1. Brian Griese, Buccaneers

Last Week’s Stats

22 comp.

34 att.

296 yds.

2 TDs

1 rush yd.

Breakout Performer

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Like Jake Plummer, Brian Griese was recommended here last week. Both players delivered the goods in Week 9 and are highly recommended again. Of the two Griese is most likely available, He has rallied his new team to two consecutive wins. In doing so, he’s solidified his role as the Bucs starting QB. Griese can be started on most weeks, but a couple of the match-ups he has in the coming weeks are particularly attractive.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

Long-Term Injury Replacement

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Spot Starter

Keeper League Prospect

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@ATL

SF

@CAR

ATL

@SD

2. Tim Rattay, 49ers

Last Week’s Stats

22 comp.

35 att.

259 yds.

2 TDs

5 rush yds.

Breakout Performer

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If it seems like Tim Rattay throws two touchdown passes in every game he starts, that’s probably because he usually does. Rattay has started five games this season and tossed two scores in every game save one. If he was dropped in your league last week after missing a game with a forearm injury, snatch him up this week. He’s unlikely to get you that 350 yard, 4 TD game, but he’s about as consistent as they come.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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CAR

@TAM

MIA

@STL

@ARZ

1. Julius Jones, Cowboys

Last Week’s Stats

INJ

INJ

INJ

INJ

INJ

Breakout Performer

Jones broke his shoulder blade back in Week 2. The injury typically heals in eight weeks. According to that timeframe Jones could return to action as soon as this Sunday. Whether it’s this week or next, look for head coach Bill Parcells to give Jones plenty of opportunities during the second half of the season. While the Cowboys technically aren’t out of the playoff race, Parcells will want to get a look at his RB before the 2005 NFL draft and free agency period. Pick up Jones this week and get a jump on your league mates.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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PHI

@BAL

CHI

@SEA

NO

2. Verron Haynes, Steelers

Last Week’s Stats

12 car.

51 yds.

2 rec.

44 yds.

0 TDs

Breakout Performer

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Slim pickings on the waiver wire this week for running backs. If you need a potential one-week spot starter, Pittsburgh’s Verron Haynes could be a worthy pickup. He provided some good output this week when the Steelers shelved Duce Staley after he suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Friday. At this point Staley’s situation is up in the air. However, if he sits out another game, Haynes should once again split time with Jerome Bettis and post some decent stats.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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Long-Term Injury Replacement

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Keeper League Prospect

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@CLE

@CIN

WAS

@JAC

NYJ

3. Travis Minor, Dolphins

Last Week’s Stats

11 car.

90 yds.

0 rec.

0 yds.

0 TDs

Breakout Performer

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When Ricky Williams chose pot over football, Travis Minor was supposed to become the starter. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned. Minor suffered a preseason and fell out of the picture. But now he’s getting a second look and could end up being Miami’s top running back for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, that’s not saying much. Acquire Minor because he has some big play potential, but don’t expect him to become the next Reuben Droughns.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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BYE

@SEA

@SF

BUF

@DEN

1. Johnnie Morton, Chiefs

Last Week’s Stats

6 rec.

69 yds.

1 TD

Breakout Performer

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Morton has now posted four solid performances in his last five outings. During that same span, he’s averaging better than five catches per game. Morton was previously recommended by the Free Agent Forecast, but if he’s still available and you need a serviceable WR, target him as a potential acquisition this week. He should be good for another double-digit game this week against the Saints.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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@NO

NE

SD

@OAK

@TEN

2. Jabbar Gaffney, Texans

Last Week’s Stats

6 rec.

86 yds.

0 TDs

Breakout Performer

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Gaffney has been with the Texans since the franchise went into business three years ago. He’s historically been one of those receivers that drift on and off fantasy rosters. As they say, the only thing consistent about him is his inconsistency. But maybe things are changing a bit for Gaffney in 2004. He has posted three straight games with 80+ yards. That’s good stuff for a third or fourth wideout. Pick him up this week if you need some receiver help or if you’re missing one of your top wideouts because of a bye week. Gaffney should feast on Indianapolis’ league-worst pass defense.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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Keeper League Prospect

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Available In Small Leagues Only

Upcoming Opponents

Favorable Match-Up Next Week

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@IND

GB

TEN

@NYJ

IND

3. Travis Taylor, Ravens

Last Week’s Stats

7 rec.

58 yds.

0 TDs

Breakout Performer

Judging by the first half of the season, it’s not much of a stretch to suggest that starting a Ravens WR is akin to fantasy suicide. Baltimore’s passing game has been that pathetic. But maybe, just maybe, brighter days are ahead. Travis Taylor is starting to earn the trust of Kyle Boller. Taylor has 13 receptions in the last two games. He isn’t posting great yardage at this point, but he could be worth a roster spot in deeper leagues or in those that award points per reception.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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@NYJ

DAL

@NE

CIN

NYG

1. Boo Williams, Saints

Last Week’s Stats

5 rec.

71 yds.

1 TD

Breakout Performer

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Prior to Sunday, Williams had been the undisputed TE bust of the year. Through the first eight weeks of the season, he had surpassed 40 yards receiving just once. But New Orleans finally emphasized the tight end position in their gameplan against the Chargers. The result was Williams’ biggest game of the year. Keep in mind he finished the 2003 season strongly. If you’ve been posting mediocre numbers at your TE position, Williams could be a nice pickup. Start him this week against a Chiefs defense that has allowed a TE score the last two weeks.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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KC

DEN

@ATL

CAR

@DAL

2. Ken Dilger, Buccaneers

Last Week’s Stats

5 rec.

47 yds.

1 TD

Breakout Performer

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Tampa Bay has experienced a rebirth in the last few weeks. Simultaneous to their new success, Ken Dilger has once again become a good fantasy tight end. Dilger is most well-known in fantasy circles as a guy who used to catch a few passes from Peyton Manning each week. After moving to Tampa, his numbers plummeted. However, the last three weeks have been kind to Dilger. He’s scored in two of three games and posted some solid yardage, as well. Dilger’s 12 receptions over that same span make him a viable starting TE.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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Keeper League Prospect

Available In Small Leagues Only

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Favorable Match-Up Next Week

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@ATL

SF

@CAR

ATL

@SD

1. Chicago Bears

Last Week’s Stats

21 pts. allw.

2 INTs

3 FR

7 sack

0 pts.

Breakout Performer

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Chicago ’s defense allowed an average of just 17 points per game over the last five weeks. They’re buying into head coach Lovie Smith’s scheme. On Sunday they stole a page from the New York Giants gameplan, forcing five turnovers and registering seven sacks. That huge output followed a Week 8 drubbing of the 49ers in which they caused two turnovers and scored a defensive touchdown. This week they’ll face a Tennessee Titans team that might be without QB Steve McNair. Even if McNair suits up, the Bears should fare well. Tennessee has struggled for every point lately and they’re turning the ball over much more frequently than in past seasons.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

Long-Term Injury Replacement

Depth Chart Climber

Weekly Starter

Spot Starter

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Keeper League Prospect

Available In Small Leagues Only

Upcoming Opponents

Favorable Match-Up Next Week

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@TEN

IND

@DAL

MIN

@JAC