The danger of ranking running backs in August was made perfectly clear last Thursday, when we learned Browns rookie Trent Richardson would have knee surgery.

Later that night, the Chargers' Ryan Mathews fractured his clavicle in San Diego's preseason opener and is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks.

You could say we've made some changes to these rankings.

Some notable updates from the running back rankings we posted Aug. 8 (the above link reflects our current rankings):

-- Chargers coach Norv Turner said Mathews' injury is "not so bad." I can only hope. In a keeper league in which I participate, I traded for Mathews prior to training camp and now must decide if he will still be one of my three keepers (probably).

The Chargers open the season Monday, Sept. 10 at Oakland --  31 days after Mathews' surgery. The guess here is Mathews will return in Week 2 against Tennessee, and considering the lack of studs at the position, I think he remains a top-10 player at the position.

Yes, injuries are a concern -- Mathews has played 26 games in two years. But consider this: Last season, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and caught 50 passes. In 14 games, he racked up 1,546 total yards.

Would you rather have Mathews coming off a shoulder injury or Adrian Peterson following an ACL tear.

I'll take Mathews.

-- Richardson, who is expected to start the Browns' opener against the Eagles, dropped from No. 14 to 17.

-- The (expected) uncertainty of the backfield situation in Washington -- Mike Shanahan, tormenting fantasy owners since 1995 -- has resulted in Roy Helu dropping from No. 24 to 29 at running back. Redskins teammate Evan Royster, who could be Washington's featured back (your guess is as good as mine when it comes to Shanahan), went from unranked in the top 50 to No. 41. Another Redskin, the (always) beat-up Tim Hightower, dropped from No. 41 to out of the rankings.

-- Ronnie Brown, who would start the season opener for the Chargers if Mathews can't go, is in the top 50 at No. 47. Don't get too excited about Brown, who averaged 3.2 yards per carry in a limited role for the Eagles last season.

According to ESPN.com's ownership percentages, DeMarco Murray is available in more than 64 percent of the fantasy leagues run by the Worldwide Leader.

That number seems way too high, but the stat I'm more curious about is the percentage of owners who left Murray on their bench in Week 7 against the Rams, owners of the league's worst run defense.

Maybe I'm one of the few knuckleheads who did -- in my defense, I started Chris Johnson, Matt Forte and Darren McFadden (my top three draft picks). I watched in horror as McFadden was injured early, Johnson had another unproductive game and Murray ran for a Cowboys franchise-record 253 yards on 25 carries -- in a game he didn't even start.

Murray, Dallas' third-round pick in 2011, missed most of training camp because of a hamstring injury and was getting his chance only because of a high ankle sprain suffered by Felix Jones.

We should also keep in mind that the Rams have been AWFUL against the run (183.8 yards allowed per game and 5.5 yards allowed per carry).

Will Murray deserve to be a fantasy starter the rest of the way? We have no way of knowing.

What we do know is if the Cowboys decide to make him their featured back over Jones once the latter is healthy, it will be an easy decision. Take a look at Dallas' schedule in Weeks 8 through 13: at Philadelphia (No. 23 vs. the run), vs. Seattle (No. 10), vs. Buffalo (No. 30), at Washington (No. 17), vs. Miami (No. 20) and at Arizona (No. 13).

We already are certain Murray is much more valuable than Tashard Choice, who received only two carries as Dallas' starter Sunday. The guess here is he will be a better play than Jones the rest of the way, too.

The problem: If the Cowboys don't agree and go to the dreaded backfield-by-committee plan when Jones returns, Murray will be a No. 3 fantasy back at best.

Take your time getting healthy, Felix. Seriously, take a long time.

Tebow time

I understand why Tim Tebow annoys fans. I get that the experts question his accuracy, his mechanics and whatever else the film shows.

What I don't understand is any skepticism that he's a fantasy starter at quarterback -- assuming, of course, he continues to hold the Broncos' job over Kyle Orton.

As we outlined on Oct. 11, Tebow produces when he plays. Sunday at Miami, he was awful for 54 minutes and 37 seconds (4-for-14 for 40 yards, and the Broncos were 0-for-10 on third down), and great from that point forward.

Tebow finished with 161 yards passing, two touchdowns, eight carries for 65 yards and a two-point conversion. He led Denver to 15 points in the last 2:44 of regulation and an overtime win -- albeit over a winless team.

Again, he produces. He's a top-10 or top-12 fantasy quarterback.

The endless debates, ESPN roundtables and everything else does get to be too much. But that doesn't mean he should be on your bench.

