Quarterback Rankings

Deserves a Second Look:
Joe Webb, UAB (Alabama State)
495 yards. 4 TD. 202 yards rushing. Those are Webb's numbers against teams not named Tennessee this season. Expect a big day from the athlete that threw five touchdowns, caught three scores and ran one in last season.

Michael Desormeaux, Louisiana-Lafayette (Kent State)
The ULL signal caller was second in the nation in rushing last season by a quarterback (1,141 yards). Des-Ex already has delivered 188 yards and at least 14 carries in each of his first two games. In a league where rushing touchdowns are more valuable than passing scores, he is nearly a must-start.

Tim Hiller, Western Michigan (Tennessee Tech)
The Bronco quarterback has scored four touchdowns in each of his last two games. TTU allowed 51 points to Louisville last week. Look for that 9:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio to get even better this week.

Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP (New Mexico State)
Vittatoe has been one of the fantasy world's biggest disappointments: A 63.6 rated, 466 yard, 3:2 quarterback. Will this be the week that fantasy owners get the 93.0 rated, 3101 yard, 25:7 quarterback from '07? We think so. The Aggies are allowing 553 yards per game (yeah, its only one game).

Better Think Twice:
Chase Clement, Rice (@ Texas)
After getting to see Clement in person, it is clear to see that he can play with any of the Longhorns. Unfortunately, they are only two other Owls that can say that. The Horns could run the ball sixty times. He is always a tough bench, so search for your soul first.

Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State (Georgia)
There has never been a game that more defined the term 'trap game,' than the home loss to UNLV. What do you expect from a team watching film on its fourth opponent during media days in the summer? Carpenter and the Devils can keep it close but it will not be high scoring. Did I mention that ASU allowed a 117th worst 55 sacks last year?

Bo Levi Mitchell, SMU (TCU)
Feast or famine with BLM. Once he gets into CUSA play he will be an all-you-can-eat buffet, however, TCU always plays great defense so this week he more like very-overrated eight-dollar smoothie. Look for another poor showing for a still very bad SMU Mustangs team.

Tim Tebow, Florida (@ Tennessee)
Tennessee is one of two teams that can line-up opposite of the Florida Gators and say 'Our secondary is as talented as your receivers.' Big Orange ranks 2nd in the nation with 7 interceptions. Plus, the Vols consistently play their best football when their backs are against the wall so expect a close game.

Running Back Rankings

Deserves a Second Look:
Patrick Jackson, Louisiana Tech (Southeast Louisiana)
This Bulldog has yet to break out, however, the level of play has been very stout. La Tech should not get much resistance from Southeast Louisiana. In each of his two career games against FCS opponents, Jackson hit the 100-yard mark and scored.

C.J. Spiller / James Davis, Clemson (South Carolina State)
Another get-healthy game for the Tigers. Two weeks ago against The Citadel, the duo combined for 214 totals yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Tommy Bowden and Co. will turn to the run game to build confidence heading into conference play.

Brandon West, Western Michigan (Tennessee Tech)
The entire Bronco offense should see big numbers. Along with Hiller and wideout Jamarko Simmons, West should reap the benefit of playing the Golden Eagles from Cookville, Tenn. See Hiller.

Other solid plays:
Tyrell Fenroy, Louisiana-Lafayette (Kent State)
Andre Anderson, Tulane (Louisiana-Monroe)
Mike Davis, South Carolina (Wofford)

Better Think Twice:
Shonn Greene, Iowa (@ Pitt)
This Hawkeye has easily been the most consistent player in the Iowa backfield. However, in Pittsburgh this weekend, Greene will need help from someone taking snaps and that isn't likely. This will be a black and blue low scoring affair. Stay away.

DaJuan Collins, Toledo (Fresno State)
Pat Hill's squad held the massive (6'6" 323 pounds) Wisconsin rushing attack to 3.9 yards per carry last week. Fresno plays fast and hard on defense and they will certainly be an angry football team. All signs point to a sub-par outing.

James Starks, Buffalo (@ Mizzou)
Expect the Bulls to be out of this game from the kickoff. Missouri is on cruise control and may hit their national best mark of 57 points per game. That means Starks is not on the field. He might get a late score and maybe eighty yards.

Michael Smith, Arkansas (Alabama)
The Crimson Tide is leading the nation in rushing defense and nose tackle Terrance Cody is making himself a lot of money. Smith and the rest of the Hog ground game will struggle. The passing game is a different story.

Bench at your own risk:
LeSean McCoy, Pitt (Iowa)
Charles Scott, LSU (@ Auburn)
Mike Goodson, TAMU (Miami-FL)
Arian Foster, Tennessee (Florida)

Wide Receiver Rankings

Deserves a Second Look:
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (Eastern Michigan)
DHB - a possible first round pick in April - has proven to be a big play threat for the Terps. He is averaging 24.3 yards-per-catch this season (9 rec, 219 yds, 2 TD). He has also shown his versatility as he has 29 yards rushing and a score on the ground as well. With Da'Rel Scott injured, DHB becomes the top fantasy play on this team.

Darius Passmore, Marshall (@ Southern Miss)
Passmore has had no less than 95 yards in any game this season. The Thundering Herd's top target is averaging nearly six receptions per game, over 100-ypg and one score per game. Southern Miss should be in control, so Marshall will need to pass.

Patrick Edwards Et Al, Houston (@ Colorado State)
Houston quarterback Case Keenum has thrown for 1,141 yards and 13 touchdowns so far in 2008. In three games. Someone has to catch all of those passes.

Better Think Twice:
Jeremy Childs, Boise State (@ Oregon)
Titus Young returning from a suspension alone decreases Childs' value. The Ducks also have one of the nation's best secondaries. Throw in a freshman quarterback and one of the toughest places to play and you have a recipe for inconsistency. The Ducks have their own issues at quarterback, so this could be a tightly played football game on both sides, though.

Emmanuel Sanders / Aldrick Robinson, SMU (TCU)
SEE BO LEVI MITCHELL above.

Hakeem Nicks / Branden Tate, North Carolina (Va Tech)
Despite not looking good, the Hokies still play very good defense. After last week, Butch Davis isn't sneaking up on anyone either. VT cornerback Macho Harris can shut down anyone. This is a huge test for an up-and-coming Tar Heels squad, so expect a low-scoring game.

Tight End Rankings

Defensive Rankings
With a lot of solid defenses on bye this week – USC Trojans, Oklahoma Sooners, Wisconsin Badgers – look for the final week of patsies to help your fantasy line-up. South Carolina (Wofford), Clemson (S. Carolina State) and Kansas (Sam Houston State) are all examples of absolute thrillers.

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