall is a beast.

Fearless Forecast: 18 carries, 79 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 24 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16 fantasy points

Julius Jones(notes), Sea, RB (Noise RB Rank: 15, Start: All Leagues, 48% started)

Matchup: vs. Det

Riding an enraged bull barebacked may seem less risky than trusting a Hawks rusher, but the Hello Kitties of Detroit can temporarily enhance the value of any depressed commodity. Missing in action since Week 3, the still heavily owned Jones has provided smallish returns. In his past four contests, he's averaged a sorrowful 2.8 yards per carry and 41 total yards per game. However, early in last week's blowout loss at Dallas he showed some spark, totaling 27 first-quarter yards. But in-game circumstances combined with Seattle's horrific run-blocking stymied his overall production. Compared to the Cowboys – or anyone outside of Buffalo for that matter – the Lions' run defense is abysmal. Over the past five weeks, they've surrendered 5.7 yards per carry, 151.8 total yards per game and five scores to RBs, equal to the seventh-most fantasy points allowed. Bottom line: Seattle has to establish continuity in the running game if it has any chance of salvaging the season. With Edgerrin James(notes) finally put out to pasture, Jones should net his finest performance in several weeks.

Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 90 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 17 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16 fantasy points

Ahmad Bradshaw(notes), NYG, RB (Noise RB Rank: 14, Start: All Leagues, 43% started)

Matchup: vs. SD

Broken metatarsal, shredded glute, impaled brain – the Bride of Frankenstein could play through any excruciating injury. Though dealing with intense foot pain, it appears stingy opponents, not the setback, have slowed Bradshaw down. But despite averaging under 3.0 yards per carry in his past two contests, the lightning complement to Brandon Jacobs(notes) has flirted with the RB top 20 over the past five weeks. During that stretch he's tallied an impressive 5.1 yards per carry, 65 total yards per game and four scores. As owners have witnessed routinely this season, the Bolts have been overpowered in the trenches, yielding the fifth-most fantasy points to rushers. Due to Eli Manning's(notes) inconsistencies and San Diego's defensive inadequacies, Kevin Gilbride will surely devise a throwback, ground-centered gameplan. In a pivotal clash for both teams, Bradshaw will rise to the occasion.

Fearless Forecast: 11 carries, 54 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 20 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13 fantasy points

Michael Crabtree(notes), SF, WR (Noise WR Rank: 12, Start: All Leagues, 57% started)

Matchup: vs. Ten

A little over two weeks ago, Crabtree's immediate NFL future was shrouded in doubt. Based on his outstanding early returns, it's amazing how seamless his midseason transition from holdout to starter has been. As Alex Smith noted earlier this week, the rookie's "strong hands" and "good route-running" have lived up to the first-round hype. This week against a bendable Tennessee secondary, the youngster may easily take the next step. Though the Titans received a major boost last week with the return of All-Pro corner Cortland Finnegan(notes), this is still an exploitable unit. Remember no team has surrendered more yards and scores to wideouts than Jeff Fisher's club. The chemistry between Smith and Crabtree should continue to blossom.

Fearless Forecast: 7 receptions, 94 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15 fantasy points

Jeremy Maclin(notes), Phi, WR (Noise WR Rank: 20, Start: All Leagues, 39% started)

Matchup: vs. Dal

The shake to DeSean Jackson's(notes) bake, Maclin, like his teammate, possesses serious NASCAR wheels. More than just a go-route guy, the rookie recently has become an entire-field asset in Andy Reid's pass-first system. Quietly over the past five weeks he's averaged four receptions, 62 yards and totaled three touchdowns, good for the 16th-best output at his position. The Cowboys have occasionally struggled in downfield coverage particularly of late. Since Week 4, they've yielded five touchdowns and the 10th-most fantasy points to wideouts. To combat their problems, Dallas corner Mike Jenkins(notes) plans to "hit (Philly receivers) in the mouth" via hard press coverage. But in a contest likely to produce plenty of fireworks, Maclin will throw a mean counterpunch, using his blazing 4.45-speed to gain separation and burn Jenkins deep. Trust the former Mizzou standout as a WR3 in all formats.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 62 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12 fantasy points

Santana Moss(notes), Was, WR (Noise WR Rank: 18, Start: All WR2 Leagues, 34% started)

Matchup: at Atl

Due to the absence of Brian Williams(notes) and general underperformance, the Atlanta secondary has continuously been victimized by opposing quarterbacks for much of the year. Embarrassed in downfield coverage, the Falcons have allowed the third-most 20-yard pass plays this season and the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers since Week 4. For the most part, Moss has been unreliable. He's only surpassed 10 fantasy points twice in seven games. But because of Atlanta's susceptibility to explosive pass plays, the matchup is unequivocally attractive. In a plea of humility, Dan Snyder apologized to the Redskins Nation for his team's deplorable play. But no one will feel sorry for Moss' performance in Week 9. 

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 84 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14 fantasy points

Benjamin Watson(notes), TE (Noise TE Rank: 10, Start: All Leagues, 23% started)

Matchup: vs. Mia

New England's wide variety of airborne weapons is a matchup nightmare for a Dolphins team whose biggest flaw is pass defense. With Randy Moss(notes) and Wes Welker(notes) drawing away so much attention, Watson, who's scored in two straight, could see an increase in targets, especially if linebacker Channing Crowder(notes) is limited or sidelined. Without the services of their No. 1 trash talker a week ago, Dustin Keller(notes) emerged from hibernation to maul Miami, snagging a Jets-best eight receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Torched by tight ends routinely – they've allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to oversized weapons this year – the Fins will likely cede a couple eye-catching plays to Watson across the middle.

Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 47 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 10 fantasy points

LAMES (Started in over 60 percent of Y! Plus leagues)

Jay Cutler(notes), Chi, QB (Noise QB Rank: 15, Bench: 8-14 team leagues, 66% started)

Matchup: vs. Ari

Disgustful looks have regularly graced the face of Cutler in recent weeks. Based on his Grossman-like string of performances, Chicago's offensive commander has seemingly driven the offensive ship into a group of hostile pirates. Pressured incessantly, he's thrown six picks and only three touchdowns in his past four contests, an outcome he blames on poor team-wide execution. Unfortunately for his backers, the heat won't be dialed down against Arizona. This game has all the trappings of 'Zona/Seattle clash earlier this season. In that contest, the Cards strangled Matt Hasselbeck(notes) by assaulting the Hawks' rickety offensive line. Given the endless issues the Bears have had in pass protection a similar blueprint will likely be followed. Since Week 4 the Desert Birds have surrendered just 204 yards per game and four touchdowns to passers, equal to the seventh-fewest fantasy points allowed. They've also forced five interceptions. Unless the Bears' hogs up front suddenly transform into a group of mutant swine, Cutler will again be ambushed.

Fearless Forecast: 23-36, 242 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 14 fantasy points

Chris Johnson, Ten, RB (Noise RB Rank: 16, NO BENCH, 96% started)

Matchup: at SF

In hindsight, maybe Gus Johnson should've replaced "cops" with "animated muffin tops" in his on-air analogy of Captain Quick's speed. Then again, Strawberry Shortcake would've probably been offended. With Johnson coming off a 228-yard destruction of Jacksonville it may seem like complete lunacy to designate him a lame. But against an unyielding San Francisco defense the fleet-footed rusher's rollercoaster season will again dip into a valley. Over the past four weeks, the Niners have surrendered a mere 3.6 yards per carry and 106 total yards per game to backs. More impressively, they've allowed just three 20-yard scampers this season. Until Vince Young(notes) can routinely complete a pass over 10 yards, defenses will key on the running game. The Jaguars did exactly that last week with zero success, but the Niners are a significantly better unit. You just know Patrick Willis(notes) will lead several charges into the gaps. For Johnson, the Battle by the Bay will be the calm before the Week 10 storm (home vs. Buffalo).

Fearless Forecast: 18 carries, 76 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 9 fantasy points

LaDainian Tomlinson(notes), SD, RB (Noise RB Rank: 21, Bench: 8-team leagues, 90% started)

Matchup: at NYG

A shadow of his prior greatness, the former league MVP has experienced a rapid decline in production. In his past three games, two against miserable defenses (KC and Oakland), he's averaged an uncharacteristic 3.3 yards per carry and 76.3 total yards per game. Subtract the two end-zone dives he racked against the rancid Raiders and LT has been nothing more than a deep-league flex option. The sands of the hourglass will only thin this week at the Meadowlands. The Giants have grossly underwhelmed in all facets of the game in recent weeks, especially defensively. Over the past five weeks, the Boys in Blue have surrendered 4.1 yards per carry, 115.4 total yards per game and nine touchdowns to RBs equal to the eight-most fantasy points allowed. But despite their inefficiencies, this is a club desperate to get back on track. Because of LT's dwindling explosiveness and the San Diego's run-blocking inconsistencies, the G-Men should dominate the interior. Another marginal effort from LT and Norv Turner might finally get a clue. The more dynamic Darren Sproles(notes) needs a larger workload.

Fearless Forecast: 19 carries, 63 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 7 fantasy points

Steve Slaton(notes), Hou, RB (Noise RB Rank: 23, Bench: 8-10 team leagues, 70% started)

Matchup: at Ind

Slaton, the central subject of much turmoil and controversy in the fantasy community this week, is an untrustworthy commodity in non-PPR formats. The emergence of Ryan Moats(notes) combined with The Slasher's crippling case of butter fingers has clouded his immediate value. Gary Kubiak, a Lucifer Shanahan disciple, stated clearly earlier this week he plans to institute a three-back rotation, splitting carries between Slaton, Moats and Chris Brown. Obviously, pinpointing the exact distribution of carries is guesswork, but Slaton should net roughly 12-15 touches. As Frank Gore(notes) proved last week, the Colts' Cover 2 is prone to creating voids in the short-field. With Owen Daniels(notes) in street clothes, Slaton will likely be targeted on numerous screens and swings. But Indy, which has yielded the sixth-fewest fantasy points to rushers since Week 4, won't be gashed in consecutive weeks. Slaton is a suitable RB2/Flex option in PPR leagues, but is pine-worthy in standard formats. Understand another fumble and he could be bound for fantasy purgatory.

Fearless Forecast: 14 carries, 48 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 36 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 8 fantasy points

Miles Austin(notes), Dal, WR (Noise WR Rank: 22, NO BENCH, 97% started)

Matchup: at Phi

The Capital of Texas has firmly planted steel-toed-boot-in-competition's-posterior in recent weeks. Ranked No. 1 at his position since Week 4, the 6-foot-3 corner climber has averaged an obscene six receptions, 125.3 yards per game and totaled five scores. But it's important to note those numbers were tallied against three defenses that rank in the bottom half in pass defense – KC, Atlanta and Seattle. This week's matchup with intradivision enemy Philadelphia will be Austin's first major test. Since Week 4, only one wideout has splashed pay-dirt and zero have surpassed the 75-yard mark against the Eagles – good for the third-fewest fantasy points conceded. Still, though numbskull Roy Williams may disagree, Austin is clearly Tony Romo's(notes) top target, which makes him almost impossible to demote in three-receiver leagues. But we're believers in Asante Samuel(notes).

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 68 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 6 fantasy points

Santonio Holmes(notes), Pit, WR (Noise WR Rank: 34, NO BENCH, 60% started)

Matchup: at Den

Holmes, like teammate Ryan Clark(notes), suffers from sickle cell, a trait which makes breathing difficult in high elevations. Two years ago, the Steelers wideout experienced minor problems in only game at Invesco Field. His ailment, and the Broncos' excellent secondary, could inhibit his output. On the season, only one receiver has eclipsed the 90-yard mark against Champ Bailey(notes) and company. They've also surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to receivers over the past four weeks. Outside Week 1, Holmes has failed to supplant Hines Ward(notes) as Ben Roethlisberger's primary weapon. That combined with Bruce Arians' spread-the-love philosophy has stymied his production. He ranks No. 38 in points per game among WRs since Week 4. Due to his potential health complications and the unsavory matchup, the former Buckeye is benchable in 12-team formats.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 56 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 5 fantasy points

Calvin Johnson(notes), Det, WR (Noise WR Rank: 25, NO BENCH, 61% started)

Matchup: at Sea

On blocks due to a nagging knee injury two Sundays in a row, Megatron exhibited no lingering effects earlier this week in practice declaring he's "ready to go." However, despite the optimistic prognosis, he is a suspect play on the road in Sasquatch country. The Hawks have been clipped vertically in recent weeks conceding five 70-yard performances and seven touchdowns to wideouts since Week 4 equal to the second-most fantasy points allowed. But the Seattle defense historically has played well, especially against feeble opponents, at home. Detroit quarterbacks have been sacked 24 times this season, the fourth-most in the NFL. Due to Matthew Stafford's(notes) inexperience and rustiness coming off a knee injury, Gus Bradley will call a bevy of blitzes to bewilder the rookie. If the Hawks' persistent harassment is successful, Johnson's return to the lineup could be spoiled.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 59 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 5 fantasy points

Jeremy Shockey(notes), NO, TE (Noise TE Rank: 13, Bench: 8-12 team leagues, 76% started)

Matchup: vs. Car

It's only appropriate in the Year of the Tight End one of the game's former stars has again illuminated. Through the first seven weeks, Shockey ranks No. 8 at his position. But occasionally in Sean Payton's spread system even the brightest of figures can fade into the darkness. That's what could happen to the heavily inked target this week. Carolina played extraordinarily well last week, befuddling Kurt Warner(notes) with numerous twists and stunts. Though the Sultan of Stubble pales in comparison to Drew Brees(notes), the Panthers' success defending the middle of the field could prove problematic for Shockey. On the season they've allowed just 4.6 receptions, 37.9 yards per game and three total touchdowns to enlarged weapons equal to the 11th-fewest fantasy points yielded. His healthy amount of looks in the red zone is difficult to ignore, but the former Giant could be a Week 9 bust on Bourbon Street.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 40 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 4 fantasy points

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Brandon Jacobs(notes) owners, your long nightmare is over. This is his week.

If Jacobs does not deliver a 15-point fantasy line against San Diego on Sunday, we're willing to waive all Roto Arcade Insider™ fees for November. That is how confident we are.

In a week where the NFL's most user-friendly run defenses all have byes (Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis), the Chargers are the team to pick on. They've given up 132.1 rushing yards per game. San Diego allows more fantasy points to opposing running backs than any other team active in Week 9. And right now, Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) is running on a peg leg. Jacobs is an outstanding play. Start him with full confidence.

