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FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

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By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 14, 2007

What a Week 1 it was as the NFL kicked off its season.

We saw stellar performances that were somewhat unexpected (Tony Romo, Plaxico Burress), while some fantasy studs fell flat on their collective faces (Lee Evans, Reggie Bush, Cedric Benson). Let's not forget the impact that my top three ranked rookies had this week (Marshawn Lynch, Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson). One crazy fantasy week in the books ... 16 more to go.

Now that the dust has settled from the opening week, let's take a look at how things are shaping up for Week 2:

INJURY REPORT

The most significant injury in fantasy football this week was to Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament early in the first half of Sunday night's game against Dallas. Jacobs is expected to miss three to five weeks, with Derrick Ward slated to pick up the bulk of the carries in the meantime. If you're a Jacobs owner, snatch up Ward if he's still available.

A pair of stud receivers turned in solid performances in Week 1, despite playing through injury.

Green Bay's Donald Driver (ankle) isn't listed on the team's injury report, so he looks to be fully healed and ready to go this week. Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, but the team expects him to play Sunday.

Houshmandzadeh missed some practice last week leading up to the team's Monday night game, but still started and found the end zone. Keep a close eye on Housh this week, but barring any setbacks, he should be good to go for Week 2.

LINEUPS AND MATCHUPS

The Titans' running back situation has cleared up quite a bit, thanks to a breakout performance from Chris Brown. Brown averaged 9.2 yards on 19 carries, finishing with 175 yards against a previously stout Jaguars defense. However, LenDale White still had 18 carries while gaining 66 yards (3.8 avg.). It will be interesting to see if Brown receives a greater share of the carries this week.

Another backfield to monitor is in Atlanta. Warrick Dunn was given 22 carries last week, but managed only 55 yards (2.5 avg.). Jerious Norwood, on the other hand, carried the ball five times but gained 33 yards (6.6 avg.). How long will new coach Bobby Petrino continue to feed the ball to Dunn with such lackluster results, while the younger Norwood gives more bang for the buck? Stay tuned.

WAIVER-WIRE WONDERS

Assuming Brown and Ward are already taken, there are still a couple of players worth stashing away who should be available. WR Arnaz Battle was the most impressive player on the field when the 49ers had the ball Monday night against the Cardinals. Battle put up better numbers than teammate Darrell Jackson, and also ran for the game-winning touchdown on an end-around play. If Battle continues to get the same attention in the 49ers' offense, he's definitely worth a roster spot and could even be a solid spot starter to fill in for injuries or bye weeks.

Keyword: Bucs to get Sunday morning Fantasy Football updates on injuries and matchups.

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