A weekly look at the players who are likely available in most leagues at each position. For up-to-date injury news and information to help you make critical waiver wire decisions please take this information into consideration along with other subscriber articles such as the weekly Upgrades/Downgrades and the Players in the News.

Quarterbacks

Add immediately, impact potential (if available)

Vinny Testaverde (Dal) - Proving to be a fairly reliable option though he's got a lower ceiling than other guys because he's probably the last QB that would rush for a TD. Still, Vinny is throwing the ball consistently well and the Cowboys are paying a lot of attention to pass protection. They need him healthy for any thoughts of a playoff run. He's averaging 260 yds passing per game with 5 TDs in 5 games (4 INTs). He is what he is. He's not a long-term option but someone you might have great success with as a matchup play and strong backup.

Ben Roethlisberger (Pit) - He continues to play with veteran savvy leading the Steelers to yet another win this week. This time it was in Dallas. He's completing 69% of his passes and averaging 12 yards per completion with 7 TDs and 4 INTs. He has also run for another TD. In short he's easily outperforming any expectations we had for him as an NFL rookie QB. He has a bright future and if he continues to keep up his current pace he could prove to be like a another Tom Brady and be a reliable, if not unproven NFL starting QB and fantasy option.

Jeff Garcia (Cle) - Garcia shrugged off the criticism once again and led the Browns to a victory at home over the visiting Bengals. He may have been cut in some smaller leagues by impatient owners as he's struggled at times. He probably won't be the most consistent fantasy QB moving forward either, but you can't argue with a 310 yard performance on 16 of 23 passing with 4 TDs and another TD on the ground. With those kinds of stats it's easy to look past the two INTs he threw. The Browns schedule isn't favorable, however with just a few games that would appear to be favorable matchups on paper.

Drew Brees (SD) - Just a reminder for those of you in leagues that still have Brees hanging around on the waiver wire. He's playing solid football and looks like he will continue to do so the rest of the season. From a dynasty slant, he's likely earned himself a good shot at a starting gig elsewhere next season, so he has solid value as a good fantasy backup QB in either league format. He's got good matchups in weeks 12, 15, 16 and 17 at KC, at Cle, at Ind and home vs KC respectively.

Add for depth, starter potential

Brian Griese (TB) - Tonight we'll get our second good look at the son of Bob in a Bucs uniform. Of course, Griese emerged last week when Chris Simms left the game early with a shoulder injury. With a solid performance, he earned the start tonight against the Rams on MNF. The Bucs love to throw the football and will continue to do so under Jon Gruden. If Griese can somehow get back to the way he played in Denver under Mike Shanahan, he could have solid if not very strong potential. It all depends on his efficiency and TD to turnover ratio, as well as how long Simms will remain sidelined. The Bucs have very good matchups on the near horizon with the Bears next week followed by their BYE then a string of solid matchups against KC, Atl and SF. None of their remaining games look particularly bad as far as matchups go. Solid potential here with good fantasy matchups makes for a nice pickup but if Simms returns Gruden will probably go back to him at some point.

Drew Bledsoe (Buf) - Not much to see here, but Bledsoe is at least consistently mediocre. Translate that to the fantasy world and that means he's usually worthless. He has some value, but if you don't produce within the top 12 QBs most weeks that means you're really below the baseline and not worth the price of admission - generally speaking. Bledsoe has a few decent matchups on the schedule that might bear interest. The Cardinals and Jets in weeks 8 and 9 aren't bad situations, not to mention a three game stretch against Cle, Cin and SF in weeks 14 thru 16 (playoff time). If the Steelers lose Chad Scott and Casey Hampton on their defense they could be an interesting matchup in week 17 as well. Still, Bledsoe is pretty average in most areas but as a backup he's worth a roster spot if he's out there.

Kerry Collins (Oak) - Collins has done nothing to endear himself to anyone in a fantasy context. He's a Norv Turnover machine. He didn't even crack the top 20 this week facing the Broncos at home in Oakland throwing for just 136 yds and failing to reach the end zone. That said, he might be the best available in more competitive leagues. Next week brings the Saints to town followed by a road game against San Diego. Both are good matchups on paper where he MIGHT be worth a look. The rest of the schedule has some other decent matchups as well: Wk 11 vs SD, Wk 13 vs KC, wk 14 at Atl, Wk 15 vs Ten, Wk 16 at KC. Given the matchups and the likelihood that Rich Gannon isn't coming back any time soon - Collins just might be worth a shot. Obviously he's struggling right now. Yet if he's out there and you have a spot worth burning on your roster, then take a flier now rather than compete for his services if/when he breaks out with a strong game against one of these soft defenses.

