Quarterbacks

Top players available

Brian Griese (TB) - Another strong game from Griese and he remains a top the waiver list at QB for the 2nd straight week for those in leagues where he's still lingering around on the wire. The Bucs have one of the more favorable schedules the rest of the way and they're finally getting healthy at WR though Joey Galloway may have suffered a setback in week 9 (hip pointer). The Bucs offense is good enough to take advantage of the schedule that lies ahead and Griese is playing efficiently and intelligently keeping mistakes to a minimum and getting the team into the end zone. As a mid-season pickup you can't ask for much more than that. Griese finished with 296 yds and 2 TDs completing 22 of his 34 passes against the Chiefs finishing among the top handful of QBs for week 9.

Tim Rattay (SF) - His forearm problems aside, Rattay is performing well enough to be counted on in a starting capacity providing he's healthy from week to week. The Seahawks have a solid pass defense overall but Rattay was able to produce solid numbers - 23 for 35 for 259 yards with 2 TDs and 1 interception. Given the fact the 49ers will likely be playing from behind a good deal this year expect Rattay's production to remain solid providing he's healthy. When/if Rattay isn't able to play, picking up Ken Dorsey as a backup solution is NOT recommended. Rattay is productive, Dorsey is not.

Jake Delhomme (Car) - Delhomme isn't always the prettiest thing to watch on the field, but at the end of the day you can't argue with his numbers either. Delhomme looked pretty shaky at times against the Raiders this week missing his WRs badly at times, but he still managed to throw for 299 yards and 3 TDs completing 25 out of 45 pass attempts. If he's still available in your league, grab him if you can. The schedule appears mostly favorable and there's no signs of the Panthers running game returning anytime soon. Even if Stephen Davis returns to the field he's not a guarantee to kick start the Panthers ground game. Delhomme, on the other hand, has some good receivers to work with and their defense is cooperating nicely allowing them the good fortune of playing from behind on a regular basis. The sarcasm is running thick. Bottom line? Delhomme is performing consistently well from a fantasy perspective so take advantage if you can.

David Garrard (Jac) - The immediate future for Byron Leftwich is mighty gray right now. Is he out for the season? Is he out for just a game or three? It's anyone's guess knowing the resiliency and toughness that defines Leftwich as a player. So, let's talk about Garrard's value and how he'd project if he indeed becomes the short-term starter for the next few weeks or longer. Garrard won't produce the kind of passing numbers that Leftwich does but he will most likely be more productive with his legs. Garrard adds a dynamic to the Jags offense that defenses must account for, but he's less accurate and dangerous as a passer. It's questionable whether or not Garrard is a starter-level fantasy QB, but he's at least a middle of the road option that makes him appealing to all owners with a need for a QB. With plenty of decent match ups on the schedule Garrard is definitely worth a flyer. If you have Leftwich - what are you doing? Stop reading and go get this guy.

Worth a gamble with a roster spot

Josh McCown (Ari) - McCown didn't produce any outstanding stats this week, but his appeal is growing based on his composure and the fact he led the Cardinals to a come from behind victory against a tough Miami secondary on the road this week. McCown connected with rookie Larry Fitzgerald on a 2 yd TD with 23 seconds left on the clock after driving 70 yards in the final 2 minutes to topple the hapless Dolphins at home. It was the Cardinals first road win since October 6, 2002 and likely the last nail in Dave Wannstedt's coffin as the Dolphins coach. Still, McCown's numbers were average at best - completing 18 of 31 passes for 162 yards and the one TD. The reason optimism stems from having all the Cardinals WRs healthy and at least 4 favorable matchups in the next 6 weeks. Things might finally be looking up in the Valley.

Carson Palmer (Cin) - Palmer is coming off one of his better games as a pro beating the Cowboys and finishing with a solid box score as well. Palmer ranked among this week's starters with 212 yards passing and 2 TDs (1 rushing and 1 passing). He was mistake-free for the most part and completed 21 of 32 pass attempts. Granted, the Cowboys pass defense is regarded as a good matchup going in, but it's nice when a young, up-n-coming QB is able to take advantage of these situations. It's confidence booster for Palmer and for you as a potential fantasy owner. With all that out of the way, let's get back to forecasting Palmer's 2nd half. While he continues to grow and look better as an NFL QB, the upcoming schedule will likely keep the enthusiasm grounded with tough matchups against Washington, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England and Buffalo in the next 6 weeks.

