With Ben Roethlisberger out one would have to conclude the Steelers were going to struggle with Dennis Dixon under center. Dixon had only thrown one pass in his two year career and this week he was on the road against the Ravens in his first NFL start.

Beating the Odds

Until Dixon’s final throw of the game (interception in overtime) this young quarterback had himself a good day. Not only did Dixon throw a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes, but he ran a touchdown in as well from 24-yards out.

Dixon has always had speed and was especially effective when he was a starter for the Oregon Ducks.

With Dixon in the game Rashard Mendenhall saw more carries as he received over twenty for close to 100 yards rushing. We should see more of this in the coming week’s because, even if Roethlisberger is back they will play a bit more conservative.

Running the football more will insure that Big Ben isn’t getting knocked around.

Next week the Steelers face the Raiders, and I expect the team to have an easy win in that contest.

Ray Rice the Workhorse

Joe Flacco, Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton all had good days in the passing game, but it was running back Ray Rice that was the star again. Rice totaled over 150 total yards from scrimmage as he kept drives going all game long.

At the end of the game in overtime Rice pounded the rock down inside the red zone for an easy field goal opportunity for Billy Cundiff. The Ravens’ kicker made the field goal and the Ravens won the game.

Now that the Ravens are well in the thick of the playoff hunt, they should be ready to play some consistent football.

Clayton stepped his game up for seven catches and 129 yards receiving, if the team is going to beat the Packers next week they need another strong effort from Clayton.

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

The time has come for the Seattle Seahawks to start their best running back. Finally, Justin Forsett will be given an opportunity to produce as the starter and help fantasy football squads.

This opportunity has come about because of an unfortunate injury to Julius Jones last week against the Cardinals. In that game Jones injured his rib and went to the hospital with bleeding in his lung.

Forsett took over as the starter and went on to rush the football 17 times for 123 yards rushing and a touchdown. This production was excellent, especially when you consider that Cardinals were the 3rd best team against the run coming into that game.

Beyond Forsett’s solid rushing total’s, he is also very good out of the backfield as he’s totaled five receptions in each of his last two contest’s.

Justin Forsett Equals Steve Slaton?

Forsett’s skill set is very comparable to the way Steve Slaton played a season ago. When Slaton was on top of his game a year ago he was one of the top ten fantasy football running backs in the league.

Forsett may not be that good, but I fully believe he can be a top twenty fantasy back in the future. All he needs is an opportunity to show that he can handle the load and prove he can physically hold up to the challenge.

Fantasy Football Strategy

If Forsett is still a waiver wire option in your fantasy football league than I suggest you nab him up right now. This kid is an instant flex play option for this week, even if the Seahawks are playing the Vikings.

Minnesota’s run defense is still solid this season (9th in the league), but they are having problems dealing with runners that can get out on the edge. This is the reason why Ray Rice was able to gash this defense a few week’s back.

Not only has Rice had success against this defense but Rashard Mendenhall and Kevin Smith have found success as well.

Forsett probably won’t go over 100 yards rushing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has over 100 total yards from scrimmage.

Next week Forsett has a great matchup against the Rams and is a no brainier start.

Reports out of Seattle are saying that Jones may be ready for that game but with his lung issue that is wishful thinking right now.

If Forsett has success in the next two week’s, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones comes back and finds out that he’s lost his starting job. Reason being that Forsett is a better running back than Jones at this point in his career.

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

The Steelers veteran running back Willie Parker has missed the past two weeks with a nasty turf toe injury. Parker finally came back to practice this week but had to wear a special shoe just to participate.

On Thursday, Parker’s backup Rashard Mendenhall missed practice with flu like symptoms that had some wondering if he would miss this week’s game.

The very next day Mendenhall came back to a full practice, and it is now looking like he will be the starter on Sunday.

Is Parker Still the Top Runner in Pittsburgh?

In the past two week’s Mendenhall has given the Steelers quality production on the ground. If Mendenhall does start and puts together another strong performance, one has to question if he is now the lead man in Pittsburgh.

