Sizzle:
Adrian Peterson: AP’s last three games include rushing performances of 111, 123, and 139 yards. Peterson still does not have that breakout game this season to his credit; however, three consecutive 100-yard rushing days and three touchdowns in the last three games shows that his biggest day of the year may be right around the corner. His next three games will be a test, though: he’ll face Green Bay, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville over the next three weeks.
Jamaal Charles: Amongst all of the chaos in Kansas City over the past few weeks, young players have started to improve. Tyler Thigpen isn’t quite a train wreck and Larry Johnson is on the sidelines. The rookie back Charles is set to benefit from Johnson's and Kolby Smith’s misfortunes. During the heartbreaking loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, Charles ran for 106 yards on 18 carries. The opportunities will not stop for Charles. Smith is out the rest of the season with a knee injury; while Johnson will miss Week 10’s contest against the Chargers. Charles is a decent pickup that may help down the season’s home stretch.
Owen Daniels: Houston’s passing game has clicked over the last few weeks. Not only has Andre Johnson been a force, but Daniels as well. On Sunday in Minnesota, the Wisconsin product pulled in 11 catches for 133 yards. With Johnson silenced for the much of the game, Daniels provided a solid alternative for the Texans. During the two of the last three games, he made an impact and is turning into one of the league’s better tight ends.
Tim Hightower: The Edgerrin James Era in Arizona is winding down. Hightower got the nod in St. Louis and took advantage. He ran for 109 yards and a 30-yard touchdown. His speed and quickness to the hole adds a dimension that sorely lacked with James in the lineup. Hightower could be a big factor for fantasy teams during the playoff run.
Brent Celek: Philadelphia’s normal starter L.J. Smith was out due to a concussion suffered last week against Atlanta. Facing Seattle, Celek stepped to the forefront with six catches for 131 yards. One of the missing components to the Eagles’ offense is not only the issues at wide receiver but a reliable pass catching tight end. Andy Reid is loyal to Smith, and it will hard for Celek to supplant him on a permanent basis this season unless injury is involved, but keep an eye on him. Celek gashed Seattle’s defense on Sunday and that type of production merits attention.
Fizzle:
Jay Cutler: The genius of Mike Shanahan needs to return quickly to figure out what is wrong with Denver’s formerly high-flying offense. Cutler’s play has deteriorated over the past four weeks. While he is still putting up decent numbers, his interceptions are up. Over the last three games, all losses, he has thrown five touchdowns but six interceptions. Further compounding matters, the Broncos defense continuously puts the offense in bad spots by giving up points consistently.
Brandon Marshall: The trickle-down effect of Cutler’s slipping production has impacted Marshall. His last 100-yard receiving performance came in Week Three and he has not scored a touchdown since Week Four at Kansas City. Denver’s offensive problems include turning over the ball but opponents have done a better job of taking Marshall away from Cutler.
Brett Favre: The chemistry is not there for Favre and the Jets. After playing in the same system for most of his career, Favre has been forced to learn a different system with the Jets. It is a dramatic issue for the Jets because of his propensity to throw interceptions. Since his six-touchdown game versus Arizona in Week Four, he has thrown just three touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Favre should find fantasy benches immediately.
Raiders offense: Sunday’s performance against Atlanta was one of the most horrifying displays in NFL history. The Falcons held the ball for over 45 minutes and managed to hold Oakland to 77 yards of total offense. Disgraceful.
Marion Barber: Well, if Dallas can’t find a quarterback to throw the football in Tony Romo’s absence, running will not be a day at the beach either. Barber is feeling the crunch and averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in his last two games. Romo can’t come back soon enough for Barber.