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

** update 8/30/2010 **

Fantasy Points derived from ESPN’s projected achievements for the 2010 season. Players that ended the 2009 season strongly also got a boost and a few other personal touches, enjoy.

PPR Scoring format:

1. 6 Points per Touch Down – Rushing and Receiving
   4 Points per passing TD
2. 1 Point Per Reception PPR
   
3. 1 Point per 10 Receiving Yards
4. 1 Point per 10 Rushing Yards
5. 1 Point per 25 Passing Yards
6. -2 Points per Interception

Click to see full size sample of our members only cheat sheet

But there are a ton of little idiosyncrasies that have to happen in order for the Redskins to be taken seriously in both the 2010 NFL Season, and the 2010 Fantasy Football season.

Division: NFC East – Projected Finish: 4th Place

Strength of Schedule - #8 = 8th worst. They play in the league’s toughest division and get saddled with an ugly schedule to boot.

Quarterback:

Let’s face it, McNabb is a pretty damn good quarterback, but the crop of hands in Washington is a definite downgrade than what he had in Philly. Between the three of them, they are slower, less polished, and simply not that good.

The thing is, McNabb has worked with far less (Todd Pinkston anyone?)

The only issue I have is, Shanny and company are a run first type of coaching squad and if you add everything up I don’t see McNabb putting up quite the type of numbers we are used to seeing from him. He makes for a great number two quarterback, but not the guy you want to target early and high.

Running Back:

Shanny is a coach that knows how to get the most out of his ground game, but Clinton Portis has more mileage than a used VW bus, Larry Johnson has been on the down turn since his inflated contract in KC but remains the most talented, and Willie Parker is a bruising, deceptively fast runner, but has been hampered with injuries.

See a pattern?

The way I see it turning out right now is Johnson will be the number one guy, Parker the change of pace back, and Portis being the goal line option and possible third down back.

If you wanna know what to do, I say go with Johnson as your primary bench guy, and leave the rest of the Redskins’ running backs alone.

Wide Receiver:

It isn’t as if the Redskins crop of receivers are the bottom of the barrel, but they are definitely NOT top elite material. Still, you can still wind up with a possible breakthrough player if you draft wisely.

• Santana Moss is not the Santana Moss of old, and each year he gets a bit worse, but with McNabb at the helm that could change. The issue is, he may wind up playing out of the slot which could hurt his value in Standard leagues.
• Devin Thomas improves every year and has great YAC speed, but could wind up sharing time making his projected value a bit low.
• Malcolm Kelly is a big target, but lacks mental consistency and often misses his assignments. Kelly should still get the starting nod.
• Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade were also brought in, but Galloway is basically resting on his own laurels and has lost a step over the years, while Wade is nothing more than a situational slot receiver at best.

Tight End:

Chris Cooley and Fred Davis could be the X-factor in the passing game, and both show excellent pass catching skills while making virtually no mistakes on the field.

• With Chris Cooley coming off of a broken leg, one has to imagine just how it will affect his better-than-average athleticism and value as an over the middle option. Still, Cooley can catch the ball well, scores often, and with the trend swaying towards TEs last year, you can still view Cooley as a viable powerhouse TE.
• Fred Davis was a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners last year when Cooley went out  racking up 509 yards on 48 catches as well as leading the team with 6 TDs. The consensus is ,though, he will not get that many chances this year leaving his fantasy value in ruination. Keep an eye on him early though, just in case Cooley takes a step backwards.

2010 Regular Season Schedule:

Wk	Date	Game	Stadium	Time (ET)
1	Sep 12	DAL @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:20 PM
2	Sep 19	HOU @ WAS	FedEx Field	4:15 PM
3	Sep 26	WAS @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	4:05 PM
4	Oct 03	WAS @ PHI	Lincoln Financial Field	4:15 PM
5	Oct 10	GB @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
6	Oct 17	IND @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:20 PM
7	Oct 24	WAS @ CHI	Soldier Field	1:00 PM
8	Oct 31	WAS @ DET	Ford Field	1:00 PM
9	Bye
10	Nov 15	PHI @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:30 PM
11	Nov 21	WAS @ TEN	LP Field	1:00 PM
12	Nov 28	MIN @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
13	Dec 05	WAS @ NYG	New Meadowlands Stadium	1:00 PM
14	Dec 12	TB @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
15	Dec 19	WAS @ DAL	Cowboys Stadium	1:00 PM
16	Dec 26	WAS @ JAC	Jacksonville Municipal Stadium	1:00 PM
17	Jan 02	NYG @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM

Coaching Strategy:

Offense:

There is a double edged sword being crafted in Washington.

