Peyton Manning turned 36 in March.

He is trying to recover from multiple neck surgeries that wiped out his 2011 season, and he admits his arm strength isn't completely back.

Then there's this: In his first 13 years in the NFL, Manning averaged 4,218 yards passing and 32 total touchdowns.

And this: In 2009 and 2010, he had norms of 4,600 yards and 33 TDs.

And this: Has there been a better fantasy quarterback in your lifetime? (Remember, Kurt Warner only had three huge years -- 1999, 2001 and 2008. Here, look.)

So where would you place Manning -- once as safe of a pick as you could make on draft day -- in the quarterback pecking order entering this season? I ranked him 10th, one behind another risky injury selection, Michael Vick, and one ahead of a safe choice, Matt Ryan.

The reasoning: If Manning plays the entire season, he could be better than any fantasy QB not named Rodgers, Brees, Brady and Newton.

Granted, he could also take a brutal hit that puts his career in jeopardy. But I would be willing to take that risk after the top nine QBs were off the board, knowing that I need to make sure I select another quarterback soon after.

Without further delay, our early rankings:

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Passing yards-TD-Int, Rushing yards-TD
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB (10): 15, 4,643-45-6, 257-3
2. Drew Brees, NO (6): 16, 5,476-46-14, 86-1
3. Tom Brady, NE (9): 16, 5,235-39-12, 109-3

4. Cam Newton, Car (6): 16, 4,051-21-17, 706-14

5. Matthew Stafford, Det (5): 16, 5,038-41-16, 78-0

6. Eli Manning, NYG (11): 16, 4,933-29-16, 15-1

7. Philip Rivers, SD (7): 16, 4,624-27-20, 36-1

8. Tony Romo, Dal (5): 16, 4,184-31-10, 46-1

9. Michael Vick, Phi (7): 13, 3,303-18-14, 589-1

10. Peyton Manning, Den (7): Did not play

11. Matt Ryan, Atl (7): 16, 4,177-29-12, 84-2

12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (4): 15, 4,077-21-14, 70-0

13. Matt Schaub, Hou (8): 10, 2,479-15-6, 9-2

14. Jay Cutler, Chi (6): 10, 2,319-13-7, 55-1

15. Robert Griffin III, Was (10): Rookie

16. Joe Flacco, Bal (8): 16, 3,610-20-12, 88-1

17. Josh Freeman, TB (5): 15, 3,592-16-22, 238-4

18. Andy Dalton, Cin (8): 16, 3,398-20-13, 152-1

19. Carson Palmer, Oak (5): 10, 2,753-13-16, 20-1

20. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buf (8): 16, 3,832-24-23, 56-0

21. Alex Smith, SF (9): 16, 3,144-17-5, 179-2

22. Andrew Luck, Ind (4): Rookie

23. Sam Bradford, StL (9): 10, 2,164-6-6, 26-0

24. Matt Cassel, KC (7): 9, 1,713-10-9, 99-0

25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9): 16, 3,474-26-18, 103-6

NOTE: All statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: In the last four seasons, Rodgers has 147 combined passing and rushing touchdowns and has averaged 4,259 yards passing. ... In that same span, Brees has thrown for at least 4,388 yards and 33 TDs each year. ... Brady has a combined 79 TD tosses the last two years. ... Prior to playing a full season in 2011, Stafford appeared in 13 games in his first two NFL campaigns. ... Eli Manning has had three consecutive 4,000-yard seasons, and he has a norm of 29 TD passes in that stretch. ... Rivers, possibly because of the departure of Vincent Jackson in free agency, is underrated by some sites, despite averaging 4,399 yards and 30 TDs the last four seasons. ... Romo, who played six games in 2010, averaged 4,334 yards and 30 total TDs in 2009 and '11, when he appeared in all 16 contests each year. ... Ryan has norms of 3,941 yards and 30 total TDs since 2010. ... In 2009 and '10, Schaub averaged 16 games, 4,570 yards and 27 TDs. He could be a great value pick in the middle rounds. .. Flacco's yards passing the last three years: 3,613, 3,622 and 3,610. ... Freeman was terrible for much of last season, but was productive in 2010 (3,451 yards, 25 TDs, six interceptions). ... If Sanchez holds off the legend of Tim Tebow and starts all season, he is better than many fantasy backups. He had 32 combined passing and rushing TDs in 2011.

