QUARTERBACKS

Tony Romo appears to be emerging from his early season funk.  He completed 21 out of 29 attempts for 311 yards and 3 TDs in Sunday's route over Atlanta. Miles Austin sure does help out and so does the Seattle defense in this week’s contest.  Alex Smith relieved Shaun Hill and went 15 for 22 with 3 TDs and a 1 INT.   Shaun Hill was only 6 for 11 for 45 yards, but Coach Singletary felt the team need a spark after falling to a 21-0 deficit.  It seems to a bit of harsh treatment for Hill, who really wasn't that bad, but it’s more of an indication that the 49ers have higher long term expectations from Smith. Expect Smith to start against Indy in week 8.  He'll have a long leash for the season - San Francisco wants to see if he can helm the ship.  Tom Cable yanked JaMarcus Russell after he threw 2 INTs and lost a fumble in the first half.   Bruce Gradkowski took over, but he's hardly any better.  Expect Russell to be under center next week.  Jay Cutler tossed 3 INTs in a 37-10 loss at the hands of Bengals.  His gunslinger mentality doesn't seem to be subsiding so he will continue to frustrate fantasy owners.

RUNNING BACKS

Cedric Benson trounced his old Chicago teammates for 189 yards and a TD on 37 carries.  He faces Baltimore after the bye week.  Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones combined for 265 rushing yards and 3 TDs against Oakland.   With Leon Washington out for the season, Greene is a mandatory acquisition for RB hungry owners.  Brandon Jacobs turned in one of his best games of the season totaling 78 yards at a 5.8 average and 1 TD.  Ahmad Bradshaw is still a little gimpy, so Jacobs will be used heavily again this week against the Eagles.  LaDainian Tomlinson was stuffed on several goal line runs.  The Chargers really can't use Sproles at the goal line, so LT2 should remain the short yardage option.  He'll have an easier time against the Raiders in Week 8.  Steve Slaton fumbled again, giving him 4 total on the season.  Owners need to be aware of any loss of reps due to Slaton's fumblelitis.  Joseph Addai hardly looked dominant posting 64 yards on 20 carries, but he did score and there is a chance Donald Brown will sit out against the 49ers this week.  Jamaal Charles is the frontrunner to take over starting RB duties after the Chiefs suspended Larry Johnson for derogatory remarks.  We actually thought LJ's performance would be his undoing, but it what his loud mouth (actually his loud ramblings on Twitter) that proved to be his demise.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Devin Hester caught 8 passes for 101 yards and a TD in a losing effort against the Bengals.  It was his first 100-yard game on the year and he’s a nice play against a weak Browns defense this Sunday.  Hakeem Nicks had 4 receptions for 80 yards and TD last week.  Mario Manningham was a late-add to the injury report, so Nicks may see an increase in targets against the Eagles.  Lee Evans totaled 75 yards in a 20-9 win over Carolina.  He's scored a TD in back-to-back games with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, but he's going to continue to be an inconsistent option in the anemic Buffalo offense.  The Giants' Steve Smith compiled 69 yards on 4 receptions but he was targeted 10 times.  He's been awfully quiet since his 134-yard, 2 TD game against Kansas City in Week 4, but the high amount of targets indicates the possibility of a turnaround.  Similarly, Percy Harvin was thrown to 10 times but only made 3 grabs.  As long as Brett Favre keeps giving him attention, the numbers will start to materialize

TIGHT ENDS

Vernon Davis racked up 7 receptions for 93 yards and 3 TD.  He was already off to a good start, but seems to be blossoming with Alex Smith under center.  With Chris Cooley out for an extended period of time, Fred Davis took over TE duties and made 8 catches for 78 yards and a TD.  If you were unlucky enough to lose Cooley, consider Jackson in the right matchups.