Kyle Boller (Bal) - There really isn't any reason to run out and grab Boller off the waiver wire, but he's probably one of the few starting NFL quarterbacks who are most likely to be available at this point in the season. If he's the best available and you need a QB well then you gotta make lemonade if you know what I mean. The Ravens passing game doesn't get anyone excited, but at least Boller is getting Heap back soon. Travis Taylor is healthy again and rookie Clarence Moore is emerging as a potential downfield threat and red zone target for jump balls and fades. The schedule isn't terrible the rest of the way and there may be some weeks where taking a flyer on Boller might actually bear some fruit. Specifically, week 11 vs Dallas, week 13 vs Cincy, week 14 vs NYG and week 15 at Indianapolis. 

Craig Krenzel (Chi) - Krenzel is a lot like Boller above. Nothing to write home about. He doesn't inspire confidence for you as a fantasy owner, but he does embody confidence as a player on the field. The kid is a winner and he makes good decisions for the most part, but he's awfully raw and and unpolished as an NFL caliber thrower. He managed 144 yds on 8 of 21 passing for 1 TD and no interceptions against a Giants defense that has mostly been a good matchup for opposing QBs. Like Boller, picking up Krenzel is a sign that the free agent QB market is drying up. Still, if you're left with few other options look towards the silver lining in that oppressive gray cloud. Chicago's upcoming games feature great matchups on paper for Krenzel. Up next for the Bears are the Titans, Indy, Dallas, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Houston and Detroit. Knowing that, you might get something out of Krenzel, but don't hold your breath.

Other considerations

Billy Volek (Ten) - The Titans come off the bye to face the Bears, Jags, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos and Lions in the 2nd half. Almost all of those matchups are favorable for the Titans passing game outside of the Broncos. Steve McNair has struggled mightily trying to stay healthy this season thrusting Volek into action a few times already so it goes without saying that Volek is likely to get more action in the 2nd half unless McNair's health and luck take a turn for the better. Volek's numbers have been reasonably good but his value is mostly to those who have McNair. Other owners would go nuts trying to figure out if Volek or McNair will start every Sunday leading to unexpected hair loss and possible heart burn. Not recommended unless you have McNair and must suffer these debilitating side effects either way.

Quincy Carter (NYJ) - Probably not much to see here, but it's worth mentioning since we got our first glimpse of Quincy Carter in a J-E-T-S uniform on Sunday as Chad Pennington left the game with a banged up shoulder. Carter didn't play a lot but did manage to throw a TD to Santana Moss going 2 of 3 for 66 yards. At this point in time it's too early to tell if Pennington will miss any further playing time. Pennington was quoted saying his shoulder felt like a charley horse, but he'll undergo tests today to see if they reveal any more damage. Pennington expects to play in week 10, but until we know more it's best just to watch the news. If Pennington has to rest a week or two then bump Carter up on the waiver list - especially if have Pennington.

Drew Henson (Dal) - The watch continues as the Cowboys slip to 3-5 at the midpoint of the season. Parcells has said that Henson won't see the playing field until/if the Cowboys are eliminates from the playoffs. With games in weeks 12 vs Chicago, week 14 vs New Orleans and week 17 at NYG, there are at least three spots where trotting Henson out might be worth a flyer if nothing else. Dynasty league owners should grab him if he's somehow available, though I would suspect he's long gone in those leagues. Re-drafters need only take note for those three games of interest. Otherwise, we need to keep in mind that while he's physically blessed and will ultimately be the Cowboys QB of tomorrow, he's still unproven, inexperienced and that would likely show if he's thrown into action this year. He's possibly worth a gamble for those week though if you're the adventurous type.

