QB Matt Cassel, NE - Cassel showed just enough against the Jets in Week 11 to make everyone think that he can beat a team with his arm, and that's exactly what he almost did as he led the Patriots back from a 24-6 deficit to put the game in overtime. Coupled with his 400-yard, three touchdown pass game was his running ability, as Cassel was unafraid to tuck the ball under and run down the center of the field if that was what the defense was giving him. Cassel struggled to get the ball to a blanketed Randy Moss but he used lesser targets like Ben Watson and Jabar Gaffney to move the chains. If for some reason the rest of your league hasn't scooped up Cassel, now is the time to add him to your fantasy roster. The next few games could be tricky (at Miami, vs. Pittsburgh) but the schedule softens in December.

QB Kerry Collins, TEN - Break up Kerry Collins. The last two games he has 519 yards passing with five TD passes. It's like the team finally realized that he can also throw the ball and not just hand it off. Collins faces off against the Jets (who were torched for 400 yards by Cassel) next week and then plays Detroit (who have been torched by almost everyone this season) on Thanksgiving. This looks like the middle of a very nice stretch for Collins.

QB Shaun Hill, SF - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Hill had a hot hand to start the game. In just the first half, he completed 12 of 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdown tosses. He also added a short rushing score in the first half. The game was out of reach early with a halftime score of 35-3. The second half of the game was just maintaining the lead. Hill ended the game completing 15 of 20 passes for 213 yards and the two TDs. Hill's stats could have been much better had the game been close. The 49ers did not have to pass much in the second half.

QB Tyler Thigpen, KC - Thigpen had another good fantasy game in Week 11 against the Saints. He has been a top fantasy passer since taking over as the starter. Thigpen is adept at avoiding the rush and is mobile. He completed half of his 38 pass attempts for 235 yards, two touchdowns to Dwayne Bowe and one interception. Thigpen also ran for 45 yards, including a 32-yard scamper. Tyler Thigpen has good weapons in Bowe, Gonzalez, Mark Bradley and Larry Johnson. The offense is moving the ball well under the direction of the young passer. He runs the spread offense effectively. Since week eight, Thigpen has eight touchdown passes and only the one interception.

QB Kurt Warner, ARI - Aside from only throwing one touchdown in Week 11, Warner was in complete control once again of the Cardinal passing offense. He consistently found his two top weapons, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, marching the Arizona offense up and down against the Seattle Seahawks. Warner looks in complete command in the pocket and has plenty of protection, a big deal for Warner, and completed almost 75% of his 44 attempts for nearly 400 yards. Despite Arizona's big lead in the NFC West, Warner will continue to play hard down the stretch as the Cardinals push for a playoff bye week.

Downgrade

QB Trent Edwards, BUF - Through the Bills' first six games of the season, Trent Edwards threw five touchdowns and just two interceptions. Since then, in four straight losses, Edwards has thrown three touchdowns and eight interceptions. Edwards is not playing well right now, and his struggles were evident on Monday night. He began the game with three first-quarter interceptions, and thereafter had nervous feet in the pocket and generally didn't throw the ball downfield. His rushing touchdown helped any fantasy owners who started him against the Browns, but Edwards has had several poor games in a row as a passer, and we are downgrading him from a fantasy QB2 to a QB3 in twelve-team leagues.

QB Gus Frerotte, MIN - The good news for Frerotte this week is that he did not throw an interception after tossing eight picks in the previous three games. He now has eight touchdown throws and eight interceptions in the last four games. In addition, his passing yardage has decreased each of the last four weeks. Against the Buccaneers, he completed 14 of 20 passes for only 138 yards and one touchdown. In addition, Frerotte was sacked five times by five different Tampa defenders. The Jaguars and Bears are the next two opponents for the Vikings. Neither is a pushover on the defensive side of the ball.

QB Donovan McNabb, PHI - McNabb is one of the streakiest quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is now in the middle of a bad run. He has started three games in a row now with bad efforts through the first quarter, and in Week 11 the inaccuracy continued all game against the Bengals. McNabb had 339 yards passing and a touchdown, but that took 58 attempts (a career high) and included three picks and a fumble. McNabb struggled to get the Eagles' offense going and was off-target and ineffective for five quarters. Next week he travels to Baltimore, so expecting a rebound effort may be too much to ask.

