Better late than never.. Sofia Noelle was born on Monday night at 7:15 pm. She performed well at the labor and delivery combine with a length of 20 1/2" and weighing in at 7 lbs even. Mother and Sofia are doing fine, but we're both hoping to have a little more sleep than we've gotten since the real game of life began. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience for not being able to get this out any sooner. I had 85% of this all done by Sunday night, but awoke to my wife saying "we need to go to the hospital" around 6 am Monday morning. Alas, I've managed to squeeze some key strokes in the midst of the excitement. The QBs and RBs are a bit more brief than usual. Good luck to everyone as we approach the playoff weeks and remember the words of Al Davis - Just Win Baby! No pun intended.

Quarterbacks

Add immediately, impact potential

Carson Palmer (Cin) - Palmer sparked the Bengals to a huge offensive outburst against the inter-state rival Browns in week 12 throwing for 251 yards with 4 TDs. Unfortunately he also completed 3 passes to the wrong colored uniforms. The Bengals offense has enough talent to support Palmer and vice versa, but he's still forcing the ball into double coverage at times showing too much trust in his big arm. It looks like 2005 could be the launching pad for Palmer as a fantasy QB. The rest of the season he could be useful in spots, but be cautious playing him against tough matchups like the Ravens in week 13.

Eli Manning (NYG) - Manning looked awful against the Eagles, but in his 2nd career start that's to be expected. For all the mistakes he committed, he did some good things, too. It will obviously take some time before he evolves into the 2nd coming of Peyton. If you need a starting QB down the stretch, Eli probably isn't the one to turn to with his next three games against Washington and Baltimore on the road followed by the Steelers in the Meadowlands. If your league uses Week 17 still, then Eli could be worth a look against the Cowboys considering both teams will have little to play for outside of their jobs and auditioning for next season.

Kyle Boller (Bal) - Boller's numbers against the Patriots were pathetic considering the injuries and recent production the Pats have allowed to opposing QBs. The next few weeks look promising, however, with games against the Bengals, Giants and Colts. Boller probably won't "win" you any fantasy games with his stat lines, but he could keep you in the battle if you need a quick fix.

John Navarre (Ari) - Named the Cardinals starting QB for week 13 against the Lions by coach Dennis Green, Navarre is a wild card if nothing else. At Michigan Navarre was a frustrating player to watch. He usually produced solid stats at the end of the day, but all too often he crumbled under a strong pass rush and has a lot to prove in terms of feeling the pressure, making intelligent decisions under pressure and showing he can handle the reigns of an NFL offense given his lack of experience at this level. Otherwise, he's a big, strong-armed QB who can make all the throws you like to see in an NFL QB. His short comings are a lack of mobility and that sixth sense of feeling the pressure in the pocket. His accuracy is inconsistent, but against the Lions defense this week he could be a sneaky play. Whether or not Dennis Green sticks with him or gives him the quick hook is definitely a concern. Green quickly pulled Shaun King when he began to meltdown this past week. I wouldn't be surprised to see Josh McCown back under center this week or next.

A.J. Feeley (Mia) - Feeley will finish the season as the Dolphins starting QB barring injury so from that perspective he has a shot to produce because he's virtually guaranteed the start the rest of the way. He completed 17 of 33 passes against a soft 49ers secondary. That's certainly nothing to get excited about given the success other QBs have had against the other worst team in the NFL. Sometimes you gotta take small victories, or moral ones, and Feeley at least achieved this objective as the Fish won 24-17. Feeley threw 2 TDs but threw an interception and lost a fumble. Not much to get excited about here, especially since the Fish are facing two strong pass defenses in Buffalo and Denver the next two weeks followed by the Patriots (who could have a starter or two back by then).

Luke McCown / Kelly Holcomb (Cle) - Holcomb broke out big-time this week throwing for 5 TDs and 413 yards but he also threw 2 INTS in the process. It looks like Holcomb also won't be able to start this week due to injury. The Browns will likely turn to rookie Luke McCown against the Patriots. Of course, Butch Davis is gone now and Terry Robiskie is the interim coach. Whatever happens with the Browns offense this week is anyone's guess, but I'd be hesitant to look to the Browns QB for fantasy production in week 13. Weeks 15 and 17 may prove to be different, especially if Holcomb or Garcia are back and can play. Otherwise, let's see what McCown can do, but don't take any unneeded risks by playing McCown until we've seen him in action.

