It's championship week in fantasy, and as a Christmas gift, Arian Foster owners get a Week 16 matchup against a Colts run defense that is allowing 138.7 rushing yards per game and has given up 18 touchdowns on the ground.

Aside from Foster going bananas tonight, it should be a rather uneventful game for fantasy purposes. Because of the Texans' injuries (Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are out) and the Colts' ineptitude without Peyton Manning, we have only four players on the start list. Only two or three more should be considered fringe candidates to play for a fantasy title -- Pierre Garcon, Donald Brown and Owen Daniels.

Let's break it down.

START

Texans: RB Arian Foster, K Neil Rackers, defense and special teams

Colts: WR Reggie Wayne

Quick slants: Foster has been terrific after giving us a predraft scare because of a hamstring injury. In 12 games, he has 11 TDs, 1,066 rushing yards and 50 receptions for 601 yards. ... Rackers is averaging 8.2 points per game and has made 26 of 32 field-goal attempts. ... The Texans' defense has been vastly improved. Houston ranks second overall (277.9 yards per game), is third in points allowed (16.9), second vs. the pass (181 yards) and fifth against the run (96.8). ... Wayne is a risky start post-Manning (59 receptions, 781 yards and three TDs), but we'll give him the nod after scoring twice in his last four games. Maybe he'll rack up some garbage-time points.

SIT

Texans: QB T.J. Yates, RB Ben Tate, TE Owen Daniels, WR Kevin Walter, WR Jacoby Jones

Colts: QB Dan Orlovsky, RB Donald Brown, WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, K Adam Vinatieri, defense and special teams

Quick slants: Yates had a big game at Cincinnati on Dec. 11 (300 yards, two TDs, one interception), but he came back to earth last week against Carolina (212 yards, zero TDs, two picks). ... Tate has rushed for 846 yards and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, but he has only 31 attempts the last four games and hasn't scored in that span. He could get 12 to 18 carries in a blowout, but playing him involves too much risk in the postseason. ... Daniels has been limited by a knee injury and hasn't reached the end zone in his last 10 contests. ... Jacoby Jones hasn't scored in his last four games, and Walter has one productive game in his last six (Dec. 11 at Cincy). He had six catches for 76 yards and a TD in that contest, and has a combined seven receptions for 64 yards and zero scores in the other five games in that span. ... Orlovsky threw for 353 yards, two TDs and a pick on Dec. 4 at New England. In two games since, he has a combined 218 yards passing, two TDs and one interception. ... Brown rushed for 161 yards and a TD last week, and as we wrote Tuesday, he's an intriguing keeper option assuming the Colts have a productive QB in 2012. But he's an iffy play against a very good Texans defense. ... The same goes for Garcon, who has had three huge games (at least 125 yards and two TDs in each contest) and 11 in which he hasn't done much (a combined 46 catches for 454 yards and zero TDs). ... Tamme has a combined two catches for 16 yards and a TD in his last two games. ... The Colts' struggles have limited Vinatieri to 20 field-goal attempts. ... Indy's defense ranks 28th overall, 28th vs. the run and 24th vs. the pass. The Colts are allowing 28.2 points per game, which ranks 30th in the league.

START 'EM

Colts: QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, K Adam Vinatieri.

Titans: RB Chris Johnson, K Rob Bironas.

Quick slants: Manning has been at his worst in Indy's last three games, throwing 11 interceptions. Even while struggling, though, he's thrown for 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns in that span. ... Wayne has 27 receptions for 342 yards and two TDs in his last three. ... Garcon has had five or more receptions in four consecutive games. ... Tamme has been limited by a hamstring injury, but is expected to play. If he's listed as active an hour before game time, play the tight end who has 42 receptions for 416 yards and three TDs in six games in place of Dallas Clark. ... Vinatieri and Bironas are each averaging 7.4 points per game. The latter has missed one kick all year (21-for-22 on field goals and perfect in 26 point-after attempts). ... Johnson's dreams of a record-setting season seem a faint memory after a two-game span in which he's had a combined 20 carries for 58 yards. He has 74 total yards in the two contests.

