We have hit a crucial period in the fantasy football season. The trade deadline in many leagues has passed, so the waiver wire is your surreal squad’s sole source of sustenance. Recent developments have you pining for players in the pool.

Philadelphia Eagles halfback Brian Westbrook has absorbed two concussions in the span of three weeks. The Washington Redskins‘ Clinton Portis said he’s in no hurry to suit up after suffering a concussion in Week 9. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) has been suspended for four weeks because he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

What do I do with (insert name here)?

Oftentimes, that’s an easy question to answer.

Situation: Miami Dolphins do-it-all Ronnie Brown (foot) won’t play football again in 2009 (unless that’s what he calls his ukulele).

Solution: Toss him out on the street.

Situation: The Cincinnati Bengals‘ Cedric Benson has a strained abductor and may not play in Week 11.

Solution: Make a cozy spot by the fireplace for him – and see if he’d like some dark chocolate cocoa or mango chai. It’s chilly outside!

Westbrook, Portis and Bowe each present more of a dilemma. And, of course, the opening statement always begins with … say it with me … “It depends.”

Brian Westbrook

Situation: First, I hope you traded for LeSean McCoy, like I did a couple of weeks ago.

Until we get word from a pair of docs in the Steel City, Westbrook’s 2009 fantasy value seems up in the air. The NFL doesn’t follow the concussion grading scale anymore. The medical community knows relatively little about the brain and post-concussion syndrome.

Will Westy land on your waiver wire?

According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms can last for weeks, even months. Evidence suggests folks who have endured more than one concussion in their lifetime have cumulative neurological damage.

B-West’s risk for another concussion is high. Many athletes probably return from their first one too quickly. (In 2002 I suffered one in a soccer match and then re-entered it. Or was it ‘03? Crap. See?) Eric Lindros, Ted Johnson, Pat LaFontaine, Harry Carson … youch.

Solution: In leagues with 168 players or fewer owned (i.e., your 12-team, 14-man variety), cut him loose. No sense in waiting. The 16-man, 12-teamers are on the brink; if you need a body and have no one else to drop, see ya. Anything bigger, you can probably afford to wait for official word.

(Incidentally, Pittsburgh is quite the health hub. My cousin is graduating from nursing school and is interviewing at UPMC Presbyterian, a branch of the world-renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital circuit. Memo to UPMC: Alanna McWilliams is awesome! Can she use this as a reference?)

Clinton Portis

Situation: Westbrook’s second head ding served as a public service announcement. Portis is playing it smart; he cited Ladell Betts‘ strong play in his absence as a factor. C’mon. If the ‘Skins had to line up George Clinton at tailback, it mustn’t affect Portis’ timetable. (By the way, that P-funk would play nice in the flats, wouldn’t it?)

Portis called his situation “major.” He’s open to splitting touches with Betts when he’s healthy. It may take Portis a couple of weeks or more, but the veteran rusher has been dealing with aches and pains all season.

The extra time could allow him to be fresh for the fantasy playoffs. The Oakland Raiders (Week 14) beckon, and the New York Giants (Week 15) haven’t been so tough against the run lately. The Dallas Cowboys (Week 16) present a challenge, though.

Solution: Hang on in most formats. What Portis has given you ain’t much, but the touches he’ll probably receive means he could deliver more than waiver wire fodder can, especially if he’s a rested. He should still be able to work out in some non-contact activities.

Dwayne Bowe

Situation: Straight deal: You won’t see him until Week 15. Bowe and his agent state that Bowe was popped for use of a diuretic. He was apparently attempting to lose weight to comply with head coach Todd Haley’s strict conditioning edicts.

Bowe released a statement today. Among the highlights: ” My reputation is everything.” He may not have been in Haley’s good graces in training camp, but he busted his butt to earn his starting job back. Maybe it was easy, considering that he’s the most talent receiver on the roster.

Portis will wait until he sees a clearer path

Maybe he cares, too. Someone urging you to throw him away? Not me. Bowe might be motivated enough to do some damage against the Cleveland Browns in his first game back. The Bengals (Week 16) loom. They have a great defense, but they’re 21st in the NFL against the pass.

Solution: Drop Bowe in very shallow leagues; you probably need someone to help you now. Just keep him in mind as you approach Week 15. If you’re in a league in which you can house him as your fifth wideout or worse, though, do it. Receivers are always floating on the wire, but few have his potential.

The trade deadline in most fantasy football leagues has turned on the fasten seatbelt sign, begun its descent and lowered the landing gear. Return your seat to the upright position, put up your tray table and…

Wait. Don’t turn off your portable electronic devices. You’ll need them to remain in communication with your fellow passengers. They have something you want: untapped fantasy potential.

Are you trying to solidify your already dominant squadron? Or are you THISCLOSE to hitting the eject button, but you know your fleet still has some fight left in it?

Some fantasy football players still haven’t taken off. If they have gotten off the ground, they’ve sputtered. At these rates, it’s a good time to fly.

Greg Jennings remains a great target. I trumped Dustin Keller on the UBA TV show Fantasy Playbook (Ep10-10302009). It’s more than just “the law of averages.” A couple of others I’d risk it on in point-per-reception formats?

Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch

In five games since his return from suspension, Beast Mode has averaged 10.6 fantasy points. The Bills have utilized him 18.4 times per game, including 3.4 times per game in the red zone.

Go get Lynch! He'll help you clinch!

Lynch has a measly average of 68 total yards and 3.4 catches show for them. He has rolled around in the end zone grass only once!

Why would you trade for Lynch? (1) The Bills can’t sustain drives; (2) their offensive line is awful; and (3) Lynch shares touches with Fred Jackson.

