QB Marc Bulger, STL - Bulger was able to distribute the ball effectively to his top two wideouts in Week 15, mostly due to Steven Jackson's strong rushing performance. The balanced offense was able to keep the Seattle Seahawks honest on defense, which helped Torry Holt and Donnie Avery catch 10 balls for 125 yards and a touchdown. Bulger used both along with Jackson to move the chains and also to stretch the field on occasion, including a 31-yard touchdown strike to Holt. Bulger gets two favorable matchups to close the season (San Francisco, at Atlanta) so he could build on this performance and post two more solid games to end the year.

QB Jake Delhomme, CAR - Slight upgrade here to Delhomme. Just when we think the Panthers are going to run all over their opponent, they mix it up and focus on the passing game. Often, the best passing game comes from a solid running game and that's exactly what Jake Delhomme was able to accomplish this past week against the Broncos. Denver often put eight men in the box to stop the running game and Delhomme was able to burn them with passes behind the rushing linebackers and safeties who came in to stop the run. Look for Delhomme to continue this offensive game plan. If teams want to stop the run, he'll find the open receiver. His accuracy and decision making has improved greatly in the last few games. Next week the Panthers play a pivotal game on the road against the reeling Giants, losers of two straight.

QB David Garrard, JAX - Garrard got off the skid against a good Packer pass defense. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 238 yards and tossed two touchdowns with no interceptions. This was his first game without a pick since the Week 10 contest at Detroit. The mobile quarterback also 31 yards on the ground.

QB Dan Orlovsky, DET - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Once again Dan Orlovsky was under center for the Lions, and he had a very respectable performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Orlovsky topped 200 yards and completed over two-thirds of his attempts on the day, including over 100 yards to his top target Calvin Johnson. Orlovsky had few weapons at his disposal aside from Johnson (Shaun McDonald did not play) yet he still played well enough to keep the game close into the fourth quarter. The Lions face a soft secondary when the Saints visit in Week 16, arguably the best chance for Detroit to win a game this season.

QB Seneca Wallace, SEA - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Seneca Wallace picked up right where he left off from last week's strong game, completing 60% of his passes for 226 yards against the St. Louis Rams. Wallace favored TE John Carlson often but worked the ball in to Bobby Engram and Deion Branch as well. Wallace had to miss part of the final series of the first half after sustaining a big hit but was able to return at the start of the third quarter. Wallace will likely start the rest of the year for Seattle and the matchup next week against a Jets team that is giving up a lot of point of late makes Wallace an interesting quarterback for Week 16.

Downgrade

QB Daunte Culpepper, DET - Culpepper was unable to play yet again for Detroit in Week 15 with a shoulder injury, and rumors are swirling that the Lions don't want him to play the rest of the year to save a $1M contract bonus. The bigger concern for Culpepper is Dan Orlovsky, who returned as the starter against the Colts and played very well. Orlovsky could sideline Culpepper for the rest of the season even if Culpepper gets healthy.

QB Trent Edwards, BUF - Edwards was officially the third QB listed for the Bills on Sunday against the Jets as he continues to heal from a groin injury he suffered two weeks ago. It is possible that Edwards may be healthy enough to return as the starting QB next week on the road against Denver. If Edwards cannot go, the Bills will go with backup J.P. Losman for the third consecutive week.

QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA - Matt Hasselbeck was sidelined with back problems once again. He missed the Week 15 contest with the Rams and is in danger of missing the rest of the season.

QB Eli Manning, NYG - Manning is coming off of two poor games in a row, and his schedule gets more difficult from here on out. In week 16 he faces the Panthers, who held Jay Cutler in check on Sunday, and then in week 17 he faces the Vikings and their relentless pass rush. Manning was sacked 8 times against the Cowboys and will face strong pressure again in each of the final two weeks of the season. Moreover, Manning will be missing his favorite receiver, Plaxico Burress, for the rest of the season as well.

Holding steady

QB Joe Flacco, BAL - Flacco faced Pittsburgh in Week 15, which meant that he was under pressure often and had to throw against the top-ranked NFL passing defense this year. He managed to complete just 11 out of 28 attempts for only 115 yards, but those numbers should improve against the Cowboys next Saturday.

