by Eddie Mayrose

I know, I know.  I’m the guy that loves the Fantasy Football wide receivers before the running backs in a Fantasy Football Draft so, as I’m hanging on by my fingernails in the McGee Survivor League because of a lack of production in the backfield.  There has been very little help from Ahmad Bradshaw and Jerome Harrison and, too make matters worse, Andre Johnson has an ankle problem and will be a game time decision.  Could be the end for Wagstaff’s Home Alone 2 squad.

RB Steven Jackson has a groin injury; his status won’t be determined until Sunday… Joseph Addai could be held out of Sunday’s contest because of a knee… A hamstring will likely keep Knowshon Moreno out of Sunday’s game with the Titans… Colts WR Austin Collie’s heel has healed enough for him to go on Sunday…Things are desperate in San Fran, and they’ll be using their version of the spread offense this week.  Look for a big game from WR Michael Crabtree… RB LaDainian Tomlinson seems to have emerged as the Jets’ primary option in the backfield.  Bad news for owners of Shonn Greene… The Ravens say RB Ray Rice will be a game time decision with a knee but it looks pretty certain that he’ll be in the lineup.

Fantasy Football Stud

Packers WR Donald Driver may be the biggest Lions fan in the NFC Central.  He’s owned them to the tune of 37 catches, 500+ yards an three TD’s over the last five contests.

Fantasy Football Stiff

Bills rookie RB C.J. Spiller isn’t completely healthy and now must face the Jets run-stopping defense.  It’ll be a long day on the shore of Lake Erie for the first round pick from Clemson.

Fantasy Football Sleeper

Maybe I’m just trying to will my RB’s into a productive state but Green Bay’s John Kuhn will be facing the NFL’s worst run  defense when the Packers host the Lions.

Fantasy Football Slipper

Feeling a little guilty about tagging Cards’ RB Tim Hightower for this list, especially after he performed so well for me as a sleeper just two weeks ago.  But, with Arizona’s commitment to Beanie Wells, Hightower’s touches will be limited.

by Eddie Mayrose

When last we left the McGee Survivor Fantasy Football League, in-laws Dr. Pete and Jenny Tyler-Moore had laid waste to three different families on their way to the title game, a contest won by the good doctor.  Both were true survivors, having each hung on through some difficult weeks to avoid elimination.  They’re back this year, with the rest of the clan, but, this time, with targets on their backs.

It’s a unique league, in that there are no head-to-head schedules.  Rather, all 14 eams compete weekly against each other with the lowest scoring squad eliminated from competition. Bye weeks become critical, something the good Professor Wagstaff learned the hard way last year when he was summarily bounced in Week 11.

Fantasy Football Stars

Look for Tampa TE Kellen Winslow to show up his old squad as the Bucs visit Cleveland.  The Patriots’ defense has been sub par for two years now, somethig Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer should easily exploit, especially with all of his new weapons.

Fantasy Football Stiffs

In Houston, RB Arian Foster may just be keeping the seat warm for Steve Slaton.  Even if he isn’t, the Texans will have to throw te ball o beat the Colts, making Foster a risk not worth taking.  Can’t see Jets WR Braylon Edwards christening his new stadium with a big game vs. the Ravens, especially with a struggling Mark Sanchez under center.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

Have to love the 49′ers DST against the undermanned Seahawks as Pete Carroll starts from scratch in Seattle. Dolphins QB Chad Henne should meet with little resistance as Miami opens the season with Buffalo.

Fantasy Football Slippers

While the Jets DST put up great numbers in leding the league, they were very ordinary at home last year.  Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and their new cast of receivers should be enough to spoil Big Rexy’s 2010 debut. Don’t expect much from Eagles’ RB LeSean McCoy, especially against a Green Bay squad lookig toward a Super Bowl.

