It was roughly one year ago today that the fantasy community was ready to bury Westbrook anyway.

You remember the circumstances: In Weeks 9-12 last season, Westbrook looked finished. For four consecutive games, he did not score. Nor did he surpass 100 yards from scrimmage (or 65 yards rushing) in any of those contests. Anyone owning Westbrook was panicking.

Some of us even benched him for the Thanksgiving game vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

And what did Westbrook do? He torched the Cardinals for four touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving) and 130 yards from scrimmage (110 rushing, 20 receiving on three catches).

The Eagles destroyed the Cardinals 48-20 and eradicated whatever hangover might have lingered from the previous week, when Eagles coach Andy Reid benched QB Donovan McNabb for Kevin Kolb at halftime of a 36-7 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

One of the biggest clichés in the world of fantasy advice is “don’t bench your studs.” Last Thanksgiving, Westbrook epitomized the truth behind that cliché.

I remember watching him on all four of those touchdowns and thinking to myself: “He is over the hill — he doesn’t have that burst anymore.” I also remember thinking: “I am an idiot – I should have started him.”

Fast forward to this season, and “don’t bench your studs” applies to San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

Tomlinson certainly looks as if he has lost his burst. He is averaging 3.3 yards per carry (career average is 4.4).

In addition, Tomlinson had not surpassed 75 yards rushing in a game – until last week, when he amassed 96 rushing yards on 24 carries. He also scored twice, in the process turning a disappointing fantasy campaign (three touchdowns in six games) into a respectable one (five touchdowns in seven games.)

Coincidentally enough, Tomlinson recorded this gem vs. the Eagles in what might be the final game of Westbrook’s career.

Up next for Tomlinson: at Denver. If you are considering benching him for a sizzling rookie (Cardinals RB Beanie Wells at St. Louis), an irresistible matchup (Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith vs. Cleveland) or an opportunistic poacher (Indianapolis Colts RB Joseph Addai at Baltimore), congratulations: You have a deep team.

But don’t go crazy. Keep Tomlinson in your lineup.

A four-touchdown game could be in his future.

Are you keeping the faith in LT? Are you benching him for Wells or Addai? We invite you to share your thoughts – and actions – in the comments.

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.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Miami Dolphins placed running back Ronnie Brown (foot) on the Injured Reserve list Wednesday, Nov. 18, ending his 2009 season.

A Brownout in Miami

Brown injured his foot and ankle in Week 10, and there were several different opinions on when he would be able to return this season, if at all. Brown was scheduled to meet with a foot specialist to see if he would be able to play again in 2009. Brown was one of the most important pieces in the team’s wildcat formation for the last two seasons, taking the direct snaps from the center.

Brown was putting up very good numbers during the first half of the season. He rushed for 648 yards and eight touchdowns on 147 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He has also produced in the passing game both as a receiver and passer. He caught 14 passes for 98 yards in nine games and completed two passes, including one touchdown, out of the wildcat.

From a fantasy perspective, owners who are not in keeper leagues should obviously drop Brown because he will not able to help anymore. Owners in keeper leagues should hold on to him because he should be able to return for next season.

The Dolphins will now turn to running back Ricky Williams to be their starting running back; he’ll get the bulk of the carries. Williams likely is not available in many setups, so owners of the already productive Williams will see a big jump in production from the runner.

Brown owners looking for a replacement on barren waiver wires should look to Lex Hilliard, who probably will be the primary backup running back. He should see some touches, similar to what Williams received with Brown starting, but don’t expect the same volume of work. Hilliard has not seen any regular-season action in his first one-plus NFL seasons.

Expect Miami to give some carries to fullback Lousaka Polite, as well, but he probably won’t receive enough to make a huge difference in fantasy circles aside from maybe a vultured touchdown or two. In desperate times, you could still take a stab at Polite if you miss out on Hilliard.

I’m happy; bye weeks are over, and to boot, I went 7-0 in all my fantasy leagues this past week. I do represent KFFL in four expert, leagues and I’m at 29-11, for a .725 win percentage, in those leagues. I’m happy and not bragging, just sharing my joy with you!