QB Jeff Garcia, TB - Garcia is expected to return to the starting lineup in Week 16. Brian Griese didn't do enough to wrestle the job away for good, and Garcia should be healthy enough to play.

QB Tarvaris Jackson, MIN - Jackson had a career high four touchdown passes on Sunday, but it came against the worst pass defense in the league in the Arizona Cardinals. The Vikings face Atlanta and then the New York Giants in their last two games, and will likely keep the ball on the ground as much as possible. Jackson is a big underdog to have another performance this season like he did against Arizona.

QB Chad Pennington, MIA - Pennington was hot to start the game against the San Francisco 49ers. In just the first half, Pennington completed 8 of 13 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, both to tight ends. The first touchdown was to David Martin. He made a great catch, out-leaping the defender and racing to the endzone. Pennington spread the ball around to seven receivers, with only David Martin catching more than one pass in the first half. The wind was a huge factor in the second half, limiting the passing opportunities. But, it was still a good outing for the veteran as he led his team to another victory. Pennington finished the game completing 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards and the two first half touchdowns. Chad Pennington was on track for a big fantasy game before the wind started howling. The Dolphins get the Chiefs next week as they fight for a playoff spot.

QB Kurt Warner, ARI - If 270 yards passing and a touchdown can be considered a down game, Warner had a down game on Sunday, but should bounce back in the next couple weeks. Warner faced a very strong Viking pass rush on Sunday, but should have an easier time against the Patriots and Seahawks in Weeks 16 and 17.

Running Back

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RB J.J. Arrington, ARI - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Arrington has been the most effective running back for the Cardinals this season in his limited playing time, and could see more action in the final two weeks. He gained 71 yards on 9 touches against the Vikings, and if he can get up in the 10-15 touch range against New England or Seattle over the next two weeks he could put up some respectable numbers.

RB Cedric Benson, CIN - Benson was the main man for the Bengals rushing the ball, toting it 21 times against Washington in Week 15. He added 88 receiving yards to go with his 73 yards rushing on the day, but both were boosted by big gains. Benson broke off a 79-yard screen pass in the first quarter and added a 13-yard run to help his 161 total yards. Benson gets two good matchups to close the season over the next two weeks, starting with a short trip to Cleveland before ending the year against the Chiefs.

RB Kevin Faulk, NE - Faulk has quietly had a good season. This was the fourth game of the last five in which the veteran eclipsed 100 total yards. He also has scored two touchdowns in this span. Against the Oakland Raiders, Kevin Faulk rushed the ball six times for 45 yards. He added 66 more yards on six receptions, including a seven-yard score early in the first quarter. Even while sharing carries with other backs, Faulk always seems to produce.

RB DeShaun Foster, SF - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Foster was productive replacing Frank Gore against the Miami Dolphins. He was able to get five or six yards on many of his carries. The 49ers gave him 12 carries in the first two quarters alone, for 45 yards. In addition, Foster added 19 yards on three receptions. Fifteen touches in the first half is a big workload for the Foster. He only saw the ball eight times in the second half, but still managed good yardage. For the game, Foster carried the ball 18 times for 76 yards and caught five passes for 25 yards. The 101 combined yards from scrimmage is a good total against a solid Dolphin defense. If Frank Gore cannot play again next week, Foster would get a very good matchup against the Saint Louis Rams.

RB Steven Jackson, STL - Jackson looked very much like the Steven Jackson of old in Week 15, running hard and catching short passes out of the backfield. Jackson was running hard and punishing defenders, picking up yardage after contact. He dominated touches in the first half with 20 before halftime, but he was used more as a decoy after intermission due to an injury that was described by Coach Jim Haslett as him being "lightheaded". The Rams host the 49ers next week and as long as Jackson practices well during this week he should be a solid start in Week 16 and also in the finale against Atlanta.

RB LeRon McClain, BAL - Le'Ron McClain is settling into the starting role for the Baltimore Ravens, a role that most expected to either be filled by Willis McGahee or a committee approach. McClain dominated the carries with 23, amassing 87 yards against a formidable Steeler front seven. Expect the workhorse between the tackles to continue to fill that big role going forward, starting next Saturday in Dallas.

