This week's podcast, which focused on the commonly used Week 10 fantasy trade deadline and the best/worst player and team matchups in the pivotal weeks 14-16, was so chock full of info that it ran well beyond regulation time. While I assume (sorry, clearing my throat) everyone will listen to the show in its entirety via ITunes, I decided to provide a cliff notes version of the episode. The take below is largely my own, but you can hear additional insight from FFToolbox.com writers Rob Warner and Chris Weeks on the podcast.

Since the trade deadline clock is ticking, let's not waste time on me writing some detailed, pithy intro, especially since I have not yet had my morning coffee. That is not a good scene for anyone involved...In general, please note that we are not focusing on weekly studs like Peyton Manning, Chris Johnson and Randy Moss, but instead on those mix and match options or even some players that have been solid, but face a daunting schedule in the final weeks. While matchups cannot dictate exactly how you set your lineup, they can help determine which side of the fence you land on a certain player and these notes should provide a look forward into some of the more promising or challenging decisions that lie ahead for fantasy owners. How one handles their trade deadline planning could make the difference between that light at the end of the fantasy tunnel being the shine coming off your soon-to-be won trophy or the fast moving train running straight at your squad.

Best Team schedules: Cardinals, Bengals, Seahawks - No team has a better across the board schedule the rest of the way then the Cardinals, who have a top-5 schedule at QB, RB, WR, TE, K and defense according to the FFToolbox Strength of Schedule guide, my favorite tool on the site by the way. Obviously Larry Fitzgerald is a must have, but virtually all of their starters (outside of TE Ben Patrick) are worth acquiring and starting most weeks.

Worst Team schedules: Eagles, Bucs, Giants - The trusty strength of schedule meter has the Giants RB and WR schedules ranked 31st the rest of the way with Eli Manning's SOS coming in at 27th among quarterbacks. Despite their recent struggles, the Giants clearly have talented players on offense and I expect Tom Coughlin to get them back on the right track in terms of NFL wins and losses. However, fantasy expectations should be tamped down based on their schedule and with a certain amount of uncertainty going forward. Don't do anything drastic, but considering dealing your Giants starters or start looking for more promising trade options. Now.

Quarterback

Good: Kurt Warner - Ok, raise your hand if you thought this former league MVP would still be upright by Week 10...put your hand down Brenda. I am talking to the non-believers, the ones who saw a 38-year old with a history of injuries and questioned whether they should get target Warner in their fantasy draft and hope for a repeat of his inspired 2008 season. Though Warner has not performed at a Pro Bowl level, he has been a solid, low-end QB1 play, ranking 11th in PPG average among QB's. But that was then; the future, one that for now does not involve a walker, looks quite promising for the Cards QB. The schedule highlights: Week 15, at the Lions, who are currently 31st against the pass and have allowed the second most TD passes. That is followed by the Rams, Warner's former team, who sit currently 22nd against the pass. Oh, Warner owners, one last thing. Warner's present health not withstanding, do not forget to add Matt Leinart as a handcuff down the stretch. (This goes for virtually any of your stud players as having the backup will let you sleep better at night in a post-trade deadline world)

Other passers: Week nine struggles aside, Joe Flacco remains a rotational fantasy option with QB1 potential (Week 14 - LIons; Week 16 - Bears) in the right matchups...Already worthy of a roster spot, now Alex Smith is making a claim to be a strong QB2 or spot starter. Not many passers will have a better stretch of games (Week 13 - @ Seahawks; Week 14 - Cardinals, 29th vs. the pass; Week 16 - Lions) with which to close out the season...Purely for Golden Domer lovers and those scared to death to have only Jake Delhomme or Trent Edwards as their backup QB; Brady Quinn faces the Chiefs on the road in Week 15 and hosts the Raiders in Week 16. Yes, take that final recommendation with a dumpster sized grain of salt amount.

Bad: Matt Ryan - Of the preseason top 10-12 QB's, the one that passer that currently is not sniffing that tier now is Ryan, the Falcons wunderkind second-year star. We can debate Ryan's real life value to the Falcons franchise in another forum, but fantasy owners have not been pleased of late. Over his last four starts, Ryan has thrown for less than 200 yards three times while totaling six TDP and eight INT in that overall stretch. That is too large of a sampling too simply dismiss as a minor blip and gives legit concern to his fantasy owners, who will therefore be none to pleased with the reigning Rookie of the Year's closing schedule; during week's 13-16, the Falcons play the Eagles, Saints, @ Jets, Bills, all of whom currently sit among the top half of NFL defenses against the pass. (But Ben, three of those games are at home. Surely that has to be good news for Matty Ice, right?). Ryan has thrown eight of his 13 touchdowns in his four home games, but is averaging 61 yards less per game (192) than generated in his four starts away from the Georgia Dome.