Chad Hutchinson / Jeff George (Chi) - George signed with the Bears and could potentially see action this week. It's expected that 3rd stringer Chad Hutchinson will get the starting nod this week, but that could prove to be a short-term scenario. George likely still has one of the best arms in the business, but he's proven in the past to be all arm and no brain. At 36 years old with 3 years away from the league, maybe - just maybe - that has changed, but it's doubtful and not something you want to pin your team's hopes on. I expect George to be starting perhaps by week 14. With the Vikings on the schedule this coming week it's very possible that Hutchinson could be a legitimate sleeper. The rest of the season looks like it could yield some production but that depends solely on the ability of Hutchinson or George to lift the Bears offense out of the ditch. Anything could happen, but again it's not what I would consider to be very likely to happen.

A couple others worth mentioning are Vinny Testaverde, who will start for the Cowboys in week 14 now that he's healthier and Henson bombed on Turkey day. He very well could've been cut the last couple weeks so he could be out there in your league. Joey Harrington is another who could be lingering on the waiver wire with the recent struggles and being pulled in favor or Mike McMahon on Thanksgiving in a dismal performance against the Colts. The Lions offense is sputtering in the passing game, but they are now beginning to click on the ground. With the Cardinals visiting this week Harrington could have a resurgence in the stat book, but using him at this point is definitely risky business.

Running Backs

Onterrio Smith (Min) - Looks like he'll be the featured Vikings RB the rest of the season. We certainly hope so anyway. If he's given at least 15 to 20 touches a game, he's definitely worth starting. Otherwise, we're still a bit fearful that Michael Bennett, Moe Williams and Mewelde Moore will also get enough opportunities spelling Smith to render all of them somewhat useless. At this point, however, Smith appears to be the front runner in terms of fantasy production.

Julius Jones (Dal) - Jones has toted the rock 30+ times two weeks in a row - and just 4 days apart at that. It's clear Parcells is giving Jones the featured job from here on out and it's also abundantly clear he's the Cowboys best RB in terms of his production - something they simply were not getting from the venerable Eddie George. If you can still grab Jones somehow then do it. He's got an excellent chance to be a top 10 or 15 back the last 4 weeks of the season.

Nick Goings (Car) - Goings put together another strong game this week rushing 23 times for 106 yds while hauling in 3 catches for another 17 yards. He's clearly the most productive Panthers back at the moment and that's not likely to change. Unfortunately for most of us, he's probably long gone off the waiver wire last week, but if he's still lingering grab him if you can.

Kevin Jones (Det) - Over the past few weeks KJ has turned it up a notch and then some. On Thanksgiving he was off to a fast start before the Colts simply ran away with the game prompting Mooch to insert Shawn freaking Bryson into the lineup. I know what Mooch is doing here, but in the the heck doesn't he stick with Jones and get him some much needed experience as a receiver and especially picking up blitzes and so on. Jones is without question the most talented back on the Lions roster, but until Mooch puts his money where his mouth is and sticks with KJ full-time he'll be a tease. He's got a serious shot to produce 100+ yds a game the rest of the way, but it would help if Joey Harrington could get this offense in the end zone and keep them from falling behind early which is when Mooch begins calling Bryson's number. The future is bright for KJ, but the Lions are holding him back right now for better or worse.

William Green (Cle) - Started in place of Lee Suggs (turf toe) against the Bengals this week and rushed for 75 yds and TD. He also caught 2 passes for 15 yds. The Browns offense is a mystery at times. So is figuring out if/when Suggs or Green will get the bulk of the work. That said, if Green is out there for any reason he's worth rostering down the stretch in case you can get a start or two out of him like this past week. He remains a talented runner, but with the Browns it's often a difficult task producing as a fantasy back given the lackluster offensive line play they are getting from their guards.

Najeh Davenport & Tony Fisher (GB) - Ahman Green is probable for week 13 meaning Davenport's big Monday night game likely will be a one week preview for him. If anything it will help him highlight his potential as a free agent for other teams in 2005. Davenport has the speed, size and overall ability to start in this league, but whether or not he can stay healthy remains his biggest hurdle to clear. He broke off several big runs against the Rams with a pair of balky hamstrings. Imagine his potential he could somehow stay healthy for the long term.

