We didn't expect much from Cedric Benson as the Packers' featured back.

And Ced certainly delivered.

Benson, prior to suffering a foot injury Sunday that could sideline him for at least eight weeks, rushed for 248 yards in five games and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. He caught 14 passes for 97 yards and scored one TD -- a 1-yard run against the Seahawks in the now-infamous Monday night Replacement Referee Bowl on Sept. 24.

With Benson out, running-back needy owners likely will be scrambling to the waiver wire this week, and it's a particularly interesting time to search for a back, since Arizona's Ryan Williams suffered a season-ending shoulder injury last week (we broke down the Cardinals' backfield situation on Monday).

The best Packers running back from a fantasy perspective should be Alex Green, who had nine carries for 55 yards Sunday at Indianapolis.

Green, a third-round draft choice by the Pack in 2011, could be Green Bay's back of the future -- and present.

I wouldn't consider him a No. 2 running back in fantasy, but he is a decent option as a flex play in deeper formats if you're desperate for help. For the time being, Green likely will share carries with James Starks, who might get the start Sunday because of his pass-blocking ability.

Starks -- the Packers' leading rusher in 2011 with 578 yards -- hasn't played this season because of a toe injury, and he scored only one TD on 162 touches, including 29 receptions, last season.

Green is the better long-term choice, and he's the top back in our rankings this week.

As always, we only consider players who are available in more than half of the leagues on ESPN.com, and we like to go much lower than that.

On to the rankings:

QUARTERBACKS
1. Christian Ponder, Vikings (owned in 27.8 percent of the ESPN leagues)
2. Kevin Kolb, Cardinals (16.6)
3. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins (5.4)
4. Mark Sanchez, Jets (22.7)
5. Brandon Weeden, Browns (3.7)
Dropped out: Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Just missed the cut: Wilson (13.1 percent)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Alex Green, Packers (0.8 percent)
2. LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals (5.4)
3. James Starks, Packers (5.9)
4. William Powell, Cardinals (0.1)
5. Brandon Bolden, Patriots (21.1)
Dropped out: Jackie Battle, Chargers (now owned in 54.1 percent of the ESPN leagues); Joique Bell, Lions; Bilal Powell, Jets; Lance Ball, Broncos
Just missed the cut: Bell (1.5 percent); Danny Woodhead, Patriots (9.3); Shaun Draughn, Chiefs (4.3)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Randall Cobb, Packers (28.8 percent)
2. Kendall Wright, Titans (10.5)
3. Andrew Hawkins, Bengals (31.4)
4. Jeremy Kerley, Jets (33.2)
5. Andre Roberts, Cardinals (29.1)
Dropped out: Brian Hartline, Dolphins (now owned in 91.0 percent of the ESPN leagues); James Jones, Packers (69.0); Donnie Avery, Colts
Just missed the cut: Davone Bess, Dolphins (9.2 percent); Domenik Hixon, Giants (17.3); Rueben Randle, Giants (38.4); Brandon Stokley, Broncos (11.5)

TIGHT ENDS
1. Scott Chandler, Bills (40.2 percent)
2. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals (33.6)
3. Greg Olsen, Panthers (29.3)
4. Brandon Myers, Raiders (1.0)
5. Coby Fleener, Colts (14.6)
Dropped out: Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (now owned in 50.8 percent of the ESPN leagues)
Just missed the cut: Joel Dreessen, Broncos (2.8 percent)

Past waiver-wire picks: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5

In this week’s column, I break down the must-starts and dos and don’ts for the remainder of the season.

Let’s get to a few leftovers, which only seems fitting on this day, before the usual injury updates:

DO ...

-- Consider starting both Cardinals running backs — Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower — when the matchup is right (i.e., Weeks 15 and 16, when Arizona plays at Detroit and hosts St. Louis).

In the last two games, Wells has rushed 30 times for 159 yards (5.3-yard average) and three touchdowns, and caught four passes for 43 yards. In that span, Hightower has 24 carries for 147 yards (6.1 average) and seven catches for 36 yards. For the season, the latter has 47 receptions and five rushing TDs.

Of the two, Wells is the better play, but Hightower is still an effective flex start or lower-echelon No. 2 running back in point-per-reception leagues.

