I really like Nevada tonight. They’ve opened up to a perfect start not only their first four games but also going a perfect 3-0 ATS thus far. Their offense has been dominating averaging 44.8 points per game. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has had a great start to the season and takes really good care of the ball, which is giving the Wolf Pack 242 pass yards per game.

Look for Nevada to keep the ball on the ground tonight.

Nevada has had a couple impressive back to back wins cruising to an easy victory against Cal in week three, then handling BYU 27-13 in week four. Last year Nevada smashed the Rebels 63-28 as only 6.5 point favorites.

UNLV, on the other hand, has only one win under their belt. They snapped their three game losing streak to open the year, beating New Mexico 45-10 last week. Their 45 points last week actually was more than the amount of points they scored in the first three weeks combined.

Look for Nevada to pound the ball on the ground this game. UNLV is allowing 161 running yards per game. Last year, that’s exactly how Nevada took it to them. The Wolf Pack accumulated 559 yards on the ground last season. If Nevada can keep racking up yards, look for an easy cover.

Trends:

• Nevada is 7-0 ATS in their last seven after a win.
• Nevada is 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
• Nevada is 4-1 in their last five non-conference games.
• Nevada is 7-2 in their last nine games overall.
• Nevada is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between these two teams.
• UNLV is 0-6 in their last six against a team with a winning record.

Play on Nevada (-20.5)

Pick 1 – St. Louis Cardinals – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma

The St. Louis Rams have given up on QB Marc Bulger and had no faith in Kyle Boller to begin with. Boller was brought in to be the back-up to the eventual starter. It looks like that starter will be Sam Bradford.

This would not be a bad pick if it were not for Bradford’s injury history. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen is more durable and better equipped to play behind that horrible offensive line in St. Louis. But the Rams need to also put fans in the seats, and Bradford is the guy to do that.

Pick 2 – Detroit Lions – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State

If the Detroit Lions do not do something to fix their offensive line then they will wind up getting QB Matt Stafford killed before the end of the 2010 season. Okung is fast, strong and smart. He is a natural on the offensive line, and he is just what the Lions need to protect Stafford’s blind side.

Pick 3 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma

The Buccaneers lost more games last season because they could not put the other team away than any other reason. They could not put pressure on the opposing QB, they could not stop the run and they could not prevent other teams from throwing the ball up the middle. McCoy is a big and fast DT that can get to the QB and clog up the middle in time for the linebackers to get there and shut the run down. McCoy will start and make an impact for the Buccaneers.

Pick 4 – Washington Redskins – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame

This is not fair to Jason Campbell. When an offensive line is so bad that running back Clinton Portis spends more time healing than playing, than it can hardly be the fault of the QB. What the Redskins really need is an offensive lineman, but their problems on the O-line are so deep that one pick is not going to change things on the line. So the Redskins will look to a new QB and it will be Clausen.

Pick 5 – Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma

The sports betting world was not surprised when QB Matt Cassel was signed by the Chiefs. The only concern was how Cassel would perform behind that awful Kansas City offensive line. In retrospect, the sportsbook reviews on Cassel’s performance were very favorable. However Cassel could not prevent the Chiefs from going 4-12, which was still an improvement over the 2-14 record from 2008. The Chiefs will build around Cassel, and the first building blocks are the men that will protect the QB. Williams is one of the highest rated offensive linemen in the draft. He will fit the Chiefs’ plans nicely.

Pick 6 – Seattle Seahawks –Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska

The Seahawks need a run-stopper and QB rusher on the inside.

Pick 7 – Cleveland Browns – Evan Royster – RB – Penn State

The Browns need speed at the running back position to make up for another chaotic year at the QB spot. Royster has the power and the moves to help the Browns improve.

Pick 8 – Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland

It does not matter what the Raiders do at QB if there is no offensive line to block. The running game and the passing game for the Raiders has fallen on hard times due to the play of the line and QB Jamarcus Russell. This is the Raiders final attempt to make something of their first round QB pick and finally get some value for their money.

Pick 9 – Buffalo Bills – Patrick Robinson – CB – Florida State

The Bills had a lot of problems last season but none was more glaring than the secondary. Game after game the Bills would allow the long ball to beat them, and many people started to wonder about the defensive line getting pressure on the opposing QB. The Bills are thin at CB and they need to start addressing that.

Pick 10 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Joe Haden – CB – Florida

No matter what the fans of the Jaguars think, the team is not in the market for a QB. The Jaguars need to shore up their defense, and Haden is a solid start to piecing a good secondary together.

