The 6-4, 264-pound bruiser has rushed for a solid 196 yards and one TD thus far. This week's matchup against the Chiefs' suspect defense kicks off a four-game stretch that could see the plow horse enter the pantheon of fantasy's elite running backs.Next four games: @KC, OAK, @NO, ARI

He's still the best player in fantasy and you don't ever think about sitting him. But an upcoming two-game stretch against the Ravens and Steelers could very well mark the low point of what should still turn out to be a great season.Next four games: GB, @STL, BAL, @PIT

With an unbeaten record and 87.7 QB rating through three weeks, The "Sanchise" couldn't have asked for a better start to his career. A potential shootout in New Orleans is looming this Sunday, and upcoming games against the Dolphins, Bills and Raiders also look promising for the rookie.Next four games: @NO, @MIA, BUF, @OAK

Ryan has taken a nice step forward in the early stages of his second season with five TDs against one INT. Things will get interesting for the QB in the coming weeks, as several improved defenses will be waiting for him. Next four games: BYE, @SF, CHI, @DAL

Ward's stats have typically been steady if unspectacular, but his start to '09 (242 yards, 0 TDs) has been a little disappointing. Now there's reason for newfound optimism. After this weekend's showdown with the Chargers, matchups against the Lions and Browns mean great things are in store for the Steelers' passing game.Next four games: SD, @DET, CLE, MIN

L.J. is off to a disappointing start, and things might get even worse for the mercurial running back. This week's game against the Giants is a good bet to be a wasteland for the entire Chiefs offense, and ensuing schedule offers little hope for an already shaky ground game. Next four games: NYG, DAL, @WAS, SD

The Western Michigan University alum has been surprisingly inconsistent to start the season. Things should pick up soon, especially with the back-to-backs against the Lions and Browns.Next four games: @MIN, BYE, DET, @CLE

Not to kill all the happy feelings in Detroit after the team's first win since 2007, but the upcoming month looks like a gauntlet for rookie QB Matthew Stafford, and consequently, the top receiver in Motown.Next four games: @CHI, PIT, @GB, BYE

It took three weeks before Pierre Thomas returned from his preseason MCL injury, but it was worth the wait for his fantasy owners. He scored twice against the Bills, and looks like a great play going forward. ... Maurice Jones-Drew is fresh off a three-TD game, and after a tough Week 3 matchup against the Titans, games against the Charmin-soft Seahawks and Rams are looming. ... Vincent Jackson has carried over his breakout in last year's playoffs and suddenly looks like he could be a top-five fantasy receiver by season's end. ... Pierre Garcon initially flew under the radar in fantasy circles, but now that he's found the end zone in back-to-back weeks, he's getting noticed and makes a solid WR2 for now.

It hurts to put Frank Gore on this list after such a strong opening two weeks (294 total yards, 4 TDs), but the fifth-year pro is expected to miss at least three weeks after injuring his ankle on his first carry against the Vikings in Week 3. Backup Glen Coffee should be added in all leagues. ... In case you missed it, Terrell Owens is just running the plays that are called. Fresh off his first zero-reception outing in 185 games, he's no longer among the fantasy elite at wide receiver. ... Marion Barber missed the Cowboys' Week 3 victory over the Panthers on Monday Night Football, and could be out for another week or two while continuing to recover from a hamstring injury. ... It should go without saying at this point, but feel free to drop JaMarcus Russell from your fantasy roster. The second-year pro looks more and more like a bust with each passing week.