For Better or Worse
Unforeseendevelopments--from personnel changes to injured teammates--can make everythinggo right for one player and nothing go right for another.
MARC BULGER Rams,QB
A coaching change,to Jim Haslett after Week 4, and the emergence of rookie wideout Donnie Averyhave combined to give the St. Louis offense new life. On Sunday againstthe Patriots, Bulger (above left), who was benched in September, had his first300-yard game since Nov. 11, 2007. Facing the Cardinals at home this week, hehas a good chance for a repeat performance.
LEON WASHINGTONJets, RB
The speedy back isbecoming a favorite of the opportunistic Brett Favre. On three carries andthree catches against the Chiefs, Washington had 101 combined rushing-receivingyards and two TDs. Washington remains a gamble, but one with a potentially highpayoff.
BILLYMILLERSaints, TE
Reggie Bush is onthe shelf; Deuce McAllister could be facing suspension for violation of theNFL's drug policy; and Jeremy Shockey is a regular in the trainer's room. Allthis works in favor of Miller, who has become a big part of the New Orleansoffense; for October his 252 receiving yards were in the top five among NFLtight ends.
BENJARVUSGREEN-ELLISPatriots, RB
With LaurenceMaroney out for the year and Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan sidelined, thisformer practice-squad player is suddenly showing fantasy value. He has TDs inconsecutive games and should do more damage this week against therun-challenged Colts defense.
KELLEN WINSLOW JR.Browns, TE
For the past twoseasons he had the numbers of an elite tight end. But plagued by injury,illness and an argument with management this year, Winslow (near left) has only187 receiving yards and one TD. He is too much of a wild card to try to manage.Cut him loose.
TRENT EDWARDSBills, QB
Here's a perfectexample of how football purists and fantasy mavens view a player differently.The purist sees Edwards as a deft passer (67.9% completion rate, only threeinterceptions) for a first-place team. Fantasy owners see a QB who has yet tothrow two touchdowns in a game this year and has no 300-yard games. He shouldbe the backup in an owner's platoon.
J.T. O'SULLIVAN49ers, QB
The league's mostsacked and intercepted quarterback, he was benched on Sunday in favor of ShaunHill during an embarrassing loss to the Seahawks. When the Niners return aftertheir bye week, Hill will likely start. Either way, you don't want any part ofa QB shuffle in San Francisco.
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TWO PHOTOS
STEW MILNE/US PRESSWIRE (BULGER); JAMES LANG/US PRESSWIRE (WINSLOW)