In a column for Friday's print and online editions, we address Randy Moss' value as a Titan, along with the emergence of Jacob Tamme as a top-10 option at tight end because of all the injuries at the position.

Click here early Friday morning to find the column.

Until then, let's update more key injuries as we enter Week 9:

-- Cardinals running back Beanie Wells suffered an allergic reaction to a lubricant injection in his right knee (unfortunately, it always seems to be something with this former Buckeye). He plans to practice Friday, and he's scored a touchdown in two consecutive games. Arizona's opponent Sunday, the Vikings, rank 13th against the run, an uncharacteristically high number for Minnesota. If Wells is active (the Cardinals play at 1 p.m., so time won't be an issue), I'd consider him a flex play in 12-team leagues.

-- Colts running backs Joseph Addai (neck and shoulder injuries) and Mike Hart (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, and both seem to be doubtful for Sunday's game at Philadelphia. Enter Donald Brown and Javarris James. The latter is a rookie from Miami with three carries for 4 yards. The former is a 2009 first-round pick who hasn't lived up to expectations and has been outplayed by Hart, a sixth-round selection in 2008. Of the two, I'd play Brown, but only if both Addai and Hart are inactive. The Eagles rank 18th against the run.

-- Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) is expected to sit for a second consecutive week. Jonathan Stewart (14 carries for 30 yards) was a bust last week, but I would start him Sunday against the Saints, considering six teams have a bye this weekend -- making Stewart a top-20 back almost by default. The Saints are the league's No. 16 run defense, but have allowed only two rushing TDs in eight games.

-- Colts receiver Austin Collie practiced fully Thursday and is in line to start Sunday, which is a week or two earlier than we were led to believe he would return. He's a must play, especially with Anthony Gonzalez again hampered by an injury (this time, his knee).

-- Up-and-down Seahawks receiver Mike Williams missed practice Wednesday with a bruised knee, and Seattle will face the league's top pass defense Sunday in the Giants. I wouldn't play him unless you're desperate for a third receiver.

-- Packers receiver Donald Driver, who hasn't had a catch in his last two games, won't play Sunday against the visiting Cowboys because of a quadriceps injury. He is expected back in Week 11, following the Packers' bye next week. If you are looking for help, teammates James Jones and Jordy Nelson will be the Nos. 2 and 3 receivers. Jones, who had four catches for 107 yards in Week 7, is the better start in leagues that don't award a point per reception. Nelson should be the more productive of the two in PPR leagues after catching 13 passes in his last three games. The 2008 second-round pick hasn't scored a touchdown this season.

-- Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd probably will miss a third consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Sounds like a good week to start teammate Patrick Crayton against the Texans, who are giving up a league-worst 299 passing yards per game.

-- Texans receiver Andre Johnson isn't practicing because of a sore ankle, but he's expected to play Sunday. The Texans play at 1, so by now you know the drill with A.J., who always produces and always seems to have a lingering injury.

-- Vikings receiver Percy Harvin lost Moss, who significantly increased his fantasy value, as a teammate on Monday. Now Harvin might be out because of an ankle injury. With Harvin banged up and Sidney Rice not ready to return, Bernard Berrian could return to a prominent role in the passing game. Minnesota will play host to Arizona on Sunday. The Cards rank 21st against the pass.

-- Patriots receiver Deion Branch was limited in practice by a hamstring injury. He had only one catch for 21 yards last week, and I wouldn't play him Sunday against the Browns.

Stat of the week

7.2: Yards per touch for Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles this season. He has 103 carries for 666 yards, an average of 6.5 yards per attempt, and 16 receptions for 191 yards (11.9). In Kansas City's first three games, Charles had 39 touches. In the last four contests, he has 80 touches for 527 yards (428 yards rushing, 99 receiving). I think I speak for every Charles owner when I say, thank you for coming around, Todd Haley and Charlie Weis.

Before we get to the biggest ailments at running back, wide receiver and tight end, a quick bit of self-promotion.

In today's News-Herald, we broke down the current NFL quarterback landscape from a fantasy perspective. Here is the link.

On to the updates, which don't include Tony Romo, but do feature two guys named Pierre.

-- Colts running back Joseph Addai is doubtful because of a neck injury, leaving Donald Brown and Mike Hart to share the carries. If Brown, who has been limited because of a hamstring injury, is active (and he is expected to be), he is the better play. Hart, however, is the safest play because of Brown's iffy status and the fact the former Michigan standout has 22 carries for 93 yards and a TD in his last two games.

The Colts don't play until Monday night, which complicates things. Their opponent, the Texans, have allowed six rushing touchdowns in as many games.

-- Rams running back Steven Jackson was limited at practice Friday because of a finger injury. He expects to play against the Panthers, maybe because he knows they are allowing 128.5 rushing yards per game. If Jackson is active (the Rams play at 1 p.m. Sunday, so time isn't an issue), he's a must-start.