QB Kyle Orton, CHI - Orton returned to the field against the Packers after missing the previous game with an ankle injury. He wore a special shoe for extra protection, but it was clear that the ankle bothered him during the game, and his mobility was rather limited. Orton finished with just 133 yards passing and no touchdowns, and didn't even get the benefit of putting up garbage-time stats since he was pulled in the fourth quarter (probably to avoid risking further injury). Orton has a good matchup against the Rams next week, but he won't be able to take full advantage of it if his ankle is still hurting. After that, he has two difficult matchups against the Vikings and Jaguars.

Holding steady

QB Daunte Culpepper, DET - Many people wondered how Daunte Culpepper would play after coming out of retirement to learn a new offense on a winless team. Culpepper had a rough go against a strong Carolina pass rush, but he did have some play-making moments despite losing the game. His most notable blunder was a costly fourth quarter interception deep in his own territory that ended a possible go-ahead drive before it began. He was sacked three times, but knocked down and hurried several more. He often had to rush his passes, which resulted in shorter pass attempts or incompletions, but there were times where he showed his veteran ability to make plays. He doesn't have the speed he used to have, but when the opportunity presented itself, he had no reservations running down the field when nobody was open. He appears to be the Lions starter going forward. This time he did not give way to Drew Stanton on goal line plays. With a good combination of Kevin Smith running the ball and Calvin Johnson catching passes, the Lions offense could hang with their remaining opponents. As a result Culpepper does have some value, especially in two QB leagues, but we wouldn't call him a must start by any means.

QB Tony Romo, DAL - Romo looked rusty for much of his first game back since he broke his pinky in week six. He threw two first-half interceptions, both of which were on passes thrown behind Terrell Owens. By the fourth quarter, however, Romo looked sharp as he led the Cowboys on a go-ahead touchdown drive in the final minutes. With the rust shaken off, Romo's prospects over the next couple weeks look bright, with games against the 49ers and Seahawks.

Running Back

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RB Joseph Addai, IND - Addai is now healthy, and it shows on the field. The Texan rush defense is not strong so the Colts wanted to establish the run early on. In the first half, he carried the ball 11 times for 34 yards and caught 3 passes for 25 yards. But, Addai had a strong second half. For the game, he pounded out 22 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown. None of the runs were longer than 12 yards. Addai also caught four passes for 48 yards and another score. With four good matchups on the horizon, Joseph Addai has the potential to be elite once again for the fantasy playoff stretch.

RB J.J. Arrington, ARI - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - J.J. Arrington was a surprise performer in Week 11, contributing more than any other tailback for the Cardinals against Seattle. He often lined up next to Kurt Warner in the shotgun and Arizona rewarded Arrington with 11 touches including eight rushes, one of which was a run out of the shotgun up through the middle of the line for a touchdown. Arrington added another score on a catch to have his best game of the season by a big margin. Questions about which RB in Arizona to own remain, but for a pass-first offense Arrington seems to have value and should be a decent pickup this week.

RB Marion Barber, DAL - Barber had 30 touches (24 rushes and six receptions) and was a huge factor in the Cowboys' win over the Redskins. Barber finished with 153 yards and a touchdown, running very hard, breaking tackles, and picking up yards after contact. Barber has proved that he can be effective as the featured RB without having to keep his touches down, so even when Felix Jones returns, Barber should continue to receive a heavy workload. Over the next two weeks, Barber has excellent matchups against the 49ers and the Seahawks.

RB Warrick Dunn, TB - Dunn ran hard against the stout Minnesota Vikings defense. He became the primary ball carrier after Earnest Graham left the game with an ankle injury. The veteran runner ran the ball 20 times for 53 yards. He added 65 more yards on four receptions. If appears as though Graham might miss next week. It is doubtful that Cadillac Williams will be 100% healthy and in shape by then. This leaves only Dunn and undrafted rookie Clifton Smith in the Buccaneer backfield.

RB Ryan Grant, GB - Grant's best performance of the season so far came against one of the league's toughest run defenses, as he rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. The Packers' offensive line was able to provide Grant with more running room than he'd seen for most of the season, and Grant showed the vision and quickness to exploit the holes he was given. Grant's schedule gets easier over the next few weeks as he faces the Saints, Panthers, and Texans.

RB Peyton Hillis, DEN - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The Broncos RB duties are still pretty much up for grabs between Peyton Hillis, P.J. Pope and Tatum Bell, but Hillis appears to be the team's goal line carrier. Hillis scored twice against Atlanta, which is good news, and more than enough reason to get the upgrade.