By Eddie Mayrose

Ranking  quarterbacks for a Fantasy Football Draft isn’t exactly rocket science.   Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers are the top three, followed closely by Tom Brady and Matt Schaub.  Easy stuff, actually, and pretty much universal.  Rating the next five becomes a little dicey, however, as you’ll get very different opinions from Fantasy Football Owners as to which signal callers warrant these spots.  The vast differences of opinion create the potential for selections that will make or break a Fantasy Football Season.  For Professor Wagstaff’s money, the one man in that second five with the best chance of producing on the same level as the top tier is the Ravens’ Joe Flacco.

In 2008, Flacco, then a rookie out of Delaware, led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game; mostly by managing an offensive system that had been scaled down significantly in order to limit his mistakes.  The handcuffs came off last year and Flacco owners benefited from an increase in his production although, Baltimore’s less than stellar wideouts limited the bump in Fantasy points.

This season, however, Flacco could be directing an offensive juggernaut; something Ravens’ fans have never seen before, even during their Super Bowl season.  WR Mark Clayton, last year’s go-to guy, is now the third option after the acquisitions of Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth while RB Ray Rice has become a first rounder in most Fantasy Football drafts due to his status as the NFL’s best receiver out of the backfield.  With the supporting cast now at Flacco’s disposal, he need only to continue the improvement he’s already shown to be that middle round pick you’ll point to when recounting how you managed to win your league in 2010.

Professor Wagstaff’s Top 20 Quarterbacks

1) Drew Brees
2) Peyton Manning
3) Matt Schaub
4) Tom Brady
5) Aaron Rodgers
6) Joe Flacco
7) Tony Romo
8 )Donovan McNabb
9) Carson Palmer
10)Matt Ryan
11)Philip Rivers
12)Brett Favre
13)Jay Cutler
14)Eli Manning
15)Kevin Kolb
16)Matt Cassell
17)Jason Campbell
18)Matt Hasselbeck
19)Matt Stafford
20)Kyle Orton

After 12 tribal councils have eliminated all but Dr. Pete and Twin Cities Jen, the inaugural season of the McGee Survivor League comes to a close this weekend.  Interestingly, the matchup will pair the NFL’s two best running backs; Jen’s Adrian Peterson and Pete’s Chris Johnson.  A bitter pill for the old Professor to swallow, as his strategy to load up on receivers in the early round was summarily stuffed down his throat in Week 10 when he was, ironically, nosed out by both of the finalists on his birthday.  We’ll give a slight edge to Jen’s Team Minnesota for two reasons.  She can turn the world on with her smile and Waggie predicted that she or Colleen, our Bay Area beauty, would walk away with the prize.  That probably bodes well for Pete’s Samurai Shortbus, however, as I haven’t gotten much right in this league.  Good Luck.

Fantasy Football News and Notes

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is very doubtful vs. Atlanta with a concussion…With RB Jamal Lewis done for the year, Jerome Harrison becomes an attractive FA pickup as he’s the Browns’ first option as a replacement.  Well, maybe not attractive but it’s Week 13; you can’t expect much…Mark Sanchez is probable vs. the Bills on Thursday.  If that’s a concern for you, I’d expect that your team is doubtful for a playoff run… The former Chad Johnson threw some left handed compliments at the Bengals’ decision to rely on the running game in their last two wins.  He wants the Bengals to throw more.  Hey Chad, did you notice how much you threw the ball last year when you were 4-11-1?…  QB Ben Roethlisberger will lead the Steelers into battle vs. Oakland.  Hines Ward, however, is questionable with a size 12 Adidas shoe still stuck in his mouth… K Jason Elam was waived by Atlanta, who signed Matt Bryant as a replacement… RB Cedric Benson should return for the Bengals vs. Detroit; bad news for those who picked up Larry Johnson… The Giants’ DST went from a must-start to a matchup when S Kenny Phillips went down and now are a must-sit with LB Antonio Pierce sidelined… Don’t sweat if you own New Orleans RB Pierre Thomas.  Mike Bell got more carries on Monday simply because the Saints chose to run the ball in garbage time.