-- The news isn't as positive regarding Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, who is doubtful with a foot injury. Jonathan Stewart owners should hope Williams sits, since Stewart would finally get the majority of the carries. If Williams is out, Stewart should be a considered a No. 2 fantasy back.

-- Saints running back Pierre Thomas will sit again because of ankle injury, but impressive rookie Chris Ivory will have the unfortunate task of trying to pile up yards on the Steelers. Pittsburgh is the league's best run defense, allowing 63.7 rushing yards per game and 2.7 yards per carry. Ivory is better suited to be a flex play, but since six teams are off this weekend, you might be forced to play him as your No. 2 back. If you have two decent options at running back and three effective receivers who aren't on a bye, I'd sit Ivory.

-- Colts receiver Austin Collie is out, as expected, making Pierre Garcon a must-play against Houston, which is allowing a league-high 306 passing yards per game. If you're desperate for receiving help, consider Indy's Anthony Gonzalez, who is slated to play for the first time since Week 1 and should benefit from a Colts offense that will be without Collie and tight end Dallas Clark. Gonzalez is available in more than 96 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.

-- With both Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee doubtful for the Chargers because of hamstring injuries, Patrick Crayton again is worth starting. The former Cowboy has 13 receptions for 199 yards the last two weeks.

-- Patriots receiver Deion Branch is questionable with a hamstring injury. Since the Pats play the Vikings at 4:15 Sunday, he's probably not worth the risk.

-- Cardinals receiver Steve Breaston (knee) is expected to play for the first time since Week 3. I'd wait a week to see how Breaston performs, but Larry Fitgerald owners should be encouraged.

-- Tight ends Antonio Gates (toe) of the Chargers, Zach Miller (foot) of the Raiders and Chris Cooley (foot) of the Redskins are all questionable, but are in line to start.

Before we hear a word or two about Brett Favre tonight -- and, for once, the ESPN crew will have to tell us something other than "he's having fun out there" and "Brett Favre is a competitor, and competitors like to compete" -- let's take a look back at another wild Sunday.

Some quick takes from Week 5:

-- Start 'em: Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (five touchdowns in as many games, including three in the last two) and Rams receiver Danny Amendola. The latter is a must-play in point-per-reception formats after catching 12 passes for 95 yards on Sunday. With Mark Clayton (22 receptions for 300 yards and two TDs in the Rams' first four games) done for the season with a knee injury, Amendola is the team's best fantasy weapon aside from Steven Jackson.

-- Free-agent bin: Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson will be one of the most popular Week 6 pickups after catching four passes for 56 yards and one TD on Sunday. Burleson had only two catches for 23 yards in the first two weeks, then sat Detroit's next two games with an ankle injury. Calvin Johnson suffered a shoulder injury that has the Lions "very concerned," according to Coach Jim Schwartz, which could leave Burleson as Detroit's No. 1 wideout.

-- Drop 'em: Giants receiver Mario Manningham, who has been shut out the last two weeks.

-- You're still going to start Lions running back Jahvid Best, but your expectations should be sufficiently tempered after three consecutive games without a touchdown for the rookie. Best had five TDs the first two weeks -- a trend you knew was going to last about as long as Jon Gruden trying to hold back Favre praise.

-- I don't want to jinx it, but it seems Wade Phillips has finally realized Felix Jones (15 carries for 109 yards, four catches for 17 yards Sunday) is the Cowboys' best running back, not Marion Barber (six carries, 19 yards).

-- The We're Getting Impatient Department (which, incidentally, is co-chaired by Reggie Bush and Dwayne Bowe): Packers receiver Greg Jennings has six catches for 63 yards the last three weeks, with two receptions in each game. He's 17 yards shy of 200 for the year.

-- I don't believe in any Bears wide receiver. If Todd Collins is playing, the level of faith is reduced to Browns wide receiver level.

-- You don't need me to tell you the Panthers' anemic passing attack is crushing DeAngelo Williams' value. The running back has 35 carries for 201 yards in the last three games -- an impressive 5.7 yards-per-carry average. But it's hard to count on him week to week because of his lack of touches. Williams has one game with more than 16 touches, and he's scored one TD in five contests.

-- We're Getting Impatient, Take II: Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has had two productive games in five weeks, and one game with more than 241 yards passing.

-- Beanie Wells, we're waiting.

-- Almost as surprising as Felix Jones' expanded role: Cowboys teammate Roy Williams has had two productive games in a row (a combined 11 catches for 204 yards and three TDs). If you have bye-week issues, he's a decent No. 3 receiver.

-- That's more like it, Michael Crabtree.

-- Stats of the week: In four games since a huge Week 1 that was helped by garbage-time production in a 38-24 loss at New England, Chad Ochocinco has a combined 14 receptions for 157 yards and zero TDs. In the four-game span, the proud creator of "child please" hasn't had more than four catches and has failed to eclipse 59 yards in a contest.

We'll breeze through this quicker than normal, thanks to some unforeseen problems (see tank, hot water), so let's get to this week's key injuries:

-- Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is listed as questionable with right shoulder and finger injuries, but I wouldn't worry about Brian Hoyer getting the start in a game New England can't afford to lose.

-- Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan likely will be a game-time decision because of a toe ailment, but I wouldn't start him even if he was healthy against the Saints, who have almost twice as many interceptions (23) as TD passes allowed (12).

-- Falcons running back Michael Turner is listed as questionable with a sprained anke and will be a game-time decision, but don't plan on him being active against the Saints.

-- Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is probable, and the Rams' Steven Jackson is questionable after missing practice all week with a back injury, but he's had the same routine the last two weeks and not missed a game.

-- The Eagles' Brian Westbrook is out again, and the Bucs' Cadillac Williams is questionable with a back injury. He's not a good play against the Jets.

-- Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson will return from a concussion.

-- Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker is doubtful with a calf injury. Mike Thomas will start in his place and should be considered a low-level No. 3 receiver against the Dolphins, who rank 24th vs. the pass.

-- Vikings receiver Percy Harvin is questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday because of migraine headaches, but I would expect him to be active Sunday against the Bengals.

Five to start

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

San Francisco QB Alex Smith (vs. the Cardinals, No. 27 vs. the pass), Ravens QB Joe Flacco (vs. the Lions, No. 32 vs. the pass), Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (vs. the Bills, No. 32 vs. the run), Bills running back Fred Jackson (at the Chiefs, No. 27 vs. the run) and Dolphins receiver Davone Bess (at the Jaguars, No. 23 vs. the pass) round out this week's list.

More matchups I like:

David Garrard, QB, Jaguars, vs. Dolphins; Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins, vs. Jaguars; Ryan Grant, RB, Packers, at Bears; Quinton Ganther, RB, Redskins, at Raiders; Terrell Owens, WR, Bills, at Chiefs; Kenny Britt, WR, Titans, vs. Rams; Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers, vs. Cardinals; Devery Henderson, WR, Saints, at Falcons

Three to sit

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

Bengals QB Carson Palmer (at the Vikings, No. 21 vs. the pass), Lions running back Kevin Smith (at the Ravens (No. 6 vs. the run) and Bucs running back Cadillac Williams (vs. the Jets, No. 17 vs. the run) comprise this week's selections.

More matchups I don’t like:

Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells, RBs, Cardinals, at 49ers; LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers, at Cowboys; Antonio Bryant, WR, Buccaneers, vs. Jets

Last week

The start list had three hits in Jonathan Stewart (120 yards rushing, one TD, one reception), Matt Forte (91 yards rushing, one TD, one catch) and Kyle Orton (180 yards passing, two TDs, one interception). Pierre Thomas (18 yards rushing, eight catches for 64 yards) was decent in point-per-reception leagues, and Jason Avant (three receptions for 36 yards) stunk in all formats.

On the sit list, benching Cardinals running backs Tim Hightower (50 yards rushing, one catch, one fumble) and Beanie Wells (28 yards rushing) was the right call, but sitting Tony Romo (392 yards passing, three TDs, no picks) certainly was not.

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints, at Falcons (No. 29 vs. the pass)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots, vs. Panthers (No. 6)
3. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, at 49ers (No. 30)
4. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. Broncos (No. 2)
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, at Bears (No. 9)
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers, at Cowboys (No. 20)
7. Matt Schaub, Texans, vs. Seahawks (No. 25)
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys, vs. Chargers (No. 8)
9. Alex Smith, 49ers, vs. Cardinals (No. 27)
10. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Giants (No. 7)
11. Brett Favre, Vikings, vs. Bengals (No. 12)
12. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Lions (No. 32)
13. David Garrard, Jaguars, vs. Dolphins (No. 24)
14. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at Vikings (No. 21)
15. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Colts (No. 19)
16. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at Texans (No. 14)
17. Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Packers (No. 3)
18. Jason Campbell, Redskins, at Raiders (No. 18)
19. Chad Henne, Dolphins, at Jaguars (No. 23)
20. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, vs. Bills (No. 4)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Chris Johnson, Titans, vs. Rams (No. 28 vs. the run)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, vs. Dolphins (No. 14)
3. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Lions (No. 19)
4. Thomas Jones, Jets, at Buccaneers (No. 31)
5. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, vs. Bengals (No. 2)
6. Ricky Williams, Dolphins, at Jaguars (No. 11)
7. Joseph Addai, Colts, vs. Broncos (No. 16)
8. Steven Jackson, Rams, at Titans (No. 8)
9. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, vs. Bills (No. 32)
10. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, at Patriots (No. 15)
11. Frank Gore, 49ers, vs. Cardinals (No. 12)
12. Cedric Benson, Bengals, at Vikings (No. 3)
13. Ryan Grant, Packers, at Bears (No. 25)
14. Fred Jackson, Bills, at Chiefs (No. 27)
15. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, vs. Eagles (No. 7)
16. Pierre Thomas, Saints, at Falcons (No. 23)
17. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, at Colts (No. 18)
18. Laurence Maroney, Patriots, at Panthers (No. 26)
19. Marion Barber, Cowboys, vs. Chargers (No. 21)
20. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, at Giants (No. 10)
21. Matt Forte, Bears, vs. Packers (No. 3)
22. Julius Jones, Seahawks, at Texans (No. 22)
23. Quinton Ganther, Redskins, at Raiders (No. 30)
24. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, at Cowboys (No. 9)

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

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Which teams have the best matchups the next three weeks, and which have the worst? Kevin Kleps has the answers here.