Other passers: Several big name passers (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Tony Romo) have among the worst statistical matchups the rest of the way, but should remain entrenched in your lineup. On the other hand, Kyle Orton's early season fantasy success is unlikely to be duplicated down the stretch with three top-13 pass defenses (@ Colts, Raiders, @ Eagles) to face in Weeks 14-16.

Running Back

Good: Pierre Thomas - The Saints backfield has been a confounding and confusing scenario for fantasy owners this year, with the emergence of Mike Bell and the almost shunning of Reggie Bush. Also Pierre Thomas mostly failed to live up to his early draft status due to early injuries and the surprising play of Bell, but appears to have re-taken over the reins as the top dog with 181 total yards and three touchdowns the last two weeks (In comparison, Bell had only five carries for 17 yards last week). Not only do I expect that trend to continue, but the schedule sets up nicely for the Saints lead runner the rest of the way; two games vs. the Bucs 30th ranked run defense, including in the climatic Week 16, plus matchups with the Rams (27th) and Falcons (24th). As my colleague Rob Warner stated on the podcast, Thomas may be the one attainable RB1/2 option out there because of the first half uncertainty, but the schedule and that Saints offense make with him pursuing.

Other runners: The return of Sammy Morris is the "x" factor in the Patriots backfield, but Laurence Maroney has been a solid producer since getting the bulk of the touches of late. Now check out the teams he will be running against in weeks 14-16; Panthers (23rd), @ Bills (32nd), Jaguars (22nd). The quantity of carries likely keeps Maroney out of becoming a true RB2 each week, but the lack of quality opponents in the closing games should more than make up for it.

Bad: Ryan Grant - Solid, not spectacular is a perfect way to describe Grant's 2009 season. In eight games, Grant has failed to reach double digit scoring only once in standard scoring leagues, but only scored over 15 points once this season with five games in the 10-12 point range. Considering there is no real threat in the wings to steal carries, Grant may be able to continue squeeze out similar numbers, but the odds are stacked against him from providing fantasy owners with anything more based on the Packers closing schedule. Over weeks 11-16, Grant faces the Niners (Week 11, 4th ranked rush defense), Ravens (Week 13, 7th), Steelers (Week 15, 1st) and Seahawks (Week 16, 11th). Even the two promising weeks (Week 12 @ Lions, Week 14 @ Bears) are on the road against division foes. Considering the Week 15 matchup against the frightening Steel Curtain defense makes Grant almost unusable, it makes sense to troll the Packers starting RB out in trade talks to see if you can snag a comparable RB with a much, much better schedule.

Other runners: DeAngelo Williams dominated the second half of the 2008 fantasy season and has been on fire over the last few weeks, making him virtually schedule proof. The same however cannot be said for his tag-team partner Jonathan Stewart, who is looking no better than a spot-flex play with the Panthers playing @ Jets (Week 12), @ Pats (14), Vikings (15) and @ Giants (16) to close the season.

Wide Receiver

Good: Kevin Walter - There is little to tout about Walter's first half, but his targets likely will rise with the absence of TE Owen Daniels. Those extra targets should be put to good use in Weeks 13-16 with games at the Jaguars (21st against the pass), Seahawks (17th), Rams (20th) and Dolphins (29th). That schedule also makes Texans third receiver and likely free agent Jacoby Jones worth a look in deeper leagues.

Other catchers: It has been easier to predict what will happen on "Lost" than figure out which Saints wide receiver other than Marques Colston is the one to use each week. The wealth will likely continued to be spread, but Robert Meachem may be on the verge of become a more viable WR3 weekly option with seven receptions for 145 yards and a score over the last two weeks. The burner is posting a sizzling 22.8 yards per grab and that could mean a big pay day with closing games against the Rams (Week 11, 20th against the pass), Bucs (Weeks 12 and 16 against a unit that has allowed the third most TDP) and Falcons (28th).