Add for insurance, potential down the road

Jon Kitna (Cin) - Keep an eye on Kitna. Carson Palmer isn't winning any games like Ben Roethlisberger is in Pittsburgh. Sooner or later Marvin Lewis may need to get smart and put the better QB on then field to win games NOW. Kitna is a proven QB who is more than capable of picking the Bengals offense up if he's given a chance. For now, Palmer remains the story and Lewis has given no indication that he will change QBs. If/when it does happen, Kitna vaults immediately to the top of the waiver wire list for QBs. He's top 10 material but no opportunity to perform at the moment.

Chris Simms (TB) - Don't lose sight of Simms as he could and should regain the starting job he held for a few series before injuring his shoulder. Griese is holding the fort down for now and Brad Johnson could be dealt by the trade deadline possibly - though nothing is happening at the moment. Regardless, Simms is still viewed as the QB of the future - and present - in Tampa once he is back to 100%.

Jeff Blake (Phi) - If you have McNabb then you might consider doing the smart thing and securing the Eagles QB job right now. If you don't have the luxury of a strong backup QB like Carr, Leftwich or Brees then be smart and use the roster spot on Blake. With TO in the fold, the Eagles offense has blossomed like most predicted it would (the past several years). Blake would almost surely produce solid fantasy points if he were forced to start for McNabb at some point.

Patrick Ramsey (Was) - Brunell seems to be clinging on to the starting job by his fingernails. He remains Joe Gibbs' guy for now, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see a switch to Ramsey either by coaching decision or injury in the near future. Ramsey has a bigger arm, less mobility and a higher penchant for turnovers. So, that doesn't exactly excite me in terms of fantasy potential, but given the weapons around him he'll be worth a look if he's a starter and for now he might be one of the best NFL backups in terms of upside. In more competitive or deeper leagues you're scratching the bottom of the barrel looking at guys like Ramsey for potential.

David Garrard (Jac) - I doubt Leftwich will miss any time but he did sprain his ankle and hurt his shoulder this week in the come back win versus the Chiefs. Lord Byron is quickly becoming one of the league's top QBs along with David Carr and Ben Roethlisberger. Let him sit back in the shotgun and throw all day! However, if he misses any time then the door swings wide open for Garrard to be a high impact fantasy QB potentially. Garrard can do a lot of damage with his legs - like Vick, C-Pep, McNair and McNabb. If he's out there and you have Leftwich with a roster spot worth burning, you might consider safeguarding Lefty and securing the job for the rest of the season. There are a lot of strong matchups the rest of the way for Jacksonville's passing game to potentially flourish. Next week at Ind, then vs Houston, a bye, then Detroit, Tennessee, at Minnesota, vs Pitt, Chicago, at GB, vs Houston and Oakland. Almost every one of those games are solid to strong matchups for Leftwich or Garrard.

Brad Johnson (TB) - Strictly value here based on any potential trade with the Bears, Ravens or another QB in need of a veteran QB. The Ravens would seem like the best option, but as of the time of this writing there's nothing in place and this is purely speculation. If a trade goes down, Johnson's value could be rescued from the bottom of the waiver wire barrel.

Drew Henson (Dal) - The Cowboys are doing their utmost best to protect Vinny Testaverde. Why else would Bill Parcells not be giving more playing time to the best runner on their roster (ReShard Lee)? The Tuna knows his season rides on the health of Vinny. Without Testaverde, they'd be pushing it with Tony Romo or Drew Henson. Regardless, Henson is worth monitoring at this point if for no other reason than future potential (dynasty leagues) or if Vinny does go down in the coming weeks. Right now it would probably be Tony Romo's job to lose, but Henson isn't far behind and obviously has the physical tools to be a very good NFL QB in the near future.

Pickup and start options this week?

To wrap up this week's look at free agent QBs, I've noticed three guys that are free agents in various leagues I'm in this week: Joey Harrington, Jay Fiedler and Kerry Collins. While Harrington probably shouldn't be available, he was sprung free by an opportunistic owner who seized Rattay last week. Regardless, all three have potentially good matchups this week which I'll end up analyzing in more detail later this week in the Sleepers/Reaches article.