RB Darren McFadden, OAK - McFadden finally looks like he's over the toe injury that plagued him for most of the season. McFadden rushed the ball 12 times for 46 yards in the game. He was also the Raider's leading receiver with 68 yards, catching all three of his pass targets. Each of those catches went for 17 or more yards. In the last six games the rookie has played, this was the third game with at least 50 receiving yards. He is a big threat out of the backfield. This was the largest workload for McFadden since he returned from the toe injury. The Raiders host the Texans next week.

RB Maurice Morris, SEA - Morris dominated the tailback position once again for the Seahawks, averaging over five yards per carry against the St. Louis Rams in Week 15. Morris did lose touches near the goal line to TJ Duckett, who was able to punch it in, so Morris' upside is somewhat limited. Seattle faces the Jets next week which sounds like a bad matchup, but New York gave up187 rushing yards to Buffalo in Week 15. Morris ran hard between the tackles and kept the Rams from pass rushing on all downs, and the balanced offense seemed to work well for Seattle in their winning effort. Expect more of the same next week.

RB Sammy Morris, NE - Morris has been productive the last few weeks. Against the Raiders, Morris got most of the early carries before giving way to ex-Raider LaMont Jordan in a blowout game. Morris ran the ball 14 times for 117 yards with 29 of the yards coming on a scoring jaunt. This was the third straight game with a touchdown for Sammy Morris. Next week's matchup against the Cardinals should be favorable as well. Arizona gave up large numbers to the Vikings running game this week.

RB P.J. Pope, DEN - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - While Pope didn't do much - he did emerge as potential fantasy value going forward, simply because he's a healthy RB on the Broncos. Denver only had 20 carries to RBs last week though, so don't be surprised to see them continue to shy away from the running game, especially if it's not effective. Pope scored a TD on a screen play inside the ten yard line in the first quarter against Carolina. That was Denver's only touchdown of the game. Pope is someone who could have value next week at Buffalo, but in the same breath so could the now healthy Selvin Young or Tatum Bell. The Denver RB situation is a mess right now with no clear go-to back. Pope is someone who could emerge, but you're taking a gamble if you put all of your eggs in his basket.

RB Dominic Rhodes, IND - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Starting for the injured Joseph Addai, Dominic Rhodes showed that he is perfectly capable of being a starting tailback in the NFL. Of course it also helps that the Lions were the opponent in Week 15 as Rhodes totaled 116 yards on 24 touches, including two rushing touchdowns. If Addai continues to struggle to suit up, Rhodes could be the featured back going next week in Jacksonville. Even if both backs are healthy, Rhodes should see plenty of work in Week 16.

RB Steve Slaton, HOU - Slaton continues to impress. The Titans have allowed only two 100-yard rushing performances to RBs this season and both were from Steve Slaton. The rookie from West Virginia has four 100-yard rushing games in his last five games and next week he faces the Raiders weak run defense that allowed over 250 yards rushing (at home) to the Patriots last week.

RB Kevin Smith, DET - There are few bright spots for the Detroit Lions this year, but one of them has to be Kevin Smith. Despite very few offensive options, the Lions worked Smith as both a rusher and a receiver against the Colts in Week 15. Smith had 26 touches for 127 combined yards, respectable for any starting tailback. The Lions were able to be competitive enough for four quarters to keep Smith involved as both a ball carrier and a receiver, improving his overall production. Detroit squares off against the Saints in Week 16 which is a favorable matchup for Smith.

RB Pierre Thomas, NO - Thomas was used quite a bit in the game, even against a tough Bear defense. He had 12 touches in the first half, with two catches coming in the last few seconds of the second quarter. In the first half of the game, Thomas carried the ball eight times for 24 yards and caught four balls for 32 yards and a touchdown. The score came on a swing pass from the two yard line. In the second half, Thomas broke off a startling 42-yard touchdown run bursting through a hole to the right and cutting back to the left. Pierre Thomas finished with 87 rushing yards on 22 carries, including the long scoring run. He added 59 yards on seven receptions, and the first half touchdown. His role appears to be expanding in New Orleans.

RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR - In a game where Denver did everything to minimize the rushing output from the Panthers, DeAngelo Williams still produced at the level we have grown accustomed to seeing since the halfway point of the season. Since Week 8, Williams has 12 rushing TDs with five 100-yard rushing games. He is among the top three best fantasy backs in the league and that should continue as long as the Panthers offense continues to move the ball. Continue to start Williams next week in what will be billed as the game of the week against the Giants to decide the supremacy of the NFC heading into the playoffs. Carolina has everything to play for - a division title, a first round bye and possible home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

RB Selvin Young, DEN - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Young is finally healthy seeing action for the first time since week five, but the Denver RB situation is anyone's guess. Could Young emerge as a fantasy value next week? He could, but we wouldn't put too much effort into using him unless it comes out this week that he will be declared the starter for this week's game at Buffalo. Watch this situation closely, but it could also end up with no clear starting back. If that's the case, it's a gamble to consider starting Young, or any Denver RB for that matter.

Downgrade

RB Joseph Addai, IND - Joseph Addai missed the Week 15 contest against Detroit with a shoulder injury. Make sure Addai gets some work in practice before using him next week against Jacksonville.

RB Marion Barber, DAL - Barber returned from a toe injury to start the game against the Cowboys on Sunday, but rookie Tashard Choice took over and looked much more impressive. Barber didn't look completely healthy on his 10 touches for 26 total yards on Sunday, and may not be 100 percent next week, either. Moreover, the Cowboys' final two games are against two of the stronger run defenses in the league: they face the Ravens in week 16 and the Eagles in week 17, both of whom have held opposing rushers to few fantasy points this season.

RB Tatum Bell, DEN - While the Denver RB situation is up in the air, one would have to think that Selvin Young would be the primary ball carrier if he indeed is healthy enough for the work load. Young saw his first action since week five last week against Carolina, but it was minimal. We don't expect to hear anything clear pertaining to the starting RB role for the Broncos this week, but it's doubtful that Bell will see much action regardless. The return of Selvin Young and the emergence of PJ Pope drop Bell down to expendable. Bell may even be inactive for next week's game.

RB Ronnie Brown, MIA - Brown has slowed way down. Opposing teams have found ways to limit the "Wildcat" formation. In the first half of the game against the lowly 49er defense, Brown was held to sixteen rushing yards and a catch for nine yards. Fantasy owners had high hopes for this matchup. He finished with ten carries for 67 yards and the nine-yard catch. The Dolphins face the Chiefs next week, but the worry remains that the Dolphins won't give Brown enough touches to make him a viable fantasy starter.

RB Reggie Bush, NO - Bush re-injured his left knee in the first half of the Thursday night game. He did re-enter the game in the third quarter, but was ineffective. Bush only had six rushing attempts and two receptions on the game. He did have 46 total yards, 30 on the ground and 16 through the air. Bush will have an MRI on his injured knee and the results should be revealed early in the week.

RB Frank Gore, SF - Gore missed the game against the Dolphins with the ankle injury sustained in week fourteen. It is not yet known whether he will play next week against the Rams.

RB Ryan Grant, GB - Grant has been inconsistent this season. He struggled against a porous Jaguar run defense that was averaging 113 rushing yards given up a game. He carried the ball 21 times for only 56 yards. Grant failed to break a run longer than nine yards. He added three catches for 32 yards, but had a costly drop. Grant, and the Packers, travel to Chicago to face the Bears on Monday Night Football in week 16. This will be a difficult matchup for Ryan Grant.

RB Tim Hightower, ARI - The Cardinals have become almost exclusively a throwing team. On Sunday they passed 45 times and ran only seven times. Moreover, J.J. Arrington has been the more effective rusher this season, averaging 6.2 yards per carry compared to Hightower's 2.9, and is likely to get a bigger piece of the pie in the last two weeks, leaving even fewer carries for Hightower.

RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG - Jacobs sat out on Sunday with a knee that was first injured in early October and has been aggravated several times since then. With capable runners Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw available to fill in, the Giants may use Jacobs only sparingly in the final two regular season games in order to get him healthy for the playoffs.

RB Chris Johnson, TEN - The Titans have wrapped up the AFC South and a first round bye in the playoffs. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is up for grabs between them and Pittsburgh, who they coincidentally face next week. The Steelers bring the number one defense into town, which may be reason enough to consider benching Johnson for a more favorable match up.