Oakland

Really, there’s probably no better place for Vick to land. He would be embraced by Raider Nation, and the Raiders badly need a replacement for JaMarcus Russell, who is in the running for worst No.1 pick ever. Al Davis is obsessed with speed, and he probably won’t notice that Vick doesn’t have much of that. The Raiders just need someone to get the fans excited about their team again.

St. Louis

Again, the Rams need someone to excite their fans, and it’s clear that Marc Bulger is no longer the No.1 guy. Vick would be a welcome addition to the backfield, and he’d probably create more space for Steven Jackson, who has been a good soldier throughout this ordeal. However, the Rams may just get a pivot in the draft.

Carolina

If you had to take bookmaker odds (bookmaker reviews), this could be the most likely spot. The Panthers just got rid of Jake Delhomme, and although they want to see what Matt Moore is made of after he led them to a 4-1 record down the stretch. Vick has added motivation as the Panthers play in the same division as Atlanta, and we all know Brett Favre wanted to move to Minnesota to stick it to Green Bay. Don’t count this move out at all.

Buffalo

Ryan Fitzpatrick? Trent Edwards and his concussion problems? There’s no way that Buffalo fans wouldn’t welcome Vick to town. They welcomed Terrell Owens with open arms, and even though that didn’t work so well, Vick would be in a better situation. Owens didn’t really have a quarterback, while Vick would have Josh Reed and Lee Evans, two above-average receivers, along with Marshawn Lynch in the backfield.

Washington

Vick isn’t an ideal quarterback for a Mike Shanahan system, but Shanahan’s been known to be able to work with quarterbacks (remember a young and raw John Elway?). Jason Campbell, as gutsy as he’s been, just hasn’t worked out in Washington, and there’s been some problems in the dressing room, although they weren’t of Campbell’s doing. The other two quarterbacks on the roster right now are Colt Brennan and Richard Bartel (who?), so why not take a chance? We know Dan Snyder will spend the money. Plus, after seeing Georgetown’s 2010 March Madness odds go down the drain, the people of Washington will need a pick-me-up.

There has been a great deal of NFL offseason news since the combine closed up shop last week in Indianapolis. The world of sports betting may have to consider some changes to various NFL teams as a series of events start to come together at the same time.

As you read these betting tips keep in mind that the thing driving much of these rumors and the actual moves made by teams is the fear of an uncapped season in 2011. For all the good has tried to do in maintaining law and order in the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell has failed to bring about peace with a new collective bargaining agreement. Teams are now bracing for complete chaos as soon as the 2010 season ends.

One of the NFL predictions being made involves the future of Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia. The Eagles picked up the option on Michael Vick and now there is a lot of talk about a salary dump being done that would result in Donovan McNabb being cut by the Eagles before July. That would leave the Eagles with Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick at quarterback. At that point the Eagles can be written off for the 2010 season as they are not winning without Donovan McNabb.

Once the Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels experiment failed so miserably in Denver it was only a matter of time before the finger pointing began. All fingers are pointing squarely at Brandon Marshall. It is not surprising given Marshall’s flair for the dramatic and his ability to completely disrupt a team. One of the projected landing places for Marshall is Cincinnati. With the way Marvin Lewis has his team under control even with disruptive personalities like Chad Ochocinco and rookie lineman Andre Smith, it looks like the Bengals could be a good choice for Marshall’s career. The Bengals would then have Carson Palmer throwing to Chad Ochocinco and Brandon Marshall. That would be a potent offense.

There has been a lot of speculation on the impact that Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor will have in Chicago after the Bears gave both players lucrative contracts. Lost in the negative talk about Peppers is Brian Urlacher. With Peppers up front and Urlacher monitoring the linebacker spot, teams are going to find it increasingly difficult to run against the Bears. If Tommie Harris can step up on the defensive line and help shut down the pass, the Bears could have a potent defense in 2010.

Chester Taylor joins tight end Brandon Manumaleuna as two very high-profile signings for the Bears’ offense. The question with the Bears on offense remains Jay Cutler. There is a growing sentiment in Chicago that you could surround Cutler with an all-star cast and he would still find a way to mess it up. Cutler has a cannon for an arm and he is incredibly accurate with his throws, the problem is his decision making. Cutler holds the ball for too long, and much of the time he throws the ball exactly where he shouldn’t. The Bears will need to upgrade their offensive line and give Cutler more time if they want him to make better decisions.

