Quarterbacks

Off The Top

Vince Young, TEN – The Giants game convinced me that Young has what it takes to be a quality QB in this league for a long time. Sure, the Giants defense is seriously depleted, but Vince handled that ridiculous comeback like a rare few QBs can. I’m chomping at the bit to start him in Week 14 @ HOU, considering I’ll probably bench McNair (who’s put up a couple fantasy stinkers – albeit in winning fashion the last couple weeks) when the Ravens travel to Arrowhead for KC. But realize this is probably his best matchup left, with Week 16 @ BUF being the next best on left on the docket. I smell a real shootout in that one.

Digging Deeper

Brad Johnson, MIN – It’s been a long time since Brad made an appearance on the wire, largely because he’s been awful this season. But this week he helped the Vikes snap a four-game losing streak and was 27-of-41 for 271, three touchdowns and no interceptions. While it would be wise to stay away from him at Chicago in Week 13, the next three games – which for many are playoff contests – are @ DET, NYJ and @GB, great matchups for Johnson as a #2 QB or maybe even a sleeper #1.

Matt Leinart, ARI – He’s got a few things going for him in the final weeks, including two out of four favorable matchups, nothing to lose by tossing to his bevy of talented receivers, and a bone to pick with his detractors. Next week @STL and Week 16 @SF, he should post good numbers.

Scouring The Barrel

Jay Cutler, DEN – Despite reports throughout the season from Denver that Shanny-han was sticking it out in 2006 with Plummer, I’ve been saying it was all hogwash if the Broncos started dropping games. Now, the untested but talented Cutler has finally gotten the nod, and while it could be a boon to Plummer owners that decide to snag the rookie Vanderbilt product, there will be some growing pains. I don’t like his matchup next week facing Seattle, but the three that follow in weeks 14-16 are more than decent: @SDG @ARI, CIN. All three could be shootouts. It’s important to remember, however, that rookie QBs rarely put up great fantasy numbers in their first few games, but if you feel like taking a long shot, you could do a lot worse.

Updates:

Jeff Garcia, PHI – Competent on Sunday night versus Indy, the big loss was not Garcia’s fault. You’ve gotta lay that one on the Eagles pitiful rush defense. But I’m not optimistic about his matchups the rest of the way.

David Garrard, JAC – Nothing to look forward to the rest of the way. Sorry, but it’s just not going to happen.

J.P. Losman, BUF – Don’t bother getting excited, especially after the Bills got McGahee back. Losman’s one wild week came with A-Train in the backfield.

Tony Romo, DAL – I’ve been talking about Romo nonstop since Thanksgiving, when he made my one-day return to carb-loading even more pleasurable with a five-TD, mistake-free performance. The only detraction was that I chose not to start him in favor of Carson Palmer, but even Carson came through on Sunday with a solid enough game to get me the win. His matchups the next four weeks – @NYG, NOR, @ATL, PHI – are much better than average, and he’s the perfect quarterback for that offense. It’s a shame Parcells didn’t make him the starter before the season ever began.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEA – Throw out the first quarter INTs because of the snow, and Hasselbeck has a great game.

Jason Campbell, WAS – Two competent games in the books and some nice matchups the rest of the way. He’s worth a look as an emergency starter, especially with a healthy receiving core.

Running Backs

Off The Top

Joseph Addai, IND – There’s not a whole lot of top RB options left in any format at this point in the season, and this is a stretch. But after a so-so performance in Dallas, it’s entirely possible somebody loaded at running back in your league got fed up and dropped this guy. I don’t need to tell you what he did on Sunday night, do I? Do whatever you have to do to add this guy to your roster if he’s available by some chance.

Digging Deeper

Wali Lundy, HOU – Not available in most leagues, but I’m sure he’s out there in some. Wali tallied just 11 total yards rushing last week but compiled 8 receptions and 68 yards receiving in Houston’s loss to the Jets. He’s not a viable #1 or # 2, but he’ll have some value in deeper leagues that start three RBs.

Scouring The Barrel

Sammy Morris, MIA – I’ll include him in the barrel just in case Ronnie Brown doesn’t make it back the rest of the season, but it appears even if Morris gets a couple starts they won’t produce big fantasy numbers. Week 16 (NYJ) looks like his only favorable matchup, but the Jets have been better against the run and Brown should definitely be back by then.

