I can't remember the last time I saw a quarterback under more pressure than Jay Cutler was in the Bears' 24-13 loss to the Lions last night. The Bears should replace their offensive line with five tackling dummies and see if they can do a better job.

Don't forget your byes this week. The Cardinals, Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Seahawks and Titans are all off in Week 6.

On to the news:

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• Cowboys WR Miles Austin, who missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, appears on track to return this week against the sketchy Patriots' pass defense. Prepare to activate Austin, who could have a huge day.
• The Broncos haven't yet named their starting quarterback for Week 7, but it's expected to be Tim Tebow. Tebow isn't much of a passer, but his running ability alone makes him rosterable as a QB2 with matchup starter potential. The bet here is that Brady Quinn will make some starts for the Broncos before the end of the season. Head coach John Fox and Tebow don't seem like a good, long-term match.
• Antonio Gates owners, your long wait might be almost over. The Chargers' star tight end is targeting a Week 7 return from his foot injury.
• Speaking of the Chargers, the bye week comes at a great time, as RBs Ryan Mathews (calf) and Mike Tolbert (concussion) are both expected to be ready for Week 7. The case might not have been the same for this week.
• Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount (knee) is very iffy for Week 6. If you own Blount, or need a back due to the bye, Earnest Graham could be a nice short-term pickup.
• Speaking of free-agent running backs, you saw that Kansas City's Jackie Battle ran for 119 yards on Sunday, right? Grab Battle if you can, even though he has a bye this week.
• Colts RB Joseph Addai had an MRI on his injured hamstring Monday, and his status for Week 7 is uncertain.
• Texans LB Mario Williams is done for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. The Texans also expect to be without WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) for at least two more games.
• The Falcons haven't offered any detail yet on the status of rookie WR Julio Jones (hamstring), who left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter. Stay tuned.
• Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson strained a pectoral muscle against the Giants on Sunday, and won't throw until next week. Until then, we'll probably have no idea about his Week 7 status.
• With 49ers WR Josh Morgan probably done for the season due to a broken leg, Michael Crabtree looks like a buy in fantasy right now. After Vernon Davis, who else are they going to throw to? Ted Ginn? Come on.
• Redskins RB Tim Hightower says that his injured shoulder won't keep him out this week against the Eagles. But will he start, and how much will he have to share the carries with Ryan Torain? Here's Mike Shanahan: "I’m going to play the best players and we’ll see how these guys do." Damn you, Shanahan.
• The Titans say they're going to fix their running game during the bye week. As someone who owns Chris Johnson on multiple teams, I'd like to thank the Titans for focusing their attention on this important matter.
• Remember that Matt Moore is the Dolphins' new starting quarterback. Owners of the Jets' defense should benefit from that this week.
• Look for the Browns to give a bit more playing time to WR Greg Little and TE Evan Moore. If one of them should be a free-agent target this week, it's Moore.
• WR Lee Evans (ankle) might return this week for the Ravens. He's not much of a fantasy option, at least for now.
• Three widely available wide receivers ranked among the top five in targets during Week 5. Arizona's Early Doucet (17) was first, Oakland's Darrius Heyward-Bey (12) was second, and Tennessee's Damian Williams (11) tied for third. Doucet and Williams have byes this week, but if you're looking for receiver depth, that trio is a nice place to start.
• Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET. Stop by and ask him some questions, OK?

See you back here Friday morning.

Here are some players owners should keep an eye on:

Week 6 Byes: Denver, Tennessee, Kansas City, Arizona, San Diego and Seattle

QB

Tarvaris Jackson (shoulder)

RB

Ryan Mathews (lower leg)
Mike Tolbert (concussion)
LeGarrette Blount (knee)
Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring)
Ben Tate (groin)
Danny Woodhead (ankle)
Isaac Redman (left Sunday's game)
Joseph Addai (hamstring)

WR

Julio Jones (hamstring)
Josh Morgan (ankle - out)
Louis Murphy (groin)
Miles Austin (hamstring)

TE

Antonio Gates (foot - says he'll play after BYE)
Zach Miller (SEA - head injury)

DEF

Mario Williams (pectoral - out indefinitely)

Here are guys we are keeping an eye on heading into Week 5:

Remember CLE, MIA, WAS, DAL, STL and BAL are on BYES

QB

Ben Roethlisberger (active)
Kerry Collins (out / Painter starter)

