Because most fantasy leagues crown champs after Week 16, the eyes of savvy owners look toward the future. If you are in a holdover league, now is the time to fill your bench with promising options.
Ron Dayne has cemented his role as the workhorse for the Texans, and as any owner of a primary back in a zone blocking scheme can tell you, his numbers should improve with a second offseason of practice.
Rookies Maurice Jones- Drew, Joseph Addai, Lawrence Maroney and DeAngelo Williams seem good bets to be better fantasy RBs next season, and so does free agent-to-be Michael Turner.
For those still in competition, Turner should be a sneaky play at RB this week. The Chargers are still chasing the home-field edge in the AFC, but might rest superstar LaDainian Tomlinson.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks – 31 carries, 140 yards, 2 TDs
Marc Bulger, QB, Rams – 25-of-38 passing, 388 yards, 4 TDs
Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts – 8 catches, 112 yards, 2 TDs
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars – 19 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs; 6 catches, 41 yards
Vince Young, QB, Titans – 13-of-20 passing, 183 yards, 2 TDs; 8 carries, 61 yards, TD
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals – 3 catches, 32 yards
Eli Manning, QB, Giants – 9-of-25 passing, 74 yards, TD, int.
Willie Parker, RB, Steelers – 13 carries, 29 yards
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – 0 catches; 1 carry, -5 yards
Michael Vick, QB, Falcons – 9-of-20 passing, 109 yards, 2 ints.
