Hey kickers need love too, and Gano levitates.

The final preseason games are over. Most drafts are over. Final roster cuts are being made. More injuries have occurred. This seems like a good time to get our first look at the best waiver wire pick-ups of the preseason.

Every position and every team has had some interesting twists and turns over the preseason’s four games. So let’s go around the league and take a look at each team’s standouts and potential waiver fodder, plus Watch-list candidates.

–NFC East–

Dallas Cowboys:

There’s really no one waiver-worthy to start the season here. On the bubble is WR Roy Williams, but with Austin, Witten and Bryant in the mix, it’s too early to tell if he’ll have fantasy value. For IDP leagues where return yards are worth points, the guy to grab is Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. With Patrick Crayton and Brian McCann gone, he is the team’s return man.

New York Giants:

The worthy waiver pick-ups for the G-men are all on the defensive side of the ball. With LB Keith Bulluck moving to strong side, Jonathan Goff moves into the middle, making him a late round flier for IDP teams. CB Terrell Thomas is not getting enough love for a top 10 performer last season. Safety Kenny Phillips is poised to pick up where he left off last season before getting injured. One offensive player worth adding to your watch-list is RB Danny Ware.

Philadelphia Eagles:

For the Eagles, RB Mike Bell is a certain handcuff to LeSean McCoy, and a definite bench grab for deeper leagues, especially TD heavy leagues. He is the team’s goal line back, and if McCoy struggles it could be far more than that. For IDP players, veteran LB Ernie Sims is getting overlooked this draft season, and he should be a solid LB3 in fantasy leagues. A good name to watch-list or grab in deeper leagues is rookie Nate Allen who has won the team’s free safety spot.

Washington Redskins:

RB: The Redskins are a mess for fantasy owners, but we now know RB Clinton Portis is healthy and will start week one, and Larry Lohnson will back him up, but I would still watch-list Keiland Williams. The team did cut Willie Parker and Ryan Torain.

WR: While Santana Moss and Joey Galloway are locked in at WR 1 and 2, most thought Devin Tomas was WR3. Not so. Anthony Armstrong has locked that role up and will play in all 3 receiver sets. Unless your league is very deep he’s still nothing more than watch-list material.

K: 23-year-old Graham Gano will be the team’s kicker this season. Gano drilled 19-of-20 field goals Saturday, with the only miss the result of a bad snap. “I was impressed by Graham,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “He’s done a great job since I’ve been here.”  He should get plenty of opportunities in D.C. as the team struggles to put TDs in.

Previous: AFC South, NFC, South, NFC West, AFC West, AFC North, NFC North

Next Up: AFC East

More and more fantasy football leagues are extending their scoring to include return yardage. Guys like Joshua Cribbs, Darren Sproles and Percy Harvin make kick returns exciting things to watch. This added element lends another point of fantasy strategy.

Depending on how many points your leagues gives per return yards there are some names you should know who could potentially bring fantasy riches to your team. The standard in most leagues is to allot 1 point per 25 return yards, but some leagues give a point for every 10 yards, and that’s significant.

Return To Sender!

The key to kick returners is finding guys who are also involved in other aspects of the game and not merely return specialists. Below are the offensive players  who should see valuable time in the return game for their teams.