Precisely. His owners already know this. You can sense their frustration as they slip out their gold-and-sapphire mouth pieces.

Listed on Lynch’s remaining schedule: the Tennessee Titans (Week 10), Jacksonville Jaguars (11), Kansas City Chiefs (14) and Atlanta Falcons (16); all make for promising output. The Miami Dolphins (12) haven’t been tough lately.

The New York Jets (13) seem to be hanging tough without defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (knee). It won’t be easy versus the New England Patriots (15).

The Bills have the worst run defense in the NFL, and they haven’t stuck with their own running game enough. But Trent Edwards returns from another concussion, and Buffalo has found it more difficult to protect their signal caller than to open running lanes.

No way Lynch finishes with fewer than 40 catches and six TDs. You can find out, probably for a song.

Denver Broncos WR Eddie Royal

What a bust. He was incredibly overvalued (and thus was not present on any of my fantasy football teams after my drafts) because of his 91-catch rookie campaign.

He has a 10-catch game to his credit, and last week he caught five balls for 74 yards. Otherwise, he hasn’t done squat.

It shouldn’t take more than a fringe starter from your fantasy club to find out if Royal can regain his crown. What if this regal disappointment helped you usurp your league’s throne?

Know-it-alls have been waiting for the Horseys to stumble. They can’t keep this up! True enough. They don’t have a friendly schedule, either, particularly for receivers.

The Washington Redskins (Week 10), San Diego Chargers (11), Oakland Raiders (15) and Philadelphia Eagles (16) dot the slate. The New York Giants (12), Indianapolis Colts (14) don’t look too pretty either. At least the Broncos haven’t faced the Chiefs (13) yet…

Hold on. The Giants have been torched recently; they finally faced quality comp. The Colts play some bend-but-don’t break D; as I’ve mentioned countless times, Indy gives up plenty of receptions.

Are you willing to take on this Royal pain in the asset?

Besides, Denver has been catering their game plans to attack weaknesses of their opponents. That’s predicated on their ability to remain in the game. The Broncos aren’t built to come from behind, but judging from their remaining opponents, they may be asked to do so quite a bit.

Royal has been targeted 18 times in his last two contests, both convincing Denver losses. Opponents have heard that this Brandon Marshall fella is pretty good. When you’re down big, game plans go out the window.

The horseshoes might be falling off. I expect checkdown and screen master Correll Buckhalter to be more valuable than Knowshon Moreno for the rest of the season, too.

Us fantasy football players are incredibly reactionary. Why aren’t we more anticipatory? Instead of waiting for Running Back C to blow up for 151 total yards and three touchdowns, put in your clairvoyant contacts and give yourself a chance to feel conspicuously clever.

You’re probably one of innumerable fantasy managers who’ll try to lay claim to the wavering Ryan Moats wave on your league’s waiver wire. (I was and still am. Shhhh.)

But what if you already owned him? Moats would have cost you virtually nothing in an FAAB system, until this week. He’d have been taking up your No. 5 or No. 6 running back spot, perhaps occupied by the likes of Justin Fargas.

True, we already house players like this. Patient Jamaal Charles owners feel vindicated, for now. Folks (like myself, in the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Industry Insiders League) enjoyed the fruits of Jerome Harrison’s labor in Weeks 3 and 4, when Jamal Lewis was letting his booboos heal.

That list goes on. We’re all waiting on someone to get hurt or suspended. There was reason to believe that Moats was worth stashing, too. The factors in the equation – talent, work ethic, size, maturity, the system, etc. – can make the disparity between one backup and another in the NFL negligible.

And so, we know that Kolby Smith, like Charles, has an opportunity in front of him because Larry Johnson is an ignorant malcontent. Smith is coming off a serious knee injury, but top-end speed isn’t a requirement to play tailback, even in the NFL – not that such an attribute was his anyway.

Lewis plans to retire – he affirmed that decision today – after this season. The Cleveland Browns aren’t going anywhere, so why would they feel obligated to give the ball to Jamal very much? Harrison isn’t a featured back, but he should become a factor again.

The Seattle Seahawks released Edgerrin James this week. Justin Forsett’s playing time will increase to some degree. In point-per-reception leagues, he’s a no-duh addition.

Walter is an obvious beneficiary of Owen Daniels' misfortune

What about Louis Rankin? At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he’s built more like a receiver than a back. But the second-year man from Washington is a speedy slasher familiar with OC Greg Knapp’s offense from his days (granted, mostly as a practice squadder) with the Oakland Raiders. Oh, sorry, has Julius Jones impressed you?

The Houston Texans lost Owen Daniels for the remainder of this campaign. Joel Dreessen, he of 25 career receptions, will fill in most of the time, at least initially. Don’t expect him to be a fantasy factor.

Instead, the backs and Kevin Walter, who had been trickling into more and more free-agent pools every week, should benefit. Don’t be surprised to see Houston employ more three-wide sets, perhaps giving the dangerous Jacoby Jones and the slippery David Anderson a few more looks.

I added Malcom Floyd in the FSWA IIL because he had slowly been eating into Chris Chambers‘ snaps. I got off cheaply.

Did you keep asking, Might Steve Slaton lose his job, or at least some of his touches, if he continues to put the ball on the carpet? Did your answer fall in line with those popular? The suggestion seemed preposterous. But the many don’t make the decisions.

If we have to keep asking, we obviously don’t accept the answer. Trust your instincts. Give credit to your ability to analyze. Slaton will remain a factor – he’s too dangerous – but now others are sharing his pie.

Check out these statistics:

Receptions: 16

Yards: 421

Touchdowns: 4

That’s from ONE player in TWO games.

And you should trade the only man who can lay claim to them. Now.

