SUNDAY RECAP: AFC VARIETY

Leon Washington- If you played Washington this Sunday against Detroit your probably feeling a great deal of joy right now. The rookie Jets RB went for 129 yards and 2 TDs while splitting carries with Kevan Barlow. Both times Washington has received 20+ carries, he has topped 100 yards. Being only 5'8" his question mark has been durability which shouldn't come into affect this year, but if he is the main back next season it'll be something to watch.

Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney- Both Patriots RBs split carries again on Sunday and barring significant injury, it should stay this way all season. Dillon had the better day fantasy wise with 47 yards 2 TDs compared to Maroney's 29 yards. Maroney was to have an X-ray on an undisclosed injury, and if he is hurt, Dillon would be a very solid starter.

Carson Palmer- The big question this week was, would the Bengals banged up offensive line be able to give Palmer enough time to throw the ball? The answer: yes. Carson had 240 yards in the air and 2 TDs. Things are looking up again for Palmer, and once Chad Johnson is found consistently in the endzone, Palmer will once again be unstoppable.

Charlie Frye- The Browns QB had an average day against the stout Denver defense, but why he makes headlines is that he left late in the game with a mild concussion in the fourth quarter. The second year QBs status is undetermined for next week, and if he is unable to go, Ken Dorsey will get the start. Frye has not reached his potential yet, but don't give up on him in keeper leagues because the Browns are starting to surround him with talent.

Ben Roethlisberger- The third of the injured QBs also left with a concussion on Sunday. Big Ben looked very woozy when he came out, but was seen standing on the sidelines later in the game. He was off to a very fine start, but the Steelers will be careful with him because of his past injuries. Expect Charlie Batch to start for the next couple weeks.

Hines Ward- As I said earlier in the week Ward was due to bust out, and he did to the tune of three touchdowns and 171 yards. Unfortunately, with the loss of Big Ben, his value once again goes down. The Steelers will look to run the ball more, which means more carries for Willie Parker and defenses putting eight in the box against him. Both players may take a hit for the next few weeks.

Peyton Manning- The most reliable player in fantasy history had one of those classic multiple touchdown games on Sunday. He finished with 342 yards and 4 TDs against the Redskins. The most promising sign was that he had established a rhythm with both Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison which was long overdue. Manning did suffer an apparent neck injury on a dirty tackle, but showed no ill effects after the play.

Dominic Rhodes/Joseph Addai- One of the more puzzling things going on in sports is why the Colts continue to give Dominic Rhodes carries. Once again Joseph Addai had a better day on the ground going for 85 yards on 11 carries compared to Rhodes' 13 carries for 26 yards. Addai is more explosive and looks like a better replacement for James, but if the Colts continue to win, no change will be made.

Wali Lundy- I think I've figured out the Texans RB plan. Their RB all along was Wali Lundy, but they didn't want him or anyone else to know. So they passed over Reggie Bush because he's no Lundy. Then they put a barely injured Domanick Davis on IR because they had Lundy. Then they played Lundy for two weeks, and then said he was done because they wanted everyone to forget about him. Then the Texans said this week Lundy would start, but boom! An hour before kickoff they say Samkon Gado was the starter. Finally, they put Wali in there and he goes for 97 yards and a TD. Their master plan to beat the Jaguars in week 7 was a success. Who said Houston didn't know what they were doing?
P.S. Wali Lundy should be owned in fantasy....for now.

Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew- The hit and miss RB Jones-Drew was a clear miss on Sunday totaling 10 yards on 8 carries. Fred Taylor remains the reliable fantasy RB as he 16 carries for 84 yards on Sunday. It was disappointing that neither got in the endzone against the weak Houston defense.

Larry Johnson- "Fantasy experts" around the country suggested that this would be a week to possibly bench Larry Johnson. I didn't, that's why you're reading this column. LJ busted out for 132 yards and two touchdowns against the tough Chargers defense. He's obviously an every week start, and he is at the beginning of a very impressive run just like last year this time.

Tony Gonzalez- Another Chief busting out on Sunday was their under-producing TE. It seems like years since he's had a 137 yard game like this. We'd love to see him get in the endzone, but fantasy owners can't be upset with his performance on Sunday regardless. Despite the big week, don't expect many like this.

Randy Moss- The troubled WR is finally hitting a nice groove catching a TD for the second straight week and catching 7 passes for 129 yards. Their QB, Andrew Walter, left the game with injury, and if he is injured for awhile Moss' value will be hurt. Also Aaron Brooks is on his way back, and Moss has a much greater chemistry with Walter than Brooks, so his value may again take a dip.

Lamont Jordan- Much to the dismay of fantasy owners, they were given no notice of Jordan's injury which apparently flared up during pregame warmpus. The injury was to his back and his status for next week is unclear. This is another bad event in a horrible season for Lamont Jordan.

Tatum Bell- Another great game for Tatum Bell as he had 115 yards on the ground and a TD. For the first time in years, fantasy owners love Mike Shanahan for picking a productive RB and sticking with him. Bell had 585 yards and 2 TDs this season and has become one of the best RBs in football. As long as he stays with the Broncos and remains healthy, he should have a tremendous career.