It sure didn’t seem to matter for the Dolphins that they lost Ronnie Brown for the season tonight as Ricky Williams put on a show. In the first half, he scored on a touchdown run and a touchdown catch. In the fourth quarter, he put the Panthers away on a long touchdown run.

Ricky Williams a Top Ten Fantasy Football Running Back

Now that Brown is out of the way, Williams can turn up his fantasy production into high gear for the rest of the season. Tonight on short rest (Thursday game) Williams ran the football 22 times for 119 yards and two rushing scores.

Running wasn’t the only part of Williams game as he had two receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.

Not only did Williams put the numbers up, but he took snaps out of the quarterback position for the wildcat offense.

Look for Williams to continue his surge of fantasy football production next week against the Buffalo Bills horrible run defense.

Panthers Continue Their Passing Struggles

The Carolina Panthers seemed to have no problems running the football. DeAngelo Williams had 122 yards on the ground on only 13 carries for the game.

The Panthers struggles in this game are the same struggles they’ve had as an offense all season long and that is passing the football.

Sure, star receiver Steve Smith had a solid game with seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown score, but that was about it for the team.

Jake Delhomme was coming of a solid performance against the Falcons last week, but tonight he was off on most of his passes. To his credit, he did only have one interception on 42 pass attempts but only completed 19 attempts. For those of you scoring at home that is a completion percentage of less than 50 percent.

Next week Delhomme’s competition won’t be any easier as the Panthers travel to New York and take on the Jets solid pass defense.

The running backs should have another solid game but Smith should be the only player from this team’s passing attack that is worth a look the rest of the season.

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

The Falcons were expected to win this game but found themselves in a bad position when Michael Turner left the game in the first half. In the end, the Panthers put the game away with a 45-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Stewart.

Michael Turner Suffers High Ankle Sprain

This game was very promising for Turner as the Panthers have struggled to stop the run this season. Turner started the game off with a bang with nine carries for 111 yards on the ground.

Unfortunately, in the process of Turner’s dominant first half he had his ankle rolled up on and suffered a game ending injury. This was clearly a game changer for both teams as the Falcons had to play on without their stud.

From a fantasy football perspective, this was a killer blow for fantasy owners this week. Beyond losing a potential dominant performance Turner may be out for a few week’s with the injury.

We will know more about the ankle come Monday so stay tuned for updates on our weekly Starter Help column on Monday.

Jonathan Stewart Scores Twice

Both Stewart and Steve Smith scored twice for the Panthers to help them win the game. Stewart’s final touchdown put the team up for good as they had a 28 to 19 lead with little time left.

This was a big win for the Panthers as it keeps them in the playoff hunt for at least a few more weeks.

Next week they will play an early game on Thursday night against the Dolphins. Ronnie Brown was injured this week against the Buccaneers, and we will see if he can play on short rest.

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

Early this week it looked like the Panthers might bench quarterback Jake Delhomme in favor of backup Matt Moore. In the end, head coach John Fox decided to stick with his veteran quarterback for another game and Delhomme rewarded him with a victory.

Delhomme and Smith Hook Up

This season hasn’t bee a good one for fantasy football owners with Steve Smith on their rosters. Smith didn’t have a touchdown coming into this game but by the end of this contest, he did get a 50-yard touchdown catch.

Smith has now put together a couple of nice games since his horrible game against the Buccaneers in week six.

Next week the Panthers play against the Saints and I’m sure Smith with have plenty of opportunities to produce in that game.

Panthers Running Games Goes Wild

The Panthers running game was supposed to struggle against the Cardinals’ league leading defense against the run. Instead DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart dominated the Cardinals and shredded their defense all day.

Williams had over 150 yards and Stewart had two rushing touchdowns.

If the Panthers can continue to run the football this way they may pull out a decent season after all.

Kurt Warner Turns the Ball Over Six Times

Many expected the Cardinals to have a strong game against the Panthers and run away with a victory. Instead Kurt Warner and the Cardinals struggled all day long and had a very bad loss.

Arizona had a golden opportunity to advance their lead over the 49ers with a victory but they failed to get the job done.

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

This week the Carolina Panthers announced they plan to stick with their struggling veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme. This news came as a surprise to some but not to me. I say that not because I believe it’s the right move but because head coach John Fox is too loyal to his veterans.

This is not the first time we have seen coach Fox be overly loyal to veterans as just a few years ago he continued to start DeShaun Foster over DeAngelo Williams. Foster wasn’t cutting it and Williams was the more explosive player.

