Sunday 2-minute drill

A few news and notes as you finalize your lineups:

Probable - Chris Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Pierre Thomas, Tim Hightower, both Mannings, Jonathan Stewart, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew

Questionable - Pat Patriot, Tom Brady, Vince Young, Steven Jackson, Brett Favre, Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Roddy White, Mike Sims-Walker, Devin Hester, Jeremy Maclin

Out - Matt Ryan, Steve Slaton

Two key Patriots likely game-time decisions

Tom Brady – Listed as questionable with multiple problems – shoulder, ribs and fingers. OK, maybe he can pass with sore ribs, but his shoulder? Fingers? Check this one out as game time approaches.

Pat Patriot - If you planned on starting Patriots mascot Pat Patriot, check the waiver wire as Pat was arrested this weekend for prostitution-related crimes. Pat was unable to provide comment since mascots can't talk. And no word from Patriots officials if he'll suit up today. With the playoffs underway, don't take your chances here. Check out waiver finds Captain Fear of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Toro of the Houston Texans and Blue of the Indianapolis Colts. Great sleeper potential.


Other news and notes

Michael Turner – Once again questionable. Once again, avoid Atlanta backs. None of his replacements were even average last week vs. Philly. New Orleans won’t be any gentler.

Ryan Grant – A friendlier Bears defense, should help Grant bounce back after a bad outing against the Ravens.

Phillip Rivers – Don’t be surprised to see Rivers light up the Cowboys. He has quietly put together a strong season, a top five quarterback in both passing yards and touchdowns.

Steven Jackson – While he’s listed as questionable, he was also questionable the last two weeks when he suited up. Not bad performances either. Check his status before kickoff, but all reports indicate he’ll play.

DeAngelo Williams – Sorry, Williams owners. He picked a bad time to get hurt. And worse, you don’t know if he’ll start and/or play. Fortunately, Carolina has an early start time Sunday, so at least you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

LaDainian Tomlinson – While LT has put together a string of good outings, he does face a stronger D-line in Dallas. I’d still play him. Just don’t expect 15-20 points. Would you settle for 12?

Chris Johnson – Don’t panic. He was questionable earlier in the week. Just a precautionary measure. He’ll play, and play well against the Rams. Really sorry if you face him today.

Vince Young – VY should also enjoy a nice day against St. Louis.

Joe Flacco – The Matt Forte of QBs, Flacco shows that matchups really do matter. Fortunately for fantasy owners, he faces the Lions today.

Tony Romo – QBs fare well against the Chargers, so look for Romo should put up some nice numbers.

Jason Cambell – Pitted against the Raiders today, Campbell is a decent pickup if you need a quarterback.

Jamaal Charles – Kansas City should run the ball all day against Buffalo, who has given up the most points to opposing running backs. Charles should have a very good day.

Kevin Boss – Nice sleeper option here. Boss faces the Eagles, who yield the second most points to opposing tight ends.

Alex Smith – I’ll continue recommending Smith as long as he continues putting up good numbers. Surprisingly, he's available in most leagues. Matches up this week against a QB-friendly Arizona D.

Have a question for Erin? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.