Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

September 14, 2008 - September 20, 2008 Archives

By Rob Steingall

Quarterbacks

Struggling Bengals QB Carson Palmer (ankle) participated fully in practice all week and is listed as probable for a matchup with the defending Super Bowl champion Giants on Sunday. He's searching for his first touchdown toss of the young season.

Ravens QB Troy Smith (illness) is once again out this week, meaning rookie Joe Flacco gets the start against the Browns.

Titans QB Vince Young (knee, hamstring) is out this weekend, making Kerry Collins the starter once again in Week 3. Coach Jeff Fisher said Collins would remain the starter as long as the Titans are winning games, so Young could remain on the sidelines even after he returns from injury.

Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder) is listed as out for Sunday, clearing the way for Tyler Thigpen to get his first NFL start - the third QB the Chiefs have started in three games.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder) practiced fully all week and is listed as probable versus an Eagles secondary coming off a Monday night torching at the hands of the Cowboys.

Running Backs

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (hamstring) is questionable this Sunday after only participating on a limited basis at practice on Friday. He'll likely play this week, but could have his touches scaled back in favor of Chester Taylor.

Browns RB Jamal Lewis (ankle) is listed as probable after practicing all week on a limited basis. The Browns, already banged up at WR, will rely heavily on Lewis this week despite his slow start to the year.

Often injured Texans RB Ahman Green (knee) is once again listed as doubtful after being held out of practice all week. Rookie RB Steve Slaton should get a bulk of the touches versus the tough Titans, not a good matchup for any running back.

The Jaguars tandem of RB Fred Taylor (toe) and Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) both practiced fully Friday and are listed as probable for Sunday against the Colts, yielding 180 yards per game on the ground.

The Patriots look to be without RB LaMont Jordan (foot); he's listed as doubtful after not practicing all week. Even worse, RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder) was held out of practice most of the week and only practiced on a limited basis Friday, making him questionable for Sunday. There is a very good chance he won't even touch the ball, making Sammy Morris a very attractive play against a terrible Miami defense.

The Raiders will most likely be without RB Justin Fargas (groin) this weekend after his absence from practice all week. Teammate Darren McFadden (toe) would have picked up the bulk of the carries, but he's only about 70 percent despite being listed as probable for this weekend. Look for RB Michael Bush to be the main beneficiary this weekend in the Raiders' run-heavy offense.

Seahawks RB Maurice Morris (knee) is out this week, meaning Julius Jones will once again carry the load this weekend against the struggling Rams.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday before practicing on a limited basis Friday, and is listed as questionable for Monday night against the Jets. Expect RB Darren Sproles to split carries with LT, and possibly even get the bulk of the load depending upon how Tomlinson practices Saturday.

Wide Receivers

Vikings WR Sidney Rice (knee) is listed as questionable, but is closer to doubtful after only participating on a limited basis Friday in hopes of establishing some chemistry with new Vikings QB Gus Frerotte.

A pair of Browns wideouts, Braylon Edwards (shoulder) and Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps), are both listed as questionable. Edwards was limited in practice this week, and should be starting on Sunday. Stallworth was held out of practice all week and is a good bet to be inactive against the Ravens.

Titans WR Justin Gage (groin) did some light running prior to practice this week, but will be a game-time decision. Brandon Jones would get the start in his place.

The Jaguars duo of Troy Williamson (thigh) and Jerry Porter (hamstring) are once again on the injury report this week. Williamson has already been ruled out, and Porter is closer to "doubtful" after limited participation in practice on Thursday and Friday.

Saints WR Marques Colston (thumb) is again out.

Raiders WR Javon Walker (hamstring) is listed as probable after participating fully in practice on Thursday and Friday. Raiders receivers caught one pass last week.

Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (sports hernia) remains out. Teammate Reggie Brown (hamstring) is probable after putting in a week of full practice.

Rams WR Drew Bennett (foot) remains out this week. The Rams need all the help they can get at this point, and are looking forward to his return in about a month.

The Seahawks receiving unit has been hit hard by injuries to start the year, as WR Bobby Engram (shoulder) is out, and Deion Branch (knee) was limited in practice all week and "doubtful." Even newly signed WR Koren Robinson (knee) is questionable after being limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.

Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway (foot) is once again out this week after not practicing.

Jets WR Laveranues Coles (thigh) again is questionable after being limited in practice. He'll start Monday night, but will need to start putting in more reps on the practice field if he wants to get on the same page as new starting QB Brett Favre.

Other Positions

Giants K Lawrence Tynes (left knee) practiced on a limited basis this week and is questionable, but on schedule to return to the Giants after their Week 4 bye, replacing John Carney.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (wrist) got an extra week to heal courtesy of Hurricane Ike and is listed as probable after fully participating in practice this week.

Cowboys TE Jason Witten (shoulder) practiced without restrictions on Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday night against the Packers.

Bears KR Devin Hester (ribs) is listed as questionable for this weekend after being held out of practice all week

Jets K Mike Nugent (right thigh) is out, giving Jay Feely a job for another week despite badly missing a 31-yarder in the Jets' loss last week versus New England.

By Chad Lawton

Following are complete fantasy football rankings based on this week's matchups for all the major positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, team defense). They are based on a combined yardage/scoring system (4 points for a passing touchdown, 6 points for a rushing/receiving touchdown, one point for every 25 passing yards, one point for every
10 rushing/receiving yards).

Next Update: 9/24

* = check status

Quarterback
1. Jay Cutler, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Sit back, enjoy the ride.
2. Drew Brees, NO at DEN
3. Tony Romo, DAL at GB
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: Poise of a ten-year veteran.
5. Donovan McNabb, PHI vs. PIT
NOTE: He's a blast if injury doesn't strike.
6. J.T. O'Sullivan, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Showed plenty of moxie in Seattle win.
7. Philip Rivers, SD vs. NYJ
8. Kurt Warner, ARI at WAS
9. Peyton Manning, IND vs. JAC
10. Eli Manning, NYG vs. CIN
11. Jon Kitna, DET at SF
12. *Ben Roethlisberger, PIT at PHI
NOTE: How bad is the shoulder?
13. Brett Favre, NYJ at SD
NOTE: Time to let him air it out.
14. Jake Delhomme, CAR at MIN
15. Matt Cassel, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: Faces a secondary you can exploit.
16. Trent Edwards, BUF vs. OAK
17. Jason Campbell, WAS vs. ARI
18. Derek Anderson, CLE at BAL
19. Matt Schaub, HOU at TEN
20. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: If only he had some targets.
21. Gus Frerotte, MIN vs. CAR
NOTE: Steps in for benched Jackson.
22. Marc Bulger, STL at SEA
NOTE: Pass blocking has been horrible.
23. David Garrard, JAC at IND
24. *Carson Palmer, CIN at NYG
25. Kyle Orton, CHI vs. TB
26. Kerry Collins, TEN vs. HOU
27. Brian Griese, TB at CHI
28. Chad Pennington, MIA at NE
NOTE: Has the brains, not the arm.
29. Matt Ryan, ATL vs. KC
30. Joe Flacco, BAL vs. CLE
31. *Tyler Thigpen, KC at ATL
NOTE: A long year in Kansas City.
32. JaMarcus Russell, OAK at BUF

Running Back
1. Brian Westbrook, PHI vs. PIT
2. Frank Gore, SF vs. DET
3. *Marion Barber, DAL at GB
4. Brandon Jacobs, NYG vs. CIN
5. Marshawn Lynch, BUF vs. OAK
NOTE: Set-up is ideal here.
6. Willie Parker, PIT at PHI
7. Michael Turner, ATL vs. KC
8. Matt Forte, CHI vs. TB
9. Clinton Portis, WAS vs. ARI
10. *Adrian Peterson, MIN vs. CAR
NOTE: Hamstring makes him game-day call.
11. Chris Johnson, TEN vs. HOU
NOTE: Fastest back in the league.
12. Steven Jackson, STL at SEA
13. Julius Jones, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: It's the matchup, not the player.
14. Reggie Bush, NO at DEN
15. Sammy Morris, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: Needed with others hurt.
16. Joseph Addai, IND vs. JAC
17. *Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC at IND
18. Earnest Graham, TB at CHI
NOTE: Like the talent, but Dunn steals touches.
19. *Jamal Lewis, CLE at BAL
20. Thomas Jones, NYJ at SD
21. LenDale White, TEN vs. HOU
22. Larry Johnson, KC at ATL
23. *Willis McGahee, BAL vs. CLE
24. Darren Sproles, SD vs. NYJ
25. *LaDainian Tomlinson, SD vs. NYJ
NOTE: Sit him if you have viable alternatives.
26. *Darren McFadden, OAK at BUF
27. *Ryan Grant, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: Hamstring is hanging around.
28. Kevin Smith, DET at SF
29. Edgerrin James, ARI at WAS
30. *Chester Taylor, MIN vs. CAR
31. Selvin Young, DEN vs. NO
32. Steve Slaton, HOU at TEN
NOTE: Gets start with Green out.
33. Ronnie Brown, MIA at NE
34. Ray Rice, BAL vs. CLE
35. Jonathan Stewart, CAR at MIN
NOTE: Ready to explode, but not this week.
36. *Michael Bush, OAK at BUF
37. Chris Perry, CIN at NYG
38. Jerious Norwood, ATL vs. KC
39. Fred Jackson, BUF vs. OAK
40. Michael Pittman, DEN vs. NO
41. Pierre Thomas, NO at DEN
42. Tim Hightower, ARI at WAS
NOTE: Has a little Marion Barber in him.
43. Felix Jones, DAL at GB
44. Andre Hall, DEN vs. NO
45. *Fred Taylor, JAC at IND
46. Kevin Faulk, NE vs. MIA
47. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG vs. CIN
48. Ricky Williams, MIA at NE
49. DeAngelo Williams, CAR at MIN
50. Brandon Jackson, GB vs. DAL
51. Warrick Dunn, TB at CHI
52. Derrick Ward, NYG vs. CIN
53. Le'Ron McClain, BAL vs. CLE
NOTE: The third mouth to feed.
54. Leon Washington, NYJ at SD
55. *Laurence Maroney, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: How can you trust him?
56. Leonard Weaver, SEA vs. STL
57. Kenny Watson, CIN at NYG
58. Kevin Jones, CHI vs. TB
59. T.J. Duckett, SEA vs. STL
60. Ladell Betts, WAS vs. ARI
61. Rudi Johnson, DET at SF
62. Chris Taylor, HOU at TEN
63. DeShaun Foster, SF vs. DET
64. Jamaal Charles, KC at ATL
65. Kregg Lumpkin, GB vs. DAL
66. Dominic Rhodes, IND vs. JAC
67. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT at PHI
68. *LaMont Jordan, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: Injury makes him too risky.