-- Consider Davone Bess as a No. 3 receiver in PPR leagues. The Dolphins’ top receiver has 20 catches in his last four games and 16 in his last three. I would only play him when the matchup is favorable, which is especially true in Weeks 14 at Jacksonville (No. 25 vs. the pass) and 15 at Tennessee (No. 31).

DON’T ...

-- Trust the Saints’ running backs unless the matchup is favorable. Pierre Thomas is the best in terms of yardage, Mike Bell has a tendency to steal the goal-line carries and Reggie Bush had five TDs in his last five games prior to sitting out last week and, when healthy, is the best receiver of the three.

Thomas is still the best fantasy option, but if you have two productive running backs, consider both Thomas and Bell flex plays on a week-to-week basis.

-- Get too excited over Terrell Owens’ huge Week 11, when the Bills receiver had nine catches for 197 yards, including a 98-yard TD, against the Jaguars. Prior to last week, Owens hadn’t scored since Week 2 and he had only 26 catches for 366 yards in nine games. He’s still a No. 3 receiver with whom you should play the matchup game. Owens is a decent play this week against the Dolphins, who rank 22nd against the pass.

Injury updates

-- Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisbeger — who suffered head injuries last week — are both expected to start. The Cardinals’ Warner has the much more favorable matchup of the two — a game at Tennessee, which ranks 31st against the pass and has given up 25 touchdown tosses. Roethlisberger and the Steelers play at the Ravens, who rank 17th vs. the pass but have as many interceptions (11) as touchdown passes allowed. Play both if they’re active, although Roethlsiberger isn’t a top-10 start this week.

-- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will play today after being bothered by a back injury. The Raiders have been stingy against the pass — No. 12 in yardage and only eight TD passes allowed — but I would still start Romo.

-- Bengals running back Cedric Benson (hip injury) practiced Wednesday and is expected to play. He is listed as questionable, but if he practices again Friday (the critical day from an injury standpoint for most players), you should feel safe in keeping him in your lineup. If he’s a late scratch, backup Bernard Scott is a very good start against the Browns and their 28th-ranked run defense.

-- Falcons running back Michael Turner, who missed last week’s game because of a high ankle sprain, also practiced Wednesday and hopes to play, but he sounds more iffy than Benson. If Turner plays, start him against the Bucs, the league’s worst run defense. If he doesn’t, backup Jason Snelling is worth a spot in your lineup.

-- Seahawks running back Julius Jones has missed practice with a bruised lung, but is expected to start Sunday. If he’s active, he’s a quality option as a flex play against the Rams (No. 28 vs. the run). The same goes for backup Justin Forsett should Jones sit for a second consecutive game.

-- Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who is nursing hand and knee injuries, will be a game-time decision for today’s Thanksgiving tilt against the Packers. His value is also hurt by Daunte Culpepper’s presence at quarterback in place of the injured Matthew Stafford. If Johnson is active, play him. If he isn’t, don’t look at teammates Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt for help.

-- Running backs Clinton Portis and Brian Westbrook are still out because of concussions, leaving the starting jobs for the Redskins and Eagles to Rock Cartwright and LeSean McCoy, respectively. McCoy is a top-10 start at his position this week, and Cartwright should be considered no better than a flex play at the Eagles (No. 10 vs. the run).

Five to start

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

-- Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals, vs. Browns: He has only 385 yards passing and zero touchdowns in his last two games, but he threw for 230 yards and two scores in the Bengals’ Week 4 win at Cleveland. I would expect similar numbers Sunday against the Browns’ No. 26 pass defense.

-- LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers, vs. Chiefs: He’s been disappointing, but there are signs of life — five TDs in his last four games and 169 rushing yards in his last two. The Chiefs rank 27th vs. the run.

-- Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys, vs. Raiders: The former fantasy stud ran for 99 yards last week, his second-highest total of the season and the most he’s had since Week 2. Barber should reach the century mark vs. the Raiders, who rank 30th vs. the run and have given up 11 rushing TDs.

-- Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs, at Chargers: He has scored in each of his last two games, a span in which Larry Johnson’s replacement has 183 total yards and six catches. The Chargers have struggled against the run (No. 21).

-- Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers, vs. Jaguars: The rookie had his best fantasy game as a pro last week, catching four passes for 77 yards and a TD. Make it two straight games with a score, as the Jags rank 25th against the pass and have allowed 17 touchdowns through the air.

More matchups I like:

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys, vs. Raiders; Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers; Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks, at Rams; David Garrard, QB, Jaguars, at 49ers; Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots, at Saints; Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WRs, Seahawks, at Rams; Terrell Owens, WR, Bills, vs. Dolphins; Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts, at Texans; Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons, at Buccaneers

Three to sit

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

-- Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants, at Broncos: He has yet to rush for 100 yards this season and has only three touchdowns, which should give him a seat on your bench unless you’re hurting for a second running back.

-- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos, vs. Giants: He’s rushed for 177 yards on only 28 carries the last two weeks (6.3-yard average), but he hasn’t scored in his last three contests and the Giants rank 11th vs. the run (one caveat: The G-Men have allowed 14 rushing TDs).

-- Steve Slaton, RB, Texans, vs. Colts: Chris Brown is the latest back to share carries with Slaton (it was fun while it lasted, Ryan Moats), but even with the demotion in playing time, Slaton still has four TDs in his last five games and 24 catches in his last six. Regardless, you should have better options than playing the second-year back against the Colts’ No. 13 run defense.

More matchups I don’t like:

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens, vs. Steelers; Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos, vs. Giants; Rock Cartwright, RB, Redskins, at Eagles; Santana Moss, WR, Redskins, at Eagles

Last week

The start list, for the first time all season, was 5-for-5. Eli Manning (384 yards passing, three touchdowns, one interception), Kevin Smith (45 yards rushing, four receptions for 104 yards and a TD), Bernard Scott (119 yards rushing, three catches for 32 yards), LeSean McCoy (99 yards rushing, one TD) and Beanie Wells (74 yards rushing, one TD, two receptions for 11 yards) all have productive games.

The all-QB sit list was 2-for-3, as Jay Cutler (171 yards passing, one TD, one interception, 11 yards rushing) and Joe Flacco (256 yards passing, zero TDs and one pick) struggled. Benching Matt Ryan (268 yards passing, two touchdowns, 14 yards rushing) was not a good idea.

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, at Lions (No. 32 vs. the pass)
2. Peyton Manning, Colts, at Texans (No. 15)
3. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Chiefs (No. 28)
4. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. Patriots (No. 6)
5. Tom Brady, Patriots, at Saints (No. 16)
6. x-Kurt Warner, Cardinals, at Titans (No. 31)
7. Carson Palmer, Bengals, vs. Browns (No. 26)
8. Matt Schaub, Texans, vs. Colts (No. 18)
9. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. Bears (No. 8)
10. Matt Ryan, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers (No. 14)
11. x-Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, at Ravens (No. 17)
12. Tony Romo, Cowboys, vs. Raiders (No. 12)
13. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, vs. Redskins (No. 1)
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at Rams (No. 24)
15. Eli Manning, Giants, at Broncos (No. 3)
16. Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Vikings (No. 21)
17. David Garrard, Jaguars, at 49ers (No. 30)
18. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, at Chargers (No. 11)
19. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Steelers (No. 13)
20. x-Kyle Orton, Broncos, vs. Giants (No. 2)
x-Make sure Warner, Roethlisberger and Orton (who has a sprained ankle) are active. All are expected to play.

RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. Bears (No. 23 vs. the run)
2. Ricky Williams, Dolphins, at Bills (No. 31)
3. Joseph Addai, Colts, at Texans (No. 22)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at 49ers (No. 6)
5. Chris Johnson, Titans, vs. Cardinals (No. 8)
6. Steven Jackson, Rams, vs. Seahawks (No. 15)
7. Frank Gore, 49ers, vs. Jaguars (No. 17)
8. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, at Jets (No. 16)
9. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, vs. Redskins (No. 25)
10. Ryan Grant, Packers, at Lions (No. 20)
11. x-Michael Turner, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers (No. 32)
12. x-Cedric Benson, Bengals, vs. Browns (No. 29)
13. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Steelers (No. 1)
14. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, vs. Chiefs (No. 27)
15. Matt Forte, Bears, at Vikings (No. 3)
16. Marion Barber, Cowboys, vs. Raiders (No. 30)
17. x-Julius Jones, Seahawks, at Rams (No. 24)
18. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, at Ravens (No. 5)
19. Kevin Smith, Lions, vs. Packers (No. 4)
20. Laurence Maroney, Patriots, at Saints (No. 19)
21. Beanie Wells, Cardinals, at Titans (No. 9)
22. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, at Chargers (No. 21)
23. Pierre Thomas, Saints, vs. Patriots (No. 14)
24. Tim Hightower, Cardinals, at Titans (No. 9)
x-Make sure Turner, Benson and Jones are active.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, at Titans (No. 31 vs. the pass)
2. Randy Moss, Patriots, at Saints (No. 16)
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts, at Texans (No. 15)
4. Roddy White, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers (No. 14)
5. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, vs. Chiefs (No. 28)
6. Wes Welker, Patriots, at Saints (No. 16)
7. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, at Titans (No. 31)
8. Andre Johnson, Texans, vs. Colts (No. 18)
9. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, vs. Browns (No. 26)
10. Donald Driver, Packers, at Lions (No. 32)
11. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, at 49ers (No. 30)
12. x-Calvin Johnson, Lions, vs. Packers (No. 7)
13. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, vs. Redskins (No. 1)
14. Greg Jennings, Packers, at Lions (No. 32)
15. Steve Smith, Giants, at Broncos (No. 3)
16. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, at Rams (No. 24)
17. Marques Colston, Saints, vs. Patriots (No. 6)
18. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, vs. Giants (No. 2)
19. Steve Smith, Panthers, at Jets (No. 4)
20. Hines Ward, Steelers, at Ravens (No. 17)
21. Miles Austin, Cowboys, vs. Raiders (No. 12)
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, at Rams (No. 24)
23. Michael Crabtree, 49ers, vs. Jaguars (No. 25)
24. Sidney Rice, Vikings, vs. Bears (No. 8)
25. Terrell Owens, Bills, vs. Dolphins (No. 22)
26. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, at Ravens (No. 17)
27. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Steelers (No. 13)
28. Mario Manningham, Giants, at Broncos (No. 3)
29. Chris Chambers, Chiefs, at Chargers (No. 11)
30. Devin Hester, Bears, at Vikings (No. 21)
31. Percy Harvin, Vikings, vs. Bears (No. 8)
32. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, vs. Panthers (No. 5)
33. Pierre Garcon, Colts, at Texans (No. 15)
34. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles, vs. Redskins (No. 1)
35. Kevin Walter, Texans, vs. Colts (No. 18)
36. Lee Evans, Bills, vs. Dolphins (No. 22)
x-Make sure Johnson (knee and hand injuries) is active Thursday.

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Who are the must-starts at each position (even kicker)? Kevin Kleps has the answers here. The link also includes this week’s audiocast by Kleps and Sports Editor Mark Podolski.

A brutal Week 10 has left many of you scrambling for help at running back (hello, Bernard Scott, Justin Forsett and Jason Snelling).

A quick roundup of the most notable injuries:

-- Both Michael Turner (sprained ankle) and Cedric Benson (hip injury) are listed as doubtful, but the ailments for both backs seem to be only a one-week concern. Scott should get the majority of the carries in Benson's absence, and Brian Leonard will continue to be the third-down back whose best asset is in the receiving department (20 catches). I wouldn't consider Larry Johnson, who was unproductive with the Chiefs before signing with the Bengals this week.

Turner's top backup would normally be the explosive Jerious Norwood, but the latter has missed the last four games with a hip injury and is listed as questionable this week. Norwood should play, but he likely will be the backup to Snelling, who had 93 total yards last week.

-- Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton will be a game-time decision because of a sprained ankle, but he hasn't practiced all week and Sunday's opponent, the Chargers, rank 11th against the pass. Keep him on your bench. Same goes for Chris Simms, should he get the call instead of Orton.

-- Both Clinton Portis and Brian Westbrook will sit because of concussions, with Ladell Betts and impressive rookie LeSean McCoy starting in their place in Washington and Philadelphia, respectively.

