Sunday morning updates -- Week 4

Good morning, Fools! It's another beautiful morning (in Dallas anyway). Let's get to the news you can use for fantasy dominance.

Mike Vick will start as usual today. It sure would be nice if he could finish the game too. We'll see...

The situation in Indy just gets worse, with Curtis Painter getting the start at QB Monday night. It's hard to feel good about anybody in that air attack, including Reggie Wayne.

Daniel Thomas did not fly with the team to San Diego and is OUT today due to the re-aggravation of his hamstring. Reggie Bush makes for a decent flex start now, with Lex Hilliard and maybe even newly acquired Steve Slaton getting in on occasion.

Ryan Grant is out with his bruised kidney, opening the door to James Starks to prove he deserves the lead role in the Packers' backfield.

Arian Foster is expected to reclaim his workhorse duties today against the Steelers. Start him and hope he doesn't pull up lame again.

Looks like Beanie Wells will play today, but don't expect a full complement of carries. If you have another decent option at RB, sit Beanie and his bum hammy.

As expected, Tim Hightower's time as the primary tailback in Washington is quickly running out. He was almost benched last week, and Roy Helu has looked better. Now we're learning that Ryan Torain (remember him?) will start getting carries. True to form, Mike Shanahan is making a mess out of his backfield, for fantasy purposes anyway.

Frank Gore will be active today, but Kendall Hunter is starting. I don't like either guy today, frankly. The Niners aren't running well even when Gore is healthy.

Vincent Jackson (abdomen) should play today, but Antonio Gates (foot) probably won't. Don't hesitate to start V-Jax against Miami's putrid pass defense.

Mario Manningham is expected to return to the starting lineup from his concussion, which means Victor Cruz is of dubious value. Hakeem Nicks will play, and is a must-start.

Last week's other breakout WR, Torrey Smith, will get another chance with Lee Evans sitting out.

Looks like Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) will also be suiting up, which is a much different story than we were hearing earlier in the week. You have to start him, given how well he's performed lately.

Dez will play today. I don't like his chances, as you know. Miles Austin is out. Laurent Robinson will start in his place, which tells you all you need to know about Kevin Ogletree.

Kellen Winslow should play Monday night. It's about time for him to have a decent game, no? This week could be the ticket.

OK, it's time for the inactive reports. Make sure you're following along on Twitter (@ladd_biro).

Week 4 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Aaron Rodgers and Wes Welker, or to bench Curtis Painter and Chaz Schilens? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with your real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 4 of the 2011 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears vs. Panthers. Cutler may not face a softer secondary all season than the Panthers. Throw out Blaine Gabbert’s performance in last week’s monsoon, and Carolina’s pass defense has been a wreck. This should be one of Cutler’s occasional “up” weeks.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers vs. Colts. Blount has returned to his workhorse role (24 carries in Week 3), and he should get plenty of cracks at the end zone in this matchup. Indy’s run defense isn’t as good as they appeared against Pittsburgh last week.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals vs. Bills. In a bit of a surprise, Benson now appears on track to start in Week 4, since the NFL has not ruled on his suspension appeal. The Bills can be run on, and Benson will be leaned on heavily. If his appeal is denied, Bernard Scott is a quality proxy.

Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders vs. Patriots. New England’s pass defense is downright sieve-like this season, having coughed up 1,163 passing yards and 7 TDs in just three games. That’s good news for Jason Campbell (who is hard to trust) and Moore, who has scored in consecutive outings. The rookie could pay big dividends this week.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers vs. Broncos. He has scored in two of three games thus far, while emerging as the undisputed No. 2 wideout in Aaron Rodgers’ arsenal. Denver can’t match up with Green Bay’s aerial fire power, while the Packers’ rushing game is in flux at present. All of which combines to make Nelson a terrific start.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Eli Manning, Matt Stafford, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Ryan; RBs Fred Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Matt Forte, Tim Hightower, Joseph Addai, Darren Sproles, James Starks, Ryan Mathews; WRs Dwayne Bowe, Nate Washington, Mike Williams (Bucs) Stevie Johnson, Johnny Knox, Lance Moore, Brandon Lloyd, Santana Moss, Percy Harvin.