It’s the prime time for the sportsbook odds makers and NFL scouts of the world as the top athletes in college football are at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. A lot of big questions for a bunch of key players have been answered with combine scores and interviews. Here are some combine winners and losers.

Winners:

Tim Tebow QB Florida

Tim Tebow arguably had the most to gain and lose at the scouting combine as harsh criticism has fallen upon him for having a slow throwing motion and not having a game suited for the NFL.

Tebow’s athleticism was on display at the combine and he impressed all who watched him. Tebow ran a 4.72 40-yard dash time when he was thought to be closer to 4.9 and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches which ties an all-time quarterback record with Josh McCown. Tebow also apparently had a great interview process. He will reveal his new throwing motion at his pro day at the University of Florida on March 17^th.

5dimes review: Tebow can be assured a second round selection with a good show at the pro day while a bad show could drop him all the way to the fourth.

C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson

C.J. Spiller already had been considered the top back in the draft, but he impressed at the combine with a 4.37 40 yard dash time with 18 reps on the bench press of 225. He has locked himself in as the first running back to be taken off the board and may slip into the top 15 with his performance.

Golden Tate WR, Notre Dame

Golden Tate had a tremendous year for the Fighting Irish despite a poor showing from the team’s defense. Tate ran a 4.42 40 yard dash which was faster than expected and will likely be a late first early second round pick. Tate’s hands and speed will be able to make up for his size which came in at less than 5’11”.

NFL Predictions: Expect to see Tate off the board in the late 1^st round or early 2^nd.

Arrelious Benn WR, Illinois

Benn has been a much debated about receiver coming into the draft. Benn’s play suffered mostly from poor quarterback play at Illinois and showed good speed with a 4.48 40 yard dash time and good strength with 20 bench press reps. Benn has great hands and will likely be a hot name in the late 1^st round as teams look for a big fast target like Benn.

Losers:

Joanthan Dwyer, RB Georgia Tech

Dwyer looked out of shape and ran a 4.64 40 yard dash. His hands were AWOL and concerns about being able to produce on 3^rd down have his draft stock plummeting to 3^rd round territory.

Dan LeFevour, QB Central Michigan

LeFevour looked impressive in the Senior Bowl and the MAC quarterback needed a good showing at the combine to keep the momentum up for his growing draft buzz. Well, he didn’t. For some reason LeFevour decided to only throw to stationary targets and didn’t show off much arm strength doing so. He did run a 4.6 40 yard dash which was second fastest in the combine for quarterbacks, however LeFevour will have to have a good pro day to stay in the 3^rd round.

With the NFL season wrapped up and the rookie combines around the corner, it’s time for teams to take a hard look at who is out there in free agency. No one will be able to sign until March 5^th, but names keep floating around and some big free agents will be hitting the market shortly.

Sportsbook: Top Players on the Move

Julius Peppers CAR DE

Peppers has been one of the elite pass rushers in the game since he left the University of North Carolina. Now 30 years old, Peppers is going to leave via free agency and teams may be willing to give Peppers a monster deal. With 10.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles Peppers would be a nice commodity to add to any team that runs a 4-3 defense. If he were to play in a 3-4, he would likely take a role similar to DeMarcus Ware’s with the Cowboys.

5dimes review: Expected suitors: Patriots, Bears, Packers, Falcons, Giants

Chester Taylor MIN RB

Chester Taylor has been relegated to a backup role with the Vikings since they drafted Adrian Peterson. Although A-Pete has a bad case of fumblitits, it is unlikely that the Vikings can afford to pay two RB’s a starter’s salary. Taylor had been rumored to be getting a franchise or transitional (if there is no cap) tag, but at 7 million plus, that is a lot for a second back when you have one of the best in the league already on your team. Taylor is all but a lock to be on a new team and they will like what they see with him. Taylor is an exceptional receiving back and excellent in screens. His speed still seems good and the lack of reps recently may have extended his career. Look for a team with a young QB or a team running a west coast offense to make a bid for Taylor.

Expected suitors: Lions, Seahawks, Bears, Texans

Keith Bulluck TEN OLB

Bulluck has been one of the best linebackers in the league for many years, but his production dropped last year as the Titans defense struggled without Albert Haynesworth who left for Washington last offseason. Bulluck was forced to sit the last two games of the year due to injury, but if he can get healthy and be even 75% of what he was, Bulluck can be a game changer for a team with poor linebackers. Bulluck has spent his entire ten year career with the Tennessee Titans but is likely moving on this offseason.