RB

Rashard Mendenhall (active but "active as insurance" per Jay Glazer)
Mewelde Moore (out)
Brandon Jacobs (out)
Ben Tate (active)
Derrick Ward (out)
Danny Woodhead (doubtful)
Frank Gore (probable)
Ryan Grant (active)

WR

Andre Johnson (out)
Earl Bennett (out)
Vincent Jackson (probable)
Eddie Royal (out)
Calvin Johnson (probable)
Mike Williams (out)
Braylon Edwards (out)

TE

Antonio Gates (doubtful)
Todd Heap (out)
David Thomas (out)
Aaron Hernandez (questionable, but likely to play)

Here's our regular rundown on where you can find fantasy assistance this weekend:

• Tweet the FOXSports.com fantasy team. I'm at @jhalpin37, and you can also contact Ryan Fowler (@FOXSportsFowler), Joel Beall (@FOXSportsBeall) and Mike Harmon (@SwollenDome).
• Post a message on the Facebook pages for Harmon, Fowler and me.
• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. ET. You can also tweet those guys (@FantasyFreaks).
• Chat with Fowler, Beall and me on FOXSports.com Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
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performances over the last 10
years.
• This Steelers' notebook tells us that QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) went through a full practice on Thursday, and is expected to play Sunday. However, RB Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring) hasn't practiced yet this week, and his status for Sunday if very iffy. We should know more about Mendenhall after today's practice, but his status could be a mystery until Sunday morning. Ike Redman stands to get most of the Steelers' carries if Mendenhall can't play, and is worth a pickup if you can still grab him.
• Texans WR Andre Johnson had surgery on his hamstring Tuesday, and is expected to miss at least three weeks. Teammates Ben Tate (groin) and Derrick Ward (ankle) still haven't practiced this week, and their status for Sunday is in doubt. Look for Arian Foster to get lots and lots of carries, and for WR Jacoby Jones to have some fantasy relevance.
• Don't forget your byes this week. The Ravens, Cowboys, Rams, Dolphins, Browns and Redskins are off.
• Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (hamstring) and TE Antonio Gates (foot) both missed practice again on Thursday. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that "The hope is Jackson will practice Friday and play Sunday. The expectation is that Gates will not." I think we can officially label Gates as a fantasy disaster at this point.
• Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez returned to practice Thursday after missing two games with a knee injury. It sounds like Hernandez is on track to play, but make sure to check his status sometime after today's practice. The Pats play a late game on Sunday, so if you hear the words "gametime decision" in reference to Hernandez, then you might need to bench him of your alternative plays 1 p.m. ET game.
• With Chad Henne's shoulder surgery sidelining him for the rest of the season, Matt Moore is the Dolphins' new QB. As someone who watched Moore quite a bit when he was with the Panthers, here's my fantasy scouting report: No, no, no.
• 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) was limited in Thursday's practice, but he's expected to play Sunday. With the Bucs having so much trouble against the pass, I like Crabtree as a sleeper this week. He caught five passes for 68 yards in Week 4.
• Packers RB Ryan Grant will return to action Sunday night after missing Week 4 due to a bruised kidney. Grant had 92 yards on 17 carries in Week 3, and projects to share the workload with James Starks.
• In one 14-team league, I drafted Peyton Manning in the third round. My backup was Sam Bradford, and I later picked up Rex Grossman to take Manning's roster spot; as you know, both Bradford and Grossman are off this week. When someone jokingly asks you this weekend if you know any knuckleheads starting Colts QB Curtis Painter in a fantasy league, I'm your guy. Please go to church and light a candle for my team, OK?
• Seahawks WR Mike Williams missed practice again on Thursday due to a concussion, and is unlikely to play this week.
• RB Kregg Lumpkin may start to see more action in the Bucs' backfield. It won't be enough to start him in fantasy leagues, but let's keep an eye on him.
• If you've been waiting for Rams WR Danny Amendola to return, stop. He's out for the season due to a torn triceps muscle.
• The Jets expect center Nick Mangold (ankle) to return this week. Maybe Mangold's presence combined with Rex Ryan's promise to run the ball more often will translate to a solid game for RB Shonn Greene.
• Saints WR Devery Henderson missed Thursday's practice due to a calf injury, but the team thinks he'll be able to play on Sunday. That's good news for anyone who enjoys the "Which Saints' wideout can I trust in fantasy football?" game.
• Giants RB Brandon Jacobs hasn't practiced yet this week due to a knee injury, and his status for Sunday is up in the air.
• This week, we might finally get to see Chiefs rookie WR Jon Baldwin, who's been out all season due to a broken thumb. Keep this first-round pick on your watch list for now.
• Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey hasn't yet been cleared to play in Week 5 after suffering a concussion last week. Shockey and Greg Olsen have combined for 28 receptions through five games, so if Shockey is out this week, Olsen could be busier than he usually is.
• Cardinals TE Todd Heap is heading toward a gametime decision on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. Obviously, if Heap can't play, his recommendation in this article will be null and void.
• Here's a note from friend of the blog Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus: "Willis McGahee ran the ball on 15 of his 28 snaps Sunday. 12 of Knowshon Moreno's 16 snaps were pass plays." John Fox successfully deployed two running backs in Carolina, and I still feel like I'm not ready to give up on Moreno.

