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FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

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By LUKE EASTERLING The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 9, 2007

Rejoice, fantasy owners! For we have reached Week 10, the last of the NFL bye weeks. Yes, after this week, you'll have the services of each and every one of your players (that are still healthy). Gone will be the days of forcing Cleo Lemon and Adimchinobe Echemandu into your starting lineup (unless you drafted Matt Leinart, Jake Delhomme, Ronnie Brown AND Deuce McAllister, that is).

Still, if you're an owner that hangs on every Tom Brady-to-Randy Moss connection to determine your team's success, this last bye week will prove quite the challenge for you. If you're looking to weather the storm for just one more week, or if you're merely trying to remain competitive so you can at least show your face around the office, here are some tips as you head into Week 10.

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

While a committee approach to the running game was the plan for some teams heading into the 2007 season, a select few have discovered a solid featured back that can shoulder a full load of carries successfully. Here are a couple backs that have risen to the top of their team's depth chart and have put up encouraging numbers as full-time starters in the backfield.

LenDale White, Titans: After Chris Brown's insane Week 1 performance against Jacksonville (19 carries, 175 yards), you would've thought he'd be the one to take over as the featured runner for the Titans. However, Brown's four appearances since have left much to be desired (38 carries, 125 yards, inactive for four games). White has since stepped up to the plate, carrying the ball at least 25 times in each of his last four games, and riding a streak of three consecutive 100-yard games, all of which have resulted in victories for the Titans. White has established himself as the go-to guy in the Titans' backfield, and should be counted on as a fantasy starter for the rest of the season.

Kevin Jones, Lions: With Jones inactive for the first two games of the season, the Lions were forced to go with the highly ineffective combination of Tatum Bell, T.J. Duckett, Brian Calhoun and Aveion Cason. Even when Jones was inserted into the rotation, he failed to put up consistent numbers in limited action. However, since being named the starter, Jones has rushed for 252 yards and three touchdowns in three games, and has given the Lions' offense another dimension, rather than forcing them to constantly beat teams only through the air.

INJURY REPORT

Jay Cutler was pleased to learn that he does not have the hairline fracture that he feared in his left leg. Cutler was limited in practice on Wednesday, and it's unknown if he'll be ready to start Sunday. David Garrard returned to practice this week, ahead of schedule, and could possibly start, barring any setbacks with his ankle injury. Kurt Warner participated fully in practice on Wednesday and should start this week.

Larry Johnson's foot injury will most likely keep him on the sideline this week against Denver, while Travis Henry is expected to be available for that game despite swelling in his left knee. Willis McGahee practiced fully on Wednesday and should start this week despite suffering a concussion in Monday night's win against Pittsburgh. Steven Jackson was limited in practice on Wednesday, but is on track to start this week, barring any setbacks with his multiple injuries (groin, back). Willie Parker and Reggie Bush missed practice on Wednesday with knee injuries, but both are expected to start this week. Shaun Alexander missed practice on Wednesday with knee and wrist injuries, and is questionable for Monday night's game.

Plaxico Burress was limited in practice again on Wednesday, but such has been par for the course this season, and Burress has yet to miss a start. Chad Johnson was limited during Wednesday's practice, as well, but is expected to play this week. Deion Branch missed practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Monday night's game. Marvin Harrison was limited in practice on Wednesday, and his status for this week's game remains up in the air.

Dallas Clark missed practice on Wednesday, while Alge Crumpler and Todd Heap participated on a limited basis, but all three are expected to play this week.

WAIVER WIRE WONDERS

Seahawks RB Maurice Morris/Leonard Weaver: With Shaun Alexander's mounting injuries and overall ineffective play this season, Morris and Weaver are likely to start picking more of the slack by seeing more opportunities. Alexander is questionable this week, so Morris and Weaver could have a chance to prove themselves on the Monday night stage. Pick up one of these guys if you're hurting at running back or just need a bye week plug-in, especially if you own Alexander.

Chiefs RB Priest Holmes/Kolby Smith: Larry Johnson's injured foot may keep him out for more than this week, which hands the reins back to Holmes, who is just a few years removed from being the king of fantasy backs. Smith, a rookie, will likely see a good number of touches in relief of Holmes, as the team is not likely to want to push Holmes too hard, too soon. Again, especially if you own LJ, snag one of these guys if they're still available.

Keyword: Fantasy Guys to get Sunday morning fantasy updates on

injuries and matchups.

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