RB Larry Johnson, KC - Johnson was back to being the workhorse for the Chiefs. He had a decent game, but he and the Chiefs failed on two trips inside the Saint five, having to settle for field goals. Touchdowns on those trips would have dramatically helped Johnson's fantasy stats and the Chiefs' chances of winning. After missing several games in a row, it was good to have the stud runner back in the lineup. Johnson ran the ball 19 times for 67 yards, and added a 20-yard reception. The improvement of the Chief offense with Tyler Thigpen under center will help the upside of Johnson the next few weeks as he gets back into shape.

RB Thomas Jones, NYJ - Jones was a workhorse for the Jets against New England with 30 carries and 104 yards, his third time over the century mark in the last five games. Jones ran hard and burst through the first contact on several occasions behind an athletic New York offensive line. His upside is a bit limited with Leon Washington's emergence as a solid second choice, especially on passing and third downs, but Jones remains the top option for the Jets. He faces a tough challenge against Tennessee next week but should continue to get 20 or more touches a week.

RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF - Lynch had his best game of the season on Monday night, posting season highs in both rushing yards and receiving yards. Lynch ran hard, breaking tackles and getting yards after contact. A 28-yard run down to the one-yard line was particularly impressive, as was his 18-yard receiving touchdown. On both plays, he bounced and weaved his way through tacklers showing great balance and determination. With Trent Edwards struggling to pass the ball downfield, he ended up checking down to Lynch quite often, and Lynch game through with 10 catches on 11 targets. Lynch is the best player on offense for the Bills right now, and should continue to receive a heavy workload in the coming weeks.

RB Sammy Morris, NE - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Morris returned to action in Week 11, taking the most carries for the Patriots in the first half. Morris was limited after halftime as New England was forced to throw on nearly every play, but he should be positioned well going forward as the leading choice at tailback for the Patriots.

RB Willie Parker, PIT - After sitting out the previous game with a shoulder injury, Parker returned to the lineup against the Chargers and looked completely healthy, rushing for 115 yards on 25 attempts. The Steelers' offensive line opened consistent holes for Parker, and Parker should continue to get a heavy workload in the coming games against the Bengals, Patriots, and Cowboys. Parker did find the end zone on a four-yard run, but it was called back due to a penalty. One concern is that RB Gary Russell was the Steelers' most successful short-yardage back on Sunday, and he could get some of the goalline carries going forward.

RB Antonio Pittman, STL - Pittman had a good game replacing the injured Steven Jackson. With the game out of reach, Pittman only touched the ball four times in the second half. But, he still played well enough to show promise. He was able to consistently find room to run. Pittman totaled 95 rushing yards on only 14 carries. He added four yards on three catches.

RB Steve Slaton, HOU - Slaton was able to break a long run against the Indianapolis Colt defense. His speed is undeniable. After a disappointing week last Sunday, Slaton came back with a bang. He only rushed the ball 14 times, but was able to accumulate 156 yards and a touchdown. The score was from 71 yards out. This was the longest run n Texan history. The carries were split like last week, but Slaton was much more effective than Ahman Green although the veteran converted two short yardage touchdowns. This is the only concern moving forward as the Texans try to keep the rookie from wearing down.

RB Kevin Smith, DET - Smith had a rather inspiring game against Carolina, especially early on. He ran with a purpose, broke tackles and forced his way into 8 and 12 yard gains that could've easily been only two or three yards. Smith's number was called 16 times in the first half and 12 in the second half, but the majority of his yards came in the first half when Detroit had a lead on Carolina. Detroit's offense, especially Kevin Smith, looked good against Carolina for the most part. The Lions defense was the determining factor that ultimately gave way to the winless Lions. Smith now has two consecutive 20-carry games with a total of 208 yards rushing and one TD in his last two games. Detroit's remaining schedule is not easy, but so far Smith is making the most of it, regardless of the opponent. We believe Smith's recent consistency in a Culpepper-led offense warrants a RB3 or flex option start going forward.

RB Jonathan Stewart, CAR - The Carolina running game may be led by DeAngelo Williams, but Jonathan Stewart showed he can be just as productive in his own way. Several times Stewart gained not just an extra yard here and there after heavy contact, but several yards. He has the ability to carry defenders with him an extra four or five yards before finally going down. If Stewart finds even a small opening, you can bet that he'll gain at least 5-6 yards on the play. That is something that DeAngelo Williams has the ability to do as well, but not to the level of consistency of Stewart. Carolina loves to run the ball and in order for them to be successful, the running game has to flourish. DeAngelo may be an every week starter, but Stewart is a solid RB3 or flex option. Carolina has a rough next few games (@ATL, @GB and then home for TB on Monday Night), but their running game has the ability to be successful against anyone.