Fantasy Football Stars

RB Rashard Mendenhall ran for 95 YDS last week in the Steelers OT loss to the Browns; one of the toughest run defenses in the league.  Look for a significant bump to those totals vs. the pathetic Raiders in a game Pittsburgh must have… QB Carson Palmer will shut that big hole in #85′s face by taking advantage of a hapless Lions’ secondary while easing the burden on RB Cedric Benson; returning from injury… Broncos’ WR Brandon Marshall will reap the combined benefits of a ten day rest and an extremely weak defense to post huge numbers vs. Kansas City.

Fantasy Football Stiffs

QB Kurt Warner is still having trouble with his eyes as a result of a concussion.  He’s probable for Arizona vs. Minnesota but you have to wonder how effective he’ll be against a defense with 40 sacks… Owners of Ravens RB Ray Rice have been hurt all year while Baltimore turns to Willis McGahee at the goal line.  Rice has maintained value, however, by posting solid YDS; something that won’t happen this week vs. Green Bay’s tough run defense… Things don’t look bright for WR Lee Evans in tonight’s game vs. the Jets. With Terrell Owens starting to string together some solid games and Buffalo facing a formidable defense, Evans is unlikely to get a lot of touches.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

The Texans face a Jacksonville squad as desperate as they are.  The thinking here is that the Jags will throw the kitchen sink at WR Andre Johnson, leaving Kevin Walter to enjoy a big day… Eagles’ RB LeSean McCoy will take advantage of the Falcons fading defensive unit to the tune of 100 YDS and two TD… QB Kyle Orton will lead a rested Denver squad into Kansas City and make the game look  like a seven on seven drill.

Fantasy Football Slippers

In spite of the Saints’ scoring like a pinball machine, TE Jeremy Shockey hasn’t become part of the fun.  It’s been weeks since he had a productive game… Chiefs’ QB Matt Cassel is in for a long one vs. a Denver team that seemed to find itself on Thanksgiving vs. the Giants… Speaking of the Giants, it’s a mystery why RB Brandon Jacobs has been struggling.  Howevr, it’s your job to react to the problem; not figure it out.

Wagstaff Eliminated From McGee Survivor League

It’s been two weeks since our beloved Professor was sent packing and he still hasn’t gotten over it.  The dreams he had of collecting the grand prize of Christmas booty have been dashed, by in-laws no less. The pain became worse when the elimination process spilled over to his birthday.  Then, the sweetest competitor left in the competition actually sought out some old classmates of the Prof and dished some more dirt.  It’s been quite a humbling experience.

The Staten Island Division has now been decimated while just one remains from the Holmdel and Long Island loops.  The Midwest Division is alive and well heading into the semi final round, each hoping to collect a Christmas gift from the rest of the league.  Good luck to all but, keep it down on the ferry, will ya, Jen?

Fantasy Football News and Notes

Thought it was very cool last week when Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew, after taking a knee on the one yard line in order to run down the clock in the fourth quarter, apologized to his Fantasy Football owners…RB Steve Slaton will be back in the Texans’ starting lineup on Monday night vs. Tennessee…Eagles RB Brian Westbrook will miss up to three weeks with his second concussion in a month.  If he has people that love him, however, he’ll sit the rest of the year…Denver QB Kyle Orton missed a lot of practice time with a sprained ankle and is doubtful for Sunday…Michael Turner, listed by the Falcons as doubtful for Sunday, probably won’t go…Washington RB Clinton Portis is still out with a concussion…Bengal RB Cedric Benson missed the entire week of practice with a hip injury and won’t play Sunday… A bum hip has Colts’ DE Dwight Freeney doubtful at Baltimore…Saints’ RB Reggie Bush is out with a knee injury…Troy Polamalu will not be in the Steelers’ secondary in Kansas City.

Fantasy Football Stars-

How often do the Texans get to show their stuff to a national audience?  That’ll happen Monday night and WR  Andre Johnson should take full advantage.  He and QB Matt Schaub are probably the deadliest passing duo in the league this side of Brady-Moss and not many know it.  Look for Johnson to make life miserable for the Tennessee defense.

