NFL Week 5: Five Things to Watch

(Can Carson Palmer help the Bengals slide past Baltimore for first place?)

After getting the unbelievable chance to watch the legendary Brett Favre defeat his old team, and send his former bosses and back-up quarterback to the depths of mediocrity, Week Five has a lot to live-up to.

And quite frankly, it will be damn near impossible.

Even before the Vikings handed the Packers an emotional loss, the Patriots and Ravens gave us an intense match.

We also saw the the Giants, Saints, and Colts take their expected leaps to 4-0, while we saw the previously unphased Mark Sanchez exposed as, well, a rookie.

And then there’s the unlikely story of the undefeated Denver Broncos. And for a role reversal, their departed golden boy, Jay Cutler, and his 3-1 start with the Chicago Bears.

So, with each week bringing a new tale to tell, a new dominant fantasy performer, and raising the bar for the following week, we indulge in the current week. Week four, eat your heart out.

5. Will the Real Bengals Please Stand Up?

Cincinnati has already taken care of business against Pittsburgh and Green Bay, and while they barely got past the lowly Cleveland Browns last week, they can still say they are one lucky Brandon Stokley touchdown away from being undefeated.

The Ravens, like the Bengals, march into this contest at 3-1, with their only loss coming to the 3-1 New England Patriots.

In all likelihood, an improved passing game and their smash-mouth running game will be too much for the Bengals, even though Cincinnati’s defense is much improved.

It’s hard not to like the upstart Bengals, but it’s even harder to pick them against Baltimore, who looks more and more every week as a potential Super Bowl threat.

Cincinnati, you’re good, but you’re not that good.

Fantasy Perspective: Most of the Bengals should be hands-off against the Ravens, but I can see a good amount of success for Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco.

The Ravens should easily shut-down Cedric Benson, who is battling injury, anyways, and their strong rush attack should do the rest.

 

4. How Will Braylon Edwards Fare in His Jets Debut on Monday Night?

You might be surprised to hear it, but this writer is vouching for Edwards as a solid WR3 (and maybe better) in week five.

He’s making his Jets debut in front of the nation, and quite possible as Mark Sanchez’s No. 1 receiver. Jerricho Cotchery is hurting with a bad hammy, and with Chansi Stuckey now a Cleveland Brown, Edwards will be thrust into action.

And considering his last Monday Night showing was a huge 100+ yard and one touchdown performance against the New York Giants last year, the optimism should be there. Let’s just say the lights bring out the best of Edwards.

Fantasy Perspective: If I didn’t make it clear: start him. That is, unless you have very dependable options like the Giants Steve Smith, Jacksonville’s Mike Sims-Walker, or Hines Ward already positioned as a fine WR3.

If you’re one of those guys clinging to the hopes that Michael Crabtree’s debut is worthy of a WR3 start, however, think again, and go with Edwards.

For the other three things to watch for in week five, head over to The Red Zone Report.

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Week Five Fantasy Player Breakdown

(McNabb should be raising his arms plenty this week.)

Sick of the regular start and sit columns that pick five random guys to take a chance on, and then five other guys who you shouldn’t? Yeah, me neither. But still, sometimes fantasy owners need a bit more information than a lousy 100-player board ranking, a start and sit column, or an injury report.

This player breakdown takes a look at every NFL match-up and the top players from each team. Take a look at some quick analysis that should gently push you in the right direction as far as getting the best possible roster set-up for Sunday and Monday.

Sunday Games

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Carson Palmer: The Ravens should stop the run without difficulty, so expect Palmer to throw a ton.
RB Cedric Benson: He averaged less than two yards per carry last year and isn’t at full health.
WR Chad Ochocinco: Not a great match-up, but should be targeted enough to be a solid WR3.
WR Laveranues Coles: Hasn’t been reliable all season. Not a good match-up at all.

QB Joe Flacco: Is playing well, and could have twice as a good a day as Derek Anderson had last week.
RB Ray Rice: Not a touchdown king, but has been a beast with the yards. Play him with confidence.
RB Willis McGahee: Should score as usual. Not a match-up to fear.
WR Derrick Mason: A strong WR3 no matter who the opponent is. Could have a nice day.
WR Mark Clayton: Needs to bounce back after last week’s drop. Bengals secondary could allow some big plays.

