DAUNTING DECISIONS

We're halfway through the actual NFL season and before I get into my ideas for Sunday, I'd like to do a midseason awards:

MVP: Peyton Manning
Rookie of the Year: Marques Colston
Defensive Player of the Year: Champ Bailey
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton
Biggest Disappointment (Team): Miami Dolphins
Biggest Disappointment (Player): Daunte Culpepper
Biggest Surprise (Team): New Orleans Saints
Biggest Surprise (Player): Marques Colston
Super Bowl favorite: Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl sleeper: San Diego Chargers

Anthony Thomas- The hottest waiver pickup this week has been the A-Train. A slimmer, quicker Thomas looked impressive coming in for the injured Willis McGahee. The joy ride continues for him this week ad he faces Indy's weak rush defense. He should have another good day. START.

Ronnie Brown- He's coming off his best week of the season, and I expect Brown to keep it going in his next game against Kansas City. The Cheifs are decent against the rush, but Brown should be able to do a good job against them. The Dolphins may start to get on a role, and their offensive attack will be centered around Brown. START.

Michael Vick- The Falcons were embarrassed by their loss to the Lions, and they should bounce back next week against the Cleveland Browns soft rush defense. Vick should be able to run and throw at will and finish with another big day. Expect multiple TDs again for Vick. START.

Mike Furrey- I've held out for awhile, but the time has finally come. I'm ready to acknowledge Mike Furrey as both the best white WR in the game, and a legitimate fantasy option. He's another Lion who has benefited greatly from the arrival of Mike Martz. Next week the Lions play another thin defense as they take on the 49ers. START.

Plaxico Burress- Much has been made about the trash talking Plax made towards the Bears secondary, but it cannot be ignored that Plaxico backs up his word, especially in primetime games. In the team's two night games he has 174 yards and 2 TDs. He's significantly taller than the Bears secondary, so he should have a good day.

Maurice Morris- It will probably be his last start before Shaun Alexander returns, and it comes at a good time. The Rams have been poor against the run so Morris should have a game similar to that of last week. He should top 100 on the ground and score at least once during this rivalry game. START.

Broncos RBs- It's more likely this week that both Tatum Bell and Mike Bell will be in the lineup then it was last week. Tatum still appears to be under 100%, so there should be a split in carries. Also, the Oakland defense will look to rebound after getting killed by Maurice Morris on Monday night. Next week should be the week where Tatum is healthy and returns to form. SIT.

Leon Washington- A couple of things hurt Washington this week. Cedric Houston could return for the Jets which would cut into the carries for Washington. Also the Jets rookie RB, has not been as productive in recent weeks as he was earlier in the season. However most importantly, the Jets play a tough run defense in the Patriots that will be hungry after last week's game. SIT.

Phillip Rivers- The Chargers QB has been a pleasant surprise so far this season, but the Chargers face a ball hawking defense when they play the Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati is in contrast poor against the run so Tomlinson should be the workhorse. It would not be a surprise to see Rivers throw very few times and not get a TD. SIT.

Thomas Jones- The last few weeks I've recommended sitting whoever is running against the Giants. Despite having a banged up defense this week, I'll stick to my guns. No matter who the Giants put out there, they have stopped the run. Thomas Jones is not the slashing type of RB that would be capable of hurting New York. SIT.

Ahman Green- That number one Minnesota rush defense shut down Frank Gore last week, but now faces one of the hottest RBs in football. I expect the defense to win in this battle, as the Packers will try to win the game with Brett Favre. Green should have an average day, but not good enough to make him an option. SIT.

Greg Jennings- The second best rookie WR has been battling with injuries, and the best advice is to keep him out of your lineup until he shows he's healthy. He may play this week, but when he tried last week he hurt himself again. Look for the Packers to rest him if there is any doubt about his health. SIT.