Roll ‘em back

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens vs. Jets. Flacco has alternated up and down performances, and this week’s matchup looks like another downer. New York has given up just two passing scores to date, with seven interceptions to their credit. Sunday night’s contest should be a defensive slugfest.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions at Cowboys. He’s nursing a bruised thigh and heading into a matchup with one of the NFL’s stingiest run defenses. Best should contribute as a receiver, but probably not enough to justify starting him; unless your options are very limited.

Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos at Packers. He has benefited from Knowshon Moreno’s absence the last two weeks, but he’ll likely have to share the load this weekend against the league’s top rush defense. No, thank you.

Marques Colston, WR, Saints at Jaguars. The Saints have a history of easing their injured receivers back into the rotation slowly, as we saw most recently with Lance Moore in Week 2. Colston is unlikely to get a full complement of snaps in his first action since injuring his collarbone in the opener. Give him a week to get back in the groove.

Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys vs. Lions. He is still struggling with his bruised thigh, and his quarterback is clearly far from 100 percent. Meanwhile, Detroit’s pass defense has been stellar to date. I don’t like Bryant’s chances this week.

More thumbs down: QBs Mark Sanchez, Chad Henne, Sam Bradford, Tony Romo, Matt Hasselbeck; RBs DeAngelo Williams, Shonn Greene, Beanie Wells, Dexter McCluster, Thomas Jones, Daniel Thomas, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Ben Tate; WRs Reggie Wayne, Malcom Floyd, Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree, Mike Sims-Walker, Plaxico Burress, Torrey Smith, Julio Jones, Victor Cruz, Donald Driver, Pierre Garcon, Chad Ochocinco.

Taking a flier

Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos at Packers. On paper, this game should be a blow-out; which means Denver will likely abandon the run early and put the game in Orton’s hands. With Brandon Lloyd healthy and Eric Decker cementing his role as a reliable target, Orton could put up some gaudy numbers. After all, everybody else has against Green Bay’s 31st-ranked pass defense.

Don’t be the bonehead who…fails to get Steven Jackson back in your lineup Sunday. He ran sparingly in his return to the field in Week 3 against the Ravens, while successfully test-driving his ailing quad. But a healthy Jackson is a must-start against any defense, especially a Redskins squad that just surrendered 155 total yards to Felix Jones, his highest output since 2009.

Week 3 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

QBs
Tom Brady, Patriots – We’ll forgive the 4 INTs with his 387 yards and 4 TDs.
Joe Flacco, Ravens – Put up 389 yards and a trio of scores, plus 29 rushing yards.
Matt Schaub, Texans – Passed for 373 yards and 3 TDs, with one INT.
Drew Brees, Saints – Threw for 370 yards and 3 TDs, with 2 picks.
Matt Stafford, Lions – Started slowly, but wound up with 378 yards and 2 scores, without a turnover.
Mark Sanchez, Jets – Amassed 369 yards and 2 TDs passing, with 1 INT, plus a third TD on the ground.
Eli Manning, Giants – Passed for 254 yards and 4 TDs.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers – He had 3 TDs and 1 INT, plus 297 passing yards.

RBs
Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders – Rumbled for 171 yards and 2 TDs.
Ryan Mathews, Chargers – Rushed for 98 yards and 2 TDs, plus 4 catches for 51 yards.
Fred Jackson, Bills – Ran for 74 yards and 1 TD while nabbing 5 balls for 87 more yards.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets – Ran for 38 yards and added 5 receptions for 116 yards and a TD.

WRs
Wes Welker, Patriots – Had a career-high 16 receptions for 217 yards and 2 TDs, plus a 19-yard run.
Calvin Johnson, Lions – Hauled in 7 passes for 108 yards and both of Stafford’s TDs.

TEs
Jermichael Finley, Packers – Reeled in 7 passes for 85 yards and all 3 of Rodgers’ scoring passes.
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots – His 7 catches for 109 yards came with 2 TDs.

Ks
Dan Bailey, Cowboys – Booted six field goals (23, 27, 32, 40 and 41 yards twice).