From a philosophy standpoint, the Redskins will run a basic West Coast style offense to cater to McNabb’s abilities and limit the learning curve, as well as mixing in the old fashion run first approach which spells a lot of time on the field, but a more risk than reward style of play. Add in a not so friendly schedule, and the Redskins may not provide elite numbers, but should give SOMETHING.

Defense:

The Defense isn’t great, but they do have some key players in Brian Orakpo and DeAngelo Hall who should provide some IDP love for those looking for a hot early pick or cheap bargain. The other interesting CHANGEin Washington is Jim Haslett introducing his own version of the 3-4, but keep in mind, making a transistion to the 3-4 from the 4-3 is NOT easy, and it USUALLY comes with little success in the first year…tred lightly my friends.

Camp Updates 8/24/2010:

• QB Donavan McNabb has been ruled out of this week’s preseason game (August 27th) with a sprained ankle which he sustained in their last week’s game (Saturday) against the Ravens.

The injury, and approach by the coaching staff, is more precautionary than anything else so don’t worry. But so everyone knows, his maturation as a Redskin QB is going quite well and he still remains a solid QB 2 QB in most formats.

• WR Devin Thomas has been reported as possibly climbing up the roster chart but to be honest it isn’t worth a squit right now, and any news about him should be taken with a grain of salt.

The theme at this point in preseason is a watch and see approach, but in the end, Thomas will be relegated to something other than a starter and you should avoid him in your draft.

• Beat writer Rich Campbell says we should “get used to” Donovan McNabb-to-Chris Cooley reports Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star .

This should not be anything new right now. TE Chris Cooley has already assumed a much more expansive role in the Redskins’ offense, and has begun learning all the routes the receivers run in an attempt to open up the passing game. His stock continues to rise in ADP.

Got a question regarding your draft, or a training camp question? Let us know below, and keep checking back weekly for all of your training camp updates.

Check out our other Team Analysis below in our “Related Post” area.

Jerricho Cotchery is doubtful for the Jets this week as they face the Bills making Braylon Edwards' stock even higher.

It didn’t take Jets QB Mark Sanchez long to get on target with new addition Braylon Edwards. He will be an even more integral piece of the Jets receiving corps with Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith doubtful for this Sunday’s contest against Buffalo.

Here are the rest of the injuries around the NFL: 

ARIZONA CARDINALS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Cardinals TE Stephen Spach (ankle) is out with an ankle injury. His replacement is 10^th-year TE Anthony Becht who has three catches for 32 yards this season. WR Steve Breaston (knee) is also questionable after being limited all week. If he can’t make it that Jerheme Urban, who made four catches for 41 yards last week in a 28-21 win vs. the Texans. The Seahawks have the ninth-ranked passing defense but the Cardinals have the 3^rd-ranked passing offense — 279.8 a game.

WR Nate Burleson (back) is questionable for the Seahawks after being limited all week. Last week he recorded six catches for 98 yards, and third on the depth chart —Deion Branch had two catches for 23 yards in the 41-0 thrashing of the Jags. Expect the vet to step up in his absence against the Cardinals 32^nd ranked pass defense — 303.0 a game.

BALTIMORE RAVENS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (shoulder) has been limited this week and is questionable. First-year WR Jaymar Johnson who returned a few punt returns the last few weeks may have to step up. He’s never caught an NFL pass, but who better to throw it than Brett Favre this week. Even with T Phil Loadholt (ankle) out last week vs. the Rams, Adrian Peterson ran 15 times for 69 yards and two TDs for the Vikes.