Minnesota Vikings @ St. Louis Rams

QB Brett Favre: Has been extremely hot and this is a nice match-up.
RB Adrian Peterson: If Favre can take the pressure off as he has been doing, AP should have a huge day.
WR Bernard Berrian: Minnesota is attacking deep more, so definitely a possibility for a big play or two.
WR Percy Harvin: Was quiet last week, and could be active with no one on St. Louis who can contain him.
WR Sidney Rice: Has scored in two straight weeks and Favre likes him. Makes for a decent WR4.

QB Kyle Boller: Should get the start with Bulger not 100 percent, but not a good play against a solid defense.
RB Steven Jackson: Minnesota can top the run, but how can you sit S-Jax?
WR Donnie Avery: He and Keenan Burton are questionable, but aren’t good plays, anyways.
TE Randy McMichael: Has been very average, but Minnesota got burned by the tight end the past two weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles

QB Josh Johnson: Was only average against Washington, so you can’t hope for much against a solid Philly defense.
RB Carnell Williams: Eagles stop the run fairly well, but he’s the feature back for now, so there could be decent numbers.
WR Antonio Bryant: Could test Philly’s secondary a bit, but with Johnson under center, likely only a low-end WR3 this week.
TE Kellen Winslow: Should be active as Johnson’s security blanket.

QB Donovan McNabb: As long as he finishes the game, could have a huge first-game back.
RB Brian Westbrook: Is splitting carries, but Tampa’s awful run defense is too good to ignore.
RB LeSean McCoy: Should see 10-15 touches and could post solid Flex numbers.
WR DeSean Jackson: Is healthy and has been absolutely on fire. Don’t expect it to stop against the Bucs’ sad secondary.
WR Kevin Curtis: Hasn’t done anything, but is healthy and has a beautiful match-up. If he’s going to get going ever, this would be the best stage for it.
TE Brent Celek: All he did was record 100 yard games with Kevin Kolb under center. That should change, but he’s still a solid TE1 for now.

For all the rest of the match-ups and fantasy player analysis, go to NFL Daily Dose.

 

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NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 10th)

(Is Hasselbeck a good play against Jacksonville?)

Eli Manning Participates in Saturday Practice

This just means he would probably play if he absolutely had to. But since the rush attack is operating smoothly, the defense is competing at an elite level, and they’re facing the Oakland Raiders, there isn’t much sense in rushing Manning back.

Still, he wants to play, and is likely going to be a game-time decision. Regardless of his status, there remains the decent chance that he wouldn’t even finish the game, so he doesn’t make a great fantasy option this week.

 

Roy Williams Doubtful For Dallas in Week Five

Williams didn’t practice Friday, and with Miles Austin eager to show he has starter ability, it’s likely Dallas doesn’t try to rush him back.

He could have a nice day against a weak Kansas City secondary if he did play, but all signs point to him sitting out week five. Look for Austin and possibly even Sam Hurd to put up decent numbers as Tony Romo and the rest of the passing attack look to bounce back.

 

Matt Hasselbeck Likely to Face Jaguars

Hasselbeck has been a regular at practice all week and has reportedly “looked good”. That sounds awesome, but a three-week absence and a return behind Seattle’s sketchy pass-blocking doesn’t bode too well for fantasy owners testing Hasselbeck out this week.

The Jacksonville Jaguars pass defense can be had, but you should worry more about Hasselbeck’s rust and protection rather than his upside at this point.

Regardless of how he performs, however, he’s still an upgrade over Seneca Wallace, and we could see a huge rise to John Carlson’s value, as well as some attention taken away from the running game.

 

Joseph Addai Listed as Questionable For Colts

Addai practiced on Friday but is still listed as questionable as he gears up for the Tennessee Titans’ tough run defense.

This might be a good week to try for some help at RB, anyways. Donald Brown could figure to get a lot of touches, and with his ability to make things happen on the outside, is probably the better start of the two Colts backs, regardless of Addai’s status.

 

Jerricho Cotchery Could Miss Monday Night Game

This would be bad news for Mark Sanchez and the passing offense, while it could be fantastic news for Braylon Edwards owners.

Sanchez lost his third favorite target in Chansi Stuckey to Cleveland, and losing Cotchery to injury before Monday could severely hamper the Jets’ passing attack.

This could mean the Jets rely even more on their running game than usual, but it also almost guarantees that we’ll see a lot of Braylon Edwards in his New York debut.