Finally, we’re seeing what Miles Austin can do with the potential former Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells saw in him. The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder set franchise records – in the first two starts – with his output from Weeks 5 and 7.

‘Boys receivers coach Ray Sherman glows when he discusses fourth-year man. In 2006 Sherman, then on the staff of the Tennessee Titans, urged them to draft Austin in the sixth round. Instead, the former Monmouth star went undrafted.

Austin and passer Tony Romo appear to be an eHarmony pre-screened match made in heaven. “I feel very confident in him,” says the Cowboys’ head man in the huddle.

So why get rid of him?

Because he’s the hottest thing going. Because everybody wants a piece of him. Because there are 11 owners in your fantasy football league who either didn’t put in a claim for him or didn’t have a high enough waiver priority to snare him and now have their own boot marks on their britches.

Austin's powers see trade booty for Miles

Austin conquered the reputable Kansas City Chiefs for 10 haul-ins, 250 yards and two touchdowns. Then he shot down the Atlanta Falcons, whose secondary is slowly falling apart, with six catches for 171 yards and another pair of six-pointers.

On tap this week: the Seattle Seahawks. Wideouts have torched them for 34 fantasy points a game in point-per-reception formats. The ‘Hawks were the most fantasy-friendly to the position last season, too. Maybe you hold Austin this week, drive up his value a bit, then…

Hold on. Before you shelf the idea completely, take note of Dallas’ schedule from Week 9 on (rank in PPR fantasy points allowed to the position per game and pass defense in parentheses):

Week 9 – Philadelphia Eagles (6, 9)

Week 10 – Green Bay Packers (10, 4)

Week 11 – Washington Redskins (13, 3)

Week 12 – Oakland Raiders (9, 12)

Week 13 – New York Giants (3, 2)

Week 14 – San Diego Chargers (7, 11)

Week 15 – New Orleans Saints (21, 14)

Week 16 – Washington Redskins (13, 3)

Week 17 – Philadelphia Eagles (6, 9)

In addition, nagging injuries have contributed to Austin’s delayed attendance of his own coming-out party. That might be a product of his age, but why wait around to find out?

The sky is the limit for Austin. In keeper leagues, the notion to peddle him is a bit insane. But the young man’s value won’t be much higher than it already is.

Lately he has been involved in swaps for Ronnie Brown, Donovan McNabb, Dallas Clark, Michael Turner, Greg Jennings, Matt Forte, Carson Palmer, Donald Driver… The list goes on.

Sell high for more stable commodities. Be confident that the fantasy haul for Austin has a greater probability of producing – and producing consistently – than the crew you sent packing.

Alex Rodriguez has come a long way.

That was an unconscious observation as this 2009 baseball season unfolded. How profound was his turnaround, though; it hit me like a ton o’ Mizuno Maples.

A FOX Sports poll asked readers whether A-Rod has proven himself with his 2009 playoff showing. Or is he still a postseason patsy? Or, is it TBD, get back to me after the World Series?

Undoubtedly, Rodriguez has already visited redemption.

It’s not because of his 2009 statistical output (.286 average, 30 homers, 100 ribbies). His contributions in this year’s postseason (including 12 RBIs, a total that trails only Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard’s) aren’t the deciding factors, either. They’re merely byproducts.

Yankees fans may disagree; the numbers mean everything, they could say. Yeah, not ’til we see No. 27, mutter Bronx residents in Paul O’Neill Pinstripes. The majority of Phillies fans don’t care. A-Rod isn’t popular in many circles.

But he seems to have reached a point where none of that matters. He has, with support, liberated himself. He admitted faults and mistakes. He made peace. He demonstrated resolve. And he no longer needs validation.

In February, Rodriguez took plenty of heat when reports surfaced that he, as a member of the Texas Rangers, had tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2003. I was one of many quick to criticize a man whose cleats I had never laced up.

A-Rod a cheater? Just disappointing. A liar? Heartbreaking – although not exactly shocking. Enter introspection and understanding.

A-Rod has a different demeanor these days

He was conflicted. He was always seeking approval. He was trying to meet aspirations that others had earmarked for him. He just wanted everyone to like him, damn it! Those desires had coaxed him into this seemingly rock-bottom place, with shame as its face.

I found myself – initially, with a tinge of self-loathing – pulling for and even identifying with him.

Rodriguez no longer wanted to be that person; he became a sympathetic figure – well, at least to a few. He seized his opportunity. And he did it with a handicap; a torn labrum in his right hip kept him out until May.

He was anxious but patient. He returned from surgery a week ahead of schedule. In his first at-bat, of his first game, he hit Orioles hurler Jeremy Guthrie’s first offering into the seats.

It was merely a round-tripper, but it sounded like a resolute man had popped the cap on a volcano spewing magma in geyser-like fashion.

It wasn’t all gems and rhinestones after that, but he stayed the course. All because of a belief that he discovered, nurtured and rode right through the playoffs. And now he’s finally in the World Series.

I can’t stop rooting for him. And I’m a diehard Phillies fan. Last year I saw things I thought I might never see and didn’t want to end.

I’m still in the Phils’ corner. But if the Yankees win, I won’t be upset. Everyone deserves another chance.

Is the Choice yours?

Furthering the need for Tashard Choice to be an integral part of the Ghidorah in the Dallas Cowboys‘ backfield: Wade Phillips said an MRI revealed that Marion Barber III sustained a fractured thumb against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5.

Don’t panic; Phillips said Barber will start against the Atlanta Falcons this week, and it’s not expected to hamper his ability to carry or catch the football. But Barber is periodically dinged, nicked up, limited. Felix Jones (knee) has yet to prove that he can stay healthy for more than three weeks in a row.