G Steve Hutchinson (back) is probable, Loadholt is ques. but don’t let that be a reason you don’t play Favre, let it be because the Ravens have the 3^rd ranked rush defense. On the flip side the Ravens have the 26^th ranked pass-defense

T Jared Gaither is out for the Ravens who have the fourth-ranked O, and their big player’s shouldn’t miss a beat. This one could be full of O, so different when thinking about a Ravens game. 

BUFFALO BILLS at NEW YORK JETS

The Bills are expected to get two of their best defensive players this week vs. the Jets — LB Paul Posluszny and S Donte Whitner will go up against a Jets O that is trying to get a rhythm going in the running game. Buffalo has the 29^th ranked rushing D which “Poz” should improve and the forecast is calling for rain in the Meadowlands, which could force Jets to ground and pound. But they won’t be reluctant to go to the passing game as Braylon Edwards is ready for his home debut.

With Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) doubtful and Brad Smith (quadriceps) the same I’m throwing David Clowney in the mix. Keep an eye out for Wallace Wright to get a few catches. The UNC product was Sanchez’s go to guy early on in training camp. And then there’s some guy named Danny Woodhead. Wait…Danny Woodhead No. 22 RB? Yep, him, except for he’s now a WR picked up of the practice squad earlier today. He’s expected to be used in the slot similar to Wes Welker in New England.

The Bills band-aided, most injured D in the NFL held Derek Anderson to 27 yards, on 2-17 passing last Sunday in a 6-3 boo-fest. LB Kawika Mitchell (knee) and LB Marcus Buggs (knee) went out for the season and were added to IR in the past few weeks, and LB Keith Ellison (knee) is questionable.

Trent Edwards tried to lead a dysfunctional offense that was startled at home last week at the Ralph. You can imagine what it’ll be like on the road against a thunderous Green & White crowd. With another rookie lineman T Jonathan Scott (ankle) out, Jamon Meredith will replace him. That’s 4 out of 5 total first-year linemen that will be expected to go against Kris Jenkins and co.

But these three guys may be DE questionable – Shaun Ellis (knee), CB Donald Strickland (ankle), missing and who knows, the Bills may actually connect on some big plays to Lee Evans or T.O.? Marshawn Lynch has fared well against the Jets rushing who went for 127 yards against them in their last meeting last December, with a 103.5 ypg. average.

CAROLINA PANTHERS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Not many injuries for this contest. The Panthers are going to be looking to speed up their offense with WR Steve Smith (knee) against the 28^th ranked passing defense of Tampa Bay (379.8 ypg). The Panthers have the 30^th ranked rushing defense giving up 155.5 a game and Bucs RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) is probable.

CHICAGO BEARS at ATLANTA FALCONS

Second-string RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is doubtful for the Bears as they go up against the Falcons’ 24^th ranked rushing D (127.0 a game), but the Bears have the 27^th ranked rushing attack (91.5 a game).

The Bears are ranked ninth against the run giving up 93.5 a game but they may give up some extra yards on the ground if DT Anthony Adams (toe) is unable to play. He’s been limited in practice but is questionable as well as LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) who practiced all week. This may also hinder their ability to develop a significant pass-rush.

The guy who leads Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood and the ‘birds 106.3 a game through the hole – Falcons FB Ovie Mughelli (calf) is questionable.

On D CB Brian Williams sustained an eye injury in practice and is questionable which could leave the secondary a bit vulnerable with three-year guy Brent Grimes set to fill his shoes.

CLEVELAND BROWNS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Browns are still heavily banged up, and this week they are not facing a struggling Bills O, so Pittsburgh can light them up. Four starters are questionable on their D – LB Eric Barton (neck), DE Kenyon Coleman (groin), LB D’Qwell Jackson (hamstring).

If you have anyone on the Steelers seventh-ranked O (375.8 a game) play them.

DETROIT LIONS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Lions are another banged-up team. DT Sammie Lee Hill (ankle) and DE Jason Hunter (ankle) are doubtful and DE Dewayne White (hamstring) is questionable.

