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By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 2, 2007

Whether it's the injury bug or the bye-week blues, chances are at least one flavor of fantasy misfortune has infiltrated your camp this season. Stud running backs have been dropping like flies, and last week had six teams on a bye. Perhaps you're one of the lucky ones who desperately tabbed Derek Anderson as your starting quarterback early in the year, only to see him blossom into a top-five fantasy QB. Is anyone laughing at you now after drafting Joseph Addai or Brian Westbrook ahead of Steven Jackson, Shaun Alexander, Frank Gore or Rudi Johnson?

Whichever side of .500 you're on heading into Week 9, here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your playoff run.

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

Lions RB Kevin Jones: After missing the first two games of the season with a foot injury, Jones has undoubtedly reclaimed the featured back role in Detroit. Jones has found the end zone in four of his five games, and last week he carried 23 times for 105 yards and a score in a win over the Bears. This week, Jones goes against the NFL's worst rushing defense in the Broncos, who are allowing 166 yards per game. Jones is a must-play this week.

Bills WR Lee Evans: After making an appearance in this column nearly every week for his lack of performance, Evans has put together consecutive solid games, and this week's matchup provides the perfect stage for one of Evans' occasional monster games. Cincinnati is home to one of the worst pass defenses in the league, and Evans will have J.P. Losman, with whom he has more experience and much more rhythm, starting at QB this weekend. If you had nearly given up on Evans and thrown him on your bench, now is the time to put him back in the lineup and give him another chance.

INJURY REPORT

Marc Bulger put in a decent performance last week against Cleveland, so there is hope he is recovered from a rib injury that kept him out of action earlier in the season. Still, with the injuries St. Louis has sustained, staying away from Bulger might be the best idea. J.P. Losman returns to the starting role in Buffalo this week after being out since Week 3 with a sprained knee. If you're looking for a fill-in starter this week in a deeper league, Losman could be a good play against a Bengals team that has allowed 18 TD passes this season (tied for worst in the league).

Travis Henry went through a full practice Wednesday and looks to be on track to start Sunday against Detroit. Steven Jackson found the end zone last week in his return from a groin injury, but he left the game with a bulging disk in his back. Jackson has a bye this week, but his status for Week 10 is unclear. Rudi Johnson returned to practice this week, while Kenny Watson practiced fully Thursday after being held out because of a concussion he sustained in last week's game. Johnson likely will start this week but will split carries with Watson. Frank Gore left practice early Wednesday after aggravating a sprained ankle, but he's likely to give it a go this week.

Marvin Harrison was held out of practice again Wednesday, and his status for Sunday's game against the Patriots is up in the air. Laveranues Coles suffered a concussion last week against Buffalo, and while he missed practice Wednesday, Coach Eric Mangini seems confident that Coles will be in action this week.

Ben Watson returned to practice Wednesday and is likely to start this week against the Colts after missing two games with a sprained ankle. Todd Heap said earlier this week that he expects to return to action this week from a thigh injury that has kept him out of the last three games.

WAIVER-WIRE WONDERS

Packers RB Ryan Grant: In what has been a textbook committee backfield in Green Bay so far this year, Grant took a huge step toward becoming the featured back with his performance Monday night against Denver. Grant carried the ball 22 times for 104 yards and was the prime factor in Green Bay's ability to control the ball. With DeShawn Wynn going on IR this week, look for Grant to rise above Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson and start seeing 20 touches on a regular basis.

Texans WR Kevin Walter: If you're in a deeper league, Walter is probably long gone. But if you're looking for a fill-in at WR this week, he could be your man. In Andre Johnson's absence (which is likely to last at least another two weeks), Walter has racked up 512 yards on 41 catches and a score. And while his numbers are likely to take a dive once Johnson returns, he'll at least get one more week of starting duty Sunday against Oakland.

Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett: Hackett has caught only one pass for 7 yards this season, as injuries had kept him off the field until last week. However, a sleeper favorite heading into the season, Hackett has slipped under the radar in most leagues and is set to start this week against Cleveland, which is tied for worst in the league in touchdown passes allowed with 18.

Keyword: Fantasy Guys to get Sunday morning fantasy football updates on injuries and matchups. Keyword: Fantasy Guys to get Sunday morning fantasy football updates on injuries and matchups.

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