Fantasy Football Stiffs -

Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez was the beneficiary of the team’s hot start and Tom Brady’s rust when Gang Green knocked off the Patriots in Week 2 at the Meadowlands.  That won’t happen today as a ticked off Patriots’ defense will be bringing schemes the rookie has never seen.  If you lose points for QB turnovers, you’ll want to sit Sanchez.

Fantasy Football Sleepers-

RB Larry Johnson was signed by the Bengals this week after a month of turmoil inn Kansas City caused by his insensitive remarks about gays cost him his job.  Desperate for a new start and working with fresh legs, he should pur up solid numbers as Cedric Benson’s replacement in Cincinnati.

Fantasy Football Slippers-

Broncos’ WR Brandon Marshall could see his numbers drop vs. San Diego if QB Kyle Orton can’t go.  Back-up QB Chris Simms does not have Orton’s arm and will likely work the underneath routes; costing Marshall and his owners valuable YDS and scoring opportunities.

It was once just a dream; merely a conversation over a family dinner. Until our Staten Island cousin and nephew Terrence, took the reins and created a Fantasy Football giant known as the McGee Survivor League. We don’t know where we’d be without him but we’re about to find out as his Bayside Tigers went down in flames last week. Still alive heading into Monday Night Football, Terry was done in by one long pass from Donovan McNabb and the hideous Bears’ defense, which registered a fatal -10 points. “Should have played another D”, said Terry. “Jenny told me that nothing good comes from Chicago.” Dr. Pete barely survived his own pitiful showing but returns four playrs from their bye weeks. Waggie is still around, courtesy of Thomas Jones and his offensive line. Made it to November, “woo-hoo!”

Fantasy Football News and Notes

Falcons allowing 250 passing YDS PPG so play any and all New Orleans skill position players on your roster…Panthers‘ QB Jake Delhomme, already with 13 INT, returns to Arizona; where he threw five picks in last year’s playoffs… Jets’ RB Thomas Jones should see his carries increase significantly with Leon Washington out. While rookie Shonn Greene will get some touches, he can’t do a lot of what Washington did so, Jones’ll be the guy… RB Ahmad Bradshaw has told the Giants he can play through the pain of a broken bone in his foot. We’ll see… Vince Young takes over for Kerry Collins at QB for the winless Titans… Rams’ RB Steve Jackson, posting 100 YD games on an almost weekly basis, might actually find the end zone this week vs. Detroit…If you saw any of the Jets-Raiders game last week, you’ll play the Chargers’ DST as they host Oakland this weekend… Not buying into the Alex Smith renaissance just yet but he does have significantly better receivers now than when he was strating before… Ravens are at home, coming off a bye and truying to stop a three game losing streak this week. I’d think twice before starting Denver RB Knowshon Moreno against them… Seattle Rb Julius Jones missed practice on Wednesday due to personal reasons but returned Thursday and will play Sunday… The Chiefs suspended RB Larry Johnson for two weeks because whenever he opens his mouth, stupid things come out. Should be a bonus to Jamaal Charles, who’ll get the start… Vikes’ WR Bernard Berrian is nursing a sore hamstring and is questionable for Sunday at Green Bay… Lions wideout Calvin Johnson practiced on Thursday after missing the Lions’ last game before the bye. He was limited and is questionable for the Rams… Minnesota Wr Percy Harvin has battled migraines all year and missed practice on Thursday… Jericho Cotchery should return to the Jets this week after missing a game with a bad hamstring… Colts’ RB Donald Brown is doubtful for Sunday vs. San Francisco with a strained groin…Eagles’ RB Brian Westbrook will be a game time decision after suffering a concussion last week… Colts’ WR Reggie Wayne has been hampered by a strained groin but should go Sunday.