Sports tips: Look for the Rockland County, New York native (where this article is currently being written from) to come back home and play for a team that is hurting real bad at linebacker, The New York Giants.

Expected suitors: Giants, Eagles, Colts

Reggie Bush NO RB (restricted)

Reggie Bush has been somewhat of a disappointment in the NFL. Drafted #2 overall a few years back, Bush has not lived up to his contract and the Super Bowl Champion Saints, will likely not pay over eight million dollars to keep a punt returner and backup running back. Bush has shown glimpses of the stuff that made him the #2 pick years ago but has been averaging less than 10 touches a game including returns. Look for him to be a hot name this offseason as Bush will likely fill a change of pace back role for a lucky team that will pay him. Seattle signed Bush’s college coach Pete Carroll to be President of Football Operations and Head Coach. They are the prohibitive favorites to land Bush.

Expected suitors: Seahawks, 49ers, Lions, Redskins

Jason Campbell WAS QB (restricted)

It appears that the rocky marriage is over between the Skins and Campbell. Campbell has had a different playbook every year he’s been in the league and is going to be the scapegoat for owner Dan Snyder’s screw-ups. Now with Mike Shanahan as head coach and GM, expect the skins to draft either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen to lead them going forward. Campbell is better than most believe however, and would be a nice fit on a team with QB issues.

Expected suitors: Rams, Seahawks, Bills, Raiders

It’s not a surprise to any bookmakers by now (bookmaker reviews) that the Cincinnati Bengals are signing more troubled players. The offseason is very young but the Bengals are already making moves that are raising eye brows.

The Bengals acted quickly and signed free agents Matt Jones and Pacman Jones. Both players are coming off of suspension and both players have dodged felony charges.

The Bengals are planning to use Matt Jones as a tight end in the coming year as he just hasn’t panned out as a wide receiver. He could be a good receiving tight end to start but he has a long way to go with his blocking.

Meanwhile, Pacman might have some talent but people will be wondering just how much. He hasn’t had a good season in a while and the risk may be too high in comparison to the reward.

Nonetheless, the Bengals are rolling the dice once again.

Michael Vick Expected To Be Traded

Sportsbetting fans watched the NFL experiment that was Michael Vick last year and it didn’t work in Philadelphia. As long as Donovan McNabb is still around in Philadelphia, the Eagles have no use for Vick.

As it stands, they are shopping the quarterback, which could turn out to be a valuable asset as the draft approaches. The St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills are the teams interested and both teams are in dire need of a quarterback.

Either way, expect Vick to be shipped off at some point this offseason and he’ll get a crack at starting somewhere. In Philadelphia, that just isn’t likely and they clearly don’t need to spend so much money on a backup quarterback who plays one or two snaps per game as a running back.

Ravens Sign Stallworth

Donte Stallworth was looking for another chance and people making their NFL betting picks know that the Ravens are in desperate need of a wide receiver.

Naturally, it made sense for the Ravens to sign a wideout but some eyes were opened when they signed formerly suspended Stallworth.

While he did kill a man last year via a drink and drive, the reality is that Stallworth has paid his dues and will get another shot in the NFL. We’ll see what type of impact he can make after spending a year off on the sidelines.

Free agency this year will bring a shorter crop of young prospects as many of them will now be restricted for one more year because of the league rules. Nonetheless, here is a rundown of some key free agents.

Chad Pennington of the Miami Dolphins would like to return to Miami, but he’ll likely only have a backup role there. Coming off another season-ending injury, Pennington may be facing a backup role anywhere he goes. He is still a serviceable starter for some teams and he would be among the better backups if he was forced into a No. 2 role.

Another team could lose a player who started the year as a No. 1 contributor at a position after being supplanted by a good young prospect, and that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker.

Those who bet on NFL know that Parker’s days were numbered as soon as the Steelers spent a first-round pick on Rashard Mendenhall. Parker could be an enticing commodity to some as a speedy complementary back.

On defense, we all know that the 3-4 defense has been quite the fad in the NFL and a lot of teams looking for a playmaker might take a look at Julius Peppers. The recent rumor has been that he’s a good fit for outside linebacker in that set up but don’t be surprised if teams opt to keep him at defensive end in a 4-3, where he is a Pro Bowler as is.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints, who were exactly the favorite for NFL picks in the Super Bowl, will have to find a way to keep safety Darren Sharper, who led the league in interceptions. Sharper is a free agent and the Saints may opt to slap the franchise tag on him before he starts looking around.