-- Seahawks running back Julius Jones won't play because of a bruised lung, clearing the way for Forsett to get the bulk of the carries for the second straight week. The rookie has 10 catches in his last two games and had 149 total yards in Week 10.

-- Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant is expected to return from a two-week absence on Sunday, but his knee has been bothering him all year and Tampa's franchise player has yet to record more than 62 yards receiving in a game this season. He's a No. 4 wideout at best against the Saints, who have more than twice as many interceptions (17) as TD passes allowed (eight).

On to the start-and-sit lists ...

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, vs. Falcons: He has only one two-touchdown game since Week 6 and hasn’t thrown for more than 243 yards in his last five games, but I’d expect Peyton’s little brother to meet both those numbers against the Falcons’ 28th-ranked pass defense.

-- Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals, at Raiders: The rookie’s biggest impact thus far has been on special teams. With Cedric Benson hobbled by an injured hip, this Division II product should have a career day vs. the Raiders, who rank 29th vs. the run and have given up 14 touchdowns on the ground.

-- Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals, at Rams: With three touchdowns in his last four games and 29 carries for 157 yards in his last two, he’s slowly taking the starting job from Tim Hightower. The former Buckeye should have his best performance yet vs. the Rams, who rank 28th stopping the run and have yielded 13 rushing TDs.

-- LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles, at Bears: Brian Westbrook’s concussion issues might make McCoy a starter the rest of the season, and he deserves to be in your lineup, especially in point-per-reception leagues. The Bears have the league’s 12th-worst run defense.

-- Kevin Smith, RB, Lions, vs. Browns: He’s been very disappointing (zero touchdowns in his last five contests and no games with more than 67 rushing yards since Week 3), but the Browns have a knack for ending opposing players’ slumps. Cleveland ranks 30th against the run and has allowed 13 rushing TDs.

More matchups I like:

Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals, at Raiders; Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks, at Vikings; Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys, vs. Redskins; Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants, vs. Falcons; Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings, vs. Seahawks; Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals, at Rams; Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles, at Bears

Three to sit

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

The all-QB edition ...

-- Matt Ryan, Falcons, at Giants: Sophomore slump? Ryan has thrown 10 interceptions in his last five games (with 1,031 yards and seven TDs in that span), and he’s been picked off two times or more in four of his last six games. The Giants own the league’s second-best pass defense, but have given up 15 TDs through the air.

-- Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Colts: Another second-year QB who started fast and has slowed considerably, Flacco hasn’t thrown for a touchdown in his last two games and has only 525 yards in his last three. The Colts are in the middle of the pack vs. the pass (No. 16), but have three more interceptions (10) than TD passes allowed (seven).

-- Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Eagles: He has thrown 17 interceptions on the season and 12 in his last five games. The Eagles (No. 10 vs. the pass) have picked off 15 passes.

More matchups I don’t like:

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs, vs. Steelers; Santana Moss, WR, Redskins, at Cowboys; Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys, vs. Redskins; Chris Chambers, WR, Chiefs, vs. Steelers

Last week

The start list had two hits in Sidney Rice (seven catches for 201 yards) and Jonathan Stewart (82 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and two decent plays in Laurence Maroney (31 yards rushing, one TD, two catches for 15 yards) and Knowshon Moreno (97 yards rushing, two catches).

The lone dud on the list was Percy Harvin, who had three catches for 53 yards and rushed for 7 yards.

The sit list had two good calls in Carson Palmer (178 yards passing, no touchdowns and no interceptions) and Brian Westbrook (28 yards rushing, two catches for 26 yards). The third item on the list was any Raiders running back, which was good in the case of Darren McFadden (11 yards rushing), not so good if you sat Justin Fargas (41 yards rushing, one TD) and terrible if you actually would have considered playing Michael Bush (119 yards rushing).