Running Backs

Add immediately, impact potential (if available)

Reuben Droughns (Den) - Droughns has answered the bell in both of his starts the last two weeks with HUGE production. Unless Droughns gets hurt, Shanahan would be foolish to put anyone else into the lineup in his place. If for some crazy reason he wasn't snatched up in your league last week, be sure to put him 1st on your waiver claims this week. He's got the slam dunk combination going for him right now - awesome opportunity met with excellent production. As long as that combo stays true, Reuben is golden. Next week he could go for 200 yards against the Bengals sorry run defense. He has 3 strong matchups in the next 5 weeks (4 games and a bye). If Droughns stays healthy long enough to keep the job for the playoff stretch - he could be just like Mike Anderson - and carry his newfound owner over the top and deep into the playoffs. Miami, KC and Indianapolis are all great matchups during that key four weeks.
Upcoming schedule: Next week at Cincy (MNF), vs Atl, vs Hou, bye, at NO
Playoff schedule: Wk14 vs Miami, Wk 15 at KC, Wk 16 at Ten, Wk 17 vs Indy

Willis McGahee (Buf) - Another back who probably isn't available, but he's someone that MUST be covered just in case. With Travis Henry nursing a sort foot, Mike Mularkey kept Henry sidelined as McGahee played very well in his place and produced 111 rushing yds on 26 carries - plus 3 catches for another 31 yards. He took some lumps along the way, too. At the end of the game he took a shot to his surgically repaired knee and appeared to be hurt again. Then, it seemed to be fine.. This bears watching, but at this point it looks like it was just a scare. Since this article is being published mid-day on Monday you'll need to watch the FBG players in the news, upgrades/downgrades and Flash Update for anything regarding this situation. As long as McGahee is fine then his value is on the way UP even though Henry remains the starter on paper.

William Green & Lee Suggs (Cle) - While I highly doubt that either of these guys would be available in most leagues, I'm merely covering all bases by discussing the Browns RB tandem of Green and Suggs. It looks like there's no guessing which back will be more valuable this year. Green seems to be the favored runner while Suggs is more of a big play back with better hands and receiving skills. That said, both are producing numbers right now and deserve to be on the field. The Browns don't have many good matchups on the upcoming schedule though so keep that in mind.

Chester Taylor (Bal) - Jamal Lewis will miss two games due to suspension which means Taylor is set to make his first NFL start this coming week vs Buffalo and then again in week 8 at Philly. He's expected to get the bulk of the carries in his absence though Musa Smith will get some of the workload as well. Taylor has looked good in limited play as the backup, but has never carried the ball more than 10 times in an NFL game. If you need a short-term solution, the Rouge Rocket is potentially a very strong pickup and play option.

Sammy Morris (Mia) -  How about that? Another Dolphins RB makes a showing and bid for your waiver wire attention. This time around it was Morris who got the call rushing 18 times for 91, catching 2 balls for another 28 yards while turning in a solid effort against a good run defense. The brother of Bong just might be worth a shot as he's probably the best back on the Dolphins roster at the end of the day. He's definitely the most versatile if not the most volatile due to the frequency which he's been hurt. Right now, he's healthy though and that goes a long way in the NFL. In a what have you done for me lately world - he should be on the short list of free agents backs in most leagues.

Richie Anderson (Dal) - Anderson is probably the best fantasy back to have on the Cowboys RIGHT NOW, but that could change if ReShard Lee is able to earn more carries from the Big Tuna. For now, however, Anderson will continue to get 10 to 15 touches a game, some goal line duty and plenty of looks as a receiver to boot. He's a versatile, tough Parcells kind of player and that is good enough to make him useful in most fantasy leagues.

Steven Jackson (Stl) - Jackson continues to look like the best RB on the Rams team and we'll get another great look at him tonight against the Bucs defense. In my mind it's only a matter of time before Jackson gets more playing whether it be via injury (to Faulk) or performance. He simply is more explosive and quicker than Faulk at this stage. Yet Faulk will always be the golden boy to Mike Martz and so it makes the opportunity for Jackson one that you'll need to wait out. Let's just say if Jackson is available for some crazy reason in your league then grab him and stash him on your team for a rainy day. The Rams have some very strong matchups in the 2nd half of the season that would give Jackson huge fantasy potential if he were starting by then. Bear in mind Faulk isn't getting the full workload so he might very well stay healthy for all 16 games this year. It's kind of like a double edged blade here - Jackson gets playing time now, helps Faulk stay rested and healthy, which in turn takes away some of his potential to become the featured back if Faulk were to miss any extended time.

