The idea is simple enough. Every week for each fantasy position, the Crystal Ball recommends one player you should be starting that you might not have thought of. As an added bonus, we also warn you of one guy who will be in a lot of lineups this week . . . and shouldn't be.
QUARTERBACK
David Garrard, Jaguars (YES!): I know, I'm the guy who's been telling you to start Byron Leftwhich all year. Well, his former backup (and yes, ultimately I think Byron is simply too hurt to play) isn't a bad option when the matchups are right. This week, the matchup is right, against a Tennessee team that can't stop the run and usually doesn't stop the pass. The beauty of Garrard is that his legs help even out his inconsistency from a fantasy perspective. And here's an added bonus: Tony Romo is a good start this week as well.
Philip Rivers, Chargers (NO!): Quietly, Cleveland's pass defense has been among the best in the league this year just about any way you slice it. They don't allow touchdowns, they don't allow yards, they don't allow big plays. More importantly, the Chargers at home are probably going to win this game handily. So chances are that Rivers won't throw much, anyway.
RUNNING BACK
Laurence Maroney, Patriots (YES!): Monday night, the Patriots threw every down, regardless of game situation. This week, they just might do the exact opposite against a horrific Colts run defense. That should make both Maroney and Corey Dillon plenty playable.
Frank Gore, 49ers (NO!): The Patriots exposed a lot of holes in the Viking pass defense Monday night. From a fantasy perspective, that may actually make the Viking rush defense perform even better. And it may well mean that the 49ers will try to keep in this game through the air.
WIDE RECEIVER
Eddie Kennison, Chiefs (YES!): For a little while there, it looked like the top Chief receivers of the last couple of years weren't going to do anything this year. They've started to come back in recent weeks. Kennison is now a solid, though not spectacular start, after getting released in a lot of leagues a month or so ago.
Chris Chambers, Dolphins (NO!): Despite winning a lot of routes, the Bears nonetheless have one of the stingiest pass defenses in the league. And they are particularly good at keeping opponents out of the end zone. Not good for Chambers.
TIGHT END
Owen Daniels, Texans (YES!): I never like to recommend chasing points, but I am going to recommend chasing points. Daniels appears to be David Carr's favorite option in the red zone, so Daniels has five scores in seven games. If he catches nine balls again this week, that's just an added bonus.
Heath Miller, Steelers (NO!): His numbers are inflated by that 87 yard play opening day. Actually, they're not even inflated anymore.
DEFENSE
San Diego Chargers (YES!): The Browns turn it over a lot, which should mean a big point total for the Chargers defense.
Washington Redskins (NO!): For a couple of years, I've picked on the Redskins by pointing out that their fantasy defense stinks even though their football defense has been pretty good. Their real defense stinks now, as well.
KICKERS
Morten Anderson, Falcons (YES!): Has Michael Vick turned the corner? It still might be a mirage, but it is a mirage that probably will score a lot this week.
Shayne Graham, Bengals (NO!): This year's Raven defense ranks right up there with the one that took the Super Bowl a while back. Even the Bengals will struggle to score points.