This week's injury roll call is more extensive -- and slightly more optimistic -- than the list of Eric Mangini complaints in the NFL players' association database.

-- Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return from a concussion to start against the Raiders. Kurt Warner is also expected to start, but the Cardinals QB is a much more questionable play than his Steelers counterpart. Warner split practice reps with Matt Leinart all week and could be a game-time decision, which leaves owners in a quandary because the Cards face the Vikings in the Sunday night game. If you have a productive backup, playing him is the safe route, or you can pick up Leinart and have him as insurance in case Warner is inactive.

-- Falcons QB Matt Ryan is out, as are running backs Clinton Portis (Redskins) and Brian Westbrook (Eagles), along with Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson.

-- At running back, the Bengals' Cedric Benson is expected to return from a hip injury, and backup Bernard Scott is out because of turf toe, which leaves Benson to get the majority of the carries and Larry Johnson available for a handful of opportunities against the woeful Lions.

-- Falcons running back Michael Turner is expected to be a game-time decision, but he's likely to sit Sunday's home game vs. the Eagles. Jason Snelling should start, but the electric Jerious Norwood might be the more effective play -- although neither is better than a No. 3 back against Philly's eighth-ranked run defense.

-- The Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (ankle injury) is also a game-time decision, which could be good news for Jonathan Stewart owners vs. the Bucs (more on that later).

-- The Rams' Steven Jackson missed practice all week because of a back injury, but he did the same the week before, then ran for 89 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He should start.

-- The Seahawks' Julius Jones will return from a bruised lung, and backup Justin Forsett, who has rushed for 262 yards, scored four TDs and caught 13 passes for 106 yards the last three weeks, is questionable after injuring his quadriceps Friday in practice. Jones should get the majority of the carries but isn't a very good play vs. the 49ers (No. 5 vs. the run).

-- The Texans' Steve Slaton is questionable with a shoulder injury. He, too, will be a game-time decision. If he sits, Chris Brown should start against the Jaguars (No. 10 vs. the run).

-- Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has been limited this week by a knee ailment, but he should play and be considered a No. 2 receiver against Philly.

On to the start-and-sit advice for what likely is the final week of your league's regular season:

Five to start

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

-- Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos, at Chiefs: He's been dreadful in the last five games, during which the Broncos are 1-4, throwing three touchdown passes and five interceptions. But here's a gut feeling: That will change as Orton accounts for a couple of touchdowns vs. the Chiefs, who rank 30th defending the pass.

-- Matt Forte, RB, Bears, vs. Rams: He's been one of the season's biggest busts (nice to have you aboard, Jay Cutler). Forte has rushed for only 135 yards and has been a much more productive receiver (22 catches for 248 yards) in his last four games, a span in which he has zero TDs. Forte should end that run of futility vs. the Rams, who rank 28th vs. the run and have given up 16 rushing touchdowns.

-- Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints, at Redskins: With 11 rushing attempts in each of the last three games, this is another hunch play. Thomas has been very effective when he's gotten the chance (5.6 yards per carry and seven touchdowns on 136 touches this season). He should reach the end zone against the Redskins (No. 25 vs. the run).

-- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers, vs. Buccaneers: Whether Williams sits or not (although I'm guessing he will), Stewart should be a quality play vs. the Bucs, against whom he rushed for 110 yards and a TD in Week 6. Tampa ranks 30th stopping (not stopping?) the run and has allowed 12 rushing TDs.

-- Jason Avant, WR, Eagles, at Falcons: He has 17 catches for 276 yards and a TD in his last three games, and his role should expand with DeSean Jackson out. The Falcons rank 27th vs. the pass.

More matchups I like:

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears, vs. Rams; Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers, at Panthers; Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos, at Chiefs; Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice, WRs, Vikings, at Cardinals; Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts, vs. Titans; Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers, at Seahawks

Three to sit

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

-- Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys, at Giants: Two reasons: 1. It's December (let's just say it's not a good month for Romo). 2. Romo threw for 127 yards, one TD and three picks in Week 2 against the Giants. I know New York is a different team now, but it's a must-win for the hosts, and Romo never seems to play well in these moments.

-- Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, RBs, Cardinals, vs. Vikings: One week, Wells is productive (the rookie had three touchdowns in a two-game span prior to his dud of a Week 12). The next, it's Hightower, who scored his first TD in four games last week. The latter has been bothered by a thumb injury, and the Vikings are always strong against the run (No. 2, only three rushing TDs allowed).

