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Fantasy File Some players losing their grip on top jobs
By James Quintong, CNNSI.com As always, there has been plenty of depth chart shuffling that forces fantasy owners to rethink their rosters. Some moves were baffling earlier this year, such as rookie Nick Goings being a critical part of the Carolina ground game for a couple of weeks. Others made sense like Anthony Thomas gradually taking over the starting job in Chicago. Here is the latest scoop on some players who have lost or could soon lose their starting jobs that actually has significance to fantasy players (unless you're really desperate, you don't want to start Ryan Leaf): Terry Allen, RB, Ravens: Currently he's sidelined with a knee injury, but there's no guarantee he'll get his starting job back when he's healthy. Jason Brookins struggled last week against a good Steelers defense, but he's run very well in recent weeks, plus he has the size and speed to be a quality NFL back. Aaron Brooks, QB, Saints: Obviously the talent is there, but he's been scarily inconsistent. One week after torching the Rams, he passed for a season-low 164 yards against the Jets with two interceptions. The odd thing is that in the games in which he's passed for less than 200 yards (Jets and Panthers), he's rushed for at least 40 yards in each of those games. The scrambling can only take him so far. Don't be surprised if Jeff Blake gets a few looks if Brooks struggles. Wayne Chrebet, WR, Jets: He's never really been suited for the No. 1 job, which has now been taken by Laveranues Coles. Chrebet will still get his share of catches and tough yards, but it's hard to rely on him as much more than a No. 3 fantasy wideout. At least he'll put up some numbers. Highly touted acquisition Matthew Hatchette has been invisible all season and has upstaged by Kevin Swayne, who hasn't stopped playing all year after stops in the XFL and Arena League. Anyone got a pickup flag football league he can play in once the season ends? Olandis Gary, RB, Broncos: He didn't have a whole lot of value being the No. 2 guy while Terrell Davis was injured and Mike Anderson was starting. Now that Davis is back and running reasonably well (70 yards rushing on Monday night), Gary's value is close to nil. Anderson will still get his share of carries, although his value obviously takes a big hit. Remember that Davis is still prone to injury, but for now Gary should see your bench if he hadn't already. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks: Hasselbeck has been a huge fantasy bust this year, throwing just two touchdowns and five interceptions. Outside of the game against the Dolphins, in which he was adequate, he's been terrible. And yet he still has a starting job, at least for the time being. Trent Dilfer is still looming and he did take over the team in the second half last week. Dilfer may not be a great fantasy producer, but he won't hurt your team as much. Amani Toomer, WR, Giants: After a great opener against the Broncos, Toomer has been very inconsistent, although he did have two big outings against the Redskins. Toomer was bumped to the No. 3 receiver's role last week against the Cowboys with Joe Jurevicius taking his spot and scoring two touchdowns in the process. Toomer still has some fantasy value, but it's definitely slipping while Jurevicius' value goes up yet again.
Monday's BestTim Brown, WR, Raiders (9 catches, 95 yards, 2 TDs; 1 carry, 10 yards): It was a tough call because there were plenty of great fantasy performances on Monday night -- a far cry from past weeks. Brown came up big again against the Broncos, and he gets the nod just slightly over Rich Gannon and Rod Smith.
Monday's WorstEddie Kennison, WR, Broncos (1 catch, 9 yards; 1 carry, 5 yards): Most of the big names had at least passable performances, so it was tough to find a real dud. However, Kennison is still proving to be a real bust trying to replace Ed McCaffrey, and this effort didn't help his cause. It looks like Denver will be looking more at the tight ends like Dwayne Carswell and Desmond Clark to serve as a secondary target to Rod Smith.
Bye week watchThis past week marked the final week of multiple teams going on byes, which should please fantasy owners. This week, the Redskins are off, meaning Stephen Davis will have to sit after finally having his first breakout game this season.
Injury watchThere weren't a whole lot of new injuries that popped up, but there's still a lot of uncertainty among currently ailing players. The good news is that Marshall Faulk and Elvis Grbac look to be back. Bad news is Fred Taylor is out - again -- and James Stewart's status is still up in the air. As for new players hurting ... Chris Chandler, QB, Falcons: Surprise, surprise, he's hurt again. His status for Sunday is still up in the air because of a rib injury, but if he can't go, Atlanta still has a very good option in Michael Vick, especially going against the Cowboys. Garrison Hearst, RB, 49ers: He bruised his knee Sunday but is expected to be listed as probable against the Saints, meaning he should play. However, his numbers could be limited, and rookie Kevan Barlow could see a bit more time. Chris Weinke, QB, Panthers: His status is still up in the air for Sunday after injuring his shoulder. You'd be best of sitting him no matter what. Unfortunately, his first backup, Dameyune Craig, injured his foot and is definitely out, leaving it up to third stringer Matt Lytle. Pass on Lytle and the Carolina receivers this week. James Quintong is Fantasy Sports Producer at CNNSI.com.
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