One reason I bring this up is because I study waiver wire players, matchups, trends, schedules and whatever else I can dig up to help me with decisions. I always, always, always consult someone to hear their thoughts and to challenge me as well as to catch something I may not have considered. I hope these blogs help and I hope you get something out of it just as I do when I research and decide who to pick up and waive.

Some free agent players to consider on your waiver wire:

Seattle Seahawks RBs Justin Forsett and Louis Rankin will share the load for the injured Julius Jones (rib, lung). I’m including Rankin in this list because Forsett is only 5-foot-8, 194 pounds. There is concern about his durability. If you miss Forsett and have the roster space, give Rankin a shot. Forsett is quick, elusive and can make players miss.

Rankin just came off the practice squad a few weeks ago. He’s similar in that he can be elusive because of his quickness and has speed to get to the outside and make big plays. However, he’s bigger at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. But it’s Forsett’s job, possibly for the rest of the season if he can stay healthy and produce. Jones has been a big disappointment this year with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average and only two touchdowns.

Forsett is an easy choice on the waiver wire

Atlanta Falcons RBs Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood (hip) are in similar positions. They will see increased carries this week because of Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain. Neither running back will replace Turner or his production, but Snelling, just a few weeks ago, was in the news, with the team stating they want to get him more touches. However, he had developed a hamstring injury.

Look for Snelling to see most of the utilizations with Turner out, because Norwood is just coming back from a hip strain and has been out for about a month. It would be unrealistic to believe he’ll come in and take most of the carries. He’s probably not even in great game shape after the time off!

Grab Snelling first, and then look toward Norwood if Snelling is gone. For the record, don’t believe the team when it states Turner may only miss one game. While technically that could be true, his return date is anyone’s guess as we have to see how long it takes him to heal and get back to form. Just because Turner has stayed fairly healthy in his career does not mean he’ll return from this injury in one week. That’s simply being optimistic without reason.

Cincinnati Bengals RBs Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson are on this list only because the team is facing the Oakland Raiders this week, and they have one of the league’s worst run defenses. The team needs Cedric Benson (hip) healthy for the long run, and they may be able to get by with Scott starting and resting Benson. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Scott should have the power to run between the tackles, but some question his ability to do that. However, he has speed to get to the outside and break it big, so target him this week.

Benson's hip injury may open the door for Bernard Scott and ... LJ?

I added Johnson for no reason outside the fact some believe his statistics in Kansas City this year are due more to the team around him than his abilities. Others state otherwise, but if you have the roster space, why not stash him? For much more details on LJ, Benson and Scott, check out Hot off the Wire Analyst Keith Hernandez’s blog “Cincinnati Bengals expected to sign RB Larry Johnson.”

There are other running backs many view as better to stash than LJ. Those are: the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Willie Parker and the New England Patriots‘ Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor.

Thursday, let’s tackles some wide receivers, place kickers and defenses you should target via the waiver wire or first-come, first-served pickups.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that the National Football League has suspended wide receiver Dwayne Bowe for four games for “violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.” Bowe’s suspension will begin immediately.

Bowe was the Chiefs’ leading receiver through the first 10 weeks with 33 receptions for 466 yards and four scores. However, he won’t be back in action until the final three weeks of the 2009 campaign.

No Bowe for four weeks

With Bowe being punished, wideouts Chris Chambers, Mark Bradley and Lance Long figure to benefit the most. However, don’t expect these receivers to have the success that Bowe had in the Chiefs’ lackluster offense. KC ranks 28th in the NFL in total passing yards through Week 10.

Chambers has been a different player after being released from the San Diego Chargers after Week 8. He scored two touchdowns and had 70 yards in his first game in Kansas City after scoring only one touchdown in eight weeks with the Bolts. He will now essentially be the No. 1 receiver in KC, but remember, he is 31 and his skills have drastically declined. Chambers will not be as productive as Bowe was for your fantasy roster.

Bradley and Long have not been anything special either, but both should receive a boost in their numbers for the next four games. Bradley has just 17 receptions for 211 yards and one TD, while Long, who was signed to the practice squad in September, has just 12 receptions for 104 yards in three games.

