[X] My Assistant

[Vots]

This year has been very slow and very unpredictable, in terms of player performance. It's taken a long time, but I've started to see a few players rise to the top. The guys I really like, I've placed in bold.

QB

Orton - What can I say? He's in an organization that believes in him. He's got an actual offense around him now. And Denver is using him to the best of his abilities. If you're still looking for a #2 QB, Orton is the guy. Orton is a high-end #2 QB. Orton will only get better as time progresses because although he works on playing a mistake-free game, he's showing me this year he can make big plays when necessary. Don't be surprised when Denver locks up Orton with a big, long-term contract.

Cassel - Not a #1 QB, but he's a decent #2 QB to have. If you need a bye-week replacement or you're looking for a #2 QB to put on your roster. Cassel could be okay for the job. He's never going to be the New England QB we saw, but he does have some good receivers. It's just that his line is awful and there's no running game. But this pretty much assures that he's going to throw the ball 25-30 times a game.

RB

Choice - I've seen owners in some leagues drop Choice. I like Marion Barber, but Choice is a very good back (obviously). Even if Barber is starting and even if Felix Jones is healthy and playing, Choice is still a good option if you need a bye-week replacement or a #3 RB/flex position.

Jones - When Felix Jones is healthy, he's going to see the same amount of playing time as Choice. Both backs are deadly and both backs are going to chew into Barber's carries. Jones can be used in the same positions as Choice (once he recovers). There's a chance you find him in free agency since he's been banged up.

Bell - Now although Pierre Thomas is clearly the starting RB, Bell is back from his injury and he's going to see the field. He's not going to out perform Thomas, but Bell is going to be NO's goal-line back. A good RB who's the goal-line back for one of the best offenses in the NFL, is someone you should really consider. You should consider him as a #3 RB right now.

WR

Royal - I've seen a LOT of owners give up on Royal. A lot of owners think he's a bust. But Royal is still an amazing receiver. The problem isn't him but that Orton spreads the ball out very well. Royal is a very good, low-end #2 WR for any fantasy team. It's taken a while for Orton to find Royal, but don't let this guy go and if he's out there, snatch him up!

Austin - Miles Austin will probably be the most highly, coveted receiver this week. And I understand why. But don't over value him! He had an awesome performance yesterday, but don't become blinded by that. I do think he will continue to start. And I do think he's going to put up some good games every once in a while, but I'd continue to wait and see how DAL decides to use him, because Austin started because Roy Williams was injured. I'm sure DAL will use him a lot more, I'm just saying don't go crazy over him yet. Pick him up, but take a wait and see approach.

Nicks - This is a guy you need to keep your eye on! If you're in a keeper league, you pick this guy up immediately. The feeling I've got from this guy is he's going to beat Mario Manningham for the #2 receiver spot on the Giants before the end of the season. Nicks looks like a very good receiver and is bringing in some good performances even at the #3 position on New York's roster. If you've got an extra bench spot, stash him away right now. If you're in a keeper league, make sure you grab him.

Maclin - I like Maclin. Especially when McNabb is in. And now that he just pushed his way into the #2 receiver role, expect to continue to see more of him. If you need a solid WR for the rest of the year, Maclin's your guy. He's finally grasped the starting role and he's not going to mess it up.

Avery - The Rams' receivers have really gotten banged up. And now Avery is back to being the clear-cut guy again. He's nothing flashy but whoever the Rams QB is, they're going to target him a lot (especially since they'll be passing a lot, in most games).

[grabthar]

If you're RB's are causing you to sink, this week is your life ring. Don't miss it!

QB

Vince Young - This guy could be returning to his 2007 form. If he continues this he'll continue to be a high-end #2 QB. He's a solid option right now.

RB

Ladell Betts - Rarely are you able to find a solid RB option this late into the season. But as long as Portis remains out, Betts will continue to be a very good option. He's doing better then Portis which I would bet even if/when Portis comes back, Betts will continue to get touches. As long as Betts is the starter, he's a #2 RB. When Portis comes back, he's still a solid #3 option.

Jason Snelling - Want a better pickup then Betts? This guy! Turner went down with a high ankle injury, so Turner will probably miss a few weeks at worst-case scenario. If that's the case, Snelling is going to be very valuable for lots of owners.

[EDIT - Forgot Forsett]
Justin Forsett - This is my favorite pickup this week. And I will be picking him up because I have Ronnie Brown on one of my teams. Julius Jones could be out for a while and this guy looked fresh as a daisy. Plus he can participate in the passing game.

WR

Laveranues Coles - Chris Henry is out for the season, so Coles is going to get a lot more targets. I think he can be good enough to perform as a flex player.

Donnie Avery - Worth a look. STL's schedule is easier from here on out.

Malcom Floyd - Another sub-par week. But he's a big play receiver, and came a hair away from a TD. Keep him on your roster for desperate times. This guy will reward you at times.

I have a question - would anyone drop one of my current backup players for anyone on your list?

My starting lineup is very solid, my backups are:

WR - Crabtree, Santana Moss
RB - Portis, Shonn Green, Donald Brown

Available in my league are:

WR - Avery, Floyd, and Avant
RB - Betts, Snelling, Forsett as well as some marginal players like Larry Johnson, Fargas, Fred Taylor, and Derrick Ward.

I don't know that I will be using any of these unless they have a great matchup or someone gets hurt.
My starters are:

QB - Rodgers
WR - Fitzgerald
WR - DeSean Jackson
WR - Sims-Walker
RB - Ray Rice
RB - Pierre Thomas
R/W - Morreno
TE - Heath Miller (Have Finley as backup if he comes back strong from his injury)

[Vots]

I would definitely drop Shonn Greene for Justin Forsett. Greene is just a guy who's going to get 6-8 carries a game. Forsett is now a guy who's going to get a full share of carries. And he's a lot fresher then Jones too.

I would also look into dropping Santana Moss. His value is basically the same as Coles, Avery, and Floyd. But I like Coles and Floyd over Moss. They're on good teams and have better chances at making more plays then Moss does. That's up to you though.

[kyu]

Wow I had the last wavier wire spot and I got...
Snelling
Forsett
and Charles

I dropped A.Smith, D.Macfadden, S.Green