QB Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
Last season, Brett Favre wore down by the end of the season. Currently, he’s coming off of two mediocre games. Going against the Panthers, Favre is an average start at best.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber hasn’t played well as of late, he has a lot of competition at the running back position on the Cowboys and Dallas is going against the Saints. All of that combines to make him a shaky start.

WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
Dwayne Bowe could be a good start next week … but this week it’s best to look elsewhere. He’s coming off of a four-game suspension and there’s no guarantee that he’ll be a big part of the gameplan.

TE Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are traveling to New York to face the fierce Jets defense. If Matt Ryan isn’t back, Tony Gonzalez may have a tough go of it this weekend.

Brett Favre may look better on your bench this week (Image: Zuma Press)

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QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is already arguably the best fantasy football quarterback in the NFL. Going against the Lions is just gravy.

RB Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
The Raiders will be in Big D. That should translate for a big game for the the Cowboys’ big, bruising running back.

WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
The only thing that slows down Calvin Johnson is injuries. If he’s playing, start him with confidence. But watch out, he’s currently listed as questionable.

TE Kevin Boss, New York Giants
Kevin Boss is on fire. Over the last three weeks, he has four touchdowns. Another touchdown on Thanksgiving wouldn’t be much of a shock.

Even a slowed Calvin Johnson is a beast (Image: Zuma Press)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Fantasy Tight Ends

Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
In the first quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears, Dallas Clark suffered a knee injury. Clark was not able to return to the game.

Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens
Early in the game, Todd Heap landed hard on his back. Although he initially left the game, he was eventually able to return.

With Brady out, Randy Moss will have to catch passes from someone else.

Photo: Newscom

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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

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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

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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

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