He's near the top of the early ranks, prepared to serve…

Quarterbacks

This week, that commenter who routinely complains that we've disrespected Matt Schaub(notes) may finally have a case. Schaub is third in the NFL in passing yards per game (292.8) and he's tied for first in total touchdowns (16), yet he's only tenth in the preliminary ranks. (Nothing is final 'til Friday). His circumstances are challenging in Week 9. The Colts have given up only three passing TDs all year, and Schaub will be without Owen Daniels(notes) (ACL) for the remainder of the year. Steve Slaton's(notes) post-benching role remains a mystery, too. ... Tony Romo(notes) returns to the crime scene in Philadelphia. He's facing a defense that's second in the league in sacks (23.0) and third in interceptions (14). The Eagles have held six of their seven opponents to 17 points or less. ... Matt Cassel(notes) is coming off a bye and facing a Jacksonville defense that doesn't rush the passer (league-worst 5.0 sacks) and doesn't typically generate turnovers (five INTs). ... The case to add Alex Smith this week is easily made. The Titans have allowed more passing yards than any team in the league (282.4 per game), more touchdown passes (19) and the highest completion percentage (71.2). ... If you're playing for the top pick in next year's draft, go ahead and roll with Josh Freeman(notes). 

Running Backs

Ryan Grant(notes) rarely ranks as a strong play, but he'll get a Tampa Bay defense that's given up 162.4 rushing yards per game and 4.7 per carry. ... Yeah, that's an optimistic rank for Jamaal Charles(notes), particularly when you consider the fact that Kansas City has yet to score a rushing touchdown this year. But with Larry Johnson(notes) taking his annual mid-season break, Charles is in line for a full workload against a defense that just allowed 305 rushing yards to the one-dimensional Titans. Kolby Smith(notes) figures to make a cameo, but that's it. ... If the practice reports on Donald Brown(notes) (shoulder) remain relatively positive, he'll force his way into the ranks and Joseph Addai(notes) will obviously take a small hit. ... Kevin Smith(notes) (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday, but he's expected to participate on Thursday. His head coach just called him "our workhorse running back," so don't fret about Maurice Morris(notes). ... Running behind a miserable offensive line, Matt Forte(notes) managed only 3.5 yards per carry against the Browns. His longest carry went for 12 yards. If you're not shopping him furiously right now, then you're not trying. ... It's no easy task to rank the various pieces of the Houston backfield this week. We know that Steve Slaton isn't going to disappear entirely, but Gary Kubiak won't get into specifics about workload distribution in advance of the Colts game. Indy's defense allows 4.5 yards per rush, so there's an opportunity for someone to post useful fantasy totals. ... Regarding Ricky Williams(notes): The argument for ranking him No. 31 this week is really the same as last week's argument, when we ranked him No. 26 among the RBs (and he finished 32nd). He's just not getting the ball enough to justify regular placement in the top 15; his carries have been in the single digits each of the past two weeks. As long as that continues, it's tough to rank him as more than flex option. 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Anquan Boldin(notes) (ankle) was excluded from the early ranks, because it seems foolish and unnecessary for the Cards to risk a re-re-re-aggravation of his ankle injury in Week 9. Ken Whisenhunt's cryptic statements offer little hope to Boldin owners. ... Roy Williams would like you to know that he is still the No. 1 receiver in Dallas. Because apparently "No. 1 receiver" is more of a ceremonial title with the Cowboys. ... The news on Calvin Johnson(notes) (knee) isn't great just yet, but it's slightly better than last week. Megatron was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. ... Last call on the widely available Malcom Floyd(notes). Get him. Hurry. ... New York's Kevin Boss(notes) and Washington's Fred Davis(notes) are the preferred replacements for Owen Daniels for fantasy purposes this week. Boss gets to face the Chargers, a team that's historically generous to tight ends; Davis is an excellent receiver, and his quarterback is the unrivaled master of the checkdown. ... Jason Witten(notes) is ranked well beyond his year-to-date usefulness for matchup reasons. The Eagles haven't defended tight ends all year. Check the lines they've allowed to Boss, Davis, Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow(notes) over the past four weeks. 

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Photo via Getty Images

The Devils have been playing the waiting game on the oft-injured Bergfors, their first-round pick back in 2005, but the speedy Swede has finally started paying dividends this year. The right winger popped home a couple of goals in Wednesday's victory over Washington, with both markers coming on the power play. He's shooting the puck plenty – 43 shots in 13 games – and he's starting to get more quality ice time, solidifying his spot as a Top 6 forward in New Jersey. Pedigree tied to opportunity, don't you love it when a plan comes together?

Okay, we're still talking about a modest 4-4-8 line through 13 games, but keep in mind most of the production has come in recent action (4-2-6 in his last six starts). Perhaps that's not enough to grab Bergfors in the most shallow of formats, but in medium and deeper groups, find a slot for him. He's got a legitimate shot at 25-30 goals, honest, and if he doesn't get hurt he'll finish with well over 200 shots.

Bergfors is on all three of my teams. We've written about him in the NHL Skinny, the Red-Light District and the Neutral Zone Wrap. We're trying. His ownership level still rests at two percent. Give the kid a shot.

Time for a lap around the circuit to see who's hurting and who's healing as we get ready for Week 9.

• The waiting game continues with Anthony Gonzalez(notes) – the Indy receiver not only missed Wednesday's practice but he's apparently headed for a second opinion on his knee injury. Austin Collie(notes) and Pierre Garcon(notes) have been solid in Gonzalez's absence and it's clear that Peyton Manning(notes) trusts his young receivers. Donald Brown(notes) (shoulder) had a full day Wednesday and barring a setback it looks like he'll be ready to go against Houston Sunday.

• Is this finally the week for Calvin Johnson(notes)? The limping Lion was able to work with Detroit's first-team offense Wednesday, a step forward from what he was able to do last week. Detroit didn't have Kevin Smith(notes) (shoulder) on Wednesday, but he's shown a willingness to play through injuries in the past.

• Jermichael Finley(notes) (knee) sat out Wednesday and looks questionable at best for Sunday's game against the Bucs. Given the opponent here, there's no reason for the Packers to rush Finley back on the field. Aaron Rodgers(notes) (foot/toe) and Donald Driver(notes) (neck) also took the day off, though they're more likely to be ready come the weekend.

• Anquan Boldin(notes) (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday and looks very questionable for Sunday's game against Chicago. "We'll do what's in the best interest of the team," offered Ken Whisenhunt (thanks for that, coach). The Cardinals also limited Steve Breaston's(notes) work – he's been dealing with a sore knee most of the season – but Breaston is expected to play Sunday.

• Brian Westbrook(notes) (post-concussion) was back at work with the Eagles and he fully expects to play against Dallas this weekend. "He's good to go," confirms Andy Reid.

• Roddy White(notes) (knee) was held out of Wednesday's practice, which might not be a big deal since the Falcons had a Monday night game. We'll track him closely during the week. And as you'd expect, Jason Snelling(notes) (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood(notes) (hip) both sat out; neither back played against the Saints.

• A sore ankle kept Devin Hester(notes) off the field Wednesday but he insists it's not going to keep him from dressing against Arizona. "I'm alright," Hester told beat writer Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I'm going to play." Greg Olsen(notes) (ankle) had a limited day Wednesday.

• The Cowboys can't be too concerned about Marion Barber's(notes) thumb issue right now, as they gave him a full set of reps Wednesday. 

• Mario Manningham(notes) (shoulder) is back practicing with the Giants, but let's hope the team has the good sense to keep Hakeem Nicks(notes) in the starting lineup anyway. New York has a critical game with the Chargers Sunday.

• DeSean Jackson(notes) (foot) and Jeremy Maclin(notes) (foot) both took a full workload Wednesday and look good to go against the Pokes.

• Jake Delhomme(notes) (chest) took all the reps and is fully expected to start against the Saints. He'll get a major test from a surging defense that's creating multiple sacks and takeaways every week.

• The Raiders aren't around to muck up our Week 9 fantasy plans (bye week), but you might want to know that Darren McFadden(notes) (knee) and Chaz Schilens(notes)(foot) were able to practice Wednesday.

• Chris Cooley(notes) will have his surgically-repaired ankle looked at Monday; it's too early to say for sure that he'll be back this year. "Right now, it's still really sore," Cooley told the Washington Post. "I really can't move it or set it down. I think that's what it's supposed to be, but I'll have someone who knows tell me on Monday." Keep in mind the Redskins are 2-5 and their schedule is murderous down the stretch; the club might not want to expose Cooley in December if the season is shot. Fred Davis(notes) makes for a solid tight-end rental in the meantime; Jason Campbell(notes) sure loves his checkdowns.

We're still running the tens of thousands of Week 9 simulations that are necessary to produce the official position ranks. Please be patient. Enjoy a pickup video while you wait…

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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, Alex Smith.

Four years ago, the future was blindingly bright for the former Utah standout. Selected No. 1 overall, he was destined to resurrect a franchise several years removed from its QB golden era. Unfortunately, the exorbitant draft pick, plagued by a revolving door of offensive coordinators, health setbacks and his own general ineptitude, traveled down the Joey Harrington(notes) road to Suck City.

Because of his horrific play, it's understandable why the fantasy community and most Niners fans are Smith stained. Prior to this year in 33 career games, he had completed an atrocious 54.4 percent of his attempts and racked an equally reprehensible 19:31 TD:INT split. For the anti-Montana, championships, statistical competency and L.A. Gear endorsement deals (Joe Cool can dunk?) were seemingly unreachable.

But as we've learned from the sluggish early career paths of Steve McNair(notes) and more recently Aaron Rodgers(notes), some hyped prospects simply need extensive seasoning before unlocking their true potential. Smith could be the latest example.

Entering the 2009 season, the underachieving passer was one of the league's most expensive backups. Losing out to noodle-armed journeyman Shaun Hill(notes) in training camp, he again was certain not to live up to expectation. It seemed JaMarcus Russell(notes) wafted a less putrid odor across the Bay.

However, Smith is finally starting to smell surprisingly good.

Though he's only played six quarters, the late-bloomer has discarded training bra for manzier. Against Houston and arguably the AFC's stingiest pass defense, Indianapolis, Smith repressed his Rattayn side (See Week 8 highlights here). His time spent learning Jimmy Raye's system observationally proved beneficial. In those two contests he completed a respectable 62.9 percent of his passes for 404 yards, tallying a 4:2 TD:INT split. He also chipped in 26 rushing yards.

Of course, the sample size is small and the numbers are hardly gaudy, but in terms of future production, there's a great deal to get excited about. Here's why the Noise believes Alexander the-soon-to-be Great could be a second-half difference maker:

1) Playmakers. San Francisco boasts a bevy of phenomenally skilled vertical weapons. Frank Gore(notes) is one of the game's most explosive all-around backs. Isaac Bruce(notes) still possesses enough savvy and stick ‘em to exploit weaknesses in coverage. And the gentlemen's club combo of Vernon Davis(notes) (VD) and Michael Crabtree(notes) (Crabs) are exceptional. When a third receiver is needed, Josh Morgan(notes) is also a viable option.

Crabtree in particular has shown incredible adroitness and athleticism in just two games. In those efforts he's tallied 15 targets, 11 catches and 137 yards. When you think about it – keep in mind league rules prohibit unsigned picks from playbook access – the former Texas Tech star's immediate impact has been astonishing. Smith is thrilled to have him onboard:

"He's just a real natural player," the quarterback said. "Strong hands, good route running. He keeps the game for what it is. He doesn't let the game get bigger than it is."

Although Smith-to-Crabtree is not exactly Montana-to-Rice, based on the receiver's limitless upside, increased connections are a foregone conclusion.

Due to the weapons surrounding Smith, if Raye, who has been blasted repeatedly by fans and the media in recent days, removes the padlock from the playbook by installing more spread elements – plays Smith thrived in at Utah – it could transform the Niners offense into a juggernaut. Even if traditional two WR sets and a power running game remain the norm, the burgeoning passer could still yield a profitable QB1 return in 12-team and deeper leagues.

2) The Alex Smith you know and hate is dead. A magnet for sacks and turnovers earlier in his career, he has exhibited more awareness, looking relaxed in the pocket. More importantly, instead of trying to push the envelope under duress, he's wisely pulled back throwing passes away. Overall, bewilderment has given way to poise. Mike Singletary agrees. From the San Francisco Chronicle:

"All I know right now is Alex looks very calm," Singletary said. "The game has definitely slowed down quite a bit (for him). His mechanics are a lot better right now, and I think he has a better command of the offense."

Occasional accuracy lapses have occurred, but Smith is head-and-shoulders better than he was less than a year ago. With his confidence growing, he could become a deadly dual-threat. Remember, coming out of college many scouts compared his foot-speed, strong-arm and athleticism to Steve Young. Too bad he's trapped in a conservative system.

3) Schedule. According to the must-bookmark schedule analyzer at FFToday, minus matchups against an improving Arizona pass defense, Green Bay and Philadelphia, Smith's upcoming slate is libido-driving, especially this week versus Tennessee and Week 16 against woeful Detroit. Peruse below:

Although Cortland Finnegan(notes) and Vincent Fuller(notes) returned last Sunday and corner Nick Harper(notes) could be activated this week, the Titans, even at full-strength, are a vulnerable secondary. On the season they've yielded 299.1 yards and 2.7 touchdowns per game to gunslingers equal to the most fantasy points allowed. Borderline top 12 numbers are definitely attainable for Smith in Week 9. 

The loss of protective bookends Tony Pashos(notes) and Joe Staley(notes) could cause problems against aggressive pass rushers, but if he can continue to exude confidence, the 34 percent-owned commodity definitely has enough lethal weapons to be this year's version of Tyler Thigpen(notes).

It's time to reexamine Smith.

Week 9 Fearless Forecast: 21-34, 246 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, 18 rushing yards, 24 fantasy points

Do you believe Smith finally starting to come out of his shell? Who do you think will be this year's Tyler Thigpen? L.A. Gear light shoes: annoying or brilliant? Discuss below.

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Image courtesy of US Presswire

• A Tuesday MRI revealed a grade 1 right knee sprain for Yi Jianlian(notes), and the Nets are not going to rush his recovery.

The team is not discussing any timetable for the third-year player, but a typical recovery period for such an injury is two to four weeks, and it has been known to last as long as six.

“It’s a shame; if you look at it, he had a good start to the season, he was aggressive and assertive in the first few games,” Nets coach Lawrence Frank said Tuesday night. “You feel bad for him, and hopefully from a mental standpoint, he understands the preparation that’s required to come back.”

Although Yi was reasonably effective before the injury (11.7 points, 8 boards, 1.3 blocks, 92% FT in his first three games), he's expendable in standard leagues, particularly in h2h. A suitable replacement won't come from the Nets, however, as a mash-up of Josh Boone(notes), Eduardo Najera(notes), and Sean Williams(notes) will absorb the minutes. Be looking for something more definitive from the Nets in the not-too-distant future.