This was a great week to play against…

QBs
Jason Campbell, Raiders – Threw for only 156 yards without a score.
Cam Newton, Panthers – Finally played like a rookie, with 158 passing yards and a lone TD, plus 27 rushing yards.
Michael Vick, Eagles – Had just 176 yards passing and 31 yards rushing with an INT before leaving with a broken right hand.
Tony Romo, Cowboys – He played valiantly, but his 255-yard, 1-INT night didn’t help his fantasy owners.
Josh Freeman, Buccaneers – Passed for 180 yards and 2 INTs, but ran for 35 yards and a score.
Philip Rivers, Chargers – Continued to underwhelm, with 266 yards and 2 INTs, without a score.

RBs
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos – Was active, but posted no stat line.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots – Just 16 yards on the ground.
James Starks, Packers – Inexplicably disappeared from the offense, with only 14 combined yards, and a fumble.
Michael Turner, Falcons – Posted a paltry 20 rushing yards.
Steven Jackson, Rams – Returned to action, but only accounted for 23 yards.
Mike Tolbert, Chargers – Combined for just 43 total yards.
Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers – Limited to 46 combined yards.
Frank Gore, 49ers – Held to 42 rushing yards on the day, plus a fumble.
Reggie Bush, Dolphins – Compiled only 36 total yards.
Cedric Benson, Bengals – 64 yards rushing.

WRs
Deion Branch, Patriots – Blanked by the Bills.
Donald Driver, Packers – Also held catchless.
Mike Williams, Seahawks – Him, too.
Roy Williams, Bears – Was active, but posted a goose egg despite 4 targets.
Nate Burleson, Lions – Only caught 2 passes for 12 yards.
Steve Smith, Panthers – Just 2 receptions for 15 yards.
Kenny Britt, Titans – Nabbed 3 passes for 18 yards before leaving with a knee injury.
Santonio Holmes, Jets – Had one 19-yard catch.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers – His 3 catches amounted to 24 yards.
Reggie Wayne, Colts – Ditto for him.
Hakeem Nicks, Giants – Limited to 25 yards on 3 catches.
Chad Ochocinco, Patriots – Caught 2 passes for 28 yards, but dropped a sure TD.
Malcom Floyd, Chargers – He also had just 28 yards on his 2 receptions.
DeSean Jackson, Eagles – Just 2 receptions for 30 yards.
A.J. Green, Bengals – Held out of the end zone with 4 catches for 29 yards.
Brandon Lloyd, Broncos – Only 38 yards on 4 receptions.
Brandon Marshall, Dolphins – His 4 catches were good for 43 yards.

TEs
Dallas Clark, Colts – Limited to 2 catches for 12 yards.
Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars – He managed 15 yards on his two receptions.

I didn’t see that coming…

Torrey Smith, Ravens – Scored on his first 3 NFL receptions, and finished with 5 catches for 152 yards.
Victor Cruz, WR, Giants – Took advantage of Manningham’s inactivity with 3 catches for 110 yards and 2 TDs.

Stop screaming; it’s merely a flesh wound

Remember the scene in The Empire Strikes Back when Han Solo is frozen in carbonite in mid-scream? That’s how I pictured Mike Vick’s owners, myself included, upon hearing that he’d broken his hand while taking another pummeling on Sunday.

Now, I realize the Star Wars reference only reinforces the image of the stereotypical fantasy “geek,” but I’m not worried about being bullied. It’s Vick’s broken bones that could hurt me.

Fortunately, the news isn’t as bone-chilling as first reported. Vick’s non-throwing right hand is bruised and badly swollen, but not broken. He’ll be iffy heading into this weekend, but a month-long absence is no longer in the cards.

But you can’t help wondering if Vick is playing on borrowed time, given the heavy punishment he keeps absorbing. While his extended loss wouldn’t necessarily cause an offensive tailspin like that experienced by the Manning-less Colts, those counting on DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin must be concerned. Whether the underachieving Vince Young or the inexperienced Mike Kafka took over, the Eagles’ wide-open offense wouldn’t be nearly as explosive. Opposing defenses would shift their attention squarely on budding superstar LeSean McCoy, who might find his running lanes much more clogged.

But Vick’s owners aren’t the only ones sporting the Solo shriek these days. Run into a Chris Johnson or Arian Foster owner lately? They’re easy to spot with the dark cloud hovering over their heads.

