QB Tyler Thigpen, Kansas City Chiefs
Although Tyler Thigpen has far and away exceeded expectations since being handed the full-time keys to the quarterback position in Kansas City, don’t fall too head over heels for his matchup this week against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders aren’t much of a team but their pass defense is surprisingly good.

RB Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush keeps saying he’s coming back any second now. Even if he’s active in Week 13, it’d be best to avoid playing him right away. The Saints have a lot of options at the running back position and Bush is coming off of a somewhat severe injury. Stay away until he proves he’s back and is getting plenty of touches.

WR Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Chad Johnson or Chad Ocho Cinco or whatever he’s calling himself these days isn’t a good start in Week 13. He’s a big name but don’t let that fool you. He’s coming off of a suspension and he may not have as many passes thrown his way as usual. There’s even talk about limiting the amount of time he’s on the field. Look elsewhere in Week 13.

TE Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders
On paper, his matchup this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs looks like a good one. But Zach Miller is battling an injury and the Raiders will run, run and run some more against the Chiefs. Miller may get lucky and break a long one but if he doesn’t, he’s in for a very quiet day in Week 13 of the fantasy football season.

QB Matt Cassel, New England Patriots
In place of Tom Brady, Matt Cassel has had some good games and some not so good games. In Week 11, Cassel played one of his better games. Against the rival New York Jets, the Patriots quarterback had 400 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also didn’t have an interception on the week.

RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Early in the season, it appeared as if DeAngelo Williams would never live up to his expectations. Now, Williams is regarded as one of the best fantasy football running backs in 2008. In Week 11, Williams finished the game with two touchdowns and 120 yards rushing on 14 attempts. Combining with Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers have a very formidable one-two punch.

WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals
Even thought the Bengals have been a big disappointment and quarterback Carson Palmer has missed a lot of time, TJ Houshmandzadeh has actually been quite good. He still has been able to get open and he still has very good hands. He finished this week’s game with 12 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown receptions. If it wasn’t clear last year, it’s clear this year — Houshmandzadeh is simply a better wide receiver than Chad Johnson.

TE Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots
Cassel’s main target against the Jets was tight end Benjamin Watson. Watson has very good ability to go along with great size and athleticism, however he’s had a difficult time putting it all together. For a week, at least, he did just that. He finished Week 11 with eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown grab to be the top fantasy football tight end for the week.

QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
Don’t forget about Matt Hasselbeck. After missing a huge chunk of the season due to injury, he’s going to start this week for the Seahawks. With his wide receivers playing well and his running backs healthy, Hasselbeck has the weapons to have a good game. If you need a starter and he’s on the waiver wire, Hasselbeck is a good start.

RB Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
While he doesn’t have a very good matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cedric Benson is coming off of one of the best games of his career. With Carson Palmer still out injured, Benson will get plenty of touches in the Bengals’ offense. He very well could score a touchdown this week and end up with a decent amount of yards.

WR Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers
After a very strong start to the season, Chris Chambers has struggled with injuries. But now he’s as healthy as he’s been in weeks and should be able to get back to his old ways. With his speed back, he’s going to be a deep ball threat for the rest of the season. In Week 11, expect Chambers to once again be a big part of the Chargers offense.

TE Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
Don’t look now but Marcedes Lewis has had at least three catches in each of his last four games. Last week, Lewis even led the Jaguars in receiving yards. As he continues to become a bigger and bigger part of the Jacksonville offense, his fantasy football value in 2008 will continue to rise.

QB David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars
To begin the 2008 fantasy football season, David Garrard was far from impressive. But the last couple of weeks, Garrard has really started to look like he did during the 2007 NFL season. Now is a good time to buy low and watch him blossom the rest of the season.

RB Michael Pittman, Denver Broncos
Selvin Young is out for Week 6 and Andre Hall isn’t 100%. With that in mind, Michael Pittman could become the lead back in Denver very soon. He already gets goal line carries and a lot of 3rd down action. Pretty soon he may become the lead back.

WR Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Can Chad Ocho Cinco play any worse? The answer is likely no. With his status at an all-time low, now is a great time to go out and buy. If you can hold him on your bench for the time being, he could regain his mojo later in the year and be one of the best fantasy receivers.

TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., Cleveland Browns
The entire Cleveland Browns offense isn’t as strong as it was last year. Kellen Winslow, Jr. is feeling the effects of the downturn. The good news is that he’s still very talented and chances are very good that he’ll end the year as a top five tight end.

QB Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals
Even though Kurt Warner is playing well and putting up big stats, how much longer can he stay injury free? Additionally, there have been some rumblings about Warner retiring. All told, it’d be unwise to forget about Leinart possibly stepping in at some point and producing.

RB Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals recently signed Cedric Benson and then followed that up by waiving Kenny Watson. With Chris Perry only playing decently, Benson could very well get a shot at a starting gig before too much longer.

WR Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins
Many fantasy football owners have given up on Ted Ginn, Jr. With Ginn off to a slow start in 2008, it’s easy to let him sit on the waiver wire. But it should be realized that Ginn is still young and is still figuring out the NFL. Once he catches on, his vast natural ability could make him a star.

TE Nate Jackson, Denver Broncos
Tony Scheffler got injured in Week 5 and could miss some time. That could end up being the break Nate Jackson needs to become a fantasy viable tight end. He hasn’t done much in his career but Jay Cutler likes to look at his tight ends near the end zone.

Does Cedric Benson see a brighter future with the Cincinnati Bengals?

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