Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

TREND OR MIRAGE
QB Matt Ryan (495 PaYd, 3 PaTD’s over past 2 games) – TREND – He’s proving everybody wrong and is looking like the real deal. Temper your expectations as the schedule will dictate whether or not he should play though.

RB Michael Pittman (20 carries for 109 yards LW ) – MIRAGE – Pittman remains the best short-term option out of the Denver backfield, but I expect that to change after team’s bye in Week 8 as rookie Ryan Torrain is nearing a return.

RB Laurence Maroney (only 93 RuYd on season) – TREND – Maroney needs to be cut. He can’t escape a nagging shoulder that has limited him since 2006. If you got the extra roster spot to burn go ahead and keep him otherwise it’s time to say c-ya!

WR Torry Holt (yet to have 100-yard game) – TREND – The veteran could have a decent day on Sunday, but this offense is brutal. Trade him while he still at least has name value.

INJURY REPORT
Tony Romo (finger) – He was out, now he could be in. It was originally reported Wednesday that he would be out up to 4 weeks, but Romo took snaps at Thursday’s practice and could play Sunday vs. the Rams. Dallas probably could get by without him though which leads me to believe it will be Brad Johnson.

Willie Parker (knee) – He was in, now he’s looking like he could be out. Parker missed practice for the second day in the row on Thursday after aggravating his knee earlier this week in practice. Look for Mewelde Moore to shoulder the bulk of the load vs. the Bengals should Parker be held out.

Joseph Addai (hamstring) – Just when the Colts’ offense was starting to click, Addai tears his hamstring. He’s expected to miss 2-4 weeks, but the injury could linger. Dominic Rhodes step up in his absence last week and will slide right into the starting job with Addai out.

BYE WEEKS
Arizona, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Philadelphia

VALUE PACK
QB – Trent Edwards vs. SD: The Bills’ get Edwards back and that’s a good thing for owners as the match-up suggests a nice game. San Diego has already allowed 10 passing touchdowns and rank 31st against the pass.

RB – Ryan Grant vs. IND: He’s still looking for his first 100 yard game and TD and both could come this week. Grant has looked better of late and gets a Colts’ D that is allowing a league-high 201.7 total yards and one score per week to RB’s over the last four games.

WR – Bernard Berrian @CHI: With three straight games with at least five catches and two scores in the past two weeks, something tells me Berrian is going to have a big day in his return to Solider Field.

TE – Dustin Keller @OAK: He’s scored a TD in 2 of his last 3 games and this week’s face a Raiders’ team that has more allowed more fantasy points to TE’s than any team except the Chargers.

DEF – BENGALS vs. PIT: It’s a bit of a stretch, but the Steelers have allowed 5 sacks per game over the last month and are turning the ball over 1.67 times per game.

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