The Stock Exchange

By The Fantasy Trader, NFL Draft Bible/Fantasy Football Insider

We were on fire last week hitting in a big way with Kolby Smith and Deion Branch. In contrast, I just received my apology e-cards from Vince Young and Cedric Benson. This tends to be the last week of the fantasy regular season for most leagues so I understand the importance of getting a win. Here are the hot stocks being discussed this week and what you should do with them.

RB Adrian Peterson (“Associated Press” Peterson) – will get the start at running back for the Bears this week against the Giants. With Cedric Benson out for the season, it is his job to keep. Devin Hester has made it look like the Bears are scoring, but their offense is struggling. I do not like this start against a Giants defense that ranks 8th against the run. Peterson is only a last resort start. Watch Favre versus Romo on Thursday and then watch Eli vs. Rex.

RB Adrian Peterson (“Absolutely Phenomenal” Peterson) – will split carries this week against the Lions. I am an AP owner and I am starting him this week. My rationale is that the worst case scenario is: I bench him and he breaks two long touchdown runs. I could not live with that. I can live with a mediocre performance as long as he is healthy. Obviously do not start both, but Chester Taylor will also get enough carries to validate a fantasy start this week.

QB Jon Kitna – is no Eli Manning. Kitna is a must start this week against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Manning was in early holiday spirits when he handed the Vikings’ secondary 3 interceptions returned for touchdowns last week. The Lions have lost three in a row and I expect Mike Martz to give into his impulse and throw like crazy.

Denver Broncos running back- is more confusing than ever. We now have three players in the mix--Travis Henry, Selvin Young and Andre Hall. Whoever starts this week should go off against the Raiders and is a must start. Right now my money is on Young with Henry a close second. Owners will have to wait until the inactive list comes out on Sunday to make a decision. The Raiders are dead last against the run.

WR Marvin Harrison- should not be in your lineup even if he plays. The fact that he has not played in weeks tells you how serious the injury is. Anthony Gonzalez is Peyton Manning's new go-to guy after Wayne. Gonzalez had 6 catches for 105 yards on Thanksgiving.

RB Laurence Maroney- has put up tight end fantasy points this year. His game-winning touchdown last week has owners thinking he should start again. Maroney should not be started because the Patriots simply do not and will not run the football. This fantasy first rounder is averaging less than 10 carries a game and he is their workhorse.

DE-Washington Redskins- have suffered a great loss. The death of Sean Taylor will be the story on Sunday. He will be on his teammates’ minds and in their hearts before, during and after the game.

Packers @ Dallas- Thursday Night Game Update

Packer DB Charles Woodson to be game-time decision
Head coach Mike McCarthy will wait until shortly before kickoff to determine whether Charles Woodson will be healthy enough to play against the Cowboys, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Woodson did not practice on Tuesday due to a toe injury.

Impact: Woodson is slated to go one on one with Terrell Owens all game, so this has major fantasy implications

BUSTED BRUISED & BROKEN

David Kaye, FFI

AFC Injury Report
New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris (chest) was placed on injured reserve last week and will miss the remainder of the season.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Roscoe Parrish (thigh contusion) left Sunday’s victory over the woeful Bengals early and is listed as questionable for this week’s matchup against the winless Dolphins.

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson (sprained neck) was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss and the severity of his injury is unknown at this point. While the CT scan administrated to Johnson after the game came back negative, it is still too early to question whether the electrifying wideout will be able to suit up for Sunday’s game against the division rival Ravens.

The reoccurring knee injuries for Houston Texans running back Ahman Green surfaced again in Sunday’s road victory at Oakland as he was forced to leave the game early. Green has missed three games this season and has transpired into a monumental disappointment for the coaching staff. He’s currently listed as probable for November 18th against the streaking Saints.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) has missed the previous two games and is questionable for Sunday night’s showdown against the Chargers.

Rookie Anthony Gonzalez (hand) sustained a broken bone and is also questionable for this weekend’s game.

Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson (foot sprain) was relegated to crutches following Sunday’s home loss to the Packers and it appears highly unlikely that he’ll be able to play this weekend against Denver.

Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) is probable for Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (leg contusion) was badly hit in the lower leg by 340 pound defensive tackle Shaun Rogers during the second quarter of Sunday’s blowout loss to Detroit and his status for this weekend’s contest is still unknown. Initially, Cutler believed he suffered a hairline fracture in his leg, but an MRI confirmed that he had staved off a serious injury.

Running back Travis Henry (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game at Kansas City after sitting out the forth quarter of Sunday’s 44-7 loss.

NFC Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (concussion) was carted off the field during the second quarter of Sunday’s surprising 35-17 victory over the Chargers and is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game at Green Bay.

Carolina Panthers multi-versatile wide receiver Steve Smith (hip contusion) is currently probable for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

Quarterback David Carr (concussion) is questionable for Sunday’s matchup with Atlanta after being hit by defensive tackle Tony Brown in the fourth quarter. Carr was sacked seven times in Sunday’s 20-7 loss to the Titans.

Atlanta Falcons running back Jerious Norwood (right ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game at Carolina after injuring his ankle twice against the 49ers.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (back) is expected to suit up against the Saints as his team searches for their first victory of the season.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch (knee) has missed the past three games and has not been in the lineup since week five at Pittsburgh. He’s questionable for Monday night’s game against San Francisco.