Alex Smith, QB, 49ers
Operating out of a spread, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft finally played up to that pedigree in Houston by throwing for 206 yards and three scores. You might not use him this week on the road against the Colts, but you will in Week 9 at home against the teetering Titans.
Sam Aiken, WR, Patriots
The special-teams whiz has been thrust into a more prominent role since Joey Galloway was released and Julian Edelman broke his arm. Aiken is in line for more plays like the 54-yard bomb he caught from Tom Brady in London for the first TD of his seven-year career.
Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
A gruesome break for Leon Washington—his right fibula—is a good one for owners of this rookie, who answered the call with 144 yards and two touchdowns in Oakland. Behind a line built for the rush, Greene and Thomas Jones will get running room.
Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons
This bull-like back has a rushing average of 4.8 yards over his first three NFL seasons. With the versatile Jerious Norwood most likely sidelined for the next few weeks with a hip injury, Snelling's track record makes him a solid flex option behind starter Michael Turner.
Texans, Defense--Special Teams
After allowing an average of 205.0 yards on the ground in the first three games, the Houston D has limited its last four opponents to 48.5 per game. The attraction is enhanced by the big-play ability of return man Jacoby Jones (95-yard runback for a TD in Week 4).
Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys
With Marion Barber and Felix Jones healthy, any hopes that Tony Romo would keep dishing the ball to Choice were dashed against Atlanta, when the second-year man had but a single touch (a 23-yard reception). It's safe to cut him whenever you need a roster spot.
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SPOTLIGHT
Play a Ringer
It's only a matter of time until the winless Titans write off 2009 and look to next season. When changes are made, you'll want to steer clear of QB Vince Young, who has been as disappointing in fantasy as in reality. There's another Titan, though, who could have considerable fantasy impact despite having only seven carries for 47 yards to date: rookie RB Javon Ringer (below). A workhorse at Michigan State, where he had 390 carries as a senior, Ringer is best when barreling between the tackles, making him the perfect complement to speedy Chris Johnson. With LenDale White a free agent-in-waiting, Ringer's hour may have rung.
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BRAD MANGIN (SMITH)
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EDDIE KEOGH/REUTERS (AIKEN)
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NICK LAHAM/GETTY IMAGES (GREENE)
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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (SNELLING)
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BOB LEVEY/ICON SMI (JONES)
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TOM DIPACE (CHOICE)
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LARRY W. SMITH/EPA (RINGER)
