Sunday’s Best

Late bloomers step forward in crucial fantasy week

Dominic Rhodes rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns in Indy's scorefest Sunday against Atlanta. AP

By James Quintong, CNNSI.com

As many people for already figured out, it's not always your top draft choices that are carrying your fantasy squad this late in the season. And this week proved that point all so well. Sometimes it's tough to move on to a player doing well late, but if you're not afraid of change, it probably means you cashed in, at least this week. The biggest thing with fantasy football is learning to make adjustments on the fly for injury, ineffectiveness or a combination of both.

Patience also becomes a virtue with some of these players, especially with Randy "I'll show up when I feel like it" Moss and Joe Horn. If you traded for them while they were still cold, you're also reaping the benefits.

Top 10 Studs

2. Kordell Stewart, QB, Steelers (20-31, 333 yards, 2 TDs; 10 carries, 55 yards): In the biggest game of the season against one of the best defenses in football, Slash has arguably his best game as a pro. He's gotten so much better this year, and this was proof of it.

4. Randy Moss, WR, Vikings (7 catches, 144 yards, 2 TDs): Well he did come to play for the second week in a row. He did keep Minnesota in the game, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Lions. He is coming through at the right time for fantasy players, though.

5. Anthony Thomas, RB, Bears (31 carries, 173 yards, 1 TD): It was cold and clammy in Chicago, perfect weather for a former Michigan back to shine. When healthy, Thomas has been one of the best rushers this year. Doing what he did against the vaunted Bucs defense made his game all the more sweeter.

6. Plaxico Burress, WR, Steelers (8 catches, 164 yards, 1 TD): Hines Ward had been shut down for most of the game, so instead it was Burress who took over the role of the go-to and big-play guy. He's been very inconsistent this year, but when he's on, look out.

7. Steve McNair, QB, Titans (25-35, 283 yards, 2 TDs): It's getting to the point where you shouldn't worry about matchups when it comes to starting McNair. He's now a must start, especially after his impressive game against a good Packers defense.

8. Corey Dillon, RB, Bengals (22 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs; 3 catches, 32 yards): With Akili Smith at starting quarterback, you almost knew Dillon was going to get tons of looks during the game. This time, he produced, scoring twice in the loss to the Jets. Dillon is still very inconsistent on a game to game basis, but when he's on, he can be a big point producer.

9. Ricky Watters, RB, Seahawks (28 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD; 5 catches, 34 yards): There was plenty of uproar when Mike Holmgren chose him over Shaun Alexander to start. However, Watters proved he was worthy of the job, albeit against a bad Cowboys defense. However, Watters did injure his ankle, opening the door for Alexander yet again.

10. Priest Holmes, RB, Chiefs (29 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost): Just another big game for the season's biggest surprise. He only had one catch, but partly because Trent Green found some other receivers. And this time Kansas City actually won a game.

Just missing the cut: Derrick Mason, WR, Titans (8 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD); Marcus Pollard, TE, Colts (5 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD): Rod Smith, WR, Broncos (8 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD); Jerry Rice, WR, Raiders (6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD); Kevan Barlow, RB, 49ers (14 carries, 39 yards, 2 TDs; 1 catch, 14 yards).

Top 5 Duds

2. Jay Fiedler, QB, Dolphins (16-28, 149 yards, 3 INTs; 4 carries, 33 yards, 1 fumble lost): After such an effective Monday night game against the Colts, he slid all the way back against a slightly better 49ers defense. San Francisco played the ball control game really well and applied plenty of pressure, sacking him six times.

3. Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers (4 catches, 43 yards): This time, an injury didn't slow him down. Instead, the Niners ran the ball so effectively that Owens wasn't really needed that much. Again, just some bad timing on Owens' part in a fantasy perspective.

4. Eddie George, RB, Titans (15 carries, 26 yards; 3 catches, 10 yards): He still hasn't gotten a 100-yard game this year, and this time he was outshined by Skip Hicks. It's been a long season for George owners.

5. Doug Flutie, QB, Chargers (19-37, 215 yards, 3 INTs; 4 carries, 16 yards): Head coach Mike Riley said Flutie is the starter for the rest of the season, but after this outing, there could be more clamoring for Drew Brees.

Top 5 Surprises

2. Stacey Mack, RB, Jaguars (28 carries, 115 yards; 3 catches, 24 yards): He had been running terribly in recent weeks but he came to life against the Browns. Fred Taylor likely won't be back this season, so Mack still has some value after this performance.

3. Mike McMahon, QB, Lions (15-28, 241 yards; 12 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD): This might have actually been the week to start him, given the struggles of the Vikings defense. He put some nifty numbers, especially on the ground. It was just a matter of time before Detroit won a game, but McMahon did what he had to for a victory.

4. Kevin Swayne, WR, Jets (4 catches, 74 yards): He's played in both the XFL and Arena leagues this year already, but somehow he hasn't tired out. Swayne has come through as a decent No. 3 wide receiver and he outgained both Wayne Chrebet and Laveranues Coles this week. He doesn't have a whole lot of fantasy value, but if you're desperate for a wideout, here's one to look at.

5. Trevor Insley, WR, Colts (3 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD): It was nice to see Manning spread the ball around, and especially NFL Europe standout Insley getting his first NFL score. Insley set a bunch of Division I-A receiving records at Nevada, but big numbers like that are usually a big detriment when it comes to draft time. He might come in handy as a fill-in receiver down the stretch as Manning tries to find receivers other than Marvin Harrison and Pollard.

James Quintong is Fantasy Sports producer at CNNSI.com.

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