It should’ve come as no surprise to fantasy owners that Choice is going to receive more work, even when all three backs are healthy. He has earned it. But should he be the No. 1 man? Countless local outlets and fan sites house back-and-forths on this topic that go on for miles.

Why has the runner most qualified to be featured been considered merely the third-down back until now? Even if it’s not a cognizant factor, subconsciously, perception and what’s invested probably play a part.

Choice is Mr. Reliable. He’s not the fastest. He’s not the biggest. He’s not the flashiest. He just gets the job done. Choice is not a violent runner, like Barber, but there is no wasted movement; he’s the embodiment of fluidity. Choice is not a scorcher, like Jones, but he’s decisive, smooth, cunning.

Choice was brilliant in the final five games of 2008: 19.8 utilizations, 110.2 total yards, 3.6 receptions and 0.4 touchdowns per game. The opponents? The Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. Not all exactly slouches against the rush. Barber was active for four of those contests.

Choice cuts better than the Barber, keeps up with the Jones

The guy’s name is Choice. How many omens do you need? Own him? DO NOT drop him. I don’t have him anywhere, and I’m jealous. It’s only a matter of time before Barber tweaks something, and Jones should be on the shelf again by Week 11.

Fantasy football moves I make

I just picked up Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb in a 12-team league with 18-man rosters. I own Donovan McNabb, so I have more (and now, less) to lose. Have you done the same?

McNabb has missed time in five of the past seven seasons and already in this one. Kolb proved more than capable of replacing his fantasy production with an average of 359 yards, two touchdowns and 1.5 interceptions passing in Weeks 2 and 3. The Eagles have already been off.

It cost me only Trent Edwards (concussion). I’m holding Chad Henne. I would’ve done this sooner, but bye weeks and a couple of other experiments made me hold off. Now, if I lose my top passer, I’m prepared. It may not be as pretty, but I haven’t risked being beaten to the punch.

I made this move weeks ago in the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Industry Insiders League (Conference 5).

Other fantasy football thoughts

As many folks who still consider Indianapolis Colts‘ Adam Vinatieri (knee) a reliable fantasy commodity, not enough of them have picked up Matt Stover. He doesn’t have much leg strength, especially at this stage, but Vinatieri was averaging seven points a game. Stover should still be deadly accurate.

Nab McNabb's backup, save yourself some trouble

Jordy Nelson and James Jones have been on the field for virtually the same number of snaps this year while splitting time as the No. 3 wideout. Nelson has been targeted more often recently and appeared to be gaining favor with the Green Bay Packers. Jones hurt his cause with a couple of drops in recent weeks.

Now that Nelson will miss at least a couple of weeks with a knee injury, the job is Jones’ exclusively. Will he take advantage? Hopes were high after his rookie season (47 catches, 676 yards, two TDs). If I have the room, I’ll stash him just to see what kind of resolve he has. This is a golden opportunity.

LJ isn’t done. (This opinion differs slightly from William Del Pilar’s.) The numbers aren’t pretty, and this isn’t 2006, but Larry Johnson still has some burst and is a decent receiver. His offensive line is terrible. The passing game was pathetic, to start. Both are slowly improving. And take a look at that slate.

Among opponents remaining: San Diego Chargers (twice), Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills (Week 14) and Cleveland Browns (Week 15). We’ll see if the Cincinnati Bengals‘ run defense is still this good by Week 16, too.

I wouldn’t ordinarily plug the Bengals’ tight ends, but Cincy has targeted the position nearly six times per game this season. Make it 8.33 times per game in the past three weeks. Daniel Coats and John Paul Foschi aren’t exactly Tony Gonzalez, though. The drops! The fumbles!

Why is this important? Chase Coffman is working his way toward active duty, according to OC B-squared. (Hey, Bob Bratkowski refers to rookie back Bernard Scott as B. Scott, so he had this coming.) Coffman is an excellent receiver and could present serious matchup issues for opponents. The Bengals would probably still carry the other two, though, and there are no guarantees. Maybe, around fantasy playoff time…

Bye, bye, bye, baby, bye bye. Bye weeks are almost through. Well, if you live in the future, like I have recently. As I’ve been saying, you can never be too prepared.

Week 8 could hit you right where it counts. Clubs with recliners fully extended: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins.

I brought you replacements for your QBs and RBs as well as wideouts and tight ends for Week 7. I’ve given you the game plan for Week 8 quarterbacks and running backs. It’s time to hit on the receivers and tight ends who might ease your mind in Week 8; it’s a fine time to be missing one of the latter.

Note: Week 9 might have served as a heck of a climax for predicaments such as this. Don’t worry. Teams with players who won’t be present for roll call: Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. You shouldn’t take much of a hit, other than at running back.

If you have any questions about what to do for RBs (or any position, for that matter) in Week 9, you have options:

• Visit KFFL.com every Thursday and send your question to our editors via the “Coors Light Ask the Experts” feature, located in the upper right-hand corner of our home page.
• Message us on Twitter at http://www.kffl.com/twitter
• Friend us on Facebook at http://www.kffl.com/facebook
• Find me on Twitter, too, at http://www.twitter.com/nicholasminnix

On to business.

Sipping mojitos in Week 8:

Wide receiver - Randy Moss and Wes Welker; Chad Ochocinco; Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward; Dwayne Bowe; Santana Moss; and Antonio Bryant

Tight end - Chris Cooley, Kellen Winslow and Heath Miller

Don’t forget: Some of your depth and those scraps you often use for bye week filler are off too.

Playing cabana boy in Week 8:

Bobby Wade; Laveranues Coles, Andre Caldwell and Chris Henry; Mike Wallace; Antwaan Randle El; and Benjamin Watson

Where do you look for help? Start here.