Bradley should see more time because he’s the option most familiar with Bowe’s position. Long, however, has shown a better grasp of this offense than Bradley and has flashed some talent as their slot wideout.

Depending on the situation in your fantasy league, you may be forced to send Bowe packing. However, he does have a good matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, the first week he would be eligible to return. The Denver Broncos, his Week 17 opponent, also present a solid fantasy opportunity for those in leagues that count the final week of the regular season. Hang on to him if you are in a good position to make the playoffs.

Chambers should be immediately scooped up off the waiver wire if you need help at the wideout position. Consider Long before Bradley; Long may be just as useful as Chambers in point-per-reception setups, as well. Wide receiver Bobby Wade, who has been inactive the past two weeks, could also see a limited role. He should not catch your interest until he proves to be a consistent contributor, though.

ESPNews reports the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to sign free-agent running back Larry Johnson (Chiefs).

Johnson was released by the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Nov. 9, after making anti-gay comments following the team’s Week 7 game. He was also suspended for one game.

Johnson trading red for orange

Along with his recent release, LJ has had a very disappointing 2009 season. He has just 377 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 132 carries (2.9 yards per carry). He has also added 76 receiving yards on 12 catches.

It remains to be seen how the Bengals will utilize Johnson, but he could be relied on immediately after a hip injury to running back Cedric Benson (hip) in Week 10. Benson hopes to play in Week 11. He has been a surprise fantasy performer through the first 10 weeks, ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing yards with 859. His workload has been substantial, too, with 205 carries this year.

Despite Johnson’s weak 2009 performance, he should be owned in most leagues, especially if he signs with Cincinnati. Owners of Johnson need to keep a close eye on the Benson situation, which will dictate Johnson’s fantasy value in the upcoming weeks. It’s tough to expect production similar to Benson’s from LJ, who is almost 30 and has a lot of mileage on his legs, but running back Bernard Scott is the only other back on Cincy’s roster with a lot of carries this year. There could be plenty of work for LJ; he didn’t have a ton of help in Kansas City’s offense, either, so he might not be as bad as his stats suggest.

Scott carried part of the load after Benson was hurt in Week 10; he ran for 33 yards on 13 carries. For the season he has 95 yards on 29 carries in spot duty. The Bengals have liked what they’ve seen from him, but he is still a rookie, who was drafted in the sixth round, and is  on a team with a good shot at the playoffs. Scott could be added in fantasy leagues if Benson’s injury is serious and LJ is not available; only add him in deep leagues, though.

Running back Brian Leonard is not a fantasy option; he has just 11 carries for 30 yards and is mainly used a pass-catching back (20 receptions for 153 yards).

What’s wrong with the Green Bay Packers? From a fantasy perspective, there’s nothing wrong, though there is disappointment among fantasy owners of running back Ryan Grant and wide receiver Greg Jennings. The problem is from an NFL perspective and the team’s win-loss record of 4-4. Let’s take care of the fantasy problem first.

Grant, their No. 1 rusher, is averaging 20.6 touches, 93.1 offensive yards and 0.50 touchdowns per game this season – not too shabby. In his last four games he’s averaging 22.3-101.3-0.5. There’s a perception he’s underperforming, but those numbers show he may be coming around. Now he has to show he can consistently produce like that against better teams.

The other player disappointing owners, especially in non-point-per-reception leagues (non-PPR), is Jennings, who this season is averaging 4.38-63.1-0.25 with 7.50 targets per game. He has eight red zone plays on the year, which leads the team. He is playing slightly better in the last four with an average 6.00-66.3-0.25 with an average of 9.50 targets. Perhaps he and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are slowly getting it together? No one can argue that Jennings has been a huge disappointment, especially in a pass-first offense!

This A-Rod can't stay upright

The real problems are their 4-4 record and their offensive line woes. That should concern all fantasy owners of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his capacity to absorb a hit and ability to stay healthy! He leads the NFL in sacks with 37 and at this pace will
approach former Houston Texans quarterback David Carr’s record of 76 from 2002. That is brutal and why the Packers offensive line is in the news. As a team they are struggling and hit their lowest low in recent memory by losing to a winless Tampa Bay
Buccaneers unit that has seen more embarrassment in recent memory than I can remember. That includes watching the Bucs play in their early years!