SIT 'EM

Colts: RB Joseph Addai, RB Donald Brown, RB Javarris James, RB Mike Hart, WR Austin Collie, WR Blair White, defense and special teams.

Titans: QB Kerry Collins, WR Nate Washington, WR Kenny Britt, TE Bo Scaife, defense and special teams.

Quick slants: Addai is out again with a shoulder injury, and Hart will sit with an ankle ailment. ... Brown is expected to play through an ankle injury, but he has one TD on 107 touches this season. ... James had two TDs last week and has three scores in his last four games, but he has all of 21 carries for 47 yards in the four contests. ... Collie could return after missing the last two games with a concussion, but he's a risky play against a Titans defense that has one more interception (15) than TD passes allowed (14). ... Washington had five catches for 117 yards in Week 11, but has four receptions for 50 yards and no TDs in his last two. ... Britt is expected to return after missing the Titans' last four games with a hamstring ailment. He had seven TDs in a five-game span between Weeks 3 and 7, but I wouldn't risk playing him in the first week of the fantasy playoffs. ... The Colts' defense ranks 18th overall (342.8 yards per game) and is 22nd in points allowed (24.2). Indy ranks 29th against the run (142.8 yards, 13 TDs) and fourth vs. the pass. ... The Titans' defense is 24th overall (362.1 yards per game), but is eighth in points allowed at 19.6 per contest. Tennessee is 22nd against the run (123.4 yards, six rushing TDs) and 23rd vs. the pass (239 yards, 14 TDs, 15 picks).

Sidney Rice's hip injury is a significant one for fantasy owners, since it damages the fantasy value of the indecisive one (Brett Favre), while increasing the statures of Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe. (As an aside: Was anyone else surprised ESPN didn't have a reporter speculate that Favre was wavering on his commitment to the Vikes after the Rice news broke?)

Rice said he aims to be back by midseason following surgery this week, but he also revealed the ailment could have been career-threatening.

What to do? I'd draft him as a No. 4 receiver, hope he plays by Week 9 or 10 and resembles anything close to the player who had 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

On to the final rankings of the preseason.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Andre Johnson, Hou 16-101-1,569-15.5-9
2. Randy Moss, NE 16-83-1,264-15.2-13
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-97-1,092-11.3-13
4. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-100-1,264-12.6-10
5. Miles Austin, Dal 16-81-1,320-16.3-11
6. Roddy White, Atl 16-85-1,153-13.6-11
7. Brandon Marshall, Mia 15-101-1,120-11.1-10
8. DeSean Jackson, Phi 15-62-1,156-18.6-9
9. Steve Smith, Car 15-65-982-15.1-7
10. Calvin Johnson, Det 14-67-984-14.7-5
11. Steve Smith, NYG 16-107-1,220-11.4-7
12. Greg Jennings, GB 16-68-1,113-16.4-4
13. Marques Colston, NO 16-70-1,074-15.3-9
14. Anquan Boldin, Bal 15-84-1,024-12.2-4
15. Hines Ward, Pit 16-95-1,167-12.3-6
16. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 16-72-1,047-14.5-9
17. Michael Crabtree, SF 11-48-625-13.0-2
18. Mike Sims-Walker, Jac 15-63-869-13.8-7
19. Wes Welker, NE 14-123-1,348-11.0-4
20. Donald Driver, GB 16-70-1,061-15.2-6
21. Mike Wallace, Pit 16-39-756-19.4-6
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 16-79-911-11.5-3
23. Dwayne Bowe, KC 11-47-589-12.5-4
24. Jeremy Maclin, Phi 15-56-773-13.8-4
25. Vincent Jackson, SD 15-68-1,167-17.2-9
26. Steve Breaston, Ari 15-55-712-12.9-3
27. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 14-47-790-16.8-6
28. Santana Moss, Was 16-70-902-12.9-3
29. Santonio Holmes, NYJ 16-79-1,248-15.8-5
30. Pierre Garcon, Ind 14-47-765-16.3-4
31. Percy Harvin, Min 15-60-790-13.2-6
32. Braylon Edwards, NYJ 16-45-680-15.1-4
33. Lee Evans, Buf 16-44-612-13.9-7
34. Bernard Berrian, Min 16-55-618-11.2-4
35. Robert Meachem, NO 16-45-722-16.0-9
36. Terrell Owens, Cin 16-55-829-15.1-5
37. Derrick Mason, Bal 16-73-1,028-14.1-7
38. Johnny Knox, Chi 15-45-527-11.7-5
39. Malcom Floyd, SD 16-45-776-17.2-1
40. Eddie Royal, Den 14-37-345-9.3-0
41. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cle 16-34-624-18.4-3
42. x-Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 16-57-664-11.6-4
43. Dez Bryant, Dal ROOKIE
44. Sidney Rice, Min 16-83-1,312-15.8-8
45. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 14-57-821-14.4-3
46. Kevin Walter, Hou 14-53-611-11.5-2
47. Nate Burleson, Det 13-63-812-12.9-3
48. Austin Collie, Ind 16-60-676-11.3-7
49. Chaz Schillens, Oak 8-29-365-12.6-2
50. Josh Morgan, SF 16-52-527-10.1-3
51. Chris Chambers, KC 16-45-730-16.2-5
52. Donnie Avery, StL 16-47-589-12.5-5
53. Early Doucet, Ari 9-17-214-12.6-1
54. Devin Aromashodu, Chi 10-24-298-12.4-4
55. Kenny Britt, Ten 16-42-701-16.7-3
56. Devery Henderson, NO 16-51-804-15.8-2
57. Mario Manningham, NYG 14-57-822-14.4-5
58. Devin Hester, Chi 13-57-757-13.3-3
59. Roy Williams, Dal 15-38-596-15.7-7
60. Legedu Naanee, SD 15-24-242-10.1-2
x-2008 statistics (injured in 2009).