Fantasy Football Stars

- Dolphins’ RB Ricky Williams is coming off his best game of the season, culminating a three game hot streak that began when he and teammate Ronnie Brown ran all over the jets from Miami’s Wildcat formation. Look for more of the samwe this weekend, as the Jets will now try to stop the Wildcat without NT Kris Jenkins… The Seahawks are coming off their bye; having had two weeks to prepare for the Cowboys’ porous pass defense. Look for Matt Hasselbeck to turn in a big game this week vs. Dallas.

Fantasy Football Stiffs

- WR Greg Jennings hasn’t found the endzone since Week One and won’t exactly be facing soft competition on Sunday when the Vikings visit the Packers. That Aaron Rodgers has still performed well is an indication he’s become comfortable with his other receivers; more bad news for Jennings… After Alex Smith’s stellar relief appearance last week, QB Shaun Hill’s out of a job in San Francisco.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

- New Orleans’ TE Jeremy Shockey posted his first 100 YD game of the season last week and is due for another solid game vs. Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed quite a few TE’s to perform well, mailnly because they stretch their secondary too thin to cover WR’s. They’ll be in that mode again on Sunday, facing the best offense in the league… Durning the 49′ers bye week, WR Michael Crabtree and QB Alex Smith developed good chemistry while working with each other on the scout team. That chemistry blossomed on Sunday when Smith got his chance. Look for another big game from Crabtree.

Fantasy Football Slippers

- Eagles QB Donovan McNabb has been terrible the last two weeks, throwing for just one TD and actually losing to the Raiders. His luck won’t improve this week, either, as he’ll face a Giants’ defense that’s held six QB’s under 200 YDS… RB Marshawn Lynch has struggled since his return from suspension in large part due to Buffalo’s terrible pasing game. That won’t change this week as Lynch goes up against a Houston defense that has stuffed Cedric Benson and Frank Gore over its last two games.

After a one week reprieve, the Holmdel division of the McGee Survivor League suffered another casualty as affable, young Edward saw his LeGarrete Blounts go down in flames. If you’re scoring at home, that’s the fourth of six from Old Mill Lane to bite the dust. Things look dicey on Long Island, this week, however, as Dr. Pete’s Samurai Shortbus must replace a number of starters on their bye week. Wagstaff rode the coattails of Thomas Jones to his best week of the season and might actually make it past the year’s halfway point. We’ll see.

Fantasy Football News and Notes

Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson says his ankle is fine and he’ll start Sunday vs. Pittsburgh… LaDainian Tomlinson, plagued by injuries all year, missed time this week because of the flu… Anquan Boldin’s ankle kept him out of practice this week but he’s expected to be in Arizona’s starting lineup… Bills’ RB Marshawn Lynch, who missed the season’s first two games due to suspension, may have his first big game against Carolina, whose run defense is terrible… Colts’ WR Anthony Gonzalez, out since the opener with a knee injury, is close to returning to practice… While Greg Jennings’ hip injury kept him out of practice on Thursday, he will play on Sunday according to Packer coach Mike McCarthy… The Broncos refuse to mess with success and will continue to have Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno split carries; disappointing Fantasy owners of both players… Eagles’ WR Kevin Curtis will not play Monday vs. Washington… Jets’ WR Braylon Edwards has been bothered by a sore quad all week but is expected to play… Clinton Portis is dealing with multiple leg problems including knee, calf, ankle and plantar fascitis but will play Monday.

Fantasy Football Star

- Things line up extremely well for Laurence Maroney this week as the Patriots fly to London to face the Bucs. An injured Sammy Morris did not make the trip, leaving Maroney as the Pats’ go-to back, Tampa Bay’s run defense is one of the league’s weakest and he’s coming off a 123 yard effort last week.

Fantasy Football Stiff

- If you were waiting for Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker to return to your lineup, you won’t be happy to read this. Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced this week that Rashard Mandenhall, successful during Parker’s absence, will get the bulk of the work in the backfield.

Fantasy Football Sleeper

- Those Fantasy Football wners who drafted 49′ers WR Michael Crabtree may actually get some return on their investment this week. He’ll be used a s a slot receiver which may give him a few opportunities for yards after the catch. He’s an explosive player who should bump Josh Morgan from the starting lineup before long.