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints, at Buccaneers (No. 15 vs. the pass)
2. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, at Rams (No. 25)
3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. 49ers (No. 29)
4. Tom Brady, Patriots, vs. Jets (No. 3)
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, at Chiefs (No. 24)
6. Matt Schaub, Texans, vs. Titans (No. 31)
7. Peyton Manning, Colts, at Ravens (No. 13)
8. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. Seahawks (No. 22)
9. Tony Romo, Cowboys, vs. Redskins (No. 28)
10. Eli Manning, Giants, vs. Falcons (No. 28)
11. Philip Rivers, Chargers, at Broncos (No. 5)
12. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Bears (No. 8)
13. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at Raiders (No. 14)
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at Vikings (No. 23)
15. Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Eagles (No. 10)
16. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Colts (No. 16)
17. Matt Ryan, Falcons, at Giants (No. 2)
18. David Garrard, Jaguars, vs. Bills (No. 9)
19. Vince Young, Titans, at Texans (No. 17)
20. Jason Campbell, Redskins, at Cowboys (No. 18)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, vs. Bills (No. 32 vs. the run)
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. Seahawks (No. 11)
3. Chris Johnson, Titans, at Texans (tied for No. 14)
4. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Colts (tied for No. 14)
5. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, at Chiefs (No. 27)
6. Steven Jackson, Rams, vs. Cardinals (No. 8)
7. Frank Gore, 49ers, at Packers (No. 4)
8. Matt Forte, Bears, vs. Eagles (No. 9)
9. Bernard Scott, Bengals, at Raiders (No. 29)
10. Thomas Jones, Jets, at Patriots (No. 17)
11. Joseph Addai, Colts, at Ravens (No. 5)
12. Beanie Wells, Cardinals, at Rams (No. 28)
13. Pierre Thomas, Saints, at Buccaneers (No. 31)
14. Marion Barber, Cowboys, vs. Redskins (No. 24)
15. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. 49ers (No. 3)
16. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, vs. Falcons (No. 26)
17. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, at Bears (No. 21)
18. Kevin Smith, Lions, vs. Browns (No. 30)
19. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, at Broncos (No. 12)
20. Ladell Betts, Redskins, at Cowboys (No. 10)
21. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, vs. Chargers (No. 23)
22. Jason Snelling, Falcons, at Giants (No. 13)
23. Laurence Maroney, Patriots, vs. Jets (No. 18)
24. Justin Forsett, Seahawks, at Vikings (No. 6)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, at Rams (No. 25 vs. the pass)
2. Reggie Wayne, Colts, at Ravens (No. 13)
3. Randy Moss, Patriots, vs. Jets (No. 3)
4. Andre Johnson, Texans, vs. Titans (No. 31)
5. Steve Smith, Giants, vs. Falcons (No. 28)
6. Marques Colston, Saints, at Buccaneers (No. 15)
7. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, at Rams (No. 25)
8. Hines Ward, Steelers, at Chiefs (No. 24)
9. Calvin Johnson, Lions, vs. Browns (tied for No. 19)
10. Roddy White, Falcons, at Giants (No. 2)
11. Wes Welker, Patriots, vs. Jets (No. 3)
12. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, vs. Chargers (No. 11)
13. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, at Raiders (No. 14)
14. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, at Broncos (No. 5)
15. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, at Bears (No. 8)
16. Donald Driver, Packers, vs. 49ers (No. 29)
17. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, at Vikings (No. 23)
18. Greg Jennings, Packers, vs. 49ers (No. 29)
19. Sidney Rice, Vikings, vs. Seahawks (No. 22)
20. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, at Chiefs (No. 24)
21. Miles Austin, Cowboys, vs. Redskins (No. 1)
22. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Colts (No. 16)
23. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, vs. Bills (No. 9)
24. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, at Vikings (No. 23)
25. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles, at Bears (No. 8)
26. Mario Manningham, Giants, vs. Falcons (No. 26)
27. Michael Crabtree, 49ers, at Packers (No. 6)
28. Steve Breaston, Cardinals, at Rams (No. 28)
29. Devin Hester, Bears, vs. Eagles (No. 10)
30. Percy Harvin, Vikings, vs. Seahawks (No. 22)
31. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, at Patriots (No. 7)
32. Braylon Edwards, Jets, at Patriots (No. 7)
33. Terrell Owens, Bills, at Jaguars (No. 26)
34. Lee Evans, Bills, at Jaguars (No. 26)
35. Laveranues Coles, Bengals, at Raiders (No. 14)
36. Donnie Avery, Rams, vs. Cardinals (No. 30)

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Has your team been affected by the injuries to running backs Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Michael Turner, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook or Julius Jones? I break down the values of their backups here. The link also includes this week audiocast with Sports Editor Mark Podolski and I.