A few more quick takes from Week 7:

-- Until Jahvid Best returns from a concussion (and there is some speculation he won't this season), the Lions appear to have decided on a timeshare between Maurice Morris (nine carries for 50 yards and two catches for 13 yards on Sunday) and Keiland Williams (nine carries for 44 yards). Hint: Stay away.

-- Jackie Battle appears to be the Chiefs' choice as their featured back, though Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones did receive a combined 19 carries on Sunday. Battle had 16 carries for 76 yards at Oakland, giving him 35 rushes for 195 yards in his last two contests. The presence of McCluster and Jones makes Battle more of a flex play, but he's still a decent option, depending on the matchup (and this week, it's a good one, since the Chargers rank 21st against the run).

-- Mike Shanahan, Fantasy Tormentor, returned to Tim Hightower as his featured back on Sunday, and the latter was productive until he suffered a torn ACL on Sunday. Next up, we can only assume (which is dangerous when Shanahan is involved), in Washington is Ryan Torain, who had 19 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown on Oct. 2 against the (you guessed it) Rams but has received all of 12 attempts since. Don't discount rookie Roy Helu as an option, though, since the 2011 fourth-round pick has averaged 4.9 yards on 27 carries this season.

On second thought, maybe we should all just avoid Washington running backs.

We'll be back Tuesday with waiver-wire picks for Week 8. Until then, enjoy Jon Gruden tonight.

Mike Shanahan just couldn't leave us alone.

We were foolish enough to think the Redskins had their featured back in Tim Hightower, who rushed for 209 yards, caught nine passes for 74 yards and scored two touchdowns in Washington's first three games.

Hightower reportedly injured his shoulder early in Week 4, and the result left many of us cringing.

Yes, the Redskins might have a new featured back. The Shanahan Fantasy Curse is going strong, and so are our waiver-wire picks after a one-week absence in which real life intervened (hint: Moving is less fun than watching "Two and a Half Men" without Charlie Sheen).

As always, we're looking for players who are available in a majority of the leagues on ESPN.com. We made an exception for the first player on this list, since he's available in more than 42 percent of the ESPN leagues, and chances to get a featured back are rare on the waiver wire (even if it's a Shanahan back).


1. Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins (owned in 57.6 percent of the ESPN.com leagues): Torain rushed for 135 yards on 19 carries Sunday at St. Louis. It "was like he was possessed," Shanahan said.

You'll have to wait a week if you make this move, since Washington is off this week. By Week 6, Hightower could be healthy and "The Guy," whatever that means in a Shanahan offense.

Regardless, Torain was effective last season, despite receiving 10 or more carries in only eight games. He rushed for 742 yards, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and caught 18 passes.

Long term, he should be Washington's best option. Hopefully, his coach agrees.

2. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots (3.6 percent): The rookie third-round pick had 10 carries for 97 yards and a TD on Sunday at Oakland. In four games, he has 18 rushes for 148 yards (8.2 yards per attempt).

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is clearly the Patriots' top option for the time being in the backfield, but Bill Belichick likes to torment us when it comes to running backs almost as much as Shanahan.

Green-Ellis has rushed for 197 yards and three touchdowns. His backup, Danny Woodhead, has been banged up. He had 14 carries in Week 1, but has 12 since.

Ridley could overtake Green-Ellis at some point. The more likely scenario is he will share carries, with Green-Ellis dominating the touches at the goal line.

3. Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers (2.3 percent): Rashard Mendenhall has a hamstring injury that could limit him this week, and his numbers -- thanks in large part to the Steelers' much-maligned offense line -- are less than mediocre (173 yards, 3.0 yards per attempt, two TDs).

Redman has 107 yards on 22 carries (4.9), and he could receive a much greater workload this week because of injuries to Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore.

If you need a one-week fill-in, Redman might get the most touches of any back on this list in Week 5. But keep in mind Sunday's opponent, the Titans, are allowing only 3.2 yards per carry and rank eighth against the run.

4. Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals (5.9 percent): Scott's value depends entirely on Cedric Benson's looming three-game suspension. The latter has appealed Roger Goodell's verdict, but since the commissioner often only has to answer to himself, we should expect Benson to miss at least two games.

If the hammer comes down this week, Scott's value rises. Scott has only 13 rushing attempts and two receptions this season, thanks to a surprisingly productive start by Benson (348 yards, 4.5 yards per carry).

Scott has averaged 4.4 yards per carry in his career, and he could be a decent flex option if Benson is forced to miss Sunday's game at Jacksonville (No. 16 vs. the run).

5. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants (19.3 percent): The rookie has nine receptions for 208 yards and two TDs in his last two games. Sunday, he joined Hakeem Nicks in most of the Giants' two-receiver sets in the second half, reportedly because Eli Manning wasn't happy with Mario Manningham's route-running.

Manningham missed the Giants' game Sept. 26 because of a concussion, and he had one catch for 10 yards against Arizona.

Sunday, the Giants play host to the Seahawks, who are allowing more than 24 points per game. With six teams on a bye, Cruz has to be considered a No. 3 fantasy receiver in Week 5.

Three more possible free agents of note:

-- Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans (8.5 percent): With Andre Johnson possibly being sidelined this week by a hamstring injury, Matt Schaub has to throw to someone other than Owen Daniels and Arian Foster, right? Why not Jones, who had 51 receptions in 2010? In the final two games of 2010, both contests in which Johnson sat, Jones had 10 receptions for 185 yards.

-- Jabar Gaffney, WR, Redskins (6.2 percent): He has 17 receptions for 238 yards and one TD, and he's had at least 54 yards in each of Washington's first four games. Gaffney has 13 receptions in his last three contests, and he had 65 catches for 875 yards in 2010. The negative: If you play in a league in which touchdowns dominate the scoring, he's not an effective option. Gaffney has seven TDs in 52 games since 2008. A reminder: The Redskins are off this week.

-- Montario Hardesty, RB, Browns (19.6 percent): As we wrote Sunday night, Hardesty has a combined 29 touches in his last two games, as the Peyton Hillis Mystery continues to confound. The Browns are off this week, and Hillis eventually should get a lot more work, but Hardesty is an interesting option if you have the luxury of stashing him on your bench for later in the season.

In this week's column for the print and Web editions of the News-Herald (spend the extra 75 cents on Saturday!), we will have an expanded sale.

Our three big purchases, if you will, concern Ray Rice, Brandon Marshall and the Panthers' Steve Smith (not the former Giant who was held without a catch last week in his Eagles debut). Our three sales involve Reggie Wayne, DeAngelo Williams and Chad Ochocinco.

None of which is to say we're down on Wayne and we're stating the obvious -- that Rice, Smith and Marshall are good. It involves predictions -- for example, buying that Peyton Hillis won't rush for 1,000 yards this season (don't worry, Browns fans, this isn't one of our beliefs) or selling the possibility of Steven Jackson ever staying healthy.

Anyway, here are two more predictions that didn't make the column because of space constraints.


BUY


Tim Hightower will be a top-20 fantasy running back.

Hightower had 25 of Washington's 26 rushing attempts in Week 1, and he proved in 2008 and '09 with Arizona that he can be an effective source of touchdowns (a combined 18 on the ground in those two years). Hightower is capable of being a big asset in the passing game (he had 63 receptions in 2009), and he averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2010.

Granted, he plays for Mike Shanahan, who has toyed with our emotions at running back before. But Week 1, in which Hightower had 97 total yards, one TD and three receptions, seems to be a sign of good things to come.

SELL


Assuming Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, he's a top-10 quarterback.

Yes, that's a big assumption regarding Stafford, who played in three games last season and 10 in 2009, his rookie year. Stafford threw for 305 yards, three TDs and an interception Sunday at Tampa Bay, and, dating back to last season, he has 757 yards passing, nine TDs and two picks in his last three games.

This week, the Lions play host to the Chiefs, who were torched by Ryan Fitzpatrick last week, so you should consider Stafford a must-start this week.

Regardless, Stafford has thrown as many interceptions as touchdown passes (22) in his brief career. He could be great. He could be mediocre. He could be on injured reserve by Week 4.

If you drafted Stafford as a backup, my advice is sell high.

Peyton Hillis is the Browns' featured back, Roy Williams is alive, Darren McFadden is for real, Lance Moore is back, and Eric Wright is still chasing Anquan Boldin.

Just another week in (cue Mark Schlereth) the National Football League.

Let's take a trip around the field from a fantasy perspective after Sunday's games:

-- I know the Browns' Hillis won't keep this going, especially once Jerome Harrison is healthy, but his Week 3 performance against a Ravens defense that didn't allow a rushing touchdown in the first two games and ranked fifth against the run in 2009 was much too impressive to ignore. Hillis, who ran for 144 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries and caught seven passes for 36 yards, has to be considered a low-level No. 2 back when Harrison doesn't play. Once Harrison returns, Hillis could still be a flex play in deeper leagues, depending on the matchup. He has 14 receptions in three games.

