Upgrades

*** Waiver wire - QB Josh McCown (Ari) - The John Navarre experiment is over after 1 miserable game. HC Denny Green has named McCown the starter in week 14.

QB Drew Bledsoe (Buf) - The injection of Willis McGahee has greatly eased the pressure away from Bledsoe. He is responding with quality outings and good TD numbers. He finished the day with 277 yards and 4 TDs (with no interceptions).

*** Waiver wire - QB Chad Hutchinson (Chi) - Hutchinson gives the Bears something they have missed this season: the ability to not screw things up in the passing game. He finished with 213 yards and 3 TDs without an interception. He did have a costly fumble though.

QB Carson Palmer (Cin) - We were willing to dismiss the week 11 effort against the Browns as a glitch in the matrix, but Palmer's 2nd half performance against the mighty Ravens defense has our attention. He threw for 382 yards and three TDs and only had 7 incomplete passes all day. Very impressive.

QB Kerry Collins (Oak) - Collins continues to put up quality numbers on a bad team. Oakland has absolutely no running game so any points will be put on the board through the air. That's bad NFL football, but it is music to the ears of any fantasy owner. Collins finished the day with 343 yards, 3 TDs and no interceptions.

QB Donovan McNabb (Phi) - McNabb gets a double upgrade this week: one for throwing an Eagles team-record 464 passing yards and one for tossing a career-high 5 TDs (all in the 1st half). These numbers are so gaudy that McNabb said "it felt like I was playing a video game."

*** Waiver wire - QB Chris Chandler (StL) - If Bulger has to miss significant time, Chandler has plenty of weapons at his disposal. He is slated to start in week 14 at least.

QB Patrick Ramsey (Was) - Ramsey and the Redskins got things going against the Giants. Of course, the Giants defense is in shambles, but Ramsey finally has something to build on. He finished the day completing 19 of 22 passes for 174 yards and 3 TDs (with no interceptions).

RB Chester Taylor (Bal) - Taylor showed perfectly capable of filling in for the injured Jamal Lewis. The Ravens have said they aren't sure when Lewis will be able to return. Until he does get back, Taylor is a quality fantasy RB. He finished the day with 164 combined scores and a TD.

RB Nick Goings (Car) - Even with Brad Hoover back, Goings continues to be the primary back for Carolina. They seem perfectly content to ride him on the ground and gave him 6 receptions as well. He is consistently turning in well-rounded fantasy performances. He finished the day with 36 carries for 122 yards and a TD on the ground and 6 catches for 46 yards receiving.

*** Waiver wire - RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) - He will still continue to be the backup RB, but it looks like the Bears aren't afraid to give Thomas the ball. He matched Thomas Jones with 15 carries against the Vikings. If you are desperate for a back, give Thomas a shot.

*** Waiver wire - RB Tatum Bell (Den) - Mike Shanahan said that Bell would be worked into the mix at RB going down the stretch. The funny thing is that it actually is happening. Bell was only given 7 carries, but that was half of the number of rushes given to Reuben Droughns. Bell has likely been dropped in numerous leagues, but he might be worth a shot to a RB starved fantasy roster. He finished the day with 31 yards on 7 carries and scored.

RB Kevin Jones (Det) - Jones continues to impress each week on a bad Lions offense. Against the Cardinals, he went for 196 rushing yards with a TD. In another woeful season, Jones is something the team can now rely upon.

RB Fred Taylor (Jac) - Taylor failed to reach the 100-yards rushing mark against the Steelers, but considering it was against the Steelers we'll give him a pass. The thing we like is the 27 carries and five receptions that he was able to accumulate. He is still the focal part of the offense and was running with power and vision yesterday (despite facing a tough rushing defense).

*** Waiver wire - RB Larry Johnson (KC) - The diapers are officially off now. Johnson was impressive against the Raiders (20 carries for 118 yards and a TD plus 3 catches for 56 yards and another TD). He easily outplayed Derrick Blaylock and should continue to garner a good deal of playing time with Priest Holmes out.

*** Waiver wire - RB Kevin Faulk (NE) - We believe that Dillon would have continued playing if the game had been in doubt, but Faulk still has a role on this team. Plus, as the weather worsens in the northeast, the Patriots will run the ball more often. If you are desperate for a back, Faulk will at least get touches every game. In relief, he finished the day with 13 carries for 87 yards and a TD.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) - Westbrook was stuffed on the ground, but he caught an amazing 11 balls (on 11 targets) for 156 yards and 3 TDs. That's amazing. He is a huge part of this offense with the ability to go the distance every time he touches the ball.

RB Duce Staley (Pit) - He's back, and he's the primary RB again. Bettis will continue as the short-yardage back, but Staley will rarely share between the 20s.