See you back here Tuesday morning.

Bye Weeks: Dallas, St. Louis, Washington, Cleveland, Miami, Baltimore

With the arrival of Bye weeks, fantasy owners are digging a little deeper on the waiver wire this week. Armed with the schedule, ownership logs and a lot of (self) confidence, I’m toeing the wire for you. Some of these players, particularly the quarterbacks, represent one-week options, but there are some nice roster options still available in the majority of FOXSports.com Fantasy Leagues.

Let’s run.

Quarterbacks

For some reason, fantasy owners have refused to look in the direction of veteran Matt Hasselbeck. I understand that he’s not a weekly starter, but he’s a QB2 even with Kenny Britt on the shelf. The Titans have done a fantastic job at the line of scrimmage. Hasselbeck has the ability to sit comfortably in the pocket and make plays.

Alex Smith, SF: Yes. I know. It’s Alex Smith. I like the way they’re using the tight ends in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Smith is utilizing his tailbacks well as receivers. And, we’re starting to see more confidence from Crabtree. I like the 49ers at home this week.

Matt Cassel, KC: I don’t anticipate a huge effort against the Colts’ pass rush, but the secondary can be beaten if he buys any time at all (look at the last two weeks). Cassel’s played six good quarters of football and will try to keep it going on the road.

Kyle Orton, DEN: Orton will continue gunning so long as John Fox doesn’t hand the ball to Tim Tebow. He’ll face another big deficit against SD and will have to keep chucking it to Lloyd and Decker.

Andy Dalton, CIN: Dalton did me proud with his upset win against the Bills (I actually picked a game correctly), offering 298 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. He’s in a good spot this week against the Jacksonville secondary and may have Cedric Benson behind him again.

I’ll tell you to go pick up Jermaine Gresham now and forgo the lengthy run on him later in this piece.

Running Backs

You can check the wire in your league for Willis McGahee or James Starks. They might still be floating around depending on the depth in your league.

Isaac Redman, PIT: It’s not a huge spot against TEN, but he’s run well in relief of Mendenhall throughout the season. He’s on the radar for a start (Mewelde Moore will see some touches) with Mendenhall ailing.

Ryan Torain, WAS: He was supposed to be “THE” guy coming into the season. Then he got hurt, Tim Hightower arrived and played well and Torain sat on the sidelines. Mike Shanahan then defeated fantasy owners by giving Torain a huge role in Week 4. With a Bye week on tap, he may slip off of the radar of some owners in your league.

Dexter McCluster, KC: This could be the breakthrough week for McCluster. The speedy tailback faces the always-suspect Indianapolis run defense.

Michael Bush, OAK: Bush has excelled as a No. 2 runner in Oakland. He’d be a borderline RB1 with an injury to McFadden. Most weeks, he warrants a look-see as a Flex.

Kendall Hunter, SF: Hunter went for 100 total yards in tandem with Frank Gore last week. He’s a shifty runner who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Hunter isn’t a plug-in option with Gore available (there may be a Flex play in here somewhere), but he’s roster-worthy as an insurance card.

Wide Receivers

Lance Moore, NO: Moore caught five passes this past week, a decent follow-up to his nine-reception effort in Week 3. I expect to see more of Marques Colston this week (he may be on your wire), but Moore commands a consistent target count.

Kevin Walter, HOU: Owen Daniels in the No. 1 receiver in Andre Johnson’s absence (Arian Foster might be No. 2), but Walter figures to see many more targets than he did in Week 4.

Nate Washington, TEN: He’s the No. 1 for an efficient veteran quarterback. Chris Johnson getting back to terrorizing defensive coordinators will create space.

Steve Breaston, KC: Breaston is starting to wake up as the No. 2 option for Matt Cassel. In the past two weeks, he’s caught seven passes for 146 yards, including 42 and 43-yard receptions.  

