Here are some quick hits and tasty tidbits for you to consider as you set your Week 5 fantasy lineups.
Bye week: Cleveland, N.Y. Jets, Oakland, St. Louis
Arizona Cardinals
§ Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (head) will not play this week, but may be able to give it a go in Week 6.
§ Wideout Steve Breaston gains instant fantasy value in Boldin’s absence, and his nine catches for 122 yards last week makes him a bonafide No. 3 wideout against the Bills.
§ Running back Edgerrin James saw duty inside the 5-yard line last week - though Tim Hightower also scored a short rushing TD. James is a serviceable No. 2 fantasy back against the Bills’ mediocre front seven.
§ IDP notes: Safety Adrian Wilson (hamstring) was limited in practice this week and is a game-time decision. It would be prudent to leave Wilson on your bench this week....Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (hamstring) practiced fully Friday and should play this week.
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Atlanta Falcons
§ Running back Michael Turner is a great start this week, especially since the Packers’ already soft rushing defense may be without linebacker A.J. Hawk (groin).
§ Quarterback Matt Ryan has a great match-up this week, but he’s still no better than a bye-week replacement in deeper fantasy formats.
§ Wideout Roddy White has stepped up his play the past two weeks, and should have a nice day against the injury-depleted Packers secondary. Consider White a fine option as a No. 2 wideout.
§ IDP note: Safety Lawyer Milloy (ribs) fully participated in practice Friday and is expected to play this week.
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Baltimore Ravens
§ Running back Willis McGahee (chest) practiced to at least some extent this week, and figures to get the start Sunday. He has a tough match-up, though, so McGahee is a low-end flex play in most fantasy formats.
§ Running back LeRon McClain is probably a better option than the banged-up McGahee this week, and the big back could serve as a low-end No. 2 fantasy running back or flex option.
§ Wide receiver Derrick Mason racked up 137 receiving yards last week, but the Tough Titans defense limits Mason to a potential spot as a No. 3 fantasy wideout or flex play.
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Buffalo Bills
§ Quarterback Trent Edwards had a very disappointing game against St. Louis last week, but he faces another soft secondary in Week 5. Edwards is a serviceable bye-week plug-in if your regular guy’s hurt or off this week.
§ Wideout Lee Evans has been uncharacteristically consistent this year, and he’s a great start as a No. 2 wideout this week.
§ IDP note: Cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) almost certainly won’t play this week, leaving the door open for rookie corner Leodis McKelvin, who also figures to assume McGee’s duties as a return man. McKelvin is not an IDP option in most leagues, but he could be huge in formats that reward return yardage.
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Carolina Panthers
§ Wideout Steve Smith looks to be back in form, and should of course be starting every week for your fantasy team.
§ Quarterback Jake Delhomme (thigh) also had a breakout game last week, and he is a low-end No. 1 fantasy play in Week 5.
§ Running back Jonathan Stewart appears to be getting the upper hand in the time-share with DeAngelo Williams, and Stewart’s fine match-up with KC makes him a solid No. 2 fantasy running back.
§ IDP notes: Defensive end Julius Peppers has a sack in each of his last two games, and he’ll face off against a backup left tackle this week.
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Chicago Bears
§ Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) will not play this week, so bench him in all leagues.
§ Wideout Marty Booker (knee) was limited in practice this week but should take the field in Week 5.
§ Lloyd’s absence could benefit wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester, who snagged his first TD reception of the season last week. Hester is still not a recommended fantasy play - except in leagues that reward return yardage.
§ Quarterback Kyle Orton looks to be coming into his own, and his great match-up this week makes him a borderline fantasy starter.
§ IDP notes: Cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulder) practiced Friday and has said that he’ll play in Week 5. If Tillman can go, he’s a decent No. fantasy defensive back...Defensive tackle Tommie Harris was suspended by the Bears and will not play this week.
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Cincinnati Bengals
§ Quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow) was a late scratch last week, and his situation this week seems eerily similar. Still, Palmer looked good at practice Friday and says he’s ready to go this week. Start him, cross your fingers and stay updated right up to kickoff.