On O QB Matthew Stafford (knee) is questionable – he did not participate in practice all week. WR Calvin Johnson (knee) – did not practice all week – and RB Maurice Morris (hip) are both questionable as well.

Packers are banged-up at RB with second-string RB DeShawn Wynn (knee) and backup Korey Hall (calf) out. Ryan Grant should be able to carry the load. Both of their centers are questionable – Jason Spitz (back) and Scott Wells (hamstring).

HOUSTON TEXANS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

Defensive starters DT Shaun Cody (illness) and LB Brian Cushing (foot) are both questionable. These guys are probable after being limited most of the week – LB Zach Diles (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (shoulder), DE Mario Williams (shoulder).

The Texans have the 23^rd ranked D giving up 363.0 a game and the Bengals are putting up 335.4 yards a game on O. Rutgers product RB Brian Leonard, a checkdown option for Carson Palmer is doubtful with a groin injury.

Both former Cowboys – DT Tank Johnson (foot) and S Roy Williams (forearm) are questionable for the Bengals on D. The Texans have the eighth ranked O putting up 349.0 yards a game.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Chiefs T Branden Albert (ankle) is questionable.

The Redskins are a little more banged up. T Chris Samuels (neck) is out. Defensive starters DE Phillip Daniels (biceps) and DT Cornelius Griffin (elbow) are both questionable.

NEW YORK GIANTS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Three guys out for the Giants D but they’re all reserves – LB Michael Boley (knee), DT Chris Canty (calf) and CB Aaron Ross (hamstring). Offensively TE Kevin Boss (ankle), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot) and QB Eli Manning (foot) are probable. All three were limited in practice during the week.

Backup secondary guys are questionable for the Saints – CB Malcolm Jenkins (ankle) and CB Leigh Torrence (hamstring) – making the nickel and dime formations a concern if the Giants decide to continue their ninth ranked 257 ypg through the air attack.

RB Mike Bell (knee) and RB Pierre Thomas (hamstring) are probable making Reggie Bush a sure go for the second-ranked rushing attack (166.3 a game).

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at OAKLAND RAIDERS

For the Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (knee) is questionable pushing Jeremy Maclin or Jason Avant up the depth chart. QB Donovan McNabb (rib, left shoulder) is probable, he practiced all week.

RB Darren McFadden (knee) is out making Michael Bush or Justin Fargas a play if you dare. The Raiders only run for 83.0 yards a game which is 28^th in the league. The Eagles only give up 100.3 a game on D.

ST. LOUIS RAMS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

S James Butler (knee) is out making the Rams 25^th ranked pass D (237.0 a game) more vulnerable, but the Jags only put up 214.8 a game through the air.

For the Jags LB Justin Durant (hip) is the only starter on the D on the list as questionable. But the secondary may be a bit vulnerable to the pass with S Sean Considine (groin) and CB Scott Starks (hip) questionable and CB Rashean Mathis (hip) probable.

TENNESSEE TITANS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Titans are once again banged up in the secondary. Backup CB Nicholas Harper (forearm) is out, S Vincent Fuller (forearm) is doubtful, and CB Cortland Finnegan (hamstring), S Michael Griffin (neck) are questionable. DE Jevon Kearse (foot) is questionable after not practicing all week.

The Patriots receivers look to have a big day against a winless Titans team. TE Benjamin Watson (head) is questionable after being limited all week, backup former Jet Chris Baker (4 for 50, TD) may get more time. Will WR Julian Edelman (15 for 145) finally get in the end zone? What about Joey Galloway (7 for 67) or Sam Aiken (1 for 26)?

RB Fred Taylor (ankle) is out again and in his absence Sammy Morris rushed 17 for 68 yards and caught two catches for 39 yards.

 DENVER BRONCOS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS on Monday night

For the 5-0 Broncos only one guy is out - LB Spencer Larsen (shoulder).

The Chargers two-headed running attack of LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles may try to take advantage of this at home on Monduay night.

Starting LB Stephen Cooper (knee) is out for the Chargers but LB Shawne Merriman (groin) and LB Shaun Phillips (shoulder) are questionable.

That’s your entire injury report for Week 6.