Victor Cruz, NYG: Cruz went for 98 yards and a near-catastrophe in Week 4. I still fear that he retreats to a minimum role in Manningham’s second year back. Still, it’s hard to look away from the target count with a tasty matchup on tap.

Pierre Garcon, IND: He only caught two passes against the Buccaneers, but those were fantastic highlight-worthy and fantasy matchup-changing catches. Curtis Painter loves him, and he’s got a shot to post a big day at home against the ailing Chiefs.

Eric Decker, DEN: Facing huge weekly deficits bodes well for the Denver receiving corps. Decker caught five balls, including two touchdowns, in Week 4 (his second two-touchdown effort of 2011). Look for another high target count in Week 5 against the Chargers.

Torrey Smith, BAL: Smith failed to make a big play in Week 4 against the Jets, but don’t say that the Ravens didn’t try (a couple near-misses on the six targets). Baltimore hits their Bye in Week 5, and veteran Lee Evans is expected back for Week 6. I’m still intrigued to see how many shots downfield Flacco takes. He’s worth a seat on longer benches.

Tight End

Jared Cook, TEN: With Kenny Britt sidelined, Matt Hasselbeck found another big play option in Cook last week. He didn’t amass a huge reception count, but he found the mark. Cook may be called upon to block against Pittsburgh this week, but the scream of “Hot Route!” will be heard.

Greg Olsen, CAR: Olsen caught a late touchdown to pay off the heavy fantasy bets made by owners and pundits (me, at a minimum). He’s on the radar here as Newton tries to keep pace with Drew Brees, and the Panthers may be without tag-team partner Jeremy Shockey.

Brandon Pettigrew, DET: Pettigrew has caught 17 passes in the past two weeks. The Bears can’t stop the tight end. Thoughts of containing Calvin Johnson are all-consuming.

I hope you've done well in the first quarter of the season, folks. Things start to get tricky now, as Week 5 is the first one that includes byes. The Ravens, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, Rams and Redskins are all off this week, so when you plan your free-agent pickups, you'll need to keep that in mind. On the bright side, you won't be tempted to start Sam Bradford again this Sunday. Ugh.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Texans WR Andre Johnson is getting more opinions on his hamstring injury, but the Houston Chronicle reports that he's unlikely to play in Week 5. On Monday, head coach Gary Kubiak said, "He's going to miss some time. I don't know if that's three or four days. I don't know if that's a few weeks." Plan to be without Johnson this week, and make sure your bench is ready for a couple more weeks of fill-ins. The Texans aren't off until Week 11, if you're wondering.
• After Week 4, are the Chris Johnson and Frank Gore owners OK now? No more talk - at least for another week - of dumping them, benching them, trading them for 50 cents on the dollar, etc., right?
• Ben Roethlisberger's left foot isn't broken, but it's probably sprained, and he's iffy for Week 5. Teammate Rashard Mendenhall left Sunday's game early due to a hamstring injury, and while it's not considered serious, let's keep an eye on his practice status. If you're a person that plays matchups with your defenses, speculating on the Titans against the Steelers this week could pay off if these injuries don't heal quickly.
• The Chargers don't yet know if WR Vincent Jackson's leg strain will keep him out this week, but they don't sound too concerned. They don't seem to have any idea when TE Antonio Gates will be back, unfortunately.
• It sounds like Peyton Hillis' timeshare with Montario Hardesty in Week 4 won't be a regular occurrence, as Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said Monday that Hillis needs to be the busier back.
• Packers RB Ryan Grant, who missed Week 4 due to a bruised kidney, is expected to play against the Falcons on Sunday.
• Seahawks WR Mike Williams will reportedly need to go through the NFL's concussion testing protocol before playing this week. I'm guessing many of you have dropped Williams already, though.
• Texans RB Ben Tate is day-to-day with the strained groin that caused him to leave Sunday's game early, but the team hopes to have him back this week. If Tate and Johnson can't play, Arian Foster will be really busy again.
• The Patriots' defense, which has been getting lit up this season, has reportedly lost LB Jerod Mayo for six weeks due to a sprained knee ligament. Ouch.
• Colts QB Curtis Painter threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns last night, but completed less than 50 percent of his passes. If he plays again this week, the Chiefs are going to blitz him like crazy. Don't be tempted to start Painter, because he's not that good.
• Don't ask me who the Redskins' lead running back will be when they play again in Week 6. You should pick up Ryan Torain if you can, though. Tim Hightower apparently hurt his shoulder on Sunday, which may have contributed to his slow start against the Rams.
• The recovery of Rams WR Danny Amendola (elbow) might take a little longer than we thought.
• Rex Ryan says the Jets are going to start running the ball more often. This is it, Shonn Greene owners. Within a couple of weeks, you'll know if he was a good pick or not.
• Chris Ivory appears ready to muck up the already-crowded Saints backfield situation a couple of weeks down the road.
• The Vikings aren't ready to bench QB Donovan McNabb just yet.
• When the Giants used two-receiver sets on Sunday, Victor Cruz was on the field instead of Mario Manningham. With Cruz catching six passes for 98 yards against the Cardinals, Manningham's owners should be worried.
• Let's all keep an eye out for the latest Cedric Benson suspension news this week, shall we? Just because he didn't get suspended last week as rumored, it doesn't mean he's off the hook.
• Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET to answer your questions, and I'll make my weekly appearance at the same time on Thursday. Get your questions ready!