In the end, it really wasn’t until the next season in 2008 that Williams was given a chance to start. This was also funny given the fact that the Panthers drafted a relatively high first round pick on running back Jonathan Stewart.

The reason Fox makes these moves is because he believes in playing his veteran over a younger player.

Sometimes that works for Fox and other times like this situation between quarterbacks (and Foster over Williams) it really hurts the team.

How Long Will it Last?

Although Fox is overly loyal to his veteran players, I don’t believe Delhomme will play much longer if he doesn’t improve. This weekend the Panthers travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals.

Remember, last year in the playoffs Delhomme was intercepted five times by this same secondary. One could easily build a case that Delhomme has never been the same since that very game.

If Delhomme should struggle early on than I believe you will see coach Fox turn to Matt Moore in the middle of the game.

What Happens After That?

Once Moore takes over as quarterback we will probably see him play for a few weeks. In that time if the Panthers offense should continue to struggle I would expect to see quarterback A.J. Feeley get the nod.

Feeley had success with the Philadelphia Eagles in the past and is a more proven player than Moore. If Feeley is in, he should be able to at least move the offense with better efficiency than Delhomme.

If either Feeley or Moore get on a hot streak they could help bring back the fantasy values of the key players in the offense.

Right now, Delhomme is killing the fantasy values of Williams, Stewart and highly talented receiver Steve Smith.

Hopefully, change will come and it will be very soon. Fantasy football owners are being killed by Delhomme.

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

Last week we saw the big quarterback like Tom Brady and Drew Brees come out and have big weeks. This week I expect these men to continue their strong play as Brady faces the Buccaneers and Brees goes to play the Dolphins.

Hopefully, if you’re in a head to head fantasy football league you don’t have to face either of these players.

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

Quarterbacks

Matthew Stafford Bye Week: There have been rumors in recent days that Matthew Stafford’s season may be overdue to a knee injury. Stafford has come out and said the rumors are just that, and he doesn’t believe his season is over.

IF Stafford should miss more time after the bye, then Daunte Culpepper should continue to start. Last week Culpepper was replaced by Drew Stanton because he tweaked his hamstring.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson @ Steelers: The Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson injured his ankle in the Vikings’ contest against the Ravens. On Monday, Peterson said that the ankle feels fine, and he will be ready to go for this week.

Frank Gore @ Texans: The 49ers top offensive weapon Frank Gore will be a go this weekend against the Texans. Gore had missed the past two games with an ankle injury he suffered against the Vikings week three.

Look for Gore to carry the offense as they will have Michael Crabtree starting at receiver.

Wide Receivers

Steve Smith vs Bills: The Panthers top receiver Steve Smith limped off the field with a knee injury against the Buccaneers. He did come back and play in the second half but only had one reception for four yards.

Smith is having a very bad start to the season as he does not have a touchdown. Teams are double teaming him and there is no other receiver to help take pressure off him. Hopefully, the knee injury doesn’t linger and effect his speed.

Donnie Avery vs Colts: Donnie Avery injured his hip during the game against the Jaguars. After testing it has been determined that Avery is day to day with his injury.

This is an unfortunate injury as Avery had an early touchdown, and it looked like he might have a big day. Hopefully, he can recover soon.

Quarterbacks

• Tom Brady vs Buccaneers (Game is in England)
• Drew Brees @ Dolphins
• Peyton Manning @ Rams
• Philip Rivers @ Chiefs
• Aaron Rodgers @ Browns
• Matt Schaub vs 49ers
• Ben Roethlisberger vs Vikings
• Kurt Warner @ Giants
• Eli Manning vs Cardinals
• Donovan McNabb @ Redskins
• Jay Cutler @ Bengals
• Tony Romo vs Falcons
• Matt Ryan @ Cowboys
• Carson Palmer vs Bears
• Brett Favre @ Steelers
• Shaun Hill @ Texans

Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson @ Steelers
• Frank Gore @ Texans
• DeAngelo Williams vs Bills
• Matt Forte @ Bengals
• Thomas Jones @ Raiders
• Ronnie Brown vs Saints
• Steven Jackson vs Colts
• Brian Westbrook @ Redskins
• Michael Turner @ Cowboys
• Marion Barber vs Falcons
• Pierre Thomas @ Dolphins
• Cedric Benson vs Bears
• Steve Slaton vs 49ers
• Ahmad Bradshaw vs Cardinals
• Jonathan Stewart vs Bills
• Ryan Grant @ Browns
• LaDainian Tomlinson @ Chiefs
• Marshawn Lynch @ Panthers
• Joseph Addai @ Rams
• Brandon Jacobs vs Cardinals
• Larry Johnson vs Chargers
• Rashard Mendenhall vs Vikings
• Cadallac Williams vs Patriots (Game is in England)
• Laurence Maroney vs Buccaneers (Game is in England)
• Jamal Lewis vs Packers
• Donald Brown @ Rams
• Tim Hightower @ Giants
• Ricky Williams vs Saints
• LeSean McCoy @ Redskins
• Darren Sproles @ Chiefs
• Leon Washington @ Raiders