NEXT: Running backs

It was -- for what seems like the third consecutive season -- the Year of the Quarterback.

Drew Brees shattered Dan Marino's single-season record by throwing for 5,476 yards. Tom Brady also handily beat Marino's former mark of 5,084 by throwing for 5,235 yards, and Detroit's Matthew Stafford nearly reached Marino's 1984 record, finishing 46 yards shy.

It only makes sense, then, that if you play in a fantasy playoff league -- one in which you can select no more than one player from each NFL playoff team -- that you have to start with the quarterback.

Unless you believe the Steelers will make another Super Bowl run -- and to do so, they would likely would have to win at Denver, at Baltimore and at New England, in some order (well, we know the order starts with the Tim Tebows on Sunday) -- there are only three choices at QB.

Aaron Rodgers, Brees and Brady.

Take your pick.

We'll go with Rodgers for two reasons: 1. Despite sitting out the regular-season finale (and thus starting the Possibly Irrational Matt Flynn Is Going To Be A Free Agent! Frenzy), he accounted for 48 touchdowns (45 passing and three rushing) -- one more than Brees (46 passing, one rushing) and six more than Brady (39 passing and three rushing). 2. He plays for the team that seems most likely to win it all.

With that in mind, here are our rankings for the quarterbacks and running backs in playoff pools:

QUARTERBACKS
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
3. Drew Brees, Saints
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
5. Eli Manning, Giants
6. Joe Flacco, Ravens
7. Matt Ryan, Falcons
8. Alex Smith, 49ers
9. Matthew Stafford, Lions
10. Andy Dalton, Bengals
11. Tim Tebow, Broncos
12. T.J. Yates, Texans

RUNNING BACKS
1. Ray Rice, Ravens
2. Darren Sproles, Saints
3. Arian Foster, Texans
4. Frank Gore, 49ers
5. Michael Turner, Falcons
6. Isaac Redman, Steelers
7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots
8. James Starks, Packers
9. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
10. Cedric Benson, Bengals
11. Willis McGahee, Broncos
12. Kevin Smith, Lions

More on the quarterbacks

Roethlisberger is banged up and isn't playing his best, but he does have the chance to play three times, even if the Steelers fall a game short of the Super Bowl. That possibility makes him the only real "sleeper" pick outside the top three. ... Brees is ranked third because of the combination of a second-round game at San Francisco and, should the Saints make it that far, an NFC championship matchup with the Packers at Lambeau. Advantage: Rodgers and Brady. One disadvantage for the latter: The Pats could face the Steelers and Ravens back-to-back, though both games would be at home. ... Stafford has the numbers, but his Lions, who play at New Orleans on Saturday, likely will be one-and-done. ... One outside-the-box candidate, if you believe the Giants can make a run in the NFC: Eli Manning, who finished 67 yards shy of 5,000 and threw for 29 scores.

Notes on the running backs

Rice likely will be the choice at one of the running back spots in the vast majority of playoff leagues. He has the numbers (a combined 2,068 rushing and receiving yards, and 15 TDs), and his team doesn't leave many other viable options aside from its defense and kicker Billy Cundiff. ... Sproles is a tempting choice in any league that awards a point for a reception. He had nine total TDs, rushed for 603 yards and caught 86 passes for 710 yards in the regular season. ... Foster is the best back other than Rice, but he will only play two games if his hobbled team can beat the Bengals on Saturday. ... Gore (1,211 yards rushing, eight TDs) and Turner (1,340 yards, 11 TDs) are the next-best selections. After that, it gets so dicey we ranked Redman No. 6. The latter is the Steelers' replacement for Rashard Mendenhall. You might remember him for fumbling twice against the Browns last week, but he was productive in a backup role prior to those miscues (479 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, three TDs).