Bad: Steve Smith/Hakeem Nicks/Mario Manningham: Bad enough the Giants enter their bye week on a four-game losing streak, but their struggling aerial attack faces a who's who of top pass defenses the rest of the way. In Weeks 12-16, the Giants are @ Broncos (8th against the pass), Cowboys, Eagles (14th), @ Redskins (1st) and @ Panthers (6th). Smith should catch enough passes to remain more than viable in PPR leagues, but expect decreased yardage and touchdown numbers across the board.

Other catchers: Already talked about why Matt Ryan could struggle the rest of the way and obviously that effects his star receiver Roddy White, who has been more "blah" then "yea!" most weeks this season. When you look inside White's 40-570-6 numbers through eight games, one notes that most of production (318 yards, three TDs) came in only two games. White did not generate more than 57 yards and the other six games. Playing against those top passing defenses during fantasy crunch time does not seem like a cure-all.

Tight End

Good: Vernon Davis - Who would have guessed that the insertion of Alex Smith into the Niners lineup would actually be a good thing for their passing game. Huh. One person might have been Davis, who clearly has great chemistry with Smith, having racked up four touchdowns over 10 quarters since the Niners made the QB change and he hauled in 10 passes for 102 yards last week alone. Among tight ends, Davis has a top-5 schedule going forward, with tasty games against the Jags (Week 12), @ Seahawks (13), Cardinals (14), @ Eagles (15) and Lions (16) so there is no reason to think the former Maryland Terrapin's production will slow down anytime soon.

Bad: Kellen Winslow - The simple truth is that unless you drafted say Brent Celek or Heath Miller as a backup and thus have two capable tight ends on your roster, there is almost no reason to sit your fantasy starter due to the lack of free agent options available. However, one top level talent that teams should consider unloading before the trading deadline is Winslow, who faces the 31st toughest schedule among TE's the rest of the way. I know Josh Freeman just posted nice numbers in his first start, but I won't be comfortable with him throwing to any fantasy player until we see how he does on the road (starting this week at the Dolphins) and how opposing teams defense the rook now that there actual game film to study. If you can move Winslow for a comparable TE option that has a more known quantity at QB throwing him the ball like the aforementioned Miller or Visanthe Shiancoe, make the deal.

Defense:

Good: Bengals - While the real life Bengals defense has garnered attention from football pundits with the inspired play so far, the fantasy world has not quite taken note, largely to the consistent unit not truly having a breakout performance. That all could change starting in Week 11 when the Bengals play on the road at the Raiders followed by back-to-back home games against the lowly Browns and Lions. Tack on a Week 16 tilt against the Chiefs and the Bengals are a virtual one-stop fantasy defense shop going forward.

Other defenses: No defense has a better Week 15-16 schedule than the Cardinals, with a road game at the Lions followed by a home tilt against the Rams. Nuff said... For those that still have work to do before those late matchups can become relevant, consider the Dolphins. Over the next three weeks they face Josh Freeman, Jake Delhomme and Trent Edwards...if you plan on going with a "defense of the week" strategy, also note the Titans (Week 14 vs. Rams, the first of three straight home games) and the Texans (Week 15 @ Rams, Week 16 vs. Chad Henne).

Bad: Panthers - Brutal early on, the Panthers defense has rebounded with solid to strong outings in three of their past four games, but now will be without star LB Thomas Davis the rest of the way due to an ACL injury. Factor in their Week 14-16 opponents (Patriots, Vikings, Giants) and the Panthers D is not likely to be long for your roster.

*** Thursday Night Pick - San Francisco 20 (-3) Chicago 16

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week Six of the NFL season...

We'll skip the normal intro and get right into the picks, which of course are for informational purposes only. In addition, these fantasy musings do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com but just a solo fantasy writer with too much time on his hands...

