Quick Hits

This week's rant comes with a fantasy spin.

B.O. from T.O.

Terrell Owens has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments this season. I'm sure in most leagues he was selected within the first two rounds, and I guarantee there isn't a fantasy owner out there that feels he or she isn't getting an adequate return on their investment.

In my league, Owens ranks 13th among wideouts with 116 points, which, at first glance, doesn't appear too bad -- except for the fact that he's an elite receiver who should be in the top 5. One quarter of Owens' points were racked up in Week 7 against Tampa. And even in that game he picked up half of his points on one play. I've been waving my pom-poms in the air hoping other owners in my league would take notice and deal with me for T.O. No dice!

The worst part about a player of Owens' caliber is if you can't move him, you have to start him. He's got too much potential to bench. And it doesn't look like having Tim Rattay as the starter in Frisco will help Owens' production -- at least not if Rattay's first start is any indication...

The Other Moss

I was shocked to find Jets wide receiver Santana Moss as one of the highest rated players at his position. He's been a fantasy machine the past four weeks.

The greatness of Moss is no matter who's quarterbacking the Jets, he still seems to rack up the yards and touchdowns. He's also a guy that figures to score numerous long TDs because of his speed and quickness. With the season-ending injury to Wayne Chrebet, Moss will become a more important part of the Jets' offense...

Rudi! Rudi! Rudi!

Mark my words, Bengals tailback Rudi Johnson is here to stay.

Corey Dillon is either complaining about the team's record, or he can't stay on the field because of injuries, namely a bum groin. Groin injuries are extremely slow to heal, so don't expect Dillon to get consistent playing time the remainder of the season.

Johnson also appears to possess a trait Dillon doesn't have -- a knack for finding the end zone. Even when Dillon is healthy, he's not a consistent fantasy performer. Some of that can be attributed to the Bengals' woeful history, but he's a player who racks up a lot of points over a few weeks rather than spreading out his production.

Another thing to consider: Johnson and the Bengals are playing so well, coach Marvin Lewis doesn't want to mess with a good thing. Ride the Rudi Johnson bus as long as you can...

Cold December for Ricky, Jamal

Expect Ricky Williams' and Jamal Lewis' fantasy numbers to drop the last two months of the season. Well, in Williams' case, his numbers are already on the decline, so I would expect his stats to stay down the final seven weeks.

The Dolphins' QB situation is so screwed up right now, and frankly, neither Brian Griese or Jay Fielder are world-beaters, so opposing teams will continue to focus their attention on slowing Williams. He hasn't gone over 100 yards since Week 3, and is averaging a measly 58 yards on the ground over the past six weeks.

Jamal Lewis has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers in '03. However, the season-ending injury to Ravens QB Kyle Boller could severely affect Lewis' rushing output.

You saw how the Rams forced backup Chris Redman to make plays by clamping down on Baltimore's running game. It won't matter whether Redman or Anthony Wright start at quarterback -- teams will stack the line of scrimmage against Lewis.