Until Monday night, you had no reason to own Brian Westbrook.

The former fantasy stud had all of five carries for 9 yards in his 49ers career. Thanks in part to the Cardinals, along with an injury to Frank Gore, Westbrook rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.

Then came the postgame news that could change the landscape of the fantasy football postseason: Gore has a fractured right hip, likely ending his season.

If you have Gore on your team, you're obviously in a huge bind as the fantasy football regular season enters its final week in most leagues. Depending on your waiver-wire priority, Westbrook might not be a possible acquisition, since he's a rare find -- a late-season potential standout at running back.

If you have a chance to get Westbrook, you have to, with one caveat: If you're 3-9 or 4-8 and have zero chance to make the postseason in your league, the right thing to do might be to let the contenders have a crack at Westbrook, since the best the back can do is help you win your fourth or fifth game.

Westbrook might not have another game like he did Monday night -- at least until the 49ers play host to the Cardinals in Week 17, which is a week after most of the fantasy championships are played. But he should be a decent No. 2 back in any format, and a potential standout in point-per-reception leagues.

From 2006 to '08, the 31-year-old averaged 1,162 yards per season on the ground. In that span, he had averages of 74 catches for 624 yards per year and scored 37 total touchdowns.

San Francisco's schedule the next four weeks isn't very favorable. It begins with a Week 13 game at Green Bay (No. 18 vs. the run, but only five rushing TDs given up), followed by a home contest against Seattle (No. 22 vs. the run, 11 rushing TDs allowed). In Week 15, the 49ers play at the Chargers (No. 3 vs. the run, eight rushing TDs), then travel to face the Rams (No. 12, five rushing TDs).

The schedule could be better. But you can't be too picky when a potential No. 2 back is available this late in the season.

Brian Westbrook leading you to a fantasy football title. If that happens, you can party like it's 2007.

The injury dilemma of the week goes to Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, who will be a game-time decision because of a knee ailment.

The excuse of the week goes to Bills receiver Terrell Owens, who is listed as questionable because of a strained hip -- the result of taking a nap on his couch Monday night. No word on whether or not Tony Romo was kicking him in his sleep.

On to the injury roundup:

-- Williams is a must-start if he's active, but expect backup Jonathan Stewart to get a decent share of the carries. Both are good plays against the Falcons' 24th-ranked run defense.

-- Owens is expected to play, as is Cardinals wideout Anquan Boldin, who sat out last week because of a sprained ankle.

-- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook should return Sunday from a concussion, but he's a low-level No. 2 running back at best. Impressive rookie LeSean McCoy could get more carries against the Chargers' 26th-ranked run defense.

-- LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to play through a hip injury, and Redskins running back Ladell Betts, who has a sprained ankle, should start for the injured Clinton Portis. Betts likely will split carries with Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther and is no better than a flex play.

-- Raiders running back Darren McFadden should return from a knee injury, but teammate Justin Fargas has established himself as the No. 1 back. Both are No. 3 running backs against the Chiefs, who rank 28th vs. the run.

Five to start

This week’s look at part-time starters and fantasy backups who should benefit from a favorable matchup:

-- Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots, at Colts: He’s rushed for a touchdown in each of his last three games, a span in which he’s carried 49 times for 248 yards (5.1 per attempt). The Colts have allowed six rushing TDs.

-- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos, at Redskins: He’s been so unproductive in the last three games (33 carries for 86 yards and one TD, along with minus-5 yards receiving) that he’s no longer a regular starter. But I’d give the rookie another chance against the league’s 25th-ranked run defense.

-- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers, vs. Falcons: The second-year back has scored four touchdowns in his last five games and would get a lot of work if DeAngelo Williams doesn't play because of a knee injury. The Falcons rank 24th vs. the run and have given up six TDs on the ground.

-- Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice, WRs, Vikings, vs. Lions: Detroit is the league’s second-worst defense against the pass, and the Lions have allowed the second-most TD tosses (19). Harvin had five receptions for 84 yards and a TD in his last game, and Rice has 20 catches for 352 yards in his last three.

More matchups I like:

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks, at Cardinals; Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets, at Jaguars; Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs, at Raiders; Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs, at Raiders; LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles, at Chargers; Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills, at Titans; Mike Bell, RB, Saints, at Rams

Three to sit

If you have a decent backup, these starters should take a seat for a week:

-- Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals, at Steelers: It’s difficult to bench a quarterback on pace for 3,664 yards and 28 touchdowns, but five of Palmer’s 14 TDs were in one game, and the Steelers have only one fewer interception (eight) than TD passes allowed (nine).

-- Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles, at Chargers: He is expected to return from a concussion, but now is being bothered by an old ankle injury. Factor in his five-game totals of two touchdowns and 327 total yards, and you should look elsewhere, even vs. the league’s No. 26 run defense.

-- Any Raiders running back vs. the Chiefs: Justin Fargas has been effective in his last three games (49 carries for 213 yards, one TD rushing, seven catches for 54 yards), but Darren McFadden is expected to play for the first time since Week 4. Seems like another backfield split to avoid.

More matchups I don’t like:

Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles, at Chargers; Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos, at Redskins; Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks, at Cardinals; Kevin Smith, RB, Lions, at Vikings; Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns, vs. Ravens

Last week

The start list had only one hit in Julius Jones (36 yards and one TD on the ground, six catches for 78 yards). Donovan McNabb (227 yards passing, one TD, two interceptions), Joe Flacco (195 yards passing, two picks), Michael Crabtree (three catches for 30 yards) and Jamaal Charles (six carries for 36 yards and three catches for 19 yards) were all duds.

