There's a lot of talk of Terrell Owens becoming a Bengal when the NFL free agency period begins in March. While I don't believe that would be the worst thing ever for the team, I believe there's another wide receiver out there who is younger, probably comes cheaper and who could really solve some of the Bengals offensive woes. That player is former Bengal Kevin Walter, who has been a member of the Houston

Texans since 2007. While Walter is not the name or Pro Bowl-caliber athlete that TO is (or was), he would make the offense immediately better.

Let's look at the perks. Walter is only 28 years old, which is 8 years younger than TO. Walter is also a large target. He is 6'3" and would be the second tallest player amongst the Bengals wide receivers (second behind newly signed Matt Jones). Walter, who is only considered a second wide receiver, shouldn't get a huge offer from any NFL team and should come at an affordable price, which is music to the miserly Mike Brown's ears. TO, on the other hand, will demand a high contract with the devil himself, Drew Rosenhaus as his agent. Plus, Walter comes with none of the extra "baggage" that TO brings to the table. TO might have Ochocinco's endorsement, but push comes to shove, Walter's existence would make Chad a better player.

Walter, to me, could fill the role that TJ Houshmanzadeh filled so admirably for the Bengals and that they so desperately missed this year - possession receiver and red zone target. With Chad Ochocinco on the outside, obtaining double coverage, Walter could open the middle and short yardage possessions and help the team move the chains. This gives Carson Palmer more options. Add in a developing Andre Caldwell and throw Matt Jones into the deep threat/Chris Henry role and Walter immediately makes the Bengals better.

Send Lavernues Coles packing, replace him with Walter, resign Reggie Kelly at tight end and all of a sudden, the offense starts to resemble its once-potent self. Hopefully, Chase Coffman gets on the field and he would also become a nice receiving threat and red zone target. So, with just one addition, and a couple players back from oblivion (Coffman) and injury (Kelly) and the signing of Walter and the Bengals could improve on their offensive output. Now, that being said, I would still pursue a rookie WR in the upcoming NFL draft to fill the role that Jerome Simpson is clearly incapable of handling.

NFL cincinnati bengals, nfl 2010 offseaon, kevin walter, terrell owens, chad ochocinco

Many fans, myself included, are frustrated with how the Bengals season ended. They were lackluster and boring and quite mediocre, after a 5 game streak of tough and impressive football in the middle part of the schedule. However, putting it in perspective, how many fans would've been fine with 10 wins when the season began? They went from a 4-win team to a 10-win team. Am I making excuses? No. I am merely saying that the foundation is in place for a solid team. The Bengals are one of the youngest teams in the NFL, especially on the defensive side. And, all fans would have to agree that the future of the Bengals defense looks bright.

So here's my list of things Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis need to address.

1.) Resign Mike Zimmer. The Bengals defensive coordinator has not been renewed and is a hot commodity. He has left his mark on this young defense and it's time to make him richer for it. In fact, why not make him the heir apparent when Marvin's contract is expired.

2.) Find a new offensive coordinator. The problems this team suffered, especially down the stretch came from an absolute lack of creative playcalling and a stagnant offense. This isn't solely on Bob Bratkowski's shoulders, but since you can't fire the entire offense, you gotta make Brat the sacrificial lamb. Bring in someone who's younger, but appreciates the way we play ball in the AFC North.

3.) Draft Mardy Gilyard. The Bearcat WR brings two things to this team that they desperately need. He brings another receiving option opposite Chad Ochocinco. And he also bring electicity to the special teams. Gilyard would be available in the late first round, where the Bengals are drafting.

4.) Resign Tank Johnson. Between Domata Peko and Tank Johnson, the Bengals interior d-linemen helped improve the Bengals run defense. Johnson is a good fit for this team and seems to really like living here.

5.) Resign Roy Williams. The hard-hitting safety got injured early in the season, but when he played, the team was much better. Plus, Williams probably would be cheap and would provide nice depth in the defensive backfield.

6.) Sign a veteran WR with Super Bowl experience who can play the TJ Houshmanzadeh/Wes Welker role. The Bengals lack a possession receiver and boy did they feel it. Lavernues Coles was not that guy and should be allowed to find employment elsewhere. I'm not suggesting either of these guys, but a Marvin Harrison or Torry Holt-type of guy is what this team needs.

7.) Sign a new placekicker. Shayne Graham has not made a clutch kick in what seems like years. And he was unable to make deep kickoffs into the end zone, which hurt the special teams. It's time to find a veteran kicker or address it in the draft.

8.) Draft a young QB "project" in the draft. Carson Palmer has hit a wall. It's either an injury issue, a playcalling (i.e. Brat's fault) issue or a sudden loss of talent. Whatever the case, Palmer has to turn it around if this team is going to proceed forward. And, because he'll turn 30, it's time to see if there's a project-type QB available in this draft. It's a fairly weak QB class, and the Bengals lack the scouting department, but it's something to consider.

9.) No contract issues with any players or drafted players. The Andre Smith issue hurt his progression and development as a player. Whoever is drafted, they must be signed, sealed and delivered in time for training camp.

10.) Consider going back to the no huddle. How many times did we hear Chad or Carson say they couldn't get their timing down. In year's past when the Bengals offense was clicking, they would switch gears into no huddle. I watched every play this season and can't recall a single series where the no huddle was employed. This mostly goes back to my problems with Bratkowski, but Marvin Lewis is the coach, he could realize and address this.

NFL cincinnati bengals, offseason outlook, mike zimmer, carson palmer, bob bratkowski

You're likely in the middle of your fantasy playoffs. You can smell that championship. Smack talk is heating up. Make the right choices and pay attention to the match ups this week. Here are some of the better ones:

Lock In QB:
Donovan McNabb vs. San Francisco- The Eagles passing game is exciting to watch. Those who drafted McNabb as a second tier-type of QB are probably still playing now in their playoffs.

Matt Schaub @ St. Louis - Outside of Peyton or Drew, there's nobody else who should start over Schaub, especially this week.

Tony Romo @ New Orleans - This is one of those moves you can overthink. Be careful you don't overthink yourself into starting someone else. December or not, Romo will put up solid numbers this week and don't miss out on those.

Lock Out QB:
Eli Manning @ Washington - The Giants passing game is very inconsistent. There can be worse QBs than Eli, but this week, it will be a low scoring affair versus a solid Washington defense.

Carson Palmer @ San Diego - The Bengals passing game is anemic and until they show they can put up real statistics, I would avoid the Bengal passer.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Green Bay - If you can't put up stats versus the Cleveland Browns defense, what makes you think you can do anything against the league's #1 defense (which is the Packers).

Lock In RB:
Jamaal Charles vs. Cleveland - The Chiefs RB is playing for a job. He's been showcasing what he can do the last couple weeks, and looks like he could be the featured back for the Chiefs for a while. This week, he'll get a soft defense to run on again.

Steven Jackson vs. Houston - Jackson has put together a nice run in the second half of the season. Impatient owners who dropped him, probably wish they still had him for their playoff push.

Chris Wells @ Detroit - I think the Cardinals will pass on the league's worst passing defense, but they showed last week that they can run ball with the rookie Beanie Wells getting the bulk of the touches. I like Wells to find the end zone this week.

Lock Out RB:
Ryan Grant @ Pittsburgh - Tough call here. Very tough. Grant is coming off a huge week, but on the road versus a still formidable defense, makes me worried. Definitely don't count on the type of performance he put up last week, if you choose to start him.

Matt Forte @ Baltimore - This first round bust will bust out this week. You likely aren't in the playoffs if you have Forte anyway, but if you are, look elsewhere.

Brandon Jacobs @ Washington - Ahmad Bradshaw returned to action in a big way last week and that hurt Jacobs production. This week, he'll cut into Jacobs' time even more and they face a tough Redskin defense.

Lock In WR:
Anquan Boldin @ Detroit - With Larry Fitzgerald injured, I think Boldin will step up and have a big game.

Steve Smith vs. Minnesota - The Panthers WR had a nice game and I think they will have to pass the ball to win.

Pierre Garcon @ Jacksonville - I expect Reggie Wayne to play a limited amount and Garcon will get the extra looks and touches.

Lock Out WR:
Greg Jennings @ Pittsburgh- Jennings has been a major disappointment and has a bad match up again this week. There are certainly better options this week.

Chad Ochocinco @ San Diego- The Bengals just can't find anything in their passing game and until then, I can't recommend the Bengal star WR

Lock In TE:
Brent Celek vs. San Francisco - I benched Celek last week, worried about his thumb. Don't do the same thing this week.

Antonio Gates vs. Cincinnati - The Bengals get torched by opposing team's tight ends.

Lock Out TE:
Jeremy Shockey vs. Dallas - He is an irrelevant tight end at this point.