More matchups I don’t like:

Kevin Smith, RB, Lions, at Bengals; Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants, vs. Cowboys

Last week

The start list had a pair of hits in LaDainian Tomlinson (39 yards rushing, two TDs) and Jamaal Charles (93 yards rushing, one TD, three catches for 54 yards). Carson Palmer threw for 110 yards and a TD (not as well as we expected vs. the Browns), Marion Barber (61 yards rushing, two catches for 41 yards) was effective in limited opportunites (but still not a productive fantasy play), and Michael Crabtree (four catches for 54 yards) was a dud.

The sit list was right on Brandon Jacobs (27 yards rushing, three catches for 30 yards), correct on Steve Slaton in non-PPR formats (57 yards rushing, four catches for 49 yards) and way off on Knowshon Moreno (88 yards rushing, one TD, two catches for 19 yards).

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS
1. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. Titans (No. 31 vs. the pass)
2. Tom Brady, Patriots, at Dolphins (No. 23)
3. Philip Rivers, Chargers, at Browns (No. 24)
4. Drew Brees, Saints, at Redskins (No. 1)
5. Brett Favre, Vikings, at Cardinals (No. 29)
6. Matt Schaub, Texans, at Jaguars (No. 26)
7. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Falcons (No. 27)
8. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. Ravens (No. 12)
9. Carson Palmer, Bengals, vs. Lions (No. 32)
10. x-Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, vs. Raiders (No. 17)
11. Kyle Orton, Broncos, at Chiefs (No. 30)
12. x-Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. Vikings (No. 19)
13. Jay Cutler, Bears, vs. Rams (No. 22)
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, vs. 49ers (No. 28)
15. Tony Romo, Cowboys, at Giants (No. 4)
16. Alex Smith, 49ers, at Seahawks (No. 25)
17. Eli Manning, Giants, vs. Cowboys (No. 21)
18. Joe Flacco, Ravens, at Packers (No. 6)
19. David Garrard, Jaguars, vs. Texans (tied for No. 14)
20. Vince Young, Titans, at Colts (No. 20)
x-Make sure Warner and Roethlisberger aren’t last-minute scratches.

RUNNING BACKS
1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, vs. Texans (No. 22 vs. the run)
2. Chris Johnson, Titans, at Colts (No. 15)
3. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, at Cardinals (No. 14)
4. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, vs. Raiders (No. 31)
5. x-Steven Jackson, Rams, at Bears (No. 24)
6. Frank Gore, 49ers, at Seahawks (No. 18)
7. Cedric Benson, Bengals, vs. Lions (No. 19)
8. Ray Rice, Ravens, at Packers (No. 4)
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, at Browns (No. 29)
10. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, vs. Buccaneers (No. 30)
11. Joseph Addai, Colts, vs. Titans (No. 7)
12. Ricky Williams, Dolphins, vs. Patriots (No. 16)
13. Matt Forte, Bears, vs. Rams (No. 28)
14. LeSean McCoy, Eagles, at Falcons (No. 23)
15. Laurence Maroney, Patriots, at Dolphins (No. 12)
16. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, at Chiefs (No. 27)
17. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, vs. Broncos (No. 17)
18. Ryan Grant, Packers, vs. Ravens (No. 6)
19. Pierre Thomas, Saints, at Redskins (No. 25)
20. Marion Barber, Cowboys, at Giants (No. 11)
21. Jerious Norwood, Falcons, vs. Eagles (No. 8)
22. Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers, at Panthers (No. 26)
23. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, vs. Cowboys (No. 9)
24. Rock Cartwright, Redskins, vs. Saints (No. 20)
x-Make sure Jackson (back injury) is active.

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

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: In this week’s column, we break down five things to watch, along with five waiver-wire acquisitions, heading into the final week of the regular season in fantasy. The link also includes this week’s audiocast with Kleps and Sports Editor Mark Podolski.

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.

Have the first five weeks been crazy enough for you?

Saturday, we'll do an expanded buy and sell, with five trends I believe in, and five I don't. That column will be posted on the Sports section of the News-Herald's Web site.

Let's address two more disappointments here.

The Packers' Greg Jennings, a consensus top-five fantasy receiver entering the season, and the Panthers' DeAngelo Williams, a top-five running back on many boards, have many owners wondering if their slow starts will instead be a season-long start-or-sit dilemma.

Jennings, who had 80 receptions for 1,292 yards and nine touchdowns last season, was productive in Week 1 (six receptions for 106 yards and a TD). In Week 2, he was shut out; in Week 3, he had two catches, and in Week 4, he had three -- good (bad?) for a three-game total of five receptions for 134 yards and no TDs.

In that same span, teammate Donald Driver has 14 catches for 249 yards and two TDs. For the season, Driver has seven more catches than Jennings (18 to 11), 48 more yards (288-240) and one more score (2-1).