Kevin Jones (Det) - Jones was back this week, but didn't play much and the Lions offense as a whole did absolutely nothing after they put 10 pts on the board in the 1st quarter. Jones will likely return to the starting job next week against the Giants, but his value is as low as it will get right now. This makes for an interesting time. Should you try buying low on Jones (via trade) or via waiver wire (if he's available)? Since we're discussing the lifeblood of fantasy scoring - RBs - the answer should almost certainly be YES. The Lions have some matchups in the 2nd half of the season where Jones might be quite useful from weeks 11 through 16.

Wild Cards as injury replacement

These two backs could vault to near the top of the list if either of the starting RBs they back up are forced to miss any number of games.

Antowain Smith (Ten) - Check back on the injury status of Chris Brown's shoulder "burner". If he's forced to miss any time moving forward, the old plow horse Antowain Smith's value increases greatly. The next two weeks bring great matchups against Minnesota and Cincy -- so if Brown isn't available and you can pluck Smith.. as Starsky would say, DOO IT!

Jonathan Wells (Hou) - This is becoming as repeatable story. Domanick Davis goes down. Jonathan Wells produces a strong day at the office in his place. This week Wells rambled 22 times for 73 yards and a TD helping the Texans protect a lead and run the clock against the Titans. As long as Davis isn't able to play, Wells is proving himself to be a viable option. The key question here is the status of Davis since the Texans are going into their bye week. Most likely, Davis will be back for week 8, but keep an eye on this as you might want to grab Wells regardless at this point due to the frequency which Davis is going down.

Add for depth, starter potential

Troy Hambrick (Ari) - Hambrick was on the bye this week, but he's been very productive in each of the previous two weeks. Dennis Green is using Hambrick judiciously to keep Emmitt healthy and rested which means Hambrick is a decent bet to get 10-12 carries any given week, especially if the Cardinals are in the games during the 2nd half. The Cardinals schedule is mixed with good/bad matchups so Hambrick's value will fluctuate, but if Emmitt misses any time, then he comes more of a constant and a solid pickup for your team.

Lamont Jordan (NYJ) - Jordan is finally getting some touches and figures to continue to work in the same capacity as Herman Edwards will at some point begin to ease up on Curtis Martin to make sure he remains healthy and productive for a potentially long playoff run for the Jets. Jordan, of course, has the talent to be a featured back and has been perhaps the biggest fantasy tease of the last 4-5 years at the position. That said, he has solid value as a guy who - if given the starting job by injury or otherwise - would likely put up solid, starter-level numbers.

Najeh Davenport (GB) - He's healthy again and looks like the top backup to Ahman Green. In the event of a Green injury, however, Davenport would likely share carries and touches with Tony Fisher. Still, the Packers offense is good enough to warrant consideration for Najeh if he's been cut free in your league. All it takes is one hit and Davenport's value shoots up the ranks as quickly as Rueben Droughns did two weeks ago.

ReShard Lee (Dal) - The best runner on the Cowboys team already, but before that translates into fantasy success he'll need to please the Big Tuna in all aspects of the game which include blocking, picking up blitzes and effort, effort, effort... Lee's got the size/speed combo you drool over as a talent scout, so he's worth the roster spot if you can afford one. In a dynasty league, he should be a priority to stow away for next year or that proverbial rainy day.

Cedric Cobbs (NE) - Set to come off the team's PUP list and could play as early as week 7. If anything should happen to Corey Dillon, Cobbs would surely benefit and could jump right into a featured back role with Kevin Faulk also figuring prominently as a 3rd down back. A lot of owners have forgotten about Cobbs and he could be worth a roster spot in the 2nd half of the season, especially if you have Dillon.

Other backs who are worth rostering if you can afford the spot and they're available include Ladell Betts (Was), Chris Perry (Cin), Verron Haynes (Pit), Brad Hoover (Car) and Tony Fisher (GB).

Wide Receivers

Add immediately, impact potential (if available)

Most of these names at the top of the list likely aren't available, but because we service everyone from those in 8 team leagues to those in 12 to 16 team leagues, we need to cover them. If these guys are long gone, as I suspect they are in most leagues, keep on trucking..

