RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Already ruled out for Week 15 of the fantasy football season, be sure to take Brandon Jacobs out of your fantasy starting lineup. Expect Derrick Ward to get the start, although Ahman Bradshaw will likely also get a number of carries.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber III took some criticism last week for not playing. Considering that fact, there’s a good chance he’ll do his all to play in Week 15. The backup running back option for the Cowboys is currently Tashard Choice.

QB Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings
Listed as doubtful, it doesn’t appear as if Gus Frerotte is going to be able to play in Week 15 for the Vikings. In his place, expect Tarvaris Jackson to get the start at quarterback. Given Jackson’s shaky history, look elsewhere for a fantasy football starter.

QB Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although Jeff Garcia is listed as questionable, it sounds like he’ll be able to play in Week 15. If he doesn’t play, Brian Griese would likely start. However, there’s a possibility that Luke McCown would get the nod.

Photo credit: Newscom

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Although Peyton Manning hasn’t had the best of seasons, he has a very easy matchup in Week 12. Going against the San Diego Chargers, who have statistically the worst pass defense in the NFL, Manning should have a big day. Look for the Colts to pass early and often — as this game has the possiblity of being a shootout.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
With Tony Romo back at quarterback, running room will open up for Marion Barber. While Romo was out, Barber struggled — which wasn’t too surprising. Against the San Francisco 49ers, look for the Cowboys to try to establish the run early. If Dallas can get a second half lead, expect them to have Barber run it to end the game.

WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Andre Johnson has had a somewhat streaky season but Week 12 promises to be a good one for the Texans receiver. Johnson is up against the Cleveland Browns and he’ll be targeted plenty of times. While he’s had a little bit of trouble scoring touchdowns this year, Week 12 looks like a week in which AJ will get at least one TD.

TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Going up against the Colts with a healthy offense, Antonio Gates should be free to roam and cause damage. With the wide receivers playing well, the running backs playing well and the quarterback having his best season, Gates sometimes is the forgotten man. In Week 12, the Chargers will make the Colts pay if they forget about Gates.

QB Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Although the Cowboys had a tough loss against the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Tony Romo had a good day fantasy football wise. He had 321 yards and three touchdowns, including a late 70-yard connection with running back Marion Barber III.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Early in the game, Fred Taylor got shaken up and ended up missing most of the contest. Maurice Jones-Drew stepped in and filled in admirably, as he finished with 148 yards and two touchdowns. When given a healthy amount of touches, Jones-Drew is as deadly as any fantasy running back in the NFL.

WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is separating himself as one of the best wide receivers in the fantasy world. After a breakout game in Week 5, he backed that up with another great showing in Week 6. Johnson finished the game with 178 yards and a touchdown.

TE Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
Even though Marcedes Lewis has had a very quiet season to date, many scouts continue to think he is a vastly talented tight end. He showed some of his potential in Week 6 with his 64 yards and a touchdown for the Jaguars.

K Jason Elam, Atlanta Falcons
When Jason Elam left the Denver Broncos for the Falcons, many fantasy football owners thought he’d be in for a tough 2008 campaign. However, Elam has been very good so far this year. In Week 6, he had five field goals including the game winner against the Chicago Bears.

QUARTERBACKS
Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
Kerry Collins will start in place of Vince Young, who is expected to miss up to a month with a knee injury.

RUNNING BACK
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Although he’s being listed as questionable, many expect LaDainian Tomlinson to play in Week 2. He has a toe injury but should be able to tough it out.

Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Ryan Grant has been listed as questionable for most of the week. He was able to practice on Friday so expect him to play.

Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
After injuring his ribs in Week 1, many fantasy owners worried about Barber’s future. Thankfully it appears he’ll play in Week 2.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Donte Stallworth, Cleveland Browns
In Week 1, Donte Stallworth was a late scratch. This week he’s listed as doubtful and isn’t expected to play.

Jerry Porter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Although he’s been able to practice at various points this week, don’t expect Jerry Porter to play in Week 2. He’ll play soon, though.

Laveranues Coles, New York Jets
Throughout the week, Laveranues Coles hasn’t been able to complete a full practice. He’s questionable to play in Week 2.

Javon Walker, Oakland Raiders
He didn’t play in Week 1 but expect Javon Walker to put on his Raiders jersey and play in Week 2.

Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Like Walker, Reggie Brown didn’t play in Week 1. He’s being listed as questionable for Week 2 and should be a game time decision.