QUICK SLANTS

In the last two seasons, the Texans' Johnson has averaged 108 catches for 1,572 yards and 8.5 touchdowns. ... Fitzgerald has a sprained MCL but plans to be ready for the season opener. ... In the last three seasons, Marshall has averaged 102 receptions for 1,237 yards and 7.7 TDs. ... The Falcons' White has posted at least 83 catches for 1,153 yards or more in each of the last three seasons. ... Last year, the Panthers' Smith recorded his lowest yardage total since 2004. ... The Packers' Jennings had a combined 21 TDs in 2007 and '08, but was held to four scores last season. ... The Packers' Driver has six consecutive seasons with at least 70 receptions for 1,012 yards. ... The Chargers' Jackson will be suspended for the first three games and is in a contract dispute. He's a risky pick. ... Welker, who seems to have made a remarkable recovery from a severe knee injury, has recorded 111 receptions or more and 1,165 yards or better in each of the last three seasons. ... The Jets' Holmes will be suspended for the first four games. ... A possible sleeper: The Bears' Aromashodu, who had 22 catches for 282 yards and four TDs in the final four games last season.

TIGHT ENDS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Dallas Clark, Ind 16-100-1,106-11.1-10
2. Antonio Gates, SD 16-79-1,157-14.6-8
3. Brent Celek, Phi 16-76-971-12.8-8
4. Vernon Davis, SF 16-78-965-12.4-13
5. Jason Witten, Dal 16-94-1,030-11.0-2
6. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 16-83-867-10.4-6
7. Jermichael Finley, GB 13-55-676-12.3-5
8. Chris Cooley, Was 7-29-332-11.4-2
9. Kellen Winslow Jr., TB 16-77-884-11.5-5
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min 16-56-566-10.1-11
11. Owen Daniels, Hou 8-40-519-13.0-5
12. Heath Miller, Pit 16-76-789-10.4-6
13. Zach Miller, Oak 15-66-805-12.2-3
14. John Carlson, Sea 16-51-574-11.3-7
15. Greg Olsen, Chi 16-60-612-10.2-8
16. Jeremy Shockey, NO 13-48-569-11.9-3
17. Kevin Boss, NYG 15-42-567-13.5-5
18. Dustin Keller, NYJ 16-45-522-11.6-2
19. Marcedes Lewis, Jac 15-32-518-16.2-2
20. Todd Heap, Bal 16-53-593-11.2-6
21. Ben Watson, Cle 16-29-404-13.9-5
22. Bo Scaife, Ten 14-45-440-9.8-1
23. Anthony Fasano, Mia 14-31-339-10.9-2
24. Brandon Pettigrew, Det 11-30-346-11.5-2
Note: Statistics are from the 2009 season.