The predictions, prognostications and prolonged holdouts are all behind us (well, expect for you, Michael Crabtree), and it's finally time for a full slate of Week 1 games.

Before we get to the start-and-sit advice and the expanded playlist, here are a couple quick plugs.

-- Click here for a column I wrote today about Brandon Marshall, which includes injury advice and thoughts from Thursday's season opener. The link also has the audiocast Sports Editor Mark Podolski and I record each week.

-- We'll have a live fantasy football chat on the N-H's Web site this Thursday at 4 p.m. Go to the homepage of www.News-Herald.com and look for the link to the chat at the top.

-- If you have a question, e-mail KKleps@News-Herald.com or post a comment at the bottom of this blog and we'll answer it in the audiocast or the Saturday blog.

On to the lists ...

Five to start

Our first look at part-time starters and fantasy backups who should benefit from a favorable matchup:

-- Reggie Bush, RB, Saints, vs. Lions: Pierre Thomas is out because of a knee injury, which should mean more touches for Bush against a Lions defense that was the league's worst against the run last season, allowing an average of 172.1 yards per game, along with a league-high 31 rushing TDs. Detroit also ranked 27th against the pass, which should mean six or more catches for Bush. Another player to watch in this game: Mike Bell, who should share carries with Bush with Thomas sitting.

-- Donnie Avery, WR, Rams, at Seahawks: He's recovered from a foot injury that held him out of the majority of the preseason, and he gets to open the real season against 2008's worst pass defense. The Seahawks allowed 259 passing yards per game last season. Opposing quarterbacks had 25 TD throws and just nine interceptions.

-- Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens, vs. Chiefs: He should be more productive in Year 2, and there's no telling how bad the Chiefs' defense will be in the first year of the Todd Haley/Scott Pioli regime. Kansas City's pass defense was the league's fifth-worst last season.

-- Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks, vs. Rams: He reportedly is healthy after a back injury wrecked his 2008 season, and he should have a big day against the Rams, who were 19th vs. the pass in 2008.

-- Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals, vs. Broncos: The once-troubled Bear wasn't featured at all on "Hard Knocks," but he should play a prominent role against a Broncos run defense that ranked 27th in 2008, yielding 146.1 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per attempt and 26 TDs on the ground (the second-most in the NFL).

-- More favorable matchups: Seahawks running back Julius Jones vs. the Rams, who ranked 29th against the run in 2008; Ravens running back Ray Rice against the Chiefs (No. 30); Cardinals running back Beanie Wells against the 49ers; 49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce at the Cardinals (No. 22 vs. the pass); Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson against the Rams (No. 19); and if Anquan Boldin doesn't play because of a hamstring injury, Cardinals receiver Steve Breaston vs. the 49ers (No. 20).

Three to sit

If you have a quality backup with a favorable matchup, these starters should take a seat for a week:

-- Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders, vs. Chargers: This is more of an indictment of the Raiders' weapons-less offense that it is an endorsement of the Chargers' defense, which ranked 11th vs. the run last season.

-- Santana Moss, WR, Redskins, at Giants: The frustrating thing for Moss owners is his inconsistency, and the Giants were very good defending the pass last season (No. 8, 196 yards per game, 17 TDs, 17 interceptions).

-- Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs, at Ravens: He probably can't be called an every-week starter at this stage of his career, and he should definitely be on your bench against the Ravens, who ranked third vs. the run in 2008 and allowed the fewest rushing TDs (4) in the NFL.

-- More matchups I don't like: Roy Williams, WR, Dallas, at Buccaneers (No. 4 vs. pass last season); Lee Evans, WR, Bills, at Patriots (No. 11); any New York Giants receiver vs. the Redskins (I'd prefer to wait to see if Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith are Eli Manning's preferred targets); Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos, at Bengals (will he get the majority of the carries or share with Correll Buckhalter?); Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns, vs. Vikings (the league's top run defense a year ago).

