Quick Hits

Quick reactions to today's action.

1) Steven Jackson just continues to roll, but again, not to the end zone. He really is the only bright spot on an ugly season in St. Louis.

2) Same ol' same ol' for Peyon Manning and Reggie Wayne. Remarkably, consistently good.

3) As predicted, the Pack rolled the Browns. Ryan Grant finally broke out strong, and Aaron Rodger got his... but the odd disappearance of Greg Jennings continues.

4) Watch out, here comes Alex Smith. After mroe than 3 years, is he finally ready to lead the 49'ers? And what in the hell has gotten into Vernon Davis. Fantasy world and football world was ready to right this guy off as a colossal bust, but here he goes and puts up more TD numbers. Nice!

5) Frank Gore is back... but he didn't make a difference this week.

6) Owen Daniels has to start being mentioned in the fantasy TE elite. 100+ and a TD... he is putting up strong numbers.

7) Mainly a defensive battle for Pitt v Minn, but again, noteworthy is Sidney Rice posting 100+ and should have had a TD but for a BS tripping call. AP did ok, a TD and 70.

8) The show down in London was anything but. Tom Terrific was again, terrific, 300+ and 3 TDs, plus an assist with a nice game for Welker. Watch Maroney, under utilized, but he did ok with not a ton of touches.

9) Nothing to write home about with the Bucs, just a long flight home.

10) Is Vincent Jackson one of the 5 best WRs in the league right now? I think so. Another strong performance against KC, 142 and a score.

11) I am figuring the issue with LT is named Darren Sproles, who has all but replaced him in the passing game, which is where LaDainian used to make a ton of his hay.

12) Put a fork into Larry Johnson. He is done.

13) Jake Delhomme threw three more INTs and was there a Steve Smith siting?

14) Stick a fork in Terrell Owens too.

15) I wonder who has the better running game, the Dolphins or the Jets? 265 and 3 TDs between Shonn Green and Thomas Jones. Yikes! Note to Leon Washington, hope it is not serious.

16) Have we FINALLY seen the last or JaMarcus Russell? Stick a fork in him too?

17) Congrats C Benson... revenge is a dish best served cold and his dismantling of the Chicago defense was plain cold.

18) Carson Palmer has shown flashes of his old self, but after 5 TDs against the Bears, I proclaim him officially back. Welcome back too Chad "ochocinco" Johnson.

19) Where in the hell has Matt Forte gone? and that Devin Hester character is turning into a pretty good WR.

20) Wow, I am officially impressed Miles Austin.

21) Here is the other official two headed monster, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. 128 and 4 TDs.

22) I might have to take back my assessment of Jeremy Shockey. He is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the Saint's offense.

Today's Hottie: Lindsey (and her twin sister Lauren)

Surprisers!

Going into the weekend, week 7, things are starting to shake themselves out, the stars are surfacing, the consistent are scoring and the pretenders are showing who they are. But there are still some surprises out there. Some on rosters, others not. Take a look:

Michael Crabtree - less than three weeks after his hissy fit ended and he reported to the 49'ers, he is ready to start? Crazy, but this kid does have mad skills. If you need a wideout as a bye week replacement, take a flier on this kid. He will surprise sooner than later and might make you happy by year's end.

Hakeem Nicks - He has been playing solidly since returning from his injury early in the year. I see no reason for that to stop. Nicks has a ton of talent and Eli is using him as his deep threat

Laurence Maroney - Like many fantasy owners, I have been waiting for Maroney to work his way out of the Hoodie's dog house or whatever he has been in. No body else remains and if he performs well, he will have to play.

Leon Washington - I couch this one with an injury statement... Thomas Jones is not young and Washington is a sprained knee or turned ankle from stardom.

Eddie Royal - While he has not exactly lit up the fantasy numbers, he has been targeted a lot in the past few weeks, ranking surprisingly in the top ten for wide outs. If you can pick up him cheap, do it now, while the Denver offense is just getting started.

Steve Slaton - Slaton ranks as one of fantasy's biggest disappointments so far, but unlike Matt Forte, also a huge disappointment, Slaton is starting to get targeted in the passing game, which lead to his huge performance this past week.

Jonathon Stewart - whether starting or not, Stewart will get his touches, but as with Leon Washington, if Williams get hurt, Stewart will see the bulk of the carries, and he will explode.