§ Wideouts T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco also become better fantasy options with Palmer in the lineup, so both should be considered starters in most formats.
§ Running back Chris Perry (hamstring) should play this week, but watch to see how many carries he loses to newly signed Cedric Benson. In any event, Perry is best deployed as a flex option this week.
§ The Bengals activated wideout Chris Henry Saturday. True, the guy has had more issues than National Geographic, but he’s a proven red zone target when he’s on the field. Keep an eye on his progress and be ready to add Henry if he shows signs of his 2006 form.
§ IDP notes: Sleeper alert: Safety Chinedum Ndukwe will start again in place of the injured Dexter Jackson (thumb), and the youngster has 19 total tackles with four pass defenses, a sack and an interception in three starts this year. He’s a great one-week play with the upside to keep the job even after Jackson returns.... Middle linebacker Dhani Jones (foot) was limited in practice this week but should start Sunday.
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Dallas Cowboys
§ Tight end Jason Witten (shoulder) practiced fully Friday, and should be in the Cowboys - and your - lineup this week.
§ Running back Marion Barber could have a monster game against the Bengals’ soft run defense this week, but you were starting him anyway, right?
§ IDP notes: Safety Roy Williams (forearm) will again not play this week, while cornerback Terence Newman (groin) was limited in practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
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Denver Broncos
§ The three-headed running back monster continues to thrive in Denver, but goal line back Michael Pittman should be doubly motivated against his old mates this Sunday. Pittman may see more touches if Andre Hall’s sore wrist limits his ability to protect the football. None of the Broncs’ backs is anything more than No. 3 or flex running backs at this point.
§ Kicker Matt Prater leads the league in scoring at this point, and should be snapped up off the waiver wire if he’s available in your league.
§ IDP note: Defensive end Elvis Dumervil (finger) recorded 12.5 sacks last season, but has yet to get to the quarterback in the 2008 campaign.
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Detroit Lions
§ Running backs Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith will split carries this week, with Johnson getting the starting nod. Smith is the better receiver, while Johnson figures to get the rock at the goal line. Johnson is a low-end No. 3 fantasy back this week, while Smith is at best a flex option in PPR leagues.
§ Quarterback Jon Kitna has had a great deal of success against the Bears in his career, and he could serve as a bye-week plug-in in Week 5.
§ Wideout Roy Williams (knee) continues to be the subject of trade speculation, and he’s a low-end No. 2 fantasy wideout against the Bears.
§ You don’t need us to tell you that receiver Calvin Johnson is an every-week starter, so we won’t.
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Green Bay Packers
§ Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) was very limited in practice this week, and will be a game-time decision Sunday due to a sprained right shoulder. Most indications are that Rodgers won’t be able to go this week, so have another option available.
§ If Rodgers can’t play this week, quarterback Matt Flynn figures to get the starting nod. Most fantasy owners can ignore Flynn.
§ What can’t be ignored is the fantasy downgrade to wideouts Greg Jennings and Donald Driver if Flynn is in. Jennings is still a low-end No. 1 option, but Driver becomes a flex play at best.
§ IDP notes: Linebacker A.J. Hawk (groin) did not practice this week, and he figures to be very limited even if he does make it onto the field. If you have another option, this might be a good week to deploy it...Cornerback Al Harris (spleen) will not play this week.
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Houston Texans
§ Running back Ahman Green (ankle) is expected to play this week, but he shouldn’t steal many carries from starter Steve Slaton, who is still a viable No. 1 fantasy running back.
§ Quarterback Matt Schaub had a breakout performance last week, and perhaps he’s ready to fulfill his potential at last. Schaub is serviceable bye-week replacement this week.
§ IDP note: Linebacker DeMeco Ryans (ankle) did not practice this week, but should be in the lineup Sunday. If he’s in the Texans’ lineup, he needs to be in yours as well.
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Indianapolis Colts
§ Tight end Dallas Clark finally looks to be in full health, and he makes a fine starter against Houston this week.
