Upgrades

QB Kyle Boller (Bal) - What is this? Boller throwing for 200+ yards and a pair of TDs? Boller still isn't a viable fantasy QB, but he gets the upgrade because he had nowhere to go but up.

QB Jake Delhomme (Car) - With Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster on IR, the Panthers offense will be an aerial display the rest of the way. In week nine against the 49ers that display was a sight to behold as Delhomme and Muhammad connected for three scores. Over the last three weeks, Delhomme has 8 TDs against just 1 interception. He is becoming a must-start each week.

QB Brett Favre (GB) - Favre recorded his 18th career 4-TD game against the Vikings. The Packers may be more of a running team, but Favre is certainly capable of tossing multiple passing scores against any opponent.

QB Peyton Manning (Ind) - Manning has Marino's single-season record of 48 passing TDs in sight. With seven more games to play, Manning needs 17 more scores to tie for the record. With the Colts throwing near the goal line, that record does not look safe. In the last 3 weeks, Manning has 14 TDs against just 3 interceptions. He is as hot as a QB gets.

*** Waiver wire - QB David Garrard (Jac) - There is a chance that Byron Leftwich could come back this weekend, but Garrard's performance against the Lions means Leftwich will likely not be rushed back into action. Garrard is perfectly capable of leading this team as he showed this week. His rushing ability also helps his fantasy numbers. Although we doubt there is a QB controversy in Jacksonville, stranger things have happened.

QB Trent Green (KC) - He has more attempts (109), more completions (81) and more passing yards (1,069) than Peyton Manning the last three weeks. Now that is saying something.

QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) - Culpepper throwing for 4 TDs has become almost commonplace, but it is certainly noticeable when Randy Moss is in street clothes. Moss is expected to miss another game, but Culpepper has now shown he is capable of great numbers without the star WR.

*** Waiver wire - QB Eli Manning (NYG) - The Giants have named Eli Manning the starter for week 11's game. Time will tell if he can jumpstart the offense that is struggling behind a terrible offensive line.

QB Billy Volek (Ten) - The game ended disastrously, but the 334 yards and two TDs were music to fantasy owners' ears. McNair should be ready to return this week, but Volek has shown the capability to put up quality numbers.

*** Waiver wire - QB Patrick Ramsey (Was) - Patrick Ramsey put up decent stats after another horrible start by Mark Brunell. Stick a fork into Mark Brunell. He is done. Ramsey should start the rest of the games for the under-achieving Redskins.

RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) - The old man can still find the endzone. Between the 20s, Smith shares a bit with backup RB Troy Hambrick, but the goalline is all Emmitt. For the year (9 games), Emmitt has 9 TDs (8 rushing and 1 passing). Yesterday he racked up 67 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.

RB T.J. Duckett (Atl) - It looks like Duckett has assumed the role of short-yardage back for the Falcons as he scored a pair of TDs against the Buccaneers.

*** Waiver wire - RB Nick Goings (Car) - Goings had only 11 touches against the 49ers, but that led all Carolina RBs, and he produced 92 total yards. Those aren't stellar numbers, but if you are desperate for a back he should be available.

RB Thomas Jones (Chi) - Jones is expected to return this week and the Bears offense desperately needs him. Without Jones, Chicago was downright offensive with the ball as they accounted for only 3 of the team's 19 points. Backup RB Anthony Thomas gets what is available, but Jones has shown more of an ability to create. When healthy, he'll be the team's primary back.

RB Rudi Johnson (Cin) - His 102-yard day on the ground was pretty impressive. Add in the TD and the fact that the Redskins defense is excellent, and Johnson's performance was outstanding.

RB Kevin Jones (Det) - Jones turned in a good outing (just over 4 ypc) against a quality Jacksonville run defense. However, the most important reason Jones is on this list is that he was given all 19 of the team's carries.