Patrick Ramsey (Was) - How long can Joe Gibbs keep his chin up and stick with Mark Brunell? Against the Lions, despite winning the football game, Brunell was nothing less than horrible. This coming against a Lions defense that has been generous in allowing most opposing QBs to throw for big yardage (despite a very solid pass rush). Brunell managed an abysmal 6 for 17 passing for 58 yards at Ford Field. Sure, they were more successful running the football and had a lead so the need to throw was lesser than usual, but Brunell showed nothing to lead us to believe he'll be worth a lick to fantasy owners anywhere moving forward. Ramsey is itching to get another shot at the job. He's less mobile than Brunell but has a gun for an arm. Could he really be any worse than Brunell? It's debatable.

A.J. Feeley (Mia) - I would not recommend going here unless your under dire circumstances and your league has 14+ teams. For the most part, Feeley isn't worth adding to your team. He's done nothing to date to warrant a roster spot. He can't even beat out Jay freaking Fiedler for a starting job. What else do you need to know? Seriously. He got into this week's game only to go 6 for 15 for 129 yards with no TDs and an interception. Seems about right considering his previous stints this year with the Fish. Not to beat a dead horse, but the Dolphins schedule doesn't get much better after the bye either. Let this sleeping dog lie.

Running Backs

Add immediately, impact potential

Anthony Thomas (Chi) - The A-Train cometh. In 99% of the leagues out there, Thomas was plucked off the wire last week if he was available. If not, stop what you are doing and get your name in the hat to get this prized waiver wire pickup should he somehow remain available. Two games under his belt and he's produced big numbers both times. Combining the numbers produced by Thomas Jones and Anthony Thomas and you have a top 5 fantasy back. So much for the idea of teams stacking the line with a rookie QB to render them ineffective. The Bears remaining schedule is more favorable to passing matchups than rushing matchups, but don't let that slow you down. The A-Train will be fired up and all engines a go for the next week or two until TJ returns. After that, it's anyone's guess if the RB picture will remain TJ's or if Thomas will get more touches as a result of his recent production.

Onterrio Smith (Min) - Another player that is highly unlikely to be available as a free agent, but if he is.. get him without question. He's posed to potentially be the Vikings featured back in tonight's MNF game against the Colts and perhaps for the rest of the season. Arguably, he's better than Michael Bennett and he's a better all-purpose back that fits the Vikings offensive needs from the position. Smith could be a top 5 back if he's the featured guy. If he shares the rock with Bennett - and Mewelde Moore - then his value takes a hit obviously, but not a lot.

Michael Pittman (TB) - Pittman broke out and was the top RB in fantasy football this week. Facing the Chiefs we might have suspected this could happen, but not to this extent. Tampa has produced some solid fantasy numbers in the Gruden era, but mostly for those leagues that rewards points for receptions and yardage. They haven't produced many TDs on the ground. That changed this weekend as Pittman scored 3 times and produced 158 combined yards of offense. Two of the next four games are against Atlanta, so we'll see how "for real" the Falcons run defense is.. they should have DT Rod Coleman back and have the benefit of a bye to get others healthy, so look for these two games to potentially be tougher matchups. Otherwise, Pittman will draw games against SF, Carolina, New Orleans and Carolina again with one tough matchup mixed in between those (SD).

Jerome Bettis (Pit) - No Duce? No problem. The Steelers showed just how much their offense has improved this season behind a much improved and healthier offensive line than a year ago. Duce Staley was inactive but it didn't matter. They were able to exploit the Eagles run defense - or lack there of - as the Bus fired on all cylinders rushing for 149 yards on 33 carries. Amazingly, he didn't get into the end zone. That's a stark contrast to what we're accustomed to.. 3 carries, 3 yards, 3 TDs.. Regardless, if the Bus is out there you should roster him. If you have Staley, you should have him already. If not, it's probably too late. Matchups aside - the Steelers offensive line is dictating the game to most defenses and the Steelers look like they'll continue to roll providing they remain healthy up front.

Sammy Morris (Mia) - Morris conceded some touches this week to Travis Minor, but still provided useful numbers rushing 16 times for 56 yards and a TD. The Dolphins are going nowhere and their upcoming schedule doesn't bode well for rushing matchups either. If you can live with that and have a glaring need for a RB, get Morris if you can at this point. There's no guarantee he'll remain the starter or remain semi-productive, but he might be the best available in some leagues.

Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) - Wheatley is back from injury and produced a solid game for the 2nd straight week. Sure it was against the league's top fantasy matchup (Carolina) but you still get brownie points for doing what you are supposed to do. Wheatley didn't blow anyone away with his stats, but he managed 2 TDs and 64 combined yards. Sometimes you gotta take what you can get. Wheatley is probably available in some leagues considering the Raiders stink and he was hurt and unavailable for a few weeks. The Raiders are on the bye this week, too. So, he might fly under the waiver radar this week if you have a roster spot for him.

Get a backup plan for the 2nd half

There are a slew of NFL backups likely available in most leagues that have some fantasy value either to secure a starting spot for your fantasy team or to add depth and roll the dice with the musical chairs of injured RBs. That being said, let's take a look at several NFL backups and their usefulness for fantasy purposes.

The first bucket consists of the backups that get enough carries on a weekly basis and some fantasy value currently. Obviously if an injury hits the starter in front of them their value goes up. The players who fall into this bucket are Troy Hambrick (Ari), Kevin Faulk (NE) and Travis Minor (Mia). Minor rambled for 90 yards on just 11 carries this week, but otherwise has done very little this year due to nagging injuries and an ineffective Dolphins offensive line. Faulk has been semi-productive in the past few weeks, but took more of a backseat this week since Corey Dillon returned to the lineup. When Dillon's in the lineup, Faulk's role will be limited. When Dillon is slowed as he was in the past few weeks, Faulk tends to get the majority of playing time but remains much more effective as a change-of-pace RB and receiving option out of the backfield. The upside for Faulk is limited as it is for Minor. Hambrick, on the other hand, gets more touches on a consistent basis and has more upside in the even of an injury to Emmitt Smith. Even with Emmitt healthy, Hambrick is proving to be marginally valuable as he was this week with 70 yds on 4 carries (he broke a 60+ yard run). As such, Hambrick is probably the top guy among these three to grab. Faulk's upside is limited by the presence of rookie Cedric Cobbs. If Dillon goes down for any number of weeks, I'd put the hedge bet on Cobbs getting more touches as a runner than Faulk. The two would both play and Faulk would certainly be the 3rd down back and then some, but Cobbs would likely be the featured back near the goal line and on 1st and 2nd downs.

Moving on.. the next group of NFL backups consists of those players that really should be one a roster already. We're talking about those "handcuffs" (I really hate that term). If you have any of the fantasy backs that fall into that unquestionable stud category with a clear-cut backup on the team, then you really should be protecting your most valuable asset. The usual suspects fall into this category beginning with Lamont Jordan of the Jets. Curtis Martin is having perhaps his finest season as a pro, but he's human and he's a RB, so don't get overconfident thinking he's above injury and you don't need Jordan. If you have Curtis then chances are you're in the running for the title. Don't take any chances, get Jordan and secure yourself for a strong playoff run. Other backups that would likely be studs in a starting role include Steven Jackson (StL), Jesse Chatman (SD), Dominic Rhodes (Ind), Najeh Davenport (GB), Tatum Bell (Den), Ladell Betts (Was), Maurice Morris (Sea) and Aaron Stecker (NO) - loosely in that order. I've left out some other players mostly because they've been recently in a starting role and are much less likely to be available (Chester Taylor, Jerome Bettis, Jonathan Wells, Dorsey Levens and Mewelde Moore for example).

The next batch of NFL backups could be fantasy stars if given the chance, but even if the starter in front of them goes down there are questions pertaining to whether they'd be featured enough to be THE MAN or if they are solid enough in all aspects of the game such as blocking, receiving, picking up blitzes, etc. The chief culprit amongst this group is Larry Johnson (KC). Johnson becomes an very intriguing player if Holmes is forced to miss any action pending his knee contusion suffered yesterday. Also complicating matter is Derrick Blaylock, who has beaten Johnson out as the primary backup but was unavailable this week due to injury himself. If Holmes can't play in week 10 against a soft Saints run defense, both Johnson and Blaylock (assuming he's healthy by then) could have definite value. Mike Cloud (NYG) and Verron Haynes (Pit) are next in the conversation. Cloud is a goal-line specialist at this point, but could have a huge upswing in value if Tiki Barber gets hurt. He appears to be the primary backup having beaten out the ineffective Ron Dayne. Keep an eye on rookie Derrick Ward though as he's got skills that haven't been used to this point and he's definitely flying under the radar, but could end up getting some touches in the event that Tiki is out in the future. Haynes, meanwhile, has current value considering Duce's hamstring problem and the possibility it could linger the next week or two keeping Bettis in the starting role and Haynes as the change-of-pace and 3rd down option. Haynes played very well producing 95 combined yards this week on 12 carries and 2 catches.