-- At this point, we should at least be a little concerned with Andre Johnson, who had four receptions for 64 yards and reaggravated his sprained ankle. The Texans receiver has had two poor games and one huge (a 12-catch, 158-yard, one-TD performance in Week 2) contest.

-- Hey, Steven Jackson is hurt. Didn't see that coming.

-- Beanie Wells returned for the Cardinals and, as expected, Tim Hightower wasn't worth a starting spot. Wells had 14 carries for 75 yards, and Hightower had 12 touches (11 rushes for 40 yards, one catch for zero yards). It's simple: If Wells is active, Hightower (who had 218 total yards and two TDs in the first two weeks) should be a fantasy reserve.

-- Maybe it is OK to play Mike Wallace before Ben Roethlisberger returns.

-- Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd (nine receptions for 192 yards and two TDs in the last two weeks) is now a must-start. Thank Vincent Jackson (or the stubborn A.J. Smith).

-- Boldin has crushed Derrick Mason's value. The latter has seven receptions for 82 yards and one TD in three weeks. That's a decent half for Boldin against Wright.

-- Start 'em: Raiders receiver Louis Murphy (11 catches for 210 yards and a TD in his last two games), Texans receiver Kevin Walter (one TD in each game, 16 receptions on the season), Chiefs rookie tight end Tony Moeaki (12 catches, two TDs in three games) and Patriots rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez (12 receptions for 166 yards the last two weeks; 16.2 yards per catch on the season)

-- Sit 'em: Bucs running back Cadillac Williams (139 yards, 2.5 yards per carry, zero TDs in three games) and 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree (six catches, 81 yards, zero TDs on the year).

-- Drop 'em: Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (three receptions for 55 yards in three games), Bills running back Fred Jackson (no longer a factor with Marshawn Lynch getting most of the carries and C.J. Spiller as the electric change-of-pace), Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (eight carries for 25 yards the last two weeks), Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (278 yards, two TDs, five interceptions in his last two games) and Chargers running back Darren Sproles (had two touches, to Mike Tolbert's 20, with Ryan Mathews sitting because of an ankle injury).

-- I wouldn't bench Kellen Winslow Jr. yet, but I'm getting close. The Bucs tight end with the messed-up knees and the eventful past has 11 receptions for 139 yards and zero scores. He hasn't had more than four catches in a game.

-- I can understand if you bench Terrell Owens, who hasn't scored as a Bengal and is averaging only 10.9 yards on his 14 receptions.

-- If you need the roster spot, it's OK to cut Carson Palmer, whose mediocre numbers (three TDs, three interceptions) don't indicate how poorly he's played.

-- A popular waiver-wire pickup this week will be the Saints' Moore, who had six receptions for 149 yards and two TDs after catching three passes for 23 yards the first two games. With Reggie Bush out, Moore will get more looks, and remember, he was effective in 2008 (79 receptions, 928 yards, 10 TDs).

-- That sound you just heard was Panthers receiver Steve Smith telling someone how he feels about the start of the Jimmy Clausen era.

In fewer than seven quarters, Michael Vick has thrown for 459 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 140 yards and averaged 7.8 yards per carry.

It would seem he's a fantasy starter for the first time in four years, but Kevin Kolb is ready to return from a concussion, so Vick will reassume his role as Wildcat threat and backup quarterback for the Eagles.

If you have Kolb and wisely acquired Vick on the waiver wire last week, the choice is simple: Play Kolb on Sunday against Jacksonville, which ranks 29th against the pass and is allowing 300 yards passing and two TDs through the air per game.

If Kolb is your backup, I'd leave him as such, unless you have a lower-echelon starter with a poor matchup -- say Matt Ryan at the Saints in Week 3. In that case, I'd take the chance that Kolb is as good as Andy Reid believes.

In any case, don't drop Vick unless you really need the roster spot. He could be a factor in the coming months.

-- Jason Snelling, who carried 24 times for 129 yards and two scores, and caught five passes for 57 yards and a TD on Sunday, likely vaulted to the top of the waiver-wire wish list in Week 3. Michael Turner left with a groin injury and backup Jerious Norwood exited because of a knee ailment, leaving Snelling as Atlanta's featured back.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Turner was cleared to re-enter the Week 2 game, but durability is certainly an issue after the first-round fantasy pick missed five games last year and failed to rush for 900 yards.