RB Clinton Portis, WAS - Clinton Portis got much of what he wanted with 25 carries, yet he barely managed to break a three yards per carry average. He was unable to break any long gainers against what was supposed to be a soft running defense in Cincinnati, yet his longest run was just 10 yards. Portis did not get the ball when the Redskins had it in a goal line situation, which may have been a coaches' decision to show Jim Zorn's displeasure with Portis' comments in the media this week. That should not impact the performance on the field, but apparently there is more than meets the eye here. The Redskins are watching their playoff chances disappear and they face a strong defense in the Eagles next week.

RB LenDale White, TEN - The Titans have wrapped up the AFC South and a first round bye in the playoffs. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is up for grabs between them and Pittsburgh, who they coincidentally face next week. The Steelers bring the number one defense into town, which may be reason enough to consider benching White for a more favorable match up.

Holding steady

RB Tashard Choice, DAL - Choice has given two excellent performances over the past two weeks, gaining 309 yards from scrimmage against the Steelers and Giants. We hesitate to recommend starting him this week, however, as Marion Barber may be healthy enough to take a bigger workload this week when the Cowboys host the toughest run defense in the NFL in the Ravens.

RB Matt Forte, CHI - Forte injured his toe in the first half of the Thursday night game against the New Orleans Saints. He did come back into the contest, but seemed limited. As with other running backs suffering from toe injuries, Forte did not have the same burst as before the injury. It remains to be seen as to the severity of the toe, and how limiting the injury will be. For the game, the rookie rushed 11 times for 34 yards and a short yardage touchdown. He added five receptions for 29 yards.

RB Willie Parker, PIT - Willie Parker only accounted for 47 yards on the ground in Week 15 against Baltimore despite 14 tries on the ground, but not much should be expected against a strong Ravens defense. He could be in store for another rough outing next week against Tennessee unless the expected loss of DT Albert Haynesworth completely weakens the Titans run defense.

RB Adrian Peterson, CHI - Peterson would benefit if Forte misses time from the toe injury. He did not get a carry until week eleven, but has seen carries each week since. He has overtaken Kevin Jones as the primary backup to Forte. Against the Saints, Peterson carried the ball five times for the game, gaining fifteen yards. He added an eight-yard catch.

RB Michael Turner, ATL - Turner is coming off a 32-carry 152-yard rushing output against the Buccaneers and now must venture to Minnesota where the Vikings have not allowed a 100-yard rusher all year. Minnesota also has not allowed a rushing TD in four weeks. We don't recommend benching Turner - but he has been more effective at home than on the road this season. That and the tough defense matchup makes us a bit wary.

Wide Receiver

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WR Donnie Avery, STL - Donnie Avery was active once again for the Rams, who rediscovered their passing attack. Avery and the rest of the Rams' passing attack benefited from Steven Jackson's strong performance which kept Seattle honest on defense. Torry Holt was the primary receiver for the Rams, but Avery was a strong secondary option for a rejuvenated St. Louis passing game. Looking ahead, the Rams face the 49ers next week and then Atlanta to finish the season, so Avery should have two good matchups to finish the season.

WR Antonio Bryant, TB - Bryant is one of the hottest WRs in the league right now with 371 yards receiving and four TDs in his last three games. The good news is that he has kept his production up with Brian Griese at QB. It appears as if Bryant is legit no matter whom the starting QB is. Next week's match up at home against San Diego, is a favorable match up for Bryant.

WR Chris Henry, CIN - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The Washington Redskins schemed their pass defense to stop TJ Houshmandzadeh, which opened things up for Chris Henry. Henry led all Bengals with four catches in Week 15, racking up 54 yards including a pretty 22-yards touchdown reception. Henry could put up decent numbers against Cleveland next week in a very favorable matchup.

WR Torry Holt, STL - Torry Holt looked like his former self, grabbing four balls for 64 yards against the Rams in Week 15. Holt and the rest of the Rams' passing attack benefited from Steven Jackson's strong performance which kept Seattle honest on defense. The balanced attack opened up the deep strike to Holt (which accounted for a 31-yard touchdown) as well as several short and intermediate routes to move the chains. The Rams face the 49ers next week and then Atlanta to finish the season, so Holt should have two good matchups to finish the season.

WR Andre Johnson, HOU - Johnson is one of those WRs that will make plays regardless of who is covering him. His size, hands and countless opportunities in the Houston offensive attack gives him the potential for big fantasy games every week. Next week the Texans play at Oakland, where Johnson will likely be matched up against Nnamdi Asomugha, one of the league's better cover corners. We wouldn't look into that match up too much, simply because Johnson has been successful in the past against solid cornerbacks.