TIGHT ENDS
Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Early in the Week 1 game, Dallas Clark went down with an injury. He’s being listed as questionable and it’s probably 50/50 that he plays in Week 2.

KICKERS
Jason Elam, Atlanta Falcons
Heading into Week 2, Jason Elam is listed as questionable. Look elsewhere for a kicker for this week.

Fantasy Quarterbacks

Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Word out of New England is that Tom Brady has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season. If true, this is obviously devastating news to both the Patriots and fantasy owners.

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
A few reports are saying that Vince Young has torn his MCL in his knee. If true, the knee injury will sideline Young for around a month.

Brodie Croyle, Kansas City Chiefs
After suffering a shoulder injury, Brodie Croyle left the game for the Chiefs. Early indications point to him missing at least a few weeks.

Fantasy Running Backs

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Joseph Addai missed fourth quarter action after suffering a head injury. Early reports indicate it might be a concussion.

Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
In the fourth quarter, Marion Barber didn’t play much due to bruised ribs. Head coach Wade Phillips indicated that the injury may be a concern heading into Week 2.

Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks
Maurice Morris left the Seahawks game in the third quarter due to an unspecified knee injury. Check back later in the week for more details.

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
After the game, LaDainian Tomlinson said that he hurt a toe on the final drive of the game. Initial reports indicate that the injury is minor.

Fantasy Wide Receivers

Drew Bennett, St. Louis Rams
After making a diving catch in the first quarter, Drew Bennett was forced to leave the game with a knee injury. He was eventually carted to the locker room.

Nate Burleson, Seattle Seahawks
Nate Burleson left the Seahawks game in the third quarter after injuring his knee. While the injury looked serious, Burleson said he’ll play next week.

Donte Stallworth, Cleveland Browns
During warmups, Donte Stallworth hurt his groin. The injury forced Stallworth to miss the entire game against the Cowboys.

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This offseason, there have been a lot of rumors surrounding Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson. First the two were supposedly close to getting married. Then Romo and Simpson supposedly broke up. Now the two were last spotted together at the wedding of Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz.

With all this media attention, some fantasy football owners are worried that Romo may be distracted and won’t produce as well as expected in 2008. While it’s definitely a valid concern, I wouldn’t worry too much.

Romo has long been known as a guy who liked to have fun. He wasn’t exactly sitting at home alone during the time he broke out as a success NFL quarterback. He has shown a good ability to keep work separate from things that occur off the field.

Last season, Romo had a very good season. He finished the year with 4,211 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. The 28-year-old quarterback should have equal success in 2008. He has Terrell Owens back for another season and starting running back Marion Barber III has been re-signed.

Whether Jessica Simpson is dating Romo shouldn’t affect the way you view him in fantasy football one way or the other.

Photo: Newscom

Marion Barber III, the projected starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008, got a seven-year contract on Tuesday. The contract is reportedly worth approximately $45 – with about one-third of the contract guaranteed.

The fact that the Cowboys and Barber were able to agree on a contract is good news for both parties. Barber got the money and the recognition he wanted. The Cowboys locked up a major part of their offense.

In the last two season, Barber has been very good for Dallas. In 2006, he had 654 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2007, Barber had 975 rushing yards and ten touchdowns.

In 2008, you can expect Barber’s rushing attempts to rise. Former starter Julius Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys replaced him with rookie Felix Jones, who the Cowboys acquired in the 2008 NFL Draft. Jones will likely be second in the depth charts and he’ll be used as a change of pace back.

In 2008 fantasy football drafts, Barber is now either a late first round pick or an early second round pick. He has a lot of touchdowns over the last two years and his role will be increased. Additionally, he’ll be in a high powered offense that should give him plenty of touchdown opportunities. There is a lot to like about Barber in 2008.

Photo: Newscom

The worst kept secret of the 2008 NFL draft was the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were interested in Felix Jones. That interest became reality when Dallas selected Jones with the 22nd pick of the first round.

Jones will be able to be a difference maker right away for the Cowboys. With Julius Jones now with the Seattle Seahawks, Felix Jones will be able to get carries. However, it’s important to note that Marion Barber III will likely be the running back who gets the most carries for the Cowboys in 2008.

Barber is an up-and-coming running back who has great strength, toughness and a nose for the end zone. Jones, on the other hand, brings different qualities to the table. First of all, he has world class speed and quickness. Even though he’s a bit small, he has shown an ability to break tackles.