Donald Driver (GB) - Driver has exploded the last two weeks in a row. This week it was partially due to the Lions defense, but also due to the injuries sustained by Javon Walker during the game and Robert Ferguson being inactive. Driver is a talented WR you won't confuse him for Randy Moss or Terrell Owens. As long as the Packers defense is shoddy - playing the Lions does NOT count - then Favre, Driver and Walker will post solid numbers. Driver is sure to be inconsistent, but if you somehow can manage grabbing him off the waiver list by all means stop reading and go get him.

Nate Burleson (Min) - Marcus Robinson was the HOT pickup last week and now it's his counterpart Burleson. With Randy Moss out with a hamstring pull, Burleson put up career-best numbers Sunday night against the Saints. He's been fairly productive most of the year, but if Moss is out for any number of games, Burleson shoots right to or near the top of free agent WRs out there. He's got 19 catches for 322 yards and 1 TD through the first five games. The way this offense is rolling you want anyone in the purple and white.

Brandon Lloyd (SF) - Feel duped? You shouldn't. Lloyd was targeted frequently during the first couple games before he missed 2 games with a groin injury. The first two games the 49ers struggled at the QB position and now he's back to square one. Tim Rattay is playing and he's healthy. As long as both players remain healthy they have shown the ability to produce fantasy points for their respective positions. Lloyd produced strong numbers for the 2nd week in a row and looks to be a solid WR3 as he was projected to be in the pre-season as many folk's favorite breakthrough WR.

Ashley Lelie (Den) - Lelie is emerging (finally) as the Broncos best deep threat this year. If he's still around get him. If you are in a TD only league, his value is slightly higher. He's going to be inconsistent in terms of catches and a lesser extent yards so for leagues that score pts for reception expect a rocky road.

Andre Davis (Cle) - Davis was hurt this week but after he and Jeff Garcia connected on a 99 yard TD play. Ironically, that's all he produced this week. The Browns WRs come and go in terms of production, but in my book, he's clearly the guy to have. Quincy Morgan is just not a good WR. He doesn't fight for the football and quite frankly I'm surprised he's lasted this long without getting benched. If Davis misses any time due to injury then you'll want to take a good look at Dennis Northcutt and then Quincy Morgan if you really need to gamble on someone.

Michael Clayton (TB) - Clayton may still be hanging around in some leagues because he's a rookie. Tonight you'll get an extended look at his game against the Rams. Despite his rookie status, he's a guy who plays well beyond his experience level. He blocks, runs good routes, isn't afraid to get physical and has exceptional hands and body control. He's sure to be productive the rest of the season and a good bet to lead the team in receptions, yards and TDs as a rookie.

Three other guys who may be available that you would want to act quickly on are Terry Glenn (Dal), Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) and Johnnie Morton (KC). All will have their good and bad weeks and none are highly consistent, but explosive enough that they can be helpful as often as they hurt you. It's that same reason why they may or may not be available in your league.

Add for depth, starter potential

Charles Lee (TB) - Lee is the like the cat who hangs around your back door begging for table scraps. He just won't go away. The Bucs keep trying to replace him with other players but Lee keeps producing when called upon. He's producing consistent but not outstanding numbers and bears watching this evening. If he puts up solid numbers against the Rams on MNF, it's time to bump him up just a bit more and get him. Joey Galloway is probably a couple weeks away from returning, which gives Lee some added shelf life. Adding Galloway is another option, but one I'd leave for team owners who have a roster spot to burn for a few weeks. Even then Galloway is no sure thing and Lee/Clayton are both producing right now. Again, watch tonight and draw your own conclusions, but Lee is out there in many leagues and Galloway is likely out there, too.

Eddie Kennison (KC) - Kennison returned to the starting lineup this week and figures to be a steady producer the rest of the way providing he STAYS in the lineup. He's nothing special but he can be a solid 4th WR and useful if you play matchups during the bye weeks.

Jabar Gaffney & Derick Armstrong (Hou) - Armstrong and Gaffney are both steady climbers on the fantasy charts, though Gaffney hasn't been all that productive earlier this season. Both are talented WRs who could thrive in the Texans spread offense opposite Andre Johnson. Corey Bradford was hurt this week, and if he misses any extended time moving forward, the stock of these two WRs goes up even more. Armstrong remains a better option for dynasty leagues, but he's showing enough the last several weeks to merit consideration in most re-draft leagues simply because the Texans are throwing the ball a lot these days - and with good success.