QUICK SLANTS

Gates has scored at least eight touchdowns in six consecutive seasons and has had 71 catches or more in five of the six years. ... The 34-year-old Gonzalez had his fewest yards since 2002, but still has seven straight seasons with at least 71 catches for 867 yards. ... Witten has only 13 TDs in the last three years, but he's averaged 90 catches for 1,042 yards in that span. ... The Texans' Daniels is coming off ACL surgery, but should play in Week 1. ... Winslow has 16 TDs in 60 career games. ... Shiancoe has 18 TDs in the last two years and will be counted on heavily with Sidney Rice out. ... The Steelers' Miller could be a late-round steal after posting career highs in receptions and yards last season. ... In the last three years, Shockey has six TDs in 39 games.

PAST PREVIEWS

-- Quarterbacks

-- Defenses and special teams

-- Kickers

-- Complete player rankings

Before we get to Part 3 of this four-part series for those of us who drag the fantasy football season out more than a network television producer, here are the links for the first two posts:

Monday, quarterbacks; Tuesday, running backs. Thursday, we'll rank the tight ends, kickers and defenses/special teams.

WIDE RECEIVERS

15. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: He'd be ranked higher if a high ankle sprain and a sprained MCL didn't have his status for Sunday's wild-card game against Green Bay in question. The guess here is Boldin will play, but there's also a chance the Cardinals won't make it to the divisional round.

14. Malcom Floyd, Chargers: Yes, he has only 45 catches and one TD, but the fifth-year receiver had nine receptions for 140 yards in the regular-season finale, and he's the No. 2 wideout on a team that is as likely as any outside of Indianapolis and New Orleans to play in February.

13. Donald Driver, Packers: He wasn't at his best down the stretch (14 catches for 185 yards and zero TDs in the last four games), but he reached 70 receptions and 1,000 yards for the sixth straight year and still had better numbers than Greg Jennings.

12. DeSean Jackson, Eagles: If all teams were equal, the speedster who has nine TDs receiving, one rushing and two on punt returns would be in the top three, but Dallas seems to have Philly's number, and if the Eagles are eliminated after one game, Jackson better make it count. He had five catches for 76 yards and no scores in the Eagles' two losses to the Cowboys this season.

11. Robert Meachem, Saints: Like Floyd, his reception (45) and yardage totals (722) are about six games for Andre Johnson, but Meachem has 37 catches and seven TDs in his last nine games, and it doesn't hurt that he should play two games in a dome, possibly followed by the Super Bowl in Miami.

10. Percy Harvin, Vikings: The league's top offensive rookie has 60 catches and 135 rushing yards. The only danger: Would you be surprised if the Vikings lost to the Cowboys next weekend?

9. Greg Jennings, Packers: He gets the nod over Driver due to his six-game production from Weeks 11-16 (541 yards) and his big-play capability. The risk: His team is a wild-card underdog.

8. Austin Collie, Colts: He's Peyton Manning's third or fourth option, but the rookie has 60 catches and seven TDs. And did I mention he has Peyton Manning throwing to him?

7. Randy Moss, Patriots: This might seem too low, but consider these three things: 1. Moss is on a dubious streak of seven straight games with 75 or fewer receiving yards; 2. He doesn't have Wes Welker to take some of the heat off him; 3. Would you really be surprised if the Pats lost to the Ravens?

6. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: His regular-season yardage total (1,092) was much lower than his average of 1,420 from the previous two years, but his 13 TDs were a career high. Again, he's not higher because of the one-and-done risk.

5. Miles Austin, Cowboys: In his last 12 games, he's been as good as anyone (76 receptions for 1,239 yards and 10 TDs). See Fitzgerald for my only concern.

4. Marques Colston, Saints: He tends to be all (20 of his 74 receptions, 385 of his 1,074 yards and four of his nine TDs were in three games) or nothing (six games with three or fewer catches, and as many contests with 46 or fewer yards). The positive: He's the top target on the best offense in the NFC, even if said offense spreads the wealth a little too much for many fantasy owners' liking.

