Week Ten — Late-week fantasy tips

Philadelphia Eagles — Head coach Ray Rhodes consulted with former Eagle offensive coordinator Jon Gruden this week. The topic: how to get the best out of QB Bobby Hoying, who will start for the next four weeks in place of the injured Rodney Peete (finger). Gruden told Rhodes to scale things back and keep the offense simple, but it remains to be seen whether that will have a positive impact. … Expect to see more of Duce Staley and less of Charlie Garner, who has been struggling.

Arizona Cardinals — RB Adrian Murrell, who has been out with a calf injury, has been practicing this week but is still less than 100 percent. The Cardinals had success last week when they abandoned the running game. It was the first time all year WR Rob Moore has really been a factor.

Dallas Cowboys — The Cowboys may have trouble protecting QB Troy Aikman this week. Erik Williams probably won’t play, meaning Tony Hutson will go against Michael Strahan, who is expected to play despite a back injury. Cowboy C Clay Shiver is expected to start, but he is less than 100 percent with a knee injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars — Reggie Barlow is likely to start at wide receiver in place of Keenan McCardell, who is doubtful with a shoulder injury and hasn’t been practicing.

Washington Redskins — RB Terry Allen is out this week, meaning rookie Skip Hicks will make his first start. Hicks had 65 yards on 15 carries last week. … WR Michael Westbrook won’t start this week, but he will play. He’ll be the No. 3 receiver behind Leslie Shepherd and Albert Connell.

Cincinnati Bengals — WR Darnay Scott has an injured Achilles tendon that kept him out last week and could keep him out this week, as well. If Scott can’t go, look for Damon Gibson to have some deep balls thrown his way. … OG Ken Blackman is out for the year. Replacement Anthony Brown is a significant downgrade, and that could affect RB Corey Dillon’s production.

Denver Broncos — FB Howard Griffith returns to the lineup this week. The Broncos won last week without him, but their offense struggled early in the game. They’ll need him this week vs. San Diego’s No. 1-ranked rushing defense.

Kansas City Chiefs — Look for even more of RB Bam Morris this week. The best way to attack Seattle’s defense is with a power running game, and Morris is the most powerful back on the Chief roster. … About the only positive offshoot of Elvis Grbac’s return to the lineup has been the increased production of WR Derrick Alexander. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer insists he’ll stick with Grbac, but don’t be surprised to see Rich Gannon if the Chief offense is struggling in the second half.

Oakland Raiders — QB Jeff George (groin) has been practicing, but whether he starts remains a game-time decision. If you have to get your lineup in before Sunday, we suggest you stay away from George this week. … TE Rickey Dudley finally caught a TD pass last week. It isn’t a trend yet, but it was a good sign.

San Diego Chargers — RB Natrone Means is playing very well, and his offensive line should be as healthy as it’s been in weeks. The Broncos looked vulnerable vs. a power back (Corey Dillon) last week. … QB Ryan Leaf really spread the ball around in his last outing, a sign of things to come.

Seattle Seahawks — C Kevin Glover is doubtful with a back injury. If he can’t go, the rhythm of the entire Seahawk offense could be thrown off. That’s exactly what happened last week when Glover went out.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The light is finally starting to go on for WR Reidel Anthony. The Buccaneers have been using him more out of the slot, where he gets favorable matchups vs. linebackers and safeties. Anthony also has cut down on his drops.

Chicago Bears — Rookie RB Curtis Enis will make his first start this week. Look for him to get the ball early and often with QB Erik Kramer injured. Kramer (shoulder) is a game-time decision, but it’s more than likely that Steve Stenstrom will make his starting debut.

Green Bay Packers — WR Robert Brooks has been practicing regularly, a sign that his injured back is coming around. Brooks has started to make some big plays, and he should catch a lot more passes in the second half of the season.

Minnesota Vikings — Head coach Dennis Green has been sidestepping the QB issue as best he can. Randall Cunningham again will start this week. If the game turns into a blowout, Brad Johnson, who has been elevated to No. 2, should see some time in the second half.

Tennessee Oilers — Rookie WR Kevin Dyson has played well since replacing the injured Yancey Thigpen, and the Oilers want to get Dyson even more involved in the offense. … With backup RB Rodney Thomas (hamstring) out 2-3 weeks, look for red-hot Eddie George to get even more touches, especially around the goalline.

New Orleans Saints — Head coach Mike Ditka is not happy with his starting running backs, Lamar Smith and Ray Zellars. Smith is doing too much dancing for Ditka’s taste and didn’t help his cause by sitting out with a sprained ankle. Zellars has fallen totally out of favor. If you’re looking for a real sleeper at running back, don’t be surprised if Ditka gives rookie Wilmont Perry some playing time in the coming weeks.

San Francisco 49ers — Thanks to the return of Kirk Scrafford, the 49ers aren’t as worried about their offensive line as everyone else seems to be. Scrafford’s return to protect Steve Young’s blind side increases the chances of the quarterback lasting the whole season. … Don’t give up on PK Wade Richey just yet. The 49ers won’t, after prematurely cutting ties with Jeff Wilkins, Doug Brien and Ryan Longwell, all of whom have forged successful careers with other teams.

St. Louis Rams — Jerald Moore will start at running back in place of rookie Robert Holcombe, who has just 72 yards on his last 43 carries. Holcombe has been locking into the predetermined hole instead of improvising when the hole isn’t there. … Ricky Proehl will start at wide receiver, regardless of Isaac Bruce’s status (hamstring). If Bruce can play, Proehl will replace non-entity Eddie Kennison. Also expect to see more of rookie WR Az-Zahir Hakim.

Baltimore Ravens — RB Priest Holmes barely got any carries last week, but don’t worry — that was a one-shot deal. The Ravens tried a funky formation last week vs. the Jaguars in which Holmes split wide or went in motion, leaving FB Roosevelt Potts as the lone back. … TE Eric Green has a finger injury and may not play this week.

Carolina Panthers — Even though he has been playing with a cast on his wrist, TE Wesley Walls has seen more passes thrown his way in recent weeks.

Buffalo Bills — Head coach Wade Phillips has named Doug Flutie the team’s No. 1 quarterback for the rest of the season.

Indianapolis Colts — Doctors discovered a growth on the back of FB Craig Heyward’s skull. Heyward had been experiencing blurred vision, and he is expected to be inactive this week. Without Ironhead, look for the Colts to use more two-TE formations and some formations featuring both Marshall Faulk and Lamont Warren.

Miami Dolphins — With Dan Marino’s blind-side protector, Richmond Webb, sidelined, look for the Dolphins to run the ball even more than usual. Don’t be surprised if RB’s Karim Abdul-Jabbar and John Avery split the carries 50-50.

New England Patriots — With their WR corps still decimated by injuries, the Patriots will throw to TE Ben Coates whenever possible. The injuries have given rookie WR Tony Simmons a chance to play, and he is starting to emerge as a big-play threat.

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