JerMichael Finley - He has been on the verge of breaking out since his performance against the Vikings a few weeks back. If Rodgers gets the time, he will start finding the talented young TE.

Kenny Britt - Depending on the QB situation in Tennesee and if Vince Young develops chemistry with the young WR, Britt could push the underwhelming starters for the Titans and start stealing the show.

Antonio Bryant - If he gets 100% healthy, he is going to help some team down the stretch. Other than Cadillac Williams, Tampa has very few weapons.

Ted Ginn - With the strong armed Chad Henne now in the driver's seat in Miami, Ginn can now start using his best assett, pure speed. We all saw it on the low TD two weeks ago, and we will see it again... and again.

Today's Hottie: Lauren (and her twin sister Lindsey)

Hate / Love

Matthew Berry is one of the most visible fantasy 'experts' on the planet due to his ESPN gig. And while he might be entertaining, I tend to disagree with him. That is what makes it fun to read and react to his column written on Friday each week "Love / Hate". Catch his thoughts here. Here are my thoughts on his thoughts.

Players Berry "Loves"

Donald Driver - I have to agree, Driver should do well against the Browns
LaDainian Tomlinson - I am not buying this one, while LT has showed signs of his former self, he is not there yet
Sean Ryan - Berry calls him a deep sleeper... I think I hear him snoring
Donald Brown and Joseph Addai - maybe one of them, not both
Visanthe Shiancoe and Heath Miller - This kinda makes sense, but I wouldn't bet on Shiancoe, Rice will get the Red zone attention this week.
Hines Ward - This IS the only weekness of the Viking D, could happen
Sam Aiken - Never heard of him, not buying, too many other targets for Brady, unless you want 24 yards and 2 receptions.
Cadillac Williams - There isn't a Bucc worth talking about this week
Shaun Hill - yeah, if you are desparate
Marshawn Lynch - Not sharing carries with a more appreciated Fred Jackson
Leon Washington - He will have his occassionally big game, but he is still second fiddle to Thomas Jones
Tony Romo - I see some yardage, but not a ton of scores from Romo, maybe one
Miles Austin - This is a one week wonder, I will wait and make Austin prove me wrong
Andre Caldwell - Caldwell is ok, but as Berry mentions, he is just like Chris Henry, no one knows when they will post the occassional strong game, so don't bank on either
Greg Olson - Olson and Forte are the forgotten men (though open all the time) as Cutler always tries to force the issue downfield.
Johnny Knox - I am not a Knox believer, just no strong evidence of his value
Eli Manning - Ok, this one makes sense, Eli should do well
Clinton Portis - He is the only guy worth noting in Washington, but not this week.

Players Berry "Hates"

Brett Favre - With the Steelers stacking the line to stop AP, and Polamalu taking gambles, look for Brett to bait the Steeler secondary into a couple mistakes for long scores
Rashard Mendehhall and Willie Parker - I would sit both
Vernon Davis - The Captain still has a lot to prove if I was going to start him, but I think he is starting to earn the trust of Shaun Hill and will get his
Owen Daniels - I would temper my expectations, but you have to start him
Steve Smith - He has disappeared this year and will continue to be invisible
Braylon Edwards - If Asomugha plays, Edwards should not
Mike Bell - Obvious not start. Thomas is the starter anyhow
Ted Ginn - The Saint defense is not as good as the hype, giving Ginn a couple chances deep with strong-armed Henne under center
Brandon Jacobs - He BETTER play well, I need him to show up on my team.
Brent Celek - Berry is absolutely right on this one... the NFL DOES need more porn mustaches
Donovan McNabb - Washington's defense is nothing special and McNabb has much to prove after the disaster in Oakland
Jason Campbell and Santana Moss - Until Campbell sits, Moss does too.

More Hate next week!