Before you decide to sit Jennings, consider that a primary reason for his struggles likely is the Packers' offensive line, which might as well have Browns right tackle John St. Clair manning all five positions. Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 20 times, and his best deep threat (Jennings) has been boom (three receptions of 50-plus yards) or bust (every other snap).

The good news for fantasy owners: The Packers' next two games are Sunday at home against the Lions (No. 27 vs. the pass at 244.6 yards per game and a league-worst 15 TD passes allowed) and next week at the Browns.

If Jennings isn't productive the next two weeks, then it's time to worry.

Same goes for Williams, who has rushed for only 220 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and two TDs in four games. The same back who ran for 1,515 yards and scored 20 times last season has 104 yards and zero scores in his last two games. And Williams can't even blame Jonathan Stewart, who has only 33 attempts in four games, for having a big impact on his workload.

Your ire instead you should be directed at Jake Delhomme, whose eight interceptions have sabotaged the running game faster than Justin Bobby can kill a relationship (wait, you don't watch "The Hills"?).

The Panthers' next two games are Sunday at Tampa Bay (No. 28 vs. the run at 152.6 yards per game) and next week at home vs. Buffalo (No. 29, 154.6 rushing yards per game allowed).

Start Williams and hope Delhomme doesn't get in the way.

On to the no-huddle ...

-- Having a ball: Congratulations to Greg Kuhlman of Perry, who was one of six Week 1 winners of a Larry Fitzgerald autographed football in an ESPN.com contest. The Web site and the Cardinals wide receiver are giving away an autographed ball for every pass the Pro Bowler catches this year, and Kuhlman was one of the lucky recipients for the opening weekend.

Click here for more information on the contest.

-- Grand Royal?: Wide receiver Eddie Royal, who had eight receptions for 58 yards in the Broncos' first four games, had 10 catches for 90 yards against the Patriots last week.

Before you put him back in your starting lineup, here's a stat: Denver QB Kyle Orton threw 50 times on Sunday, and five players caught four or more passes. If you have four solid receivers and you play in yardage- and TD-heavy scoring formats, you might want to make Royal prove Week 5 was legit, since Sunday's opponent, San Diego, ranks sixth against the pass. In PPR leagues, however, Royal -- who has yet to score a touchdown in 2009 and had only five among his 91 catches as a rookie last season -- should be a safe start.

-- Running in place: Guess we should have seen this coming. Seattle's Julius Jones, one of the more pleasant surprises of the first three weeks, has rushed for 59 yards and zero TDs on 23 carries the last two games. Sunday, the Seahawks face the Cardinals, the league's top-ranked run defense at 71.0 yards per game (Arizona is allowing just 2.9 yards per carry; I checked the stats twice to make sure I had those numbers right). You don't need me to tell you that doesn't bode well for Thomas Jones' kid brother.

-- By now, you're sitting Larry Johnson. At what point do you drop him?

-- Here's hoping you have dropped Lee Evans and/or Laveranues Coles, who have combined for 22 catches and one TD in nine games.

-- We'll be back Saturday with the aforementioned column, which will also include our weekly audiocast. This week, Mark Podolski and I redraft for Round 1. We'll also have the "big blog" for Week 6, with start-and-sit advice, an expanded playlist and the usual injury updates. That will be posted in this space and on the N-H's Sports site.

Good luck and remember to thank the owner ahead of you in your draft who selected Domenik Hixon over Steve Smith (the one who doesn't have Delhomme as his quarterback).

Coach Dick Jauron was kind enough to say the Bills would bring running back Marshawn Lynch "along slowly" in the latter's return from a three-game suspension. Translation: Fred Jackson owners, enjoy your last week of freedom.

I would expect Jackson -- who has thrived in Lynch's absence, totaling 425 yards in three games -- to get the majority of the carries Sunday at Miami. In Week 5, it should be more of a 50-50 split, a prospect fantasy owners detest more than playing against Santana Moss during his one huge game a year.

Jackson is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and is a No. 2 back in point-per-reception leagues, as his 15 catches trail only Arizona's Tim Hightower among all running backs. I would play him even against the Dolphins, who rank third defending the run, allowing only 66 yards per game and 3.0 yards per carry.

By Week 5, when the Bills face the always accommodating Browns defense, Lynch -- a 2007 first-round pick who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons -- should be much more involved.

At that point, you know the drill. Play the matchup game, as you do with almost every back who shares carries, and hope you see "Cleveland," "St. Louis," "Tampa Bay" or Houston" in the schedule column next to your player.

On to the no-huddle ...

-- More sharing: In the last two games, Colts running back Joseph Addai has 23 touches (19 rushes and four receptions). Rookie Donald Brown has 20 (18 rushes and two receptions). Addai has generated 110 total yards and one touchdown, and Brown has 162 yards and a TD.

I'm not an offensive coordinator, and I don't play one on the Web, but that doesn't seem to bode well for Addai owners. At best, it's another split. At worst, Brown will take Addai's job by midseason, whether it's by injury or performance.

Addai should stay in your lineup this week against the Seahawks, who rank 25th against the run, but I wouldn't say the same for a Week 5 matchup at Tennessee.

