16.58

Tom Martinez is the authority on Tom Brady's mechanics. He says the New England Patriots slinger has been starting slow in games because he has to get his arm warmed up; he has a bone bruise near his throwing elbow and has reportedly been getting extra treatment while also wearing a tendonitis band on his arm. His accuracy has been a tad off, regardless of quarter, and this could be something that bugs the 34-year-old for the rest of his career. Still, you shouldn't be deterred for this season; the Pats won't revamp their O unless he has a true physical breakdown. - Tim Heaney

16.53

Wes Welker's knee is probably still an issue and an explanation for his slumping, but the New England Patriots' slot machine was busted by an effective Kansas City Chiefs game plan Monday. He might have an easier time against a struggling Philadelphia Eagles secondary that might be without Nnamdi Asomugha (knee). Of course, the Pats have been comfortable with focusing on Rob Gronkowksi and Aaron Hernandez, who should both be excellent plays again this week. - Tim Heaney

16.47

Sebastian Vollmer has taken a notable tumble since his standout rookie season. The New England Patriots' tackle was beaten soundly by the Kansas City Chiefs' Tamba Hali last Monday and isn't as good as rookie Nate Solder. Whether he was an overachiever or opponents figured something out, he's not getting it done. - Tim Heaney

16.40

Bill Belichick's latest man crush: LeSean McCoy, who he said might be better than former Philadelphia Eagles carrier Brian Westbrook. Belichick gushing over an opposing player usually is code for identifying the entity the New England Patriots will focus on stopping. - Tim Heaney

16.31

Seattle Seahawks pass rusher Chris Clemons had a field day against the St. Louis Rams. His momentum should continue versus Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, who's still nursing a balky knee from last week's contest. - Tim Heaney

16.27

Evan Royster probably won't see more than eight to 10 snaps behind Roy Helu Jr., the lead play counter, and Ryan Torain, the starter-but-not-finisher, in the Washington Redskins' backfield. Are you still playing this wicked game? Not even Chris Isaak would.  - Tim Heaney

16.24

Andre Johnson has to work out kinks with Matt Leinart, but the Houston Texans' wideout will at least be matching up with the likes of William Middleton and Ashton Youboty in the Jacksonville Jaguars' decimated secondary. AJ isn't a must-start this week, but this helps if you have to rely on him in his first week back. - Tim Heaney

16.17

If the Jacksonville Jaguars lose this Sunday, they'll be eliminated from postseason contention, and talk of firing Jack Del Rio after 2011 will swell. The numerous injuries to the defense can't save him; their lack of effective depth and their recent stumbles in clutch situations fall on him as a coach.  -Tim Heaney

16.13

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't concerned about a drop-off from IR inhabitant Clint Session (concussion) to replacement Russell Allen. The latter is effective against the run but might come off during some passing downs. He has adequate speed and has become a solid tackler with all his special teams work. - Tim Heaney

16.09

Our Chicago Bears reporter noted Matt Forte has been a bit more indecisive in his running lately. We're all keeping an eye on this situation and will bring you a clearer assessment when we learn more. Hard to bench him, but you might want to temper your expectations for No. 22 if this becomes a trend - especially in an offense that'll have to rely more on Marion Barber III, who's already a TD thief. - Tim Heaney

15.59

The New York Giants' pass rush remains one of the better groups in the league, but Drew Brees is adept at avoiding such onslaughts. Since Olin Kreutz retired and Zach Strief returned, the New Orleans Saints O-line has stepped it up; they haven't allowed a sack in the last two games. - Tim Heaney

15.56

Bengals rookie wideout A.J. Green (knee) is probable this week, but Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden did a great job holding him in check last time they played. Green finished with a 41-yard touchdown reception, which was his only grab of the game and came on a fluky play where the Browns were still huddled up as Andy Dalton snapped the ball. In the rookie's defense, this happened in his first NFL game. Green's production, especially since he is coming off an injury, may be similarly low or worse this week.  - Cory J. Bonini