Wide Receivers

• Randy Moss vs Buccaneers
• Andre Johnson vs 49ers
• Reggie Wayne @ Rams
• Santonio Holmes vs Vikings
• Larry Fitzgerald @ Giants
• Greg Jennings @ Browns
• Roddy White @ Cowboys
• Marques Colston @ Dolphins
• Wes Welker vs Buccaneers
• Chad Ochocinco vs Bears
• DeSean Jackson @ Redskins
• Dwayne Bowe vs Chargers
• Vincent Jackson @ Chiefs
• Miles Austin vs Falcons
• Steve Smith (NY) vs Cardinals
• Donald Driver @ Browns
• Hines Ward vs Vikings
• Steve Smith (Car) vs Bills
• Devin Hester @ Bengals
• Pierre Garcon @ Rams
• Donnie Avery vs Colts ( Check Injury Report)
• Terrell Owens @ Panthers
• Braylon Edwards @ Raiders
• Mario Manningham vs Cardinals
• Steve Breaston @ Giants
• Sidney Rice @ Steelers
• Ted Ginn Jr. vs Saints
• Lee Evans @ Panthers
• Santana Moss vs Eagles
• Kevin Walter vs 49ers
• Johnny Knox @ Bengals
• Lavernous Coles vs Bears
• Jeremy Maclin @ Redskins
• Bernard Berrian @ Steelers
• Robert Meachum @ Dolphins

Tight Ends

• Antonio Gates @ Chiefs
• Dallas Clark @ Rams
• Jason Witten vs Falcons
• Tony Gonzalez @ Cowboys
• Brent Celek @ Redskins
• Owen Daniels vs 49ers
• Visanthe Shaincoe @ Steelers
• Vernon Davis @ Texans
• Heath Miller vs Vikings
• Kellen Winslow vs Patriots
• Greg Olsen @ Bengals
• Chris Cooley vs Eagles
• Dustin Keller @ Raiders
• Jermichael Finley @ Browns
• Zach Miller vs Jets
• Jeremy Shockey @ Dolphins

Kickers

• Nick Folk vs Falcons
• Stephin Gostkowski vs Buccaneers
• Mason Crosby @ Browns
• Jason Elam @ Cowboys
• Nate Kaeding @ Chiefs
• Robbie Gould @ Bengals
• Joe Nedney @ Texans
• Shayne Graham vs Bears
• Lawrence Tynes vs Cardinals
• Niel Rackers @ Giants
• Kris Brown vs 49ers
• John Kasey vs Bills
• Dave Akers @ Redskins
• Ryan Longwell @ Steelers
• Rian Lindell @ Panthers
• Josh Brown vs Colts

Defense/ ST

• Packers @ Browns
• Jets @ Raiders
• Eagles @ Redskins
• Colts @ Rams
• Patriots vs Buccaneers
• Chargers @ Chiefs
• Saints @ Dolphins
• Vikings @ Steelers
• Panthers vs Bills
• Giants vs Cardinals
• Bears @ Bengals
• Cowboys vs Falcons
• Bengals vs Bears
• Falcons @ Cowboys
• Steelers vs Vikings
• Redskins vs Eagles

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

Earlier in the week it was announced that Eagles’ rookie Jeremy Maclin would get his second start this week with Kevin Curtis out. In this game Maclin abused the Buccaneers sorry defense against the pass as he had a huge day.

Maclin and McNabb Hook Up Twice

Seeing Maclin go wild only makes Donovan McNabb’s fantasy football ranking go higher. For the game Maclin had six catches for 142 yards and the two touchdowns.

McNabb had a fabulous day as well going 16-of-24 for 264 yards passing and three touchdown passes. This was a great game to see from McNabb as he has been out with a rib injury since the first week of the season.

The Eagles are leaning on the passing game more often as Brian Westbrook is not fully healthy from his ankle injury in the spring.

McNabb, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek should all have big years in fantasy football. Maclin is also a player that is worthy of having on your fantasy football team.

