Owners of LaDainian Tomlinson who don’t already have his backup, Michael Turner, on their team would be wise to pick him up this week. The Chargers are trying to keep Tomlinson fresh by regularly using Turner, who proved this week that he is one injury away from being a star by rushing for 138 yards on 13 carries. The Chargers will keep trying to run over opponents in order to ease quarterback Philip Rivers into action, so this should continue.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s heel injury has forced the Bengals to start wideout Chris Henry, and he excelled against the Browns with 113 yards on five catches. Last season as a rookie, he averaged nearly one score every five catches, so if Houshmandzadeh doesn’t improve quickly, owners may want to pick up Henry.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers – 29 carries, 127 yards, TD
Rex Grossman, QB, Bears – 20-of-27 passing, 289 yards, 4 TDs
Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals – 26 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs
Peyton Manning, QB, Colts – 26-of-38 passing, 400 yards, 3 TDs
Amani Toomer, WR, Giants – 12 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Chris Brown, RB, Titans – 6 carries, 9 yards; 1 catch, 0 yards
LaMont Jordan, RB, Oakland – 19 carries, 35 yards
Carnell Williams, RB, Buccaneers – 15 carries, 37 yards
Jake Plummer, QB, Broncos – 16-of-30 passing, 173 yards, interception
Alge Crumpler, TE, Falcons – 1 catch, 22 yards