If Turner is out this week, Snelling (who ran for 613 yards and four scores, and caught 30 passes for 259 yards and one TD last season) is a must-play against the Saints.

-- That sound you heard was every fantasy owner who has Tim Hightower urging Beanie Wells to take his time coming back from a knee injury.

-- Broncos receiver Eddie Royal, who has 13 catches for 163 yards and a TD in two games, should have regained our trust. Start him.

-- I wouldn't make the same move with Broncos rookie Demaryius Thomas, who had eight catches for 97 yards and a TD last week, but was shut out in Week 1.

-- Welcome back, Mike Sims-Walker.

-- Kurt Warner, are you sure about this whole retirement thing?

-- I believe in Rams receiver Mark Clayton.

-- I don't believe in any Patriots running back. Same goes for the Cowboys' backfield.

-- Stock up: Chiefs rookie tight end Tony Moeaki (although I would only start him in very deep leagues), Pats rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez (see Moeaki), Jets tight end Dustin Keller (I'd put him a level above the two rookies) and Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (see Keller).

-- Stock down: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (one TD and five interceptions), Eagles tight end Brent Celek (five catches for 59 yards; is he waiting for Kolb?), Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (four catches for 54 yards) and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (post-Warner).

-- Start 'em: Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (602 yards, three TDs, one pick), Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (he's clearly the featured back, surpassing Brandon Jacobs) and Raiders running back Darren McFadden (303 total yards).

-- Sit 'em: Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe (five catches for 58 yards), Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (until Ben Roethlisberger returns), Colts receiver Pierre Garcon (two catches for 54 yards). You, too, Brett Favre.

-- Drop 'em: Ravens receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (one catch for 27 yards in his first two games with Baltimore), Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (three catches for 55 yards) and Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.

-- Michael Crabtree, our patience is running as low as that of Vernon Davis and Mike Singletary.

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

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

DO ...

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

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

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

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

DON’T ...

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

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

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

Injury updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five to start

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

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

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

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

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

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

More matchups I like:

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

Three to sit

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

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

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

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

More matchups I don’t like:

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

Last week

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

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

Playlist

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

The Giants didn't have a player with 600 yards receiving last season, when Plaxico Burress' suspension derailed their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champs.

This year, they might have two 1,000-yard receivers, and somehow, both are owned in fewer than 26 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com.

Steve Smith (owned in 25.3 percent of the ESPN leagues) has caught at least six passes in each of the first two games and has 14 receptions for 214 yards and a TD on the season. Mario Manningham (owned in only 5.4 percent, a number that likely will be multiplied by at least 10 by Sunday), like Smith, caught 10 passes on Sunday. In two games, the second-year receiver has 188 yards and two TDs.

You shouldn't need me to tell you to start both.

If you're not convinced, take a glance at the Giants' next five games: Week 3, at Tampa Bay; Week 4, at Kansas City; Week 5, Oakland; Week 6, at New Orleans; Week 7, Arizona. The quintet rank 27th, 14th, 20th, 28th and 18th, respectively, against the pass this season. The five teams have combined to allow 15 touchdown passes and 2,480 yards passing in 10 games.

It's enough to make even Eli Manning give more than an awkward smile.

On to the rest of the no-huddle ...

-- On an Eagle's wing: I was against starting Kevin Kolb last week against the Saints, and 391 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions later, I'm backpedaling faster than Robert Henson, the Redskins' rookie who quit Twitter after calling the team's fans "dim wits."

Kolb was far from great against the Saints, but he showed enough that he's an intriguing option -- should Donovan McNabb sit a second straight week, as expected, because of a fractured rib -- Sunday at home against the Chiefs. Kolb is owned in a whopping 0.3 percent of the ESPN leagues, but if you're desperate for a quarterback, he's a halfway decent one-week option against Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed 667 total yards and 51 points in their 0-2 start.

-- Jonesing for an alternative: Thomas Jones owners likely were encouraged by his strong Week 1 showing against the Texans. A game later, they're cursing yet another backfield time share gone bad.

In two games, Jones and Leon Washington both have 35 touches. Jones has better rushing numbers (34 carries for 161 yards, a 4.7-yard average, and two TDs), but Washington is a much better receiving option (six catches for 42 yards). In PPR leagues, Jones is all-or-nothing -- either he gets 100 yards and a score on the ground, or he's a dud.

It's telling that both backs received 14 carries last week against the Patriots, and with the Jets' early success, I wouldn't expect that to change. All of which means you should bench Jones this week against the Titans, who rank second to the Ravens in run defense in the early going. Tennessee has allowed the opposition to rush for only 99 yards on 52 carries, a 1.9 average, and zero TDs.