The sit list was 2-for-3, with Jay Cutler (369 yards passing, three touchdowns and one interception) as the bad call. Benching Knowshon Moreno (five carries for 3 yards) and Kevin Smith (67 yards rushing, two receptions for 9 yards) was the right call.

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints, at Rams (tied for No. 22 vs. the pass)
2. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. Lions (No. 31)
3. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, vs. Bengals (No. 25)
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. Cowboys (No. 20)
5. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. Patriots (No. 4)
6. Tom Brady, Patriots, at Colts (No. 9)
7. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Eagles (No. 11)
8. Joe Flacco, Ravens, at Browns (tied for No. 22)
9. Tony Romo, Cowboys, at Packers (No. 8)
10. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. Seahawks (No. 17)
11. Matt Ryan, Falcons, at Panthers (No. 6)
12. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Chargers (No. 5)
13. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at Cardinals (No. 29)
14. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at Steelers (No. 14)
15. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, at Raiders (No. 13)
16. Mark Sanchez, Jets, vs. Jaguars (No. 26)
17. David Garrard, Jaguars, at Jets (No. 2)
18. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Redskins (No. 1)
19. Chad Henne, Dolphins, vs. Buccaneers (No. 15)
20. Vince Young, Titans, vs. Bills (No. 10)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. Lions (No. 17 vs. the run)
2. Ray Rice, Ravens, at Browns (No. 31)
3. Chris Johnson, Titans, vs. Bills (No. 32)
4. Michael Turner, Falcons, at Panthers (No. 23)
5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at Jets (tied for No. 14)
6. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins, vs. Buccaneers (No. 30)
7. Thomas Jones, Jets, vs. Jaguars (No. 22)
8. Steven Jackson, Rams, vs. Saints (No. 19)
9. Pierre Thomas, Saints, at Rams (No. 27)
10. Cedric Benson, Bengals, at Steelers (No. 1)
11. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. Cowboys (No. 12)
12. Joseph Addai, Colts, vs. Patriots (No. 20)
13. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, vs. Bengals (No. 2)
14. x-DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, vs. Falcons (No. 24)
15. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, at Redskins (No. 25)
16. Marion Barber, Cowboys, at Packers (No. 9)
17. Laurence Maroney, Patriots, at Colts (tied for No. 14)
18. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, vs. Falcons (No. 24)
19. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, at Raiders (No. 29)
20. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, vs. Eagles (No. 10)
21. Marshawn Lynch, Bills, at Titans (No. 18)
22. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, at Chargers (No. 26)
23. Mike Bell, Saints, at Rams (No. 27)
24. Tim Hightower, Cardinals, vs. Seahawks (No. 11)
x-Make sure Williams (knee injury) is active.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, vs. Seahawks (No. 17 vs. the pass)
2. Randy Moss, Patriots, at Colts (No. 9)
3. Marques Colston, Saints, at Rams (tied for No. 22)
4. Reggie Wayne, Colts, vs. Patriots (No. 4)
5. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, vs. Eagles (No. 11)
6. Hines Ward, Steelers, vs. Bengals (No. 25)
7. Miles Austin, Cowboys, at Packers (No. 8)
8. Donald Driver, Packers, vs. Cowboys (No. 20)
9. Wes Welker, Patriots, at Colts (No. 9)
10. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, at Steelers (No. 14)
11. Roddy White, Falcons, at Panthers (No. 6)
12. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, at Redskins (No. 1)
13. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, at Chargers (No. 5)
14. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, at Cardinals (No. 29)
15. Greg Jennings, Packers, vs. Cowboys (No. 20)
16. Derrick Mason, Ravens, at Browns (tied for No. 22)
17. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, vs. Seahawks (No. 17)
18. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, at Jets (No. 2)
19. Calvin Johnson, Lions, at Vikings (No. 21)
20. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, vs. Bengals (No. 25)
21. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, at Cardinals (No. 29)
22. Sidney Rice, Vikings, vs. Lions (No. 31)
23. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, at Raiders (No. 13)
24. Percy Harvin, Vikings, vs. Lions (No. 31)
25. Braylon Edwards, Jets, vs. Jaguars (No. 26)
26. Santana Moss, Redskins, vs. Broncos (No. 7)
27. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, vs. Jaguars (No. 26)
28. Torry Holt, Jaguars, at Jets (No. 2)
29. Mike Wallace, Steelers, vs. Bengals (No. 25)
30. Terrell Owens, Bills, vs. Titans (No. 32)
31. Laveranues Coles, Bengals, at Steelers (No. 14)
32. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles, at Chargers (No. 5)
33. Pierre Garcon, Colts, vs. Patriots (No. 4)
34. Steve Breaston, Cardinals, vs. Seahawks (No. 17)
35. Eddie Royal, Broncos, at Redskins (No. 1)
36. Devery Henderson, Saints, at Rams (tied for No. 22)

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: In a season full of fantasy disappointments, we break down the top 10 busts of the year here. The link also includes this week’s audiocast, in which Sports Editor Mark Podolski and I give our top five value picks and busts of the first nine weeks.

The Saturday injury roundup has become a weekly tradition -- think somewhere below "The Office" and "Modern Family" and a notch or two above the Derek Anderson sub-50 passer rating. Let's get to it:

-- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who is recovering from a concussion, is expected to be a game-time decision. The guess here is he'll sit, making rookie LeSean McCoy a decent No. 2 running back Sunday against the Giants, who have allowed 10 rushing touchdowns.