–Offense–

1. Joshua Cribbs, WR, CLE ~ Cribbs is THE current king of returns. Last season he racked up 4 return touchdowns. But he’s also used in the Browns passing game, and in wildcat packages. If he’s on the field he can score in any capacity from anywhere on the field, and he comes with the added bonus of lots of return yardage.
2. Brandon Tate, WR, NE ~ I can’t bring myself to remove Cribbs at #1 yet, but through 4 weeks, Tate has been a beast, with over 600 return yards and 2 return TDs. At the rate he’s going he could be the top 3 return men all by himself.
3. Dexter McCluster, WR/RB, KC ~ McCluster is the Chiefs human version of a utility knife. He is used in the run game, the receiving game, hell he can even throw the ball. On top of all that he returns kicks and punts, and has already returned one for a score. Look for big things from this kid the rest of the way.
4. CJ Spiller, RB, BUF ~ As expected Spiller got the return job duties for the Bills, and he has fulfilled them quite well so far averaging 120 yards per game. He also ran one back 95 yards for a score. With Marshawn Lynch gone to Seattle we will also see more of Spiller in the run and receiving game.
5. Tiquan Underwood, WR, JAC ~ Who? Underwood came out of nowhere and has shined in the return game, and has also earned himself some time in the passing game. On the rturn side he’s averaging over 100 yards per game.
6. LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, ARI ~ LSH has looked like Darren Sproles so far this season. he’s made big noise on returns and is the only player for the Cards, not named Fitzgerald, who has been consistent for the team. He is eclipsing 115 yards a game on returns and ran one back 102 yards for a TD.
7. Leon Washington, RB, SEA ~ Washington has been a beast on returns,and already has over 100 yards a game and 2 TDs on returns alone, on only 10 attempts. Catch a clue Pete Carroll, Leon is da man! Time will tell how Marshawn Lynch’s arrival will impact Washington, but he’s the best return threat the Seahawks have had in years.
8. Marc Mariani, WR, TEN ~ One of my return sleepers heading into the season, Mariani is returning kicks and punts for the Titans and has over 500 yards and a TD to show for it through 4 games. Not a bad start. The Titans need every extra inch of field position they can get.
9. Jordy Nelson, WR, GB ~ Since Tramon Williams can barely stay healthy for the Packers, the team opted to give return duties to Nelson this season. So far it’s proven to be a solid move. He’s averaging about 25 yards a return, and over 100 a game.
10. Stefan Logan, RB, DET ~ Aaron Brown was expected to get the return gig again this season, but a last minute pick up of Steelers cast-off, Logan changed those plans. Through the first quarter of games it seems to be paying dividends for the Lions.
11. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN ~ Harvin is as prolific and as exciting as Cribbs above, and he’s far more involved in the team’s overall offense. However, with Sidney Rice out for half the season, and Harvin with his string of medical and emotional maladies, I worry the team may curb some of his return duties in favor of RB Darius Reynaud.
12. Darren Sproles, RB, SD ~ Sproles is more than an obvious handcuff to rookie Ryan Mathews. He will play a large role in the Chargers running game, especially as the team’s pass catching back. More important for the purposes of these rankings, he is the teams primary return man, and one of the league’s most explosive.
13. Mike Goodson, RB, CAR ~ Goodson has been another fantasy surprise this season, and one of the few bright spots for the ailing Panthers. He has over 100 yards per game on returns and has also been catching some balls  in the pass game for the team.
14. Darius Reynaud, RB, BAL ~ A last minute trade sent this kid from the Vikes to the Ravens, and he’s been the teams primary return man on kicks and punts since his arrival. He hasn’t set the world on fire yet, but he’s got the jets to explode every time he gets the ball.
15. Mardy Gilyard, WR, STL ~ Many experts pegged WR Danny Amendola as the team’s return man due to pre-season injuries to Gilyard. but through four games, the rookie has looked pretty solid for the Rams. Now he just needs to stay healthy. he’s a tool the team desperately needs.
16. Antonio Brown, WR, PIT ~ Stephen Logan has handled the Steelers’ return duties for some time, but the emergence of rookie Antonio Brown may have ended his days in Pittsburgh. Brown’s been the better return man this summer, and he can help the team in the receiving game as well.
17. Jalen Parmele, RB, BAL ~ Rookie Parmele enters 2010 as the Ravens primary return man, and he’s been very effective in the run game this preseason as well. If Willis McGahee were to be traded, he could be even more valuable.
18. Courtney Roby, WR, NO ~ Roby was a return stud last season for the New Orleans Saints and is expected to continue that role this season. He put up 1154 return yards in 2009 including a return for a TD. So far this season he’s on pace to exceed last year’s production.
19. Bernard Scott, RB, CIN ~ Scott is going to push Cedric Benson for playing time in the running game this season, but he will also split time with rookie WR Jordan Shipley in the return game. Another one of those added bonus picks.
20. Steve Slaton, RB, HOU ~ Oh how the mighty have fallen. After starting last season as a top 10 fantasy pick, he fell off the radar in 2010 drafts. Even a season ending injury to rookie RB Ben Tate could not get Slaton a second chance. Now he’s relegated to return duties alongside Jacoby Jones.

A fantasy pirate's treasure?

Most fantasy owners know the big name running back tandems and important handcuffs. The ever-popular running back by committee has made primary backs almost obsolete. Still each season a few new names pop up to surprise even the savviest of fantasy veterans. Guys like Arian Foster, Justin Forsett, and Jason Snelling came out of the woodwork to make a name for themselves in 2009, and Forsett and Foster look to be starters this year.

Every season has it’s share of busts and injuries which change the fantasy landscape and new names surface on top of the waiver wire. Here are some deep sleepers from around the league who could be this season’s breakout fantasy surprises.

– NFC South–

Kareem Huggins,  TB ~ Huggins has officially supplanted Derrick Ward as the  Bucs’ second-string running back. The kid has been on fire this preseason and could push Cadillac Williams for touches, and may be only an injury away from fantasy stardom. Huggins is explosive and may be the most likely among this list to  make a name for himself, sooner rather than later.

–NFC West–

Anthony Dixon,  SF ~ The 49ers grabbed veteran Brian Westbrook this month to shore up the backfield after the unlikely retirement of Glen Coffee. However, rookie tailback Dixon is the one shining in camp, and given Westbrook’s fragile nature, he will likely see the bulk of the work if Gore misses time.

–NFC East–

Danny Ware,  NYG ~ One thing seems to be a permanent fixture in the G-men’s running game; injuries. With Andre Brown being cut, Ware gets his chance to step up, and he’s looked good in preseason action. Brandon Jacobs is also hurt. Keep an eye on this kid as a late round flier.

