QUARTERBACKS

Rookie QB Josh Freeman turned in an upset win against Green Bay in Week 9.  His completion percentage wasn’t great (45%), but he managed to total 205 passing yards with 3 TDs.  Even though he faces a banged-up Dolphin defense this Sunday, Miami should be more prepared to take him down a notch in his second career start.  Matthew Stafford had an abysmal day throwing 5 interceptions in a loss to Seattle.  Detroit will try to lean on the running game more this week, but the Minnesota defense will make it a difficult day again for the young Lion offense.  The Steeler defense dropped the hammer on Kyle Orton holding him to 0 TDs and 3 INTs.  Washington’s defense is ranked number 1 against the pass, but he should have a better fantasy week.  Kurt Warner bounced back big time with 5 TDs in a win over the Bears.  He’s still not completing the long ball (longest reception was 24 yards), but you can’t complain as long as he is effective.

RUNNING BACKS

Clinton Portis suffered a serious concussion Sunday giving Ladell Betts the opportunity to start against Denver.  Betts is dinged up himself, so you will be looking at some limited upside against the league’s 8^th best rush defense.  DeAngelo Williams suffered a knee injury during his 149-yard effort against New Orleans.  The Panthers are labeling it as a game time decision.  Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower combined for 149 yards on 28 carries.  Neither back reached the end zone thanks to Kurt Warner’s herculean effort, but they posted an encouraging 5.32 yd per attempt clip.  Consider both a strong flex-plays against Seattle this week.  Laurence Maroney continues to be an efficient fantasy RB running for 82 yards and a score last week.  The inevitable reintroduction of Sammy Morris and possibly Fred Taylor will hurt, so be cautious from here on out.  Ricky Williams scored against New England even though he only carried the ball 8 times.  Despite the lack of carries, he has 6 total touchdowns over 8 games and deserves a starting look against Tampa Bay in Week 10.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Justin Gage broke several bones in his back giving Kenny Britt the chance to start against Buffalo’s 11^th ranked pass defense.  Chris Chambers scored 2 touchdowns in his Chiefs debut, but was predictably limited in practice this week.  He will be ready to go on Sunday, but he still has a lot to prove before you can even consider him as a WR3/4.  The more intriguing option may be Lance Long.  He was targeted by Matt Cassel 11 times and brought in 8 receptions for 74 yards.  Lance Moore will be inactive this week, leaving Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem to vie for Drew Brees attention.  Both wideouts are boom or bust, with Meachem having a slight edge in consistency.  Marques Colston was targeted 6 times last week, but only caught 1 pass for 45 yards.  It would be surprising to see him turn in another stinker this week against the Rams.

TIGHT ENDS

Other than Greg Olsen’s 3 touchdown performance, there was little to get excited about on the tight end front in Week 9.  Detroit’s Brandon Pettigrew caught 7 passes for 70 yards and a TD against the Seahawks.  Pettigrew plays a Viking squad that is a little soft against opposing tight ends, so desperate owners can take a look in his direction as an emergency stopgap.  His teammate Casey Fitzsimmons was targeted 11 times and caught 6 passes for 41 yards, but that was more of a fluke than an upcoming trend.  The Broncos held Heath Miller in check allowing only 3 catches for 18 yards.  This Sunday, he faces a Cincinnati defense that limited him to 20 total yards in Week 3, so this may not be the bounce back you were anticipating.