• Most fantasy owners who picked Chris Paul(notes) first overall in their respective drafts probably didn't expect to be pondering his mental state four games into the season, but here we are. Sadly, Rajon Rondo's(notes) (alleged) assertion that Paul will never win a ring seems somewhat plausible when you look at how the Hornets are currently constructed. That said, this incident doesn't change the fact that Paul is among the best players in the league, and he's too talented to not continue playing like it. From a fan perspective, it sure would be nice to see the Hornets have a deeper team around him.

• Delonte West's(notes) 2009-10 season just got a bit more complicated, as he was indicted on a number of weapons counts on Tuesday.

West has been indicted on two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, one count of reckless driving and one count of negligent driving. With the charges, there were two new details about what West had on his person when arrested. West was carrying a total of 112 shotgun shells and a 8.5-inch Bowie style knife. If convicted, West could face up to three years for each of the six gun charges and a $2,500 fine per offense.

West's immediate availability may not be in jeopardy, as early speculation is that the trial would not take place until early in 2010. Keep him rostered at this point and be looking for more details in the coming days. The Cavs play a back-to-back on Thursday (CHI) and Friday (@NYK) and are then off until next Wednesday (@ORL).

• Allen Iverson(notes) played 17 minutes as a reserve on Monday, his first game back from almost a month off with a hamstring injury, then delivered this assessment of his situation:

“I’m not a reserve basketball player. I’ve never been a reserve all my life and I’m not going to start looking at myself as a reserve. That’s something for the media to talk about. It’s only a big issue when the media talks about it. The subject never came up in my career until everything happened in Detroit. No one talked about me being a sub or anything like that until last year.

“In all the other years of my career, it’s never come up. I’ve been a starter on All-Star teams, Olympic teams and NBA Finals teams. It’s just a big deal now. I think it is something people should let go. To answer your question, no, I’m not a bench player or the sixth man. Go look at my resume, it will show you that I’m not a sixth man.”

Asked for his reaction to AI's comments, Lionel Hollins said that AI had a "right" to his opinion and added:

"It's my right as head coach to do what's best for the team. If that means starting Allen, he'll start. If that means Allen comes off the bench, then Allen comes off the bench. I don't know what the future holds. I'm trying to do what's best for the team. Individuals will succeed if the team succeeds. It's not about personal success trumping team success. If that's the case we're not going to have any success, period."

If I had to guess what the future held, it would involve Mike Conley(notes) playing fewer minutes and O.J. Mayo(notes), Rudy Gay(notes), and Zach Randolph(notes) seeing fewer shot attempts. The Grizz had the day off on Tuesday in advance of their matchup with the Warriors on Wednesday – pay close attention to that game and see how the frontcourt minutes shake out (and gauge the likelihood of a reaction afterward).

Tuesday's game action:

• Carmelo Anthony(notes) didn't approach 40 points on Tuesday but was solid all over and his averages after four games still look fantastic: 34.5 points on 50-percent shooting, 86-percent foul shooting, 1.3 threes, 6.5 boards, 4 assists, 2 turnovers 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks.

• I'm as big of a Ty Lawson(notes) fan as the next guy and think he's got a great future in the league, but his Tuesday output (4 points, 3 boards in 13 minutes) should remind you that minutes are going to be particularly hard to find once J.R. Smith(notes) returns from his suspension. If there's someone else on the wire catching your eye, an add/drop is a pretty safe move.

• It turns out that Chris Andersen(notes) guy can board and block shots after all, eh?

• A shame to see T.J. Ford(notes) foul out so quickly (22 minutes). He was actually on his way to a decent statistical output (13 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals). Earl Watson(notes) wasn't great in his relief effort (20 minutes, 2 points 1 assist).

• Brandon Rush's(notes) leash may have gotten a bit shorter tonight. He scored eight points on 4-of-12 shooting in 32 minutes, while Dahntay Jones(notes) put up 20 points in 29 minutes versus his former team.

• Troy Murphy(notes) left the game versus the Nuggets in the first quarter after falling on his back, and his status for Wednesday's game at the Knicks is unknown at this point.

• Lines were all over the map for the Celtics, as the team's reserves accounted for 62 of 105 total points. Rasheed Wallace(notes) had a huge game (20 points, 6 threes, 6 boards, 2 assists, 0 turnovers, 2 steals, 1 block) but still looks like a tough read in terms of consistency. One thing is for sure, you should plug him in versus the Suns on Friday.

• Another game, another victim of the Boston defense. Andre Iguodala(notes) managed to salvage a respectable line (17 points, 3 assists, 3 steals) on a 76ers team that shot 36 percent from the field, 6 percent from three (1-for-16), and had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). Elton Brand(notes), Samuel Dalembert(notes), and Marreese Speights(notes) combined to score 20 points in 76 minutes.

• A good night for Cavs bigs versus the Wizards. Shaquille O'Neal(notes) had his best game of the season (21 points, 8 boards, 1 block) and Anderson Varejao(notes) really filled it up (10 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 0 turnovers, 1 steal, 1 block). Varejao is playing well alongside Shaq and has some pretty solid numbers after five games (8 points, 8 boards, 1.8 steals, 0.8 blocks) – you should target him if you need some defense at the end of your bench.

• Pistons guards were free to run wild as Dwight Howard(notes) dealt with a sore shoulder and fouled out in just 17 minutes. Ben Gordon(notes), Rodney Stuckey(notes), and Will Bynum(notes) combined for 63 points and 25 foul shots in an 85-80 win. The Pistons totaled just eight assists and shot 38 percent from the floor in the narrow victory, but were 31-of-38 from the foul line.

Howard's shoulder isn't expected to keep him out of game action, but Vince Carter(notes) tweaked his injured left ankle and will be a game-time decision on Wednesday.

• Channing Frye's(notes) line (9 points, 4-of-11 shooting, 1 three, 2 boards) should be a reality check for fantasy owners in terms of expectations. He's going to be solid overall, but will also have some matchup difficulties along the way.

• Double-digit boards for Grant Hill(notes) again, who is now averaging 10.3 in four games. Frye's penchant for the perimeter (4.8 boards) has forced Hill closer to the basket.

• Amar'e Stoudemire(notes) was once again relatively low in the pecking order – his nine field goal attempts were fifth-most of the team – but his line was solid overall (16 points, 11 boards, 3 assists, 3 blocks).

• Leandro Barbosa's(notes) sore right wrist kept him out of action and his status for Wednesday has yet to be determined.

• Quentin Richardson's(notes) recent history is littered with singe-game outbursts, so I'd caution you to not read much into his good numbers against the Suns (18 points, 4 threes, 10 boards, 2 steals, 1 block).

• Brandon Jennings(notes) scored 25 points and took 23 shots in his first game sans Michael Redd(notes), and you should expect significant offensive responsibilities for as long as he's sidelined. While it's a great opportunity to prove himself, his shooting percentage could be in for a precipitous fall. 

• The Bucks are going to need all the offense they can get, meaning that Hakim Warrick(notes) is likely to be a featured player. He finished second to Jennings with 15 shot attempts in 34 minutes on Tuesday, although he only had five makes (11 points, 10 boards).

• Luol Deng(notes) somehow logged a 20/20 game (24 points, 20 boards) against the Bucks, and is *cross your fingers* looking healthy in the early going.

• John Salmons'(notes) Tuesday output (3-for-15) means that he's now shooting 26 percent on 14.5 attempts per game so far this season. The counting stats haven't been great, either, outside of some steals (2.3). One of my favorite mid-round targets certainly has a ways to go to justify the optimism.

• Some good, some bad for Kevin Durant(notes). Although his 42-percent shooting was technically an improvement and it's silly to complain about 28 points and five assists, he went 0-for-8 from three and committed seven turnovers.

• Three treys, two steals, and two blocks from Jeff Green(notes), and the averages after four games look great: 19.3 points on 51-percent shooting, 2 threes, 7 boards, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 41 minutes.

• While James Harden(notes) (17 minutes, 9 points, 1 three, 3 assists) projects to be the better fantasy player, the defensive-minded Thabo Sefolosha(notes) (36 minutes, 12 points, 2 threes, 4 steals) makes more sense from a real-world perspective with the Thunder's first unit right now. It's easy to overlook that he's only 25 and was just given a contract extension.

• It sure is nice to see Andrei Kirilenko(notes) (35 minutes, 12 points, 1 three, 5 boards, 3 blocks, 3 steals) in the starting lineup, even if it is temporary.

• Dirk Nowitzki(notes) was simply ridiculous on Tuesday: 40 points (29 in the fourth quarter), 1 three, 15-of-16 free throws, 11 boards, 5 assists, 0 turnovers, 2 steals, and a whopping five blocks. 

• Mehmet Okur(notes) had a rough shooting night (4-for-15) but gave Dirk a run for his money in terms of counting stats (1 three, 14 boards, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, 4 steals, and 2 blocks).

• The Hawks went small against Portland, resulting in what was easily the best game of the season for Jamal Crawford(notes) (34 minutes, 27 points, 2 threes, 7 assists, 0 turnovers). He's averaged 20 points and 30 minutes in three games since totaling three points in 14 minutes during the season opener.

• Not a great showing for a number of Trail Blazers. Foul trouble limited Greg Oden(notes) to 16 minutes (8 points, 9 boards) and Martell Webster(notes) had eight points and one board in 27 minutes of playing time. Point guard play was an issue – Steve Blake(notes) and Andre Miller(notes) combined to go 3-for-16 from the floor, although Miller was able to dish 11 assists in his 28 minutes (Blake had 3 in 27 minutes).

Following Sunday's 147-yard performance, Reggie Wayne(notes) leads all wide receivers in public league fantasy scoring. He's averaging 15.0 points per week. Wayne, like his quarterback, has delivered useful fantasy lines with robotic consistency.

Check the weekly point totals:

Week 1 - 22.0 (1st among WRs)
Week 2 - 3.7 (54th)
Week 3 - 18.6 (3rd)
Week 4 - 13.4 (10th)
Week 5 - 12.0 (16th)
Week 6 - bye
Week 7 - 14.3 (8th)
Week 8 - 20.7 (1st)

That's just ridiculous. There are cases where one or two exceptional games can overstate a player's true fantasy usefulness, but that's not the story with Wayne at all. He's finished among the top 10 scorers at his position five times in seven games. Wayne wins his matchup at WR1 basically every week. He clearly belongs in the Fantasy MVP discussion.

Wayne also led all players in targets in Week 8, posting the highest total we've seen so far this year…

Again, ridiculous. Twenty is a silly number.

You'll recall that Peyton Manning(notes) was responsible for only 19 of those targets and 11 of the receptions. Joseph Addai(notes) found Wayne uncovered in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown to begin the fourth quarter, on what may have been the playcall of the day. (Greg Cosell made an excellent point about that pass: "It exposed one of the biggest myths in the NFL: You do not need to establish the run to either utilize play action passing or deception off the run game." Addai had been purely decorative until that point, carrying just 12 times for 38 yards).

If we were to redraft today, Wayne could reasonably the first wide receiver off the board. The Week 16 matchup with Jets corner Darrelle Revis(notes) is the only thing left to fear.

Here are the rest of the Week 8 target leaders…

Dustin Keller(notes) had his best game of the year in the loss to Miami (8-76-1) and his 16-yard TD reception was of the highest quality. If you're looking to the waiver wire to replace Owen Daniels(notes) (ACL), note that Keller is available in a majority of Yahoo! leagues. Kevin Boss(notes) is arguably the best short-term solution for Daniels owners, though. He gets San Diego in Week 9, a team that's notoriously generous to opposing tight ends. … One more piece of Daniels fallout: The Texans (and Matt Schaub(notes) owners) need Kevin Walter(notes) to be great in the second half. This odd streak of 29-yard performances must end. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle believes that Walter is the player who will statistically benefit most from Daniels' absence.

On Monday, Anquan Boldin(notes) declared, "If I'm able to run, I'm going to play football." However, he's not close to full speed after aggravating his ankle injury in Week 8. If you own Boldin, you almost have to hope that he'll sit against Chicago. You'll want him healthy for the series of friendly matchups that begins in Week 10. The Cards get seven consecutive games against defenses that rank in the bottom half of the league versus the pass, and they face the Lions and Rams during the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15 and 16). … Miles Austin(notes), this is easily the worst attempt at a crossbar dunk in NFL history. If the football thing doesn't work out, take that vertical straight to the WNBA, Skywalker. … Tim Hightower(notes) reclaimed the lead in year-to-date targets (49) and receptions (39) among running backs, although Ray Rice(notes) is just one behind in each category. And obviously Rice has all the yards. … When reporters use the words like "animated" and "demonstrative" to describe a player's sideline behavior, then you can safely assume the dude was crazy. TJ Houshmandzadeh(notes) did not appear pleased during Seattle's loss to Dallas. He's reportedly not thrilled with his workload, although you'll notice that he's near the top of the year-to-date target leader board…

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Photo via Getty Images

It hasn't been the busiest of NFL newsdays; here's the best linkage we could scare up. See something worthwhile we missed? Drop knowledge in the comments.