Wide Receiver
1. Terrell Owens, DAL at GB
NOTE: Doesn't look 30-something, does he?
2. Brandon Marshall, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Blanket coverage sometimes isn't enough.
3. Reggie Wayne, IND vs. JAC
4. Plaxico Burress, NYG vs. CIN
NOTE: Meet me in Hawaii.
5. Randy Moss, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: Owned this secondary last year.
6. Calvin Johnson, DET at SF
7. Andre Johnson, HOU at TEN
8. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI at WAS
NOTE: Velcro-hands make any ball catchable.
9. Anquan Boldin, ARI at WAS
10. Greg Jennings, GB vs. DAL
11. Steve Smith, CAR at MIN
12. Roy Williams, DET at SF
13. Santonio Holmes, PIT at PHI
14. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ at SD
15. Lee Evans, BUF vs. OAK
16. *Braylon Edwards, CLE at BAL
17. Hines Ward, PIT at PHI
18. Santana Moss, WAS vs. ARI
19. Torry Holt, STL at SEA
20. DeSean Jackson, PHI vs. PIT
NOTE: Forget the gaffe, appreciate the talent.
21. Anthony Gonzalez, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Slot machine paying off.
22. Dwayne Bowe, KC at ATL
23. Chris Chambers, SD vs. NYJ
24. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN at NYG
NOTE: Passing game a horror show right now.
25. Wes Welker, NE vs. MIA
26. Donald Driver, GB vs. DAL
27. Eddie Royal, DEN vs. NO
28. Bryant Johnson, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Starting to get comfortable in scheme.
29. Chad Johnson, CIN at NYG
30. Vincent Jackson, SD vs. NYJ
31. Roddy White, ATL vs. KC
32. David Patten, NO at DEN
NOTE: Much-needed with Colston out.
33. *Laveranues Coles, NYJ at SD
34. Isaac Bruce, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Tank isn't empty yet.
35. Antonio Bryant, TB at CHI
36. Matt Jones, JAC at IND
37. Kevin Walter, HOU at TEN
38. Marvin Harrison, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Can't run by anyone anymore.
39. Patrick Crayton, DAL at GB
40. Derrick Mason, BAL vs. CLE
41. Mark Clayton, BAL vs. CLE
42. *Antwaan Randle El, WAS vs. ARI
43. Robert Meachem, NO at DEN
NOTE: Scored in first NFL game.
44. Ike Hilliard, TB at CHI
45. Brandon Lloyd, CHI vs. TB
46. Muhsin Muhammad, CAR at MIN
47. Amani Toomer, NYG vs. CIN
48. Keary Colbert, SEA vs. STL
49. *Reggie Brown, PHI vs. PIT
50. James Jones, GB vs. DAL
51. Brandon Jones, TEN vs. HOU
52. Chansi Stuckey, NYJ at SD
53. *Justin Gage, TEN vs. HOU
NOTE: He's legit, but too hurt to use here.
54. Reggie Williams, JAC at IND
55. Josh Reed, BUF vs. OAK
56. Greg Lewis, PHI vs. PIT
57. *Bernard Berrian, MIN vs. CAR
NOTE: Frerotte switch helps, but wait a week.
58. Michael Jenkins, ATL vs. KC
59. Michael Clayton, TB at CHI
60. Ronald Curry, OAK at BUF
61. Devery Henderson, NO at DEN
62. *Steve Breaston, ARI at WAS
NOTE: Special-teams ace and impact No. 3.
63. Shaun McDonald, DET at SF
64. *Javon Walker, OAK at BUF
65. Courtney Taylor, SEA vs. STL
66. Rashied Davis, CHI vs. TB
67. Dennis Northcutt, JAC at IND
68. Ashley Lelie, OAK at BUF
69. James Hardy, BUF vs. OAK
NOTE: Even with the TD, limited snaps.
70. D.J. Hackett, CAR at MIN
71. Arnaz Battle, SF vs. DET
72. Lance Moore, NO at DEN
73. Greg Camarillo, MIA at NE
74. Justin McCareins, TEN vs. HOU
75. Ted Ginn, MIA at NE
NOTE: Second-year spike hasn't happened.
76. *Roscoe Parrish, BUF vs. OAK
77. Brandon Stokley, DEN vs. NO
78. *Koren Robinson, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: Shows how desperate they are at the position.
79. Billy McMullen, SEA vs. STL
80. Bobby Wade, MIN vs. CAR
81. Steve Smith, NYG vs. CIN
82. Aundrae Allison, MIN vs. CAR
83. *Jerry Porter, JAC at IND

Tight End
1. *Jason Witten, DAL at GB
NOTE: Monday guts add to the legend.
2. Kellen Winslow, CLE at BAL
3. *Antonio Gates, SD vs. NYJ
4. Tony Scheffler, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Timing is perfect for a breakout.
5. Jeremy Shockey, NO at DEN
6. Chris Cooley, WAS vs. ARI
7. Dallas Clark, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Good history in this matchup.
8. Tony Gonzalez, KC at ATL
9. John Carlson, SEA vs. STL
10. Heath Miller, PIT at PHI
11. L.J. Smith, PHI vs. PIT
12. Donald Lee, GB vs. DAL
13. Owen Daniels, HOU at TEN
14. Vernon Davis, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Amazing athlete, still figuring out football.
15. Todd Heap, BAL vs. CLE
16. Greg Olsen, CHI vs. TB
17. Randy McMichael, STL at SEA
18. Zach Miller, OAK at BUF
19. Anthony Fasano, MIA at NE
20. Bo Scaife, TEN vs. HOU
21. Dante Rosario, CAR at MIN
22. Desmond Clark, CHI vs. TB
23. David Martin, MIA at NE
24. Robert Royal, BUF vs. OAK
25. Alex Smith, TB at CHI
26. Alge Crumpler, TEN vs. HOU
27. Marcedes Lewis, JAC at IND
28. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN vs. CAR
29. Leonard Pope, ARI at WAS
30. Kevin Boss, NYG vs. CIN
31. *David Thomas, NE vs. MIA
32. Chris Baker, NYJ at SD

Kicker
1. *John Carney, NYG vs. CIN
NOTE: Go where the points are.
2. Nick Folk, DAL at GB
3. Nate Kaeding, SD vs. NYJ
4. Matt Prater, DEN vs. NO
5. Stephen Gostkowski, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: One Patriot helped by Brady absence.
6. Olindo Mare, SEA vs. STL
7. Rian Lindell, BUF vs. OAK
8. Ryan Longwell, MIN vs. CAR
9. Mason Crosby, GB vs. DAL
10. Adam Vinatieri, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Not the guy he was in New England.
11. Rob Bironas, TEN vs. HOU
12. Joe Nedney, SF vs. DET
13. David Akers, PHI vs. PIT
14. Jeff Reed, PIT at PHI
15. Martin Gramatica, NO at DEN
16. John Kasay, CAR at MIN
NOTE: Leg is still there, but tricky assignment.
17. Robbie Gould, CHI vs. TB
18. Shaun Suisham, WAS vs. ARI
19. Josh Scobee, JAC at IND
20. Kris Brown, HOU at TEN
21. Matt Stover, BAL vs. CLE
22. Phil Dawson, CLE at BAL
23. Neil Rackers, ARI at WAS
24. Jason Elam, ATL vs. KC
25. Jay Feely, NYJ at SD
26. Jason Hanson, DET at SF
27. Matt Bryant, TB at CHI
28. Josh Brown, STL at SEA
29. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK at BUF
30. Shayne Graham, CIN at NYG
31. Nick Novak, KC at ATL
32. Dan Carpenter, MIA at NE