Eric Parker (SD) - How a few weeks can change things dramatically. Parker was the favorite WR earlier in the season on the Chargers, but Reche Caldwell had been the hot hand during the first month of the season. This week, Caldwell left the game early with a knee injury and Parker came through with 6 catches, 76 yds and 1 TD. He's still worth rostering, though he was probably cut by many impatient owners who needed the roster spot. The schedule looks good for the Chargers passing attack making Parker a sleeper turned bust who could turn into a sleeper - again!

Lee Evans (Buf) - He's produced 3 catches for 40+ yards this year but still isn't doing enough to make himself worth considering as a possible starter - except on those desperate weeks where you may be searching for that one big play WR to put you over the top. That's what Evans brings to the table right now. He's explosive, but inconsistent. Pick him up for spot start duty or to roll the dice on the weeks where the Bills matchup looks favorable.

Cedrick Wilson (SF) - Like Lloyd above, Wilson looks like he'll be reasonably productive as long as Tim Rattay is healthy and starting at QB. He's got 23 catches for 281 yards and 1 TD on the season and in most leagues ranks just outside the range of starters (top 35 to 40) so he very well could be lurking as a waiver pickup.

Add for insurance, potential down the road

Joey Galloway (TB) - See above. Coming off injury and could rejoin the starting lineup in the weeks ahead. His speed and big play ability are much needed by the Bucs right now, so as long as he's really back physically then he'd be worth having on your roster now if you can afford to wait. Otherwise, you'll need to get in line if you wait too long and he breaks out.

Darius Watts (Den) - Right now Watts is the 1 to 3 catch rookie WR you'd expect, but if injury strikes Rod Smith or Ashley Lelie he'd slide right into the starting lineup and could produce much better numbers. The coaching staff has taken a liking to Watts and he played extremely well in the pre-season. He's worth a long look in re-draft leagues as insurance if you have Rod Smith (at the very least).

Eddie Berlin (Ten) - Berlin has quietly emerged on the Titans thanks in part to the season-ending injuries suffered by Tyrone Calico. In the last two weeks he's caught 7 passes for 103 yards and 1 TD. If he produces decent numbers again this next week, he'll be in much higher demand considering the Titans are throwing the ball frequently as their defense continues to struggle.

Travis Taylor (Bal) - Yikes! I almost hate to even recommend a Ravens WR at this point, but Taylor is getting closer to 100% and he could have some marginal value. He's been a bust for the better part of his NFL tenure but he does have some talent. The problem is largely Kyle Boller and his inability to make plays in the passing game. If the Ravens decide to go get Brad Johnson, then Taylor's value would certainly be on the rise.

Bobby Wade (Chi) - Wade seems to be the favorite Bears possession / 3rd down WR. He's not a big deep threat and may be better suited to working the slot given his lack of size, but he's quick, gets open and if the Bears ever get some good QB play then his value would rise perhaps considerably.

Antonio Chatman (GB) - Caught 5 passes for 50 yards against the Packers, but probably should be left alone and on the waiver wire unless Robert Ferguson is inactive or unable to play. Otherwise, Chatman goes back to being the 4th WR and has no real value.

Dynasty leaguers possibly worth stashing

Kassim Osgoode (SD) - Big, tall WR like the Jags Ernest Wilford, who could get a bigger opportunity if Reche Caldwell is unable to play in the weeks ahead due to injury. Osgoode is a guy you'd expect to play a role in the red zone, but he's also a potential deep threat with his size, hands and leaping ability.

Kevin Curtis (Stl) - Blazing speed but not a lot of opportunity behind Holt and Bruce. Curtis is making plays and getting on the field though. If Holt or Bruce were to get hurt, Curtis could have some solid value, so keep an eye on him and if anything happens then pick him up before your league mates.

Clarence Moore (Bal) - Big, fast and talented. Moore was a small school college prospect that appears to be learning the ropes quicker than expected in the NFL. The coaching staff loves his makeup and obviously his size/speed. If you can stash him away until next year and let this guy grow into the Ravens offense, you might have something.