NEXT: Wide receivers and tight ends

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will present one of the most unique draft-day dilemmas in 2011.

If you select the best athlete at his position, are you getting the player who threw for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns in only 12 games in 2010? Or are you getting the player who runs so often he is an injury waiting to happen? Both?

Even more of a dilemma: If you own Vick in a keeper league.

Where does he fit after the best season in his career, a campaign in which two of the 12 games he played consisted of a seven-attempt effort before getting hurt (Week 4) and a second-half mop-up in place of an injured Kevin Kolb (Week 1)?

I would place him in the top eight, ahead of Ben Roethlisberger, but that's as much of a risk as I would be willing to take on Vick, who might have a difficult time avoiding injuries because of his entertaining (reckless?) style.

That brings us to our top 10 fantasy keepers at quarterback. You might be surprised by No. 1, but only if you're expecting the list to go in order of the biggest names in the business.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (age 27): In his last three seasons, he's averaged 4,131 yards, 29 touchdown passes and four rushing TDs. He also ran for 356 yards in 2010 -- and you might recall that he's had a pretty decent postseason.

2. Philip Rivers, Chargers (29): He threw for a career-high 4,710 yards and had 30 TD tosses in 2010. Rivers has averaged 31 TD passes the last three seasons, a span in which he's throw for more than 4,000 yards each year.

3. Peyton Manning, Colts (34): He will be 35 on March 24, but even in a "down" year in which many of his weapons were injured, Manning threw for 4,700 yards and 33 scores. In the last five years, he's averaged 4,328 yards passing and 31 TDs.

4. Drew Brees, Saints (32): Since 2008, he's thrown for at least 4,388 yards and 33 touchdowns each year, though he was intercepted a career-high 22 times in 2010.

5. Tom Brady, Patriots (33): He threw for 3,900 yards and 36 TDs, with only four picks, in 2010, and Gisele's husband has averaged 4,149 yards and 32 TDs the last two seasons.

6. Matt Ryan, Falcons (25): Ryan was very productive in Year 3 (3,705 yards and 28 TDs), and his touchdowns have increased by six each season (from 16 as a rookie to 22 in 2009 to ... you get the idea).

7. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers (23): What a second season. Freeman threw for 3,451 yards and 25 TDs, with a 95.6 rating and 364 yards rushing.

8. Michael Vick, Eagles (30): In his first extensive action since 2006, he posted career highs in TD passes (21), passing yards (3,018), rushing TDs (9) and passer rating (100.2).

9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (28): He threw for 3,200 yards and 17 TDs, with two rushing scores, in 12 games. He's a winner, but in fantasy, he's only had two big seasons -- 2007 (34 total TDs) and 2009 (4,328 yards passing, 28 total TDs).

10. Eli Manning, QB, Giants (30): He's averaged 4,012 yards and 29 TDs the last two seasons, but he threw a career-worst 25 interceptions in 2010.

Honorable mention

11. Matt Schaub, Texans (29): He's averaged 4,570 yards and 27 TDs since 2009.

12. Joe Flacco, Ravens (26): He threw for 3,622 yards, only 9 better than the year before, but his TD passes increased from 21 in 2009 to 25 in 2010.

13. Tony Romo, Cowboys (30): An injury ended his season after six games, but don't forget his 2007-09 production (91 total TDs).

NEXT: Running backs

When us fantasy freaks think of things we need more of in the NFL, running-back committees rank far below DIRECTV's Sunday Ticket and slightly above more high-definition closeups of an annoyed Eric Mangini.

Well, buckle up, boys and girls, we've got another committee, thanks to one of this year's biggest busts, Steve Slaton.

Slaton was fantastic as a rookie last season, when he ran for 1,282 yards, averaged 4.8 yards per carry, scored 10 touchdowns and caught 50 passes for 377 yards. This year, not so much.