RB Pierre Thomas, NO - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Thomas was the primary ball carrier for the Saints in Week 11. With Reggie Bush still sidelined with the knee injury, Deuce McAllister got the start although Thomas saw the most action. He was the more effective and explosive runner. The young runner also displayed very good receiving skills. Yes, it was against the league's worst rush defense, but he looked good. For the game, Thomas rushed the ball 16 times for 88 yards and a touchdown. He added 56 yards through the air on four receptions. After this showing, Pierre Thomas has a chance to be the complement to Bush going forward.

RB Derrick Ward, NYG - Ward had 15 touches for a combined 95 yards against Baltimore in Week 11, a big number against a stout Ravens' defense. Ward is the clear second tailback on the depth chart for the Giants, but given that impressive offensive line and the play-calling that gives Brandon Jacobs and Ward plenty of touches every week, he becomes a nice flex option nearly every week. Ward hits the hole hard and has great hands (four catches against Baltimore) and will see the field often the rest of the year.

RB Leon Washington, NYJ - Washington has moved away from just being a change of pace back for the Jets to an explosive playmaker that needs to get the ball in his hands. Washington only had seven touches against the Patriots in Week 11 but racked up 35 yards and a touchdown catch on those scant opportunities. Washington will continue to be the Jets' star kick returner but has shown that he can be an effective contributor on offense even when firmly behind Thomas Jones on the depth chart. His speed is a problem for defenses and he looks that much faster after coming in for Jones, whose game is more about strength than quickness. Fantasy teams with Thomas Jones would be well served to have Washington on their bench.

Downgrade

RB Earnest Graham, TB - Graham left the game on the first drive of the first half with an ankle injury. He did not return and will reportedly miss the remainder of the season due to the injury. Graham only had one carry for three yards before exiting the game.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE - The "Law Firm" of BenJarvus Green-Ellis may have run its course with the return of Sammy Morris to good health. Green-Ellis had only two carries and nine yards despite starting the game, as the Patriots were clearly looking to rotate the workload until Morris showed he could be their top option again. No New England RB was dominant on a pass-heavy night, but Green-Ellis may be the odd man out as long as Morris is able to play.

RB Tim Hightower, ARI - Hightower did not look very good in Week 11 for the Cardinals as he failed to gain yardage or lost yardage on five of his 11 carries. He did have two 10+ yard runs, but for the most part Hightower was ineffective and was often replaced by J.J. Arrington. Hightower did not run with the power and confidence that made him a starter in the first place, and now Arrington is in the mix to further confuse the situation. Hightower cannot be started for fantasy purposes until he re-establishes his position on the depth chart, and now he and the Cardinals face two tough matchups in the Giants and the Eagles over the next two weeks.

RB Steven Jackson, STL - Jackson did not even make the team's flight to the west coast. He is slated to see a specialist to determine why the quadriceps injury has not improved. It is unknown when Jackson may play next.

RB Brian Westbrook, PHI - Westbrook may not be 100% healthy right now, as his last two games have been underwhelming. Philadelphia is not making a consistent effort to get him the ball enough, which is also hurting his production. The loss of Shawn Andrews has hurt the offensive line and defenses are keying on Westbrook at the Eagles' primary weapon. Philadelphia is not doing enough via playcalling to get the ball in his hands nor to keep defenses honest. Week 12 is another bad matchup as the Eagles travel to Baltimore.

Holding steady

RB Tatum Bell, DEN - Tatum Bell came into the game in the fourth quarter and was used among Peyton Hillis and P.J. Pope. Bell's presence was felt in Denver's go-ahead drive. Bell had gains of seven, nine and three, but the three-yard run was called back due to an offensive holding penalty. He was also used in the Broncos final possession where he had gains of three, six and five yards, but the game was all but over at the time.

RB T.J. Duckett, SEA - Duckett was a goal line vulture with two touchdowns on just five carries for five yards. It was a "Jerome Bettis" kind of day as Duckett came in for the jumbo package twice and pushed into the end zone. Do not expect this to happen that often going forward for Duckett or Seattle.

RB Kevin Faulk, NE - Faulk was the leading back for the Patriots on a pass-heavy night in Week 11, leading all backs in carries with just eight. His 38 yards on the ground came mostly in the second half on shotgun draws to keep the Jets' defense honest, but with New England behind on the scoreboard most of the time the rushing game was a distant second behind passing plays for the Patriots. Faulk is still the Patriots' primary RB on passing downs, so he received most of the workload in the comeback effort, but his playing time should diminish in future games with the return of Sammy Morris to good health.