 

Correll Buckhalter Ruled Out For Sunday’s Game

This means Knowshon Moreno gets his first official start in Denver’s backfield, and it also likely means he’ll get almost all the carries. Expect Peyton Hillis and Lamont Jordan to fight for a few touches, but this could be Moreno’s coming-out-party.

However, the matchup with a surprisingly solid New England defense may not equate to elite fantasy production.

Looking for more fantasy advice? Go here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Injury Update: Darren McFadden Out 2-4 Weeks

(This is what McFadden will be doing for a while.)

After a terrible game against Houston, in which McFadden rushed for negative yardage on seven carries, the bad news keeps coming in Oakland.

In the midst of controversy surrounding their head coach, the Raiders now have to deal with their star running back being injured. McFadden had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, which should cause him to miss at least the next 2-4 weeks, and potentially even more.

McFadden’s injury cripples his overall season value, and hinders a once potentially potent Raiders backfield, as they have to face three tough tests in the Giants, Eagles, and Jets, all likely without McFadden.

Because McFadden was the starter, this means possible fantasy success and extra carries for back-up’s Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Bush was the goal-line and short yardage runner in the first two games, but since Fargas returned from injury, has lost most of his carries to the former Oakland starter.

Fargas has solid potential going forward as the likely starter, while it’s widely expected the two will split the carries in what appears to be a run-first offense, despite a lack of success recently.

McFadden and co. struggled mightily against the previously 32nd-ranked run defense (Houston), and a poor showing against them leaves much question about their abilities going forward.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 5th)

(Should the Giants sit Manning?)

 

Giants’ Eli Manning May Have Plantar Fascitis

This is the injury that was originally reported on Sunday. While it’s not guaranteed to make Manning miss any time, taking him out for next week’s cakewalk matchup with Oakland would be a smart decision by the coaching staff.

Considering the Giants don’t have a break until their bye in week 10, it’d be risky to push him that far without any rest. We know David Carr doesn’t get the juices flowing, but he’s more than capable of handing the ball off en-route to wins over teams like the Raiders.

Monitor the situation if you’re a Manning owner, as you could potentially be looking to replace an average of 250+ yards and two scores.

Detroit’s Matthew Stafford “Day-to-Day”

After several reports said Stafford may have dislocated his knee late in Sunday’s action, head coach Jim Schwartz has announced that Stafford’s knee injury is “day-to-day”.

ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported that he doesn’t anticipate Stafford to play as soon as next week, while the entire Detroit organization isn’t saying much more than what Schwartz released.

Daunte Culpepper would start in his place if Stafford misses any time, and would have QB2-value.

Braylon Edwards Held Without Catch, Accused of Hitting Man

Edwards is being accused of punching a club promoter, who actually happens to be a friend of NBA player LeBron James. After hearing of this, James called Edwards out, and now the star Cleveland receiver is waiting to see if the club promoter, Edward Givens, will press charges.

To make matters worse, Edwards was completely shut-down against the Bengals the day before, as he had zero catches, and begged you further to drop him from your fantasy roster.

However, do note that the receiver opposite of him, Mohamed Massaquoi, put up career numbers, and if his production continues, could help Edwards inch back to being a respectable option.

49ers and Michael Crabtree to Renew Contract Discussions

Crabtree has reportedly boarded a flight from Tampa to San Francisco, where he and his agent will meet with 49er executives and try to re-approach Crabtree’s contract. The NFL deadline to sign a contract for a rookie is Nov. 17, otherwise the former Texas Tech product would re-enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Crabtree has stated in the past that entering another draft doesn’t scare him, but the mere fact that he’s flying to California shows us that it does. The Niners are off to an impressive 3-1 start, as well, which kills Crabtree’s leverage.

We still don’t see Crabtree’s value magically sky-rocketing this year, even if he gets anywhere close to what he wants. He’s no better than a WR4 until he gets some common sense.

Tampa Bay to Stick With Josh Johnson

That’s good. It was one so-so game for Johnson, who helped Tampa Bay take a short-lived lead before falling to the Washington Redskins.

Johnson exhibited some early chemistry with star receiver Antonio Bryant, but was fairly ineffective the rest of the way, as he guided the Buccaneers to two of 15 on third-downs. Raheem Morris pulled the plug fast on Byron Leftwich, and it’d be a shock to give a less-experienced passer any less time to prove himself.

Johnson still has a ton of potential, but very little of it has anything to do with the fantasy realm.

