RB Pierre Thomas may end up stealing most of the Deuce McAllister carries away from Aaron Stecker.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Season Stats: 76 car., 383 yds., 1 TD; 9 rec., 166 yds., 1 TD
Last Week: 12 car., 112 yds., 0 TD; 1 rec., 6 yds., 0 TD

What’s not to love from a rookie back who averaged 9.3 yards a carry against a division opponent?  For starters, the fact that he has to rely on breaking big runs as he’s back to below 20 carries a game.  Half of Peterson’s yardage last week was on one run. Second, Chester Taylor is apparently healthy, and looks to continue taking a few of the touches from the rookie.  Third, the fact that the team was unwilling to part with Mewelde Moore also means that they’re dedicated to limiting Peterson’s work for the season.  He’s definitely the most talented, but his limited opportunities will continue to narrow the gap between him and the rest of the field.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
Season Stats: 80 car., 307 yds., 3 TD; 5 rec., 36 yds., 0 TD
Last Week: 23 car., 79 yds., 1 TD; 0 rec., 0 yds., 0 TD

While he is only tipping about 80 yards a game, the fact of the matter is that Lynch is the feature back for the Buffalo Bills.  He’s on pace for 12 touchdowns, and with future games against the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins (twice), and Cleveland Browns, it would not be far fetched to see the rookie eclipse that mark.  He has yet to record more than two receptions in a game, but the fact that he was successful against the Patriots two weeks ago has to continue to make owners happy.  As long as he hovers around 20 carries a game, he’ll be a solid RB2 regardless of the match-up. 

Brian Leonard, St. Louis Rams
Season Stats: 20 car., 79 yds., 0 TD; 7 rec., 42 yds., 0 TD
Last Week: 16 car., 58 yds., 0 TD; 1 rec., 1 yd., 0 TD

I haven’t decided if Gus Ferrotte is good for Leonard or if Bulger minus a few ribs would be more beneficial.  The huge downside to Leonard is the schedule, but the fact that he’s getting double-digit carries has to be a silver lining.  I expected more targets in the passing game, as he had multiple receptions in a reserve role.  The match-up against Arizona this week should allow for some space, but temper your expectations for anything beyond a RB3/flex play.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Season Stats: N/A
Last Week: N/A

Ladies and Gentlemen: Meet Pierre Thomas.  He’s an undrafted rookie out of Illinois and has been turning heads since his arrival in Saints training camp.  Think Willie Parker.  Thomas’ strong camp allowed the team to not only release Antonio Pittman, and has even forced the team to toss his name in the hat as a Deuce McAllister replacement.  He hasn’t recorded a touch yet this season, but you can bet this will change during week five.  Dynasty leagues should add this guy immediately.  Keeper leagues, keep him on the radar.  Redraft’s may not get to experience Thomas’ potential, but don’t be shocked if Aaron Stecker is an afterthought by week 10.

Kenton Keith, Indianapolis Colts
Season Stats: 23 car., 134 yds., 0 TD; 2 rec., 2 yds., 0 TD
Last Week: 10 car., 80 yds., 0 TD; 1 rec., 1 yd., 0 TD

We added Keith to last week’s report and if you listened, you’re likely the proud owner of what will be one of the hottest waiver wire additions come Friday’s injury report.  If Joseph Addai can’t go this week, Keith will get the bulk of the carries for the Colts.  Tony Dungy has gone on record to say that the team is prepared to go against the Buccaneers without Addai, so it’d be wise to at least stash Keith away until the news breaks.  What’s the worst that can happen?

Wide Receivers

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
Season Stats: 18 rec., 299 yds., 3 TD
Last Week: 8 rec., 164 yds., 1 TD

With a touchdown in three straight games, you’re looking at the new king of the hill when it comes to rookie wide receivers.  Bowe turned in a huge afternoon last week against the Chargers, recording his season high in receptions and yardage.  He’s currently a top-50 player in most formats, and while he may not keep this up with Eddie Kennison returning, his proven to be a very formidable weapon for the Chiefs passing game.  Should you expect another 8-164-1 from him this week?  Probably not, but he should be started in all formats until he sputters. 

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Season Stats:10 rec., 189 yds., 2 TD
Last Week: DNP – Back injury

Owners suffered a tough blow last week when Johnson was a late addition to the inactive list.  He’s listed as questionable this week, but Coach Rod Marinelli is optimistic that the rookie wide receiver will be active for this week’s game against the Washington Redskins.  While the ‘Skins defense is vastly improved from last season, their secondary may have a tough time keeping up with the Detroit wide receivers – including Johnson.  John Kitna spreads the ball around, but if Cal J is in the game, he’s nearly a lock for at least four receptions with some decent yardage.  Don’t commit to having Johnson in there just yet, but he’s a solid play if he is healthy.

Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts
Season Stats: 6 rec., 107 yds., 0 TD
Last Week: 1 rec., 19 yds., 0 TD       

Along with Joey Addai, the Indianapolis Colts could be going without their star receiver in Marvin Harrison, who reportedly has a knee strain.  While Reggie Wayne’s value skyrockets, Gonzalez should also become a more prolific part of the passing offense this week against Tampa Bay.  Gonzalez is averaging nearly 18 yards a catch and if he can break open against the Tampa-2, he should get in to the end zone for the first time in his career this week.  Monitor Harrison’s situation this week as Gonzalez’s value depends on it. 

James Jones, Green Bay Packers
Season Stats: 18 rec., 232 yds., 1 TD
Last Week: 4 rec., 49 yds., 1 TD

Though Jones registered his lowest yardage total since week one, he managed to catch his first touchdown of the season providing owners with a solid week.  He’s been very consistent in terms of receptions, and if he can increase his YAC, he would be an even bigger threat to find pay dirt given his seven targets last week.  He should be owned in all standard leagues and if Green Bay keeps passing the ball 45 times a game, the rookie is bound to haul in at least four receptions per contest. 

Quarterbacks

Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills
Season Stats: 32-48, 331 yds., 1 TD, 1 INT
Last Week: 22-28, 234 yds., 1 TD, 1 INT

My how the tide turns when one gets to face the Jets a week after facing the New England Patriots.  Edwards put up an incredibly efficient afternoon, and if it wasn’t for that sole interception, his passer rating would have been well over 100.  He’ll get his second start this week with J.P. Losman’s knee still nicked up.  The Cowboys pass-rush (with DeMarcus Ware leading the way) will provide a tougher challenge than the Jets, but they’re not quite to the New England level.  He’ll look to hook up with Lee Evans a few times en route to a successful afternoon, but this will be the gauge to see if we actually have a quarterback controversy in Buffalo.

Tight Ends

Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears
Season Stats: 2 rec., 28 yds., 0 TD
Last Week: N/A

Olsen failed to record a stat last week which definitely went against many of the recommendations, including my own.  What makes matters worse is that the other Chicago tight end Desmond Clark registered seven catches for 44 yards and a touch down.  The Bears will need to pass the ball a lot to keep up with Green Bay this week, and if they are true to their word, they want Olsen to be their main red zone target.  If he’s 100 percent, look for him to get a few catches this week.  He’s not ownable right now, but  he should most definitely be on the radar.