Bethel Johnson (NE) - Rumor from the Shark Pool has it that Bethel was inactive in week 5 because he's struggling to pick up new plays and demonstrate his knowledge of the playbook in practice. It wouldn't be the first time a physically talented player didn't develop because of this reason and wouldn't be the last either. That said, Bethel has mad speed and with the Patriots WRs continuing to be short-staffed because of injury, he could continue to get more opportunity. He's kind of like Kelley Washington of the Bengals. Great talent, but for whatever reason they haven't moved up the depth charts yet in their 2nd season. Both bear watching, but primarily for dynasty league purposes.

Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ) - I'd like to draw a comparison of Cotchery to a rookie WR from last year who had to wait a year to get an opportunity. I'm talking about Brandon Lloyd. Cotchery has a lot of the same kind of attributes that make me like Lloyd as a fantasy WR prospect last year. He's smooth, fluid and has a knack for making plays. Yet he's not the fastest nor is he the biggest or most physical player. Next year he could move into a slot role if Chrebet isn't back or challenge for a starting job.

Arnaz Battle (SF) - Some guys are playmakers and that's the best way to describe Battle right now. In 95% of the league's he's not worth looking at unless Lloyd, Conway, Woods or Wilson (or any two of them) gets hurt. that said, Battle excels on special teams and does whatever the coaching staff asks of him. He's also a former QB that knows and understands the game well. Keep his name in your mind, I have a feeling he'll be useful down the road.

Tight Ends

Add immediately, impact potential (if available)

Jerramy Stevens (Sea) - Produced his 2nd straight solid game and ranks among the top 10 fantasy TEs over these last two weeks with 7 catches for 85 yards and 1 TD. The Seahawks regularly utilize their TEs and Stevens is a player we've all been waiting on since he was a mid-1st round pick in the same grouping that produced Daniel Graham and Jeremy Shockey. He's finally wrestled the starting job away from Itula Mili and as long as he keeps his nose clean he looks primed to keep it and be a solid if not top 10 fantasy TE the rest of the season.

Jermaine Wiggins (Min) - He's back from injury and a strong sleeper consideration as a top 10 fantasy TE the rest of the season. He caught 5 passes for 56 yards and 2 TDs against the Saints. The way C-Pep is tossing TDs, stick around, Wiggins might get a few more. He's their #1 TE the rest of the season with Kleinsasser out so his value is quite strong.

Jeb Putzier (Den  ) - Some owners in your league may've picked up Putzier then dropped him. He caught 3 passes for 52 yds and 1 TD this week and given the way the Broncos utilize their TEs, H-backs and fullbacks in the red zone - he's clearly worth rostering and spot starting until he develops more consistency.

Erron Kinney (Ten) - He's due back any time now and should resume where he left off... as a 2nd tier TE capable of starter numbers, but probably ranking in the 10th to 15th range when it's all said and done. Shad Meier put up strong numbers in his place, but missed this week's game after an emergency appendectomy.

Add for depth, starter potential

Mark Campbell (Buf) - There was a lot of talk this off-season about the Bills utilizing their TE more this season. This week Campbell answered the bell catching 4 passes for 36 yds and 1 TD. He's not going to be a very consistent option, but he could come in handy. He's scored 2 TDs thus far but only has 8 catches. Go figure. This, of course, is typical for free agent fodder at this position.

Kyle Brady (Jac) - Brady returned to the lineup this week and caught 3 passes for 18 yards. Leftwich spreads the ball to everyone in the offense and regularly completes passes to 8 or 9 different guys each week. Brady is better known for this blocking, but with George Wrighster currently injured, he's a decent short-term option if you're in need.

Dwayne Carswell (Den) - He's not reliable or consistent, but he's a tenacious blocker and good for a pure flip of the coin start once every 2 or 3 weeks. That's when he scores a TD or provides enough stats to make himself useful. The Broncos love their TEs and fullback in the red zone. It's the classic Tecmo bread and butter play and they score 5-6 TDs a year on it.

Add for insurance, potential down the road

Ben Troupe (Ten) - Will be THE GUY for the Titans either by next year or 2006. He's a huge talent and should be rostered immediately if he's available in your dynasty league because an owner got hasty or lost patience. Troupe has big-time talent, but he's lost in the Titans offense as a rookie, which is about what we expect from most rookie TEs anyway.

Courtney Anderson (Oak) - Speaking of rookie TEs, Anderson has played very well and seems to have a growing role as the season continues. He's big, blocks well and has shown the ability to get open, too. He could very well be the Raiders answer at TE if Teyo Johnson doesn't respond sometime soon or show anything.