Fantasy Football Slipper

- Bad enough that the Jets have had their vaunted defense slapped around over the last few weeks but now they must continue without the services of NT Kris Jenkins, thought by many to be the unit’s best player. He’s lost for the season to a knee injury; severely jeopardizing the Jets’ ability to stop the run while sending waves of pressure at the QB.

Can Someone Buy That Coach A Watch?
It happens every week yet, as a seasoned Professor of Football, I haven’t ever been able to understand it.  The idea that a Head Coach watching his opponent drive down the field for a game tying or winning score at the end of a game, will staunchly refuse to call any of his timeouts to save some time for his team to come back.   Maybe it’s a macho thing; not wanting to show weakness or a lack of confidence in the defense.  Maybe it’s wishful thinking, hoping against hope that time will run out before the other guys score or maybe it’s just that, after a long day on the gridiron, the coach is just hungry and doesn’t want to delay his post game meal any longer. (This practice is not limited to the NFL, mind you, because I’ve seen this in Pee Wee football.) No matter what explanation is given, it only serves to mask the actual one: stupidity.

The latest example came on Monday when Rex Ryan decided he had a little extra room in his suitcase for the two timeouts he took home to New York after the Dolphins pulled out a last second victory over the Jets.  Miami scored the go ahead TD with just six seconds on the clock, no time at all for Mark Sanchez to do anything about the deficit.  Had Big Rexy chosen to stop the clock, however, the rookie signal caller may have had as much as a minute left.  Ryan’s post game explanation was baffling, as he declared his belief that his defenders would stop the Dolphins short of the goal line; something they had managed but once in a fourth quarter that saw them surrender three TD’s.  Was Rex at the concession stand for those drives?  The rookie head coach did redeem himself on Tuesday, however, in admitting that he’d do it differently next time.  Unfortunately, even if Ryan converts, a hundred other coaches will refuse to acknowledge the oncoming train.

Fantasy Football News and Notes
Lions  WR Calvin Johnson has missed a few practices this week with what might be a sprained knee and is questionable for Sunday.  Expect him to play… Look for the Cardinals to work RB Beanie Wells into a more pivotal role… WR Miles Austin and Jeremy Maclin were the most added players this week on CBSSportsline… A torn meniscus will keep Raider RB Darren McFadden out of this week’s game… New England WR Wes Welker has not participated in a full practice this week as he battles a knee problem… QB Eli Manning will start on Sunday for the Giants in New Orleans… RB LaDainian Tomlinson returns to the Chargers’ lineup Monday night…

Fantasy Football Stars
Although he might belong on the Sleepers list based on last week’s abysmal performance, Tampa Bay’s Cadillac Williams lands here due to the Bucs’ schedule.  They’ll face Carolina this week, ranked 30th in the league against the rush… Aaron Rodgers gave his owners two 300 YD games last year vs. the Lions and there’s no reason to expect anything less this week…The Cardinals’ passing game is as good as its pass defense is bad; good news for owners of Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck, who’ll face the beleaguered Arizona secondary this week.

Fantasy Football Stiffs
Jets WR Jericho Cotchery is still troubled by a hamstring injury and will be a game time decision on Sunday. In the same situation last week, he failed to fire… Browns’ RB Jerome Harrison was the hot pickup last week off of his performance vs. Cincinnati.  He managed just 21 YDS last week against a porous Buffalo defense and doesn’t figure to fare better this week in Pittsburgh… Saints’ TE Jeremy Shockey has been popping off all week as he preps to face his old mates.  Shockey has never been one to perform well under pressure and the Giants won’t want to let him.  Two catches. Tops.

Fantasy Football Sleepers
Denver RB Knowshon Moreno got his feet wet last week with his first career start.  Look for a big week from the rookie as he faces the Chargers; ranked 27th in the NFL against the run… Jets QB Mark Sanchez apologized to TE Dustin keller for not throwing to him Monday night. Keller should make up for it this week in Buffalo… As bad as the Cards’ pass defense has been, Seahawk WR Nate Burleson should be licking his chops this week.