See you back here Friday morning with more updates.

Here are injuries that fantasy owners should monitor this week:

QB

Ben Roethlisberger (ankle)
Chad Henne (shoulder, BYE)

RB

Ben Tate (hamstring)
Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring)
Michael Bush (ankle)
Ryan Grant (kidney)

WR

Andre Johnson (hamstring)
Josh Cribbs (knee, BYE)
Donald Driver (knee)
Mike Williams (SEA - concussion)
Vincent Jackson (leg)
Daniel Thomas (hamstring, BYE)

TE

Aaron Hernandez (MCL)
Antonio Gates (foot)

DEF

Joe Haden (knee, BYE)
Trent Cole (calf)
Jerod Mayo (knee)
Jerome Harrison (orbital bone - OUT)

Tony Romo – Will play

Michael Vick – Will Play

Arian Foster – Will Play

Ryan Grant – OUT

Frank Gore – Will play (Hunter to start)

Ryan Mathews - Will Play

Felix Jones – Will play

Anthony Armstrong - OUT

Daniel Thomas – OUT

Beanie Wells – Will play

Knowshon Moreno – Will Play

Marques Colston - Will play

Miles Austin - OUT

Dez Bryant – Will play

Roddy White – Will play

Braylon Edwards - OUT

Michael Crabtree - Will play

Marion Barber - Will play

Vincent Jackson – Will play

Malcom Floyd – Will play

Antonio Gates – Doubtful

Aaron Hernandez – OUT

Here's a rundown on where you can find fantasy assistance this weekend:

• Tweet the FOXSports.com fantasy team. I'm at @jhalpin37, and you can also contact Ryan Fowler (@FOXSportsFowler), Joel Beall (@FOXSportsBeall) and Mike Harmon (@SwollenDome).
• Post a message on the Facebook pages for Harmon, Fowler and me.
• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. ET. You can also tweet those guys (@FantasyFreaks).
• Chat with Fowler and Beall on FOXSports.com Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. I'm off this Sunday, and won't be chatting. If you want to send any questions to me, please get 'em in early.

FANTASTIC

Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
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On to the news:

• RB Arian Foster is expected to start for the Texans this week after missing most of the season's first three weeks due to a hamstring injury. The Texans say that Foster is back at full speed, and he could be a solution to their red zone problems. If you own Foster, this is what you've been waiting for - start him this week. If you own Ben Tate, he looks like a RB3/flex play, and can start for some fantasy teams while sitting on others. The Texans haven't said how many touches Tate will get, but I'll guess around 10 (unless Foster gets hurt again, anyway). Don't expect Tate to produce like he has in the first three games, but don't cut him yet, either.
• Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (knee) still hasn't practiced this week, and looks unlikely to return in Week 4.
• Giants WR Mario Manningham (concussion) has been practicing this week, and will probably play against the Cardinals. As long as you don't hear anything to the contrary before Sunday, plan to get Manningham in there. Teammate Hakeem Nicks missed Thursday's practice due to swelling in his injured knee, but says he'll play Sunday.
• Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin was limited in Thursday's practice because of a hamstring issue, but said he expects to be ready this week. QB Michael Vick practiced again, and appears on track to play in Week 4. Plan to start Vick if you've got him.
• Chargers RB Ryan Mathews missed Thursday's practice with a sore foot, but he should be able to play this week. This article has more detail, along with some gushing from head coach Norv Turner about how much Mathews has improved.
• Speaking of the Chargers, TE Antonio Gates will probably miss another game with his foot injury, and WRs Vincent Jackson (abdomen) and Malcom Floyd (groin) missed Thursday's practice. If you own V-Jax, keep an eye on his status as Sunday approaches.
• The Cardinals are hopeful, but not yet sure, that RB Beanie Wells (hamstring) will be back in action this week. Friday's practice should tell us more.
• Cowboys WR Dez Bryant's thigh bruise kept him out of practice on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like the injury has gotten any worse, and since Bryant played through it last week, figure that he'll do so again.
• WR Marques Colston is expected to play for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 1. Head coach Sean Payton said this about Colston on Thursday: "I wouldn't anticipate him getting 50 snaps but he is cleared ... He is in the plan." I'd plan to sit Colston for one more fantasy week if I had good WR alternatives.
• With Packers RB Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) expected to miss Sunday's game, look for a big day from James Starks.
• Knowshon Moreno should be back in action for the Broncos this week. His carry split with Willis McGahee is TBD, but I'd be looking for reasons to bench McGahee. And Moreno.
• Steven Jackson's thigh isn't 100 percent yet. He says he's playing this week, but don't expect him to get a full workload.
• The Steelers say that Rashard Mendenhall is still their goal-line back. Take that, Ike Redman!
• Colts QB Curtis Painter is expected to make his first career start against the Bucs on Monday night. In related news, I picked up the Bucs' defense in two leagues this week.
• If you're thinking about starting Jay Cutler this week, his chances will be improved if Panthers CB Chris Gamble (concussion) can't play. Gamble's hasn't practiced yet this week.
• Even though Peyton Hillis will be back this week, Montario Hardesty will still be part of the Browns' game plan. By the way, did you know that Hillis lost 10-12 pounds when he was sick last week, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer? Hmm ...

See you back here Tuesday morning. Good luck this weekend!

The Rays and Red Sox are tied for the wildcard in the American League, with the Cardinals and Braves in the same situation in the NL. If they're tied after today, Thursday's one-game playoff games will count in most fantasy leagues. Look for the following pitching matchups:

• Braves (Brandon Beachy) at Cardinals (Kyle Lohse)
• Red Sox (John Lackey or Tim Wakefield) at Rays (probably Wade Davis or Matt Moore)

If you start the Lackey/Wakefield winner in a daily fantasy league, you've gotta be desperate, right?

Seattle's Blake Beavan got hammered last night, so the "smart plays" record is down to 107-65. Today's picks are here. Finish strong, Bruce Chen!

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Cardinals OF Matt Holliday left last night's game after re-injuring his hand, and won't start tonight's game. It's possible that Holliday could pinch-hit, but it sounds like that hand is really hurting.
• Reds 2B Brandon Phillips left last night's game due to a strained left quad. Don't start him today unless you see him in the lineup.
• Jon Lester will start on short rest tonight against the Orioles. It's too bad the Red Sox didn't invest money in other pitchers. Wait a minute ...
• Matt Cain was supposed to pitch today for the Giants, but has been shut down for the season. Thanks, Bruce Bochy.
• Jered Weaver won't pitch tonight, either.
• Rays 1B Casey Kotchman missed last night's game due to tightness in his chest; he was hospitalized, but later released after all tests came back negative. Kotchman might play tonight, but we won't know until game time approaches.
• Yesterday, the Mets said that OF Jason Bay was "probably done" for the season due to a sinus infection. Last night, Bay made a pinch-running appearance, because with expanded September rosters, where were they going to find another guy? Seriously, I have no idea if Bay will play today.
• Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman didn't play last night due to a hamstring injury, and won't play today, either.
• The Blue Jays aren't sure if DH Edwin Encarnacion (shoulder) will play today, but SS Yunel Escobar (elbow) definitely won't.
• Cole Hamels might make a relief appearance today for the Phillies.
• A's SS Cliff Pennington (oblique) isn't expected to play today unless it's as a pinch hitter.
• The Yankees will play their regulars tonight, but maybe not for the full nine innings.
• Twins OF Jason Kubel has been officially shut down due to a sprained foot.
• Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera is done for the season, too. Don't these managers know that some of us have fantasy titles to win?
• Astros rookie OF J.D. Martinez is iffy for tonight due to a sore foot.
• Braves SS Alex Gonzalez isn't expected to play tonight after re-injuring his right calf. Jack Wilson will start in Gonzalez's place.

That's all for today. Thanks for reading these morning baseball posts all season, and enjoy the playoffs. We'll have our initial 2012 fantasy rankings done ready in a month or so. Who should be first overall: Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun or Jacoby Ellsbury?

See you back here Friday morning with a new football post.