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

Through two weeks of the regular season we are officially in fantasy football mode, eager and willing to take in as much as possible for the week 3 match-ups. Hopefully I can shed some light on what is going on in the NFC South. With New Orleans and Atlanta leading the way, the division is still in reach of a preying Panther’s team, that looks to turn things around in week 3.  

There are two teams (Atlanta & New Orleans) in the NFC South that are getting stellar QB play, while two others (Carolina & Tampa Bay) are still finding their rhythm (and questioning their QB’s ability) through the air. Leftwich and Delhomme are struggling to get wins for their respective teams, in the early stages of the season.

 The running-game seems to be in favor of Atlanta and Carolina, the return of Pierre Thomas to the Saints will be scary for oposing defenses, while a healthy Cadillac Williams should help the Bucs continue to try and salvage a slow start to the regular season. Bell was injured last week and shouldn’t be counted on with Thomas in the picture now, although he filled in admirably with Thomas’ departure.

The WR’s in the division have been fruitful early, as Roddy White, Marques Colston, Steve Smith have been getting some good production,while tight-ends Winslow, Shockey and Gonzalez continue to impress owners with their pass-catching skills for their respective teams.

 Atlanta (2-0) at New England (1-1) SUN 1:00 PM EST

With Atlanta jumping off to a hot start with second year QB Matt Ryan, look for the Patriots to try and rebound from a disappointing loss to the Jets last week. Atlanta is proving to be more than just a stepping stone for the NFC, and should prove worthy of a strong contest against a struggling New England squad. Roddy White and Randy Moss should be targeted extensively in this contest, and Turner should be deployed often to punish a beaten up New England defense. Look for Brady to get Moss in the end-zone this week against a defense that averages well over 200 passing yards given up over the first two weeks of the season. If Turner can keep this game on the ground and eat the clock, we could be seeing another loss for the Patriots against a stout Atlanta team. New England needs to get Welker healthy and give Moss as many chances through the air as possible. When the Patriots get Moss in the end-zone they usually win.

This game will prove to be a battle of the ages, with both high-powered offenses going to work early on each-others defense. Atlanta must get pressure (John Abraham) on Tom Brady early if they want to shut-down Randy Moss and the Patriots potent passing-game. The Giants and Jets have proven that Tom Brady’s kryptonite  seems to be pressure…..then again, isn’t that every QB’s kryptonite? Look for Matt Ryan to target Tony Gonzalez with Gary Guyton (not Jerod Mayo) roaming the middle of the field for the Patriots. Gonzalez has been a key contributor to the offense and should be targeted further in the passing-game. With two high-powered offenses going to work, this game should prove to be worthy of stats across the board.

Fantasy Start’em: Tom Brady, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Randy Moss, Roddy White, Matt Ryan > These players are simply too good to sit, and most of these two teams yards against come from the passing-game.

Fantasy Sit’em: Jerious Norwood, Fred Taylor, ATL DEF, NE DEF

Fantasy Sleeper:Joey Galloway, Kevin Faulk

Projection: New England gets back on track and wins the game: 37 – 27 > Turner could chew up the clock, but I can see a shoot-out from these two teams with the veteran Brady on top.

 New York (2-0) at Tampa Bay (0-2) SUN 1:00 PM EST

 If you heavily favor under-dogs, then this is the game you should be targeting. Tampa Bay doesn’t seem to have the easiest match-up this week, the Giants are arguably the most impressive team in football, and are looking to continue their dominance against a weak Tampa Bay defense. Tampa Bay should be quiet from a fantasy perspective this week.

I wouldn’t put much stock in Tampa this week, considering the Giants defense is prone to shutting the door on even the best fantasy options. Look for Eli Manning and the Giants running-game to completely destroy Tampa’s defense, seeing as how teams are averaging 450 total yards allowed on their (Bucs) defense. Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are becoming legitimate options in the passing-game, and should be very active fantasy plays this week. If the Bucs score through the air, it should be Kellen Winslow with Bryant’s lingering knee issues. Cadillac Williams might be a better play than most think though, the Giants are averaging 168 yards rushing allowed (220 from Barber and Jones last week) through two games (exact same as Tampa Bay’s average).