• The Texans are an offense in flux right now: Owen Daniels(notes) is officially out for the year, Steve Slaton(notes) can't hold onto the ball, Ryan Moats(notes) is fresh off a breakout game (thanks Buffalo), Matt Schaub(notes) has to deal with Indy this week, etc. Gary Kubiak isn't in a rush to name his starting back for Week 9, so you'll have to make a blind guess with your Moats FAAB decision. When you add Houston's Week 10 bye to the mix, the timing could be right to see what Schaub can fetch in a trade. [Houston Chronicle]

• Aaron Rodgers(notes) hobbled off the field Sunday after the Vikings knocked him around, and he might miss some snaps this week as he contends with a sore toe and bad foot. Nonetheless the Packers are confident that Rodgers will be able to start Sunday at Tampa Bay. [Madison.com]

• The Chris Chambers(notes) World Insignificance Tour heads to Kansas City; the Chiefs claimed him off waivers Tuesday. It could take him a few weeks to feel comfortable in the offense, we suppose, though the Chiefs didn't wait to get Bobby Wade(notes) involved when he joined the team earlier this year. Kansas City heads to Oakland for Week 9; let's hope it's not as ugly as the first meeting between the clubs two months back. [kcchiefs.com]

• Let's read the early tea leaves with the Colts this week: things look encouraging with Donald Brown(notes) (shoulder), not so much with Anthony Gonzalez(notes) (knee). At least that's what we got from the Jim Caldwell quotes at this link, your take might be different. In the meantime, keep rolling with Austin Collie(notes) until we tell you to stop. [Indy Football Report]

• Jim Schwartz is not in the business of making our fantasy decisions any easier. He says Calvin Johnson(notes) is "getting closer" to playing but the head coach won't be more specific. The Lions head to Seattle this week. [Detroit Free Press]

• Justin Forsett's(notes) role might be expanded a bit now that Edgerrin James(notes) is out in Seattle. How many teams are in your league again? [Associated Press]

• Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic - the Bucs cut Shane Andrus(notes) and will use Connor Barth(notes) as their placekicker. And don't forget the Josh Freeman(notes) era starts this week as well. The Bucs got their bye at the right time; 15 Tampa players caught the flu right after the loss to the Patriots (at least these guys can catch something). [Tampa Tribune]

• Buffalo corner Terrence McGee(notes) had his knee scoped Tuesday and will probably be down for a couple of weeks. Buffalo doesn't play in Week 9, then gets Tennessee next week. As for the quarterback situation, it appears Trent Edwards(notes) is over his concussion issues and should be ready to play against the Titans. [Buffalo News]

• The 49ers have struggled on the offensive line all year and things won't get any easier with LT Joe Staley(notes) expected to miss six weeks. He's got a sprained MCL and PCL in his right knee. [Associated Press]

• What do you do when your first-round receiver can run but can't catch? That's what the Dolphins are trying to figure out with unsteady Teddy Ginn. [Miami Herald]

• Fantasy football championships are built in the film room, so let's check in on Greg Cosell of NFL Films and see what he's got cooking from the week that was. [Fantasy Guru]

• Bill Simmons was having a fantastic year picking football games against the spread (being in front on the Denver breakout sure helped) until the Schleprocks of the world started jinxing him. Have a heart, beautiful losers. Don't take Bill down with you. It's not right. [The Sports Guy]

The points, yards and angles were flowing in the Big Easy Monday night, so settle in as we move through our fantasy audit.

With the Saints: Mike Bell(notes) got the heaviest workload in the New Orleans backfield but didn't do a lot with the opportunity; a measly 49 yards on 17 carries. Pierre Thomas(notes) came through when called upon, rushing for 91 yards and adding the acrobratic receiving touchdown you see above. Both backs lost a fumble in the second half but neither player has a history of ball-security problems. Fantasy owners get a sneaky boost from the Heath Evans(notes) injury; the fullback isn't around to vulture short-yardage touchdowns anymore.

Reggie Bush(notes) only has 17 touches in the last three weeks but somehow he's scored in each of those games. At times you forget he's on the New Orleans sideline. This is not a franchise player, this is a spare part, and Sean Payton seems to realize that as much as anyone. The Saints don't use Bush that much as a receiver anymore; he has just 15 grabs in his last six starts.

Drew Brees(notes) had little trouble dismantling the Atlanta secondary (25-for-33, 308 yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int) and Marques Colston(notes) continues to have a Pro Bowl season (6-85, TD). It's a little strange to see Jeremy Shockey(notes) (5-72) turning into a consistent performer; he's caught four or more balls in every game this season. You probably don't want to play roulette with the rest of the WR rotation; while Devery Henderson(notes) and Robert Meachem(notes) both had one long grab against the Falcons, Henderson hasn't scored since Week 1 and Meachem has just eight catches on the year. Lance Moore(notes) (4-29 the last two weeks) isn't in the circle of trust right now, either.

The New Orleans defense continues to terrorize the league, picking up three sacks, three interceptions and another touchdown runback (that's six for the year). The mayhem should continue in the next three weeks, up against the Panthers, Rams and Buccaneers. John Carney(notes) missed badly on his one field goal chance, so be ready to pounce if Garrett Hartley(notes) gets the call at some point.

With the Falcons: It's time to step off the ledge on Michael Turner(notes) (151 yards, TD), who was impressive from the word go, running with power and conviction. Okay, so you drafted him as the No. 2 or No. 3 back in your league, probably. He's currently ranked eighth or ninth at the position in a basic scoring league. Is that really so terrible? And if you can find a way to your championship game, Turner might win it for you – he's got a home date with Buffalo waiting in Week 16.

Matt Ryan(notes) was confused by the Saints secondary and the result was his worst game of the year (three picks – one of them a Hail Mary – and a 46.6 rating), though he still coaxed 289 yards and a touchdown out of the mess. He remains one of the safer picks at the position, with multiple scores in five of his seven starts. Roddy White(notes) deftly got away with a push-off on his 68-yard touchdown and had a second score washed out by a booth review. Tony Gonzalez(notes) (6-89) hasn't scored in four of his last five games but he nonetheless makes a fantasy impact just about every week. Michael Jenkins(notes) made a couple of big plays but he also gave us one of his trademark drops.

The Falcons defense had more success than most teams have against New Orleans, picking up four turnovers, two sacks and a defensive touchdown. Of course, it also allowed 35 points. Consider this unit as a possible plug-and-play against Washington this week.

It might be time to pull the plug on Jason Elam, who looked shaky on all of his kicks and only has six field goals on the season. Generally it's a good thing to be tied to a consistent offense like Atlanta's, but Elam doesn't look right at the moment.

Six hours, 13 games, and a notebook of observations. Let's get to it.

• The Panthers got a chance to use the game plan they wanted in Arizona: grab an early lead, pound away with DeAngelo Williams(notes) and Jonathan Stewart(notes), keep the ball out of Jake Delhomme's(notes) hands (just 14 pass attempts). I don't know how many times this blueprint will be in play for the second half of the year, however; Carolina still has to play the Saints twice, and check out the hellish slate for the fantasy playoffs: at New England, Minnesota, at New York Giants. If you can find a market for your big name Panthers (and I'm not guaranteeing you can), start selling immediately.

• It's amazing that the Jets lost to the Dolphins on a day where New York did so many things right. The Jets held the Fish to 2.3 yards a carry, the Jets had a 23-10 edge in first downs, and New York finished with a massive 378-104 edge in total yards. Ted Ginn has proven to be just about useless against 30 NFL clubs, but something clicks for that guy when he plays against New York (four of his eight career TDs have come in this matchup).

Miami's Wildcat has been declawed for two straight weeks, in part because the Saints and Jets didn't worry about the Dolphins passing out of the formation. It might be time for Tony Sparano to move on to the next gimmick.

• The next injury through celebration is probably going to come from Baltimore's Kelley Washington(notes), who did a crazy dance after a few of his Sunday receptions. Just head back to the huddle, big guy.

• Adrian Peterson looked lost as a receiver during his first two NFL seasons, but that hasn't been the case this year. A subtle, but notable, area of improvement.

• Alex Smith didn't go off against the Colts by any means, but he was competent enough for us to take him seriously in Week 9 (especially with the Titans on the schedule). And once again I was very impressed with Michael Crabtree(notes) (6-81), who doesn't look like a two-week player at all. I know you didn't get the contract you wanted, Young MC, but just be glad the Raiders didn't draft you.

• Aaron Rodgers(notes) continues to post excellent fantasy numbers but it's hard to imagine him playing a full season given the pounding he's absorbing on a weekly basis. A lot of the blame rests with the Green Bay offensive line, of course, but Rodgers is at fault on a lot of the sacks, he's holding onto the ball too darn long.

• You can blame a lot of things for the recent Giants collapse, but don't forget Eli Manning's(notes) heel injury a few weeks back. His mechanics haven't been very consistent since then, coincidence or not.

• Matt Forte's(notes) final line against Cleveland (26 carries, 90 yards) isn't signs of life – it's proof of the problem. The Browns hand out 4.9 YPC, you know.

• The Titans did a good job giving Vince Young(notes) a very conservative game plan to execute. Short passes, let him build up some confidence. They didn't discourage him from running either, albeit his scrambles didn't turn into much (12 carries, 30 yards). He's a long way from consideration in traditional formats, but I like him as a sleeper for multiple-QB groups, especially when you look at the schedule to come (the Niners will be a challenge, but he has a chance against Buffalo, Houston and Arizona, and St. Louis is waiting in Week 14).

• There's absolutely no reason for the Browns to keep Derek Anderson(notes) starting from a performance standpoint. He's officially entered the Ryan Leaf zone, he's bottomed out. If Brady Quinn(notes) continues to sit after Cleveland's bye, it means one of two things: Eric Mangini has some sort of dislike for Quinn that we don't know about, or the Browns are doing all they can to make sure Quinn doesn't hit lucrative contract incentives. I feel sorry for Mohamed Massaquoi(notes), he'd have a chance if some of those passes were on-target.

• It's another six-pack of teams on bye for Week 9, but the fantasy impact shouldn't be that bad. We're all going to miss the Vikings, of course, but there are only a handful of fantasy-worthy options from the other five clubs (Bills, Raiders, Rams, Jets, Browns). And Week 10 is a snap, with just two teams on holiday (Giants, Texans).

• I understand the frustration Jason Witten(notes) owners are feeling, but now is not the time to bail, not with the Eagles waiting on the schedule. The Philadelphia defense can't stop anyone's tight end right now, allowing five TE scores over the last four weeks (Kellen Winslow(notes) got two, the last time we've heard from him; Zach Miller beat them for a long one by the bay; Fred Davis(notes) schooled them on National TV; and Kevin Boss(notes) got them in Week 8).

• The song keeps playing for Joseph Addai(notes); he's not having a great year in real life, but he's having a useful and consistent fantasy season. Talent is nice, but sometimes it's trumped by opportunity and environment.

• Bill Walton has made it official – he's retired from broadcasting. I'm going to miss the big redhead; he was a unique voice who usually had something interesting to say, and that's a rarer commodity than you might think. To hear Walton at the top of his game, give a listen to this podcast he did with Bill Simmons back in November 2007.

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Photos via US Presswire

Entering Week 8, Houston running back Ryan Moats(notes) had not achieved fantasy relevance since 2005, his rookie year. Back then he was a member of the Eagles. He carried 55 times for 278 yards and three touchdowns over the final six games of a last-place season, in relief of an injured Brian Westbrook(notes).

Those '05 stats accounted for 56 percent of his career rushing yardage and 75 percent of his career TDs prior to Sunday afternoon's game at Buffalo…and then he absolutely shredded the NFL's worst run defense.

Moats had 23 carries for 126 yards and three scores against the Bills. Highlights here. He was in line for nothing more than a supporting role against Buffalo, but starter Steve Slaton(notes) lost yet another fumble in the first quarter and was benched for the remainder of the game. (All year, Slaton has treated fumbling as if it were a scripted play. He's lost the football in four of Houston's last five games). Moats is not the league's flashiest runner, nor is he as dangerous as Slaton when presented with an opening. But he's also not as threatening to his own team as Slaton; Moats has lost just one fumble in 150 career touches.

He had massive running lanes to work with against the Bills, and he didn't let them go to waste. He's an obvious fantasy add this week, although his head coach hasn't yet eliminated Slaton from the rotation.

"Ryan took advantage of the situation," coach Gary Kubiak said, although he demurred when asked if Moats is the new starter. "We'll go to next week. We'll see."

If Moats hasn't officially earned the starter's role, he's at least secured a share of the workload. Slaton becomes a roster problem. There's now a window to acquire him at (presumably) very little cost if you're in a cash-rich position, near the top of the standings. Houston gets Jacksonville in Week 13 and St. Louis in Week 15; some member of the Texans' backfield is going to prove useful.

There's more news today regarding Houston skill position players, and it isn't good: Owen Daniels(notes) likely suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the victory over Buffalo. The working assumption is that he'll miss the remainder of the season. Daniels entered Week 8 as the leading scorer at his position, so this is no small fantasy event. He'll be replaced by some combination of veteran Joel Dreessen(notes) and rookie James Casey(notes). But if you require a replacement for fantasy purposes, look to widely available options Dustin Keller(notes) (48 percent owned), Benjamin Watson(notes) (37), Kevin Boss(notes) (28) or Fred Davis(notes) (5). [Houston Chronicle]

This blog has been a steady source of Malcom Floyd(notes) propaganda, primarily because the blogger would very much like to see the underutilized receiver in a Bears uniform next year. The 6-foot-5 Floyd is clearly a more dangerous weapon than Chris Chambers(notes), a fact that the Chargers had to react to sooner or later. Floyd finally started ahead of Chambers in Week 8; Philip Rivers(notes) opened the game by connecting with Floyd on a 53-yard jump ball. Add him. He's only five percent-owned. [The Associated Press]

Don't worry, Jake Delhomme(notes) Nation, your quarterback is OK. Delhomme apparently spent the final minutes of his team's win over Arizona at a nearby hospital, getting "a CT scan to check on his chest injury." But he does not expect to miss next week's clash against the Saints. In related news, Steve Smith found the end zone in Week 8 against the Cardinals. We'd tell you to get Smith on the Trading Block, but he's probably there already, and no one's making inquiries. [Charlotte Observer]

Judy Battista delivered a fine summary of the Larry Johnson(notes) situation on Sunday, concluding this way: "The league will not impose its own discipline because the team acted first, and the league agreed with its actions. With that settled, there is no guarantee General Manager Scott Pioli ever allows Johnson to play for the Chiefs again. … The Chiefs, who are in rebuilding mode anyway, could decide that Johnson causes too many headaches for too little production."

Fantasy owners have already decided as much. In all likelihood, the only reason Kansas City hasn't released LJ already is that the team doesn't want to map out an exit strategy for disgruntled players. Jamaal Charles(notes) is the primary fantasy add there; Kolby Smith(notes) should get a few touches as well. [The Fifth Down]

It feels wrong not to cover a potential quarterback change, so here you go: "As for who will start at quarterback [for the Browns] after the bye, [Eric] Mangini said, 'We'll look at it. At everything. We'll look at every single position.'" If a tree falls in the woods – let's call it Brady Quinn(notes) – but it has no chance whatsoever to produce any fantasy points… [The Cleveland Plain Dealer]

Anquan Boldin(notes) aggravated his right ankle injury in the unexpected loss to the Panthers, and "his availability for Sunday's game at Chicago is in question." Boldin was clearly limited by the injury before the re-tweaking, so a weekend of rest could have longer-term benefits. [The Arizona Republic]

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Photo via US Presswire 

Four-game teams: ATL, BOS, DEN, DET, LAL, MEM, MIN, NJN, NOR, NYK, ORL, PHO, SAC, UTH, WAS

Three-game teams: CHA, CHI, CLE, DAL, GSW, HOU, IND, LAC, MIA, MIL, OKC, PHI, POR, TOR

Two-game teams: SAS

Pickups/Plug-ins

• Brandon Jennings(notes) - Through two games, Jennings has averaged 20.5 points on 52-percent shooting, 2.5 threes, 5.5 boards, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 33 minutes. The turnovers have been high (4.0), as expected, but he's not likely to play his way out of the starting lineup any time soon. There aren't many good reasons for him to not be universally owned at this point. Week 2: @CHI, @MIN, NYK

• Channing Frye(notes) - Frye's line on Friday (22 points, 6 threes, 8 boards, 3 steals) should have been a wake-up call to leagues where he remains on the wire, even if the nature of the opposition (GSW) played a significant part. There will be ups and downs, but the production should shake out fairly well when it's all said and done. Week 2: @MIA, @ORL, @BOS, @WAS

• Delonte West(notes) - West returned from his hiatus on Saturday, putting together a decent line (13 points, 1 three, 2 assists, 1 steal) in 24 minutes. There are no guarantees here that he won't have a setback in his recovery, but what is certain is that he'll be a solid fantasy contributor for as long as he's with the team. Week 2: WAS, CHI, @NYK

• Andray Blatche(notes) - Blatche's production is obviously tied to the availability of Antawn Jamison(notes), but he's playing plenty in the interim (32 minutes) and putting up very good numbers (21 points, 72% FG, 6.3 boards, 1.3 blocks), and the Wizards four-game slate looks promising (@CLE, MIA, IND, PHO).