Wait Till Next Year Buccaneers

Right now the Buccaneers are a total lost cause and their season is done. They are still looking to scratching out a win on the young season, and I’m not sure when they are going to get it.

Maybe next week they can beat the Panthers at home but DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith kill them.

All Tampa Bay players should only be used as bye week fill in’s at best for fantasy football.

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

No doubt the Carolina Panthers starting running back DeAngelo Williams is a talented player. Last season he broke out for fantasy football owners with a fabulous 20 touchdown season.

This season Williams has not performed as the fantasy football stud, we saw a season ago. The Panthers themselves have also scuffled as they are still looking for their first win of the season.

How can the Panthers win football games and how can Williams return to his fantasy stud self?

Give the Williams the Football

This season quarterback Jake Delhomme has two touchdowns to go with seven interceptions.

While those numbers are bad, Delhomme’s pass attempts this season to over 30 a game. This is up from around 25 a game last year when the Panthers had so much success.

So far, this season Williams is carrying the football less than 14 times a game. This is a very low amount of rushing attempts for a player with the gifts that Williams has.

This team is built to run the football, and if they have any hopes of winning football games this season, they need to get back to a ground game.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

A major reason for the Panthers’ lack of rushing attempts is that they have been playing from behind against potent offenses.

In the next three weeks, the Panthers will play three offenses that are struggling mightily. With this break in schedule it should allow the Carolina to run with confidence.

If the Panthers can win their next three contest, they would pull back to an even record. After that they will start fighting it out against playoff contending teams.

Below I have listed Carolina’s schedule from this week until week 16.

• Wk. 5- Redskins
• Wk. 6- @ Buccaneers
• Wk. 7- Bills
• Wk. 8- @ Cardinals
• Wk. 9- @ Saints
• Wk. 10- Falcons
• Wk. 11- Dolphins
• Wk. 12- @ Jets
• Wk. 13- Buccaneers
• Wk. 14- @ Patriots
• Wk. 15- Vikings
• Wk. 16- @ Giants

Fantasy Football Ranking for DeAngelo Williams

With an increase in touches, Williams should have a strong fantasy season for fantasy football owners from here.

Furthermore, look for the Panthers to pull it together in the next three weeks and get themselves back to winning football games.

In the end, their slow start may cost them a playoff spot, but if they can pull it together, players like Williams and Steve Smith can be productive.

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

In week four, Hakeem Nicks came back from his week one injury and had one catch for a fantastic 54-yard touchdown. Nicks may have only had one catch for the game, but it’s clear to see that this kid was wroth the Giants first round pick.

Hakeem Nicks to See Expanded Role

Nicks had a fine preseason and there is an obvious belief in the organization that this kid will be a future start on the team. At this point in time, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are entrenched as the starters on the team.

However, the door may have opened a bit for Nicks to see more time as Manningham had three drops in last week’s game. One of his drops led to an interception, and if he continues this production, Nicks will be starting in no time.

The Tools this Offense Needs

Ever since the Giants drafted this kid I’ve been talking about

his abilities to give this team what they need in the passing game. Nicks skills are unique to his fellow receivers because he is not only fast but tall as well.

This type of receiver is what best models that of Eli Manning’s long time No.1 wide out Plaxico Burriss.

These physical tools and his performance, make Nicks an intriguing fantasy football option in future years to come.

Hakeem Nicks Fantasy Football Ranking

I wouldn’t recommend you pick Nicks up just yet. We still need to see him win a starting job and hopefully Manning will recover fine from his recent foot injury. Assuming Manning does come back and produce at the level, Nicks will greatly help his fantasy value.

No matter what, Manning now has three very solid targets in the passing game and he is a top 12 fantasy football quarterback because of it.

If Nicks should take a starting job at some point, it would be wise of you to snag him up if you have an extra roster spot.

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

It looks like Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning has found himself a solid class of young wide receivers to throw to. Today, the young receiver at the top of the list was Steve Smith as they torched the sorry Chiefs’ defense all day.

Passing to Win

Smith had 11 receptions for the game for 134 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Only Kevin Boss had more than one reception in this game other than Smith.

Unfortunately, Manning injured his heel late in the game, and it is not known if he will play this coming week.

Once Manning is back, there is no doubt that Smith and Manningham will flourish as this team is now leaning on Manning to win more games.

Rookie receiver Hakeem Nicks also had a very nice 54-yard touchdown catch and run on Manning’s last throw of the game. Look for the North Carolina product to be a factor on this team as well.