Heath Miller vs. Green Bay - The Packers have the linebackers to stop Miller and the Steelers offense is anemic at this point anyway..

Fantasy Football lineup locks, fantasy advice, week 15

Lucky #13 in the NFL. Hopefully bad luck doesn't strike you this week. Avoid it by making good choices and taking advantage of the right match ups. Here's this week's locks, and remember to set your lineup, eh, for any Jets or Bills you might have as they play in Canada tonight.

Lock In QB:
Carson Palmer vs. Detroit- Palmer had a very disappointing performance against the Browns, but I expect a much better performance this week against the 32nd ranked pass defense. The Bengals will run the ball a lot, but I think their lack of red zone effeciency will provoke the team enough to pass the ball to where Palmer should get 2 passing TDs and 200+ yards.

Jay Cutler vs. St. Louis - I know, it's scary putting Cutler into a starting lineup as he throws more INTs than TDs. But this week, he'll right the ship and will throw for multiple TDs against a woeful Ram defense.

Brett Favre @ Arizona - I still hear people saying Favre is overrated and not a top tier QB. I reject that notion and this week, he'll show why with a great match up against the Cardinals. Favre will go off for 3 TDs and 200+ yards this week.

Lock Out QB:
Eli Manning vs. Dallas - Manning's foot injury is worrysome and with a resurged Dallas defense, I think Manning will disappoint (again) this week.

Joe Flacco @ Green Bay - The Packers are a top five defense in both rushing and passing and for this reason, I avoid Flacco this week.

Vince Young @ Indianapolis - Count me in the corner of the VY skeptics. He's done pretty good leading the Titans back from the bottom, but I think he's done versus weaker defense. The Colts defense is every bit as good as the offense and VY will see that in a hostile environment this week.

Lock In RB:
Rashard Mendenhall vs. Oakland - The Raiders yield more than 100 rushing yards a game to their opponents and Mendenhall will give them fits. Count on him to hit to the century mark and find the end zone this week.

Ladainian Tomlinson @ Cleveland - You saw what Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott did to the Browns non-existent run defense. Now they also don't have their best run-stopped for the season. So LT is going to go off this week.

Lesean McCoy @ Atlanta - The Eagles can still run the ball, even without Brian Westbrook. The rookie, McCoy, will earn his keep this week and will pay dividends for those owners who start him.

Lock Out RB:
Ryan Grant vs. Baltimore - It is difficult to run on the Ravens and the Pack continues to struggle to run block, so avoid this match up this week.

Pierre Thomas @ Washington - The Redskins are one of the most underrated defenses in the NFL and Thomas will struggle in this game. This one could be a much lower-scoring affair than you might expect.

Tim Hightower/Beanie Wells @ Minnesota - The Vikings are the #2 rated run defense so the Cardinals will try to pass the ball and thus, Hightower and Wells have very little value this week.

Lock In WR:
Sydney Rice vs. Arizona - Lots of passing TDs in this game to be had, get Rice and Harvin in your lineup this week.

Miles Austin @ NY Giants - I locked him out and that motivation made him step up his game again. I'm back on the Miles Austin bandwagon and this week, count on him for 75+ yards and a score.

Michael Crabtree @ Seattle - Rookie wide receivers tend to be inconsistent, and that's certainly been the case for Crabtree. But the Seahawks have yielded at least one TD to every receiver they've faced, and that's good news for Crabtree who will find the end zone this week.

Lock Out WR:
Derrick Mason @ Green Bay- I like Mason's toughness, generally. He just produces, usually. This week, I will slide him to my bench as a very tough match up awaits him at Lambeau Field in December.

Terrell Owens vs. NY Jets- For two straight weeks, he's made my list of lock outs and two straight weeks he's gone off. TO is saying pleasant things about Ryan Fitzpatrick and that might make for a happy TO. But, tonight he gets Darrel Revis who has shut down every WR he has faced, many of which are better than TO, so I say to TO, I'll believe when I see it and I'm leaving him on the bench.

Nate Burleson vs. San Francisco - Burleson is one of those players who is just too inconsistent to be counted, especially down the stretch. Surely you have better options than Nate this week.

Lock In TE:
Dustin Keller vs. Buffalo - The battle in Canada, a chance to show those hockey lovers what real football is. Keller makes for a sneaky play tonight. I like him to find the end zone and put up 50+ yards.

Heath Miller vs. Oakland - With Big Ben back under center, Miller's value goes up this week. Like Keller, he makes for a sneaky start and looks to have 50+ yards and a TD this week.

Lock Out TE:
Jermichael Finley vs. Baltimore - Aarond Rodgers will be under a lot of pressure this week. Finley could benefit from being a dump-off option, but I don't like this match up and would consider other options this week.

Jeremy Shockey @ Washington - I think the Saints will win and they'll score at least 2 TDs, but I don't think this will be the blow out or the offensive explosion most expect and therefore, keep Shockey on your bench.

lineup locks

Thanksgiving week - time to gather with family for a feast and remember what you're most thankful for. In addition to many things, I'm thankful for the readers of Get Sports Info and this column, especially the ones who don't point out when I lock out a player who goes off for a 98-yard TD catch (thanks TO!). This column is based on statistics, expectations and hunches, but is not exact. So, for giving me a pass when I miss some, I am thankful. Now for this week's Thanksgiving-themed lock in and lock outs:

Lock In QB:
Carson Palmer vs. Cleveland- The Browns non-existent defense allowed Matthew Stafford to throw for five TDs. A savvy veteran like Palmer, if his offensive coordinator allows him to, will exploit these bunch of turkeys.

Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis - Schaub had a "disappointing" day against the Titans "only" throwing for 300 yards and 2 TDs. I'll take another disappointment this week in a game the Texans will have to pass a lot in to stay in the game.

Matt Ryan vs. Tampa Bay - I expect the Falcons to beat the stuffing (get it?) out of the Buccaneers. With no Michael Turner again, the points will come through the air and Matt Ryan has a nice day. I know he has been a little disappointing this year, from a fantasy perspective, but not this week.

Lock Out QB:
Joe Flacco vs. Pittsburgh - Even without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers are a formidable match up for Flacco. His numbers and stats have been waning lately and there's no indication that will change this week. This week you're whacko if you start Flacco.

Ben Roethlisberger @ Baltimore - He's coming off a concussion which is troublesome enough for his owners. He's expected to play, but with a tough, hard-hitting opponent facing him, I think he will struggle to find success this week.

Eli Manning @ Denver - If the Giants are going to be successful this week, they will have to run the ball. They're travelling out west, on short notice, and facing a Bronco defense that is both desperate and good against the pass. For this reason, I think the Giants and Eli are due for a letdown.

Lock In RB:
Justin Forsett @ St. Louis - The rookie RB has earned his shot at the starting spot. He had a touchdown and a couple catches last week and gets a weak Rams defense this week.

Ryan Grant @ Detroit - Grant will give you something to cheer for during your Thanksgiving feast as he should exploit the Lions porous defense.

Marion Barber vs. Oak - Barber seems to like playing on Thanksgiving. He's averaged more than 100 yards since joining the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. There is an injury issue with him, so watch it closely. If he doesn't play, Felix Jones makes for a sneaky replacement play.

Lock Out RB:
Beanie Wells @ Tennessee - With Tim Hightower and the Cardinals wide receivers, there's not enough offense to around. I think Wells will disappoint this week.

Michael Bush/Justin Fargas/Darren McFadden @ Dallas - The Raiders might've won a game, but did not do so because of their running game. This week, tomorrow in fact, don't count on any of the Raiders runners to do much. Pass on them as you pass the gravy.

Rashard Mendenhall @ Baltimore - Mendenhall will face a hard-hitting Ravens defense. This game will be a trench fight, and I'd find someone else if you have another option as Mendenhall is looking at numbers somewhere around 50 yards and no score.

Lock In WR:
Donald Driver @ Detroit - The Lions made the Browns passing game and receivers look good. So a savvy veteran like Driver will be as good as whipped topping on a pumpkin pie. Count on him as a WR1 this week.

Sydney Rice vs. Chicago - I don't know what's better for Rice's value - Brett Favre or Percy Harvin. Both players make Rice that much better. Rice is seeing single coverage because of Harvin and Favre knows he can always find Rice open. Count on him for another solid day.

Roddy White vs. Tampa Bay - WHite, like his quarterback, has been a little disappointing. This week he breaks out of his slump like your Uncle Joe will be breaking out of his pants after seconds. White should be good for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Lock Out WR:
Miles Austin vs. Oakland- Oakland managed to shutdown Chad Ochocinco last week as Nnamada Asomugha covered Chad tight. Austin has proven that he can't handle tough coverage and the Cowboys passing game has gone dormant. Perhaps it's too much triptophan, but either way, I bench Austin again this week.