• Brendan Haywood(notes) - think about grabbing Haywood if you could use some big-man stats. He's getting starters' minutes (33 minutes), producing a solid center line (12 points, 8.7 boards, 1 block), and the Wizards are looking at a favorable four-game week (@CLE, MIA, @IND, PHO).

• Rafer Alston(notes) - Alston is a very solid play for the week, as Devin Harris(notes) is expected to be sidelined for at least the next seven to 10 days. Week 2: @CHA, DEN, @PHI, BOS

• Corey Brewer(notes) - give Brewer a look if you need defensive stats and can make do with poor and/or inconsistent offense, as the team has little reason to not give him plenty of run. Through two games, he's averaged 6 boards, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 32 minutes, but also 9 points on 36-percent shooting. Week 2: @LAC, BOS, MIL, @POR

• Ryan Anderson(notes) - Anderson is another short-term play - Rashard Lewis(notes) will return from suspension on November 16 - but it makes plenty of sense to roster him if you need some threes. Orlando's Week 2 schedule looks like a winner (@DET, PHO, DET, @OKC) and he's averaged 16 points on 55-percent shooting and 3 threes in 24 minutes over the first two games.

• Andres Nocioni(notes) - Nocioni hasn't exactly been huge thus far (7.3 points, 1 three, 3.3 boards in 22 minutes) but the Kings' Week 2 schedule sets up nicely for their roster (MEM, ATL, @UTH, GSW). Those of you who need to go a bit deeper will also want to consider Sean May(notes) and Omri Casspi(notes) for the week.

• Ben Wallace(notes) - the 35-year-old Wallace looks like he deserves at least deep-league consideration, as he appears to have a fairly significant role among the team's bigs. Through three games, he's averaged 10.3 boards, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 33 minutes - anyone considering a roster add needs to be sure his lack of offense (4.3 points, 50% FT) won't negate his positives within the team dynamic, however. Week 2: ORL, @TOR, @ORL, PHI

• Shelden Williams(notes) - Williams has benefitted from Celtics' blowout wins in the early-going, and he was already in line for more minutes in the wake of Glen Davis'(notes) injury. Over the past two games, he's averaged 11 points, 9.5 boards, and 1.5 blocks in 23 minutes, and the team's Week 2 matchups look promising (@PHI, @MIN, PHO, @NJN).

• Solomon Jones(notes) - Jeff Foster(notes) is nursing back and ankle issues, meaning that Jones is currently next in line if/when Roy Hibbert(notes) gets into foul trouble. Jones saw 32 minutes of playing time on Friday thanks to five Hibbert fouls in just 16 minutes, and the result was 12 points, six boards, and two blocks. While consistency is far from a lock, there are worse deep-league options for those of you in need of big-man stats. Week 2: DEN, @NYK, WAS

Status Updates

• Raja Bell(notes) - Bell is still working his way back to the lineup, to see if he can play through his torn wrist ligament, but he felt "a significant twinge of pain" when he tried a reverse layup with his left hand on Friday. We aren't likely to see him attempt to give it a go in an actual game until Friday at the earliest.

• Caron Butler(notes) - a left knee bruise kept Butler out of the lineup on Saturday, but the Wizards have two days off and he's expected to be back in the lineup on Tuesday.

• Vince Carter(notes) - VC (ankle) will try to play on Sunday against the Raptors, but nothing official is likely emerge until game time. J.J. Redick(notes) will get the start if Carter can't go. The Magic are off Monday and then play a back-to-back on Tuesday/Wednesday (@DET, PHO).

• Pau Gasol(notes) - Gasol's right hamstring will keep him out again on Sunday, and at this point gauging a return date is purely speculation.

• Richard Hamilton(notes) - a right ankle sprain has sidelined Rip for the past two games, but the hope is that he'll be back in the lineup on Tuesday.

• Devin Harris - Harris did not play Saturday and will be out another week to 10 days - and maybe longer - after aggravating a groin injury originally suffered during the preseason. Rafer Alston started in his place against the Wizards (31 minutes, 20 points 3 treys, 8 assists).

• Josh Howard(notes) - it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mavericks are in no hurry to push Howard back into the lineup. That said, he's getting closer and the current target date appears to be November 10.

• Allen Iverson(notes) - AI was cleared to participate in full-contact practices on Thursday, and he's expected to make his regular-season debut on Monday.

• Antawn Jamison - Jamison (shoulder) remains out, but he's had yet to experience a setback and was shooting before the team's game on Saturday.

• Antonio McDyess(notes) - McDyess did not play Saturday because of flu-like symptoms. He's day-to-day moving forward, but the Spurs have only two games in Week 2 and don't play again until Thursday.

• Mehmet Okur(notes) - Okur was a full participant in practice on Saturday and should be good to go when the Jazz return to the court on Monday.

• Michael Redd(notes) - Redd lasted only 24 minutes on Saturday after playing 39 minutes in the team's season opener on Friday - he was removed from the game with left knee soreness in what is being called a precautionary move. The Bucks play only once before Friday (Tuesday, @CHI), so the team may choose to rest him, but look for definitive updates leading up to the game.

• Nate Robinson(notes) - Robinson suffered a sprained right ankle and is due for an X-ray sometime over the next day or two. Initial speculation is that he could be out for up to two weeks.

Watch live, right here…

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Johnson's 239-yard binge in Week 8 nearly broke whatever scoring records he established during the 284-yard outburst against Houston in Week 2.

It's never really a surprise to see him outrun defenders to the end zone, since the man has 4.24 speed. But if he's going to lower his helmet and run over NFL safeties...well, that's just unfair. When you watch the video of his 89-yard fourth quarter TD, note the way he dismisses Brian Russell(notes). Mass + acceleration = shame. (That's commonly known as William Gay's(notes) Law, in honor of this play). 

Johnson finished with a franchise-record 228 rushing yards, adding 11 more through the air. He led all fantasy scorers with 35.9 public league points on Sunday. There's a decent chance that Johnson will have yet another 30-plus week in the second half, as his schedule features matchups with Buffalo (172.4 rush YPG allowed), Houston (115.6), Indianapolis (111.8), St. Louis (135.9) and San Diego (137.7).

A few brand-name running backs are exiting Week 8 as strong sell-high candidates, but Johnson is not among them. If it's at all possible, you're buying him.

Fourth Quarter

• The Minnesota-Green Bay game was an absolute fantasy smorgasbord, with two brilliant quarterbacks combining for seven passing TDs. We'll gladly allow other outlets to satisfy your darkest Favrotic impulses. Here, we'll simply appreciate a terrific game that involved several elite NFL talents. Adrian Peterson was an unrelenting beast, per his usual, finishing with 141 total yards and one TD on 26 touches. Greg Jennings(notes) delivered his best game since the opener, catching eight passes for 88 yards and a score. Aaron Rodgers(notes) was mauled by the Vikings pass rush again (six sacks), yet he still threw for 287 yards and three TDs. Rodgers also led the Pack in rushing, thanks to a late 35-yard scramble.

But obviously the day belonged to Brett Favre(notes). For the second time this season, the Packers pass rush was only a rumor to him. If you're only sending three, he'll destroy you. You'd think Green Bay might've known. Favre passed for 244 yards on just 28 attempts (8.7 Y/A) and connected with four different receivers for touchdowns. Percy Harvin's(notes) 51-yard score had a body count. (Highlight here, beginning at 2:14).

The Vikings get a well-deserved bye next week, then they'll return with friendly matchups against Detroit and Seattle. Minnesota should enter the Week 12 game against Chicago with a 9-1 record and a division title essentially in the bag. If you're relying on Vikings for fantasy purposes, you'll need to hope that the race for home-field advantage remains competitive, because the battle for the NFC North apparently is not.

• Check the highlights of Maurice Jones-Drew's(notes) two long rushing TDs against Tennessee. Every member of the Titans defense had a photo op with MJD, yet no one tackled him. It's hardly possible to accomplish more than he did with only eight carries. MJD gets an imaginary game ball.

• Entering the week, if we'd told you that one of the quarterbacks in the Carolina-Arizona game was going to throw five interceptions, you probably would have guessed it would be the guy who'd already thrown 13 picks through six games. But you would have been wrong. Jake Delhomme(notes) was limited to 14 pass attempts as the Panthers streaked to a significant early lead. DeAngelo Williams(notes) and Jonathan Stewart(notes) combined for 40 carries and 245 rushing yards. If Carolina is going to beat a respectable opponent, that's the roadmap. 

Meanwhile, Kurt Warner(notes) connected nearly as often with members of the Panthers defense (five times) as he did with Larry Fitzgerald(notes) (six receptions). Warner simply isn't capable of overcoming a five-pick performance, because he ain't no Ricky Stanzi. 

• Remember how we mentioned brand-name sell-high running backs above? Well, LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) fits that description perfectly. If you think he's the same LT that dominated the fantasy landscape from '02 to '07, then you're rather delusional. Or you're simply too loyal to the future Hall of Famer, which is also a crippling fantasy weakness. Tomlinson carried 18 times for just 56 yards against Oakland on Sunday, but he broke the plane twice and finished with a respectable fantasy total. If you can cash out now, do it. The Chargers get three serious NFL defenses in the weeks ahead. They travel to face the Giants* next Sunday, then they take on the Eagles at home, and then they head to Denver in Week 11. 

(*OK, no, New York did not look like a serious defense this week. But that team can handle what LT is bringin' these days).

• Vince Young(notes) and Alex Smith both returned to starting duties this week after many months of lonely exile. Young was uncharacteristically efficient and accurate (15-for-18, 125 yards, TD), although the Jaguars' D is not the league's stingiest unit. Still, Young didn't throw an off-target pass until the 5:09 mark in the third quarter. It was an impressive return.

Smith clearly faced a much tougher test, traveling to Indy to face the undefeated Colts, a team that had only allowed two passing TDs through seven games. He passed for 198 yards with one score and one interception on Sunday. Smith was sacked four times (and decisively sacked twice), yet he didn't put the ball on the ground. All things considered, it was an encouraging effort. Smith is a strong add for next week's home matchup against Tennessee. He'll end the year with Detroit and St. Louis in Weeks 16 and 17. Add as needed.   

• Here's Gary Kubiak following Houston's 31-10 win over Buffalo: "Steve [Slaton] put the ball on the ground, and Ryan [Moats] took advantage of it." There it is in a nutshell. Moats gained 151 yards on 25 touches and found the end zone three times against the NFL's worst run defense. No immediate word on how workload will be distributed in Week 9 within the Moats-Slaton-Brown pileup, but it's clear enough that Slaton's fumbling will no longer be tolerated. 

Posted at 9:50 pm ET 

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Third Quarter

• Most reports suggest that Brett Favre was greeted with "a mix of cheers and boos" in Green Bay, but we can't confirm the cheering. It must be subtle. The boos are perfectly clear.

Favre was an efficient 11-for-15 at half with 97 passing yards and a 12-yard TD toss to Visanthe Shiancoe(notes). Green Bay's defense has failed to sack No. 4 in six quarters of football so far this year. The Vikings have not shown Aaron Rodgers the same courtesy, however. He was sacked four times in the opening half after getting dropped eight times by Minnesota in Week 4.

• Carolina appears to have seized control in Arizona, though the Cardinals are not a team that should ever be dismissed. DeAngelo Williams went over 100 rushing yards in the first half, Jonathan Stewart crossed the goal line twice, Jake Delhomme hasn't yet imploded (7-for-9, TD) and the Panthers' defensive line has routinely swatted passes to the ground. Julius Peppers(notes) walked into the end zone with an easy interception in the second quarter, on a pass that never had a chance. 

• Unfortunately, the news on Owen Daniels(notes) is as bad as we'd feared. The Houston Chronicle reports that Daniels is "likely done for the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee." It's obviously a brutal loss, as Daniels had emerged as a top-tier player, leading all TEs in fantasy scoring through seven weeks. If the Texans offense is going to maintain its sensational pace, then Kevin Walter(notes) will need to finally wake up.

• LaDainian Tomlinson is gaining his usual two-point-something yards per carry, but his old friends in Oakland have allowed him to find the end zone twice, rewarding those who played the matchup. Shawne Merriman(notes) recorded the first sack of his miserable season, but only because JaMarcus Russell(notes) ran directly into him. And then of course Merriman's celebration lasted nine minutes.

• Maurice Jones-Drew has a pair of 75-plus yard touchdown runs against the Titans' formerly respectable run D. He and Chris Johnson are currently engaged in a ridiculous battle for top-scoring honors in Week 8. They've combined for approximately 140 broken tackles. 

Posted at 6:30 pm ET

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Second Quarter

• Matt Forte(notes) delivered the big fantasy day we all expected against the Browns (121 total yards, two TDs). Now it's time to toss him on the Trading Block.

Don't let a useful line against a terrible team convince you that he's suddenly an elite fantasy entity again. Chicago's offensive line isn't much better today than it was in, say, Week 6, when Forte carried 15 times for 23 yards. The Bears face Arizona next Sunday, and the Cards boast the NFL's best run defense (67.5 YPG). In the fantasy playoffs, Chicago gets Baltimore and Minnesota. Forte's rest-of-season setup is poor, but a sell window just opened. Don't delay.

• Ray Rice(notes) topped 100 total yards for the fourth straight game, finishing with 23 carries for 84 yards against the Broncos and adding five receptions for 24. Rice scored on a 7-yard run late in the game, just to remind you that he's the only Ravens back you need to own. Willis McGahee(notes) carried just twice, losing a yard. 

• Ryan Moats(notes) clearly demonstrated why we all liked Steve Slaton(notes) so much on Sunday: Buffalo's defense does not stop the run. The Bills entered the week dead-last in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 172.4 yards per game and 5.2 per carry. Unfortunately for Slaton, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak finally decided that he could no longer suffer fumblers. (See below for details). With Slaton looking on – not pouting, by the way – Moats steamrolled the Bills' D, carrying 23 times for 126 yards and three TDs. In all likelihood, Slaton's days as a full-workload running back just ended.