RB Willis McGahee, BAL - McGahee was very underwhelming in his performance against the Giants, but that's not a very good metric for running backs this season. Couple this with the fact that the Ravens trailed the entire way and McGahee's numbers should have been expected to be a disappointment. He did get 11 touches, the most of any Raven RB, despite being forced from the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. McGahee's workload as the feature Raven RB should be encouraging as Baltimore hosts Philadelphia in Week 12.

RB P.J. Pope, DEN - Pope had a few carries, including three straight red zone looks in the third quarter, only to give way to a Peyton Hillis two-yard TD run to cap off the drive. He showed promise though and could be next in line for the carousel of Denver's running game.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SD - Tomlinson gave a solid effort against a very good Pittsburgh defense. He again looked perfectly healthy, showing good quickness and balance, although the field conditions were a bit sloppy. On the downside, his offensive line is still failing to open holes with any kind of consistency. Many of Tomlinson's runs go for one yard or no gain, and there doesn't appear to be anything he can do about it. On the positive side, the Chargers' schedule over the next four weeks is rather enticing: they face the Colts, Raiders, Falcons, and Chiefs. Tomlinson could have a very nice stretch run against that set of opponents.

RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR - Williams was expected to perform well against the Raiders and Lions and he did not disappoint. He has scored at least one TD in four straight games and five of his last six. Some wondered if DeAngelo is an every week starter - how can you not start someone who has averaged close to 18 FP per game in his last six contests? The Panthers next three games are against strong teams (@ATL, @GB, and TB). DeAngelo has the ability to continue where he left off, but his high production won't be as predictable with stronger foes coming up. The first time DeAngelo played Atlanta this season, he had 57 yards on 16 carries. We still recommend starting him, but he won't be projected to have top 10 numbers.

Wide Receiver

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WR Donnie Avery, STL - Avery has big play ability. The porous Ram defense almost ensures that the Rams will be throwing a ton. Avery grabbed nine of his 12 pass targets for 93 yards. The Rams tried to get the Avery involved early, targeting him on the first play of the game. The rookie is the only big play threat on the Ram offense.

WR Anquan Boldin, ARI - Boldin is playing at such a high level right now that it is hard to believe that he missed two full games this season. Boldin was virtually unstoppable once again versus Seattle, racking up catches and yards seemingly at will. He did fail to find the end zone for the first time since Week 1, but when you make 13 catches for 186 yards it is hard to find fault with the performance. Arizona consistently got the ball in his hands even though the defense knew he was going to get it, and now the Cardinals have put in a Wildcat package with Boldin getting the snaps in the shotgun.

WR Deion Branch, SEA - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Deion Branch returned to action for Seattle in Week 11, catching several short passes against Arizona. Branch had eight targets, the most of any Seahawk, and probably worth a pickup if you need wide receiver depth. Branch should be the Seattle wideout to have down the stretch and the Seahawks will be forced to throw quite often.

WR Ronald Curry, OAK - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - With Javon Walker out for the year with a foot/ankle injury, Ronald Curry becomes the go-to WR for the Raiders. Take that for what it's worth, because this is the Raiders passing offense we're talking about here. Twice Curry was targeted three times in two separate Oakland possessions against the Dolphins. If you're desperately looking for a WR, Curry may still be on the waiver wire. He has the ability to get 4-5 catches a game here on out, plus Oakland's next three games are against division foes who all have weak pass defenses (@DEN, KC, @SD).

WR Braylon Edwards, CLE - Brady Quinn looked in Edwards' direction frequently on Monday night, as Edwards hauled in eight receptions for 104 yards on 16 targets. Edwards had his second 100-yard game of the season against the Browns, and while he's still plagued by dropped balls, Quinn has shown the ability to throw the intermediate routes that are Edwards' bread and butter. With Quinn at QB, Edwards may continue to see double-digit targets, and his fantasy prospects look improved going forward.

WR Jabar Gaffney, NE - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The New York Jets decided to take away Wes Welker and Randy Moss in Week 11 with their coverage schemes, which opened the door for Gaffney to have a much bigger game than usual. Gaffney had his best game of the season due mostly to his 11 targets, the most of any Patriot wide receiver. He converted seven of them for 86 total yards and a score, working the short routes and getting open consistently for Matt Cassel. Gaffney never stretched the field as his longest reception was just 19 yards, but he worked well against single coverage. If defenses try and take Welker and Moss away against New England again, Gaffney is capable of putting up solid numbers (and is a nice insurance policy for fantasy owners of Welker or Moss).