-- Finally, less sharing: For those keeping score on their laptops, there has been some separation between DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, one of the few backfield timeshare's that actually has worked from a fantasy standpoint.

Williams has 50 touches in three games -- 20 more than Stewart. He has received 64 percent of the rushing attempts between the two (41 of 64), compared to 59.7 percent last season. Stewart, who was limited throughout the preseason by an Achilles injury, has only 12 carries in Carolina's last two games.

Williams owners can feel better about their first-round pick getting more of the workload. The problem is he's still getting less work than he did in 2008 because Jake Delhomme has been awful, and the Panthers have been forced to throw more in their 0-3 start.

Williams should break out soon, however. Following a bye this week, the Panthers play at home against Washington (No. 21 vs. the run), at Tampa Bay (No. 31) and at home against Buffalo (No. 18).

-- Less sharing, Part II: LenDale White had one of the best lines of training camp when he said he lost weight after cutting Patron -- a high-priced tequila, for those of you who don't watch "The Hills" -- out of his diet. Maybe he did all that hard work for nothing.

The Titans, smartly, have given Chris Johnson 53 carries to White's 21, and the slimmer, faster second-year back has generated 457 yards on 64 touches, to White's 85 yards on 22 touches.

White was useful in fantasy last season, strictly because of his 15 touchdowns. Now he's no better than a reserve, one who is most valuable as an insurance policy for owners who have Johnson.

-- And the winner is: The 2008 Pierre Thomas made a belated appearance in Week 3, rushing for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the second half for the Saints. With Mike Bell missing practice again this week because of a knee injury and Thomas saying his knee is close to 100 percent, all signs point to Thomas being a valuable asset the rest of the way.

Reggie Bush, who is averaging only 10 carries per game, is a flex play at best in PPR leagues. The player we once thought could be the next Marshall Faulk is now more of a slot receiver, and Thomas, an undrafted third-year back from Illinois, is a must-start, even Sunday against the Jets and their ninth-ranked run defense.

-- And the winner is, Take II: Fred Taylor, he of the 2,466 career carries and the age at which most running backs are looking for media work (33), may have finally given Bill Belichick reason to stop the back-by-committee insanity.

Taylor, who had 17 rushing attempts in his first two games with the Patriots, had 21 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown last week. He's the only Patriots back worth considering week to week.

Just not this one. New England will host Baltimore on Sunday. The league's top-ranked run defense is allowing 51 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry. The opposition has yet to score on the ground.

-- On deck: We'll have a live fantasy football chat Thursday night at 7. To access the discussion, go to the homepage of www.News-Herald.com and look for the link to the chat. Saturday, I'll have a column on the fantasy prospects of Glen Coffee, Tashard Choice and other young backs who will play a prominent role in the next few weeks, along with an audiocast and the "big blog," which includes the expanded playlist and start-and-sit advice. All can be found in the Sports section of the N-H's Web site, and the blog will also be posted in this space.

Good luck and remember to thank the owner ahead of you in the waiver-wire pecking order who neglected to pick up Coffee (Glen, not Starbucks).

Before we get to the rankings for the most important position in fantasy, let me be master of the obvious: It's good to have the No. 1 overall pick in your league.

This year, it's almost as crucial as it was during the LaDainian Tomlinson glory years.

And the reason has nothing to do with the expectation that Adrian Peterson will outscore every other running back this season. In point-per-reception leagues, he almost certainly won't.

It instead has everything to do with the fact that there's no clear-cut No. 2 pick behind him. I'd give the slightest of edges to Matt Forte over Maurice Jones-Drew, but owners in non-PPR leagues certainly have to target Michael Turner.

There are questions regarding every back on this list. Will Forte and Slaton experience a sophomore slump? Will Turner and DeAngelo Williams be nearly as great as they were in 2008? Will the slimmed-down LenDale White cut further into Chris Johnson's scoring? Will Steven Jackson stay healthy? Will L.T. continue to decline?

There are no such concerns with Peterson, who is the football version of Albert Pujols. Take him first, and don't even consider anyone else.

In PPR leagues, Peterson was outscored by the likes of Williams, Forte, Jones-Drew, Turner, Tomlinson, Slaton, Brian Westbrook and even Thomas Jones last season. That was because of two factors: His less-than-average receiving totals (21 catches for 125 yards) and his decrease in touchdowns (from 13 as a rookie in 2007 to 10 last season).

Regardless, Peterson rushed for 1,760 yards in his second season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and with a decent -- albeit aging and waffling -- quarterback, the addition of Percy Harvin and a good offensive line in Minnesota, you should have every reason to believe he will average more than 100 yards and one TD per game.

Will that be enough to vault him to the top of the scoring leaders in PPR leagues? Probably not. But you don't want to miss with the top overall pick, and Peterson shouldn't disappoint you in any format.