In fantasy football drafts in 2008, it’ll be difficult to gauge Jones’ value. On one hand, he’ll be playing in a high-powered offense and he has big play ability. On the other hand, he’ll be a backup who likely won’t get many goal line carries. Overall, you have to primarily think of Barber and Jones as a package deal. If you want to take Jones without Barber, you should start thinking about Jones in about the ninth or tenth round.

Photo: Newscom

Marion Barber is technically a free agent but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who believes that Barber isn’t going to start for the Dallas Cowboys next season. The only way Barber isn’t the starter for the Cowboys is if the team trades him for someone like Darren McFadden. But even that type of trade sounds extremely unlikely.

Chances are great that Barber will re-sign with the Cowboys and get plenty of carries in 2008. The biggest news regarding the Cowboys’ backfield is the departure of Julius Jones. Jones, who was technically the starter in 2007, isn’t expected to be brought back.

To replace Jones, the Cowboys are looking at multiple possibilities. One possibility is to bring in a veteran such as Warrick Dunn to serve as a change of pace back behind Barber. Another possibility is finding the backup running back in the draft. Felix Jones of Arkansas has been linked to the Cowboys.

No matter who the backup will be, expect Barber to have a big year in 2008. As a full-time starter, Barber will be a nice second round pick who should be able to go over 1,000 yards and have double-digit touchdowns.

Nothing like a big stage like the playoffs to show off what you can do to the people who will be looking for next year’s next big thing.

By Guest Blogger, Ron Bishow

The playoffs may not have any direct fantasy implications, but it can be a very telling time when looking for players who might be worth drafting next season.

When you get into crunch time coaches only go to the guys they really have faith in, and quarterbacks only throw to players they have total faith in. It is one thing to go with a guy during the regular season, but when jobs are on the line you don’t fool around.

These are the players that you have to keep a tab on next season for your fantasy draft along with the regular names. Players that could mean the difference between winning and losing, and here is just a sample of a few that have distinguished themselves so far this postseason.

Ryan Grant
Grant has been putting up huge numbers the second half of the season (he has the second most rushing yards behind LT) but his playoff game against the Seahawks have clinched him as a first round pick next season. Those 201 yards and three touchdowns have proven he can be a starting back in the league, and what makes him perfect for the Packers is his big play ability. Green Bay will always be pass first as long as Brett Favre is playing, but Grants ability to take any run to the house means that he can put up good numbers no matter how few carries he gets.

Marion Barber
Barber is an All-Pro and a touchdown machine (huge for me all season) and he finally got a start in the Cowboys playoff game against the Giants. Even though they lost he had over 100 yards and a TD in the first half and I think Dallas has finally seen that he can be a full game player. Julius Jones may find himself in another city next season, which would mean Barber would immediately become one of the top ten running backs in the league. He cannot be tackled on the first hit.

Greg Jennings
I have always been a big Jennings fan, I have drafted him each of the past two seasons, and he has always been productive. People have always been afraid to draft him to high do to the presence of Donald Driver, but it seems it will turn into more of a Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne situation. He had 12 touchdowns this season and two against the Seahawks, in other words he is turning into Favre’s favorite scoring target.

Eli Manning
The other Manning has been able to put up some solid fantasy games every few weeks sprinkled in with some terrible games. After two straight solid efforts in the playoffs where he has not thrown a pick he seems that he might have figured it out. He will never be a guy you would start every week, but he may be someone you draft as a backup and not be totally scared to play anymore.

Laurence Maroney
There was no more disappointing first round draft pick this year then Maroney, I should know he was my first round pick and by week five I wasn’t even playing him anymore. It wasn’t all his fault, the Patriots pretty much pass every down, but all of a sudden he is starting to show why he was so popular last season. 122 yards in the playoff game against Jacksonville, which followed two touchdowns in the season finale against the Giants and 156 yards the week before. If they give him the ball he will gain yards. But how many people will bite on him twice?

Stay tuned for the championship rounds to see if these guys keep in up (except poor Barber) or if some other strange name comes out of nowhere, after all this is the NFL.

Ron Bishow has been reporting on the sports world for the past seven years for AOL, Tribune interactive and CO-ED Magazine among others. He is such a fantasy sports fanatic he plays fantasy NASCAR. He is currently a contributing writer and video producer at newyork.metromix.com.