3. Sidney Rice, Vikings: One of the year's most pleasant surprises, this Pro Bowl selection has 83 catches for 1,312 yards and eight TDs, with three of the latter coming in the last two weeks.

2. Vincent Jackson, Chargers: The negative (two TDs in his last eight games) is outweighed by his season stats (1,167 yards and nine scores) and the chance for him to play three postseason games.

1. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Think 100 receptions, 1,264 yards and 10 TDs are impressive? Imagine if he had been allowed to play more than a few quarters in the last two games.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

Chad Ochocinco, Bengals; Pierre Garcon, Colts; Julian Edelman, Patriots; Derrick Mason, Ravens; Steve Breaston, Cardinals; Devery Henderson, Saints; Jeremy Maclin, Eagles; Bernard Berrian, Vikings; Jerricho Cotchery, Jets; Roy Williams, Cowboys; Braylon Edwards, Jets

Quick slants: Ochocinco doesn't make the top 15 for one reason: Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who shut him out Sunday night. ... Mason has impressive stats, but he also has six games with three or fewer catches. ... Henderson's value has plummeted since the emergence of Meachem. The former has 11 catches for 106 yards and zero TDs in his last four games, after catching 40 passes for 698 yards in the first 12. ... Maclin, a promising rookie, hasn't reached the end zone in his last seven contests. ... Garcon, a Mount Union product who had 45 catches for 776 yards in 14 games before resting the last two weeks, is one to watch. ... Edelman, a Kent State product, is a possible sleeper. He had 21 receptions in the three games in which Welker didn't play or exited early, including 10 catches for 103 yards last week. ... Edwards and Cotchery should be considered last resorts for pools in which you draft more than a few receivers.

Monday, Colts coach Jim Caldwell said his 13-0 team, which has nothing to play for but perfection and fantasy owners the next three weeks, was going to "approach the 14th game exactly like we did one through 13."

A day later, the Colts' injury report was released after practice. Twenty-nine players were listed as not participating, including Peyton Manning ("glute injury"), Joseph Addai (knee), Reggie Wayne (foot) and Pierre Garcon (knee). In other words, Indy's definition of healthy will change possession by possession from Weeks 15 to 17.

If you are in your league's semifinals and have Manning, Addai, Wayne or Dallas Clark, you should root for two things (in addition to your players) tonight: 1. A close game against the Jaguars; 2. A Colts win.

If the game is close, I'd expect Manning, Addai, Wayne and Clark to play most of it. If it's not, I'd be surprised if we saw them wearing a helmet in the second half.

Should the Jags stay competitive and the Colts win, consider this quote from Wayne when he was asked about going 16-0 this week: "It'll be tough to tell Peyton Manning he'll be in two series, I'll be in two series. We'd be flipping out. It's right there. The closer you get to that, the harder it's going to be. You do it now. I need to see what it tastes like."

If Indy is 14-0 heading into next week's home game against the Jets, you would think the Colts' studs would at least play into the third quarter. If Indy loses tonight, it likely will be one- or two-series-and-out for Manning, Addai, Wayne and Clark, and you will be starting backups in your championship game.

Let's take Caldwell's one-at-a-time approach and worry about Week 15 first: If you have a very good backup QB, running back or wide receiver with a favorable matchup (say, Brett Favre at Carolina or Jamaal Charles vs. the Browns), I would play him instead of one of your Colts. Otherwise, start Manning, Addai, Wayne and Clark and hope for a 31-28 win.