Defense
1. New York Giants vs. Cincinnati
NOTE: Justin Tuck, you are ridiculous.
2. New England vs. Miami
3. Chicago vs. Tampa Bay
4. Seattle vs. St Louis
NOTE: Still a good play at home.
5. Baltimore vs. Cleveland
6. Buffalo vs. Oakland
7. Tennessee vs. Houston
8. Arizona at Washington
NOTE: Not sold on Campbell yet.
9. Minnesota vs. Carolina
10. Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
11. San Diego vs. New York Jets
12. Carolina at Minnesota
13. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
14. Atlanta vs. Kansas City
NOTE: Mediocre unit but matchup is right.
15. Indianapolis vs. Jacksonville
NOTE: Major difference with Sanders out.
16. Dallas at Green Bay
17. Houston at Tennessee
18. Tampa Bay at Chicago
19. San Francisco vs. Detroit
20. Cleveland at Baltimore
21. Green Bay vs. Dallas
22. Jacksonville at Indianapolis
23. Washington vs. Arizona
24. Detroit at San Francisco
25. Denver vs. New Orleans
26. New York Jets at San Diego
27. Oakland at Buffalo
28. Kansas City at Atlanta
29. New Orleans at Denver
30. Miami at New England
31. St Louis at Seattle
32. Cincinnati at New York Giants

By David Ferris

Your work isn't done yet - you still need to get through 10 games before you hoist that trophy and take in the spoils. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Pitchers

BUY

Alfredo Aceves, SP, Yankees: He's had three tidy starts so far (1.80 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, three walks, 12 strikeouts), showing a good fastball and cutter and a couple of other pitches. I'm not afraid of the Orioles this weekend. Aceves also carries relief pitcher eligibility in a lot of leagues, which might help you slide him onto the active roster.

Scott Lewis, SP, Indians: His success is tied more to location than raw stuff - his fastball stops short of the 90s - but after seeing 14 scoreless innings go up on the board, after a superb minor-league campaign at two stops, what's not to like here? Lewis will probably get two more turns with Anthony Reyes down for the season, and I'll recommend both of them.

David Price, SP, Rays: The touted one is finally up, and he'll probably get a start on Tuesday when Tampa Bay has a doubleheader against Baltimore. If nothing else, sidle up to the telly and get a look at why everyone's so excited about the tall lefty. I'm expecting a quality start at minimum, and a dominant splash wouldn't surprise me one bit. The Rays figure to have the AL's best rotation into the next decade if they can keep everyone healthy.

SELL

Armando Galarraga, SP, Tigers: His control has been spotty of late, homers are up, and the Tigers might decide to rest him for the final week, content in Galarraga's progress and seeing no need to expose him to more innings. We're on board with the move; sometimes the long-term plan is the play, especially when you're in a losing season and not playing games of influence (the Royals won't make the playoffs, while the Rays are basically in, one way or another).

Hitters

BUY

Alberto Callaspo, Utility, Royals: He's got no power or speed, so why should you bother? Because he's playing every day, he qualifies at four positions, and he's hitting .333 over the last month (along with a 12-game hitting streak). The perfect swiss army knife for the top of your roster.

SELL

Taylor Teagarden, C, Rangers: It's easy to get carried away over the six homers in just 37 at-bats, but his minor-league profile doesn't support the debut at all, and Ron Washington is still using a backstop platoon (Teagarden has just one at-bat this week since his Monday grand slam). If you're desperate for a homer or two I can justify Teagarden as a flyer in the final week, but don't throw out a summer of modest results in Double-A just because he got off to a hot start in The Show.

Adrian Beltre, 3B, Mariners: Thumb surgery finally ended his season; he pulled the plug a few days ago and had the procedure Thursday. Most fantasy owners look at Beltre's 2008 haul and come away disappointed (.266, 74 runs, 25 homers, 77 RBIs, 8 steals), but considering the bum shoulder he played through most of the year and other nicks, we should salute the guy for getting through 143 games and posting credible stats.

HOLD

Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals: He's swung the bat pretty well since he came off the DL, and his mess of a 2008 season is going to set Gordon up to be a post-hype sleeper all over the map next year. He needs to figure out lefties (they've dominated him all year, .289 OPS) but Gordon is too young and talented to write off so soon. Be a contrarian in March and you'll likely be rewarded.

By Rob Steingall

We conclude the 2008 Fantasy Baseball Season with our final Weekly Planner with advice for the final week and a glance toward 2009.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Ryan Shealy, 1B, Royals: He's been on fire over the past week, blasting five home runs and driving in 10. He is on the road this week against the Tigers and the Twins, which bodes well for his owners, as he's done most of his damage away from Kauffman Stadium (.438 road batting average).

Kevin Millwood, SP, Rangers: Pitching two complete games during the past month qualifies him for workhorse status, and his three wins over that timeframe are quite useful as well. He gets two starts this week against the Athletics and the Angels, clubs he has had good success against in '08. He owns wins over both, a complete game against the Angels, and an ERA of 1.35 against Oakland. He's a fine play during this crucial playoff period.

Bench 'em

Alex Gordon, 1B/3B, Royals: He certainly hasn't lived up to his "post-hype sleeper" status in '08, posting a .254 batting average with only 14 home runs before going down with a torn right hip flexor. It is highly unlikely the time off changed anything, and he is bound to disappoint you further this week away from home, where he is batting a putrid .249.

John Lackey, SP, Angels: In full "recharge" mode heading into the playoffs, you shouldn't expect much more than five or six innings out of him going forward. Manager Mike Scioscia is being very careful with his ace and, unfortunately for you, he doesn't care about your fantasy team's playoff push. His lone start this week, against the Rangers, is bound to be a short one.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Jayson Werth, OF, Phillies: A big part of the Phillies' latest resurgence, the outfielder has flashed power (seven home runs and 20 RBI) and a high average (.337) during the past month. He is home all week against the Braves and the Nationals, so you can certainly expect a few more long balls off his bat to leave the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park.

Aaron Harang, SP, Reds: He's come back from the dead during the past month, posting a 1.93 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, along with a complete game. He gets two turns this week, against the Marlins and the Cardinals. His consistently high strikeout rate (7.7 K/9) is always a plus when he starts, so consider him a top option going forward.

Bench 'em

Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants: Nothing short of a bum during the past month (.224 average and one home run), he belongs on all waiver wires from here on out, unless you need his meager stats in an NL-only league. He's at home all week, where he is batting only .264 on the season. Lucky for him, he doesn't need to perform to earn his truckload of money.

Anibal Sanchez, SP, Marlins: Pros: He is striking out nearly a batter per inning during the past month. Cons: He has an ERA of 8.22 over the same time span. If you need further motivation not to start him, he's on the road during his lone start this week, where he has an ERA of 8.00. He could be a huge bargain next spring if he bounces back to his pre-injury form.

By David Ferris

You've got championship needs and we've got information to share. No preamble needed. To the notebook:

Batters

BUY

Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies: He's passed the audition in his first go-round, maintaining a .516 slugging percentage and .911 OPS even with full-time duty. Don't write off Iannetta as a Coors Field mirage; he's actually got much better numbers on the road in 2008. He'll be one of the NL's top five fantasy catchers next year, and for seasons to come.

SELL

Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers: Milwaukee is fighting for its playoff life and doing so with Ray Durham in place of Weeks. That's all you need to know - get a different second baseman in there. Maybe Weeks needs a change of scenery before he develops into the 25-25 threat we've been waiting on for so long.

HOLD

Cristian Guzman, SS, Nationals: You'd never teach his approach to anyone else, but "see the ball, hit the ball" has worked for Guzman over the last two years; forget your preconceived notions and just sit back, enjoy the numbers. He's hit the ground running since his brief DL stint, on a 39-for-94 burst with four homers and three steals.

Hunter Pence, OF, Astros: He's shown more power in the second half, and a better sense on the bases. A 30-homer, 15-steal season is probably just a year away, and while Pence may never win a batting title, he's capable of hitting .280-.300 most of the time.

Pitchers

BUY

Max Scherzer, SP, Diamondbacks: He's back in the rotation and dominating batters (20 strikeouts over 11 innings) so I'll dial him in any spot, even in Colorado this weekend. Scherzer will always have to deal with violent mechanics, but nonetheless he's an interesting upside play to consider when we reconvene next spring.

Aaron Harang, SP, Reds: He's been super for about a month now (1.93 ERA, 1.02 WHIP), but the season stats shield it nicely. Harang might be a sneaky bargain in common leagues next year, as the first-half nightmare will scare a lot of bidders away.

SELL

Brandon Lyon, RP, Diamondbacks: The move probably came a month too late, but he's finally out as the Arizona closer, with Chad Qualls and Tony Pena stepping over him on the depth chart. If Bob Melvin is smart, he'll keep Lyon away from all high-leverage situations for the final week and change; the righty simply can't be trusted right now.

Ben Sheets, SP, Brewers: He's got a sore arm to go with his tight groin, and it's not clear when he'll be able to pitch again. You can't risk your championship run on Sheets; use a healthier, safer option even if you're compromising upside.

HOLD

Ricky Nolasco, SP, Marlins: Here's the NL ace you almost hear nothing about, a three-pitch dominator who's been embarrassing hitters for a few months now. Nolasco's first half was fine by us, but he's taken it up a notch in the second half, improving his control, spiking his strikeout rate, and keeping the ball in the park more often. Believe what the pictures and the numbers tell us, and make Nolasco a staff cornerstone in a keeper league.