Other backups who are worth a look include this year's tease Reshard Lee (Dal) and talented, but injured rookie Julius Jones. Lee always seems to look good running the football, but for reasons left mostly unexplained by Bill Parcells (we all assume it's blocking and blitz protection concerns), Lee remains in the shadows of the largely ineffective Eddie George. George has his moments, but remains a plodder of the 2.9 yards per carry variety we've come to expect from him. Lee has great size, speed and a north/south running style that would seemingly fit Parcells offensive approach well, but he's the 3rd wheel and isn't likely to garner a bigger piece of the pie unless Eddie George or Richie Anderson go down. In the next few weeks we could also see more from Julius Jones, who's been incognito since injuring his shoulder in the pre-season. Jones might be the best option for Parcells of all their backs given his overall talent and all-purpose skills, but when and if we should expect him to log any carries remains a big question. When the Cowboys fall out of the playoff picture (you mean they've haven't already?) then Jones and Lee could both log some more carries and see extended playing time. Until then, they are merely worth rostering if you're the speculative type.

Lastly, let's talk a second about Ernest Graham (TB). Graham was recently promoted to the active roster to be the primary backup for Michael Pittman with Mike Alstott out. Graham is short, but elusive and shifty, and can also play a little FB if called upon to do so. Jamel White remains a 3rd down option and in the mix with Graham for touches if Pittman gets hurt, but keep an eye on this undrafted back out of Florida. He can also catch the ball and give Gruden a solid 1-2 combo with White if Pittman is lost for any stretch of time. Otherwise, he has no real value at this juncture.

Wide Receivers

Add immediately, impact potential

Lets assume Keenan McCardell, Johnnie Morton, Brandon Lloyd, Muhsin Muhammad, David Givens, Keary Colbert and Michael Clayton are all off the table. If not jump on one of them first then peruse the list.

Joey Galloway (TB) - Galloway is back in the Bucs lineup, well he was back... he left this week's game with a hip pointer after catching 2 passes for 40 yards. If he's ok moving forward, he's definitely worth picking up. He's very possibly the most talented WR left in most leagues on the waiver wire. The Bucs have a nice looking schedule in the 2nd half making Galloway a great pickup (if his hip doesn't sideline him again). Also keep an eye on fellow Bucs WR Joe Jurevicius, who also just returned to the Bucs lineup. Even with the veterans returning to the lineup it's still Michael Clayton's gig. He's clearly their best WR and will continue to be the man until proven otherwise. Still, Galloway and Jurevicius have solid value as long as they remain healthy.

Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) - Hakim had another big game this week for the Lions catching 7 passes for 120 yards in a fairly tough matchup against the Redskins. Hakim is the Lions 2nd best WR behind the Legend his-damned-self. The problem is Robo-Roy isn't healthy and might not be 100% anytime soon. Then again, Hakim isn't healthy either, so be sure to check the status of the Lions WR corps before moving on Hakim. The Lions are a pass-first and pass-last offense because their attempts to run the football have gone nowhere this year. With several good passing matchups ahead on the schedule, Hakim figures to benefit. If Williams is on the field then Hakim's chances to produce are arguably even better because defenses won't be able to focus on him.

Eddie Kennison (KC) - Since returning to the Chiefs lineup Kennison has been both consistent and reasonably productive. This week he produced his best game of the season going for 6 catches and 104 yards in a tough matchup against the Bucs secondary. The Chiefs schedule is mixed with good and bad matchups, but Kennison should be a solid pickup either way. Trent Green has come alive and Kennison figures to be a solid producer in the 2nd half as long as he's healthy. He's a solid 4th WR to have just in case.