Updates:

Mike Bell, DEN – I’m seriously thinking about staying away from the Denver RB situation for the rest of my life.

Samkon Gado, HOU – The Jets shut him down. The Jets.

Justin Fargas, OAK – Huggy Bear, Jr. gets a crack at the useless Houston defense this week. Solid.

Arlen Harris, DET – Probably no longer a factor with Kevin Jones on his way back. But stay tuned, just in case.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Off The Top

WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ – He’s the 20th ranked WR in the game right now in point-per-reception leagues and despite that fact, he almost never gets any respect with a top 30 ranking anywhere else but fftoday.com, which throws him a top 30 bone just about every other week. That means if you’ve been listening to us, you’ve been listening to the right people.

WR Bernard Berrian, CHI – The Bears’ deep threat emerged once again with 5-104-0 last week in their loss to New England, and is being scooped up on many waiver wires as we speak. Don’t hesitate to trust St. Bernard once again with getting medicine to your Himalayan village or bringing it to the house for Chicago.

Digging Deeper

WR Kevin Curtis, STL – He’s had a generally disappointing season, not living up to expectations. Just three catches last week, but one went for a score. Next week the Rams play Arizona, and if you were ever looking for a time to get Curtis in there as a #3, here’s your chance.

WR Marcus Robinson, MIN – Good matchups the rest of the way and solid numbers last week (7-82-1). Just keep an eye on that ankle situation, because he banged it up again last week and he’s prone to missing time.

Scouring The Barrel

TE Bo Scaife, TEN – Emerging as Vince Young’s favorite target, Scaife played alongside the talented QB at Texas back in the day. If you’ve got an extra roster spot, he’s a solid option as a backup TE, especially with so many injuries constantly plaguing the position around the league.

Updates:

WR Wes Welker – 5-42-0 last week for Welker. What did I say about him last week? Most consistent #3 in history. And he’s never gonna goose you.

WR Travis Taylor, MIN – Got his thunder stolen last week, but he got some catches (5-56-0). See Marcus Robinson above.

WR Ronald Curry, OAK – Just 3-19-0 last week, but the Raiders face Houston this week, so he’s a decent #3.

IDP

Off The Top

DB Walt Harris, SF – He’s been more consistent making some tackles over the past few weeks, and he has a great nose for the ball. The rest of the games on the docket are against QBs that tend to throw a lot of picks, so pick him up if he’s available and you will not be disappointed you did.

LB Shawne Merriman, SD – This beast is back in the lineup for the Chargers following a four-game suspension for juicing. If he’s available, what are you waiting for?

Digging Deeper

DB Charles Tillman, CHI – 2 interceptions. 7 tackles and 3 passes defensed last week versus Tom Brady and his band of merry, equally distributed wide receivers. He’s filling the Mike Brown void quite well.

DB Asante Samuel, NE – After he didn’t play in Week 11, I “dropped him from my radar” the week before he dropped 33 freakin’ points in my IDP league. I hope some of you took my advice the week before, played him on a whim once he was back in the lineup, and took advantage of his 3 interceptions, 9 tackles and 3 PDs against the Bears. I really do.

LB Victor Hobson, NYJ – I kept him off the wire week after week because I kept expecting him to get quiet once Vilma started having big games. I guess it’s time to admit that Vilma’s only slightly better in that system that Hobson is.

Scouring The Barrel

DL Bryan Thomas, NYJ – Defensive lineman are always tough to call, but if you’ve got a requirement for one in your IDP league, he’s not a bad option.

Updates:

LB Tedy Bruschi, NE – An average week from the Tedmeister with 7 tackles (4 solo).

DB Kevin Kaesviharn, CIN – Two incredible weeks in a row. If he’s available in your league, grab him, because he’s threatening Madieu Williams as the top IDP producer in that very active secondary.

DB Nate Clements, BUF – Nothing doing last week except 2 tackles and 2 assists.

DB Richard Marshall, CAR – Five tackles, and INT and a PD. He’s just a consistent fantasy producer and a great guy to have on just about any IDP roster.

LB Caleb Miller, CIN – Last week he had another decent game with 10 tackles (6 solo) and a sack. Nice to see.