Cowboys Receiver Roy Williams Hurts Ribs

The under-whelming “star” receiver has cartilage damage in three of his ribs, and while the injury shouldn’t force him to miss an extended amount of time, it is still an injury that causes a good amount of pain.

Williams and the Cowboys offense could probably afford to have him sit week five and rest through their week-six bye, which could potentially give him three weeks of rest. Monitor the situation if you’re depending on Williams as a WR3.

 

For all fantasy news, updates, and advice, go here.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Fantasy Football Risers: Game Day Edition

Instead of waiting until the middle of the week to give you tips on waiver wire wonders, or guys who received new roles and flourished with them, it’s probably best to let you in on all the guys who have even an ounce of fantasy potential while the week is fresh in our minds.

Take a look at the guys who still won’t be on anyone’s must-have list, but still could offer you solid numbers in the immediate future.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Last Game: 24-36, 296 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 rush, 20 yds, 0 TD

Stafford played relentless and smart football for the second straight week, as his suddenly competitive offense hung with a Jay Cutler-led Chicago team well into the fourth quarter.

Stafford wound up leaving the game with an injury, but his play of late suggests that he’s finally coming into his own. His accuracy and decision-making do need work, but his arm and weapons are slowly coming together.

If you’re hurting at quarterback, Stafford may be a Joe Flacco-type rookie gem that could help you down the road. Unfortunately, even with a near-300 yard effort against the Bears, he can only be depended on as a QB2.

Jerome Harrison, RB, Cleveland Browns

Last Game: 29 rush, 121 yds, 0 TD, 5 rec, 31 yds, 0 TD, 1 FL

Harrison stepped in for the injured Jamal Lewis for the second week in a row and finally realized his potential. He began to display his speed and decisive running in Week Three against Baltimore, but with over 150 yards—120 of which came on the ground—Harrison is officially relevant in fantasy leagues.

Throw in the fact that the passing game is appearing to have life, and Jamal Lewis is over 30 years old and slowing down—Harrison has all but claimed Cleveland’s starting gig.

Look for him to share the ball a bit with Lewis (if the older back gets healthy) going forward, but fully bank on Harrison continuing this rise and establishing himself as a decent fantasy option.

Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland Browns

Last Game: 26-48, 269 yds, 1 TD, 1 NT, 2 rush, 2 yds, 1 TD

Insert Anderson, same result, right? Not quite. True, the Browns are still 0-4, but Anderson displayed a great feel for the offense, a tendency to find receivers, and the ability to make plays.

He’s not very accurate or mobile, but he showed against an underrated Cincinnati defense that he can be a factor in fantasy football.

Don’t go dropping your under-performing Tony Romo just yet. Just know that Anderson has the ability to notch 250+ yard games, while also leading the Browns’ formerly inept offense to more than one touchdown in a game.

The added outburst of Browns rookie receiver Muhammad Massaquoi only helps his chances.

Muhammad Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns

Last Game: 8 rec, 148 yds, 0 TD

Is he replacing Braylon Edwards? No.

Is he going to get eight catches or 140+ yards next week? Probably not.

But he very well might have solidified himself as Cleveland’s official No. 2 receiver, and he certainly makes fellow rookie Brian Robiskie look like a scrub.

With Derek Anderson back in the lineup, you can expect this vertical passing attack to stay. And as long as Eric Mangini continues to force the issue, Massaquoi could turn in solid days and hold WR4 value.

Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Last Game: 6 rec, 65 yds, 1 TD

We all knew about Pierre Garcon, but we had yet to truly learn of the rookie Austin Collie’s fantasy potential. Until the Colts matchup with Seattle, Collie appeared to be little more than a possession receiver, while the big-play threat, Garcon, had scored a touchdown in two-straight games.

Garcon may still have slightly more value than Collie, but the targets are adding up, and Peyton Manning’s confidence is growing with his entire offense, making each and every Colts receiving option a ticking fantasy time bomb.

While his value currently won’t climb over a WR4’s, Collie definitely has Flex option potential, and can even help you in a bye week or injury situation as a serviceable WR3.

Need more fantasy news and advice? Go here for weekly picks, articles, and injury updates.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Injuries Update (Oct. 4th)

Wes Welker to Face Baltimore Ravens

It’s about time. Randy Moss was officially off the injury report yesterday, and now you can throw Welker back into your receiving corps mix.

Bill Belichick wouldn’t play him if he didn’t think he could do some damage, so throw him in as your WR3 and let Julian Edelman sit this week out.