Rank, player, team GP-Yds-TD-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Adrian Peterson, Min 16-1,760-10-21-125-0
2. Matt Forte, Chi 16-1,238-8-63-477-4
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac 16-824-12-62-565-2
4. Michael Turner, Atl 16-1,699-17-6-41-0
5. Steve Slaton, Hou 16-1,282-9-50-377-1
6. Chris Johnson, Ten 15-1,228-9-43-260-1
7. DeAngelo Williams, Car 16-1,515-18-22-121-2
8. Steven Jackson, StL 12-1,042-7-40-379-1
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD 16-1,110-11-52-426-1
10. Frank Gore, SF 14-1,036-6-43-373-2
11. Brian Westbrook, Phi 14-936-9-54-402-5
12. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 13-1,089-15-6-36-0
13. Clinton Portis, Was 16-1,487-9-28-218-0
14. Marion Barber, Dal 15-885-7-52-417-2
15. Kevin Smith, Det 16-976-8-39-286-0
16. Ryan Grant, GB 16-1,203-4-18-116-1
17. Ronnie Brown, Mia 16-916-10-33-254-0
18. Thomas Jones, NYJ 16-1,312-13-36-207-2
19. Pierre Thomas, NO 15-625-9-31-284-3
20. Joseph Addai, Ind 12-544-5-25-206-2
21. Marshawn Lynch, Buf 15-1,036-8-47-300-1
22. Darren McFadden, Oak 13-499-4-29-285-0
23. Derrick Ward, TB 16-1,025-2-41-384-0
24. Knowshon Moreno, Den ROOKIE
25. Jonathan Stewart, Car 16-836-10-8-47-0
26. Larry Johnson, KC 12-874-5-12-74-0
27. Willie Parker, Pit 11-791-5-3-13-0
28. Jamal Lewis, Cle 16-1,002-4-23-178-0
29. Reggie Bush, NO 10-404-2-52-440-4
30. LenDale White, Ten 16-773-15-5-16-0
31. Ray Rice, Bal 13-454-0-33-273-0
32. Cedric Benson, Cin 12-797-2-20-185-0
33. Beanie Wells, Ari ROOKIE
34. Julius Jones, Sea 15-698-2-14-66-0
35. Willis McGahee, Bal 13-671-7-24-173-0
36. Earnest Graham, TB 10-563-4-23-174-0
37. Donald Brown, Ind ROOKIE
38. Fred Jackson, Buf 16-571-3-37-317-0
39. Felix Jones, Dal 6-266-3-2-10-0
40. Sammy Morris, NE 13-727-7-17-161-0
41. Leon Washington, NYJ 16-448-6-47-355-2
42. Fred Taylor, NE 13-556-1-16-98-0
43. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 15-355-1-5-42-1
44. Darren Sproles, SD 16-330-1-29-342-5
45. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit 4-58-0-2-17-0
46. Tim Hightower, Ari 16-399-10-34-237-0
47. LeSean McCoy, Phi ROOKIE
48. Chester Taylor, Min 16-399-4-45-399-2
49. Ricky Williams, Mia 16-659-4-29-219-1
50. Jerious Norwood, Atl 16-489-4-36-338-2
51. Laurence Maroney, NE 3-93-0-0-0-0
52. LeRon McClain, Bal 16-902-10-19-123-1
53. Correll Buckhalter, Den 14-369-2-26-324-2
54. Justin Fargas, Oak 14-853-1-10-52-0
55. Jamaal Charles, KC 16-357-0-27-272-1
56. T.J. Duckett, Sea 16-172-8-0-0-0
57. Tashard Choice, Dal 16-472-2-21-185-0
58. Maurice Morris, Det 13-574-0-19-136-2
59. Ladell Betts, Was 13-206-1-22-200-0
60. Brandon Jackson, GB 13-248-1-30-185-0

QUICK SLANTS
Turner, who has 17 catches in 75 career games, is even less of a help in the receiving department than Peterson. ... With Fred Taylor in New England, Jones-Drew's touches per game should increase from its absurdly low 2008 total (16.2) to at least the low 20s. ... The Rams' Jackson always produces, but he's also frequently hurt (12 games played in each of the last two seasons). ... Gore has a combined 157 catches the last three years. ... The Cowboys' Barber averaged 14 TDs per season in 2006 and '07. ... The Jets' Jones scored only two TDs in 2007. ... In 20 games played the last two seasons, the Chiefs' Johnson has nine touchdowns. ... The Browns' Lewis (1,552 total yards and 11 TDs in 2007) could provide value as a third running back, but not if he repeats his 2008 production. ... The Bengals' Benson has 12 touchdowns in 47 career games. ... A possible sleeper: Buffalo's Fred Jackson, who should be the featured back with Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three weeks. Jackson is more of an asset in PPR leagues.

Next: Wide receivers

Linked in: For a complete list of our fantasy football rankings, click here. ... To read our fantasy football previews, click here for Mark Podolski's 25 bold predictions, here for my column on the most muddled backfields and here for the best crutches, key storylines and injuries.