By Mark P. Stopa

There's a lot to discuss as we head into Week 3 of the NFL season, so let's get right to it. "Upgrades" means I like the player more than the market. "Downgrades" are players the market likes more than it should. "No change" means the market is just about right.

Upgrades

Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: Monday night, in Dallas, McNabb reminded everyone what he can do when healthy. Not only did he look good on the road against a top defense, but did so with starting wideouts Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis sidelined. DeSean Jackson's emergence has certainly helped (his boneheaded play at the goal line notwithstanding), as does getting to throw to Brian Westbrook. Brown is back this week. Once Curtis joins him, McNabb becomes a guy you leave in your starting lineup each week without even thinking about matchups.

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: As long as LaDainian Tomlinson is nicked up, the Chargers are not going to run as much as usual. Hence, Tomlinson's loss is Rivers' (and Darren Sproles') gain. Rivers looks fine coming off ACL surgery, and with three nice weapons in the passing game (Antonio Gates, Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson) he's worthy of starting in 12-team leagues.

Bills offensive players: The Bills have suddenly emerged as one of the better teams in the AFC, and it's not all because of their defense and special teams. They are not as wide open as the Broncos, but offensive coordinator Turk Schonert (last year's QB coach) has loosened the reigns with good results. Trent Edwards, while unspectacular, is better than you think. He does not throw INTs and thus will likely wind up a top-15 QB in leagues that penalize for picks. Fred Jackson is a top-10 RB waiting to happen if Marshawn Lynch gets injured. In fact, Jackson is playing so well even with Lynch healthy that he's become a flex option in deeper leagues. Consider him Felix Jones-lite. Lynch looks terrific, too - he's a stud running behind a really good offensive line. Lee Evans is developing a rapport with Edwards and is going to catch some long TDs. He's a nice buy-low right now. Don't go crazy here, though: Robert Royal, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy are still waiver-wire fodder.

Tony Scheffler, TE, Broncos: I listed Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal as upgrades last week, but didn't mention Scheffler. This week, let's eliminate any ambiguity: If you can get in on any part of the Broncos' passing offense, do so. While you are at it, add kicker Matt Prater, too. This is the AFC's version of the Cowboys, but without a stud RB like Marion Barber to steal the touchdowns. As for Scheffler, he's an every-week starter.

John Carlson, TE, Seahawks: The carnage at wide receiver in Seattle has left Carlson as Matt Hasselbeck's best (and only) reliable option in the passing game. Until Deion Branch and Bobby Engram return, Carlson is a top-10 tight end.

No Change

Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns. Week 1, Edwards was coming off of an injury and dropped a long pass that would have been a TD. Week 2, he was playing in 40-mph winds, hindering the Browns' ability to throw downfield. But Edwards is healthy now and, even in Cleveland, the Browns may not face weather that bad again this year. Edwards is still an athletic freak and the Browns defense is still so bad that it will force the offense to throw for four quarters. Don't worry about Edwards.

Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: His poor performance is largely the product of facing two good run defenses, including Minnesota's -- the best in the league. I am a little concerned about the Colts offensive line, but Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday seems to be coming back soon. Plus, the Colts' schedule is more favorable later in the year (Browns, Bengals and Lions in Weeks 13 to 15). Don't panic: Addai should be fine. A key here is the health of Manning's knee and whether it will soon allow him to get in position to hand the ball off to Addai on those patented Colts stretch plays instead of the pitch plays they've been forced to resort to in weeks 1 and 2.

Downgrades

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers: Remember when Marshall Faulk was the consensus Number 1 fantasy pick and was viewed as head and shoulders above every other player, but then one year later the injuries started piling up and he was never the same? There are definitely parallels here. If you own LT, you can't cut him and you can't trade him (with his trade value so low) - all you can really do is try to pick up Darren Sproles and hope that Tomlinson either gets healthy (enabling you to start LT) or is made inactive (so you can bench LT and start Sproles).

Raiders passing game: JaMarcus Russell might be a good player one day, but right now he's absolutely atrocious. He's also killing any value that Javon Walker and Ronald Curry may have had. Since the Raiders love to run the ball when the score is close, the only chance that Russell, Walker and Curry have to help a fantasy team is late in games, when the Raiders are on the wrong end of a blowout. Don't stake your fantasy fortunes on that.

Ryan Grant, RB, Packers: Grant had a juicy matchup last week against the same Lions defense that Michael Turner torched in Week 1, yet did nothing. I don't know if the problem was his hamstring or something else, but I'm concerned. Although I am optimistic that Grant will turn it around on a good Packers offense, he's never performed over a full season. And Brandon Jackson looked good enough last week to at least siphon off some carries long term.

All Rams: St. Louis has played two games and has yet to run an offensive play in the opponent's red zone. I don't care who the Rams were playing - that is unacceptable. Until the Rams show some life on offense, Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger and Torry Holt all merit downgrades.

Michael Salfino contributed to this report.

By Chad Lawton

Following are complete fantasy football rankings based on this week's matchups for all the major positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, team defense). They are based on a combined yardage/scoring system (4 points for a passing touchdown, 6 points for a rushing/receiving touchdown, one point for every 25 passing yards, one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards).

Next Update: 9/20

* = check status

Quarterback
1. Jay Cutler, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Sit back, enjoy the ride.
2. Drew Brees, NO at DEN
3. Tony Romo, DAL at GB
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: Poise of a ten-year veteran.
5. Donovan McNabb, PHI vs. PIT
NOTE: He's a blast if injury doesn't strike.
6. J.T. O'Sullivan, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Showed plenty of moxie in Seattle win.
7. Philip Rivers, SD vs. NYJ
8. Kurt Warner, ARI at WAS
9. Peyton Manning, IND vs. JAC
10. Eli Manning, NYG vs. CIN
11. Jon Kitna, DET at SF
12. *Ben Roethlisberger, PIT at PHI
NOTE: How bad is the shoulder?
13. Matt Cassel, NE vs. MIA
14. Brett Favre, NYJ at SD
15. Jake Delhomme, CAR at MIN
16. Trent Edwards, BUF vs. OAK
17. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: If only he has some targets.
18. Jason Campbell, WAS vs. ARI
19. Derek Anderson, CLE at BAL
20. Matt Schaub, HOU at TEN
21. Gus Frerotte, MIN vs. CAR
NOTE: Steps in for benched Jackson.
22. Marc Bulger, STL at SEA
23. Kyle Orton, CHI vs. TB
24. Carson Palmer, CIN at NYG
25. David Garrard, JAC at IND
26. Kerry Collins, TEN vs. HOU
27. Brian Griese, TB at CHI
28. Chad Pennington, MIA at NE
NOTE: Has the brains, not the arm.
29. Matt Ryan, ATL vs. KC
30. Joe Flacco, BAL vs. CLE
31. *Tyler Thigpen, KC at ATL
32. JaMarcus Russell, OAK at BUF

Running Back
1. *Adrian Peterson, MIN vs. CAR
2. Brian Westbrook, PHI vs. PIT
3. Frank Gore, SF vs. DET
4. *Marion Barber, DAL at GB
5. Brandon Jacobs, NYG vs. CIN
6. Marshawn Lynch, BUF vs. OAK
NOTE: Set-up is ideal here.
7. *LaDainian Tomlinson, SD vs. NYJ
NOTE: Doubtful toe will keep him from must-win game.
8. Willie Parker, PIT at PHI
9. Matt Forte, CHI vs. TB
10. Clinton Portis, WAS vs. ARI
11. Chris Johnson, TEN vs. HOU
NOTE: Fastest back in the league.
12. Michael Turner, ATL vs. KC
13. Steven Jackson, STL at SEA
NOTE: Doesn't see a lot of blocking.
14. Reggie Bush, NO at DEN
15. Julius Jones, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: It's the matchup, not the player.
16. Joseph Addai, IND vs. JAC
17. Larry Johnson, KC at ATL
18. Earnest Graham, TB at CHI
NOTE: Like the talent, but Dunn steals touches.
19. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC at IND
20. Jamal Lewis, CLE at BAL
21. Thomas Jones, NYJ at SD
22. Sammy Morris, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: Best of the three-headed lot.
23. LenDale White, TEN vs. HOU
NOTE: Gets the goal-line work, anyway.
24. *Willis McGahee, BAL vs. CLE
25. Ryan Grant, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: Hamstring looms, not to mention Jackson.
26. Kevin Smith, DET at SF
27. Darren McFadden, OAK at BUF
28. Edgerrin James, ARI at WAS
NOTE: Losing the stripe touches to Hightower.
29. Ronnie Brown, MIA at NE
30. LaMont Jordan, NE vs. MIA
31. Steve Slaton, HOU at TEN
32. Selvin Young, DEN vs. NO
33. Darren Sproles, SD vs. NYJ
NOTE: Exciting scatback, but don't chase Week 2.
34. Ray Rice, BAL vs. CLE
35. Jonathan Stewart, CAR at MIN
36. Chris Perry, CIN at NYG
37. Fred Jackson, BUF vs. OAK
38. Jerious Norwood, ATL vs. KC
39. Michael Pittman, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Has a shot at 9-10 TDs.
40. Michael Bush, OAK at BUF
41. Andre Hall, DEN vs. NO
42. Pierre Thomas, NO at DEN
NOTE: Mandatory insurance for Bush owners.
43. Fred Taylor, JAC at IND
44. Tim Hightower, ARI at WAS
45. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG vs. CIN
46. Ricky Williams, MIA at NE
47. DeAngelo Williams, CAR at MIN
49. Felix Jones, DAL at GB
49. Warrick Dunn, TB at CHI
50. Brandon Jackson, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: A No. 2 with juice.
51. Kevin Faulk, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: He's around to muck things up.
52. Derrick Ward, NYG vs. CIN
52. LeRon McClain, BAL vs. CLE
54. Leon Washington, NYJ at SD
55. Chester Taylor, MIN vs. CAR
56. Kevin Jones, CHI vs. TB
57. T.J. Duckett, SEA vs. STL
58. Leonard Weaver, SEA vs. STL
59. Ladell Betts, WAS vs. ARI
60. Kenny Watson, CIN at NYG
61. Rudi Johnson, DET at SF
62. Chris Taylor, HOU at TEN
63. DeShaun Foster, SF vs. DET
64. Jamaal Charles, KC at ATL
65. Kregg Lumpkin, GB vs. DAL
66. Dominic Rhodes, IND vs. JAC
67. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT at PHI
NOTE: August fumbles really set him back.

