This up coming Sunday marks the final week of the regular season for many fantasy football leagues. For those of you that have Cedric Benson on your fantasy team it is time to get him in your starting roster.

For the past two weeks Benson has not played because of a hip problem that caused the team to sign Larry Johnson from free agency. Johnson, as we all know was shipped out of the Chiefs’ organization because of his disturbing comments on Twitter.

The Bengals gave Johnson a second chance and last week he ran for over 100 yards against the Browns. In that game Johnson didn’t start as Bernard Scott was Benson original backup and start both games in Benson’s absence.

During the game against the Browns, Scott suffered a turf toe injury and Johnson took over to finish the game.

Distribution of Carries

Head Coach Marvin Lewis made it known to everyone early this week that Benson would play this Sunday against the Lions and would start. Lewis and teammates cited that this team is Benson’s team and now that he is healthy it is his starting job to have back.

This only makes sense as Benson was having a Pro Bowl season before he was injured and has earned the job, without question.

Backing up Coach Lewis’s words, Benson practiced in full for every day of practice this week. This was the first time he had done so since before his injury week ten against the Steelers.

Now the only questions that remain are how much work will Benson get, and how much work will Johnson receive in fill in time?

Fantasy Football Outlook

Assuming Benson doesn’t suffer a setback, he should get most of the touches until the game is well in hand. Since the Bengals are playing the Lions this week I would expect them to have the game put away early in the fourth quarter.

Look for Johnson to pound out the final series or two of the game when the team has the win well in hand. Other than that Johnson will probably give Benson a breather here and there during the game.

I would expect Benson to have no less than 85 yards rushing and one touchdown in this easy rushing contest. Johnson could put up similar numbers as he will face the Lions’ defense at the end of the game when they are tired.

Benson is a must start for fantasy owners and Johnson makes for a sneaky flex option as well.

After this game, I don’t see Johnson as much of a fantasy option until they face the Chiefs week 16. Johnson has that game penciled in as a pay back game, and I’m sure Coach Lewis will give him at least twelve touches and a touchdown opportunity for his hard work.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Last week was definitely a weird one in the world of fantasy football. Players like Bernard Scott and Jason Snelling came out of the wood work and helped fantasy owners win crucial games down the stretch of the season.

We even saw a flash from the past as players like Ricky Williams and Chris Chambers help lead their teams to victory.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Colts (10-0)

The Colts made it out of Baltimore with another victory but just barely as they won the game 17 to 15. This up coming week the Colts will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. The last time these two teams played in Indianapolis the Colts won a close game.

Look for the Texans to give the Colts everything they can handle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they win.

2. Saints (10-0)

The Saints beat the Buccaneers for their tenth win of the season. Next week they will play the Patriots on Monday night, and I believe they will lose that game.

Fortunately the Saints will get back key players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Drew Brees should have a huge fantasy football scoring day against the Patriots as the game will be a scoring extravaganza.

3. Vikings (9-1)

If it wasn’t for the Saints and Colts being undefeated the Vikings would be on the top of our list of the power rankings. This team is strong in just about every category and this team should have home field advantage in the NFC when the regular season is over.

With Brett Favre playing on top of his game and Adrian Peterson in the backfield the Vikings should roll to the super bowl.

4. Patriots (7-3)

The Patriots bounced back strong after losing to the Colts at the last minute. This week they should put up a big scoring game against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

Look for Brady, Moss and Welker to have big days as the Patriots need to put up a lot of points to win in New Orleans.

5. Chargers (7-3)

Since losing to the Broncos in week six the Chargers have won their last five games. Just when you thought this team was down for the count with a bad offensive line, a defense that couldn’t stop the run and LT not playing up to his standards, they turn it all around.

Expect the Chargers to win the AFC West and probably finish in the AFC with the third or fourth best record.

6. Bengals (7-3)

After two big division wins the Bengals dropped a disappointing game to the Raiders in Oakland. This week they will come back home and play their final game in their division for the regular season against the Browns.

Look for Bernard Scott to continue as the starting tail back if Cedric Benson is out for this week. Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco should have strong games.

