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Market Watch

Who's up, who's down

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers

Stewart has rebounded from an unproductive start to score six touchdowns over the last six games. Even though DeAngelo Williams remains Carolina's starter, Stewart's surge and the Panthers' commitment to the run mean that he once again merits high-end flex status.

Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks

In the past two weeks he has leaped from third running back on the depth chart to Seattle's most effective rusher (123 yards and a TD last Sunday in Arizona). With Julius Jones suffering a rib injury in the game, Forsett could become the Seahawks' primary ballcarrier.

Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals

The rookie was pressed into service on Sunday when Cedric Benson strained a hip against the Steelers. Scott's ground gains (13 rushes, 33 yards) weren't impressive, but should Benson remain sidelined, Scott will be a fine spot starter next week against Oakland.

Brandon Gibson, WR, Rams

Acquired from the Eagles in October, the rookie sixth-round pick caught seven passes for 93 yards last week—the most grabs in a game by any St. Louis wideout since November 2008. On an offense starved for playmakers, Gibson should continue to be targeted.

Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers

You may be tempted to pick up the rookie, who has 401 yards and four TDs in his first two NFL starts. But nearly all of Tampa Bay's remaining opponents are brutal on passers, so it's best to leave Freeman on waivers. Keep his talents in mind in 2010 when drafting a backup.

Isaac Bruce, WR, 49ers

He's second in career receiving yards (15,188), fifth in receptions (1,023) and ninth in TDs (91), but this season the final active ex--Los Angeles Ram has just 20 catches and no TDs. He's now fourth on the Niners depth chart and shouldn't be lingering on any fantasy rosters.

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SPOTLIGHT

Rice Age

In the average fantasy draft, he was the 62nd wideout taken, but if you grabbed Sidney Rice(below), you picked up a bargain. The 6'4", 202-pound receiver had displayed only potential during his first two NFL seasons, but this year, on the receiving end of tosses from Brett Favre, he has showcased his skill at catching in traffic and adjusting to the flight of the ball. Last week he became the first Viking with 200 yards receiving since Randy Moss in 1999 and just one of two players in the last eight years to go over 200 yards with seven catches or fewer. It's more proof that Rice has become one of fantasy football's most valuable commodities.

TWO PHOTOS

BOB ROSATO (STEWART, FREEMAN)

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GEORGE HOLLAND/CAL SPORT MEDIA (FORSETT)

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FRANK VICTORES/US PRESSWIRE (SCOTT)

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NEWMAN LOWRANCE/ST. LOUIS RAMS (GIBSON)

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GREG ASHMAN/CAL SPORT MEDIA (BRUCE)

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JACK RENDULICH/ICON SMI (RICE)