-- Another rookie runner, the Colts' Donald Brown, is doubtful with a shoulder injury. That should lead to more work for starter Joseph Addai. Chad Simpson is expected to serve as Addai's backup, but shouldn't be much of a fantasy factor.

-- Two of the game's best receivers, the Texans' Andre Johnson (lung contusion) and the Colts' Reggie Wayne (groin injury), are expected to play. Both practiced Friday.

-- The news isn't as promising for Lions wideout Calvin Johnson, who has battled a knee injury for the last few weeks. Coach Jim Schwartz told reporters he expected Johnson to play, but the receiver didn't sound so optimistic. It's expected to be a game-time decision, and if Johnson sits, Dennis Northcutt should be considered a low-end No. 3 receiver, especially in PPR leagues.

-- Cardinals wideout Anquan Boldin (ankle injury) and Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) are both listed as questionable, and both are expected to play.

-- Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) should be a game-time decision. If Berrian sits against the Packers, Percy Harvin's value as a No. 3 wideout increases.

Five to start

This week’s look at part-time starters and fantasy backups who should benefit from a favorable matchup:

-- David Garrard, QB, Jaguars, at Titans: He’s on pace to throw for 3,904 yards and run for 373, but he isn’t a regular starter because of his poor TD total (five). Garrard should reach the end zone a couple times against the league’s worst pass defense. The Titans have yielded a league-high 19 TD tosses.

-- Matt Forte, RB, Bears, vs. Browns: He’s been one of fantasy’s biggest busts this season, one who can no longer be counted on every week. But you have to play Forte, who has rushed for only 318 yards with a norm of 3.5 yards per carry, against the Browns’ No. 31 run defense.

-- LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers, vs. Raiders: Speaking of busts, L.T. has 41 carries for 141 yards (3.4) in two games since the Chargers’ bye. I’d expect him to show some flashes of his old self (not his current old self) against the Raiders, who rank 30th vs. the run and have allowed 11 rushing TDs.

-- Torry Holt, WR, Jaguars, at Titans: He has 12 catches for 196 yards in his last two games, and he might even score for the first time all year vs. the aforementioned Titans pass defense.

-- Devin Hester, WR, Bears, vs. Browns: He has 14 receptions for 184 yards and a TD in his last two games, and the Browns rank 24th vs. the pass.

More matchups I like:

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills, vs. Panthers; LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles, vs. Giants; Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins, at Jets; Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals, vs. Panthers; Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, RBs, Saints, vs. Falcons; Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings, at Packers; Austin Collie, WR, Colts, vs. 49ers; Donnie Avery, WR, Rams, at Lions; Lee Evans, WR, Bills, vs. Texans

Three to sit

If you have a decent backup, these starters should take a seat for a week:

-- Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens, vs. Broncos: He’s thrown for 1,674 yards and 11 touchdowns while developing into a top-10 fantasy quarterback, but if you have a productive No. 2 QB, you should play him. The Broncos have twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes allowed (three), and they’ve sacked the opposing passer 21 times.

-- Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles, vs. Giants: He’s thrown only one TD pass in his last two games, and the Giants’ No. 2 pass defense is giving up just 165 yards through the air per contest.

-- Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants, at Eagles: He has been playing with a cracked bone on the outside of his right foot, and it’s been evident in the last two games, during which Bradshaw has only 75 total yards. The Eagles are the league’s 11th-best run defense.

More matchups I don’t like:

Brett Favre, QB, Vikings, at Packers; Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks, at Cowboys; Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns, at Bears

Last week

All five members of the start list had at least one touchdown, led by surprising stud Miles Austin (six catches for 171 yards and two scores). Austin Collie (four receptions for 36 yards and a TD), Laurence Maroney (43 yards rushing, one TD) and Marshawn Lynch (40 yards rushing, one TD, one catch) were decent starts. Eli Manning (243 yards passing, one TD and three interceptions) was not.

The sit list had one miss in Brandon Jacobs (76 yards rushing, one TD and two catches for 11 yards) and two hits in Brett Favre (334 yards passing, but zero TDs and one pick) and Cadillac Williams (29 yards rushing and two catches for 28 yards).