7. Cardinals (7-3)

The Cardinals are moving past the Cowboys in our NFL power rankings more because Dallas has played that bad than the Cardinals have played that good. Last week the Cardinals held on to beat the Rams without Kurt Warner, but it wasn’t pretty.

It looks like Warner will be a go this week against the Titans and that is good because they wouldn’t win this game without him.

8. Cowboys (7-3)

This season has been a major up and down year for the Cowboys’ passing game. All of a sudden, defense are putting their top corner on Miles Austin, and he is having problems beating coverage.

If the Cowboys’ struggle on Thanksgiving against the Raiders I wouldn’t be surprised.

9. Steelers (6-4)

The Steelers lost a gimmy game against the Chiefs and one has to think it’s because they failed to dominate in the running game. Rashard Mendenhall is a capable running back but if the Steelers don’t start showing a need to run the ball they will lose more games like this past week to the Chiefs.

Sooner or later the Steelers will have to run the ball to either keep Ben Roethlisberger healthy or because Roethlisberger is knock out and injured.

10. Eagles (6-4)

The Eagles make it back to the top ten teams on our NFL power rankings because the Broncos are backsliding into outer space.

This past week the Eagles won a hard hitting road game and proved they could run the football when they needed to. Running the ball is very important for all teams in the NFL and now that the Eagles have shown success under pressure it should help open up the deep ball again.

• 11. Packers (6-4)
• 12. Broncos (6-4)
• 13. Giants (6-4)
• 14. Jaguars (6-4)
• 15. Titans (4-6) Still a very good team when healthy
• 16. Ravens (5-5)
• 17. Falcons (5-5)
• 18. Texans (5-5) Need a new kicker
• 19. Dolphins (5-5)
• 20. 49ers (4-6)
• 21. Panthers (4-6)
• 22. Seahawks (4-6)
• 23. Jets (4-6)
• 24. Bears (4-6)
• 25. Chiefs (3-7)
• 26. Bills (3-7)
• 27. Redskins (3-7)
• 28. Raiders (2-8)
• 29. Lions (2-8)
• 30. Rams (1-9)
• 31. Buccaneers (1-9)
• 32. Browns (1-9)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This week the Cincinnati Bengals signed running back Larry Johnson to the team. This move has been made as a precaution in case Cedric Benson should have problems with his current hip injury.

The game plan right now is that the Bengals are hopeful Benson will be able to play this weekend against the Raiders. This very well may not happen, but it is fully expected that Benson will return next week against the Cleveland Browns.

If Benson should miss this week’s contest than expect the team to start rookie Bernard Scott and use Brian Lenard as a third down specialist.

The team may activate Johnson as the third running back if Benson does not start but his playing time will be limited.

Fantasy Game Plan

Expect Benson to be out this week as it would help him get his hip strong for the rest of the season. Next week is a more important game for the Bengals because the Browns are a division game.

For this coming week Scott makes for a good starter as the Raiders aren’t playing very good football. Scott has breakaway ability as we saw him score the only touchdown for either team last week on a 96-yard kickoff return.

Look for the Bengals to take Scott off of kick return duties if he should start at tailback.

Beyond that play, you might want to hang onto Scott if he runs effectively as he would be the starting tail back again if Benson should have a setback with his hip injury.

Larry Johnson’s Fantasy Value

Johnson may be a factor once we get into December but for the next few week’s, he probably won’t be a factor.

If Benson should have continued problem’s then look for Johnson to be active on game day’s for the Bengals. Beyond that I believe Scott will have to run ineffectively for Johnson to become a solid option in the running game.

It is possible you could see him become the goal line back as Scott is a little undersized. Other than that Johnson will be a non factor the rest of the way.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Dwayne Bowe was suspended today, November 17th, for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances. The suspension will last for the next four weeks and will no doubt effect fantasy football lineups across the world.

Fantasy Shakedown

In light of this suspension fantasy owners should look to receiver Chris Chambers to receive a bump in fantasy value. Now that Bowe is off the team for awhile, Chambers will receive more looks from quarterback Matt Cassel.

Look for Chambers to be a good bet for solid production most weeks during this four game stretch.

In Chambers first two games with his new team he has produced six receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. These are solid numbers considering Chambers hasn’t been with the Chiefs for two full weeks yet.

