Upgrades

*** Waiver wire - QB John Navarre (Ari) - He has been named the starter for week 13. Although we don't expect him to be very good, he does have solid weapons in the passing game.

QB Michael Vick (Atl) - He is running as good as he ever has. He added another 69 yards on the ground and scored a running TD. Combined with his 212 passing yards and 2 TDs (against 1 interception), Vick had a huge day. He leads all QBs with 709 rushing yards.

*** Waiver wire - QB Chad Hutchinson (Chi) - Hutchinson will start for the Bears in Week 13. He is not very talented, but has the opportunity now.

*** Waiver wire - QB Jeff George (Chi) - Don't look now, but Jeff George is back in the league. He is expected to backup Chad Hutchinson this week, but could emerge as the starter if Hutchinson is horrible. Then again if you are forced to play Jeff George at QB on your fantasy team you probably aren't going to win your league anyway.

QB Jake Delhomme (Car) - He had a modest day (213 yards and 2 TDs), but plays New Orleans next week.

*** Waiver wire - QB Kelly Holcomb (Cle) - Jeff Garcia is expected to miss another week or two. Holcomb showed in week 12 that he is capable of running the offense well. He had 413 And by "fairly well" we mean 413 passing yards with 5 TDs. Even more unbelievable is that Holcomb wasn't able to get the victory.

QB Vinny Testaverde (Dal) - Someone forgot to tell Bill Parcells that it was time for Drew Henson to be given the reins. Actually, the emergence of RB Julius Jones has given Parcells hope that the season is not yet lost and Testaverde gives them the best chance to win.

QB Peyton Manning (Ind) - Can he get any higher? In week 12, he threw more touchdowns (6) than incomplete passes (5). That is unreal. He now has 41 touchdowns for the season. Forget the record...that is toast. Can he get 60 TDs?

QB Kerry Collins (Oak) - Collins and the Raiders offense broke out against the Broncos as he continuously hit Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry for big plays in a big win in the snow. Collins threw 45 times for 339 yards and four TDs and finally seemed comfortable in an Oakland jersey. He plays Kansas City next week so he is likely to have another huge day.

QB Drew Brees (SD) - For the year, Drew has 21 TDs against just 3 interceptions. Over the last 4 games, he has 12 TDs with no picks. Outside of Peyton Manning, he is as hot as any QB in the league.

*** Waiver wire - RB Larry Croom (Ari) - He will start for the Cardinals due to Emmitt Smith's injury. Emmitt is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.

RB Willis McGahee (Buf) - McGahee officially became an elite fantasy RB with another 100+ yards rushing game and an eye-popping four TDs. Travis Henry's broken leg means McGahee will see all of the carries going forward as well.

RB Nick Goings (Car) - The likely "one-game wonder" followed up his coming out party with another 100+ yard outing against a tough defense.

RB Rudi Johnson (Cin) - Anytime you get 200+ rushing yards you are going to make this list. He finished the day with 202 rushing yards and 2 TDs. The Bengals continue to give him opportunities too. He has 73 carries over the last 3 weeks (3rd most in the NFL).

RB Julius Jones (Dal) - Jones is only two games into his career as Dallas' starting RB, but he is turning into a workhorse. He carried the ball 33 times in week 12 for 150 yards and a pair of TDs. Parcells will keep feeding the rookie as he remains one of the few bright spots on this roster.

RB Kevin Jones (Det) - The Lions are reeling right now, but Jones is turning in some decent statistics. In week 12, he only carried the ball 12 times but totaled 99 rushing yards.

RB Domanick Davis (Hou) - Davis seems to be hitting his stride. In week 12, he accounted for 181 yards from scrimmage and a rushing TD. He has 439 combined yards and 4 TDs in his last 3 games. That defines being a workhorse.

RB Fred Taylor (Jac) - Taylor amassed 160 yards from scrimmage in week 12 and recorded his third consecutive 100+ yard game.

RB Onterrio Smith (Min) - Smith was given all but one of the RB carries in week 12. Mike Tice obviously prefers him over Michael Bennett.

RB Corey Dillon (NE) - Dillon pounded the stellar Ravens defense for a very impressive 123 yards. It can not be stressed enough that the Patriots will lean heavily on Dillon as the season nears completion (easier to run in bad weather).

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) - He had 127 combined yards and a pair of TDs. Defenses have been double-teaming Terrell Owens which has helped Westbrook see more open space. Healthy now, he is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Over the last 3 games, he has 350 combined yards and 5 TDs.

RB Duce Staley (Pit) - He is expected to return to the starting lineup this week.

*** Waiver wire - RB Maurice Hicks (SF) - For the 2nd straight week, Hicks has been the team's most productive back. He is turning in a much better effort than Barlow and is being rewarded with extra touches.