Meanwhile, Adrian Peterson is feeling so good, he’s pledged $5,000 for every touchdown he scores to help at-risk youth through his All Day Foundation. The “Football for Good” campaign, launched this weekend in tandem with Hollywood A-listers Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, is the rare off-field story you like to hear from a star athlete. Jackson and Dallas Clark have even agreed to match Peterson’s pledges.

In appreciation for the three touchdowns Peterson has already delivered in two of my leagues, the Chief Fool has pitched in at the online fundraising site (www.crowdrise.com/football). Imagine the difference 25 million fantasy fanatics could collectively make by “giving back” to Peterson’s cause? Hey, it might even help shed our nerdy image…


FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers. Owners of Frank Gore will want to hedge their bets with Hunter, who totaled 38 yards and a touchdown after the starter injured his ankle. Following the game, Gore talked like a guy who didn’t expect to play in Week 4. The Niners have not had much success on the ground thus far, though; so Hunter is only a stop-gap measure.

Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals. With Cedric Benson headed for a three-game suspension, Scott will be the Bengals’ interim starter. Though Brian Leonard should see some carries as well, Scott is the more explosive back. More important, if Scott gets hot, Benson’s starting job might not be waiting for him in Week 7.

Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens. When you rack up 133 yards and three scores on your first three NFL receptions, you attract a measure of attention. The speedy rookie won’t jump ahead of Lee Evans (ankle) into a starting job overnight, mostly due to his reputation for inconsistency; but he has surely secured a spot on Joe Flacco’s radar.

Nate Washington, WR, Titans. Just as I was preparing to recommend Matt Hasselbeck, who currently ranks tenth among fantasy passers, Kenny Britt suffered what appears to be a season-ending knee injury. While Hasselbeck’s stock takes a hit with the loss of the AFC’s leading receiver, Washington’s soars. He tallied eight receptions for 92 yards and a TD on Sunday.

Don’t be fooled

Vince Young, QB, Eagles. If Vick sits out the Week 4 contest with the 49ers, Young could get the starting nod. But Kafka was called upon after Vick went down Sunday, so perhaps he’ll be the man. Young hasn’t been fantasy-relevant since his rookie year in 2006. Kafka has 107 passing yards and two interceptions on his NFL resume. I’ll turn to my bench for help this week.

Roy Williams, WR, Bears. Three weeks ago, I set the over/under on Williams losing his starting job to Johnny Knox at five weeks. If you took the under, you’re sitting pretty. After dropping every pass he touched on Sunday, Williams should be on your waiver wire today.

Sunday morning updates -- Week 3

Good morning, Fools. It's a beautiful day in Fantasyland. Let's get to it.

Big news of the day: Peyton Hillis is OUT with strep throat! Montario Hardesty will start in his stead.

Also, Arian Foster is expected to be OUT today as well, according to ESPN. Good news for Ben Tate's owners.

Antonio Gates will reportedly be out this week, due to complications with his foot injury. This is a bit of surprise. Make sure you account for it.

I'd be shocked if Tony Romo (ribs) doesn't play Monday night. I'd also be shocked if he played well, given his lack of weapons and the fact that every Redskin on the planet will be taking shots at his rib cage. Given that he won't play till Monday night, you're taking a big risk by keeping him in your starting lineup.

Miles Austin is already ruled out, and Dez Bryant is questionable, after getting in a little practice yesterday. Expect limited snaps from Bryant. Felix Jones is expected to play with his bum shoulder; but he's unlikely to get a full load either.

Mike Vick (concussion) will play today, and you'd be crazy not to start him.

Mario Manningham is OUT today. Victor Cruz will start in his place.

Lee Evans may also sit out, giving Torrey Smith his first start.

Sidney Rice will make his Seahawks debut today.

Now, on to the inactive reports. Are you following my tweets (@ladd_biro)?