As far as Bowe is concerned you may want to hold onto him for the final weeks of the fantasy season. He is still a talented receiver and plays the Browns and Bengals the final two weeks of the fantasy season.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The Bengals beat the Steelers this week, and now they have a commanding lead in the AFC North. If Cincinnati can beat the Browns in two weeks from now they will have swept their division for the season.

The Bengals are 7 and 2

This wasn’t a pretty win for the Bengals, but they got it none the less.

Cedric Benson left the game in the first half with a hip injury and played only one more play in the game. On that play Benson took a carry to the outside and had a very noticeable limp when going around the edge.

After the game Benson said he will rest on the injury and is hopeful he can play this coming weekend against the Raiders.

If he is out (don’t be surprised if he is) than the Bengals will lean on rookie running back Bernard Scott to carry the load.

Steelers Offense Shut Down

The Steelers offense is having a very solid season but this game was not theirs. The Bengals defense allowed them to move the football but put the clamps on them inside the red zone.

This great effort on defense forced the Steelers to settle for field goals and that cost them the game.

Look for this offense to have a big performace next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

As we move into week ten for the NFL football season there are still two teams that are undefeated and atop the NFL power rankings. Outside of the Colts and Saints fabulous starters we still have other teams like the Vikings, Patriots, Steelers and even Bengals that are closing in the rankings.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Saints (8-0)

Drew Brees and the Saints are still winning ball games but the last three weeks they’ve been close to losing.

Looking past this teams recent struggles it is easy to see they are vastly improved from last year. The big turnaround for this team is when they picked up defensive coordinator Greg Williams.

His impact on the defense has given them respectability on that side of the football. Not to mention fantasy football relevance.

2. Colts (8-0)

Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense have slowed down in touchdown production the past two weeks. If they have any shot of staying undefeated this week against the Patriots, they will need to turn up the point scoring once again.

3. Vikings (7-1)

Brett Favre has made a major impact on this team as they now have balance on offense and as a team. With Favre at the helm forgotten receivers like Sidney Rice have come out of the wood work and become fantasy starting players.

As long as Favre continues to stay healthy this team will continue to roll and could be atop the NFL power rankings soon.

4. Patriots (6-2)

The Patriots’ offense has come on strong in the past three games and Tom Brady is looking better all the time. If the Colts continue their struggles in scoring offense than I fully expect the Patriots to win this weekend.

Going forward I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots’ defense gets stronger and the end up in the Super Bowl.

5. Steelers (6-2)

Sure the Bengals are 6 and 2 and have beaten the Steelers this year, but I’m still going with the champs. The Steelers proved on Monday night against the Broncos why they are still one of the best teams in football.

With the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall in the running game the Steelers can now lean on the running game when they need to. I expect them to win this weekend against the Bengals.

6. Bengals (6-2)

This season has been a pleasant surprise for the Bengals. With Cedric Benson doing his best Rudi Johnson impersonation and the defense emerging this team is ready for the playoffs.

Cincinnati has already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beat the Steelers. This week they play the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and I expect the Bengals to lose. If the Bengals do, in fact, win, they will be the clear favorite to win the AFC North.

7. Broncos (6-2)

The past two weeks have been tough for the once undefeated Denver Broncos. This weekend they should get healthy with a blowout win against the Redskins.

From a fantasy perspective, we need to see this team go down the field more often. Doing so with help fantasy football values of Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler.

8. Cowboys (6-2)

If the Cowboys can put two road wins together this weekend against the Packers I will truly believe in their turnaround. As it stands right now Dallas is the favorite to win the NFC East as they are in first place.

Miles Austin has made a major impact on this team and will be a top 15 fantasy receiver coming into next year.

9. Falcons (5-3)

Having the Falcons ranked this high is very debatable, but I just believe they are the more balanced team of all the 5 and 3 teams. With Matt Ryan’s steady play in the passing game and Michael Turner’s re-emergence, this team is rolling.

10. Cardinals (5-3)

I would have the Eagles above the Cardinals if they prove to me, they can win without the big play in the air. For a team like the Eagles to drop a game to the Raiders is just not worthy of being in the top ten teams right now.