RB Michael Pittman (TB) - Pittman was stymied on the ground (18 carries for 29 yards) so he made up for it via the air (8 receptions for 134 yards and two TDs).

*** Waiver wire - RB Ladell Betts (Was) - He split carries with all-contract Clinton Portis on Sunday. He is a reach at this point, but it's obvious Gibbs isn't too thrilled with the production from Portis.

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) - He had a modest 87 yards without a score, but led all Arizona receivers with 13 targets. With Emmitt Smith (and backup Troy Hambrick on IR), the Cardinals will likely pass more down the stretch.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) - He caught 10 of the 12 passes thrown his way. He finished the day with 10 catches for 117 yards and 1 TD. Since he and Carson Palmer are the hope of future seasons, I suspect the team will throw to him even more in the remaining weeks.

*** Waiver wire - WR Antonio Bryant (Cle) - Although this performance level is not likely to be repeated this season, there is no discounting that Antonio Bryant is in the mix a lot more in Cleveland than he ever was in Dallas. He finished the day with 8 catches for 131 yards and 2 TDs (on 12 targets).

WR Marvin Harrison (Ind) - He was targeted a whopping 16 times on Thanksgiving. He finished the day with 12 catches for 127 yards and 3 scores leaving little doubt who the best WR on this talented Indianapolis team is.

WR Chris Chambers (Mia) - He has quietly put in a few strong games in a row now. He finished with 64 yards and a score on Sunday to bring his 3 game total to 271 yards and 3 scores. He also has added 31 yards on 2 runs.

WR Randy Moss (Min) - He is playing again. Enough said. He had just 40 yards but scored a TD. Look for his production to increase steadily each week as him hamstring gets stronger.

WR Joe Horn (NO) - The Saints defense is beyond awful. This means lots of garbage time for Aaron Brooks to throw the ball downfield. Joe Horn continues to get the majority of those targets and should be huge down the stretch. He had 9 catches for 101 yards and a score on Sunday on 12 targets.

WR Santana Moss (NYJ) - He is playing better with Quincy Carter at QB. He had another productive day with 109 yards and a score.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) - Finally a statement game. Jerry caught 6 for 135 yards and 3 TDs to lead all WRs in week 12.

WR Michael Clayton (TB) - He had another 11 targets in week 12. He finished the day with 8 catches for 77 yards. He has become a must start every week.

WR Derrick Mason (Ten) - Targeted 13 times, Mason is where McNair likes to throw the ball. He finished the day with 8 catches for 87 yards and a score.

TE Alge Crumpler (Atl) - With 709 yards and 6 scores, he is Atlanta's best receiver. The fact that he plays tight end makes him invaluable.

*** Waiver wire - TEs Steve Heiden and Aaron Shea (Cle) - Steve caught 7 passes for 82 yards and 3 TDs. aaron had 5 catches for 67 yards without scoring. For the year, these two have combined for a whopping 8 TDs.

TE Antonio Gates (SD) - He has 11 TDs in as many games. The next closest TEs are Pollard and Crumpler with 6 TD. Despite constant double coverage, he gets his yards every game.

*** Waiver wire - TE Erron Kinney (Ten) - Finally healthy, Kinney is starting to emerge in the Titan's offense. And without Tyrone Calico, someone other than Derrick Mason has to catch the ball. Erron finished with 6 catches for 53 yards and 2 TDs. He is always a threat near the goal line.

*** Waiver wire - TE Chris Cooley (Was) - In leagues that score only TDs, one could do worse than having Chris on his roster. He scored again this week giving him 4 for the year.

PK Adam Vinatieri (NE) - Over the last three weeks, he is the only QB averaging over 10 points a game. For the year he is 28 for 29 on FG attempts. He is in a class by himself at kicker right now.

Def Indianapolis (Ind) - Over the last 3 games they have recorded 12 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries and 6 interceptions. They have also yielded only 912 total yards (good for them).

Def Pittsburgh (Pit) - Over the last 3 weeks they have yielded only 593 total yards while recording 12 sacks. This defense is as good as any in the league right now.

Downgrades

QB Josh McCown & QB Shaun King (Ari) - It doesn't matter which one is in the game. The results are not good. Denny Green has named rookie John Navarre the starter for wek 13.

QBs Craig Krenzel & Johnathan Quinn (Chi) - One of them is hurt, and the other is terrible. Chad Hutchinson is the new starter, and Jeff George is coming to town.

QB Jeff Garcia (Cle) - He is inured and expected to miss a few more games. It doesn't help that Holcombe played well in his absence.