15.54

Darren Sproles was a focus of the Atlanta Falcons' Week 10 D. The New Orleans Saints also were focused on downfield passing, so don't take Sproles' down effort as a warning sign. His pass protection skills and general style of play won't allow him to get lost in the New Orleans Saints' RB logjam. Pierre Thomas' versatility probably makes him the second safest option. Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory are so similar that if NO decides to activate one of this quartet, they would be in jeopardy of sitting. - Tim Heaney

15.47

Why not give Dan Orlovsky a chance to win a game for the Indianapolis Colts? He's no savior, but at least he'd probably make smarter throws than Curtis Painter. Orlovsky would probably look to Reggie Wayne more, as well. Chalk this one up to a case of Bill Polian wanting to play the guy he drafted. - Tim Heaney

15.46

Fantasy owners of Bengals running back Cedric Benson need to get him into their lineups this week, as he has averaged 28 carries, 136 yards (4.8 per attempt) and a touchdown per game against the Cleveland Browns in his last two meetings with them. - Cory J. Bonini

15.43

Joseph Addai (hamstring), if healthy, could merely be the emergency back once again behind Donald Brown and Delone Carter. Not that the Indianapolis Colts are entirely strong enough to take advantage of the Carolina Panthers' spotty run D. Brown has been predictable in his tendency to bounce to the outside; the Jacksonville Jaguars caught on in Week 10. Carter is a much stronger inside runner, but his workload is spotty, given his fumbling issues. The erratic workload split of this trio limits Indy's potential for ground success. - Tim Heaney

15.40

Already set to get some carries with Adrian Peterson (ankle) looking like an inactive, Minnesota Vikings wideout Percy Harvin could have a field day against a potentially decimated Atlanta Falcons secondary that could be missing both Kelvin Hayden (toe) and Brent Grimes (knee), which would leave Chris Owens to follow Harvin. - Tim Heaney

15.38

As our Atlanta Falcons insider pointed out last week, the squad tinkered with Roddy White's presence a bit. They lined him up alongside Tony Gonzalez and Eric Weems numerous times in four- and five-wide sets during Week 11, preventing the Tennessee Titans from doubling him up much. Expect that pattern in those formations to continue, except with Harry Douglas taking Weems' spot as the slot receiver with Julio Jones (hamstring) returning. White and Jones will coexist better for fantasy purposes. - Tim Heaney

15.30

Left guard Chris Kemoeatu was demoted this week for Doug Legursky, who has missed time recently with a toe ailment. He likely would have taken Kemoeatu's spot among the starters several weeks ago had it not been for the injury. The demoted lineman makes too many mental mistakes and has been on the wrong end of personal fouls because of a lack of discipline. Legursky is a quality run blocker and is adequate in pass protection. Interior line pass blocking is more about schemes than raw talent at the guard position. - Cory J. Bonini

15.13

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians does not want to put too much on Ben Roethlisberger (thumb) this week. We expect a tremendous amount of work for Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman, to a much lesser extent. Roethlisberger will wear a special glove that helps alleviate some pressure on his fractured digit, but he still will have to tolerate pain and have a hard time making all of the throws he normally does. A quarterback's thrown hand thumb is not exactly something you want to shoot up with a painkilling injection. Temper your expectations in fantasy leagues. - Cory J. Bonini

15.05

Antrel Rolle said that he thinks his team needs an attitude adjustment, but the New York Giants seem to have the intangible aspects of the game down. His comment was just the kind of thing that comes after a loss. Really, the Giants just need to play better run defense and block a lot better for the running game. Those things aren't likely to change, so they're probably done. Fantasy owners who've had higher hopes for Brandon Jacobs while Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) is out could remain frustrated. And this team looks like a sweet matchup for opposing RBs. - Nicholas Minnix