On to tonight's start-and-sit lists:

START

Colts: QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Pierre Garcon, WR Austin Collie, TE Dallas Clark

Jaguars: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Sims Walker

Quick slants: Manning needs 95 yards for his 10th 4,000-yard season in 12 years. ... Addai has accounted for 13 touchdowns (nine rushing, three receiving, one passing) in as many games and has been a top-five back in PPR formats. With his top backup, 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown, out with a chest injury for the third straight week and Mike Hart and Chad Simpson next in line at running back, he seems to be the most likely to be benched in the coming weeks. ... Wayne, who has been bothered by a foot injury, has only 11 catches for 110 yards and one TD in his last three games after totaling 76 receptions, 968 yards and eight TDs in his first 10. ... Clark has five TDs in his last four games. ... Garcon and Collie might benefit the most should Wayne rest in Weeks 16 and/or 17. Garcon has 19 receptions for 348 yards in his last four games, and Collie has scored a TD in two consecutive contests. ... Jones-Drew has been limited to 276 yards and two scores on 82 carries (3.4 average) in his last four games. He had 169 attempts, 860 yards (5.1) and 12 TDs on the ground in the Jags' first nine. ... Sims-Walker, who has battled a calf injury, has two catches for 18 yards the last two weeks. He should bounce back tonight.

SIT

Colts: K Matt Stover, defense and special teams

Jaguars: QB David Garrard, WR Torry Holt, TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee, defense and special teams

Quick slants: Stover has scored five points or fewer in four of his last five games. ... The Colts' defense ranks 17th overall in yards (337.4 per game) but is tied for second in points allowed (16.7). Indy ranks 17th against the run (110.4 yards per game) and 20th vs. the pass (227). ... The Jags' defense ranks 20th overall (346.5 yards per game), 20th in scoring (22.1 points), 14th vs. the run (107 yards per game) and 26th vs. the pass (239.5 yards per game). ... Garrard is on pace to throw for 3,676 yards, but he has only 10 TD passes and hasn't had a TD toss in seven of 13 games. ... Holt, who is 85 receptions shy of 1,000 for his career, has yet to score a touchdown in his first season with Jacksonville. ... Lewis hasn't had a TD since Week 4. ... Scobee has scored four points or fewer in three of his last four.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five to start

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

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

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

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

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

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

More matchups I like:

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

Three to sit

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

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

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

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

More matchups I don’t like:

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

Last week

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

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

Playlist

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

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

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

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

You already know Braylon Edwards struggled for much of the 2008 season.

You already know about the 16 dropped passes and the Browns receiver’s huge dropoff from 2007 (his receptions plummeted from 80 to 55, his yards receiving from 1,289 to 873 and his touchdowns from 16 to three last season).

You might not know exactly how bad some of Edwards’ other numbers were.

-- He had three 100-yard games: 154 against the Giants in Week 6, 104 at Buffalo in Week 11 and 102 at Philadelphia in Week 15. In his other 13 games, he caught 37 passes for 513 yards and two TDs.

-- He had three receptions or fewer in 10 of 16 games.

-- He had 58 yards or fewer in 10 games.

-- He had 38 yards or fewer nine times.

-- He didn’t score in the Browns’ last eight games.

And you’re supposed to spend a fifth-round pick on Edwards in a 12-team league?

I wouldn’t, even if he did go 50th overall (the 17th wide receiver selected) in a mock draft by ESPN.com’s fantasy staff.

I’d consider Edwards a low-end No. 2 receiver or a high-end No. 3, one I wouldn’t take a chance on until the sixth round or later.

If you draft him as your No. 3 wideout, there is much less of a chance he will disappointment you — well, except when you don your brown and orange Sunday best.

On the to the rankings.

