Backup Generators
DAUNTE CULPEPPERhad something to prove on Sunday in Miami, his former home. If the Raiders QB'sthree rushing TDs didn't make his point, then his third-quarter celebrationdid. He pointed to his surgically repaired right knee and gave an exaggeratedO.K. sign. The message: "All systems go. Eat it, Dolphins."
It's the time ofthe year when bench QBs are rising--nine played last week--and Culpepper, whostepped in for Josh McCown, is particularly intriguing. What should fantasyowners do with a twice-discarded vet who had a wildly confounding stat line(five TDs, but only 75 passing yards and 28 rushing yards) in his first start?In a word: Believe. Quality QBs are at a premium as players like Drew Brees andMarc Bulger struggle. That means owners must shed any skittishness aboutreplacement QBs. What's not to like about Culpepper, anyway? He still has acannon arm and the wheels to keep defenses honest. Yes, he plays for a crummyteam--but that could have been said about Cleveland's Derek Anderson. Anyoneknow how he's doing?
BRUISE NEWS
Read Will Carroll's analysis of the latest injuryreports, every Thursday at SI.com/fantasy.
Trent Edwards
J.P. WHO? In his first NFL start, Edwards threw for theBills' first passing touchdown of '07 and helped revive Lee Evans, whose sixcatches were one above his season total.
David Carr
PERHAPS HE actually likes getting sacked? But as long asSteve Smith is a Panther, consider Carr when the matchup is favorable. Thisweek's, against the Saints, is.
Brian Griese
FROM "BAD REX" to "Bad Brian." Thelesson: No Bears QB is worth starting until the line gets healthy, CedricBenson starts rolling and receivers start holding on to the ball.
Trent Dilfer
HIS GOATEE has flourished, but his game hasn't. WhileAlex Smith is sidelined with a shoulder injury, stay away from the 49ers' skillplayers.
TWO PHOTOS
PAUL SPINELLI/GETTY IMAGES (CULPEPPER DIVING); JC RIDLEY/CSM (CULPEPPER GESTURING)
 Playing'Pepper
Daunte dived in with five TDs in his first start.
TWO PHOTOS
RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES (EDWARDS); TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/US PRESSWIRE (GRIESE)