Last week: 8-6 straight, 7-7 spread

Overall: 53-23 straight; 40-36 spread

Washington 17 Kansas City 14 (+6): The dysfunction within the Redskins family makes the Jon and Kate brood look like the Brady Bunch in comparison and it is only getting worse by the minute. Players are going after each other, management, the media and ever former Redskins heroes are taking shots. With that said, they still have more talent than the game, but rebuilding Chiefs and become the worst 3-3 team in FL history. Clinton Portis should receive enough carries to post solid yards even if at less than a four yards per carry clip, while Dwayne Bowe should make three big plays against the overrated DeAngelo Hall...

never mind...Kansas City 20 Washington 17. As my old boss at a financial services company once told me, don't catch a falling knife and the Redskins are falling. Plus LT Chris Samuels was already ruled out for the game and now may be done for the season, adding to downward spira. (if you think I am being negative on the Redskins, try living here. Fans are ready to take to the streets, torches and all)

Cincinnati 24 Houston 20 (+4.5): Houston has a problem; they cannot stop the run. Cedric Benson is licking his chops and leads the Bengals to a shocking 5-1 start, but Matt Schaub moves the ball enough to keep the game in doubt until the end. It would not be a Bengals this year otherwise.

Pittsburgh 27 (-14) Cleveland 10: Big Ben has quietly turned in a top-3 fantasy quarterback performance year to date. No reason to see that status changing in this one, especially if a Rashard Mendenhall illness has the Steelers passing even more and more. With Braylon Edwards traded and the Steelers stout run defense standing in the way of Jamal Lewis, there is not one Browns player worth starting.

Baltimore 20 (+3) Minnesota 17: Brett Favre and the Vikings have looked very good so far playing against the Browns, Lions, Niners, Packers and Rams. Now they get a real test against one of the NFL's elite and that will lead to a battered Favre and a home loss. On the other side, the versatile Ray Rice has another big day, this time as a receiver.

Jacksonville 31 (-9.5) St. Louis 17: How bad do you have to be to be a 9.5 point dog to a team that lost 41-0 the week before. Meet your 2009 Rams! Torry Holt and Mike "Party Boy" Sims-Walker get jiggy with it against what is a horrid Rams secondary, though Donnie Avery will finish with game-high receiving yardage total.

NY Giants 27 (+3) New Orleans 23: Lots of folks love the Bourbon Street boys this week and the Giants have injuries on defense and to their QB, though Eli will not miss the game in his hometown. With that said, the Giants are the best team in the NFC, if not the entire league, until further notice. Drew Brees will get back into fantasy owners good graces, though not an elite day, but look for him to attack the Giants secondary deep down the middle. There might even be a Lance Moore sighting in this one.

Carolina 24 (-3) Tampa Bay 20: As long as Steve Smith (knee) is on the field - and he is expected to play - he will torch the Bucs secondary as he did twice last year. If not, it is officially panic time for his fantasy owners (myself included). Even Jake Delhomme and Mushin Muhammad are worthy of a bye week start this week... Cadillac Williams should find running lanes against the Panthers inferior run defense and Josh Johnson showed he can move the ball for those owners in need of a last second QB.

Green Bay 34 (-13) Detroit 20: Aaron Rodgers should enjoy a rare game where he can stand in the pocket and look for Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley down the field. Calvin Johnson is looking like a game-time decision with a lean towards sitting at this point. Bryant Johnson should pick up extra targets if that happens.

Philadelphia 30 (-14) Oakland 10: I was instinctively going to take the home team getting double digit points at home, but then remembered that the Raiders were channeling their owner on the field by playing the living dead. DeSean and LeSean each find the end zone in this laugher, but the frustration for Brian Westbrook owners extends another week.

Seattle 31 (-3) Arizona 27: The Seahawks continue their turnaround season, while the Cards continue their slide back to the middle. Both Matt Hasselbeck and Kurt Warner will throw for three scores, but the Seahawks defense forces more turnovers to eke out the win.

NY Jets 24 (-9.5) Buffalo 13: Do not count on Rex Ryan's defense to get rolled two weeks in a row. Trent Edwards should be nervous. The weather is also looking like a factor and strong winds should keep Mark Sanchez from throwing his great deep ball to Braylon Edwards too often, but the duo finds the end zone for the second straight week. Terrell Owens will be jealous of that.

New England 34 (-9) Tennessee 20: Who did the Titans piss off to have Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on their schedule in back-to-back weeks. Entering the game 0-5 just makes it all the more painful and having the Golden Boy throw down field haymaker after haymaker will only make it worse. The Titans should take advantage of the Pats weakness at linebacker by getting Chris Johnson more involved in the passing game.