Terrell Owens vs. Miami - He made this list last week, and busted out big. I am still leaving him here as I think this week's match up is tougher and I don't think the Fitzpatrick to Owens connection becomes a trend instead becomes more of a mirage.

Steve Breaston @ Tennessee - A couple things are working against Breaston. One, Boldin is healthy and getting more targets. Two, Kurt Warner is probably going to miss this week's game with a concussion and that means Matt Leinart, which spells trouble for the Cardinals' third WR.

Lock In TE:
Kevin Boss @ Denver - The late Thanksgiving night game will offer you quite a treat, kind of like a plate of cold turkey and pumpkin pie. The Giants have started to again use Boss in the passing game which is leading to their success. I think that trend continues, especially considering the Broncos secondary will be further occupied with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks.

Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Chicago - Shiancoe is definitely benefitting from Favre, who loves tight ends. Shiancoe can be counted on as a top 10 TE this week.

Lock Out TE:
Jason Witten vs. Oakland - Witten is questionable this week and might not play. Even if he does, I am concerned about the Cowboys passing game and Witten's lack of production.

Jeremy Shockey vs. New Engalnd - This is going to be an interesting game and presents an interesting match up. The Patriots will gameplan for Shockey and will not let him get loose in the red zone for a score. If Shockey doesn't score, he doesn't bring much other value to your fantasy squad.

Fantasy Football lineup locks

More Thursday night football tonight. Be sure to set your lineup if there are any Panthers or Dolphins on it tonight. I have a couple players from tonight's game, listed below. Here's this week's players to lockin and lockout:

Lock In QB:
Donovan McNabb @ Chicago- Hopefully you started McNabb last week when he went off for 450 yards. I'll jump on that bandwagon this week and ride out his hot streak as I think the Eagles will continue to pass the ball against a less-than-stellar Bears defense.

Matt Schaub vs. Tennessee - Schaub is a top-five QB most of the time and has proven to be so all year. With that being said, I still get questions about whether to start him every week. This week, no matter who your other QB is (outside of Peyton Manning), I put Schaub in as he should exploit the near-bottom ranked Titans secondary.

Carson Palmer @ Oakland - With Cedric Benson likely sitting this game out, I think the Bengals have to work more passing plays into the gameplan. While I like the Raiders secondary, I think if Bob Bratkowski decides to unleash Carson, that he'll put up good enough numbers to consider him a starter.

Lock Out QB:
Joe Flacco vs. Indanapolis - I stated before that I was wacco for Flacco, now I'm saying that Joe Flacco drives me wacco. He couldn't put up good numbers against the Cleveland Browns defense, so now I have no confidence in him doing anything against the Colts defense. I am both fickle and vindictive.

Matt Ryan @ New York Giants - Ryan is certainly a capable quarterback. He has a lot of upside. But this week, I think he'll have his hands full against the Giants, as they will key on the pass with Michael Turner's absence.

Jay Cutler vs. Philadelphia - Cutler is an interception machine. It's frustrating if you own him. So, until they come up with a better offensive gameplan (that should include Matt Forte and shorter passes), I am putting Cutler on my bench, especially if your league deducts points for turnovers.

Lock In RB:
Rashard Mendenhall @ Kansas City - The Steeler running game will be back in form with this sweet match up. Mendenhall should be good for 100 yards and a score.

Ricky Williams @ Carolina - Ronnie Brown is out for the year. This is great news for Ricky Williams owners. Ricky was already a low-end RB2 option with Brown, without him, I would put him in my top ten, especially in tonight's match up. Get him in now.

Reggie Bush @ Tampa Bay - Guess who has scored five touchdowns in the last five weeks? That's right it's Bush. While not an elite running back, Bush should continue his recent upsurge versus the 30th ranked Buccaneer rush defense. Bush also has stepped up his role in the passing game as he has 3 or more passes in at least 7 games this year. In PPR leagues, Bush has even more value.

Lock Out RB:
Marion Barber vs. Washington - Barber has been a major disappointment. He has only rushed for 100 yards once all year and the last four weeks has failed to even rush for 50 yards.

Justin Forsett @ Minnesota - I like Forsett a lot as a nice waiver wire pickup. He's coming off a huge week, but that was against the Cardinals. This week Forsett faces the #2 ranked rushing defense in football. Forsett retains a little more value this week in PPR leagues. As a long-term keeper, I really like him; this week, not so much.

Joseph Addai @ Baltimore - Addai is a low-end RB2 option, but this week he faces the #5 ranked rushing defense. For this week, against the Ravens, I would put Addai on the bench.

Lock In WR:
Calvin Johnson vs. Cleveland - If you are forced to watch the Lions vs. Browns game this Sunday, this might give you something to watch.  There is no one on the Browns' personnel that can cover Megatron. Look for him to be the only fantasy-worthy player in this entire game.

Anquan Boldin @ St. Louis - Boldin returned to action this past week and all he did was catch 8 balls for 105 yards. This week he gets the 25th ranked pass defense, so expect a similar production out of Boldin.

Mike Sims-Walker vs. Buffalo - Sims-Walker has tailed off a little, but can still be counted as a solid WR1 option. This week he gets an underrated Bill defense, but should still find enough gaps to score and rack up 75+ yards.

Lock Out WR:
Miles Austin vs. Washington- Austin has performed as a WR1 for the last couple weeks, and I've had him as a lock-in several times. However, I did not like what I saw from him last week. He is being double covered and does not seem able to break loose from the tighter coverage. This week, the Redskins bring their #1 rated pass defense to Dallas and as such, I think Austin is a risk.

Michael Crabtree @ Green Bay - Crabtree has yet to find the end zone and has yet to put up a 100 yard game. That's to be expected. While he's still being targeted a lot, he faces the 6th ranked Packer secondary this week.

Terrell Owens @ Jacksonville - The Bills have moved Ryan Fitzpatrick back under center, but that move will actually hurt TO even more. I've heard some analysts say the new head coach will help TO, but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach and until then, I'm benching him.

Lock In TE:
Brent Celek @ Chicago - Celek is back to putting up elite numbers. The Eagles are looking more like a passing team again, and as such, Celek should benefit from that.

Greg Olsen vs. Philadelphia - While I have Cutler on the lock out list, I think Olsen is still a viable option at tight end this week.

Lock Out TE:
Dustin Keller @ New England - I don't like this match up at all for anyone on the Jets. I think the Patriots are going to come out mad after their heart-breaking loss to the Colts. I definitely don't think Keller has much value at all this week.

Zach Miller vs. Cincinnati - I usually point out that the Bengals allow a lot of points to tight ends. And I usually point out that Miller is the viable passing option on the Raiders. However, this week, the Raiders are starting a new quarterback. While Bruce Gradkowski can't be any worse than Jamarcus Russell, I think it's a tough match up as the Bengals are highly underrated and I also want to see how Gradkowski looks in the offense before I could endorse Miller again.

Fantasy Football lineup locks

We are halfway through the NFL season and Thursday night football starts this week, so make sure you adjust your line up for tonight as the 49ers play the Bears. I will not include any players from either of those teams this week. Here's this week's list of players to lock in or out for Week 10.

Lock In QB:
Joe Flacco @ Cleveland- If you read my lineup locks every week, you'll see that I love Joe Flacco. I don't always condone starting him every week, but when a player you love faces the Cleveland Browns, you get him in your starting lineup.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Dallas - When I field questions from people in our Fantasy Frenzy, I get asked about the idea of benching Aaron Rodgers. In my mind, I always have Rodgers as a must start. So it made me question why anyone would consider not starting him. In my two big leagues, Rodgers is the top scoring QB in one and third in the other, so I'm putting Rodgers in this week as a lock in and we'll consider him a must start from this point on. Forget his offensive line issues, he's Mr. Consistency.

Brett Favre vs. Detroit - Favre has been so good all year and there's minor talk of a groin injury. No worries as he's had this groin issue for a couple weeks. Favre will exploit the weak Lions offense and will do whatever he wants against them.

Lock Out QB:
Carson Palmer @ Pittsburgh - Palmer has been a nice, consistent scorer this year. This week, I think he will have very little scoring as the battle could be low scoring and will be driven mostly by the running game. So I would explore other options if you have them this week.

Donavan McNabb vs. San Diego - The Chargers are a blitz-heavy defense and their secondary is above average. McNabb has an unimpressive career against the Chargers with 3 TDs and 3 INTs versus them. I don't expect a lot from him this week.

Tony Romo @ Green Bay - Romo is an upper tier QB and you might not have a better option this week, but if you do, this might be the time to bench him. Green Bay gives up less than 200 yards a game passing and the Cowboys might focus on the run.