§ IDP note: Safety Bob Sanders (ankle, knee) is out again this week.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
§ Quarterback David Garrard is off to a slow start, and he should probably ride your fantasy pine this week against the Steelers.
§ Wideout Matt Jones has quietly cobbled together some decent numbers so far in 2008, and he’s a decent No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver option in Week 5.
§ Running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew will find the sledding tough against Pittsburgh’s nasty front seven, and both should be considered flex options this week.
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Kansas City Chiefs
§ Quarterback Damon Huard is a fair NFL signal-caller who holds next to no fantasy value most weeks. This week is no exception.
§ Tight end Tony Gonzalez and wideout Dwayne Bowe are both much better fantasy options with Huard in the lineup; Gonzalez is an every-week starter, while Bowe rates consideration as a No. 2 wideout in Week 5.
§ Running back Larry Johnson exploded in Week 4, and should be considered an every-week starter once again.
§ IDP note: Linebacker Donnie Edwards (ankle) will not play this week.
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Miami Dolphins
§ Running back Ronnie Brown is a must-start, while Ricky Williams makes a decent flex play.
§ Quarterback Chad Pennington draws a great match-up this week, and he’s a strong option as a bye-week replacement.
§ Tight end Anthony Fasano could be the prime target of Pennington’s passes, and he’s a solid fantasy starter this week.
§ Wideout Ted Ginn, Jr. was finally a significant part of the ‘Fins’ offense in Week 3, and he’s a serviceable flex play this week.
§ IDP note: Linebacker Joey Porter has five sacks through three games, and he’s worth a waiver wire grab in deeper IDP formats.
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Minnesota Vikings
§ Running back Adrian Peterson (hamstring) looks to be healthy this week, and is of course a must-start.
§ Gus Frerotte will start at quarterback again, but even against the Saints he’s not much of a fantasy option.
§ Wideout Bernard Berrian (knee) was limited in practice this week, and he’s not a recommended start in Week 5.
§ IDP note: Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson (foot) is not likely to play this week due to two dislocated toes. Bench E.J., but take a look at strong-side linebacker Chad Greenway, who has 34 total tackles and a sack through four games.
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New England Patriots
§ Matt Cassel will once again be under center, and perhaps he’ll fare better with the increased practice time afforded by the bye week. Until - and if - he gets it going, Cassel is not a recommended fantasy starter.
§ Running back Laurence Maroney was not on the injury report this week, so he looks like a safe flex play against the Niners.
§ Running back Sammy Morris is probably heading back to the bench in favor of Maroney, so he’s a flex play at best this week.
§ IDP note: Safety Rodney Harrison has been a tackling machine the first three games, but his propensity for injury should have his fantasy owners holding their breath...Rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo had 12 total tackles last week, and has racked up 25 tackles on the season. His upside is huge, and he should be a waiver wire target in deeper IDP formats.
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New Orleans Saints
§ Wideout Marques Colston (thumb) will not play again this week.
§ Lance Moore has become the Saints’ top receiver in Colston’s stead. If Moore is still available in your league, grab him: he makes a fine play as a No. 2 or No. 3 wideout this week.
§ Running back Deuce McAllister rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown last week, and he looked to be back in form despite his rebuilt knees. Deuce is a fine No. 2 running back so long as his body holds up, but no one knows how long that will be.
§ Wideout David Patten (groin) will not play this week, nor will tight end Jeremy Shockey (hernia).
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New York Giants
§ Wide receiver Plaxico Burress will not play this week due to a team-imposed suspension.
§ Running back Brandon Jacobs is a No. 2 fantasy back against the Seahawks this week.
§ Wideout Domenik Hixon should see more looks in Burress’ absence, but he’s no more than a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues.
§ Quarterback Eli Manning is still a decent starting option despite the loss of Burress. Look for Eli to use wideout Amani Toomer to move the sticks, and Hixon for the occasional deep route.
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Philadelphia Eagles
§ Quarterback Donovan McNabb (chest) practiced Friday and should be good to go this week.
§ Running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) reportedly looked good at Eagles’ practice Friday, and most signs point to Westie being back on the field in Week 5. Stay abreast of any late-breaking news, but it looks safe to start Westbrook this week.