Wide Receiver
1. Terrell Owens, DAL at GB
NOTE: Doesn't look 30-something, now does he?
2. Brandon Marshall, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Blanket coverage sometimes isn't enough.
3. Reggie Wayne, IND vs. JAC
4. Plaxico Burress, NYG vs. CIN
NOTE: Meet me in Hawaii.
5. Randy Moss, NE vs. MIA
6. Calvin Johnson, DET at SF
NOTE: Here I am now, entertain me.
7. Andre Johnson, HOU at TEN
8. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI at WAS
9. Anquan Boldin, ARI at WAS
10. Greg Jennings, GB vs. DAL
NOTE: Doesn't miss that other QB.
11. Steve Smith, CAR at MIN
NOTE: Welcome back, all is forgiven.
12. Roy Williams, DET at SF
13. Santonio Holmes, PIT at PHI
14. Braylon Edwards, CLE at BAL
NOTE: A good buy-low target.
15. Lee Evans, BUF vs. OAK
16. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ at SD
17. Santana Moss, WAS vs. ARI
18. Hines Ward, PIT at PHI
19. Dwayne Bowe, KC at ATL
20. Torry Holt, STL at SEA
21. DeSean Jackson, PHI vs. PIT
NOTE: Remember the jets, forget the gaffe.
22. Anthony Gonzalez, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Slot machine paying off.
23. Chris Chambers, SD vs. NYJ
24. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN at NYG
25. Wes Welker, NE vs. MIA
26. Eddie Royal, DEN vs. NO
27. Donald Driver, GB vs. DAL
28. Chad Johnson, CIN at NYG
29. Vincent Jackson, SD vs. NYJ
30. Bryant Johnson, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Starting to get comfortable in scheme.
31. Roddy White, ATL vs. KC
NOTE: Better days are ahead.
32. Laveranues Coles, NYJ at SD
33. David Patten, NO at DEN
34. Justin Gage, TEN vs. HOU
35. Isaac Bruce, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Tank isn't empty yet.
36. Bernard Berrian, MIN vs. CAR
37. Antonio Bryant, TB at CHI
NOTE: Could step up with Galloway out.
38. Matt Jones, JAC at IND
39. Kevin Walter, HOU at TEN
40. Marvin Harrison, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Just the third option now.
41. Derrick Mason, BAL vs. CLE
42. Mark Clayton, BAL vs. CLE
43. Patrick Crayton, DAL at GB
44. *Antwaan Randle El, WAS vs. ARI
45. Keary Colbert, SEA vs. STL
46. Ike Hilliard, TB at CHI
47. Brandon Lloyd, CHI vs. TB
48. Muhsin Muhammad, CAR at MIN
49. Robert Meachem, NO at DEN
NOTE: Scored in first pro game.
50. *Reggie Brown, PHI vs. PIT
51. Amani Toomer, NYG vs. CIN
52. James Jones, GB vs. DAL
53. Josh Reed, BUF vs. OAK
54. Michael Jenkins, ATL vs. KC
55. Greg Lewis, PHI vs. PIT
NOTE: No great shakes, but needed for now.
56. Shaun McDonald, DET at SF
57. Michael Clayton, TB at CHI
58. *Javon Walker, OAK at BUF
59. Reggie Williams, JAC at IND
60. Chansi Stuckey, NYJ at SD
NOTE: Two weeks, two touchdowns.
61. Steve Breaston, ARI at WAS
NOTE: Watch this special-teams ace.
62. Ronald Curry, OAK at BUF
63. Rashied Davis, CHI vs. TB
64. Ashley Lelie, OAK at BUF
65. Devery Henderson, NO at DEN
66. Courtney Taylor, SEA vs. STL
67. Dennis Northcutt, JAC at IND
68. Arnaz Battle, SF vs. DET
69. Ted Ginn, MIA at NE
70. Brandon Jones, TEN vs. HOU
71. Lance Moore, NO at DEN
72. Greg Camarillo, MIA at NE
73. *Roscoe Parrish, BUF vs. OAK
74. Koren Robinson, SEA vs. STL
NOTE: Shows how desperate they are.
75. James Hardy, BUF vs. OAK
76. Billy McMullen, SEA vs. STL
77. Brandon Stokley, DEN vs. NO
78. Justin McCareins, TEN vs. HOU
79. D.J. Hackett, CAR at MIN
80. Steve Smith, NYG vs. CIN
81. *Jerry Porter, JAC at IND
82. Bobby Wade, MIN vs. CAR

Tight End
1. *Jason Witten, DAL at GB
NOTE: Monday guts add to the legend.
2. Kellen Winslow, CLE at BAL
3. *Antonio Gates, SD vs. NYJ
4. Tony Scheffler, DEN vs. NO
NOTE: Timing is perfect for a breakout.
5. Jeremy Shockey, NO at DEN
6. Chris Cooley, WAS vs. ARI
7. Tony Gonzalez, KC at ATL
8. John Carlson, SEA vs. STL
9. L.J. Smith, PHI vs. PIT
10. Donald Lee, GB vs. DAL
11. Heath Miller, PIT at PHI
12. Owen Daniels, HOU at TEN
13. Vernon Davis, SF vs. DET
NOTE: Amazing athlete, still figuring out football.
14. Todd Heap, BAL vs. CLE
15. Greg Olsen, CHI vs. TB
16. Randy McMichael, STL at SEA
17. Zach Miller, OAK at BUF
18. Anthony Fasano, MIA at NE
19. Bo Scaife, TEN vs. HOU
20. *Dallas Clark, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Touch-and-go for another week.
21. Dante Rosario, CAR at MIN
22. Desmond Clark, CHI vs. TB
23. David Martin, MIA at NE
24. Robert Royal, BUF vs. OAK
25. Alex Smith, TB at CHI
26. Alge Crumpler, TEN vs. HOU
27. Marcedes Lewis, JAC at IND
28. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN vs. CAR
29. Leonard Pope, ARI at WAS
30. Kevin Boss, NYG vs. CIN
31. *David Thomas, NE vs. MIA
32. Chris Baker, NYJ at SD

Kicker
1. *John Carney, NYG vs. CIN
NOTE: Go where the points are.
2. Nick Folk, DAL at GB
3. Nate Kaeding, SD vs. NYJ
4. Matt Prater, DEN vs. NO
5. Stephen Gostkowski, NE vs. MIA
NOTE: One Patriot helped by Brady absence.
6. Olindo Mare, SEA vs. STL
7. Rian Lindell, BUF vs. OAK
8. Ryan Longwell, MIN vs. CAR
9. Mason Crosby, GB vs. DAL
10. Adam Vinatieri, IND vs. JAC
NOTE: Not the guy he was in New England.
11. Rob Bironas, TEN vs. HOU
12. Joe Nedney, SF vs. DET
13. David Akers, PHI vs. PIT
14. Jeff Reed, PIT at PHI
15. Martin Gramatica, NO at DEN
16. John Kasay, CAR at MIN
NOTE: Leg is still there, but tricky assignment.
17. Robbie Gould, CHI vs. TB
18. Shaun Suisham, WAS vs. ARI
19. Josh Scobee, JAC at IND
20. Kris Brown, HOU at TEN
21. Matt Stover, BAL vs. CLE
22. Phil Dawson, CLE at BAL
23. Neil Rackers, ARI at WAS
24. Jason Elam, ATL vs. KC
25. Jay Feely, NYJ at SD
26. Jason Hanson, DET at SF
27. Matt Bryant, TB at CHI
28. Josh Brown, STL at SEA
29. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK at BUF
30. Shayne Graham, CIN at NYG
31. Nick Novak, KC at ATL
32. Dan Carpenter, MIA at NE

Defense
1. New York Giants vs. Cincinnati
NOTE: Justin Tuck, you are ridiculous.
2. New England vs. Miami
3. Chicago vs. Tampa Bay
4. Baltimore vs. Cleveland
5. Seattle vs. St Louis
NOTE: Still a good play at home.
6. Buffalo vs. Oakland
7. Tennessee vs. Houston
8. Arizona at Washington
NOTE: Not sold on Campbell yet.
9. Minnesota vs. Carolina
10. Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
11. San Diego vs. New York Jets
12. Carolina at Minnesota
13. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
14. Indianapolis vs. Jacksonville
NOTE: Major difference with Sanders out.
15. Dallas at Green Bay
16. Houston at Tennessee
17. Atlanta vs. Kansas City
NOTE: Mediocre unit but matchup is right.
18. Tampa Bay at Chicago
19. San Francisco vs. Detroit
20. Cleveland at Baltimore
21. Green Bay vs. Dallas
22. Jacksonville at Indianapolis
23. Washington vs. Arizona
24. Detroit at San Francisco
25. Denver vs. New Orleans
26. New York Jets at San Diego
27. Oakland at Buffalo
28. Kansas City at Atlanta
29. New Orleans at Denver
30. Miami at New England
31. St Louis at Seattle
32. Cincinnati at New York Giants

By Michael Salfino

Let's continue our season-ending series on who our stats consider to be lucky and unlucky players by focusing today on jinxed hitters.