• If you started Ted Ginn Jr.(notes) on Sunday, you're insane congratulations. The second of his two kick return TDs was particularly ridiculous. (Video). It should not be possible to make that many cuts on a single play.

• Miles Austin(notes) visited the end zone again for Dallas, catching the last of Tony Romo's(notes) three touchdown passes. It appears that Austin is not merely on a Drew Bennett-in-'04(notes) sort of binge. The untold story in the Cowboys passing game is that tight end Jason Witten(notes) has had an unusually quiet year. He had just four receptions for 36 yards against Seattle. Witten entered the week as the No. 16 fantasy scorer at his position.

• After a late and largely meaningless goal line stand by Cleveland in Soldier Field, it appeared that Jay Cutler(notes) and Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan were squaring off, looking to duel. Or it's possible that they were talking hair care.

"Those are some luxurious tresses, coach."

"Thanks, kid."

"You mind if I ask if you're still conditioning with Pante--?"

"HELL YES, I [expletive] MIND!"

And then it was on.

• Steven Jackson delivered his fourth 100-yard rushing effort of the year in the Rams' 17-10 win over the Lions. He went without a touchdown for the first 31 quarters of the '09 season, but finally made a house call from 25 yards away with 1:38 on the clock in Detroit. You'll recall that S-Jax is historically a slow start/big finish player, although his matchups aren't particularly easy in the second half.

• Dustin Keller(notes) has been a minor disappointment so far this year for fantasy purposes, but he remains a serious talent and he was spectacular in Week 8. He made a full-extension grab on the goal line for a 16-yard score late in the fourth quarter, then Keller shrugged off an interfering defender to make a key catch for a first down on the Jets final (failed) drive.  

• Somewhere, there's a disgusted Peyton Manning(notes) owner facing an ecstatic Reggie Wayne(notes) owner. Yup, that was running back Joseph Addai(notes) – not Manning – who threw the 22-yard touchdown pass to Wayne early in the fourth quarter in Indianapolis, giving the Colts an 18-14 lead. Addai took the handoff on an apparent stretch play, then stepped back and lofted a beautiful, low-degree-of-difficulty throw to No. 87.

And just to further frustrate that Manning owner, Peyton overshot Pierre Garcon(notes) on the two-point conversion attempt.

• We're not big on celebrating huge hits here, but...well, goodness. Look at this. But don't look if you have a fondness for Danny Amendola(notes).   

Updated at 5:05 pm ET

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First Quarter

• If you're wondering why Ryan Moats has most of the carries for Houston today, the answer is simple (and predictable): Steve Slaton can't hold onto the football. Slaton fumbled on his third touch of the game, so Gary Kubiak sent him to the sideline for the remainder of the half. That was Slaton's seventh fumble of the season; it's not as if his head coach hasn't been patient. At half, Moats had six carries for 40 yards. 

• Owen Daniels checked out of the Texans-Bills tilt with a right knee injury, and there's not much reason for optimism. The team is calling it a sprain; Daniels wasn't putting any weight on his right leg. He had one catch for 22 yards before exiting. 

• Not so long ago, the Giants were 5-0 and many of us were convinced that they were among the NFC's better teams. It turns out that a friendly early schedule (WAS, DAL, TB, KC, OAK) may have caused us to slightly overrate them. The Giants were eviscerated by the Saints in Week 6, they lost a tight game at home to the Cardinals last Sunday, and they're getting shredded by the Eagles today. Donovan McNabb(notes) threw three first half touchdowns, hitting all the usual suspects: Brent Celek(notes), DeSean Jackson(notes) and Jeremy Maclin(notes). Naturally, Jackson's TD was from 50-plus.

• Here's an unusual phrase that was uttered by the broadcast team in Chicago: "Forte through a big hole on the left side…" Pretty sure that's the first time all year we've heard such a description of a Bears running lane. Matt Forte has 13 carries for 44 yards and one TD at halftime. Chicago had a 16-0 halftime lead, to no one's surprise.

• Frank Gore's(notes) 64-yard touchdown run at Indianapolis is an early highlight-of-the-day candidate. Video here. That's just a simple inside handoff that should never go the distance against a top-shelf NFL defense. Apparently Jerraud Powers(notes) and Antoine Bethea(notes) went to Jeff Reed(notes) Tackling Camp.

• Knowshon Moreno(notes) fumbled in the first half at Baltimore after catching a short flip from Kyle Orton(notes), but the rookie back really had no chance whatsoever on the play. Baltimore's pass rush disrupted the timing, giving Ed Reed(notes) an opportunity to reach Moreno immediately after the ball arrived.

• Mark Sanchez(notes) tried to give Sean Smith(notes) a 99-yard pick six, but the Miami corner couldn't hold onto the ball. After the incompletion, Jay Feely(notes) kicked a layup 23-yard field goal. 

• Terrell Owens(notes) made a rare visit to the end zone in Buffalo, taking an end-around 29 yards for a score. He later dropped a TD pass in the corner of the end zone, though.

• What are the odds that T.O. and Roy Williams would score touchdowns in the same week? Well, it's happened. Williams broke the plane from seven yards away at the end of the first half in Dallas, just stretching the ball over the goal line. 

• Joe Flacco(notes) made an absolutely sensational short throw in the second quarter against Denver, while wrapped-up and half-sacked by Brian Dawkins(notes). Before hitting the turf, Flacco flipped the ball to running back Ray Rice who bounced outside for a slick 10-yard gain. It was a throw that Roethlisberger makes regularly, but that few other QBs have the strength to complete. 

• Understandably, Rams safety James Butler(notes) was excited by his interception in the second quarter in Detroit. But when you're on the ground and surrounded by bodies in your own end zone, just stay down. No need to return the pick. Just take the touchback.

In classic Rams style, Butler followed one bad decision (standing and attempting the runback) with an even worse decision (leaving the end zone, then stepping back in). He was tackled by Kevin Smith(notes), resulting in a safety. Butler's interception actually brought the Lions within a point of the Rams, 3-2.

Updated at 3:15 pm ET

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Actionable early news: Brian Westbrook(notes) (concussion), Mario Manningham(notes) (shoulder) and Calvin Johnson(notes) (knee) are reportedly INACTIVE. LeSean McCoy(notes) gets the full workload for Philadelphia, Hakeem Nicks(notes) gets a serious bump in value for New York, and...well, the Megatron news is just bad. Dennis Northcutt(notes) should start for Detroit. 

Updated at 10:55 am ET

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Pregame

"Welcome to Week 8, hey. You gotta try Pammy's venison stick over by the cooler there. And c'mere while you're up, gimme a Leinie's. Big game today, eh?"

For those in need: QB ranks, RB ranks, WR ranks, NFL Skinny, Flames & Lames, Shuffle Up, Fantasy Freak Show.

Please stop by Sunday Scene throughout the day for updates, and join us for 60 minutes of start/sit chat during Fantasy Football Live beginning at noon ET. 

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Photos via Getty Images (Packers fans), AP Images (Slaton, Forte, Favre) and US Presswire (Johnson).

Lurking in the dark recesses of your league’s waiver wire is a green and yellow monster who could slaughter the competition in Week 8.

The points-racking creature’s name: James Jones(notes).

After headline grabbers Donald Driver(notes), Greg Jennings(notes) and the aforementioned Jones, wide receiver depth in Green Bay is virtually nonexistent. The injury imp has feasted on the Pack. With electric tight end Jermichael Finley(notes) also a “long shot” to suit up in the Brett Bowl, the former San Jose St. standout, Aaron Rodgers’(notes) third option, is expected to see a targets spike.

Over the past two weeks in a more limited role, the preeminent deep threat has quietly posted admirable totals. Though targeted only four times, he reeled in three catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit and Cleveland. The previous competition may seem meeker compared to Minnesota, but in reality Jones’ opponent this week is substantially more attractive.

Sans starting corner Antoine Winfield(notes), the Vikings have been extremely vulnerable to explosive pass plays. Even when at full strength they’ve generally underperformed. No team this season has allowed more 20-yard air strikes than the Norseman. Similar to Mike Wallace(notes) a week ago, the Packers’ No. 3, who is averaging 19.7 yards per catch, is in a prime position to excel.

Naysayers will contend the Pack’s Swiss cheese offensive line will never give Rodgers enough time to connect with Jones downfield. Their evaluation isn’t farfetched. Jared Allen(notes) chases down quarterbacks with Jack-Nicholson-in-The-Shining aggressiveness – fire axe and all. Sacked eight times in their previous meeting, 4.5 by Allen, Brett Favre’s(notes) replacement was harassed incessantly. But despite the numerous hurries and thwarted attempts he still managed to complete eights passes of 15-plus yards, including a 34-yard strike to Jones.

So before you partake in the drunken, lascivious-costumed revelry of Halloween, follow that mysterious cheddar smell to the waiver wire. In a bye-heavy week, the six percent-owned Cheesehead could be more treat than trick.

Week 8 Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 76 yards, 1 touchdown, 13 fantasy points

Who is your Week 8 Shocker Special? Post your pick with prediction below.

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SILENCE THE NOISE CHALLENGE

Each week one lucky aspiring fantasy prognosticator is chosen to go toe-to-toe against the Noise. If you want to be a guest "expert" submit your Week 8 flames, lames (1 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE for each, 16 total) and shocker special (one player at any position) along with a valid email address and your location here no later than 7 PM central time on Thursday. Oh, and please, no long dissertations to justify your picks. All that's required are your player selections and projections. Winners earn a league spot to compete against yours truly next season. Good luck!

Week 8 contestant: Matt from Gales Ferry, CT

Flames:
QB: David Garrard(notes), Jac, 20-31, 275 yards, 28 rush yards, 2:1 TD:INT
RB: Kevin Smith(notes), Det, 20 rushes, 92 yards, 33 receiving yards, 1 TD
RB: Jamal Lewis(notes), Cle, 23 rushes, 85 yards, 1 TD
RB: Fred Jackson(notes), Buf, 8 rushes, 40 yards, 4 catches, 52 receiving yards, 1 TD
WR: Michael Crabtree(notes), SF, 4 catches, 77 yards, 0 TDs
WR: Mike Sims-Walker(notes), Jac, 6 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD
WR: Kevin Walter(notes), Hou, 5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
TE: Tony Scheffler(notes), Den, 4 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

Lames:
QB: Donovan McNabb(notes), Phi, 19-38, 204 yards, 12 rush yards, 1:2 TD:INT
RB: DeAngelo Williams(notes), Car, 15 rushes, 67 yards, 22 receiving yards, 0 TDs
RB: Ryan Grant(notes), GB, 12 rushes, 49 yards, 37 receiving yards, 0 TDs
RB: Thomas Jones(notes), NYJ, 16 rushes, 60 yards, 0 TDs
WR: Vincent Jackson(notes), 3 catches, 57 yards, 0 TDs
WR: Steve Smith, NYG, 4 catches, 53 yards, 0 TDs
WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes), Sea, 3 catches, 35 yards, 0 TDs
TE: Jeremy Shockey(notes), NO, 2 catches 27 yards, 0 TDs

Shocker Special: Justin Fargas(notes), Oak, 12 rushes, 72 yards, 26 receiving yards, 1 TD

Week 7 results: Tom from Holtsville, NY

Flames (2-7): W – (Mark Sanchez(notes), Ryan Grant); L – (Leon Washington(notes), Kevin Faulk(notes), Steve Smith (NYG), Chris Chambers(notes), Michael Jenkins(notes), Brent Celek(notes), Marc Bulger(notes) (Shocker))

Lames (3-5): W - (Brett Favre, Carnell Williams(notes), Bernard Berrian(notes)); L - (Michael Turner(notes), Cedric Benson(notes), Vincent Jackson, Steve Smith (Car), Owen Daniels(notes))

Noisers Season: Flames (17-38, 30.9%), Lames (24-23, 51.1%)

Winners: Matthew in Colden, NY, Micah in Shelbyville, TN

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Image couresty of Getty

After much deliberation, we decided that the scariest thing we could possibly do on Halloween was to hand Brad Evans a microphone and allow him to answer fantasy questions live, on the radio. Thoroughly creepy. 

Thanks to those who joined us Friday night on The Score WSCR-AM 670 for the Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Freak Show. Week 8 matchups were previewed, start/sit questions were answered. Also, Shonn Greene(notes) joined us to discuss his awesomeness generally, and his role in the Jets backfield specifically. It's possible that one of us may have asked him a few questions about Iowa football, too.

Please hit the links...

Fantasy Freak Show, Part 1

Fantasy Freak Show, Part 2

Fantasy Freak Show, bonus coverage

Shonn Greene interview

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Photo via AP Images

• Brian Westbrook(notes) was held out of practice for the third straight day Friday and although the Eagles are listing him as questionable, it would be a stunner if he played against the Giants. LeSean McCoy(notes) has been a dud of late but nonetheless he's a reasonable flex option assuming Westbrook is scratched on game day. No worries on DeSean Jackson(notes) (foot), he had a full session Friday.

• It was another limited day for Calvin Johnson (knee) on Friday; he's a game-time decision for the Rams. At least it's an early matchup, so we'll know far in advance of the windows closing. Matthew Stafford(notes) (knee) should be able to start, though he didn't take all the reps Friday.

• Anthony Gonzalez(notes) (knee) has been counted out for Week 8; there's still no specific target date for him. It's a little discouraging that he wasn't more ready for game action out of a bye week. Keep rolling with Austin Collie(notes), gamers. As for Reggie Wayne(notes) (groin), he was back to work Friday and should go on game day, but check back around noon eastern just to be sure.

• Andre Johnson(notes) (lung) had a good day Friday and will play at Buffalo. "Andre looked great," Gary Kubiak said. "He's ready to go." Sounds good to us, next question.

• Jonathan Stewart(notes) (Achilles) had a full day Friday and while he's officially listed as questionable, he should be fine for his normal workload at Arizona. Head up, though, the Cardinals have been excellent stopping the run.

• Anquan Boldin(notes) (ankle) was limited through the entire practice week and is listed as questionable, though context clues point to him playing. Ken Whisenhunt did offer that Boldin "looks better." Barring a late setback, look for him to play against the Panthers.

• Matt Hasselbeck(notes) (ribs) took a full day Friday and will go at Dallas. He'll probably spend most of the afternoon running for his life; the Dallas pass rush has woken up of late (14 sacks in four weeks), and Seattle's offensive-line play has been dreadful.