This week head coach Mike McCarthy stated parts of the problems could be Rodgers holding on to the ball too long or the receivers not getting open. There could be truth to this, but Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, at times, holds on too long and pays the price – but wins.

When you look at Rodgers statistically, he’s averaging 21.0 completions, 281.9 yards and 2.00 touchdowns, which makes him one of the league’s best young quarterbacks. However, Rodgers’ 63.1 percent accuracy rate is nowhere hear Big Ben’s 70.6 rating. I’m willing to say that difference probably translates into a few key plays that contribute to wins for Roethlisberger, whereas Rodgers deals with losses. Rodgers can help improve the situation by getting rid of some balls earlier, allowing him to grow and mature into the position. While there is room for improvement this year, Rodgers’ best years are still ahead of him.

Another potential problem is their No. 1 back. Grant is not a natural pass receiver. Sure, that is no longer a prerequisite for the West Coast offense … but when you see what other backs are accomplishing – such as the Houston Texans‘ Steve Slaton, the  Philadelphia Eagles‘ Brian Westbrook and the Chicago Bears‘ Matt Forte (last year’s version) – you wonder about Grant’s lack of versatility. How much does that hurt this West Coast offense? Just last week I saw an easily catchable pass go in and out of his hands. A check down pass to a running back is just as good as a hand off in the West Coast philosophy and takes pressure off the quarterback. Grant is only seeing an average of 2.00 receptions per game this year, which tells me the team may not be using the check down pass as effectively as it could. Hell, the total number of sacks allowed proves that! This is a position the team is trying to work on by bringing in Ahman Green for his receiving skills (and special teams play), but long-term the team will need to address this. In Grant’s defense he is more than serviceable as a starter, especially if Green and Brandon Jackson can pick up the receiving slack.

Can Grant be a factor as a receiver?

Let’s not forget the tight end position, which has not flourished as well as many believe it should have since the days of Keith Jackson and Mark Chmura. Donald Lee is not the answer; while he’s serviceable, he does not stand out. Jermichael Finley (knee), talented but injury-prone, is following the same path of unfulfilled promise trailblazed by players such as Lee, Tory Humphrey, Bubba Franks, David Martin, Tyrone Davis and others. This position is also key to help take pressure off the quarterback. While some may argue these tight ends have been serviceable, in the end, a multidimensional tight end in a West Coast offense can take an offense to the next level.

Others also believe defense and special teams are the problem here, and I agree. However, I believe in defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his 3-4 defense, but he still does not have all the necessary players to fit the schemes. The defense will improve. Capers’ reputation and track record guarantee that.

I believe there is no excuse for special teams play contributing heavily to their losses. It’s unsatisfactory for any NFL team because there are base fundamentals on special teams that do not change from team to team. The team is so desperate it has the 32-year-old Green working special teams. In the end, fundamentals and focus will alleviate the problem, and those come from coaching and instilling discipline. Either this unit improves, or I’m sure special teams coach Shawn Slocum is gone after the season.

What about coaching? I like what McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson are doing. However, I do blame the front office for their offensive line woes, and while I view this season as the continuance toward building a Super Bowl team, I understand they’re not there yet. I’m willing to give this front office and coaching staff one more year after this one. However, the onus is on McCarthy to make the playoffs. Though this Packers squad may not be Super Bowl-ready, it’s good enough to be a playoff team. If they don’t make the playoffs, then McCarthy may not make it back next year, which would be wrong because it would set the team back two years at least.

In the end, I believe the offensive line is the key to the Packers’ success because you win in the trenches. You control the game by controlling the lanes and gaps while also protecting the quarterback. Right now, they can’t do any of that consistently. McCarthy believes the team’s problems are correctable through adjustments, and while there is technique that can be improved, in the end you either have the talent to keep your quarterback upright and the ability to open running lanes, or you don’t. Right now the Packers don’t, and thus their 4-4 record stands out. I don’t see a short-term fix for this season, so we owners of one Aaron Rodgers better hope he is as tough as his predecessor (without the need of Vicodin) and can remain healthy long enough to help us to a fantasy championship!