14.53

Cleveland is expected to have Peyton Hillis (hamstring) back in the fold this week, but his workload will be limited. Head coach Pat Shurmur called the bruising back a game-time decision, but we have a hard time recommending him for fantasy owners this week. The Browns are expected to give the majority of reps to Montario Hardesty (calf), who is also returning from injury. No. 3 running back Chris Ogbonnaya should be worked in, as well. Our sage says expect a touch split of approximately 40-30-30 in favor of Hardesty, but his involvement and Hillis' are subject to a +/- change of 10 percent. It may be best to avoid all Cleveland rushers this week. - Cory J. Bonini

14.45

Wes Welker will probably line up against a familiar face in the slot quite often in Week 11. Joselio Hanson, one of Welker's teammates at Texas Tech, is a smart, physical player who lined up across from his pal often in practice. They have similar against-the-odds stories as undersized, undrafted free agents. Don't write off Hanson in his bid to do his part to make sure Welker's streak of sub-par efforts continues. - Nicholas Minnix

14.36

Riley Cooper played more on offense in 2010 than he has this season. In fact, he'd received virtually no time on O until a couple of weeks ago, and it showed. In Week 11 against the New York Giants, though, he was much more in synch and played quite well in a performance he punctuated with the game-winning TD grab. There's been some wondering out loud about why Philadelphia Eagles don't use him more in the red zone, but they haven't seemed inclined. As long as Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) is sidelined - like he is this week - Cooper, who's a big, strong, reliable receiver, isn't a bad flex play in the right matchup. - Nicholas Minnix

14.26

Vince Young suffered through a dreadful first half of his initial 2011 start, in Week 11. But he went 15-for-18 (albeit with a pick) after the break and, of course, led his charges for the game-winning score in the fourth quarter. There was an expectation that the Philadelphia Eagles would limit the playbook for Michael Vick's backup, but they in fact did a variety of things with VY under center. Young was surprisingly sharp. The Eagles' walking wounded crew is doing him no favors in a matchup with the New England Patriots, but he may certainly play well, and there's hope for fantasy football players in future weeks. - Nicholas Minnix

14.08

Brandon Lloyd should have more success versus Patrick Peterson and the Arizona Cardinals in his second go-round - and his five catches for 80 yards in Week 9 weren't too shabby. That game was Sam Bradford's first back from an ankle injury. Lloyd had a couple of steps on Peterson on more than one occasion, and the St. Louis Rams' trade-deadline acquisition's timing with his QB should be much better now. - Nicholas Minnix

14.03

Steven Jackson piled up 130 yards on 29 carries and added another 12 yards on a reception against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. Perhaps fantasy football players shouldn't be so quick to expect a repeat, however. The St. Louis Rams' reshuffled line, thanks to the loss of Mark LeVoir (pectoral muscle), will be under duress in Week 12. - Nicholas Minnix

13.57

Does Josh McDaniels' offense suit Sam Bradford? Let's reserve judgment. All the injuries on this unit - not just to all the wide receivers and tight ends, but to Steven Jackson in the opener and to the third-year passer a few weeks ago - have further complicated the effects of the lack of an offseason and a short camp. If the St. Louis Rams retain Steve Spagnuolo, McDaniels will probably stick, too. - Nicholas Minnix

13.44

Caleb Hanie should target Earl Bennett and Matt Forte the most, but it is almost impossible to tell the pecking order for looks beyond these two. Fantasy owners rarely count on production from Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Roy Williams and tight end Kellen Davis, so it may not matter all that much anyway. - Cory J. Bonini

13.39

Caleb Hanie will be asked to manage games and not make mistakes. The Bears figured to rely more on the running attack, utilizing Marion Barber III a lot in their game plan. Hanie is likely to use the middle of the field extensively, which bodes well for Roy Williams and Earl Bennett. His arm isn't as strong as Jay Cutler's, but not many quarterbacks are on par with the injured starter in this department. Hanie has better touch in the short-passing game, and he may find comfort in his tight ends, especially near the goal line. Yet, Hanie shouldn't be counted on in fantasy leagues as anything more than a third QB. - Cory J. Bonini