 

Clinton Portis to Play, but Could Lose Carries

Despite going up against the league’s 31st ranked run defense, Portis is still no lock for fantasy success. He will be playing against Tampa Bay despite injuries to his calf and ankles, but is almost certain to lose some carries to Ladell Betts and Marcus Mason.

There is upside with the Buccaneers being so bad defensively, but if you have a safer, healthier alternative, you would be best-advised to sit Portis.

 

Tashard Choice to Handle Most of Load For Cowboys

Marion Barber is relatively healthy, but Choice is fresh off an impressive Monday night performance, and is completely healthy.

Look for Barber to wiggle his way to 10-12 carries, while Choice should get closer to 20. That is, of course, if the Denver defense turns out to be the shame everyone keeps saying it is, and Dallas finds no trouble running on them.

 

Dwayne Bowe Active Against New York Giants

Bowe was questionable all week and missed last week with a bad hamstring, but after practicing on Friday, got the “okay” to play against the Giants.

Even when completely healthy (which he isn’t), Bowe doesn’t make too sexy of a start, considering how solid the Giants’ defense is. Play him as a strong WR3 with confidence.

 

Kevin Smith Starting For Detroit

He’s still banged-up, but if you were ready to rely on Smith, he’s available to help as a capable RB2 this week against the Chicago Bears.

We strongly suggest starting a healthier, quieter play like Glen Coffee or Carnell Williams if possible, but Smith should still get the ball enough to warrant a start in most leagues this week.

The important thing is that he’s active and he’s a big part of Detroit’s offense.

For more fantasy news and advice, go to The Red Zone Report.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Injuries Update (Oct. 3rd)

Cleveland’s James Davis Out For Season

This is big, unexpected news, as the rookie looked very sharp in preseason, and was on the verge of getting more carries.

With Davis gone, however, Jerome Harrison will step-in as the full-time starter until Jamal Lewis is fully healthy, and Lewis’s age and ineffectiveness could eventually lead to Harrison becoming the feature back this season.

Harrison put on a solid show against the Ravens last week, and should be a quality Flex play this week against the Bengals.

Marion Barber Likely to Play, but Tashard Choice Expected to Start

For Jerry Jones and the rest of the Cowboys, this is their attempt at playing it safe. I’m sure they’d like to sit Barber for a second straight week, but with an untimely injury to Felix Jones as well, Barber is needed for the Cowboys’ trip to Denver.

Regardless, Choice should start the game and get the bulk of the load, and even with Barber likely to play, makes a solid RB2 play.

Willie Parker Out, Rashard Mendenhall to Start

Mendenhall was benched last week, but appears to be back on Mike Tomlin’s good side. Still, even without Parker, it’s very likely Pittsburgh uses third down back Mewelde Moore more than usual, instead of strictly going with the under-whelming Mendenhall.

The hype has been high on Mendenhall since early last season, but he has yet to prove his worth. He’ll get plenty of opportunities to show he’s worth being part of a timeshare when Parker returns.

Derrick Mason Late Addition to Injury Report For Ravens

This shouldn’t be anything to get worked-up about. Mason is an aggressive and tough receiver who sacrifices his body every game, so this is just precautionary. Besides, it’s being reported that he was only limited in practice on Friday due to an illness.

Look for Mason, who is averaging 16.1 yards per catch right now, to start this week and give you solid value as a WR3.

Wes Welker Still Questionable, Randy Moss Off of Injury Report

It looks like we’re going down to the wire with Welker’s status again. On the bright side, Moss’s back woes seem to be behind him, especially after delivering his second more-than-10-catch game of the season.

Welker looks to be in better shape this wee as he’s at least been participating in practice, albeit on a limited basis, and even practiced on Friday.

Check back here on Sunday before their noon game with Baltimore to get the final verdict. If Welker can’t go, Julian Edelman could get another shot at putting up his week two numbers.

Dwayne Bowe Still Questionable For Sunday

Not much has changed, but at least he’s practicing. Bowe was limited in practice on Friday, but the fact that he’s there and trying shows his hamstring is getting better.

Regardless of whether or not he’s ready to go, however, this would be a good week to pretend he’s still injured, as his numbers don’t project well against a stout New York Giants defense. If he starts, you could play him as a valuable WR3, but expecting anything more is a bit unrealistic.