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. Falcons (No. 26 vs. the pass)
2. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. 49ers (No. 21)
3. Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Browns (No. 24)
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. Vikings (No. 20)
5. Tony Romo, Cowboys, vs. Seahawks (tied for No. 16)
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Raiders (No. 12)
7. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. Panthers (No. 1)
8. Matt Schaub, Texans, at Bills (No. 10)
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons, at Saints (No. 14)
10. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Ravens (No. 23)
11. Eli Manning, Giants, at Eagles (No. 9)
12. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, vs. Giants (No. 2)
13. David Garrard, Jaguars, at Texans (No. 32)
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at Cowboys (No. 22)
15. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Broncos (No. 8)
16. Brett Favre, Vikings, at Packers (No. 4)
17. Mark Sanchez, Jets, vs. Dolphins (No. 19)
18. Marc Bulger, Rams, at Lions (No. 30)
19. Matthew Stafford, Lions, vs. Rams (No. 25)
20. Chad Henne, Dolphins, at Jets (No. 7)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, at Packers (No. 12 vs. the run)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at Titans (No. 9)
3. Steven Jackson, Rams, at Lions (No. 20)
4. Joseph Addai, Colts, vs. 49ers (No. 6)
5. Michael Turner, Falcons, at Saints (No. 8)
6. Matt Forte, Bears, vs. Browns (No. 31)
7. Kevin Smith, Lions, vs. Rams (No. 27)
8. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, at Cardinals (No. 1)
9. Frank Gore, 49ers, at Colts (No. 19)
10. Thomas Jones, Jets, vs. Dolphins (No. 4)
11. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins, at Jets (No. 22)
12. Steve Slaton, Texans, at Bills (No. 32)
13. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Broncos (No. 3)
14. Chris Johnson, Titans, vs. Jaguars (No. 13)
15. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. Vikings (No. 10)
16. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, vs. Raiders (No. 30)
17. Marion Barber, Cowboys, vs. Seahawks (No. 14)
18. Marshawn Lynch, Bills, vs. Texans (No. 21)
19. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, at Eagles (No. 11)
20. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, at Ravens (No. 7)
21. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, vs. Giants (No. 15)
22. Ricky Williams, Dolphins, at Jets (No. 22)
23. Pierre Thomas, Saints, vs. Falcons (No. 23)
24. Beanie Wells, Cardinals, vs. Panthers (No. 26)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, vs. Panthers (No. 1 vs. the pass)
2. Marques Colston, Saints, vs. Falcons (No. 26)
3. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, at Ravens (No. 23)
4. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, vs. Raiders (No. 12)
5. Miles Austin, Cowboys, vs. Seahawks (tied for No. 16)
6. Roddy White, Falcons, at Saints (No. 14)
7. Andre Johnson, Texans, at Bills (No. 10)
8. Donald Driver, Packers, vs. Vikings (No. 20)
9. Steve Smith, Panthers, at Cardinals (No. 29)
10. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, at Titans (No. 32)
11. x-Reggie Wayne, Colts, vs. 49ers (No. 21)
12. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, vs. Giants (No. 2)
13. Greg Jennings, Packers, vs. Vikings (No. 20)
14. Steve Smith, Giants, at Eagles (No. 9)
15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, at Cowboys (No. 22)
16. x-Calvin Johnson, Lions, vs. Rams (No. 25)
17. x-Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, vs. Panthers (No. 1)
18. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Broncos (No. 8)
19. Devin Hester, Bears, vs. Browns (No. 24)
20. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, at Cowboys (No. 22)
21. Torry Holt, Jaguars, at Titans (No. 32)
22. Sidney Rice, Vikings, at Packers (No. 4)
23. Austin Collie, Colts, vs. 49ers (No. 21)
24. Eddie Royal, Broncos, at Ravens (No. 23)
25. Mario Manningham, Giants, at Eagles (No. 9)
26. Terrell Owens, Bills, vs. Texans (No. 18)
27. Braylon Edwards, Jets, vs. Dolphins (No. 19)
28. Michael Crabtree, 49ers, at Colts (No. 6)
29. Hakeem Nicks, at Eagles (No. 9)
30. Lance Moore, Saints, at Falcons (No. 26)
31. Donnie Avery, Rams, at Lions (No. 30)
32. Lee Evans, Bills, vs. Texans (No. 18)
33. Steve Breaston, Cardinals, vs. Panthers (No. 1)
34. Percy Harvin, Vikings, at Packers (No. 4)
35. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles, vs. Giants (No. 2)
36. x-Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, vs. Dolphins (No. 19)
x-Make sure Wayne, Calvin Johnson, Boldin and Cotchery are active prior to kickoff.

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: For a breakdown of the fantasy values of running backs Shonn Greene and Jamaal Charles, click here. The link also includes our weekly audiocast.

Beanie Wells, like Rashard Mendenhall before him, might be one who got away -- a running back you released because he wasn't producing and you needed the roster space due to bye-week restrictions.

But if you had Week 7 in your When Will A Healthy (For Now) Beanie Show Signs Of Life, Ticking Owner X Off In the Process office pool (what, you don't have one?), you, like the guy who selected Ray Rice in the sixth round, followed by Ben Roethlisberger in the seventh, are a winner.

In his last two games, Wells has 30 touches (26 rushes and four receptions) -- six more than his total for the Cardinals' first four games. The former Buckeye had 14 carries for 67 yards last week -- to starter Tim Hightower's 4-for-9 effort. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the latter is still his starter, but with a two-year average of 2.9 yards per carry and a season total of 167 yards rushing, you have to figure the job will be Wells' soon.

Wells should be considered a low-end No. 2 running back this week, since six teams are on a bye and the Cardinals will play host to the Panthers, who rank 26th against the run. Even better: Arizona's next five opponents are Carolina, Chicago (No. 18 vs. the run), Seattle (No. 14), St. Louis (No. 27) and Tennessee (No. 9). The five teams have allowed a combined 33 rushing touchdowns in 31 games.

Hightower, who has 31 catches for 239 yards, is only an asset in point-per-reception leagues. Soon, he might not be anything more than a No. 4 fantasy back.

Marching to a familiar beat: Another team with a favorable upcoming schedule and a confusing running-back situation is the undefeated Saints, who are so prolific and so generous the only fantasy givens are quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Marques Colston.

In the last two weeks, running back Mike Bell has 27 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown, including a 12-for-80 effort last week. Pierre Thomas -- who ran for 212 yards and three touchdowns in Weeks 3 and 4, when Bell was out because of a knee injury -- has 23 carries for 102 yards in that two-game span. Then there's Reggie Bush, who no longer gets more than seven or eight touches per contest, but has scored a TD in each of his last two games.