–NFC North–

Brandon Jackson, GB ~ Jackson has been getting plenty of action for the Packers with Ryan Grant hurting. Coach Mike McCarthy believes Jackson is capable of being “an every-down back” if Grant goes down. “He’s a complete football player,” said McCarthy. “If we had to play all three downs with him, I wouldn’t even blink.” He’s a must handcuff to Grant, but he could provide more than security.

–AFC South–

Rashad Jennings, JAX ~ Jennings beat out rookie Deji Karim for the team’s #2 RB slot behind Maurice Jones-Drew. “He can do all the things we want a running back to do,” said coach Del Rio, “from running the ball, blitz protection, catching the ball, knowing the entire offense inside and out.” MJD usually stays pretty healthy, but Jennings is one injury away from glory.

–AFC West–

Lance Ball, DEN ~ With Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter constant injury concerns, the back behind them could flourish at the twist of an ankle. While you would expect that to be veterans like Justin Fargas or Lendale White, Ball is the name to know.

–AFC North–

Isaac Redman, PIT ~ While rookie Jonathan Dwyer was expected to push and back-up Rashard Mendenhall this season, it’s been Redman who has made the most of his opportunities. At this point Redman has the inside track and is a serious TD vulture.

James Davis,  CLE ~ Everyone in fantasyland is watching the Jerome Harrison/Montario Hardesty battle this summer, but let us not forget that Davis is still on the team and in the mix. Davis was slated to be the replacement for Jamal Lewis until he was injured at the start of 2009. Remember this is the guy who kept CJ Spiller on the bench at Clemson. The talent is still there.

–AFC East–

The AFC East is littered with RBBC’s; Jackson/Lynch/Spiller in Buffalo, Brown/Williams in Miami, Taylor/Maroney/Morris in New England, and Greene/Tomlinson for the Jets. No deep sleeper standouts here.

On to football… My Thanksgiving shocker call, is there will be no undefeated teams left when December starts.

Last week I went 12-4 despite oddball losses like the Steelers to the Chiefs and Bengals to the Raiders. The only other two calls I got wrong were the Panthers over the Dolphins, and I called a three point win in the Monday night game, but I called it for the Texans. I’ll take that as a successful week.

This is again a short week thanks to the Thanksgiving day games, of which there are three this year. Let’s get to those first:

–Team Defense Start and Sit – Week 12–

Key:

———————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Thanksgiving Day Football
	Greenbay Packers at Detroit Lions
27 - 17 When these two met in Week 6 at Greenbay it was a lopsided affair with the Packers shutting out the Lions 26-0. In that game the Lions didn’t have its starting QB Matthew Stafford or Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. I expect a different outcome this week. The Pack will have a fight on their hands. However, GB should still take home the W as their defense stifles the ground game, and their opportunistic defense takes advantage of Lions who are tied for 1st in the league with 18 turnovers by interception.
	Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys
17 - 9 The Cowboys play much better offensively at home (last week notwithstanding). The Cowboys are averaging about 27 points per game at home. That said, the last two games Dallas has only managed one TD per contest. If they can’t get their offense going, the Raiders have a chance at another upset. That said, the Raiders could be a cure for the Dallas offensive woes. The Raiders are terrible against the rush, and the Cowboys have the best RB triple tandem short of the Saints. No team has fumbled more than the dozen the Raiders have. They are second in the league with 24 total turnovers, more than two a game, making the Cowboy’s defense a decent play this week.
	New York Giants at Denver Broncos
17 - 6 These two teams are eerily similar this season. Both started out strong before meltdowns took them out of playoff contention. The Broncos are riding a four game losing streak while the Giants barely got back into the win column in an offensive battle against Atlanta. This should be a tough battle. The G-men are banged up at RB, and the Broncos run defense needs to get back to the wall they were  early on this season. However, both defenses could continue their meltdown, and this could be an offensive juggernaut. This may be one of the week’s harder games to call. I think the win could come down to an Eli Manning interception, or Giant’s 3rd string RB, Danny Ware.

Can the Dolphins swim in the snow?

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

10 - 3

The Bills are turnover prone making the Dolphins defense a decent play. Likewise the Bills are good at creating and taking advantage of turnovers, and Chad Henne is not used to playing in s cold weather stadium like Buffalo’s. This should turn into a ground affair depending on the weather, and I give that edge to the Dolphins run game vs. the woeful Bills rush defense.

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams

31 - 24

Two stumbling teams with their playoff hopes over. Both teams are banged up. The Rams will be without QB Marc Bulger for the remainder of the season most likely, giving Kyle Boller another shot to lead this team out of the cellar. The Seahawks blanked them in their week one contest. This should be a messy game. There could be a lot of scoring, their could be a lot of turnovers. In the end, neither is a decent defensive play, and you have to favor the better QB.

