Deuce Is Loose!

Last season there were probably more than a few Deuce McAllister owners who had their season saved by picking up Ryan Grant in mid-season. This season, could it work the other way around? Like the others listed below, McAllister and Grant are among the most prominent players to confound fantasy expectations so far.

DEUCE MCALLISTER
Saints, RB

In his first significant action since undergoing both reconstructive surgery on his left knee and microfracture surgery on the right last fall, the Saints' career rushing leader (above, left) showed plenty of bounce, running for 73 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. The only cautionary note is that the Saints are about to hit a gantlet of tough run defenses in Minnesota, Oakland, Carolina and San Diego.

STEVE BREASTON
Cardinals, WR

Having made his mark as a kick returner, the second-year speedster is now getting into the flow of the Arizona passing game; he hauled in nine balls for 122 yards during Sunday's aerial fiesta against the Jets. Kurt Warner is averaging 35 pass attempts per game this year, which means that Breaston, even as a third receiver, should get his hands on plenty of tosses.

MILES AUSTIN
Cowboys, WR

Over the last two weeks the erstwhile special-teamer, who totaled five catches in his first two seasons, had 160 receiving yards and two scores; he's emerging as the "other guy" who will clean up while defenses scramble to cover Terrell Owens and Jason Witten. Austin is worth a start this week at home against the imploding Bengals.

PANTHERS
Defense

The claws are back out on the Carolina D. Linebacker Jon Beason and his mates have allowed just one rushing touchdown this year and have limited opposing offenses to a total of two touchdowns over the last three weeks.

RYAN GRANT
Packers, RB