Week 3 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Tom Brady and Calvin Johnson, or to bench Kerry Collins and Jason Snelling? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 3 of the 2011 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Kevin Kolb, QB, Cardinals at Seahawks. After two weeks, Kolb is teetering on the fringes of fantasy respectability, while the Seahawks have just two sacks and no interceptions to their credit. Given the pathetic state of affairs in Seattle, this should be a breakout game for Kolb & Company.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers vs. Chiefs. Mathews is doing his best to muscle Mike Tolbert (calf) out of his backfield. When healthy, Mathews is the more productive rusher, and he nearly matched his teammate’s receiving output in Week 2. Against the staggering Chiefs, both are great plays; but the pendulum is swinging Mathews’ way.

Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins at Browns. The rookie ran strong against the Texans in his first action of the season, relegating Reggie Bush to a bit role. Though Bush will surely get more touches this week, Thomas is a much better inside runner. He should score his first TD against Cleveland’s sub-par run defense.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals vs. 49ers. The rookie has a great chance to score in his third consecutive game against a secondary that just coughed up three TD passes to Miles Austin. Green was targeted 14 times in Week 2, underscoring his prominence in the Bengals’ passing attack.

Deion Branch, WR, Patriots at Bills. Branch has quietly racked up 222 yards on 15 receptions. With Aaron Hernandez (knee) out and Chad Ochocinco still searching for his mojo, Branch should have no trouble reaching the end zone Sunday in what could be an aerial showcase.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Hasselbeck, Cam Newton; RBs Fred Jackson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ben Tate, LeGarrette Blount; WRs Stevie Johnson, Nate Burleson, Brandon Lloyd, Anquan Boldin, Mike Williams (Bucs), Mike Sims-Walker.

Roll ‘em back

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys vs. Redskins. I’d be worried enough if the only concern was his broken rib and punctured lung. Assuming Romo plays, he’ll also be missing Miles Austin (hamstring) and possibly the knuckle-headed Dez Bryant (thigh), who had not practiced through Thursday. Washington’s pass defense has given up just two TD passes so far. I’m looking for a safer option this week.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears vs. Packers. In his four outings against Green Bay since becoming Chicago’s starter, Cutler has passed for just 875 yards, with 4 TDs and 9 INTs. He’s already been sacked 11 times this season, including a shot to the throat that is still affecting him. The Packers have given up big numbers to QBs so far this season, but they won’t have sympathy for Cutler on Sunday.

Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins at Cowboys. Hightower is off to a strong start in Washington, but Roy Helu is already cannibalizing some of his carries. Dallas’ run defense has been among the league’s stingiest (though two weeks isn’t much to bank on). I’m not optimistic about Hightower’s chances under the Monday night lights.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, RBs, Panthers vs. Jaguars. Carolina’s line has apparently decided that it no longer needs to run-block with Newton at the controls. Though Stewart offered value as a receiver last week, Williams has been a complete dud. Neither is likely to prosper against the Jags’ stout run defense.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs at Chargers. Now that Jamaal Charles is gone, Bowe is the Chiefs’ most dangerous weapon. As poorly as Matt Cassel has been playing, San Diego should have little problem shutting down the connection. After all, they held him to two catches for 16 yards over two games in 2010, when Bowe was en fuego.

More thumbs down: QBs Eli Manning, Rex Grossman, Cassel, Kyle Orton; RBs Arian Foster, Joseph Addai, Thomas Jones, Cadillac Williams, Felix Jones, Knowshon Moreno, Ryan Grant; WRs Michael Crabtree, Denarius Moore, Percy Harvin, Malcom Floyd, Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham.

Taking a flier

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets at Raiders. Greene has gotten off to a slow start, though he found his way into the end zone last week. More encouraging was LaDainian Tomlinson’s bit role against Jacksonville. Greene should build on the positive momentum against an Oakland run defense that was just gashed by the Bills.

Don’t be the bonehead who…fails to grab Bernard Scott off the waiver wire, especially if you’re a Cedric Benson owner. The NFL has suspended the Bengals’ workhorse for three games, beginning in Week 4, for his latest off-field transgressions. Though Benson is expected to appeal the decision, the speedy Scott should offer nice value during a stretch of favorable matchups. If he performs well, there’s no guarantee that the oft-troubled Benson will reclaim his starting gig.