WR Justin Gage, TEN - Gage had some big catches for the Titans in the game against Jacksonville, including two key second half TDs. Gage has 194 yards and three TDs in his last two games, both of which were high passing games from the otherwise dormant Kerry Collins. Gage leads all Tennessee receivers with 15 targets over the last two weeks.

WR Ted Ginn, MIA - Ginn was a big part of the offensive game plan against Oakland, having his number called a total of 12 times, which included two running plays - one of which was a TD of 40 yards. Ginn's value has steadily increased over the last few weeks with three double-digit fantasy point games in his last four games. With Miami's favorable schedule coming up (NE, @STL, @BUF, SF, and @KC) Ginn looks to be a solid WR3/WR4 or flex option going forward.

WR Marvin Harrison, IND - Harrison had his second-best game of the season against the Houston Texans in Week 11. The aging veteran was targeted three times in the first half and then ten times in the last half of the game. He finished with nine relatively short catches for 77 yards and a ten-yard scoring grab. The Colt offense looks much improved. In addition, Harrison and the Colts have a nice schedule coming up with games against San Diego, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit as the next four contests.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN - Houshmandzadeh had his best performance of the season against the Eagles, catching several short passes as the Bengals spread the field quite often against Philadelphia in Week 11, forcing the Eagles to use their weaker cover corners against the Pro Bowl wideout. The Bengals took advantage of the mismatch to get the ball in Houshmandzadeh's hands 12 times including a touchdown strike, his first score in six weeks. Cincinnati has a tough matchup on Thursday but they will still look to get the ball in his hands as often as possible.

WR Bryant Johnson, SF - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Johnson got the starting nod with Josh Morgan sidelined by a groin injury. The 49ers were up early on the Rams, leaving Shaun Hill and the San Francisco offense to play ball control. Johnson still caught all four of his pass targets for 56 yards and a scoring grab. The two-yard touchdown catch came with less than a minute left in the first half. He only had one second half catch, a three-yard catch in the fourth quarter. If Morgan misses more time, Johnson will benefit.

WR Brandon Lloyd, CHI - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - In his first game back since week four, Lloyd had a quiet game with just two catches for 17 yards. But the fact that he played with no apparent setbacks puts him back on the fantasy map. Lloyd had been the Bears' leading receiver through the first four games of the season, and is still the only Bear receiver with a 100-yard game to his credit this year. Once he is at full speed, he may merit consideration as a fantasy starter.

WR Derrick Mason, BAL - So much for Mason being banged up and a question mark for Week 11. Mason led all Ravens in targets, catches and yards as he was yet again their #1 receiving option against the Giants. Baltimore took to the pass more than the ground after trailing on the scoreboard most of the way and Mason answered the call to action. The only error in his game was a tipped ball that was snared by Aaron Ross and returned for a "Pick 6" score for the Giants. Expect Mason to be the top Raven receiver once again in Week 12 against the Eagles.

WR Lance Moore, NO - Moore is able to get open with opposing defenses focused on containing Colston and Shockey. Lance Moore was left all alone along the sideline for his touchdown reception. The prolific Saint offense allows Moore to have some big games. He caught eight of his nine pass targets for 102 yards and the 47-yard scoring catch. The young defense was no match for the high-powered Saint offense.

WR Jerry Porter, JAX - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Porter is starting to get more involved in the Jaguars offense and with the three game suspension for Matt Jones looming, someone has to take over receiving duties. Porter is a big physical WR that can make plays anywhere on the field. He had only two catches for 24 yards against Tennessee, but he was targeted seven times and he had the look that he was ready to be a big contributor on offense when the opportunity presented itself. The Jags play MIN, @HOU and @CHI in the next three games - all of which are good passing match ups. Consider using Jerry Porter as a WR4 or flex option in the coming weeks, especially if Matt Jones is inactive due to suspension or injury.

Downgrade

WR Greg Camarillo, MIA - For a while it looked like Camarillo was turning the corner into an every week WR4 or flex start. That is not necessarily the case any more. He can still be used as a starter in your lineup, but only when the match up is right. The continued emergence of Ted Ginn is lowering his value. Camarillo had his first game of the year this past week against Oakland where he didn't catch at least three balls. He's not a bad option going forward, especially with Miami's fairly easy schedule, but he isn't an every-week flex option.

