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Fantasy Football Tip Sheet

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By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 28, 2007

Last year, the Saints were a fantasy factory, churning out studs at every offensive position. This year has not been kind to New Orleans, as Drew Brees and Reggie Bush have been incredibly ineffective, Marques Colston's production has suffered due to the offense's struggles, and now Deuce McAllister is gone for the year with a knee injury. It's not time to give up on your bayou stars, but don't stay tied to this sinking ship if things don't turn around.

The Saints aren't the only team with sleeping studs, however. Players such as Larry Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Lee Evans are still leaving fantasy owners scratching their heads, wondering when, if ever, a breakout performance is coming.

As bye weeks begin this week, here's some things to keep an eye on heading into Week 4 action:

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

Matchups are everything in fantasy football. If you want to put up a W this week, have these guys in your starting lineup:

Jets RB Thomas Jones: Jones has been brought back slowly from a calf strain he suffered during the preseason, and some owners who took a high pick on him have been found wanting. This week is tailor-made for a breakout performance from Jones, who goes up against Buffalo's porous run defense, which is dead last in the NFL, allowing 177.3 yards per game.

Bears WR Bernard Berrian: Berrian has put up decent fantasy numbers so far this year (16 receptions, 221 yards), but he's yet to find the end zone. With a changing of the guard at QB (most likely for the better), Berrian faces a Detroit defense that is next-to-last in the NFL in pass defense (278.7 YPG). Did you see what the Eagles' Kevin Curtis did to the Lions' D last week? Exactly.

Bills RB Marshawn Lynch: Last week, Miami's Ronnie Brown absolutely embarrassed the Jets' defense to the tune of 211 total yards and three touchdowns. Lynch has rushed for 228 yards and a pair of scores so far this year, and he's a threat in the passing game as well. Look for some big numbers from Lynch against the Jets this weekend.

INJURY REPORT

WR Andre Johnson's sprained knee will keep him out at least another week, as Houston's top pass-catcher has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Falcons. Johnson put up stellar numbers in his first two games, and there's no reason to believe he won't continue to put those numbers up once he returns.

Another receiver off to a fast start, Lions rookie Calvin Johnson, is questionable for this week's game against the Bears. Johnson (10 receptions, 189 yards, two TDs) fell hard on his back while making a catch in last week's loss to the Eagles and is listed as day-to-day. This doesn't look like anything long term, but if Johnson is in your starting lineup, have a plug-in ready in case he can't go Sunday.

A knee sprain is likely to keep another wide receiver out of action, as Pittsburgh's Hines Ward remains doubtful for Sunday's game at Arizona. Ward missed practice again Thursday, but there's still a slight chance he could rest most of the week, practice today and play Sunday, according to Coach Mike Tomlin. Ward arguably is the toughest receiver in the game, so don't be surprised to see him in uniform Sunday. Still, make sure you have a backup plan if Ward can't go.

WAIVER WIRE WONDERS

If you need a plug-in starter at QB, Carolina might be the place to look. Jake Delhomme missed practice again Thursday, and it's looking more like David Carr will get the start Sunday against Tampa Bay. Carr led the NFL in completion percentage last season, and he led the Panthers to the game-winning score last week against Atlanta (though Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall should get just as much credit). The resurgent Bucs defense isn't exactly an attractive matchup, but Carr still could put up solid numbers for an owner in need this week.

A running back to keep an eye on during the next few weeks is Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham. He has been a preseason standout for the Bucs for a few seasons now, but last week saw him tear through the Rams' defense in the fourth quarter in relief of Cadillac Williams, who was benched after fumbling on the first play of the fourth quarter. Graham finished the game with 75 yards on just eight carries, scoring twice. If Williams misses any more time due to those bruised ribs and continued fumbling, Graham could end up being a valuable pickup.

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