To isolate luck, we look at average with runners in scoring position (RISP) because, generally, hitters' success or failure here does not repeat year to year to the same degree as broader stats like batting average. We also isolate the percentage of homers on fly balls for hitters who should still be in their power prime. And we assess a hitter's batting average on balls in play, which generally is about .300. Note, though, that balls in play (BIP) do not include homers (by definition, out of play) and that line-drive rate is a good check for outlying numbers as about 75 percent of line drives are hits.

First though, as a test of our underlying assumptions, let's look at the players we labeled as unlucky at this time last year.

Assuming they received a similar degree of opportunity - and they all did - more of them should have performed better than worse. For context, consider that a significant majority of players should be expected to perform worse than last year - not the 50 percent of players we'd expect. The reasons for this are regression to the mean (average performance for each player as well as average performance for all players), the fact that many poor performers lose their jobs and thus don't get a chance to improve and the number of first-year players with no stat history replacing them.

Here are the unlucky hitters and pitchers we highlighted last year and expected to perform significantly better in 2008: Akinori Iwamura (Rays), J.D. Drew (Red Sox), Paul Konerko (White Sox), Stephen Drew (Diamondbacks), Wandy Rodriguez (Astros), Andy Sonnanstine (Rays), Dan Wheeler (Rays) and Jason Frasor (Blue Jays).

Iwamura was cited for his poor average with RISP (.184). This year, he improved, but only to .243. So his runs batted in increased 30 percent, but not as much as expected. His other stats held remarkably steady. Let's be tough self-graders and call Iwamura a push.

J.D. Drew was expected to increase his rate of homers on fly balls - just 8 percent last year. That rate more than doubled in '08 to over 17 percent. Alas, Drew missed significant time again due to injury. But his OPS improved from .796 to .930, so Drew is a hit.

Konerko is a big swing and a miss. Enough said.

But Stephen Drew is another big hit: average jumping from .238 to .282 for the exact reason cited here last year: a huge increase in his BIP average (.267 to .312).

On the pitching side, Rodriguez, Wheeler and Sonnanstine each repeated their solid K/BB ratios and translated them much better into ERA. They're all big hits. But Frasor is a whiff, though he interestingly has a better ERA than last year despite a far worse K/BB ratio.

Five hits and two misses is a nice result and shows we're on the right path with our analysis. Let's try to do even better now in looking only at unlucky hitters, focusing mainly on a stat courtesy of our friends at HardballTimes.com and Baseball Info Solutions: predicted OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

Nick Swisher, 1B/OF, White Sox: His predicted OPS, which looks at BIP and where they're hit, is .882. His actual is a relatively puny .749, making him the unluckiest predicted OPS hitter in the sport. Use that .882 as the baseline for 2009 projections.

Carlos Delgado, 1B, Mets: He's been so hot since June that people are talking about him as an MVP. But it's just his luck that turned. For the full season, his predicted OPS is .965, so this potential free agent seems far from done at age 36.

Mark Ellis, 2B, A's: His defense will keep him in the lineup next year, somewhere. The A's or any potential suitors must look at the .798 OPS he should have, not his .694 actual.

Jack Cust, DH, A's: He has tremendous power: homers on about 30 percent of fly balls two years in a row (average is 10 percent). His .828 actual OPS isn't bad, but look at his predicted one, a sweet .957.

Jeff Francoeur, OF, Braves: Very confident in this play as his average with RISP was .194. If he's got some kind of "gut" defect, why was it .284 and .337 the prior two years?

B.J. Upton, OF, Rays: He's a wonderful defensive center fielder. So he doesn't even need to flash the power he showed in 2007. But the rate of homers on fly balls went from 19.8 percent to 6.8 percent. Those seem like end points on his spectrum. Expect him to settle somewhere in the middle at about 13 percent, which would have translated into 16 homers this year given the number of fly balls he hit.

By David Ferris

All rankings assume 5x5 format (average, runs, homers, RBIs, stolen bases).

Next Update: 9/23

First Base/DH
1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
NOTE: A monster in second half.
2. *Albert Pujols, Cardinals
3. Mark Teixeira, Angels
4. Justin Morneau, Twins
5. Ryan Howard, Phillies
NOTE: More contact would be nice.
6. Lance Berkman, Astros
7. Prince Fielder, Brewers
8. *David Ortiz, Red Sox
9. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
10. Carlos Pena, Rays
11. Aubrey Huff, Orioles
12. Carlos Delgado, Mets
NOTE: Arguably the team MVP.
13. Derrek Lee, Cubs
14. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
15. Jason Giambi, Yankees
16. James Loney, Dodgers
17. Joey Votto, Reds
18. Mike Jacobs, Marlins
19. Adam LaRoche, Pirates
20. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays
21. *Paul Konerko, White Sox
22. Casey Kotchman, Braves
23. Jim Thome, White Sox
24. Kevin Millar, Orioles
25. Travis Hafner, Indians
NOTE: He's back, but power isn't.

Second Base
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3. Brian Roberts, Orioles
4. Dan Uggla, Marlins
5. Mark DeRosa, Cubs
6. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
7. Robinson Cano, Yankees
8. Jose Lopez, Mariners
9. Rickie Weeks, Brewers
NOTE: Lineup jockeying doesn't help confidence.
10. Akinori Iwamura, Rays
11. Placido Polanco, Tigers
12. Kelly Johnson, Braves
13. Omar Infante, Braves
14. Willie Harris, Nationals
15. Emilio Bonifacio, Nationals
16. Luis Rodriguez, Padres
17. Nick Punto, Twins
18. *Kaz Matsui, Astros
19. Alberto Callaspo, Royals
20. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates
21. Blake DeWitt, Dodgers
22. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians
NOTE: Back on the radar for 2009.
23. Alexi Casilla, Twins
24. Jerry Hairston, Reds
NOTE: Time opens up with Phillips out.
25. Joe Inglett, Blue Jays
26. Eugenio Velez, Giants
27. Ray Durham, Brewers
28. Aaron Miles, Cardinals
29. Luis Castillo, Mets

Shortstop
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
2. Jose Reyes, Mets
3. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
4. Ryan Theriot, Cubs
5. Derek Jeter, Yankees
6. Jhonny Peralta, Indians
7. Mike Aviles, Royals
NOTE: Late-blooming prospect makes good.
8. Michael Young, Rangers
9. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
10. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks
11. Orlando Cabrera, White Sox
12. Cristian Guzman, Nationals
NOTE: Free-swinging approach somehow works for him.
13. Miguel Tejada, Astros
14. J.J. Hardy, Brewers
15. Jed Lowrie, Red Sox
16. Yunel Escobar, Braves
17. Jeff Keppinger, Reds
18. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners
19. Erick Aybar, Angels
20. Edgar Renteria, Tigers
21. Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers
22. Clint Barmes, Rockies
23. Jason Bartlett, Rays
24. *Bobby Crosby, Athletics
25. Cesar Izturis, Cardinals
26. Juan Uribe, White Sox

Third Base
1. David Wright, Mets
2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
3. Ryan Braun, Brewers
4. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs
5. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
6. Evan Longoria, Rays
NOTE: Back for the final two weeks.
7. Jorge Cantu, Marlins
8. Chone Figgins, Angels
9. *Chipper Jones, Braves
NOTE: One opponent who will miss Shea Stadium.
10. *Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals
11. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres
12. *Melvin Mora, Orioles
13. Ian Stewart, Rockies
14. Chris Davis, Rangers
15. *Hank Blalock, Rangers
16. Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks
17. Ryan Garko, Indians
18. Edwin Encarnacion, Reds
19. *Casey Blake, Dodgers
NOTE: Keep an eye on sore back.
20. *Ty Wigginton, Astros
21. *Carlos Guillen, Tigers
22. *Troy Glaus, Cardinals
23. *Mike Lowell, Red Sox
NOTE: Hip problem not going away.
24. Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks
25. *Scott Rolen, Blue Jays
26. Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays
27. Willy Aybar, Rays
28. Geoff Blum, Astros
29. Rich Aurilia, Giants
30. Jack Hannahan, Athletics
31. Andy Marte, Indians