WR Steve Johnson, BUF - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The 2008 season may be over for the Buffalo Bills, but it's not too early to think about 2009. The Bills rookie WR from Kentucky, Steve Johnson is on the fast track to having more of a role in the passing game next year. Johnson saw some action against the Jets and even scored a TD. He's someone to keep an eye on who could be a nice sleeper next week against Denver.

WR Santana Moss, WAS - Santana Moss was the biggest highlight in Week 15 as he led all Redskins in receptions, receiving yards and found the end zone on a 10-yard pass. He was unable to stretch the field as his longest reception was just 20 yards, but he accumulated decent numbers by the end of the game. Moss' touchdown was his first one since Week 8, so it was a welcome sight for Washington fans and Moss' fantasy owners. Moss faces a tough secondary in Week 16 as the Eagles travel to DC for a big NFC East matchup.

WR Dennis Northcutt, JAX - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The Jaguars needed someone to perform with Matt Jones suspended and Jerry Porter out. Northcutt did more than could be expected, and had a huge game. Jacksonville got Northcutt involved early in the game with a misdirection run on the second play from scrimmage for the Jaguars. Northcutt caught a 30 yard touchdown later on that drive. David Garrard targeted Northcutt eight times. He finished the game with five receptions for a total of 127 yards and the touchdown. For the game, he had three of his catches go for over thirty yards.

WR Steve Smith, CAR - In 13 games this season, Steve Smith has seven 100-yard receiving performances with two more 96-yard efforts. Smith has been on fire lately, catching 18 passes in his last two games. He has 100 yards or more in each of his last four games with TDs in his last two. Continue to ride Smith's hot streak into Week 16.

WR Nate Washington, PIT - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Nate Washington is very quietly having a solid year for the Steelers. He has gained the trust of Ben Roethlisberger, who rewarded Washington with 10 targets against the Ravens in Week 15, which led all Pittsburgh players. Washington converted half of those tries to catches, racking up 76 yards against Baltimore. Pittsburgh faces a tough secondary with the Titans next week but if Week 17 is significant for your fantasy fate then take note that Cleveland travels to Pittsburgh in the regular season finale.

Downgrade

WR Mark Bradley, KC - From Week 8 to Week 12, Mark Bradley became a consistent target for QB Thigpen and, during that stretch, was the #9 fantasy WR in the league. Since then he has suffered injuries to each of his calves and has not been a factor at all. He missed Week 14; and while he played in Weeks 13 and 15, he had no receptions in either game. Bradley appears to be unstartable from here on out.

WR Steve Breaston, ARI - There's a big chance that the Cardinals are mentally preparing for the postseason. If so, the offense will struggle a bit, and that could hit third-receiver Breaston pretty hard.

WR Lee Evans, BUF - This looks like a lost season for Lee Evans. The Bills simply aren't able to use Evans to stretch the field and are instead hitting shorter routes (notice in Week 15 the Bills has 12 pass targets to RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and eight to possession receiver Josh Reed).

WR Anthony Gonzalez, IND - Gonzalez simply isn't being featured in the Indianapolis offense - over the last three weeks, he has only seven total targets. Even against the lowly Lions, Gonzalez saw only two passes (despite Peyton Manning throwing the ball 37 times.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN - Houshmandzadeh entered Week 15 as one of the leaders in receptions in the NFL, but he struggled mightily against the Redskins. Washington focused their defensive efforts to minimize Houshmandzadeh's production and Ryan Fitzpatrick was forced to look elsewhere with the ball. Houshmandzadeh should be able to rebound next week against Cleveland.

WR Lance Moore, NO - Moore was red hot from Week 3 through Week 12 but has since cooled off over the last three games. In this span, Moore has yet to top 35 receiving yards. Also, after scoring six touchdowns in five weeks, Lance Moore has not scored the past two games. Against the Bears on Thursday night, Moore caught five passes for a total of 27 yards while being targeted eight times.

