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

While the Brett Favre circus takes on an even wilder life of its own (hint: Google "Brett Favre Deadspin"), the less-talked-about aspect isn't poor Tarvaris Jackson (Favre's backup, who may or may not be a starter in September), Brad Childress or anyone else left twisting in the diva-induced wind.

What about us -- the ones who have a fantasy football draft in the next two or three weeks and don't know if we're drafting the Sidney Rice of 2009 or the Sidney Rice who is battling a bad hip and might be playing in an offense that gets a lot more run-heavy?

Let's take a quick look at the potential impact of Favre not playing in 2010 on five key Vikings, none of whom is named Tarvaris Jackson, who is no more than a lower-level backup in a 12-team league.

-- Adrian Peterson, RB: He scored a career-high 18 touchdowns and caught a career-best 43 passes for 436 yards last season. However, the consensus 2009 No. 1 overall pick had his rushing yards drop from 1,760 in 2008 to 1,383 and he lost a career-worst five fumbles, giving him 12 in three years.

In point-per-reception leagues, Peterson could drop as low as No. 4 overall, behind Chris Johnson, Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew. I wouldn't let Peterson get past me at No. 2, with or without the indecisive one.

-- Sidney Rice, WR: He had 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight TDs last year, after totaling 46 catches and eight scores in his first two NFL seasons. Rice isn't practicing because of the hip issue, but he says he'll ready for the regular-season opener.

Combine the injury with the possibility of Favre not playing, and Rice likely drops out of the top 20 at wide receiver. If he's healthy and Favre is as effective as he was last season, Rice is an ideal No. 2 wideout in fantasy.

-- Percy Harvin, WR: He had 60 receptions and six TDs as a rookie, and he should reach 1,000 yards and eight scores in Year 2. Draft Harvin as a No. 3 receiver in 12-team leagues and hope No. 4 is the one slinging passes in September.

-- Bernard Berrian, WR: If Rice is healthy, Berrian is a low-level No. 4 receiver in fantasy. If Favre retires, he's no better than a No. 5. However, should Favre play and Rice sit at the beginning of the season, Berrian -- who had a career-high 964 yards receiving and seven TDs in 2008 -- could be a late-round bargain.

-- Visanthe Shiancoe, TE: The notable difference between the 2008 Shiancoe and the 2009 version with Favre at QB was the tight end scored 11 TDs (Add short TD catches by the tight ends to training camp indecision, running down the sideline like a little kid and Rachel Nichols reporting live from Mississippi as Favre traditions).

Shiancoe was productive in 2008 (42 receptions, 596 yards and seven TDs), but with Jackson at QB, he is an upper-level backup in 10- and 12-team leagues.

For more fantasy updates, follow Kevin Kleps on Twitter.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start 'em

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

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

Sit 'em

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

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

Drop 'em

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

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