While the Cardinals haven’t run the ball great they have proven they can win on the road this season. Because of their undefeated record on the road and solid run defense, I’m willing to give them a pass for their loss to the Panthers.

• 11. Eagles (5-3)
• 12. Chargers (5-3)
• 13. Texans (5-4)
• 14. Giants (5-4)
• 15. Ravens (4-4)
• 16. Jets ( 4-4)
• 17. Packers (4-4)
• 18. 49ers (3-5)
• 19. Dolphins (3-5)
• 20. Bears (4-4)
• 21. Jaguars (4-4)
• 22. Titans (2-6)
• 23. Seahawks (3-5)
• 24. Panthers (3-5)
• 25. Bills (3-5)
• 26. Raiders (2-6)
• 27. Chiefs (1-7)
• 28. Buccaneers (1-7)
• 29. Lions (1-7)
• 30. Redskins (2-6) Has this team given up?
• 31. Rams (1-7)
• 32. Browns (1-7)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This game was a tale of two halves as the Broncos dominated the clock in the first half and then the Steelers dominated in the second. It seemed that the Broncos were going to give the Steelers defense all they could handle at the start of this game but it all turned around.

Rashard Mendenhall is Taking Over

This game is just another reason why Rashard Mendenhall is going to remain the starting running back in Pittsburgh. For the night Mendenhall slashed into the Broncos defense for 155 yards on 22 carries.

The Broncos were only giving up an average of 86 yards per game on the ground this season and Mendenhall almost doubled that total on his own.

What impresses me the most about Mendenhall is his ability to run the ball just as good in-between the tackles as he does running to the outside.

If Mendenhall continues to run the football like he has since taking over than he will be at least a second round pick in fantasy football drafts next year. Willie Parker is expected to leave the team after this season and that means he won’t be around as a threat to steal touches.

Even though Parker is still on the team and active right now you would have never known it in this game.

Consider Mendenhall a must start for the rest of the fantasy football season.

Ben Roethlisberger Leads His Team Back

Big Ben Roethlisberger almost gave the game away in the third quarter when he fumbled the football and Denver’s defense scored on the turnover.

After that play Roethlisberger had a flawless game as he charged his team down for three touchdown scores.

The Steelers are going to be a very hard team to face going forward as they now have balance on offense and still have a strong defense. Next week’s showdown with the Bengals should be a fun one to watch.

Brandon Marshall Hauls in Eleven Catches

The Broncos offensive attack was highlighted by Brandon Marshall as he had eleven receptions for 112 yards.

While this is a fine stat total and PPR fantasy owners with Marshall but I need to see more. Don’t get me wrong Marshall’s performance was solid, but I’m still not seeing this team trying to throw the football down the field.

Not only that but if I’m not mistaken the Broncos didn’t even get inside the red zone for the entire game.

If the Broncos are going to be a playoff team this year they need to do a better job against defensive teams.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Many NFL annalists felt that there was no way the Bengals would beat the Ravens for a second time this year. The Ravens were coming off a dominant performance against the Broncos last week and looked like they were ready to start a winning streak.

Cedric Benson Runs Hard

This season has been a great one for fantasy football owners with Cedric Benson on their team(s).

The last time Benson played the Ravens, he posted the first 100 yard rushing game against their defense in years. This time around one had to believe that the Ravens would be ready for Benson and not allow him to go over the century mark twice.

By games end Benson posted 34 carries for 117 yards rushing and a touchdown run. The Bengals road Benson for their second win against the Ravens and their 4th win in the division.

The Bengals are still atop the division as they get ready for the Steelers next week . If they can win that game, they will have swept the Steelers and Ravens for the season.

Joe Flacco Struggles

The Bengals defense sure seems to have Joe Flacco’s number as they frustrated him two times this season.

Whatever this defense has figured out on how to stop his talented quarterback has sure worked.

I still believe the Ravens will make a run for the playoffs but one has to believe that the team will have to get in as a wild card.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Last week Carson Palmer made me look like a fool after he chucked five touchdowns against the Bears. The week before Palmer failed to produce against the Texans and left fantasy owners (like me) in the ditch.