Holding steady

WR James Jones, GB - Jones had a huge game against the Jaguars, leading the Packers in receiving. He had missed several games with a knee injury. After only 12 receptions for 101 yards on the year, James Jones caught four passes for 132 yards. Jones caught a 46 yard pass on the Packers' third play from scrimmage. He had three pass receptions on the day that went for at least 34 yards.

WR Derrick Mason, BAL - Mason had eight targets in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the top-ranked NFL passing defense this year. He managed to collect just three of them for 23 scant yards, but not much should be expected against Pittsburgh. Look for Mason to bounce back and put up stronger numbers in Dallas on Saturday.

Tight End

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TE John Carlson, SEA - Carlson has been Seattle's No. 2 receiver over the last five weeks in terms of targets. He has been thrown to 30 times, while Deion Branch has 38 targets. However, Carlson has caught an impressive 80 percent of his looks (Branch is at 50 percent). That makes Carlson the most productive Seattle receiver over that time frame.

TE Dallas Clark, IND - Dallas Clark was a workhorse for the Colts and Peyton Manning in Detroit, where he set a career high with 12 catches, 142 yards and a score. Clark worked the sideline and the middle of the field all game and dominated the targets for Indianapolis. Look for Clark to be a dependable target for Peyton Manning in Jacksonville in Week 16.

Downgrade

TE Zach Miller, OAK - Miller left the game with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter with an apparent shoulder injury. This capped off what could have been a big day. Miller caught five of his seven pass targets for 60 yards, but dropped a sure scoring pass. The injury is one to keep an eye on with many fantasy title games next week.

TE Ben Watson, NE - After his enormous Week 11 showing (when he had 14 targets), Watson has become an afterthought in New England. Over the last four weeks, he has only eight total targets and half of those were in Week 13. He simply isn't getting an opportunity to perform.

Holding steady

TE David Martin, MIA - Sure, he made the highlights with the long TD pass, but Martin only had three targets in Week 15. That's right in line with his season-long 3.1 targets per game, so don't expect him to suddenly be a viable fantasy option.

Kicker

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PK Robbie Gould, CHI - Gould converted all of his kicking opportunities against the Saints on Thursday night. Even in the cold weather, Gould hit both field goal kicks and both extra point chances. Gould has connected on at least two field goals in three of the last four games. With the Packers and Texans next up on the schedule, there should be ample scoring chances the rest of the season.

PK Garrett Hartley, NO - Hartley remains perfect this season and has favorable matchups to close the season. He kicks at Detroit in Week 16 and is home against a Carolina team that could be on cruise control to close the season. Also note that both sites are indoors, so weather will not be a factor.

PK John Kasay, CAR - The Panthers have turned the corner from tease to legitimate conference champs. Their ground game seems to be able to run at will, and that keeps supplying Kasay with opportunities. He has kicked four FGs and a league-high 13 PATs over the last three weeks.

Downgrade

PK Neil Rackers, ARI - There is only one problem with owning Rackers in Week 16 - he probably won't have many opportunities. As evidenced against the Vikings, it is very likely that the Arizona offense will sputter next week in New England. First off, it will likely be cold, which is rarely a plus for high-octane passing attacks. More importantly, Arizona has nothing to play for. They have already clinched the division and a home-field playoff game with no chance at a first-round bye and could simply naturally shift it down a bit mentally.

Holding steady

Team Defense

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TD Dallas Cowboys, DAL - Sacks, sacks, and more sacks. After getting to Eli Manning eight times, the Cowboys now have 20 sacks over their last three games. As a comparison, the Vikings are second over the time frame with only 11. In leagues that award fantasy points for yards and points allowed, Dallas is scoring nicely in those areas as well.

TD Minnesota Vikings, MIN - This group gets a bump simply because the Williams boys will get to stick around to finish the season. With their court-ordered reinstatement, Minnesota's defense remains a very nice option.

Downgrade

TD Green Bay Packers, GB - This group keeps making their opponents look good. Despite being mired in a very mediocre campaign (and being without his top two receivers), David Garrard rolled into town and completed about two-thirds of his passes for 238 yards and a pair of TDs. Even worse, Green Bay allowed Dennis Northcutt to go for 127 receiving yards. Dennis Northcutt? Seriously?

TD Tennessee Titans, TEN - The Titans get the downgrade mostly due to the injury to DT Albert Haynesworth. The big fella suffered a sprained knee and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.

Holding steady