The Texans running back was benched early last week after losing his fifth fumble of the season. In his place, Ryan Moats -- who had 56 yards in Houston's first seven games -- ran for 126 yards and three TDs on 23 carries and had two receptions for 25 yards.

That has led to speculation this week that Moats, who has 623 career rushing yards in limited duty since 2005, will take over as the Texans' featured back. Coach Gary Kubiak, however, has refused to name a starter, but did say Slaton, Moats and Chris Brown all will play.

Thanks, Coach. I'm sure this week's opponent, the Colts, are every bit as nervous as Slaton owners.

In Houston's first seven games, Slaton had 109 rushing attempts, Brown 36 and Moats 15. So what was a one-man attack is now a two-headed monster -- but not of the Saints variety (the productive Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell combo). Instead, it's more of a don't-play-either-unless-you-have-to-because-of-bye-weeks-situation.

Of the two, Moats has more value this week, since he should at least start. If he gets the majority of the carries, he could be a decent No. 2 running back going forward, when the Texans face the Titans (Week 11, No. 18 vs. the run), Jaguars (Week 13, No. 25 vs. the run) and Rams (Week 15, No. 28).

But at this point, you can't trust Slaton or Moats. Because six teams are off this week, Moats is a low-level No. 2 running back. Slaton is a reserve.

And committees continue to remind us of the evil doings of Mike Shanahan.

Replacement players

If you were among the unfortunate owners who lost standout tight ends Chris Cooley (who will miss at least another few weeks because of a broken ankle) and/or Owen Daniels (who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury), let's look at five players who are available in the majority of the leagues on ESPN.com. We'll do so in descending order to build the drama:

5. Kevin Boss, Giants (owned in 39.5 percent of the ESPN leagues): He was impressive last season (33 catches for 384 yards and six touchdowns) and anything but in the Giants' first five games this year (11 receptions for 161 yards and zero scores). Boss had three catches for 70 yards and a TD last week, and he has six receptions in his last two games. The bad news: He's been limited this week by a sprained ankle (but he is expected to play). Week 9 opponent: Chargers (No. 6 vs. the pass).

4. Benjamin Watson, Patriots (30.2 percent): He has four touchdowns on the season, but six of his 15 catches and 77 of his 222 yards were in the Patriots' season opener (as were two of his TDs). Week 9 opponent: Dolphins(No. 21 vs. the pass).

3. Spencer Havner, Packers (1.6 percent): This seems like a reach, until you consider Havner has three touchdowns in the Pack's last two games. He's not going to be much of an asset in point-per-reception leagues, but with Jermichael Finley likely out again this week because of a knee injury, Havner could at least get you six points the old-fashioned, non-PPR way. Week 9 opponent: at Buccaneers (No. 15 vs. the pass).

2. Todd Heap, Ravens (41.8 percent): He's had three or more catches in five consecutive games, but he hasn't had a TD in that span after scoring twice in the first two weeks. Week 9 opponent: at Bengals (No. 30 vs. the pass).

1. Fred Davis, Redskins (3.1 percent): When Cooley was injured in Week 7 against the Eagles, Davis, a second-round pick in 2008, was targeted 10 times and caught eight passes for 78 yards and a TD. Considering Cooley has averaged 4.6 receptions per game since 2007, Davis figures to get plenty of opportunities to produce for a struggling offense. Week 9 opponent: at Falcons (No. 31 vs. the pass).

Start 'em

-- Matt Forte, RB, Bears: How much were his 90 yards rushing and two TDs a product of how awful the Browns have been? Likely quite a bit, but I would at least see how the 2008 rookie stud and '09 disappointment performs in tough matchups this week against the Cardinals (No. 8 vs. the run) and in Week 10 at the 49ers (No. 2).

-- Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers: With 11 catches and 15 targets in two games since ending his holdout, I'd consider the rookie an every-week starter in PPR leagues.