Week 8 baggage handlers (WR):

I doubt all the joyriders who jumped on the Miles Austin bandwagon will still be bouncing on it in a couple of weeks; if not, he has a great matchup with the Seahawks. Playas are fans of the Colts’ Austin Collie right now, too, but he looks like a bust against the 49ers because Anthony Gonzalez (knee) is close. You’re looking…

Justin Gage and Kenny Britt (TEN vs. JAX) - The Jags get smoked by receivers by about as much as the Titans do. WINNER and WINNER

Michael Jenkins (ATL at NO) - He put forth two pretty scrumptious efforts against the Saints last season. N’Awlins should be preoccupied with the Falcons’ other weapons. WINNER

Keenan Burton (STL at DET) - PPR players may regret not giving this second-year man a look. Especially with the Lions on tap. WINNER

Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan (SF at IND) - Bruce and Morgan have positive outlooks for this one. The Colts surrender catches, particularly after they build big leads, per my blog on Indy’s new-look D. Of course, it might be a good time to work in Michael Crabtree, and the Colts could again be terrible versus the run by this date. NEUTRAL and WINNER

For Week 8 wit, turn to a Britt

Earl Bennett (CHI vs. CLE) - Bennett is seemingly a forgotten man. Few teams find the need to throw a ton against the Browns. NEUTRAL

Jason Avant (PHI vs. NYG) - The Giants haven’t faced many tough teams, but they can shut down top receivers. This could be Avant’s chance to prove his worth on third downs. NEUTRAL

Jabar Gaffney (DEN at BAL) - It’s the primary targets who’ve succeeded most against the Ravens. Can the Broncos sustain the running game? NEUTRAL

Lance Moore (NO vs. ATL) - Call me a fascist, but I just don’t see Moore as much of a factor from week to week. Which is a shame, because Atlanta gives up the stuff. Moore could benefit, but the Saints’ backs could spell triple trouble for the A, too. NEUTRAL

Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon (NYG at PHI) - The Eagles haven’t faced a lethal passing offense other than that of the Saints. Eli Manning’s top targets should steal the show, but there could be a scrap or two. NEUTRAL and LOSER

Deion Branch (SEA at DAL) - It seems that Dallas can be beaten through the air. Branch will have to hope Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh get their fill, though. LOSER

Kelley Washington (BAL vs. DEN) - The Broncos have caused fantasy owners of most of their opponents’ offensive weapons serious heartache thus far. LOSER

Davone Bess (MIA at NYJ) - The Jets limit damage done via the aerial strike. Besides, Ted Ginn Jr., Brian Hartline and Greg Camarillo are in the mix, also. LOSER

Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens (OAK at SD) - JaMarcus Russell hasn’t looked like a nearly capable professional passer since his first 2009 matchup with the Chargers. LOSER

Chris Chambers (SD vs. OAK) - Nnamdi Asomugha was partly responsible for Chambers’ goose egg in Week 1. Saddle Chambers with the rest of the liability. LOSER

Week 8 baggage handlers (TE):

Since everyone is picking up the Packers’ Jermichael Finley, and everyone should know to play him against the Vikings, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Luckily, fantasy owners are awash in stupendous matchups for plenty of borderline big men this week.

Zach Miller (OAK vs. SD) - The No. 1 consolation prize in fantasy football drafts for some is now showing up in most free-agent pools. Good timing for you: The Chargers still aren’t aware that tight ends run pass routes. WINNER

Marcedes Lewis (JAX at TEN) - If it’s not a handoff, the Titans have already ceded territory. Tight ends get in on it. This is one week the Jags may want to forget that they’re searching for an identity. WINNER

Brandon Pettigrew (DET vs. STL) - It doesn’t get much better than this. The Lions should try to take advantage here. WINNER

Miller should be more than acceptable filler in Week 8

Daniel Fells and Randy McMichael (STL at DET) - Dueling banjos, opposite numbers… The only potential problem: cannibalism. This Fells fella should be turning heads by now. WINNER and NEUTRAL

Dante Rosario (CAR at ARI) - Even if the Panthers’ rushing attack is rolling by this one, it will run into a brick wall. Rosario can scale the Cardinals’ barrier, though. WINNER

Kevin Boss (NYG at PHI) - OK, I’m not a Boss fan. (But you gotta love “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle!”) The Eagles make me a groupie for one week. WINNER

Anthony Fasano (MIA at NYJ) - Against the Jets in Week 5, he reminded us that his heart still beats. Gang Green is hell-bent on revenge, which doesn’t necessarily affect Fasano. But, the Jets haven’t been pushovers against the position. NEUTRAL

Bo Scaife (TEN vs. JAX) - The Titans seem to use 13 different tight ends. Scaife leads the way, and it’s not a bad matchup, but you have plenty of others to choose from. NEUTRAL

Tony Scheffler (DEN at BAL) - The Broncos don’t look this way often. The Ravens haven’t given QBs much of a reason to do so against others at the position. LOSER

If some teams have already scooped up your choices for more immediate bye week use, get them next week, when they’re likely to be released.

The lesser the names are, the less you have to worry about securing them. Remember to compare your options to the depth of the position, too.

The good news: Your opponent may have parallel problems. This quandary makes it that much more important to beat those in the same boat to the life preservers.

Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t happy with the way the Jacksonville Jaguars played on Sunday in their 41-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Or the way his offense has performed in the first five weeks, period.

Rush Limbaugh wasn’t pleased to find out that he had been dropped from a group attempting to buy the St. Louis Rams. Dave Checketts, chairman of the NHL’s Blues and front man for said bid, made the announcement on Wednesday.

MJD has taken umbrage with, specifically, the Jags’ inconsistency, their play selection, their lack of continuity along the offensive line, the absence of a team identity, and his role.

Now we all know.