Since the Saints are averaging 427.3 total yards and 39.7 points per game, I'd expect them to stick with what works, which is dividing the majority of the carries between Bell and Thomas, with Bush getting a handful, along with a few catches.

All of which makes Bell and Thomas no better than a No. 3 running back, but the pair will be enticing the next four weeks, when New Orleans faces Atlanta (No. 19 vs. the run), Carolina (No. 26), St. Louis (No. 27) and Tampa Bay (No. 29). Both can be considered low-end No. 2 backs if bye weeks have wreaked their usual havoc on your roster.

LeChange in Philly: Brian Westbrook missed practiced again Thursday, and it seems more and more likely the Eagles running back will sit out Sunday's game against the Giants, who, surprisingly, have allowed more rushing touchdowns (10) than all but the Raiders and Rams this season. If Westbrook sits, rookie LeSean McCoy can be counted on to be a No. 2 back, especially in PPR leagues. When Westbrook missed the Eagles' 34-14 win over the Chiefs in Week 3, McCoy had 20 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Start 'em

-- Sidney Rice, not Bernard Berrian or Percy Harvin, is the Vikings' most productive receiver. He has 33 catches for 545 yards and two TDs in seven games, and 16 catches for 312 yards in his last two. He should now be considered an every-week regular.

-- No longer just a return specialist (sorry, Josh Cribbs), the Bears' Devin Hester has 14 catches for 184 yards and a TD in his last two games. Up this week: the Browns, who rank 28th vs. the pass and No. 32 overall.

Sit 'em

-- Braylon Edwards is back to his old tricks in his new home. Aftter a productive first game with the Jets (a five-catch, 64-yard, one-TD performance at Miami on "Monday Night Football"), the former Browns wideout has four receptions for 54 yards and zero TDs the last two weeks. I can only come up with two reasons to play him this week: the opponent again is Miami, and with six teams off, you probably have to start the butterfingered one.

-- Terrell Owens has been even more quiet on the fantasy front than in the throwing-his-quarterback-under-the-bus department this season. In his first season with the Bills, T.O. has yet to have more than 60 yards receiving in a game, he has one TD all season and none in his last five contests. Has he lost a step? Should he be blasting Ryan Fitzpatrick? Whatever the answer, Owens is a No. 3 receiver only in weeks in which byes are a factor.

Drop 'em

If you need the roster space, it's time to bid adieu to Browns running back Jamal Lewis (zero touchdowns, only one game with more than 57 rushing yards), Jets tight end Dustin Keller (three catches for 42 yards in his last three games), Cowboys running back Tashard Choice (who's not a factor in Dallas' backfield as long as both Marion Barber and Felix Jones are healthy) and Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (five catches for 77 yards and a TD in his last four games).

On deck: Saturday, we'll look at the projected impact of a pair of young running backs who will now play prominent roles -- the Jets' Shonn Greene and the Chiefs' Jamaal Charles. The weekly column for the print editions will be posted on the Sports section of the News-Herald's Web site, and the link will also include our weekly audiocast. Saturday, we'll also have the "big blog," with start-and-sit advice, injury updates and an expanded playlist. That will be published in this space and on the N-H's Sports site.

The bye weeks are wreaking havoc on our lineups, but at least injuries shouldn't this week.

The most significant ailment is a knee injury that might sideline Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. In the playlist that follows, we're going with the assumption that Johnson will sit after missing practice all week. If he is active, start him, since the Lions should be doing plenty of passing at Lambeau Field.

-- Two more quick updates: Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery likely will miss Sunday's game against the Bills because of a hamstring injury, and Cardinals receiver Steve Breaston has been limited by a knee injury but is expected to play.


Five to start

This week’s look at part-time starters and fantasy backups who should benefit from a favorable matchup:

-- Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals: He threw for 241 yards and four touchdowns last week in his return from a rib injury, and he has seven touchdowns in two starts at home this season. The Cardinals' pass defense is the league's worst.

-- Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals, vs. Texans: He's been clutch in Cincinnati's 4-1 start, but with a 76.9 rating and only one more touchdown pass than interceptions thrown (7-6), he hasn't been much of a fantasy starter. That should change against the Texans.

-- Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles, at Raiders: We've grown accustomed to him constantly being banged up, but we're not used to his lack of production. That should change this week against the Raiders, who rank 31st against the run and have given up seven TDs on the ground.

-- Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets, vs. Bills: As Browns fans know all too well, Edwards scored his first TD of the season on Monday night -- in his first game wearing the green and white. Expect another solid performance with Cotchery likely on the inactive list.

-- Santana Moss, WR, Redskins, vs. Chiefs: He's usually boom (10 catches for 178 yards and a TD in Week 3) or bust (11 catches for 159 yards and one TD in Washington's other four games). The Chiefs (No. 29 vs. the pass, 10 TD tosses allowed) should bring out the good Moss.

More matchups I like: David Garrard, QB, Jaguars, vs. Rams; Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills, at Jets; Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars, vs. Rams; Nate Burleson, WR, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals; Kevin Walter, WR, Texans, at Bengals; Donnie Avery, WR, Rams, at Jaguars; Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles, at Raiders

Three (and a bonus Browns player) to sit

If you have a decent backup, these starters should take a seat for a week:

-- Eli Manning, QB, Giants, at Saints: It seems crazy to bench a quarterback who has thrown nine TD passes and only one interception in his last four games, but Manning is slightly hobbled by a foot injury and the Saints have 10 picks while allowing only three scoring passes. If you have two good quarterbacks, play the other.

-- Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals: After scoring three touchdowns in the first three weeks, he has rushed for 59 yards and hasn't scored in Seattle's last two games. The latter trend shouldn't change vs. the league's top-ranked run defense.

-- Jamal Lewis, Mohamed Massaquoi and every other Browns player, at Steelers: Lewis was very good last week, and Massaquoi was a disappointment in his first game as the Browns' No. 1 receiver. Neither should be an option against Pittsburgh, which gets Troy Polamalu back for the first time in five games.

More matchups I don’t like: Drew Brees, QB, Saints, vs. Giants (but I still wouldn't bench him); Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens, at Vikings; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers, vs. Broncos

Last week

On the start list, Rashard Mendenhall (77 yards rushing, one TD, two catches for 16 yards) was productive, Tim Hightower (17 yards rushing, one TD, five catches for 30 yards) was decent in PPR leagues, and MIke SIms-Walker was benched, reportedly for missing curfew on Friday night. The other two members of the quintet -- David Garrard (188 yards passing, zero TDs, zero picks) and Pierre Garcon (one catch for 9 yards) -- were duds.

The latter description could also be used for a sit list of Matt Ryan (329 yards, two TDs, one interception, one rushing TD), Cedric Benson (120 yards, one TD, two catches for 16 yards) and Eddie Royal (10 receptions for 90 yards).

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. Lions (No. 27 vs. the pass)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots, vs. Titans (No. 31)
3. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Raiders (No. 15)
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, vs. Browns (No. 14)
5. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. Giants (No. 1)
6. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, at Seahawks (No. 9)
7. Matt Schaub, Texans, at Bengals (No. 23)
8. Jay Cutler, Bears, at Falcons (No. 22)
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons, vs. Bears (No. 20)
10. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals (No. 32)
11. Carson Palmer, Bengals, vs. Texans (No. 16)
12. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Broncos (No. 5)
13. Eli Manning, Giants, at Saints (No. 11)
14. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Chargers (No. 12)
15. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, at Redskins (No. 3)
16. David Garrard, Jaguars, vs. Rams (No. 25)
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens, at Vikings (No. 18)
18. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. Ravens (No. 26)
19. Mark Sanchez, Jets, vs. Bills (No. 6)
20. Jason Campbell, Redskins, vs. Chiefs (No. 29)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Cedric Benson, Bengals, vs. Texans (No. 26 vs. the run)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, vs. Rams (No. 23)
3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, at Buccaneers (No. 28)
4. Matt Forte, Bears, at Falcons (No. 24)
5. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, at Chargers (No. 27)
6. Michael Turner, Falcons, vs. Bears (No. 9)
7. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. Ravens (No. 4)
8. Chris Johnson, Titans, at Patriots (No. 11)
9. Pierre Thomas, Saints, vs. Giants (No. 15)
10. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, vs. Browns (No. 32)
11. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. Lions (No. 21)
12. Brian Westbrook, Eagles, at Raiders (No. 31)
13. Clinton Portis, Redskins, vs. Chiefs (No. 25)
14. Steven Jackson, Rams, at Jaguars (No. 18)
15. Ray Rice, Ravens, at Vikings (No. 10)
16. Steve Slaton, Texans, at Bengals (No. 12)
17. Kevin Smith, Lions, at Packers (No. 20)
18. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, at Saints (No. 7)
19. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, vs. Broncos (No. 6)
20. Marshawn Lynch, Bills, at Jets (No. 19)
21. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants, at Saints (No. 7)
22. Sammy Morris, Patriots, vs. Titans (No. 3)
23. Tim Hightower, Cardinals, at Seahawks (No. 17)
24. Larry Johnson, Chiefs, at Redskins (No. 25)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, at Seahawks (No. 9 vs. the pass)
2. Randy Moss, Patriots, vs. Titans (No. 31)
3. Greg Jennings, Packers, vs. Lions (No. 27)
4. Andre Johnson, Texans, at Bengals (No. 23)
5. Roddy White, Falcons, vs. Bears (No. 20)
6. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, at Seahawks (No. 9)
7. Wes Welker, Patriots, vs. Titans (No. 31)
8. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, at Chargers (No. 12)
9. Steve Smith, Panthers, at Buccaneers (No. 21)
10. Hines Ward, Steelers, vs. Browns (No. 10)
11. Steve Smith, Giants, at Saints (No. 11)
12. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, vs. Texans (No. 16)
13. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, vs. Broncos (No. 5)
14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals (No. 32)
15. Donald Driver, Packers, vs. Lions (No. 27)
16. Marques Colston, Saints, vs. Giants (No. 1)
17. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, at Raiders (No. 15)
18. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, vs. Cardinals (No. 32)
19. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, vs. Browns (No. 10)
20. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, at Redskins (No. 3)
21. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, vs. Rams (No. 25)
22. Santana Moss, Redskins, vs. Chiefs (No. 29)
23. Derrick Mason, Ravens, at Vikings (No. 18)
24. Braylon Edwards, Jets, vs. Bills (No. 6)
25. Mario Manningham, Giants, at Saints (No. 11)
26. Terrell Owens, Bills, at Jets (No. 8)
27. Eddie Royal, Broncos, at Chargers (No. 12)
28. Kevin Walter, Texans, at Bengals (No. 23)
29. Bernard Berrian, Vikings, vs. Ravens (No. 26)
30. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers, vs. Panthers (No. 2)
31. Donnie Avery, Rams, at Jaguars (No. 25)
32. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles, at Raiders (No. 15)
33. Torry Holt, Jaguars, vs. Rams (No. 25)
34. Devin Hester, Bears, at Falcons (No. 22)
35. Steve Breaston, Cardinals, at Seahawks (No. 9)
36. Bryant Johnson, Lions, at Packers (No. 17)

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: To read this week's column, which includes some of the wacky early season trends I'm buying and selling, click here. The link also includes this week's audiocast, in which Sports Editor Mark Podolski and I redraft the top 15 picks. You'll never guess who's No. 2.