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. Lions (No. 27 vs. the pass in 2008)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots, vs. Bills (13)
3. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. 49ers (20)
4. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. Jaguars (24)
5. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. Raiders (10)
6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. Bears (30)
7. Matt Schaub, Texans, vs. Jets (29)
8. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Panthers (16)
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons, vs. Dolphins (25)
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals, vs. Broncos (26)
11. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, vs. Rams (19)
12. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Chiefs (28)
13. Tony Romo, Cowboys, at Buccaneers (4)
14. Jay Cutler, Bears, at Packers (12)
15. Shaun Hill, 49ers, at Cardinals (22)
16. Chad Pennington, Dolphins, at Falcons (21)
17. Eli Manning, Giants, vs. Redskins (7)
18. Brett Favre, Vikings, at Browns (14)
19. David Garrard, Jaguars, at Colts (6)
20. Trent Edwards, Bills, at Patriots (11)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, at Browns (No. 28 vs. the run in 2008)
2. Matt Forte, Bears, at Packers (26)
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, at Raiders (31)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at Colts (24)
5. Steven Jackson, Rams, at Seahawks (18)
6. Brian Westbrook, Eagles, at Panthers (20)
7. Michael Turner, Falcons, vs. Dolphins (10)
8. Thomas Jones, Jets, at Texans (23)
9. Steve Slaton, Texans, vs. Jets (7)
10. Frank Gore, 49ers, at Cardinals (16)
11. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins, at Falcons (25)
12. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, vs. Redskins (8)
13. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, vs. Eagles (4)
14. Marion Barber, Cowboys, at Buccaneers (19)
15. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. Bears (5)
16. Cedric Benson, Bengals, vs. Broncos (27)
17. Kevin Smith, Lions, at Saints (17)
18. Reggie Bush, Saints, vs. Lions (32)
19. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Chiefs (30)
20. Clinton Portis, Redskins, at Giants (9)
21. Julius Jones, Seahawks, vs. Rams (29)
22. Joseph Addai, Colts, vs. Jaguars (13)
23. Derrick Ward, Buccaneers, vs. Cowboys (12)
24. Beanie Wells, Cardinals, vs. 49ers (13)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Andre Johnson, Texans, vs. Dolphins (No. 25 vs. the pass in 2008)
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, vs. 49ers (20)
3. Randy Moss, Patriots, vs. Bills (13)
4. Roddy White, Falcons, vs. Dolphins (25)
5. Marques Colston, Saints, vs. Lions (27)
6. Reggie Wayne, Colts, vs. Jaguars (24)
7. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, vs. Rams (19)
8. Greg Jennings, Packers, vs. Bears (30)
9. Calvin Johnson, Lions, at Saints (23)
10. Vincent Jackson, Chargers, at Raiders (10)
11. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, vs. Broncos (26)
12. Steve Smith, Panthers, vs. Eagles (3)
13. Wes Welker, Patriots, vs. Bills (13)
14. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, at Panthers (16)
15. Lance Moore, Saints, vs. Lions (27)
16. Eddie Royal, Broncos, at Bengals (15)
17. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts, vs. Jaguars (24)
18. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Chiefs (28)
19. Terrell Owens, Bills, at Patriots (11)
20. Donnie Avery, Rams, at Seahawks (32)
21. Kevin Walter, Texans, vs. Jets (29)
22. Braylon Edwards, Browns, vs. Vikings (18)
23. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, at Bengals (15)
24. x-Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, vs. 49ers (20)
25. Bernard Berrian, Vikings, at Browns (14)
26. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, at Ravens (2)
27. Donald Driver, Packers, vs. Bears (30)
28. Laveranues Coles, Bengals, vs. Broncos (26)
29. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, at Texans (17)
30. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers, vs. Cowboys (5)
31. Torry Holt, Jaguars, at Colts (6)
32. Roy Williams, Cowboys, at Buccaneers (4)
33. Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins, at Falcons (21)
34. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, vs. Rams (19)
35. Isaac Bruce, 49ers, at Cardinals (22)
36. Devin Hester, Bears, at Packers (12)

x-Make sure Boldin (hamstring injury) plays. If not, teammate Steve Breaston would be a good start.