• Bernard Berrian(notes) (hamstring) was limited the past two days and looks like a risky play at Green Bay. Brett Favre(notes) has several downfield options he prefers to Berrian. Percy Harvin(notes) (illness) got back to work Friday and should get his normal work on Sunday.

• Mario Manningham(notes) (shoulder) didn't practice Friday and really can't be trusted this weekend against Philadelphia, though he says he'll play on Sunday. He's leaving big plays on the field just about every week and it's only a matter of time before his role is lessened; the Giants have a good thing going with Hakeem Nicks(notes) and Steve Smith.

• Rashean Mathis(notes) (broken finger) won't play against the Titans, if you wanted to know. He's Jacksonville's best corner and all, but talk yourself into Tennessee's passing game at your own risk.

• Coverage ace Antoine Winfield(notes) (foot) won't go for the Vikings, great news for anyone tied to the Green Bay passing game. Of course the Packers have to protect Aaron Rodgers(notes), too.

• Donald Brown(notes) (shoulder) didn't practice Friday and while he's officially listed as doubtful, no one expects him to go against the Niners. More fun for Joseph Addai(notes), we suppose.

• Muhsin Muhammad(notes) (knee) won't go at Arizona, so the Panthers are forced to start Dwayne Jarrett(notes) opposite Steve Smith. In other words, here's another reason to talk yourself out of No. 89.

• Marion Barber(notes) (thumb) is listed as probable, and that's the same story with Ricky Williams(notes) (thumb). When a couple of backs in dreadlocks have the same injury and status tag, we're allowed to link them in the same bullet.

• Jerricho Cotchery(notes) (hamstring) is still carrying the questionable tag but the Jets expect him to suit up against Miami.

• Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) (foot) did some work Friday and will go against the Eagles. It's hard to say just how much pain Bradshaw is in; he's got a cracked bone in that foot, after all. Brandon Jacobs(notes), by default, should be looking at 20-plus touches in this matchup.

• Larry Johnson(notes) has filed a grievance over his suspension; consider it posturing as the team and Team Johnson work on a settlement. Mercifully, no Kansas City Chiefs will be on public display in Week 8.

• Chaz Schilens(notes) (foot) remains doubtful, so we'll have to keep waiting on that story.

Kyle Orton(notes) - Funston's rank 9, composite rank 14

Denver faces a tough Baltimore run defense that, although victimized by Cedric Benson(notes) and Adrian Peterson the past two weeks, still has allowed just 3.5 YPC, the fifth-best mark in the league. To make matters worse, Baltimore is at home and coming off a bye after losing three straight hard-fought games against good teams. I expect the Ravens to be extremely surly and focused, looking to snuff out the fifth-heaviest rush offense in the NFL.

Orton has gained head coach Josh McDaniels’ confidence with three straight two-touchdown games, and he has but one turnover through six contests. I expect McDaniels will go with a much more pass-heavy approach against the league’s 10th-worst pass defense (241.5 passing YPG allowed). Denver has pass-protected well, adding further confidence here. Orton should be able to lean heavily on WR Brandon Marshall(notes); Baltimore struggles with big, physical wideouts. And TE Tony Scheffler(notes) is re-emerging as a usable weapon for the Broncos. I expect Orton to throw it 35-40 times, and he should be good for at least the average yardage that Baltimore allows through the air, along with a couple scores. (Funston)

Steve Smith (CAR) - Pianowski's rank 27, composite 16 

If you want to start Smith with any confidence, you have to talk yourself into Jake Delhomme(notes) as well. Does that sound like something you might be interested in?

Delhomme comes to the desert with a league-high 13 interceptions, and while the Arizona secondary looks beatable on paper, you first have to deal with the surging Cardinals pass rush. The Redbirds have collected eight sacks and six turnovers (including four picks) in the last two weeks, and given the way this unit has rallied of late, I don't imagine the Panthers are going to ask Delhomme to do too much in the early part of the game. You probably won't see a lot of deep shots to Smith, at least until the matter gets out of hand.

You don't have a lot of time to fix things in a fantasy football season; very early it becomes too late. And as poorly as Delhomme has played, some of of the blame for Smith's 2009 bagel (no touchdowns) has to lie with the receiver. Now that we're about to turn the page to November, let's roll with the players who are actually spiking footballs with some regularity. That's not Steve Smith, amigos. (Pianow)

Ricky Williams(notes) - Behrens' rank 26, composite rank 18

In Week 7, Williams led all running backs in fantasy scoring. He rushed for 80 yards and three TDs against his former employer, adding two receptions for 12 yards. It was an outstanding effort. No complaints. Great game. Williams clearly has more left in the hookah tank than any of us suspected.

But as a fantasy owner, you can't fall into the habit of chasing last week's stats. Williams only received nine carries against the Saints; he's averaging just 11.7 carries per game for the year. As good as he's been, Ricky isn't any sort of serious threat to Ronnie Brown's(notes) 18.2 carries per game. Even if you have a Gruden-esque affection for the Wildcat and a Ditka-like affection for Ricky, you have to acknowledge that backs who receive 10-13 carries per week should rank as flex options, not must-starts. (Behrens)

Pierre Thomas(notes) - Evans' rank 13, composite 20

In order to regain the PT Bruiser's affection, the Noise was forced to shower his main flame with flowers, chocolates and erotic massages. After a one-week breakup we can safely say our bromance is budding once again.

Skeptics are understandably petrified of Mike Bell's(notes) presence near the goal line, but the Saints' depth chart topper is destined to have a banner performance in front of a national audience. Though Bell has wrested away sizable red zone touches from PT, he's still an integral part of the offense inside the 20. On the season, he's toted the rock 11 times to Bell's 15 in the red zone. Both players should add to those totals this week.

The Falcons have yielded just 3.8 yards per carry and the eighth-fewest fantasy points to rushers since Week 3. But Atlanta's banged up secondary facing the league's most prolific passing offense is a nightmare scenario. Because Drew Brees(notes) will be able to move the ball through the air unrestricted, it will provide Thomas with ample scoring opportunities. We're banking on one, potentially two, spectacular TD runs. (Noise)

Nate Burleson(notes) - Funston's rank 29, composite 20

Arizona really exposed the major weakness for Seattle on offense in Week 6, pinning its ears back and going for broke at QB Matt Hasselbeck(notes), who was sacked five times and under relentless pressure all game. Seattle is missing both of its starting tackles (Walter Jones(notes) and Sean Locklear(notes)), which is likely to remain a huge issue at Dallas this Sunday. DeMarcus Ware(notes) lives on the edge and he has ramped it up with four sacks in his past two games. Seattle doesn’t have anyone that can come close to handling him right now. If pressure remains a big problem, as I think it will, that’s going to favor a much more conservative passing game for Seattle – I see more of the quick slant and quick out stuff to T.J. Housmandzadeh. Burleson is more the vertical, big-play guy and that can be an issue when the QB has little time to set up in the pocket – like in Week 6 when he had just two catches for 40 yards. (Funston)

Donovan McNabb(notes) - Pianowski's rank 14, composite 9

I find matchup history to be an overrated factor unless we're talking about division rivals; when they clash, it's worth it to open the history books and see what's happened in recent meetings. Four out of the last five tilts between the Giants and Eagles have been capped at 34 points or less; these tend to be slug-it-out affairs where the first team to score 17 or 20 points gets the win. If you're looking for pinball scoring, head elsewhere.

Much is made of Andy Reid's pass-happy offense, but the Giants seem to know how to defend it; McNabb hasn't topped 200 yards passing in any of the last four regular-season matchups here and in three of those games he went for one touchdown or less. And McNabb certainly didn't earn my trust Monday night at Washington; other than one long touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson(notes) (on an underthrown ball), he looked like a quarterback struggling with his accuracy and mechanics. The QB position is a deep one for fantasy owners in 2009, and I don't see any reason to force the issue on McNabb here, in a game where points, yards and touchdowns figure to come at a premium. Learn the history, or be doomed to repeat it. (Pianow)

Marshawn Lynch(notes) - Behrens' rank 13, composite 19

This one is a layup. (Not to say I've never missed a layup, but still. This is easily defended). Lynch is dominating the workload in Buffalo's backfield. He's carried no fewer than 17 times in each of the Bills' three previous games. Most of us thought Fred Jackson(notes) deserved a greater role, but instead he's become an afterthought. Lynch is the guy to own. He's perhaps not the league's most exciting back, but he's getting all the touches he can handle (and possibly more than he deserves). In Week 8, Lynch faces a Texans defense that's allowed 10 rushing TDs and 4.7 yards per carry. (Behrens)

Matthew Stafford(notes) - Evans' rank 11, composite 16

Although the rookie has practiced uninhibited since Tuesday, he's still expected to be a "game-time decision" according to Jim Schwartz. Still, it's very likely he will take snaps against an awful Rams secondary which has surrendered 258.2 yards per game and eight scores to signal callers since Week 3, equal to the ninth-most fantasy points allowed. When healthy, Stafford has performed respectably, averaging 223.5 yards per game with three touchdowns in four starts. He's also chipped in 12.5 rushing yards per game.

Obviously, the potential absence of Calvin Johnson(notes) – Megatron said Friday he doesn't want to "overwork" his injured knee – diminishes Stafford's upside, but Bryant Johnson(notes), Dennis Northcutt(notes) and Kevin Smith(notes) are suitable enough for the QB to achieve success against St. Louis. Heck, JaMarcus Russell(notes) could flirt with the top-20 against the Rams. (OK, that might be a tad bit optimistic).

Assuming Stafford plays, a borderline top-12 effort is probable. (Noise)

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Photos via Getty Images

You should know the specs by now. If you redrafted tomorrow, stats from scratch, what would your cheat sheet look like?

It's harder than it looks, Virginia. Let's count them down.

Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning(notes)
2. Drew Brees(notes)
3. Matt Schaub(notes)
4. Philip Rivers(notes)
5. Aaron Rodgers(notes)
6. Tom Brady(notes)
7. Ben Roethlisberger(notes)
8. Tony Romo(notes)
9. Kurt Warner(notes)
10. Jay Cutler(notes)
11. Brett Favre(notes)
12. Donovan McNabb(notes)
13. Eli Manning(notes)
14. Matt Ryan(notes)
15. Joe Flacco(notes)
16. Carson Palmer(notes)
17. David Garrard(notes)
18. Kyle Orton(notes)
19. Matt Hasselbeck(notes)
20. Matthew Stafford(notes)
21. Alex Smith
22. Matt Cassel(notes)
23. Jason Campbell(notes)
24. Mark Sanchez(notes)
25. Chad Henne(notes)
26. Jake Delhomme(notes)
27. Vince Young(notes)
28. Marc Bulger(notes)
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes)
30. Josh Freeman(notes)
31. Kevin Kolb(notes)
32. Derek Anderson(notes)
33. Matt Leinart(notes)
34. Trent Edwards(notes)
35. JaMarcus Russell(notes)
36. Daunte Culpepper(notes)
37. Seneca Wallace(notes)
38. Todd Collins(notes)
39. Shaun Hill(notes)
40. Kerry Collins(notes)

Comments: Andy Behrens raised some eyebrows when he gave the Texans the No. 1 juggernaut rank before the season, and the boo birds came out quickly when Houston laid an egg in Week 1 against the Jets. But since then Schaub & Co. have justified the preseason love, posting a friendly batch of numbers for six straight weeks. So long as the Texans can keep No. 8 in one piece, this will be a full-season hit . . . Donovan McNabb is one of the hardest players to rank these days. His accuracy comes and goes, Brian Westbrook(notes) obviously isn't right, the offense can't seem to stay in balance, etc . . . Philip Rivers has all the tools in place to be a fantasy stud the rest of the way - the Chargers can't really run the ball or play defense, and there are plenty of elite pass-catchers in Bordertown (not so fast, Chambers). The completion percentage is a little low for Rivers right now, but he won't end the season under 60 percent . . . No one knows what to expect with Vince Young - has all that watching done a thing to repair his confidence? - but at least he can run. Hopefully, from a fantasy perspective, they let him do what he's good at . . . I'm not sold on Alex Smith's physical tools at the position, but throwing to Vernon Davis(notes) and Michael Crabtree(notes) looks like a pretty good gig.

Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Maurice Jones-Drew(notes)
3. Ronnie Brown(notes)
4. Michael Turner(notes)
5. Ray Rice(notes)
6. Cedric Benson(notes)
7. Steven Jackson
8. Thomas Jones(notes)
9. DeAngelo Williams(notes)
10. Chris Johnson
11. Steve Slaton(notes)
12. Brandon Jacobs(notes)
13. Frank Gore(notes)
14. Rashard Mendenhall(notes)
15. Marion Barber(notes)
16. Matt Forte(notes)
17. Joseph Addai(notes)
18. Ryan Grant(notes)
19. Kevin Smith(notes)
20. Ricky Williams(notes)
21. Mike Bell(notes)
22. Marshawn Lynch(notes)
23. Pierre Thomas(notes)
24. Knowshon Moreno(notes)
25. Tim Hightower(notes)
26. LaDainian Tomlinson(notes)
27. Clinton Portis(notes)
28. LeSean McCoy(notes)
29. Carnell Williams(notes)
30. Jonathan Stewart(notes)
31. Brian Westbrook
32. Ahmad Bradshaw(notes)
33. Donald Brown(notes)
33. Beanie Wells(notes)
34. Shonn Greene(notes)
35. Laurence Maroney(notes)
35. Jamaal Charles(notes)
35. Reggie Bush(notes)
36. Correll Buckhalter(notes)
36. Felix Jones(notes)
38. Jamal Lewis(notes)
39. Julius Jones(notes)
40. Darren Sproles(notes)
41. Fred Jackson(notes)
41. LenDale White(notes)
42. Tashard Choice(notes)
43. Justin Fargas(notes)
44. Derrick Ward(notes)
45. Willis McGahee(notes)
46. Darren McFadden(notes)
47. Michael Bush(notes)
48. Jerome Harrison(notes)
49. Kevin Faulk(notes)
50. Jason Snelling(notes)
51. Glen Coffee(notes)
52. Mewelde Moore(notes)
53. Willie Parker(notes)
54. Ahman Green(notes)
55. Javon Ringer(notes)
56. BenJarvus Green-Ellis(notes)
57. Le'Ron McClain(notes)
58. Larry Johnson(notes)
59. Sammy Morris(notes)

Comments: I don't want to hear a peep out of you, Adrian Peterson owner. Your guy is getting 5.0 yards a pop, he's quietly scored eight times, and he's making strides in the passing game (a sneaky 18 catches) . . . Admit it, Ricky Williams is running like he's 25 right now. What's the secret here? Maybe everyone should briefly retire at the top of their game . . . The Saints have so many toys on offense, it's easy for Reggie Bush to get lost in the shuffle. Pierre Thomas? There's no right answer here, so long as Mike Bell stays healthy. It's obvious the Saints feel good about Bell as a closer and goal-line option; we'll see if his high-contact style can last the season . . . Oh that cute Oakland offense, coached by Cable and held back by Satellite (the maddening McFadden). I wouldn't own D-Mac on a bet . . . The witless owner who chased Thomas Jones's 2008 numbers at the draft table two months ago is having a good laugh now. For all the gushing over Shonn Greene this week (justified), I don't think the changing of the guard in New York is going to hurt the rock-solid Jones. The Jets like TJ at the goal line and he's working behind a fantastic blocking scheme . . . Is Joseph Addai having a good year in real life? Not really. But the setup in Naptown keeps getting him touches and touchdowns, and while we have to consider things like yards per carry, it's still not a fantasy stat. Said a different way, opportunity remains king in our make-believe game, so long as you do at least a little something with it . . . Arizona's got a ridiculously-easy schedule to close the year, which should in theory be a boost to the running game. But can someone fix the run-blocking here? . . . You're not allowed to defend LT until you give a viewing to every one of his Week 8 carries at Kansas City; Norv Turner tried his best to get Tomlinson a mercy touchdown but the experiment failed miserably. There's no reason to be sentimental, Tomlinson just doesn't have much power or lateral agility left. Rank with your head, not with your heart . . . I know you'd like to see Ahmad Bradshaw higher, so would I. But how aggressively can we rank someone running with a cracked bone in their foot?

