Byes have started, so here's alternatives
Running back Isaac Redman #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field. (Jan. 15, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
Bye-week agony begins today with six teams off. Be sure you bench your Browns, Cowboys, Rams, Dolphins, Redskins and Ravens. Here are some good plays in a week where you have to dig deeper.
Cam Newton (Panthers, QB): Newton's one down week occurred with half the game played in monsoon-like conditions. Newton is also getting goal-line carries and has four rushing touchdowns. He has 1,386 yards passing in four games and is a Top 5 QB this week against the Saints.
Fred Jackson (Bills, RB): Jackson has become a must start with at least 98 total yards in each game and has four TDs. Jackson gets the Eagles, who rank 30th against the run and have allowed 5.3 yards per carry.
Mark Ingram (Saints, RB): It has been frustrating for Ingram owners with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles in the mix. Ingram is getting most of the red-zone carries. The Panthers rank 31st against the run, so look for Ingram to score.
Isaac Redman (Steelers, RB): This depends on whether Rashard Mendenhall (questionable) plays. If Mendenhall sits, Redman is a good fill-in. The Steelers' offensive line is bad, but Redman has more quickness than Mendenhall and has done a better job of hitting the hole with a 4.9-yard-per-carry average.
Joseph Addai (Colts, RB): He is averaging 4.6 yards and the Chiefs rank 26th against the run and have allowed five rushing TDs.
Julio Jones (Falcons, WR): Jones had 17 targets in Week 4. Jones has 17 catches for 242 yards the last two games. The gaudy numbers will continue against the Packers, who rank 31st against the pass and have allowed nine TDs.
Percy Harvin (Vikings, WR): He has strangely played limited snaps. He has just 17 catches for 172 yards, but does have 12 carries for 141 yards. Harvin, who doesn't have a TD, should fine the end zone against the Cardinals, who rank 26th against the pass.
Jordy Nelson (Packers, WR): Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball around, but Nelson has become a reliable target for him. Nelson has at least 77 yards receiving in three of four games and scored three times.
Eric Decker (Broncos, WR): Decker is a reliable receiver in PPR formats. He has 17 catches for 217 yards with four TDs the last three weeks.
David Nelson (Bills, WR): The 6-5 Nelson had just two catches in Week 4 after 20 the first three games. He will rebound against the Eagles, who have allowed 10 passing TDs.
Jermaine Gresham (Bengals, TE): He is second in targets behind WR A.J. Green. Gresham has eight catches for 121 yards with a TD the last two games.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