Sit 'em

-- Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: He's thrown as many interceptions (11) as touchdown passes, and there are too many productive quarterbacks this season to continue starting him every week.

-- Eli Manning, QB, Giants: He hasn't thrown for more than 243 yards since Week 4, and he has twice as many picks (six) as TD tosses (three) in his last three games.

Drop 'em

-- Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys: Remember him? Whether Williams wants to admit it or not, and apparently he doesn't, Austin Miles is Dallas' top receiver. Williams has one TD since Week 1 and has had 35 receiving yards or fewer in four of his last five games. If you need the roster space and have a few productive receivers, he is a candidate to hit the waiver wire.

-- Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos: Another game, another shutout. It's amazing that a player who caught 91 passes as a rookie in 2008 has a total of 10 catches for 68 yards in six of Denver's seven games (Royal had 10 catches for 90 yards in the other, a Week 5 win over the Patriots). Royal has yet to reach the end zone, and it's hard to argue with letting him go at this point.

Closing numbers

Cardinals running back Tim Hightower -- who has struggled mightily on the ground (3.3 yards per carry this season and 2.9 in his two-year career) -- has four more catches (39) than teammate Anquan Boldin.

Hightower had 34 receptions in 16 games as a rookie last season. Boldin, who has battled injuries but played in all seven games this year, had 89 catches in 12 games in 2008. Hightower also has five TDs to Boldin's one in 2009.

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 usual start-and-sit advice and expanded playlist, we'll begin with what has become another weekly staple -- injury updates.

-- Giants quarterback Eli Manning practiced Friday and is expected to be a game-time decision because of a heel injury. The Giants host the Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m., which gives you time to decide on an alternative if Manning is inactive. If he starts, I would play him.

-- Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (rib injury) is expected to play, and he has a favorable matchup at home against the Jaguars (No. 18 vs. the pass). Consider him an upper-level No. 2 QB this week.

-- Running backs Brian Westbrook (ankle), Marion Barber (quadriceps), Kevin Smith (shoulder), Jamal Lewis (hamstring) and Derrick Ward (knee) are all expected to play. Westbrook likely will share carries with rookie LeSean McCoy, and Barber will split the workload with Tashard Choice. Lewis' injury should mean more work for Jerome Harrison, and Ward probably won't get as many touches as Cadillac Williams. Smith is the Lions' workhorse, but he has a bad matchup against the Steelers, who rank fourth vs. the run.

-- Clinton Portis wasn't listed on the Redskins' injury report this week and could have a productive day against the Panthers and their 26th-ranked run defense.

-- Willie Parker will sit for a second consecutive week, which should mean two straight big games by Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers play at Detroit, which ranks 21st defending the run.

-- Wide receivers Derrick Mason (neck), Wes Welker (knee), Antonio Bryant (knee) and Steve Breaston (knee) were limited in practice this week but are expected to play. Mason is probable, and Welker, Bryant and Breaston are questionable. Of the four, I would worry about Welker's status the most, since he's already been a surprise scratch this season. Make sure he is active before kickoff.

-- Dallas receiver Roy Williams is doubtful, which should mean more opportunities for Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin against a Chiefs pass defense that ranks 29th in the league. Crayton is a decent option as a No. 3 receiver this week.

-- Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery missed practice Friday because of a hamstring injury, and Coach Rex Ryan told reporters he might be forced to sit Monday night. Ryan said he still thought Cotchery would play, but the wideout is a risky start because the schedule doesn't allow you many replacement options if Cotchery is a late scratch. The news gives disgruntled Braylon Edwards owners more reason to play the former Brown in his first game as a Jet.

Five to start

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

-- David Garrard, QB, and Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars, at Seahawks: Garrard has thrown for 819 yards and five touchdowns, rushed for 94 yards and one score and thrown only one interception in the last three games. That’s a span that coincides with Walker’s rise to prominence (19 catches for 278 yards and three TDs the last three weeks). Seattle ranks 18th against the pass.

-- Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers, at Lions: He finally lived up to his draft billing last week in his first career start (165 yards rushing, two touchdowns and two receptions for 26 yards). With Willie Parker out again because of turf toe, Mendenhall should have another big game against the league’s No. 21 run defense.

-- Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals, vs. Texans: He’s rushed for only 109 yards in three games, but he has 20 receptions for 172 yards and gets to face a Texans defense that ranks 30th vs. the run.

-- Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts, at Titans: The Mount Union product has six catches for 135 yards and a TD the last two weeks, and he's had long touchdowns (48 and 53 yards) in two of the last three games.

More matchups I like:

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys, at Chiefs; Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets, at Dolphins; Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, RBs, Bills, vs. Browns; Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens, vs. Bengals; Terrell Owens, WR, Bills, vs. Browns; Nate Burleson, WR, Seahawks, vs. Jaguars; Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets, at Dolphins; Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns, at Bills; Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings, at Rams

Three to sit

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

-- Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, at 49ers: The second-year stud has two productive games and one no-show thus far. I wouldn’t expect a third big day against the 49ers, who rank 11th vs. the pass and have allowed only 53 points in four games.

-- Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals, at Ravens: He’s been one of the early season surprises (367 yards rushing, two TDs), but there aren’t many backs I would start against the league’s top run defense. Baltimore is allowing only 59.5 yards rushing per game and 2.6 yards per carry.

-- Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos, vs. Patriots: He has eight catches for 58 yards in four games, so it really doesn’t matter how good the Patriots are vs. the pass (by the way, not bad — No. 8).

More matchups I don’t like: Kevin Smith, RB, Lions, vs. Steelers; Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward, RBs, Buccaneers, at Eagles; any Dolphins receiver vs. the Jets

Last week

The start list had two hits in Carson Palmer (230 yards passing, two touchdowns, one interception and 20 yards rushing) and Joseph Addai (46 yards rushing, seven catches for 50 yards and a touchdown) and one decent play in Glen Coffee (74 yards rushing, four catches for 32 yards). The other two — Knowshon Moreno (65 yards rushing, two receptions for 11 yards) and Kevin Walter (one catch for 41 yards) — were duds.

The sit list was 2-for-3, with Marshawn Lynch (4 yards rushing, five catches for 43 yards) and Willis McGahee (24 total yards, one catch, one TD) not reaching double digits in points. Ray Rice (103 yards rushing, five catches for 49 yards), however, was not a good call.

Playlist

QUARTERBACKS

1. Peyton Manning, Colts, at Titans (tied for No. 31 vs. the pass)

2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, at Lions (No. 27)

3. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, at Buccaneers (No. 19)

4. Tom Brady, Patriots, at Broncos (No. 4)

5. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. Bengals (No. 28)

6. Matt Schaub, Texans, at Cardinals (tied for No. 11)

7. Kurt Warner, Cardinals, vs. Texans (No. 10)

8. x-Eli Manning, Giants, vs. Raiders (No. 13)

9. David Garrard, Jaguars, at Seahawks (No. 18)

10. Brett Favre, Vikings, at Rams (No. 21)

11. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at Ravens (No. 25)

12. Tony Romo, Cowboys, at Chiefs (No. 29)

13. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, vs. Jaguars (No. 18)

14. Mark Sanchez, Jets, at Dolphins (No. 26)

15. Matt Cassel, Chiefs, vs. Cowboys (No. 30)

16. Matt Ryan, Falcons, at 49ers (tied for No. 11)

17. Shaun Hill, 49ers, vs. Falcons (No. 7)

18. Kyle Orton, Broncos, vs. Patriots (No. 8)

19. Trent Edwards, Bills, vs. Browns (tied for No. 23)

20. Jason Campbell, Redskins, at Panthers (No. 3)

x-Make sure Manning (heel injury) is active.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, at Rams (No. 25 vs. the run)

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, at Seahawks (No. 22)

3. Brian Westbrook, Eagles, vs. Buccaneers (No. 31)

4. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, vs. Redskins (No. 23)

5. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, at Lions (No. 21)

6. Marion Barber, Cowboys, at Chiefs (No. 24)

7. Brandon Jacobs, Giants, vs. Raiders (No. 27)

8. Chris Johnson, Titans, vs. Colts (17)

9. Steve Slaton, Texans, at Cardinals (No. 2)

10. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins, vs. Jets (No. 14)

11. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos, vs. Patriots (No. 12)

12. Joseph Addai, Colts, at Titans (No. 8)

13. Ray Rice, Ravens, vs. Bengals (No. 16)

14. Michael Turner, Falcons, at 49ers (No. 5)

15. Steven Jackson, Rams, vs. Vikings (No. 10)

16. Thomas Jones, Jets, at Dolphins (No. 14)

17. Clinton Portis, Redskins, at Panthers (No. 26)

18. Tim Hightower, Cardinals, vs. Texans (No. 30)

19. Fred Jackson, Bills, vs. Browns (No. 32)

20. Glen Coffee, 49ers, vs. Falcons (No. 15)

21. Willis McGahee, Ravens, vs. Bengals (No. 16)

22. Julius Jones, Seahawks, vs. Jaguars (No. 23)

23. Marshawn Lynch, Bills, vs. Browns (No. 32)

24. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants, vs. Raiders (No. 27)

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, vs. Texans (tied for No. 11 vs. the pass)

2. Reggie Wayne, Colts, at Titans (tied for No. 31)

3. Andre Johnson, Texans, at Cardinals (tied for No. 11)

4. Steve Smith, Giants, vs. Raiders (No. 13)

5. DeSean Jackson, Eagles, vs. Buccaneers (No. 19)

6. Hines Ward, Steelers, at Lions (No. 27)

7. Randy Moss, Patriots, at Broncos (No. 4)

8. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, vs. Texans (No. 10)

9. Steve Smith, Panthers, vs. Redskins (No. 5)

10. Roddy White, Falcons, at 49ers (tied for No. 11)

11. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, vs. Cowboys (No. 30)

12. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, at Ravens (No. 25)

13. Derrick Mason, Ravens, vs. Bengals (No. 28)

14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks, vs. Jaguars (tied for No. 31)

15. Santonio Holmes, Steelers, at Lions (No. 27)

16. Calvin Johnson, Lions, vs. Steelers (No. 17)

17. Brandon Marshall, Broncos, vs. Patriots (No. 8)

18. Terrell Owens, Cowboys, vs. Browns (tied for No. 23)

19. Mario Manningham, Giants, vs. Raiders

20. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars, at Seahawks (No. 18)

21. x-Wes Welker, Patriots, at Broncos (No. 4)

22. Bernard Berrian, Vikings, at Rams (No. 21)

23. Santana Moss, Redskins, at Panthers (No. 23)

24. Nate Burleson, Seahawks, vs. Jaguars (tied for No. 31)

25. Pierre Garcon, Colts, at Titans (tied for No. 31)

26. Kevin Walter, Texans, at Cardinals (tied for No. 11)

27. Braylon Edwards, Jets, at Dolphins (No. 26)

28. x-Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers, at Eagles (No. 2)

29. Kenny Britt, Titans, vs. Colts (No. 9)

30. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns, at Bills (tied for No. 23)

31. Sidney Rice, Vikings, at Rams (No. 21)

32. Patrick Crayton, Dolphins, at Chiefs (No. 29)

33. x-Jerricho Cotchery, Jets, at Dolphins (No. 26)

34. Lee Evans, Bills, vs. Browns (tied for No. 23)

35. Torry Holt, Jaguars, at Seahawks (No. 18)

36. Michael Jenkins, Falcons, at 49ers (No. 11)

x-Make sure Welker (knee), Bryant (knee) and Cotchery (hamstring) are active.

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: To read observations about the first four weeks of the season, including eight of the biggest surprises, click here for today’s column. The link also includes our weekly audiocast.

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.