While it was good to see that Palmer produced, he still isn’t attacking down the field as all his touchdowns were inside the 15 yard line.

This week the Bengals, Steelers, Chiefs, Patriots, Buccaneers and Redskins are all on bye weeks and fantasy owners will be in need of production.

Below we have our top border line players at different positions that are worth starting and worth sitting for the eighth week of the NFL fantasy football season.

Start’Em

Quarterbacks

• Tony Romo vs Seahawks
• Matt Ryan @ Saints
• Brett Favre @ Packers
• Jay Cutler vs Browns
  

Running Backs

• Kevin Smith vs Rams
• Matt Forte vs Browns (He has to produce in this one right?)
• Joseph Addai vs 49ers (Donald Brown was injured against the Rams)
• Ricky Williams vs Jets

Wide Receivers

• Miles Austin vs Seahawks (Start every week)
• Devin Hester vs Browns
• Donnie Avery @ Lions
• Sidney Rice @ Packers

Tight Ends

• Vernon Davis @ Colts
• Greg Olsen vs Browns
• Visanthe Shaincoe @ Packers

Kickers

• Nate Kaeding vs Raiders
• Kris Brown @ Bills

Defense/ ST

• Chargers vs Raiders
• Bears vs Browns (If Tommy Harris is out again Sit them)

Sit’Em

Quarterbacks

• Kyle Orton @ Ravens
• Joe Flacco vs Broncos
• Jake Delhomme @ Cardinals (Career is probably Over)

Running Backs

• Knowshon Moreno @ Ravens
• Julius Jones @ Cowboys

Wide Receivers

• Steve Smith (Car) @ Cardinals ( If you have WR’s that are performing)
• Bernard Berrian @ Packers (Sidney Rice is taking over)

Tight End

• John Carlson @ Cowboys (What have you done lately)
• Daunte Rosario @ Cardinals (Injured)

Defense/ ST

• 49ers @ Colts
• Jets vs Dolphins

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Beyond all the blowout wins this week we actually have a few notable players that broke out in a big way. Players like Michael Crabtree, Shonne Greene, Miles Austin and Cedric Benson all had strong days.

In Crabtree’s case, I was amazed to see a rookie receiver come in and not just catch five passes but play almost every snap. Crabtree’s success is a testament to his conditioning and studying when he was on his own.

Below I have some observations from the seventh week of the regular season and how I see those points of interest playing out from a fantasy perspective.

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Seven

• Texans vs 49ers
• Steelers vs Vikings
• Bengals vs Bears
• Cowboys vs Falcons
• Saints vs Dolphins
• Jets vs Raiders
• Cardinals vs Giants

Regular Season First Six Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Seven Notes:

Shonn Greene a Hot Waiver Pickup

This weekend Jets’ rookie running back Shonn Greene saw his fantasy football value sky rocket with Leon Washington breaking his fibula. Washington went down in the game and is already declared done for the rest of the season.

Greene got the opportunity to back up Thomas Jones in this game and didn’t disappoint as he rumbled for 144 yards on 19 carries. Beyond the very impressive yardage numbers from the rookie, he also found the end zone twice.

This running back is a very hot waiver pickup as he will now be active in the Jets’ offense every week.

Austin Goes Wild

For the game Austin had six receptions for 171 yards receiving and two touchdowns. No doubt, Austin is now the true No. 1 receiver on this team and is a scary fantasy football receiver to face.

Look for the Cowboys to continue to make a drive for a wild card spot as they have a good team. This game was a big one for Dallas as they needed to show they could beat a good opponent.

Next week they play the Seahawks at home and should roll to an easy win.

Running Like a Beast

Benson had his revenge on the Bears as he carried the football and amazing 37 times for 189 yards and a touchdown. This was a complete blowout by the Bengals as they crushed the Bears 45 to 10.

Not only did Benson have a great game but quarterback Carson Palmer also had a solid performance as well. On the day Palmer had five touchdown passes as the Bengals had it going from the first quarter to the fourth quarter.

Now, the Bengals are 5-2 and are still a top the AFC Central. After their bye week in week eight they have to play the Ravens and Steelers again.

We will see if they can produce wins against these competitive teams once again this season.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com