Fantasy Football Slippers
Rashard Mandenhall has been a godsend to many owners since stepping in for Willie Parker in Pittsburgh.  His touches will be cut this week, however as Parker returns from a toe injury… The Eagles plan to work LeSean McCoy into a rotation with Rb Brian Westbrook; bad news for Westbrook owners… Tennessee RB Chris Johnson managed just 34 YDS last week against the colts and will have a tough time this week vs. New England, especially if the Titans continue to play from behind.

Fantasy Football News and Notes
While he’ll, no doubt, be the most acquired player in most leagues this week, don’t expect too much too soon from 49′ers WR Michael Crabtree.  His talent is immense and he’ll be a big boost for you in the second half but I can’t see Mike Singletary making any adjustments to what’s obviously working already…In contrast, WR Braylon Edwards’ impact on the Jets should be immediate, if not direct.  Look for things to open up for RB Thomas Jones and Leon Washington now that QB Mark Sanchez has a deep threat… Very quietly, Jacksonville QB David Garrard is putting together a very solid season…Raiders RB Darren McFadden is out with a torn meniscus.  Michael Bush and/or Justin Fargas will share his workload…Dallas WR Roy Williams will be a game time decison vs. Kansas City due to torn cartilage in his rib cage… Steelers RB  Willie Parker will be limited in practice, leaving his status as well as Rasahard Mendenhall’s, in question…Cleveland WR Mike Furrey may net a few more receptions over the next week or two with Braylon Edwards gone but Chansi Stuckey, acquired from the Jets,  is an Eric Mangini favorite and a better option than Furrey…Eagles QB Donovan McNabb returns to the starting lineup this week after missing two games with a fractured rib.  RB Brian Westbrook, out last week with a sprained ankle, should also be back… Dallas RB Marion Barber sat out a lot of the second half last week when his thigh injury acted up.  Hang on to Tashard Choice… Look for the Vikes DST, fresh off an eight sack performance vs. Green Bay, to continue the onslaught against the hapless Rams.

Fantasy Football Stars
Houston’s QB/WR tandem, Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson should have a big day vs. Arizona… The Ravens seem to have given QB Joe Flacco the freedom he earned with a strong rookie year.  All of a sudden, Baltimore is an offensive force.  Flacco will have a great day vs. Cincinnati… Gotta love all of the Steelers’ skill position guys vs. Detroit; especially QB Ben Roethlisberger.  With RB Willie Parker banged up, look for Big Ben to sling it all over the lot vs. Detroit.

Fantasy Football Stiffs
Can’t be too much longer before Tennessee gives up the ghost and dismisses QB Kerry Collins for Vince Young.  A loss this week should spell the end for Collins… Raiders QB JeMarcus Russell, while probably not owned in any but the deepest leagues, must be listed simply because he is that bad… Tampa Bay QB Josh Johnson is keeping the seat warm for first round pick Josh Freeman and will do nothing to distinguish himself during that time… Seahawks’ RB Julius Jones has been too inconsistent to keep in your lineup but will struggle this week vs. Jacksonville.

Fantasy Football Sleepers
Browns RB Jerome Harrison will continue to carry the load for Cleveland. He had 29 carries for 121 yards and caught five passes for 31 yards against Cincinnati last week… Jets’ RB Leon Washington always seems to save his biggest plays for the Dolphins, Gang Green’s opponent on Monday… Grab Jags’ WR Mike Sims-Walker if he’s still available in your league.  He’s become the emerging David Garrard’s favorite target.