WR Lee Evans, BUF - Evans did not get a single target on Monday night; he was the forgotten man in the Bills' offense. Trent Edwards was picked off three times in the first quarter, and acted a bit gun shy after that, mostly checking down to his running back or tight end. The Bills have two nice matchups in their next two weeks, traveling to Kansas City and then hosting San Francisco, so Evans may have a couple of productive games. But fantasy owners cannot rely on him since Edwards is struggling in the downfield passing game. Dependable fantasy WRs are simply not ignored in their teams' offense the way Evans was on Monday night. The game against the Browns marked the third game in a row in which Evans had less than 50 yards receiving and no touchdowns.

WR Andre Johnson, HOU - After three straight games with at least 10 receptions and 140 yards each, Johnson has now had three consecutive games with fewer than 67 receiving yards. In this span, he has only 15 receptions, 183 combined receiving yards and one scoring grab. Against the Colts in Week 11, Rosenfels targeted him five times. Johnson caught four passes for 55 yards. For such a big play receiver, Andre Johnson only has three touchdowns on the season.

WR Matt Jones, JAX - Jones was inactive in the game against Tennessee due to an injured thigh. Not only is a three game suspension looming that could come any day now, but he also has an injury to deal with. Taking his place when he does sit out for three games will be Jerry Porter (7 targets on Sunday) and Mike Walker (5 targets on Sunday). Porter is starting to make some waves in what was beginning to look like a lost season. Both Porter and Walker are good physical receivers, like Jones.

WR Josh Morgan, SF - Morgan is a very talented receiver that has had difficulty staying healthy this season. He re-injured his groin on Monday night. Morgan did not play in Week 11, and it is not yet known when he will be back in the lineup.

WR Santana Moss, WAS - Moss has been downright terrible in his last two games - seven total catches for 43 yards and no TDs. Moss is still seeing a nice number of targets (18 in the last two games), so we aren't completely bailing on him. However, this offense needs to settle a bit and get Moss going again.

WR Steve Smith, CAR - Coming off a dismal one-catch effort against the Raiders, much was expected from Smith against the terrible Detroit defense. While he did catch six passes (out of ten targets), Smith only managed 59 yards and did not find the endzone. That's two pedestrian games in a row, so Smith certainly deserves a downgrade.

WR Javon Walker, OAK - The oft injured Javon Walker is out for the year with an ankle/foot injury that will require surgery. He sustained the injury in the week ten loss to Carolina, but it wasn't until Thursday that it was known that he would require surgery to insert some screws into his ankle, thus ending his season. Feel free to drop Walker from your roster.

Holding steady

WR Michael Jenkins, ATL - Jenkins has five consecutive games with at least 50 yards receiving. He is emerging as the Falcons WR2 behind Roddy White and could possibly be counted on as a flex option if the match up is favorable. Jenkins may have a rough go next week against Carolina, but the following week the Falcons play at San Diego and the 32nd ranked pass defense. He's someone to consider as a WR4 or flex option in two weeks.

WR Mike Walker, JAX - Walker played his first game since week five after suffering a sprained knee. He has stats in only four games this season, but two of those games he had five receptions for 46 yards and six receptions for 107 yards. Walker has an outside chance at reaching more pay dirt this season when Matt Jones finally serves his three-game suspension. The Jags play MIN, @HOU and @CHI in the next three games - all of which are good passing match ups. Keep an eye out for Walker getting more involved in the passing game, but we don't recommend rolling the dice on him just yet.

Tight End

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TE Dustin Keller, NYJ - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The rookie tight end for the Jets continued to emerge in Week 11 against the Patriots. His 10 targets led the team for the second week in a row, and Brett Favre is clearly looking in his direction more than any other receiver. Keller converted those 10 chances into eight catches and 87 yards against New England, but he could easily have boosted those numbers by catching either end zone target that slipped through his fingers. When you look at Keller's totals over this two week stretch (14 catches, 194 yards) it is hard not to be impressed with the Jets' newfound weapon.

TE Jerramy Stevens, TB - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Stevens was able to take advantage of his opportunity in Week 11 with Alex Smith out with an ankle injury. Jeff Garcia targeted Stevens six times. He caught all six for 84 yards, including a 31-yard grab taking the ball to the one-yard line.

TE Ben Watson, NE - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - New England struggled to get the ball into the hands of their top options against the Jets in Week 11, which was a plus for their secondary options. Watson had his best game of the year with eight catches and 88 yards and was the most targeted Patriot with 14 looks. He consistently worked the intermediate areas of the field as evidenced by all of his receptions falling in the 9-14 yard range. The only blemish on his best night of the year was a strange fumble after a catch, but if teams try and take away Welker and Moss again then Watson could make defenses pay.