Maurice Hicks (SF) - Hicks rushed 13 times for 46 yds and 1 TD this week compared to 9 carries for 20 yds by Kevan Barlow. Hicks did lose a fumble, a definite negative, but also contributed 2 catches for 33 yards. The 49ers are a mess offensively and defensively. That said, Hicks role continues to grow as long as he keeps producing better than Barlow as they split carries. Erickson continues to state he'll play both backs and give the rock to whoever is playing better once the game is underway. At this point, Barlow has not done much to separate himself from Hicks. In fact, it's been just the opposite so don't be at all surprised if Barlow continues to disappoint while Hicks likely leaves you a bit teased and ultimately unfulfilled. If Barlow is benched for good then Hicks' value jumps immediately to the point where you could consider him as a #2 starter potentially.

Travis Minor (Mia) - 22 carries for 47 yds and 2 catches for 15 yards this week for Minor as he replaced Sammy Morris in the Dolphins lineup. Morris could be back this coming week so monitor the situation and move on Minor if he's available and gets another start. The Bills are on the slate this week so don't expect a whole lot, but if he's starting at least there's some potential to gamble on.

Lamont Jordan (NYJ) - Jordan likely isn't available, but in the event that he is you might want to grab him as Herm Edwards continues to keep him in the mix. The Jets season is turning into a struggle to make the playoffs after losing Pennington, but as long as both Jordan and Martin are healthy their offense should remain productive. If Martin sits out for any reason the next four weeks Jordan's value skyrockets accordingly.

Larry Croom (Ari) - Emmitt's having trouble finishing games recently. He's hurting with a bad ankle among other assorted bumps and bruises. Croom finished the game for the Cardinals and appears to be their leading backup and best 3rd down threat when Emmitt's not on the field. Josh Scobey is also in the mix, but Croom appears to be better in short yardage and coming out of the backfield as a receiver. If Emmitt can't go next week, Croom zooms near the top of the RB list for those seeking a one week solution. Against the Lions, Croom might be worthwhile as a last resort starter.

Ladell Betts (Was) - Betts all but handled the rushing load for the Redskins after Portis struggled yet again. Betts is becoming a bigger factor because of his size and better power between the tackles (compared to Portis). Neither one appears to be of significant value right now if they both continue to get carries, but the difference maker is that Betts is also on the field on 3rd downs and is much more productive as a receiver at the moment.

Larry Johnson (KC) - Johnson earned a piece of the pie this week rushing 10 times for 43 and a TD while Derrick Blaylock carried the ball 8 times for 57 yards and 2 TDs. Both players were productive and both will get carries in the coming weeks as long as Priest is out. If you're hurting for production and can grab LJ then do it. As long as Priest is unavailable, LJ has a solid shot of producing 50+ yards and solid scoring potential as far as TDs go.

Justin Fargas (Oak) - Fargas is healthy again and Tyrone Wheatley is not. He could very well see extended action this week and get the bulk of the work along with Amos Zereoue. Proceed accordingly.

Garrison Hearst (Den) - Would it really be a surprise if Droughns got hurt and Hearst stepped in for a few games and produced some big numbers? He's still the true backup to Droughns at this point since Mike Shenahan has Tatum Bell cutting his teeth on special teams duty.

Ernest Graham (TB) - Michael Pittman is producing some staggering fantasy numbers in most leagues lately. Considering that Jamel White is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens and Graham is sort of like the top backup to Pittman, he deserves some attention as a guy to add at the end of your roster. If Pittman goes down you can argue (correctly) that Alstott would have an increased role in the offense. It also stands to reason that Graham would probably have at least 10 or 15 touches a game, too.

Changing teams

Brandon Bennett (Car) - Signed by the Panthers. Bennett appears to be the primary backup or beneficiary if Nick Goings gets hurt. Goings is proving to be the real deal enough to be a solid short term solution. He's been productive in each of the last three weeks, while Bennett has a TD in short yardage.

Jamel White (Bal) - Cut by the Bucs and claimed/signed by the Ravens. Jamal Lewis should be back in no time, but with him sidelined White's signing makes sense. Musa Smith is done for the year with a broken leg so they are a bit more thin and could use White's experience. He's probably not worth a roster spot unless Chester Taylor gets hurt, too.

James Jackson (GB) - Cut by the Browns and now with the Packers. Even if Ahman Green starts Monday night it's likely he won't carry the load the entire game. Najeh Davenport will get the start and Tony Fisher would play a large role as well. Jackson would be the third guy in that rotation and probably won't see any playing time unless Davenport's hammy flares up or Fisher gets hurt. Anything is possible.