Meanwhile, there will be some intriguing names thrown around as well such as Plaxico Burres, Matt Jones and even Pacman Jones. The latter two have worked out with the Cincinnati Bengals and may get a shot with the team who likes former troubled players.

It should be a busy March so keep an eye as the dates on the calendar approach.

1.) Rashard Mendenhall — Time to keep on riding Mendenhall.  After great games against the Steelers in Chargers, he now has the Browns.  He has 3 TDs in the last two games and an average of 137 combined yards in those contests.  What a great late-round pickup since you could count on Willie Parker getting injured at some point in the season.

2.) Brian Westbrook/LeSean McCoy — Westbrook got you a TD last week against the Bucs, but neither back put up big yards since the Eagles aired it out against the Bucs.  Andy Reid was a little upset with the lack of the ability to run.  He should be able to get the running game going against the Raiders 31st ranked run D.  You obviously want to start Westbrook, but I also think there’s enough room to get McCoy some quality fantasy points if you have a flex spot on your team.

3.) Cadillac Williams — Williams is either hit or miss.  He can either give you 100 yards or 10 yards.  He’s not a “must start” but he is if you don’t have a good RB option this week.  The Panthers give up over 150 rushing yards per game.  The Bucs should turn to the running game this week against the Panthers since Josh Johnson is still developing as a QB.

4.) DeAngelo Williams — He should rebound after a poor outing against the Redskins when he was held to just 41 yards on 20 carries.  The Bucs run D has been spotty this year.

5.) Thomas Jones/Leon Washington — Both players get the nod against the Bills, who give up over 150 yards per game on the ground.

6.) Cedric Benson — Who would have thought Benson would have been such a fantasy stud at the beginning of the season.  I figured he would be a good option as a 3rd or 4th back, but you want him in your lineup this week against the Texans.

7.) Clinton Portis — This guy keeps getting favorable matchup after matchup.  He finally got into the endzone last week against the Panthers.  Look for another quality game from a guy who bounced back after a slow start to the season.

8.) T.J. Houshmandzadeh/Nate Burleson — Against a poor Cardinals passing D, you have to start the Seattle receivers this week.

9.) Randy Moss — After a 36 yard performance against the Broncos, don’t get fed up with Moss just yet.  He’ll have the Titans, who can’t seem to stop the pass to save their life.  They’ve been torn up by the Texans, Jets, and Colts.  Tom Brady should have a field day.

10) Santana Moss — He’s been hit of miss, but this week should be a hit against the Chiefs.

11.) Donnie Avery — Avery finally made a fantasy impact last week with 87 yards and 1 TD.  Against a Jags defense that gave up 4 passing TDs and was shut out 41-0 by the Seahawks, you might want to start Avery despite being on the Rams.

SIT ‘EM IN WEEK 6:

1.) Jerome Harrison/Jamal Lewis — Jerome Harrison had some quality games in weeks 3 and 4, but he Jamal Lewis is back and has been cutting into his carries. After a dismal team performance against the Bills, no Browns player is worth starting, especially not against the Steelers.

2.) Tim Hightower — The Seahawks held MJD to 34 yards on 12 carries last week.  Don’t expect anything big from Hightower.  However, you may get lucky if he gets a goal-line carry.

3.) Julius Jones/Edgerrin James — Neither back is worth starting this week against the Cardinals. The Seahawks are definitely a pass first team and with those backs getting only 10-12 carries each, don’t expect much more than 40 yards if you’re lucky. You also never know who will get those TD carries.  Last week Hasselbeck just handled it with his arm..

4.) Larry Johnson — It’s not the time to start Larry Johnson yet. Not only is he averaging 2.4 YPC and without a TD this season, but he’ll be facing a tough Redskins defense.

5.) Sammy Morris — He was a decent waiver wire pickup for the Broncos game, but the Titans don’t give up many rushing yards. Just 75 YPG in fact.

6.) LaDainian Tomlinson — So much for a rebound year from LaDainian. 7 rushes for 15 yards against the Steelers in week 4. Ouch. Maybe the bye week will give him the rest and the Monday Night game at home will get him geeked up to finally perform, but the Broncos D is legit. I would opt for a more favorable RB matchup if you have one.