Atlanta 24 Chicago 23 (+3): Matt Ryan vs. Jay Cutler. Matt Forte vs. Michael Turner. These were questions fantasy owners debated throughout the preseason, making this a statement game for those that made the choice to pick one over the other. Fantasy wise, all should be probably feel about the same in this one, though Dirty Bird owners will be sticking their chest out just a bit more Monday morning.

San Diego 27 (-3.5) Denver 20: I've been a believer of the Broncos all season and last week's win over the Pats should convince the doubters, but the Bolts MUST win this division game. The Chargers do not have the power running game ideally suited to beat the Broncos, but they do have Philip Rivers and he gets it done with 250+ yards and two scores.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools

Week 1 - New Orleans, Baltimore

Week 2 - Washington, Green Bay (and one pool goes by the wayside)

Week 3 - Baltimore

Week 4 - San Francisco (Chicago is a close second)

Week 5 - Philadelphia (though there are waaaaaay to many good options this week so everyone "should" advance)

Week 6 - Green Bay (Jacksonville against the Rams is the gutsier call, but another week of strong options)

The more my Washington Redskins continue to falter, the more I thank those that came up with idea for fantasy football. For the past decade plus, the fantasy game has provided a fantastic distraction (ok, maybe obsession) since the Redskins have largely been an underachieving and dysfunctional franchise and perhaps worse, have simply been to boring for words on the field. That trend has continued this year as even their only win came courtesy of three field goals against the lowly Rams. Because their starting-22 is formidable on paper, the diehard faithful maintain their positive outlook despite all evidence to the contrary.

The reality is that no matter how Albert Haynesworth's they sign, how many Clinton Portis' they trade for or how many head coaches they got through, nothing will change until owner Dan Snyder realizes he knows squat about football. The Danny is clearly a strong businessman and the Redskins franchise is among the valuable in all of sports even despite the mounting losses, but it is also apparent based on his approach that winning on the field is not as important or no more important than the bottom line. I am not naive enough to think all owners want to make all the money they can and frankly they should since they are the ones for the most part putting up the dough. However, that is not what he says. The Redskins stance under Snyder has been that their massive free agent signings and discarding of draft picks for questionable veteran talent is all part of the plan to win the big one. Yeah, not buying it, never have, never will.

With the offensive line breaking down, Portis looking 28 going on 40 with every carry and Jim Zorn appearing overwhelmed on the sidelines, the outlook for the remainder of the 2009 season is looking bleaker than the fate of Juliet on Lost. Still, this is a good thing, long term. The potential for that kind of doom and gloom season means 1) Jim Zorn is gone, perhaps front office lackey Vinny Cerrato as well (fingers crossed on the latter). If the Redskins fans are lucky, Danny will see the light, higher a legit GM/team President to run the ship while he focuses on making movies with Tom Cruise and not running his Six Flags investment into the ground. Of course, none of the elite coaching options will view the Redskins as a viable opportunity even if they get paid with no string QB in place which is why...2) losing gets them in better shape to draft their QB of the future. The free agent pool looks light for passers at the moment Jason Campbell is not looking like anything more than a competent, but uninspiring QB. Whether it is Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy or someone that comes out of the woodworks, the Redskins gig will look MUCH more attractive to the Mike Shanahan's and Jon Gruden's of the world with a young passer to mold.

It is hard to ever root for your team to fail, especially this early in the season, but any Redskins fan who truly want the franchise to rebound for the long haul needs to start rooting for a 3-13 season...

Ok, on to the weekly picks, which of course are always for informational purposes only. Also, the fantasy comments, which are simply the musings of a fantasy writer who spent way to much this week worrying about whom Cleveland would start at QB because he has Braylon Edwards and is tired of seeing a single digit number next to his name in the fantasy box score and do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com...

Last week: 11-5 straight, 10-6 spread

Overall: 34-14 straight; 28-20 spread

Houston 27 Oakland 20 (+9): Steve Slaton topped double digit fantasy points last week for the first time this season with 102 total yards, but despite his Barry Sanders-like moves, he still has not found the end zone nor provided anything close to what fantasy owners were hoping for when they drafted him in the top-15. The good news is that the Texans offense has been prolific the last two games so Slaton will have opportunities, perhaps even around the goal line following Chris Brown's late game fumble. The upcoming schedule is a mixed bag, though he is a must start against the Raiders. Stay the course with the second-year back...Zach Miller caught six passes for 96 yards in the season opener, but the JaMarcus Russell experience has held him down to two receptions for 17 yards since. Expect Miller to be more involved against a Texans secondary that is on their third SS on the season. If not, it will be time to send Miller to the waivers until Russell is sent to the bench...