Wide Receivers

Deion Branch (NE) - If Branch was available in your league he was likely snatched up last week. If he happens to still be amongst the available, snag him immediately. If he's not Brady's favorite target he's option 1b. Branch is back and there is no question he's healthy going by the moves he's displayed the past two games. He could live up to his potential heading into the season as a good WR2 or WR3.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Kelley Washington (Cin) - Houshmandzadeh broke out with 4 catches for 79 yards and 2 TDs while also contributing on the ground with 2 reverses for 17 additional yards. Washington continues to show signs towards future production catching 3 passes for 35 yards and a TD.

Antonio Bryant (Cle) - Bryant broke out this week along with several other Browns and Bengals with 8 catches 131 yards and 2 TDs. It was like a welcome to Cleveland party for Bryant's owners. If he's somehow available in your 8 or 10 team league than look at this game as a good example of his upside. The Browns are throwing the ball a lot these days and Bryant could be a productive player down the stretch.

Lee Evans (Buf) - Evans continues to blossom as a strong WR opposite Eric Moulds. He's becoming the new Peerless Price. As long as McGahee continues to fuel the ground game then Evans, Moulds and Mark Campbell all should be relatively productive. Give Bledsoe time to setup and throw the ball around and he'll hurt you. Evans is probably the fastest player on the team if not the WR corps. He could be a solid WR3 or WR4 the rest of the season.

Eric Parker (SD) - Parker touched the football just 5 times on offense this week but he produced an amazing 136 yards from scrimmage. He had runs of 20 and 38 yards and a 55 yd reception. Even more amazing is he didn't score a TD with all those yards and big plays.

Cedrick Wilson (SF) - Wilson caught 5 passes for 59 yards this week. The 49ers stink and will continue to throw the ball more frequently than most teams because they stink. Wilson could be the 49ers most consistent WR and he continues to be among the team's most targeted WRs when he's healthy. He's not likely to be available in most leagues, but he could be the classic free agent pickup early in the season that got hurt and then cut, and now he's available again type of player.

Joey Galloway & Joe Jurevicius (TB) - The Bucs passing game is like low hanging fruit as far as fantasy potential hanging around on the waiver wire. These two WRs are finally healthy and have now been in the lineup the past two weeks without any setbacks. 4 catches and 60 yds for Jurevicius while Galloway caught 3 passes for 34 yds. The schedule is soft and inviting for these two players to have increased value down the stretch. If you need a WR to improve your bench and protect yourself for a playoff run - consider one of these guys.

Todd Pinkston (Phi) - Most of us would rue the day that Pinkston is on our roster but truth be told he does have some value in deeper leagues. He's surely not consistent, but he can be explosive in single coverage. Pinkston produced 75 yds on 3 catches this week with a 50 yd reception. He's not a good starter most weeks but produces starter numbers every few weeks.

David Terrell (Chi) - 2 for 34. Who knows.. maybe Jeff George can get the Bears offense off the ground and breathe a little life into Terrell's production and fantasy value. It's not happening with Krenzel. It wasn't happening with Quinn. At least it happened a couple times with Grossman. Believe it or not, and it's easy to NOT believe with Terrell.. but he's got talent and could be productive. As a certified Terrell apologist, in his defense, he does have a nice schedule remaining and if the Bears ever get some QB production he and Bobby Wade could have some value and usefulness. I know that is a big "IF" though.

Bobby Engram (Sea) - Engram scored this week, but otherwise didn't produce a whole lot. His value is higher with Koren Robinson out the next three weeks serving his suspension but not by a lot. He remains in the slot with Jerry Rice starting outside in Robinson's slot. The Seahawks offense is sick right now and not firing on all cylinders, but Engram could have some usefulness if you're hurting at WR and your league has few options in the free agent market.

Antwaan Randle-El (Pit) - Randle-El's window of opportunity probably passed if Plaxico Burress returns to the lineup this week. Even so, the Steelers are playing so good in all facets of the game that they really haven't had a need to throw the ball more than 20 or 25 times a game recently. That means fewer targets for Hines Ward, Plaxico and Randle-El. If Burress misses another game, then his value remains fairly good. As such, his best value comes as a late week plug-in starter or someone you could grab to backup Plaxico if you have the roster spot to even consider such a move.

Jamaar Taylor (NYG) - 2 catches and 102 yards from Taylor this week is a nice sign that perhaps he could be a future target of Eli Manning. Both players have a lot to learn before becoming consistently productive NFL players, but they'll get a chance to grow together. Taylor had 2 receptions of 50 yds or longer this week - one of the few silver linings in the otherwise dark cloud in the loss to the Eagles. As a dynasty league WR he's worth rostering. For re-drafters he could be one of those strange surprise players who catch a few TDs in the last few weeks of the season auditioning of a bigger role next year.