Travis Taylor (Bal) - Taylor caught 7 passes for 58 yards this week and 6 passes for 80 yards the previous week. He looks like he could be a safe player to roster and lean on as a 4th WR to insert some weeks into the lineup. Basically, that's been his target audience the past few years. As a former 1st round pick in the draft he's been a bust, but he still has some redeeming value as the Ravens top WR and since he missed most of the season to injury it's highly probably that he could be the best looking free agent in your league. Get him if you can knowing the Ravens passing offense is difficult to watch.

Jabar Gaffney (Hou) - Gaffney continues his ascent in the fantasy rankings with another solid effort against a tough matchup in the Broncos. Gaffney caught 6 passes for 86 yards as he took advantage of Champ Bailey shutting down Andre Johnson leaving he and Derick Armstrong open. From both a re-draft and dynasty league perception these two are players on the rise. The Texans are throwing the ball well this season and there's no reason to think that will stop anytime soon. Andre Johnson's presence creates openings for these two talented possession type WRs to flourish. There are some very good matchups ahead including two games with the league's #1 fantasy matchup for QBs/WRs/TEs - Indianapolis. That makes Gaffney a nice option if you can still pluck him off the free agent heap. Armstrong remains a better dynasty option, but also have value in lieu of the upcoming matchups and the frequency of Houston utilizing 3 WR sets.

Lee Evans (Buf) - Evans made two outstanding catches this week for the Bills with one coming in the corner of the end zone for a TD. He produced 5 catches for 64 yards and seems to be coming into his own as the season wears on. Evans was one of the more polished WRs in this year's extremely talented draft class and was expected to fill the shoes of Peerless Price. Josh Reed hasn't done that but it looks like Evans is going to work out just fine. Evans has excellent speed - 2nd fastest WR in the draft - could continue to see an increase in numbers as teams will need to focus more on McGahee and Moulds. The added running threat McGahee brings to the table should help the entire Bills passing attack in the 2nd half making Evans a solid sleeper to produce consistently the next 8 weeks. Don't get too excited though as the schedule has plenty of tough passing matchups ahead and losing T Mike Williams won't help the Bills offense either.

Ron Curry (Oak) - Curry appears to be almost back to full health after being limited for several week - along with Doug Gabriel - with a bad hamstring. He caught 4 passes for 63 yards against the Panthers and could return to being a solid value as a potential #3/#4 fantasy WR in the 2nd half. The matchups appear very favorable for the Raiders in the next eight weeks, so keep Curry and Gabriel both on the short list if there were dumped the past few weeks because of injury.

Bryant Johnson (Ari) - Johnson has maintained solid numbers and been frequently targeted by Josh McCown, but his value is sure to decline some now that both Boldin and Fitzgerald are hitting their stride. Still, let's not completely overlook this former 1st round talent with size, speed and decent hands. He's healthy and has been productive with his opportunities so he's still worth adding if you need someone for depth.

On the rise

Kelly Campbell (Min) - Here's a preview of what could turn out to be tonight's sleeper star WR. Campbell is a big-play waiting to happen despite his small stature. He's incredibly quick and dangerous as a slot WR and he could literally be a huge play tonight against the Colts "defense". As long as Randy Moss is sidelined, Campbell might be worth a look. Once Moss returns, Campbell could still have occasional big games, but his chance to be consistently productive takes a big hit. Either way, he's a big play roll of the dice and shouldn't be viewed as a consistent or long-term option, but a short-term explosive player with great upside and opportunity.

David Terrell & Bobby Wade (Chi) - Great schedule ahead and an improving Bears pass offense could go hand in hand in the next two months. As such, don't be surprised if Terrell's value peaks in the weeks ahead despite how poor the Bears seem to be as a passing team. Bobby Wade is perhaps more reliable as far as consistency is concerned, but Terrell might still be the better fantasy options because of big play ability and red zone usefulness. Consider these two to be "on the rise".