Before we get to the start-and-sit advice and expanded playlist, here are a few injury notes:

-- The assumption here is Marion Barber is going to sit Monday night against the Panthers because of a quadriceps injury. If that's the case, electric Cowboys second-year back Julius Jones should be a quality play against a Carolina defense that is tied for 27th in the league in stopping the run, allowing 168 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. In eight career games, Jones, a first-round pick in 2008, has 43 carries for 384 yards (8.9 yards per attempt) and four touchdowns.

-- Expect Brian Westbrook's status to be announced about 15 minutes before kickoff Sunday. The Eagles back missed practice all week because of an ankle injury (stop if you've heard that before), but, unlike most players, that's never been a true indication that he won't play when it matters. The Eagles have a bye next week and might be more inclined to rest Westbrook, which would clear the way for rookie LeSean McCoy. Should that happen, McCoy is a good start, especially in point-per-reception leagues, vs. the Chiefs, who rank 21st against the run.

-- Mike Bell is out this week because of a knee injury, which is welcome news for Pierre Thomas owners. The latter, who missed the Saints' first game because of a knee injury and played sparingly in Week 2, should get the majority of the carries Sunday against the Bills. Reggie Bush is a worthwhile play in PPR leagues, but likely won't be much of a help in yardage- and TD-heavy formats.

Five to start

This week’s look at part-time starters and fantasy backups who should benefit from a favorable matchup:

-- Eli Manning, QB, Giants, at Buccaneers: He’s thrown for 586 yards and three touchdowns with a passer rating of 103.2. The Buccaneers rank 27th against the pass and have allowed the second-most TD throws in the league (five).

-- Trent Edwards, QB, Bills, vs. Saints: He’s thrown for more than 200 yards and two scores in each of Buffalo’s first two games, and the Saints rank 29th vs. the pass.

-- Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens, vs. Browns: With four TDs, 4.9 yards per carry and six receptions, he’s one of the early season surprises. The Browns, as usual, can’t stop the run (No. 31, a league-high five rushing scores allowed).

-- Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers, vs. Dolphins: With LaDainian Tomlinson sitting for a second straight week, the explosive Sproles should have a productive game against a defense that has struggled mightily against the pass. Sproles has only 19 carries for 49 yards, but has thrived as a receiver, with 12 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown. He has scored a TD in each of the Chargers' first two games.

-- Devery Henderson, WR, Saints, at Bills: He has eight receptions for 174 yards, a 21.8-yard average that resembles his career norm of 21.6. With Lance Moore out because of a hamstring injury, Henderson will start against a Bills defense that ranks 31st against the pass and has given up five TD throws in two games.

More matchups I like:

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens, vs. Browns; Kevin Kolb, QB, Eagles, vs. Chiefs; David Garrard, QB, Jaguars, at Texans; Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints, at Bills; Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys, vs. Panthers; Ray Rice, RB, Ravens, vs. Browns; Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals, vs. Colts; Derrick Ward, RB, Buccaneers, vs. Giants

Three to sit

If you have a decent backup, these starters should take a seat for a week:

-- Thomas Jones, RB, Jets, vs. Titans: He and Leon Washington both have 35 touches in two games, which limits Jones’ value significantly. The Titans rank second against the run, are giving up only 1.9 yards per carry and have yet to yield a touchdown on the ground.

-- Joseph Addai, RB, Colts, at Cardinals: This former first-round fantasy pick has only 116 total yards in two games and is being outplayed by rookie Donald Brown. The Cardinals have been surprisingly effective at stopping the run (No. 5 with 113 yards; Arizona is allowing only 2.5 yards per carry).

-- Lee Evans, WR, Bills, vs. Saints: New Orleans is very generous to opposing passing games, but with T.O. in the fold, Evans (four receptions for 57 yards) is no longer a fantasy starter.

More matchups I don’t like:

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, at Patriots; Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals, vs. Steelers; Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs, at Eagles; Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks, vs. Bears

Last week

The start list had three productive players -- Fred Jackson (163 yards rushing, six catches for 25 yards), Ben Roethlisberger (221 yards passing, one TD, one interception, one rushing TD) and Brett Favre (155 yards passing, two touchdowns and no interceptions) -- and two duds. Nate Burleson (46 yards receiving) and Isaac Bruce (35) both had four catches and no scores.

On the sit list, Kevin Smith (83 yards rushing, two catches for 10 yards, no TDs) was a good call, but Matt Schaub (357 yards and four touchdown passes) and Jay Cutler (236 yards and two TD passes) certainly were not.