17.08

The Philadelphia Eagles are already vulnerable to competent pass-catching tight ends. They've been searching for a solution to this, among other problems, from their nickel linebacker spot. Keenan Clayton will get that shot this weekend, but his first assignment is emerging New York Giants weapon Jake Ballard, who's Eli Manning's new Kevin Boss. Ballard looks like a promising fantasy play. - Tim Heaney

17.02

Could Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's (ankle) absence rectify the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary problems? It locks Nnamdi Asomugha into his side across from Asante Samuel, with Joselio Hanson sliding into the slot corner role. Nnamdi's use has been curious all season at the hands of rookie defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. This would benefit Asomugha and Samuel by letting them play their natural styles. Their matchup with the New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham will be a big test; Nicks will probably draw Asomugha most of the time, but though it's difficult, it's hardly the death knell that it was when Nnamdi was in the Bay Area. - Tim Heaney

16.56

DeSean Jackson had missed part of a meeting several weeks ago and has been moping around due to his contract dispute. It all built up to his missed meeting last Saturday; because it was a special teams meeting before a game that was crucial to the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff hopes, it showed that his priority wasn't football. He might be involved a bit more this week with Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) likely inactive; New York Giants CB Corey Webster sometimes has issues with smaller, speedier wideouts. But D-Jax isn't not doing himself any favors in having a future with the Iggles. - Tim Heaney

16.53

With Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) unlikely to play this weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles will slide Riley Cooper into his spot, leaving Jason Avant in the slot where he's more effective. Cooper has good hands and can be physical, but he hasn't shown much in limited chances this year. Steve E. Smith was heavily involved last week but with some boneheaded miscues showed why our insider thought he was "a dog." Avant is the best play out of these three for fantasy purposes; maybe Vince Young will lean on him on short routes. - Tim Heaney

16.51

Expect a big workload for LeSean McCoy with the Philadelphia Eagles likely to be without Michael Vick (ribs). New York Giants LB Michael Boley (hamstring) is likely to miss Week 11, and Philly will run heavily in that direction while encountering some sort of rotation of backup linebackers. Shady should run wild, even if New York stacks the box to force Vince Young to make plays. - Tim Heaney

16.48

Michael Vick (ribs) is listed as questionable and in all likelihood won't play; he still might be listed as the QB3 just to hand the ball off if both Vince Young and Mike Kafka go down. Still, VY will direct the offense on the opening snaps. From there? A run-heavy affair, with some deep balls mixed in - and the possibility that Kafka could enter if Philly needs a more effective downfield push. Young is a risky fantasy start considering his lack of proficiency in this offense. - Tim Heaney

16.47

Tyler Palko hardly offers much aerial hope for the Matt Cassel-less Kansas City Chiefs. But remember when Matt Flynn filled in for the Green Bay Packers versus the New England Patriots last year? He excelled in the short passing game. Palko might do something similar, especially against New England's weak secondary; he has enough weapons, including Dwayne Bowe, to get the ball to in open space. Antwaun Molden and Phillip Adams were street free agents not too long ago. - Tim Heaney

16.44

Why has Aaron Hernandez's production tailed off? His snap count hasn't. Our New England Patriots whisperer speculated that Hernandez's knee could still be bothering him. He's not listed on the injury report, but can we say the New England Patriots, or any other team, lists every ailment? Maybe he's having trouble getting open and adjusting to defenses; he had similar erratic performances in his rookie season. Of course, Rob Gronkowski's recent tear might have something to do with it, too. The talented Hernandez is still worth owning and starting - and buying low - in fantasy setups. - Tim Heaney

16.10

The Jaguars sit at 3-6 but have a winnable stretch of games coming up, including three matchups in a row at home. A strong late-season run could save head coach Jack Del Rio's job, as he would enter the 2012 season in the final year of his contract and have a full offseason to prepare Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback. Jacksonville could also bring in wide receiver help in the offseason. - Cory J. Bonini