-- No rush, L.T.: Darren Sproles owners, the solution is simple. If LaDainian Tomlinson doesn't play for a second straight week because of a sprained ankle, play the diminutive back who is a huge asset as the primary ball-carrier in point-per-reception leagues. Sproles had only 10 carries for 26 yards last week against the Ravens, but he caught seven passes for 126 yards, including an 81-yard score. In two games, Sproles has 12 catches for 167 yards, and he's scored once in each game.

He'll never be a 20-carry back, but he certainly seems to be more effective than Tomlinson at this point in their careers. That said, I wouldn't start Sproles if Tomlinson is active, since the latter will get the majority of the carries when he plays.

-- Hightower power: Beanie Wells was the Cardinals' first-round pick last spring, but it's Tim Hightower who's playing like a fantasy starter. Hightower -- until this point known as the back who scored short touchdowns but did nothing else last season -- has rushed for an unimpressive 87 yards on 23 carries (3.8). PPR owners love the next stat, though: Hightower's 15 catches (12 in Week 1) for 133 yards.

If you're in a point-per-catch league, Hightower is a quality option the next three weeks against the Colts (No. 30 vs. the run, three rushing TDs allowed in two games), Texans (No. 32, 4 TD, 6.3 yards per carry) and Seahawks (No. 26, 2 TDs, a league-worst 7.1 yards per carry by the opposition).

Hightower is an ideal flex play in PPR leagues, and is an OK option in other formats, at least until Wells gets more than seven rushing attempts per game (a figure he has yet to surpass). The former Buckeye was forced to carry a football everywhere he went this week after fumbling twice last Sunday, and he's strictly a reserve until he takes over the featured role, which should happen later this season.

-- On deck: Thursday at 4 p.m., we'll have our weekly live chat. To ask a question or just watch the drama unfold, go to the homepage of News-Herald.com and look for the link to join the chat.

Saturday, we'll break down the disappointing starts of several first-round fantasy picks. That column can be read by going here. We'll also have the "big blog," including the expanded playlist and start-and-sit advice, early Saturday. That can be read on this blog, and on the N-H's main site.

Good luck and remember to curse the owner whose team is so bad he or she were awarded Manningham on waivers ahead of you.

The way I look at it, Beanie Wells did us all a favor.

As the start of training camps drew closer, the former Buckeye had me fooled. He was an ideal fit -- a big, bruising, quick back starting for a Cardinals offense that averaged 26.7 points per game and was a defensive stop away from winning the Super Bowl last season.

Then Wells reminded us why we should be wary of him on draft day.

Saturday, hours after he signed a five-year, $11.8 million contract with Arizona, Wells sprained his right ankle. In his first practice.

Wells has the potential to reach double figures in touchdowns and be a No. 2 running back in fantasy. Heck, Tim Hightower -- he of the 2.8 yards per carry and one game of more than 37 yards rushing in 2008 -- scored 10 TDs for Arizona as a rookie last season.

Then there's the matter of Wells not being able to avoid injuries.

There were rumors before the NFL draft, which Wells and his agent refuted, that some teams were scared off by a foot problem. Wells missed the first three games of his final season at OSU because of a foot injury, an ailment that bothered him the majority of the season.

Bad wheel or not, Wells, thanks to Michael Crabtree's holdout, might be the second-most intriguing rookie from a fantasy perspective -- behind Denver's Knowshon Moreno and just ahead of Indy's Donald Brown.

Moreno has to compete with Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan and whomever else Josh McDaniels decides to add to his crowded cast of running backs. Brown likely will begin the season behind Joseph Addai, a one-time first-round pick in fantasy who had a worse 2008 than Derek Anderson.

Wells only has to prove he's better than Hightower, a 2008 fifth-round pick by Arizona who rushed for 109 yards in Week 9 and 290 in the other 15 regular-season games.

"I've been going through the injury thing for quite a while now, and yesterday was just a fluke," Wells said Sunday.

He could be right.

Or his first two years at Ohio State, when he played in every game, could be the exceptions.

You don't have to be a Buckeye apologist to think Wells could be a special pro.

But there are enough concerns to drop him into the third tier of fantasy backs -- where he can join the likes of Jamal Lewis, Larry Johnson, LenDale White and others in the mid-to-upper 20s at the position.

I'd rather draft Beanie as my No. 3 back and hope he makes me look smart than select him as my No. 2 and wonder when I'll have to replace him.