Fantasy Start’em: NYG offense & defense! > IMO, I think anyone on this team could score against Tampa….offensively or defensively.

Fantasy Sit’em:TB’s offense & defense! > Their offense will suffer against a way better team.

Sleeper: Ahmad Bradshaw, Cadillac Williams > Bradshaw is a great flex start this week, and Williams looks impressive (NYG rushing yards allowed average helps) and healthy so far.

Projection: The Giants should be able to pound the ball and take chances down-field, two things Tampa should struggle with > 28-7 Giants!

 New Orleans (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1) SUN 4:05 PM EST

Can anyone keep up to this offense? With Drew Brees sitting in the pocket and unlimited weapons to throw the ball to, New Orleans (Brees!) should continue their dominance through the air against a defense that averages 400 yards of offense through two weeks. This game should provide a high octane aerial attack from both teams, neither team should run the ball as effective as they could through the air. Edwards and Owens are still building some chemistry, while Brees could throw a hail-Mary and have God place it in his receivers hands. Reggie Bush and Fred Jackson will be shouldering the load of the running-game for their respective clubs, at least until Thomas looks 100% healthy.

If the Bills want to win this game they will have to force Drew Brees to get the ball away quickly, and limit the chances for his down-field threats to burn the secondary. Maybin and Schobel are really going to have to come up big this week, if they are going to stand a chance in the secondary. Until New Orleans proves otherwise, I am going to expect them to pass…pass…pass this week, since it’s the heart and soul of their production. Look for the Bills to try and get Fred Jackson going early, they need to eat the clock and keep Brees off the field…. Can they do it? I guess we will see.

Fantasy Start’em: Drew Brees, Fred Jackson, Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, Terrell Owens, Lee Evans > Look for Brees to survey the middle of the field with Paul Poszlusny out, Shockey should be the recipient of those targets. Owens and Evans have to be a big part of the game for Buffalo to keep up.

Fantasy Sit’em: NO DEF, BUF DEF > Both defenses should suffer in this game, with Colston and Owens playing…points should come in bunches!

Sleeper:Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem > Either of these two can go off at any moment in this offense.

Projection: Drew Brees continues his air assault on the Bills and finishes with a W. >35 – 24 New Orleans!

 Carolina (0-2) at Dallas (1-1) MON 8:30 PM EST

This game should prove to be a real test for Delhomme (who struggles with pressure) and the Carolina offense. Carolina will have to run the ball successfully against Dallas to establish time of possession and limit Delhomme through the air, to avoid turnovers and give their defense some rest against a strong offensive unit in the Dallas Cowboys. Romo continues to look impressive in the pocket, with Barber questionable they will need him to throw against Carolina’s secondary. 

If Peppers and company can get to Romo, that should allow Carolina to remain a run-balanced attack and give them their best chance to win the game. Demarcus Ware will be a scary sight if Carolina falls behind early, Delhomme is prone to turning the ball over and should be limited in the offense for the Panthers against a good Dallas defense. If Barber misses the game, Tashard Choice will see the ball more often this week with Jones splitting carries.

Fantasy Start’em: Tony Romo, Roy Williams, Steve Smith, Deangelo Williams, Jason Witten, Felix Jones > No trickery here, these guys all have to be considered based on their roles and talent alone. Jones, because Barber might be out this week due to injury (check Barber’s status).

Fantasy Sit’em:Jake Delhomme > With a turnover prone QB (Delhomme) against Demarcus Ware and the Cowboys pass-rush, it just doesn’t look good on paper! His only chance is going to be in garbage time, if things don’t go well on the ground for Carolina.

Fantasy Sleeper: Tashard Choice, Jonathan Stewart > Both these backs will have to be heavily utilized in the offensive game-plan to control the offense, and keep their respective defenses guessing. (Check Barber’s status!)

Projection: It’s a Monday night-er, so we should see a really good tilt! > 17-14 Dallas!

Remember, subscibe to our Dominator Service for regular updates on your fantasy rosters!