Chiefs Just Stink

This team has a lot of growing to do before they are ready to win football games. I’m not sure if Matt Cassel’s knee is still bothering him, but he needs to get it going.

Right now, the only player I can recommend for fantasy football is Dwayne Bowe from this team. Bowe played this week so hopefully he will be healthy again for the Cowboys next week.

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

Last weeks waiver wire was all about the Giants young receivers in Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. This week brings us a new bunch of players that are hot on the waiver wire as injuries are mounting up around the league.

Waivers for the next seven weeks are going to be vitally important to most fantasy owners as they will have all their key players out on bye weeks at different times. This week the Cardinals, Falcons, Eagles and Panthers are all off so you will need to rely on your depth to win.

Below we have the top players you might want to pay attention to, for waiver pickups. Even if you don’t select a waiver (or have already done so) it’s good to keep these names in mind for the future weeks.

Dolphins- Chad Henne- Bye Week 6

Ok, Chad Henne has not proven a darn thing in this league yet, and he may not be all that great in the end. However, if your desperate for a starting quarterback this week ( if you have Kurt Warner, Eagles quarterback, or Matt Ryan) you could do worse with no quarterback.

Ted Ginn Jr tore up the Bills’ defense last year at home, and maybe he will do it again. In the end, Henne is a starting quarterback, and he should give you some points while your starter is out.

Browns- Derek Anderson- Bye Week 9

It’s getting to that point in time that Derek Anderson will probably see his opportunity to start once again. The Browns pulled Brady Quinn out of last weeks game and outside of Anderson’s interceptions, the coaching staff liked what they saw.

Quinn may get another chance to prove himself this week against the Bengals, but if he should falter in the first half, Anderson will get the call.

49ers- Glen Coffee- Bye Week 6

With Frank Gore out the next two games, rookie runner Glen Coffee makes for an excellent waiver pick up this week. This weekend the 49ers play at home against the Rams and one would have to figure Coffee will have a solid day.

What I like most about Coffee is that the 49ers coaching staff is committed to using him as a feature runner. Last week against the Vikings, Coffee had 22 carries. Look for Coffee to have a fine day for your fantasy football team this week.

Cowboys- Tashard Choice- Bye Week 6

If for some reason, Tashard Choice is still on your waiver wire you should strongly consider picking him up. Marion Barber’s status for this week is up in the air and Felix Jones is out for the next three weeks with a knee injury.

If Choice should get the start he will be a fine play against, the Broncos defense.

Steelers- Rashard Mendenhall- Bye Week 8

Today the Steelers announced that Willie Parker has a turf toe injury. At this point in time, the team is saying he could still play this week against the Chargers. If the team is smart they will hold him out as this injury usually makes runners ineffective.

If a player does not rest on this injury it can bother them for the rest of their career (Hello LaDainian Tomlinson). Look for Rashard Mendenhall to get the bulk of work in the Steelers offense this weekend.

Jaguars- Mike Sims-Walker- Bye Week 7

You might have heard of Mike Sims-Walker before when he didn’t have the Sims attached to his name. In August, Walker changed his name to Sims-Walker in honor of his father passing away from colon cancer last December.

Every week Walker is becoming David Garrard’s go to guy in the passing game. In the past two weeks Walker has had 12 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown. Look for Walker to continue his strong play in the offense as he is now a starter.

This week Walker should continue his success against the Titans poor pass defense (feels weird saying that) and should catch at least another 5 balls.

Titans Nate Washington- Bye Week 7

Nate Washington was slowed up by a hamstring injury week one but has since come back and scored each of the last two weeks. Look for Washington to continue being a factor in the Titans’ offense as he is their new Derrick Mason.

Panthers- Daunte Rosario- Bye Week 4

The Panthers are finally waking up and getting the football to their receiving tight end Daunte Rosario. In the last two games Rosario has had three catches and a touchdown and Jake Delhomme looks comfortable throwing the ball his way.

Carolina is desperate for someone other than Steve Smtih to step up and help in the passing game and Rosario looks like a good fit.

Unfortunately, Rosario is on a bye week this week but all that means is that you can pick him up within the next two weeks.

49ers- 49ers Defense/ Special Teams- Bye Week 6

It’s time to give the 49ers defense it’s do as the team looks like a contender this season. Right now the 49ers are leading the NFC Western division and Mike Singletary has his defense playing some inspiring football.

This defense may always be a risk when they go on the road against a good team but this week they play at home against the Rams. This is a great week to have the 49ers in a pinch.

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