Not only has Mendenhall had solid numbers running, but he’s also done a great job in pass protection.

Even if Parker should find a way to take the starting job back, I would expect the Steelers to continue to use Mendenhall as the goal line back. In the past two weeks Mendenhall has three touchdowns and should of had a fourth, but it was called back on a holding penalty.

Since the Mike Tomlin era began in 2007, Parker has only amassed a measly eight touchdowns in 29 games.

Understanding this lack of production in recent years, it is very easy to see that Mendenhall would make a better fit.

Fast Willie Parker?

Parker made his name in the NFL being the speed runner in the Steelers pound it out offense. Even before the turf toe injury, it was easy to see that Parker was not the speedster, he once was.

Not only will Parker lose more speed with the turf toe problem, but he will have a very hard time making cuts on the toe.

If he were a big physical runner than he might have stood a better chance to have success. With turf toe, you can still run straight ahead but not laterally.

Fantasy Football Information for the Steelers Running Backs

Look for Mendenhall to continue his charge towards becoming the true No.1 running back in Pittsburgh. Even if Parker can some how play effectively on the toe, he will lose out on red zone touchdowns.

From a fantasy football perspective Mendenhall will not only get the touchdowns but should at least get around 15 touches a week. If Parker should miss more time (may vary well happen) during the season, then Mendenhall will be the feature back.

In the end, Mendenhall is now his way to a nice year for fantasy football owners and should have over 10 touchdowns on the season.

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

Things are starting to take shape in different divisions around the NFL football world. Teams like the Broncos and Bengals are not only division leaders but are strong contenders for the playoffs.

If you have players on either of these teams their fantasy football value has taken a dramatic increase since the summer.

On another note, we are in the third week of the bye week stretch and the Colts, 49ers, Dolphins and Cowboys are all off.

This week we have our weekly section on wounded warriors, as well as our top rankings for top position players. We have the top 16 ranked QB, TE, K and D/ST ranked. We also have the top 30 RB’s and top 35 WR’s as well.

Every week we will start off with our wounded warrior’s section. These are the key players that are on the injury report that you need to pay attention too before games begin.

Wounded Warriors

Matthew Stafford @ Packers: Look for Matthew Stafford to ride the pine again this week as he has a bad knee. Although the Lions maintained that Stafford would be a game time decision last week, he didn’t even warm up before the game.

Next week the Lions have their bye week and this would give Stafford almost a month to rest the knee. Daunte Culpepper will start, even if the Lions say Stafford is a “game time decision” again.

Willie Parker vs Browns: The Steelers veteran running back Willie Parker has not practiced for almost three weeks now. In spite of this lay off head coach Mike Tomlin believes Parker will be ready for full practice on Wednesday.

Parker kills the Browns and I’m sure he would love to be on the field this weekend. Even if he is I believe you will still see Rashard Mendenhall get more touches by the end of the game.

Calvin Johnson @ Packers: The Lions prized receiver Calvin Johnson went down early in the game with a knee injury. The team believes the injury is not serious, but I believe he is highly doubtful for this week’s game.

Much like Stafford the Lions would be wise to sit Johnson out this week and give him the bye week next week to get healthy.

Jericho Cotchery vs Bills: The Jets No.2 receiver Jericho Cotchery admitted he probably re-aggravated his hamstring by playing in the Monday night game. He also added that he needs to be smart and may have to miss this week’s game.

Look for Mark Sanchez to throw to Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller most of the time next week.

Anthony Gonzalez – Bye Week: The Colts GM Bill Polian admitted that Anthony Gonzalez is not ready to start practicing again. When asked if he would be able to play week seven, Polian said he would expect Gonzalez to have a few bumps in the road to recovery.

Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie will continue to play in their roles for awhile. Since they are playing so well the Colts will let Gonzalez get to full strength before he comes back.