Outfield
1. Grady Sizemore, Indians
2. Manny Ramirez, Dodgers
NOTE: SoCal agrees with him.
3. Matt Holliday, Rockies
4. Josh Hamilton, Rangers
5. Alex Rios, Blue Jays
6. Nick Markakis, Orioles
7. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs
8. Jermaine Dye, White Sox
9. *Jason Bay, Red Sox
10. Curtis Granderson, Tigers
11. Carlos Beltran, Mets
12. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
13. Bobby Abreu, Yankees
14. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays
15. Hunter Pence, Astros
16. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
17. Xavier Nady, Yankees
18. Johnny Damon, Yankees
19. Brad Hawpe, Rockies
20. Matt Kemp, Dodgers
21. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
22. Nate McLouth, Pirates
23. *Mike Cameron, Brewers
24. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
25. Andre Ethier, Dodgers
NOTE: Loving live just in front of Manny.
26. Shane Victorino, Phillies
27. Lastings Milledge, Nationals
28. Corey Hart, Brewers
NOTE: Major slump came at worst time.
29. Raul Ibanez, Mariners
30. Elijah Dukes, Nationals
31. Willy Taveras, Rockies
NOTE: Aggressive running, and we appreciate it.
32. *Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
33. *Torii Hunter, Angels
NOTE: All Anaheim guys are risky plays down the stretch.
34. Denard Span, Twins
35. Shin-Soo Choo, Indians
36. Jayson Werth, Phillies
NOTE: Owns lefties, capable against righties.
37. Randy Winn, Giants
38. Aaron Rowand, Giants
39. Pat Burrell, Phillies
40. Adam Dunn, Diamondbacks
41. Rajai Davis, Athletics
42. Adam Jones, Orioles
43. Chris Young, Diamondbacks
44. *B.J. Upton, Rays
NOTE: Won't be healthy the rest of the way.
45. Jason Kubel, Twins
46. *Jose Guillen, Royals
47. Jack Cust, Athletics
48. Delmon Young, Twins
49. Chase Headley, Padres
50. Nelson Cruz, Rangers
51. *Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks
52. Ben Francisco, Indians
53. David DeJesus, Royals
54. Luke Scott, Orioles
55. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins
56. Brian Giles, Padres
NOTE: Still an OBP machine.
57. Adam Lind, Blue Jays
58. Marlon Byrd, Rangers
59. *Michael Bourn, Astros
60. *Juan Pierre, Dodgers
61. Josh Anderson, Braves
NOTE: Cheap speed for the finish.
62. Coco Crisp, Red Sox
63. Skip Schumaker, Cardinals
64. *Carlos Gomez, Twins
65. Mark Teahen, Royals
66. Ken Griffey, White Sox
67. *Milton Bradley, Rangers
68. *Garret Anderson, Angels
69. Carlos Gonzalez, Athletics
70. Jay Bruce, Reds
71. Eric Hinske, Rays
72. Jeff Francoeur, Braves
73. Cody Ross, Marlins
74. Jim Edmonds, Cubs
75. *Marcus Thames, Tigers
76. *Juan Rivera, Angels
77. *Justin Upton, Diamondbacks
78. Nick Swisher, White Sox
NOTE: Looks lost at the plate these days.
79. Matt Joyce, Tigers
80. Josh Willingham, Marlins
81. Bill Hall, Brewers
82. *J.D. Drew, Red Sox
83. Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs
84. Reed Johnson, Cubs
85. Gregor Blanco, Braves
86. Ross Gload, Royals
87. *Jody Gerut, Padres
88. *Hideki Matsui, Yankees
NOTE: Shutting it down after this week.

Catchers
1. Brian McCann, Braves
2. Russell Martin, Dodgers
3. Geovany Soto, Cubs
4. Joe Mauer, Twins
5. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox
6. Kelly Shoppach, Indians
NOTE: The breakout year no one saw coming.
7. Ryan Doumit, Pirates
8. Victor Martinez, Indians
9. Bengie Molina, Giants
10. Chris Snyder, Diamondbacks
11. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles
12. Chris Iannetta, Rockies
NOTE: Will be trendy, if not costly, in 2009.
13. *Yadier Molina, Cardinals
14. Pablo Sandoval, Giants
15. Kurt Suzuki, Athletics
16. Taylor Teagarden, Rangers
NOTE: A snappy two-week debut.
17. *Dioner Navarro, Rays
18. Rod Barajas, Blue Jays
19. Jason Varitek, Red Sox
20. Jeff Clement, Mariners
21. Mike Napoli, Angels
22. Gerald Laird, Rangers
23. Ivan Rodriguez, Yankees
24. Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks
25. *Jesus Flores, Nationals
26. John Baker, Marlins
27. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies
28. Miguel Olivo, Royals
29. Brian Schneider, Mets
30. John Buck, Royals
31. Jeff Mathis, Angels

By Michael Salfino

Extensive analysis of NFL statistics over many seasons reveals that to maximize the chance to win, a team should strive to pass the ball more efficiently. So far this season, teams that average more yards per pass than their opponent, factoring in sack yards, are 27-4.

This week, the only outliers - teams victorious despite losing the passing battle -- were the Panthers and the Broncos. The Panthers lost it by a tenth of a yard in a game that was pretty much dead even: a 20-17 win over the Bears. And the Broncos were bailed out by two horrendous calls that replay couldn't fix - one because of equipment failure.

Of course it's early; so the usual caveats apply. But in the NFL, it's always later than you think. After this week, most teams will have played about 20 percent of their season slates.

So if out-passing your opponent is important enough for it to correlate to winning this year to that degree (87 percent of the time, a little high, as most years it's about 80 percent), than we should be able to use it to rank the best (and worst) teams.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. We don't know if these teams will continue to excel and struggle in the passing game to the degree they have. But if they do, the results as measured by wins and losses will surely follow.

Your net-YPA (yards per pass attempt) leaders are the Cowboys, the Bills, the Niners (who really whipped the Seahawks here on Sunday), the Chargers and the Packers.

Four of those teams have combined for the 7-1 record we'd expect. But San Diego is the unluckiest 0-2 ever. A reckoning is coming, soon. I wouldn't want to be the Jets on Monday night when they travel to Qualcomm Stadium to face a team that's not only good but very likely furiously angry after giving away a game on the final play and having another one stolen by the aforementioned officiating gaffes.

Looking at the bottom of the net-YPA barrel, there are some big surprises, especially if you thought the Vikings were going to be the division winner most predicted. They are 26th in the stat and fully deserve their 0-2 record. I'm surprised that Jacksonville is 28th because I like David Garrard as a player. However, the Jaguars' offensive line has been decimated and their pass protection has suffered (nine sacks). The Browns (30th) were expected by many to build on their 2007 success, but they are yielding an unconscionable 9.49 YPA, even though Sunday night's game was played in 40 mile per hour winds.

Of the 2-0 teams, the worst in net-YPA is the Broncos (20th), though that's mostly the Chargers game. Of course, their other game was against the Raiders, who threw for 55 yards on 17 attempts versus the Chiefs last week -- just one completion to a wideout.

Phil Simms recently noted the feeling around the league is that defensive backs are now so athletic that they are generally able to win matchups against most receivers. But there's no evidence of that, as the league YPA is 6.55, slightly higher than the previous few seasons.

Now let's make some related recommendations.

Buy

Lee Evans, WR, Bills: The touchdowns are coming. Evans just missed one on a textbook post-corner pattern for a long gain at Jacksonville. QB Trent Edwards is very accurate and there's no better deep threat in the game than Evans.

J.T. O'Sullivan, QB, Niners: Mike Martz developed Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger, who were similarly overlooked before hooking up with him in his mad passing laboratory. O'Sullivan showed toughness, improvisational ability and great pocket awareness in the comeback win at Seattle.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: Made due against the tough Cowboys without his starting wideouts (soon to return), showing vintage schoolyard escapability when seemingly wrapped up by multiple defenders. Accuracy will always be an issue, especially on easy throws.

Niners pass defense: They're ninth in YPA allowed despite facing Matt Hasselbeck and Kurt Warner. The former was without his top three wideouts, but Warner was fully loaded in Week 1 and reasonably contained.

Hold

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: He's thrived against the Vikings fearsome front four and then had a road comeback win when he had to fire up the idling engines after disaster struck. He's got the entire package.

Chris Chambers, WR, Chargers: Philip Rivers looked like the star he was becoming his first year as a starter, not the disappointing '07 variety. Chambers is very talented but slides under the defensive radar given the other stars beside him (Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson).

Sell

Chad Ocho Cinco, WR, Bengals: Yes, the wind was fierce on Sunday. But the former Johnson is a boom-or-bust type and it looks like the boom days are over with the Bengals, now last in YPA and continuing a steady offensive decline from early 2007.

By David Ferris

All rankings assume 5x5 format (wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA, ratio).