RB Domanick Davis (Hou) - Even though the Texans were routed, Davis came through with 152 total yards and a pair of TDs. Davis has the Houston ground game all to himself as he was given 31 of the 33 RB carries against the Colts, and he led the team with 7 receptions.

RB Fred Taylor (Jac) - HC Jack Del Rio stated that he would get Fred Taylor more involved while Byron Leftwich heals. The gameplan worked to perfection. Fred Taylor had 144 yards on 23 carries and also caught 3 passes for 21 yards.

RB Derrick Blaylock (KC) - There is strong talk that Priest Holmes will miss another week, and Blaylock showed he could fill the starting RB role very nicely. He finished the game with 224 total yards on 34 touches. Priest who?

RB Corey Dillon (NE) - Dillon had 151 yards against the tough Buffalo run defense. As the weather chills, the Patriots will rely even more heavily on their stud rusher.

RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) - This was the game that all the gurus pointed to as the beginning of the end for Martin's stellar 2004 campaign. Martin apparently did not get the memo though as he shredded the Ravens for 119 rushing yards and a pair of TDs. As long as Quincy Carter provides adequate production at QB, Martin will continue to excel.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) - Staley won't stay on the sidelines much longer (will likely return this week), but Bettis has shown he is still able to produce huge numbers. At the least, he'll continue to add to his already double-digit TD total. He finished the day with 103 yards on 29 carries while scoring twice. For the year, Jerome has 10 rushing TDs (behind only Priest Holmes).

RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) - Since the Seahawks have simplified their offense, Shaun Alexander has been on fire. In the last three games, he has 531 rushing yards on 80 carries (6.64 yards per carry/177 yards per game).

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) - If being mad means he gives the ball to his RBs 28 times, then here's to Mike Martz staying mad. After 13 consecutive passes to open the game, Faulk was given 18 carries and exploded for 139 rushing yards while adding 2 catches for 32 receiving yards.

*** Waiver wire - WR Clarence Moore (Bal) - Moore cracked the starting lineup a few weeks ago but has been quiet in that role until week ten. Boller obviously has confidence in the young WR as they hooked up for a pair of scores.

WR Eric Moulds (Buf) - He finished with only 46 yards on 5 catches, but was targeted 12 times. He should rebound with better QB play.

WR Muhsin Muhammad (Car) - Carolina has lost their two RBs and at 2 and 7 aren't looking for replacements. Instead, they are throwing the ball more. Muhsin had 12 targets on Sunday and caught 6 passes for 123 yards and 3 TDs. He has become a must-start each week.

*** Waiver wire - WR TJ Houshmandzadeh (Cin) - He was targeted 11 times on Sunday. Kelley Washington remains an after-thought despite great athletic skills.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) - Chad was targeted 14 times despite constant double-coverage. Carson Palmer is improving each week which could lead to a great finish by Chad Johnson.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) - His burst after the catch makes him extremely potent in Peyton's aerial attack. He came up big again on Sunday with 5 catches for 132 yards and 2 scores.

WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) - Talk about being clutch. Every defense KNOWS he is the primary target when they play the Jaguars. And despite this, he just keeps catching the balls. He caught 7 for 109 yards and a TD this weekend. For the year, he has 812 receiving yards (second only to Javon Walker).

WR Eddie Kennison (KC) - He is finally healthy and delivered his best game of the year catching 7 for 121 and a score.

WR Nate Burleson (Min) - With Moss out, Culpepper and Vikings were desperate for production at the WR position. Burleson finally filled that void against the Packers with 11 catches for 141 yards and a TD.

WR David Givens (NE) - Another game where he is seeing the majority of passes thrown his way. he was targeted 11 times on Sunday catching 5 for 66 yards. Against lesser defenses, he should rebound with better games.

WR Joe Horn (NO) - The Saints defense seems to be getting worse (if that is possible). Joe delivered on Sunday with 5 catches for 167 yards and a TD. Donte' Stallworth has all but disappeared in this offense as aaron Brooks looks for Joe Horn on every important throw.