Today's Hottie: Corinne Doherty

Counter Point

Jay Clemons write a pretty entertaining column for SI.com. And like most fantasy guru's or experts or whatever you want to call them, you never agree with all of what they say. Jay writes before the weekend games on guys who are a lock for good performances. Here is this week's column and my comments:

QB Locks For 275 Yards and/or 3 TDs
1. Peyton Manning @ St. Louis - Manning could easily perform this good
2. Aaron Rodgers @ Cleveland - This is a 50/50 for me, but my feeling is Rodgers will do well
3. Philip Rivers @ Kansas City - Somehow, I am just feeling that Rivers won't have this good a game
4. Matt Cassel vs. San Diego - Not gonna happen
5. Tom Brady @ Tampa Bay - This is a lead pipe lock
6. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Minnesota - This one is iffy, but I like this prediction
7. Tony Romo vs. Atlanta - Romo has a knack for putting up numbers, just not thinking he will this weekend
8. Eli Manning vs. Arizona - Eli needs a recovery game and he should do it in a shoot out

RB Locks -- 120 Total Yards and/or 2 TDs
1. DeAngelo Williams vs. Buffalo - If Carolina sticks with its winning formula, this one is likely
2. Steven Jackson vs. Indianapolis - I could see the yards, but not the TDs, the Rams will be behind all game
3. Ryan Grant @ Cleveland - If ever he was going to have a good game this year, the Browns will give it up
4. LaDainian Tomlinson @ Kansas City - I saw flashes of his old self, but he is not quite there
5. Larry Johnson vs. San Diego - Not a chance
6. Steve Slaton vs. San Francisco - I just dont see this one either, unless he is heavily involved in the passing game again
7. Joseph Addai @ St. Louis - I don't feel this one
8. Leon Washington @ Oakland - and I don't think this one is gonna happen either
9. Michael Turner @ Dallas - Yeah, Turner is gonna burn the Boys
10. Brian Westbrook @ Washington - If healthy, Westbrook is still a top 5 fantasy back... IF
11. Brandon Jacobs vs. Arizona - I am praying for this one, he is on my team
12. Cedric Benson vs. Chicago - Benson has a major chip on his shoulder, so this one should pan out
13. Pierre Thomas @ Miami - quietly, as normal, Thomas should reach either or both goals

WR Locks -- 110 Total Yards and/or 1 TD
1. Vincent Jackson @ Kansas City - Could happen, but this one is 50/50 for me
2. Randy Moss @ Tampa Bay - could double this estimate LOL
3. Hines Ward vs. Minnesota - I don't see this happening, but Hines has been hot lately
4. Andre Johnson vs. San Francisco - I like Johnson in this game
5. Steve Smith vs. Arizona - Smith is a prime example of sell high, teams are on to him and so are the Cards
6. Greg Jennings @ Cleveland - It is now or never this year for Jennings in my book
7. Roddy White @ Dallas - Lock this one in, the Dallas secondary is vulnerable
8. DeSean Jackson @ Washington - Not gonna happen
9. Steve Breaston @ N.Y. Giants - Neither is this one, while he might have a nice game, not this nice
10. Reggie Wayne @ St. Louis - Lock it and write it in stone
11. Dwayne Bowe vs. San Diego - This is a 50/50 for me

We will have to see how close these end up being.

Today's Hottie: Nikki

Tops this weekend

Seems like everyone has their "lists", whether they call them rankings or top tens or whatever, we are always confronted with lists. So, here is mine, although abbreviated. Plus my bottom lists.
Quarterbacks
1 - Tom Brady
2 - Peyton Manning
3 - Aaron Rodgers
4 - Drew Brees
5 - Ben Rothlisberger
Sleeper: Brett Favre - He might just do well against the Steelers
Duds - Only start these guys if my mother-in-law isn't available on the waiver wire.
JaMarcus Russell, Mark Sanchez, Jason Campbell

Runningbacks
1- Michael Turner
2 - Ryan Grant
3 - Laurence Maroney
4 - Adrian Peterson
5 - Ronnie Brown
Sleeper: LaDainian Tomlinson - I think I saw just a wink of the former greatness on Monday night
Duds - Only start these guys is Ed Anser can't be found.
Brandon Jacobs, Rashard Mendenhall, Cadillac Williams

Wide Receivers
1 - Randy Moss
2 - Reggie Wayne
3 - Roddy White
4 - Wes Welker
5 - Greg Jennings
Sleeper: Steve Breaston
Duds - Only start these guys if you can't find a fat guy on a pogo stick
Roy Williams, Antonio Bryant, Mohamed Massaquoi

Tight Ends
1 - Dallas Clark
2 - Antonio Gates
3 - Tony Gonzales
4 - Owen Daniels
5 - Greg Olsen
Sleeper: Vernon Davis
Duds - Only start these guys if Porky Pig isn't healthy enough to start
Robert Royal, Anthony Fasano, Kevin Boss

We will how this works this weekend. Bon Voyage!

