Even this late into your fantasy football season, if you have more than two wins, you are still likely in the playoff race.
Granted, a 3-5 team is going to need to catch a few breaks in order to find a winning streak, but if the Florida Marlins can win the World Series after being 10 games under .500, you can win your championship after being only two games under.
Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Oakland Raiders - The torch may have passed 10 days ago on a Monday night in Kansas City. Rich Gannon was forced from the game with a shoulder injury, and Tuiasosopo led the Raiders to an improbable comeback that fell just a yard short on the last play of the game. Gannon hasn't practiced this week and will probably sit out against Detroit. With a bad Lions' pass defense, this is a good week to pick up Tuiasosopo to see if he'll stick.
Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles - Could this be the week that McNabb finally throws a TD pass to a receiver⢠The Eagles suit up against Atlanta this week, and the Falcons own the worst secondary in the league. As if that's not bad enough, the Falcons will be starting a backup at every position in the secondary. McNabb took a big step toward returning to form last week, and I see that continuing this Sunday.
Shawn Bryson, RB, Detroit Lions - Bryson has retaken the lead in the weekly "Who is Detroit's starting running back?" sweepstakes. The coaching staff has more confidence in Bryson's ability to pick up blocking schemes and in the short passing game. With the Lions facing an awful Raiders run defense this week, Bryson makes a good play.
Tiki Barber, RB, New York Giants - The Giants are coming off a stellar performance against the previously unbeaten Vikings, and Barber pitched in with 132 rushing and receiving yards. In this week's game against the Jets, look for that total to be closer to 175 or more. The Jets would have difficulty stopping Oklahoma's running attack at this point.
Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers - Very few receivers have had a hotter October than Smith has. During this month, he's been a top-10 fantasy receiver and shows no signs of slowing down. This week's schedule brings the Houston Texans, who have allowed 14 passing scores in only seven games. Smith should be a lock for 100 yards and a TD or two.
Nate Burleson, WR, Minnesota Vikings - While Randy Moss is the obvious pick here, he'll see a great deal of double-teams from a Packers defense that has been scorched for 74 points in their last two games. While Moss gets all the attention, the rookie out of Nevada-Reno should enjoy his highest production total to date. Let's say 5 catches for 80 yards and a score.
Teyo Johnson, TE, Oakland Raiders - Johnson was on my rookie sleeper list at the beginning of the season but couldn't surpass Doug Jolley on the depth chart. That is until this week. Johnson has everything going in his favor for his first start. Not only does he face the Lions, but at 6-6, 250 he's a large target and will likely be the first outlet option for Tuiasosopo when he gets into trouble. I like Johnson as a pickup not only for this week but for the remainder of the season if you need tight end help.
Todd Peterson, PK, San Francisco 49ers - The former Chief, Seahawk and Steeler gets another chance in the NFL with an offense that is on the brink of exploding. Peterson, who was signed Tuesday, finds himself in almost a can't-miss position as he becomes the Niners' third kicker of the season. Says here it will be their last, and he'll finish in the top 10 in points per game. Need an upgrade at the position⢠Here's your guy.