Lock In RB:
Pierre Thomas @ St. Louis - Thomas is a guy who has been up and down and the Saints have so many offensive weapons that you just don't what you're getting with him. However, the match up is too good to bench ANY Saints this week. The score could be 100-0.

Ricky Williams vs. Tampa Bay - Ricky Williams has quietly put up nice fantasy numbers. With a weak opponent on the schedule, look for Ricky to "smoke" the competition and find the end zone again this week.

Justin Fargas vs. Kansas City - Fargas has been one of the very few high points of the Raiders offense. In between punching on people, head coach Tom Cable praised Fargas' work ethic in practice and said he plans to get more touches to him.

Lock Out RB:
Kevin Smith @ Minnesota - Smith has struggled to find a consistent performance for his fantasy owners this year. He is also banged up a bit. Compile that with a very tough match up and I would explore other options this week.

Ryan Grant vs. Dallas - When I talked about Aaron Rodgers, I said don't be worried about the offensive line woes. Well, that only applied to Rodgers. In the case of Grant, the terrible blocking has significantly hurt Grant's value and until he does something, I would consider him nothing more than a flex play.

Felix Jones @ Green Bay - At the beginning of this year, I would've said Felix Jones had first round RB potential. That's how much I like him. Now, I'd say he's nothing more than a bye week fill in and I would start him only out of desperation at this point. This could all change, but until he flashes that potential again, I would lock him out.

Lock In WR:
Sidney Rice vs. Detroit - If you have Favre has a lock in, you gotta put his favorite target on the lock in list too. Rice is quickly becoming a must start every week.

Nate Burleson @ Arizona - I think this game has the makings of an offensive shootout, and since Burleson leads the Seahawks in targets, it stands to reason that he'll perform as a top 15 WR this week.

Donald Driver vs. Dallas - Rodgers loves him some Donald Driver and the Packer fans love him too. Driver always does well at home and can be counted on for 6-7 catches and 100 yards this week.

Lock Out WR:
Santonio Holmes vs. Cincinnati - In the earlier match up this year against the Bengals, Holmes had one catch for 18 yards. I think Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph keep Holmes in check. If any Steeler WR goes off, it will be Hines Ward or Heath Miller (see TEs below).

Greg Jennings vs. Dallas - Jennings has been such a disappointment. Drafted as a WR1, he can only be counted as a WR3 at this point.

Santana Moss vs. Denver - Champ Bailey will keep Moss in check, if having Jason Campbell throwing the ball to him doesn't already do that..

Lock In TE:
Heath Miller vs. Cincinnati - Heath Miller is a solid tight end who puts up solid, not spectacular, numbers. This week he gets a team he exploits, who gives up passing plays to tight ends.

Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Detroit - Favre versus a weak defense equals a scoring pass to a tight end.

Lock Out TE:
Fred Davis vs. Denver - With Clinton Portis, I think the Broncos focus heavier on the pass and this will only hurt Davis, who is barely a fantasy factor as it is.

Ben Watson @ Indanapolis - Inconsistent players drive fantasy owners nuts. No one is more inconsistent than Watson who drops passes and can go an entire game with no stats. He might do something, but he's not worth the risk this week in this big AFC showdown.

Fantasy Football lineup locks, who to start

Week 9 has some big time players out on bye, so this week, you might have to rely on your bench to win. Here are some match ups to exploit:

Lock In QB:
Eli Manning vs. San Diego- I know he's underperformed of late. I know the Giants have come down to earth, but I think the Giants exploit a vulnerable Charger defense with a combination of run and pass. Eli will benefit from this and put up nice numbers for you.

David Garrard vs. Kansas City - There's that old saying about getting fooled more than once. Well, last week, with a fantastic match up, Garrard fooled us all. It won't happen again as the Jaguar quarterback gets too good of a match up to ignore.

Matt Ryan vs. Washington - Ryan is one of the more exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL. He is surrounded by offensive talent and gets a woeful Redskin team to exploit.

Lock Out QB:
Ben Roethlisberger @ Denver - It's hard to bench a guy like Big Ben, who has been such a consistent fantasy quarterback all year. While I have him listed here because of a really tough match up, he might still be your best viable option at QB. This week though, I think the Steelers run the ball a lot more as the Ravens illustrated how to beat the Bronco defense, and that's by playing physical and pounding the ball.

Kyle Orton vs. Pittsburgh -He was terrible last week versus the Ravens, this week he gets an even more aggressive, confusing defense. Keep the Bronco QB out of your lineup altogether this week.

Kurt Warner @ Chicago - Warner threw five interceptions last week. That's the worst game of the season for him, but I don't think he returns to form this week either as the Cardinal offense looks out of whack and doesn't perform well on the road, as it is.

Lock In RB:
Rashard Mendenhall @ Denver - Mike Tomlin has watched the game film from what Ray Rice and the Ravens did last week to the Broncos. The blueprint is set and he's got the Rice-like weapon to pull off a similar performance.

Ryan Grant @ Tampa Bay - Grant has been an inconsistent mess and has a questionable offensive line. But with Aaron Rodgers gimpy, and the pass protection suspet AND a sweet match up against a shaky run defense and I like Grant for 100 yards this week.

Jonathan Stewart @ New Orleans - Stewart and Deangelo Williams belong in your lineup this week. The only chance the Panthers have in this game is to keep the Saints offense off the field. They've rediscovered their run game and Stewart had 2 TDs last week and 50 yards and a TD the last meeting with the Saints. He'll find the end zone again this week.

Lock Out RB:
Steve Slaton @ Indianapolis - When you fumble the ball and get benched for Ryan Moats, you know you're in trouble. But that's exactly what is going on with Slaton. Even if he moves out of the doghouse, he is going to see a diminished role and I don't see him as anything more than a RB3 at this point.

Julius Jones vs. Detroit - This match up looks tempting, but don't do it. Jones is going to see decreased touches as rookie Justin Forsett will likely see about 12-15 touches. Jones was already average at best and with fewer touches, even against a weak opponent, I'm going to find another option than him.

Marion Barber @ Philadelphia - This game has the making of a passing shootout. Compile that with the improved health of Felix Jones, and I think Barber drops in value this week. Consider him nothing more than a flex option this week.

Lock In WR:
Miles Austin @ Philadelphia - I am on this bandwagon, and I'm not jumping off until Austin stops producing. He's just ridiculously good right now and this week's match up looks and feels like an offensive shootout, so enjoy the Mile Austin ride.

Michael Crabtree vs. Tennessee - Crabtree is earning his "underpaid" salary in San Francisco. The 49er WR has performed right out the gate and he's likely to get better week by week and this week, he gets a weak opponent.

TJ Houshmanzadeh vs. Detroit - The Lions defense does not have an answer for the Seahawk passing game. With Nate Burleson emerging as a legitimate threat, Houshmanzadeh is softening up the middle and will be good for 7 catches and 100 yards or so.

Lock Out WR:
Santonio Holmes @ Denver - Champ Bailey has a way of taking out a team's top passing target. I think Holmes will be the one that Bailey gets assigned to, thus, Big Ben will be forced to look elsewhere.

Steve Smith (carolina version) @ New Orleans - The Panthers have rediscovered their run game and must pound the ball in order to stand a chance. If the Saints go up early, Smith's value goes up as the Panthers will be forced to throw the ball. I still think the Saints secondary is good enough to keep him in check regardless.

Eddie Royal vs. Pittsburgh - Whether you get special teams points or not, Royal will be silenced in this game and deserves a spot on your bench.

Lock In TE:
Heath Miller @ Denver - Heath Miller is quietly putting up top five stats at his position and this week, Big Ben will check down to him a lot.

Vernon Davis vs. Tennessee - Alex Smith has found a friend in Vernon Davis. The two have developed a nice repoire and with Michael Crabtree occupying attention, Davis might still slip under the radar this week.

Brent Celek vs. Dallas - Celek has had a couple down weeks, but is still a big part of the Eagles passing. Look for the Cowboys to scheme against Desean Jackson, which will mean looser coverage for Celek and look for McNabb to exploit that.

Lock Out TE:
Fred Davis @ Atlanta - Davis was one of the hot waiver pickups last week when Chris Cooley went down. I have no idea why. He plays for a pitiful offense and will not be a factor this week.

Kellen Winslow vs. Green Bay - Winslow also plays for a pitiful offense and his stats have suffered for it. At this point, Winslow is nothing more than a bye week fill in. If your regular TE is on bye, then use Winslow, but don't expect much from him.