Limbaugh labeled the sequence that led to his exclusion as something representative of “Obama’s America on full display.” He has since found fault with the media, political advocates Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, and the head of the NFL players’ union, DeMaurice Smith.

Now he has someone to blame.

Will MJD follow Beason's lead?

In the offseason MJD signed a lucrative extension with J-ville because he was ready to be the man. Now, he sounds as if he feels that his manhood can be called into question. “I don’t like to be embarrassed, so I do get upset about it,” he explained. “You lead by actions.”

What does Jones-Drew know about leadership?

Limbaugh pursued this enterprise because he felt assured that his reputation as a provocateur wouldn’t be a roadblock. Nonetheless, his incendiary commentary associated with minorities stands in his path to minority ownership of an NFL franchise.

Why does Limbaugh need assurance?

These two could learn a thing or three from Aaron Rodgers. Media hounds gave the Green Bay Packers‘ operator every chance to voice his displeasure with his offensive line, which has yielded a league-high 20 sacks.

He did not.

“It really doesn’t do any good. I trust those guys. I love those guys. They take care of me, I take care of them. That’s the way it goes. We have a tight-knit relationship. Nothing gets done when you do something like that publicly.”

Rodgers stood tall, unlike Limbaugh

He embraced accountability.

“We’re all pros. We all hold ourselves to a standard of play, and I’d say myself and those guys included would probably all agree that personally, we haven’t played up to our potential at all times. We all want to play better. We’re going to play better.”

Hopefully, this disillusioned duo of deliverers of derogatory discourse is deft enough to derive direction from some domestic deliberation. Kinda like Jon Beason did. Last week he openly criticized fellow Carolina Panthers defender Julius Peppers.

He then admitted his mistake.

“After what happened, I realized I was wrong. There are certain things you shouldn’t say in public, certain things that should remain in-house.”

His teammates then forgave him.

“He’s just a very passionate person and sometimes he says things that come across a little strong,” recognized defensive tackle Damione Lewis. “We all know him and know how he is so I know none of us took offense to what he said because we know him.”

In a semifinal match with Brazil at the 2007 Women’s World Cup, U.S. national team coach Greg Ryan benched unbeaten goalkeeper Hope Solo for the more experienced Briana Scurry. Afterward, Solo disparaged her coach and teammate. William Del Pilar pointed out then what a detriment Solo’s reaction was to the concept of team.

To anyone with whom you have a connection, really. It served as a reminder that sometimes unbridled emotion gets the better of us. If you’re in it for yourself, you will lose the lesson. If you care about any relationship, though, you will comprehend its impact, and you will learn from it. In turn, those who reciprocate will accept you.

We all make mistakes, and no one is perfect. You can control only you, but you can make a believer of anyone.

Bye weeks can take the wind out of a fantasy football team’s sails faster than you can sing “Legedu Naanee.” Sing, you say? Try it some time, trust me. Rolls off the tongue like a lullaby.

I already detailed some ways to prepare for the absences of your quarterbacks and running backs as well as wide receivers and tight ends in Week 7. Week 8’s role call may leave you a bit more stunned. Teams taking breaks: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins.

You may say, Sir, shouldn’t you have taken bye weeks into account when you drafted your team? I might then answer, Sure, to an extent, but I won’t pass up a player who represents great value because of his bye week or select a player because his schedule is slightly more accommodating. I don’t want to settle and prefer to take who I think is best.

Case in point: The top three wide receivers on my team in the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Industry Insiders league have Week 8 off. Sweat that week? Maybe, but if Randy Moss, Dwayne Bowe and Hines Ward are helping me win most other weeks, will it matter? It doesn’t hurt to have Derrick Mason and now Donnie Avery in tow. Receivers always come along on the wire.

Sipping mojitos in Week 8:

Quarterback - Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer

Running back - Cedric Benson; Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker; Cadillac Williams; Larry Johnson; Clinton Portis; and Sammy Morris

Don’t forget: Some of your depth and those scraps you often use for bye week filler are off too.

Playing cabana boy in Week 8:

Matt Cassel; Jason Campbell; Josh Johnson; Derrick Ward; Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney and (maybe?) BenJarvus Green-Ellis; Jamaal Charles; Mewelde Moore; and Ladell Betts

Where do you look for help? Start here.

Week 8 baggage handlers (QB):

Marc Bulger (STL at DET) - He’s getting this offense down. Donnie Avery is coming around. The Rams are going to their tight ends a bit more. It’s the Lions. Definite potential. WINNER

Matthew Stafford (DET vs. STL) - I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again: The Rams’ defense is not bad. They held against Green Bay on two straight possessions after turnovers gave the Pack the ball inside St. Louis’ 15. Their offense has done them in, worn them out. But Stafford (knee) and Calvin Johnson (knee) should be healthy, so they’ll take shots. The Rams are giving up only 3.9 yards per carry to RBs, so the way to go may be by air. NEUTRAL

Jake Delhomme (CAR at ARI) - The perpetrators of Delhomme’s toilet flush. You beat Arizona through the air, but Delhomme couldn’t. The Panthers may not be able to mount a rushing attack against a stout front. This will be the ultimate test of Delhomme’s resolve. I’m not willing to write him off just yet. This will be a big day for him – or the Cardinals’ defense. POSSIBLE BIG WINNER, LIKELY TOTAL LOSER

Chad Henne (MIA at NYJ) - Henne was sharp in the Dolphins’ Monday night win against the Jets. It will be a more difficult conquest in the Meadowlands, though, and Rex Ryan has made it clear that his team seeks revenge. Henne is a good fantasy free-agent pickup (especially for those of you hanging on to Trent Edwards, like I had been), but he looks like a dud in this one. LOSER

