Diminishing skills

Some noise has been made this fantasy football season about the Chicago Bears’ defense and its lack of production compared to previous seasons.

While I agree that the Bears’ D has not been as good as in previous seasons, this group still is a productive and viable fantasy football defense. As long as Brian Urlacher roams the middle and the unit creates turnovers, Chicago will put defensive points on the board for fantasy owners.

And if your league groups special teams with defense … well, you know the rest:

Start & Sit: Week 7

Most fantasy seasons are just about at the midway point this week, so the stretch run is set to begin.

Here are some guys to consider starting/benching this weekend.

Start ‘Em

QBs

• Matt Hasselbeck v. Rams: The Seahawks are a pass-happy team and this game could be a shootout. Hasselbeck played well last week even in the loss.
• Drew Brees v. Falcons: Brees’ owners everywhere breathed a sigh of relief last weekend as the Saints’ quarterback returned to 2006 form. He should stay hot this weekend versus Atlanta in the SuperDome.

RBs

• Reggie Bush v. Falcons: Pretty soon he will be a must-start regardless of matchup. I say that happens after this weekend.
• Earnest Graham @ Lions: Yes, the Bucs added Michael Bennett. No, he does not affect Graham’s golden value this weekend.

WRs

• Jerricho Cotchery @ Bengals: Cotchery is way overdue for a touchdown, and who better to get one against than the miserable Bengals’ defense?
• Bobby Engram v. Rams: Engram will serve as Matt Hasselbeck’s go-to guy again this weekend with Deion Branch out.

Sit ‘Em

QBs

• David Garrard @ Colts: Garrard’s been excellent so far, and the right choice at quarterback for the Jags. But the Colts are fresh coming off the buy and ready for the Jacksonville offense.
• Marc Bulger @ Seahawks: Wait until he shows you something. I would not rush into starting him this weekend on the road.

RBs

• Marion Barber v. Vikings: The Vikes are stingy against the run. I expect the Cowboys to use the aerial assault in this matchup.
• Chester Taylor @ Cowboys: Likewise, the Cowboys also are good against the run. Besides, Adrian Peterson is the better runningback on the Vikings, and he should start despite the matchup.

WRs

• Reggie Brown v. Bears: Brown showed signs of life last weekend. Keep him on the bench until he gets out of the coffin though.
• Larry Fitzgerald @ Redskins: If you have a better option on the bench, you might want to consider him this weekend, especially if Tim Rattay is starting for the Cards. The Redskins’ secondary is vastly under-rated.

Note: I will be away from the computer most of the day Friday. If I get an opportunity to do some questions, I will answer as many as possible. Good luck this weekend! ~TH~

Grab Bag: Week 6

The injuries in the NFL are piling up. Vigilance is the key for fantasy owners, especially during this long stretch of season with all the bye weeks.

Here are some guys to take a look at on the waiver wire this week:

Quarterbacks

• Kurt Warner, Cardinals: This is a no-brainer. Warner has been the best passer on the Cards so far this season, and now that Matt Leinart is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks with a broken collarbone Warner should put up solid fantasy numbers. He becomes and instant fantasy starter for most teams and could save a season.
• Jason Campbell, Redskins: Campbell looks like a guy who is improving every week. He should be a good bye-week filler for just about any fantasy team right now.

Grab Bag: Week 5

Things have been mighty busy around these parts lately and we have neglected the waiver wire for too long.

But it is not too late for fantasy owners to turn things around via the waiver wire, and here are some guys that could help down the stretch.

Quarterbacks

• Daunte Culpepper, Oakland: OK, he was 5-of-12 passing. But he ran for three touchdowns and threw two scores. He is at least worth a look in fantasy leagues, especially if you are desperate for a quarterback.
• Joey Harrington, Atlanta: Harrington is ever-so-quietly putting up good numbers in Atlanta. Maybe it is the system. If Joey is buying into it, it might be time for you to do so as well.