Quarterbacks

• Tom Brady vs Titans
• Carson Palmer vs Texans
• Kurt Warner @ Seahawks
• Aaron Rodgers vs Lions
• Matt Hasselbeck vs Cardinals
• Donovan McNabb @ Raiders
• Drew Brees vs Giants
• Ben Roethlisberger vs Browns
• Matt Schaub @ Bengals
• Eli Manning @ Saints
• Philip Rivers vs Broncos
• Kyle Orton @ Chargers
• Matt Ryan vs Bears
• Jay Cutler @ Falcons
• Joe Flacco @ Vikings
• Jake Delhomme @ Buccaneers

Running Backs

• Maurice Jones-Drew vs Rams
• DeAngelo Williams @ Buccaneers
• Cedric Benson vs Texans
• Ryan Grant vs Lions
• Adrian Peterson vs Ravens
• Knowshon Moreno @ Chargers
• Steven Jackson @ Jaguars
• Rashard Mendenhall vs Browns (Strong Start Even if Parker Plays)
• Matt Forte @ Falcons
• Michael Turner vs Bears
• Chris Johnson @ Patriots
• Pierre Thomas vs Giants
• Brian Westbrook @ Raiders (Splitting Time with McCoy)
• Clinton Portis vs Chiefs
• Thomas Jones vs Bills
• Kevin Smith @ Packers
• Steve Slaton @ Bengals
• Brandon Jacobs @ Saints
• Ray Rice @ Vikings
• LaDainian Tomlinson vs Broncos
• Marshawn Lynch @ Jets
• Julius Jones vs Cardinals
• Ahmad Bradshaw @ Saints
• Cadillac Williams vs Panthers
• Michael Bush vs Eagles
• Jonathan Stewart @ Buccaneers
• LeSean McCoy @ Raiders
• Tim Hightower @ Seahawks
• Chris Beanie Wells @ Seahawks
• Leon Washington vs Bills

Wide Receivers

• Randy Moss vs Titans
• Andre Johnson @ Bengals
• Greg Jennings vs Lions
• Steve Smith (CAR) @ Buccaneers
• Larry Fitzgerald @ Seahawks
• DeSean Jackson @ Raiders
• Santonio Holmes vs Browns
• Chad Ochocinco vs Texans
• Roddy White vs Falcons
• Brandon Marshall @ Chargers
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs Cardinals
• Wes Welker vs Titans
• Anquan Bolden @ Seahawks
• Santana Moss vs Chiefs
• Marques Colston vs Giants
• Vincent Jackson vs Broncos
• Braylon Edwards vs Bills
• Steve Smith (NY) @ Saints
• Dwayne Bowe @ Redskins
  
• Jeremy Maclin @ Raiders
• Mike Sims-Walker vs Rams
• Donald Driver vs Lions
• Mario Manningham @ Saints
• Donnie Avery @ Jaguars
• Devin Hester @ Falcons
• Calvin Johnson @ Packers (Move Up if He Plays)
• Hines Ward vs Browns
• Torry Holt vs Rams (Pay Back Game)
• Derrick Mason @ Vikings
• Bernard Berrian vs Ravens
• Terrell Owens @ Jets
• Kevin Walter @ Bengals
• Nate Washington @ Patriots
• Justin Gage @ Patriots
• Chris Henry vs Texans

Tight Ends

• Antonio Gates vs Broncos
• Tony Gonzalez vs Bears
• Brent Celek @ Raiders
• Greg Olsen @ Falcons
• Visanthe Shaincoe vs Ravens
  
• Chris Cooley vs Chiefs
• Dustin Keller vs Bills
• John Carlson vs Cardinals
• Heath Miller vs Browns
• Owen Daniels @ Bengals
• Kellen Winslow vs Panthers
• JerMichael Finley vs Lions
• Ben Watson vs Titans
• Todd Heap @ Vikings
• Jeremy Shockey vs Giants
• Tony Scheffler @ Chargers