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TE Kevin Boss, NYG - Just when it looked like Boss had become a vital part of the Giants passing game, he turned in a goose egg in Week 11. Even more worrisome is that he was targeted only twice after being thrown to 18 times over the prior three games.

TE Owen Daniels, HOU - Owen Daniels has now had back-to-back one-catch games, with only 14 yards this week against the Colts. Sage Rosenfels targeted him four times, with one of those passes picked off by Melvin Bullitt late in the 4th quarter, ending the hopes of the Texans.

Holding steady

TE Tony Gonzalez, KC - You can't expect 10 catches for 100+ yards every week. Gonzalez was still targeted nine times and remains very involved in the Kansas City offense.

Kicker

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PK Mason Crosby, GB - The Packers offense has been very good lately, and Crosby is scoring consistently well. Over the last three weeks, he has kicked eight FGs and eight PATs.

PK Jay Feely, NYJ - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Feely likely bought himself some time with the game-winner against the Patriots. While no formal announcement has been made, it is probable that the Jets will reward Feely with the starting job as long as he kicks well. Over his last four games, Feely has booted ten FGs and an incredible 15 PATs.

PK Garrett Hartley, NO - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Hartley was an out-of-nowhere signing a few weeks ago, but he is kicking well for the Saints. In his two games this season, Hartley is perfect on five FGs and five PATs.

PK Lawrence Tynes, NYG - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - In a big surprise, Tynes was called upon to kick for the Giants (the team needed to activate another DB and couldn't afford to have two kickers on game day). There has been no word from the Giants regarding Week 12, but Tynes was perfect on his four kicks (three PATs and a FG) so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him continue as the team's kicker.

PK Adam Vinatieri, IND - Vinatieri is a huge beneficiary of the improvement in the Colt offense. Peyton Manning and the offense were able to move the ball with ease against the Houston Texan defense. With Joseph Addai now healthy and back in the lineup, the offense should be more productive, giving Vinatieri more scoring opportunities. He connected on all four field goal chances and all three PAT tries. He could be an elite kicker going forward.

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PK Rob Bironas, TEN - After being among the elite fantasy kickers over the first half of the season, Bironas has faltered lately. Over the last two weeks, he has kicked six PATs but is only one for two on FGs.

PK John Carney, NYG - Carney was a surprise inactive in Week 11 as the Giants needed more bodies in the secondary. Carney's replacement, Lawrence Tynes, was perfect on three PATs and a FG, so it would not be a surprise to see the team look his way in Week 12 as well.

PK Matt Prater, DEN - Prater has struggled lately on his kicks (only four makes out of seven attempted FGs in the last three weeks). That kind of inaccuracy is brutal in some scoring systems.

PK Shaun Suisham, WAS - The Redskins offense has lacked explosiveness in their last two games, and Suisham's scoring has suffered because of it. In those two games, he has attempted only five total kicks - one PAT and four FGs (one of which he missed).

Holding steady

Team Defense

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TD New York Giants, NYG - Excepting the ho-hum Week 10 effort against Philadelphia, the Giants defense has been a fantasy force. Over their last four games, they have forced an incredible 12 turnovers and accumulated 10 sacks. They are obviously playing at a high level.

TD New York Jets, NYJ - The Jets may have been burned by Matt Cassel for 400 passing yards, but this group is excellent in most fantasy scoring systems. Over their last four games, they have forced nine turnovers, accumulated 14 sacks, and scored three TDs. If your league does not penalize for points and/or yards allowed, the Jets are among the elite fantasy defenses right now.

TD Carolina Panthers, CAR - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The Panthers have been a very good fantasy unit lately. In their last two games, they have forced nine turnovers and sacked the QB five times. That is great fantasy production.

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TD Atlanta Falcons, ATL - The Falcons defense has flirted with fantasy success, but they simply can't hold up well against a solid offense. With Carolina, San Diego, and New Orleans coming up, this unit should be avoided.

TD Washington Redskins, WAS - This group is a decent NFL defense, but they lack fantasy pop. Over the last three games, they have forced only three turnovers and accumulated only six sacks. That just doesn't get it done in fantasy circles.

TD Minnesota Vikings, MIN - The Vikings defense was considered an elite fantasy defense heading into the season. But, they are wildly inconsistent. Against the Buccaneers in Week 11, the Vikings only sacked Jeff Garcia once and could not intercept the veteran passer.

Holding steady

TD Baltimore Ravens, BAL - Yes, the Ravens were gashed repeatedly by the Giants ground attack, but that is happening to everyone lately. The Ravens will bounce back.