No Moss: Injuries raid rosters

ANOTHER WEEK, another half-dozen injuries.

Here's the fantasy impact:

-Raiders. The most critical fantasy news of the week will come today, when the Raiders update the condition of Randy Moss. The Oakland offense, a disappointment so far this season, would take a step farther back without him.

The Raiders will try to exploit Buffalo's weak run defense this week, but if Moss is out, a safety is freed up to focus on LaMont Jordan. You'll still want him in your lineup, but no other Raider, that's for sure.

-Rams. Make no mistake about it: The Rams will continue to air it out even with Marc Bulger sidelined up to three weeks with a sprained shoulder. They just won't do it as efficiently.

Picking up Jamie Martin, who went 17-for-21 in long relief Monday night, could have short-term benefits. The Rams, with Isaac Bruce possibly returning, should light up the New Orleans secondary Sunday.

-Buccaneers. Let's not get too excited about the Tim Rattay acquisition. Jon Gruden has been grooming Chris Simms to take over, and a bye weeks helps in that tradition now that Brian Griese is out for the season.

Expect little to change in Tampa Bay, with Carnell Williams (when healthy), Michael Pittman (when Williams is not) and emerging rookie tight end Alex Smith (Tim Rattay, meet Alex Smith) retaining the club's highest fantasy value.

-Titans. Here's the good news if you're not first or second in line at the waiver window this week: Titans rookie receiver Brandon Jones probably will slip to you. And if he does, count your lucky stars.

With star receiver Drew Bennett possibly out for the season with a thumb injury, Jones steps into a great situation. He had five catches for 82 yards against a decent Bengals defense last week -- numbers that should become commonplace as the Titans continually fall behind.

-Panthers. Like the Buccaneers, the Panthers have this week off. But that doesn't mean you stop paying attention to them.

Carolina lost both Jake Delhomme (concussion) and Keary Colbert (sprained ankle) in the win over Detroit. It's no coincidence Rod Gardner and Ricky Proehl both scored touchdowns in the same game in which Colbert got hurt. Stay tuned: Gardner has the potential to keep it up, if Colbert is out any length of time.

-Falcons. If you've got Michael Vick, this is the week to play him. Yep, even against the Jets' strong pass defense.

You see, Vick is the rare quarterback who's more dangerous when running the ball, and the Jets aren't very good at stopping the run. And now that T.J. Duckett is out with a sprained ankle, guess who's primed to get busy at the goal line? That's right, Vick.

More about Week 7:

Quarterbacks: Can you say back-to-back? The Redskins' Mark Brunell, who had fantasy's top quarterback output last week, goes up against the 49ers' worst-in-the-league pass defense Sunday. ... Facing a Titans defense that's already surrendered 13 passing touchdowns, few quarterbacks rate higher this week than the Cardinals' Josh McCown. Get him in the lineup, even if you've been winning with Kerry Collins.

Running backs: Don't look now, but the Titans have a nice little thing going offensively. Chris Brown doesn't score much, but he got into the end zone twice against Cincinnati last week and could do it again Sunday at Arizona. ... Don't be fooled by the seemingly equal opportunities afforded Saints backs Antowain Smith and Aaron Stecker last week. Smith got the touchdowns, which makes him a keeper. Trade Stecker now while he has value.

Wide receivers: With Kansas City and New Orleans up the next two weeks, look for Chris Chambers to make a fantasy impact. Play him. ... The Bears have intercepted 10 passes in five games, so don't expect the Ravens to come out winging Sunday. Give Derrick Mason the week off. ... A soft schedule the next three weeks gives the Browns' Antonio Bryant a chance to crack some fantasy lineups. You could do worse.

For more of Dave Del Grande's fantasy insights, check out his Web site at: http://www.mrfantasy.com.

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