Wide Receiver
1. Reggie Wayne(notes)
2. Larry Fitzgerald(notes)
3. Andre Johnson(notes)
4. Randy Moss(notes)
5. Marques Colston(notes)
6. Vincent Jackson(notes)
7. Chad Ochocinco(notes)
8. Brandon Marshall(notes)
9. Roddy White(notes)
10. Wes Welker(notes)
11. DeSean Jackson(notes)
12. Mike Sims-Walker(notes)
13. Anquan Boldin(notes)
14. Sidney Rice(notes)
15. Calvin Johnson(notes)
16. Donald Driver(notes)
17. Miles Austin(notes)
18. Dwayne Bowe(notes)
19. Hines Ward(notes)
20. Greg Jennings(notes)
21. Steve Smith (NYG)
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes)
23. Nate Burleson(notes)
24. Santonio Holmes(notes)
25. Devin Hester(notes)
26. Derrick Mason(notes)
27. Steve Smith (CAR)
28. Braylon Edwards(notes)
29. Hakeem Nicks(notes)
30. Percy Harvin(notes)
31. Jerricho Cotchery(notes)
32. Michael Crabtree
33. Lee Evans(notes)
34. Santana Moss(notes)
35. Donnie Avery(notes)
36. Mohamed Massaquoi(notes)
37. Bernard Berrian(notes)
38. Steve Breaston(notes)
39. Austin Collie(notes)
40. Jeremy Maclin(notes)
41. Anthony Gonzalez(notes)
42. Eddie Royal(notes)
43. Lance Moore(notes)
44. Kevin Walter(notes)
45. Johnny Knox(notes)
46. Mario Manningham(notes)
47. Torry Holt(notes)
48. Terrell Owens(notes)
49. Antonio Bryant(notes)
50. Mark Clayton(notes)
51. Mike Wallace(notes)
52. Roy Williams
53. Earl Bennett(notes)
54. Davone Bess(notes)
55. Pierre Garcon(notes)
56. Laveranues Coles(notes)
57. James Jones(notes)
58. Nate Washington(notes)
59. Brian Hartline(notes)
60. Jacoby Jones(notes)
61. Malcom Floyd(notes)
62. Devery Henderson(notes)
63. Patrick Crayton(notes)
64. Kenny Britt(notes)
65. Andre Caldwell(notes)
66. Michael Jenkins(notes)
67. Ted Ginn Jr.(notes)
68. Danny Amendola(notes)
69. Chaz Schilens(notes)
70. Josh Morgan(notes)
71. Sam Aiken(notes)
72. Chris Chambers(notes)
73. Muhsin Muhammad(notes)
74. Bryant Johnson(notes)

Comments: Chad Ochocinco has turned into one of the biggest profit guys of 2009, a healthy and motivated season. He should be in the Top 10 the rest of the way . . . Everyone loves DeSean Jackson's ability to score from anywhere on the field, but he needs to show more confidence and toughness on the shorter routes, especially going over the middle . . . Santana Moss didn't go off against the Eagles but he was plenty involved, an encouraging sign. Fill in your own bingo joke here . . . Thank goodness Brett Favre came to Minnesota and unlocked the Sidney Rice story, because we know Tarvaris Jackson(notes) wasn't going to do it. Rice would be Pro Bowl-bound if the season ended today . . . If you're headed to the greater-Miami area this weekend, don't mention Teddy Ginn. The natives are angry . . . Austin Collie's play over the last few weeks should cement a role for him in the second half, no matter how quickly Anthony Gonzalez returns . . .  I don't want much to do with the Jets passing game right now; it's clear this is a team that's trying to hide its quarterback . . . Mario Manningham seems to leave a big play on the field every week.

Tight End
1. Dallas Clark(notes)
2. Antonio Gates(notes)
3. Tony Gonzalez(notes)
4. Owen Daniels(notes)
5. Jason Witten(notes)
6. Heath Miller(notes)
7. Vernon Davis
8. Brent Celek(notes)
9. Visanthe Shiancoe(notes)
10. Jeremy Shockey(notes)
11. Greg Olsen(notes)
12. John Carlson(notes)
13. Kellen Winslow(notes)
14. Tony Scheffler(notes)
15. Todd Heap(notes)
16. Zach Miller
17. Marcedes Lewis(notes)
18. Fred Davis(notes)
19. Dustin Keller(notes)
20. Anthony Fasano(notes)
21. Benjamin Watson(notes)
22. Jermichael Finley(notes)
23. Brandon Pettigrew(notes)
24. Bo Scaife(notes)
25. Chris Cooley(notes)
26. Randy McMichael(notes)
27. Donald Lee(notes)
28. Sean Ryan(notes)

Comments: Owen Daniels is another Texan making good here; he's got the size of a tight end, the speed and lateral moves of a wideout, and fantastic hands. Gary Kubiak is doing a fantastic job of moving Daniels all over the formation and creating mismatches . . . Kellen Winslow has been the invisible man in four of five games (only the Eagles bailed him out), and it's hard to be too optimistic about that changing now that a rookie QB runs the Bucs offense . . . Jason Witten has been needed to block more often this year, and while the Cowboys offense looks a lot better since Miles Austin emerged, I still don't trust these guys inside the 10-yard line . . . Bo Scaife might be worth a short-term rental during bye-week season (deep leagues only), depending on how Vince Young looks throwing the ball . . . Fred Davis can't block all that well (like so many of his teammates), but there was nothing wrong with his hands on Monday night.

Defense
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. New York Giants
6. Denver Broncos
7. New England Patriots
8. Green Bay Packers
9. Arizona Cardinals
10. San Francisco 49ers
11. Baltimore Ravens
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. New York Jets
15. Buffalo Bills
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Houston Texans
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Washington Redskins
20. Seattle Seahawks
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Atlanta Falcons
23. Chicago Bears
24. Oakland Raiders
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Cleveland Browns
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Detroit Lions
30. St. Louis Rams
31. Tennessee Titans
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Comments: Okay, maybe I'm going all-in on the Saints defense too early, but let's accept a couple of things. One, this team will be playing with a lead more than probably any other club, and that's a major asset to a defense that wants to attack. Two, there's an aggressive mindset with this defense, an aim to not merely take the ball away but to score when doing so. Yes, a large share of defensive touchdowns are luck, but I wouldn't say all of them are. Is Darren Sharper(notes) a Hall of Famer on your card? . . . Don't tell Ray Lewis(notes), but the name brand on the Ravens defense is withering fast. It's no longer good enough to be carried through a full fantasy season . . . For all the lip service paid to the Jets defense, where are the sacks?

Kicker
1. Stephen Gostkowski(notes)
2. Ryan Longwell(notes)
3. Nate Kaeding(notes)
4. Mason Crosby(notes)
5. David Akers(notes)
6. Lawrence Tynes(notes)
7. Matt Prater(notes)
8. Nick Folk(notes)
9. Matt Stover(notes)
10. Jason Elam(notes)
11. Neil Rackers(notes)
12. John Carney(notes)
13. Jay Feely(notes)
14. Jeff Reed(notes)
15. Robbie Gould(notes)
16. Steven Hauschka(notes)
17. Kris Brown(notes)
18. Joe Nedney(notes)
19. Rian Lindell(notes)
20. Shayne Graham(notes)
21. Josh Scobee(notes)
22. John Kasay(notes)
23. Rob Bironas(notes)
24. Josh Brown(notes)
25. Olindo Mare(notes)
26. Dan Carpenter(notes)
27. Shaun Suisham(notes)
28. Ryan Succop(notes)
29. Jason Hanson(notes)
30. Sebastian Janikowski(notes)
31. Shane Andrus(notes)
32. Don Cockroft

You're on your own for kicker comments. Let's open up the Q&A and get ready to dominate in November. And for the Twitterers in the crowd, feel free to add me here.

Vince Young(notes) hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since September 7, 2008 and he hasn't completed a pass since December 28. He's thrown 33 interceptions and fumbled 23 times (losing six) in 35 career NFL games. In two cameo appearances this year, he's 0-for-5 with one pick. He'll take over as Tennessee's starting quarterback this week against Jacksonville. 

The last time Young took Kerry Collins'(notes) job, he led the Titans to an 8-5 record while accounting for 19 touchdowns (12 pass, 7 rush). He's not uninteresting, but he's also a player with almost unlimited fantasy downside. If you want VY right now, he's all yours. He's four percent owned. I'm willing to rank him ahead of JaMarcus Russell(notes) and Derek Anderson(notes) in Week 8, but that's as far as I'll go. This move doesn't help the value of any Titans receiver. [The Nashville Tennessean]

Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson(notes) participated in practice on Thursday, as did quarterback Matthew Stafford(notes). Both players are recovering from knee injuries of unspecified severity. Megatron presents a rankings challenge this week since he probably isn't at full strength, but the matchup vs. St. Louis is spectacular. Of course if he's on your do-not-bench list, then there's never anything to think about. [Detroit Free Press]

Terrell Owens(notes) acknowledges that his numbers are "pathetic" so far, but his rest-of-season goal seems attainable: "Owens opened his media briefing with a laugh and said: 'I've been looking at my stats compared to Roy E. Williams' stats over there in Dallas, and my goal is to have better stats than him at the end of the season.'" No mention of the fact that Miles Austin(notes) had more receiving yards and touchdowns in Week 5 than TO has totaled through seven games. [The Buffalo News]

Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) has a "crack in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot" as well as "a couple of bone spurs and loose bones in [his ankle]." But other than that, he's feeling great. (The fifth metatarsal is the bone on the outside of the foot, extending from mid-foot to the base of the small toe. Dunno about his "loose bones." That sounds like a problem. Might want to get those tightened). Bradshaw has been cleared to play, so use him as you normally would in Week 8. However, if the cracked bone does anymore cracking, we could have a serious problem. Here's Bradshaw: "I just plan on going out there and giving my all. If it breaks, it does and I’ll get surgery." [Newark Star-Ledger]

Andre Johnson(notes) isn't gonna let a bleeding lung keep him off the field. Heck, no. He practiced fully on Thursday. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak had this to say: "He took pretty close to all the reps he normally takes and he didn’t have any problems." [Houston Chronicle]

OK, this link is a couple days old, but it's no less useful now than it was when published. The Hazean took several of this season's most useful waiver adds (Rice, Nicks, both Austins, et al) and examined the upcoming schedules, engaging in a little forecasting. [The Hazean]

The FF Librarian examines fantasy points per target, looking for buy/sell opportunities. That's a sensible way to study the player pool (although all targets are not equal). It's really inexcusable that Chris Chambers(notes) is getting more looks this year than he did in '08. [Bruno Boys]   

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Photo via US Presswire

Each week the Noise highlights eight somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined for flame madness or lame sadness. Being an accountability advocate, he will tally his hits and misses and post the results, whether genius or moronic, each week using the scoring system posted here.

More Noise: Flopping Forte

FLAMES (Started in less than 60 percent of Y! Plus leagues)

Matthew Stafford(notes), Det, QB (Noise QB Rank: 11, Start: 12-plus team leagues, 3% started)

Matchup: vs. StL

Though his long-term upside is substantial, Stafford is essentially the Applebee's of fantasy quarterbacks at this point in his career - cheaply priced and relatively unexciting. But the Rams' flaccid defense is certainly a gourmet entrée. The rookie, sidelined by a dislocated kneecap for the past three weeks, practiced fully Tuesday and Wednesday, but has not been granted official clearance by Jim Schwartz. The head coach remarked midweek his QB has "a lot of hurdles" left to clear before suiting up on Sunday. Assuming he does play, Stafford is a borderline starter in 12-team and deeper formats. St. Louis has been dissected routinely by the opposition yielding 258.2 yards per game and eight scores to passers since Week 3, equal to the ninth-most fantasy points allowed. Calvin Johnson(notes), who missed practice Wednesday, will likely be a game-time decision, but Schwartz is confident he'll see the field. The freakishly skilled wideout practiced Thursday. If Megatron is inactive, it obviously hinders Stafford's scoring potential, but with enough suitable weapons around him, he could still achieve flame status. The Rams are that reprehensible.

Fearless Forecast: 21-34, 278 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 18 rushing yards, 21 fantasy points

Tim Hightower(notes), Ari, RB (Noise RB Rank: 18, Start: All Leagues, 54% started)

Matchup: vs. Car

Beanie Wells(notes), whose image apparently doesn't reflect in a mirror, is slowly sucking the life out of Hightower's value. However, Ken Whisenhunt is dedicated to maintaining a committee at running back. If Beanie didn't have a case of butter hands, he would've likely overtaken the incumbent weeks ago. Still, the versatile Hightower has exceeded expectation this season. A cornerstone in PPR leagues, the rusher is second only to Ray Rice(notes) in total receptions at his position (31). After being steamrolled early in the season, Carolina has made tremendous strides in run defense over the past four weeks, surrendering a mere 115 total yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry to RBs. But facing one of the league's finest vertical offenses in a hostile environment presents several challenges, especially coming off a laughable loss to Buffalo at home. Though Hightower is losing his grip on carries, he's an employable option in almost any sized format in Week 8.

Fearless Forecast: 10 carries, 33 rushing yards, 5 reception, 37 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13 fantasy points

Darren Sproles(notes), SD, RB (Noise RB Rank: 17, Start: All Leagues, 53% started)

Mat