Fantasy Football Slippers
While Rams’ RB Stephen Jackson has been putting up decent YDS, he’s having a lot of trouble getting into the end zone, something that should continue vs. Minnesota… Can’t see Dolpin QB Chad Henne continuing last week’s success against the blitzing schemes of the Jets… Can’t see a big game in Seattle WR Nate Burleson’s future as long as Seneca Wallace is calling signals.   For more Fantasy Sports insight and analysis, visit Wagstaff and Company at FantasySportsDirt.com

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Fantasy Football News and Notes
We all know how much Terrell Owens‘ attitude can cause in the clubhouse.  We’ve seen it in San Fran, Philly and Dallas already.  And, given time, it’ll happen in Buffalo.  That said, shame on the Bills’ beat writers for trying to goad Owens into blasting the team’s game plan…Bad day in San Diego for the Professor’s favorite NFL’er, Chad Pennington, as he seriously injured his throwing shoulder for the third (and possibly last) time.  If his career is truly over, he’ll be remembered as a great teammate, leader and winner.  Say what you want about his soft-tossing style but give him his due.  When healthy, he always won, never more impressively than last year when he guided Miami to the biggest turnaround in league history… Can someone explain how San Francisco allowed any receivers to get behind them on that last play in Minnesota?…  As if things weren’t already bad enough in Oakland, assistant coach Randy Hanson has now detailed for authorities how his jaw was broken by head coach Tom Cable; something he previously denied…Mike Shanahan’s name has already begun to surface as a possible replacement for embattled Redskins’ coach, Jim Zorn…Tell me again how the Giants are going to regret not signing a big name replacement for Plaxico Burress… Looks like Fantasy Owners that drafted Michael Crabtree as a late round flier won’t be getting much in return this year as both sides refuse to budge in contract talks… With Dwight Freeney out 2-3 weeks, the Colts already shorthanded defense may face struggles it can’t overcome.

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Fantasy Football Stars- Love 49’ers TE Vernon Davis vs. St. Louis, especially after his 2 TD performance last week.  He’s become San Fran’s #1 option through the air; a far cry from being banished from the bench in coach Mike Singletary’s first game… Carson Palmer should be 3-0 but for the fluky, last play that gave Denver a win in Cincy in the opener.  Palmer is fresh off a victory over the Super Bowl champs and starting to click with his receivers.  Bad news for the atrocious Cleveland Browns… Giants’ RB Brandon Jacobs should have one of his best games of the season this week in KC.  The Chiefs can’t stop anyone.

Fantasy Football Stiffs- Raiders QB JeMarcus Russell is fat, out of shape, confused and a victim of the disarray so much a part of Al Davis’ organization…  Al Davis doesn’t own the Buccaneers.  After that, the same adjectives apply to Byron Leftwich… We’ll save space here and list the Cleveland Browns as a unit.  From the head coach on down, this team is a train wreck whose players you can’t afford to use.  How do you like Mangini now, Cleveland?

Fantasy Football Sleepers- With Marion Barber and Felix Jones banged up, RB Tashard Choice becomes just that in Dallas.  He was very impressive in his Monday Night cameo… Minnesota WR Percy Harvin is becoming a regular on this list.  Not only has he quickly emerged as Brett Favre’s favorite target, he’s now added special teams prowess to his resume…  Since Peyton Manning lost Anthony Gonzalez as his second receiver, he’s made do, quite nicely, with WR Pierre Garcon, who’s had a long TD grab in each of the last two games.

Fantasy Football Slippers- One thing Cardinals’ RB Tim Hightower had going for him was that 1st round pick, Beanie Wells, was having trouble hanging on to the ball.  That is, until Hightower coughed it up himself last week.  Look for Arizona to use its bye week to make Wells a more viable part of the attack and take carries from Hightower… Bills’ WR Terrell Owens had no catches last week for the first time in 185 games.  That won’t happen Sunday in Miami but he and Trent Edwards are clearly not in sync… Lost in the euphoria of the Jets’ perfect record is the struggling RB Thomas Jones. In New York’s victory over Tennessee, he carried just 14 times for  20 yards.  Jones has struggled for most of the season, his strong second half vs. Houston the lone bright spot.

BYE WEEK- Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Philadelphia