WR Amani Toomer (NYG) - He was targeted 13 times, catching 8 for 100 yards. Although the team is making a change at QB, look for Eli Manning to continue to seek out Toomer.

WR Brandon Lloyd (SF) - He caught another TD this week. Expect the 49ers to have to throw a lot every week with a suspect defense and a below average offense.

WR Michael Clayton (TB) - He quietly is climbing the WR fantasy chart. After 9 weeks, Michael Clayton is at number 16 with 685 yards and 3 TDs (despite not starting at the beginning of the year). He has become a must-start each week.

WR Drew Bennett (Ten) - He had a break-through game this week catching 6 passes for 148 yards and a TD (on 11 targets).

WR Laveranues Coles (Was) - The change at QB has to help Coles. He was targeted a whopping 18 times this week. Look for his big games to follow.

TE Alge Crumpler (Atl) - Crumpler is easily the best receiver in Atlanta. Even though Vick had a mere eight completions against Tampa Bay, Crumpler was able to haul in four balls for 118 yards and the game-winning TD.

TE Dallas Clark (Ind) - Clark has become a big part of the Indianapolis offense over the last few weeks. As teams attempt to shutdown arguably the best trio of receivers in the league, the Colts' tight ends are running wild. An 80-yard TD is something rarely seen at the TE position.

TE Jermaine Wiggins (Min) - Wiggins seems to get open a lot, and he seems to catch everything that is near him. That combination is hard to beat. When Moss returns, the field should open up even more for the underrated Wiggins.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) - Over the last 3 weeks Jeremy Shockey has 13 catches for 148 yards and 2 TDs. Most notably, he has not appeared on the injury report as questionable (like he did for most of last season).

TE Eric Johnson (SF) - He caught 6 passes for 71 yards on Sunday. He was targeted an impressive 10 times.

TE Ken Dilger (TB) - He has scored the last two weeks. He also added 51 yards on 5 catches.

PK Phil Dawson (Cle) - He is perfect on the season making all 17 of his field goal attempts while also converting on 17 extra points.

PK Adam Vinatieri (NE) - Over the last 3 weeks, Adam has 11 FGs and 8 extra points with no misses. For the season, Adam has made 23 FGs while missing just 1 (93%).

PK Josh Brown (Sea) - For the season, Josh has missed just 1 of his 18 FG attempts for an impressive 94% conversion rate.

Def Atlanta (Atl) - They allowed just 193 yards while recording 7 sacks and 1 interceptions. Most weeks they are a force.

Def Jacksonville (Jac) - The special teams broke down twice on punt coverage, but the defense was stellar on Sunday allowing the Lions only 190 yards and 3 points.

Def New England (NE) - Even without Ty Law, this unit is getting it done. They allowed just 125 total yards to the Bills while grabbing 4 interceptions and recovering 1 fumble.

Def Pittsburgh Steelers (Pit) - Over the last three weeks, they have allowed just 589 total yards while recording 12 sacks and grabbing 5 interceptions.

Def Tennessee (Ten) - They allowed just 176 total yards to the Bears while recording 5 sacks.

Downgrades

QB Drew Bledsoe (Buf) - Bledsoe must have had a flashback to his days as a Patriot as he hit Troy Brown squarely in the numbers. The J.P. Losman era should begin as soon as the rookie is healthy.

QB Jeff Garcia (Cle) - Garcia threw for 110 yards against the Steelers and after the game summed up the current situation in Cleveland: "You name it, we do it the wrong way."

QB Joey Harrington (Det) - With Williams hobbled, the Harrington and Lions passing game are lacking punch. It is likely that Williams' ankle will bother him the rest of the season so don't expect big games from Harrington.

QB David Carr (Hou) - Facing the weak Colts defense, he managed no TDs while throwing three picks. Over the last three weeks, David Carr has just 1 passing TD.