NFL WEEK 6 WAIVER WIRE PICK UPS:

1.) Jeremy Maclin — He had 2 deep 50+ yard TDs last week.  There’s his coming out party.  With Curtis likely out another week, Maclin gets the start again and will face the Raiders.  Look for another tremendous game.

1.) Marshawn Lynch — You didn’t want to start Marshawn Lynch last week at Miami, but at home against the Browns, the Bills gameplan should be a LOT of Marshawn Lynch.  Expect this game to be Marshawn’s “welcome back” in the NFL.  I’m anticipating over 100 combined yards from Lynch.

2.) LeSean McCoy/Brian Westbrook — I would start both players.  Westbrook should be back with the Eagles, but since he’s coming off the injury, I’m sure the Eagles will split the load 50/50 between both backs.  With a favorable matchup against the Bucs, the Eagles gameplan should consist of running the ball a lot and there is enough room for both backs to put up quality numbers.

3.) Tim Hightower — Against a poor Texans defense, Hightower should be able to get involved in the gameplan.  Although he may not rack up rushing yards, he’ll provide enough receiving yards and should reach the century mark in combined yards.

4.) Rashard Mendenhall — With Willie Parker out against the Chargers, Mendhenhall came in and had his break out party.  191 combined yards!  165 rushing yards on just 25 attempts (5.7 YPC) and 26 receiving yards.  He also ran for 2 TDs.  Against the Lions, they’ll be in for another healthy dose of Mendenhall.

5.) Clinton Portis — Looks like Portis’s days as an elite RB may be over.  He had a chance to prove to fantasy owners that he is a valuable RB against a poor Bucs defense.  Although he posted 98 yards on 25 carries (3.9 YPA), he is averaging only 70 yards a game and hasn’t seen the endzone yet.  Against a weak Carolina defense, who rank 32nd against the run, he’ll have 1 more shot to prove to fantasy owners that he was worth the 2nd-round pick.

6.) Fred Jackson — Although he’ll be splitting carries with Marshawn Lynch, he’s still Trent Edwards favorite receiver.  He’s the #1 receiver on the Bills and has more receptions and receiving yards than Terrell Owens and Lee Evans.  With a favorable matchup against the Browns, you have to start Jackson this week.

NFL WEEK 5 SIT ‘EM:

1.) Darren McFadden — McFadden will be missing 2-4 weeks due to an injury suffered against the Texans.

2.) Cedric Benson — Up against the Ravens #1 rush defense.

3.) Steven Jackson — Don’t look for Jackson to get going against Miami’s stellar run defense.  The TDs probably won’t come this week.  The 91 yards-per-game is respectable though.

4.) Kevin Smith — Not the week to start him against the Steelers.

5.) Fred Taylor — He had a nice game against the Falcons with 105 yards and 1 TD and followed that up with 38 total yards.  The matchup with Denver does’t look promising.

6.) Antonio Bryant — He showed up last week with a TD and 44 yards vs. Redskins, but against Philly’s #2 pass D (including a game against the Saints), expect Bryant to be shut down.

NFL WEEK 5 WAIVER WIRE:

1.) Michael Crabtree — Crabtree has come to terms with the 49ers.  He has a lot of catching up to do, but if you’re last in your league, you’ll likely get a chance to grab Crabtree, who will likely pay dividends down the stretch.

2.) Derek Anderson — Good move by the Browns to bench Brady Quinn and go back to Anderson.  Can Anderson return to 2007 form when he had 29 TDs?  I doubt it, but he’s gotten off to a good start with 269 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD, and 1 INT last week against the Bengals.  The bad news: he lost Braylon Edwards to the Jets.  The good news: he’s developed a nice rapport with Mohamed Massaquoi and the Jets also sent the Browns Chansey Stuckey, who is a so-so receiving talent.

3.) Mike Wallace (PIT — WR) — It’s a good idea to pick up any player facing the Lions.  If you need a WR Mike Wallace may be your guy.  Although he may not get a ton of receptions, he may post quality numbers against the Lions.  He had 7 receptions for 102 yards against the Bengals in week 2 and followed that up with 4 receptions for 47 yards against the Chargers.  He has 2 deep receptions in each of those weeks, one for 35 yards and another for 51 yards.  He is a good deep threat who may score that home run for you this week.

4.) Sam Hurd (DAL — WR) — With Roy E. Williams sidelined with an injury, that may give some playing time to Sam Hurd this week.  With a favorable matchup in week 5 against the Chiefs, he may be a potential start at the WR3 spot if you’re WR roster is thin.