One tool that should always be considered when drafting your roster this year, is knowledge of players bye weeks. I think everyone who has played fantasy football can relate to a terrible scenario in your lineup, due to bye weeks. Dynasty leagues know the feeling, keeping their talented roster year after year only to get hit with a terrible regular season schedule, but in yearly leagues it matters more for your roster to know where your players get their breaks in between the regular season.

Week 4: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Arizona, Carolina

Atlanta – Matt Ryan QB, Michael Turner RB1, Jerious Norwood RB2, Roddy White WR1, Michael Jenkins WR2, Tony Gonzalez TE

Philadelphia – Donovan McNabb QB, Michael Westbrook RB1, Lesean McCoy RB2, Desean Jackson WR1, Kevin Curtis WR2, Jeremy Maclin WR3, Brent Celek TE

Arizona – Kurt Warner QB, Chris Wells RB1, Tim Hightower RB2, Larry Fitzgerald WR1, Anquan Boldin WR2, Steve Breaston WR3

Carolina -Jake Delhomme QB,Deangelo Williams RB1, Johnathan Stewart RB2, Steve Smith WR1, Mushin Muhammed WR2, Dwayne Jarrett WR3, Dante Rosario TE

Week 5: Chicago, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Diego

Chicago – Jay Cutler QB, Matt Forte RB1, Kevin JonesRB2, Devin Hester WR1, Earl Bennett WR2, Jauquin Inglesias WR3, Greg Olsen TE

Green Bay – Aaron Rodgers QB, Ryan Grant RB1, Brandon Jackson RB2, Greg Jennings WR1, Donald Driver WR2, James Jones WR3, Jordy Nelson WR4, Donald Lee TE1, Jermichael Finley TE2

New Orleans – Drew Brees QB, Pierre Thomas RB1, Reggie Bush RB2, Marques Colston WR1, Lance Moore WR2, Robert Meachem WR3, Jeremy Shockey TE

San Diego – Philip Rivers QB, Ladanian Tomlinson RB1, Darren Sproles RB2, Vincent Jackson WR1, Chris Chambers WR2, Malcolm Floyd WR3, Antonio Gates TE

Week 6: Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami, San Francisco

Dallas – Tony Romo QB, Marion Barber RB1, Felix Jones RB2, Tashard Choice RB3, Roy Williams WR1, Patrick Crayton WR2, Miles Austin WR3, Jason WItten TE1, Martellus Bennett TE2

Indianapolis -Peyton Manning QB, Joseph Addai RB1, Donald Brown RB2, Reggie Wayne WR1, Anthony Gonzalez WR2, Pierre Garcon WR3, Dallas Clark TE,

Miami -Chad Pennington QB, Ronnie Brown RB1, Ricky Williams RB2, Ted Ginn Jr. WR1, Davone Bess WR2, Greg Cammarillo WR3, Anthony Fasano TE

San Francisco – Alex Smith QB?, Shawn Hill QB?, Frank Gore RB1, Glenn Coffe RB2, Josh MorganWR1, Isaac Bruce WR2, Michael Crabtree WR3, Vernon Davis TE

Week 7: Denver, Detroit, Tennessee, Seattle, Jacksonville, Baltimore

Denver – Kyle Orton QB, Knowshon Moreno RB1, Peyton Hillis RB2, Brandon MarshallWR1, Eddie Royal WR2, Jabar Gaffney WR3, Tony Scheffler TE

Detroit – Dante Culpepper QB?, Mathew Stafford QB?, Kevin Smith RB1, Calvin Johnson WR1, Bryant Johnson WR2, Derrick Williams WR3, Brandon Pettigrew TE

Tennessee – Kerry Collins QB, Chris Johnson RB1, Lendale WhiteRB2, Nate Washington WR1, Justin Gage WR2, Kenny Britt WR3, Jared Cook TE1, Alge Crumpler TE?,  Bo Scaife TE?