Carolina Panthers at New York Jets

17 - 13

After starting the season 3 – 0 the Jets have lost six of their last seven. The lone exception, their decisive beatdown of Oakland. The Panthers have started to get back on track, averaging 25 points per game over their last four. This has the makings of a tightly contested game. Both teams are terrible at giveaway, meaning either defense could have a profitable fantasy day. I think the Panthers running game will prove the difference this week, but if Jake Delhomme becomes interception happy against the solid secondary of the Jets…

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

24 - 10

Both teams endured tough losses last week. Which loss was worse is arguable. The Browns lost a shootout 38/37 to the Lions. When you throw 4 TDs, you expect to win. The Bengals were just sloppy in their loss to a desperate Raiders team. Last week’s performance should invigorate the Browns offense, but I expect the Bengals to get back on track this week in the battle for Ohio. Either Cedric Benson or Bernard Scott has a favorable match-up in the running game. The Browns have zero rushing TDs on the season.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

20 - 17

Last time these teams met in Week 9, the Colts snuck by on a field goal to keep their season perfect. I’m going out on a limb this week to predict their first loss of the season. The Colts have been in some scramblers lately and their luck may be about out. I think this week goes the other way.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

13 - 9

What is going on with my Steelers? Back to back losses is bad enough, but losing to the Chiefs? Now Troy Polamalu is out, Big Ben is hurt. Could the Steelers lose a third straight and drop out of wildcard contention? The Ravens have always played the Steelers tough, and this is a road game for Pittsburgh. This does not bode well for the Superbowl champs. That said, the Ravens haven’t looked great lately either. I think the Steelers manage to survive.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

23 - 13

The Falcons looked so solid to start the year, but their feathers are coming free lately. The Bucs put up a nice win on Green Bay then dropped back to their losing ways. Tampa has a real good chance this week to upset Atlanta and get another win, and if this game were in Tampa I’d call it for them, but I’m going with the home team in this contest.

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles

30 - 16

Road games in Philly are tough to win, even though the Redskins always play the Eagles tough to begin with. Their previous contest went to Philly in a 27 – 17 game that was closer than it looked. I think this week, the Eagles will fashion a more resounding win. The redskins are starting kick returner Rock Cartwright at RB, with Portis and Betts out. Expect a blue-collar smash mouth game.

Arizona Cardinal at Tennessee Titans

24 - 20

The Cardinals have one of the league’s best air games, while the Titans secondary has played like one of the worst. All signs point to a long day for the Titans’ pass defense. That said, the Titan’s rush defense has been stellar, meaning the Cards will have to rely on their pass game to get it done. Hopefully, Warner doesn’t have another INT meltdown like he did at Carolina. The question is, can the Cardinals stop RB Chris Johnson?

Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings

34 - 16

The Vikings defense has to be salivating over the chance to pick Jay Cutler off. he’s been horrid of late, and the team is now tied with the Lions for the most interceptions (18) in the league. If jay has another week like the last couple, the Vikings defense could win this game all by itself. And the Bears will need a solid passing game with their running game 2nd worst in the NFL with only 4 rushing TDs on the year.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

24 - 13

Despite last week’s upset win over the Steelers, the Chiefs shouldn’t stand a chance against the Chargers who are finally on a roll. The SD defense has tightened up, their running game is starting to return, and they are formidable at home. I think the Chiefs can make a game of it, but they’ll fall short. The Chiefs have only one rushing TD all season.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers

20 - 10

This contest is one of those flip a coin games that could go either way. The Jags play much better at home, but Maurice Jones-Drew has the skills to win the game by himself. Both team defenses are decent plays given the turnover opportunities. Alex Smith has a good chance to shine this week if he can nix the interceptions.

Monday Night Football
	New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints
28 - 24 This may well be the week’s best match-up. The Patriots, after a shaky start to the season, have been fairly dominating. The Saints are hanging on to a perfect record, but they haven’t been as impressive in their wins lately as they should be, with a handful of near upsets. The two are second and third in the league respectively in +/- turnover ratio. Both defenses are solid plays most weeks, though this could become a shoot out, so I’m going to downgrade both to decent plays. I think this may well be the week the Saints take their first loss.

Week 12 RB Start Sit

Week 12 Waiver Grabs

Week 12 Betting Advice

Use our fantasy football service to be notified of any changes.

Panic mode for the Cowboys? Not so much. Tony Romo's #1 target Roy Williams is out so Romo will have to test the WR depth as they face the Chiefs who are 28th against the pass. They should be fine...right?

ATLANTA FALCONS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

K Jason Elam (left hamstring) has been limited part of the week, but is probable for Sunday’s game. If he’s your kicker, you might want to pick someone else up. RB Ovie Mughelli (hamstring) is probable. Everyone else of significance is ready to play on this big matchup.

For the second straight week RB Frank Gore (foot, ankle) will not play. His replacement, RB Glen Coffee ran for 74 yards on 24 carries last week in a 35-0 win against the Rams and added four catches for 32 yards, but did not get in the end zone. Shaun Hill threw two TDs in the air to Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan. The 49ers scored three TDs on defense.