* = check status

Next Update: 9/23

Starting Pitchers
1. CC Sabathia, Brewers
2. Tim Lincecum, Giants
3. Johan Santana, Mets
4. Cliff Lee, Indians
NOTE: Trophy should be locked up.
5. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
6. Jake Peavy, Padres
7. Cole Hamels, Phillies
8. Francisco Liriano, Twins
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox
NOTE: Keeps winning despite spotty command.
10. James Shields, Rays
11. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks
12. Ervin Santana, Angels
13. Scott Kazmir, Rays
14. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers
15. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks
16. A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays
17. Roy Oswalt, Astros
18. Ryan Dempster, Cubs
19. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins
20. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs
NOTE: So much for the sore shoulder.
21. Josh Johnson, Marlins
22. John Lackey, Angels
23. Javier Vazquez, White Sox
24. Edinson Volquez, Reds
25. Derek Lowe, Dodgers
26. Brett Myers, Phillies
27. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
28. John Danks, White Sox
29. *Felix Hernandez, Mariners
NOTE: Dealing with sore groin.
30. Kevin Slowey, Twins
31. Ted Lilly, Cubs
32. Brandon Morrow, Mariners
NOTE: Good matchups down the stretch.
33. Josh Beckett, Red Sox
34. *Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks
35. Jon Lester, Red Sox
36. Mike Mussina, Yankees
37. Ben Sheets, Brewers
38. Justin Verlander, Tigers
NOTE: The enigma of the season.
39. Matt Garza, Rays
40. *Rich Harden, Cubs
41. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies
42. Matt Cain, Giants
43. Paul Maholm, Pirates
NOTE: Most underrated lefty in the NL.
44. Manny Parra, Brewers
45. Aaron Cook, Rockies
46. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers
47. Mike Pelfrey, Mets
48. Joe Saunders, Angels
49. *Max Scherzer, Diamondbacks
NOTE: Strikeout ace has trouble going more than six.
50. Oliver Perez, Mets
51. Mark Buehrle, White Sox
52. Scott Baker, Twins
53. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
54. Pedro Martinez, Mets
55. Bronson Arroyo, Reds
NOTE: He's rallied nicely in second half.
56. *Jered Weaver, Angels
57. Zack Greinke, Royals
58. David Bush, Brewers
59. Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals
60. Gavin Floyd, White Sox
61. Gil Meche, Royals
62. Andy Pettitte, Yankees
NOTE: Gets the ball in the stadium closer.
63. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins
64. *David Price, Rays
65. Jair Jurrjens, Braves
66. Scott Olsen, Marlins
67. Randy Wolf, Astros
68. David Purcey, Blue Jays
69. Johnny Cueto, Reds
NOTE: Quietly making progress of late.
70. Scott Lewis, Indians
71. Braden Looper, Cardinals
72. Joe Blanton, Phillies
NOTE: More useful than most expected.
73. Jamie Moyer, Phillies
74. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants
75. Greg Maddux, Dodgers
76. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros
77. *Armando Galarraga, Tigers
NOTE: Time to shut him down?
78. Nick Blackburn, Twins
79. Chris Volstad, Marlins
80. Jon Garland, Angels
81. Kevin Millwood, Rangers
82. Jeff Francis, Rockies
83. Andy Sonnanstine, Rays
84. Aaron Harang, Reds
85. Vicente Padilla, Rangers
86. Glen Perkins, Twins
87. Jeff Suppan, Brewers
88. *Justin Duchscherer, Athletics
89. *Anthony Reyes, Indians
90. Jorge Campillo, Braves
NOTE: He's hit a wall of late.
91. Jason Marquis, Cubs
92. Brian Moehler, Astros
93. Edwin Jackson, Rays
94. Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
95. Kevin Correia, Giants
96. Odalis Perez, Nationals
97. Kyle Kendrick, Phillies
98. Ian Snell, Pirates
99. Tim Redding, Nationals
100. Zach Miner, Tigers
101. Fausto Carmona, Indians

Relief Pitchers
1. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
3. Brad Lidge, Phillies
4. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
5. Jose Valverde, Astros
NOTE: A big part of their surprising run.
6. Joe Nathan, Twins
7. Joakim Soria, Royals
8. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
9. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays
10. Kerry Wood, Cubs
11. Brian Wilson, Giants
12. Trevor Hoffman, Padres
13. Francisco Cordero, Reds
14. Brian Fuentes, Rockies
15. Salomon Torres, Brewers
16. Brad Ziegler, Athletics
17. Frank Francisco, Rangers
NOTE: It's his job into 2009.
18. Matt Capps, Pirates
19. Chris Perez, Cardinals
20. Jensen Lewis, Indians
21. *J.J. Putz, Mariners
22. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
23. Mike Gonzalez, Braves
24. Joel Hanrahan, Nationals
25. *Troy Percival, Rays
26. Luis Ayala, Mets
27. Fernando Rodney, Tigers
28. Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks
NOTE: He's in, and Lyon is out.
29. Matt Lindstrom, Marlins
30. Dan Wheeler, Rays
31. *George Sherrill, Orioles
32. Carlos Marmol, Cubs
33. Grant Balfour, Rays
34. Huston Street, Athletics
35. Joey Devine, Athletics
36. Joe Nelson, Marlins
37. *Joba Chamberlain, Yankees
38. Takashi Saito, Dodgers
NOTE: Back in the mix, but Broxton keeps ninth.

39. Hong-Chih Kuo, Dodgers
40. Jerry Blevins, Athletics
41. Heath Bell, Padres
42. Rafael Perez, Indians
43. Tony Pena, Diamondbacks
44. Kevin Gregg, Marlins
45. Jon Rauch, Diamondbacks
46. Octavio Dotel, White Sox
47. Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks
48. Aaron Heilman, Mets
49. Hideki Okajima, Red Sox
50. Scot Shields, Angels
51. Taylor Buchholz, Rockies
52. Manuel Corpas, Rockies
53. Chad Durbin, Phillies
54. Damaso Marte, Yankees
55. J.P. Howell, Rays

By Michael Salfino

We lead off the week of analysis here by focusing our scouting eye on Sunday's action.

Rookie Matt Forte's Tulane run blocking scheme was zone just like the Bears, which is why, he says, he's picked up the NFL pace so quickly.

The Rams are again the worst team in football at blitz pickup. It's taking a toll on Marc Bulger, who on his first 10 drop-backs Sunday against the Giants was sacked four times and knocked down four more.

Saints second-year man Robert Meachem scored but had just that one catch, which came as a fourth WR courtesy of a terrible read by the safety. The Saints don't seem to trust him even with Marques Colston out. The trouble with guys like Meachem having an impact in preseason games is that coaches don't treat these games seriously. The important stuff happens on the practice fields and in classrooms.

Aaron Rodgers is not just a scrambler but showed Favre-like escapability while maintaining his downfield focus. His owners have to especially love Mike McCarthy spreading out the Lions and calling for a pass that resulted in a TD on third and short near the goal line.

Wednesday, Clinton Portis said he wished he "could go to a team for one week with the best offensive line, or the team with the best scheme, and switch places with their back and see how others would do in this system." Maybe Jim Zorn is a bigger man than me, but you can't accept that kind of insubordination as a head coach, especially a first-year one. Portis, despite his two TDs Sunday, is no longer good enough to warrant looking the other way.

Analyst Rich Gannon doing the Chiefs-Raiders game said Larry Johnson "needs to get his confidence level back to where it was in 2005." No, Rich, he needs his offensive line from 2005, and something like Trent Green (sparkling 7.9 YPA that year) at QB instead of Tyler Thigpen.

Just when I thought that maybe practice is what made Peyton Manning perfect and that his receivers, especially Marvin Harrison, can't get separation, he flips a switch and coldly assassinates the Vikings. Harrison looked shot the whole game, though.

David Garrard is undermanned on offense now but made a terrible decision robbing his Jaguars of a certain three points by throwing it up into double coverage and getting picked in the final seconds of the first half.

The NFL is making a classic economics mistake with this new rule that all facemasks are 15-yard penalties. In the past, you had an incentive to let go when you accidentally grabbed so as to limit the foul to five yards. Now, why not just hold on and rip the guy's head off, like the Bills nearly did to Maurice Jones-Drew? It's 15 yards either way.

Tarvaris Jackson can't come close to moving the chains and costs Adrian Peterson 30 percent of his potential value, at least, with his putrid third-down passing.

Darren McFadden (21 rushes for 164 yards and a score) is similarly cursed, at least for 2008, at QB. His day didn't really begin until Justin Fargas (groin) limped off, and it ended on the sidelines watching Michael Bush (16 attempts for 90 yards and a long TD).

McFadden's QB, JaMarcus Russell, needs to learn that, in the NFL, "when you wait, you're late." And his end-over-end dying quail into the end zone while rolling out of the pocket is more proof that he can't throw on the move.

Miami's Ted Ginn (1 catch, 9 yards) has play-making speed but is being knocked five yards off his routes on jams, which completely takes him out of passing plays called for him. If he can't play more physically, he has no chance to have an impact from scrimmage.

Take a running back's longest gain and subtract that from their totals and see how many yards they averaged then. If it's under 3.0, there's hidden trouble. The trouble's not even hidden with Edgerrin James, too old with too much mileage and not getting goal-line carries. But this week, subtracting his longest carry, James gained 42 yards on 17 rushes (2.47 per attempt).

Kurt Warner's explosive passing (361 yards on only 24 attempts) didn't help James. But note that there's no statistical evidence that passing well helps you run better, and vice versa. For example, in the vast majority of years, the best running teams (yards per carry) throw it about average (yards per attempt). Defenses seem to react to the play, not think about what's transpired before it.

Brandon Marshall (18 catches for 166 yards and a TD) is officially a Freak WR. That means he's got size, speed, wingspan, leaping ability - too much athleticism to ever truly be covered. The club has few members: Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Plaxico Burress, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards and Larry Fitzgerald. Buffalo rookie James Hardy has the makings of a Future Freak.

Monday night in Dallas, notice how Jason Witten is Tony Romo's default read whenever he feels pressure.