Fantasy Football lineup locks

It's unbelievable to me, as a Bearcat football fan from the 1990s, to even talk about the Bearcats and BCS title in the same breath. Last year's Orange Bowl appearance was special, at least until they took the field. So, I'm putting out there, with the memory of losing to an average Virginia Tech team in the Orange Bowl last year, the idea of the best scenario for the long-term health of the Bearcat football program would be for the Cats to go undefeated and then get snubbed by not getting a shot at the BCS title. The Cats could be this year's Utah or Boise State (heck Boise State could be this year's Boise State) and that wouldn't be a bad thing. If the Cats win out, they get a BCS bowl. Probably another trip to Miami in January (would that be so bad?).

But, by being "snubbed", they would avoid any potential embarrassment of being annhialated by a Florida, Alabama or Texas squad, for all the nation to laugh and say "I told you so." Instead, if UC goes undefeated, gets back to the Orange Bowl, beats an ACC team and dominates them, finishing undefeated, it would build a huge legacy off the what if scenario. For us, what if is better than the potential of losing on the national stage, at least at this infant stage of the Bearcat football program.

Look what Utah and Boise have been able to do since being snubbed by the BCS. They've increased their recruiting base, increased their national prominence and built more of a legacy. And conversely, look what has happened to Ohio State by losing a couple of embarrassing national title games. While their legacy hasn't been decimated, their reputation has been tarnished by losing, badly, in the national title game.

So, relax Bearcat fans. Enjoy the ride and take it game by game. Until then, any talk of a BCS title is premature.

College Football

Week 8 offers up some really sweet match ups. Also, please join me tonight for the Fantasy Frenzy blog where we'll answer all of your questions and go into these lineup locks more in depth.

Lock In QB:
Brett Favre @ Green Bay - Favre returns to Lambeau Field, but in a different uniform. His first match up versus the Packers saw him throw 3 TDs, so no reason to think he won't rack up a lot of stats and scores again.

Tony Romo vs. Seattle - Romo is coming off a week where he threw 3 TDs and gets a favorable match up against the Seahawks. Expect Romo to put up big numbers again this week.

David Garrard @ Tennessee - This is the pick of the week for me. Garrard is normally a borderline QB1, but this week he gets the 31st ranked passing defense in the winless Titans. Coming off a bye, he's rested and healthy and in case you have forgotten the last time he played the Titans he had 323 yards and 3 TDs.

Lock Out QB:
Donovan McNabb vs. New York Giants - McNabb has been too inconsistent to be a top 10 QB. He's still a QB1, but on the low end. This week, he has a tough match up against the Giants and is facing the possibility of not having Brian Westbrook.

Kyle Orton @ Baltimore - Orton makes for a nice bye week/QB2 play, but this week he gets a rested and desperate Ravens team who always plays well at home. Despite being undefeated, I am not sold on the Broncos offense or their team in general.

Joe Flacco vs. Denver - Quietly, the Broncos are one of the elite defenses in the NFL and in fantasy football. They are ranked in the top 10 against the run and pass. For this reason, I expect the Ravens to have minimal scoring and thus, Flacco's numbers will be down this week.

Lock In RB:
Kevin Smith vs. St. Louis - This game might set the NFL back a decade in ineptness. But, Smith is hungry and has vowed to step up his performance. The Rams woeful defense is just what the doctor ordered.

Matt Forte vs. Cleveland - Few first round picks have disappointed more than Forte, but here come the Browns to face an angry and embarrassed Bears team. Forte will get back on track with 100+ yards, a couple catches and a TD.

Joseph Addai vs. San Francisco - Addai has been in a time share with rookie Donald Brown, but Brown has a painful shoulder injury is likely to not play. This means the touches are mostly Addai's and he might look to take advantage of it with a solid performance.

Lock Out RB:
Ryan Grant vs. Minnesota - Grant has been a disappointment and can't be considered anything more than a RB2 at this point. This week playing a tough Vikings defense, he's not worth a start at all.

Tim Hightower vs. Carolina - The Cardinals are not a good running team and rookie Chris Wells has emerged as the much better option in their backfield. Hightower's stock continues to drop and he belongs on your bench at this point.

Knowshon Moreno @ Baltimore - A rookie running back versus one of the better and hardest hitting defenses in the NFl and you get an unfavorable match up. Leave the Broncos rookie on your bench this week.

Lock In WR:
Miles Austin vs. Seattle - I have to say that in one of my keeper leagues, I drafted Austin and stashed him. I was a fan of Austin this year and am not surprised by his rise. So, if you have him on your team, you have to make room for him since he's amassed more than 400 yards and 4 TDs in his last two games and seems to be the number one target in Big D.

Mike Sims-Walker @ Tennessee - As mentioned, the Titans secondary is terrible. Sims-Walker presents a great target for Garrard and should get 100 yards and a TD this week.

Calvin Johnson vs. St. Louis - Johnson is such a great talent but has been hampered by playing for a woeful offense. However, the Rams have nobody who can cover Johnson and this should mean a solid performance from Calvin this week.

Lock Out WR:
Eddie Royal @ Baltimore - In his last game, Royal was a scoring machine. Unfortunately, unless your league rewards individual special team scoring, you got nothing to show for Royal's two special teams touchdowns. The reason Royal is listed here is because he had no catches in that game and has a bad match up this week.

Ted Ginn Jr. @ New York Jets - Ginn may have been #1 on the Dolphins depth chart at WR, but that has since changed. Ginn has done nothing to impress his coaches and will see decreased touches and thus belongs on your bench.

Roy Williams vs. Seattle - Miles Austin seems to be the #1 WR target for Tony Romo and then of course there's still Jason Witten. Compile that with a solid running game and there's not enough touches to make Williams viable.

Lock In TE:
Visanthe Shiancoe @ Green Bay - Favre throwing TDs to a tight end in Lambeau Field is a familiar scene. This time he'll be doing it as a Viking, but still makes Shiancoe a nice option this week.

Owen Daniels @ Buffalo - Daniels is the #1 TE this week and is well on his way to being the starting tight end in the Pro Bowl. The match up this week is just too sweet to even think of putting anyone else in your starting lineup.

Vernon Davis @ Indianapolis - I called this one last week and he went off for three TDs. Not sure he'll match that, but he'll be good for at least one score and 75+ yards again this week as newly appointed quarterback Alex Smith will look for a safety valve.

Lock Out TE:
Todd Heap vs. Denver - Heap is a borderline starter most weeks, but this week, versus a top defense, he should remain on your bench.

John Carlson @ Dallas - I think the Seahawks will score some points against the Cowboys, but I don't think it will be Carlson who finds the end zone.

NFL lineup locks

Week 7 offers up some nice match ups and especially nice running back match ups. Here's this week's list.

Lock In QB:
Eli Manning vs. Arizona - He put up 240 yards and three TDs last year versus the Cardinals. This year, the Cardinals have a very suspect pass defense and this one could become quite an offensively explosive game.

Matt Schaub vs. San Francisco - This guy has been on fire of late and comes home to face a 49er defense that will try to keep Schaub in check. The Texan QB is likely to exploit match ups and get enough stats to make him a top 10 QB this week.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Minnesota - The Steelers are no longer a run-first team. They are a passing offense. This will be especially true this week as they face the Vikings who are among the top in run defense. Expect Big Ben to have to go to the air in order to score points and move the ball.

Lock Out QB:
Brett Favre @ Pittsburgh - He's coming off a big game, granted, but believe it or not, but Favre is not a very good quarterback outdoors. His last five games outdoors have yielded just 3 total TD passes. Going against the Steel Curtain, the game plan will be a lot of handing off to Adrian Peterson, especially with Aaron Smith out for the year now for the Steelers.

Carson Palmer vs. Chicago - I believe the Bengals will try to establish the run early and often against the Bears. Palmer will pass when necessary, but I think this will be a low-scoring affair with Palmer having limited stats.

Kurt Warner @ New York Giants - The Cardinals have no running game whatsoever and will face a Giants defense that blitzes. Considering this, and the fact that Warner is not mobile, and I'm conscerned about a less-than-stellar day for Warner.

Lock In RB:
Cedric Benson vs. Chicago - Benson has had this game circled on the schedule all year. This is a revenge game for him. A chance to stick it to his former team. Compile that with an adjusted, run-heavy gameplan and I think Benson puts up solid numbers this week.

Thomas Jones @ Oakland - Many of us had written Jones off as past-his-prime. While that's happened to his brother Julius in Seattle, Thomas put up 200 yards last week and faces an opponent who he gained 150+ against last year. Ride the Jets running back for another solid game this week.

Ladainian Tomlinson @ Kansas City - LT has been a disappointment and you have probably considered benching him. Don't do it, at least not this week! He will exploit a porous Chiefs defense for big yards this week. I'm calling my shot on this one. 100+ yards and a score.

