Fantasy Fix

Falcons down to Snelling

The Atlanta Falcons will be down to their third-string running back today as Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood are both inactive due to injuries. Make a quick check to see if Jason Snelling is available in your league, he's a decent option at a flex position.

A slew of other running backs are also out this week, including: Clinton Portis (concussion), Brian Westbrook (concussion), Reggie Bush (knee) and Julius Jones (chest).

At quarterback, Denver's Kyle Orton will NOT start against San Diego. Orton has been a surprisingly good fantasy option this season. Chris Simms starts in his place, but has minimal fantasy value.

Good luck in Week 11.

---Jay Skurski

White and Williams in for Week 10

Considering the roll DeAngelo Williams is on lately, fantasy owners had to have their fingers crossed that his sore knee would not keep him out of the lineup today against the Atlanta Falcons.

Fear not, Williams owners, he's in the lineup, as is his counterpart, Jonathan Stewart. On the other side, Falcons wide receiver Roddy White will also play.

With Clinton Portis out of the lineup, Redskins running back Ladell Betts sees his value increase. Despite being questionable with foot and ankle injuries, Betts will play. He's facing a tough Denver run defense, however, so don't expect a lot.

For the Vikings, wide receiver Bernard Berrian is active. He's a good option as a No. 3 receiver today against the Lions. 

T.O. will play for the Bills, as well.

Good luck in Week 10!

---Jay Skurski

Cotchery's return highlights Week Eight updates

Jerricho Cotchery gets a chance to resume his once-promising fantasy season today, as it's expected the Jets wideout will return from a hamstring injury. Cotchery, the team's leading receiver, has missed the past two games.

Also expected to play is Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, who injured his groin in a win over St. Louis last week.

Arizona's Anquan Boldin has made progress in his ankle injury and should be closer to 100 percent when the Cardinals play Carolina.

Here in Buffalo, Texans wideout Andre Johnson will playdespite suffering a painful-sounding bruised lung last week. He's a no-brainer to be in the starting lineup.

One player who won't be starting today, however, is Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, so make sure he's sitting. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford will return, but his fantasy impact is minimal.

At running back, don't expect Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook to play with his concussion.

Good luck in Week Eight!

---Jay Skurski

Week Seven walkthrough

Wide receiver concerns later today are the big issue right now.

In Dallas, Roy Williams is listed as probable, but coach Wade Phillips said Friday he could be a game-time decision because he was still having pain in his ribs. With six teams on the bye this week, Williams owners need him to play and produce, since there are not a lot of capable replacements out there. The Cowboys play the Falcons at 4:05 p.m.

Arizona's Anquan Boldin is dealing with a high ankle sprain, an injury that usually keeps players out weeks. Boldin was limited in practice on Friday and it's been reported he's going to try and play, but he's a risky option. Since the Cardinals play Sunday night, it might be better to sit Boldin for a healthy replacement.

In New Orleans, tight end Jeremy Shockey has been limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Shockey is expected to play, however, and remains a solid start in a Saints offense averaging nearly 40 points a game.

Some quick reminders on the Jets-Raiders game: Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery is out, as is Oakland running back Darren McFadden.

Here's a link to the Week Seven key players on the injury list, while you can also click here for the early inactives. Of special interest is 49ers running back Frank Gore, who will return from an injured ankle.

Good luck in Week Seven.

---Jay Skurski

Last-minute Week Six updates

Redskins running back Clinton Portis is active and ready to start against the Chiefs. Get him in the lineup.

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith had a pair of 100-yard receiving games against Tampa last season and should be in your lineup. In that same game, Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant will also play. Bryant continues to improve from the knee injury that has hampered his season and should be viewed as a No. 3 receiver.

On the inactive side, Detroit will be without quarterback Matthew Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson. Stafford wasn't starting anyway, but make sure Johnson is out of your lineup.

Good luck in Week SIx.

---Jay Skurski

Week Three injury updates

Time to get your lineups set in stone for Week Three. Here's who's in and out:

As expected, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will miss a second straight start with a broken rib. More of a surprise, however, is that running back Brian Westbrook will miss today's game with Kansas City. Westbrook has an ankle injury.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno suffered a groin injury in practice Thursday and sounds like he'll miss today's game with Oakland. Even if he does play, it would be best to keep Moreno on the bench.

Browns running back Jamal Lewis will miss today's game against the Ravens, not that he'd be a good start anyway.

Redskins running back Clinton Portis will play against the Lions, despite not practicing all week with bone spurs in his ankle. Portis is a good start considering his opponent.

For the New England Patriots, Wes Welker is OUT and Randy Moss is IN.

Good luck in Week Three.

---Jay Skurski

McNabb highlights Week Two sits

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb's cracked rib isn't healed enough for him to play in Week Two against New Orleans, highlighting this week's injury updates.

Pierre Thomas will be a game-time decision for New Orleans, which makes Mike Bell a consideration for Week Two. Play Bell for another week to see if he can duplicate his performance of Week One. When Drew Brees is your quarterback, good things can happen.

Antonio Bryant will NOT play against the Bills, so he's an easy sit. In fact, he didn't even come to Buffalo.

LaDainian Tomlinson also won't suit up for San Diego, although he would have had a tough matchup with Baltimore, anyway.

Good luck in Week Two.

---Jay Skurski

Sunday morning injury reports

Week One hasn't even really gotten started, but there's already plenty of injury concerns for fantasy football owners.

The big news is that New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas is out. That makes Reggie Bush a more attractive play and even means Mike Bell isn't a bad start.

Let's move on to Denver, where quarterback Kyle Orton is expected to play despite a hand injury. Orton's probably not starting for your team anyway, but his status could affect your plans for Denver's two wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. Both are solid options against the Bengals, although Marshall is a bit more of a gamble because of his rocky preseason.

Anquan Boldin's right hamstring has him questionable, and ESPN's injury expert, Stephania Bell, reported Sunday morning that it's looking more likely that Boldin WILL NOT play against the 49ers. Verdict: Sit Boldin this week.

Feel free to leave your comments below and good luck in Week One!

---Jay Skurski

Who to start: Week One

Lest you missed Football Friday in the print edition, here's a link to this week's guide on who to start in Week One, starting with, big surprise, New England's Tom Brady.

Don't want to take my word for it? Well, here are plenty of other links to experts' picks.

At nfl.com, Michael Fabiano has Bills Trent Edwards, Fred Jackson, Lee Evans and the team defense on his list of players not to start. That about covers it, although Derek Schouman probably feels slighted.

Yahoo's Brad Evans lists Terrell Owens among his "lames" for Week One. I'm noticing a trend here.

Jamey Eisenberg of CBS Sports disagrees on Owens, listing him under his "start 'em" category. Alas, Jackson and Evans are "sit em" choices.

Check back Sunday morning for injury updates before the 2009 season gets started and have some fun.

---Jay Skurski

Cassel could miss opener

Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Matt Cassel has a sprained MCL in his right knee and could miss the season opener, according to reports on both Pro Football Talk and Yahoo! Sports.

Cassel was hurt on the third play of Saturday's 14-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He's expected to be out 2-4 weeks. The Chiefs open the regular season Sept. 13 at Baltimore.

Cassel came over to the Chiefs from the New England Patriots in an offseason trade and signed a six-year, $63 million contract with Kansas City. He's 11 of 16 for 114 yards and one touchdown so far this preseason.

Cassel's injury shouldn't have a huge fantasy impact this year, but it may give you pause entering your draft. If you're on the fence between Cassel and another QB, put your mind at ease and grab the healthy one.

---Jay Skurski