§ Wideout Kevin Curtis (hernia) will not play again this week, so keep him reserved.
§ IDP note: Linebacker Omar Gaither is showing signs of becoming a force at the weak side linebacker’s spot. Gaither is still under the radar in a lot of leagues, but another breakout game could have him flying off the waiver wires.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
§ Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) was limited in practice this week, and faces a tough match-up at Jacksonville. This might be a good week to rest Big Ben if you have a comparable option available.
§ Running back Willie Parker (knee) says that he’s ready to go, but Fast Willie will sit this one out. Look for him to return in Week 7 after the team’s bye week.
§ With Parker on the pine, running back Mewelde Moore should get most of the touches, with Najeh Davenport also factoring into the equation. Moore is a decent flex option this week, but bump him up a notch in PPR formats.
§ IDP note: Linebacker Lamarr Woodley had a huge game on national TV last week, and he’s been a popular waiver wire pickup as a result.
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San Diego Chargers
§ Tight end Antonio Gates (hip) practiced fully Friday and is expected to play.
§ Ditto for LaDainian Tomlinson, who is not even on the injury report this week.
§ Quarterback Philip Rivers has a great match-up this week and should be starting in most fantast formnats.
§ IDP notes: Outside linebacker Stephen Cooper returns after serving a four-game suspension. Cooper was the Chargers’ leading tackler last season, and should be even more involved with Shawne Merriman (knee) out for the season. Cooper makes a great waiver-wire grab in most IDP formats...Speaking of which, your time to take us up on the sleeper tip about safety Eric Weddle may be running out. Weddle notched seven solo tackles last week, and is rapidly making his way onto rosters all across the fantasy universe.
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San Francisco 49ers
§ Quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan doesn’t have a great match-up this week, but he’s a low-end fantasy starting option against the Patriots in Week 5.
§ Tight end Vernon Davis is off to a terrible start, but he could have some fantasy value as a flex play this week against the Pats.
§ Wideout Isaac Bruce has emerged as the Niners’ top aerial option, and he makes a fine choice as your No. 3 fantasy receiver.
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Seattle Seahawks
§ Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck draws a tough match-up this week against the Giants, but at least he’ll have two of his top targets back in the fold.
§ Those two targets are wideouts Deion Branch and Bobby Engram, both of whom are making their season debuts this week. Engram is probably the better fantasy option, and he could serve as a No. 3 option this week. Branch is best suited to a flex role in Week 5.
§ Running back Julius Jones will start again this week, but he’ll have a tough row to hoe moving the chains against the G-Men. Jones is best used as a No. 2 fantasy running back this week.
§ Running back Maurice Morris (knee)is practicing again, but he probably won’t see any significant playing time in Week 5.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
§ Quarterback Brian Griese should be chomping at the bit for his chance to carve up the woeful Broncos secondary. Griese is a low-end fantasy starter this week, and makes a great bye-week plug -in.
§ Wideout Joey Galloway (foot) will miss the game again this week.
§ Antonio Bryant will again reap the benefits of Galloway’s absence, making him a viable No. 3 fantasy option.
§ IDP note: Linebacker Derrick Brooks (hamstring) is expected to play this week.
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Tennessee Titans
§ Wideout Justin Gage (knee) did not practice all week and is not expected to play.
§ Running back LenDale White (shoulder) practiced fully on Friday, but he’s probably no better than a flex option against the Ravens this week.
§ IDP note: Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch may not start this week, despite recording five solo tackles and recovering a fumble in Week 4. If you have a comparable option, use it this week.
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Washington Redskins
§ Quarterback Jason Campbell had another solid game against Dallas last week, and he’s a decent starting option against Philly in Week 5.
§ Wideout Santana Moss is off to a huge start this season, and he’s once again a solid play as a No. 1 fantasy wideout in Week 5.
§ IDP note: Cornerback Shawn Springs (calf) did not practice this week, and looks to be a game-time decision. Pursue other options if Springs is part of your IDP plans.