Lock Out RB:
Rashard Mendenhall vs. Minnesota - Mendenhall has officially passed Willie Parker on the depth chart. While that's not surprising, and Mendenhall can be considered a solid RB for your squad, this week he faces a stout Viking defensive line that does not yield many yards on the ground.

Brandon Jacobs vs. Arizona - While the Cardinal defense is generally lousy, they are middle-of-the-pack against the run. Of the two Giants running backs, Ahmad Bradshaw would be the one to start this week over Jacobs.

Carnell Williams vs. New England - Williams scored last week and put up nice numbers for his owners. However this week he has a tough match up versus the Patriots, who are a top 10 defense. Time to park the Cadillac again.

Lock In WR:
Donald Driver @ Cleveland - The Browns were already a terrible defense, but now lose their top tackler in D'Qwell Jackson for the rest of the year. Driver leads the Packers in looks and should get his share of looks and catches in this very friendly match up.

Steve Smith (Carolina version) vs. Buffalo - The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Smith is not happy about his lack of attention in the Panther offense. And he's right. Expect him to get some extra looks and throws and with a friendly match up, I'm willing to put him in this week, but this could be the last week of fantasy relevancy for him if he doesn't perform.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Arizona - Nicks has 12 catches and 235 yards over the last three games and has surpassed Mario Manningham on the depth chart and in targets for the Giants. Nicks should be good for 80 yards and a score versus a porous Cardinal defense.

Lock Out WR:
Braylon Edwards @ Oakland - The wheels have fallen off the Jets offense after a horrendous day last week by Mark Sanchez. Edwards will face Nnamdi Asomugha who is a lockdown cornerback. Edwards will not be much of a factor as a result, as Asomugha is that good.

Lance Moore @ Miami - Moore returned to relevancy last week with a solid outing. This is encouraging, and it's possible that Moore is on your waiver wire. I like him as a pickup, but will wait to start him until he manages to string good outings back-to-back.

Roy Williams vs. Atlanta - Williams is coming off an injury that could still limit his ability. I also don't like the match up as I think the Cowboys will try to run the ball a lot versus the Falcons. You can find better options this week than Williams..

Lock In TE:
Greg Olsen @ Cincinnati - As I mentioned last week about Owen Daniels, the Bengals always seem to get toasted by their opponent's tight end. Olsen and Cutler have formed a real connection, and I think Olsen finds the end zone and snags several catches this week.

Zach Miller vs. New York Jets - I'm ready to eat some crow here. I railed on Miller, week after week. It was nothing personal. I still hate Jamarcus Russell and the Raider offense, but despite all of that, Miller has made himself a viable fantasy tight end and worthy of a start this week.

Vernon Davis @ Houston - Fresh off a bye and with the emergence of Michael Crabtree, I think the Texans will forget about Davis which will allow him to get loose in the defense.

Lock Out TE:
Kellen Winslow vs. New England - The Patriots defense is coming off a shutout and face an anemic Bucanneers offense. I think Winslow is going to have a frustrating day Sunday.

Kevin Boss vs. Arizona - Boss has absolutely disappeared in the Giants playbook. His force is felt blocking, but you don't get fantasy points for that.

NFL

Week 6 is here and brings a bunch of potentially lopsided match ups. Boy there are some bad NFL teams. Well, this is the week to exploit some of these matchups. Here's this week's list.

Lock In QB:
Note:  There are a lot of good QB matchups this week and you almost can't go wrong. Here's a couple that fall outside the usual starting group that you should consider.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Arizona - Hasselbeck returned last week to the tune of three TDs. It's time to consider him again this week with another great match up.

Eli Manning @ New Orleans - His injury is nothing to be worried about. He only played a limited amount last week, but didn't need to versus an inferior opponent. This week, in the battle of NFC elites, he'll play the whole game and will be asked to win it. The running game will be a big part of the Giants success, but Manning will eventually need to throw the ball to win.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland - The Steelers will dominate the Browns and Big Ben will get the bulk of his scoring in early. Expect a nice day from Big Ben, like in the neighborhood of 200+ yards and 2-3 TDs.

Lock Out QB:
David Garrard vs. St. Louis - Be careful here, yes the match up is enticing. Last week Garrard had a good match up and made my Lock In list and proceeded to lay a goose egg. I want to see more consistent production in the Jags passing game in back-to-back weeks before I'll endorse Garrard again.

Mark Sanchez vs. Buffalo - Just like Garrard, this match up is enticing. However, Sanchez has regressed somewhat and is having some growing pains. Until he produces at a more consistent level, I'm going to find other options.

Kerry Collins @ New England - Collins was named the starting quarterback still. However, his performance and the entire performance of the Titans has been awful. Therefore, keep Collins out of your lineup altogether.

Lock In RB:
Cedric Benson vs. Houston - Benson has been on my list in both a lock in and lock out capacity a lot. But, after his 100+ yard performance against a stout Ravens defense last week, he's earned his lock in spot versus a much weaker Texans squad. Benson has been the key to the Bengals new found success. Count on him for 100 yard this week.

Clinton Portis vs. Kansas City - I have bashed Portis multiple times (and rightfully so) and I still say Portis is someone you should shop if you own him. But, this week, he gets the Chiefs who are yielding 130+ yards per game. Plus, Portis OWNS the Chiefs. In 2003, he scored five TDs against them. Don't expect that, but do count on his first 100 yard game of the year and a score. That's good enough for me.

Kevin Smith @ Green Bay - Smith has been a nice, consistent player for most teams. While he has ebbs and flows, he is still worthy of a start most weeks. This week, he could amass 100 total yards and play a role in the receiving game which makes him especially good for PPR leagues.

Lock Out RB:
Jamal Lewis @ Pittsburgh - Lewis returned to action last week. This is no reason to celebrate. Lewis plays for an awful team who can't score and plays a familiar, yet fantastic defense.

Reggie Bush vs. New York Giants - I've heard some experts say Bush could be the key to the Saints victory. That might be true but I'd rather him potentially go off (likely in the passing game) than risk putting him in the lineup and getting nothing. To me, the reward does not outweigh the risk on Bush this week.

Michael Bush vs. Philadelphia - He was one of the most added players in fantasy and yes he's a starter. His value stops there however as he plays for the worst team in the NFL and has a terrible match up in the Eagles defense.

Lock In WR:
Eddie Royal @ San Diego - Here's my surprise player of the week. He's likely been on your bench. This would be a great week to play him. Royal is coming off a 10-catch performance and gets a Charger defense that is quite pedestrian.

Santana Moss vs. Kansas City - Moss is a receiver who is just outside of the WR2-level but this week he falls squarely in the solid WR2 arena with a nice match up versus the Chiefs.

Greg Jennings vs. Detroit - Jennings owners have been quite frustrated. He was drafted as a WR1 and has not lived up to that. This week he gets back on track with an elite performance.

Lock Out WR:
Terrell Owens @ New York Jets - The TO experiment in Buffalo has not worked. I've actually seen TO dropped in some fantasy leagues. There's good reason for that. I wouldn't drop him, but I certainly wouldn't start him at this point.

Bernard Berrian vs. Baltimore - Minnesota battles the Ravens in a game that should be a low scoring, run-first game. Berrian will see a lot of Ed Reed and therefore, I think Favre will be savvy enough to look elsewhere.

Mohammad Massaquoi @ Pittsburgh - Massaquoi was started in 44% of leagues last week after his coming out game two weeks versus the Bengals. The friendly match up of the Bills last week yielded no points for the Browns #1 WR. Being the Browns #1 WR is enough reason to not start him again.

Lock In TE:
Owen Daniels @ Cincinnati - Despite a resurgent defense, the Bengals always seem to struggle with tight ends. Last week, the Bengals yielded 7 catches to Todd Heap. Daniels is a better receiver than Heap, so expect lots of looks and catches for the Texans' tight end.

Jermichael Finley vs. Detroit - A sneaky start this week for Finley as he has a friendly match up against the Lions who's linebackers don't scare anyone.

Kellen Winslow vs. Carolina - Winslow proved that he can still be a starting TE for fantasy squads with his performance last week. He has a friendly match up this week and I think he'll be an intregral part of the offense.

Lock Out TE:
Todd Heap @ Minnesota - He had an average day last week (better in PPR formats) and this week, I think he'll put up worse numbers. If your league is not PPR, then Heap is definitely a lock out.

Zach Miller vs. Philadelphia - Here's what I said last week, and it's perfect again this: Two words is all I need to say to get you to move Miller to your bench: Jamarcus Russell.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, lineup locks, week 6

Week 5 is such an integral point in a fantasy season. You're either a contender or a pretender and this is the week where you'll learn which one you are. Making the right roster decision is vital. Here's this week's list.