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

This week the 4th & 1 Fantasy Roundtable participants took on a strategy question for the second half. Read on to find out my take and click the link to find out the rest of the contributions.

What adjustments do you make to your fantasy strategy in the second half with games now being played on Thursdays?

Well, with the early start to the week, I like to get my guys in early after the Sunday game to go over the plan. We usually run the meetings in the cold (or hot) tub – multitasking is crucial during the short week. Usually it’s just a walk-through on Monday and we’ll travel, if we need to, on Wednesday. I’ll tell the guys that it’s tough coming back just four days after we played Sunday, but they can look forward to almost a week off until we meet again. Oh, and if they don’t win, we’ll be back at practice Friday morning.

In all seriousness, there aren’t any changes to my strategy that I’ll make with the Thursday games. Just make sure that you have accounted for any changes to your league’s waiver date and that you put in your lineups on time.

Click the link for the rest of the answers.

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.

The Redskins have scored 113 points in eight games. Their 14.1 points per game ranks 29th, ahead of only the Oakland Raiders (9.8), Cleveland Browns (9.8) and St. Louis Rams (9.6).

But still, Davis was an enticing pickup for fantasy owners needing an injury replacement for starting Redskins TE Chris Cooley (ankle) or Houston Texans TE Owen Daniels (torn ACL, right knee). After Cooley went down in Week 7, Davis lit up the Philadelphia Eagles for eight catches, 78 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Then came the bye in Week 8, and suddenly Davis looked like a borderline No. 1 tight end in Week 9 at the Atlanta Falcons.

What happened? Davis caught two passes for 26 yards.

That has to sting!

Here’s what everyone forgets about Davis: The Redskins drafted him No. 48 overall in 2008. Guess whom the Eagles drafted, one pick later? It was none other than WR DeSean Jackson. While Davis was having the game of his life in Week 7, Jackson was torching the Redskins to the tune of 136 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Both scores came on plays of longer than 50 yards.

It is not 20-20 hindsight to criticize the Redskins for drafting Davis ahead of Jackson. If you watched an ounce of Pac-10 football while Davis (USC) and Jackson (Cal) were rivals, it was patently obvious Jackson had the greater potential. Jackson’s speed and moves were apparent to the naked eye. Davis looked like a viable NFL prospect at TE, but he hardly invoked shades of the young Tony Gonzalez.

Certainly, the Skins are not the only team who passed on Jackson. But what makes Washington’s error more egregious is how badly they coveted a No. 2 wideout. In the same second round in which they drafted Davis, the Redskins also selected WR Devin Thomas (No. 34 overall) and WR Malcolm Kelly (No. 51).

Yes, you can take any team’s drafting and poke holes in retrospect. But in 2008 the Redskins clearly took a swing at WR and missed by a mile. They picked Thomas and Kelly when they could have selected Packers WR Jordy Nelson (No. 36), Broncos WR Eddie Royal (No. 42), Giants WR Mario Manningham (No. 95) or Bengals WR Andre Caldwell (No. 97).

Is the absence of a No. 2 receiver the only reason the Redskins stink on offense? Of course it isn’t. But the poor overall drafting of the Redskins is largely to blame. And that poor drafting is epitomized by their lousy decisions in the second round of 2008.

Also, let’s not forget that in 2007, the Redskins selected S LaRon Landry No. 6 overall – one pick ahead of Vikings RB Adrian Peterson.

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think every recent drafting decision the Redskins have made has been a bad one. In 2005, they took a viable first-round risk with QB Jason Campbell. Position-wise, it wasn’t a bad decision, when you consider the next three quarterbacks selected were Charlie Frye, Andrew Walter and David Greene.

Also, as shaky as Campbell has looked, he is actually on track for career bests in completion percentage (66.2), yards per attempt (7.4) and quarterback rating (86.5).

He is only 27. It is arguable he is still improving.

But I’m not sure we can say the same for the Skins.