Tennessee 31 (-3) Jacksonville 27: Lendale White became everyone's favorite plug in play option last season when he scored touchdowns in the first four games and 10 through six games. The same cannot be said this season as the former tequila lover has only score and has not cracked 30 yards in a game this year. If another owner thinks White remains a weekly flex/RB2 play and will deal fair compensation, make the deal...This is a good week to play members of the Jags passing game, Mike Sims-Walker in most formats and David Garrard, Torry Holt and even Marcedes Lewis as bye week options. The Titans pass defense has allowed an average of 297 yards through the air in three games. Sims-Walker should be owned in nearly all leagues and one more good game should give him the tag as the Jags #1 receiver, especially if Holt does significantly improve on his 12-169 totals on the year.

New England 24 (-2) Baltimore 20: Now this is a matchup...Fred Taylor took the reins of the Pats backfield last week and remains the best bet going forward, but Kevin Faulk should be the top backfield weapon against the stingy Ravens defense. If Wes Welker misses another week, Faulk could be close to posting double digit receptions...Willis McGahee owners should continue to ride the hot hand, but his trade value may not be higher the rest of the season. Note that while McGahee had another big week with two scores, he had only seven carries and the Ravens schedule to this point as been rather kind to say the least.

Cleveland 23 (+6) Cincinnati 21: Upset of the week! This is not an X's and O's pick, but a gut feel. Coming off their upset division win over the Steelers in Week 3 and with the NFC North leading Baltimore Ravens on deck in Week 5, it would not be surprising to see them look past arguably the worst team in the NFL this week. Factor in the Browns are beyond desperate for a win and would love to get it done against their in-state rival and this looks like a perfect trap game...Cedric Benson, who shockingly ranks 3rd in rush yards, should crank out another big game for the Bengals despite the loss...With Jamal Lewis looking doubtful and Braylon Edwards expected to have his hands full with Bengals shutdown corner Leon Hall, Jerome Harrison will be the main offensive weapon for the Browns. Look for 15-22 touches for 85-95 yards and a score, making him my deep sleeper fantasy play of the week.

NY Giants 27 (-8.5) Kansas City 10: As mentioned in this week's "Deep League Pickups" article, the Giants' Kevin Boss makes for a nice bye week filler this week for Tony Gonzalez and Brent Celek owners. Though he has only six receptions for 102 yards on the year, Boss now faces a Chiefs defense that has allowed Todd Heap (5-74-1) and Celek (8-104-1) to post impressive stat lines...The hype surrounding Matt Cassel's trade to the Chiefs outkicked the reality of the KC situation, especially their horrid offensive line, but the same could be said for the negative vibes following his two lackluster performances. While trying to learn a new system, Cassel missed most of the preseason with an injury and the early season schedule has not been kind for the Chiefs offense. Do not consider starting him anytime soon, but the second half of the schedule offers more opportunities and by then Cassel and coach Todd Haley should be more comfortable with one another.

Chicago 30 Detroit 21 (+10): So much of the fantasy focus has been on waiver wire darlings Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox, but Devin Hester has quietly been the consistent weapon the Bears were hoping he would become. Hester has caught 4, 4 and 5 passes in his first three games with a score and at least 76 receiving yards in two games. Better in non-PPR leagues, but Hester is inching closer to becoming a WR2 starter in all leagues...Bryant Johnson never quite put it all together with the Cardinals, but he is getting the job done so far with the Lions. As long as Calvin Johnson is lined up on the other side, the other Johnson makes for a spot WR3 play on a team that will be forced to throw most weeks.

Washington 24 (-7.5) Tampa Bay 14: If you have been holding out hope that your Redskins skill players will get the job done with any consistency, consider this game to be your line of demarcation. The Bucs defense, especially the secondary, has been hapless to this point so Chris Cooley and Santana Moss are all solid plays while Jason Campbell is a fine QB2 or low-end starter. With that said, this offense is looking among the worst in the league and only Cooley remains among the elite at his position. Clinton Portis will be a sell-high candidate if he rocks the Bucs this week, though late word is that he missed practice on Friday and is only 50-50 to play...Josh Johnson has some long-term sleeper type ability, Cadillac Williams should get plenty of touches with Derrick Ward expected to be limited or out, but you want to avoid all Bucs skill players this week if possible against a solid Redskins defense.

