Clinton Portis owners were happy to see him back in action Sunday, but they could be worried about Ladell Betts getting 16 carries and putting up 124 yards and a touchdown in relief time. The Redskins are just easing Portis back into action after his separated shoulder, and the Texans’ defense is porous enough that Betts was serviceable this week. But expect Portis to be back to his workhorse duties against Jacksonville next week.
A backup running back worth worrying about is Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville. Fred Taylor is getting old, and still has that “fragile” tag even though he hasn’t missed more than five games since 2001. So the Jaguars will keep feeding Jones-Drew as long as he keeps producing as he did Sunday, when he rushed for 103 yards on 13 carries, as well as being the leading receiver for Jacksonville.
As often as Brett Favre is throwing, rookie receiver Greg Jennings is worth looking into if help is needed at that position.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Mark Brunell, QB, Redskins – 24-of-27 passing, 261 yards, one TD
Brett Favre, QB, Packers – 25-of-36 passing, 340 yards, three TDs
Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles – eight carries, 117 yards, two TDs; four catches, 47 yards, one TD
Eric Johnson, TE, 49ers – seven catches, 87 yards, one TD
Willis McGahee, RB, Bills – 26 carries, 150 yards
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Travis Henry, RB, Titans – 21 carries, 60 yards
Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals – one catch, 11 yards
Thomas Jones, RB, Bears – 18 carries, 54 yards
Randy McMichael, TE, Dolphins – two catches, 15 yards
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – 18-of-39 passing, 208 yards, three interceptions