Henne Penny will lay an egg in his second tangle with the J-E-T-S

Shaun Hill (SF at IND) - The Colts have terrorized signal callers. Frank Gore (ankle) will be healthy. Indy released DT Ed Johnson, who was a big reason for their recent success against the run. The Niners won’t ask Hill to do much – until they’re behind. By then, it’s too late. LOSER

Derek Anderson (CLE at CHI) - I think “(CLE at CHI)” pretty much sums it up. If not, DA’s lack of weapons should be the clincher. The Bears have given up fantasy points to passers, but not to any in straits this dire. LOSER

JaMarcus Russell (OAK at SD) - The Chargers may be right on schedule, rounding into form at about this time. You’d rather not pin your hopes on Russell anyway. LOSER

Week 8 baggage handlers (RB):

Jerious Norwood (ATL at NO) - It’s hard to forecast Norwood’s big moments, and the Saints have been unforgiving to backs – but only on the ground. Michael Turner should be stuffed. Norwood should catch a few passes and maybe take one to the house – like he did against N’Awlins last season. WINNER

You don't expect much from Michael Turner in Week 8, Norwood I

Michael Bush and Justin Fargas (OAK vs. NYJ) - Darren McFadden (knee) could be active but also limited. In the opener, the Raiders, like subsequent opponents, pounded the Bolts on the ground, and Bush had a part. It might be a good week to play Fargas, too, depending on the status of Run DMC. WINNER and NEUTRAL

Justin Forsett (SEA at DAL) - The Seahawks can’t count on Julius Jones, especially on the road. The Cowboys aren’t on top of their game for more than a half. Seattle will pass often, and Forsett fits that game plan better. Call it a hunch. Hopefully, Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh don’t hog it. WINNER

Mike Bell (NO vs. ATL) – As long as Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are both healthy – big ifs – it’s likely sub-double-digit touches for Bell. He may still ring it against the Falcons’ subpar run D, though. Sean Payton like him. First, let’s see how they use Bell when all three are available. NEUTRAL

Glen Coffee (SF at IND) - Coffee wasn’t stellar while Frank Gore (ankle) sat, so non-Gore owners may dump him. Indy has been tough on the run in their last few, but they may have gutted the defensive line. Coffee has probably shown enough that he’ll spell Gore, whom they need to keep fresh, more often. We’ll see. NEUTRAL

Brandon Jackson (GB vs. MIN) - Ryan Grant was successful catching passes on screens and leaks in the first meeting. That style suits Jackson even better, and the approach is necessary given Green Bay’s protection issues. This is assuming that Jackson is up to speed. NEUTRAL

Chris Brown (HOU at BUF) - Paul Posluszny (arm) will be back, but Buffalo’s defense has taken so many hits and can’t stop any runners. Brown is in the mix for short-yardage and goal line stuff. Big gamble, but he could pay off. NEUTRAL

Garrett Wolfe and Adrian N. Peterson (CHI vs. CLE) - True shots in the dark. Expect garbage time in this one, though, and that opens a window. Wolfe scored against the Lions in a similar scenario. Peterson (knee) probably won’t be 100 percent by then. NEUTRAL and LOSER

Rashad Jennings (JAX at TEN) - Jennings received significant work in these teams’ first meeting; J-ville didn’t need Maurice Jones-Drew anymore. The Jags will probably attack via the pass again, but don’t bank on a repeat showing in enemy territory. Jennings deserves consideration only if they begin using him to spell MJD. LOSER

Le’Ron McClain (BAL vs. DEN) - McClain typically works in a closing role, mostly. Denver’s defense appears to be for real. Happy reunion to Mike Nolan. LOSER

Will fantasy football players hastily discard Jerome Harrison now that Jamal Lewis is healthy? If you can nab Harrison, he’s a solid option at the Chicago Bears, who figure to have little trouble with the Cleveland Browns.

The same goes for Correll Buckhalter (knee), in a sense. Folks may have less patience with him because of his injury history and Knowshon Moreno’s increasing workload. But in a limited role Buckhalter has been extremely valuable to the Denver Broncos, slashing his way to 7.2 yards per carry. Teams have run on the Baltimore Ravens lately.

The Arizona Cardinals‘ Chris Wells is slowly making his way onto many waiver wires, too. If someone in your league discards him, scoop him up. Week 8 is prime time for Beanie. My grandmother ran for a buck-forty and two TDs against the Carolina Panthers. (She got a mean stiff-arm!)

If some teams have already scooped up your choices for more immediate bye week use, get them next week, when they’re likely to be released.

The lesser the names are, the less you have to worry about securing them. Remember to compare your options to the depth of the position, too.

The good news: Your opponent may have parallel problems. This quandary makes it that much more important to beat those in the same boat to the life preservers.

You don’t tell your players to look ahead. Focus on this week’s opponent. Take care of business one game at time…

In fantasy football, that’s poppycock; Week 7 is the beginning of a dangerous three-week stretch on the NFL schedule.

A couple of days ago I discussed how to begin preparation for this stormy forecast, beginning with quarterbacks and running backs. High-end wide receivers and tight ends aren’t as scarce in Week 7, but that doesn’t mean you’re not in a bind. Clubs on holiday: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.

Processing that? You could be without a crucial piece or three of your unbeatable lineup.

Sipping mojitos in Week 7:

Wide receiver - Calvin Johnson; Derrick Mason; Brandon Marshall; Mike Sims-Walker and Torry Holt (who may begin to benefit from the attention Sims-Walker receives, instead of the other way around, as intended); and Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Tight end - John Carlson and Todd Heap

You might think, That’s not so bad. (You’ll see – it gets worse.) Don’t forget: Some of your depth and those scraps you often use for bye week filler are off too.