RB Steven Jackson (StL) - Jackson exploded for 140 total yards in his first game as the team's primary RB. The Rams have no worries with him in the lineup and will not rush Marshall Faulk back into action. Even when Faulk does return, Jackson will continue to be given carries as he represents the future of this franchise.

*** Waiver wire - RB Mike Alstott (TB) - A healthy Alstott will be relied upon to give Pittman a break and to pick up the short-yardage when necessary. The Buccaneers have a soft run schedule so Alstott is definitely worth a shot if you need an RB down the stretch.

RB Clinton Portis (Was) - A week after being an afterthought in the Redskins offense, Portis rushed for 148 yards and scored two TDs against the hapless Giants defense. Portis is also part of the interesting stat of the week: All four of Washington's wins this season have come when Portis has broken the 100-yard barrier. All eight of their losses have come when Portis falls short of the 100-yard mark.

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) - He only caught 5 passes for 48 yards, but was targeted 13 times. He remains option number 1 in the passing game, but weak quarterback play is hurting his numbers.

WR Lee Evans (Buf) - He has become the deep threat for the Bills. With Willis McGahee running well, defenses are stacking the line more which is leaving Evans in single coverage deep. He responded with 4 catches for 110 yards and 2 scores yesterday.

WR Muhsin Muhammad (Car) - Another huge day for Muhammad. He was targeted 12 times catching 10 for 179 and a score. Over the last three weeks, only Chad Johnson has more receiving yards.

WR TJ Houshmandzadeh (Cin) - He had 11 targets catching 10 for 171 yards and a score. These would be great stats on any week, but against Baltimore's defense on the road is very impressive. Carson Palmer is making all of the throws right now so TJ should continue to shine.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) - We thought this was going to be a tough matchup (Baltimore is incredible against the pass at home usually). Chad responded to the challenge catching 10 passes for 161 yards and 2 TDs (on just 12 targets). Chad Johnson is showing everyone that he is indeed one of the elite receivers.

WR Antonio Bryant (Cle) - The Browns are featuring Bryant and he is delivering. They threw the ball to him 10 times and he caught 7 for 115 yards and 2 scores. This marks two big games in a row. He looks like the new go to guy to us going forward. With the Browns struggling to keep teams from scoring, they should be forced to pass often making Bryant a decent play every week.

WR Dennis Northcutt (Cle) - He has not done much of anything all year, but did have 11 targets on Sunday. He finished the day with 5 catches for 93 yards which is respectable. We expect the Browns to be forced to throw in most games as they play catchup.

WR Rod Smith (Den) - Ashley Lelie is catching the deep ball, but in crunch time the Broncos were going to Rod Smith. He finished with 4 catches for 76 yards (on 11 targets). His value has slipped in recent weeks, but he could come up huge with games against Miami, Kansas City and Tennessee coming up.

WR Javon Walker (GB) - He is getting 10+ targets every single week. He had 12 again on Sunday finishing with 7 catches for 72 yards and a TD.

WR Andre Johnson (Hou) - He had a whopping 13 targets on Sunday. He finished with 7 catches for 125 yards.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) - He finished the day with 8 catches for 153 yards and a score. He is the third WR on paper, but outperforms many team's top receivers. He is a must start every week.

WR Troy Edwards (Jac) - He has emerged as the #2 WR in Jacksonville. He finished with 5 catches for 90 yards and a TD.

WR Eddie Kennison (KC) - He is healthy again and has reclaimed his #1 WR role in the passing game. He finished the day with 8 catches for 149 yards and a TD. He also had 12 targets (compared to 2 for WR Johnnie Morton).

WR Marty Booker (Mia) - He turned 11 targets into 5 catches for 96 yards. AJ Feeley is making a lot of mistakes, but also getting the ball downfield some. WRs Marty Booker and Chris Chambers are benefiting.

WR Joe Horn (NO) - This defense is so bad that they have to throw the ball a lot. Joe Horn has been the recipient of most of those passes. Targeted a whopping 15 times on Sunday, Joe caught 8 for 160 yards and 2 TDs. He is a must play every week.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) - With Curry out the rest of the year, Porter will be counted on even more in the remaining weeks.

WR Drew Bennett (Ten) - He was only targeted 6 times and caught just 3 passes but all were for TDs. He finished the day with 3 catches for 124 yards and 3 TDs.

TE Freddie Jones (Ari) - He finally showed up after being absent for many weeks. With rookie John Navarre behind center, he could show up in the box score more going forward.

TE Todd Heap (Bal) - He did not do much, but at least he played. He is expected to be near 100% this week.

TE Desmond Clark (Chi) - He had 6 catches for 58 yards and 1 TD. We expected big things from him this year, but to date he has failed to deliver. Maybe this is the start of things to come.