Clarence Moore (Bal) - Moore is now starting for the Ravens having unseated veteran Kevin Johnson from the lineup. He's been reasonably productive - all things considered - the last two weeks. He caught a 2 pt conversion this week showing his usefulness as a red zone target on fade patterns and jump balls using his 6' 5" frame against defenders. He only caught 2 passes for 24 yards otherwise. Dynasty leaguers get him now. Re-drafters... lay back in the cut and see what happens, or take the pro-active gambler approach and roster him now.

Serviceable veterans

Curtis Conway (SF) - Cedrick Wilson got hurt yesterday leaving the door open for Conway to be in the starting lineup next week. Conway is the elder statesmen amongst the 49ers WR corps and also the best downfield threat as he's also the fastest. If Wilson or Brandon Lloyd miss time with injuries, Conway is a great plug 'n' play option.

Jerome Pathon (NO) - Pathon seems to have unseated Donte' Stallworth in the Saints lineup. He sure is producing more than Stallworth regardless of the reasons. The way it's looking... you'd be smart to add Pathon if you need a WR. Outside of Joe Horn, arguably Pathon has the most value of any WR or TE on this team. That's not saying a lot but it is definitive of how poorly the Saints offense is playing this season.

Troy Brown (NE) - Not only is Brown one of the few healthy WRs for the Patriots, but he's been forced into action as a defensive back because the Pats are so woefully thin in their secondary because of injury, too. Brown isn't a sure thing like he was a few years ago, but he's still a reliable possession WR who should get a fair amount of targets until Deion Branch is ready to rejoin the starting lineup which could come as early as next week. Of course, if you can get Branch he should be on your short list.

Ricky Proehl (Car) - Proehl remains in the loop and never seems to fade away. He's one of the better veteran WRs in the league and always seems to come through when his teams calls his number. He caught 6 passes for 91 yards this week and could continue to play a key role as the Panthers 3rd WR if their running game continues to stink. That combined with a poor defense leads to an increase in passing targets for Colbert, Muhammad and Proehl.

Down on the Farm

Bernard Berrian (Chi) - He looks like a young Cris Carter - all he seems to do is catch TDs. If you have an eye for the future, keep Berrian in your sights. He's a comer and could be in the starting lineup in 2005 with any luck.

Kevin Curtis (Stl) - Curtis is the Rams 4th WR but could have a bigger role if any of the Rams WRs ahead of him get hurt for any reason. He has excellent speed and looks like he could have some potential down the road once Bruce moves on... though (honestly) we have no reason to believe that will happen anytime soon.

Tight Ends

Jerramy Stevens (Sea) - Benched by Mike Holmgren before the week 9 game against the 49ers, Stevens responded (perhaps this was Holmgren's reasoning) with a solid day catching 4 passes for 44 yards. Long on talent and potential and short on making the most of his opportunities, Stevens remains one of the larger enigmas amongst the NFL's crop of tight ends. The Seahawks under Mike Holmgren have traditionally been a rich environment for TE production, so if you can grab Stevens off the wire at this point, do it. Some team in your league may've cut him in the past couple weeks especially after he was supposedly benched by Holmgren. 

Erron Kinney (Ten) - Set to return from injury in the next week or two, Kinney could be a top 10 fantasy TE down the stretch if he's able to stay healthy. He started off solid but hasn't been healthy since September with Shad Meier and Ben Troupe trying to fill his shoes with varied success. Steve McNair and the Titans utilize their TEs frequently so if you can get Kinney you should move in the next week before he's actually back and has a game under his belt. It would likely be too late at that point as another team could scoop him up first.

Doug Jolley (Oak) - There were rumors of Teyo Johnson surfacing this week from the Raiders camp, but that's quickly turning into the boy who cried wolf. For all Johnson's talent and potential, he's been inactive almost the entire season while Jolley continues to produce over the last several weeks along with rookie Courtney Anderson. Long-term Anderson looks like the real deal and starter for next year's Raiders. For now, Jolley will have to do. He only had 2 catches this week but they went for 41 yards. The Raiders have a decent schedule for passing matchups in the 2nd half so Jolley is intriguing if nothing else.