QB Kurt Warner (NYG) - Sacks and fumbles did him in. He is now the backup to Eli Manning.

QB Mark Brunell (Was) - Brunell was yanked after throwing only eight balls against the Bengals. Only two were caught (one by each team).

RB Warrick Dunn (Atl) - He has company in the backfield in the form of T.J. Duckett. Even worse, Duckett scored both of the team's short-yardage TDs. Dunn will still likely get the majority of carries, but he is definitely in the middle of a time-sharing situation.

RB Willis McGahee (Buf) - Against a great Patriot defense, Willis looked below average. He finished with just 37 yards on 14 carries while adding another 12 on a catch. He failed to score.

RB Brad Hoover (Car) - He gained only 12 yards on 5 carries. Nick Goings and Joey Harris will likely get more looks going forward.

RB Stephen davis (Car) - He has been placed on IR. He is gone for the season.

RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) - Thanks for holding down the fort, but this offense is in dire need of a play-maker. Thomas Jones is no Barry Sanders, but he creates far more on his own than does Thomas.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) - James did accumulate 100 total yards against the Texans, but the TDs are missing. The Colts are executing so well outside the redzone that they rarely face goal line situations anymore.

RB Lamont Jordan (NYJ) - "Halfback pass by Jordan" has been removed from the New York Jets playbook.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) - It's not often that a back can score two TDs and deserve a downgrade. However, the Panthers have been terrible against opposing RBs this year so much more was expected from Barlow. Against Carolina, his paltry 47 yards on 21 carries was downright awful. The fact that San Francisco skated out to a 17-0 lead makes the production even worse. Barlow should have been able to pound the Panthers defense into submission and turned in a huge day.

WR Kelley Washington (Cin) - We have officially given up on him for this season. Despite excellent athletic skills, his route running is horrible. And because of this he remains on the bench. He caught 4 passes for 23 yards on Sunday.

WR Roy Williams (Det) - He is simply not full speed with his injured ankle. He needs rest, but the team can't afford to give it to him. There's always the chance that he'll catch a TD, but he will be very fortunate to grab a half-dozen receptions in any single game.

WR Derrick Armstrong (Hou) - Despite a great matchup, he managed just 1 catch for 14 yards.

WR Marvin Harrison (Ind) - He had only 22 yards yesterday on 5 targets despite Manning lighting it up. Manning is going to throw to the open person plain and simple. Harrison will still have huge weeks, but may also see more weeks like this as defenses attempt to take him away.

WR Reggie Williams (Jac) - The rookie just isn't getting it done. He had 1 catch for 8 yards on Sunday.

WR Marcus Robinson (Min) - With Moss on the sidelines, Robinson has shown little inclination of shouldering the load. Despite 10 targets, he caught just 2 passes on Sunday.

WR Koren Robinson (Sea) - His appeal hearing is on Tuesday. We expect he will lose the appeal and be suspended 4 games.

TE Daniel Graham (NE) - In the last 3 games, he has 1 catch for 9 yards.

PK Jason Hanson (Det) - For the entire season, he has just 6 FGs (and 3 misses).

PK Mike Vanderjagt (Ind) - As the Colts score TD after TD, Vanderjagt's value continues to slide. He has just 6 FGs for the year (against 3 misses).

PK Martin Gramatica (TB) - He is connecting on just 69% of his attempts (11 FGs and 5 misses). It is obvious that HC Gruden has lost confidence in him to make a key kick.

Def Buffalo (Buf) - They were shredded on the ground by the Patriots allowing 220 yards. They also gave up 29 points.

Def Minnesota (Min) - They allowed 442 total yards while recording no sacks or interceptions. Lucky they aren't paid for performance.

Def New Orleans (NO) - They allowed 497 yards to the Chiefs. For the year they have allowed a league leading 3,816 yards.

Def Seattle (Sea) - This Jeckyl and Hyde unit had another bad game. They allowed 202 rushing yards and 462 total yards this past week against the Rams.