Indianapolis 34 (-10.5) Seattle 23: Donald Brown has not been a massive hit, but he has looked quicker and better overall than Joseph Addai. This should continue to be a split backfield for a few more weeks, but eventually the Colts will give Brown more touches, making Addai a player you want to consider moving if you can get a comparable RB now...Seneca Wallace will not have Colts top pass rusher Dwight Freeney breathing down his neck, but his presence in the lineup tamps down expectations for all the Seahawks skill players.

New Orleans 28 NY Jets 24 (+7): A reader this week asked via email which of the two quarterbacks in this game should he start, using Brees' off-week in Week 3 as the basis for considering Mark Sanchez. Repeat after me: unless he is playing in a blizzard, you should never, never, never bench Drew Brees. The same cannot be said for his top receiver Marques Colston, who faces the uber-tough Darrelle Revis this week. Stick with Colston if you do not have comparable options, but otherwise this looks like a good week to sit him...Leon Washington has been getting more touches than expected. That should continue this week as the Jets use him as a safety valve against the Saints heavy blitz and Washington delivers with a long touchdown.

Buffalo 16 (-1.5) Miami 10: Can Trent Edwards actually throw the ball outside the hashmarks? It sure does not appear so as Terrell Owens and Lee Evans have become almost non-factors in the passing game. Still, do not buy into Josh Reed even if he was the top producing receiver last week. The Dolphins secondary is beatable so use Owens and Evans as you would normally this week...The Chad Henne era should be good for Ted Ginn down the line as the speedster will finally be able to cut it loose deep with the strong-armed QB, something he was unable to do with the light tossing Pennington.

San Francisco 27 St. Louis 20 (+9.5): Vernon Davis may not ever reach his lofty first-round draft pick status, but he is in line for back-to-back productive weeks. After two touchdowns in Week 3, Davis could find the end zone again versus a soft Rams defense that has had troubles with tight ends this year...As silly as this sounds, the Rams passing game is probably better off with the strong-armed Kyle Boller at quarterback then the beat up Marc Bulger. It will not help wins and losses, but Boller's ability to go deep should help the disappointing Donnie Avery regain some fantasy value if the former Ravens QB gets the start.

Denver 23 (+3) Dallas 20: This week starts the legit season for the Broncos, who have benefitted from a light schedule so far. They are not a team worthy of their 3-0 record, but the defense is much improved and Kyle Orton simply wins games. Look for Orton and his quartet of receivers to get theirs against the Cowboys ordinary secondary...The Monday night game showed why Tashard Choice and not Felix Jones was the handcuff back for Marion Barber owners to grab. Jones has crazy ability, but simply cannot stay healthy with a heavy dose, while Choice has had no problems running early and often behind the Cowboys massive line. Even with Barber back this week, Choice is a worthy flex option.

Pittsburgh 24 San Diego 20 (+6): With Willie Parker looking like he will be sidelined in Week 4, Mewelde Moore suddenly becomes a flex or perhaps even a RB2 play in the deepest of leagues. Simply put, the Steelers ground game remains curious and Rashard Mendenhall has not impressed when given looks. Expect Moore to see more snaps, especially in the second half in what should be a tight affair...When does Chris Chambers get his picture on the side of a milk carton? No catches in two of three games and only went for 2-30 in the other. Seriously, what happened here? Didn't we all think he would become a star once he got away from the hapless QB's he played with in Miami?

Minnesota 27 Green Bay 24 (+3.5): The lack of production out of Bernard Berrian makes one wonder if Brett Favre can actually throw the deep pass, the route in which Berrian has made his living on. Until Favre shows he can, Berrian must stay on your bench except for bye week situations. Do not expect more than spotty production from Berrian this season...Beyond the fact that Aaron Rodgers is my fantasy QB in one league, I am soooo rooting for him to out produce Favre in their mano y mano matchup. He gets it done with three scores, but the Vikes run defense, home field and AP gets them the W.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools

Week 1 - New Orleans, Baltimore

Week 2 - Washington, Green Bay

Week 3 - Baltimore

Week 4 - San Francisco (Chicago is a close second)