Will Niners QB Alex Smith, who has replaced Shaun Hill as the starter after a brilliant three-TD comeback effort in the second half last week against Houston, be a late-blooming fantasy force to reckon with? If he has similar success this Sunday against a Colts defense that has been surprisingly strong across the board, the answer will definitely be "yes." Don't overlook the extra fantasy dimension Smith provides with his legs, as he is more mobile than Hill and could be on the run a lot operating behind an offensive line that has lost starting ORT Tony Pashos.

Coming off an excellent statistical effort, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who had nice numbers but was clearly outplayed by former Green Bay legend Brett Favre in the first game against the Vikings this season, should be extremely motivated to turn the tables this Sunday before a home crowd at Lambeau Field. Rodgers had an outstanding 155.4 QB rating against the Browns last Sunday, but it's worth noting that he had only 20 pass attempts. Rodgers has been limited in practice this week with a foot injury but should be able to start Sunday. He has averaged 31.3 yards on his 11 TD passes so far this season.

Bears QB Jay Cutler had 251 passing yards against the Bengals last Sunday on 26-of-37 passing. He threw a TD pass to Devin Hester, but it was offset for fantasy purposes by three more picks (his 11-10 TD-interception ratio is a disturbing fantasy factoid). The good news? Cutler faces a Cleveland defense this Sunday that is the lowest ranked in the league in total yardage.

Colts QB Peyton Manning had his string of five straight 300-yard games snapped in St. Louis last Sunday. But it would hardly be a shock if he starts a new streak against a Niners pass defense that has dropped to 21st in yards allowed and has had problems with Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub the last two games. Manning still managed his fifth straight outing with a 100-plus passer rating against the Rams in Week Seven and threw three TDs (to three different receivers) and zero interceptions.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck did not participate in a Wednesday practice due to a rib injury but is expected to start against Dallas this Sunday. He will be operating behind an offensive line that will have its fourth different starting left tackle (Damion McIntosh), not counting nine-time Pro Bowler Walter Jones, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday due to continued pain in his surgically repaired knee.

This would be a good week to put Falcons QB Matt Ryan on the bench. In the last six games the Saints have played at the Superdome, opposing quarterbacks have compiled a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 5-11, and the New Orleans defense has allowed just five passing TDs in six games.

Kyle Orton probably isn't going to give owners a 300-yard day, but he's a decent starting option in leagues of 12 teams or more as the Broncos travel to face the Ravens on Sunday. Since he takes such good care of the ball, Orton won't hurt your team, and Baltimore has struggled to stop opposing aerial attacks this season. The Ravens are ranked 23rd in pass defense.

Jaguars QB David Garrard shined in Week Four against a banged-up Tennessee defense, throwing for 323 yards and three TDs. The Titans' 32nd-ranked pass "D" hopes to get their best cornerback, Cortland Finnegan, back Sunday, but if your starting QB has a bye this week, a productive day could be in the offing for Garrard.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) has practiced the past two days and appears to be set to start Sunday against the Rams. The matchup looks even better now that WR Calvin Johnson (knee) is looking likely to suit up.

With Bills QB Trent Edwards once again sidelined with a concussion, Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his second consecutive start Sunday vs. the Texans. Fitzpatrick didn't do a whole lot last week at Carolina, throwing for just 123 yards and one TD, and he'd be a shaky fantasy play even in this favorable matchup. Unless you're in a two-QB league and need a bye-week replacement, steer clear of Fitzpatrick.

Titans QB Vince Young will get the start in Week Eight vs. Jacksonville. He's a sleeper option in bigger leagues or those that start two QBs. The Jaguars rank 31st vs. the pass, and Young's running ability once made him a starting-caliber fantasy player. It is probably safe to drop Kerry Collins from your roster; the switch to Young will likely last the season, considering that owner Bud Adams wants him in the lineup.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco (ankle) will play in Week Eight vs. Denver, but he has a tough matchup: The Broncos have allowed just three passing TDs in six games this season.

The Browns continue to stick with QB Derek Anderson even after he's struggled mightily in recent weeks. Anderson has just two TD passes in four starts and should only be an option in the biggest of leagues. The Browns' passing game is in shambles.