Week 2 Heroes and Zeros

This was a great week to start…

QBs
Tom Brady, Patriots -- Flawless again with 423 yards and 3 TDs.
Cam Newton, Panthers -- Passed for 432 yards and 1 TD, plus 3 INTs, and ran for 53 yards and another score.
Matt Stafford, Lions -- Threw for 294 yards and 4 TDs, with just one turnover.
Drew Brees, Saints -- Passed for 270 yards and a TD trifecta.

RBs

Adrian Peterson, Vikings -- Scored twice while rushing for 120 yards, and hauled in 2 balls for 21 more yards.
Fred Jackson, Bills -- Rumbled for 117 yards and 2 TDs, and caught 2 passes for 23 yards.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles -- Ran for 95 yards and 2 TDs, adding 4 receptions for 21 yards.
Peyton Hillis, Browns -- Rushed for 94 yards and a pair of scores, and added 4 receptions for 23 yards.
Jahvid Best, Lions -- Ran for 57 yards and 1 TD, and caught 6 balls for 66 yards and another TD.
Darren McFadden, Raiders -- Scored rushing and receiving while accumulating 143 total yards.
LeGarrette Blount, Bucs -- Atoned for last week's disappearance with 71 yards and 2 TDs.

WRs
Jeremy Maclin, Eagles -- Hauled in 13 passes for 171 yards and 2 scores.
Miles Austin, Cowboys -- Caught 9 passes for 143 yards and a trio of TDs, then aggravated his hammy.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers -- Pulled down 10 balls for 172 yards and 2 TDs.
Calvin Johnson, Lions -- Scored twice on 3 catches for 29 yards.
Kenny Britt, Titans -- Caught 9 passes for 135 yards and a score.
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals -- Reeled in 7 passes for 133 yards and 1 TD.

TEs
Rob Gronkowski, Patriots -- Scored twice on his 4 catches for 86 yards.
Tony Gonzalez, Falcons -- Showed the youngsters how to do it, with 7 receptions for 83 yards and a pair of TDs.

D/STs
Steelers -- Collected 5 sacks while pitching a shutout against Seattle.
Lions -- Compiled 2 sacks, 5 turnovers and held the Chiefs to a field goal.
Jets -- Amassed 2 sacks, 4 INTs and a safety while holding the Jags to 3 points.


This was a great week to play against…

QBs
Matt Cassel, Chiefs -- Coughed up 3 INTs while passing for just 133 yards.
Joe Flacco, Ravens -- Passed for just 197 yards and a TD, plus 2 INTs.

RBs
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs -- Ran for just 27 yards before being lost for the season.
DeAngelo Williams, Panthers -- Took a back seat to Newton with just 36 total yards.
Ryan Grant, Packers -- Just 39 combined yards.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets -- A non-factor with just 15 total yards.
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks -- Limited to just 12 combined yards.
Reggie Bush, Dolphins -- Taken out of the game plan with 21 total yards.
Felix Jones, Cowboys -- Totaled 30 yards with his separated shoulder.
Cadillac Williams, Rams -- Couldn't take advantage of his starting opportunity, with just 40 total yards to show for it.
Arian Foster, Texans -- Combined for 40 yards before his hamstring tightened up.
Chris Johnson, Titans -- Ran for 53 yards and reeled in 3 passes for 12 yards.

WRs
Mike Williams, Bucs -- Actually lost 4 yards on his only reception.
Plaxico Burress, Jets -- Blanked in his second game as a Jet.
Lance Moore, Saints -- Had a 6-yard grab in his 2011 debut.
Mike Williams, Seahawks -- Reeled in a 9-yarder.
Donald Driver, Packers -- Only a 10-yard catch.
Braylon Edwards, 49ers -- Hauled in a 21-yard reception.
DeSean Jackson, Eagles -- Took 2 passes to amass 21 yards.

TEs
Antonio Gates, Chargers -- Held catchless.
Brandon Pettigrew, Lions -- Just one 7-yard catch.
Vernon Davis, 49ers -- Limited to 2 passes for 18 yards.

I didn’t see that coming…

Eric Decker, WR, Broncos -- Scored twice on his 5 catches for 113 yards.
Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders -- The rookie grabbed 5 balls for 148 yards and a TD, plus a 25-yard run.