You don't need me advising you to start Peyton Manning or to bench Derek Anderson. So I'll leave the obvious Week 9 recommendations to the network bozos and focus instead on players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups.

Watch 'em roll

Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals at Bears. Everybody's down on the aging gunslinger following last week's five-interception implosion. But Warner is a threat to top 300 yards and post multiple touchdowns – even without Anquan Boldin (ankle) in the lineup – against the same secondary that Carson Palmer torched for five scores two weeks ago.

Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints vs. Panthers. Sure, he shares carries with Mike Bell and Reggie Bush. But he is healthy and is the most dazzling option in the Saints' backfield. New Orleans will rack up points aplenty in this lopsided contest, and Thomas is bound to get an ample share.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs at Jaguars. While Larry Johnson does what Larry Johnson does, Charles is in charge against a defense that just surrendered 228 yards and two touchdowns to Chris Johnson.

Nate Burleson, WR, Seahawks vs. Lions. Targeted by Matt Hasselbeck more frequently than prized free-agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Burleson has, not coincidentally, been the more productive wideout as well.

Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars vs. Chiefs. Though his quarterback is as unpredictable as they get, Sims-Walker had been money before last week's debacle. He'll rebound nicely at home against one of the league's most generous secondaries.

More thumbs up: QBs Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, Matt Cassel; RBs Ahmad Bradshaw, Brian Westbrook, Ryan Grant, Joseph Addai; WRs Steve Breaston, Dwayne Bowe, Calvin Johnson.

Roll 'em back

Eli Manning, QB, Giants vs. Chargers. He's thrown half as many touchdowns (three) as interceptions (six) over the past three games, likely as much because of the solid opposition as his gimpy foot. San Diego's secondary is yielding just 178 passing yards per game, so don't expect Manning to burst out of his slump this week.

Kevin Smith, RB, Lions at Seahawks. He has been limited in practice by a shoulder injury incurred in last week's game, and Maurice Morris is encroaching on his once-undisputed workhorse role. Seattle boasts a top-10 rush defense that has been improving of late.

Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins at Patriots. One of the beneficiaries of the Wildcat offense, Williams still plays second-fiddle to starter Ronnie Brown. New England has allowed one rushing score all season and has had an extra week to prepare for this showdown.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans at Colts. Though Owen Daniels' loss could be Walter's long-term gain, his short-term prospects are limited. Indianapolis has allowed only three passing touchdowns all season.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers at Broncos. Despite last week's let-down, Denver's defense remains one of the league's stingiest. Holmes' production has been up-and-down all year, and he hasn't scored since Week 1.

More thumbs down: QBs Kyle Orton, Matt Ryan; RBs Knowshon Moreno, LeSean McCoy, Cadillac Williams, Laurence Maroney; WRs Lance Moore, Antonio Bryant, Roy Williams, Nate Washington.

Taking a flier

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers vs. Titans. He has acclimated to his offense much more quickly than expected. The 49ers are giving him ample opportunities to produce. Facing a Tennessee secondary that has allowed a league-high 19 passing touchdowns, look for the rookie to make the first of many trips to the end zone as a pro.

Ladd Biro is a syndicated fantasy football columnist and host of Sporting News Radio's weekly "Fantasy Source" program. Follow his fantasy advice daily at the Fantasy Fools blog (http://fantasyfools. blogspot.com) and via Twitter (@ladd_biro).