Terrance Copper (Dal) - 2 for 22 yards this week. Copper is merely playing for a spot on the Cowboys next year. Their season all but a foregone conclusion, Copper has seen increased playing time the past two weeks but likely won't be anything other than a situational player unless Meshawn or Quincy Morgan get hurt.

Tight Ends

Todd Heap (Bal) - For those in leagues that don't require TEs, Heap is probably available on your waiver wire. He was a game-time decision in week 12 and didn't play. He's very close though and could make an impact as WR3 even in leagues without TE requirements.

Mark Campbell (Buf) - No TDs this week for Campbell, but a solid game for a TE with 3 catches and 31 yards. The Bills offense is coming alive with Willis McGahee sparking the ground game. Campbell is a gamble in a starting capacity but a solid player to lean on if your starter is not available.

Erron Kinney (Ten) - Kinney's 6 catches for 53 yds and 2 TDs shows just how much the Titans offense has missed not having a healthy McNair and Kinney in the lineup. Kinney is a bull at 275 pounds, but he's still a solid receiver in the short to intermediate passing attack. The Titans have three good TEs and when all of them are healthy their offense clicks much better. Moving forward, Kinney could very well be a top 10 TE or at least a fringe starter - providing everyone stays healthy.

Kris Mangum (Car) - Mangum caught 3 passes for 44 yards this week despite being listed as questionable. He's been banged up for the past couple weeks but is proving to be a semi-reliable 2nd tier option as a backup fantasy TE. He's good insurance if nothing else and is consistently a part of the offense each week over the last month.

Aaron Shea & Steve Heiden (Cle) - 7 catches 82 yards and 3 TDs. As this game was unfolding I began asking what happened to Aaron Shea? It's not like he wasn't on the field as he caught 5 passes himself for 67 yards continuing his strong production. The Browns are getting a lot from their TE position - a great indicator of things to come in the future when the Soldier gets back in uniform. For now, Heiden and Shea could be good for a spot start, emergency play or gamble if you're weak at the position.

Stephen Alexander (Det) - Alexander's 5 catches on Thanksgiving is proof that the process of elimination can be an effective means to find production for fantasy purposes even from players who are not all that talented or worthy. Such is the case with Alexander. The Lions WR corps is flat out decimated by injuries prompting Alexander to get more targets and catches. If he caught more balls that came his way his numbers would look a little better, too.

Chris Cooley (Was) - 7 catches this week gives credence to what appears to be a more consistent if not slightly expanded role for the rookie tight end and H-back. He's a decent sleeper and a solid red zone option for the Redskins. Given that the Redskins rarely put the ball into the end zone, Cooley's value could certainly be higher there, but he's caught a few TDs - not bad for just a rook. He's been a reliable outlet WR in the short passing game and does a nice job in Joe Gibbs offensive system.

Billy Miller (Hou) - Miller's been completely invisible this year, but he appeared long enough this week to have an official sighting - 4 catches, 42 yards and TD catch. It's advisable to probably chalk this up as an anomaly  because there's no pattern of consistency and the Texans have used more 3 WR sets than double TEs formations leading to the big reduction in targets and catches for Miller. It's nice to see him in the box score, but wait until you see another productive week or two and then pick him up as an emergency player if your league allows such moves in the playoffs.

Kris Wilson (KC) - Returning from a broken leg and will be auditioning for a much bigger and expanded role in 2005. Wilson was supposed to be a key cog in the short/intermediate passing game to compliment Gonzalez. Wilson is a solid sleeper for dynasty purposes and could be a sneaky surprise in the last few weeks. We don't know who will return in KC next season in the front office, coaching staff or at other positions but Gonzo and Wilson will be back.

Kickers

John Carney (NO), Jay Feely (Atl), John Hall (Was), Josh Scobee (Jac), John Kasay (Car), Todd Peterson (SF), Jason Hanson (Det), Paul Edinger (Chi) and Neil Rackers (Ari) are usual suspects you might find on your league's waiver wire. Any one of these guys could put up good enough numbers this week as a free agent you might pick up and play this week - if you need a kicker.

Defense / Special Teams

The defenses worth picking up and starting this week are the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams and the Carolina Panthers.