Ken Dilger (TB) - Dilger looked like a solid sleeper this week and he delivered catching 5 passes for 47 yards and a TD. Two things working in his favor.. 1. Brian Griese is a TE friendly QB. 2. Jon Gruden is a TE friendly coach. As long as he remains healthy he'll be a solid gamble as a starter, but even better as a backup on your team for your current starter if you can afford the roster spot.

Stephen Alexander (Det) - With the Lions WR corps reeling from injuries Stephen Alexander has been stepping up on a fairly consistent basis for the team. He only caught 2 passes for 19 yards but he's seeing an increased role offensively and could continue to see increased targets in the weeks ahead if Williams, Hakim and Streets don't get healthy (collectively) soon. He's averaging 3 catches for 32 yds over the last three games. Nothing special, but when you're scrapping the bottom of the barrel looking for a free agent TE, it's not bad either.

Matt Schobel (Cin) - Schobel caught the longest TD pass of the season for the Bengals this week and finished with 2 catches for 84 yards on the day. He's a boom/bust type and isn't very consistent so there's no hurry to rush out and grab him before your fellow league mates.

Kickers

Shayne Graham (Cin) continued his hot streak booting 4 more FGs this week for the Bengals. If he's still available get him if you can. He's proving to be a reliable, consistent and productive option at the position.

Adam Vinatieri (NE) - Not only is he one of the best clutch kickers of all-time but he's now adding another skill to his resume - throwing TD passes. Vinatieri kicked 4 FGs and 4 PATs this week and also threw a TD pass on a fake FG attempt to a wide open Troy Brown. Does it get any better than that?

Neil Rackers (Ari) - Rackers is available in many leagues and has been a decent producer for the most part. The Cardinals offense is playing better now and figure to be a decent unit for the 2nd half of the season leading to solid opportunities for Rackers.

Todd Peterson (SF) - He's been erratic over the past few years, but seems to have settled in this season with the 49ers and isn't a bad option right now. If you need a bye week kicker for week 10 - Peterson looks like a good option against the suddenly defense-challenged Panthers.

Ola Kimrin (Was) and Bill Gramatica (Mia) are filling in for the time being on their teams. Gramatica had a solid effort this past week as did Kimrin, but both are short term options and nothing more.

Defense / Special Teams

There are four teams who may or may not be available whose defenses are playing well at the moment, or at least look like they could be on the upswing for the 2nd half of the season. In no particular order they are the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bears had 7 sacks against the Giants (who give up a lot of sacks anyway - remember that) but also managed 5 turnovers, too. They are finally getting healthy and once Ogunleye returns from injury they could be setting the stage for a strong 2nd half finish given their schedule. The Browns continue to play solid defense, but aren't going a lot in terms of sacks or turnovers. That may change, but for now they just seem to be flying under the radar and getting the most of their talent right now despite the low sack and turnover numbers.

Green Bay is finally getting healthy also. Grady Jackson's return is huge. Without him in the middle teams were lining up and running straight down the middle of their defense. They could make some noise in the 2nd half as well as the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are playing much better over the past couple weeks on the defensive side of things and they have matchups in the 2nd half against teams who give up a ton of sacks (Wash, NYG, Buf). They could come in handy if you're playing the matchups with defenses from week to week.

Top 30 Waiver Wire Pickups

RB Anthony Thomas (Chi)
RB Jerome Bettis (Pit)
QB Brian Griese (TB)
QB Tim Rattay (SF)
RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak)
RB Larry Johnson (KC)
WR Joey Galloway (TB)
QB David Garrard (Jac)
WR Eddie Kennison (KC)
WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det)
RB Troy Hambrick (Ari)
WR Travis Taylor (Bal)
WR Jabar Gaffney (Hou)
WR David Terrell (Chi)
WR Kelly Campbell (Min)
WR Jerome Pathon (NO)
WR Curtis Conway (SF)
WR Lee Evans (Buf)
TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea)
WR Bobby Wade (Chi)
CHICAGO BEARS DEF
RB Cedric Cobbs (NE)
RB Verron Haynes (Pit)
CINCINNATI BENGALS DEF
K Shayne Graham (Cin)
TE Doug Jolley (Oak)
QB Carson Palmer (Cin)
TE Erron Kinney (Ten)
WR Clarence Moore (Bal)
TE Ken Dilger (TB)