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS

1. Drew Brees, Saints, at Bills (No. 31 vs. the pass)

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, at Rams (No. 25)

3. Peyton Manning, Colts, at Cardinals (No. 18)

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Dolphins (No. 23)

5. Tom Brady, Patriots, vs. Falcons (No. 17)

6. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. Colts (No. 1)

7. Matt Schaub, Texans, vs. Jaguars (No. 26)

8. Jay Cutler, Bears, at Seahawks (No. 2)

9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, at Bengals (No. 16)

10. Eli Manning, Giants, at Buccaneers (No. 27)

11. Trent Edwards, Bills, vs. Saints (No. 29)

12. Tony Romo, Cowboys, vs. Panthers (No. 3)

13. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Browns (No. 7)

14. Matt Ryan, Falcons, at Patriots (No. 6)

15. Kevin Kolb, Eagles, vs. Chiefs (No. 14)

16. Carson Palmer, Bengals, vs. Steelers (No. 19)

17. David Garrard, Jaguars, at Texans (No. 22)

18. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. 49ers (No. 20)

19. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, at Eagles (No. 12)

20. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Raiders (No. 20)

RUNNING BACKS

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. 49ers (No. 3 vs. the run)

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at Texans (No. 32)

3. Matt Forte, Bears, at Seahawks (No. 26)

4. Chris Johnson, Titans, at Jets (No. 6)

5. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, at Cowboys (No. 23)

6. Michael Turner, Falcons, at Patriots (No. 14)

7. Ryan Grant, Packers, at Rams (No. 25)

8. Steven Jackson, Rams, vs. Packers (No. 18)

9. Frank Gore, 49ers, at Vikings (No. 15)

10. Steve Slaton, Texans, vs. Jaguars (No. 13)

11. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, at Buccaneers (No. 27)

12. Darren Sproles, Chargers, vs. Dolphins (No. 7)

13. Fred Jackson, Bills, vs. Saints (No. 4)

14. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins, at Chargers (No. 24)

15. y-Felix Jones, Cowboys, vs. Panthers (No. 27)

16. Willis McGahee, Ravens, vs. Browns (No. 31)

17. x-Clinton Portis, Redskins, at Lions (No. 22)

18. z-Brian Westbrook, Eagles, vs. Chiefs (No. 21)

19. Pierre Thomas, Saints, at Bills (No. 8)

20. Kevin Smith, Lions, vs. Redskins (No. 17)

21. Darren McFadden, Raiders, vs. Broncos (No. 10)

22. Tim Hightower, Cardinals, vs. Colts (No. 30)

23. Derrick Ward, Buccaneers, vs. Giants (No. 27)

24. Cedric Benson, Bengals, vs. Steelers (No. 8)

x-This is assuming Marion Barber sits with a quad injury. If Barber is active, he is a decent play against the Panthers. y-Portis missed practice Friday because of an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. He is expected to play, but if he doesn't, backup Ladell Betts is a decent start against the Lions. z-Make sure Westbrook (ankle injury) is active. If he is out, rookie LeSean McCoy is a good start.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Andre Johnson, Texans, vs. Jaguars (No. 26 vs. the pass)

2. Randy Moss, Patriots, vs. Falcons (No. 17)

3. Greg Jennings, Packers, at Rams (No. 25)

4. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, vs. Colts (No. 1)

5. Marques Colston, Saints, at Bills (No. 31)

6. Reggie Wayne, Colts, at Cardinals (No. 18)

7. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, vs. Dolphins (No. 23)

8. Steve Smith, Panthers, at Cowboys (No. 3)

9. Steve Smith, Giants, at Buccaneers (No. 27)

10. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, at Bengals (No. 16)

11. Roddy White, Falcons, at Patriots (No. 6)

12. Calvin Johnson, Lions, vs. Redskins (No. 10)

13. Mario Manningham, Giants, at Buccaneers (No. 27)

14. Hines Ward, Steelers, at Bengals (No. 16)

15. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, vs. Colts (No. 1)

16. x-Wes Welker, Patriots, vs. Falcons

17. Terrell Owens, Bills, vs. Saints (No. 29)

18. Chad Ochocino, Bengals, vs. Steelers (No. 19)

19. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, vs. Bears (No. 8)

20. Donald Driver, Packers, at Rams (No. 25)

21. Eddie Royal, Broncos, at Raiders (No. 10)

22. Braylon Edwards, Browns, at Ravens (No. 28)

23. Devery Henderson, Saints, at Bills (No. 31)

24. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Browns (No. 7)

25. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, at Raiders (No. 10)

26. y-Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, at Eagles (No. 12)

27. Roy Williams, Cowboys, vs. Panthers (No. 30)

28. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, vs. Titans (No. 32)

29. Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins, at Chargers (No. 13)

30. z-DeSean Jackson, Eagles, vs. Chiefs (No. 14)

31. Santana Moss, Redskins, at Lions (No. 24)

32. Bernard Berrian, Vikings, vs. 49ers (No. 20)

33. Laurent Robinson, Rams, vs Packers (No. 15)

34. Torry Holt, Jaguars, at Texans (No. 22)

35. Justin Gage, Titans, at Jets (No. 9)

36. Pierre Garcon, Colts, at Cardinals (No. 18)

x-Make sure Welker (knee) is active; y-Same goes for Bowe, who is questionable because of a hamstring injury; z-Jackson (groin injury) is probable.

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: For my breakdown of struggling early draft picks Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and Steven Jackson, including our weekly audiocast, click here. ... We will have another live chat with readers on Thursday at 7 p.m. Go to the homepage of www.News-Herald.com and look for the link to the live fantasy football chat at the top of the page.