Kickers

• Ryan Longwell vs Ravens
• Steven Hauschia @ Vikings
• Mason Crosby vs Lions
• Robbie Gould @ Falcons
• Jason Elam vs Bears
• Stephin Gostkowski vs Titans
• Josh Scobee vs Rams
• Kris Brown vs Bengals
• Nate Kaeding vs Broncos
• Matt Pratier @ Chargers
• Dave Akers @ Raiders
• Rob Bironas @ Patriots
• Niel Rackers @ Seahawks
• Lawrence Tynes @ Saints
• John Kasey @ Buccaneers
• Jason Hanson @ Packers

Defense/ ST

• Steelers vs Browns
• Eagles @ Raiders
• Jets vs Bills
• Redskins vs Chiefs
• Packers vs Lions
• Ravens @ Vikings
• Vikings vs Ravens
• Patriots @ Titans
• Jaguars vs Rams
• Giants @ Saints
• Broncos @ Chargers
• Panthers @ Buccaneers
• Falcons vs Bears
• Bears @ Falcons
• Bengals vs Texans
• Chargers vs Broncos

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

Pierre Thomas was a top twenty fantasy football running back on our draft boards for most of the off season. Unfortunately, the Saints fine product, suffered a knee injury in August and his fantasy ranking declined by the start of the season.

Thomas missed the first two weeks of the fantasy football season with that bum knee but came back strong.

In week three against the Buffalo Bills, Thomas pounded the rock only 14 times but had 126 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

In his second start last week against the New York Jets, Thomas had another strong game with 19 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown.

This strong comeback has made Thomas’s fantasy football ranking sky rocket back up the boards, but will he continue this success?

A Reason to Believe

This week I’ve been talking about the difference between Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker in the Steelers running attack.

It is easy to see that Parker is not giving the team what they need and continues to have injury problems. On the other side of the coin, Mendenhall is now giving Pittsburgh what they need with good inside running and production at the goal line.

Their situation is similar to what the Saints went through last season, with Thomas and Reggie Bush.

Bush for all intents and purposes has been a horrible bust in fantasy football and in the NFL over his career. Part of the problem is that his knee has continued to have problems throughout his career.

The other problem is that Bush is horrible at trying to run inside the tackles. This part of a running back’s game is vitally important, if you’re going to be a starting tailback in the NFL.

These flaws, left the door wide open for Thomas in the second half of the last season. Thomas responded and had a fabulous ending to the fantasy football season.

Now, Thomas is off to another strong start to the season, and it is apparent that he will remain the top runner for this undefeated team.

Fantasy Football Rankings for Saints Running Backs

Right now the only running back I would have on this team is Thomas. Maybe you could still have Bush in PPR fantasy football leagues but that is the only style of play, he is valuable in.

Mike Bell had a nice start to the season but as long as Thomas is around, Bell will be an after thought.

Look for Thomas to continue to have a fabulous season as the Saints main man in the back field.

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

Veteran running back Willie Parker is going to miss his second game for the Steelers with a nasty turf toe injury. In his absence, Rashard Mendenhall will get his second start in a row and play against the Lions poor run defense.

Last week, some fantasy football analyst’s were down on Medenhall even though he was going to be a solid play against the Chargers. In some ways, this was understandable as Mendenhall was benched by the coaching staff the week before.

Not only that but he had never shown much in terms of football or even fantasy reliance up to that point.

My How Things Have Changed

Last week Mendenhall ran with the toughness and skill that reminded people why this kid was drafted so high out of Illinois. Not only did Mendenhall run hard, but he was the teams feature runner the entire game.

On the night he ran the football 29 times for 165 yards with two touchdowns. He even had two catches for 26 yards in the passing game as well.

After the game even Parker admitted he was impressed and noted that Mendenhall ran like someone said something bad about his mother.

This is the kind of spirited performance that Mike Tomlin was hoping to see from his talented young runner.

Can He Do It Again?

While last week’s game was a fine performance, fantasy football owners need to see if Mendnehall can put two strong performances together. This week he has no excuses to not run well as he faces the Detroit Lions.

The Lions are 20th against the run and are giving up a league high in points per game at 33.5. This should indicate that Mendenhall is inline to at least produce over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown.