PK Matt Stover (Bal) - The Ravens are struggling to sustain and finish drives so expect Stover to be huge the rest of the way.

PK John Kasay (Car) - With the offense piling up huge numbers, Kasay's production has also increased. We see no reason this won't continue.

PK Mike Vanderjagt (Ind) - As the blowouts continue, he should get more opportunities.

Def Indianapolis (Ind) - Over the last three weeks the Colts have recorded 14 sacks, 5 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries.

Def Tampa Bay (TB) - Over the last three weeks, the Bucs have been extremely dominant allowing just 17 points while recording 14 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions.

Downgrades

QB John Navarre (Ari) - Navarre is not the answer...unless the question is "Which Arizona QB is the latest to stink up the joint?" He has been moved back to a backup role for week 14.

QB Jake Plummer (Den) - His 4 interceptions were the big reason the Broncos lost the game against the rival Chargers. The last interception was a floating duck (timing pattern) that had disaster written all over it.

QB Eli Manning (NYG) - The kid might have a ton of potential, but he is without question a rookie QB that is reacting slow to the speed of the NFL game. He might have a good game this year, but we wouldn't bank on it.

QB Tim Rattay (SF) - Rattay is not only playing poorly right now, but he will likely be questionable in week 13 with a sprained arch.

QB Marc Bulger (StL) - Bulger is not expected to play in week 14 at the minimum.

RB Thomas Jones (Chi) - We believe Jones will continue as the team's starting RB, but it is quite disconcerting to see Anthony Thomas get an equal number of carries in week 13.

RB William Green (Cle) - Usually, gaining 15 yards on 12 carries is enough to land an RB on the downgrades list, but Green also fumbled and was benched for it.

RB Reuben Droughns (Den) - We expect Droughns to continue as the team's starting RB, but it is very disappointing to see Tatum Bell be given a third of the RB carries. If that continues down the stretch (and we expect that to be likely), Droughns will not be among the elite fantasy RBs.

RB Najeh Davenport (GB) - It is obvious that a healthy Ahman Green is Green Bay's primary RB. Davenport is still worthy of a roster spot just in case Green goes down again, but he should sit your bench until then.

RB Derrick Blaylock (KC) - While he did catch a TD pass, Blaylock was badly outplayed by Larry Johnson. It would not be a surprise to see Blaylock become the change of pace back before season's end.

RB Deuce McAllister (NO) - Things are really bad for McAllister as he was given a measly 7 carries against the Panthers. He continues to be one of the biggest disappointments of the season.

RB Tiki Barber (NYG) - Teams are stacking the line to stop Tiki as they show no fear of Eli's arm. Constant blitzing is also affecting any rush attack. Although Tiki has been great this season, he may continue to struggle in the week's ahead.

RBs Amos Zereoue, Justin Fargas, & J.R. Redmond (Oak) - Seven total carries and 31 total yards.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) - Bettis will still have a role in short-yardage situations, but it is pretty clear that a healthy Duce Staley is the team's primary RB.

RB Chris Brown (Ten) - He simply can't stay healthy. He had 100 yards again, but left the game wth another injury.

WR Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) - The QB play is killing his season.

WR Peerless Price (Atl) - He caught 2 passes for 30 yards and continues as all Atlanta receivers (other than Crumpler) have disappointed all year in the short passing/rushing gameplan that Vick runs.

WR Dante Hall (KC) - He did not catch a pass yesterday despite Trent Green having a huge game. Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton, now healthy, are the receivers now.

WR Johnnie Morton (KC) - The plays are going to Kennison, Gonzalez and the backs right now. Morton had only 2 targets this week.

WR Randy Moss (Min) - He just isn't the same player with the injured hamstring. He plays, but now defenses can lock him out of the big catch.

WR Santana Moss (NYJ) - He was playing well with Quincy Carter throwing the ball. He caught just 1 pass for 6 yards with pennington back under center.

WR Ronald Curry (Oak) - He is headed to IR with a torn Achilles. This is a shame as he showed us this week how he fits into Oakland's new vertical game.

TE Mark Campbell (Buf) - He left the game with a knee injury.

TE Dallas Clark (Ind) - The Colts are expected to hold him out another week to get him healthy.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) - All of the talent in the world can't help if your QB is unable to throw the ball your way.

TE Jay Riemersma (Pit) - He left the game with an ankle injury and was later seen on crutches. He could miss multiple weeks.

Def Kansas City (KC) - Over the last 3 weeks, they have allowed 1,269 yards, 88 points while recording just 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and no interceptions.

Def NY Giants (NYG) - They have no sacks, no fumble recoveries and just 2 interceptions in the last 3 games.

Def Oakland (Oak) - They have no sacks, 2 interceptions and no fumble recoveries in the last three weeks. They have yielded 74 points during this span.