16.00

Don't count on Jacksonville opening up the passing game the rest of this season. They have won two of their last three games with Blaine Gabbert passing for fewer than 120 yards in each game. As long as Maurice Jones-Drew has legs, the Jags will ride him hard. Gabbert has been inaccurate and has missed open receivers. Miscommunication has not been a problem for him, but his timing has been off. He has not been able to establish a rhythm with his pedestrian receiving corps. - Cory J. Bonini

15.53

Greg Little (Cleveland Browns) has a legit chance to continue the momentum he showed in catching all six of his Week 10 targets versus a Jacksonville Jaguars squad that's missing CB Rashean Mathis (knee) for the rest of the season. - Tim Heaney

15.35

In reference to the report that Tulane had interest in him, Green Bay Packers OC Joe Philbin expressed his satisfaction with his position in the NFL. And why not? The Pack may have a dynasty on their hands. But what if he were to leave? Green Bay might experience a bit of a drop-off, particularly in the O-line department, where he gets his hands dirty. - Nicholas Minnix

15.26

Owners of the Green Bay Packers' defense should take some delight in this tidbit: Expect to see more of the aggressive approach that the unit took against recent opponents like the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. The Pack blitzed more than 50 percent of the time against each of those teams and achieved favorable results on a large portion of those calls. This fantasy DST has been pretty solid so far; it could be a difference-maker in the second half. - Nicholas Minnix

15.22

Cam Newton owners might have missed the sell-high window. The Detroit Lions have had success by dispatching Stephen Tulloch as a spy on both Josh Freeman and Tim Tebow (pre-commitment to the spread option attack) this season. They're well-versed in stopping the QB run. Expect more of the same against the Carolina Panthers, making Newton a somewhat risky start. - Nicholas Minnix

15.17

Kevin Smith's stock is slowly on the rise, but how close is the ceiling? He's not a bad pickup as an RB5 or RB6. The Detroit Lions have moved Maurice Morris into a more prominent special-teams role this year, so the staff is wary of overexposing him. Smith gives them options, but Morris is the player they trust. Regardless, this team, with playoff prospects, will keep the door open for Jahvid Best (concussion) to return, if he can. - Nicholas Minnix

15.15

This week, Kevin Smith, who has moved ahead of Keiland Williams in the batting order (except near the goal line), has worked with the first team some. Maurice Morris remains the starter while Jahvid Best (concussion) is out, however. Morris should lead the Detroit Lions' backs in opportunities in Week 11, followed by Smith, with some scraps for Williams. With a matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Morris isn't a bad flex player, and maybe even Smith, if you're desperate. - Nicholas Minnix

15.04

Come on, Matthew Stafford, the wind? Was the sun in your eyes, too? His fractured finger was definitely an issue for him against the Chicago Bears last week. Although he hasn't been under duress at practice, the Detroit Lions' QB has looked much better this week. He's had two weeks to get used to throwing with this hindrance, and it's in much better condition. Fantasy gamers shouldn't be too concerned about starting Stafford. - Nicholas Minnix

14.41

Roddy White has asked the Atlanta Falcons' coaching staff to put him in motion more often, to find ways to get him more involved. No specifics, but he'll be all over the place in some of the offense's alignments beginning this Sunday. Keep eyes peeled for evidence that White, in the second half, will more so resemble the fantasy football player you drafted. - Nicholas Minnix

14.40

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars' Marcedes Lewis has been an overall bust, his physical advantage over Cleveland Browns defenders - linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita and safety Usama Young - could allow him to break through this week. He's still a large fantasy risk given his dormant passing offense. - Tim Heaney

14.39

Joe Haden slipped early on against Brandon Lloyd last week, allowing him to give a double move on a touchdown grab near the goal line. But the Cleveland Browns cornerback adjusted and became more aggressive in his man coverage versus the St. Louis Rams' No. 1. This has been a breakthrough season for the young CB, who's now a rough fantasy matchup for wideouts. - Tim Heaney