If Mendenhall can perform strong once again and stay healthy doing it, then he might be one of the biggest waiver pickups of the 2009 season.

Fantasy Football Rankings for Mendenhall and Parker

As long as Mendenhall stays healthy and continues his strong running, he is the runner to have for fantasy football. When Parker comes back, he will have to run well to remain the starting running back.

Even if Parker comes back and runs well you shouldn’t let go of Mendenhall. We have seen Parker’s decline in speed and health over the past two seasons.

If Parker goes down again, Mendenhall will be an instant starter for your fantasy football team. Odds are he will go down again.

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

We are already a quarter of the way done with the fantasy football season, and it’s amazing how fast the season goes. Players like Steve Slaton and Matt Forte finally broke lose and had big games for fantasy football owners.

At one point, I thought Slaton would end up being a bust as he was benched by his coach Gary Kubiak. Fortunately, Slaton was given another opportunity and had two big touchdowns.

This week I will be interested to see how Kurt Warner and the Cardinals play against the Texans. In their last contest against the Colts, Warner did not look good and the offense didn’t look sharp.

Hopefully, Arizona will come out and start playing like the team, we saw a season ago.

This week we have our weekly section on wounded warriors, as well as our top rankings for top position players. We have the top 16 ranked QB, TE, K and D/ST ranked. We also have the top 30 RB’s and top 40 WR’s as well.

Every week we will start off with our wounded warrior’s section. These are the key players that are on the injury report that you need to pay attention too before games begin.

Wounded Warriors

Eli Manning vs Raiders: We will have to find out if Eli Manning will play this week after he re-injured plantar fascia. Right now, if you have other options at quarterback you might want to bench Manning this week.

The Giants play the Raiders at home, and they should make easy work of them in this one. Look for New York to lean on their running game to get an easy win.

Correll Buckhaulter vs Patriots: If you have Knowshon Moreno it is time to make him a start this week. Correll Buckhaulter should be out for a week or two with a high ankle sprain. Look for Moreno to get the bulk of the work this week against the Patriots.

Darren McFadden @ Giants: Darren McFadden will be out the next 2-4 weeks with an injury. This week the Raiders play the Giants, and I really can’t recommend you start anyone from Oakland.

Willie Parker @ Lions: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects Willie Parker to miss more time this week in practice. Parker has a turf toe injury and didn’t practice or play a week ago.

Look for Rashard Mendenhall to get the bulk of work, even if Parker does suit up for the game.

Roy E. Williams vs Chiefs: Unfortunately, for you fantasy football owners that still have Roy Williams on your team, he may not play this week. Williams is suffering from three damaged ribs from last week’s game.

This is one of Williams golden opportunities to shine for fantasy owners, so hopefully he can play this week.

Quarterbacks

• Peyton Manning @ Titans
• Kurt Warner vs Texans
• Matt Schaub @ Cardinals
• Ben Roethlisberger @ Lions
• Donovan McNabb vs Buccaneers
• Tom Brady @ Broncos
• Brett Favre @ Rams
• David Garrard @ Seahawks
• Tony Romo vs Chiefs
• Eli Manning vs Raiders (Keep an eye on Injury Report)
• Joe Flacco vs Bengals
• Matt Ryan @ 49ers
• Kyle Orton vs Patriots
• Carson Palmer vs Ravens
• Trent Edwards vs Browns
• Jason Campbell @ Panthers

Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson @ Rams
• Maurice Jones-Drew @ Seahawks
• Chris Johnson vs Colts
• Brandon Jacobs vs Raiders
• Marion Barber vs Chiefs
• DeAngelo Williams vs Redskins
• Ray Rice vs Bengals
• Willis McGahee vs Bengals
• Rashard Mendenhall @ Lions (Move up if Parker is Out)
• Michael Turner @ 49ers
• Brian Westbrook vs Buccaneers
• Ronnie Brown vs Jets
• Steve Slaton @ Cardinals
• Steven Jackson vs Vikings
• Clinton Portis @ Panthers
• Knowshon Moreno vs Patriots
• Kevin Smith vs Steelers
• Thomas Jones @ Dolphins
• Tim Hightower vs Texans
• Ahmad Bradshaw vs Raiders
• Glen Coffee vs Falcons
• Julius Jones vs Jaguars
• Marshawn Lynch vs Browns
• Jerome Harrison @ Bills
• Fred Taylor @ Broncos
• Cedric Benson @ Ravens
• Tashard Choice vs Chiefs
• Caddillac Williams @ Eagles
• Larry Johnson @ Cowboys
• Joseph Addai @ Titans

Wide Receivers

• Larry Fitzgerald vs Texans
• Anquan Bolden vs Texans
• Andre Johnson @ Cardinals
• Randy Moss @ Broncos
• Reggie Wayne @ Titans
• Santonio Holmes @ Lions
• DeSean Jackson vs Buccaneers
• Calvin Johnson vs Steelers
• Mike Sims-Walker @ Seahawks
• Steve Smith (Panthers) vs Redskins
• Terrell Owens vs Browns
• Steve Smith (Giants) vs Raiders
• Mario Manningham vs Raiders
• Santana Moss @ Panthers
• Bernard Berrian @ Rams
• Brandon Marshall vs Patriots
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs Jaguars
• Wes Welker @ Broncos
• Roddy White @ 49ers
• Dwayne Bowe @ Chiefs
• Chad Ochocinco @ Ravens
• Hines Ward @ Lions
• Jerricho Cotchery @ Dolphins
• Derrick Mason vs Bengals
• Kevin Walter @ Cardinals
• Mark Clayton vs Bengals
• Roy Williams vs Chiefs (May Not Play)
• Pierre Garcon @ Titans
• Justin Gage vs Colts
• Lee Evans vs Browns
• Mohamed Massaquoi @ Bills
• Braylon Edwards @ Bills
• Patrick Crayton vs Chiefs
• Nate Washington vs Colts
• Ted Ginn Jr. vs Jets
• Eddie Royal vs Patriots
• Issac Bruce vs Falcons
• Josh Morgan vs Falcons
• Torry Holt @ Seahawks
• Dieon Branch vs Jaguars

Tight Ends

• Tony Gonzalez @ 49ers
• Jason Witten vs Chiefs
• Dallas Clark @ Titans
• Owen Daniels @ Cardinals
• Brent Celek vs Buccaneers
• Vernon Davis vs Falcons
• Health Miller @ Lions
• Visanthe Shaincoe @ Rams
• Chris Cooley @ Panthers
• John Carlson vs Jaguars
• Dustin Keller @ Dolphins
• Todd Heap vs Bengals
• Daunte Rosario vs Redskins
• Ben Watson @ Broncos
• Kevin Boss vs Raiders
• Zach Miller @ Giants

Kickers

• Nick Folk vs Chiefs
• Ryan Longwell @ Rams
• Stephin Gostkowski @ Broncos
• Kris Brown @ Cardinals
• Rob Bironas vs Colts
• Josh Schobee @ Seahawks
• Dave Akers vs Buccaneers
• Niel Rackers vs Texans
• Lawrence Tynes vs Raiders
• Steven Hauschka vs Bengals
• Matt Praiter vs Patriots
• Rian Lindell vs Browns
• Jeff Reed @ Lions
• Shayne Graham @ Ravens
• Adam Vinatieri @ Titans
• Josh Brown vs Vikings

Defense / Special Teams

• Giants vs Raiders
• Vikings @ Rams
• Cowboys vs Chiefs
• Steelers @ Lions
• Eagles vs Buccaneers
• Jets @ Dolphins
• Ravens vs Bengals
• Jaguars @ Seahawks
• Falcons @ 49ers
• Redskins @ Panthers
• 49ers vs Falcons
• Dolphins vs Jets
• Bills vs Browns
• Colts @ Titans
• Bengals @ Ravens
• Patriots @ Broncos

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