Week Two — Late-week fantasy tips

Dallas Cowboys — Troy Aikman running for touchdowns? Consider it more an anomaly than a trend. While the shotgun formation does give Aikman more opportunities to run, Chan Gailey isn’t about to turn him into another "Slash."

Philadelphia Eagles — In an effort to protect the quarterback, the Eagles will reduce the number of seven-stop drops they’re using and keep more people in to block. That will curtail the receiving opportunities for TE Chad Lewis and FB Kevin Turner. … Duce Staley once again will start at running back, though Charlie Garner, who may be on the trade block, is expected to be in uniform. … QB Bobby Hoying could get pulled at any time in favor of veteran Rodney Peete.

Washington Redskins — Unless Trent Green sets the world on fire Monday night, consider his promotion a wake-up call for struggling starting QB Gus Frerotte, who is listed as questionable this week with a sore left shoulder. One thing working in Green’s advantage: He’s been in the system a long time and knows it well.

Cincinnati Bengals — FB Brian Milne should be back in a limited role this week, and that will help RB Corey Dillon. … Keep an eye on WR Darnay Scott’s production. He could catch more TD passes now that Jeff Blake, who favored Carl Pickens, is no longer starting.

Kansas City Chiefs — After his Week One performance, Donnell Bennett is clearly the Chiefs’ No. 1 running back. But his production could be hurt by the loss of top OG Dave Szott, plus the fact that the Chiefs won’t be playing the Raiders every week. … WR’s Andre Rison and Derrick Alexander are both banged up but are expected to play this week. Youngster Kevin Lockett will continue to get a lot of playing time.

Oakland Raiders — RB Napoleon Kaufman has not rushed for a touchdown in his last nine games, and he has only one 100-yard game over that span. The Raiders aren’t down on him by any means, but they do plan to use Harvey Williams at tailback in goalline situations.

San Diego Chargers — Expect Natrone Means to get more carries this week. Rookie QB Ryan Leaf incorrectly audibled out of four or five running plays last week.

Seattle Seahawks — Don’t get too excited over Ahman Green’s 100-yard game of last week. Green carried the ball just six times, and that’s about how many carries he’ll get each week as long as Ricky Watters is healthy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — With Bert Emanuel out about four weeks with an ankle injury, the onus will be on Reidel Anthony and Karl Williams to step up at wide receiver. The X-factor at wideout: rookie Jacquez Green, a big-play guy who returns this week from a turf toe.

Chicago Bears — There are still some concerns about rookie RB Curtis Enis’ conditioning, and that could limit his total-carry output. He is still likely to run the ball more than starter Edgar Bennett, though.

Green Bay Packers — WR Robert Brooks barely played in the second half last week, a sign that his surgically repaired back may not be all the way back. Derrick Mayes or Bill Schroeder could emerge as a receiving threat for Brett Favre.

Minnesota Vikings — Even though it seemed that way last week, Jake Reed is not a forgotten man in Minnesota. There are only so many footballs to go around, and last week they went primarily to Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Reed will get his share of touches.

Tennessee Oilers — Steve McNair has been throwing with a pad on his elbow, but he seems to be able to work and play through the minor pain he is experiencing.

Buffalo Bills — The Bills’ offensive line did not get the job done in Week One, and, unless it improves quickly, RB Antowain Smith’s fantasy stock could fall.

New York Jets — The Jet defense, now without two starting linebackers (Marvin Jones and James Farrior), appears vulnerable to both the run and pass right now.

Indianapolis Colts — The Colts will be without starting FB Zack Crockett for about five weeks after he suffered a knee injury in Week One. But it may not affect Marshall Faulk as much as you might think. The Colts were planning to use a lot of two-TE and three-WR formations, anyway.

Pittsburgh Steelers — Though he may break out this week vs. a porous Bear defense, don’t expect RB Jerome Bettis to get off to the best of starts this season. The Steelers are struggling at the FB position, where Tim Lester is out, and Jon Witman, who was ineffective last week, is banged up. If Witman can’t go, rookie Carlos King likely would start at fullback. Meanwhile, the Steelers are still trying to get their offensive line to jell after the personnel up front was shuffled just two weeks before the regular season started.

Miami Dolphins — The Dolphins are going to find out if WR Oronde Gadsden is for real when they start him this week over Charles Jordan, who is being bothered by a groin strain. If Gadsden does well, don’t be surprised if he keeps the job.

New England Patriots — Pete Carroll has named rookie RB Robert Edwards the starter for Week Two. Sedrick Shaw will continue to see action, but expect his workload to decrease as the season goes on. … Looking for at sleeper wide receiver? Try Troy Brown, who is emerging as a favorite target for QB Drew Bledsoe … TE Ben Coates, who has an ankle injury, is considered a game-time decision this week.

Baltimore Ravens — Telling sign on Jay Graham: He didn’t touch the ball last week, and Priest Holmes had four carries. In other words, Errict Rhett is the only guy worth starting. … The Ravens’ new "little ball" offense may suit Jermaine Lewis more than Michael Jackson. Jackson scored a lot of his TD’s on long passes and jump balls, whereas Lewis is better running after the catch. … Jim Harbaugh is listed as questionable but plans on starting.

San Francisco 49ers — Don’t read too much into the heavy workload for J.J. Stokes and light workload for Terrell Owens in Week One. It could go the opposite way in any given week. Both players will get a lot of playing time.

Carolina Panthers — Muhsin Muhammad will play, but he has yet another injury (this time a finger). Rae Carruth and Donald Hayes are also banged up, pressing into duty old reliable, Mark Carrier, and Raghib "the Rocket" Ismail. Both appear to be OK options if you’re desperate for WR help. … It might be wise to keep Fred Lane on your bench until the Panthers get their run blocking in gear.

Atlanta Falcons — Tim Dwight played only four offensive plays last week, but he scored a touchdown, he’s very fast and his playing time could increase. He makes things happen. Keep an eye on him down the road.

New Orleans Saints — Danny Wuerffel will be the Saints’ starting quarterback until further notice. Mike Ditka really likes Wuerffel, who finished the preseason strong. Since the Saints likely will be trailing a lot this season, Wuerffel could be valuable in a yardage league.

St. Louis Rams — Greg Hill will start at running back this week as the Rams’ RB merry-go-round continues to spin out of control. Jerald Moore did not get the job done in Week One. … While things didn’t go well for the Rams in Week One, there was at least one bright spot: WR Eddie Kennison, a total bust last year, showed some signs of life.

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