QB Drew Henson (Dal) - Parcells is not ready to scrap the season and begin developing Henson. At least he is undefeated as a starter.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) - 368 yards 1 TD and 2 interceptions would make a pretty good fantasy day. Unfortunately those are Harrington's combined numbers in his last 3 games. He is awful.

QB David Garrard (Jac) - Leftwich is back so Garrard is back to the bench.

QB Eli Manning (NYG) - Manning looked absolutely baffled against the Eagles defense. He had only six completions (the same number of TD passes his older brother had three days earlier) and was picked off twice. He is not likely to be benched, but he also will likely be a fantasy dud the rest of the way.

QB Quincy Carter (NYJ) - Carter was briefly knocked out the week 12 contest against the Cardinals, but he returned and helped the Jets get the win. Still, he gets the downgrade because Chad Pennington will soon return (possible as early as week 13).

QB Ben Roethlisberger (Pit) - Over the last three weeks, Ben has just 403 passing yards and 1 TD against 1 interception. He isn't making mistakes and the Steelers are winning, but he also isn't helping your fantasy team at this point. With Duce Staley returning to the lineup soon, expect the Steelers to keep it on the ground.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (Sea) - He is just not playing well right now at all. He had another mediocre game picking up some of his yards in garbage time. For the year, he ranks as just the 17th best QB. This is well below everyone's expectations.

QB Tim Rattay (SF) - The 49ers are horrible and Rattay is smack dab in the middle of the ineptitude.

RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) - Smith suffered a sprained big toe and could not finish against the Jets. He is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.

RB Warrick Dunn (Atl) - With Vick running wild and TJ Duckett in the mix, there aren't enough running arries left. This has become an ugly RBBC situation.

RB Travis Henry (Buf) - As if his value wasn't low enough already, Henry suffered a broken leg against the Seahawks and is likely gone for the rest of the year.

RB Lee Suggs (Cle) - A running back with a bum toe is a bad sign as they need the toe for the quick bursts. The team may opt to keep playing William Green to get Suggs healthy.

RB Travis Minor (Mia) - Minor was given a great opportunity to shine with Sammy Morris injured. Twenty-two carries for 47 yards isn't going to keep Minor in the starting lineup.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) - While he did have one catch, Bennett did not sniff a carry this week while Onterrio Smith was handed the ball 20 times. With Smith healthy, Bennett is sitting.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) - The worst part of Barlow's season is that he rarely seems to be giving a huge effort. To suck is bad enough, but to suck because of complacency is unacceptable. It's not hard to see why Maurice Hicks looks like the best RB on the team.

RB Chris Brown (Ten) - Brown missed another game with his turf toe injury. The Titans said he was close to returning this week, but we have to wonder when Brown will actually be 100% this season.

RB Clinton Portis (Was) - Portis watched most of the week 12 game as Joe Gibbs decided to throw the ball ineffectively. Of course when Portis is in the game, the Redskins offense runs the ball ineffectively. Patrick Ramsey said that one of the team's goals is to "score 21 points". They haven't done that yet this season. How sad. This is simply a horrible offense.

WR Travis Taylor (Bal) - Nevermind that he caught just 1 pass for 4 yards. Boller threw the ball to him 11 times. All those throws aren't the QBs fault.

WR Marcus Robinson (Min) - With Randy Moss back, his value is almost worthless.

WR David Givens (NE) - The Patriots are running the ball a lot right now. Add a healthy Deion Branch now to the passing game and Givens stock is plummeting. Over the last three weeks, Givens has just 111 yards with no scores.

WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) - Over the last three games he has just 5 catches for 36 yards. Think he misses Warner?

WR Hines Ward (Pit) - With Plaxico Burress out, we expected a huge game. But the Steelers are all about playing defense and running the ball right now. The Steelers are winning games, but killing Ward's value. Over the last three games, Ward has just 99 yards an no scores.

WR Joey Galloway (TB) - He is an after-thought since coming back from injury. Over the last 3 weeks he has just 7 catches for 71 yards and 0 TDs.

WR Rod Gardner (Was) - This offense is horrible. End of story. Additionally, Coles also gets the majority of targets each week making Gardner virtually worthless.

TE Desmond Clark (Chi) - Over the last three weeks, Desmond has just 3 catches for 44 yards and no TDs.

TE Chris Baker (NYJ) - He has disappeared the last two games with just 1 catch for 19 yards.

TE Ben Troupe (Ten) - The rookie is back to the bench with Erron Kinney healthy.

PK Martin Gramatica (TB) - We hear the unemployment line sucks this time of year too.

Def Detroit (Det) - Indianapolis is good, but this team looked horrible. Peyton had just 5 incompletions against 6 passing TDs. Enough said.

Def Seattle (Sea) - They have allowed 1,184 yards and 78 points over the last 3 weeks. Ouch.