CINCINNATI BENGALS at BALTIMORE RAVENS

T Andre Smith (foot) will not play for the Bengals and without him RB Cedric Benson ran for 74 yards on 18 carries last week against the Browns porous D. RB Cedric Benson (hip) has been limited and is questionable after sitting in practice this week. Second on the team in rushing yards is RB Bernard Scott with 4.7 yards per carry, and could be a good waiver pickup in the near future, but not against the Ravens number one rushing defense (59.5 ypg).

I’d go with Chad Ochocinco or maybe even WR Andre Caldwell, and don’t forget about Laveranues Coles, as the Ravens pass D is ranked 23^rd in the league.

The Bengals are banged-up on the defensive end, which makes the Ravens fifth-ranked rushing offense (146.5 per game) the jackpot, just make the right selection. RB Willis McGahee is tied for the league lead with five TDs, he has 201 yards on 37 (5.4 a carry), RB Ray Rice gets the carries 49 for 295 yards but only has a TD that could change. If they can find any carries LeRon McClain can factor in here.

With S Kyries Hebert (hip), DT Tank Johnson (foot), S Chinedum Ndukwe (hamstring), all questionable the 14^th ranked rushing D (103.0 ypg) may be suspect.

LB Rey Maualuga (knee) is probable, he went from not practicing on Weds to full participation on Fri, same as DT Domata Peko (chest). S Roy Williams (forearm) is probable after participating all week.

WR Derrick Mason (neck) was limited and is questionable after not playing last week.

CLEVELAND BROWNS at BUFFALO BILLS

The Browns are a pretty banged up team.

RB Jamal Lewis who did not play last week (hamstring) should be limited. In his absence James Harrison rushed 29 times for 121 yards. Joshua Cribbs had one rush for 15 yards.

LB David Bowens (knee), DE Kenyon Coleman (groin), CB Coye Francies (calf), CB Gerard Lawson (groin), DT Shaun Rogers (foot), LB Kamerion Wimbley (shoulder), CB Eric Wright (hand), P Dave Zastudil (right knee) are all probable. S Mike Adams (groin), G Rex Hadnot (knee), and G Floyd Womack (ankle) are all questionable.

You may want to pick up another kicker if K Phil Dawson (right calf) is your starter.

Derek Anderson a big game? The Bills D plays stout early, but is susceptible to the big run with LB Paul Posluszny (forearm), S Bryan Scott (ankle), and S Donte Whitner (thumb) all out. Making it a trio on the secondary, CB Ellis Lankster (back) is questionable. S Jairus Byrd (hip) and CB Terrence McGee (knee) add to the DB injury list but they are expected to be on the field.

DALLAS COWBOYS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

RB Felix Jones (knee), WR Roy Williams (ribs) are both doubtful. So play Marion Barber and Patrick Crayton right? RB Marion Barber (thigh) is probable so Tashard Choice will get most of the carries. And two linemen have been limited – C Andre Gurode (knee) is questionable, T Flozell Adams (shoulder) is probable.

The Chiefs have two DEs so they probably won’t have much of a pass rush. Tony Romo might have a big day in KC as the Chiefs are 28th vs. the pass allowing 250.5 a game.

‘Boys are banged up a little in the secondary. S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) are all out. WR Dwayne Bowe (10 for 107, 2 TD) or Mark Bradley (10 for 120, TD) might catch a few passes from Matt Cassel.

HOUSTON TEXANS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

Third receiver Andre Davis (calf) is questionable for the Texans. WR Jacoby Jones anybody? CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (finger) is questionable for the Cardinals.

Starting DT Darnell Dockett (ankle) is also questionable for the Cardinals which may open up the middle for Texans RBs Steve Slaton or Chirs Brown.

WR Steve Breaston (knee) is questionable. Jerheme Urban could be a nice pickup.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at TENNESSEE TITANS

WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee) is out so Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne will catch the majority of the balls. Pierre Garcon  is hot again until Gonzalez gets back off injury, he caught 3 catches for 74 yards last week. Austin Collie? He caught 6 passes for 65 yards last week plus a TD.

CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) is out for the Colts so Titans WRs Justin Gage or Kenny Britt are good pickups.

S Vincent Fuller (forearm) is out for the Titans. They are banged up on D and this could get ugly for the 0-4 Titans as LB Colin Allred (shoulder), CB Cortland Finnegan (hamstring), CB Nicholas Harper (ribs), DT Jason Jones (shoulder), LB Stanford Keglar (hamstring) all are questionable.

Any Colts player seems to be a good play in this one.

LB Keith Bulluck (knee), WR Nate Washington (concussion) are both probable.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

S Sean Considine (groin), DT Greg Peterson (knee), LB Adam Seward (groin), CB Scott Starks (hip) are all out for the Jags.

Matt Hasselback comes back for the Hawks and will be looking to exploit the D. But the Hawks have three linemen out, T Walter Jones (knee), T Sean Locklear (ankle), G Rob Sims (ankle).