Playing cabana boy in Week 7:

Mark Clayton and Kelley Washington; Bryant Johnson; Deion Branch; Nate Washington, Justin Gage and Kenny Britt; Eddie Royal (sad that he’s down here, eh?); Marcedes Lewis; Bo Scaife; and Tony Scheffler

One of Tennessee’s troika of tall (OK, Washington is only 6-foot-1) torpedo trappers may be toiling in your lineup regularly already.

Where do you look for help? Start here.

Week 7 baggage handlers (WR):

Michael Jenkins (ATL at DAL) - An extremely tasty matchup for the often overlooked No. 2 wideout in the A. WINNER

Earl Bennett (CHI at CIN) - Bennett or Johnny Knox will find openings, but the latter is hard to find in fantasy leagues. WINNER

Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks (NYG vs. ARI) - A couple of gambles against a D that is tough on the run and can be beaten deap. WINNER or WINNER

Arizona might force the Giants to Nicks the ground game

Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan (SF at HOU) – Frank Gore (ankle) might be back but not 100 percent. Still, Houston parts like the Red Sea for RBs. Michael Crabtree should be active, but he won’t have an impact. WINNER or WINNER

Mike Wallace (PIT vs. MIN) - The Vikes don’t appear to be a great matchup, but non-primary targets have found success against them. WINNER

Keenan Burton (STL vs. IND) - He starts, and the Colts give up plenty underneath. (See my blog on their tendencies.) Marc Bulger (shoulder) should be fine by then. WINNER

Andre Caldwell and Chris Henry (CIN vs. CHI) - The Bears have given up catches. Caldwell should snag his share, but not Henry. This smells like a revenge game for Cedric Benson, who has run well up the gut, anyway. WINNER and LOSER

Jeremy Maclin (PHI at WAS) - These games are usually tight but not often high-scoring. Jason Avant has a better rapport with Donovan McNabb. Maclin is searching for his first big game, though. NEUTRAL

Bobby Wade (KC vs. SD) - If the Chargers have picked up the run D by this time, the Chiefs will throw all game. Wade can get open for the short stuff. Mark Bradley might get an end zone look. NEUTRAL

Antwaan Randle El (WAS vs. PHI) - Randle El always catches a few passes, and working out of the slot aids him. NEUTRAL

Davone Bess (MIA vs. NO) - Chad Henne seems to prefer possession types, and those besides Ted Ginn Jr. – who could lose time to Brian Hartline. Greg Camarillo will get a couple of looks, too. NEUTRAL

Chris Chambers (SD at KC) - The Chargers should have no trouble getting the ball to their top options instead. Legedu Naanee is more dangerous. NEUTRAL

Austin Collie (IND at STL) - The Rams’ D isn’t this bad, but it can’t cover a tight end or hold up because of that O. The Colts spread the wealth. LOSER

Lance Moore (NO at MIA) - The Saints don’t need Moore. The Dolphins haven’t given up many catches to receivers. Robert Meachem might get deep for one, though. LOSER

Miles Austin (DAL vs. ATL) - If Roy Williams (ribs) isn’t healthy, Austin is a no-brainer. If Williams goes, Austin is no dice. LOSER

Louis Murphy (OAK vs. NYJ) - Chaz Schilens (foot) should be back, and the Jets are too tough. JaMarcus Russell couldn’t hit a receiver, even if Boomer Esiason were sitting on the seat in the dunk tank. LOSER

Chansi Stuckey (CLE vs. GB) - Brian Robiskie might start. The Packers have given up touchdowns to big-play receivers, something Cleveland lacks with those two. Derek Anderson seems comfortable with Mike Furrey. LOSER

Week 7 baggage handlers (TE):

Sean Ryan (KC vs. SD) - A defense that gives up fantasy points to the position in bunches. He’s no Gonzo, but Ryan has received regular targets. WINNER

Steve Heiden (CLE vs. GB) – The Pack couldn’t cover the position last year and haven’t been tested much this year. Still, they’ve yielded points. Derek Anderson may stick with Heiden, especially with his group of green pass grabbers. WINNER

Desmond Clark (CHI at CIN) - Cincy’s defense is better overall, but find a hole here. Jay Cutler might with Clark, especially if the Bengals try to take away Greg Olsen. WINNER

Randy McMichael (STL vs. IND) - Garbage time always presents an opportunity for cheap fantasy points. Garbage time begins at kickoff in this one. NEUTRAL

Benjamin Watson (NE at TB) - The Bucs allow offenses to do as they please. The Pats are likely to get points from several others first. NEUTRAL

Dante Rosario (CAR vs. BUF) - One fluke game makes it look like the position is a huge issue for the Bills; it wasn’t in 2008. You need a TD from Rosario to make this move successful. NEUTRAL

Kevin Boss (NYG vs. ARI) – Another inexplicable deep fantasy sleeper for some. FYI: (1) The Giants don’t regularly include the position in their offensive game plan. (2) Their receivers are healthy. (3) The Cards will have faced some really good tight ends before this one. False hope. LOSER

Who's the Boss of your TE spot? Hopefully not Kevin in Week 7

Jermichael Finley (GB vs. CLE) - The Browns don’t present a great matchup for tight ends. They also provide an excellent matchup to those at other positions. LOSER

Anthony Fasano (MIA vs. NO) - Why are some of you still holding him? Miami hasn’t used him, and Chad Henne doesn’t appear intent on changing that. Shorthand Saints say it all, anyway: NO. LOSER

If some teams have already scooped up your choices for more immediate bye week use, get them next week, when they’re likely to be released.

The lesser the names are, the less you have to worry about securing them. Remember to compare your options to the depth of the position, too.

The good news: Your opponent may have parallel problems. This quandary makes it that much more important to beat those in the same boat to the life preservers.