QUARTERBACKS
Here is a list of players that may be available on your league’s waiver wire, in order of relative value: 1. Jon Kitna, 2. Matt Leinart, 3. Chad Pennington, 4. Alex Smith, 5. Rex Grossman, 6. David Carr, 7. Phillip Rivers, 8. Charlie Frye, 9. Brad Johnson, 10. Mark Brunell. 11. J.P. Losman, 12. Bruce Gradkowski, 13. Vince Young, 14. Joey Harrington, 15. Kyle Boller
Chad Pennington bounced back from a miserable performance in Jacksonville to throw two touchdowns against the Dolphins, and has a favorable schedule going forward…The Chargers seem to be opening up the playbook for Phillip Rivers, who has shown that he can throw a good ball…J.P. Losman has improved his decision-making and the Bills have a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way, making him a decent spot-starter, given a good matchup…Kyle Boller came in for an injured Steve McNair and played well, throwing for three scores against Carolina…If Trent Green is on your waiver wire, this would be a good time to add him. He may start practicing this week.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Travis Henry 2. Maurice Jones-Drew, 3. Cedric Benson, 4. Leon Washington 5. Maurice Morris 6. Jerious Norwood, 7. Michael Turner, 8. Brandon Jacobs, 9. Najeh Davenport
The Jets split the carries between Kevan Barlow and Leon Washington, but Washington’s production means that his role should continue to grow…With his outburst the last two weeks, Travis Henry should have established himself as the Titans’ starter for the foreseeable future. He is now a solid #2 option until Jeff Fisher says otherwise…Najeh Davenport rumbled for 78 yards on 12 carries, and his value would explode if Willie Parker were to get injured…When Kevin Jones went briefly to the sideline against the Bills, Brian Calhoun took his place, rushing twice for five yards. It appears that Calhoun is now KJ’s backup, not Shawn Bryson.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Marques Colston, 2. Reggie Williams, 3. Mark Clayton, 4. Bernard Berrian, 5. Jerricho Cotchery, 6. Doug Gabriel, 7. Mike Furrey, 8. Wes Welker, 9. Bryant Johnson, 10. Eric Parker
Mark Clayton has been more productive than Derrick Mason, and that trend will definitely continue if Steve McNair misses any time due to the concussion he suffered on Sunday… Eric Parker has gone over the 80-yard mark each of the last two weeks. He’s the third option in the passing game right now (after Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson), but he has sure hands and has been able to get open, building a nice rapport with Phillip Rivers in the process.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Chris Cooley, 2. Desmond Clark, 3. Alex Smith, 4. Eric Johnson, 5. Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens was supposed to return this week but didn’t play because during warm-ups his knee felt “odd.” Keep an eye on his status this week. He’s capable of putting up Top 10 numbers when healthy.