The Hawks ability to protect Hasselback will determine Hasselback’s effectiveness getting the ball to his receivers.

LB LeRoy Hill (groin) is out on D and DE Patrick Kerney (groin) is questionable for Seattle so Maurice Jones-Drew (63 for 296, 5 TDs) should have some holes to run through.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at ST. LOUIS RAMS

WR Darius Reynaud (not injury related) is out. T Phil Loadholt (ankle) is questionable and QB Brett Favre (foot, knee, ankle) is probable, but he should have a big day in St. Louis who are 19th against the pass – 224.5 a game.

S James Butler (knee) is out for the Rams and S Anthony Smith (achilles) is doubtful so the secondary is not at full-strength.

WR Donnie Avery (hamstring), QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder), WR Keenan Burton (hamstring), T Jason Smith (knee) are all questionable on offense, but do you really want to play anyone on the Rams 27th ranked O?

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DENVER BRONCOS

RB Fred Taylor (ankle) is out and could be missing out the Pats lineup for a while. Laurence Maroney (27 for 78) and Kevin Faulk (16 for 62), or even Sammy Morris (13 for 41, TD) should help carry the Pats running game. But Denver is fifth against the run, allowing only 77.3 a game. Wes Welker is questionable but will probably play, he caught six passes for 48 yards in his return last week, and the Broncos may be missing S Brian Dawkins (knee, shoulder).

LB Jerod Mayo (knee), S James Sanders (shoulder), CB Shawn Springs, DT Vince Wilfork (ankle) are all questionable on D. The Broncos will look to get a big day out of WR Brandon Marshall (16 for 219, 2 TDs) and Brandon Stokley (6 for 157, TD) and RBs Knowshon Moreno (60 for 249, TD) and Lamont Jordan (17 for 50) will get the carries as RB Correll Buckhalter (ankle) is out on O.

OAKLAND RAIDERS at NEW YORK GIANTS

The Raiders are banged up on the offensive end as G Robert Gallery (fibula), T Cornell Green (calf), RB Darren McFadden (knee), WR Nick Miller (shin), RB Oren O’Neal (ankle), WR Chaz Schilens (foot) are all out, and TE Zach Miller (concussion) is questionable. RB Michael Bush (30 for 120, TD) is the Raiders backup.

The Giants play a pretty stout D (ranked #1 overall) so Raiders backups may not produce all that much.

But the Giants D is missing some guys as LB Michael Boley (knee), DT Chris Canty (calf), LB Bryan Kehl (finger), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) are all out.

On the Giants O TE Kevin Boss (ankle) is doubtful and QB Eli Manning (foot), RB Danny Ware (elbow) are both questionable. Boss’s backup is TE Travis Beckum (3 for 23).

Expect Manning to play but his backup David Carr may go in at some point to take care of Oakland. RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot), WR Domenik Hixon (knee) are both probable.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at DETROIT LIONS

Did anyone say Rashard Mendenhall (36 for 210, TD)? Play him again as RB Willie Parker (toe) is out and the Lions D will be missing DT Sammie Lee Hill (ankle), DE Dewayne White (hamstring) who are out. The Lions D is 20th against the run allowing 121.3 a game.

DE Cliff Avril (hamstring) is questionable too for Detroit and S Kalvin Pearson (quadricep), S Ko Simpson (hamstring) are questionable in the secondary.

QB Matthew Stafford (knee) is questionable and Daunte Culpepper is expected to get the start for the Lions. The Steelers secondary is still expected to be missing S Troy Polamalu (knee) who is doubtful.

RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) is probable,  he ran 19 times for 30 yards and two TDs last week. WR Calvin Johnson (thigh), TE Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring) are also questionable. WR Bryant Johnson (11 for 145, TD) is the best option for Lions WRs.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

WR Antonio Bryant (knee), RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) are questionable. WR Michael Clayton (ribs) and RB Derrick Ward (knee) are both probable. Play RB Carnell Williams (38 for 191, TD) if you dare against the Eagles’ third ranked defense overall.

WR Kevin Curtis (knee) is questionable with the return of QB Donovan McNabb (rib) who’s probable. WR DeSean Jackson (12 for 259, 2 TDs) and Jason Avant (10 for 111, TD), as well as TE Brent Celek (22 for 245, 2 TDs) should continue to produce.

RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) is also probable. RB LeSean McCoy has played well so far this season with 34 carries for 148 yards and a TD.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Skins are pretty healthy, the only concern is that they could be weak at stopping the run. DT Anthony Montgomery (knee) is doubtful and DT Cornelius Griffin (elbow) is questionable for the 22nd ranked run D allowing 128.0 yards.

The Panthers may be missing RB Jonathan Stewart (achilles) who is questionable, RB Mike Goodson (concussion) is out so expect DeAngelo Williams (41 for 180, 2 TDs) to try and carry the load.

NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS on Monday night

CB Donald Strickland (ankle) will probably be out and will be limited at most.

WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) may miss the game making new WR Braylon Edwards a big pickup, along with WR Brad Smith and even David Clowney as the Jets look to exploit Miami’s pass D.

S Kerry Rhodes (knee) should play and CB Lito Sheppard (quadricep) should return after sitting out last week. Jets have one of the best secondary’s in the league, so you might want to stay away from Miami’s Ted Ginn Jr.

The Dolphins have the number one run O but the Jets play stout against the run so this will be a good matchup and test for both teams. Ronnie Brown should carry the Fins O.

Whew, that’s your entire injury report for Week Five.

As always sign up for the injury notification service from Top Fantasy Football for up-to-the-minute information.

LaDainian Tomlinson sprained his ankle in the season opener vs. Oakland Monday night. Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett will carry the ball in his absence

With Tomlinson’s injury and the Chargers upcoming matchup vs. the stingy Ravens defense, you might want to stay away from a RB pick for the Bolts. If you’re a risk taker, play the 5’6″ 185-pound speedy Darren Sproles who will get the bulk of the carries this week.

The NFL injury reports have added some talented players this week. Along with LT, Donovan McNabb, Antonio Bryant, Anthony Gonzalez, and Jerod Mayo will most likely be out this week. Mayo’s teammate Tom Brady is still listed with that shoulder injury and you have to think the deceptive Bill Belichick will have him there all season.

Here are the complete  injury reports around the NFL.

As reported per NFL guidelines Friday Septermber 18

ARIZONA CARDINALS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Cardinals

Out: DE Kenny Iwebema (ankle), S Matt Ware (shoulder)

Questionable: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), WR Steve Breaston (knee), WR Early Doucet (ribs), LB Chike Okeafor (shoulder)

Probable: WR Sean Morey (ribs), QB Brian St. Pierre (back), G Reggie Wells (thumb)

Jaguars

Out: TE Zach Miller (knee), CB Brian Witherspoon (hamstring)

Probable: DE Quentin Groves (thigh), LB Daryl Smith (hip)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Ravens

Doubtful: S Tom Zbikowski (concussion)

Questionable: TE L.J. Smith (hamstring)

Probable: LB Tavares Gooden (knee), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), S Ed Reed (concussion), LB Terrell Suggs (concussion, chest)

Chargers

Out: C Nick Hardwick (ankle), DT Travis Johnson (groin), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle)

Questionable: LB Antwan Applewhite (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee), DT Jamal Williams (elbow)

 Probable: T Marcus McNeill (hand), P Mike Scifres (bilateral groin)

CAROLINA PANTHERS at ATLANTA FALCONS

Panthers

Doubtful: S Chris Harris (knee)

Questionable: DT Nick Hayden (toe)

Probable: DE Everette Brown (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (knee), CB Sherrod Martin (knee), T Jeff Otah (shoulder), RB Jonathan Stewart (heel)

Falcons

Questionable: S William Moore (hamstring)

Probable: K Jason Elam (left hamstring), DT Peria Jerry (chest)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

Bengals

Out: CB David Jones (foot), G Nate Livings (knee), T Andre Smith (foot)

Probable: T Scott Kooistra (knee), RB Brian Leonard (chest), QB Jordan Palmer (illness)

Packers

Out: S Atari Bigby (knee), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle)

Questionable: G Daryn Colledge (foot), DT B.J. Raji (ankle)

Probable: CB Will Blackmon (quadricep), K Mason Crosby (abdomen), WR Greg Jennings (wrist)

CLEVELAND BROWNS at DENVER BRONCOS

Browns

Out: G Rex Hadnot (knee)

Questionable: LB David Bowens (knee), RB James Davis (shoulder), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder), RB Cedric Peerman (thigh)

Probable: RB Jerome Harrison (knee), TE Steve Heiden (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (neck), DT Shaun Rogers (foot), P Dave Zastudil (right knee)

Broncos

Out: LB Spencer Larsen (shoulder), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee)

Questionable: S Josh Barrett (shoulder), G Chris Kuper (ankle)

Probable: CB Champ Bailey (ankle), S Brian Dawkins (hand), WR Jabar Gaffney (finger), RB Knowshon Moreno (knee), QB Kyle Orton (right finger)

HOUSTON TEXANS at TENNESSEE TITANS

Texans

Out: WR Andre Davis (concussion), CB Antwaun Molden (quadricep)

Questionable: DT Shaun Cody (knee), RB Vonta Leach (knee), CB Jacques Reeves (fibula), WR Kevin Walter (hamstring)

Probable: CB Eugene Wilson (knee)

Titans

Doubtful: TE Bo Scaife (knee)

Questionable: TE Jared Cook (ankle), LB David Thornton (knee)

Probable: P Craig Hentrich (back)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at DETROIT LIONS

Vikings

Out: LB Erin Henderson (calf)

Questionable: LB Heath Farwell (hamstring)