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-96-1,431-14.9-12
2. Andre Johnson, Hou 16-115-1,575-13.7-8
3. Randy Moss, NE 16-69-1,008-14.6-11
4. Greg Jennings, GB 16-80-1,292-16.2-9
5. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-82-1,145-14.0-6
6. Calvin Johnson, Det 16-78-1,331-17.1-12
7. Steve Smith, Car 14-78-1,421-18.2-6
8. Roddy White, Atl 16-88-1,382-15.7-7
9. Anquan Boldin, Ari 12-89-1,038-11.7-11
10. Marques Colston, NO 11-47-760-16.2-5
11. Wes Welker, NE 16-111-1,165-10.5-3
12. Brandon Marshall, Den 15-104-1,265-12.2-6
13. Dwayne Bowe, KC 16-86-1,022-11.9-7
14. Terrell Owens, Buf 16-69-1,052-15.2-10
15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 15-92-904-9.8-4
16. DeSean Jackson, Phi 16-62-912-14.7-2
17. Eddie Royal, Den 15-91-980-10.8-5
18. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 13-53-540-10.2-4
19. Vincent Jackson, SD 16-59-1,098-18.6-7
20. Antonio Bryant, TB 16-83-1,248-15.0-7
21. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 16-57-64-11.6-4
22. Hines Ward, Pit 16-81-1,043-12.9-7
23. Santonio Holmes, Pit 15-55-821-14.9-5
24. Braylon Edwards, Cle 16-55-873-15.9-3
25. Santana Moss, Was 16-79-1,044-13.2-6
26. Bernard Berrian, Min 16-48-964-20.1-7
27. Lance Moore, NO 16-79-928-11.7-10
28. Roy Williams, Dal 15-36-430-11.9-2
29. Lee Evans, Buf 16-63-1,017-16.1-3
30. Derrick Mason, Buf 16-80-1,037-13.0-5
31. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 16-71-858-12.1-5
32. Donald Driver, GB 16-74-1,012-13.7-5
33. Laveranues Coles, Cin 16-70-850-12.1-7
34. Torry Holt, Jac 16-64-796-12.4-3
35. Devin Hester, Chi 15-51-665-13.0-3
36. Kevin Walter, Hou 16-60-899-15.0-8
37. Steve Breaston, Ari 16-77-1,006-13.1-3
38. Domenix Hixon, NYG 16-43-596-13.9-2
39. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia 16-56-790-14.1-2
40. Donnie Avery, StL 15-53-674-12.7-3
41. Steve Smith, NYG 16-57-574-10.1-1
42. Chris Chambers, SD 14-33-462-14.0-5
43. Nate Burleson, Sea 1-5-60-12.0-1
44. Nate Washington, Ten 16-40-631-15.8-3
45. Patrick Crayton, Dal 16-39-550-14.1-4
46. Muhsin Muhammad, Car 16-65-923-14.2-5
47. Isaac Bruce, SF 16-61-835-13.7-7
48. Kevin Curtis, Phi 9-33-390-11.8-2
49. Percy Harvin, Min ROOKIE
50. Justin Gage, Ten 12-34-651-19.1-6
51. Jeremy Maclin, Phi ROOKIE
52. Josh Morgan, SF 12-20-319-16.0-3
53. Mark Clayton, Bal 16-41-695-17.0-3
54. Michael Crabtree, SF ROOKIE
55. Michael Jenkins, Atl 16-50-777-15.5-3
56. Bobby Engram, KC 13-47-489-10.4-0
57. Davone Bess, Mia 16-54-554-10.3-1
58. Greg Camarillo, Mia 11-55-613-11.1-2
59. Mark Bradley, KC 12-30-380-12.7-3
60. Earl Bennett, Chi 10-0-0-0.0-0

QUICK SLANTS

The brilliant Fitzgerald has a combined 196 receptions for 2,840 yards and 22 touchdowns the last two seasons. ... Johnson is worth considering as a late first-round pick in 12-team, point-per-reception leagues. ... The Packers’ Jennings had 12 TDs in 13 games two years ago. ... Don’t let Wayne’s "down" 2008 overshadow his 2006-07 stats (a combined 190 catches for 2,820 yards and 19 TDs). ... The Panthers’ Smith, whose TD total has slipped from eight to seven to six the last three seasons, has an injured shoulder but is expected to be ready for the regular season. ... Colston had 98 catches for 1,202 yards and 11 TDs in 2007. ... Welker’s stats the last two seasons are almost identical (112 and 111 catches, 1,175 and 1,165 yards), but his TD total dropped from eight to three with Tom Brady hurt last season. ... Ochocinco, who had five straight seasons of at least 87 receptions and 1,274 yards from 2003-07 (when he scored a combined 43 TDs), could provide huge value as a No. 2 receiver. ... Houshmandzadeh had a combined 202 catches and 21 TDs in 2006 and ’07. ... The Packers’ Driver is a PPR asset, but has only scored seven times in the last two seasons combined. ... Holt’s subpar 2008 ended a run of eight straight seasons with at least 81 catches and 1,188 yards. ... The 49ers’ Crabtree is still holding out for a better contract, likely negating his chance of making a meaningful impact as a rookie.

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