Seattle – Matt Hasslebeck QB, Julius Jones RB1, TJ Duckett RB2, TJ Houshmanzadeh WR1, Deion Branch WR2, Nate Burleson WR3, John Carlson TE

Jacksonville – David Garrard QB, Maurice Jones-Drew RB1, Rashad Jennings RB2, Torry Holt WR1, Mike Walker WR2, Jarrett Dillard WR3, Mercedes Lewis TE

Baltimore – Joe Flacco QB, Ray RiceRB1, Willis McGahee RB2, Leron McCLain RB3, Derrick Mason WR1, Mark Clayton WR2, Demetrius Williams WR3, Todd Heap TE1, LJ Smith TE2

Week 8: Cincinnati, Kansas City, New England, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington

Cincinnati – Carson Palmer QB, Cedric Benson RB1, Bernard Scott RB2, Chad OchoCinco WR1, Lavernaeous Coles WR2, Chris Henry WR3, Chase Coffman TE

Kansas City – Matt Cassell QB, Larry Johnson RB1, Jamal Charles RB2, Dwayne Bowe WR1, Amani Toomer WR2, Terrance Copper WR3, Brad CottamTE

New England - Tom Brady QB, Fred Taylor RB1, Laurence Maroney RB2, Kevin Faulk RB3, Randy Moss WR1, Wes Welker WR2, Joey Galloway WR3, Chris Baker TE1, Ben Watson TE2

Pittsburgh - Ben Roethlisberger QB1, Willie Parker RB1, Rashard Mendenhall RB2, Hines Ward WR1, Santonio Holmes WR2, Limas Sweed WR3, Heath Miller TE

Tampa Bay – Byron Leftwich QB?, Luke McKown QB?, Josh Freeman QB?, Derrick Ward RB1, Earnest Graham RB2, Antonio Bryant WR1, Sammie Stroughter WR?, Maurice Stovall WR?, Kellen Winslow TE

Washington – Jason Campbell QB, Clinton Portis RB1, Ladelle Betts RB2, Santana Moss WR1, Devin Thomas WR2, Antwan Randle-El WR3, Malcolm Kelly WR4, Chris Cooley TE1, Fred Davis TE2

Week 9: Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, New York Jets

Buffalo – Trent Edwards QB, Marshawn Lynch RB1, Fred Jackson RB2, Terrell Owens WR1, Lee Evans WR2, Shawn Nelson TE

Cleveland – Brady Quinn QB?, Derek Anderson QB?, Jamal Lewis RB1, Jerome Harrison RB?, James DavisRB?, Braylon Edwards WR1, Brian Robiskie WR?, Mahamed Massaquoi WR?, Robert Royal TE!, Martin Rucker TE2

Oakland -Jamarcus Russell QB, Darren McFadden RB1, Justin Fargas RB2, Michael Bush RB3, Chaz Schilens WR1, Darius Heyward-Bey WR2, Louis Murphy WR3, Zach Miller TE

St. Louis- Mark Bulger QB, Steven Jackson RB1, Samkon Gado RB2, Donnie Avery WR1, Laurent Robinson WR2, Ronald Curry WR3, Randy McMichael TE

Minnesota – Brett Favre QB, Adrian Peterson RB1, Chester Taylor RB2, Bernard Berrian WR1, Sidney Rice WR2, Percy Harvin WR3, Visanthe Shiancoe TE

New York Jets – Mark Sanchez QB?, Kellen Clemens QB?, Thomas Jones RB1, Leon Washington RB2, Shonn Greene RB3, Jericho Cothchery WR1, David Clowney WR2, Brad Smith WR3, Dustin Keller TE

Week 10: New York Giants, Houston

New York Giants – Eli Manning QB, Brandon Jacobs RB1, Ahmad Bradshaw RB2, Danny Ware RB3, Steve Smith WR1, Domenik Hixon WR2, Hakeem Nicks WR?, Ramses Barden, WR?, Mario Manningham WR?, Kevin Boss TE

Houston – Matt Schaub QB, Steve Slaton RB1, Chris Brown RB2, Andre Johnson WR1, Kevin Walter WR2, Jacoby Jones WR3, Owen Daniels TE1, James Casey TE2

When drafting be sure to always take a quick look at your players bye-weeks, this will only enhance your knowledge on who to target in the final stages of your drafts for depth also.