Probable: G Anthony Herrera (back), TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand)

Lions

Doubtful: DE Cliff Avril (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (knee)

Questionable: DT Andre Fluellen (knee), CB Eric King (shoulder)

Probable: CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), K Jason Hanson (right knee), DT Grady Jackson (knee), CB William James (foot), T Daniel Loper (knee)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS

Patriots

Out: LB Jerod Mayo (knee), WR Wes Welker (knee)

Questionable: C Dan Connolly (back), WR Julian Edelman (ankle), G Steve Neal (back), LB Rob Ninkovich (calf), DT Myron Pryor (calf), WR Matt Slater (elbow), CB Terrence Wheatley (knee)

Probable: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), LB Adalius Thomas (foot)

Jets

Questionable: DT Kris Jenkins (back), DT Sione Pouha (ankle), WR Wallace Wright (hamstring)

Probable: QB Kellen Clemens (right elbow), DE Mike Devito (hamstring), RB Shonn Greene (rib), LB Bryan Thomas (ankle), LB Jamaal Westerman (quadricep)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Saints

Out: T Jammal Brown (hip), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot)

Questionable: DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), RB Pierre Thomas (knee)

Probable: T Jermon Bushrod (ankle), S Roman Harper (hamstring), CB Tracy Porter (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle), S Usama Young (shoulder)

Eagles

Out: S Quintin Demps (hamstring), G Todd Herremans (foot), LB Joe Mays (shoulder)

Doubtful: QB Donovan McNabb (rib)

Questionable: DE Victor Abiamiri (groin)

Probable: WR Kevin Curtis (knee), T King Dunlap (elbow), WR DeSean Jackson (groin), G Max Jean-Gilles (knee), T Winston Justice (shoulder)

OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Raiders

Out: WR Nick Miller (shin), WR Chaz Schilens (foot)

Questionable: WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder)

Probable: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (wrist), DE Greg Ellis (shoulder), LB Kirk Morrison (elbow)

Chiefs

Questionable: QB Matt Cassel (knee), CB Brandon Flowers (shoulder)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CHICAGO BEARS

Steelers

Out: S Troy Polamalu (knee), WR Limas Sweed (foot) 

Probable: CB Ike Taylor (not injury related), LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)

Bears

Doubtful: TE Desmond Clark (rib), LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee)

Probable: S Al Afalava (shoulder), DE Mark Anderson (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), S Danieal Manning (back), G Frank Omiyale (ankle)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Seahawks

Out: LB LeRoy Hill (groin)

Questionable: WR Deion Branch (hamstring), CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), T Walter Jones (knee), DT Brandon Mebane (calf), C Chris Spencer (quadricep), LB Lofa Tatupu (hamstring)

Probable: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back spasms), S C.J. Wallace (rib)

49ers

Out: LB Ahmad Brooks (knee)

Doubtful: WR Brandon Jones (shoulder)

Probable: G David Baas (biceps), DT Aubrayo Franklin (shin), CB Marcus Hudson (knee), G Chilo Rachal (neck), DE Justin Smith (elbow), DE Isaac Sopoaga (shoulder)

ST. LOUIS RAMS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Rams

Out: S Craig Dahl (hamstring), T John Greco (wrist)

Redskins

Questionable: DT Anthony Montgomery (knee)

Probable: LB Robert Henson (illness), T Chris Samuels (knee), CB Fred Smoot (rib)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at BUFFALO BILLS

Buccaneers

Out: CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder), C Jeff Faine (triceps)

Doubtful: WR Antonio Bryant (knee)

Questionable: TE John Gilmore (ankle), DE Kyle Moore (groin)

Probable: S Jermaine Phillips (calf)

Bills

Out: LB Paul Posluszny (forearm)

Questionable: CB Terrence McGee (back)

Probable: TE Derek Fine (hamstring), CB Drayton Florence (knee), DE Chris Kelsay (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (back)

NEW YORK GIANTS at DALLAS COWBOYS on Sunday night

Giants

Out: DE Chris Canty (calf), T Adam Koets (ankle), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), LB Clint Sintim (groin), RB Danny Ware (elbow)

Questionable: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), S Kenny Phillips (knee)

Probable: LB Michael Boley (hip), S Michael Johnson (shoulder)

Cowboys

Out: S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Jason Williams (ankle)

Probable: LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), QB Stephen McGee (knee), QB Tony Romo (ankle), S Gerald Sensabaugh (chest)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MIAMI DOLPHINS on Monday night

Colts

Out: WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee),  S Bob Sanders (knee), TE Tom Santi (ankle)

Questionable: G Jamey Richard (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (back), DB Jerraud Powers (groin), TE Gijon Robinson (back), DB Jamie Silva (abdomen) 

Dolphins 

Questionable: LB Akin Ayodele (back)

• Here is our AFC East, AFC West , AFC North, and AFC South outlooks for week 2.
• Here is our NFC West, NFC East, NFC South and NFC North outlooks for week 2.