Lock In QB:
Brett Favre @ St. Louis - ESPN paid me $50 to mention the name of Favre, so why not. Seriously though, Favre looked phenomenal against his old team and gets the friendliest match up of the week versus the lowly Rams. Get the old man in your lineup this week.

Donovan McNabb vs. Tampa - McNabb is due back from injury this week and is expected to start. That's good because the Eagles have a friendly match up versus the Bucaneers. Expect McNabb to shake the rust off quickly and throw a couple TD passes.

Matt Schaub @ Arizona - Schaub and the Texans have a great match up this week. Over the last three weeks Schaub has produced in the top five of all quarterbacks. That trend should continue again this week. Consider Schaub your QB1 until further notice. This means Schaub owners might have depth at the QB position that they can trade away to upgrade another area.

Lock Out QB:
Carson Palmer @ Baltimore - For nearly three quarters Palmer and the Bengals could not move the ball or score. And that was against the Browns. This week, on the road, against the #1 defense in the NFL, I would look elsewhere at the QB position.

Kyle Orton vs. New England - Orton can be a sneaky bye week fill-in QB, but this isn't the week to play him. I'm not convinced that the Broncos are any good and this week they play the Patriots who are resurgent and confident – at Foxboro.

Eli Manning vs. Oakland - Yes, I do think Manning will play this week, with a sore heel. But I think because of the injury that they will run the ball a lot. And once the game is well in hand, which will be the moment Jamarcus Russell takes the field, Manning might get pulled from the game.

Lock In RB:
Brian Westbrook vs. Tampa - Like McNabb, Westbrook is expected back from an injury. If that's the case, look for a solid day from the Eagles star running back.

Rashad Mendenhall @ Detroit - After being benched earlier this year by head coach Mike Tomlin, the light bulb has come on for Mendenhall. The second-year back has entrenched himself in the starting job with Wilie Parker out with injury. I think this is the beginning of a long career for Mendenhall and his owners should definitely lock him in this week against the Lions.

Fred Jackson vs. Cleveland - Marshawn Lynch's return last week did not hurt Jackson's production. Jackson is also catching the ball a lot which makes him even more valuable in PPR leagues.

Lock Out RB:
Kevin Smith vs. Pittsburgh - I only recommend benching Smith if a.) you have no other depth at RB or b.) your league is not a PPR league. In PPR leagues, Smith is still worth a start. In more standard leagues, I think Smith will not see the end zone and be limited in his yardage.

Steven Jackson vs. Minnesota - He's my candidate for biggest first round bust (and that's a crowded field by the way). SJax plays for such a bad team that teams are just stacking the line and taking him out of the game. And, oh this week, the Rams play the #1 rush defense in the NFL.

Cedric Benson @ Baltimore - Take away the fifth quarter of the Browns game and Benson put up very pedestrian numbers. And Bernard Scott is starting to have a stepped up role. And the Bengals are playing the Ravens who are yielding less than 60 yards per game on the ground.

Lock In WR:
DeSean Jackson vs. Tampa - Jackson is a top 10, elite WR. He's one of those special receivers that you can build a fantasy team around. This week he'll find the end zone again and put up big yardage numbers.

Mike Sims-Walker @ Seattle - Apparently, hyphenating your name leads to success in the NFL (don't tell that to Darrius Heyward-Bey owners though). Sims-Walker has put up elite numbers over the last couple weeks. The Jags offense, behind the running of another hyphenated guy, is clicking on all cylinders. Expect another solid performance from Sims-Walker this week.

Santonio Holmes @ Detroit - The Steelers are still a passing team and get a weak secondary group from the Lions to feast on. Holmes will get plenty of looks from Big Ben and should be counted on for 80+ yards and a score.

Lock Out WR:
Chad Ochocinco @ Baltimore - Chad is going to face the toughest defense he's seen all year. Ed Reed will be all over him and I think, barring a touchdown catch, that Chad's numbers will be limited.

Antonio Bryant @ Philadelphia - He did catch a TD last week, but going against one the better defenses in the NFL with a bad leg and a rookie quarterback doesn't instill confidence in me. Look at other options for your WR3.

TJ Houshmanzadeh vs. Jacksonville - This only applies if Matt Hasselbeck doesn't play. Without Hasselbeck, Housh is very average. He just isn't getting the receptions that you expect from an elite WR.

Lock In TE:
Brett Celek vs. Tampa - Celek is one of the top three or four tight ends in the game. There is no reason to bench him this week or any week at this point.

Chris Cooley @ Carolina - The Redskins have found some assemblance of an offense now and Cooley is enjoying the benefits. Cooley is not an elite tight end, but should have a nice game this Sunday against the Panthers.

Todd Heap vs. Cincinnati - Todd Heap always seems to put up big numbers versus the Bengals. With Flacco and the Ravens passing the ball around, I think Heap makes for a solid start this week.

Lock Out TE:
Kellen Winslow @ Philadelphia - I'm benching all Bucaneer offensive players until I see something from this squad, especially with a rookie QB now under center.

Kevin Boss vs. Oakland - Between running the ball and passing to Steve Smith, I just don't think Boss fits much into the offensive gameplan this week. Lots of blocking for him, but you don't get credit for that.

Zach Miller @ New York Giants - Two words is all I need to say to get you to move Miller to your bench: Jamarcus Russell.

Fantasy Football fantasy football advice, lineup locks, lineup advice, week 5

Week 4 is here. It's a pivotal week for most fantasy teams. Are you a contender this year or is it time to build for the future. Plus, this is the first week of byes and there's numerous injuries. Here is this week's lineup locks. There are a lot of good quarterback match ups and I had real trouble coming up with some lock out candidates. Here's this week's list.

Lock In QB:
Kerry Collins @ Jacksonville - The Titans are 0-3 and mad as hell. They have a friendly match up this week and I think I'd start a bunch of Titans this week if you have any. Collins is a great bye week or injury replacement this week and could be good for 200 yards and a couple scores.

Mark Sanchez @ New Orleans - Sanchez is putting on his best Matt Ryan/Joe Flacco impression and is looking like a rookie stud. If you are in a keeper league with Sanchez, your future is bright. If you need Sanchez for this week, your short-term future looks bright as this one has the makings of a shootout.

Shaun Hill vs. St. Louis - The 49ers are a seriously good offensive team. Frank Gore is out of the lineup for the next three weeks. As a result, I think they might actually pass the ball a little more and this only helps Hill who already had a favorable match up this week. I like Hill for 2 TDs and 200+ yards this week.

Lock Out QB:
Phillip Rivers @ Pittsburgh - It's hard to think about benching a guy like Rivers, I know. But with the Steelers being 1-2 and coming off a stinging loss to the Bengals, the defending champs are angry and in need of a win. I've seen enough Pittsburgh football to know that that's when the Steel Curtain usually makes its presence known. For this reason, I expect a low scoring, grind-it-out game and Rivers to be held to minimal stats (maybe a score and under 200 yards).

Derek Anderson vs. Cincinnati - Maybe you ran out and picked him up off waivers when he was named the starter for this week. If you're hoping for the Derek Anderson performance of two years ago when he went off for 400 yards and 5 TDs, think again. This Browns offense is terrible in all kinds of way.

Trent Edwards @ Miami - The Bills travel to south Florida to face a winless and desperate Miami team. Historically, these games have been low scoring, and I expect the same again. The Dolphins will run the ball and play tough defense. So, I would look elsewhere than Edwards this week, unless you have no other options as I think his numbers will be soft this week.

Lock In RB:
Glen Coffee vs. St. Louis - Let me toot my own horn for drafting Coffee outright in two of my leagues, including one of my keeper leagues where I get him for the next three years. Coffee steps in for the injured Gore and steps into a sweet match up. Coffee will put up Gore-like numbers with a score and 100 yards. Remember, in preseason, Coffee led the NFL in total yards.

Cedric Benson @ Cleveland - Did I mention that the Browns stink in ways too numerous to count? One easy way is their 2nd-to-last run defense. I think the Bengals will blow through the Browns d-line and Benson will shred the Browns for 100 yards. Benson seems to be running with a chip on his shoulder, so take advantage of it.

Matt Forte vs. Detroit - Have you noticed that a lot of first-round studs have gotten off to lousy performances thus far? Forte is no exception. But this week he gets the Lions, fresh off their first victory. Forte will give you stud numbers this week.

Lock Out RB:
Ryan Grant @ Minnesota - It is becoming almost automatic that whoever the Vikings face in the backfield will have sub-par numbers. On Monday night the Vikes face their rivals from Green Bay. Grant won't be much of a factor. He'll get limited numbers of under 70 yards and no score.

Larry Johnson vs. New York Giants - This is what I wrote last week: "LJ stinks so bad he has lost the right to even go by initials, so we'll just call him Larry the bench warmer, which is what he should be doing this week for your team." That says it all again this week.

Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson @ Miami - Please, someone frame Lynch with some drug-filled urine so that Fred Jackson can keep up his stud-like numbers. Lynch is back from suspension and this means split carries between the two. This is bad news for both. If you have to start one, Jackson is safer as he might get more carries while Lynch gets his legs under him.

Lock In WR:
Chad Ochocinco @ Cleveland - I've heard that the Browns are having a bad year, not sure, I'll have to check it out. Seriously though, Chad usually brings his A-game to Cleveland. Chad dove into the Dawg Pound last year and will get beer drenched again on him again when he scores this Sunday.

Steve Smith @ Kansas City - Hey, speaking of lousy teams, have you seen the Chiefs? Steve Smith (not the one from Carolina) is getting much love from Eli Manning. He is being targeted the most of anyone on the team and that spells success. He'll continue to put up good numbers this week.

Justin Gage @ Jacksonville - Since I picked Collins to have a nice day, he's gotta throw it to someone and that will be Gage, who will get 70+ yards and a score this week.

Lock Out WR:
Dwayne Bowe vs. New York Giants - Bowe was a suprise late scratch last week. He is still questionable this week. Explore other options this week as even if he plays, this is a tough match up for the entire Chiefs offense.

Terrell Owens @ Miami - Owens' streak of consecutive games with a catch took a "TO" last week and guess who's not happy? TO got zero points last week in a good match up, so I am concerned about starting him this week and until further notice, consider him nothing more than a bye-week fill in.

Antonio Bryant @ Washington - Guess who came back from injury last week? The Bucs' #1 WR from last year, Antonio Bryant. Unfortunately, Bryant has not put up #1 WR numbers and until he does, keep him on your bench.

Lock In TE:
Vernon Davis @ St. Louis - Davis went off for two TDs and 95 yards last week. He seems to be drinking the Kool Aid that Mike Singletary is pouring in northern California. Expect another solid outing this week against a weak opponent.

Zach Miller @ Houston - Miller is a spot starter for most teams. This is the spot to start him. He is the leading target for the Raiders offense (okay stop laughing, he's still worth a start this week).

Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Green Bay - This is a hunch, but Brett Favre always seems to throw a TD to a tight end when he's on Monday Night Football. Shiancoe could see 50+ yards and a TD this Monday.

Lock Out TE:
Chris Cooley vs. Tampa Bay - Boy there are a lot of bad NFL teams and the Redskins are one of them. The Skins offense is a mess and Cooley owners are feeling it. Cooley is too talented to be benched but until this sorts out, that's where he belongs.

Todd Heap @ New England - I am whacko for Joe Flacco, but Heap let me down last week with a putrid performance against the Browns, that I'm concerned about what he'll do against a good team in the Patriots.

Jeremy Shockey vs. New York Jets - Jeremy Shockey is one of the most frustrating, inconsistent tight ends in fantasy football. You never know when he's gonna go off or disappoint. I'm betting disappoint this week in what should be a great game. The Jets' linebackers are too good to not keep Shockey in check.

Fantasy Football lineup locks, fantasy advice, week 4

Lock In QB:

Matt Schaub vs. Jacksonville - This is me eating crow. I had Schaub on my lock outs last week. It wasn't that much of a stretch to make such advice. But it was bad advice. This week, I'm drinking the Schaub Kool-Aid and it is good. How good? Probably not 4 TD good like last week, but a couple of score and nice yardage for sure.

David Garrard @ Houston - The Jags are a mess right now. But, promising signs were revealed in last week's game when Garrard threw a couple of TD passes and has discovered WRs Torry Holt and Mike Walker. I'm not proclaiming that they're a passing juggernaut, but you could do worse than Garrard this week.

Trent Edwards vs. New Orleans - This is my surprise lock in. Hopefully it comes out better than last week's Schaub prediction. It should as the Bills are actually moving the ball down the field and will face a soft New Orleans office. Additionally, since the Saints are the new greatest show on turf, expect a lot of points and for Edwards to throw the ball a lot.

Lock Out QB:

Jason Campbell @ Detroit - You likely weren't counting on Campbell to start for you (at least I hope not) but I actually saw more than one "expert" site list Campbell as a sneaky play this week. I know the match up is soft, but so was last week's opponent (the Rams), but Campbell did nothing. The entire Redskins offense stinks and until they shake off the stench, I'm keeping Campbell on the bench.

Kyle Orton @ Oakland - Like Campbell, you hopefully don't need Orton to come through for you this week. Oakland has one of the better secondaries in the league and will keep this game close and low scoring.

Byron Leftwich vs. New York Giants - Leftwich put up some nice stats last week, but that won't happen this week. I feel even more confident about this than I did the Schaub prediction of last week. The Giants defense, even if Justin Tuck doesn't play, is too good.

Lock In RB:

Fred Jackson vs. New Orleans - The Bills are going to try to control the clock and keep Drew Brees off the field. They'll do that with a heavy dose of Jackson, who is the best running back named Jackson thus far, this season. Fred will catch 5 or 6 passes to boot. Count on him for 100 combined yards and a score or two.

Tim Hightower vs. Indy - Hightower is making owners very happy. Catching passes, running for yards and scoring. Ride him until he stops doing these things, which won't be this week, as the Dolphins proved that Indy is vulnerable against the run.

Willis McGahee vs. Cleveland - The three-headed backfield of the Ravens is looking more like the McGahee show. This week he gets a lousy Browns defense. He'll get his shot at the end zone and will rack up the yardage.

Lock Out RB:

Cedric Benson vs. Pittsburgh - He was on this list last week and gained 140 yards. That isn't going to happen against a mad Steeler defense. Now, Benson will get his touches, expect around 20 carries. So, if he can rattle off a couple nice runs or get a goal-line shot, he might surprise, but I still don't like the match up and would look elsewhere.

Larry Johnson @ Philadelphia - LJ stinks so bad he has lost the right to even go by initials, so we'll just call him Larry the bench warmer, which is what he should be doing this week for your team.

Steve Slaton vs. Jacksonville - I usually do not condone benching first round picks, which Slaton likely was. But, he is looking like a major bust thus far. Now, coach Gary Kubiak confirms that Chris Brown will get more carries and will get the red-zone looks, thus stealing TDs from Slaton. So, until this works itself out and you see something from Slaton, bench him, as he could be starting a major sophomore slump.

Lock In WR:

Greg Jennings @ St. Louis - Zero catches last week is probably what you're thinking. Yes, his owners probably took it on the chin, but that was just a mirage and Jennings will rebound big time. 100 yards and a TD this week for him. He's still at #1 WR.

TO/Lee Evans vs. New Orleans - I am starting anyone on the Bills offense this week. This could be a shoot out. Lee Evans, in my opinion, is a must start, but so is TO. Owens and Evans are starting to reap the benefits of the Fred Jackson show and Trent Edwards' has looked more confident too.

Desean Jackson vs. Kansas City - Watch his injury status (limited practice thus far). But if he plays, Jackson is a must start. He gets down the field and gets separation on inferior corners, which is all the Chiefs have.

Lock Out WR:

Brandon Marshall @ Oakland - Marshall wants to get paid like a top end WR, he needs to start performing as one. This won't be that week as Oakland will cover Marshall tightly.

Lance Moore @ Buffalo - I don't think he's going to play this week, but if he doesn't get listed as out on Sunday, you should still bench him. Hamstring injuries are worrysome for wide outs and Moore is quickly getting passed on the team's depth chart.

Braylon Edwards @ Baltimore - Edwards is about the only Brown you should even consider starting, but this week, I just think the match up is too poor for him to have a good game. I'm not sure that the hapless Browns offense will get down the field on the Ravens.

Lock In TE:

Brett Celek vs. Kansas City - Celek leads all tight ends in targets and is a top five tight end at this point. Until further notice, consider him a must start every week.

Kellen Winslow vs. New York Giants - The Bucs are going to have to throw the ball to win this game. With Antonio Bryant questionable, Winslow will be the main target. He received 13 targets last week, which is what you want from a starting tight end for your fantasy squad.

Todd Heap vs. Cleveland - Off the scrap heap or your waiver wire comes a resurgent and now-healthy Todd Heap. He has two touchdowns already and faces a weak opponent. Take a chance on him.

Lock Out TE:

Zach Miller vs. Denver - I don't want anything to do with the Raiders passing game. Jamarcus Russell looks awful and inaccurate. Miller might be their best option in the passing game, but that isn't a very resounding endorsement.

Kevin Boss @ Tampa - Boss has kind of disappeared off the radar. He's still a big target for Eli Manning, but the problem for Boss owners is that Manning has discovered other targets like Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. Boss is ranked about 13th on my tight end list. He's just on the outside of being considered a safe start this week.

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