14.38

Colt McCoy has struggled with fumbles, shaky accuracy and leaving the pocket prematurely, but the ball looks a little better coming out of his hand, especially with his increased arm strength. The Cleveland Browns' offense has suffered following the lockout-shortened camp, though. The timing necessary to efficiently run this West Coast offense isn't up to speed yet. There's optimism for McCoy's future, but not enough to bank on him this season in most fantasy leagues. - Tim Heaney

14.37

Even if the questionable Montario Hardesty (calf) suits up, he'll probably just get only one-third of the carries, the workload the Cleveland Browns would give to Thomas Clayton in his supplementary role to starter Chris Ogbonnaya. The Browns don't want to push the injury-prone Hardesty. - Tim Heaney

14.36

Julio Jones' recent hamstring woes have allowed Harry Douglas to shine, particularly in Week 10 (eight catches, 133 yards). Has he re-emerged as the player the Atlanta Falcons thought he could be a year or two ago? Not quite yet. But when everyone is healthy, he should clearly remain the choice in three-receiver sets and has retention value in single-year fantasy football leagues as a depth player. - Nicholas Minnix

14.16

The Seahawks have been successful pounding Marshawn Lynch in the last month, so this weekend's matchup against the league's worst run defense should be a walk in the park, right? Not so fast. The St. Louis Rams have done a good job in the past few weeks against the run and will not be afraid of Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) beating them through the air. Committing extra bodies to stop Lynch will be their game plan, and Seattle is without right tackle James Carpenter (knee). Lynch owners should temper their expectations for this divisional tilt. - Cory J. Bonini

14.03

The Rams will need to find a receiving option to help take extra coverage away from Brandon Lloyd in order for him to finish the season as well as he is capable of. Lance Kendricks (foot) could be worked in more this week with Danario Alexander (hamstring) not expected to play, and the rookie tight end may wind up a staple in the passing game if no one else challenges him for receptions. Mark Clayton is working his way back into the mix and should see more work this week after a nine-play debut in Week 10. He has looked quick and is in game shape. - Cory J. Bonini

13.18

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman will follow Vincent Jackson around the field all day and, with the aid of Chicago's Tampa 2 coverage, should do a fine job of holding V-Jax in check. They will aim to eliminate the big play. Jackson owners may want to consider other options in Week 11. - Cory J. Bonini

13.15

Chicago's starting left guard Chris Williams (wrist) will miss the rest of the season, which is unfortunate for a team whose offensive line cohesion was at its peak. Edwin Williams will replace him in the lineup; he is not as athletic but is a compact, powerful blocker. Chicago probably will not change their game plan, which includes a heavy dose of outside rushes that require the guards to pull. - Cory J. Bonini

12.58

With their injury list piling up, the Washington Redskins cut down on practice time this week because they didn't want their healthy bodies to join their ample dinged players on the sidelines. Their dwindling depth is just one of the many things wrong in DC this year. - Tim Heaney

12.57

Though Tashard Choice will be suiting up against the Dallas Cowboys, his former club, in Week 11, the Washington Redskins seemed more intent on picking his brain about his former team's tendencies than they have in guaranteeing a workload for him. Then again, this is a Mike Shanahan backfield we're talking about, with his whims and game pace keeping Choice, Roy Helu Jr. and Ryan Torain in flux. Choice is worth a deep flex play if you're hurting during the bye week, but it reeks of last resort. - Tim Heaney

12.56

The Washington Redskins' receiving pecking order resulting from their latest crop of injuries: tight end Fred Davis, followed by wideouts Jabar Gaffney, Anthony Armstrong, Terrence Austin and David Anderson. Last week's game pace ballooned Anderson's playing time; don't take it as a sign of fantasy value. Washington will probably give Austin another shot in the slot, but there isn't much consistency to be had outside of Davis, regardless of who's taking snaps. - Tim Heaney