Kickers

Again, not to belittle our friendly kickers, but they are mostly plug and play. If you need one you can always find one. The best ones still hanging around in most leagues are Phil Dawson (Cle), Nate Kaeding (SD), Billy Cundiff (Dal) and Shayne Graham (Cin).

Temporary options perhaps..

Also available as guys who are replacing their NFL team's usual starters are Ola Kimrin (Was) & Matt Bryant (Mia). Both might be worth a look if you have a bye week problem, otherwise, stick to the better options above if you can help it.

Defense / Special Teams

Best potential if still available

Buffalo Bills - Allowing about 90 yds/gm on the ground with 11 sacks after a slow start in that category. They broke out with 5 against the Dolphins. They've only forced 6 turnovers but as their sack numbers increase look for the turnover count to do the same. The next two games against Baltimore and Arizona look like good matchups for the Bills as a decent starter.

NY Jets - Likely not available but a nice schedule ahead for a team that already ranks among the top 10 fantasy D/STs in most leagues. They've forced 13 turnovers, sacked the QB 13 times and scored 2 TDs in five games.

NY Giants - Forced 15 turnovers through first 5 games with 12 sacks and 0 rushing TDs allowed. They aren't the best defense out there, but they're proving themselves to be opportunistic. They host the Lions next week, Chicago in week 9 and the Falcons in week 11. Arizona, Washington, Baltimore and Cincinnati on the road in weeks 10, 13, 14 and 16 look like decent options, too. Probably not available, but a strong option if they are.

Detroit Lions - Next two games are on the road against the Giants and Cowboys then they host the Redskins on their NFC East tour. Good home matchups in week 13 against Arizona and week 16 against Chicago make them solid options for a defensive pairing with better matchups on the other weeks.

New Orleans Saints - On the rise potentially now that Mike McKenzie is in the lineup. Whether or not that he improves their secondary remains to be seen, but their pass rush is already among the best in the league. Good special teams with Michael Lewis make them a good gamble some weeks. Upcoming games that are note worthy include next week at Oakland, week 12 at Atlanta could go either way, week 13 at home vs Carolina, week 14 at Dallas, week 15 at Tampa and week 16 against Atlanta. They could be a surprise if they can find a way to force some turnovers (just 2 in the first 5 weeks).

Chicago Bears - Next two games at Tampa and at home against San Francisco will go along way towards reading the Bears defense for the rest of the year. Weeks 12 (at Dallas), 15 (vs Houston) and16 (at Detroit) all look like decent spots for the Bears, who have just 7 sacks so far.

Arizona Cardinals - Week 9 at Miami looks like a potentially nice spot for the Cards as well as week 10 at home against the Giants, week 13 at Detroit and week 17 against Tampa. A bit of a surprise through the first 6 weeks the Cardinals lead the NFL with 10 fumble recoveries. Combined with 4 INTs they're doing a good job of forcing turnovers and their 13 sacks is also better than anticipated.

Defenses with the most sacks
Atlanta (20), Philadelphia (20), New England (19), Pittsburgh (17+), Detroit (16), Washington (16), Baltimore (14), Dallas (14+), Kansas City (14), NY Jets (13), Seattle (13), Arizona (13), Miami (13), Oakland (13+), New Orleans (13+), San Diego (12), NY Giants (12), Denver (12+), Jacksonville (11)

Run defense

The NY Giants and Arizona Cardinals haven't allowed a rushing TD so far, but opponents are rushing for 124 rushing yds/gm against the Giants and 128 yds/gm against the Cardinals.

Dallas Cowboys had allowed only 1 rushing TD until they let Jerome Bettis cross the line with 30 seconds left as they lost at home to the Steelers this week. Buffalo and Chicago have also allowed 1 rushing TD.

San Francisco, New Orleans, Cleveland, San Diego and Carolina have allowed the most rushing TDs.

Pass defense

Cleveland, Carolina and Denver each have allowed only 3 passing TDs to lead the league.

New England, New Orleans and Washington have allowed 4 passing TDs. The Saints will be worth watching if Mike McKenzie can help shore up their secondary. Ashley Ambrose and Fred Thomas were playing fairly well so far this year, but having three good corners might help their already strong pass rush to be even more effective.

Good luck everyone, that's a wrap for this week
Bob