Today's Hottie: Heather Parisohttp://www.myspace.com/hpariso

Does your team suck?

So, your team sucks and so does your record? Don't give up quite yet. There might be hope yet. We are only 6 weeks into a typical 14 games season, and even if you are 2, 3 or even 4 games out, you could still make it in. Plus, there is a little help out there still and trades with suckers.

First, fantasy history is littered with slow starts that ended great, or fast starts that crashed and burned. Curtis Martin a few years back was an also run, going into his twilight years as a back for the Jets, but exploded in the second half and helped carry this fantasy owner to the league championship (2003). At the same time, a player can play well early and end up a dud, spelling doom for a front runner. If there is one rule in football, or fantasy football, is that things change... things always change.

How about some help? Take a look at the waiver wire again. While at this point the pickings are slim, there is always potential. Let's peek at this year's examples. Lawrence Maroney re-emerged as a temporary star for New England last weekend. If you are weak at runningback, take a flier on a guy who might step up and be a significant starter. Need a wide out? Look at Michael Crabtree. Rumor is he will start this weekend after having time during the bye week to learn enough of the offense. What if Crabtree breaks out? It's not as if the 49'ers have a stockpile of talent at WR.

How about trades? Have a bonafide star like Drew Brees or Tom Brady? Trade em, since one player will not win the championship for you. But get value. In the case of Drew Brees, at least three quality starters and if you lean on the side of potential... if the potential pans out, you might find yourself in the fantasy playoffs. The key is to sell high and buy low. Pick a few under achievers to slip on your roster, the flash a big name and reap the rewards.

Finally, injuries can play a part. Take Adrian Peterson this year. What if he goes down with a significant injury? Well, Chester Taylor owners suddenly have a fanatsy gem which could make a HUGE difference. Think about the Giant's two headed monster at running back. If either Jacobs or Bradshaw get hurt, the reps for the other will go up significantly, making their into a juggernaut.

In the end, the race is a long one. No championship is won in the first six weeks. Sure, some might have a leg up, but it is still early enough to salvage a place in the playoffs.

Today's Hottie: Sheridyn Fisher

There might be a few nuggets on the wires still. Who might still be there.

- I mentioned Kyle Boller here last week, but Marc Bulger came back in the game and almost pulled it out for St. Louis. Either is available in most leagues and could be used as a spot starter.
- Kevin Kolb is worth stashing away if you have room. He proved he can be a fantasy QB factor earlier in the year.
- Glen Coffee might be on your wire after his injury, a bye week and the return of Frank Gore. He is a must as a hand cuff if available.
- If you need a spot starter or a flex guy, Mewelde Moore could be your guy.
- Mike Wallace might be available and he appear to have found a place among the Pittsburgh WRs, but only in deeper league and for a spot start perhaps.
- Due to injury and lack of production, Donnie Avery might be out there and would be a nice pick up right now.
- Sidney Rice could be available and he should get picked up in your league (me, I had him, just didn't start him)
- I have to mention Louis Murphy, just because of his high-effort blocking on the long Zach Miller TD.
- Bobby Wade is making inroads in Kansas City and could fill a #5 spot on your roster.
- If you are looking for a flier, try Hakeem Nicks. He posted a really nice game for the Giants on a poor day.
- I know, I have talked him up for weeks, but if JerMichael Finley is still there, grab him.
- Michael Crabtree is supposedly going to be starting for the 49'ers after the bye.
- If you think Lawrence Maroney was not a flash in the pan, picking him up as a 3rd or 4th RB could be a good move.

There were some significant injuries, but mainly to defensive players.

- Defensive injuries are big this week. Kris Jenkins for the Jets and Antwan Odom for the Bengals are really going to hurt, especially if Jenkins is lost long term.
- Watch Anquan Boldin's ankle injury. High ankle sprains are difficult to overcome
- Frank Gore should be back next week for San Fran
- Trent Edwards suffered a second career concussion against the Jets and is day to day at this point
- Donnie Avery is listed day-to-day as well from his unspecific hip injury

Today's Hottie: London