September Shuffle

This week's review of risers and fallers includes several names that fantasy players didn't expect to be talking about at the beginning of the season—and one they hoped to be discussing more favorably.

STEVE SLATON
Texans, RB
The rookie (above, left) took advantage of the fragile Ahman Green's absence because of an ankle injury on Sunday; in Slaton's first start he ran for 116 yards and a TD against the physical Titans. If you can trade for Slaton or pick him up, you'll get the added bonus of his bye week being out of the way due to the rescheduling forced by Hurricane Ike.

LE'RON McCLAIN
Ravens, RB
It's the rare fullback who can be a factor in fantasy football, but McClain is showing himself to be an exceptional case: He followed up his team-leading, 86-yard performance in Week 1 with a 66-yard, two-TD showing against the Browns on Sunday. The hard-driving McClain will continue to take carries away from Willis McGahee and Ray Rice.

BRANDON LLOYD
Bears, WR
Against Tampa Bay on Sunday, Lloyd showed that he is Chicago's best receiving option; he had 124 yards and a score even though he often lined up against Pro Bowl cornerback Ronde Barber. Lloyd's performance, the best for a Chicago wideout since September 2004, makes the journeyman a viable pickup option.

J.T. O'SULLIVAN
49ers, QB
Disappointed in your QB? San Francisco's surprise starter is still available in many leagues, and this would be the time to grab him, before Sunday's game against the Saints. He's not putting up crazy numbers yet, but his 189-yard, two-touchdown game against the Lions suggests that the 49ers' gamble on him will work out.

DEREK ANDERSON
Browns, QB
Last year Anderson saved many a fantasy player who picked him up off the waiver wire, but this year he's burned those who spent a high pick on him. Anderson (near left) has completed just 43 of 93 passes (46.2%) for 405 yards and two TDs while getting picked off five times. He still deserves a start this week against a shaky Bengals secondary, but you might ponder finding a long-term alternative.

KEVIN SMITH
Lions, RB
Plenty of rookie runners have made a mark already this year, but Detroit's third-round pick is missing out on the party. Against San Francisco he had his weakest outing yet, gaining 14 yards from scrimmage while veteran Rudi Johnson totaled 131 yards and scored Detroit's only touchdown.

DANTE ROSARIO
Panthers, TE
He was a popular pickup after amassing 96 yards and snaring the game-winning TD in Week 1 against the Chargers. This has proved to be a classic case of buying high: In the two games since, Rosario has three catches for 24 yards.

ONLY AT SI.COM
Get the latest fantasy news every day in Fantasy Clicks.