For more fantasy news, updates, and advice, go to The Red Zone Report.

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Red Zone Report Fantasy Update: Clinton Portis Injury Status

Contrary to earlier reports that said Portis participated in practice on Friday, he did not, as his backups, Ladell Betts and Marcus Mason, took all the snaps with the first team.

Portis has been battling ankle spurs for weeks, and is now also nursing a calf injury he sustained last week against Detroit.

With just over 40 yards rushing against a defense he was projected to destroy in Week Three, Portis is already on thin ice with fantasy experts and owners, abound.

He still has the vision and quickness to be an effective back, but the heavy loads and injuries over the years could finally be catching up with him.

The Redskins are facing a horrible Tampa Bay defense this week, one that gave up 162 rushing yards to Fred Jackson two weeks ago, and was absolutely manhandled by the New York Giants on both sides of the ball.

Despite the value Portis could bring to you on paper in this very friendly matchup, Jim Zorn could elect to save his back for tougher opponents and let him rest.

It’s only Friday, so keep up to date on this situation, as a healthy Portis could be a fantastic start if your team is hurting at running back.

For all Fantasy related injury and status updates, as well as advice and line-up suggestions, go to The Red Zone Report.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 1st)

Willie Parker “Iffy” With Turf Toe

One decent game, and everyone gets up in a whirl over Parker’s foot.

While he “seems” to be back on track, this injury could either keep him out of week four, or also slow him down. If he plays, he’s sure to split carries with both Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore because of his injury.

LaDainian Tomlinson Fully Participates in Practice

LT appears to be on his way back from his ankle injury, but is still no lock to play on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even if he does play, he’s not an elite fantasy option, as he’s going up against a solid Pittsburgh defense and would share carries with Darren Sproles. Sit LT and get him back at 100 percent after the Chargers week five bye.

Marion Barber Probable For Denver Game

When isn’t Barber on an injury report or in fantasy discussions? He and the Cowboys both appear to be set on him at least making an appearance in the contest at Denver, but most of the rushing load could fall on Tashard Choice.

With Felix Jones out for a week or two with his own knee issue, Barber will be needed for at last some spot-duty, while Choice is a safe bet to top 15 carries.

Wes Welker Limited in Wednesday’s Practice

It’s been three straight weeks of Welker practicing, being listed questionable, and the Patriots keeping you on your roster page 30 minutes before game-time.

Don’t take this abuse if you can afford to start someone else. If you have Julian Edelman as well, monitor Welker’s status up until game-time, and slip Edelman in if he’s a scratch again.

Welker is almost certainly going to be a game-time decision for the third week in a row.

Dwayne Bowe Unlikely For Second Straight Week

Hamstrings can be tricky, and Bowe isn’t practicing at all right now.

It’s not impossible that he could be okay by Sunday, but it doesn’t look good. Ride Mark Bradley if you absolutely need to, otherwise start fishing through the waiver wire for another alternative.

If Pierre Garcon, Mike Sims-Walker, or Nate Burleson are available, quickly snatch them up.

Derrick Ward’s Status Uncertain For Week Four

Head coach Raheem Morris is hoping a day off will give Ward the rest he needs, but if he can’t go against the Redskins, Carnell Williams should be able to go.

Williams was dealing with a knee issue of his own (shocker), but appears to be healthy enough to take on a full load, and Earnest Graham would also be available to help out.

Quarterback Josh Johnson is making his first career start this week, so it’s no secret why Morris would like his rushing attack at 100 percent.

Matt Hasselbeck Not Expected to Play This Week

He’s 34 and had major back issues last year, so it’s not a surprise that it’s taking him some time to heal. Besides, just ask Donovan McNabb what broken ribs feel like.

You can look forward to Seneca Wallace starting against Indianapolis’s solid pass defense, which is possibly taking the field without Dwight Freeney and a number of other defensive starters.

Kevin Smith to be Game-Time Decision

Smith would be heavily missed after a monster rushing effort helped the Lions to their first win in 20 games.

With shoulder and knee injuries, however, it’s unlikely Detroit rushes their star running back into action in week four. Look for Maurice Morris to get the start and fill-in as a quality Flex option.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Lewis missed practice again with his hamstring strain, and is at least questionable heading into Sunday’s match with the Bengals.

Jerome Harrison will start in his place if Lewis misses his second straight game. Harrison put up solid numbers against Baltimore last week, so he could make a solid Flex play this week.

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